bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversity, resistance and resilience of the bacterial communities at two alpine glacier forefields after a reciprocal soil transplantation
Authors: Meola Marco , Lazzaro Anna , Zeyer Josef 
Published: February 2014

SummaryIn this study, we determined the driving key factor determining variability in bacterial community structures in soils at two unvegetated alpine glacier forefields with different bedrock geology (calcareous and siliceous). We further assessed the resistance and resilience capacities of the bacterial communities through reciprocal soil transplantations. Sterilized and unsterilized soils were incubated locally (‘home’) or transplanted (‘away’) for 15 months (July 2011–October 2012) and sampled regularly during the snow‐free seasons. Changes in bacterial community structures were determined through fingerprinting of the 16S rRNA gene and correlated with several environmental factors. This study demonstrates that bacterial community structures at our field sites were shaped by distinct mineralogical soil properties. Soil moisture and pH appeared to not be the major driving key factors. Calcareous soil was more selective to bacteria, thus diversity was higher in siliceous soils as a positive effect of its more diverse mineralogical composition. Bacterial community in the calcareous soil exhibited stronger resistance to transplantation than the community in the siliceous soil. In fact, siliceous soil was more easily invaded by extrinsic taxa. Bacterial communities of both soil types were equally resilient at home, although different resilience patterns were observed between calcareous and siliceous soils incubated away.
In situ visualization of newly synthesized proteins in environmental microbes using amino acid tagging and click chemistry
Authors: Hatzenpichler Roland , Scheller Silvan , Tavormina Patricia L. , Babin Brett M. , Tirrell David A. , Orphan Victoria J. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryHere we describe the application of a new click chemistry method for fluorescent tracking of protein synthesis in individual microorganisms within environmental samples. This technique, termed bioorthogonal non‐canonical amino acid tagging (BONCAT), is based on the in vivo incorporation of the non‐canonical amino acid L‐azidohomoalanine (AHA), a surrogate for l‐methionine, followed by fluorescent labelling of AHA‐containing cellular proteins by azide‐alkyne click chemistry. BONCAT was evaluated with a range of phylogenetically and physiologically diverse archaeal and bacterial pure cultures and enrichments, and used to visualize translationally active cells within complex environmental samples including an oral biofilm, freshwater and anoxic sediment. We also developed combined assays that couple BONCAT with ribosomal RNA (rRNA)‐targeted fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), enabling a direct link between taxonomic identity and translational activity. Using a methanotrophic enrichment culture incubated under different conditions, we demonstrate the potential of BONCAT‐FISH to study microbial physiology in situ. A direct comparison of anabolic activity using BONCAT and stable isotope labelling by nano‐scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (15NH3 assimilation) for individual cells within a sediment‐sourced enrichment culture showed concordance between AHA‐positive cells and 15N enrichment. BONCAT‐FISH offers a fast, inexpensive and straightforward fluorescence microscopy method for studying the in situ activity of environmental microbes on a single‐cell level.
Improved plant resistance to drought is promoted by the root‐associated microbiome as a water stress‐dependent trait
Authors: Rolli Eleonora , Marasco Ramona , Vigani Gianpiero , Ettoumi Besma , Mapelli Francesca , Deangelis Maria Laura , Gandolfi Claudio , Casati Enrico , Previtali Franco , Gerbino Roberto , Pierotti Cei Fabio , Borin Sara , Sorlini Claudia , Zocchi Graziano , Daffonchio Daniele 
Published: February 2014

SummaryAlthough drought is an increasing problem in agriculture, the contribution of the root‐associated bacterial microbiome to plant adaptation to water stress is poorly studied. We investigated if the culturable bacterial microbiome associated with five grapevine rootstocks and the grapevine cultivar Barbera may enhance plant growth under drought stress. Eight isolates, over 510 strains, were tested in vivo for their capacity to support grapevine growth under water stress. The selected strains exhibited a vast array of plant growth promoting (PGP) traits, and confocal microscopy observation of gfp‐labelled Acinetobacter and Pseudomonas isolates showed their ability to adhere and colonize both the Arabidopsis and grapevine rhizoplane. Tests on pepper plants fertilized with the selected strains, under both optimal irrigation and drought conditions, showed that PGP activity was a stress‐dependent and not a per se feature of the strains. The isolates were capable of increasing shoot and leaf biomass, shoot length, and photosynthetic activity of drought‐challenged grapevines, with an enhanced effect in drought‐sensitive rootstock. Three isolates were further assayed for PGP capacity under outdoor conditions, exhibiting the ability to increase grapevine root biomass. Overall, the results indicate that PGP bacteria contribute to improve plant adaptation to drought through a water stress‐induced promotion ability.
Fatal Child Abuse Presenting with Multiple Vertebral and Vascular Trauma
Authors: Dudley Mary H. , Garg Megha 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis case study involves the unexplained death of a previously healthy 30‐month‐old child. Reportedly, she was found unresponsive by her foster father following a 2‐hour nap. She was transported to the hospital and died in the emergency room of unknown causes. Blood drawn in the ER showed hemoglobin of 4.3 mg/dL. Postmortem skeletal survey, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, and retinal examinations were negative. The medical examiner assumed jurisdiction of the body. The autopsy showed massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage, transections of the abdominal aorta, and inferior vena cava, and complete tears of the anterior longitudinal ligament of the spine at C5/C6 and L1/L2 with diastases of the vertebral bodies at the corresponding intervertebral disk spaces. The case is believed to be extraordinary due to both the extent of injury that does not match the reported history and the mechanism of vertebral and vascular injuries.
Death Due to Coronary Artery Insufficiency Following Blunt Trauma to the Chest
Authors: Hugar Basappa S. , Shetty Harish S. , Yajaman Girish Chandra P. , Rao Anitha S. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThere have been numerous reports of sudden cardiac death following blunt trauma to the chest, but there is lack of such references in forensic literature. It is the court of law which makes decision about trauma precipitating natural events. The forensic pathologist is scientifically trained in the medical field and would be in a better position to give clear picture about the victim's general status at the time of death, exact nature and severity of the illness he is suffering from if any. He can also assess the nature and severity of injuries sustained, and thus, his opinion as to the possible role played by the traumatic event in bringing about the death is valuable. This paper will discuss the mechanism of cardiac injury or possible cardiac injury and sudden death of an apparently healthy 36‐year‐old male following blunt chest trauma sustained during alleged assault by his neighbor.
Conflict Resolution Mechanisms in International Financial Organizations: Experiences and Collaborations in Broadening the Informal Process
Authors: Nanwani Suresh 
Published: February 2014

AbstractInternational financial organizations (IFOs) such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, and regional development banks, including the Asian Development Bank and the Inter‐American Development Bank, are covered in their charter provisions with immunity from judicial proceedings in national legal systems on employment matters. Over the years, IFOs have found a practical way to deal with employment disputes and conflict resolution. Administrative tribunals have been established to serve as judicial proceedings. Informal processes such as ombudsperson (also referred to as ombuds) services have been provided by IFOs. In recent years, growing emphasis has been placed on other informal processes such as mediation services. IFOs have collaborated with, and learned lessons from, other organizations including the United Nations, the International Ombudsman Association, multinational corporations and national agencies to improve the delivery of informal processes.
The implied cost of equity capital, corporate investment and chief executive officer turnover
Authors: Hu Jinshuai , Lin Zhijun 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis study investigates how the cost of equity capital, along with corporate investment, affects chief executive officer (CEO) turnover decisions. We hypothesize that the cost of equity conveys information about firm performance uncertainty that is informative ofCEOtalent. Consistently, our empirical results show that the likelihood ofCEOturnover is positively associated with the implied cost of equity, after controlling for earnings and stock performance measures and risk factors. Additional analysis of reverse causality supports the causal effect of the high cost of equity onCEOdismissals. We also find that the positive association is more pronounced for firms that are more likely to suffer from underinvestment problems. These results suggest that the cost of equity plays a more important role in assessingCEOperformance when the firm needs more external equity capital to pursue investment opportunities.
Adrenocortical insufficiency is not a problem in preterm infants treated with antifungal prophylaxis with fluconazole
Authors: Costa S , Barone G , Vento G , Tirone C , Perelli S , Romagnoli C 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimFluconazole prophylaxis of invasive fungal infections is a cornerstone of neonatal care, but in vitro studies have shown that it inhibits corticosteroid production. This study assessed whether preterm infants demonstrated an association between fluconazole administration, and its duration, and symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency.MethodsWe compared two groups who were treated before and after we introduced the use of fluconazole to our neonatal intensive care unit. Infants with a gestational age of ≤27 weeks or with a birth weight of ≤750 g were considered for the retrospective analysis. In order to assess whether the duration of prophylaxis was related to adrenocortical insufficiency, regression models were performed in all preterm infants in the fluconazole group.ResultsThe fluconazole group (n = 37) and nonfluconazole group (n = 41) were compared. No differences were found in the percentage of infants with symptoms of adrenocortical insufficiency, such as hypotension or need of vasopressor therapy. The incidence of hypotension and the use of vasopressor therapy were not related to duration of fluconazole prophylaxis.ConclusionFluconazole and it duration were not associated with the incidence of symptoms related to adrenocortical insufficiency. Further prospective trials are needed to better define the relationship between fluconazole and adrenocortical insufficiency.
Young Women's Experiences as Consumers of Maternity Care in Queensland
Authors: Redshaw Maggie , Miller Yvette D , Hennegan Julie 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundYoung motherhood is commonly associated with vulnerabilities, stereotyping of young women's behavior, and poor outcomes for them and their children. The objective was to understand how maternity care is experienced by this group in the transition to parenthood.MethodsData from a large‐scale 2010 survey of women's experience of maternity care were analyzed using qualitative methods with open text responses.ResultsOverall, 7,193 women responded to the survey: 237 were aged 20 years or less. Most (83%) of these young women provided open text responses. The main themes were: “being a consumer,” “the quality of care,” “needing support,” and “pride in parenthood” whereas subthemes included “being young” and “how staff made me feel,” “testimonials for staff,” “not being left,” and “it is all worthwhile.”ConclusionMany young women responding described a positive experience. For many first‐time mothers this feeling marked a change in their identity. Nevertheless, staff perceptions and attitudes affected how they saw themselves and what they took away from their experience of maternity care. A key message for other women is offered, supporting and reinforcing their role as active and involved consumers who, in engaging with services, have to stand up for themselves and make their needs and wishes known.
ASIAN REAL EXCHANGE RATES AND OIL PRICES: A COINTEGRATION ANALYSIS UNDER STRUCTURAL BREAKS
Authors: Nusair Salah A. , Kisswani Khalid M. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTWe examine the long‐run relationship between Asian real exchange rates and oil prices in the presence of structural breaks. The relevance of considering breaks is demonstrated by utilizing the Johansen et al. procedure that allows for up to two predetermined breaks. Using conventional tests that do not consider breaks reveals no evidence of cointegration. However, the Johansen et al. procedure clearly demonstrates the importance of considering breaks and provides strong support for a stable long‐run relationship in all but Japan and the Philippines. Moreover, the results suggest evidence of bi‐directional causality in Malaysia and Thailand, uni‐directional causality from exchange rates to oil prices in Korea, the Philippines, and Singapore, uni‐directional causality from oil prices to the exchange rate in Indonesia, and no evidence of causality in Japan.
Nitric oxide from mononuclear cells may be involved in platelet responsiveness to aspirin
Authors: López‐Farré Antonio J. , Modrego Javier , Azcona Luis , Guerra Reddy , Segura Antonio , Rodríguez Pablo , Zamorano‐León José J. , Lahera Vicente , Macaya Carlos 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundSeveral mechanisms have been proposed to explain why some platelets have a reduced response to aspirin (ASA). Among them, it was reported an increased circulating level of vitamin‐D‐binding protein (DBP). In addition, nitric oxide (NO) released from mononuclear cells was involved in the antiplatelet effects of ASA. The aim was to analyse the relationship between platelet response to ASA and both NO generation and vitamin‐D‐binding protein content in mononuclear cells.Materials and methodsMononuclear cells were obtained from patients with stable coronary artery disease that were divided by a platelet functionality test (PFA‐100) as ASA‐sensitive (n = 23) and ASA resistant (n = 27).ResultsBoth the release of NO (determined by nitrite + nitrate concentration) and the expression of endothelial‐type NO synthase (eNOS) were higher in mononuclear cells from ASA sensitive as compared with those from ASA‐resistant patients. There was a positive correlation between either the release of NO and the expression of eNOS protein in mononuclear cells with the ability of ASA to inhibit platelet activity. DBP content in mononuclear cells was higher in ASA resistant than in ASA sensitive. The level of DBP content in mononuclear cells was negatively associated with the ability of ASA to inhibit platelets. However, in vitro experiments suggested that there was no association between DBP and NO production by mononuclear cells.ConclusionsMononuclear cells from patients with platelets with lower responsiveness to ASA showed a reduced ability to produce NO.
Psychotherapy for adolescents and young adults at high risk for psychosis: a systematic review
Authors: Okuzawa Nana , Kline Emily , Fuertes Janine , Negi Shobhit , Reeves Gloria , Himelhoch Seth , Schiffman Jason 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimUnlike medication treatment, which may confer an unfavourable risk‐benefit ratio, psychosocial intervention has been an emerging target of recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing its efficacy in delaying or preventing the onset of psychosis in individuals identified at ‘clinical high risk’. Literature comparing qualitative differences in these psychotherapeutic interventions is scarce. The aim of the current study was to conduct a PRISMA systematic review evaluating the efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions in reducing the rates of conversion to psychosis in clinical high‐risk individuals.MethodsRCTs were identified in PubMed, Medline and PsycINFO databases up to 30 November 2013. Six studies (comprising 800 participants) met review inclusion criteria. Three investigators performed data extraction independently by using a pre‐structured selection form, and conducted risk of bias assessment employing the Cochrane approach.ResultsAll six studies employed cognitive behaviour therapy as a core element. Three trials achieved a significant effect. The two trials that employed cognitive behaviour therapy enhanced for the specialized needs of clinical high‐risk patients maintained significant effects at post‐treatment follow up.ConclusionEvidence from recent trials suggest that cognitive behaviour therapy may be beneficial in delaying or preventing onset of psychosis in clinical high‐risk individuals, although effect sizes to date appear small. Further research is needed in larger samples to establish whether cognitive behaviour therapy is efficacious, and if additional intervention components can enhance established psychotherapies.
Vascular events after transsylvian selective amygdalohippocampectomy and impact on epilepsy outcome
Authors: Martens Tobias , Merkel Matthias , Holst Brigitte , Brückner Katja , Lindenau Matthias , Stodieck Stefan , Fiehler Jens , Westphal Manfred , Heese Oliver 
Published: February 2014

SummaryObjectiveEpilepsy surgery is a standard treatment option for medically intractable temporal lobe epilepsy. Selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SAH) and anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) are two of the standard surgical procedures in these cases. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients treated with SAH via a modified transsylvian approach in our epilepsy center between 2008 and 2011, and we analyzed the impact of adjacent procedure‐related infarctions on seizure outcome in these patients.MethodsInfarctions were detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within the first week postoperatively and by a second MRI 9 months after surgical intervention. Neuropsychological testing was performed preoperatively. Evaluation of seizure outcome and postoperative neuropsychological testing were conducted approximately 1 year after epilepsy surgery. Correlative clinical data were analyzed by retrospective chart review.ResultsThe postoperative MRI revealed temporal infarctions in 47.9% (n = 23/48) and frontal infarctions in 10.4% (n = 5/48) of the patients. These vascular events were asymptomatic in terms of focal neurologic deficits. Of the patients, 68.5% (n = 37/54) were free of disabling seizures (Engel class I) 1 year after the procedure. Patients with temporal infarctions were significantly more often free of disabling seizures (Engel class I, p = 0.046) than patients without temporal infarctions. Neuropsychological testing indicated a deterioration in verbal memory after SAH in patients with infarctions on the language‐lateralized hemisphere compared to patients without infarction (p = 0.011). All other tested neuropsychological categories showed no significant differences between patients with or without infarctions.SignificanceOur results indicate a surprisingly high number of procedure‐related temporal infarctions after transsylvian SAH. Hence, the volume of nonfunctional “eliminated” tissue is enlarged unintentionally, which is a possible explanation for better seizure outcome in these patients. This result supports the notion that ATL is the favorable procedure for temporal lobe epilepsy compared to SAH in the nondominant hemisphere, as neuropsychological deficits are rarely to be expected.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Motor dual‐task Timed Up & Go test better identifies prefrailty individuals than single‐task Timed Up & Go test
Authors: Tang Pei‐Fang , Yang Hao‐Jan , Peng Ya‐Chi , Chen Hui‐Ya 
Published: February 2014

AimThe present study investigated whether dual‐task Timed Up & Go tests (TUG) could identify prefrail individuals more sensitively than the single‐task TUG (TUGsingle) in community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older adults.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study recruited adults aged 50 years and older who actively participated in local community programs. Time taken to complete single‐task TUG and dual‐task TUG, carrying a cup of water (TUGmanual) or carrying out serial‐3 subtraction (TUGcognitive) while executing TUG, was measured. Prefrailty status was defined based on Fried's phenotypic definition.ResultsOf the 65 participants (mean age 71.5 ± 8.1 years), 33.3% of the 12 middle‐aged (50–64 years) and 62.3% of the 53 older (≥65 years) adults were prefrail, mainly as a result of weak grip strength. The receiver operating characteristic curve analyses for differentiating prefrailty from non‐frailty showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for TUGmanual (0.73, 95% CI 0.60–0.86) was better than that for TUGsingle (0.67, 95% CI 0.54–0.80), whereas the AUC value was not significant for TUGcognitive (0.60, 95% CI 0.46–0.74). The optimal cut‐off points for detecting prefrailty using TUGsingle, TUGmanual and TUGcognitive were 7.7 s (sensitivity 68%), 8.2 s (sensitivity 83%), and 14.3 s (sensitivity 29%), respectively. After adjusting for age, logistic regression analyses showed that individuals with TUGmanual 8.2 s or slower were 7.2‐fold more likely to have prefrailty than those with TUGmanual faster than 8.2 s.ConclusionTUGmanual is more valid and sensitive than TUGsingle in identifying prefrail individuals. The TUGmanual thus could serve as a screening tool for early detection of individuals with prefrailty in community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 204–210.
An Initial lexicon of sensory properties for nail polish
Authors: Sun C. , Koppel K. , Chambers E. 
Published: February 2014

SynopsisObjectiveThe objective of this study was to develop an initial lexicon for sensory properties of nail polish and to validate this lexicon using a descriptive analysis study of selected samples.MethodsSeventeen commercial products from four categories (regular, flake‐containing, water‐based and gel) were used in this study. Descriptive sensory analysis was conducted in this study to characterize and evaluate application and removal properties of these nail polishes. Data was then processed by ANOVA, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Pearson's Correlation Coefficient analysis to explore the differences among samples and attributes.ResultsA lexicon of 21 sensory attributes was developed to describe the application of nail polish. It included three initial texture attributes, thirteen initial appearance attributes and five aroma attributes. A lexicon of five attributes in five stages was developed to describe the removal of nail polish. The results from ANOVA and PCA showed that attributes in the lexicon separated the different product categories.ConclusionThe results of this study indicated that descriptive sensory analysis can be used to evaluate nail polish. The results of this study present scientists who are working on nail polish an additional tool to describe application and removal properties of nail polish.