bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Atrial Electromechanical Delay and Left Atrial Mechanical Functions in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris
Authors: Aksan Gökhan , Nar Gökay , Soylu Korhan , İnci Sinan , Yuksel Serkan , Serra Ocal Hande , Pancar Yuksel Esra , Gulel Okan 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesIncreased frequency of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been demonstrated in psoriasis cases. Prolongation of the duration of atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) is a well‐known characteristic of the atrium, which is vulnerable to AF. In the current study, our aims are to investigate AEMD durations and mechanical functions of the left atrium (LA) in patients with psoriasis.MethodsA total of 90 patients, 45 with psoriasis vulgaris and 45 as the control group, were included in the study. Atrial electromechanical coupling (PA) and intra‐ and inter‐atrial electromechanical delay (IA‐AEMD) were measured with tissue Doppler echocardiography. P‐wave dispersion (PWD) was calculated from the 12‐lead electrocardiogram. The severity of the disease was evaluated by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index.ResultsThe durations of PA lateral and PA septal were significantly high in the psoriasis group when compared with the control group (47.7 ± 9.8 vs. 57.1 ± 8.4 msec, P < 0.001 and 38.6 ± 9.9 vs. 43.6 ± 8 msec, P = 0.016, respectively). The durations of IA‐AEMD, intra‐right electromechanical delay, and intra‐left electromechanical delay in the psoriasis group were significantly prolonged compared with the control group (15.2 ± 4.1 vs. 21.7 ± 5.6 msec, P < 0.001; 6 ± 2.5 vs. 8.7 ± 2.7 msec, P < 0.001; and 9.1 ± 3.9 vs. 13.5 ± 5.2 msec, P < 0.001; respectively). PWD was significantly higher in patients with psoriasis vulgaris compared with controls (36.1 ± 7.9 vs. 40.2 ± 9.1 msec, P = 0.043).ConclusionIn the present study, we found prolongation in the durations of AEMD and PWD in the psoriasis group compared with the control group. These results might be an early predictor of AF and other arrhythmias.
Effects of sedimentation on an endangered benthic fish, Cobitis shikokuensis: is sediment‐free habitat a requirement or a preference?
Authors: Kawanishi Ryota , Dohi Ryota , Fujii Asuka , Inoue Mikio 
Published: August 2014

AbstractA negative correlation between the degree of fine sediment deposition and the abundance of stream benthic fishes has often been reported, although the causal mechanisms for this effect are not fully understood. To better understand the influence of sedimentation, it is important to clarify whether it alters the habitat required by fish, or merely preferred by them. We conducted two enclosure experiments in the field to examine (i) whether an endangered benthic fish, Cobitis shikokuensis, prefers sediment‐free substrate and (ii) whether fine sediment deposition has negative effects on the physiological condition of C. shikokuensis. The first experiment, which used three types of substrates, ‘cobble’, ‘pebble’ and ‘mixture of fine sediment and pebbles’, showed that C. shikokuensis avoided the mixture. The second experiment, which compared the physiological condition of fish reared in enclosures with either a pebble or mixture substrate, showed that the condition of the fish in the latter group declined more quickly. These results suggest that, for C. shikokuensis, sediment‐free substrate is a habitat requirement, not merely a preference, and that excessive input of fine sediment due to human activities can cause a decline in the population of this species.
Friends interventions in psychosis: a narrative review and call to action
Authors: Harrop Chris , Ellett Lyn , Brand Rachel , Lobban Fiona 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimsTo highlight the importance of friendships to young people with psychosis, and the need for clinical interventions to help maintain peer relationships during illness. To structure a research agenda for developing evidence‐based interventions with friends.MethodAn argument is developed through a narrative review of (i) the proven efficacy of family interventions, and (by comparison) a relative absence of friend‐based interventions; (ii) the particular primacy of friendships and dating for young people, and typical effects of exclusion; and (iii) reduced friendship networks and dating experiences in psychosis, in pre‐, during and post‐psychosis phases, also links between exclusion and psychosis.ResultsWe put forward a model of how poor friendships can potentially be a causal and/or maintenance factor for psychotic symptoms. Given this model, our thesis is that interventions aiming to maintain social networks can be hugely beneficial clinically for young people with psychosis. We give a case study to show how such an intervention can work.ConclusionsWe call for ‘friends interventions’ for young people with psychosis to be developed, where professionals directly work with a young person's authentic social group to support key friendships and maintain social continuity. An agenda for future research is presented that will develop and test theoretically driven interventions.
Structure and mechanism of the unique C2 domain of Aida
Authors: Zheng Li‐Sha , Liu Yi‐Tong , Chen Lei , Wang Ying , Rui Yan‐Ning , Huang Hui‐Zhe , Lin Shu‐Yong , Wang Jue , Wang Zhi‐Xin , Lin Sheng‐Cai , Wu Jia‐Wei 
Published: August 2014

Axin interactor, dorsalization‐associated (Aida) was identified as a regulatory factor that utilizes its C‐terminal region to interact with axis formation inhibitor (Axin). Aida abrogates the Axin‐mediated Jun N‐terminal kinase activation required for proper dorsalization during zebrafish embryonic development, and thus functions as a proventralization factor. Here, we report the structure of Aida C‐terminal fragments, which adopt a conventional C2 domain topology. We also demonstrate that Aida can specifically bind to phosphoinositides in a Ca2+‐independent manner, and is able to associate with the cell membrane via a novel positively charged surface, namely a basic loop. Mutation of the positively charged patch on the basic loop leads to destabilization of the Aida–membrane association or disruption of the Aida–Axin interaction, resulting in impaired Jun N‐terminal kinase inhibition. Together, our findings provide a molecular basis for C2 domain‐mediated Aida–membrane and Aida–Axin associations.DatabaseThe atomic coordinates and structure factors of the mouse Aida C2 domain (code: 2QZ5) and the zebrafish Aida C2 domain (code: 2QZQ) have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (http://www.rcsb.org/)Structured digital abstract

AIDA physically interacts with Axin by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (View interaction)
A short peptide from frog skin accelerates diabetic wound healing
Authors: Liu Han , Duan Zilei , Tang Jing , Lv Qiumin , Rong Mingqiang , Lai Ren 
Published: August 2014

Delayed wound healing will result in the development of chronic wounds in some diseases, such as diabetes. Amphibian skins possess excellent wound‐healing ability and represent a resource for prospective wound‐healing promoting compounds. A potential wound‐healing promoting peptide (CW49; amino acid sequence APFRMGICTTN) was identified from the frog skin of Odorrana grahami. It promotes wound healing in a murine model with a full‐thickness dermal wound in both normal and diabetic animals. In addition to its strong angiogenic ability with respect to the upregulation of some angiogenic proteins, CW49 also showed a significant anti‐inflammatory effect in diabetic wounds, which was very important for healing chronic wounds. CW49 had little effect on re‐epithelialization, resulting in no significant effect on wound closure rate compared to a vehicle control. Altogether, this indicated that CW49 might accelerate diabetic wound healing by promoting angiogenesis and preventing any excessive inflammatory response. Considering its favorable traits as a small peptide that significantly promotes angiogenesis, CW49 might be an excellent candidate or template for the development of a drug for use in the treatment of diabetic wounds.
Effect of initial damage level and patch configuration on the fatigue behaviour of reinforced steel plates
Authors: Colombi P. , Fava G. , Sonzogni L. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThe application of carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites externally bonded on cracked steel plates is an effective system in extending the fatigue life of these structural elements. In particular, composite patches bonded on the crack tip region reduce the stress concentration and the crack opening displacement, leading to an extension of the fatigue life. In order to additionally show the effectiveness of this kind of reinforcing technique, experimental tests were performed at the laboratories of the Politecnico di Milano. Fatigue tests were executed on single edge notched tension specimens reinforced by pultruded strips bonded to a single side (non‐symmetric reinforcement). Different patch configurations (reinforcement stiffness and patch location) and initial damage levels were considered as parameters influencing the repair effectiveness in extending the fatigue life. The results showed that the use of carbon fibre reinforced polymer materials bonded around the tip region allows extending the fatigue life for different amount of initial damage level. Finally, this work provides some useful information for the more efficient repair configuration.
Compliance, concordance and adherence: what are we talking about?
Authors: Khair K. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryAdherence or compliance to prescribed treatment regimens is an important and much debated area of haemophilia care. Many patients are labelled as ‘non‐adherent’ because they don't do what we say in terms of self‐ treatment and factor administration. However, do we engage patients in developing mutually acceptable treatment programmes which work for them as individuals? If we do, does this affect self‐care and treatment uptake through a supportive relationship which enhances treatment concordance? Once we have agreed treatment regimens, how do we measure the success or outcomes of them? This paper discusses these issues, and some of the tools that are available to assess adherence in a systematic way.
The influence of sodium caseinate on the physical properties of spray‐dried honey
Authors: Samborska Katarzyna , Langa Elwira , Kamińska‐Dwórznicka Anna , Witrowa‐Rajchert Dorota 
Published: August 2014

SummaryThe aim of this work was to spray dry honey (rape and buckwheat varieties) with Arabic gum (AG) as a carrier alone or in combination with sodium caseinate (1% and 2% w/w NaCas) as a drying aid. Powder recovery ranged from 66.2 ± 0.7% to 75.8 ± 4.9%, and the values were significantly higher for samples containing NaCas. Powders were characterised by good flowability, the addition of NaCas had positive impact on this factor. However, the hygroscopicity of protein‐containing powders was higher, especially at 2% w/w of NaCas. Powders hygroscopicity was related to particle size: AG powder of the smallest particle size was the most hygroscopic, while the particle size did not affected flowability, which was strongly related to the feed solution composition. Based on the obtained results, it was concluded that the addition of 1% w/w of NaCas as a drying aid during buckwheat and rape honey spray drying with Arabic gum as a carrier is favourable, while the further increase of protein content does not give additional benefits.
Effect of gums on viability and β‐galactosidase activity of Lactobacillus spp. in milk drink during refrigerated storage
Authors: Karlton‐Senaye Bernice D. , Tahergorabi Reza , Giddings Valerie L. , Ibrahim Salam A. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryThe viability and β‐galactosidase activity of four Lactobacillus strains in milk drink containing gums during 28 days of refrigerated storage at 4 °C were assessed. The population of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GGB101 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GGB103 were maintained, whereas the population of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM20016 and Lactobacillus reuteri SD2112 significantly decreased. The recommended level of 6 log CFU g−1 was exceeded for all tested trains throughout storage. The highest viable number of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GGB103 (8.76 ± 0.03 log CFU mL−1) was obtained in the product containing carrageenan–maltodextrin. The addition of guar–locust bean–carrageenan led to 20‐fold increase in the level of β‐galactosidase activity for L. rhamnosus GGB101 (1208 ± 2.12 Miller units mL−1) compared to the control (61 ± 2.83 Miller units mL−1). Our results suggested that gums could be added to milk to improve viability and enhance β‐galactosidase activity of Lactobacillus.
Part I: Frequency of Depression after Stroke: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Hackett Maree L. , Pickles Kristen 
Published: August 2014

Background Approximately 15 million people who suffer a stroke globally each year are at risk of developing depression. Aim To update our systematic review and meta-analysis of the frequency of depression after stroke published in 2005, including studies published before July 2004. Methods We included all published observational studies (to 31 May 2013) with prospective consecutive recruitment and quantification of the proportion of people with depression after stroke. We included studies of adult (>18 years) patients with a clinical diagnosis of stroke, where an assessment of depression or depressive symptom burden was performed at a pre-specified time-point for all study participants. Results Data were available from 61 studies including 25 488 people. The proportional frequency of depression varied considerably across studies; however, the pooled frequency estimate of 31% (95% confidence interval 28% to 35%) was not significantly different from the 33% (difference of 2%, 95% confidence interval <1% to 3%) reported in the 2005 review. The proportion with depression between one and five-years (25%; 95% confidence interval 16 to 33%) and at five years after stroke (23%; 95% confidence interval 14 to 31%) was significantly lower. Conclusion Despite systematic review evidence describing validated depression screening tools and effective treatment and prevention strategies for depression after stroke, there has not been a significant reduction in the proportion of people experiencing depression after stroke. There is a pressing need for increased clinical uptake of evidenced-based strategies to screen for, prevent, and treat depression after stroke.
Expression patterns of sex‐determination genes in single male and female embryos of two Bactrocera fruit fly species during early development
Authors: Morrow J. L. , Riegler M. , Frommer M. , Shearman D. C. A. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIn tephritids, the sex‐determination pathway follows the sex‐specific splicing of transformer (tra) mRNA, and the cooperation of tra and transformer‐2 (tra‐2) to effect the sex‐specific splicing of doublesex (dsx), the genetic double‐switch responsible for male or female somatic development. The Dominant Male Determiner (M) is the primary signal that controls this pathway. M, as yet uncharacterized, is Y‐chromosome linked, expressed in the zygote and directly or indirectly diminishes active TRA protein in male embryos. Here we first demonstrated the high conservation of tra, tra‐2 and dsx in two Australian tephritids, Bactrocera tryoni and Bactrocera jarvisi. We then used quantitative reverse transcription PCR on single, sexed embryos to examine expression of the key sex‐determination genes during early embryogenesis. Individual embryos were sexed using molecular markers located on the B. jarvisi Y‐chromosome that was also introgressed into a B. tryoni line. In B. jarvisi, sex‐specific expression of tra transcripts occurred between 3 to 6 h after egg laying, and the dsx isoform was established by 7 h. These milestones were delayed in B. tryoni lines. The results provide a time frame for transcriptomic analyses to identify M and its direct targets, plus information on genes that may be targeted for the development of male‐only lines for pest management.
Indian thermal power plant challenges and remedies via application of modified data envelopment analysis
Authors: Yadav Vinod Kumar , Kumar Niranjan , Ghosh Santosh , Singh Kanwardeep 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis paper evaluates the performance of coal‐fired thermal power plants in India for the year 2008–2009 using data envelopment analysis (DEA); subdividing the power plants into three categories depending on their scale—small, medium, and large. The classical DEA model is analyzed to identify the efficient ones from the whole gamut of plants run by various organizations of the central government, state government, and private sector. Slack analysis is carried out to explore the specific areas that need to be focused on, in quantitative terms, for the overall efficiency improvement. Further efficiency evaluation is extended from a single criterion‐based conventional approach to a multiple criteria oriented approach, and the resulting DEA models are more efficient and flexible in many aspects, particularly in discriminant and weight analysis. Results of multicriteria DEA (MCDEA) are substantiated with cross‐efficiency analysis by deploying the weights obtained by the MCDEA in the cross‐efficiency analysis. On the basis of the insights provided by the outcome of the analysis, both qualitative and quantitative measures are proposed for improvement of the plant performances. The result of this analysis may assist the management of the power plants to introspect and review their systems and processes for optimal use of resources. The methodology adopted in the present work can also be employed for deeper understanding of power plants in other parts of India as well as in other countries.
Second to fourth digit ratio: a predictor of adult testicular volume
Authors: Oh J. K. , Kim K. T. , Yoon S. J. , Kim S. W. , Kim T. B. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryIt has been suggested that second to fourth digit ratio (digit ratio) may correlate with male reproductive system function or disorders. This hypothesis is based on finding that the Hox genes control finger development and differentiation of the genital bud during embryogenesis. Thus, we investigated the association between digit ratio and adult testicular volume. A total of 172 Korean men (aged 20–69 years) hospitalized for urological surgery were prospectively enrolled. Patients with conditions known to strongly influence testicular volume were excluded. Before determining testicular volume, the lengths of the second and fourth digits of the right hand were measured by a single investigator using a digital vernier calliper. Using orchidometry, the testes were measured by an experienced urologist who had no information about the patient's digit ratio. To identify the independent predictive factors influencing testicular volume, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using linear regression models. Age, height, serum testosterone and free testosterone level were not correlated with testicular volume. Digit ratio, along with weight, was significantly correlated with testicular volume (right testicular volume: r = −0.185, p = 0.015; left testicular volume: r = −0.193, p = 0.011; total testicular volume: r = −0.198, p = 0.009). Multivariate analysis using linear regression models showed that only digit ratio was the independent factor to predict all (right, left and total) testicular volumes (right testicular volume: β = −0.174, p = 0.023; left testicular volume: β = −0.181, p = 0.017; total testicular volume: β = −0.185, p = 0.014). Our findings demonstrated that digit ratio is negatively associated with adult testicular volume. This means that men with a higher digit ratio may be more likely to have smaller testis compared to those with a lower digit ratio.
It's Not Always about Winning: Domestic Politics and Legal Success in EU Annulment Litigation
Authors: Adam Christian , Bauer Michael W. , Hartlapp Miriam 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWhy do EU Member State governments have such varying degrees of success when they initiate annulment actions against the European Commission? Usually litigant success is associated with arguments about judicial constraint or litigants' capacity. This article sheds light on domestic politics as an additional factor that can affect governments' success record in court. It is argued that governmental annulment actions are often part of a two‐level game in which the value of the legal conflict for a national government can be independent of, or even negatively related to, legal success in court as governments may reap immediate benefits from communicating the initiation of annulment actions to voters. In addition, negative rulings can be used as normative levers in domestic reform processes. The statistical analysis indicates that the latter argument systematically affects governments' success records.
Atypical neural responses to vocal anger in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Chronaki Georgia , Benikos Nicholas , Fairchild Graeme , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund J. S. 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundDeficits in facial emotion processing, reported in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), have been linked to both early perceptual and later attentional components of event‐related potentials (ERPs). However, the neural underpinnings of vocal emotion processing deficits in ADHD have yet to be characterised. Here, we report the first ERP study of vocal affective prosody processing in ADHD.MethodsEvent‐related potentials of 6–11‐year‐old children with ADHD (n = 25) and typically developing controls (n = 25) were recorded as they completed a task measuring recognition of vocal prosodic stimuli (angry, happy and neutral). Audiometric assessments were conducted to screen for hearing impairments.ResultsChildren with ADHD were less accurate than controls at recognising vocal anger. Relative to controls, they displayed enhanced N100 and attenuated P300 components to vocal anger. The P300 effect was reduced, but remained significant, after controlling for N100 effects by rebaselining. Only the N100 effect was significant when children with ADHD and comorbid conduct disorder (n = 10) were excluded.ConclusionThis study provides the first evidence linking ADHD to atypical neural activity during the early perceptual stages of vocal anger processing. These effects may reflect preattentive hyper‐vigilance to vocal anger in ADHD.
Infection and pathology in Queensland grouper, Epinephelus lanceolatus, (Bloch), caused by exposure to Streptococcus agalactiae via different routes
Authors: Delamare‐Deboutteville J , Bowater R , Condon K , Reynolds A , Fisk A , Aviles F , Barnes A C 
Published: August 2014

AbstractSince 2007, 96 wild Queensland groupers, Epinephelus lanceolatus, (Bloch), have been found dead in NE Australia. In some cases, Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) was isolated. At present, a GBS isolate from a wild grouper case was employed in experimental challenge trials in hatchery‐reared Queensland grouper by different routes of exposure. Injection resulted in rapid development of clinical signs including bilateral exophthalmia, hyperaemic skin or fins and abnormal swimming. Death occurred in, and GBS was re‐isolated from, 98% fish injected and was detected by PCR in brain, head kidney and spleen from all fish, regardless of challenge dose. Challenge by immersion resulted in lower morbidity with a clear dose response. Whilst infection was established via oral challenge by admixture with feed, no mortality occurred. Histology showed pathology consistent with GBS infection in organs examined from all injected fish, from fish challenged with medium and high doses by immersion, and from high‐dose oral challenge. These experimental challenges demonstrated that GBS isolated from wild Queensland grouper reproduced disease in experimentally challenged fish and resulted in pathology that was consistent with that seen in wild Queensland grouper infected with S. agalactiae.