bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The wheat Lr34 gene provides resistance against multiple fungal pathogens in barley
Authors: Risk Joanna M. , Selter Liselotte L. , Chauhan Harsh , Krattinger Simon G. , Kumlehn Jochen , Hensel Goetz , Viccars Libby A. , Richardson Terese M. , Buesing Gabriele , Troller Anna , Lagudah Evans S. , Keller Beat
Published: May 2013

The Lr34 gene encodes an ABC transporter and has provided wheat with durable, broad‐spectrum resistance against multiple fungal pathogens for over 100 years. Because barley does not have an Lr34 ortholog, we expressed Lr34 in barley to investigate its potential as a broad‐spectrum resistance resource in another grass species. We found that introduction of the genomic Lr34 sequence confers resistance against barley leaf rust and barley powdery mildew, two pathogens specific for barley but not virulent on wheat. In addition, the barley lines showed enhanced resistance against wheat stem rust. Transformation with the Lr34 cDNA or the genomic susceptible Lr34 allele did not result in increased resistance. Unlike wheat, where Lr34‐conferred resistance is associated with adult plants, the genomic Lr34 transgenic barley lines exhibited multipathogen resistance in seedlings. These transgenic barley lines also developed leaf tip necrosis (LTN) in young seedlings, which correlated with an up‐regulation of senescence marker genes and several pathogenesis‐related (PR) genes. In wheat, transcriptional expression of Lr34 is highest in adult plants and correlates with increased resistance and LTN affecting the last emerging leaf. The severe phenotype of transgenic Lr34 barley resulted in reduced plant growth and total grain weight. These results demonstrate that Lr34 provides enhanced multipathogen resistance early in barley plant development and implies the conservation of the substrate and mechanism of the LR34 transporter and its molecular action between wheat and barley. With controlled gene expression, the use of Lr34 may be valuable for many cereal breeding programmes, particularly given its proven durability.
Gestational Age and Cognitive Ability in Early Childhood: a Population‐based Cohort Study
Authors: Poulsen Gry , Wolke Dieter , Kurinczuk Jennifer J , Boyle Elaine M , Field David , Alfirevic Zarko , Quigley Maria A
Published: May 2013

Background

Recent studies suggest that children born at late preterm (34–36 weeks gestation) and early term (37–38 weeks) may have poorer developmental outcomes than children born at full term (39–41 weeks). We examined how gestational age is related to cognitive ability in early childhood using the UK Millennium Cohort Study.

Methods

Cognitive development was assessed using Bracken School Readiness Assessment at age 3 years, British Ability Scales II at ages 3, 5 and 7 years and Progress in Mathematics at age 7 years. Sample size varied according to outcome between 12 163 and 14 027. Each gestational age group was compared with the full‐term group using differences in z‐scores and risk ratios for scoring more than −1 SD below the mean.

Results

Children born at <32 weeks gestation scored lower (P < 0.05) than the full‐term group on all scales with unadjusted z‐score differences ranging between −0.8 to −0.2 SD. In all groups, there was an increased risk (P < 0.05) of scoring less than −1 SD below the mean compared with the full‐term group for some of the tests: those born at < 32 weeks had a 40–140% increased risk in seven tests, those born at 32–33 weeks had a 60–80% increased risk in three tests, those born at 34–36 weeks had a 30–40% increased risk in three tests, and those born at 37–38 weeks had a 20% increased risk in two tests.

Conclusions

Cognitive ability is related to the entire range of gestational age, including children born at 34–36 and 37–38 weeks gestation.
Fantastically plastic: fish larvae equipped for a new world
Authors: Pittman Karin , Yúfera Manuel , Pavlidis Michail , Geffen Audrey J. , Koven Willian , Ribeiro Laura , Zambonino‐Infante José L. , Tandler Amos
Published: May 2013

Teleost fish are more diverse than any other vertebrate group, and yet only a limited number of species are fished and farmed globally. Efforts to expand the quantity and diversity of fish produced are hampered by the extreme diversity of ontogenetic responses of fish, especially during larval development. This review looks at advances in molecular phylogeny, endocrine and nutrient influences and long‐term studies of the phenotypes of commercially important fish to put the sources and consequences of this plasticity into context. This nested context of evolutionary forces of the fish‐specific genome duplication, epigenetic influences, ontogenetically conserved processes like metamorphosis and cell determination is further presented in relation to how fish larvae translate the environment into somatic signals, the teleostian diversity of internal processes like sex differentiation and somatogenesis, and the long‐term practical consequences of changes in timing or anthropogenic influences. This review aims to present a new baseline of knowledge of marine fish larvae which is useful to scientists, managers and producers.
Regeneration Potential of Floodplain Forests Under the Influence of Nonnative Tree Species: Soil Seed Bank Analysis in Northern Italy
Authors: Skowronek Sandra , Terwei André , Zerbe Stefan , Mölder Inga , Annighöfer Peter , Kawaletz Heike , Ammer Christian , Heilmeier Hermann
Published: May 2013

Soil seed banks are the ecological memory of plant communities and might represent their regeneration potential. This study examines the soil seed bank in hardwood floodplain forests of the biosphere reserve “Valle del Ticino” (Northern Italy) to find out whether the natural forest vegetation can potentially be restored by the soil seed bank. We compared near natural forests of the phytosociological association Polygonato multiflori–Quercetum roboris with stands dominated by the nonnative tree species Robinia pseudoacacia and Prunus serotina in order to investigate whether the composition of the soil seed bank is significantly influenced by the composition of the main canopy tree species and soil properties. Soil seed bank samples were taken from 20 randomly selected plots in stands that were differentiated into four groups related to the dominant forest canopy species. The germinated plants were counted and their species determined. A total of 2,427 plants belonging to 84 species were recorded. The composition of the dominant tree species and soil parameters significantly influence the composition of the seed bank. The similarity with the standing vegetation was very low. Only 13% of the species in the soil seed bank represent the target vegetation. The low percentage of target species and the high percentage of nonnative species imply that the regeneration of near‐natural forest vegetation from the soil seed bank is not feasible. Consequently, disturbances that may activate the soil seed bank should be minimized. Thus, we recommend stopping the mechanical removal of the nonnative tree species in the Ticino Park.
Is N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide ready for ‘prime time’ in severe pneumonia?
Authors: Fernandez Juan Felipe , Restrepo Marcos I.
Published: May 2013

See article, page 933
COSMIC PURPOSE AND THE CONTINGENCY OF HUMAN EVOLUTION
Authors: McMullin Ernan
Published: May 2013

Some understand the evolutionary process as more or less predictable; others stress its contingency. I argue that both Christian evolutionists who have assumed that the purposes of the Creator can be realized only through more or less predictable processes as well as those who infer from the contingency of the evolutionary process to the lack of purpose in the universe generally, are mistaken if the Creator escapes from the limits imposed on the creature by temporality, as the traditional Augustinian account supposes. The notion of “purpose” must itself be reinterpreted in such a case. It makes no difference whether the appearance of Homo sapiens is the inevitable result of a steady process of complexification stretching over billions of years, or whether it comes about through a series of coincidences that would have made it entirely unpredictable from the (causal) human standpoint. Either way, the outcome is of God's making, and from the biblical standpoint may appear as part of God's plan.
SOCIAL NEUROSCIENCE AND THEISTIC EVOLUTION: INTERSUBJECTIVITY, LOVE, AND THE SOCIAL SPHERE
Authors: Spezio Michael L.
Published: May 2013

After providing a brief overview of social neuroscience in the context of strong embodiment and the cognitive sciences, this paper addresses how perspectives from the field may inform how theological anthropology approaches the origins of human persons‐in‐community. An overview of the Social Brain Hypothesis and of simulation theory reveals a simultaneous potential for receptive/projective processes to facilitate social engagement and the need for intentional spontaneity in the form of a spiritual formation that moves beyond simulation to empathy and love. Finally, elements of a virtue science that draws on Dietrich Bonhoeffer's relational imago Dei are shown to be helpful in framing and motivating theological approaches to human origins.
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF KARL CHRISTIAN FRIEDRICH KRAUSE'S PANENTHEISM
Authors: Göcke Benedikt P.
Published: May 2013

Panentheism is an often‐discussed alternative to Classical theism, and almost any discussion of panentheism starts by way of acknowledging Karl Christian Friedrich Krause (1781–1832) as the person who coined the term.1 However, apart from this tribute, Krause's own panentheism is almost completely unknown. In what follows, I first present a brief overview of Krause's life and correct some misconceptions of his work before I turn to the core ideas of Krause's own panentheistic system of philosophy. In brief, Krause elaborates a scientific holism that is anchored in intellectual intuition of the Absolute as the one principle of being and recognition. The task of philosophical speculation consequently is twofold: the analytic‐ascending part of philosophy proceeds by way of transcendental reflection and according to Krause enables us to obtain intellectual intuition. The synthetic‐descending part of philosophy starts by way of showing that science as a whole is an explication of the original union of the Absolute as apprehended in intellectual intuition. Once this is achieved, Krause argues that the emerging philosophy of science is most adequately referred to as “panentheism” since everything is what it is “in and through” the Absolute, while the Absolute itself is not reducible to anything in particular. I end by showing how to relate Krause's panentheism to recent philosophical discussion.
Neuronal transporter and astrocytic ATP exocytosis underlie activity‐dependent adenosine release in the hippocampus
Authors: Wall Mark J. , Dale Nicholas
Published: May 2013

Key points

Using microelectrode biosensors we have directly measured the adenosine release induced by focal stimulation in stratum radiatum of area CA1 in mouse hippocampal slices.

Approximately 40% of stimulated‐adenosine release occurred by translocation of adenosine from neurons via equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENTs).

The remaining adenosine release arises from the extracellular metabolism of ATP released from astrocytes by exocytosis.

Isolation of the individual components of adenosine release revealed their different kinetics with adenosine release via ENTs markedly faster than the adenosine release that arises from ATP exocytosis.

These data illustrate the complexity of activity‐dependent adenosine release: in the hippocampus, adenosine release occurs by at least two distinct mechanisms with different cellular sources and kinetics.

Abstract  The neuromodulator adenosine plays an important role in many physiological and pathological processes within the mammalian CNS. However, the precise mechanisms of how the concentration of extracellular adenosine increases following neural activity remain contentious. Here we have used microelectrode biosensors to directly measure adenosine release induced by focal stimulation in stratum radiatum of area CA1 in mouse hippocampal slices. Adenosine release was both action potential and Ca2+ dependent and could be evoked with low stimulation frequencies and small numbers of stimuli. Adenosine release required the activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors and could be evoked by local application of glutamate receptor agonists. Approximately 40% of stimulated‐adenosine release occurred by translocation of adenosine via equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENTs). This component of release persisted in the presence of the gliotoxin fluoroacetate and thus results from the direct release of adenosine from neurons. A reduction of adenosine release in the presence of NTPDase blockers, in slices from CD73−/− and dn‐SNARE mice, provides evidence that a component of adenosine release arises from the extracellular metabolism of ATP released from astrocytes. This component of release appeared to have slower kinetics than the direct ENT‐mediated release of adenosine. These data suggest that activity‐dependent adenosine release is surprisingly complex and, in the hippocampus, arises from at least two distinct mechanisms with different cellular sources.
Release of Arsenic from Soil by a Novel Dissimilatory Arsenate-Reducing Bacterium, Anaeromyxobacter sp. Strain PSR-1
Authors: Kudo Keitaro , Yamaguchi Noriko , Makino Tomoyuki , Ohtsuka Toshihiko , Kimura Kenta , Dong Dian Tao , Amachi Seigo
Published: May 2013

A novel arsenate-reducing bacterium, designated strain PSR-1, was isolated from arsenic-contaminated soil. Strain PSR-1 was phylogenetically closely related to
Anaeromyxobacter dehalogenans
2CP-1
T
with 16S rRNA gene similarity of 99.7% and coupled the oxidation of acetate with the reduction of arsenate. Arsenate reduction was inhibited almost completely by respiratory inhibitors such as dicumarol and 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline
N
-oxide. Strain PSR-1 also utilized soluble Fe(III), ferrihydrite, nitrate, oxygen, and fumarate as electron acceptors. Strain PSR-1 catalyzed the release of arsenic from arsenate-adsorbed ferrihydrite. In addition, inoculation of washed cells of strain PSR-1 into sterilized soil successfully reproduced arsenic release. Arsenic K-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analysis revealed that the proportion of arsenite in the soil solid phase actually increased from 20% to 50% during incubation with washed cells of strain PSR-1. These results suggest that strain PSR-1 is capable of reducing not only dissolved arsenate but also arsenate adsorbed on the soil mineral phase. Arsenate reduction by strain PSR-1 expands the metabolic versatility of
Anaeromyxobacter dehalogenans
. Considering its distribution throughout diverse soils and anoxic sediments,
Anaeromyxobacter dehalogenans
may play a role in arsenic release from these environments.
The Genome of the Anaerobic Fungus Orpinomyces sp. Strain C1A Reveals the Unique Evolutionary History of a Remarkable Plant Biomass Degrader
Authors: Youssef Noha H. , Couger M. B. , Struchtemeyer Christopher G. , Liggenstoffer Audra S. , Prade Rolf A. , Najar Fares Z. , Atiyeh Hasan K. , Wilkins Mark R. , Elshahed Mostafa S.
Published: May 2013

Anaerobic gut fungi represent a distinct early-branching fungal phylum (Neocallimastigomycota) and reside in the rumen, hindgut, and feces of ruminant and nonruminant herbivores. The genome of an anaerobic fungal isolate,
Orpinomyces
sp. strain C1A, was sequenced using a combination of Illumina and PacBio single-molecule real-time (SMRT) technologies. The large genome (100.95 Mb, 16,347 genes) displayed extremely low G+C content (17.0%), large noncoding intergenic regions (73.1%), proliferation of microsatellite repeats (4.9%), and multiple gene duplications. Comparative genomic analysis identified multiple genes and pathways that are absent in Dikarya genomes but present in early-branching fungal lineages and/or nonfungal Opisthokonta. These included genes for posttranslational fucosylation, the production of specific intramembrane proteases and extracellular protease inhibitors, the formation of a complete axoneme and intraflagellar trafficking machinery, and a near-complete focal adhesion machinery. Analysis of the lignocellulolytic machinery in the C1A genome revealed an extremely rich repertoire, with evidence of horizontal gene acquisition from multiple bacterial lineages. Experimental analysis indicated that strain C1A is a remarkable biomass degrader, capable of simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of the cellulosic and hemicellulosic fractions in multiple untreated grasses and crop residues examined, with the process significantly enhanced by mild pretreatments. This capability, acquired during its separate evolutionary trajectory in the rumen, along with its resilience and invasiveness compared to prokaryotic anaerobes, renders anaerobic fungi promising agents for consolidated bioprocessing schemes in biofuels production.
Ca
2+
-Citrate Uptake and Metabolism in Lactobacillus casei ATCC 334
Authors: Mortera Pablo , Pudlik Agata , Magni Christian , Alarcón Sergio , Lolkema Juke S.
Published: May 2013

The putative citrate metabolic pathway in
Lactobacillus casei
ATCC 334 consists of the transporter CitH, a proton symporter of the citrate-divalent metal ion family of transporters CitMHS, citrate lyase, and the membrane-bound oxaloacetate decarboxylase complex OAD-ABDH. Resting cells of
Lactobacillus casei
ATCC 334 metabolized citrate in complex with Ca
2+
and not as free citrate or the Mg
2+
-citrate complex, thereby identifying Ca
2+
-citrate as the substrate of the transporter CitH. The pathway was induced in the presence of Ca
2+
and citrate during growth and repressed by the presence of glucose and of galactose, most likely by a carbon catabolite repression mechanism. The end products of Ca
2+
-citrate metabolism by resting cells of
Lb. casei
were pyruvate, acetate, and acetoin, demonstrating the activity of the membrane-bound oxaloacetate decarboxylase complex OAD-ABDH. Following pyruvate, the pathway splits into two branches. One branch is the classical citrate fermentation pathway producing acetoin by α-acetolactate synthase and α-acetolactate decarboxylase. The other branch yields acetate, for which the route is still obscure. Ca
2+
-citrate metabolism in a modified MRS medium lacking a carbohydrate did not significantly affect the growth characteristics, and generation of metabolic energy in the form of proton motive force (PMF) was not observed in resting cells. In contrast, carbohydrate/Ca
2+
-citrate cometabolism resulted in a higher biomass yield in batch culture. However, also with these cells, no generation of PMF was associated with Ca
2+
-citrate metabolism. It is concluded that citrate metabolism in
Lb. casei
is beneficial when it counteracts acidification by carbohydrate metabolism in later growth stages.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Analysis of Dairy Lactococcus lactis Biodiversity in Milk: Volatile Organic Compounds as Discriminating Markers
Authors: Dhaisne Amandine , Guellerin Maeva , Laroute Valérie , Laguerre Sandrine , Cocaign-Bousquet Muriel , Le Bourgeois Pascal , Loubiere Pascal
Published: May 2013

The diversity of nine dairy strains ofLactococcus lactissubsp.lactisin fermented milk was investigated by both genotypic and phenotypic analyses. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing were used to establish an integrated genotypic classification. This classification was coherent with discrimination of theL. lactissubsp.lactisbv. diacetylactis lineage and reflected clonal complex phylogeny and the uniqueness of the genomes of these strains. To assess phenotypic diversity, 82 variables were selected as important dairy features; they included physiological descriptors and the production of metabolites and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Principal-component analysis (PCA) demonstrated the phenotypic uniqueness of each of these genetically closely related strains, allowing strain discrimination. A method of variable selection was developed to reduce the time-consuming experimentation. We therefore identified 20 variables, all associated with VOCs, as phenotypic markers allowing discrimination between strain groups. These markers are representative of the three metabolic pathways involved in flavor: lipolysis, proteolysis, and glycolysis. Despite great phenotypic diversity, the strains could be divided into four robust phenotypic clusters based on their metabolic orientations. Inclusion of genotypic diversity in addition to phenotypic characters in the classification led to five clusters rather than four being defined. However, genotypic characters make a smaller contribution than phenotypic variables (no genetic distances selected among the most contributory variables). This work proposes an original method for the phenotypic differentiation of closely related strains in milk and may be the first step toward a predictive classification for the manufacture of starters.
The FeoC Protein Leads to High Cellular Levels of the Fe(II) Transporter FeoB by Preventing FtsH Protease Regulation of FeoB in Salmonella enterica
Authors: Kim Hyunkeun , Lee Hwiseop , Shin Dongwoo
Published: May 2013

In the gammaproteobacteria, the FeoA, FeoB, and FeoC proteins constitute the Feo system, which mediates ferrous iron [Fe(II)] import. Of these Feo proteins, FeoB is an inner membrane Fe(II) transporter that is aided by the small protein FeoA. However, the role of another small protein, FeoC, has remained unknown. Here we report that the FeoC protein is necessary for FeoB protein-mediated Fe(II) uptake in
Salmonella
experiencing low levels of oxygen and iron. The FeoC protein was found to directly bind to the FeoB transporter, leading to high cellular levels of FeoB. Depletion of the FtsH protease enabled high levels of FeoB in the absence of FeoC, suggesting that the FeoC protein protects the FeoB transporter from FtsH-mediated proteolysis. Our present study provides a singular example of bacteria that can control expression of iron uptake systems posttranslationally by employing a small iron transporter-binding protein.
Autologous human cardiac stem cells transplantation for the treatment of ischaemic cardiomyopathy: first study of human-induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived cardiomyocytes transplantation
Authors: Moriguchi Hisashi , Madson Joren
Published: May 2013

Temporarily withdrawn while we investigate a complaint.
Tuberculosis of the calcaneum masquerading as Haglund's deformity: a rare case and brief literature review
Authors: Gillott Elizabeth , Ray Pinak
Published: May 2013

An Asian man presented to the Foot and Ankle Clinic with a 5-month history of right ankle pain of gradual onset. He had a non-fluctuant swelling around the Achilles tendon insertion with a tender palpable lump. Radiograph demonstrated Haglund's deformity and also possible calcification at the attachment of the Achilles tendon for which he had an injection of a local anaesthetic and a steroid to treat the insertional Achilles tendinitis. A few months later, he developed acute anorexia, abdominal distension secondary to ascites and groin lymphadenopathy. Histology of the lymph node biopsy revealed granulomatous lymphadenitis consistent with tuberculosis (TB) and started on quadruple agent anti-TB treatment. The sample was not cultured. He developed constant ooze from his groin lymph node biopsy site and also fluctuance around the Achilles tendon and heel. Pus from the heel stained positive for auramine indicating TB calcaneum with subsequent culture for acid fast bacilli (AFB) confirming diagnosis of TB calcaneum.
Ecthyma gangrenosum in a neonate: not alwayspseudomonas
Authors: Pathak Ashish , Singh Poonam , Yadav Yogendra , Dhaneria Mamta
Published: May 2013

Ecthyma gangrenosum (EG) is a cutaneous manifestation of invasive infection usually caused bypseudomonas, but can be caused by many bacteria, fungal and viral infections. We present the first reported case of EG caused by invasiveEscherichia coliin a neonate. A neonate presented with evidence of sepsis and a rapidly evolving 3×3.5 cm2well-circumscribed haemorrhagic and necrotic ulcer on the left groin. There was evidence of decreased perfusion of the lower limb owing to pressure effect of the ulcer. The child responded well to anticoagulation and antibiotic therapy. It is crucial to clinically suspect EG and promptly start empiric antibiotic therapy coveringpseudomonasto decrease the morbidity and mortality. However, other viruses, fungus and bacteria includingE colishould also be considered in the differential diagnosis of EG in a neonate.
An easily missed diagnosis: flank pain and nutcracker syndrome
Authors: Mahmood Syed Kashif , Oliveira George R , Rosovsky Rachel P
Published: May 2013

A 27-year-old woman presented to her primary care doctor's office with left flank pain. CT of the abdomen showed an isolated left renal vein thrombus. The clot was initially attributed to her oral contraceptive use; however, closer inspection of CT images revealed nutcracker phenomenon (compression of the renal vein between the superior mesenteric artery and abdominal aorta). Intravascular ultrasound imaging confirmed the diagnosis. Nutcracker syndrome is a rare condition, which if left untreated may cause damage to the left kidney. Although under diagnosed, there are several treatment options available ranging from simple surveillance to surgical resolution.
An unusual complication in ulcerative colitis during treatment with azathioprine and infliximab:Isospora bellias ‘Casus belli’
Authors: Stein Juergen , Tannich Egbert , Hartmann Franz
Published: May 2013

The treatment of ulcerative colitis is based on systemic corticosteroids, immunomodulators such as cyclosporine and azathioprine and TNF-α antagonists. Patients undergoing such immunosuppressive treatment are more susceptible for infectious pathogens. Here, we report the case of a patient with a 13-year history of ulcerative colitis, treated initially with systemic corticosteroids in combination with immunomodulators, and subsequently with infliximab. The patient presented with severe watery diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, weight loss and low-grade fever. Stool examinations for cytomegalovirus, bacteria and parasites were negative. Following detection of numerous oocytes ofIsospora belli(IB) in direct smear preparations of the diarrhoeic stool samples, the patient was successfully treated with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (co-trimoxazole).
Cracking haematuria in adolescent with negative work up
Authors: Guo Perry , Belostotsky Vladimir
Published: May 2013

A 16-year-old girl was referred to our nephrology clinic with persistent visible haematuria (2 months), no urinary tract infection, proteinuria ranging from negligible to 1.5 g/l, normal kidney function and otherwise negative work up including immunology screen. After negative ultrasound scans of the kidneys and bladder, normal renal biopsy and normal cystoscopy, a CT angiogram was obtained. It showed no evidence of arteriovenous malformation but revealed compression of left renal vein (nutcracker syndrome).
Does effectiveness of exercise therapy and mobilisation techniques offer guidance for the treatment of lateral and medial epicondylitis? A systematic review
Authors: Hoogvliet Peter , Randsdorp Manon S , Dingemanse Rudi , Koes Bart W , Huisstede Bionka M A
Published: May 2013

Background

Owing to the change in paradigm of the histological nature of epicondylitis, therapeutic modalities as exercises such as stretching and eccentric loading and mobilisation are considered for its treatment.

Objective

To assess the evidence for effectiveness of exercise therapy and mobilisation techniques for both medial and lateral epicondylitis.

Methods

Searches in PubMed, Embase, Cinahl and Pedro were performed to identify relevant randomised clinical trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the methodological quality.

Results

One review and 12 RCTs, all studying lateral epicondylitis, were included. Different therapeutic regimes were evaluated: stretching, strengthening, concentric/eccentric exercises and manipulation of the cervical or thoracic spine, elbow or wrist. No statistical pooling of the results could be performed owing to heterogeneity of the included studies. Therefore, a best-evidence synthesis was used to summarise the results. Moderate evidence for the short-term effectiveness was found in favour of stretching plus strengthening exercises versus ultrasound plus friction massage. Moderate evidence for short-term and mid-term effectiveness was found for the manipulation of the cervical and thoracic spine as add-on therapy to concentric and eccentric stretching plus mobilisation of wrist and forearm. For all other interventions only limited, conflicting or no evidence was found.

Conclusions

Although not yet conclusive, these results support the belief that strength training decreases symptoms in tendinosis. The short-term analgesic effect of manipulation techniques may allow more vigorous stretching and strengthening exercises resulting in a better and faster recovery process of the affected tendon in lateral epicondylitis.
Is a high initial World Federation of Neurosurgery (WFNS) grade really associated with a poor clinical outcome in elderly patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms treated with coiling?
Authors: Iosif Christina , Di Maria Federico , Sourour Nader , Degos Vincent , Bonneville Fabrice , Biondi Alessandra , Jean Betty , Colonne Chantal , Nouet Aurelien , Chiras Jacques , Clarençon Frédéric
Published: May 2013

Background

Coiling of ruptured intracranial aneurysms in elderly patients remains debatable in terms of technical feasibility and clinical outcome.

Aims

In this observational cohort study we aimed to assess the technical feasibility, complication profile and clinical outcomes of elderly patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) treated with endovascular therapy.

Methods

The study included 59 consecutive patients (47 women) aged ≥70 years (mean age 76 years, range 71–84) admitted to our institution with SAH from January 2002 to July 2011. The patients were treated for 66 aneurysms (regular coiling: n=62 (94%), balloon-assisted technique: n=2 (3%), stent and coil technique: n=2 (3%)). World Federation of Neurosurgery (WFNS) grade at admission was 1 in 13 patients, 2 in 23 patients, 3 in 8 patients, 4 in 11 patients and 5 in 4 patients. We analysed data by univariate and multivariate statistical analyses with an emphasis on the initial clinical situation, complications and clinical outcome.

Results

The technical success rate was 98% with a procedure-related deficit rate of 10% and procedure-related death rate of 5%. The Glasgow Outcome Scale score at 6 months was 1 in 15 patients (25.4%), 2 in 8 patients (13.6%), 3 in 14 patients (23.7%), 4 in 11 patients (18.6%) and 5 in 11 patients (18.6%). Patients admitted with a high initial WFNS grade did not differ statistically in terms of clinical outcome. The final clinical outcome was not significantly correlated with age, initial Fisher score or procedure-related complications.

Conclusions

Endovascular treatment of elderly patients with ruptured cerebral aneurysms is feasible, safe and beneficial regardless of the presenting WFNS score.
Increased corticospinal excitability prior to arm cycling is due to enhanced supraspinal but not spinal motoneurone excitability
Authors: Power Kevin E. , Copithorne David B.
Published: May 2013

Human studies have not assessed supraspinal or spinal motoneurone excitability in the quiescent state prior to a rhythmic and alternating cyclical motor output. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether supraspinal and (or) spinal motoneurone excitability was modulated in humans prior to arm cycling when compared with rest with no intention to move. We hypothesized that corticospinal excitability would be enhanced prior to arm cycling due, in part, to increased spinal motoneurone excitability. Supraspinal and spinal motoneurone excitability were assessed via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the motor cortex and transmastoid stimulation of the corticospinal tract, respectively. Surface electromyography recordings of TMS motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and cervicomedullary MEPs (CMEPs) were made from the relaxed biceps brachii muscle prior to rhythmic arm cycling and at rest with no intention to move. The amplitude of the MEPs was greater (mean increase: +9.8% of maximal M wave; p = 0.006) and their onset latencies were shorter (mean decrease: –1.5 ms; p < 0.05) prior to cycling when compared with rest. The amplitudes of the CMEPs at any of 3 stimulation intensities were not different between conditions. We conclude that premovement enhancement of corticospinal excitability is greater prior to arm cycling than at rest because of increases in supraspinal but not spinal motoneurone excitability.
A cooperative computational and experimental investigation on electrochemical behavior of metoprolol and its voltammetric determination
Authors: Zorluoğlu Seraceddin Levent , Taşdemir İbrahim Hüdai , Ece Abdulilah , Kiliç Esma
Published: May 2013

The electrochemical behavior of metoprolol (MTP) was studied via experimental and computational approaches. Theoretical calculations were performed at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d)//AM1 level whereas experimental studies were carried out on a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) and glassy carbon electrode (GCE). According to the computational results, both HOMO and LUMO of MTP were located at the phenyl ring. Hence, oxidation and reduction are expected to take place at the phenyl ring. Experimental studies on HMDE were based on reversible reduction at approximately –1.4 V and studies on GCE were based on irreversible oxidation at approximately 0.9 V versus Ag/AgCl (3 mol L−1 KCl) in Britton−Robinson buffer. Voltammetric methods with and without adsorptive stripping modes were developed. Proposed methods were successfully applied to tablet solutions and spiked human serum samples. Results are satisfactory with recovery values between 94.5% and 102.5% and a relative standard deviation lower than 6%.
Analysis of a damaged 12-storey frame-wall concrete building during the 2010 Haiti earthquake — Part II: Nonlinear numerical simulations
Authors: Boulanger Benoit , Paultre Patrick , Lamarche Charles-Philippe
Published: May 2013

After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, which destroyed a significant part of the seismically vulnerable city of Port-au-Prince, the country’s capital, a 12-storey reinforced concrete building that behaved well was investigated to understand its dynamic response. This paper completes the experimental work presented in a companion paper, in which the dynamic properties of the building were obtained from ambient vibration tests, and from which a finite-element model was updated. This paper’s main objectives are: (i) to understand the causes that led to the observed structural damage; and (ii) to estimate the likely seismic excitation at the site of the building. Several nonlinear analyses involving various ground motion intensities were conducted and the results were compared with the damage reported during the on-site survey. The numerical models reproduced the observed damages well and helped to explain them. The overall response of the mixed stiff frame–wall structure was clearly dominated by the high stiffness of the shear walls, showing that this type of structural system helps in keeping reasonable interstorey drift levels. Overall, the building’s structure seems to have responded linearly to all the ground motions investigated, but deformation demands imposed to the frame by the shear walls lead to local damages.
TOPOLOGY OF MULTIPLE LOG TRANSFORMS OF 4-MANIFOLDS
Authors: AKBULUT SELMAN
Published: May 2013

Given a 4-manifold X and an imbedding T2× B2⊂ X, we describe an algorithm X ↦ Xp,qfor drawing the handlebody of the 4-manifold obtained from X by (p, q)-logarithmic transforms along the parallel tori. By using this algorithm for relatively prime (p, q), we obtain a simple handle picture of the Dolgachev surface E(1)p,q, from that we deduce that the exotic copy [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] differs from the original one by a codimension zero simply connected Stein submanifold Mp,q. This gives examples of infinitely many small Stein manifolds which are exotic copies of each other (rel boundaries). Also by using the description of S2× S2as a union of two cusps glued along their boundaries, and by using this algorithm, we show that a pair of log transforms along the tori in these cusps gives back S2× S2or [Formula: see text].
Norcantharidin Inhibits Pre-Replicative Complexes Assembly of HepG2 Cells
Authors: Chen Sansan , Qu Xinming , Wan Pei , Li Qing Wen , Wang Ziyi , Guo Fangfang , Bai Li , Hu Zhiming , Tan Wanlong , Li Jinlong
Published: May 2013

Norcantharidin (NCTD) is currently used for anticancer therapy but the exact mechanism of action remains unknown. Pre-replicative complexes (pre-RCs) are essential for cell DNA replication and highly related to malignant proliferation. Here, we examined the inhibitory effect of NCTD on pre-RC components in HepG2 cells. We showed that NCTD induced degradation of Cdc6 and Mcm2 in a dose-dependent manner. Under 100 μM NCTD concentration, about 70% of Cdc6 and 50% of Mcm2 were degraded. In addition, the nuclear translocation of Mcm6 was inhibited by NCTD. Further studies aiming at G1 synchronous cells showed that, NCTD reduced the chromatin-bound Cdc6, Mcm2 and Mcm6. Moreover, the cells were blocked from entering the S phase and accumulated at the G1 phase when released synchronously into the cell cycle. Consistently, the DNA replication was inhibited by NCTD. Finally, the combination NCTD with Cdc6 depletion lead to more severe cytotoxicity (88%) than NCTD (52%) and Cdc6 depletion (39%) alone. A synergic cytotoxicity was observed between Cdc6 depletion and NCTD. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that NCTD inhibits pre-RC assembly; subsequently blocks the G1 to S transition; and inhibits DNA replication in HepG2 cells. Pre-RCs are an intriguing target for cancer therapy, which merits further investigations for anticancer development.
EULER–HEISENBERG LAGRANGIAN THROUGH KREIN REGULARIZATION
Authors: REFAEI A.
Published: May 2013

The Euler–Heisenberg effective action at the one-loop for a constant electromagnetic field is derived in Krein space quantization with Ford's idea of fluctuated light-cone. In this work, we present a perturbative but convergent solution of the effective action. Without using any renormalization procedure, the result coincides with the famous renormalized Euler–Heisenberg action.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF POINT DEFECTS IN MATERIALS SCIENCE
Authors: CANCÈS ERIC , LE BRIS CLAUDE
Published: May 2013

We survey some recent mathematical works we have contributed to that are related to the modeling of defects in materials science at different scales. We emphasize the similarities (need of a reference, often periodic system; renormalization procedure; etc.) shared by models arising in different contexts. Our illustrative examples are taken from electronic structure models, atomistic models, homogenization problems. The exposition is pedagogic and deliberately kept elementary. Both theoretical and numerical aspects are addressed.
Dendrimeric-like hexadecahydroxylated zinc phthalocyanine: Synthesis and evaluation of photodynamic efficiency
Authors: Alpugan Serkan , Garcia Guillaume , Poyer Florent , Durmuş Mahmut , Maillard Philippe , Ahsen Vefa , Dumoulin Fabienne
Published: May 2013

The design of a dendrimeric-like diglycerol-tetrasubstituted Zn ( II ) phthalocyanine resulted in a remarkably water-soluble compound due to the presence of 16 hydroxyls. Several parameters relevant to evaluate the photodynamic efficiency of a potentiel photosensitizer such as: aggregation behavior, fluorescence properties, singlet oxygen generation, binding to a carrier protein model (Bovine Serum Albumin) and partition coefficient have been measured. Biocompatibility was demonstrated by dark cytotoxicity in in vitro experiments. The absence of phototoxicity can be explained by an elevated hydrophilicity. All the collected data have confirmed that this new substitution pattern is promising to be used on phthalocyanines aiming at being photodynamic therapy agents.
Constraints on the timing of Scandian deformation and the nature of a buried Grampian terrane under the Caledonides of northwestern Ireland
Authors: Kirkland C. L. , Alsop G. I. , Daly J. S. , Whitehouse M. J. , Lam R. , Clark C.
Published: May 2013

In the Caledonides of northwestern Ireland there is little evidence for the crystalline basement to the Dalradian Supergroup, though ascertaining its nature is a critical prerequisite for palaeogeographical reconstructions. In Donegal a lamprophyre intrusion has sampled material with isotopic composition, age and fabrics that permit the investigation of the hidden basement of this region. U–Pb and Lu–Hf isotopes in concert with structural analysis are used to elucidate the origin of three morphologically distinct zircon populations from the lamprophyre. The first of these comprises
c
. 828 to
c
. 1660 Ma rounded inherited grains. The second population, of 476 ± 3 Ma large xenocrystic grains, displays oscillatory zoned cores embayed by cross-cutting overgrowths, implying a multi-stage magmatic genesis. The third population, of 437 ± 5 Ma high aspect ratio euhedral grains, is interpreted to date the magmatic crystallization of the lamprophyre. Hf isotopic data from the Silurian and Neo- to Mesoproterozoic zircons yield crustal residence ages of 1.0–2.3 Ga. However, the Ordovician grains have ϵHf
i
values of
c
. −20 and model ages of 2.7–2.8 Ga. These data are consistent with the presence of either Archaean crust or an underthrust Ordovician magmatic rock with an Archaean source component, at depth in NW Ireland. Felsic xenoliths, interpreted to be derived from the country rock Dalradian metasediments, exhibit a pre-entrainment foliation and are randomly oriented relative to the foliation within the lamprophyre matrix, indicating deformation prior to
c
. 437 Ma, probably related to the Grampian orogeny. The host lamprophyre contains a magmatic foliation parallel to a foliation in the country rock, implying synkinematic emplacement during regional NW–SE compression at 437 Ma.

Supplementary material:

Details of the analytical methods are available online at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18614
.
Providing Users’ Anonymity in Mobile Hybrid Networks
Authors: Ardagna Claudio A. , Jajodia Sushil , Samarati Pierangela , Stavrou Angelos
Published: May 2013

We present a novel hybrid communication protocol that guarantees mobile users’ anonymity against a wide-range of adversaries by exploiting the capability of handheld devices to connect to both WiFi and cellular networks. Unlike existing anonymity schemes, we consider all parties that can intercept communications between a mobile user and a server as potential privacy threats. We formally quantify the privacy exposure and the protection of our system in the presence of malicious neighboring peers, global WiFi eavesdroppers, and omniscient mobile network operators, which possibly collude to breach user’s anonymity or disrupt the communication. We also describe how a micropayment scheme that suits our mobile scenario can provide incentives for peers to collaborate in the protocol. Finally, we evaluate the network overhead and attack resiliency of our protocol using a prototype implementation deployed in Emulab and Orbit, and our probabilistic model.
On multiway cut parameterized above lower bounds
Authors: Cygan Marek , Pilipczuk Marcin , Pilipczuk Michał , Wojtaszczyk Jakub Onufry
Published: May 2013

We introduce a concept of parameterizing a problem above the optimum solution of its natural linear programming relaxation and prove that the
node multiway cut
problem is fixed-parameter tractable (FPT) in this setting. As a consequence we prove that node multiway cut is FPT, when parameterized above the maximum separating cut, resolving an open problem of Razgon.

Our results imply
O
*
(4

k

) algorithms for vertex cover above maximum matching and almost 2-SAT as well as an
O
*
(2

k

) algorithm for node multiway cut with a standard parameterization by the solution size, improving previous bounds for these problems.
Desperately seeking structures
Authors: Pentland Brian T.
Published: May 2013

Research grounded in a social science tradition tends to focus on people, while research grounded in an engineering tradition tends to focus on artifacts. However, as people and artifacts become increasingly intertwined in digitized processes and practices, these traditional disciplinary divisions sometimes seem a little outdated. So in this essay, I advocate an approach to research on information systems that focuses on actions, rather than people or artifacts. In particular, I examine the possibility of treating patterns of action as the object of inquiry. Grammatical models can be used to represent the space of possible action patterns in a given domain, and can be used to compare, and analyze the structural properties of action patterns. If so desired, these patterns can be tied back to traditional factors related to people (such as culture, habit, or learning?) or technology (such as features, constraints, or affordances?).
Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase prevents the Na+/H+ exchanger 1-dependent slow force response to rat myocardial stretch
Authors: Vargas Lorena A. , Díaz Romina G. , Swenson Erik R. , Pérez Néstor G. , Álvarez Bernardo V.
Published: May 2013

Myocardial stretch is an established signal that leads to hypertrophy. Myocardial stretch induces a first immediate force increase followed by a slow force response (SFR), which is a consequence of an increased Ca2+ transient that follows the NHE1 Na+/H+ exchanger activation. Carbonic anhydrase II (CAII) binds to the extreme COOH terminus of NHE1 and regulates its transport activity. We aimed to test the role of CAII bound to NHE1 in the SFR. The SFR and changes in intracellular pH (pHi) were evaluated in rat papillary muscle bathed with CO2/HCO3− buffer and stretched from 92% to 98% of the muscle maximal force development length for 10 min in the presence of the CA inhibitor 6-ethoxzolamide (ETZ, 100 μM). SFR control was 120 ± 3% ( n = 8) of the rapid initial phase and was fully blocked by ETZ (99 ± 4%, n = 6). The SFR corresponded to a maximal increase in pHi of 0.18 ± 0.02 pH units ( n = 4), and pHi changes were blocked by ETZ (0.04 ± 0.04, n = 6), as monitored by epifluorescence. NHE1/CAII physical association was examined in the SFR by coimmunoprecipitation, using muscle lysates. CAII immunoprecipitated with an anti-NHE1 antibody and the CAII immunoprecipitated protein levels increased 58 ± 9% ( n = 6) upon stretch of muscles, assessed by immunoblots. The p90RSK kinase inhibitor SL0101–1 (10 μM) blocked the SFR of heart muscles after stretch 102 ± 2% ( n = 4) and reduced the binding of CAII to NHE1, suggesting that the stretch-induced phosphorylation of NHE1 increases its binding to CAII. CAII/NHE1 interaction constitutes a component of the SFR to heart muscle stretch, which potentiates NHE1-mediated H+ transport in the myocardium.