bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seminal, clinical and colour‐Doppler ultrasound correlations of prostatitis‐like symptoms in males of infertile couples
Authors: Lotti F. , Corona G. , Mondaini N. , Maseroli E. , Rossi M. , Filimberti E. , Noci I. , Forti G. , Maggi M.
Published: November 2013

‘Prostatitis‐like symptoms’ (PLS) are a cluster of bothersome conditions defined as ‘perineal and/or ejaculatory pain or discomfort and National Institutes of Health‐Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH‐CPSI) pain subdomain score ≥4’ (Nickel's criteria). PLS may originate from the prostate or from other portions of the male genital tract. Although PLS could be associated with ‘prostatitis’, they should not be confused. The NIH‐CPSI is considered the gold‐standard for assessing PLS severity. Although previous studies investigated the impact of prostatitis, vesiculitis or epididymitis on semen parameters, correlations between their related symptoms and seminal or scrotal/transrectal colour‐Doppler ultrasound (CDU) characteristics have not been carefully determined. And no previous study evaluated the CDU features of PLS in infertile men. This study was aimed at investigating possible associations among NIH‐CPSI (total and subdomain) scores and PLS, with seminal, clinical and scrotal/transrectal CDU parameters in a cohort of males of infertile couples. PLS of 400 men (35.8 ± 7.2 years) with a suspected male factor were assessed by the NIH‐CPSI. All patients underwent, during the same day, semen analysis, seminal plasma interleukin 8 (sIL‐8, a marker of male genital tract inflammation), biochemical evaluation, urine/seminal cultures, scrotal/transrectal CDU. PLS was detected in 39 (9.8%) subjects. After adjusting for age, waist and total testosterone (TT), no association among NIH‐CPSI (total or subdomain) scores or PLS and sperm parameters was observed. However, we found a positive association with current positive urine and/or seminal cultures, sIL‐8 levels and CDU features suggestive of inflammation of the epididymis, seminal vesicles, prostate, but not of the testis. The aforementioned significant associations of PLS were further confirmed by comparing PLS patients with age‐, waist‐ and TT‐matched PLS‐free patients (1 : 3 ratio). In conclusion, NIH‐CPSI scores and PLS evaluated in males of infertile couples, are not related to sperm parameters, but mainly to clinical and CDU signs of infection/inflammation.
Visual Habituation Paradigm With Adults With Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities: A New Way for Cognitive Assessment?
Authors: Chard Melissa , Roulin Jean‐Luc , Bouvard Martine
Published: November 2013

Background

The use of common psychological assessment tools is invalidated with persons with PIMD. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of using a visual habituation procedure with a group of adults with PIMD, to develop a new theoretical and practical framework for the assessment of cognitive abilities.

Methods

To test the existence of the habituation/novelty reaction phenomenon with adults with PIMD, fifteen participants were exposed repeatedly to two different objects, following the principles of a participant‐controlled procedure.

Results

Both qualitative and quantitative analyses were carried out. Participants presented the same habituation profiles generally obtained in infancy research.

Conclusion

Stimulus presentation has a significant impact on the participants' visual behaviour and fixation measurement appears to be an interesting indicator as to how an individual with PIMD is able to process external information. The elaboration of perceptual tasks based on a visual habituation method is one of the major implications of these results.
Cordycepin activates AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) via interaction with the γ1 subunit
Authors: Wu Chongming , Guo Yanshen , Su Yan , Zhang Xue , Luan Hong , Zhang Xiaopo , Zhu Huixin , He Huixia , Wang Xiaoliang , Sun Guibo , Sun Xiaobo , Guo Peng , Zhu Ping
Published: November 2013

Cordycepin is a bioactive component of the fungus Cordyceps militaris. Previously, we showed that cordycepin can alleviate hyperlipidemia through enhancing the phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), but the mechanism of this stimulation is unknown. Here, we investigated the potential mechanisms of cordycepin‐induced AMPK activation in HepG2 cells. Treatment with cordycepin largely reduced oleic acid (OA)‐elicited intracellular lipid accumulation and increased AMPK activity in a dose‐dependent manner. Cordycepin‐induced AMPK activation was not accompanied by changes in either the intracellular levels of AMP or the AMP/ATP ratio, nor was it influenced by calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase kinase (CaMKK) inhibition; however, this activation was significantly suppressed by liver kinase B1 (LKB1) knockdown. Molecular docking, fluorescent and circular dichroism measurements showed that cordycepin interacted with the γ1 subunit of AMPK. Knockdown of AMPKγ1 by siRNA substantially abolished the effects of cordycepin on AMPK activation and lipid regulation. The modulating effects of cordycepin on the mRNA levels of key lipid regulatory genes were also largely reversed when AMPKγ1 expression was inhibited. Together, these data suggest that cordycepin may inhibit intracellular lipid accumulation through activation of AMPK via interaction with the γ1 subunit.
Structured Eurobonds: Limiting Liability and Distributing Profits
Authors: Hild Alexandra M.D. , Herz Bernhard , Bauer Christian
Published: November 2013

In this article, an alternative eurobond approach is developed by applying an asset‐backed security (ABS) transaction to a pool of eurozone sovereign bonds. Based on the new approach two different rules to distribute the associated interest gains are analyzed. Within the ABS structure a special purpose vehicle buys a portfolio of eurozone sovereign bonds (pooling) and issues a set of subordinated eurobonds with varying risk and rating (tranching). A large share of less risky securities is created as structuring concentrates the default risk in one part of the capital structure. A trust fund covers first losses in case of a country default. This approach has three major advantages. First, all eurozone countries can gain from eurobonds. These benefits are driven by partial liability, which also limits moral hazard, and the distribution of interest gains to all participating countries. Second, the approach is very flexible and quickly implementable. Finally, it is in line with European Union law.
Oral glucose‐stimulated serum C‐peptide predicts successful switching from insulin therapy to liraglutide monotherapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment
Authors: Araki Hisazumi , Tanaka Yuki , Yoshida Syohei , Morita Yoshikata , Kume Shinji , Isshiki Keiji , Araki Shin‐ichi , Uzu Takashi , Kashiwagi Atsunori , Maegawa Hiroshi
Published: November 2013

Aims/Introduction

In Japan, liraglutide was recently approved for patients with type 2 diabetes. To our knowledge, there are no markers predicting successful switching from insulin therapy to liraglutide monotherapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and renal impairment. We therefore assessed clinical characteristics predicting successful switching.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed 21 patients with type 2 diabetes and estimated glomerular filtration rates <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 receiving long‐term insulin in Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, Otsu, Shiga, Japan. Their β‐cell function was assessed by measuring urinary C‐peptide and C‐peptide immunoreactivity (CPR) index, along with glucagon loading and oral glucose tolerance tests. Blood glucose concentration and blood pressure were measured daily before and after switching from insulin to liraglutide, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c; National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program) was assessed 12 weeks after switching to liraglutide.

Results

Baseline HbA1c was significantly lower in successfully switched than in unsuccessfully switched patients. CPR index, urinary C‐peptide concentration and 6‐min post‐glucagon increment in CPR (ΔCPR) did not differ significantly in the two groups. ΔCPR 120 min after 75 g oral glucose was significantly higher in successfully than unsuccessfully switched patients. Mean blood glucose concentrations before breakfast, after breakfast, before lunch and after dinner were significantly lower in successfully switched patients. HbA1c did not change significantly in either group.

Conclusions

Measurement of oral glucose‐stimulated ΔCPR120 min is recommended when considering switching Japanese type 2 diabetes patients with renal impairment from insulin to liraglutide monotherapy.
Intralesional bevacizumab as in‐add adjuvant to immunocryosurgery for locally advanced basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Gaitanis G. , Bassukas I.D.
Published: November 2013

Background

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a tumour that relies mainly on aerobic energy assimilation for growth and depends on an extensive microvascular network to support adequate oxygen supply. In this tumour, higher expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been described to correlate with increased microvessel density and more aggressive biologic behaviour.

Objective

To report feasibility and effectiveness of intralesional bevacizumab, an anti‐VEGF antibody, as an in‐add adjuvant to immunocryosurgery (cryosurgery sessions during daily topical imiquimod application) for the treatment of locally advanced BCC.

Method

Seven patients (six uncontrollable or extensive local disease; one tumour unresponsive to repeated immunocryosurgery) were treated with 1–3 sessions of intralesional injections of bevacizumab (25 mg) at the day of cryosurgery during ongoing immunocryosurgery. Follow‐up after treatment was 18–48 months.

Results

In 4/7 cases tumours cleared completely and 3/7 remained relapse free during follow‐up. A relapsed tumour and a further case that did not clear after repeated immunocryosurgery cycles were excised with significantly reduced burden of surgery. Finally, two cases with previously locally uncontrollable BCC tumours regressed significantly and stabilized.

Conclusion

In‐add intralesional bevacizumab is a feasible and potentially effective addition to minimally invasive schemes for the treatment of locally advanced BCC.
Sciarid and shore flies as aerial vectors of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum in greenhouse cucumbers
Authors: Scarlett K. , Tesoriero L. , Daniel R. , Guest D.
Published: November 2013

The options for managing Fusarium wilt in greenhouse cucumbers are limited by our poor understanding of the modes of survival and dissemination of the pathogen. This study uses a specific quantitative real‐time PCR assay for Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum to investigate the significance of flying insects as aerial vectors of the pathogen in a commercial cucumber greenhouse. Shore flies were more frequently detected (35.5%) carrying F. oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum than sciarids (25%), with both species carrying between 1 × 102 and 1 × 106 pathogen genome copies/individual. Sciarid and shore flies acquired F. oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum following exposures to agar cultures of the pathogen of up to 94 h. Light microscopy revealed that spores were carried externally on the bodies of the adult flies. The ability of adult sciarid flies to vector the pathogen from peat‐grown diseased cucumber plants and infect healthy cucumber plants was demonstrated in a caged glasshouse trial. An inoculum density trial showed that vascular wilt disease was initiated after inoculation of peat‐grown seedlings with as few as 1000 conidia. We conclude that sciarid and shore flies play significant roles as vectors of F. oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum in greenhouse cucumbers and need to be recognized in developing integrated crop management strategies.
Are there associations among physical activity, fatigue, sleep quality and pain in people with mental illness? A pilot study
Authors: Connaughton J. , Patman S. , Pardoe C.
Published: November 2013

Accessible summary

Many people with mental health disorders experience fatigue, pain and poor sleep. In other patient groups, physical exercise has been shown to have positive effects on these symptoms.

It is unknown whether day‐to‐day physical activity (not necessarily exercise) affects sleep quality or severity of pain or fatigue in those with mental illness.

This study observed physical activity, sleep quality, pain and fatigue in four people hospitalized with severe mental illness.

Significant associations were found between pain and fatigue severity in the morning, but not in the evening. A significant association was found between physical activity and morning and evening pain severity. No association was found between activity and fatigue.

This is a preliminary study that may guide future investigations of the effect of physical activity and exercise on symptoms commonly experienced in people with mental illness.

Good mental health is imperative to well‐being. Symptoms of fatigue, chronic pain and poor sleep are common in people with mental illness and contribute to substantial loss of functioning. Physical exercise interventions have shown to decrease these symptoms in a range of populations; however, their possible association with physical activity related to day‐to‐day functioning have not been explored in people hospitalized with severe mental illness. Inpatients (n = 4) of a metropolitan mental health facility were fitted with an Actiwatch, which collected physical activity and sleep measures for an anticipated 14‐day data collection period. During this time, morning and evening pain and fatigue scores were collected on an 11‐point numerical rating scale. Significant associations were found between morning pain and morning fatigue scores (β = −0.44, P = 0.023), morning pain and physical activity (β = 12.34, P = 0.042), and physical activity and evening pain scores (β = 0.20, P = 0.017). Fatigue tended towards interfering more with quality of life than did pain, but this was not significant (P = 0.07). This study provided preliminary data suggesting associations between pain and fatigue, and intensity of pain and physical activity levels. This information can be used to generate hypotheses for future clinical trials.
Hormonal Contraception and Female Pain, Orgasm and Sexual Pleasure
Authors: Smith Nicole K. , Jozkowski Kristen N. , Sanders Stephanie A.
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Almost half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintentional, unplanned, or mistimed. Most unplanned pregnancies result from inconsistent, incorrect, or nonuse of a contraceptive method. Diminished sexual function and pleasure may be a barrier to using hormonal contraception.

Aim

This study explores sexual function and behaviors of women in relation to the use of hormonal vs. nonhormonal methods of contraception.

Methods

Data were collected as part of an online health and sexuality study of women.

Main Outcome Measures

Main outcomes variables assess frequencies in two domains: (i) sexual function (proportion of sexual events with experiences of pain or discomfort, arousal, contentment and satisfaction, pleasure and enjoyment, lubrication difficulty, and orgasm) and (ii) sexual behavior (number of times engaged in sexual activity, proportion of sexual events initiated by the woman, and proportion of sexual events for which a lubricant was used). Sociodemographic variables and contraceptive use were used as sample descriptors and correlates. The recall period was the past 4 weeks.

Results

The sample included 1,101 women with approximately half (n = 535) using a hormonal contraceptive method exclusively or a combination of a hormonal and nonhormonal method, and about half (n = 566) using a nonhormonal method of contraception exclusively. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the relation of hormonal contraceptive use to each of the dependent variables. Women using a hormonal contraceptive method experienced less frequent sexual activity, arousal, pleasure, and orgasm and more difficulty with lubrication even when controlling for sociodemographic variables.

Conclusions

This study adds to the literature on the potential negative sexual side effects experienced by many women using hormonal contraception. Prospective research with diverse women is needed to enhance the understanding of potential negative sexual side effects of hormonal contraceptives, their prevalence, and possible mechanisms. Clinical and counseling implications are discussed.
Sleep–wake fluctuations and respiratory events during Cheyne–Stokes respiration in patients with heart failure
Authors: Domenico Pinna Gian , Robbi Elena , Pizza Fabio , Caporotondi Angelo , La Rovere Maria Teresa , Maestri Roberto
Published: November 2013

Fluctuations in sleep–wake state are thought to contribute to the respiratory instability of Cheyne–Stokes respiration in patients with heart failure by promoting the rhythmic occurrence of central apnea and ventilatory overshoot. There are no data, however, on the relationship between vigilance state and respiratory events. In this study we used a novel method to detect the occurrence of state transitions (time resolution: 0.25 s, minimum duration of state changes: 2 s) and to assess their time relationship with apnoeic events. We also evaluated whether end‐apnoeic arousals are associated with a ventilatory overshoot. A polysomnographic, daytime laboratory recording (25 min) was performed during Cheyne–Stokes respiration in 16 patients with heart failure. Automatic state classification included wakefulness and non‐rapid eye movement sleep stages 1–2. As a rule, wakefulness occurred during hyperpnoeic phases, and non‐rapid eye movement sleep occurred during apnoeic events. Ninety‐two percent of the observed central apneas (N = 272) were associated with a concurrent wakefulness → non‐rapid eye movement sleep → wakefulness transition. The delay between wakefulness → non‐rapid eye movement sleep transitions and apnea onset was −0.3 [−3.1, 3.0] s [median (lower quartile, upper quartile); P = 0.99 testing the null hypothesis: median delay = 0], and the delay between non‐rapid eye movement sleep → wakefulness transitions and apnea termination was 0.2 [−0.5, 1.2] s (P = 0.7). A positive/negative delay indicates that the state transition occurred before/after the onset or termination of apnea. Non‐rapid eye movement sleep → wakefulness transitions synchronous with apnea termination were associated with a threefold increase in tidal volume and a twofold increase in ventilation (all P < 0.001), indicating ventilatory overshoot. These findings highlight that wakefulness → non‐rapid eye movement sleep → wakefulness transitions parallel apnoeic events during Cheyne–Stokes respiration in patients with heart failure. The relationships between state changes and respiratory events are consistent with the notion that state fluctuations promote ventilatory instability.
A study of the DNA damage checkpoint in Candida albicans: uncoupling of the functions of Rad53 in DNA repair, cell cycle regulation and genotoxic stress‐induced polarized growth
Authors: Loll‐Krippleber Raphaël , d'Enfert Christophe , Feri Adeline , Diogo Dorothée , Perin Aurélie , Marcet‐Houben Marina , Bougnoux Marie‐Elisabeth , Legrand Mélanie
Published: November 2013

In response to genotoxic stress (GS), Candida albicans can undergo polarized growth and massive genome rearrangements including loss‐of‐heterozygosity (LOH) events. We evaluated the contribution of the CaRad53p and CaDun1p kinases of the DNA damage checkpoint (DDCP) in these processes. Characterization of C. albicans rad53ΔΔ and dun1ΔΔ mutants revealed that the two kinases were involved in the maintenance of heterozygosity. SNP‐RFLP typing and whole‐genome sequencing of rad53ΔΔ isolates having undergone a LOH revealed that, according to the chromosome on which LOH had occurred, these were predominantly due to break‐induced replication/mitotic cross‐over or chromosome loss. Loss of CaRAD53 also resulted in frequent aneuploidies. Deletion of CaDUN1 led to an increase in recombination‐dependent LOH but did not trigger aneuploidies. It also increased GS sensitivity but did not impair GS‐induced polarized growth contrary to CaRAD53 deletion. Characterization of CaRad53p site‐directed mutants demonstrated that its kinase activity and N‐terminal phosphorylation sites were crucial for its function in the resistance to GS, maintenance of heterozygosity, cell cycle regulation and polarized growth. Moreover, using phosphomimic mutants, we revealed an uncoupling of the functions of CaRad53p in these different processes, thus providing a novel understanding of how the DDCP may regulate downstream events in response to GS.
Two closely related members of Arabidopsis 13‐lipoxygenases (13‐LOXs), LOX3 and LOX4, reveal distinct functions in response to plant‐parasitic nematode infection
Authors: Ozalvo Rachel , Cabrera Javier , Escobar Carolina , Christensen Shawn A. , Borrego Eli J. , Kolomiets Michael V. , Castresana Carmen , Iberkleid Ionit , Brown Horowitz Sigal
Published: November 2013

The responses of two closely related members of Arabidopsis 13‐lipoxygenases (13‐LOXs), LOX3 and LOX4, to infection by the sedentary nematodes root‐knot nematode (Meloidogyne javanica) and cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii) were analysed in transgenic Arabidopsis seedlings. The tissue localization of LOX3 and LOX4 gene expression using β‐glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene constructs showed local induction of LOX3 expression when second‐stage juveniles reached the vascular bundle and during the early stages of plant–nematode interaction through gall and syncytia formation. Thin sections of nematode‐infested knots indicated LOX3 expression in mature giant cells, and high expression in neighbouring cells and those surrounding the female body. LOX4 promoter was also activated by nematode infection, although the GUS signal weakened as infection and disease progressed. Homozygous insertion mutants lacking LOX3 were less susceptible than wild‐type plants to root‐knot nematode infection, as reflected by a decrease in female counts. Conversely, deficiency in LOX4 function led to a marked increase in females and egg mass number and in the female to male ratio of M. javanica and H. schachtii, respectively. The susceptibility of lox4 mutants was accompanied by increased expression of allene oxide synthase, allene oxide cyclase and ethylene‐responsive transcription factor 4, and the accumulation of jasmonic acid, measured in the roots of lox4 mutants. This response was not found in lox3 mutants. Taken together, our results reveal that LOX4 and LOX3 interfere differentially with distinct metabolic and signalling pathways, and that LOX4 plays a major role in controlling plant defence against nematode infection.
Chronic stress mediators act synergistically on colonic nociceptive mouse dorsal root ganglia neurons to increase excitability
Authors: Ochoa‐Cortes F. , Guerrero–Alba R. , Valdez‐Morales E. E. , Spreadbury I. , Barajas‐Lopez C. , Castro M. , Bertrand J. , Cenac N. , Vergnolle N. , Vanner S. J.
Published: November 2013

Background

Stress hormones can signal to colonic dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and may play a role in sustained hyperexcitability of nociceptors.

Methods

Mouse DRG neurons were exposed overnight to epinephrine (Epi) 5 nM and/or corticosterone (Cort) 1 μM or prior water‐avoidance stress. Patch clamp recordings, visceromotor reflexes (VMRs) and molecular studies were conducted.

Key Results

Water‐avoidance stress induced neuronal hyperexcitability. Incubation of DRG neurons in both Cort and Epi (but neither alone) induced hyperexcitability (rheobase decreased 51%, p < 0.05; action potential discharge increased 95%, p < 0.01); this was blocked by antagonists of the β2 adrenoreceptor (butoxamine, But) and Cort receptor (mifepristone) in combination or alone. Stress hormones enhanced voltage‐gated Nav1.7 currents (p < 0.05) and suppressed IA (p < 0.0001) and IK+ (p < 0.05) currents. Furthermore, stress hormones increased DRG β2 adrenoreceptor mRNA (59%, p = 0.007) and protein (125%, p < 0.05), also Nav 1.7 transcript (45%, p = 0.004) and protein (114%, p = 0.002). In whole‐animal studies, the WAS hyperexcitability of DRG neurons was blocked by antagonists of the β2 and glucocorticoid receptors (GCR) but together they paradoxically increased VMRs to colorectal balloon distension.

Conclusions & Inferences

Stress mediators Epi and Cort activate β2 and GCR on DRG neurons which synergistically induce hyperexcitability of nociceptive DRG neurons and cause corresponding changes in voltage‐gated Na+ and K+ currents. Furthermore, they increase the expression of β2 adrenoreceptors and Nav1.7 channels, suggesting transcriptional changes could contribute to sustained signaling following stress. The paradoxical effects of But and mifepristone in electrophysiological compared to VMR testing may reflect different peripheral and central actions on sensory signaling.
Probiotics, prebiotics, and the host microbiome: the science of translation
Authors: Petschow Bryon , Doré Joël , Hibberd Patricia , Dinan Timothy , Reid Gregor , Blaser Martin , Cani Patrice D. , Degnan Fred H. , Foster Jane , Gibson Glenn , Hutton John , Klaenhammer Todd R. , Ley Ruth , Nieuwdorp Max , Pot Bruno , Relman David , Serazin Andrew , Sanders Mary Ellen
Published: November 2013

Recent advances in our understanding of the community structure and function of the human microbiome have implications for the potential role of probiotics and prebiotics in promoting human health. A group of experts recently met to review the latest advances in microbiota/microbiome research and discuss the implications for development of probiotics and prebiotics, primarily as they relate to effects mediated via the intestine. The goals of the meeting were to share recent advances in research on the microbiota, microbiome, probiotics, and prebiotics, and to discuss these findings in the contexts of regulatory barriers, evolving healthcare environments, and potential effects on a variety of health topics, including the development of obesity and diabetes; the long‐term consequences of exposure to antibiotics early in life to the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota; lactose intolerance; and the relationship between the GI microbiota and the central nervous system, with implications for depression, cognition, satiety, and mental health for people living in developed and developing countries. This report provides an overview of these discussions.
Stopping the leaks: new insights into C4 photosynthesis at low light
Authors: SAGE ROWAN F.
Published: November 2013

This article comments on: Acclimation to low light by C4 maize: implications for bundle sheath leakiness
Suicide Risk Assessment and Risk Formulation Part II: Suicide Risk Formulation and the Determination of Levels of Risk
Authors: Berman Alan L. , Silverman Morton M.
Published: November 2013

The suicide risk formulation (SRF) is dependent on the data gathered in the suicide risk assessment. The SRF assigns a level of suicide risk that is intended to inform decisions about triage, treatment, management, and preventive interventions. However, there is little published about how to stratify and formulate suicide risk, what are the criteria for assigning levels of risk, and how triage and treatment decisions are correlated with levels of risk. The salient clinical issues that define an SRF are reviewed and modeling is suggested for an SRF that might guide clinical researchers toward the refinement of an SRF process.
Reduced phototropism in pks mutants may be due to altered auxin‐regulated gene expression or reduced lateral auxin transport
Authors: Kami Chitose , Allenbach Laure , Zourelidou Melina , Ljung Karin , Schütz Frédéric , Isono Erika , Watahiki Masaaki K. , Yamamoto Kotaro T. , Schwechheimer Claus , Fankhauser Christian
Published: November 2013

Phototropism allows plants to orient their photosynthetic organs towards the light. In Arabidopsis, phototropins 1 and 2 sense directional blue light such that phot1 triggers phototropism in response to low fluence rates, while both phot1 and phot2 mediate this response under higher light conditions. Phototropism results from asymmetric growth in the hypocotyl elongation zone that depends on an auxin gradient across the embryonic stem. How phototropin activation leads to this growth response is still poorly understood. Members of the phytochrome kinase substrate (PKS) family may act early in this pathway, because PKS1, PKS2 and PKS4 are needed for a normal phototropic response and they associate with phot1 in vivo. Here we show that PKS proteins are needed both for phot1‐ and phot2‐mediated phototropism. The phototropic response is conditioned by the developmental asymmetry of dicotyledonous seedlings, such that there is a faster growth reorientation when cotyledons face away from the light compared with seedlings whose cotyledons face the light. The molecular basis for this developmental effect on phototropism is unknown; here we show that PKS proteins play a role at the interface between development and phototropism. Moreover, we present evidence for a role of PKS genes in hypocotyl gravi‐reorientation that is independent of photoreceptors. pks mutants have normal levels of auxin and normal polar auxin transport, however they show altered expression patterns of auxin marker genes. This situation suggests that PKS proteins are involved in auxin signaling and/or lateral auxin redistribution.
Characterization of glyphosate resistance in cloned Amaranthus palmeri plants
Authors: Teaster Neal D. , Hoagland Robert E.
Published: November 2013

Glyphosate‐resistant Palmer amaranth from Georgia (GA), USA, possesses multiple copies of the gene that encodes 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS), the enzyme target site of this herbicide. The cloned plants of glyphosate‐resistant and glyphosate‐susceptible Palmer amaranth biotypes from Mississippi (MS), USA, and GA were evaluated for glyphosate injury (digital imaging) in leaf disc bioassays. Four groups (three resistant groups: two from MS [G and R] and one from GA [C7]; one susceptible group from GA [C3]) were chosen for cloning to facilitate long‐term studies. After exposure to glyphosate (1.0 mmol L–1, 144 h), the level of injury (mean value) was low in the resistant groups, while a higher level of injury was found in the susceptible group. However, the individual injury values within all groups varied widely. The mean EPSPS gene copy number of these groups was G ≥ R > C7 >>> C3. However, a higher copy number did not always convey increased resistance in these bioassays. When the copy number was high (>20), 81.5% of the bioassayed plants exhibited little or no injury and only ∼20% were significantly injured, while 50% of the plants with a low copy number (<20) remained healthy. Overall, no strong statistical correlation of the copy number versus injury occurred in these cloned plants and no statistical relationship of resistance and copy number with the sex of the MS plants was observed. The results suggest that although an elevated copy number of the EPSPS gene can instill resistance, other mechanisms might contribute to the overall glyphosate resistance of Palmer amaranth in these plants.
Evaluating the End of Maintenance Dates for Electronic Assemblies Composed of Obsolete Parts
Authors: Konoza Anthony , Sandborn Peter
Published: November 2013

Long-term support of legacy electronic systems is challenging due to mismatches between the system support life and the procurement lives of the systems’ constituent components. Legacy electronic systems that are used in safety, mission, and infrastructure critical applications that must be supported for 20+ yr are threatened with diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages (DMSMS)-type obsolescence, and their effective system support lives may be governed by existing nonreplenishable inventories of spare parts. This paper describes the development of the end of maintenance (EOM) model, which uses a stochastic discrete-event simulation that follows the life history of the population of parts in a system using time-to-failure distributions and other forecasted demands. The model determines the support life of the system based on existing inventories of spare parts and cards, and optionally harvesting parts from existing cards to extend the support life of the system. The model includes: part inventory degradation, periodic inventory inspections, and design refresh planning for selected cards. A case study using a real legacy system comprised of 117,000 instances of 70 unique cards and 4.5 × 106 unique parts is presented. The case study was used to evaluate the support life of a system with various future failure assumptions, including with and without the use of part harvesting. The case study also includes sensitivity analyses for selected design refreshes to maximize potential system life-cycle capabilities, and optional design refresh planning required to sustain the system to a specific date.
Cerebral Blood Flow in a Healthy Circle of Willis and Two Intracranial Aneurysms: Computational Fluid Dynamics Versus Four-Dimensional Phase-Contrast Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Berg Philipp , Stucht Daniel , Janiga Gábor , Beuing Oliver , Speck Oliver , Thévenin Dominique
Published: November 2013

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) opens up multiple opportunities to investigate the hemodynamics of the human vascular system. However, due to numerous assumptions the acceptance of CFD among physicians is still limited in practice and validation through comparison is mandatory. Time-dependent quantitative phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging PC-MRI measurements in a healthy volunteer and two intracranial aneurysms were carried out at 3 and 7 Tesla. Based on the acquired images, three-dimensional (3D) models of the aneurysms were reconstructed and used for the numerical simulations. Flow information from the MR measurements were applied as boundary conditions. The four-dimensional (4D) velocity fields obtained by CFD and MRI were qualitatively as well as quantitatively compared including cut planes and vector analyses. For all cases a high similarity of the velocity patterns was observed. Additionally, the quantitative analysis revealed a good agreement between CFD and MRI. Deviations were caused by minor differences between the reconstructed vessel models and the actual lumen. The comparisons between diastole and systole indicate that relative differences between MRI and CFD are intensified with increasing velocity. The findings of this study lead to the conclusion that CFD and MRI agree well in predicting intracranial velocities when realistic geometries and boundary conditions are provided. Due to the considerably higher temporal and spatial resolution of CFD compared to MRI, complex flow patterns can be further investigated in order to evaluate their role with respect to aneurysm formation or rupture. Nevertheless, special care is required regarding the vessel reconstruction since the geometry has a major impact on the subsequent numerical results.
An unusual cause of pneumonia: seen but not heard
Authors: Quinn Kathryn , Rowan Stephen Alan , Rendall Jacqueline
Published: November 2013

A 75-year-old man presented with a non-resolving pneumonia, malaise and weight loss. His medical history included a squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and a non-small cell carcinoma of the lung. Chest CT showed right lower lobe collapse and consolidation. Bronchoscopy identified a foreign body in the right main bronchus and was subsequently removed with rigid bronchoscope. The removed foreign body was identified as a Blom-Singer speaking valve which had been aspirated 3 months previously. This is a rare complication of a speaking valve aspiration. This case illustrates the potential differential diagnoses of retained foreign bodies in the lung and that the symptoms can mimic neoplastic disease. Once removed, patients can have a dramatic improvement in quality of life and it is important to remember that a speaking valve may be aspirated, even if one present on the initial examination!
Compression neuropathy of the common peroneal nerve by the fabella
Authors: Patel Amit , Singh Rohit , Johnson Ben , Smith Anthony
Published: November 2013

The fabella is a normal anatomical variant and has been found in up to 30% of the general population. We present the case of a 67-year-old man with pain down the lateral aspect of the left lower limb of 18 months duration. A clinical examination revealed a palpable fabella and nerve conduction studies confirmed a common peroneal nerve neuropathy at its level. Dynamic ultrasound scan and MRI of the knee showed the fabella to be impinging on the common peroneal nerve. Operative excision of the fabella was performed with significant improvement at 3 months and full recovery at 1 year. A literature review has shown that the last reported case of a compression neuropathy of the common peroneal nerve was in 1976. Anatomical considerations need to be taken into account and operative treatment has been recommended due to the favourable outcome in this case.
Current management of atrial fibrillation: an observational study in NHS primary care
Authors: Kassianos George , Arden Chris , Hogan Simon , Dew Robert , Fuat Ahmet
Published: November 2013

Objective

To describe National Health Service (NHS) resource use and pharmacological management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in routine UK primary care.

Design

Multicentre retrospective study.

Setting

Seven primary care practices in England, one in Wales.

Patients

Patients with AF were identified and approached for consent. Data were collected on the first 12 weeks post-diagnosis (‘initiation’) and, for established patients, up to the most recent 3 years of management (‘maintenance’).

Results

Data collected on 825 patients with AF, 56% men. Mean age (at diagnosis) 70.5 years. Mean 2.4 (SD 2.2) visits to primary care per patient during the initiation phase; 1.5 (SD 1.8) per patient-year during the maintenance phase. Mean 0.4 (SD 0.6) inpatient admissions for AF per patient during the initiation phase and 0.1 (SD 0.3) per patient-year during the maintenance phase. The mean length of hospital stay per admitted patient was 5.6 days during initiation and 6.4 days per patient-year during maintenance. During the initiation phase, 46.1% (143/310) patients received a β-blocker and 97 (31.3%) received no rate/rhythm control. Only 234 (75.5%) patients received thromboprophylaxis in the 12 weeks postdiagnosis and 674 (87.7%) in the maintenance phase. 440 (57.2%) patients were deemed to be at high risk of stroke at the end of the maintenance phase; 55% (242/440) of these were receiving appropriate anticoagulation therapy.

Conclusions

The results suggest that there are opportunities for optimisation of treatment and there is significant NHS resource associated with AF management, the details of which are invaluable for future healthcare planning and policy development in this area.
Internal consistency, factor structure and construct validity of the French version of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture
Authors: Perneger Thomas V , Staines Anthony , Kundig François
Published: November 2013

Objective

To assess the psychometric properties of the French-language version of the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC).

Methods

Data were obtained from a staff survey at a Swiss multisite hospital. We computed descriptive statistics and internal consistency coefficients, then conducted a confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis, and performed construct validity tests.

Results

1171 staff members participated (response rate 74%). The internal consistency coefficients of the 12 dimension scores ranged from 0.57 to 0.86 (median 0.73). Confirmatory factor analysis indicated a reasonable but not perfect fit of the hypothesised measurement model (root mean square error of approximation 0.043, comparative fit index 0.89). Exploratory data analysis suggested 10 dimensions instead of 12, grouping items fromteamwork across hospital unitswith those ofhospital handoffs and transitions, and items fromcommunication opennesswith those offeedback and communication about error. However, the loading pattern was clean: 41 of 42 main loadings exceeded 0.40, and only 3 of 378 cross-loadings exceeded 0.30. All 10 process scores were higher among respondents who rated the global safety grade as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ rather than ‘good’, ‘fair’ or ‘poor’ (effect sizes 0.41–0.79, all p<0.001), but score differences between those who have and have not reported an incident in the past year were weak or inconsistent with theory.

Discussion

The French version of the HSOPSC did not perform as well as the original in standard psychometric analyses.
The changing face of mastitis control
Authors: Green Martin , Bradley Andrew
Published: November 2013

Over the past 125 years, mastitis has been one of the most studied conditions of dairy cows. This is confirmed by a search of peer‐reviewed literature covering this period, which revealed more than 12,000 papers. Yet mastitis is still one of the most relevant and problematic diseases to treat and control in practice, which is testament to the complexity and mutability of the condition. Although progress has been made, recent research suggests that substantial areas require better understanding. Here, Martin Green and Andrew Bradley reflect on the control of mastitis over past decades and look forward to an interesting future.
STRATIFIED TRANSVERSALITY OF HOLOMORPHIC MAPS
Authors: TRIVEDI SAURABH
Published: November 2013

We discuss genericity and stability of transversality of holomorphic maps to complex analytic stratifications. We prove that the set of maps between Stein manifolds and Oka manifolds transverse to a countable collection of submanifolds in the target is dense in the space of holomorphic maps with the weak topology. This greatly generalizes earlier results on the genericity of transverse maps by Forstnerič and by Kaliman and Zaidenberg. As an application we show that the Whitney (a)-regularity of a complex analytic stratification is necessary and sufficient for the stability of transverse holomorphic maps between a Stein manifold and an Oka manifold. This gives an analogue of a theorem in the real case due to Trotman.
HELICOIDAL SURFACES WITH PRESCRIBED CURVATURES IN Nil3
Authors: YOON DAE WON , KIM DONG-SOO , KIM YOUNG HO , LEE JAE WON
Published: November 2013

In the present paper, we study helicoidal surfaces in the 3-dimensional Heisenberg group Nil3. Also, we construct helicoidal surfaces in Nil3 with prescribed Gaussian curvature or mean curvature given by smooth functions. As the results, we classify helicoidal surfaces with constant Gaussian curvature or constant mean curvature.
On non-semiheredity of R[x]/(xn+1)
Authors: Tuganbaev A. A.
Published: November 2013

We provide a counterexample to Theorem 2.6 in a Ziembovski paper.
Gröbner bases for syzygy modules of border bases
Authors: Kreuzer Martin , Kriegl Markus
Published: November 2013

Given an order ideal 𝒪 and an 𝒪-border basis of a 0-dimensional polynomial ideal, it was shown by Huibregtse that the liftings of the neighbor syzygies (i.e. of the fundamental syzygies of neighboring border terms) form a system of generators for the syzygy module of the border basis. We elaborate on Huibregtse's proof and transform it into explicit algorithmic form. Based on this, we are able to exhibit explicit conditions on a module term ordering τ such that the liftings of the neighbor syzygies are in fact a τ-Gröbner basis. Finally, we construct term orderings satisfying these conditions in an explicit algorithmic way.
The images of non-commutative polynomials evaluated on 2 × 2 matrices over an arbitrary field
Authors: Malev Sergey
Published: November 2013

Let p be a multilinear polynomial in several non-commuting variables with coefficients in an arbitrary field K. Kaplansky conjectured that for any n, the image of p evaluated on the set Mn(K) of n × n matrices is either zero, or the set of scalar matrices, or the set sl n(K) of matrices of trace 0, or all of Mn(K). This conjecture was proved for n = 2 when K is closed under quadratic extensions. In this paper, the conjecture is verified for K = ℝ and n = 2, also for semi-homogeneous polynomials p, with a partial solution for an arbitrary field K.
Gröbner–Shirshov basis and reduced words for affine Weyl group Ãn
Authors: Yilmaz Erol , Özel Cenap , Ustaoğlu Uğur
Published: November 2013

Using Buchberger–Shirshov Algorithm, Composition–Diamond Lemma and partitions of integers we obtain the reduced Gröbner–Shirshov basis of Ãn and classify all reduced words of the affine Weyl group Ãn.
Supersymmetric analogues of the classical theorem on harmonic polynomials
Authors: Luo Cuiling , Xu Xiaoping
Published: November 2013

Classical harmonic analysis says that the spaces of homogeneous harmonic polynomials (solutions of the Laplace equation) are irreducible modules of the corresponding orthogonal Lie group (algebra) and the whole polynomial algebra is a free module over the invariant polynomials generated by harmonic polynomials. In this paper, we first establish two-parameter ℤ2-graded supersymmetric oscillator generalizations of the above theorem for the Lie superalgebra gl(n | m). Then we extend the result to two-parameter ℤ-graded supersymmetric oscillator generalizations of the above theorem for the Lie superalgebras osp(2n | 2m) and osp(2n + 1 | 2m).
Inverse DEA: Review, Extension and Application
Authors: Ghobadi Saeid , Jahangiri Saeid
Published: November 2013

This paper deals with inverse DEA from both theoretical and applied viewpoints. First, some methodological approaches and theoretical results are outlined; and then an application of DEA with real-world data (for assessing educational departments in a university) is addressed. Afterwards, possible extensions and applications of the existing approaches in the presence of fuzzy data are developed. The final theoretical part of the paper contains a main theorem which provides a sufficient condition for efficiency maintaining in the presence of fuzzy data. To do this, we have used some notions/results from multi-objective decision-making theory.
Generalized Convexity and Characterization of (Weak) Pareto-Optimality in Nonsmooth Multiobjective Optimization Problems
Authors: Soleimani-Damaneh Majid
Published: November 2013

Efforts to characterize optimality in nonsmooth and/or nonconvex optimization problems have made rapid progress in the past four decades. Nonsmooth analysis, which refers to differential analysis in the absence of differentiability, has grown rapidly in recent years, and plays a vital role in functional analysis, information technology, optimization, mechanics, differential equations, decision making, etc. Furthermore, convexity has been increasingly important nowadays in the study of many pure and applied mathematical problems. In this paper, some new connections between three major fields, nonsmooth analysis, convex analysis, and optimization, are provided that will help to make these fields accessible to a wider audience. In this paper, at first, we address some newly reported and interesting applications of multiobjective optimization in Management Science and Biology. Afterwards, some sufficient conditions for characterizing the feasible and improving directions of nonsmooth multiobjective optimization problems are given, and using these results a necessary optimality condition is proved. The sufficient optimality conditions are given utilizing a generalized convexity notion. Establishing necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for nonsmooth fractional programming problems is the next aim of the paper. We follow the paper by studying (strictly) prequasiinvexity and pseudoinvexity. Finally, some connections between these notions as well as some applications of these concepts in optimization are given.