bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rare case of transfusion‐transmitted hepatitis E from the blood of a donor infected with the hepatitis E virus genotype 3 indigenous to Japan: Viral dynamics from onset to recovery
Authors: Matsui Takeshi , Kang Jong‐Hon , Matsubayashi Keiji , Yamazaki Hajime , Nagai Kazumasa , Sakata Hidekatsu , Tsuji Kunihiko , Maguchi Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2014

AimThe transfusion transmission of hepatitis E can occur even in non‐endemic areas in the world as autochthonous hepatitis E has been increasingly reported in developed countries where the hepatitis E virus (HEV) is not prevalent. We investigated the post‐transfusion transmission of hepatitis E in a patient by molecularly confirming its presence, and characterized the viral kinetics of HEV in this case.MethodsA Japanese man underwent re‐thoracotomy for hemostasis followed by platelet transfusion. After the transfusion, the blood donor was found to be HEV positive. The donated blood was re‐examined and was found to contain HEV. Throughout the prospective follow up of the patient, we analyzed the viral kinetics, chronological anti‐HEV antibody level changes and disease progression during the entire course of HEV infection from transfusion until the end of viremia.ResultsSequence analysis of the strains isolated from both the donor and the patient who contracted acute hepatitis E showed an identical match for 326 nucleotides in open reading frame 1. Two strains belonged to HEV genotype 3 indigenous to Japan.ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first detailed report on the entire natural course of hepatitis E from viral transmission, then clearance, to replication preceding liver injury caused by HEV genotype 3, which is responsible for autochthonous infection in developed countries. The findings provide valuable insights into the mechanism of the transfusion transmission of HEV and subsequent viral dynamics.
Off‐Market Buybacks in Australia: Evidence of Abnormal Trading around Key Dates
Authors: Au Yong Hue Hwa , Brown Christine , Ho Chloe Choy Yeing 
Published: July 2014

AbstractOff‐market share buybacks in Australia are often structured with the buyback price comprising a large dividend component (which may carry imputation tax credits) and a small capital component. This unique structure has the consequence that institutions on low tax rates stand to benefit most from selling shares into the buyback. In this article, we explore evidence of abnormal trading activities around key dates in the conduct of off‐market buybacks and investigate the drivers of these activities. We find evidence of abnormal trading activities around the initial announcement and the final announcement dates of the buyback. The significant differences in abnormal volumes between the buybacks with and without imputation tax credits highlight the importance of tax motivations in explaining abnormal trading activities in the shares of companies conducting off‐market buybacks, and are consistent with observed buying pressure around the announcement of the buyback.
The radiation of the clownfishes has two geographical replicates
Authors: Litsios Glenn , Pearman Peter B. , Lanterbecq Déborah , Tolou Nathalie , Salamin Nicolas 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimThe study of adaptive radiations provides an evolutionary perspective on the interactions between organisms and their environment, and is necessary to understand global biodiversity. Adaptive radiations can sometimes be replicated over several disjunct geographical entities, but most examples are found on island or in lakes. Here, we investigated the biogeographical history of the clownfishes, a clade of coral reef fish with ranges that now span most of the Indo‐Pacific Ocean, in order to explore the geographical structure of an unusual adaptive radiation.LocationIndian Ocean, Indo‐Australian Archipelago (IAA) and Central Pacific Ocean.MethodsWe generatedDNAsequence data comprising seven nuclear markers for 27 of the 30 clownfish species. We then inferred a Bayesian phylogeny and reconstructed the biogeographical history of the group using three different methods. Finally, we applied a biogeographical model of diversification to assess whether diversification patterns differ between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.ResultsThe phylogenetic tree is highly supported and allows reconstruction of the biogeographical history of the clade. While most species arose in theIAA, one clade colonized the eastern shores of Africa and diversified there. We found that the diversification rate of clownfishes does not differ between the main radiation and the African clade.Main conclusionsThe clownfishes first appeared and diversified in theIAA. Following a colonization event, a geographically independent radiation occurred in the Indian Ocean off East Africa. This rare example of replicated adaptive radiation in the marine realm provides intriguing possibilities for further research on ecological speciation in the sea.
The Efficacy of the Natural Plant Extracts, Thymol and Carvacrol against Campylobacter Colonization in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Arsi K. , Donoghue A.M. , Venkitanarayanan K. , Kollanoor‐Johny A. , Fanatico A.C. , Blore P.J. , Donoghue D.J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractCampylobacter is a leading worldwide cause of foodborne illness associated with consumption of poultry products. Unfortunately, most preharvest treatments fail to reduce this enteric foodborne pathogen in poultry. The efficacy of natural plant extracts, such as thymol and carvacrol, has efficacy against other enteric pathogens but has not been evaluated against Campylobacter. To accomplish this, day old broiler chicks (n = 10 chicks/dose) were fed 0% (controls) or thymol or carvacrol or combinations of these compounds in feed in four different trials. Birds were orally challenged with Campylobacter jejuni at day 3 and at day 10, cecal samples were collected for Campylobacter enumeration. Campylobacter counts were reduced for 0.25% thymol (trial 1), 1% carvacrol or 2% thymol (trial 2) treatments, or a combination of both thymol and carvacrol at 0.5% (trial 3) in this study (P < 0.05). These results support supplementation of these compounds in feed to reduce Campylobacter colonization in chickens.Practical ApplicationsCampylobacter is one of the major causes of foodborne enteritis worldwide, and the majority of human campylobacteriosis cases were reported to be associated with improper handling and/or consumption of undercooked poultry . Because poultry are the major contributors for human infections, eliminating or reducing Campylobacter in poultry would greatly reduce the risk of campylobacteriosis in humans. Many strategies have been tried to eliminate Campylobacter with limited success. Considering the increasing consumer demand for natural, safer food products, free from synthetic residues, use of natural compounds with proven antimicrobial efficacy appears to be a promising strategy to control Campylobacter in poultry. In the present study we evaluated the in vivo efficacy of different concentrations and combinations of two natural compounds, thymol and carvacrol, against Campylobacter colonization in broiler chickens.
Biomechanics and functional distortion of the human mandible
Authors: Choi Andy H. , Conway Richard C. , Taraschi Valerio , Ben‐Nissan Besim 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe reaction to the use of finite element analysis (FEA) in the study of the human body has been particularly enthusiastic. Of equal and challenging complexity is the investigation of load/stress distribution and morphological distortion of the human mandible under functional loads. Furthermore, the mandible also impacts directly on body function and esthetics, playing a vital role, such as mastication and speech. The application of FEA to the biomechanical investigation of the oral systems, such as human teeth and mandibular bone remodeling, began in the early 1970s. The clinical significance of jaw deformation is unknown. The primary concern is that deformation might result in an ill‐fitting superstructure or the creation of harmful strains in the patient–implant complex. Although mandibular implant treatment has a high success rate, the possibility of failure caused by these dimensional changes and the related micromotion cannot be ignored.
Sexual Functioning in Military Personnel: Preliminary Estimates and Predictors
Authors: Wilcox Sherrie L. , Redmond Sarah , Hassan Anthony M. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Although the military is a young and vigorous force, service members and veterans may experience sexual functioning problems (SFPs) as a result of military service. Sexual functioning can be impaired by physical, psychological, and social factors and can impact quality of life (QOL) and happiness.

Aims
This study aims to estimate rates and correlates of SFPs in male military personnel across demographic and psychosocial characteristics, to examine the QOL concomitants, and to evaluate barriers for treatment seeking.

Methods
This exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted using data from a larger nationwide study conducted between October 2013 and November 2013. This sample consists of 367 male active duty service members and recent veterans (military personnel) age 40 or younger.

Main Outcome Measures
Erectile dysfunction (ED) was determined using the five-item International Index of Erectile Function, sexual dysfunction (SD) was determined using the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale, Male, and QOL was determined using the World Health Organization Quality of Life, Brief.

Results
SFPs were associated with various demographic, physical, and psychosocial risk factors. The rates of SD and ED were 8.45% and 33.24%, respectively, for male military personnel aged 21–40. Those who were 36–40, nonmarried, nonwhite, and of lower educational attainment reported the highest rates of SFPs. Male military personnel with poor physical and psychosocial health presented the greatest risk for ED and SD. SFPs were associated with reduced QOL and lower happiness, and barriers for treatment were generally related to social barriers.

Conclusions
SFPs in young male military personnel are an important public health concern that can severely impact QOL and happiness.
Temporal and small‐scale spatial variations in abundance and biomass of seagrass‐dwelling sponges in a tropical estuarine system
Authors: Ávila Enrique , Ávila‐García Ana K. , Cruz‐Barraza José A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAlthough marine sponges are one of the most ecologically important benthic groups in marine ecosystems, their ecological role in seagrass beds from estuarine environments is little known. In this study we investigated the temporal and small‐scale spatial variability in the abundance and biomass of the three common seagrass‐dwelling sponges Halichondria melanadocia, Haliclona implexiformis and Chondrilla caribensis in a tropical estuary of the Southern Gulf of Mexico. The influence of biotic (physical characteristics of the seagrass) and abiotic (temperature, salinity, water movement, sediment particle size and sedimentation rate) variables on the spatio‐temporal variability of these population descriptors was evaluated. In addition, a complete identification of the sponge species through morphology and COI mtDNA sequences (integrative taxonomy) was performed. Chondrilla caribensis and H. melanadocia had the highest overall average abundance and biomass, respectively. There was no significant correlation with temperature and salinity. In H. melanadocia, temporal variations in its average biomass were positively related to changes in the average size of individuals, whereas in H. implexiformis and C. caribensis these intra‐annual variations in biomass were positively related to changes in their average abundance. Important declines in the average biomass and size of H. melanadocia and in the average abundance of H. implexiformis occurred during the transition period from the dry to the rainy season, which was attributed to fragmentation and shrinkage processes. Moreover, the abundance and biomass of the three sponge species showed high small‐scale spatial variations within the seagrass meadow, but without a clear pattern of variation related with the distance from the shore. In H. implexiformis a significant negative relationship was found between its average biomass and the seagrass biomass. In H. melanadocia and H. implexiformis as well, their abundance was positively related with the proportion of coarse particles of the sediment (mollusk shell debris). Multivariate analyses confirmed that the proportion of coarse particles in the sediment, either acting alone or in conjunction with other variables such as seagrass shoot density and sedimentation/resuspension rate, was the variable that best explained the distribution of sponges within the seagrass meadow. This is one of the few studies on the population dynamics of sponges in seagrass meadows from estuarine environments.
Democracy's Conundrum: Reforms Take Time to Mature—But Voters Want Results Now
Authors: MONTI MARIO 
Published: July 2014

Historically, liberal democracy was born as a means to curb the power of kings and tyrants through mechanisms that would ensure accountability and consent of the governed. A system of checks and balances—two legislative chambers, executive and independent courts—were instituted to ensure power did not become too concentrated.Today's highly diverse, mass consumer societies, however, have presented another set of challenges. Power is so diffused governance is becoming ineffective. The short‐term mentality of voters and the lobbying of special interests undermine the ability of democracies to focus on the long‐term and the common interest. Because there are more checks than balances, gridlock has supplanted consensus.In this section, we compare Chinese and Western systems on their ability to deliver good governance. The editors of the Economist magazine put the debate in historical context.
The Fourth Revolution: Reinventing the State and Democracy for the 21st Century
Authors: MICKLETHWAIT JOHN , WOOLDRIDGE ADRIAN 
Published: July 2014

Historically, liberal democracy was born as a means to curb the power of kings and tyrants through mechanisms that would ensure accountability and consent of the governed. A system of checks and balances—two legislative chambers, executive and independent courts—were instituted to ensure power did not become too concentrated.Today's highly diverse, mass consumer societies, however, have presented another set of challenges. Power is so diffused governance is becoming ineffective. The short‐term mentality of voters and the lobbying of special interests undermine the ability of democracies to focus on the long‐term and the common interest. Because there are more checks than balances, gridlock has supplanted consensus.In this section, we compare Chinese and Western systems on their ability to deliver good governance. The editors of the Economist magazine put the debate in historical context.
Outcome and Management of Pacemaker‐Induced Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
Authors: FU HAI‐XIA , HUANG XIN‐MIAO , ZHONG LI , OSBORN MICHAEL J. , BJARNASON HARALDUR , MULPURU SIVA , ZHAO XIAN‐XIAN , FRIEDMAN PAUL A. , CHA YONG‐MEI 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundWe aimed to determine the long‐term outcomes of percutaneous lead extraction and stent placement in patients with pacemaker‐induced superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome.MethodsThe study retrospectively screened patients who underwent lead extraction followed by central vein stent implantation at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN, USA), from January 2005 to December 2012, to identify the patients with pacemaker‐induced SVC syndrome. Demographic, clinical, and follow‐up characteristics of those patients were collected from electronic medical records.ResultsSix cases were identified. The mean (standard deviation) age was 56 (15) years (male, 67%). All patients had permanent dual‐chamber pacemakers, with a mean 11‐year history of pacemaker placement. The entire device system was explanted in five patients; one patient had a 21‐year‐old pacemaker lead that could not be removed. Eight stents were implanted in six patients: five patients had one stent, one patient had three. A new pacemaker system was reimplanted through the stented vein in five patients. Technical success was achieved in all patients, without any complication. Symptoms rapidly resolved in all patients after stent deployment. The mean follow‐up duration was 48 months (range, 10–100 months). Three patients remained symptom free. Reintervention with percutaneous balloon venoplasty was successful in three patients with symptom recurrence.ConclusionPercutaneous stent implantation after lead removal followed by reimplantation of leads is a feasible alternative therapy for pacemaker‐induced SVC syndrome, although some cases may require repeat intervention.
The neurophysiological bases of EEG and EEG measurement: A review for the rest of us
Authors: Jackson Alice F. , Bolger Donald J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractA thorough understanding of the EEG signal and its measurement is necessary to produce high quality data and to draw accurate conclusions from those data. However, publications that discuss relevant topics are written for divergent audiences with specific levels of expertise: explanations are either at an abstract level that leaves readers with a fuzzy understanding of the electrophysiology involved, or are at a technical level that requires mastery of the relevant physics to understand. A clear, comprehensive review of the origin and measurement of EEG that bridges these high and low levels of explanation fills a critical gap in the literature and is necessary for promoting better research practices and peer review. The present paper addresses the neurophysiological source of EEG, propagation of the EEG signal, technical aspects of EEG measurement, and implications for interpretation of EEG data.
Treatment with LL‐37 is safe and effective in enhancing healing of hard‐to‐heal venous leg ulcers: a randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Grönberg Alvar , Mahlapuu Margit , Ståhle Mona , Whately‐Smith Caroline , Rollman Ola 
Published: July 2014

AbstractVenous leg ulcers (VLUs) are one of the most prevalent types of chronic wounds. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and dose–response efficacy of the human synthetic peptide LL‐37 in the treatment of hard‐to‐heal VLUs. This first‐in‐man trial included 34 participants with VLUs and comprised a 3‐week, open‐label, run‐in period on placebo, followed by a 4‐week randomized double‐blind treatment phase with twice weekly applications of LL‐37 (0.5, 1.6, or 3.2 mg/mL) or placebo, and a 4‐week follow‐up. The healing rate constants for 0.5 and 1.6 mg/mL of LL‐37 were approximately six‐ and threefold higher than for placebo (p = 0.003 for 0.5 mg/mL and p = 0.088 for 1.6 mg/mL). Square‐root transformed wound area data showed improved healing for the 0.5 and 1.6 mg/mL dose groups compared with pretreatment values (p < 0.001 and p = 0.011, respectively). Consistently, treatment with the two lower doses markedly decreased the mean ulcer area (68% for 0.5 mg/mL and 50% for 1.6 mg/mL groups). No difference in healing was observed between the groups receiving 3.2 mg/mL of LL‐37 and placebo. There were no safety concerns regarding local or systemic adverse events. In conclusion, topical treatment with LL‐37 for chronic leg ulcers was safe and well tolerated with the marked effect on healing predictors at the two lower doses warranting further investigations.
Rational rigidity for
Authors: Guralnick Robert , Malle Gunter 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe prove the existence of certain rationally rigid triples in${E}_{8}(p)$for good primes$p$(i.e. $p>5$) thereby showing that these groups occur as Galois groups over the field of rational numbers. We show that these triples arise from rigid triples in the algebraic group and prove that they generate an interesting subgroup in characteristic zero. As a byproduct of the proof, we derive a remarkable symmetry between the character table of a finite reductive group and that of its dual group. We also give a short list of possible overgroups of regular unipotent elements in simple exceptional groups.
SAMBA HIV Semiquantitative Test, a New Point-of-Care Viral-Load-Monitoring Assay for Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Ritchie Allyson V. , Ushiro-Lumb Ines , Edemaga Daniel , Joshi Hrishikesh A. , De Ruiter Annemiek , Szumilin Elisabeth , Jendrulek Isabelle , McGuire Megan , Goel Neha , Sharma Pia I. , Allain Jean-Pierre , Lee Helen H. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT

Routine viral-load (VL) testing of HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is used to monitor treatment efficacy. However, due to logistical challenges, implementation of VL has been difficult in resource-limited settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the SAMBA semi-Q (simple amplification-based assay semiquantitative test for HIV-1) in London, Malawi, and Uganda. The SAMBA semi-Q can distinguish between patients with VLs above and below 1,000 copies/ml. The SAMBA semi-Q was validated with diluted clinical samples and blinded plasma samples collected from HIV-1-positive individuals. SAMBA semi-Q results were compared with results from the Roche COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HIV-1 test, v2.0. Testing of 96 2- to 10-fold dilutions of four samples containing HIV-1 subtype C as well as 488 samples from patients in the United Kingdom, Malawi, and Uganda yielded an overall accuracy for the SAMBA semi-Q of 99% (95% confidence interval [CI], 93.8 to 99.9%) and 96.9% (95% CI 94.9 to 98.3%), respectively, compared to to the Roche test. Analysis of VL data from patients in Malawi and Uganda showed that the SAMBA cutoff of 1,000 copies/ml appropriately distinguished treated from untreated individuals. Furthermore, analysis of the viral loads of 232 patients on ART in Malawi and Uganda revealed similar patterns for virological control, defined as either <1,000 copies/ml (SAMBA cutoff) or <5,000 copies/ml (WHO 2010 criterion; WHO,
Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV Infection in Adults and Adolescents: Recommendations for a Public Health Approach
, 2010). This study suggests that the SAMBA semi-Q has adequate concurrency with the gold standard measurements for viral load. This test can allow VL monitoring of patients on ART at the point of care in resource-limited settings.