bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open and Arthroscopic Surgical Anatomy of the Ankle
Authors: Frank Rachel M. , Hsu Andrew R. , Gross Christopher E. , Walton David M. , Lee Simon
Published: October 2013

Ankle-related complaints are among the most commonly encountered problems for musculoskeletal clinicians. Ankle pathology is widely variable, including, but not limited to, fractures, deformity, infection, oncologic diseases, neuromuscular conditions, and arthritis. While nonoperative management with activity modification, bracing and/or shoe modifications, and medications is usually indicated as first line of treatment, surgical intervention may become necessary. A thorough understanding of the complex anatomy and biomechanics of the ankle, and in particular, the potential neurovascular structures that may be encountered, is important to reduce complications and obtain good surgical outcomes. The purpose of this review is to discuss the most common open and arthroscopic exposures to the ankle with a focus on surgically relevant anatomy for each approach.
An Unusual Case of Rapidly Progressive Hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Thornton Kimberly M. , Nyp Michael F. , Music Aplenc Lejla , Jones Gary L. , Carpenter Shannon L. , Guest Erin M. , Shapiro Steven M. , Manimtim Winston M.
Published: October 2013

We present an unusual case of hyperbilirubinemia with rapid early progression leading to bilirubin encephalopathy in a term neonate. Despite early recognition and intervention, the total serum bilirubin reached a maximum level of 39 mg/dL at 32 hours of life. Prior to an emergent exchange transfusion, the patient’s diagnostic evaluation was significant for Coombs-negative microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Further testing revealed a deficiency of ADAMTS13 protein, or von Willebrand factor-cleaving protease, a finding diagnostic of congenital thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, or Upshaw-Schulman syndrome. This rare disease is often misdiagnosed, especially in the newborn period.
Robust Optimal Sliding-Mode Tracking Control for a Class of Uncertain Nonlinear MIMO Systems
Authors: Pang Haiping , Yang Xiuqin
Published: October 2013

This paper addresses the problem of tracking a reference trajectory asymptotically given by a linear time-varying exosystem for a class of uncertain nonlinear MIMO systems based on the robust optimal sliding-mode control. The nonlinear MIMO system is transformed into a linear one by the input-output linearization technique, and at the same time the input-output decoupling is realized. Thus, the tracking error equation is established in a linear form, and the original nonlinear tracking problem is transformed into an optimal linear quadratic regulator (LQR) tracking problem. A LQR tracking controller (LQRTC) is designed for the corresponding nominal system, and the integral sliding-mode strategy is used to robustify the LQRTC. As a result, the original system exhibits global robustness to the uncertainties, and the tracking dynamics is the same as that of LQRTC for the nominal system. So a robust optimal sliding-mode tracking controller (ROSMTC) is realized. The proposed controller is applied to a two-link robot system, and simulation results show its effectiveness and superiority.
Survival and Prognostic Factors for AIDS and Non-AIDS Patients with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in Bahia, Brazil: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Luz Estela , Marques Marinho , Luz Ivana , Stelitano Cristiani , Netto Eduardo , Araújo Iguaracyra , Brites Carlos
Published: October 2013

Despite the benefits of HAART, HIV-infected patients are increasingly affected by different malignancies. We compared a 5-year-period survival time and prognostic factors for HIV-1-infected individuals diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) in a nested case-control study, with non-HIV-infected individuals in Salvador, Brazil. Survival time and prognostic factors were compared to HIV-negative patients. 31 cases (versus 63 controls) had a significantly more advanced NHL at diagnosis and lower mean CD4 count (26 cells/mm3) than controls. Mean overall survival (OS) was 35.8 versus 75.4 months, for cases and controls, respectively (P<0.001), while mean event-free survival time (EFS) was 34.5 months for cases, versus 68.8 for controls (P=0.002). Higher IPI, increased LDH levels, bone marrow infiltration, lower absolute lymphocyte counts (<1,000 cells/mm3), and type B symptoms were associated with a shorter survival time for cases. Although patients without poorer prognostic factors at baseline had an OS comparable to controls, the mean CD4 cell count for cases was similar for patients with favorable and nonfavorable response to therapy. Our findings suggest that HIV-1 infection is significantly associated with a shorter survival time for patients with NHL, independently of other predictive factors and of disease stage.
Risk Factors Associated with the Occurrence of the Second‐Litter Syndrome in Sows in Southeastern Mexico
Authors: Segura Correa José C. , Alzina-López Alejandro , Santos-Ricalde Ronald H.
Published: October 2013

The objective was to estimate the incidence of and to determine the effect of some risk factors on the decrease of litter size at parity 2 of sows in three commercial farms in Yucatan, Mexico. Data on 8,592 farrowing records of 4,296 sows were analyzed using a binomial logistic regression procedure. The model included the fixed effect of farm (1, 2, and 3), year of farrowing (2003–2011), season of farrowing (dry, rainy, and windy), number of pigs born alive at first parity (<9, 9‐10, 11‐12, and >12 piglets), lactation length (<18, 18–24, and >24 days), and weaning to conception intervals (<4, 4–11, and >11 days). Fifty‐five point eight percent of all sows presented a reduced or similar litter size at parity 2. The odds of decrease in the second litter size were 1.56 and 2.01 for farms 2 and 3, respectively. Higher odds were found for sows farrowing during the rainy and dry seasons (1.20 and 1.24, resp.) and for sows with large litters at parity 1 (>12 piglets, odds = 33.2). Sows with weaning to conception intervals <4 days and between 4 and 11 days had higher odds of a decrease in the second litter (1.78 and 2.74 pigs, resp.).
Gut Microbiota Protects against Gastrointestinal Tumorigenesis Caused by Epithelial Injury
Authors: Zhan Yu , Chen Po-Ju , Sadler William D. , Wang Fuyuan , Poe Sara , Núñez Gabriel , Eaton Kathryn A. , Chen Grace Y.
Published: October 2013

Inflammation is a critical player in the development of both colitis-associated and sporadic colon cancers. Several studies suggest that the microbiota contribute to inflammation and tumorigenesis; however, studies to understand the role of the microbiota in colon tumor development in germ-free (GF) mice are limited. We therefore studied the effects of the microbiota on the development of inflammation and tumors in GF and conventionally raised specific pathogen-free (SPF) mice treated with azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). We discovered that GF mice developed significantly more and larger tumors compared with that in SPF mice after AOM and DSS treatment despite the lack of early acute inflammation in response to chemically induced injury by DSS. Although the extent of intestinal epithelial damage and apoptosis was not significantly different in GF and SPF mice, there was a delay in intestinal epithelial repair to DSS-induced injury in GF mice resulting in a late onset of proinflammatory and protumorigenic responses and increased epithelial proliferation and microadenoma formation. Recolonization of GF mice with commensal bacteria or administration of lipopolysaccharide reduced tumorigenesis. Thus, although commensal bacteria are capable of driving chronic inflammation and tumorigenesis, the gut microbiota also have important roles in limiting chemically induced injury and proliferative responses that lead to tumor development. Cancer Res; 73(24); 7199–210. ©2013 AACR.
Diabetes Self-Care, Major Depression, and Chronic Kidney Disease in an Outpatient Diabetic Population
Authors: Yu Margaret K. , Katon Wayne , Young Bessie A.
Published: October 2013

Background/Aims: The associations between major depression and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with diabetes are incompletely characterized. Depressed patients with diabetes are known to have worse diabetes self-care, but it is not known whether this mediates the association between depression and CKD in this population. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of the associations between major depressive symptoms and CKD in the Pathways Study (n = 4,082), an observational cohort of ambulatory diabetic patients from a managed care setting. Depression status was ascertained using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Stepwise logistic regression models examined the associations between depression and impaired estimated glomerular filtration rate (<60 ml/min/1.73 m2) or microalbuminuria, after adjustment for demographics, CKD risk factors, and diabetes self-care variables. Results: Clinically significant depression symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥10) were associated with a greater risk of microalbuminuria after adjustment for demographic variables (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.21-1.95) and traditional CKD risk factors (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.04-1.77); this association persisted after additional adjustment for diabetes self-care (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.02-1.75). Depression was not associated with impaired estimated glomerular filtration rate in any of the models. Conclusion: In this cohort of diabetic subjects, clinically significant depression symptoms were associated with microalbuminuria, which could not be entirely explained by differences in diabetes self-care.
Management of ‘In-Field' Skin Toxicity in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated with Combined Cetuximab and Radiotherapy
Authors: Cante Domenico , La Porta Maria Rosa , Franco Pierfrancesco , Sciacero Piera , Girelli Giuseppe Franco , Marra Annamaria , Numico Gianmauro , Denaro Nerina , Russi Elvio Grazioso , Ricardi Umberto
Published: October 2013

It is well known that the cetuximab (Cet) epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody enhances the sensitivity of tumour cells to radiation, and it is likely that the concurrent administration of Cet and radiotherapy (RT) results in some degree of interplay between the effects of the individual agents on the skin and in the exacerbation of reactions normally seen with these individual agents. In this paper, we present a concise review of Cet/RT-related skin toxicity, focusing on mechanisms and pathogenesis, clinical presentation and scoring systems and, finally, therapeutic management.
Hepatitis C Infection Is Very Rarely Treated among Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Goodkin David A. , Bieber Brian , Gillespie Brenda , Robinson Bruce M. , Jadoul Michel
Published: October 2013

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with increased mortality among hemodialysis (HD) patients. Guidelines from Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes recommend that infected HD patients awaiting renal transplantation be treated for HCV and that clinicians decide whether to treat other infected patients on a case-by-case basis. We evaluated the extent and outcome of HCV therapy among HD patients. Methods: The Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study is an observational study; 49,762 HD patients in 12 nations enrolled between 1996 and 2011. We reviewed HCV status, use of interferon or ribavirin, and survival over a median 1.4 years per study phase. Results: 4,735 patients (9.5%) were HCV+. Only 48 (1.0%) of the 4,589 HCV+ patients with prescription data were receiving antiviral medication. Among the subset of 617 HCV+ patients also known to be on a waiting list for renal transplantation, only 3.7% were receiving treatment. After restricting to HCV+ patients with overlapping propensity for antiviral treatment, 4 (9.5%) of 42 treated patients and 638 (21.0%) of 3,037 untreated patients died. The hazard ratio for adjusted mortality comparing treated patients with untreated patients was 0.47 (95% CI, 0.17-1.26). Conclusions: HD patients with hepatitis C infection very rarely receive antiviral therapy. Increased intervention might prolong survival for some patients and in particular might improve the prospects for those awaiting renal transplantation.
Transient Neonatal High Oxygen Exposure Leads to Early Adult Cardiac Dysfunction, Remodeling, and Activation of the Renin–Angiotensin System
Authors: Bertagnolli Mariane , Huyard Fanny , Cloutier Anik , Anstey Zackary , Huot-Marchand Julie-Émilie , Fallaha Catherine , Paradis Pierre , Schiffrin Ernesto L. , deBlois Denis , Nuyt Anne Monique
Published: October 2013

Perinatal conditions (such as preterm birth) can affect adult health and disease, particularly the cardiovascular system. Transient neonatal high O
2
exposure in rat in adulthood (a model of preterm birth–related complications) leads to elevated blood pressure, vascular rigidity, and dysfunction with renin–angiotensin system activation. We postulate that neonatal hyperoxic stress also affects myocardial structure, function, and expression of renin–angiotensin system components. Sprague-Dawley pups were kept with their mother in 80% O
2
or in room air (control) from days 3 to 10 of life. Left ventricular function was assessed in 4-, 7-, 12-week-old (echocardiography) and in 16-week-old (intraventricular catheterization) male O
2
-exposed versus control rats. At 16 weeks, hearts from O
2
-exposed rats showed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, enhanced fibrosis, and increased expression of transforming growth factor-β1, senescence-associated proteins p53 and Rb, upregulation of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor expression (protein and AT1a/b mRNA), and downregulation of AT2 receptors. At 4 weeks (before blood pressure increase), the expression of cardiomyocyte surface area, fibrosis, p53, and AT1b was significantly increased and AT2 decreased in O
2
-exposed animals. After 4 weeks of continuous angiotensin II infusion (starting at 12 weeks), O
2
-exposed rats developed severe heart failure, with impaired myocardial mechanical properties compared with saline-infused rats. Transient neonatal O
2
exposure in rats leads to left ventricular hypertrophy, fibrosis and dysfunction, and increased susceptibility to heart failure under pressure overload. These results are relevant to the growing population of individuals born preterm who may be at higher risk of cardiac dysfunction when faced with increased peripheral resistance associated with hypertension, vascular diseases, and aging.
WhenThreeIs NotSome: On the Pragmatics of Numerals
Authors: Shetreet Einat , Chierchia Gennaro , Gaab Nadine
Published: October 2013

Both numerals and quantifiers (like some) have more than one possible interpretation (i.e., weak and strong interpretations). Some studies have found similar behavior for numerals and quantifiers, whereas others have shown critical differences. It is, therefore, debated whether they are processed in the same way. A previous fMRI investigation showed that the left inferior frontal gyrus is linked to the computation of the strong interpretation of quantifiers (derived by a scalar implicature) and that the left middle frontal gyrus and the medial frontal gyrus are linked to processing the mismatch between the strong interpretation of quantifiers and the context in which they are presented. In the current study, we attempted to characterize the similarities and differences between numbers and quantifiers by examining brain activation patterns related to the processing of numerals in these brain regions. When numbers were presented in a mismatch context (i.e., where their strong interpretation did not match the context), they elicited brain activations similar to those previously observed with quantifiers in the same context type. Conversely, in a match context (i.e., where both interpretations of the scalar item matched the context), numbers elicited a different activation pattern than the one observed with quantifiers: Left inferior frontal gyrus activations in response to the match condition showed decrease for numbers (but not for quantifiers). Our results support previous findings suggesting that, although they share some features, numbers and quantifiers are processed differently. We discuss our results in light of various theoretical approaches linked to the representation of numerals.
A new species of Ultratenuipalpus (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) from Cook Islands, with a key to the known species
Authors: XU YUN , FAN QING-HAI , ZHANG ZHI-QIANG
Published: October 2013

The genus Ultratenuipalpus (Acariformes: Tenuipalpidae) was represented by 24 species prior to this study. In this paper, we describe and illustrate Ultratenuipalpus avarua sp. nov, from Cocos sp. (Arecaceae) in Avarua, Rarotonga, the Cook Islands. A key to the world species of Ultratenuipalpus is provided.
Taxonomic notes and redescriptions of some Japanese erythroneurine leafhoppers (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Typhlocybinae)
Authors: OHARA NAOMICHI
Published: October 2013

In the Japanese typhlocybine fauna, three already known and three newly recorded species of the genera Anufrievia, Empoascanara, and Anzygina are redescribed and reported with brief notes on their taxonomy and biology: A. akazu (Matsumura), A. ciconia Dworakowska, E. bisignatella (Matsumura) comb. nov., new record, E. kotoshonis (Matsumura) new record, E. sonani (Matsumura) and A. honiloa (Kirkaldy) new record. Male specimens of A. akazu and E. bisignatella are described for the first time.
Evaluation of Storm Structure from the Operational HWRF during 2012 Implementation
Authors: Tallapragada Vijay , Kieu Chanh , Kwon Young , Trahan Samuel , Liu Qingfu , Zhang Zhan , Kwon In-Hyuk
Published: October 2013

In this work, a high-resolution triple-nested implementation of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) operational Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting Model (HWRF) for the 2012 hurricane season is evaluated. Statistics of retrospective experiments for the 2010–11 hurricane seasons show that the new configuration demonstrates significant improvement compared to the 2011 operational HWRF in terms of storm track, intensity, size, dynamical constraints between mass and wind field, and initial vortex imbalance. Specifically, the 5-day track and intensify forecast errors are improved by about 19% and 7% for the North Atlantic basin, and by 9% and 30% for the eastern Pacific basin, respectively. Verifications of storm size in terms of wind radii at 34-, 50-, and 64-kt (17.5, 25.7, and 32.9 m s−1) thresholds at different quadrants show dramatic improvement with most of the overestimation of the storm size in previous operational HWRF versions removed at all forecast times. In addition, dynamical constraints between the storm intensity and the outermost radius in the new configuration are consistent with the best track data. The relationship between minimum sea level pressure and maximum 10-m wind is also improved in both basins, indicating that the storm dynamics and structure have been improved in the 2012 HWRF compared to the previous versions. These significant improvements obtained with the new HWRF implementation are attributed to a number of major changes including a new higher-resolution nest, improved vortex initialization, improved planetary boundary layer and turbulence physics, and some critical bug fixes related to the moving nest. Such improvements show that the new HWRF implementation is a promising upgrade for future hurricane seasons.
The Cross-Pressured Citizen in the 2012 Presidential Campaign
Authors: Scacco Joshua M. , Peacock Cynthia
Published: October 2013

The cross-pressured citizen—a person who affiliates with one political party but plans to vote for the nominee of another—embodies the complicated nature of political decision making. Enduring considerable scrutiny since the pioneering campaign studies of the 1940s and 1950s, the role of the cross-pressured partisan in a presidential election campaign is still not fully understood by scholars. First, this study explores who the cross-pressured partisan was in the 2012 presidential campaign by examining the formative factors that influenced the likelihood of prospective defection from one’s “home” party. Second, we explain how cross-pressured citizens behaved when seeking out news media compared to their consistent counterparts. Using national survey data collected at the midpoint of the 2012 campaign, we find that approval of President Barack Obama was a critical factor in understanding cross-pressured partisanship. Furthermore, cross-pressured Republicans were significantly less likely to attend to conservative cable programming compared to consistent Republicans. The results present a compelling extension of over seven decades of work examining the cross-pressured citizen.
The Distributed Flight Array: Design, implementation, and analysis of a modular vertical take-off and landing vehicle
Authors: Oung Raymond , D’Andrea Raffaello
Published: October 2013

We describe the design and implementation of a modular vertical take-off and landing vehicle, which can be assembled and flown in an unlimited number of arbitrary configurations. This vehicle is intended to be used as a testbed for evaluating distributed estimation and control algorithms. We present the custom hardware, dynamics model, method of state estimation, and a parameterized control strategy capable of controlling any flight-feasible configuration of the vehicle. In terms of the control strategy, we describe a method for optimizing its parameters in order to achieve the best possible performance subject to the system’s physical constraints. We then show a straightforward method of mapping the configuration space of our vehicle to the control parameter space. Experimental results are included, demonstrating flight for a variety of configurations both indoors and outdoors.
Look Here, Eye Movements Play a Functional Role in Memory Retrieval
Authors: Johansson Roger , Johansson Mikael
Published: October 2013

Research on episodic memory has established that spontaneous eye movements occur to spaces associated with retrieved information even if those spaces are blank at the time of retrieval. Although it has been claimed that such looks to “nothing” can function as facilitatory retrieval cues, there is currently no conclusive evidence for such an effect. In the present study, we addressed this fundamental issue using four direct eye manipulations in the retrieval phase of an episodic memory task: (a) free viewing on a blank screen, (b) maintaining central fixation, (c) looking inside a square congruent with the location of the to-be-recalled objects, and (d) looking inside a square incongruent with the location of the to-be-recalled objects. Our results provide novel evidence of an active and facilitatory role of gaze position during memory retrieval and demonstrate that memory for the spatial relationship between objects is more readily affected than memory for intrinsic object features.
The association between epilepsy and autism symptoms and maladaptive behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Viscidi Emma W , Johnson Ashley L , Spence Sarah J , Buka Stephen L , Morrow Eric M , Triche Elizabeth W
Published: October 2013

Epilepsy is common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but little is known about how seizures impact the autism phenotype. The association between epilepsy and autism symptoms and associated maladaptive behaviors was examined in 2,645 children with ASD, of whom 139 had epilepsy, from the Simons Simplex Collection. Children with ASD and epilepsy had significantly more autism symptoms and maladaptive behaviors than children without epilepsy. However, after adjusting for IQ, only hyperactivity symptoms remained significantly increased (13% higher) in the epilepsy group. Among children with ASD without co-occurring intellectual disability, children with epilepsy had significantly more irritability (20% higher) and hyperactivity (24% higher) symptoms. This is the largest study to date comparing the autism phenotype in children with ASD with and without epilepsy. Children with ASD and epilepsy showed greater impairment than children without epilepsy, which was mostly explained by the lower IQ of the epilepsy group. These findings have important clinical implications for patients with ASD.
Parental reactions to the special education individual education program process: Looking through the lens of grief
Authors: Haley Melinda , Hammond Helen , Ingalls Lawrence , Marín Merranda Romaro
Published: October 2013

Parental grief reactions have typically been examined in situations where parents have a child diagnosed with a major medical or mental health condition. This study used the grief and loss model as conceptualized by Kubler-Ross (1969), Lamb (1988), and Kubler-Ross and Kessler (2005) as a foundation in examining parental reactions when a child has been referred for special education services. The model was expanded to include definitions of the concepts as applied to a special education setting and incorporated additional stages. Findings suggested almost half of the sample had reactions typically associated with the initial stage of grief, which encompasses feelings of denial, shock, and anger. Implications for school-based personnel are provided.
Integrated Disability Management
Authors: Angeloni Silvia
Published: October 2013

This article sets out to increase awareness regarding the wide and universal significance of disability, as well as the important benefits of an Integrated Disability Management (IDM) approach. The scientific basis for IDM is explored in the first place through an analysis of its relationship to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The conceptual paradigm of the ICF shares an ideological position with the IDM approach in that they are both underpinned by dynamic and multidimensional constructions of disability, which imply equally holistic and interdisciplinary responses. The IDM approach can be applied across a diversity of human situations to provide solutions that reflect the multifaceted and widespread nature of disability. The IDM approach is intended as a strategy capable of handling: inclusion of people with disabilities, active aging of human resources, health and safety in the workplace, prevention of disabilities and various diseases, return-to-work, absenteeism, and presenteeism.
Genetic variation, linkage mapping of QTL and correlation studies for yield, root, and agronomic traits for aerobic adaptation
Authors: Sandhu Nitika , Jain Sunita , Kumar Arvind , Mehla Balwant Singh , Jain Rajinder
Published: October 2013

Background

Water scarcity and drought have seriously threatened traditional rice cultivation practices in several parts of the world, including India. Aerobic rice that uses significantly less water than traditional flooded systems has emerged as a promising water-saving technology. The identification of QTL conferring improved aerobic adaptation may facilitate the development of high-yielding aerobic rice varieties. In this study, experiments were conducted for mapping QTL for yield, root-related traits, and agronomic traits under aerobic conditions using HKR47 × MAS26 and MASARB25 × Pusa Basmati 1460 F2:3 mapping populations.

Results

A total of 35 QTL associated with 14 traits were mapped on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 11 in MASARB25 x Pusa Basmati 1460 and 14 QTL associated with 9 traits were mapped on chromosomes 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 in HKR47 × MAS26. Two QTL (qGY8.1 with an R2 value of 34.0% and qGY2.1 with an R2 value of 22.8%) and one QTL (qGY2.2 with an R2 value of 43.2%) were identified for grain yield under aerobic conditions in the mapping populations MASARB25 × Pusa Basmati 1460 and HKR47 × MAS26, respectively.

A number of breeding lines with higher yield per plant, root length, dry biomass, length-breadth ratio, and with Pusa Basmati 1460-specific alleles in a homozygous or heterozygous condition at the BAD2 locus were identified that will serve as novel material for the selection of stable aerobic Basmati rice breeding lines.

Conclusions

Our results identified positive correlation between some of the root traits and yield under aerobic conditions, indicating the role of root traits for improving yield under aerobic situations possibly through improved water and nutrient uptake. Co-localization of QTL for yield, root traits, and yield-related agronomic traits indicates that the identified QTL may be immediately exploited in marker-assisted-breeding to develop novel high-yielding aerobic rice varieties.
Prognosis of AKI in malignant diseases with and without sepsis
Authors: Heeg Malte , Mertens Alexander , Ellenberger David , Müller Gerhard A , Patschan Daniel
Published: October 2013

Background

AKI significantly worsens prognosis of hospitalized patients. This is particularly the case in patients with sepsis. The risk for aquiring sepsis is significantly increased in malignant diseases. Aim of the present retrospective study was to analyze outcomes of tumor patients with sepsis and AKI.

Methods

One-thousand and seventeen patients, treated at the ICU of the Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology of the University Hospital Göttingen from 2009 to 2011 were retrospectively analyzed for mortality, sepsis, AKI, need for renal replacement therapy (dialysis) and malignancies.

Results

AKI occurred significantly more frequent in septic than in non-septic patients and in tumor as oposed to non-tumor patients. Mortaliy rates were higher in the respective latter groups. Mortality increased even further if patients suffered from a malignant disease with sepsis and AKI. Mortality rates peaked if dialysis treatment became mandatory. In non-solid tumors 100% of the patients died if they suffered drom sepsis and AKI. This was not the case in solid malignancies (mortality rate 56%).

Conclusions

We conclude that prognosis of tumor patients with AKI and sepsis is very poor. Mortality increases to almost 70% if diaylsis therapy is initiated. Non-solid tumors are associated with a 100% mortality if sepsis and AKI conincide.
Resection of a malignant paraganglioma located behind the retrohepatic segment of the inferior vena cava
Authors: Jia Changjun , Wang Xinlu , Dai Chaoliu , Bu Xianmin , Peng Songlin , Xu Feng , Xu Yongqing , Zhao Yang
Published: October 2013

Background

Resection of a retrocaval paraganglioma is technically challenging due to limited tumor accessibility and proximity to the vena cava.

Case presentation

A large, malignant paraganglioma was found behind the retrohepatic segment of the inferior vena cava of a 60-year-old male. During resection of this rare paraganglioma, the left lateral lobe of the liver, a portion of the caudate lobe of the liver, and the gallbladder were also removed. Unfortunately, the patient died six months after surgery due to hepatic metastasis.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates that a partial hepatectomy may be necessary to improve tumor accessibility during resection of a retrocaval paraganglioma, particularly if the tumor is proximal to the vena cava. Furthermore, palliative treatments may help prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis of malignant paragangliomas.
Patch cloning method for multiple site-directed and saturation mutagenesis
Authors: Taniguchi Naohiro , Nakayama Sayumi , Kawakami Takashi , Murakami Hiroshi
Published: October 2013

Background

Various DNA manipulation methods have been developed to prepare mutant genes for protein engineering. However, development of more efficient and convenient method is still demanded. Homologous DNA assembly methods, which do not depend on restriction enzymes, have been used as convenient tools for cloning and have been applied to site-directed mutagenesis recently. This study describes an optimized homologous DNA assembly method, termed as multiple patch cloning (MUPAC), for multiple site-directed and saturation mutagenesis.

Results

To demonstrate MUPAC, we introduced five back mutations to a mutant green fluorescent protein (GFPuv) with five deleterious mutations at specific sites and transformed Escherichia coli (E. coli) with the plasmids obtained. We observed that the over 90% of resulting colonies possessed the plasmids containing the reverted GFPuv gene and exhibited fluorescence. We extended the test to introduce up to nine mutations in Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus reverse transcriptase (M-MLV RT) by assembling 11 DNA fragments using MUPAC. Analysis of the cloned plasmid by electrophoresis and DNA sequencing revealed that approximately 30% of colonies had the objective mutant M-MLV RT gene. Furthermore, we also utilized this method to prepare a library of mutant GFPuv genes containing saturation mutations at five specific sites, and we found that MUPAC successfully introduced NNK codons at all five sites, whereas other site remained intact.

Conclusions

MUPAC could efficiently introduce various mutations at multiple specific sites within a gene. Furthermore, it could facilitate the preparation of experimental gene materials important to molecular and synthetic biology research.
Adrenomedullin binding improves catecholamine responsiveness and kidney function in resuscitated murine septic shock
Authors: Wagner Katja , Wachter Ulrich , Vogt Josef A , Scheuerle Angelika , McCook Oscar , Weber Sandra , Gröger Michael , Stahl Bettina , Georgieff Michael , Möller Peter , Bergmann Andreas , Hein Frauke , Calzia Enrico , Radermacher Peter , Wagner Florian
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Adrenomedullin (ADM) has been referred to as a double-edged sword during septic shock: On one hand, ADM supplementation improved organ perfusion and function, attenuated systemic inflammation, and ultimately reduced tissue apoptosis and mortality. On the other hand, ADM overproduction can cause circulatory collapse and organ failure due to impaired vasoconstrictor response and reduced myocardial contractility. Since most of these data originate from un-resuscitated shock models, we tested the hypothesis whether the newly developed anti-ADM antibody HAM1101 may improve catecholamine responsiveness and thus attenuate organ dysfunction during resuscitated murine, cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced septic shock.

Methods

Immediately after CLP, mice randomly received vehicle (phosphate-buffered saline, n = 11) or HAM1101 (n = 9; 2 μg·g−1). Fifteen hours after CLP, animals were anesthetized, mechanically ventilated, instrumented, and resuscitated with hydroxyethylstarch and continuous i.v. norepinephrine to achieve normotensive hemodynamics (mean arterial pressure > 50 to 60 mmHg).

Results

HAM1101 pretreatment reduced the norepinephrine infusion rates required to achieve hemodynamic targets, increased urine flow, improved creatinine clearance, and lowered neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin blood levels, which coincided with reduced expression of the inducible nitric oxide synthase and formation of peroxynitrite (nitrotyrosine immunostaining) in the kidney and aorta, ultimately resulting in attenuated systemic inflammation and tissue apoptosis.

Conclusions

During resuscitated murine septic shock, early ADM binding with HAM1101 improved catecholamine responsiveness, blunted the shock-related impairment of energy metabolism, reduced nitrosative stress, and attenuated systemic inflammatory response, which was ultimately associated with reduced kidney dysfunction and organ injury.
Acid–base changes after fluid bolus: sodium chloride vs. sodium octanoate
Authors: Ke Lu , Calzavacca Paolo , Bailey Michael , Li Wei-qin , Bellomo Rinaldo , May Clive N
Published: October 2013

Objectives

This study aims to test the hypothesis that fluid loading with sodium chloride (150 mmol Na and 150 mmol Cl) or sodium octanoate (150 mmol Na, 100 mmol Cl, and 50 mmol octanoate) would lead to different acid–base changes.

Design

We performed a double-blind crossover experimental study.

Setting

The study was done at a University Physiology Laboratory.

Subjects

Eight Merino ewes were used as subjects.

Measurements and main results

We randomly assigned animals to a rapid intravenous infusion (1 L over 30 min) of either normal saline (NS) or sodium octanoate solution (OS). We collected blood samples at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 h after the start of the infusion for blood gas analyses and biochemistry. We calculated strong ion difference apparent (SIDa), effective strong ion difference, and strong ion gap (SIG). Animals in the NS group developed metabolic acidification immediately after fluid administration (pH 7.49 to 7.42, base excess 3.0 to -1.6 mEq/L), while the OS group did not (pH 7.47 to 7.51, base excess 1.1 to 1.4 mEq/L; P < 0.001). Additionally, the OS group had higher SIDa (36.2 vs. 33.2 mEq/L) and SIG (7.4 vs. 6.2 mEq/L) at the end of the infusion.

Conclusions

Our findings provide further evidence that acidification induced by intravenous fluid loading is dependent on fluid composition and challenges the paradigm of the so-called dilutional acidosis.
Tensor completion based on nuclear norm minimization for 5D seismic data reconstruction
Authors: Kreimer Nadia , Stanton Aaron , Sacchi Mauricio D.
Published: October 2013

Many standard seismic data processing and imaging techniques require regularly sampled data. Prestack seismic data are multidimensional signals that can be represented via low-rank fourth-order tensors in the [Formula: see text] domain. We propose to adopt tensor completion strategies to recover unrecorded observations and to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of prestack seismic volumes. Tensor completion can be posed as an inverse problem and solved by minimizing a convex objective function. The objective function contains two terms: a data misfit and a nuclear norm. The data misfit measures the proximity of the reconstructed seismic data to the observations. The nuclear norm constraints the reconstructed data to be a low-rank tensor. In essence, we solve the prestack seismic reconstruction problem via low-rank tensor completion. The cost function of the problem is minimized using the alternating direction method of multipliers. We present synthetic examples to illustrate the behavior of the algorithm in terms of trade-off parameters that control the quality of the reconstruction. We further illustrate the performance of the algorithm with a land data survey from Alberta, Canada.
Extended Walton third-order elastic coefficients modified by an anisotropic and stress-dependent coordination number
Authors: Gallop Jeremy
Published: October 2013

Relating subsurface stress to velocity anisotropy can provide quantitative insight into the effects of reservoir production. Rock-physics models using effective medium theory for unconsolidated sands can be built to establish this link, although empirical corrections are often required. In pursuit of this goal, fractional changes in elastic moduli have been related to fractional changes in stress through a perturbation analysis of the extended Walton model. The stress path considered was composed of isotropic loading followed by an arbitrary stress perturbation. The coefficients derived are dependent on granular elastic moduli and the proportion of grains with no-slip contacts but are conveniently independent of strain and porosity. A modification of these relationships has been introduced using an anisotropic stress-dependent coordination number, whose parameters can be derived from isotropic moduli-stress experiments. The inclusion of an anisotropic coordination number improved the model’s fit to experimental results of unconsolidated sands subject to anisotropic loading.
On the Efficiency of Codeshare Contracts between Airlines: Is Double Marginalization Eliminated?
Authors: Gayle Philip G
Published: October 2013

Previous research has suggested that codeshare agreements eliminate double marginalization that exists when unaffiliated airlines independently determine the price for different segments of an interline trip. Using a structural econometric model, this paper investigates whether codeshare contracts do eliminate double marginalization. The results suggest that both upstream and downstream margins persist when the operating carrier of a codeshare product also offers competing single-carrier product(s) in the concerned market. Furthermore, counterfactual simulations from the model suggest that efficient pricing of these codeshare products would lower their price, and yield nontrivial increases in consumer welfare. (JEL D86, L13, L14, L93)
Strategic Tournaments
Authors: Arad Ayala , Rubinstein Ariel
Published: October 2013

A strategic (round-robin) tournament is a simultaneous n-player game built on top of a symmetric two-player game G. Each player chooses one action in G and is matched to play G against all other players. The winner of the tournament is the player who achieves the highest total G-payoff. The tournament has several interpretations as an evolutionary model, as a model of social interaction, and as a model of competition between firms with procedurally rational consumers. We prove some general properties of the model and explore the intuition that a tournament encourages riskier behavior. (JEL C72, C73)
Optimal Contract under Moral Hazard with Soft Information
Authors: Roger Guillaume
Published: October 2013

I study a model of moral hazard with soft information: the agent alone observes the stochastic outcome of her action; hence the principal faces a problem of ex post adverse selection. With limited instruments the principal cannot solve these two problems independently; the ex post incentive for misreporting interacts with the ex ante incentives for effort. This affects the shape and properties of the optimal contract, which fails to elicit truthful revelation in all states. In this setup audit and transfer become strategic complements; this is rooted in the nonseparability of the problem. (JEL D82, D86)
On the occurrence of Uronema marinum Womersley (Chaetophorales, Chlorophyta) in the north-western lagoons of the Adriatic Sea, Mediterranean Sea (Italy)
Authors: SFRISO A. , BUOSI A. , SFRISO A.A.
Published: October 2013

We study the occurrence of the alien macroalga Uronema marinum in the lagoon of Venice, in the lagoons and ponds of the Po Delta and in Pialassa della Baiona in Emilia-Romagna. It was in summer 2012 that U. marinum was identified for the first time, even though it has been present at least since 2008. This species, originally described from South Australia and Western Australia and probably imported with the Manila clam Tapes philippinarum, is prevalently associated with thalli of another introduced species, Agardhiella subulata, and the invasive Gracilaria vermiculophylla, which also have a Pacific origin and have recently colonized the same lagoon areas.  Uronema marinum is currently widespread in the whole lagoon surfaces, but is particularly abundant in stagnant waters, rich in nutrients, where Gracilariaceae and Solieriaceae prevail on Ulvaceae.
Does by-catch pose a threat for the conservation of seabird populations in the southern Ionian Sea (eastern Mediterranean)? A questionnaire based survey of local fisheries
Authors: KARRIS G. , FRIC J. , KITSOU Z. , KALFOPOULOU J. , GIOKAS S. , SFENTHOURAKIS S. , POIRAZIDIS K.
Published: October 2013

A significant number of studies worldwide have shown that incidental catches (by-catch) of seabirds in fishing gear might pose a considerable risk for the conservation of their populations. Nevertheless reliable data on by-catch rates of seabirds in European marine ecosystems are patchy and need to be improved. This study constitutes a first attempt at the evaluation of by-catch rates in the southern Ionian Sea. Data were obtained by distributing a specific questionnaire to the fishers of Zakynthos Island. 150 professional fishers (representing 90% of the local fishing fleet) participated in the research, and were interviewed during July-December 2010. The information collected showed that commercial longline and (to a lesser extent) gillnet fishery gears caused incidental catches mostly of Scopoli’s Shearwater and Mediterranean Shag. The temporal analysis of the incidental bird mortality showed that seabirds were more susceptible to be trapped in fishery gears set around sunrise during spring and summer whereas spatial analysis of by-catch data indicated variations in the number of seabirds caught in different fishery areas.
Alþingi í ljósi samþættingar löggjafarvalds og framkvæmdavalds
Authors: Magnússon Þorsteinn
Published: October 2013

Grein þessi er rituð í framhaldi af grein í Tímariti lögfræðinga þar sem fjallað var um þá spurningu hvort ríkisvaldið á Íslandi sé tvískipt með þeim hætti að löggjafarvaldið og framkvæmdarvaldið hafi runnið saman í einn valdþátt er lúti forustu ríkisstjórnarinnar. Greininni er ætlað að varpa ljósi á stöðu Alþingis í ljósi samþættingar löggjafarvalds og framkvæmdarvalds, en með samþættingu er vísað til þess að sami pólitíski aðilinn, þingmeirihlutinn, fer með stjórn þessara tveggja megingreina ríkisvaldsins. Færð eru fyrir því rök að þrátt fyrir samþættinguna hafi löggjafarvald og framkvæmdarvald ekki runnið saman í einn valþátt. Rætt er jafnframt um hlutverk Alþingis í því pólitíska umhverfi sem samþættingin skapar og bent á að þrátt fyrir samþættinguna gegni þingið mikilvægu hlutverki í löggjafarferlinu og rakið hvernig þingið sinnir öðrum hlutverkum, svo sem eftirlitshlutverki og umræðuhlutverki. Þá er dregið fram að það leiðir af samþættingunni að pólitísk átakalína er ekki milli löggjafarvalds og framkvæmdarvalds heldur milli stjórnarliða og stjórnarandstöðu. Þessi staða varpi ljósi á það mikilvæga hlutverk sem stjórnarandstaða gegnir í stjórnkerfi þar sem sami aðili stýrir bæði löggjafarvaldi og framkvæmdarvaldi. Það sé þess vegna eðlilegt að endurmat fari fram á því hvað felist í því að styrkja stöðu Alþingis. Bent er á að slíkt geti ekki fyrst og fremst falist í því að skerpa skil löggjafarvalds og framkvæmdarvalds þar sem takmörk eru fyrir því hversu langt er hægt ganga í þeim efnum í íslenska stjórnkerfinu. Menn hljóti ekki síður að íhuga hver eigi að vera staða stjórnarandstöðunnar og hvernig eigi að búa að henni.
Local Democracy and the Public Services
Authors: Kristinsson Gunnar Helgi
Published: October 2013

This article explores the relationship between democratic participation and responsiveness. Data from Icelandic local governments is used to examine the assumptions of three different theories of democracy: the minimalist theory, the theory of party democracy and theories of participatory democracy. No support was found for the minimalist theory that merely the competitive element is sufficient to bring about responsive organisations. Party democracy receives some support in that party membership tends to increase the satisfaction of citizens with their local government. Party members, however, are only a small proportion of the electorate. Direct participation tends to increase the knowledge and satisfaction of the citizens but size and the non-representative nature of activists pose a problem for the theory.
Fylgisbreytingar í aðdraganda borgarstjórnarkosninga vorið 2002
Authors: Arnkelsson Guðmundur B.
Published: October 2013

Lýst er annmörkum þess að álykta um fylgi og fylgisþróun á grundvelli niðurstaðna einstakra fylgiskannana. Gerð er grein fyrir almennri umræðu í aðdraganda borgarstjórnarkosninga vorið 2002 og helstu annmarka þeirrar umræðu. Grein er gerð fyrir þeim eiginleikum sem samhæft mat á fylgisþróun sem nær yfir niðurstöður margra kannana þarf að hafa. Staðbundin aðfallsgreining (local regression) er notuð til að fá yfirlit yfir fylgisþróun síðustu fimm vikur fyrir kosningar, kosningaspá og mat á óvissu. Í ljós kom að fylgisbreytingar voru mjög hægar, yfirburðir R-lista minnkuðu fram að 14. maí en jukust síðan fram að kjördegi. Minnstur var fylgismunurinn tæp sex prósentustig og sigur R-lista því aldrei verulega í hættu. Með hliðsjón af mikilli óvissu í niðurstöðum einstakra kannana, sáust fá merki um umtalsverðan kerfisbundinn mun eftir könnunaraðilum. Niðurstöður rannsóknarinnar undirstrika mikilvægi þess að rannsaka fylgisþróun og hagnýta vitneskju um hana til að búa til líkön sem gera kleift að spá fyrir um niðurstöður kosninga og lágmarka óvissu í slíkri spá.