bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shigella flexneri serotype 1 infections in men who have sex with men in Vancouver, Canada
Authors: Wilmer A , Romney MG , Gustafson R , Sandhu J , Chu T , Ng C , Hoang L , Champagne S , Hull MW 
Published: February 2015

ObjectivesOutbreaks of shigellosis have been documented in men who have sex with men (MSM), associated with interpersonal transmission and underlying HIV infection. We observed a rise in Shigella flexneri isolates identified in a downtown tertiary‐care hospital laboratory located within the city centre community health area (CHA‐1) of Vancouver, Canada. The objectives of this study were to evaluate clinical outcomes of shigellosis cases among MSM admitted to hospital and to evaluate trends in Shigella cases within Vancouver, Canada.MethodsAdult rates of shigellosis were analysed by gender and health region, from 2005 to 2011, followed by retrospective chart review of all hospital laboratory‐identified S. flexneri cases from 2008 to 2012. Serotyping and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were performed on these isolates.ResultsAlthough shigellosis rates in men within CHA‐1 did not change from 2005 to 2011 (range 33.4–68.5 per 100 000; P = 0.74), they were significantly higher than in other regions within the city of Vancouver (P ≤ 0.001) and the province of British Columbia (P ≤ 0.001). Shigella flexneri rates in men within CHA‐1 increased significantly (range 2.3–51.4 per 100 000; P < 0.001), starting in 2008, and were higher than in other regions within Vancouver (P ≤ 0.01). Seventy‐nine isolates of S. flexneri from 72 patients were identified by a single hospital laboratory. All patients were male and predominantly MSM (91.7%) and HIV‐infected (86.1%), with most (92.6%) demonstrating CD4 counts ≥ 200 cells/μL. In total, 38.0% required hospitalization. Most (87.3%) had S. flexneri serotype 1 infection, with 72.9% of these representing a single PFGE pattern.ConclusionsWe identified high levels of transmission of a primarily clonal strain of S. flexneri serotype 1 in our local MSM population, resulting in a substantial burden of illness and health care resource use secondary to hospital admissions.
A comparison between interactions of triglyceride oil and mineral oil with proteins and their ability to reduce cleanser surfactant‐induced irritation
Authors: Mukherjee S. , Yang L. , Vincent C. , Lei X. , Ottaviani M. F. , Ananthapadmanabhan K. P. 
Published: February 2015

SynopsisObjectiveSkin irritation in personal cleansing has been correlated with surfactant binding with stratum corneum proteins. Polar and non‐polar oils are increasingly being used in cleansing formulations which contain high (10–15%) level of anionic and non‐ionic surfactants. However, the effects of oils in modulating skin damage from a cleansing product have not been studied in any detail. The objectives of this study are to determine whether low‐viscosity polar and non‐polar oils differ in their ability to reduce surfactant‐induced skin irritation and, if so, how it might be related to their interactions with proteins.MethodsSurfactant‐induced skin irritation was measured by a 14‐day in vivo cumulative patch irritation test. The methodology was similar to the well‐known soap chamber test. Surfactant interactions with the water‐soluble protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), in the presence of oils were measured by conductometric titration. The effects of low‐viscosity polar and non‐polar oils on stratum corneum protein dynamics in the sulfhydryl group region were studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) using the covalently bound spin‐label 3‐maleimido‐proxyl (5‐MSL). EPR measurements were performed with stratum corneums obtained from discarded skins of 3‐ to 4‐week‐old female pigs. Simulation of the complex spectra provided insights on the environment and mobility of the protein‐bound spin label.ResultsAddition of 1% polar sunflower seed oil (viscosity 42 centipoise) reduced in vivo irritation of 1% sodium lauryl ether sulphate with two ethoxylate/cocamidopropyl betaine (SLES/CAPB) by 20%, whereas 1% non‐polar mineral oil (viscosity 15 centipoise) had no effect. Polar oil glyceryl trioleate (a major component in sunflower seed oil) at 10% level reduced surfactant binding to BSA protein in water by 40%, whereas the non‐polar oil dodecane (a major component of mineral oil) at a similar level did not have any effect. The mobility of the spin label in a dry corneum was very low and was increased significantly with the addition of water and glycerol trioleate but less so with mineral oil.ConclusionSunflower seed oil reduces surfactant‐induced in vivo skin irritation more than mineral oil. This is possibly due to stronger interaction of polar oil with proteins, thus protecting it from surfactant binding.
Forty Years of Silica Simulations. Which Way Now?
Authors: Angell C. Austen 
Published: February 2015

Ten years after Aneesur Rahman's seminal 1964 paper on simulating liquid argon using computer simulations of atoms interacting with continuous potentials, Woodcock and Singer published the first study of ionic liquids using the same classical mechanical approach. With tongue‐in‐cheek, Woodcock and Angell with student Cheeseman then studied SiO2 in a simple ionic model using Tosi‐Fumi type potentials and were surprised by the degree of similarity to the unusual properties of the “real” silica, liquid, and glassy, they were able to obtain. Since that time, many advances have been made and the field of ionic liquids now embraces geochemical in addition to complex inorganic glass systems. Now it seems that some “silica” models may exhibit water‐like second critical points, and then liquid–liquid transitions, and so may serve as new model liquids for liquid polyamorphism studies. Current studies using the realistic van Beest‐Kramer‐van Santen(BKS) and the simpler Woodcock‐Angell‐Cheeseman(WAC) potential models will be described. We provide background on silica's role as a “strong” liquid, and on the criterion for ergodicity breaking which requires the relation Qdτ/dT ≈ 1 to hold at the hysteresis peak Tp (coincides with three common definitions of Tg).
Kinetics of Corrosion of BN–ZrO2–SiC Ceramics in Contact with Si‐Killed Steel
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Thapliyal Vivek , Robertson David G. C. , Smith Jeffrey D. 
Published: February 2015

The mechanism and kinetics of corrosion of BN–ZrO2–SiC (MYCROSINT®SO43) by molten Si‐killed steel was studied. Isothermal corrosion tests were performed for duration between 2 and 8 h. Refractory and steel composition and morphology changes were investigated. A kinetic model using process simulation software METSIM and thermochemical software FactSage was developed to understand refractory–steel interactions. The corrosion process showed a deviation from parabolic kinetics and was fitted by a combination of linear and parabolic terms. It was determined that corrosion of the BN–ZrO2–SiC refractory was governed by dissolution of SiC and BN and removal of ZrO2 as the other phases were eliminated.
A randomized controlled trial of guided self‐help for improving the experience of caring for carers of clients with depression
Authors: McCann Terence V. , Songprakun Wallapa , Stephenson John 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive behaviour therapy guided self‐help manual for enhancing the experience of caregiving of family carers of individuals with depression.BackgroundThe prevalence of depression is increasing markedly in Thailand. While primary carers give most of the support for individuals with depression, they receive little support from mental health services in this critical role.DesignA randomized controlled trial.MethodCarers were randomized to guided self‐help (n = 27), while the control group received standard information and support (n = 27). Both groups also received a short weekly telephone call. Participants were assessed at three time points; the outcome measure was the Experience of Caregiving Inventory. A doubly multivariate analysis of variance (anova) procedure, including between‐group and within‐group factors, was implemented. Fieldwork was from October 2007–May 2008.ResultsFifty‐four carers completed the study and intent‐to‐treat analyses were undertaken. The findings showed there was a significant reduction in the total negative experience of caring, from baseline to post‐treatment, in the intervention group recipients of the manual compared with the control group and treatment effects were maintained at one‐month follow‐up. Similarly, a significant improvement in the total positive experience of caring occurred, from baseline to post‐treatment, in the intervention group in contrast with the control group and these outcomes were sustained at one‐month follow‐up.ConclusionGuided self‐help strengthen carers’ positive and reduces their negative, experience of caring. The study contributes to the limited evidence base about this approach in a developing country such as Thailand.
Rosiglitazone via PPARγ‐dependent suppression of oxidative stress attenuates endothelial dysfunction in rats fed homocysteine thiolactone
Authors: Yang Xu‐Hong , Li Peng , Yin Ya‐Ling , Tu Jiang‐Hua , Dai Wen , Liu Li‐Ying , Wang Shuang‐Xi 
Published: February 2015

AbstractTo explore whether rosiglitazone (RSG), a selective peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonist, exerts beneficial effects on endothelial dysfunction induced by homocysteine thiolactone (HTL) and to investigate the potential mechanisms. Incubation of cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells with HTL (1 mM) for 24 hrs significantly reduced cell viabilities assayed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide, as well as enhanced productions of reactive oxygen species, activation of nuclear factor kappa B, and increased intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 secretion. Pre‐treatment of cells with RSG (0.001–0.1 mM), pyrollidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC, 0.1 mM) or apocynin (0.1 mM) for 1 hr reversed these effects induced by HTL. Furthermore, co‐incubation with GW9662 (0.01 mM) abolished the protective effects of RSG on HTL‐treated cells. In ex vivo experiments, exposure of isolated aortic rings from. rats to HTL (1 mM) for 1 hr dramatically impaired acetylcholine‐induced endothelium‐dependent relaxation, reduced release of nitric oxide and activity of superoxide dismutase, and increased malondialdehyde content in aortic tissues. Preincubation of aortic rings with RSG (0.1, 0.3, 1 mM), PDTC or apocynin normalized the disorders induced by HTL. In vivo analysis indicated that administration of RSG (20 mg/kg/d) remarkably suppressed oxidative stress and prevented endothelial dysfunction in rats fed HTL (50 mg/kg/d) for 8 weeks. RSG improves endothelial functions in rats fed HTL, which is related to PPARγ‐dependent suppression of oxidative stress.
Efficacy of oral glucocorticoid and cyclosporine in a case of rituximab‐refractory type B insulin resistance syndrome
Authors: Takei Masahiro , Ishii Hiroaki , Kawai Yuko , Kato Kosuke , Sekido Takashi , Sato Yoshihiko , Takeda Teiji , Komatsu Mitsuhisa 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWe describe a case of type B insulin resistance syndrome associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that was refractory to rituximab and successfully treated with a combination of oral glucocorticoids and cyclosporine. Prior to treatment, insulin resistance was severe, and application of a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp was not possible despite the continuous intravenous infusion of insulin at a maximum rate of 9.0 mU/kg/min. The addition of cyclosporine to oral glucocorticoid therapy resulted in remission of insulin resistance. The combination of oral prednisolone and cyclosporine might be effective in treating type B insulin resistance syndrome, particularly in rituximab‐resistant cases. However, nephrotoxicity is a particular concern for patients receiving long‐term cyclosporine therapy.
High‐definition optical coherence tomography algorithm for the discrimination of actinic keratosis from normal skin and from squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Boone M.A.L.M. , Marneffe A. , Suppa M. , Miyamoto M. , Alarcon I. , Hofmann‐Wellenhof R. , Malvehy J. , Pellacani G. , Del Marmol V. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundPreliminary studies described morphological features of actinic keratosis (AK) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) imaged by High‐Definition Optical Coherence Tomography (HD‐OCT) and suggested that this technique may aid in their diagnosis. However, systematic studies evaluating the accuracy of HD‐OCT for the diagnosis of AK and SCC are lacking so far.ObjectiveIn this study, we sought to design an algorithm for AK classification that could (i) distinguish SCC from AK and normal skin, (ii) differentiate AK from normal skin and (iii) discriminate AKs with adnexal involvement from those without.MethodsA total of 53 histopathologically confirmed lesions (37 AKs and 16 SCC) were imaged by HD‐OCT. Fifty‐three HD‐OCT images of normal skin of healthy volunteers, with matched age, skin type and anatomic site, were taken as reference. By comparing these 106 en face and cross‐sectional HD‐OCT images, particular features were selected based on their potential to discriminate AK from normal skin and from SCC, and to assess adnexal involvement in AK. This study represents a training set not a testing set. Severe (>300 μm) hyperkeratotic AKs were not included in this study.ResultsParticular features with high Phi coefficient could be identified. The absence of an outlined dermo–epidermal junction (DEJ) on cross‐sectional images allowed discriminating SCC from AK and normal skin (Phi coefficient = 0.84). AK could be discriminated from normal skin in both imaging modes by the presence of alternating hyperkeratosis/parakeratosis in cross‐sectional mode and/or variability in shape, size and reflectivity of cells (atypical honeycomb pattern) in en face mode. Adnexal involvement of AK could be assessed by the disappearance of the typical cocarde image of adnexal epithelium in en face mode.ConclusionThis study provides select 3‐D HD‐OCT features having a potential to discriminate SCC from AK and normal skin. Based on these particular features with high Phi coefficient, a diagnostic algorithm is designed which will be used later in validation studies to determine HD‐OCT accuracy in AK/SCC classification.
Strong and parallel salinity‐induced phenotypic plasticity in one generation of threespine stickleback
Authors: Mazzarella A. B. , Voje K. L. , Hansson T. H. , Taugbøl A. , Fischer B. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPhenotypic plasticity is a major factor contributing to variation of organisms in nature, yet its evolutionary significance is insufficiently understood. One example system where plasticity might have played an important role in an adaptive radiation is the threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), a fish that has diversified after invading freshwater lakes repeatedly from the marine habitat. The parallel phenotypic changes that occurred in this radiation were extremely rapid. This study evaluates phenotypic plasticity in stickleback body shape in response to salinity in fish stemming from a wild freshwater population. Using a split‐clutch design, we detected surprisingly large phenotypically plastic changes in body shape after one generation. Fish raised in salt water developed shallower bodies and longer jaws, and these changes were consistent and parallel across families. Although this work highlights the effect of phenotypic plasticity, we also find indications that constraints may play a role in biasing the direction of possible phenotypic change. The slopes of the allometric relationship of individual linear traits did not change across treatments, indicating that plastic change does not affect the covariation of traits with overall size. We conclude that stickleback have a large capacity for plastic phenotypic change in response to salinity and that plasticity and evolutionary constraints have likely contributed to the phenotypic diversification of these fish.
Effects of weed density on the dispersal of Orius majusculus Reuter (Heteroptera Anthocoridae) within maize
Authors: Madeira F. , Pons X. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractOrius majusculus Reuter (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae) is the most common and abundant generalist predator in Spanish maize crops and is sensitive to drastic changes in weed density. We carried out a 2‐year study in the NE Iberian Peninsula to examine the dispersal of O. majusculus in maize plots with moderately high and low weed density. Insects were collected using yellow sticky traps and/or a bug‐vac aspirator. Dispersal was assessed using rubidium as a marker. Dispersal rate of O. majusculus differed between sampling periods, with a maximum between the 16 unfolded leaves (V16) to grain milky (R3) maize growth stages. However, we detected no differences in the distance moved by male and females of O. majusculus from rubidium‐marked areas in plots with moderately high or low weed density suggesting that changes in weed density do not affect the dispersal of O. majusculus within a maize field.
A Model of Mortgage Default
Authors: CAMPBELL JOHN Y. , COCCO JOÃO F. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we solve a dynamic model of households' mortgage decisions incorporating labor income, house price, inflation, and interest rate risk. Using a zero‐profit condition for mortgage lenders, we solve for equilibrium mortgage rates given borrower characteristics and optimal decisions. The model quantifies the effects of adjustable versus fixed mortgage rates, loan‐to‐value ratios, and mortgage affordability measures on mortgage premia and default. Mortgage selection by heterogeneous borrowers helps explain the higher default rates on adjustable‐rate mortgages during the recent U.S. housing downturn, and the variation in mortgage premia with the level of interest rates.
A Comparative‐Advantage Approach to Government Debt Maturity
Authors: GREENWOOD ROBIN , HANSON SAMUEL G. , STEIN JEREMY C. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTWe study optimal government debt maturity in a model where investors derive monetary services from holding riskless short‐term securities. In a setting where the government is the only issuer of such riskless paper, it trades off the monetary premium associated with short‐term debt against the refinancing risk implied by the need to roll over its debt more often. We extend the model to allow private financial intermediaries to compete with the government in the provision of short‐term money‐like claims. We argue that, if there are negative externalities associated with private money creation, the government should tilt its issuance more toward short maturities, thereby partially crowding out the private sector's use of short‐term debt.
Uterine cervical cancer with brain metastasis as the initial site of presentation
Authors: Sato Yumi , Tanaka Kei , Kobayashi Yoichi , Shibuya Hiromi , Nishigaya Yoshiko , Momomura Mai , Matsumoto Hironori , Iwashita Mitsutoshi 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBrain metastasis from uterine cervical cancer is rare, with an incidence of 0.5%, and usually occurs late in the course of the disease. We report a case of uterine cervical cancer with brain metastasis as the initial site of presentation. A 50‐year‐old woman with headache, vertigo, amnesia and loss of appetite was admitted for persistent vomiting. Contrast enhanced computed tomography showed a solitary right frontal cerebral lesion with ring enhancement and uterine cervical tumor. She was diagnosed with uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma with parametrium invasion and no other distant affected organs were detected. The cerebral lesion was surgically removed and pathologically proved to be metastasis of uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma. The patient underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy, followed by cerebral radiation therapy, but multiple metastases to the liver and lung developed and the patient died 7 months after diagnosis of brain metastasis.
Successful management of pregnancy with very‐long‐chain acyl‐coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency
Authors: Yamamoto Hiroko , Tachibana Daisuke , Tajima Go , Shigematsu Yosuke , Hamasaki Takashi , Tanaka Akemi , Koyama Masayasu 
Published: February 2015

AbstractVery‐long‐chain acyl‐coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCADD) is a rare and life‐threatening disease characterized by an enzymatic defect in the fatty acid β‐oxidation pathway. A nulliparous woman with VLCADD showed improvements in serum levels of the long‐chain acylcarnitine moiety (C14:1) during pregnancy and successfully delivered a healthy infant vaginally. Pregnancy and vaginal delivery can be successfully completed in patients with VLCADD with careful management.
Prosthodontic Implant Club at UIC, Program Description and Survey Analysis
Authors: Rynn Michelle Howard , Afshari Fatemeh S. , Schneider Justin , Yuan Judy Chia‐Chun , Harlow Rand , Knoernschild Kent L. , Campbell Stephen D. , Sukotjo Cortino 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPurposeThis study aims to (1) describe the Predoctoral Implant Club at UIC (PIC‐UIC) mentoring model while providing a rationale for the program and (2) investigate PIC members’ perception about the club and prosthodontics in general via a questionnaire and focus group discussion.Materials and MethodsA survey to investigate PIC members’ perception regarding the club was distributed at a meeting. The survey consisted of questions about the members’ prior exposure to prosthodontics, faculty, and residents; current exposure to and perceptions of prosthodontics; future outcomes from membership; and possible improvements to PIC‐UIC. Four student members of PIC‐UIC participated in a focus group discussion about their exposure to prosthodontics during each year of their training, their exposure to prosthodontics following PIC‐UIC membership, including rotations in the advanced prosthodontic clinic, mentorships by prosthodontic faculty and residents, and attendance at the American College of Prosthodontists Annual Session.ResultsFollowing PIC‐UIC membership, students indicated an increased exposure to prosthodontics and prosthodontic faculty. More than a third of the respondents indicated that they are “likely” to consider a prosthodontic residency after having joined PIC‐UIC. Almost two‐thirds of the respondents indicated that they would recommend PIC to students at other universities and believed their understanding of the prosthodontic specialty has increased. Students who participated in the focus group agreed they had little exposure to prosthodontics, prosthodontic faculty, and advanced restorative procedures in the beginning of their dental education. They felt that involvement in PIC‐UIC was a valuable experience that helped them consider or reinforced their decision to pursue prosthodontics as a career.ConclusionsPIC‐UIC increased predoctoral students’ interest in prosthodontics. Involving prosthodontic faculty and residents in mentoring and educational activities was evaluated positively by students. PIC‐UIC may serve as a pipeline program for predoctoral students at other dental schools.