bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
T Cell Activation Results in Conformational Changes in the Src Family Kinase Lck to Induce Its Activation
Authors: Stirnweiss Anja , Hartig Roland , Gieseler Steffi , Lindquist Jonathan A. , Reichardt Peter , Philipsen Lars , Simeoni Luca , Poltorak Mateusz , Merten Camilla , Zuschratter Werner , Prokazov Yury , Paster Wolfgang , Stockinger Hannes , Harder Thomas , Gunzer Matthias , Schraven Burkhart
Published: February 2013

T cell activation involves the conformational activation of the tyrosine kinase Lck.
Another Player in Amino Acid Sensing
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: February 2013

FTO contributes to the ability of mTORC1 to respond to amino acid availability.
Genome Sequences of Salmonella enterica Serovar Heidelberg Isolates Isolated in the United States from a Multistate Outbreak of Human
Salmonella
Infections
Authors: Hoffmann Maria , Luo Yan , Lafon Patricia C. , Timme Ruth , Allard Marc W. , McDermott Patrick F. , Brown Eric W. , Zhao Shaohua
Published: February 2013

Salmonella enterica
is recognized as one of the most common bacterial agents of foodborne illness. We report draft genomes of four
Salmonella
serovar Heidelberg isolates associated with the recent multistate outbreak of human
Salmonella
Heidelberg infections linked to kosher broiled chicken livers in the United States in 2011. Isolates 2011K-1259 and 2011K-1232 were recovered from humans, whereas 2011K-1724 and 2011K-1726 were isolated from chicken liver. Whole genome sequence analysis of these isolates provides a tool for studying the short-term evolution of these epidemic clones and can be used for characterizing potentially new virulence factors.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus thuringiensis Bacteriophage BMBtp2
Authors: Dong Zhaoxia , Peng Donghai , Wang Yueying , Zhu Lei , Ruan Lifang , Sun Ming
Published: February 2013

Bacillus thuringiensis
is an insect pathogen which has been widely used for biocontrol. During
B. thuringiensis
fermentation, lysogenic bacteriophages cause severe losses of yield. Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of a bacteriophage, BMBtp2, which is induced from
B. thuringiensis
strain YBT-1765, which may be helpful to clarify the mechanism involved in bacteriophage contamination.
Genome Sequences of Two Lactococcus garvieae Strains Isolated from Meat
Authors: Ricci Giovanni , Ferrario Chiara , Borgo Francesca , Eraclio Giovanni , Fortina Maria Grazia
Published: February 2013

Lactococcus garvieae
is an important fish pathogen and an emerging opportunistic human pathogen, as well as a component of natural microbiota in dairy and meat products. We present the first report of genome sequences of
L. garvieae
I113 and Tac2 strains isolated from a meat source.
Genome Sequence of Helicobacter heilmannii Sensu Stricto ASB1 Isolated from the Gastric Mucosa of a Kitten with Severe Gastritis
Authors: Smet Annemieke , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , Ledesma Jessica , Flahou Bram , Deforce Dieter , Ducatelle Richard , Haesebrouck Freddy
Published: February 2013

Here we report the genome sequence of
Helicobacter heilmannii
sensu stricto ASB1 isolated from the gastric mucosa of a kitten with severe gastritis.
Helicobacter heilmannii
sensu stricto has also been associated with gastric disease in humans. Availability of this genome sequence will contribute to the identification of genes involved in the pathogen's virulence and carcinogenic properties.
Genome Sequence of the Attenuated Carbosap Vaccine Strain of Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Harrington Robin , Ondov Brian D. , Radune Diana , Friss Mary Beth , Klubnik Joy , Diviak Lynn , Hnath Jonathan , Cendrowski Stephen R. , Blank Thomas E. , Karaolis David , Friedlander Arthur M. , Burans James P. , Rosovitz M. J. , Treangen Todd , Phillippy Adam M. , Bergman Nicholas H.
Published: February 2013

The
Bacillus anthracis
Carbosap genome, which includes the pXO1 and pXO2 plasmids, has been shown to encode the major
B. anthracis
virulence factors, yet this strain's attenuation has not yet been explained. Here we report the draft genome sequence of this strain, and a comparison to fully virulent
B. anthracis
.
A rare complication following radiofrequency ablation
Authors: Rajakulasingam Ramyah , Francis Rohin , Ghuran Azad
Published: February 2013

Atrial–oesophageal fistula (AOF) formation is a rare but often fatal complication post radio frequency ablation (RFA). Mortality ranges from 67% to 100%, with a rapid progression from symptom onset to death. We report a case of a healthy man in his early 40s who presented with a Glasgow Coma Scale  of 5/15, clinical evidence of sepsis andStreptococcus viridansbacteraemia, 14 days following uncomplicated RFA for atrial fibrillation. Establishing a diagnosis of AOF can be difficult, as patients may have bacteraemia, but are consequently misdiagnosed with infective endocarditis, as in this case. One should have a high-index of suspicion for AOF in patients presenting with the aforementioned constellation of symptoms following ablation. There are no established predictors of mortality, but prompt detection, emergent operative intervention and prolonged antibiotic therapy are vital for survival.
The contribution of energy systems during the upper body Wingate anaerobic test
Authors: Lovell Dale , Kerr Ava , Wiegand Aaron , Solomon Colin , Harvey Leonie , McLellan Chris
Published: February 2013

The purpose of this study was to measure the contribution of the aerobic, anaerobic lactic, and alactic systems during an upper body Wingate Anaerobic test (WAnT). Oxygen uptake and blood lactate were measured before, during, and after the WAnT and body composition analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The contribution of the energy systems was 11.4% ± 1.4%, 60.3% ± 5.6%, and 28.3% ± 4.9% for the aerobic, anaerobic lactic, and alactic systems, respectively.
Arrangement of terrestrial laser scanner positions for area-wide stem mapping of natural forests
Authors: Trochta Jan , Král Kamil , Janík David , Adam Dušan
Published: February 2013

With the development of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and its applications in forestry, the question arises as to how the scanners should be ideally placed for the best possible data acquisition. We searched for an optimal scanning distance for recognition of stems in natural beech-dominated forests, focusing particularly on the shading effect of tree stems and terrain. Recognised tree stems in TLS point clouds were compared with reference stem maps. A GIS-based visibility simulation was carried out to enhance the quantitative assessment and generalizability of results. The analyses also include the additive effect of multiple scanning positions. Single scans only have a tree recognition rate above 80% up to a distance of 15 m from the scanner; using at least three scanning positions a comparable recognition rate was attained up to 20–25 m. A simulated coverage of a beech-dominated natural forest by laser beams using a 40 m square grid of scanning positions captured at least half of the stem perimeter for more than 90% of trees with a DBH ≥ 10 cm. In sites with rough terrain, the relief configuration has a more significant effect of occlusion than present tree stems.
FACIAL STRUCTURES FOR VARIOUS NOTIONS OF POSITIVITY AND APPLICATIONS TO THE THEORY OF ENTANGLEMENT
Authors: KYE SEUNG-HYEOK
Published: February 2013

In this expository note, we explain facial structures for the convex cones consisting of positive linear maps, completely positive linear maps, and decomposable positive linear maps between matrix algebras, respectively. These will be applied to study the notions of entangled edge states with positive partial transposes and optimality of entanglement witnesses.
ON SIMULATIONS OF HIGH-DENSITY RATIO FLOWS USING COLOR-GRADIENT MULTIPHASE LATTICE BOLTZMANN MODELS
Authors: HUANG HAIBO , HUANG JUN-JIE , LU XI-YUN , SUKOP MICHAEL C.
Published: February 2013

Originally, the color-gradient model proposed by Rothman and Keller (R–K) was unable to simulate immiscible two-phase flows with different densities. Later, a revised version of the R–K model was proposed by Grunau et al. [D. Grunau, S. Chen and K. Eggert, Phys. Fluids A: Fluid Dyn. 5, 2557 (1993).] and claimed it was able to simulate two-phase flows with high-density contrast. Some studies investigate high-density contrast two-phase flows using this revised R–K model but they are mainly focused on the stationary spherical droplet and bubble cases. Through theoretical analysis of the model, we found that in the recovered Navier–Stokes (N–S) equations which are derived from the R–K model, there are unwanted extra terms. These terms disappear for simulations of two-phase flows with identical densities, so the correct N–S equations are fully recovered. Hence, the R–K model is able to give accurate results for flows with identical densities. However, the unwanted terms may affect the accuracy of simulations significantly when the densities of the two fluids are different. For the simulations of spherical bubbles and droplets immersed in another fluid (where the densities of the two fluids are different), the extra terms may not be important and hence, in terms of surface tension, accurate results can be obtained. However, generally speaking, the unwanted term may be significant in many flows and the R–K model is unable to obtain the correct results due to the effect of the extra terms. Through numerical simulations of parallel two-phase flows in a channel, we confirm that the R–K model is not appropriate for general two-phase flows with different densities. A scheme to eliminate the unwanted terms is also proposed and the scheme works well for cases of density ratios less than 10.
THE ECONOMIC VOTING HYPOTHESIS IN THE PRESENCE OF THRESHOLD EFFECTS: EVIDENCE FROM ASYMMETRIC MODELING
Authors: CHANG CHUN-PING , LEE CHIEN-CHIANG
Published: February 2013

The issue of asymmetry and nonlinearity in the context of economic voting was proposed as far back as the 1970s. The aim of this paper is to revisit the economic voting phenomenon by investigating the asymmetric cointegration between government popularity and economic conditions in Taiwan over the period from 1992 to 2007. We employ an advanced threshold autoregressive model and find strong evidence of threshold cointegration relationships between our observed variables. Furthermore, an asymmetric error correction model indicates that voters use different economic indicators to evaluate government popularity in different regimes and the speed of adjustment to the long-run equilibrium is more rapid in the lower regime and slower in the higher regime. Finally, the evidence shows that the economic voting behavior is supported by the presence of the threshold effects. Based on the nonlinear, asymmetric and threshold effects, we are able to provide several critical implications concerning the governance of the incumbent political party, particularly, in relation to the promotion of economic policy aimed at improving its popularity.
BIPAIR NEUTRINO MIXING AND LEPTOGENESIS
Authors: KITABAYASHI TERUYUKI
Published: February 2013

We estimate the baryon–photon ratio in the Universe via the leptogenesis scenario in the framework of the minimal seesaw model with a minimally modified bipair neutrino mixing. We assume that one of the elements of the 3 × 2 Dirac mass matrix mD is exactly zero. It turns out that the lepton asymmetry as well as baryon number of the Universe definitely depends on the reactor neutrino mixing angle in the cases of (mD)11 = 0 and (mD)12 = 0. The allowed region of the Majorana CP phase is separated into three regions related to the assumption of either (mD)11 = 0, (mD)21, 31 = 0 or (mD)12 = 0.
PROXIMITY GRAPHS: E, δ, Δ, χ AND ω
Authors: BOSE PROSENJIT , DUJMOVIĆ VIDA , HURTADO FERRAN , IACONO JOHN , LANGERMAN STEFAN , MEIJER HENK , SACRISTÁN VERA , SAUMELL MARIA , WOOD DAVID R.
Published: February 2013

Graph-theoretic properties of certain proximity graphs defined on planar point sets are investigated. We first consider some of the most common proximity graphs of the family of the Delaunay graph, and study their number of edges, minimum and maximum degree, clique number, and chromatic number. In the second part of the paper we focus on the higher order versions of some of these graphs and give bounds on the same parameters.
THE RENEWED CHALLENGE OF THE H DIBARYON
Authors: CARAMÉS T. F. , VALCARCE A.
Published: February 2013

We review the theoretical and experimental current status of the H dibaryon. We revise the recent experimental results obtained from double-Λ hypernuclei produced by means of Ξ-capture reactions using different target nuclei. Forthcoming experimental projects are briefly summarized. We also review the recent theoretical quark-model studies, some of them constrained by observables of the strangeness -2 two-baryon sector. Ongoing theoretical efforts by means of lattice QCD are also discussed.
THE BEAUTY OF STABILITY: DISTAL RADIOULNAR JOINT STABILITY IN ARTHROSCOPIC TRIANGULAR FIBROCARTILAGE COMPLEX REPAIR
Authors: Tang Chris , Fung Boris , Chan Rebecca , Fok Margaret
Published: February 2013

The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) has an important role in the stability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) stability. We designed a new method of TFCC tear repair that has satisfactory post-operative DRUJ stability. From May 2004 to August 2010, 14 patients who underwent this operation were reviewed. The average post-operative follow-up period was 8.2 months; 66.7% of the patients with TFCC tear in sigmoid notch had clinical DRUJ instability, while only 50% of tear in fovea and 16.7% of tear in base of ulnar styloid had clinical DRUJ instability. Transosseous suture via inside-outside technique was used for repair. At the final follow-up, all 14 patients have soft end point with < 5 mm translations of the DRUJ shown by the stress test. Based on this small sample with satisfactory outcome assessed by the Mayo modified wrist score and DRUJ stability, we recommend TFCC tear in sigmoid notch, which has a higher chance of DRUJ instability, to be repaired by transosseous suture.
FINGER FLEXION CONTRACTURE DUE TO MUSCULAR INVOLVEMENT OF SARCOIDOSIS
Authors: Motomiya Makoto , Iwasaki Norimasa , Kawamura Daisuke
Published: February 2013

We describe a rare experience with the treatment of a patient with finger flexion contracture caused by muscular involvement of sarcoidosis, who had been misdiagnosed as having a trigger finger and underwent surgical release of the A1 pulley of her little finger. This report serves as a reminder that muscular involvement of sarcoidosis can cause finger flexion contractures.
SINGLE PATENT VESSEL OVER AN EMBEDDED RING: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Awan Bassim , Samargandi Osama A. , Aljaaly Hattan A. , Makhdom Asim M.
Published: February 2013

Embedded ring injury is rarely encountered in clinical practice, and most of the few reported cases share common features, including deliberate neglect, mental illness, poor social support, female gender, and adult age group. Ischemia has never been reported in such injuries. Here, we report the case of a 16-year-old girl who presented with a completely embedded ring in the right index finger and a partially embedded ring in the left ring finger. Revascularization after ring embedment probably explains the intact vessel that was observed on the outer aspect of the embedded ring during surgical exploration of the right index finger.
TUNING THE NOISE IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING TO MAXIMIZE NONLINEAR INFORMATION TRANSMISSION
Authors: DELAHAIES AGNÈS , CHAPEAU-BLONDEAU FRANÇOIS , ROUSSEAU DAVID , FRANCONI FLORENCE
Published: February 2013

We demonstrate a new instance of useful-noise effect or stochastic resonance, occurring in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Based on the physics of signal–noise coupling specific to MRI, we establish the possibility of regimes where nonlinear post-processing can benefit from an increase in the level of the noise present in the MRI apparatus. The validation is obtained by both theoretical analysis and experimental observations. We especially show that the beneficial tuning of the noise can be practically achieved by controlling the bandwidth of the sampling receiver of the MRI apparatus. These results constitute a nontrivial extension of stochastic resonance in the domain of images, arising here with a signal–noise coupling in MRI which is distinct from the purely additive or multiplicative couplings previously investigated in the framework of useful-noise effect.
REGULAR WEAK PROJECTION HYPERSUBSTITUTIONS
Authors: Changphas Thawhat , Hemvong Wonlop
Published: February 2013

It is known that there is a Galois connection between submonoids of the monoid consisting of all hypersubstitutions and complete sublattices of the lattice of all varieties of the same type. It is of interest to know which semigroup properties of hypersubstitutions can be transferred by this Galois connection. In this paper, we characterize regular weak projection hypersubstitutions of all mappings from the set of operation symbols to the set of terms which preserve arities type (2,2).
Synthesizing waves from animated height fields
Authors: Nielsen Michael B. , Söderström Andreas , Bridson Robert
Published: February 2013

Computer animated ocean waves for feature films are typically carefully choreographed to match the vision of the director and to support the telling of the story. The rough shape of these waves is established in the previsualization (previs) stage, where artists use a variety of modeling tools with fast feedback to obtain the desired look. This poses a challenge to the effects artists who must subsequently match the locked-down look of the previs waves with high-quality simulated or synthesized waves, adding the detail necessary for the final shot. We propose a set of automated techniques for synthesizing Fourier-based ocean waves that match a previs input, allowing artists to quickly enhance the input wave animation with additional higher-frequency detail that moves consistently with the coarse waves, tweak the wave shapes to flatten troughs and sharpen peaks if desired (as is characteristic of deep water waves), and compute a physically reasonable velocity field of the water analytically. These properties are demonstrated with several examples, including a previs scene from a visual effects production environment.
Receptor Inhibitors in Acute Coronary Syndromes: What Is New on the Horizon?
Authors: Oprea Adriana Dana , Popescu Wanda M.
Published: February 2013

Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin and a P2Y12receptor inhibitor represents the cornerstone therapy for patients with acute coronary syndromes or undergoing percutaneous interventions, leading to a reduction of subsequent ischemic events. Variable response to clopidogrel has received close attention, and pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and pharmacogenomic factors have been identified as culprits. This led to the introduction of newer, potentially safer, and more effective antiplatelet agents (prasugrel and ticagrelor). Additionally, several point-of-care assays of platelet function have been developed in recent years to rapidly screen individuals on antiplatelet therapy. While the routine use of platelet function testing is uncertain and not currently recommended, it may be useful in instances when the degree of platelet inhibition may be uncertain such as high-risk patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention or when there may be a suspected pharmacodynamic interaction with other drugs. The current paper focuses on the P2Y12receptor inhibitors and their pharmacogenetics and indications in patients with acute coronary syndromes or receiving percutaneous coronary interventions as well as the applicability of platelet function testing in this clinical context.
Value and Limits of Routine Histology Alone or Combined with Glutamine Synthetase Immunostaining in the Diagnosis of Hepatocellular Adenoma Subtypes on Surgical Specimens
Authors: Bioulac-Sage Paulette , Taouji Saïd , Le Bail Brigitte , Possenti Laurent , Balabaud Charles
Published: February 2013

Immunohistochemistry is a valid method to classify hepatocellular adenoma (HCA). The aim was to test the performance of routine histology combined to glutamine synthetase (GS) staining to identify the 2 major HCA subtypes: HNF1αinactivated (H-HCA) and inflammatory HCA (IHCA). 114 surgical cases, previously classified by immunohistochemistry, were analysed. Group A comprised 45 H-HCAs, 44 IHCAs, and 9β-catenin-activated IHCAs (b-IHCA), and group B, 16 b-HCA and unclassified HCA (UHCA). Steatosis was the hallmark of H-HCA. IHCA and b-IHCA were mainly characterized by inflammation, thick arteries, and sinusoidal dilatation; b-IHCA could not be differentiated from IHCA by routine histology. Group B was identified by default. A control set (91 cases) was analyzed using routine and GS stainings (without knowing immunohistochemical results). Among the 45 H-HCAs and 27 IHCAs, 40 and 24 were correctly classified, respectively. Among the 10 b-IHCAs, 4 were identified as such using additional GS. Eight of the 9 HCAs that were neither H-HCA nor IHCA were correctly classified.Conclusion. Routine histology allows to diagnose >85% of the 2 major HCA subtypes. GS is essential to identify b-HCA. This study demonstrates that a “palliative” diagnostic approach can be proposed, when the panel of specific antibodies is not available.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Biological Evaluation of Some 3d-Metal Complexes of Schiff Base Derived from Xipamide Drug
Authors: Malik Suman , Ghosh Suparna , Jain Bharti , Singh Archana , Bhattacharya Mamta
Published: February 2013

The present paper deals with the synthesis and characterization of metal complexes of Schiff base derived from xipamide, a diuretic drug. The bidentate ligand is derived from the inserted condensation of 5-aminosulfonyl-4-chloro-N-2,6-dimethyl phenyl-2-hydroxybenzamide (Xipamide) with salicylaldehyde in a 1 : 1 molar ratio. Using this bidentate ligand, complexes of Hg(II), Zn(II), and VO(IV) with general formula ML2 have been synthesized. The synthesized complexes were characterized by several techniques using molar conductance, elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility, FT-IR spectroscopy, electronic spectra, mass spectra, and particle size analysis. The elemental analysis data suggest the stoichiometry to be 1 : 2 [M : L]. All the complexes are nonelectrolytic in nature as suggested by molar conductance measurements. Infrared spectral data indicate the coordination between the ligand and the central metal ion through deprotonated phenolic oxygen and azomethine nitrogen atoms. Spectral studies suggest tetrahedral geometry for Hg(II), Zn(II) complexes, and square pyramidal geometry for VO(IV) complex. The pure drug, synthesized ligand, and metal complexes were screened for their antifungal activities against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. The ligand and its Hg(II) and VO(IV) complexes were screened for their diuretic activity too.
CSF and Serum Biomarkers Focusing on Cerebral Vasospasm and Ischemia after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Jung Carla S. , Lange Bettina , Zimmermann Michael , Seifert Volker
Published: February 2013

Delayed cerebral vasospasm (CVS) and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) remain severe complications after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Although focal changes in cerebral metabolism indicating ischemia are detectable by microdialysis, routinely used biomarkers are missing. We therefore sought to evaluate a panel of possible global markers in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients after SAH. CSF and serum of SAH patients were analyzed retrospectively. In CSF, levels of inhibitory, excitatory, and structural amino acids were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In serum, neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S100B level were measured and examined in conjunction with CVS and DCI. CVS was detected by arteriography, and ischemic lesions were assessed by computed tomography (CT) scans. All CSF amino acids were altered after SAH. CSF glutamate, glutamine, glycine, and histidine were significantly correlated with arteriographic CVS. CSF glutamate and serum S100B were significantly correlated with ischemic events after SAH; however, NSE did not correlate neither with ischemia nor with vasospasm. Glutamate, glutamine, glycine, and histidine might be used in CSF as markers for CVS. Glutamate also indicates ischemia. Serum S100B, but not NSE, is a suitable marker for ischemia. These results need to be validated in larger prospective cohorts.
Additions to the Human Plasma Proteome via a Tandem MARS Depletion iTRAQ-Based Workflow
Authors: Cao Zhiyun , Yende Sachin , Kellum John A. , Robinson Renã A. S.
Published: February 2013

Robust platforms for determining differentially expressed proteins in biomarker and discovery studies using human plasma are of great interest. While increased depth in proteome coverage is desirable, it is associated with costs of experimental time due to necessary sample fractionation. We evaluated a robust quantitative proteomics workflow for its ability (1) to provide increased depth in plasma proteome coverage and (2) to give statistical insight useful for establishing differentially expressed plasma proteins. The workflow involves dual-stage immunodepletion on a multiple affinity removal system (MARS) column, iTRAQ tagging, offline strong-cation exchange chromatography, and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Independent workflow experiments were performed in triplicate on four plasma samples tagged with iTRAQ 4-plex reagents. After stringent criteria were applied to database searched results, 689 proteins with at least two spectral counts (SC) were identified. Depth in proteome coverage was assessed by comparison to the 2010 Human Plasma Proteome Reference Database in which our studies reveal 399 additional proteins which have not been previously reported. Additionally, we report on the technical variation of this quantitative workflow which ranges from ±11 to 30%.
Comparative Analysis of Clinical, Hormonal and Morphological Studies in Patients with Neuroendocrine ACTH-Producing Tumours
Authors: Kolesnikova G. S. , Lapshina A. M. , Voronkova I. A. , Marova E. I. , Arapova S. D. , Goncharov N. P. , Dedov I. I.
Published: February 2013

This paper highlights the problem of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) with clinical symptoms of hypercorticism caused by hypersecretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by tumour cells. In most cases (85%), the tumours were localized in the pituitary gland (Cushing's disease); 15% of the patients had an extrapituitary tumour that manifest as an ectopic ACTH secretion (EAS). Comparative analysis of clinical, hormonal, histological, and immunohistochemical characteristics of pituitary and extrapituitary ACTH-secreting NET was performed. It included 46 patients with CD and 38 ones exhibiting ectopic ACTH secretion (EAS). Results of the study suggest differences between CD and EAS in terms of the severity of clinical manifestations and duration of the disease. Hormonal studies showed that EAS unlike CD was associated with high plasma ACTH and cortisol levels, late-evening salivary cortisol and daily urinary free cortisol, the absence of a 60% or greater reduction of cortisol in the HDDST test, and the presence of a low (less than 2) ACTH gradient in response to desmopressin administration with catheterization of cavernous sinuses. The study of morphofunctional characteristics of the removed NET demonstrated the ability of both pituitary and extrapituitary NETs to express ACTH as well as GH, PRL, LH, and FSH. The angiogenic markers (CD31 and VEGF) were detected with equal frequency regardless of the NET localization. The histological structure of all corticotropinomas suggested their benign origin, but extrapituitary NETs were represented by different morphological types with varying malignancy, invasiveness, and metastatic properties. A higher cell proliferation potential (Ki-67) was documented for NET in patients presenting with an ectopic ACTH secretion compared to those having corticotropinomas.
Diversity of Rhizobium leguminosarum from Pea Fields in Washington State
Authors: Abi-Ghanem Rita , Smith Jeffrey L. , Vandemark George J.
Published: February 2013

Rhizobia-mediated biological nitrogen (N) fixation in legumes contributes to yield potential in these crops and also provides residual fertilizer to subsequent cereals. Our objectives were to collect isolates of Rhizobium leguminosarum from several pea fields in Washington, examine genetic diversity among these isolates and several commercial isolates of R. leguminosarum, and compare genetically distinct isolates for their ability to fix N in a range of pea hosts. Seventy-nine isolates were collected from pea root from four noninoculated pea fields. Sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers generated by PCR were used to discriminate among isolates. Isolates fell into 17 clusters with robust bootstrap support values. Nearly half of the isolates fell into a single large cluster, but smaller clusters were also detected for isolates from all four field locations. The majority of commercial isolates fell into a distinct cluster. Four genetically distinct isolates were compared for their efficiency in fixing N in a greenhouse experiment. Host plant variety effects were significant for plant biomass due to N fixation and also for the quantity of N fixed per variety. Significant effects of R. leguminosarum isolates were observed for the quantity of N fixed per isolate, plant biomass, and the quantity of N per plant.
Predictingβ-Turns in Protein Using Kernel Logistic Regression
Authors: Elbashir Murtada Khalafallah , Sheng Yu , Wang Jianxin , Wu FangXiang , Li Min
Published: February 2013

Aβ-turn is a secondary protein structure type that plays a significant role in protein configuration and function. On average 25% of amino acids in protein structures are located inβ-turns. It is very important to develope an accurate and efficient method forβ-turns prediction. Most of the current successfulβ-turns prediction methods use support vector machines (SVMs) or neural networks (NNs). The kernel logistic regression (KLR) is a powerful classification technique that has been applied successfully in many classification problems. However, it is often not found inβ-turns classification, mainly because it is computationally expensive. In this paper, we used KLR to obtain sparseβ-turns prediction in short evolution time. Secondary structure information and position-specific scoring matrices (PSSMs) are utilized as input features. We achievedQtotalof 80.7% and MCC of 50% on BT426 dataset. These results show that KLR method with the right algorithm can yield performance equivalent to or even better than NNs and SVMs inβ-turns prediction. In addition, KLR yields probabilistic outcome and has a well-defined extension to multiclass case.
Elevated Plasma Homocysteine Level in Vascular Dementia Reflects the Vascular Disease Process
Authors: Nilsson Karin , Gustafson Lars , Hultberg Björn
Published: February 2013

Background: Patients with vascular dementia (VaD) exhibit particularly elevated levels of plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) compared to patients with other psychogeriatric diseases. Methods: We investigated the main determinants (age, renal impairment, cobalamin/folate status and presence of extracerebral vascular disease) of plasma tHcy in 525 patients with VaD. Furthermore, 270 patients with depression were used as a reference group to reveal the potential specificity of elevated plasma tHcy in patients with VaD. Results: Elevated plasma tHcy levels in patients with VaD could only partly be attributed to cobalamin/folate deficiency or renal impairment. Plasma tHcy might also be related to the vascular disease process since patients with depression and vascular disease exhibited similar plasma tHcy levels to patients with VaD. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that elevated plasma tHcy might be a sensitive marker for the vascular disease process in patients with VaD and that the level also is a reflection of changes in the other main determinants of plasma tHcy.
Eosinophilic Cystitis Presented as a Manifestation of Hypereosinophilic Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Kojima Katsuaki , Maeda Jun , Mikami Shuji , Yamagishi Hiroyuki , Ide Hiroki , Hattori Seiya , Takahashi Takao , Awazu Midori
Published: February 2013

Background: Hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) is a group of disorders marked by the sustained overproduction of eosinophils, in which eosinophilic infiltration and inflammatory substance release cause damage to multiple organs. Eosinophilic cystitis (EC) is an inflammatory disorder caused by eosinophilic infiltration of the bladder wall. Although EC is often associated with eosinophilia, it has been rarely reported as a manifestation of HES. We report a case of EC as a primary manifestation of HES. The patient was a 27-year-old male with a history of complete intracardiac repair of tetralogy of Fallot who presented with an acute onset of dysuria accompanied by eosinophilia (7.5 × 103/µl, 60% of white blood cells). Ultrasonography and MRI of the bladder showed a bladder mass, a biopsy of which revealed eosinophilic infiltration and degranulation. Methods: We performed a literature search in PubMed from 2001 to 2012 to find patients with EC who may have had HES. Results: There were 4 patients with HES who had EC including the present case. Of 14 patients reported as EC in whom the eosinophil count was described, 5 had eosinophils of ≥1,500/µl. None of the 5 patients had secondary causes for eosinophilia. Of the 9 patients with definite or probable HES, 7 patients (78%) were male and 5 patients (56%) showed a concomitant eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorder. Conclusion: HES may not be uncommon as the cause of EC. Thorough evaluation and close monitoring are warranted in EC patients with elevated eosinophils.
Apamin-Sensitive Potassium Current Modulates Action Potential Duration Restitution and Arrhythmogenesis of Failing Rabbit Ventricles
Authors: Hsieh Yu-Cheng , Chang Po-Cheng , Hsueh Chia-Hsiang , Lee Young Soo , Shen Changyu , Weiss James N. , Chen Zhenhui , Ai Tomohiko , Lin Shien-Fong , Chen Peng-Sheng
Published: February 2013

Background—

Apamin-sensitive K currents (
I
KAS
) are upregulated in heart failure. We hypothesize that apamin can flatten action potential duration restitution (APDR) curve and can reduce ventricular fibrillation duration in failing ventricles.

Methods and Results—

We simultaneously mapped membrane potential and intracellular Ca (Ca
i
) in 7 rabbit hearts with pacing-induced heart failure and in 7 normal hearts. A dynamic pacing protocol was used to determine APDR at baseline and after apamin (100 nmol/L) infusion. Apamin did not change APD
80
in normal ventricles, but prolonged APD
80
in failing ventricles at either long (≥300 ms) or short (≤170 ms) pacing cycle length, but not at intermediate pacing cycle length. The maximal slope of APDR curve was 2.03 (95% confidence interval, 1.73–2.32) in failing ventricles and 1.26 (95% confidence interval, 1.13–1.40) in normal ventricles at baseline (
P
=0.002). After apamin administration, the maximal slope of APDR in failing ventricles decreased to 1.43 (95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.84;
P
=0.018), whereas no significant changes were observed in normal ventricles. During ventricular fibrillation in failing ventricles, the number of phase singularities (baseline versus apamin, 4.0 versus 2.5), dominant frequency (13.0 versus 10.0 Hz), and ventricular fibrillation duration (160 versus 80 s) were all significantly (
P
<0.05) decreased by apamin.

Conclusions—

Apamin prolongs APD at long and short, but not at intermediate pacing cycle length in failing ventricles.
I
KAS
upregulation may be antiarrhythmic by preserving the repolarization reserve at slow heart rate, but is proarrhythmic by steepening the slope of APDR curve, which promotes the generation and maintenance of ventricular fibrillation.
Savior of the Race: The Messianic Burdens of Black Masculinity
Authors: Neal Ronald B.
Published: February 2013

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the messianic construction of manhood within African American communities in North America and its normative imprint in shaping and measuring masculinity among African Americans. In this essay, messianic manhood is treated as a utopian construction of masculinity that is found in liberal and conservative constructions of Protestant Christianity. In examining this tradition of manhood, representative messianic men are interrogated who have participated in and have been shaped by this tradition. Overall, messianic manhood is inconceivable apart from an oral tradition of preaching and singing where the person of Jesus is understood as Lord, savior, and ally of the oppressed.
A new acaremyid rodent (Hystricognathi: Octodontoidea) from the middle Miocene of Patagonia (South America) and considerations on the early evolution of Octodontoidea
Authors: ARNAL MICHELLE , PÉREZ MARÍA E.
Published: February 2013

Octodontoidea is the most speciose and ecologically diverse superfamily of caviomorph rodents. The systematic relation-ships of modern octodontoids is moderately accepted, however, the relationships of fossils (from the Eocene?–middle Miocene) are not clear. In recent years the hypothesis of a complex early evolution of the superfamily has emerged, with “basal octodontoids” representing different evolutionary lineages. The extinct family Acaremyidae may represent one such lineage, consisting of the genera Acaremys, Sciamys, Galileomys, and variably Platypittamys. In this work we de-scribe a new octodontoid rodent recorded in post-Colloncuran? levels exposed at the locality of El Petiso, Northwest of Chubut Province, Argentina. Based on a systematic analysis of dental characters, we conclude that the new specimens correspond to a new species of Sciamys. Additionally, if the post-Colloncuran age for El Petiso is verified, the new species will extend the temporal range of the family Acaremyidae until, at least, the late middle Miocene, as well as the temporal range for the genus Sciamys from the Santacrucian SALMA. Our phylogenetic analyses corroborate the position of the new species as a member of Sciamys, and confirm that Acaremyidae represents an extinct family from Patagonian South America that lived until the middle Miocene. Massoiamys obliquus qualifies as morphological ancestor that pre-announc-es the octodontiform tooth pattern of octodontids. Thus, the octodontiform tooth pattern appears at least twice within the superfamily Octodontoidea.
Identity of Eumenodora encrypta Meyrick, a cryptic Australian moth (Lepidoptera:Gelechioidea)
Authors: KAILA LAURI
Published: February 2013

A hitherto neglected gelechioid moth genus Eumenodora Meyrick (Gelechioidea: Elachistidae; Cosmopterigidae; Xyloryctidae) is redescribed. The genus, originally assigned to the Elachistidae and later transferred to the Cosmopterigidae, is monotypic. The single constituent species, E. encrypta Meyrick, 1906, has long been known only from the holotype, collected in Brisbane, Queensland (Australia). The specimen lacks its abdomen. The genus is characterized and the single recognized species redescribed based on recently collected adult males and a female. Evidence from morphology, supported by DNA sequences, is provided to support the placement of the taxon in the Hierodoris group of the Xyloryctidae, in spite of its atypical external appearance.
Checklist of lizards and amphisbaenians of Argentina: an update
Authors: AVILA LUCIANO JAVIER , MARTINEZ LORENA ELIZABETH , MORANDO MARIANA
Published: February 2013

We update the list of lizards ofArgentina, reporting a total of 261 species from the country, arranged in 27 genera and 10 families. Introduced species and dubious or erroneous records are discussed. Taxonomic, nomenclatural and distributional comments are provided when required. Considering species of probable occurrence in the country (known to occur inBolivia,Brazil,ChileandParaguayat localities very close to the Argentinean border) and still undescribed taxa, we estimate that the total number of species inArgentinacould exceed 300 in the next few years.
History of Pacific Northwest Heat Waves: Synoptic Pattern and Trends
Authors: Bumbaco Karin A. , Dello Kathie D. , Bond Nicholas A.
Published: February 2013

A historical record of Pacific Northwest (defined here as west of the Cascade Mountains in Washington and Oregon) heat waves is identified using the U.S. Historical Climate Network, version 2, daily data (1901–2009). Both daytime and nighttime events are examined, defining a heat wave as three consecutive days above the 99th percentile for the maximum and minimum temperature anomalies separately. Although the synoptic characteristics of the daytime and nighttime heat events are similar, they do indicate some differences between the two types of events. Most notable is a stronger influence of downslope warming over the Cascade Mountains for the daytime events versus a more important role of precipitable water content for the nighttime events, presumably through its impact on downward longwave radiative fluxes. Current research suggests that the frequency and duration of heat waves are expected to increase in much of the United States, and analysis of the heat events reveals that a significant, increasing trend in the frequency of the nighttime events is already occurring in the Pacific Northwest. A heat wave occurred in 2009 that set all-time-record maximum temperatures in many locations and ranked as the second strongest daytime event and the longest nighttime event in the record.
Leaky Rigid Lid: New Dissipative Modes in the Troposphere
Authors: Chumakova Lyubov G. , Rosales Rodolfo R. , Tabak Esteban G.
Published: February 2013

An effective boundary condition is derived for the top of the troposphere, based on a wave radiation condition at the tropopause. This boundary condition, which can be formulated as a pseudodifferential equation, leads to new vertical dissipative modes. These modes can be computed explicitly in the classical setup of a hydrostatic, nonrotating atmosphere with a piecewise constant Brunt–Väisälä frequency.

In the limit of an infinitely strongly stratified stratosphere, these modes lose their dissipative nature and become the regular baroclinic tropospheric modes under the rigid-lid approximation. For realistic values of the stratification, the decay time scales of the first few modes for mesoscale disturbances range from an hour to a week, suggesting that the time scale for some atmospheric phenomena may be set up by the rate of energy loss through upward-propagating waves.
The Contribution of Radiative Feedbacks to Orbitally Driven Climate Change
Authors: Erb Michael P. , Broccoli Anthony J. , Clement Amy C.
Published: February 2013

Radiative feedbacks influence Earth's climate response to orbital forcing, amplifying some aspects of the response while damping others. To better understand this relationship, the GFDL Climate Model, version 2.1 (CM2.1), is used to perform idealized simulations in which only orbital parameters are altered while ice sheets, atmospheric composition, and other climate forcings are prescribed at preindustrial levels. These idealized simulations isolate the climate response and radiative feedbacks to changes in obliquity and longitude of the perihelion alone. Analysis shows that, despite being forced only by a redistribution of insolation with no global annual-mean component, feedbacks induce significant global-mean climate change, resulting in mean temperature changes of −0.5 K in a lowered obliquity experiment and +0.6 K in a NH winter solstice perihelion minus NH summer solstice perihelion experiment. In the obliquity experiment, some global-mean temperature response may be attributable to vertical variations in the transport of moist static energy anomalies, which can affect radiative feedbacks in remote regions by altering atmospheric stability. In the precession experiment, cloud feedbacks alter the Arctic radiation balance with possible implications for glaciation. At times when the orbital configuration favors glaciation, reductions in cloud water content and low-cloud fraction partially counteract changes in summer insolation, posing an additional challenge to understanding glacial inception. Additionally, several systems, such as the Hadley circulation and monsoons, influence climate feedbacks in ways that would not be anticipated from analysis of feedbacks in the more familiar case of anthropogenic forcing, emphasizing the complexity of feedback responses.
Long-Term Climate Change Commitment and Reversibility: An EMIC Intercomparison
Authors: Zickfeld Kirsten , Eby Michael , Weaver Andrew J. , Alexander Kaitlin , Crespin Elisabeth , Edwards Neil R. , Eliseev Alexey V. , Feulner Georg , Fichefet Thierry , Forest Chris E. , Friedlingstein Pierre , Goosse Hugues , Holden Philip B. , Joos Fortunat , Kawamiya Michio , Kicklighter David , Kienert Hendrik , Matsumoto Katsumi , Mokhov Igor I. , Monier Erwan , Olsen Steffen M. , Pedersen Jens O. P. , Perrette Mahe , Philippon-Berthier Gwenaëlle , Ridgwell Andy , Schlosser Adam , Schneider Von Deimling Thomas , Shaffer Gary , Sokolov Andrei , Spahni Renato , Steinacher Marco , Tachiiri Kaoru , Tokos Kathy S. , Yoshimori Masakazu , Zeng Ning , Zhao Fang
Published: February 2013

This paper summarizes the results of an intercomparison project with Earth System Models of Intermediate Complexity (EMICs) undertaken in support of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5). The focus is on long-term climate projections designed to 1) quantify the climate change commitment of different radiative forcing trajectories and 2) explore the extent to which climate change is reversible on human time scales. All commitment simulations follow the four representative concentration pathways (RCPs) and their extensions to year 2300. Most EMICs simulate substantial surface air temperature and thermosteric sea level rise commitment following stabilization of the atmospheric composition at year-2300 levels. The meridional overturning circulation (MOC) is weakened temporarily and recovers to near-preindustrial values in most models for RCPs 2.6–6.0. The MOC weakening is more persistent for RCP8.5. Elimination of anthropogenic CO2 emissions after 2300 results in slowly decreasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations. At year 3000 atmospheric CO2 is still at more than half its year-2300 level in all EMICs for RCPs 4.5–8.5. Surface air temperature remains constant or decreases slightly and thermosteric sea level rise continues for centuries after elimination of CO2 emissions in all EMICs. Restoration of atmospheric CO2 from RCP to preindustrial levels over 100–1000 years requires large artificial removal of CO2 from the atmosphere and does not result in the simultaneous return to preindustrial climate conditions, as surface air temperature and sea level response exhibit a substantial time lag relative to atmospheric CO2.
Beam Geometry Calibration of Sodars without Use of a Mast
Authors: Bradley Stuart , von Hünerbein Sabine
Published: February 2013

A new method for calibration of sodar wind speed measurements is described. The method makes no assumptions whatsoever about the sodar operation and its hardware and software, other than the assumption that only one beam is transmitted at a time. Regardless of the complexity of the actual beam shape, the effective beam zenith angle is accurately estimated: this is the angle that must be used in estimations of velocity components. In a very simple experiment, the effective beam zenith angle has been found to within around 0.2°, which is as good as is required in the most stringent sodar calibration procedures. It has been found, even for such a short data run, that the estimated beam angle is very close to that calculated from the sodar array geometry. The main limitation is the requirement for horizontally homogeneous flow, since the regression methods use both a tilted beam and a vertical beam. Note that this is also a fundamental limiting assumption in the normal operation of ground-based wind lidars and sodars.