bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Dissemination of Results from Supreme Audit Institutions: Independent Partners with the Media?
Authors: Bringselius Louise 
Published: January 2014

AbstractMaximising media coverage is one way for Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) to account for themselves and it has been argued that SAIs can become independent partners with the media. This strategy may appear appealing in particular when a response to audits is not compulsory. However, based on a case study of the Swedish National Audit Office (SNAO) in the years 2003–2007, this paper shows that several risks follow from a dissemination strategy focused on maximising media coverage. For example, it may result in an overly critical position in relation to the Executive, thereby challenging both SAI neutrality and SAI independence.
Gurson model parameters for ductile fracture simulation in ASTM A992 steels
Authors: Kiran R. , Khandelwal K. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTThis study is concerned with the modelling the ductile fracture in ASTM A992 steels using the Gurson‐Tvergaard‐Needleman (GTN) model for high stress triaxiality regime. The GTN model for ASTM A992 structural steels is calibrated from the experiments performed on axisymmetrically notched tensile specimens. The experiments are designed to obtain a range of stress triaxiality and different fracture initiation locations. The non‐uniqueness in the constitutive parameters of the GTN model is illustrated in this study. The choice of a unique set of GTN constitutive parameters is made by choosing the nucleation strain (ɛN) as a material constant. The process of estimating this material specific nucleation strain is provided. All the other GTN model parameters corresponding to the material specific nucleation strain (ɛN) are evaluated to best fit the experimental results. The calibrated GTN model is shown to predict the load displacement behaviour, ductility and fracture initiation locations in the notched specimens. The calibrated GTN parameters are used to successfully predict the ductility of structural components: (a) bars with a hole; (b) plate with reduced section and (c) plate with holes; that are typically found in structural engineering applications.
Tectonic evolution of a Paleozoic thrust fault influences the hydrogeology of a fractured rock aquifer, northeastern Appalachian foreland
Authors: Kim J. , Ryan P. , Klepeis K. , Gleeson T. , North K. , Bean J. , Davis L. , Filoon J. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn polyorogenic regions, the superposition of structures during a protracted tectonic history produces complex fractured bedrock aquifers. Thrust‐faulted regions, in particular, have complicated permeability patterns that affect groundwater flow paths, quantity, and quality. In the Appalachian foreland of northwestern Vermont, numerous bedrock wells that are spatially related to the Paleozoic Hinesburg thrust have elevated naturally occurring radioactivity and/or low yields. The association of groundwater quality and quantity issues with this thrust was a unique opportunity to investigate its structural and hydrogeologic framework. The Hinesburg thrust juxtaposed metamorphic rocks of the hanging wall with sedimentary rocks of the footwall during the Ordovician. It was then deformed by two orthogonal Devonian fold sets and was fractured during the Cretaceous. Median well yields in the hanging wall aquifer are significantly lower than those of the footwall aquifer, consistent with the respective permeability contrast between metamorphic and carbonate rocks. For wells drilled through the Hinesburg thrust, those completed closest (vertically) to the thrust have the highest median yields, whereas others completed farther below have yields in the footwall range. The geochemical signature of the hanging wall and footwall aquifers correlates with their whole‐rock geochemistry. The hanging wall aquifer is enriched in alpha radiation, Na+K‐Cl, Ba, and Sr, whereas the footwall aquifer is enriched in Ca‐Mg‐HCO3 and alkalinity. Wells that penetrated the Hinesburg thrust generally have hanging wall geochemical signatures. A simple hydrogeologic model for the permeability evolution of the Hinesburg thrust involves the ductile emplacement of a low‐K hanging wall onto a high‐K footwall, with subsequent modification by fractures.
High‐Pressure Headaches, Low‐Pressure Syndromes, and CSF Leaks: Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Graff‐Radford Steven B. , Schievink Wouter I. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundHeadache resulting from idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in a population of moderately to obese women of childbearing age. The causes overall remain unclear. With this review, we provide an overview of clinical treatment and management strategies.ResultsIIH management is dependent on the signs and symptoms presented. Symptomatic treatment should attempt to lower intracranial pressure, reduce pain, and protect the optic nerves. Consideration for lumbar puncture and draining fluid as an option for reducing pressure may be helpful; however, repeated treatment is not usually favored by patients. Traditional prophylactic medications used in migraine may help reduce the primary headache often induced by raised intracranial pressure. We suggested surgical intervention for patients experiencing visual loss or impending visual loss and not responding to medication therapy.ConclusionIn this review, we discuss headache associated with IIH and spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Much needs to be learned about treatment options for patients with cerebrospinal fluid leaks including methods to strengthen the dura.
Effect of three NiTi files on transportation of the apical foramen
Authors: Hu W. , Whitten B. , Sedgley C. , Svec T. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimTo compare landed and nonlanded rotary file overinstrumentation on transportation of the apical foramen in the curved canals of extracted teeth.MethodologySeverely curved molar root canals (n = 45) were distributed into three equal groups (n = 15) according to angle (mean 54°) and radius of curvature (mean 5 mm). Canals were overinstrumented 0.5 mm beyond the foramen to a size 35 master apical file using landed (ProFile ISO), nonlanded (ProFile Vortex) or nonlanded, reduced shape memory (Vortex Blue) files. Post‐instrumentation images of the apical foramen were compared with pre‐instrumentation control images for differences in area, circularity and ratio of Feret's diameters. Groups were compared using anova or Kruskal–Wallis tests with significance of P < 0.05.ResultsThere were no differences between pre‐treatment groups in the parameters tested. All groups demonstrated alterations in the geometry of the apical foramen. There were no significant differences between ProFile ISO, ProFile Vortex or Vortex Blue in area, circularity and ratio of Feret's diameters.ConclusionsLanded, nonlanded and nonlanded reduced shape memory files all produced transportation of the apical foramen when overinstrumented by 0.5 mm in severely curved canals. There was no difference between these file systems with regard to the degree of this effect.
Different subsets of natural killer T cells may vary in their roles in health and disease
Authors: Kumar Vipin , Delovitch Terry L. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryNatural killer T cells (NKT) can regulate innate and adaptive immune responses. Type I and type II NKT cell subsets recognize different lipid antigens presented by CD1d, an MHC class‐I‐like molecule. Most type I NKT cells express a semi‐invariant T‐cell receptor (TCR), but a major subset of type II NKT cells reactive to a self antigen sulphatide use an oligoclonal TCR. Whereas TCR‐α dominates CD1d‐lipid recognition by type I NKT cells, TCR‐α and TCR‐β contribute equally to CD1d‐lipid recognition by type II NKT cells. These variable modes of NKT cell recognition of lipid–CD1d complexes activate a host of cytokine‐dependent responses that can either exacerbate or protect from disease. Recent studies of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases have led to a hypothesis that: (i) although type I NKT cells can promote pathogenic and regulatory responses, they are more frequently pathogenic, and (ii) type II NKT cells are predominantly inhibitory and protective from such responses and diseases. This review focuses on a further test of this hypothesis by the use of recently developed techniques, intravital imaging and mass cytometry, to analyse the molecular and cellular dynamics of type I and type II NKT cell antigen‐presenting cell motility, interaction, activation and immunoregulation that promote immune responses leading to health versus disease outcomes.
An atypical CD8 T‐cell response to Chlamydia muridarum genital tract infections includes T cells that produce interleukin‐13
Authors: Johnson Raymond M. , Kerr Micah S. , Slaven James E. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryChlamydia trachomatis urogenital serovars D–K are intracellular bacterial pathogens that replicate almost exclusively in human reproductive tract epithelium. In the C. muridarum mouse model for human Chlamydia genital tract infections CD4 T helper type 1 cell responses mediate protective immunity while CD8 T‐cell responses have been associated with scarring and infertility. Scarring mediated by CD8 T cells requires production of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α); however, TNF‐α is associated with protective immunity mediated by CD4 T cells. The latter result suggests that TNF‐α in‐and‐of itself may not be the sole determining factor in immunopathology. CD8 T cells mediating immunopathology presumably do something in addition to producing TNF‐α that is detrimental during resolution of genital tract infections. To investigate the mechanism underlying CD8 immunopathology we attempted to isolate Chlamydia‐specific CD8 T‐cell clones from mice that self‐cleared genital tract infections. They could not be derived with antigen‐pulsed irradiated naive splenocytes; instead derivation required use of irradiated immune splenocyte antigen‐presenting cells. The Chlamydia‐specific CD8 T‐cell clones had relatively low cell surface CD8 levels and the majority were not restricted by MHC class Ia molecules. They did not express Plac8, and had varying abilities to terminate Chlamydia replication in epithelial cells. Two of the five CD8 clones produced interleukin‐13 (IL‐13) in addition to IL‐2, TNF‐α, IL‐10 and interferon‐γ. IL‐13‐producing Chlamydia‐specific CD8 T cells may contribute to immunopathology during C. muridarum genital tract infections based on known roles of TNF‐α and IL‐13 in scar formation.
Increased numbers and functional activity of CD56+T cells in healthy cytomegalovirus positive subjects
Authors: Almehmadi Mazen , Flanagan Brian F. , Khan Naeem , Alomar Suliman , Christmas Stephen E. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryHuman T cells expressing CD56 are capable of tumour cell lysis following activation with interleukin‐2 but their role in viral immunity has been less well studied. Proportions of CD56+ T cells were found to be highly significantly increased in cytomegalovirus‐seropositive (CMV+) compared with seronegative (CMV−) healthy subjects (9·1 ± 1·5% versus 3·7 ± 1·0%; P < 0·0001). Proportions of CD56+ T cells expressing CD28, CD62L, CD127, CD161 and CCR7 were significantly lower in CMV+ than CMV− subjects but those expressing CD4, CD8, CD45RO, CD57, CD58, CD94 and NKG2C were significantly increased (P < 0·05), some having the phenotype of T effector memory cells. Levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and CD107a were significantly higher in CD56+ T cells from CMV+ than CMV− subjects following stimulation with CMV antigens. This also resulted in higher levels of proliferation in CD56+ T cells from CMV+ than CMV− subjects. Using Class I HLA pentamers, it was found that CD56+ T cells from CMV+ subjects contained similar proportions of antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells to CD56− T cells in donors of several different HLA types. These differences may reflect the expansion and enhanced functional activity of CMV‐specific CD56+ memory T cells. In view of the link between CD56 expression and T‐cell cytotoxic function, this strongly implicates CD56+ T cells as being an important component of the cytotoxic T‐cell response to CMV in healthy carriers.
A biased‐randomized algorithm for the two‐dimensional vehicle routing problem with and without item rotations
Authors: Dominguez Oscar , Juan Angel A. , Faulin Javier 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis paper proposes an efficient algorithm, with a reduced number of parameters, for solving the two‐dimensional loading‐capacitated vehicle routing problem (2L‐CVRP). This problem combines two of the most important issues in logistics, that is, vehicle routing and packing problems. Our approach contemplates unrestricted loading including the possibility of applying 90° rotations to each rectangular‐shaped item while loading it into the vehicle, which is a realistic assumption seldom considered in the existing literature. The algorithm uses a multistart approach that is designed to avoid local minima and also to make the algorithm an easily parallelizable one. At each restart, a biased randomization of a savings‐based routing algorithm is combined with an enhanced version of a classical packing heuristic to produce feasible good solutions for the 2L‐CVRP. The proposed algorithm has been compared with the classical benchmarks for two different 2L‐CVRP variants, that is, with and without item rotations. Experimental results show that our approach outperforms several best‐known solutions from previous work, both in terms of quality and the computational time needed to obtain them.
Total Cystectomy for Treatment of Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Urethra and Bladder Trigone in a Dog
Authors: Boston Sarah , Singh Ameet 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo report total cystectomy with reimplantation of the ureters in the proximal aspect of the vagina.Study DesignCase report.AnimalsAn 11‐year‐old female spayed Vizsla with spontaneously occurring transitional cell carcinoma of the urethra and bladder.MethodsAfter initial treatment for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder trigone with urethral stent placement and chemotherapy, the dog developed urinary incontinence 2 months after stent placement. Eleven months after initial diagnosis, the dog developed pulmonary metastasis and local progression, leading to bilateral ureteral dilatation. After palliative radiation, total cystectomy was performed.ResultsThe owners elected euthanasia 442 days after original presentation and 92 days after total cystectomy. Euthanasia was unrelated to the surgical procedure, but was related to the primary disease.ConclusionsTotal cystectomy is a technically feasible procedure that should be considered for the treatment of bladder cancer in dogs.
Ability of the Tightrope® and Percutaneous Lateral Fabellar Suture Techniques to Control Cranial Tibial Translation
Authors: Biskup Jeffery J. , Griffon Dominique J. , Socie Mike , Schaeffer David J. , Kurath Peter 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo compare the ability of the Tightrope® (TR) cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) technique, percutaneous lateral fabella suture (pLFS) technique, and normal CCL to control cranial tibial translation (CTT).Study DesignIn vitrobiomechanical study.Sample PopulationCadaveric canine pelvic limbs (n = 18 pairs).MethodsSix small animal surgical residents (1 pair each) and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (10 pairs) performed TR and pLFS techniques on paired limbs. Two intact limb pairs served as controls. Limbs were assessed by palpation, radiographs, and dissection before mechanical testing of resistance to CTT. Forces resisted during displacement were compared between groups with a mixed ANOVA and post hoc tests.ResultsWith 5 mm of displacement, the pLFS resisted 72 ± 45 N and the TR resisted 66 ± 48 N of load. The intact CCL resisted 400 ± 35 N. The intact CCL resisted displacement significantly more than either surgical technique.ConclusionsTR and pLFS had similar ability to resist CTT but neither restored the biomechanical properties of an intact CCL.
Technical Difficulties During the Training Phase for Tightrope® and Percutaneous Lateral Fabellar Suture Techniques for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Repair
Authors: Biskup Jeffery J. , Griffon Dominique J. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo compare level of difficulty, deviations from technical description and postoperative assessment during the training of veterinary students, small animal surgical residents, and a board certified surgeon for Tightrope® (TR) and percutaneous lateral fabella suture (pLFS) techniques for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) repair.Study DesignProspective study.Sample PopulationCadaveric canine pelvic limbs (n = 32).MethodsSixteen 3rd year veterinary students, 6 small animal surgical residents and a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons performed the TR and pLFS techniques on paired limbs. Perceived level of difficulty, duration of surgery, and technical deviations were assessed by questionnaire, radiographs, and dissection. Results were compared between techniques with McNemar's test.ResultsThe TR procedure was perceived as more technically demanding than the pLFS by veterinary students and residents. Technical deviations were overall more common after TR than pLFS, and in limbs repaired by students, regardless of procedure. The most difficult aspect of the TR consists of the bone tunnels whereas for pLFS it was passing the suture around the femorofabellar ligament. The sensitivity of radiographs for detection of technical deviations was 39% after TR and 50% after pLFS.ConclusionTechnical deviations are more common during the training phase of TR than pLFS, and the sensitivity of radiographs to detect those is low. Repeated practice on cadavers followed by dissection is recommended before use in patients.
THE INFLUENCE OF FOOD ON SIDE EFFECTS AND ABSORPTION OF LITHIUM
Authors: Jeppsson J. , Sjögren J. 
Published: January 2014

In a cross‐over study, 24 mmol of lithium sulphate was given as a single dose in slow release tablets to 30 healthy volunteers fasting and after a standardised meal. Comparisons were also made with lithium citrate in slow release tablets and placebo. Postprandial administration of lithium gave practically no side effects, while lithium on an empty stomach gave diarrhoea in about 20 % of the subjects.The absorption was measured by determination of the amount of lithium excreted in the urine in a group of ten subjects. Lithium was completely absorbed when given after food, but when given on an empty stomach the absorption was lower in some subjects, apparently due to rapid gastrointestinal passage in connection with diarrhoea. Lithium should therefore preferably be administered after meals.
Impaired geranylgeranyltransferase‐I regulation reduces membrane‐associated Rho protein levels in aged mouse brain
Authors: Afshordel Sarah , Wood Wellington Gibson , Igbavboa Urule , Muller Walter E. , Eckert Gunter P. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractSynaptic impairment rather than neuronal loss may be the leading cause of cognitive dysfunction in brain aging. Certain small Rho‐GTPases are involved in synaptic plasticity, and their dysfunction is associated with brain aging and neurodegeneration. Rho‐GTPases undergo prenylation by attachment of geranylgeranylpyrophosphate (GGPP) catalyzed by GGTase‐I. We examined age‐related changes in the abundance of Rho and Rab proteins in membrane and cytosolic fractions as well as of GGTase‐I in brain tissue of 3‐ and 23‐month‐old C57BL/6 mice. We report a shift in the cellular localization of Rho‐GTPases toward reduced levels of membrane‐associated and enhanced cytosolic levels of those proteins in aged mouse brain as compared with younger mice. The age‐related reduction in membrane‐associated Rho proteins was associated with a reduction in GGTase‐Iβ levels that regulates binding of GGPP to Rho‐GTPases. Proteins prenylated by GGTase‐II were not reduced in aged brain indicating a specific targeting of GGTase‐I in the aged brain. Inhibition of GGTase‐I in vitro modeled the effects of aging we observed in vivo. We demonstrate for the first time a decrease in membrane‐associated Rho proteins in aged brain in association with down‐regulation of GGTase‐Iβ. This down‐regulation could be one of the mechanisms causing age‐related weakening of synaptic plasticity.
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Rho‐GTPases are geranylgeranylated by transferase GGTase‐I. Their prenylation is essential for their localization in membranes, the site of their activation and function. Despite elevated GGPP levels in brains of aged (23 months) mice compared to younger (3 months) mice as well as in GGTI‐2133‐treated SH‐SY5Y cells, the amount of total (homogenate) Rho‐GTPases (Rac1, RhoA, and Cdc42) was unchanged. Treatment with the GGTaseI‐inhibitor GGTI‐2133 decreased prenylation of Rho‐GTPases in membrane preparations of aged mice and SH‐SY5Y, correlating with the reduction of relative GGTase activity, GGTaseIß protein, and mRNA levels. As Rac1, RhoA, and Cdc42 are associated with synaptogenesis, we examined the synaptic marker proteins GAP43 and synaptophysin. GAP43 and synaptophysin declined in an age‐related manner in the mouse brain and were also reduced in our in vitro model. Faulty regulation of Rho proteins in aged brain is associated with a specific deficit in GGTase‐Iβ, which could contribute to age‐related deficits in neuronal outgrowth.
Reduction of tobacco smoke exposure for pregnant passive smokers using feedback of urinary cotinine test results
Authors: Higashida Yuka , Ohashi Kazutomo 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimsOur objective was to evaluate the level of pregnant women's exposure to tobacco smoke by urinary cotinine testing at prenatal examinations, and to examine the effects of disclosing the results of urinary cotinine tests to pregnant women and their families on their smoking activities.MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted, enrolling 420 pregnant women who attended prenatal examinations at five private clinics in Japan. Urinary cotinine testing and a questionnaire survey regarding smoking status were conducted in early, middle, and late pregnancy. Urinary cotinine values were measured semiquantitatively using NicCheck I test strips. The results of each urinary cotinine test were handed to the pregnant woman and shared with her family.ResultsThe percentages of urinary cotinine‐positive subjects in middle and late pregnancy were significantly decreased compared with early pregnancy (P < 0.001 each). Among the active smokers, there were no significant differences in the urinary cotinine‐positive rates and the numbers of cigarettes among the three stages. In contrast, the urinary cotinine‐positive rates in the passive smokers in late pregnancy were significantly lower than in early pregnancy (P = 0.045) and those in non‐smokers in middle and late pregnancy were also lower than in early pregnancy (P = 0.001, P < 0.001). The numbers of cigarettes smoked by persons close to the passive smokers in middle and late pregnancy were significantly lower than in early pregnancy (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe feedback of the urinary cotinine test results at prenatal examinations decreased the level of exposure of pregnant passive smokers and non‐smokers to tobacco smoke.