bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac structure and function predicts functional decline in the oldest old
Authors: Leibowitz David , Jacobs Jeremy M , Lande-Stessman Irit , Gilon Dan , Stessman Jochanan 
Published: November 2017

Background This study examined the association between cardiac structure and function and the deterioration in activities of daily living (ADLs) in an age-homogenous, community-dwelling population of patients born in 1920–1921 over a five-year follow-up period. Design Longitudinal cohort study. Methods Patients were recruited from the Jerusalem Longitudinal Cohort Study, which has followed an age-homogenous cohort of Jerusalem residents born in 1920–1921. Patients underwent home echocardiography and were followed up for five years. Dependence was defined as needing assistance with one or more basic ADL. Standard echocardiographic assessment of cardiac structure and function, including systolic and diastolic function, was performed. Reassessment of ADLs was performed at the five-year follow-up. Results A total of 459 patients were included in the study. Of these, 362 (79%) showed a deterioration in at least one ADL at follow-up. Patients with functional deterioration had a significantly higher left ventricular mass index and left atrial volume with a lower ejection fraction. There was no significant difference between the diastolic parameters the groups in examined. When the data were examined categorically, a significantly larger percentage of patients with functional decline had an abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular hypertrophy. The association between left ventricular mass index and functional decline remained significant in all multivariate models. Conclusions In this cohort of the oldest old, an elevated left ventricular mass index, higher left atrial volumes and systolic, but not diastolic dysfunction, were predictive of functional disability.
Antibody response against HERV-W env surface peptides differentiates multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder
Authors: Arru Giannina , Sechi Elia , Mariotto Sara , Farinazzo Alessia , Mancinelli Chiara , Alberti Daniela , Ferrari Sergio , Gajofatto Alberto , Capra Ruggero , Monaco Salvatore , Deiana Giovanni A , Caggiu Elisa , Mameli Giuseppe , Sechi Leonardo A , Pietro Sechi Gian 
Published: November 2017

Background A specific humoral immune response against HERV-W envelope surface (env-su) glycoprotein antigens has been reported in serum of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, it has not been evaluated to date in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). Objective The objective of this paper is to investigate whether antibody (Ab) response against HERV-W env-su antigenic peptides differs between NMOSD and MS. Methods Serum samples were collected from 36 patients with NMOSD, 36 patients with MS and 36 healthy control individuals (HCs). An indirect ELISA was set up to detect specific Abs against HERV-W env-su peptides. Results Our data showed that two antigenic peptides, particularly HERV-Wenv93–108 and HERV-Wenv248–262, were statistically significantly present only in serum of MS compared to NMOSD and HCs. Thus, the specific humoral immune response against HERV-W env-su glycoprotein antigens found in MS is widely missing in NMOSD. Conclusion Increased circulating serum levels of these HERV-W Abs may be suitable as additional biomarkers to better differentiate MS from NMOSD.
Evidence for current recommendations concerning the management of foot health for people with chronic long‐term conditions: a systematic review
Authors: Edwards Katherine , Borthwick Alan , McCulloch Louise , Redmond Anthony , Pinedo‐Villanueva Rafael , Prieto‐Alhambra Daniel , Judge Andrew , Arden Nigel , Bowen Catherine 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundResearch focusing on management of foot health has become more evident over the past decade, especially related to chronic conditions such as diabetes. The level of methodological rigour across this body of work however is varied and outputs do not appear to have been developed or translated into clinical practice. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the latest guidelines, standards of care and current recommendations relative to people with chronic conditions to ascertain the level of supporting evidence concerning the management of foot health.MethodsA systematic search of electronic databases (Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Web of Science, SCOPUS and The Cochrane Library) for literature on recommendations for foot health management for people with chronic conditions was performed between 2000 and 2016 using predefined criteria. Data from the included publications was synthesised via template analysis, employing a thematic organisation and structure. The methodological quality of all included publications was appraised using the Appraisal for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) instrument. A more in‐depth analysis was carried out that specifically considered the levels of evidence that underpinned the strength of their recommendations concerning management of foot health.ResultsThe data collected revealed 166 publications in which the majority (102) were guidelines, standards of care or recommendations related to the treatment and management of diabetes. We noted a trend towards a systematic year on year increase in guidelines standards of care or recommendations related to the treatment and management of long term conditions other than diabetes over the past decade. The most common recommendation is for preventive care or assessments (e.g. vascular tests), followed by clinical interventions such as foot orthoses, foot ulcer care and foot health education. Methodological quality was spread across the range of AGREE II scores with 62 publications falling into the category of high quality (scores 6–7). The number of publications providing a recommendation in the context of a narrative but without an indication of the strength or quality of the underlying evidence was high (79 out of 166).ConclusionsIt is clear that evidence needs to be accelerated and in place to support the future of the Podiatry workforce. Whilst high level evidence for podiatry is currently low in quantity, the methodological quality is growing. Where levels of evidence have been given in in high quality guidelines, standards of care or recommendations, they also tend to be strong‐moderate quality such that further strategically prioritised research, if performed, is likely to have an important impact in the field.
Pathogens, vermin and strigoi: Contagion science and vampire myth in Guillermo del Toro’s The Strain
Authors: Echeverría Julia 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The first season of Guillermo del Toro’s television series, The Strain (2014–present) ingeniously merges the classical Bram Stoker vampire legend with the virus outbreak narrative by means of familiar contagion imagery and clichés that include the premise of an infected airplane and the running-against-the-clock efforts of the CDC protagonist, Dr Goodweather. The series offers three complementary perspectives that broaden the scope of vampirism: the medical vision of the protagonist, who insists on treating the outbreak as if it were an infectious disease; the pest exterminator Vasily who refers to these beings as vermin and rat-people; and the mythical vampire approach of a Jewish Holocaust survivor who brands them strigoi. I argue that the epidemiological perspective introduced by del Toro provides verisimilitude to the vampire myth while at the same time introducing contemporary discourses of virality and adding dichotomies of purity and corruption. By exploring the use of the genre’s conventions in del Toro’s imaginative universe, I intend to prove how a television series can be the ideal medium for unfolding epidemic narratives.
Eficiencia del autotransporte de carga mexicano en el marco del comercio internacional: el caso del comercio de México con Canadá y Estados Unidos
Authors: Zamora-Torres América Ivonne , Mora-Zimbron Diana Areli 
Published: November 2017

El autotransporte de carga en México, es un sector que maneja el 55% del comercio internacional mexicano y a pesar de su gran operativa comercial nacional e internacional no se cuentan con estrategias empresariales enfocadas a la generación de un sector eficiente. En la presente investigación se identificaron a partir de la revisión de literatura algunas variables que ayudarían a incrementar la eficiencia económica del autotransporte de carga mexicano con Canadá y Estados Unidos. La presente investigación descansa sobre la hipótesis de que la eficiencia del autotransporte mexicano de carga internacional, se encuentra determinada por las variables: Costos de Transporte, Calidad, Infraestructura Logística, Tecnologías de Información y Seguridad de la Cadena Logística. A fin de comprobar lo anterior se realizó un análisis de causalidad de Granger para el período 2004–2013 y un modelo de regresión (MCO) para el período 1995–2014. De acuerdo con las dos pruebas realizadas los costos y la infraestructura logística destacaron en los resultados obtenidos, como las variables más influyentes en el sector así como la existencia de un comportamiento positivo de las operaciones comerciales por medio del autotransporte de carga mexicano con Canadá y EE.UU., sobre todo con este último, a partir de la firma del TLCAN.
Compras y corrupción en el sector privado. Aplicación de las herramientas de la calidad a la gestión de adquisiciones de una organización educativa y propuestas de mejora
Authors: Ayala Flores Maria del Sol , Rezzoagli Bruno Ariel 
Published: November 2017

El presente artículo aborda la problemática de la corrupción en el ámbito privado, con especial atención al proceso llevado a cabo por los diferentes tipos de organizaciones para la adquisición de recursos materiales (bienes, insumos, productos, etc.) en el marco de su giro o actividad habitual. Se parte de la hipótesis según la cual la falta de normas internas y de procedimientos en materia de compras a los que deban sujetarse los integrantes de una organización genera un potencial riesgo de prácticas desleales o de corrupción; por lo que se resalta la importancia de normar, unificar y organizar el comportamiento de toda organización, tomando como caso de estudio la Universidad de Durango Campus Morelia (UDCM). Atendiendo al caso de aplicación planteado, se propone un procedimiento general de adquisiciones para la Universidad, cuyo esquema nace del conocimiento y análisis de la información facilitada por los mismos directivos y empleados de dicha institución, de la observación directa y revisión de documentación pertinente y de la aplicación de las correspondientes herramientas de calidad: diagrama de afinidad, diagrama de relaciones y diagrama de árbol. Estas herramientas además de complementar el panorama que se visualiza de la organización en cuestión, permiten identificar las distintas estrategias para cumplir con el objetivo de mejorar la gestión de compras y reducir los riesgos de corrupción.
Cardiovascular effects of small peptides of the renin angiotensin system
Authors: Moraes Patrícia L. , Kangussu Lucas M. , da Silva Luiz Gonzaga , Castro Carlos H. , Santos Robson A.S. , Ferreira Anderson J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) is a unique hormonal cascade which is composed by multiple enzymes and effector peptides. Recently, new peptides presenting biological activity have been discovered, increasing the complexity of the RAS. Here, we evaluated the effects of small peptides of the RAS in coronary bed of rats. Firstly, we examined the direct effect of small angiotensinergic peptides [Angiotensin (Ang) ‐(1–5), Ang‐(1–4) Ang‐(1–3), and Ang‐(1–2)] in coronary vessels. Noteworthy, it was observed that Ang‐(1–4), Ang‐(1–3), and Ang‐(1–2) caused a significant reduction in pressure perfusion. Because Ang‐(1–2) was the smallest peptide tested and presented the major effect, we decided to investigate its mechanisms of action. The effect of Ang‐(1–2) was partially dependent on the Mas receptor, nitric oxide release and angiotensin‐converting enzyme. Importantly, Ang‐(1–2) reduced the blood pressure of Wistar rats and SHR. Interestingly, SHR presented a more pronounced decrease in blood pressure levels than Wistar rats. Altogether, these data showed that angiotensinergic small peptides hold biological activities in coronary bed of rats.
Language tests and neoliberalism in “global human resource” development: A case of Japanese Universities
Authors: Okuda Tomoyo 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This study looks into the increasing emphasis on the use of language tests for global workplace preparation in Japan. It presents particular usages of English language tests in higher education curricula designed to foster “Global Human Resources” (GHRs), a special global workforce with high levels of English proficiency deemed necessary by the Japanese government. Focusing on a government-initiated five-year funding program, “The Project for Promotion of Global Human Resources”, government documents and the project planning sheets of 11 universities are analyzed to trace how language tests act as a form of governmentality (Foucault. 2007 [1977]. Security, territory, population: Lectures at the Collège de France, 1977–1978 (Trans. by Graham Burchell). New York: Palgrave Macmillan) to maximize the number of GHRs. I describe how language tests are used to portray a reality about the lack of English proficiency among Japanese youth, how they work as a powerful accountability measure for universities, and how these tests are incorporated into language education curricula with the goal of increasing students’ language capital. Three functions of language tests are then identified in the universities’ proposed curricula: motivating, categorizing, and prioritizing through testing. These governing techniques represent how language tests can work to promote neoliberal forms of international education that instrumentalize language learning, stimulate inequitable competition, and (un)reward certain global subjectivities.
Not all that vesicles is herpes
Authors: Gruhl Robert R. , Wu Andrew , Niermann Micah , Olson Andrew 
Published: November 2017

Abstract

Background:
Eczema coxsackium (EC) can manifest in patients with underlying atopic dermatitis (AD) as a diffuse vesicular rash in a febrile child. The presentation overlaps clinically with the feared diagnosis of eczema herpeticum (EH), which makes differentiating between the conditions very important.

Case presentation:
A 6-month-old girl with known AD presented with fever and rapidly spreading vesicular rash. The patient had multiple exposures including a new antibiotic prescription, introduction of new foods, 6-month vaccinations and a sick contact. She was treated empirically with acyclovir for EH until herpes simplex virus (HSV) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) returned negative and enterovirus PCR returned positive. Once the diagnosis of EC was confirmed, antiviral therapy was discontinued and she was treated successfully with supportive measures without sequelae.

Conclusions:
Differentiating EC from EH is important clinically as EC is self-limiting and resolves spontaneously whereas EH may cause severe complications if not treated early. While morphology alone cannot reliably distinguish between the conditions, clinical suspicion based on history can prompt proper testing and improve patient outcomes.
Fremderwartung und Fremderfahrung
Authors: Simo David 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis contribution examines Chamisso’s travel itineraries during his Rurik expedition from 1815–1818 with respect to moments of alterity, showing especially how Chamisso takes up the reciprocal relationships between expectation and experience, fiction and reality, and nature and culture in a foreign place. By decentering his own world of experience, Chamisso experiences the contingency of Eurocentric certainties and the potential for happiness of non-European worlds of experience. Experiences of foreignness are not simply repeated in the process of writing or in reading original travel documents. Instead, they are also updated aesthetically and linked to the ideal of cultural contact free of domination.
The Lagrange multiplier and the stationary Stokes equations
Authors: Ożański Wojciech S. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
We briefly discuss the notion of the Lagrange multiplier for a linear constraint in the Hilbert space setting, and we prove that the pressure p appearing in the stationary Stokes equations is the Lagrange multiplier of the constraint

div
⁡
u

=
0

{\operatorname{div}u=0}

.
Plasma profile of cimicoxib in sheep after oral administration at two different rates
Authors: Di Salvo A. , Giorgi M. , Lee H.K. , Vercelli C. , Rueca F. , Marinucci M. Trabalza , Rocca G. della 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Sheep are often subjected to painful procedures and thus they need to be treated with analgesics. Nevertheless, knowledges about pharmacokinetic features of these drugs in this species are poor. The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma behaviour of cimicoxib in sheep after a single oral administration at two different dose rates (4 and 6 mg/kg). Maximum plasma concentrations of cimicoxib were equal to 273.78 (median value; range 189.00-567.32) and 565.01 (range 308.27-822.59) ng/mL after treatment with 4 and 6 mg/kg, respectively. The time of maximum concentration (Tmax) was achieved between 4 and 10 hours following treatment at the lower dose, and between 6 and 10 hours after the administration of the higher dose, with one sheep achieving the concentration peak at 0.75 hours. The slow absorption and the great individual variability in plasma concentration, probably due to ruminal effects, suggest that cimicoxib is not suitable for oral treatment in sheep.
Pulmonary adiaspiromycosis in the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) inhabiting Poland
Authors: Dolka I. , Giżejewska A. , Giżejewski Z. , Kołodziejska-Lesisz J. , Kluciński W. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Adiaspiromycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by saprophytic fungi Emmonsia spp. (type Ascomycota) occurring especially in small free-living mammals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of histopathological lesions asscociated with adiaspiromycosis in the Eurasian beaver inhabiting Poland. In order to evaluate the presence of natural adiaspiromycosis we systematically investigated beaver populations from north-eastern Poland for adiaspores in the lungs. This study reveals for the first time the presence of pulmonary adiaspiromycosis of Eurasian beaver in Poland. As far as we know, there is no published data regarding pulmonary adiaspiromycosis in human patients in Poland.
Ni6B22O39·H2O – extending the field of nickel borates
Authors: Schmitt Martin K. , Huppertz Hubert 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Ni6B22O39·H2O was synthesized in a high-pressure/high-temperature reaction at 5 GPa/900°C. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pmn21 (no. 31) with the lattice parameters a=7.664(2), b=8.121(2) and c=17.402(2) Å. The crystal structure is discussed with regard to the isotypic compounds M
6B22O39·H2O (M=Fe, Co) and the structurally related phase Cd6B22O39·H2O. Furthermore, the characterization of Ni6B22O39·H2O via X-ray powder diffraction and vibrational spectroscopy is reported.
Rice TSV3 Encoding Obg-Like GTPase Protein Is Essential for Chloroplast Development During the Early Leaf Stage Under Cold Stress
Authors: Lin Dongzhi , Jiang Quan , Ma Xiaojing , Zheng Kailun , Gong Xiaodi , Teng Sheng , Xu Jianlong , Dong Yanjun 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The Spo0B-associated GTP-binding (Obg) proteins are essential for the viability of nearly all bacteria. However, the detailed roles of Obg proteins in higher plants have not yet been elucidated. In this study, we identified a novel rice (Oryza sativa L.) thermo-sensitive virescent mutant (tsv3) that displayed an albino phenotype at 20° before the three-leaf stage while being a normal green at 32° or even at 20° after the four-leaf stage. The mutant phenotype was consistent with altered chlorophyll content and chloroplast structure in leaves. Map-based cloning and complementation experiments showed that TSV3 encoded a small GTP-binding protein. Subcellular localization studies revealed that TSV3 was localized to the chloroplasts. Expression of TSV3 was high in leaves and weak or undetectable in other tissues, suggesting a tissue-specific expression of TSV3. In the tsv3 mutant, expression levels of genes associated with the biogenesis of the chloroplast ribosome 50S subunit were severely decreased at the three-leaf stage under cold stress (20°), but could be recovered to normal levels at a higher temperature (32°). These observations suggest that the rice nuclear-encoded TSV3 plays important roles in chloroplast development at the early leaf stage under cold stress.
Rapid Gene Family Evolution of a Nematode Sperm Protein Despite Sequence Hyper-conservation
Authors: Kasimatis Katja R , Phillips Patrick C 
Published: November 2017

AbstractReproductive proteins are often observed to be the most rapidly evolving elements within eukaryotic genomes. The major sperm protein (MSP) is unique to the phylum Nematoda and is required for proper sperm locomotion and fertilization. Here, we annotate the MSP gene family and analyze their molecular evolution in 10 representative species across Nematoda. We show that MSPs are hyper-conserved across the phylum, having maintained an amino acid sequence identity of 83.5–97.7% for over 500 million years. This extremely slow rate of evolution makes MSPs some of the most highly conserved genes yet identified. However, at the gene family level, we show hyper-variability in both gene copy number and genomic position within species, suggesting rapid, lineage-specific gene family evolution. Additionally, we find evidence that extensive gene conversion contributes to the maintenance of sequence identity within chromosome-level clusters of MSP genes. Thus, while not conforming to the standard expectation for the evolution of reproductive proteins, our analysis of the molecular evolution of the MSP gene family is nonetheless consistent with the widely repeatable observation that reproductive proteins evolve rapidly, in this case in terms of the genomic properties of gene structure, copy number, and genomic organization. This unusual evolutionary pattern is likely generated by strong pleiotropic constraints acting on these genes at the sequence level, balanced against expansion at the level of the whole gene family.