bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Achalasia and Epiphrenic Diverticulum
Authors: Fisichella P. Marco , Jalilvand Anahita , Dobrowolsky Adrian 
Published: January 2015

AbstractEpiphrenic diverticula are a rare disease almost always associated with an underlying motility disorder of the esophagus, such as achalasia. Treatment of any underlying motility disorder must be included in the management of epiphrenic diverticula to prevent postoperative complications and recurrences. Therefore, the goal of this paper is to describe the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and proper methods of diagnosis and treatment of patients with epiphrenic diverticula. In addition, we aim to provide an overview of the surgical management and discuss the indications for surgery and choice of surgical approach. In general, surgical intervention is favored for symptomatic patients and the optimal surgical approach depends on the size and location of the diverticulum. Surgery is not without seemingly high rates of morbidity when a myotomy is not performed together with the diverticulectomy, even in those with normal manometry. The risk of carcinoma is exceedingly rare and it is usually discovered at later stages; therefore, no surveillance programs have been established in asymptomatic patients with unresected diverticula.
Adrenal Gland Trauma: Is Extravasation an Absolute Indication for Intervention?
Authors: Liao Chien‐Hung , Lin Kuo‐Jen , Fu Chih‐Yuan , Wang Shang‐Yu , Yang Shang‐Ju , Ouyang Chun‐Hsiang 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundAdrenal gland trauma (AGT) is potentially devastating if unrecognized during the treatment of trauma patients. Because of the adrenal glands’ rich vascularity, they often hemorrhage upon traumatic impact. However, there has been no conclusion about the indications for intervention in cases of hemorrhage after AGT.MethodsWe conducted a prospective collection with a retrospective review in a Level I trauma center in Taiwan. This study enrolled all of the patients who suffered from AGT from May 2008 to May 2013. We retrieved and analyzed the patient demographic data, clinical presentation, AGT grade, injury severity score, management, hospital stay, and mortality.ResultsThe cohort consisted of 60 patients. The mean age was 31.0 ± 15.9 years. There were 32 patients (53.3 %) with extravasated AGT, which was associated with a high injury severity score, a high possibility of associated lung injury, and more than one accompanying trauma. Most of the patients could be treated conservatively. Five of these patients needed surgical hemostasis, and four of them needed angiographic embolization. Extravasation combined with a mean arterial pressure <70 mmHg was a predictor of the need for intervention (relative risk: 9.52, 95 % CI 1.64–55.56, p = 0.011).ConclusionIn conclusion, AGT is a rare injury with a good prognosis. Most AGT patients can be treated conservatively. Extravasation in AGT is not only a sign of hemorrhage, but also an indicator of severe associated injuries. However, extravasation in AGT does not always require further treatment. When intractable hypotension simultaneously occurs, further treatment should be considered.
Methods and advances in metabolic flux analysis: a mini-review
Authors: Antoniewicz Maciek R 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Metabolic flux analysis (MFA) is one of the pillars of metabolic engineering. Over the past three decades, it has been widely used to quantify intracellular metabolic fluxes in both native (wild type) and engineered biological systems. Through MFA, changes in metabolic pathway fluxes are quantified that result from genetic and/or environmental interventions. This information, in turn, provides insights into the regulation of metabolic pathways and may suggest new targets for further metabolic engineering of the strains. In this mini-review, we discuss and classify the various methods of MFA that have been developed, which include stoichiometric MFA, 13C metabolic flux analysis, isotopic non-stationary 13C metabolic flux analysis, dynamic metabolic flux analysis, and 13C dynamic metabolic flux analysis. For each method, we discuss key advantages and limitations and conclude by highlighting important recent advances in flux analysis approaches.
miRNA Expression in Human Intestinal Caco‐2 Cells is Comparably Regulated by cis‐ and trans‐Fatty Acids
Authors: Köpke Solveigh , Buhrke Thorsten , Lampen Alfonso 
Published: January 2015

AbstractTrans‐fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids with at least one double bond in trans configuration. While their role in the development of coronary heart disease is broadly accepted, a potential impact of these fatty acids on colon carcinogenesis is still under discussion. MiRNAs are small non‐coding RNAs that regulate the gene expression at a post‐transcriptional level by inhibiting the translation of target mRNAs. We investigated the effect of 16 different C 18 fatty acid isomers on the expression of 84 cancer‐related miRNAs in the human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line Caco‐2 by using a qRT‐PCR array. 66 of these 84 miRNAs were deregulated by at least one fatty acid, however, there was no trans‐specific impact on miRNA expression as the corresponding cis isomer of a given fatty acid generally had comparable effects on the miRNA expression profile. The most pronounced effects were observed for hsa‐miR‐146a‐5p, which was upregulated by four of the 16 investigated fatty acids, and hsa‐miR‐32‐5p, which was strongly downregulated by five fatty acids. As hsa‐miR‐32‐5p was described to target genes being involved in the regulation of apoptosis, the effect of α‐eleostearic acid on the expression of the apoptosis‐associated genes BCL2L11, BCL‐2, and BCL‐XL was examined. The qPCR results indicate that fatty acid‐mediated downregulation of hsa‐miR‐32‐5p is accompanied by a downregulation of BCL‐2 and BCL2L11 mRNA whereas BCL‐XL was shown to be simultaneously upregulated. In conclusion, our data indicate that several fatty acids are able to regulate miRNA expression of human colon cancer cells. However, no trans‐specific regulation was observed.
Novel taxa in the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex from Pinus spp.
Authors: Herron D.A. , Wingfield M.J. , Wingfield B.D. , Rodas C.A. , Marincowitz S. , Steenkamp E.T. 
Published: January 2015

The pitch canker pathogen Fusarium circinatum has caused devastation to Pinus spp. in natural forests and non-natives in commercially managed plantations. This has drawn attention to the potential importance of Fusarium species as pathogens of forest trees. In this
study, we explored the diversity of Fusarium species associated with diseased Pinus patula, P. tecunumanii, P. kesiya and P. maximinoi in Colombian plantations and nurseries. Plants displaying symptoms associated with a F. circinatum-like
infection (i.e., stem cankers and branch die-back on trees in plantations and root or collar rot of seedlings) were sampled. A total of 57 isolates were collected and characterised based on DNA sequence data for the translation elongation factor 1-α and β-tubulin gene regions.
Phylogenetic analyses of these data allowed for the identification of more than 10 Fusarium species. These included F. circinatum, F. oxysporum, species within the Fusarium solani species complex and seven novel species in the Fusarium fujikuroi
species complex (formerly the Gibberella fujikuroi species complex), five of which are described here as new. Selected isolates of the new species were tested for their pathogenicity on Pinus patula and compared with that of F. circinatum. Of these, F. marasasianum,
F. parvisorum and F. sororula displayed levels of pathogenicity to P. patula that were comparable with that of F. circinatum. These apparently emerging pathogens thus pose a significant risk to forestry in Colombia and other parts of the world.
Diminishing Surgical Site Infections in Australia: Time Trends in Infection Rates, Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance Using a Comprehensive Victorian Surveillance Program, 2002–2013
Authors: Worth Leon J. , Bull Ann L. , Spelman Tim , Brett Judith , Richards Michael J. 
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVETo evaluate time trends in surgical site infection (SSI) rates and SSI pathogens in Australia.DESIGNProspective multicenter observational cohort study.SETTINGA group of 81 Australian healthcare facilities participating in the Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System (VICNISS).PATIENTSAll patients underwent surgeries performed between October 1, 2002, and June 30, 2013. National Healthcare Safety Network SSI surveillance methods were employed by the infection prevention staff at the participating hospitals.INTERVENTIONProcedure-specific risk-adjusted SSI rates were calculated. Pathogen-specific and antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) infections were modeled using multilevel mixed-effects Poisson regression.RESULTSA total of 183,625 procedures were monitored, and 5,123 SSIs were reported. Each year of observation was associated with 11% risk reduction for superficial SSI (risk ratio [RR], 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88–0.90), 9% risk reduction for deep SSI (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.90–0.93), and 5% risk reduction for organ/space SSI (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93–0.97). Overall, 3,318 microbiologically confirmed SSIs were reported. Of these SSIs, 1,174 (35.4%) were associated with orthopedic surgery, 827 (24.9%) with coronary artery bypass surgery, 490 (14.8%) with Caesarean sections, and 414 (12.5%) with colorectal procedures. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently identified pathogen, and a statistically significant increase in infections due to ceftriaxone-resistant Escherichia coli was observed (RR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.10–1.70).CONCLUSIONSStandardized SSI surveillance methods have been implemented in Victoria, Australia. Over an 11-year period, diminishing rates of SSIs have been observed, although AMR infections increased significantly. Our findings facilitate the refinement of recommended surgical antibiotic prophylaxis regimens and highlight the need for a more expansive national surveillance strategy to identify changes in epidemiology.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;00(0): 1–8
AUSTRIA'S LAW AGAINST DEFAMATION OF RELIGION: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Taylor Greg 
Published: January 2015

AbstractRecently there have been calls from Islamic nations for the creation of a crime of “defamation of religion.” Austria already has such an offense: section 188 of the Criminal Code of 1974 prohibits giving “justified offense” (berechtigtes Ärgernis) by “publicly disparag[ing] or ridicul[ing] a person who, or an object which, is the subject of veneration of a domestically established church or religious community, or a dogma, a lawful custom or a lawful institution of such a church or religious community.” This has recently been applied to secure the conviction of an activist of the right-wing Freedom Party of Austria, who announced at a semi-public seminar attended by about thirty people, including one undercover journalist, that Mohammed was a pedophile. Drawing on the law of comparable jurisdictions, this article traces the history of the provision and considers how it is applied by the courts. In this article it is contended that this provision, while rarely used, unduly restricts public discussion. At the least, the provision needs both reinterpretation and amendment; international human rights sources suggest that repeal should be seriously considered given that the existing offense of sedition is available for serious cases.
Helical Buckling of Slender Beam Structures Surrounded by an Elastic Medium
Authors: Harasawa S. , Sato M. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTThe goal of this study was to investigate analytically the buckling phenomena of slender beam structures embedded in an elastic medium. In such cases, there is a possibility that spiral-shaped buckling modes can occur due to the restraining effect of the surrounding medium. As a result of analytical investigations, helical buckling occurs radically. Furthermore the pitch of the helix does not fluctuate as the radius of the helix increases. The interesting mechanical implications of the embedding effect are demonstrated by the theoretical approach established in this study.
Application of Fractional Calculus Methods to Viscoelastic Response of Amorphous Shape Memory Polymers
Authors: Fang C-Q. , Sun H.-Y. , Gu J.-P. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractConstitutive models based on fractional calculus are utilized to investigate the viscoelastic response of thermally activated shape memory polymers (SMPs). Fractional calculus-based viscoelastic equations are fitted to experimental data existing in literature compared with traditional viscoelastic models. In addition, a fractional rheology model is applied to simulate the isothermal recovery of an amorphous SMP. The fit results show a significant improvement in the description of the strain recovery response of SMP by the fractional calculus method.
Organisational sequestering of workplace bullying: Adding insult to injury
Authors: Thirlwall Alison 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis paper explores empirical data from human resources practitioners and employees to define the ways in which organisations respond to complaints about workplace bullying in New Zealand. Despite recommendations that organisations take workplace bullying seriously and increasing research in recent years, little evidence exists of improvements in the management of this problem. Indeed, this study adds to the gloom by providing an account of the ways in which a group of organisations failed to take responsibility for the welfare of their employees and members. A selection of disappointing responses to requests for help, and some possible explanations for these responses, is presented. Crucially, a set of terms for identifying organisational inaction towards full resolution of workplace bullying is introduced, resolving some aspects of denotative hesitancy in this area. Defining the approaches that hinder resolution of workplace bullying may contribute to its reduction.
Effects of methionine supplementation on the expression of oxidative stress-related genes in acute heat stress-exposed broilers
Authors: Del Vesco Ana Paula , Gasparino Eliane , Grieser Daiane de Oliveira , Zancanela Vittor , Soares Maria Amélia Menck , de Oliveira Neto Adhemar Rodrigues 
Published: January 2015

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of heat stress (HS) and methionine supplementation on the markers of stress and on the gene expression levels of uncoupling proteins (UCP), betaine–homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT), cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), glutathione synthetase (GSS) and glutathione peroxidase 7 (GPx7). Broilers from 1 to 21 d and from 22 to 42 d of age were divided into three treatment groups related to methionine supplementation: without methionine supplementation (MD); recommended level of methionine supplementation (DL1); excess methionine supplementation (DL2). The broilers were either kept at a comfortable thermal temperature or exposed to HS (38°C for 24 h). During the starter period, we observed the effects of the interaction between diet and environment on the gene expression levels of UCP, BHMT and GSS. Higher gene expression levels of UCP and BHMT were observed in broilers that were maintained at thermal comfort conditions and received the MD diet. HS broilers fed the DL1 and DL2 diets had the highest expression level of GSS. The expression levels of the CBS and GPx7 genes were influenced by both the environment and methionine supplementation. During the grower period, the gene expression levels of BHMT, CBS, GSS and GPx7 were affected by the diet × environment interaction. A higher expression level of BHMT was observed in broilers maintained at thermal comfort conditions and on the MD diet. HS induced higher expression levels of CBS, GSS and GPx7 in broilers that received the DL1 and DL2 diets. The present results suggest that under HS conditions, methionine supplementation could mitigate the effects of stress, since methionine contributed to the increased expression levels of genes related to antioxidant activity.
Children's and parents' health perception of different soft drinks
Authors: Bucher Tamara , Siegrist Michael 
Published: January 2015

Beverages are among the first independent product choices that school-aged children will make and unhealthy choices can be a threat to children's health. The present study investigated which beverage attributes shape adults' and children's health perceptions. For this purpose, 100 children (fifty-two boys; mean age 8·8 (sd 1·1) years) and their parents were invited to independently perform a beverage-sorting task. Participants were asked to place twenty commonly consumed soft drinks in a line ranging from ‘unhealthy’ to ‘healthy’. The sorting data were analysed using multidimensional scaling with property fitting and hierarchical clustering. Sugar content (βparents= − 0·78, βchildren= − 0·68; P< 0·001), artificial sweeteners (βparents= − 0·68, βchildren= − 0·66; P< 0·001), fruit content (βparents= 0·33, βchildren= 0·36; P< 0·05) and caffeine content (βparents= − 0·45, βchildren= − 0·46; P< 0·01) were found to be the predictors of parents' and children's health perceptions. Parents' and children's estimates were strongly related (rs 0·70 (sd 0·15)); both groups classified the beverages into similar clusters. However, compared with their parents, children perceived beverages such as fruit juices and grapefruit soda to be healthier. In conclusion, parents' and children's health perceptions were strongly related based on the same relevant attributes for evaluation. However, fruit content was considered a more important criterion by children, which might lead to differences in the health perception between children and their parents. Low fruit content and the belief of beverages being ‘natural’ could positively bias perceptions. Therefore, certain soft drinks such as squashes or fruit lemonades are problematic, and the consumer's awareness of their low nutritional quality should be raised.
Shareholder Litigation, Reputational Loss, and Bank Loan Contracting
Authors: Deng Saiying , Willis Richard H. , Xu Li 
Published: January 2015

AbstractWe examine shareholder litigation and the price and nonprice terms of bank loan contracts. After filing a lawsuit, defendant firms pay higher loan spreads and up-front charges, experience more financial covenants, and are more likely to have a collateral requirement. These findings are consistent with reputational losses associated with shareholder litigation. The magnitude of a firm’s lost market value when the lawsuit is filed is positively related to the increase in the firm’s future borrowing costs. We investigate whether the lawsuit allegations and its merit affect future bank loan terms. Our results do not appear to be affected by self-selection.
Windows of opportunity: legislative fragmentation conditions the effect of partisanship on product market deregulation
Authors: Smith Michael G. , Urpelainen Johannes 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPrevious research on deregulation in industrialised countries emphasises differences between left-wing and right-wing parties, but data on product market regulation (PMR) indicate that these differences have been modest. If partisan preferences on the merits of deregulation differ sharply, why such modest differences? We argue that partisan differences only become pronounced when the government is strong and rules a relatively unified legislature. Thus, legislative fragmentation should reduce the left-right difference in PMR. We test this theory against PMR data in 29 industrialised countries, 1978–2007. We find that right-wing governments only have a strong negative effect on regulation if the legislature and the government are not fragmented.
Reducing ion energy spread in hole-boring radiation pressure acceleration by using two-ion-species targets
Authors: Weng S. M. , Murakami M. , Sheng Z. M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe generation of fast ion beams in the hole-boring radiation pressure acceleration by intense laser pulses has been studied for targets with different ion components. We find that the oscillation of the longitudinal electric field for accelerating ions can be effectively suppressed by using a two-ion-species target, because fast ions from a two-ion-species target are distributed into more bunches and each bunch bears less charge. Consequently, the energy spread of ion beams generated in the hole-boring radiation pressure acceleration can be greatly reduced down to 3.7% according to our numerical simulation.
Comparison of recto-anal mucosal swab and faecal culture for the detection ofEscherichia coliO157 and identification of super-shedding in a mob of Merino sheep
Authors: McPHERSON A. S. , DHUNGYEL O. P. , WARD M. P. 
Published: January 2015

SUMMARYWe compared the use of recto-anal mucosal swab (RAMS) culture and faecal culture for the detection ofE. coliO157 in a mob of Merino sheep. Fifty Merino wethers and maiden ewes housed in indoor pens were sampled on five occasions. We detectedE coliO157 in 32% (16/50) of sheep, with weekly prevalence ranging from 4% (2/50) to 16% (8/50). Overall, 12·5% (2/16) were detected by RAMS culture only, and 37·5% (6/16) were detected by faecal culture only. The level of agreement between the two sampling methods was moderate [kappa statistic = 0·583, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·460–0·707]. The relative sensitivities of RAMS and faecal culture were 67% (95% CI 41–86) and 57% (95% CI 34–77), respectively. We identified four super-shedding sheep using direct faecal culture. Although the majority of culture-positive sheep were detected at one sampling point only, 3/4 super-shedding sheep were culture-positive at two sampling points, and 1/4 was culture-positive at four sampling points. Persistent culture positivity may indicate sheep that could be considered ‘super-shedders' at some point. The use of immunomagnetic separation further improved the rate of detection ofE. coliO157, which was isolated from 1/34 animals that were previously negative by enrichment culture alone. A significant difference between sampling weeks was detected for both faecal (P= 0·021) and RAMS (P= 0·006), with the prevalence at the mid-point of sampling (week 4) significantly (P< 0·05) higher than at the beginning or end of the study. Study conditions (penned sheep) might have been responsible for the high prevalence and the epidemic pattern of infection observed, and could serve as a future model for studies ofE. coliO157 transmission, shedding and super-shedding in sheep.