bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resilience: A Disability Studies and Community Psychology Approach
Authors: Runswick‐Cole Katherine , Goodley Dan 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis paper contests traditional psychological understandings of resilience through reference to a research project exploring resilience in the lives of disabled people. The paper briefly historically locates individualistic accounts of resilience (which have often been unhelpful in the lives of disabled people) and then moves into more recent social constructionist theories of this phenomenon. This latter perspective necessarily locates resilience in a network of resources including material resources, relationships, identity, bodies and minds, power and control, community participation, community cohesion and social justice. We argue that the recognition of resilience as a relational product is important and in tune with attempts to make psychology less an individualistic encounter and more a community intervention. However, disabled people, their politics and the development of critical disability studies, contest and challenge normative ideas of what it means to live with a resilient network of resources. In this sense disability offers new and exciting ways of addressing resilience.
Visual structure assessment and mechanical soil properties of re‐cultivated soils made up of loess
Authors: Rücknagel J. , Dumbeck G. , Harrach T. , Höhne E. , Christen O. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractRe‐cultivated soils (previously piled soils used as the final surface cover in renovation of open cast mine sites) are particularly susceptible to compaction, which is why a simple estimate of mechanical strength is necessary for land management. In this study, therefore, precompression stress (−6 kPa matric potential) was determined for a total of 20 soil layers from 9 repeatedly cultivated areas of arable land in North Rhine–Westphalia (Germany), along with the aggregate density/dry bulk density ratio (as a measure of density heterogeneity) and air capacity (as a soil ecological parameter). These results are contrasted with the determination of packing density. Packing density (PD) is an integrated parameter that combines various properties (aggregate size, cohesion of the soil structure, root distribution, biogenic macropores and aggregate arrangement) and is assessed visually in the field. Packing density levels range between 1 (very loose soil) and 5 (very highly compacted). There is a strongly negative relationship between packing density and both the aggregate density/dry bulk density ratio and air capacity. Conversely, mechanical precompression stress increases with packing density. Ranges of the individual parameters can be assigned to each of the packing density levels. Packing density level 3 represents an optimization with regard to mechanical soil stability whilst maintaining minimum air capacity requirements (5–8 Vol.‐%).
Scedosporium prolificans pericarditis and mycotic aortic aneurysm in a lung transplant recipient receiving voriconazole prophylaxis
Authors: Sayah D.M. , Schwartz B.S. , Kukreja J. , Singer J.P. , Golden J.A. , Leard L.E. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractDespite the adoption of antifungal prophylaxis, fungal infections remain a significant concern in lung transplant recipients. Indeed, some concern exists that such prophylaxis may increase the risk of infection with drug‐resistant fungal organisms. Here, we describe a case of disseminated Scedosporium prolificans infection, presenting as pericarditis, which developed in a lung transplant patient receiving prophylactic voriconazole for 8 months. The epidemiology and clinical presentation of S. prolificans infections are reviewed, and controversies surrounding antifungal prophylaxis and the development of resistant infections are discussed.
Cutaneous presentation of progressive disseminated histoplasmosis nine years after renal transplantation
Authors: Rosado‐Odom V.M. , Daoud J. , Johnson R. , Allen S.D. , Lockhart S.R. , Iqbal N. , Shieh W.‐J. , Zaki S. , Sharfuddin A.A. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractInitial presentation of invasive fungal infections such as histoplasmosis can include non‐specific clinical manifestations, especially in immunocompromised patients. A high index of suspicion is required to identify atypical manifestations of these diseases, which carry a high risk of mortality, if the diagnosis is delayed or missed. We describe a case of a kidney transplant recipient with cutaneous lesions as initial manifestation of progressive disseminated histoplasmosis where a skin biopsy was crucial to an early diagnosis.
Anaemia and transfusion in nonagenarians undergoing emergency, non‐traumatic surgery: a prospective observational study
Authors: Pelavski A. D. , de Miguel M. , Lacasta A. , Rochera M. I. , Roca M. 
Published: February 2013

SUMMARYObjectivesTo characterise transfusion and determine its main predictors in nonagenarians undergoing non‐elective, non‐traumatic surgery. Simultaneously, we compared nonagenarians to a similar, but younger sample, as far as the transfusional policy is concerned.BackgroundPerioperative anaemia and transfusion are currently topical, but little is known about them in this population.MethodsIn this prospective observational study, we recruited 135 patients older than 90 who underwent a non‐elective, non‐traumatic procedure, between 2006 and 2011. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed and a logistic regression model developed. As a control sample, we used a similar number of patients in their third age (between 65 and 85 years old), who underwent the same procedure, during the same period.ResultsThirty‐five per cent of the nonagenarians were transfused. The main independent factors associated with transfusion were anaemia (OR 6·77, P < 0·01), a coexisting neoplasm (OR 10·99, P < 0·01) and the need for an exploratory laparotomy (OR 3·05, P = 0·01). When comparing the nonagenarians to the younger group, we found a significant difference in their basal health status and the mortality rate (P < 0·01), but the transfusion policy did not differ substantially, except for the haemoglobin threshold (P = 0·01).ConclusionsThe independent transfusion predictors in nonagenarians should be taken into account for cross‐matching. Transfusional policy being similar between nonagenarians and third‐aged patients; the differences in thresholds were due to the differences in the populations.
Trade, Diaspora and Migration to New Zealand
Authors: Law David , Genç Murat , Bryant John 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis paper examines the hypotheses that a greater stock of migrants in New Zealand from a particular country leads to more trade between that country and New Zealand, and a greater stock of New Zealanders living overseas in a particular country leads to more trade between that country and New Zealand. It also examines the relationships between migration, diaspora and tourism exports. The literature suggests that migrants can stimulate trade by lowering transaction costs, and by bringing with them preferences for goods produced in their home country. Our approach is to apply panel data techniques, within the framework of a standard gravity model of trade, to a dataset consisting of information on 233 countries in each of the 26 years between 1981 and 2006. We estimate a random effects panel sample selection model using correlated random effects. Our results indicate that migration does indeed stimulate trade. In our benchmark specification, merchandise exports from and imports to New Zealand both have a statistically significant relationship with numbers of migrants in New Zealand; imports also have a statistically significant relationship with numbers of New Zealanders overseas. Our results also suggest that migration stimulates imports more than exports.
Contagious Energy Prices
Authors: Egger Peter H. , Kesina Michaela , Nigai Sergey 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe develop an empirical model of the determinants of end‐use energy prices in 28 Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development countries. For this, we construct a unique panel data‐set and formulate a spatial panel econometric model with fixed country effects for the period of 1980–2009. A special feature of the proposed empirical model is that cross‐country interdependence in energy prices surfaces through two channels, a metric of similarity towards energy policy and a metric of trade in energy goods. We estimate the parameters of that model and conduct several comparative static experiments. We find that higher income per capita and lower efficiency in energy distribution tend to raise energy prices whereas higher net imports of energy and more abundant energy resource endowments reduce them. We also find that bilateral trade in energy goods is an important channel of transmission of shocks in energy prices across countries. The estimation results suggest that countries that use the same types of resources to generate energy are likely to transmit energy price shocks to each other through competition effects.
Salt‐leaching effect of drip irrigation in Elaeagnus angustifolia shelterbelt extremely arid area
Authors: Zhao Xinfeng , Xu Hailiang , Zhang Peng , Fu Jinyi , Bai Yuan 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSoil salinity level in shelterbelts under different emitter distance and different planting years was compared using 3 years of monitoring data from a typical oasis located in an extremely arid area in northwest China. The variation trend of salinity level during the whole growing season and in nonirrigation season was analysed. The results indicate that: (1) under narrow emitter distance (1.5 m), the soil layer with the highest salinity level was located deepest (50–85 cm). Under wide emitter distance (3 m), the soil layer with the highest salinity level was located shallower (45–80 cm); (2) drip irrigation effectively decreased the soil salinity level. With the increased in irrigating years, the salt‐leaching effect was better. Most of the soil salts were brought downward to the soil layer below 30 cm, 50 cm and 70 cm, respectively, in shelterbelts that have been irrigating for 1 year, 2 years and 3 years; (3) soil salinity level presented an increasing trend during the growing season. The largest change of soil salinity level fore‐and‐aft the irrigation was found in 20‐cm depth, followed by the 40‐cm depth and then the 60‐cm depth; (4) in nonirrigation season, salt was accumulating at the surface in shelterbelts. Among all the shelterbelts with different forest age, the salinity level on the surface was the highest in the 2‐year‐old shelterbelt.
Time Scales of Critical Events Around the Cretaceous-Paleogene Boundary
Authors: Renne Paul R. , Deino Alan L. , Hilgen Frederik J. , Kuiper Klaudia F. , Mark Darren F. , Mitchell William S. , Morgan Leah E. , Mundil Roland , Smit Jan 
Published: February 2013

Impact DatingThe large mass extinction of terrestrial and marine life—most notably, non-avian dinosaurs—occurred around 66 million years ago, at the boundary between the Cretaceous and Paleogene periods. But attributing the cause to a large asteroid impact depends on precisely dating material from the impact with indicators of ecological stress and environmental change in the rock record.Renneet al.(p.684; see the Perspective byPälike) acquired high-precision radiometric dates of stratigraphic layers surrounding the boundary, demonstrating that the impact occurred within 33,000 years of the mass extinction. The data also constrain the length of time in which the atmospheric carbon cycle was severely disrupted to less than 5000 years. Because the climate in the late Cretaceous was becoming unstable, the large-impact event appears to have triggered a state-shift in an already stressed global ecosystem.
Identification of a New Tuberculosis Antigen Recognized by γδ T Cell Receptor
Authors: Xi Xueyan , Han Xiqin , Li Liang , Zhao Zhendong 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThe immune protection initiated by γδ T cells plays an important role in mycobacterial infection. The γδ T cells activated byMycobacterium tuberculosis-derived nonpeptidic, phosphorylated biometabolites (phosphoantigens) provide only partial immune protection against mycobacterium, while evidence has suggested that protein antigen-activated γδ T cells elicit effective protective immune responses. To date, only a few distinct mycobacterial protein antigens have been identified. In the present study, we screened protein antigens recognized by γδ T cells using cells transfected with the predominant pulmonary tuberculosis γδ T cell receptor (TCR) CDR3 fragment. We identified two peptides, TP1 and TP2, which not only bind to the pulmonary tuberculosis predominant γδ TCR but also effectively activate γδ T cells isolated from pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Moreover, 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate synthase 2 (DXS2), the TP1-matched mycobacterial protein, was confirmed as a ligand for the γδ TCR and was found to activate γδ T cells from pulmonary tuberculosis patients. The extracellular region (extracellular peptide [EP]) of Rv2272, a TP2-matched mycobacterial transmembrane protein, was also shown to activate γδ T cells from pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Both DXS2- and EP-expanded γδ T cells from pulmonary tuberculosis patients could secrete gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), which play important roles in mediating cytotoxicity against mycobacterium and stimulating monocyte chemotaxis toward the site of infection. In conclusion, our study identified novel mycobacterial protein antigens recognized by γδ TCR cells that could be candidates for the development of vaccines or adjuvants against mycobacterium infection.
Impaired Lymphocyte Reactivity Measured by Immune Function Testing in Untransplanted Patients with Cirrhosis
Authors: Yee Russell M. , Lehil Mandeep S. , Rongey Catherine , Shen Hui , Cozen Myrna L. , Monto Alexander , Ryan James C. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

The immune function test is an integrated measure of total mitogen-inducible CD4
+
T cell metabolic activity in the peripheral blood, and it is used to guide the dosing of immunosuppressive medications after solid organ transplantation. Recently, low CD4
+
T cell metabolic activity due to pharmacologic immunosuppression has been linked to rapidly progressive cirrhosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected liver transplant recipients. We speculate that either cirrhosis or HCV might adversely affect the CD4
+
T cell reactivity even in the absence of immunosuppressive medications. We thus performed this assay on a cohort of untransplanted hepatology patients who were not taking immunomodulatory drugs. Low mitogen-stimulated CD4
+
T cell metabolic reactivity was more commonly seen in untransplanted patients with HCV cirrhosis or with cirrhosis due to other causes but not in control patients or in those with chronic HCV in the absence of cirrhosis. The lowest mean CD4
+
T cell reactivities were seen in patients with both cirrhosis and HCV. Caution should be exercised when immune function test results are used to guide immunomodulatory therapy in transplant recipients with suspected cirrhosis, as low immune function test results may be a consequence of hepatic cirrhosis or of pharmacologic immunosuppression.
Development of a High-Throughput Assay To Measure the Neutralization Capability of Anti-Cytomegalovirus Antibodies
Authors: Gardner Thomas J. , Bolovan-Fritts Cynthia , Teng Melissa W. , Redmann Veronika , Kraus Thomas A. , Sperling Rhoda , Moran Thomas , Britt William , Weinberger Leor S. , Tortorella Domenico 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTInfection by human cytomegalovirus (CMV) elicits a strong humoral immune response and robust anti-CMV antibody production. Diagnosis of virus infection can be carried out by using a variety of serological assays; however, quantification of serum antibodies against CMV may not present an accurate measure of a patient's ability to control a virus infection. CMV strains that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion proteins can be used as screening tools for evaluating characteristics of CMV infectionin vitro. In this study, we employed a CMV virus strain, AD169, that ectopically expresses a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) fused to the immediate-early 2 (IE2) protein product (AD169IE2-YFP) to quantify a CMV infection in human cells. We created a high-throughput cell-based assay that requires minimal amounts of material and provides a platform for rapid analysis of the initial phase of virus infection, including virus attachment, fusion, and immediate-early viral gene expression. The AD169IE2-YFPcell infection system was utilized to develop a neutralization assay with a monoclonal antibody against the viral surface glycoprotein gH. The high-throughput assay was extended to measure the neutralization capacity of serum from CMV-positive subjects. These findings describe a sensitive and specific assay for the quantification of a key immunological response that plays a role in limiting CMV dissemination and transmission. Collectively, we have demonstrated that a robust high-throughput infection assay can analyze the early steps of the CMV life cycle and quantify the potency of biological reagents to attenuate a virus infection.
Comparison of Galactomannan Enzyme Immunoassay Performance Levels when Testing Serum and Plasma Samples
Authors: White P. Lewis , Jones Tim , Whittle Katie , Watkins Joanne , Barnes Rosemary A. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT
Diagnostic galactomannan (GM) enzyme immunoassay (EIA) testing is formally validated only for serum, though in practice, plasma is occasionally tested. It is assumed, but not confirmed, that results will be comparable to those for serum. GM EIA when testing plasma was evaluated, providing sensitivity (85.7%) and specificity (85.4%) comparable to those for serum. Plasma index values were higher than those for serum; if plasma GM EIA were used to define probable cases, four additional cases would have been diagnosed.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Clinical Isolate, Aeromonas hydrophila SNUFPC-A8, from a Moribund Cherry Salmon (
Oncorhynchus masou masou
)
Authors: Han Jee Eun , Kim Ji Hyung , Choresca Casiano , Shin Sang Phil , Jun Jin Woo , Park Se Chang 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

We present the genome of a clinical isolate,
Aeromonas hydrophila
SNUFPC-A8, from a moribund cherry salmon. The completed draft genome of this strain shows high sequence homology to the reference strain
A. hydrophila
ATCC 7966 (NC008570.1) and known plasmids pAsa2 and pAAk1 from other
Aeromonas
species (NC004925.1 and NC019014.1).
Evaluation of PNA-FISH Yeast Traffic Light for Rapid Identification of Yeast Directly from Positive Blood Cultures and Assessment of Clinical Impact
Authors: Stone N. R. H. , Gorton R. L. , Barker K. , Ramnarain P. , Kibbler C. C. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

The PNA-FISH Yeast Traffic Light assay was performed on 54 clinical isolates of yeasts inoculated into blood culture bottles. The assay showed high sensitivity (
Candida albicans/C. parapsilosis
, 100%;
C. glabrata/C. krusei
, 92.3%;
C. tropicalis
, 100%) and specificity (
C. albicans/C. parapsilosis
, 100%;
C. glabrata/C. krusei
, 94.8%;
C. tropicalis
, 100%). Case note review estimated a change in therapy in 29% of cases had the PNA-FISH result been available to the clinician.
Comparison of the Accuracy of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry with That of Other Commercial Identification Systems for Identifying Staphylococcus saprophyticus in Urine
Authors: Lee Tai-Fen , Lee Hao , Chen Chung-Ming , Du Shin-Hei , Cheng Ya-Chih , Hsu Chen-Ching , Chung Meng-Yu , Teng Shih-Hua , Teng Lee-Jene , Hsueh Po-Ren 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Among 30 urinary isolates of
Staphylococcus saprophyticus
identified by sequencing methods, the rate of accurate identification was 100% for Bruker Biotyper matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), 86.7% for the Phoenix PID and Vitek 2 GP systems, 93.3% for the MicroScan GP33 system, and 46.7% for the BBL CHROMagar Orientation system.
Polymorphism of Antigen MPT64 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strains
Authors: Jiang Yi , Liu Haican , Wang Haiyin , Dou Xiangfeng , Zhao Xiuqin , Bai Yun , Wan Li , Li Guilian , Zhang Wen , Chen Chen , Wan Kanglin 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

We selected 180 clinical isolates of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex (MTBC) from patients in China and performed comparative sequence analysis of the
mpt64
gene after amplification. From the results, we found that polymorphisms of the
mpt64
gene in the MTBC may be the reason for changes in the antigen produced, which may in turn cause alterations of related functions, thereby allowing immune evasion.
Development of PCR Assays for Detection of Trichomonas vaginalis in Urine Specimens
Authors: Bandea Claudiu I. , Joseph Kahaliah , Secor Evan W. , Jones Laurie A. , Igietseme Joseph U. , Sautter Robert L. , Hammerschlag Margaret R. , Fajman Nancy N. , Girardet Rebecca G. , Black Carolyn M. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Trichomonas vaginalis
infections are usually asymptomatic or can result in nonspecific clinical symptoms, which makes laboratory-based detection of this protozoan parasite essential for diagnosis and treatment. We report the development of a battery of highly sensitive and specific PCR assays for detection of
T. vaginalis
in urine, a noninvasive specimen, and development of a protocol for differentiating among
Trichomonas
species that commonly infect humans.
Five Clinical Cases of Necropsobacter rosorum Bacteremia
Authors: Tan Thean Yen , Ng Lily Siew Yong , Eng Li Ching 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Five cases of bacteremia with
Necropsobacter rosorum
are described, originating from intra-abdominal infections or localized soft tissue infections in the pelvic region.
N. rosorum
is consistently misidentified by commercial identification systems, which may delay recognition of this organism as a human pathogen.
Validation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv1681 Protein as a Diagnostic Marker of Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Pollock Nira R. , Macovei Lilia , Kanunfre Kelly , Dhiman Rakesh , Restrepo Blanca I. , Zarate Izelda , Pino Paula A. , Mora-Guzman Francisco , Fujiwara Ricardo T. , Michel Gerd , Kashino Suely S. , Campos-Neto Antonio 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

The development of an accurate antigen detection assay for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis (TB) would represent a major clinical advance. Here, we demonstrate that the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Rv1681 protein is a biomarker for active TB with potential diagnostic utility. We initially identified, by mass spectroscopy, peptides from the Rv1681 protein in urine specimens from 4 patients with untreated active TB. Rabbit IgG anti-recombinant Rv1681 detected Rv1681 protein in lysates and culture filtrates of
M. tuberculosis
and immunoprecipitated it from pooled urine specimens from two TB patients. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay formatted with these antibodies detected Rv1681 protein in unconcentrated urine specimens from 11/25 (44%) TB patients and 1/21 (4.8%) subjects in whom TB was initially clinically suspected but then ruled out by conventional methods. Rv1681 protein was not detected in urine specimens from 10 subjects with
Escherichia coli
-positive urine cultures, 26 subjects with confirmed non-TB tropical diseases (11 with schistosomiasis, 5 with Chagas' disease, and 10 with cutaneous leishmaniasis), and 14 healthy subjects. These results provide strong validation of Rv1681 protein as a promising biomarker for TB diagnosis.