bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation of haemolytic bacilli from field‐collected Culicoides oxystoma and Culicoides peregrinus: potential vectors of bluetongue virus in West Bengal, India
Authors: HARSHA R. , PAN B. , GHOSH K. , MAZUMDAR A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractTwo haemolytic bacterial strains of Bacillus pumilus (CU1A, CU1B) and one blood‐utilizing strain of Bacillus licheniformis (CU2B) were isolated from relatively low numbers of field‐collected females of Culicoides oxystoma and Culicoides peregrinus (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). A total of 36 females, including 18 of each of C. oxystoma and C. peregrinus (consisting of one and a pool of eight blood‐engorged specimens, and one and a pool of eight non‐engorged specimens for each species), were tested. In C. oxystoma, all three strains of bacteria were isolated from the one non‐engorged, the pool of non‐engorged and the pool of blood‐engorged females tested, but CU1A and CU2B were not found in the one blood‐engorged female tested. In C. peregrinus, all three strains were present in the pool of blood‐engorged females. However, the strain CU2B was not found in the pool of non‐engorged females. In the one blood‐engorged and one non‐engorged female tested, CU1A and CU2B were detected. The bacterial strains were identified based on Gram staining, enzyme activity (amylase and protease) and alignment of the 16S rRNA partial gene sequence to that available in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database GenBank. The functional role and significance of these haemolytic and blood‐digesting bacteria within the genus Culicoides remain to be determined.
A new species of Tunga perforating the osteoderms of its armadillo host in Argentina and redescription of the male of Tunga terasma
Authors: EZQUIAGA M. C. , LINARDI P. M. , DE AVELAR D. M. , LARESCHI M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA new species of Tunga (Siphonaptera: Tungidae) collected from armadillos in Argentina is described. The new species is characterized by large and pigmented eyes, the presence of two bristles on antennal segment II, two bristles at the base of the maxilla, and a discoid neosome compressed anteroposteriorly. The gravid female is located in the carapace of the host, perforating the osteoderms. The new species resembles Tunga penetrans and Tunga terasma in general appearance. However, it differs by the greater anteroposterior compression of the neosome, a more angular head, and a manubrium with a pointed proximal end and convex ventral margin (the proximal end of the manubrium is rounded or slightly pointed in T. terasma, and the ventral margin is straight in both T. penetrans and T. terasma). In addition, specimens of T. penetrans have more bristles in antennal segments II and III, and lack bristles in the posterior tibia. This is the first report of a species of Tunga perforating the osteoderms of its host and thereby showing a high degree of specialization. Tunga terasma is recorded for the first time in Argentina; the male is described again and the characteristics of the species amended. This information may be useful in epidemiological studies of diseases caused by species of Tunga.
Nitrergic neuro‐muscular transmission is up‐regulated in patients with diverticulosis
Authors: Espín F. , Rofes L. , Ortega O. , Clavé P. , Gallego D. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundNeuro‐transmission impairment could be associated to motility changes observed in patients with diverticular disease. Therefore, the objective was to characterize the inhibitory neuro‐muscular transmission and gene expression changes of the enteric inhibitory pathways in patients with diverticulosis (DS).MethodsCircular muscle strips from sigmoid colon of patients with DS and controls were studied using the organ bath technique to evaluate spontaneous contractility and enteric motor neurons stimulated by electrical field and qRT‐PCR to assess the expression of nNOS, iNOS, P2Y1R and PGP9.5.Key ResultsPatients with DS presented decreased spontaneous rhythmic contractions (SRC) that were significantly enhanced after incubation with L‐NNA (1 mM) and TTX (1 μM), and unaffected by the P2Y1 antagonist MRS2500 (1 μM). Stimulation on enteric motor neurons caused an increased duration of the latency of OFF‐contractions in DS group (p < 0.001), antagonized by L‐NNA and slightly affected by MRS2500 (1 μM). No differences in the IC50 between controls and DS patients were observed on inhibition of SRC for the NO‐donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and the preferential P2Y agonist ADPβS. Moreover, nNOS relative expression was also up‐regulated 2.3‐fold in the DS group (p < 0.05) whereas there was no significant difference in relative expression of iNOS, P2Y1R and the neuronal marker PGP9.5 between groups.Conclusions & InferencesPatients with DS presented an over‐expression of nNOS with increased endogenously NO‐mediated responses suggesting enhanced NO‐release. Up‐regulation in the nitrergic pathway in early stages of the disease might play a role in colonic motor disorders associated to diverticular disease.
THEORIZING HYBRIDITY: INSTITUTIONAL LOGICS, COMPLEX ORGANIZATIONS, AND ACTOR IDENTITIES: THE CASE OF NONPROFITS
Authors: SKELCHER CHRIS , SMITH STEVEN RATHGEB 
Published: January 2015

We propose a novel approach to theorizing hybridity in public and nonprofit organizations. The concept of hybridity is widely used to describe organizational responses to changes in governance, but the literature seldom explains how hybrids arise or what forms they take. Transaction cost and organizational design literatures offer some solutions, but lack a theory of agency. We use the institutional logics approach to theorize hybrids as entities that face a plurality of normative frames. Logics provide symbolic and material elements that structure organizational legitimacy and actor identities. Contradictions between institutional logics offer space for them to be elaborated and creatively reconstructed by situated agents. We propose five types of organizational hybridity – segmented, segregated, assimilated, blended, and blocked. Each type is theoretically derived from empirically observed variations in organizational responses to institutional plurality. We develop propositions to show how our approach to hybridity adds value to academic and policy‐maker audiences.
UNDERSTANDING HYBRID ROLES: THE ROLE OF IDENTITY PROCESSES AMONGST PHYSICIANS
Authors: SPYRIDONIDIS DIMITRIOS , HENDY JANE , BARLOW JAMES 
Published: January 2015

Increasing attention has been paid in both public administration and organizational theory to understanding how physicians assume a ‘hybrid’ role as they take on managerial responsibilities. Limited theoretical attention has been devoted to the processes involved in negotiating, developing, and maintaining such a role. We draw on identity theory, using a qualitative, five‐year longitudinal case study, to explore how hybrid physician–managers in the English National Health Service and the organizations they are situated in achieve this. We highlight the importance of saliency – how central an identity is to an individual's values and beliefs – in managing new identities. We found three differing responses to taking on a hybrid physician–manager role, with identity emerging as a mitigating factor for negotiating potentially conflicting roles. We discuss the implications for existing theory and practice in the management of public organizations and identify an agenda for further research.
Psychological distress following marital separation interacts with a polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene to predict cardiac vagal control in the laboratory
Authors: Hasselmo Karen , Sbarra David A. , O'Connor Mary‐Frances , Moreno Francisco A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMarital separation is linked to negative mental and physical health; however, the strength of this link may vary across people. This study examined changes in respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), used to assess cardiac vagal control, in recently separated adults (N = 79; M time since separation = 3.5 months). When reflecting on the separation, self‐reported psychological distress following the separation interacted with a polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (5‐HTTLPR) and a relevant single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs25531, to predict RSA. Among people reporting emotional difficulties after the separation, those who were homozygous for the short allele had lower RSA levels while reflecting on their relationship than other genotypes. The findings, although limited by the relatively small sample size, are discussed in terms of how higher‐sensitivity genotypes may interact with psychological responses to stress to alter physiology.
Updating and validating a new framework for restoring and analyzing latency‐variable ERP components from single trials with residue iteration decomposition (RIDE)
Authors: Ouyang Guang , Sommer Werner , Zhou Changsong 
Published: January 2015

AbstractTrial‐to‐trial latency variability pervades cognitive EEG responses and may mix and smear ERP components but is usually ignored in conventional ERP averaging. Existing attempts to decompose temporally overlapping and latency‐variable ERP components show major limitations. Here, we propose a theoretical framework and model of ERPs consisting of temporally overlapping components locked to different external events or varying in latency from trial to trial. Based on this model, a new ERP decomposition and reconstruction method was developed: residue iteration decomposition (RIDE). Here, we describe an update of the method and compare it to other decomposition methods in simulated and real datasets. The updated RIDE method solves the divergence problem inherent to previous latency‐based decomposition methods. By implementing the model of ERPs as consisting of time‐variable and invariable single‐trial component clusters, RIDE obtains latency‐corrected ERP waveforms and topographies of the components, and yields dynamic information about single trials.
Analysis of the Formation of the Structure of Social Networks by Using Latent Space Models for Ranked Dynamic Networks
Authors: Sewell Daniel K. , Chen Yuguo 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe formation of social networks and the evolution of their structures have been of interest to researchers for many decades. We wish to answer questions about network stability, group formation and popularity effects. We propose a latent space model for ranked dynamic networks that can be used to frame and answer these questions intuitively. The well-known data collected by Newcomb in the 1950s are very well suited to analyse the formation of a social network. We applied our model to these data to investigate the network stability, what groupings emerge and when they emerge, and how individual popularity is associated with individual stability.
Moderate Deviation Principles for Empirical Covariance in the Neighbourhood of the Unit Root
Authors: Miao Yu , Wang Yanling , Yang Guangyu 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the linear autoregressive model with varying coefficients θn∈[0,1). When θn tending to the unit root, the moderate deviation principle for empirical covariance is discussed, and as statistical applications, we provide the moderate deviation estimates of the least square and the Yule–Walker estimators of the parameter θn.
Effect of diabetes on tuberculosis presentation and outcomes in Kiribati
Authors: Cavanaugh J. , Viney K. , Kienene T. , Harley D. , Kelly P. M. , Sleigh A. , O'Connor J. , Mase S. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the association between diabetes and the clinical features and treatment outcomes of TB in Kiribati.MethodsWe enrolled consecutive patients with TB who presented from August 2010 to February 2012 and compared clinical features and TB treatment outcomes for patients with and without diabetes, as measured by haemoglobin A1c assay. Poor outcome was defined as death, default or treatment failure, and good outcome as treatment success or cure.ResultsTwo hundred and seventy‐five eligible persons with TB disease were enrolled; 101 (37%) had diabetes. TB patients with diabetes were more likely to have acid‐fast bacilli (AFB) seen on sputum smear microscopy (RR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.03–1.62). The risk of poor outcome did not differ between patients with or without diabetes (RR: 1.1; 95% CI: 0.5–2.7).ConclusionTB patients with diabetes are more likely than those without to have sputum with AFB on microscopy. This could increase transmission in the community. Early detection of TB by screening patients with diabetes, and the converse, could be important public health interventions where diabetes and TB are prevalent.
A registry of HLA‐typed donors for production of virus‐specific CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes for adoptive reconstitution of immune‐compromised patients
Authors: Li Pira Giuseppina , Ivaldi Federico , Starc Nadia , Landi Fabiola , Rutella Sergio , Locatelli Franco , Sacchi Nicoletta , Tripodi Gino , Manca Fabrizio 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundVirus‐specific CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes from HLA‐matched donors are effective for treatment and prophylaxis of viral infections in immune‐compromised recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Adoptive immune reconstitution is based on selection of specific T cells or on generation of specific T‐cell lines from the graft donor. Unfortunately, the graft donor is not always immune to the relevant pathogen or the graft donor may not be available (registry‐derived or cord blood donors).Study Design and MethodsSince the possibility of using T cells from a third‐party subject is now established, we screened potential donors for T‐cell responses against cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), and adenovirus, the viruses most frequently targeted by adoptive immune reconstitution. Specific T‐cell responses against viral antigens were analyzed in 111 donors using a miniaturized interferon‐γ release assay.ResultsResponders to CMV were 64%, to EBV 40%, and to adenovirus 51%. Simultaneous responders to the three viruses were 49%. CMV‐specific CD4 and CD8 T‐cell lines could be generated from 11 of 12 donors defined as positive responders according to the T‐cell assay.ConclusionsThese data demonstrate that a large fraction of volunteers can be recruited in a donor registry for selection or expansion of virus specific T cells and that our T‐cell assay predicts the donors' ability to give rise to established T‐cell lines endowed with proliferative potential and effector function for adoptive immune reconstitution.
Converting fluid‐based cytologic specimens to histologic specimens for immunohistochemistry
Authors: Wallace Koranda A. , Goldschmidt Michael H. , Patel Reema T. 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundCavitary effusions are often evaluated cytologically to determine if there is an underlying neoplastic cause. Differentiation of neoplastic epithelial from mesothelial populations within effusions can be difficult using routine cytology. In addition, cytology alone cannot provide information on the immunophenotype of round cell populations. Gel foam techniques can be used to convert effusions into cell blocks for immunohistochemical (IHC) staining which can then be used to differentiate mesothelial from epithelial cell populations, and also allow immunophenotyping of round cell populations within effusions.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate a gel foam cell block technique for converting potential neoplastic cells in cavitary effusions into cell blocks to characterize these further by IHC.ResultsThirteen canine and 7 feline samples with cohesive cell populations were evaluated using gel foam cell blocks and IHC. Samples evaluated by routine cytology were categorized as (1) epithelial cells, (2) cohesive cell population without cytologic distinction between mesothelial and epithelial cells, and (3) mesothelial cells with signs of atypia. Antibody‐mediated staining of vimentin and cytokeratin of the effusion cell blocks yielded further classification of cohesive cell populations. In addition, a total of 4 effusions with malignant round cells were evaluated; they were immunophenotyped as either B‐ or T‐cell lymphoma.ConclusionThe use of cytokeratin and vimentin IHC on gel foam cell blocks from cavitary effusions provided robust staining and allowed characterization of cohesive cells as mesothelial or epithelial and immunophenotyping of lymphoid cell populations. In addition, this method is cost and time effective.
Involvement of the δ‐opioid receptor in exercise‐induced cardioprotection
Authors: Miller Lindsey E. , McGinnis Graham R. , Peters Bridget A. , Ballmann Christopher G. , Nanayakkara Gayani , Amin Rajesh , Quindry John C. 
Published: January 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
Does the δ‐opioid receptor trigger exercise‐induced cardioprotection against ischaemia–reperfusion injury?

What is the main finding and its importance?
In exercised hearts, the δ‐opioid receptor appears to trigger cardioprotection against ischaemia–reperfusion‐induced tissue necrosis but not apoptosis.

AbstractEndogenous opioids mediate exercise‐induced cardioprotection against ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) injury, although the opioid receptor subtype mediating this effect is unknown. We investigated whether the δ‐opioid receptor mediates exercise‐induced cardioprotection against IR injury. Endogenous opioids are produced in various tissues, including the heart and skeletal muscle; therefore, we also sought to identify the effect of exercise on circulating endogenous opioid as well as transcript, protein and receptor expression in heart and skeletal muscle. Male Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 73) were assigned randomly to treadmill exercise or sedentary treatments. Cardiac tissue and serum were harvested 0, 20 and 120 min following exercise and from sedentary animals (n = 32) to quantify effects on proenkephalin and δ‐opioid receptor mRNA and protein levels, as well as serum enkephalin. Skeletal muscle (soleus) was harvested at identical time points for determination of proenkephalin protein and mRNA. A separate group of rats (n = 41) were randomly assigned to sham operation (Sham; surgical control), sedentary (Sed), exercise (Ex) or exercise + δ‐opioid receptor antagonist (ExD; naltrindole, 5 mg kg−1
i.p.) and received IR by left anterior descending coronary artery ligation in vivo. After IR, tissues were harvested to quantify treatment effects on necrosis and apoptosis. Cardiac proenkephalin mRNA expression increased following exercise (0 min, P = 0.03; 120 min, P = 0.021), while soleus expression was unaffected. Exercise‐induced changes in serum enkephalin were undetectable. After IR, tissue necrosis was elevated in Sed and ExD hearts (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively) compared with the Sham group, while the Ex group was partly protected. After IR, apoptosis was evident in Sed hearts (P = 0.016), while Ex and ExD hearts were protected. Data suggest that cardioprotective opioids are produced by the heart, but not by the soleus. After IR, the δ‐opioid receptor may mediate, in part, cardioprotection against necrosis but not apoptosis.
The impact of arterial load on left ventricular performance: an invasive haemodynamic study in severe mitral stenosis
Authors: Venkateshvaran Ashwin , Sola Srikanth , Govind Satish Chandra , Dash Pravat Kumar , Barooah Banajit , Shahgaldi Kambiz , Sahlén Anders , Lund Lars , Winter Reidar , Nagy Anikó Ilona , Manouras Aristomenis 
Published: January 2015

Key points
A hallmark of mitral stenosis (MS) is the markedly altered left ventricular (LV) loading.
As most of the methods used to determine LV performance in MS patients are influenced by loading conditions, previous studies have shown conflicting results.
The present study calculated LV elastance, which is a robust method to quantify LV function. We demonstrate that LV loading in MS patients is elevated but normalizes after valve repair and might be a result of reflex pathways.
Additionally, we show that the LV in MS is less compliant than normal due to a combination of right ventricular loading and the valvular disease itself. Immediately after valve dilatation the increase in blood inflow into the LV results in even greater LV stiffness.
Our findings enrich our understanding of heart function in MS patients and provide a simple reproducible way of assessing LV performance in MS.
AbstractLeft ventricular (LV) function in rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) remains an issue of controversy, due to load dependency of previously employed assessment methods. We investigated LV performance in MS employing relatively load‐independent indices robust to the altered loading state. We studied 106 subjects (32 ± 8 years, 72% female) with severe MS (0.8 ± 0.2 cm2) and 40 age‐matched controls. MS subjects underwent simultaneous bi‐ventricular catheterization and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) before and immediately after percutaneous transvenous mitral commisurotomy (PTMC). Sphygmomanometric brachial artery pressures and TTE recordings were simultaneously acquired in controls. Single‐beat LV elastance (Ees) was employed for LV contractility measurements. Effective arterial elastance (Ea) and LV diastolic stiffness were measured. MS patients demonstrated significantly elevated afterload (Ea: 3.0 ± 1.3 vs. 1.5 ± 0.3 mmHg ml−1; P < 0.001) and LV contractility (Ees: 4.1 ± 1.6 vs. 2.4 ± 0.5 mmHg ml−1; P < 0.001) as compared to controls, with higher Ea in subjects with smaller mitral valve area (≤ 0.8 cm2) and pronounced subvalvular fusion. Stroke volume (49 ± 16 to 57 ± 17 ml; P < 0.001) and indexed LV end‐diastolic volume (LVEDVindex: 57 ± 16 to 64 ± 16 ml m−2; P < 0.001) increased following PTMC while Ees and Ea returned to more normal levels. Elevated LV stiffness was demonstrated at baseline and increased further following PTMC. Our findings provide evidence of elevated LV contractility, increased arterial load and increased diastolic stiffness in severe MS. Following PTMC, both LV contractility and afterload tend to normalize.