bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuromodulation using percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for the management of trigeminal‐mediated headshaking: A safe procedure resulting in medium‐term remission in five of seven horses
Authors: Roberts V. L. H. , Patel N. K. , Tremaine W. H. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyThere are no consistently safe and effective methods for the treatment of trigeminal‐mediated headshaking in horses. In affected horses, the trigeminal nerve is sensitised, appearing to result in neuropathic pain. Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) therapy is a minimally invasive neuromodulatory treatment used in people to manage neuropathic pain.ObjectivesTo determine whether PENS therapy is safe, tolerated and effective for the management of trigeminal‐mediated headshaking in horses.Study designDescriptive case series.MethodsSeven horses diagnosed with trigeminal‐mediated headshaking and currently showing clinical signs were studied. All procedures were carried out in sedated horses with a needle‐prick sized area of skin desensitised with local anaesthetic to facilitate probe insertion. A disposable PENS probe was advanced subcutaneously adjacent to the nerve, rostral to the infraorbital foramen under ultrasonographic guidance. The nerve was stimulated for 25 min following a protocol of alternating frequencies and a perception threshold based on human clinical data. The probe was removed and the procedure repeated on the contralateral side. The protocol used comprised a series of 3 or 4 treatments, with treatments being repeated when signs of headshaking recurred.ResultsAll horses tolerated the procedure well. Three horses developed a haematoma at the site on one occasion and 2 had increased clinical signs for up to 3 days following first treatment. Six horses demonstrated a positive response to their first treatment, returning to ridden work at the same level as prior to onset of headshaking, with 5 continuing to respond. Median remission time for first treatment was 3.8 days (range 0–8 days, n = 7), second treatment 2.5 weeks (0–8 weeks, n = 7), third treatment 15.5 weeks (0–24 weeks, n = 5) and fourth treatment 20 weeks (12–28 weeks ongoing, n = 2).ConclusionsPercutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy is a safe, well tolerated, minimally invasive, repeatable management option for trigeminal‐mediated headshaking, with encouraging efficacy for amelioration of clinical signs in the short‐ to medium term.
Consensus guidelines for the use of empiric and diagnostic‐driven antifungal treatment strategies in haematological malignancy, 2014
Authors: Morrissey C. O. , Gilroy N. M. , Macesic N. , Walker P. , Ananda‐Rajah M. , May M. , Heath C. H. , Grigg A. , Bardy P. G. , Kwan J. , Kirsa S. W. , Slavin M. , Gottlieb T. , Chen S. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractInvasive fungal disease (IFD) causes significant morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation or chemotherapy for haematological malignancy. Much of these adverse outcomes are due to the limited ability of traditional diagnostic tests (i.e. culture and histology) to make an early and accurate diagnosis. As persistent or recurrent fevers of unknown origin (PFUO) in neutropenic patients despite broad‐spectrum antibiotics have been associated with the development of IFD, most centres have traditionally administered empiric antifungal therapy (EAFT) to patients with PFUO. However, use of an EAFT strategy has not been shown to have an overall survival benefit and is associated with excessive antifungal therapy use. As a result, the focus has shifted to developing more sensitive and specific diagnostic tests for early and more targeted antifungal treatment. These tests, including the galactomannan enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and Aspergillus polymerase chain reaction (PCR), have enabled the development of diagnostic‐driven antifungal treatment (DDAT) strategies, which have been shown to be safe and feasible, reducing antifungal usage. In addition, the development of effective antifungal prophylactic strategies has changed the landscape in terms of the incidence and types of IFD that clinicians have encountered. In this review, we examine the current role of EAFT and provide up‐to‐date data on the newer diagnostic tests and algorithms available for use in EAFT and DDAT strategies, within the context of patient risk and type of antifungal prophylaxis used.
Self‐Care Status, Symptom Burden, and Reported Infections in Individuals With Lower‐Extremity Primary Lymphedema
Authors: Deng Jie , Radina Elise , Fu Mei R. , Armer Jane M. , Cormier Janice N. , Thiadens Saskia R.J. , Weiss Jan , Tuppo Catherine M. , Dietrich Mary S. , Ridner Sheila H. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPurposeThe purposes of this study were (a) to evaluate self‐care, symptom burden, and reported infections among individuals with lower‐extremity primary lymphedema; (b) to examine the differences in self‐care, symptom burden, and reported infections between individuals with unilateral and those with bilateral lower‐extremity primary lymphedema; and (c) to examine the associations among self‐care status, symptom burden, and reported infections in individuals with lower‐extremity primary lymphedema.DesignA secondary data analysis was used. Data were collected from a cross‐sectional survey study supported by the National Lymphedema Network from March 2006 through January 2010. The surveys were available both online and in hard copy in order to increase accessibility.MethodsDescriptive statistics were conducted and associations between variables were assessed using Mann‐Whitney tests and chi‐square tests of independence. Multiple logistic regression was used to test for associations while controlling for potentially confounding variables.FindingsA total of 803 participants reported having lower‐extremity primary lymphedema. The majority of the participants were female (82.9%), White (74.2%), and from the United States (90.7%). Approximately two thirds of the respondents conducted some home daily lymphedema self‐care. Over half of the respondents reported experiencing symptom burden and 44.8% reported at least one episode of infection. Compared to individuals with unilateral lower‐extremity primary lymphedema, individuals with bilateral lower‐extremity lymphedema were more likely to conduct skin care (p = .004), use alternative medications (p = .005), more frequently reported symptoms (p < .05), and more likely to report at least one episode of infection (p = .002). Respondents who reported use of compression garments also were less likely to have self‐reported pain (p = .002), poor range of motion (p = .026), and numbness (p = .001). Participants who reported exercising also were less likely to have self‐reported pain (p = .003). Participants who reported at least one episode of infection also reported experiencing more symptoms (p < .001).ConclusionsIndividuals with lower‐extremity primary lymphedema experienced substantial symptom burden and infection episodes. Significant associations were identified among self‐care, symptom burden, and reported infections.Clinical RelevanceThe findings support the need for clinicians to educate patients with lower‐extremity primary lymphedema regarding the importance of self‐care, symptom management, and infection control. It is critically important for clinicians to evaluate symptom burden and reduce infections in individuals with lower‐extremity primary lymphedema.
STRUCTURAL VECTOR AUTOREGRESSIONS: CHECKING IDENTIFYING LONG‐RUN RESTRICTIONS VIA HETEROSKEDASTICITY
Authors: Lütkepohl Helmut , Velinov Anton 
Published: December 2014

AbstractLong‐run restrictions have been used extensively for identifying structural shocks in vector autoregressive (VAR) analysis. Such restrictions are typically just‐identifying but can be checked by utilizing changes in volatility. This paper reviews and contrasts the volatility models that have been used for this purpose. Three main approaches have been used, exogenously generated changes in the unconditional residual covariance matrix, changing volatility modelled by a Markov switching mechanism and multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity models. Using changes in volatility for checking long‐run identifying restrictions in structural VAR analysis is illustrated by reconsidering models for identifying fundamental components of stock prices.
ADAMTS‐4 and ADAMTS‐5 expression in human temporomandibular joint discs with internal derangement, correlates with degeneration
Authors: Leonardi Rosalia , Crimi Salvatore , Almeida Luis Eduardo , Pannone Giuseppe , Musumeci Giuseppe , Castorina Sergio , Rusu Mugurel Constantin , Loreto Carla 
Published: December 2014

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement (ID) is one of the most common form of temporomandibular disorders. There is evidence showing the increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the cells from degenerated TMJ disc. ADAMTS are a large family of metalloproteases which are responsible for proteoglycans degradation. The present study aimed to evaluate ADAMTS‐4 and ADAMTS‐5 immunohistochemical expression in human TMJ discs from patients affected by ID, and to find out if there is any correlation with the degree of histopathological changes. Eighteen temporomandibular displaced disc specimens and sixteen TMJ disc control were used for the present study. Specimens were immunohistochemically processed and ADAMTS‐4 and ADAMTS‐5 expression were obtained respectively for the anterior (AB), intermediate (IB) and posterior (PB) bands and compared to the histopathological degeneration score (HDS). Immunoreactivity for ADAMTS‐4 and ‐5, was observed in both not degenerated and degenerated human TMJ discs. Both the percentage of ADAMTS‐4 and ‐5 immunostained cells (ES) and the intensity of staining (IS) were significantly greater in affected specimens compared with those in control discs. The ADAMTS‐5 ES and IS of the 3 bands of the disc correlated to the TMJ disc HDS (0.001 < P < 0.05), on the other hand only AB and IB, ADAMTS‐4 immunostaining scores correlated to HDS. According to these findings it can be assumed in that the more histopathological changes in the disc are detected, the higher levels of ADAMTS are produced. This in turn can lead to ECM breakdown and in turn to a more advanced disc displacement.
Relationship Between Premature Ejaculation and Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
Authors: Lee Jun Ho , Lee Sung Won 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common etiology of premature ejaculation (PE). However, the current data are insufficient to explain this relationship and to support routine screening of men with PE.

Aims
This study aims to evaluate the relationship between PE and CP/CPPS.

Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted that included 8,261 men who had participated in a health examination. The Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), the National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF) were used for assessment of symptoms. A full metabolic work-up and serum testosterone level checks were also performed. We then investigated the relationship using the Spearman correlation test, multiple linear regression, and logistic regression analyses.

Main Outcome Measures
Associations of PEDT with NIH-CPSI.

Results
The mean age was 50.4 ± 5.5 years. In total, 2,205 (24.9%) men had prostatitis-like symptoms (NIH-CPSI pain score of ≥4 and perineal or ejaculatory pain), and 618 (7.0%) men had moderate to severe symptoms (NIH-CPSI pain score of ≥8). Additionally, 2,144 men (24.2%) were classified as demonstrating PE (PEDT &gt; 10). The PEDT score was found to have a significant positive correlation with the NIH-CPSI pain domain score (correlation coefficient = 0.206; P &lt; 0.001). After adjusting for age, metabolic syndrome status, testosterone level, and IIEF score, there was no change in the positive correlation between the NIH-CPSI pain domain score and PEDT score (Beta = 0.175; P &lt; 0.001). After adjusting for age, testosterone level, metabolic syndrome, and IIEF score, the odds ratio (OR) for PE significantly increased with the severity of pelvic pain (mild prostatitis-like symptoms, OR for PE: 1.269, 95% confidence interval: 1.113–1.447; moderate to severe symptoms, OR for PE: 2.134: 95% confidence interval: 1.782–2.557).

Conclusions
Our data showed a significant correlation between the PEDT score and the NIH-CPSI score. We suggest routine screening for CP/CPPS in men with PE and PE in men with CP/CPPS.
Targets of the Sex Inducer homeodomain proteins are required for fungal development and virulence in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Mead Matthew E. , Stanton Brynne C. , Kruzel Emilia K. , Hull Christina M. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryIn the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the regulation of cell types by homeodomain transcription factors is a key paradigm; however, many questions remain regarding this class of developmental regulators in other fungi. In the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, the homeodomain transcription factors Sxi1α and Sxi2a are required for sexual development that produces infectious spores, but the molecular mechanisms by which they drive this process are unknown. To better understand homeodomain control of fungal development, we determined the targets of the Sxi2a‐Sxi1α heterodimer using whole genome expression analyses paired with in silico and in vitro binding site identification methods. We identified Sxi‐regulated genes that contained a site bound directly by the Sxi proteins that is required for full regulation in vivo. Among the targets of the Sxi2a‐Sxi1α complex were many genes known to be involved in sexual reproduction, as well as several well‐studied virulence genes. Our findings suggest that genes involved in sexual development are also important in mammalian disease. Our work advances the understanding of how homeodomain transcription factors control complex developmental events and suggests an intimate link between fungal development and virulence.
Self‐expansion and flow: The roles of challenge, skill, affect, and activation
Authors: GRAHAM JAMES M. , HARF MIKAELA R. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe self‐expansion model posits that engaging in challenging activities with one's romantic partner increases the quality of that romantic relationship. Research on flow suggests that the optimal level of challenge for such experiences is determined by the skill of the individual. In a series of 5 studies spanning experimental, survey, and experience sampling methodologies, we elaborate on the self‐expansion model to describe how activity challenge effects romantic relationship quality. The results suggest that engaging in challenging activities with one's partner results in increases in relationship quality, though this effect is dependent on the skill of the individual. Changes in affect appear to fully mediate this process. We present a theoretical model combining self‐expansion and flow theories.
Macroalgae in biofuel production
Authors: Suutari Milla , Leskinen Elina , Fagerstedt Kurt , Kuparinen Jorma , Kuuppo Pirjo , Blomster Jaanika 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe conversion processes of macroalgae for biofuels can be divided into thermochemical (dry) and microbiological (wet) processes. The chemical composition of macroalgae together with the pre‐treatment method, conversion conditions, and the characteristics of the microbes involved (wet processes) determine the yield and the properties of the biofuel produced. Macroalgae are often rich in carbohydrates, and therefore well suited for biogas, biobutanol and bioethanol productions. The content of triacylglycerols (TAGs) is the best indicator for the suitability of the alga for biodiesel production. TAGs have a high conversion rate to biodiesel, high percentage of fatty acids, and they lack phosphorus, sulfur and nitrogen. Macroalgae can have high metal concentrations, which can have an impact on conversion processes: metals may inhibit or catalyse the processes. High sulfur (especially in green algae) and nitrogen contents are also characteristic to macroalgae, and may be problematic in the production of biogas (NH3‐toxicity) and the use of the oil and biodiesel (high concentrations of H2S and NOx‐compounds). Macroalgae have proven to be suitable material for conversion processes, but further optimization of the processes is needed. At present, macroalgae are not economically, or in many cases not even environmentally, sustainable material when the whole production chain is considered. In this review we summarize information on the chemical composition of macroalgae in a prospect of biofuel production, and the current situation in the field of macroalgal‐based biofuel production.
Evolving Concepts of Evolution: The Case of Shame and Guilt
Authors: Folger Robert , Johnson Michael , Letwin Chaim 
Published: December 2014

AbstractEvolutionary biologists often refer to a distinction between ultimate and proximate explanation. On the one hand, such a distinction points to important issues for social psychologists, especially in terms of what it means to say that people experience emotions such as guilt and shame. On the other hand, the value of the ultimate/proximate distinction depends on how it is understood because its application can be problematic. We illustrate the use and possible misuse of the distinction in terms of its application to the differentiation of the self‐conscious emotions guilt and shame.
Phosphatidylinositol phosphate 5‐kinase genes respond to phosphate deficiency for root hair elongation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wada Yukika , Kusano Hiroaki , Tsuge Tomohiko , Aoyama Takashi 
Published: December 2014

SummaryPlants drastically alter their root system architecture to adapt to different underground growth conditions. During phosphate (Pi) deficiency, most plants including Arabidopsis thaliana enhance the development of lateral roots and root hairs, resulting in bushy and hairy roots. To elucidate the signal pathway specific for the root hair elongation response to Pi deficiency, we investigated the expression of type‐B phosphatidylinositol phosphate 5‐kinase (PIP5K) genes, as a quantitative factor for root hair elongation in Arabidopsis. At young seedling stages, the PIP5K3 and PIP5K4 genes responded to Pi deficiency in steady‐state transcript levels via PHR1‐binding sequences (P1BSs) in their upstream regions. Both pip5k3 and pip5k4 single mutants, which exhibit short‐root‐hair phenotypes, remained responsive to Pi deficiency for root hair elongation; however the pip5k3pip5k4 double mutant exhibited shorter root hairs than the single mutants, and lost responsiveness to Pi deficiency at young seedling stages. In the tactical complementation line in which modified PIP5K3 and PIP5K4 genes with base substitutions in their P1BSs were co‐introduced into the double mutant, root hairs of young seedlings had normal lengths under Pi‐sufficient conditions, but were not responsive to Pi deficiency. From these results, we conclude that a Pi‐deficiency signal is transferred to the pathway for root hair elongation via the PIP5K genes.
Effect of delayed serum separation and storage temperature on serum glucose concentration in horse, dog, alpaca, and sturgeon
Authors: Collicutt Nancy B. , Garner Bridget , Berghaus Roy D. , Camus Melinda S. , Hart Kelsey 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundAlthough delays between blood sample collection and analysis are common in veterinary medicine, the effect of prolonged serum‐clot contact time on serum glucose concentration is not well established and species differences have not been elucidated.ObjectivesThe objective was to investigate the effect of storage time and temperature on serum glucose concentration in stored whole blood samples from horse, dog, alpaca, and sturgeon.MethodsWhole blood specimens were divided into 7 no‐additive tubes and serum was separated from one sample within one hour, serving as the reference sample. The remaining samples were stored at 4°C and 25°C, then centrifuged and serum glucose measured by automated analysis at 2, 4, and 8 hours postcollection. Glucose concentrations were compared using linear mixed models.ResultsThe decline in serum glucose concentration for all samples stored at 4°C was not statistically significant, except for the 8‐hour samples from sturgeon and dog. At 25°C, serum glucose concentration was comparable to reference values at 2 hours in sturgeon and alpaca, but significantly lower at 4 and 8 hours in those species, and at all time points in equine and canine specimens, being most prominent after 8 hours of storage in canine specimens.ConclusionsStorage at 4°C limits serum glucose decline for at least 4 hours in all species tested and up to 8 hours in specimens of horse and alpaca. At 25°C, serum‐clot contact time should not exceed 1 hour in equine and canine samples, and 2 hours in specimens from alpaca and sturgeon.
Approaches for Evaluating the Vulnerability of Pipelines at Water Crossings
Authors: Dooley Colin , Prestie Zachary , Ferris Gerry , Fitch Murray , Zhang Hua 
Published: December 2014

Alliance Pipeline (Alliance), an integrated Canadian and U.S. high-pressure rich natural gas transmission system administers a Geohazard Management Program (GMP) which identifies, investigates, monitors and assesses sites subject to risks from geohazards. Within the pipeline industry, recent flood events have shown that pipelines with a seemingly adequate depth of cover can become exposed and fail in a single flood event. As such, it is important to understand which water crossings could result in a pipeline failure if the pipeline were to become exposed in a flood (termed vulnerability).
Two complimentary methods were developed for evaluating the vulnerability of pipelines at water crossings. The first method is a mechanistic approach that compares the maximum allowable free span length (MAFSL) of an exposed pipeline to simple geomorphic properties of the water crossing. The MAFSL was determined by calculating the strain and fatigue limits of the pipeline from hydrodynamic loading and vortex shedding. The second approach is based on a statistical regression of historical pipeline performance, hydrotechnical inspection records and actual exposure rates to calculate a probabilistic estimate of pipeline vulnerability.
Utilizing the developed approaches, the vulnerabilities were combined with probability of exposure values to provide an improved risk estimation of the water crossings. Further analysis shows the calculated likelihood of failure at the water crossings has no correlation to the depth of cover (DOC). This suggests that the designation of an arbitrary DOC requirement at water crossings is incongruous with risk management principles. Instead, the DOC at water crossings should be maintained at a safe level based on the specific hydraulic and geomorphic characteristics of the site.
Mass Production of X-80 Plate for Bovanenkovo–Ukhta (Yamal-Europe) Gas Pipeline in Russia
Authors: Ebihara Kiyoshi , Sakamoto Shinya , Hara Takuya , Mamada Nobuhiko , Adachi Toshihiko 
Published: December 2014

This paper describes metallurgical design concept and mass production result of heavy plates for Bovanenkovo-Ukhta (Yamal-Europe) Gas Pipeline project.
The metallurgical design concept was taken as (1) a dual phase microstructure consisting of fine dispersed ferrite and bainite for high strength and high toughness, (2) control of accelerated cooling stop temperature for achieving high yield strength (YS).
In the mass production, the narrow range of strength and elongation and excellent low temperature toughness was achieved (CVN energy at −40°C, and DWTT shear area at −20°C).