bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema xinbinense n. sp. (Nematoda: Steinernematidae), from north China
Authors: Ma Juan , Ma Juan , Chen Shulong , Ma Juan , Chen Shulong , De Clercq Patrick , Ma Juan , Chen Shulong , De Clercq Patrick , Waeyenberge Lieven , Ma Juan , Chen Shulong , De Clercq Patrick , Waeyenberge Lieven , Han Richou , Ma Juan , Chen Shulong , De Clercq Patrick , Waeyenberge Lieven , Han Richou , Moens Maurice 
Published: April 2012

During a survey for entomopathogenic nematodes in northern China, a new species of Steinernema was isolated from soil samples collected from Xinbin county, Liaoning province. This nematode was obtained by the insect-baiting technique using last instar larvae of Galleria mellonella. It is described herein as S. xinbinense n. sp. The nematode can be separated from other described species of the group by morphological and morphometric characteristics of the different stages and by characterisation and phylogeny of DNA sequences of the D2D3 domain of the LSU or ITS regions of rDNA. This new species is characterised by the following morphological characters: infective third-stage juvenile with a body length of 694 (635-744) μm, distance from head to excretory pore of 51 (46-53) μm, tail length of 73 (61-81) μm, E = 71 (65-78)%, presence of eight unevenly spaced and developed ridges in middle lateral field (i.e., nine lines). First generation male with well curved, yellowish spicules 56 (49-62) μm long and gubernaculum 35 (30-41) μm long, small mucron mostly present, first generation female with protruding vulva, tail conical with one or two small mucrons and D = 45 (41-50)%. Cross hybridisation tests with S. tielingense, S. kraussei, S. feltiae and S. hebeiense showed that this species was reproductively isolated. The analyses of ITS-rDNA and D2D3 sequence confirm that the studied nematode isolate is a valid new species belonging to the ‘feltiae-kraussei-oregonense’ group.
Undoing the Future: The Theology of the Book of Zechariah
Authors: Foster Robert 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Reading the book of Zechariah as a whole for its theology requires giving special attention to the way that the historical narratives in 1:1-6, 7-8, and 11:4-17 shape the discourse. The opening narrative, 1:1-6, delineates the movement of the book as YHWH returns to Zion and so calls for the returning exiles to return to their god. Chapters seven and eight clarify what it means for the people to return to YHWH, in line with the earlier prophets’ call to pursue justice. 11:4-17 narrates the failure of especially the leaders to enact justice and the consequences of this failure. Nevertheless, the book affirms the promise of YHWH to do good to Zion, even if modified and cast into the eschatological future.
Dmax for Stereoscopic Depth Perception with Simulated Monovision Correction
Authors: Qian Jin , Adeseye Samuel A. , Stevenson Scott B. , Patel Saumil S. , Bedell Harold E. 
Published: April 2012

Purpose: Persons who wear monovision correction typically receive a clear image in one eye and a blurred image in the other eye. Although monovision is known to elevate the minimum stereoscopic threshold (Dmin), it is uncertain how it influences the largest binocular disparity for which the direction of depth can reliably be perceived (Dmax). In this study, we comparedDmaxfor stereo when one eye’s image is blurred toDmaxwhen both eyes’ images are either clear or blurred.Methods: The stimulus was a pair of vertically oriented, random-line patterns. To simulate monovision correction with +1.5 or +2.5 D defocus, the images of the line patterns presented to one eye were spatially low-pass filtered while the patterns presented to the other eye remained unfiltered.Results: Compared to binocular viewing without blur,Dminis elevated substantially more in the presence of monocular than binocular simulated blur.Dmaxis reduced in the presence of simulated monocular blur by between 13 and 44%, compared to when the images in both eyes are clear. In contrast, when the targets presented to both eyes are blurred equally,Dmaxeither is unchanged or increases slightly, compared to the values measured with no blur.Conclusion: In conjunction with the elevation ofDmin, the reduction ofDmaxwith monocular blur indicates that the range of useful stereoscopic depth perception is likely to be compressed in patients who wear monovision corrections.
Cusp Catastrophe Models for Cognitive Workload and Fatigue in a Verbally Cued Pictorial Memory Task
Authors: Guastello Stephen J. , Boeh Henry , Schimmels Michael , Gorin Hillary , Huschen Samuel , Davis Erin , Peters Natalie E. , Fabisch Megan , Poston Kirsten 
Published: April 2012

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate two cusp catastrophe models for cognitive workload and fatigue. They share similar cubic polynomial structures but derive from different underlying processes and contain variables that contribute to flexibility with respect to load and the ability to compensate for fatigue. Background: Cognitive workload and fatigue both have a negative impact on performance and have been difficult to separate. Extended time on task can produce fatigue, but it can also produce a positive effect from learning or automaticity. Method: In this two-part experiment, 129 under-graduates performed tasks involving spelling, arithmetic, memory, and visual search. Results: The fatigue cusp for the central memory task was supported with the quantity of work performed and performance on an episodic memory task acting as the control parameters. There was a strong linear effect, however. The load manipulations for the central task were competition with another participant for rewards, incentive conditions, and time pressure. Results supported the workload cusp in which trait anxiety and the incentive manipulation acted as the control parameters. Conclusion: The cusps are generally better than linear models for analyzing workload and fatigue phenomena; practice effects can override fatigue. Future research should investigate multitasking and task sequencing issues, physical-cognitive task combinations, and a broader range of variables that contribute to flexibility with respect to load or compensate for fatigue. Applications: The new experimental medium and analytic strategy can be generalized to virtually any real-world cognitively demanding tasks. The particular results are generalizable to tasks involving visual search.
Disaster-related psychiatric disorders among survivors of flooding in Ladakh, India
Authors: Ishikawa Motonao , Yamamoto Naomune , Yamanaka Gaku , Suwa Kuniaki , Nakajima Shun , Hozo Reiko , Norboo Tsering , Okumiya Kiyohito , Matsubayashi Kozo , Otsuka Kuniaki 
Published: April 2012

Background: Heavy rainfall in northern India in August 2010 caused flash floods, seriously damaging homes and infrastructure. There have been no major disasters in the history of Ladakh, and no surveys on post-disaster psychiatric disorders have been conducted in this area. Aims and methods: To examine the impact of this disaster in Ladakh one month post-disaster, we visited Choglamsar, located near the town of Leh, where the flood had the most severe impact. In total, 318 survivors (mean age: 58.6 years; female–male ratio: 59.7%; Tibetan refugees: 86.2%) participated in the survey. We used the two-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2) along with questions covering background characteristics and disaster exposure. A psychiatrist interviewed the survivors with a single or double positive score in the PHQ-2 or with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Results and conclusion: There were only two PTSD cases and five of major depressive disorders. PTSD and depression were less common in the Tibetan cultural areas than in other areas. The social background and temperamental characteristics of the Tibetan culture may play a suppressive role in psychiatric disorders.
Knowledge of heart attack and stroke symptomology: a cross-sectional comparison of rural and non-rural US adults
Authors: Swanoski Michael T , Lutfiyya May Nawal , Amaro Maria L , Akers Michael F , Huot Krista L 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Understanding the signs and symptoms of heart attacks and strokes are important not only in saving lives, but also in preserving quality of life. Findings from recent research have yielded that the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors are higher in rural populations, suggesting that adults living in rural locales may be at higher risk for heart attack and/or stroke. Knowledge of heart attack and stroke symptomology as well as calling 911 for a suspected heart attack or stroke are essential first steps in seeking care. This study sought to examine the knowledge of heart attack and stroke symptoms among rural adults in comparison to non-rural adults living in the U.S.

Methods
Using multivariate techniques, a cross-sectional analysis of an amalgamated multi-year Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) database was performed. The dependent variable for this analysis was low heart attack and stroke knowledge score. The covariates for the analysis were: age, sex, race/ethnicity, annual household income, attained education, health insurance status, having a health care provider (HCP), timing of last routine medical check-up, medical care deferment because of cost, self-defined health status and geographic locale.

Results
The weighted n for this study overall was 103,262,115 U.S. adults > =18 years of age. Approximately 22.0% of these respondents were U.S. adults living in rural locales. Logistic regression analysis revealed that those U.S. adults who had low composite heart attack and stroke knowledge scores were more likely to be rural (OR = 1.218 95%CI 1.216-1.219) rather than non-rural residents. Furthermore, those with low scores were more likely to be: male (OR = 1.353 95%CI 1.352-1.354), >65 years of age (OR = 1.369 95%CI 1.368-1.371), African American (OR = 1.892 95%CI 1.889-1.894), not educated beyond high school (OR = 1.400 955CI 1.399-1.402), uninsured (OR = 1.308 95%CI 1.3-6-1.310), without a HCP (OR = 1.216 95%CI 1.215-1.218), and living in a household with an annual income of < $50,000 (OR = 1.429 95%CI 1.428-1.431).

Conclusions
Analysis identified clear disparities between the knowledge levels U.S. adults have regarding heart attack and stroke symptoms. These disparities should guide educational endeavors focusing on improving knowledge of heart attack and stroke symptoms.
Relationship between treatment-seeking behaviour and artemisinin drug quality in Ghana
Authors: Klein Eili Y , Lewis Ian A , Jung Christina , Llinás Manuel , Levin Simon A 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundArtemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is currently the recommended first-line treatment for uncomplicated malaria infections. However, a significant proportion of ACT is assumed to be of poor quality, particularly in Africa. In addition, little is known about how treatment-seeking behaviour of individuals or drug price is associated with drug quality.MethodsCaregivers of children less than 5 years of age were interviewed on their knowledge of malaria and their choices for treatment. Artemisinin drugs were then purchased from sellers that caregivers preferred or had previously patronized. The active ingredients were quantified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.ResultsA negative relationship was anticipated between the education level of caregivers and the quality of anti-malarial drugs purchased. However, of the 33 drugs collected from 16 different shops, only one contained less than 80% of its purported active ingredient, and most drugs were within 90% of their listed amounts. No link was found between drug quality and price. Nonetheless, while ACT is the recommended first-line treatment in Ghana, 21% of the drugs collected were artemisinin monotherapy, and 27% of the ACT was not co-formulated. Among caregivers, higher education was found to be associated with both an increased likelihood of seeking treatment in a clinic first, as opposed to visiting drug shops or using herbal remedies, and with purchasing drugs from licensed sellers.ConclusionSurprisingly, drug quality was found to be uniformly high and thus no significant relationship between price, treatment-seeking behaviour and the content of the active ingredients was observed. However, artemisinin monotherapy, which the WHO considers inappropriate therapy, was still widely available in Ghana in 2010. Monotherapy was more likely to be available in unlicensed vendors where less-educated caregivers generally shopped. This linkage between education, treatment-seeking behaviour and drug availability suggests that the global subsidy to reduce the cost of co-formulated ACT can play a significant role in increasing its availability.
Pfatp6 molecular profile of Plasmodium falciparum isolates in the western Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Brasil Larissa W , Areas André LL , Melo Gisely C , Oliveira Cintia MC , C Alecrim Maria G , G Lacerda Marcus V , O'Brien Connor , Oelemann Walter MR , Zalis Mariano G 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Anti-malarial drug resistance has emerged as one of the biggest challenges confronting the worldwide effort to control malaria. The appearance of chloroquine and multi-drug resistance had devastating effects on therapeutic efficacy of former first-line agents. Artemisinin has proven to be an excellent therapeutic alternative to fill the void in chemotherapeutic options left by resistance mechanisms. At the time of introduction, no resistance to artemisinins had been recorded, and artemisinins demonstrated excellent parasite reduction rates. In an attempt to protect artemisinin efficacy, the World Health Organization (WHO) made artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) its official first-line treatment recommendation for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum in 2006. In Brazil, artemether/lumefantrine became the Brazilian Malaria Control Programme's official treatment recommendation in 2007. The sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ - ATPase ortholog of P. falciparum (pfatp 6) has been suggested as one of the targets of artemisinins. Consequently, pfatp 6 gene polymorphisms are being investigated as markers of artemisinin resistance elsewhere. The goal of this work was to describe the molecular profile of pfatp 6 in P. falciparum isolates from different localities in the Amazonas State.

Methods
DNA polymorphisms of the pfatp6 gene in 80 P. falciparum isolates from 11 municipalities of the Amazonas State (Western Brazilian Amazon), before and after the introduction of ACT in the Brazilian anti-malarial guidelines, were analysed by automatic sequencing. Mutations in the pfatp6 gene were searched using Mutation Surveyor v3.25 software.

Results
The P. falciparum pfatp6 gene presented polymorphisms at codons 37, 630 and 898. The R37K mutation was found in 16% of the samples, A630S in 32% and I898I in 52%. No S769N mutation, however, was detected in the analysed samples.

Conclusion
Despite the small number of samples, data presented here provide baseline information about polymorphisms of pfatp6 gene before and after exposure to ACT in a low transmission area, which will help to infer drug selection pressure in this area in the future.
Surgical treatment of tricuspid regurgitation after mitral valve surgery: a retrospective study in China
Authors: Li Zong-Xiao , Guo Zhi-Peng , Liu Xiao-Cheng , Kong Xiang-Rong , Jing Wen-Bin , Chen Tie-Nan , Lu Wan-Li , He Guo-Wei 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) occurs in patients with rheumatic mitral valve disease even after mitral valve surgery. The aim of this study was to analyze surgical results of TR after previous successful mitral valve surgery.

Methods
From September 1996 to September 2008, 45 patients with TR after previous mitral valve replacement underwent second operation for TR. In those, 43 patients (95.6%) had right heart failure symptoms (edema of lower extremities, ascites, hepatic congestion, etc.) and 40 patients (88.9%) had atrial fibrillation. Twenty-six patients (57.8%) were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class III, and 19 (42.2%) in class IV. Previous operations included: 41 for mechanical mitral valve replacement (91.1%), 4 for bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement (8.9%), and 7 for tricuspid annuloplasty (15.6%).

Results
The tricuspid valves were repaired with Kay's (7 cases, 15.6%) or De Vega technique (4 cases, 8.9%). Tricuspid valve replacement was performed in 34 cases (75.6%). One patient (2.2%) died. Postoperative low cardiac output (LCO) occurred in 5 patients and treated successfully. Postoperative echocardiography showed obvious reduction of right atrium and ventricle. The anterioposterior diameter of the right ventricle decreased to 25.5 ± 7.1 mm from 33.7 ± 6.2 mm preoperatively (P < 0. 05).

Conclusion
TR after mitral valve replacement in rheumatic heart disease is a serious clinical problem. If it occurs or progresses late after mitral valve surgery, tricuspid valve annuloplasty or replacement may be performed with satisfactory results. Due to the serious consequence of untreated TR, aggressive treatment of existing TR during mitral valve surgery is recommended.
Oral nystatin prophylaxis in surgical/trauma ICU patients: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Giglio Mariateresa , Caggiano Giuseppina , Dalfino Lidia , Brienza Nicola , Alicino Ilaria , Sgobio Aurelia , Favale Antonella , Coretti Caterina , Montagna Maria Teresa , Bruno Francesco , Puntillo Filomena 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Candida prophylaxis in ICU is still a matter of debate. Oral chemoprophylaxis has been advocated to reduce the incidence of Candida colonisation and infection.

Methods
We performed a randomised trial studying a single drug (nystatin) versus control in surgical/trauma ICU patients. Multiple-site testing for fungi was performed in each patient on ICU admission (T0) and subsequently every 3 days (T3, T6, T9, and so forth). The primary evaluation criterion was the time course of the corrected colonisation index.

Results
Ninety-nine patients were enrolled. At admission, 69 patients exhibited Candida colonisation: the most frequently colonised body sites were the stomach and the pharynx. The most frequent isolated species was Candida albicans. The corrected colonisation index was similar in the two groups at T0 (P = 0.36), while a significant statistical difference was observed between the treatment and control groups at T6 (median 0.14 and 0.33, respectively; P = 0.0016), at T9 (median 0.00 and 0.28, respectively; P = 0.0001), at T12 (median 0.00 and 0.41, respectively; P = 0.0008), and at T15 (median 0.00 and 0.42, respectively; P < 0.0003). The same results were obtained in the subgroup of patients already colonised at ICU admission.

Conclusion
This trial shows that nystatin prophylaxis significantly reduces fungal colonisation in surgical/trauma ICU patients, even if already colonised.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01495039
Stromal-derived IL-6 alters the balance of myeloerythroid progenitors during Toxoplasma gondii infection
Authors: Chou David B , Sworder Brian , Bouladoux Nicolas , Roy Cindy N , Uchida Amiko M , Grigg Michael , Robey Pamela G , Belkaid Yasmine 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
BMSCs are critical regulators of the hematopoietic response to inflammation through secretion of IL-6.
Inflammation alters hematopoiesis, often by decreasing erythropoiesis and enhancing myeloid output. The mechanisms behind these changes and how the BM stroma contributes to this process are active areas of research. In this study, we examine these questions in the setting of murine Toxoplasma gondii infection. Our data reveal that infection alters early myeloerythroid differentiation, blocking erythroid development beyond the Pre MegE stage, while expanding the GMP population. IL-6 was found to be a critical mediator of these differences, independent of hepcidin-induced iron restriction. Comparing the BM with the spleen showed that the hematopoietic response was driven by the local microenvironment, and BM chimeras demonstrated that radioresistant cells were the relevant source of IL-6 in vivo. Finally, direct ex vivo sorting revealed that VCAM+CD146lo BM stromal fibroblasts significantly increase IL-6 secretion after infection. These data suggest that BMSCs regulate the hematopoietic changes during inflammation via IL-6.
Development of Non-Siliceous Porous Materials and Emerging Applications
Authors: Fujita Koji 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
This account presents the preparation, characterization, and applications of porous sol–gel materials with particular emphasis on non-siliceous oxide compositions and morphology control. The potential and versatility of innovative synthesis strategies that have been developed to broaden the range of achievable compositions and functionalities are briefly discussed. The synthesis approach involves polymerization-induced phase separation and concurrent sol–gel transition under well-controlled reactions conditions, producing monolithic gels with well-defined macroporous bicontinuous structures. By optimizing the template-free synthesis routes including the postgelation treatments, one can obtain non-siliceous monolithic materials with controllable macropores and mesopores. Promising results for chromatographic and optical applications are also demonstrated taking porous titania monoliths as a example.
Highly Disordered Crystalline-Phase Transition of Tetrakis(1-adamantanecarboxymethyl)methane
Authors: Li Rong , Pan Chunyue , Xiong Shaohui , Yu Guipeng , Wang Pingshan , Zou Yingping , Zhang Aiqing 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Tetrakis(1-adamantanecarboxymethyl)methane was prepared by indirect esterification. DSC traces of tetrakis(1-adamantanecarboxymethyl)methane showed two endothermic peaks. Entropy ratio of these two peaks is: ΔStrs/ΔSfus = 1.58 &gt; 1. XRD confirmed the solid–solid transition and analysis of XRD by DICVOL demonstrated tetrakis(1-adamantanecarboxymethyl)methane is a new compound with a highly disordered crystalline phase. Analysis of entropy changes at transitions showed why fusion entropy (ΔSfus = 70.07 J mol−1 K−1) of tetrakis(1-adamantanecarboxymethyl)methane is much larger than Timmermans’ criterion.