bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic analysis of Agrobacterium tumefaciens unipolar polysaccharide production reveals complex integrated control of the motile‐to‐sessile switch
Authors: Xu Jing , Kim Jinwoo , Koestler Benjamin J. , Choi Jeong‐Hyeon , Waters Christopher M. , Fuqua Clay 
Published: July 2013

SummaryMany bacteria colonize surfaces and transition to a sessile mode of growth. The plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens produces a unipolar polysaccharide (UPP) adhesin at single cell poles that contact surfaces. Here we report that elevated levels of the intracellular signal cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (c‐di‐GMP) lead to surface‐contact‐independent UPP production and a red colony phenotype due to production of UPP and the exopolysaccharide cellulose, when A. tumefaciens is incubated with the polysaccharide stain Congo Red. Transposon mutations with elevated Congo Red staining identified presumptive UPP‐negative regulators, mutants for which were hyperadherent, producing UPP irrespective of surface contact. Multiple independent mutations were obtained in visN and visR, activators of flagellar motility in A. tumefaciens, now found to inhibit UPP and cellulose production. Expression analysis in a visR mutant and isolation of suppressor mutations, identified three diguanylate cyclases inhibited by VisR. Null mutations for two of these genes decrease attachment and UPP production, but do not alter cellular c‐di‐GMP levels. However, analysis of catalytic site mutants revealed their GGDEF motifs are required to increase UPP production and surface attachment. Mutations in a specific presumptive c‐di‐GMP phosphodiesterase also elevate UPP production and attachment, consistent with c‐di‐GMP activation of surface‐dependent adhesin deployment.
Effect of metabolic syndrome on clinical outcomes of non‐diabetic peritoneal dialysis patients in India
Authors: Prasad Narayan , Sinha Archana , Gupta Amit , Sharma Raj K , Kaul Anupama , Bhadauria Dharmender , Ranagswamy Dharshan 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAimMetabolic syndrome (MS) is associated with higher mortality and morbidity in the general population. However, the effect of MS and its individual components on clinical outcomes in non‐diabetic peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients has not been widely studied in India. Our aim was to study the prevalence of MS in non‐diabetic PD patients who were on PD for at least 3 months and to analyze the influence of MS and its individual components on clinical outcomes of these patients on subsequent follow up.MethodsWe prospectively included 163 non‐diabetic PD patients (mean age 45.1 ± 16.2 years, 104 male). MS was defined using the modified National Cholesterol Education Programme (ATP III) criteria. Outcomes of patients with and without MS were compared.ResultsOf the 163 non‐diabetic PD patients, 84 (51.5%) patients had MS. The mean follow up duration was 24.0 ± 14.0 patient months. Patients with MS had significantly greater body mass index (P = 0.007), Systolic BP (P = 0.001), diastolic BP (P = 0.001), Triglycerides (P = 0.002), total cholesterol (P = 0.001) level; and significantly lower high density lipoprotein (P = 0.013) values. Mean survival (patient‐months) of patients with MS (30.7 (95%CI 27.1–34.3)) was significantly inferior to that of patients without MS (55.6 (95% CI 50.8–60.4), P = 0.001). Mean technique survival of patients with MS was also significantly lower (38.9 (95% CI 35.9–41.9)) compared to that of patients without MS (61.5 (95% CI 58.3–64.7), P = 0.039). On univariate Cox regression analysis diastolic BP (P = 0.003), Systolic BP (P = 0.026), hypertension (HTN) (P = 0.001) and MS (P = 0.001) were found to be independent predictors of mortality. However on multivariate Cox hazard regression analysis, only MS (HR 5.39 (95% CI 2.06–14.14), P = 0.001) was found to be the significant predictors of mortality in these patients. Among the factors other than components of MS, the presence of comorbidities (P = 0.029), serum albumin (P = 0.042), non‐HDL cholesterol (P = 0.003), total cholesterol/HDL (P = 0.001) and MS (P = 0.001) were important factors predicting mortality on univariate Cox regression, while only MS (P = 0.001) and serum albumin (P = 0.013) were the independent factors predicting mortality on multivariate analysis.ConclusionPrevalence of MS in non‐diabetic PD patient is high and predicts long term patient and technique survival.
Critical care nurses' experiences of nursing mothers in an ICU after complicated childbirth
Authors: Engström Åsa , Lindberg Inger 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundProviding nursing care for a critically ill obstetric patient or a patient who has just become a mother after a complicated birth can be a challenging experience for critical care nurses (CCNs). These patients have special needs because of the significant alterations in their physiology and anatomy together with the need to consider such specifics as breastfeeding and mother‐child bonding.AimThe aim with this study was to describe CCNs' experience of nursing the new mother and her family after a complicated childbirth.MethodThe design of the study was qualitative. Data collection was carried out through focus group discussions with 13 CCNs in three focus groups during spring 2012. The data were subjected to qualitative content analysis.FindingsThe analysis resulted in the formulation of four categories: the mother and her vital functions are prioritized; not being responsible for the child and the father; an environment unsuited to the new family and collaboration with staff in neonatal and maternity delivery wards.Conclusion and relevance to clinical practiceWhen nursing a mother after a complicated birth the CCNs give her and her vital signs high priority. The fathers of the children or partners of the mothers are expected to take on the responsibility of caring for the newborn child and of being the link with the neonatal ward. It is suggested that education about the needs of new families for nursing care would improve the situation and have clinical implications. Whether the intensive care unit is always the best place in which to provide care for mothers and new families is debatable.
International overview of high‐level simulation education initiatives in relation to critical care
Authors: Alinier Guillaume , Platt Alan 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThe use of simulation in health care education has become very topical across all professions and specialties in order to improve patient safety and quality of care. In the last decade, the adoption of more realistic simulation‐based teaching methodologies, which serves as a bridge between the acquisition and application of clinical skills, knowledge, and attributes, has been accompanied by the development of a multitude of international and national simulation societies. These serve as important exchange fora for educators, clinicians, researchers, and engineers who desire to learn and share their experience and knowledge around simulation‐based education. Several countries have derived their own strategy in order to promote the use of such training methodology. Current key national strategies will be presented in this paper alongside a discussion of their expected impact. Various approaches have been adopted and each has their own place and the potential to be adopted by other nations depending on their political, economic or even geographic context. Within the critical care arena, simulation has generated considerable interest and there is a growing evidence base for its use as a learning and teaching strategy within this environment. A number of critical care‐related associations and societies are now recognizing simulation as an appropriate pedagogical approach and acknowledging its potential to improve patient care and clinical outcomes. Its implementation should be carefully considered to ensure that developments are based on current best educational practice to maximize the efficiency of these educational interventions.
Exploration of Affirmation of Childhood Molestation (Sexual Abuse) in Chronic Pain Patients, Acute Pain Patients, Community Patients With Pain and Community Nonpatients Without Pain
Authors: Fishbain David A. , Bruns Daniel , Meyer Laura J. , Lewis John E. , Gao Jinrun , Disorbio John M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo further explore the controversy as to whether childhood molestation is associated with chronic pain in adulthood.DesignCommunity nonpatients without pain (CNPWP), community patients with pain (CPWP), acute pain patients (APPs), and chronic pain patients (CPPs) were compared for endorsement of affirmation of childhood molestation by chi‐square. Logistic regression was utilized to predict affirmation in male and female CPPs.ResultsA significantly higher percentage of male APPs affirmed molestation versus CNPWP and CPWP. No other comparisons were statistically significant for males. For females, no comparisons were significant. For male CPPs, the behavior health inventory‐2 (BHI‐2) survivor of violence scale and 1 item from this scale predicted affirmation. The following BHI‐2 scales and items predicted affirmation for female CPPs: muscular bracing and survivor of violence scales; the item “I have been a victim of many sexual attacks”; and the item “My father was kind and loving to me when I was growing up” (scored opposite direction).ConclusionsIn female PWCP, the prevalence of childhood molestation is not greater than in a number of unique comparison groups. Unique predictors of childhood molestation are yet to be identified.
Predictors of Pain Relief Following Spinal Cord Stimulation in Chronic Back and Leg Pain and Failed Back Surgery Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Regression Analysis
Authors: Taylor Rod S. , Desai Mehul J. , Rigoard Philippe , Taylor Rebecca J. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe sought to assess the extent to which pain relief in chronic back and leg pain (CBLP) following spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is influenced by patient‐related factors, including pain location, and technology factors. A number of electronic databases were searched with citation searching of included papers and recent systematic reviews. All study designs were included. The primary outcome was pain relief following SCS, we also sought pain score (pre‐ and post‐SCS). Multiple predictive factors were examined: location of pain, history of back surgery, initial level of pain, litigation/worker's compensation, age, gender, duration of pain, duration of follow‐up, publication year, continent of data collection, study design, quality score, method of SCS lead implant, and type of SCS lead. Between‐study association in predictive factors and pain relief were assessed by meta‐regression. Seventy‐four studies (N = 3,025 patients with CBLP) met the inclusion criteria; 63 reported data to allow inclusion in a quantitative analysis. Evidence of substantial statistical heterogeneity (P < 0.0001) in level of pain relief following SCS was noted. The mean level of pain relief across studies was 58% (95% CI: 53% to 64%, random effects) at an average follow‐up of 24 months. Multivariable meta‐regression analysis showed no predictive patient or technology factors. SCS was effective in reducing pain irrespective of the location of CBLP. This review supports SCS as an effective pain relieving treatment for CBLP with predominant leg pain with or without a prior history of back surgery. Randomized controlled trials need to confirm the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of SCS in the CLBP population with predominant low back pain.
Histopathologic and Ultrasound Characteristics of Cutaneous Capillary Malformations in a Patient with Capillary Malformation–Arteriovenous Malformation Syndrome
Authors: Kim Changhyun , Ko Christine J. , Baker Kenneth E. , Antaya Richard J. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractCapillary malformation–arteriovenous malformation (CM‐AVM) syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in RASA1. Multifocal, small, round‐to‐oval, pinkish‐to‐red cutaneous capillary malformations are seen in more than 90% of people with RASA1 mutations. These RASA1‐associated cutaneous capillary malformations (CMs) can accompany internal or cutaneous arteriovenous malformation (AVM) or arteriovenous fistula to constitute CM‐AVM syndrome. The cutaneous capillary malformations in CM‐AVM syndrome are unusual in that some lesions have high‐flow characteristics (according to Doppler or a white halo). We describe the histopathologic and corresponding ultrasound and Doppler findings in a CM from a patient with clinical CM‐AVM syndrome and show that an arterial component is not present in the dermis or the most superficial portions of the subcutaneous fat but that there is ultrasound evidence that an AVM resides in the underlying adipose tissue.
Solvent and Media Effects on the Photophysics of Naphthoxazole Derivatives
Authors: Curitol Manuel , Ragas Xavier , Nonell Santi , Pizarro Nancy , Encinas María V. , Rojas Pedro , Zanocco Renzo P. , Lemp Else , Günther Germán , Zanocco Antonio L. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe photophysical properties of 2‐phenyl‐naphtho[1,2‐d][1,3]oxazole, 2(4‐N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)naphtho[1,2‐d][1,3]oxazole and 2(4‐N,N‐diphenylaminophenyl) naphtho[1,2‐d][1,3]oxazole were studied in a series of solvents. UV–Vis absorption spectra are insensitive to solvent polarity whereas the fluorescence spectra in the same solvent set show an important solvatochromic effect leading to large Stokes shifts. Linear solvation energy relationships were employed to correlate the position of fluorescence spectra maxima with microscopic empirical solvent parameters. This study indicates that important intramolecular charge transfer takes place during the excitation process. In addition, an analysis of the solvatochromic behavior of the UV–Vis absorption and fluorescence spectra in terms of the Lippert–Mataga equation shows a large increase in the excited‐state dipole moment, which is also compatible with the formation of an intramolecular charge‐transfer excited state. We propose both naphthoxazole derivatives as suitable fluorescent probes to determine physicochemical microproperties in several systems and as dyes in dye lasers; consequence of their high fluorescence quantum yields in most solvents, their large molar absorption coefficients, with fluorescence lifetimes in the range 1–3 ns as well as their high photostability.
Genetic diversity of Puccinia striiformis from cereals in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Holtz M. D. , Kumar K. , Zantinge J. L. , Xi K. 
Published: July 2013

Stripe rust of wheat caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici has recently become a production problem on wheat in Alberta, Canada, and stripe rust of barley caused by P. striiformis f. sp. hordei occurs regularly. A total of 261 isolates of P. striiformis were collected from wheat, barley, Hordeum jubatum and triticale plants in Alberta, Canada from 2007 to 2012, and compared to isolates from other provinces and the USA. The genetic diversity of the pathogen was assessed using 11 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and by examining a length polymorphism in the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) intergenic spacer 1 (IGS1) region. A total of 28 SSR genotypes were detected within Alberta. The 13 genotypes common on wheat (P. striiformis f. sp. tritici) were distinct from the 15 genotypes common on barley (P. striiformis f. sp. hordei). Four SSR genotypes, two within each forma specialis, represented 85% of the isolates recovered. Genotypic diversity was low, population genetic analysis indicated a clonal structure, and the genotypes were widely dispersed. In both formae speciales, the dominant genotype varied between years. The second most common P. striiformis f. sp. hordei genotype was found to be more closely related to older P. striiformis f. sp. tritici genotypes from the USA than to other P. striiformis f. sp. hordei genotypes.
Mental rotation strategies reflected in event‐related (de)synchronization of alpha and mu power
Authors: ter Horst Arjan C. , van Lier Rob , Steenbergen Bert 
Published: July 2013

AbstractDuring a mental rotation task of hands, participants mentally rotate their hand into the orientation of the shown hand. These mental movements are subject to the body's biomechanical constraints. In this study, we investigated whether the involvement of motor processes during the mental rotation process, as reflected in mu‐power desynchronization, is also influenced by one's movement capabilities. We performed an EEG study and used a delayed response mental rotation task of hands to examine the event‐related desynchronization differences between movements that are biomechanically easy and difficult to perform. Our results show an increase in event‐related desynchronization of the mu power for biomechanically easy compared to difficult‐to‐adopt postures. These findings provide further evidence for the notion that motor simulations can only be performed for movements that can already be performed overtly.
Attachment Theory as a Framework for Understanding Responses to Social Exclusion
Authors: Maxwell Jessica A. , Spielmann Stephanie S. , Joel Samantha , MacDonald Geoff 
Published: July 2013

AbstractWe argue that attachment theory may provide a useful framework for understanding individuals' reactions to social exclusion. Attachment theory suggests that social exclusion should prompt an individual to seek comfort from an accepting attachment figure. However, most experimental studies constrain individuals from seeking out an attachment figure to quell their distress, and may interfere with the process of recruiting internalized attachment figures. When the goal of recruiting attachment figure support is blocked, individuals may adopt deactivating strategies, such as emotional numbing, to reduce their distress. Alternatively, individuals may adopt hyperactivating strategies, such as ingratiating behaviors, to seek proximity to attachment figure substitutes. We conclude with recommendations for future avenues of exclusion research stemming from attachment theory.
A Social Psychologist's Guide to the Development of Racial Attitudes
Authors: Hailey Sarah E. , Olson Kristina R. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractOver the last several decades, social psychologists have generated a literature rich with information about the racial intergroup attitudes and biases of adults. In parallel, developmental psychologists have documented the emergence and development of these attitudes in children, yet surprisingly little cross‐talk occurs between the two fields. Here, we review the developmental literature on racial intergroup attitudes with an eye toward two major themes observed frequently in the social psychology literature: the tendency to favor one's own group and the tendency to favor higher‐status groups. We review empirical findings beginning in infancy, revealing that the earliest signs of racial differentiation are present in the first year of life and continue through the elementary school years, noting that explicit attitudes undergo vast developmental changes whereas implicit attitudes remain remarkably stable throughout the lifespan. We also examine potential ways the developmental literature might inform the social psychology of racial intergroup attitudes.
BIOMECHANICAL COMPARISON OF THE ROLE OF INLAY GRAFT IN PROXIMAL HUMERUS FRACTURE FIXED WITH CONVENTIONAL PLATE AND LOCKING PLATE
Authors: LEE CHENG-HUNG , HUANG KUI-CHOU , HSIAO CHIH-KUN , CHENG SUNG , LIU YAU-CHIA , CHANG CHIH-HAN 
Published: July 2013

With a varus deformity, repairs of proximal humeral fractures frequently fail after screws pull out due to lack of medial support. Indirect intramedullary grafts have been used to prevent such complications. A biomechanical study was performed to investigate the role of an intramedullary bone peg (strut) in fractures fixed with conventional and locking plates. Twenty artificial proximal humerus specimens were divided into four groups. Group 1 specimens were fixed with convention plates and group 2 specimens were fixed with the addition of a bone peg. Groups 3 and 4 specimens were fixed using locking plate and additional bone peg, respectively. All specimens were tested with a static loading test, and the axial stiffness and maximal load were recorded. Locking plates with inlay graft were the most rigid of the four groups. When an intramedullary graft was introduced, the maximal load increased by more than 200%, whether conventional or locking plates were used. The maximal load of a conventional plate with inlay graft was more than twice of that of the locking plate only. Indirect medial support acts as an anti-bending device, reducing the tension on the plate. It also decreases varus deformity and loosening of screws. Locking plate stabilize the plate-bone interface. Locking plate with indirect medial support is thus recommended for patients withsevere osteoporotic or medial comminuted proximal humeral fractures.
Isentropic Analysis of Convective Motions
Authors: Pauluis Olivier M. , Mrowiec Agnieszka A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis paper analyzes the convective mass transport by sorting air parcels in terms of their equivalent potential temperature to determine an isentropic streamfunction. By averaging the vertical mass flux at a constant value of the equivalent potential temperature, one can compute an isentropic mass transport that filters out reversible oscillatory motions such as gravity waves. This novel approach emphasizes the fact that the vertical energy and entropy transports by convection are due to the combination of ascending air parcels with high energy and entropy and subsiding air parcels with lower energy and entropy. Such conditional averaging can be extended to other dynamic and thermodynamic variables such as vertical velocity, temperature, or relative humidity to obtain a comprehensive description of convective motions. It is also shown how this approach can be used to determine the mean diabatic tendencies from the three-dimensional dynamic and thermodynamic fields.A two-stream approximation that partitions the isentropic circulation into a mean updraft and a mean downdraft is also introduced. This offers a straightforward way to identify the mean properties of rising and subsiding air parcels. The results from the two-stream approximation are compared with two other definitions of the cloud mass flux. It is argued that the isentropic analysis offers a robust definition of the convective mass transport that is not tainted by the need to arbitrarily distinguish between convection and its environment, and that separates the irreversible convective overturning from oscillations associated with gravity waves.