bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soybean Response to Preplant and Foliar‐Applied Potassium Chloride with Strobilurin Fungicides
Authors: Nelson K. A. , Motavalli P. P. , Stevens W. E. , Dunn D. , Meinhardt C. G.
Published: November 2010

Potassium chloride (KCl) preplant or foliar applied with fungicides to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] may allow farmers to increase yields when soil K availability is reduced and/or when Septoria brown spot (SBS) (Septoria glycines), frogeye leaf spot (FLS) (Cercospora sojina), or sudden death syndrome (SDS) (Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc. f. sp. glycines) are present. Interactions between fertilizer and fungicide management programs have not been examined in the central United States. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of preplant‐ and foliar‐applied KCl alone or combined with pyraclostrobin, azoxystrobin, or azoxystrobin plus lambda‐cyhalothrin on soybean response and severity of SBS, FLS, and SDS. Experiments were conducted in northeastern (Novelty) and southeastern (Qulin) Missouri in 2006 and 2007 on soils with low to medium K. Leaf K concentrations increased 1.4 to 6.1 g kg−1 following preplant KCl compared to nontreated or foliar KCl. Leaf Cl concentrations increased significantly with preplant KCl at Qulin and foliar KCl at R4 at Qulin and Novelty. At Novelty, preplant KCl reduced the severity of SBS and FLS up to 6%, and increased yield 340 kg ha−1, while foliar KCl increased yield 110 kg ha−1 An R4 application of strobilurin fungicides increased yields 230 to 360 kg ha−1 at Novelty. At Qulin, soybean yield increased 390 kg ha−1 with preplant KCl, while there were variable effects of fungicides on the severity of SBS, FLS, or SDS, and no yield increase due to fungicides or foliar KCl. Foliar applications of KCl were no substitute for preplant KCl.
Soybean Development and Yield Are Influenced by Planting Date and Environmental Conditions in the Southeastern Coastal Plain, United States
Authors: Chen Guihua , Wiatrak Pawel
Published: November 2010

Variation of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] growth and yield with planting date may be a response to changes in the plant, the environment, or a combination of both. This 2‐yr experiment studied the effects of planting date on durations of vegetative and reproductive stages, and duration, temperature, and precipitation on yield of five soybean cultivars each representing a maturity group (MG IV–VIII) under dryland conditions. Planting dates were scheduled for 14‐d intervals from late April to mid‐July, 2008 and 2009. Length of growing season shortened with later planting dates, and the shortening was greater for vegetative stages compared with reproductive stages, especially for later MGs. Duration of flowering decreased with later planting date more rapidly for MG V through VIII (−0.60 to 1.18 d per planting date delay) than MG IV (insignificant). Pod‐set duration declined with later planting date slowly for all MGs and insignificantly for MG IV and V in 2008. There was no conclusive relationship between seed‐fill duration and later planting date. Duration of vegetative stage was positively correlated with yield of each MG. At flowering stage, yield of MG IV was positively correlated with temperature, while yields of MG V to VIII were positively correlated with duration, temperature, and precipitation. Precipitation during pod‐set was the main factor in determining yields of all MGs. Temperature during seed‐fill was positively correlated with yields of all MGs. These results suggest that May planting dates would achieve greater yield potential for all MGs by extending duration of development stages and avoiding cooler temperature during seed‐fill.
Yield and Composition of Oil from Japanese Cornmint Fresh and Dry Material Harvested Successively
Authors: Zheljazkov Valtcho D. , Cantrell Charles L. , Astatkies Tess
Published: November 2010

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of harvest time and drying on Japanese cornmint (Mentha canadensis L.) cultivars Arvensis 2 and Arvensis 3 to optimize technology. Biomass yields were comparable to those reported in the literature. Arvensis 2 had greater oil content (0.78%) than Arvensis 3 (0.59%), while Arvensis 3 had higher concentrations of (‐)‐menthol (71.9%) and (‐)‐menthone (13.5%) than Arvensis 2 (61.7 and 9.4%, respectively). Arvensis 3 had higher fresh biomass (34,289 kg ha−1) than that of Arvensis 2 (23,929 kg ha−1). Dried biomass of the two cultivars was not significantly different. Higher oil yields were achieved from the fresh biomass of Arvensis 2 (108.7 kg ha−1), and lower from the dried biomass of Arvensis 2 (78.2 kg ha−1) and the fresh biomass of Arvensis 3 (84.3 kg ha−1). The concentration of (‐)‐menthol in the cultivars was higher at harvests 4 (69.3%) and 5 (67.7%), and lower at harvests 2 (63.6%) and 3 (64.7%). The yield of (‐)‐menthol was highest in harvest 4 (116.2 kg ha−1), lower in harvest 3 (78.4 kg ha−1) and lowest in the first harvest (19.1 kg ha−1). In northern Mississippi (or in other areas with similar latitude and environment), cornmint for production of (‐)‐menthol should be harvested in late July. For highest biomass yields, Arvensis 3 should be harvested in mid‐July, whereas Arvensis 2 should be harvested in late July. The essential oil profile of M. canadensis in this experiment was more desirable (with respect to (‐)‐menthol concentration) than the profile of two commercially available M. canadensis oil samples from other countries, which should make the oil produced in southeastern United States easily marketable.
The effect of level of non-degradable protein in diet on fattening parameters and digestibility of nutrients in lambs
Authors: Ruzic-Muslic D. , Petrovic M.P. , Bijelic Z. , Zujovic M. , Perisic P. , Maksimovic N.
Published: November 2010

Results of the study of the effect of the level of nondegradable protein in
diet on fattening performance and digestibility of nutrients in weaned lambs
are presented in the paper. Objective of the study was to establish the
optimal level of non-degradable protein in diets for weaned and intensively
fattened lambs. Experiment was conducted on 60 lambs of F1 generation: Pirot
Pramenka x Wurttemberg x Ile de France, weaned at the age of 60 days and
divided into three groups. The effect of use of three concentrated mixtures
which differed in the share of protein non-degradable at the level of rumen:
43% (I), 51% (II) and 58% (III). Average daily gain of lambs fed types of
mixtures I:II:III was 0.169: 0.205 : 0.227 kg, respectively. Dry matter
conversion (kg/kg of gain) on analogue treatments was: 4.54 : 3.71: 3.30,
respectively, of energy (MJ NEM/kg) : 33.77: 29.37 : 26.25, and of total
proteins (g/kg): 732 : 596 : 549. Level of intake of proteins was not
influenced by the treatment considering that the digestibility coefficients
recorded were: 52.58% : 51.30% : 55.12%. With the increase of the share of
non-degradable protein in concentrate mixtures, the tendency of increase of
the digestibility of fat was present: 76.13 : 77.98 : 87.17%, as well as of
decrease of the intake of fibre: 67.40 : 45.87: 22.39% and NFE: 83.87 : 76.05
: 82.96%. Values of the dressing percentage of warm carcass with giblets
according to nutrition types I:II:III were: 58.70 : 58.02 : 57.42%,
respectively.
Amelioration of oxidative stress in broilers during summer
Authors: Sujatha V. , Korde Pandurang , Rastogi S.K. , Madan A.K. , Maini S. , Ravikanth K.
Published: November 2010

A comparative study on antistressor and antioxidative effects of synthetic
vitamin C and polyherbal feed premix Ayucee supplementation in broilers was
conducted during the summer months of June-July when the mean
temperature-humidity index was 84.74?2.51. Day old broiler chicks (n =60)
were randomly divided into three groups. Control group I was given basal diet
and treatment groups (II&III) were supplemented with Synthetic vitamin C
(100g/tonne of feed) and Ayucee (100g/tonne of feed) from day 0 to six weeks
of age. Biochemical parameters were analysed after 3rd & 5th week &
erythrocytic antioxidant enzymes were analysed after 3rd & 6th week of
experiment. Hormonal & immunological parameters were analysed after 6th of
experimental study. After 3rd week, mean plasma glucose, cholesterol &
antioxidant enzyme glutathione reductase (GSSG) were significantly (P? 0.01)
lower in treated groups (II & III) than control (I); however total protein,
albumin to globulin ratio & antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD)
were significantly (P? 0.05) different in group II & III compared to group I.
After 5th week, mean plasma glucose, total protein, albumin globulin ratio
were significantly (P? 0.05) different in both the treatments compared to
control. Erythrocytic GSSG were significantly (P? 0.05) different in both the
treatments than control, as observed after 6th week. Stress hormones namely
cortisol & thyroxine (T4) were observed to be significantly (P?0.05) higher
in untreated control than the treated groups. However, the two treatments did
not differ significantly. Mean total immunoglobulin (Ig) level was
significantly (P?0.01) higher in AYUCEE & vit-C treated birds than control
after 6th week of study. It can be concluded from the results that oxidative
stress in broilers during summer could be ameliorated using antioxidant
synthetic vitamin C & the polyherbal antistressor, immunomodulator &
adaptogenic feed premix AYUCEE.
Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial
Authors: Anderson Robert J. , Bahn Gideon D. , Moritz Thomas E. , Kaufman Derrick , Abraira Carlos , Duckworth William ,   for the VADT Study Group
Published: November 2010

OBJECTIVE

Blood pressure ranges associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in advanced type 2 diabetes are not clear. Our objective was to determine whether baseline and follow-up (On-Study) systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and SBP combined with DBP predict CVD events in the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants in the VADT (n = 1,791) with hypertension received stepped treatment to maintain blood pressure below the target of 130/80 mmHg in standard and intensive glycemic treatment groups. Blood pressure levels of all subjects at baseline and On-Study were analyzed to detect associations with CVD risk. The primary outcome was the time from randomization to the first occurrence of myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, surgery for vascular disease, inoperable coronary disease, amputation for ischemic gangrene, or CVD death.

RESULTS

Separated SBP ≥140 mmHg had significant risk at baseline (hazards ratio [HR] 1.508, P < 0.001) and On-Study (HR 1.469, P = 0.002). DBP <70 mmHg increased CVD events at baseline (HR 1.482, P < 0.001) and On-Study (HR 1.491, P < 0.001). Combined blood pressure categories indicated high risk for CVD events for SBP ≥140 with DBP <70 mmHg at baseline (HR 1.785, P = 0.03) and On-Study (HR 2.042, P = 0.003) and nearly all SBP with DBP <70 mmHg.

CONCLUSIONS

Increased risk of CVD events with SBP ≥140 mmHg emphasizes the urgency for treatment of systolic hypertension. Increased risk with DBP <70 mmHg, even when combined with SBP in guideline-recommended target ranges, supports a new finding in patients with type 2 diabetes. The results emphasize that DBP <70 mmHg in these patients was associated with elevated CVD risk and may best be avoided.
Chemopreventive Effects of Peucedanum praeruptorum DUNN and Its Major Constituents on SGC7901 Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Liang Taigang , Yue Wenyan , Li Qingshan
Published: November 2010

In this study, the effects of Peucedanum praeruptorum DUNN methanolic extract (PPME) and its major constituents on SGC7901 human gastric cancer cells were evaluated. Two pyranocoumarins, namely, (±) praeruptorin A (PA) and (±) praeruptorin B (PB), were isolated from PPME. A high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed to determine the contents of PA and PB in PPME. The antiproliferative and cytotoxic actions of PPME were observed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. At 300 µg/mL, PPME inhibited cell growth by 51.2% (P < 0.01), probably linked to the high concentration of PA and PB. Both PA and PB exhibited antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities on the SGC7901 cells. Furthermore, the active principle compound, PA, also enhanced the actions of doxorubincin (DOX) on SGC7901 cells. Cell growth decreased higher with the combined treatment of PA and DOX than that with the chemotherapy agent applied alone, suggesting that PA could reduce the dose of DOX for the desired effects.
Antioxidant Vitamins and Their Use in Preventing Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Farbstein Dan , Kozak-Blickstein Adena , Levy Andrew P.
Published: November 2010

Atherosclerosis remains one of the leading causes of death in Western populations. Subsequent to the discovery that oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, vitamins C and E, along with other antioxidants, were studied as potential therapies for the disease. However, while in vitro and in vivo studies showed promising antiatherogenic effects for vitamins C and E, clinical trials in which patients were given high doses of vitamin E or C showed no benefit and even possible harm. This review will attempt to summarize the known mechanistic data regarding the biochemical effects of vitamins C and E and their relevance to atherosclerosis, and offer an explanation for the failure of clinical trials to show that supplementation with these vitamins provides any benefit when given indiscriminately. We provide one example of how pharmacogenomics may be used to identify a sub-population which may indeed benefit from antioxidant supplementation.
A QoS Scheme for a Congestion Core Network Based on Dissimilar QoS Structures in Smart-Phone Environments
Authors: Hong Sung-Ryong , Na Wonshik , Kang Jang-Mook
Published: November 2010

This study suggests an approach to effective transmission of multimedia content in a rapidly changing Internet environment including smart-phones. Guaranteeing QoS in networks is currently an important research topic. When transmitting Assured Forwarding (AF) packets in a Multi-DiffServ network environment, network A may assign priority in an order AF1, AF2, AF3 and AF4; on the other hand, network B may reverse the order to a priority AF4, AF3, AF2 and AF1. In this case, the AF1 packets that received the best quality of service in network A will receive the lowest in network B, which may result in dropping of packets in network B and vice versa. This study suggests a way to guarantee QoS between hosts by minimizing the loss of AF packet class when one network transmits AF class packets to another network with differing principles. It is expected that QoS guarantees and their experimental value may be utilized as principles which can be applied to various mobile-web environments based on smart-phones.
Effects of the Intermittent Pneumatic Circulator on Blood Pressure during Hemodialysis
Authors: Hsu Tzu-Chao , Chang Ya-Ju , Huang Yu-Yao , Hsu Miao-Ju
Published: November 2010

Hypotension is frequently reported during hemodialysis. This study aimed to examine the effect of the intermittent pneumatic circulator on blood pressure during hemodialysis. Sixteen subjects with chronic hemodialysis were recruited. Each subject randomly received two test conditions on separate days, hemodialysis with and without the circulator. The circulator was applied to the subject on lower extremities during 0.5–1 hr, 1.5–2 hr, 2.5–3 hr, and 3.5–4 hr of hemodialysis. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP and DBP) and heart rate (HR) were analyzed at pre-dialysis, 1 hr, 2 hr, and 3 hr of hemodialysis. Stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) were evaluated between 2.5 and 3.0 hr of hemodialysis. Blood chemicals (sodium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorous) and Kt/V before and after each hemodialysis session were analyzed. The number of episodes of hypotension was also recorded. The circulator intervention significantly improved SBP and DBP across all time points (P = 0.002 for SBP; P = 0.002 for DBP). The frequency of hypotension was significantly decreased (P = 0.028). SV and CO were significantly improved with the circulator intervention (P = 0.017 for SV; P = 0.026 for CO) and no statistical significances were found on blood chemicals or Kt/V analyses. The results suggested that the circulator intervention helps stabilize blood pressure and appears to be a practical treatment. Future studies are suggested to develop new circulator innovations with sensor feedback systems to enhance safety and maximize treatment efficiency.
Laninamivir and its Prodrug, CS-8958: Long-Acting Neuraminidase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Influenza
Authors: Yamashita Makoto
Published: November 2010

Oseltamivir and zanamivir are currently licensed worldwide for influenza treatment and chemoprophylaxis. Both drugs require twice-daily administration for 5 days for treatment. A new influenza drug, laninamivir (code name R-125489), and its prodrug form, CS-8958 (laninamivir octanoate or laninamivir prodrug), which are long-acting neuraminidase inhibitors, are introduced in this review. Laninamivir potently inhibited the neuraminidase activities of various influenza A and B viruses, including subtypes N1–N9, pandemic (2009) H1N1 virus, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses and oseltamivir-resistant viruses. Because of the long retention of laninamivir in mouse lungs after an intranasal administration of CS-8958, therapeutic administration of a single dose of CS-8958 showed superior efficacy to repeated administrations of zanamivir or oseltamivir in animal infection models for influenza A and B viruses. These include pandemic (2009) H1N1 virus and HPAI H5N1 virus. Prophylactic single administration of CS-8958, as early as 7 days prior to infection, also showed superior efficacy. Finally, the potential of a single inhalation of CS-8958 for influenza patients was demonstrated by clinical studies, and CS-8958 has been approved and is commercially available as Inavir® (Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd, Tokyo) in Japan.
The Crash of 2008 – the Relationship with Ethical Issues
Authors: Booth Philip
Published: November 2010

Résumé Ce papier analyse les manières par lesquelles l’action des gouvernements a contribué de façon importante - pour ne pas dire causé - à la crise. Il est clair qu’un système financier habité par des gens éthiques serait désirable. Mais il est difficile de savoir comment les politiques publiques peuvent améliorer la situation directement et avec quels bénéfices. Les gouvernements peuvent, toutefois, changer les structures pour que les individus et les entreprises prennent leurs responsabilités pour leurs décisions financières, et pour décourager les comportements contraires à l’éthique.
Economics: The Dismal Science?
Authors: Marglin Stephen Alan
Published: November 2010

Résumé La distribution des salaires et des richesses est un sujet de préoccupation. Les conséquences écologiques et l’impact du marché sur les relations humaines ne sont pas prises en compte par la théorie de l’efficience. La science économique traditionnelle se défend : les agents sont supposés être, par leur nature la plus profonde, des êtres humains motivés seulement par l’intérêt. Il n’y a donc pas de communauté qui soit dommageable. La titrisation est seulement un exemple de comment les présuppositions de la science économique ont été dommageables pour la communauté. Une partie de la solution à la crise de l’économie est une nouvelle science économique.
TLR9 Is Actively Recruited to Aspergillus fumigatus Phagosomes and Requires the N-Terminal Proteolytic Cleavage Domain for Proper Intracellular Trafficking
Authors: Kasperkovitz Pia V. , Cardenas Michael L. , Vyas Jatin M.
Published: November 2010

TLR9 recognizes unmethylated CpG DNA and induces innate immune responses. TLR9 activation is a multistep process requiring proteolytic cleavage and trafficking to endolysosomal compartments for ligand-induced signaling. However, the rules that govern the dynamic subcellular trafficking for TLR9 after pathogen uptake have not been established. In this study, we demonstrate that uptake of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia induced drastic spatial redistribution of TLR9 to the phagosomal membrane of A. fumigatus-containing phagosomes but not to bead-containing phagosomes in murine macrophages. Specific TLR9 recruitment to the fungal phagosome was consistent using A. fumigatus spores at different germination stages and selected mutants affecting the display of Ags on the fungal cell surface. Spatiotemporal regulation of TLR9 compartmentalization to the A. fumigatus phagosome was independent of TLR2, TLR4, and downstream TLR signaling. Our data demonstrate that the TLR9 N-terminal proteolytic cleavage domain was critical for successful intracellular trafficking and accumulation of TLR9 in CpG-containing compartments and A. fumigatus phagosomal membranes. Our study provides evidence for a model in which A. fumigatus spore phagocytosis by macrophages specifically induces TLR9 recruitment to A. fumigatus phagosomes and may thereby mediate TLR9-induced antifungal innate immune responses.
Semen Protects CD4+ Target Cells from HIV Infection but Promotes the Preferential Transmission of R5 Tropic HIV
Authors: Balandya Emmanuel , Sheth Siddharth , Sanders Katherine , Wieland-Alter Wendy , Lahey Timothy
Published: November 2010

Sexual intercourse is the major means of HIV transmission, yet the impact of semen on HIV infection of CD4+ T cells remains unclear. To resolve this conundrum, we measured CD4+ target cell infection with X4 tropic HIV IIIB and HC4 and R5 tropic HIV BaL and SF162 after incubation with centrifuged seminal plasma (SP) from HIV-negative donors and assessed the impact of SP on critical determinants of target cell susceptibility to HIV infection. We found that SP potently protects CD4+ T cells from infection with X4 and R5 tropic HIV in a dose- and time-dependent manner. SP caused a diminution in CD4+ T cell surface expression of the HIVR CD4 and enhanced surface expression of the HIV coreceptor CCR5. Consequently, SP protected CD4+ T cells from infection with R5 tropic HIV less potently than it protected CD4+ T cells from infection with X4 tropic HIV. SP also reduced CD4+ T cell activation and proliferation, and the magnitude of SP-mediated suppression of target cell CD4 expression, activation, and proliferation correlated closely with the magnitude of the protection of CD4+ T cells from infection with HIV. Taken together, these data show that semen protects CD4+ T cells from HIV infection by restricting critical determinants of CD4+ target cell susceptibility to HIV infection. Further, semen contributes to the selective transmission of R5 tropic HIV to CD4+ target cells.
Frequency and Location of Head Impact Exposures in Individual Collegiate Football Players
Authors: Crisco Joseph J. , Fiore Russell , Beckwith Jonathan G. , Chu Jeffrey J. , Brolinson Per Gunnar , Duma Stefan , McAllister Thomas W. , Duhaime Ann-Christine , Greenwald Richard M.
Published: November 2010

Context:

Measuring head impact exposure is a critical step toward understanding the mechanism and prevention of sport-related mild traumatic brain (concussion) injury, as well as the possible effects of repeated subconcussive impacts.

Objective:

To quantify the frequency and location of head impacts that individual players received in 1 season among 3 collegiate teams, between practice and game sessions, and among player positions.

Design:

Cohort study.

Setting:

Collegiate football field.

Patients or Other Participants:

One hundred eighty-eight players from 3 National Collegiate Athletic Association football teams.

Intervention(s):

Participants wore football helmets instrumented with an accelerometer-based system during the 2007 fall season.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

The number of head impacts greater than 10g and location of the impacts on the player's helmet were recorded and analyzed for trends and interactions among teams (A, B, or C), session types, and player positions using Kaplan-Meier survival curves.

Results:

The total number of impacts players received was nonnormally distributed and varied by team, session type, and player position. The maximum number of head impacts for a single player on each team was 1022 (team A), 1412 (team B), and 1444 (team C). The median number of head impacts on each team was 4.8 (team A), 7.5 (team B), and 6.6 (team C) impacts per practice and 12.1 (team A), 14.6 (team B), and 16.3 (team C) impacts per game. Linemen and linebackers had the largest number of impacts per practice and per game. Offensive linemen had a higher percentage of impacts to the front than to the back of the helmet, whereas quarterbacks had a higher percentage to the back than to the front of the helmet.

Conclusions:

The frequency of head impacts and the location on the helmet where the impacts occur are functions of player position and session type. These data provide a basis for quantifying specific head impact exposure for studies related to understanding the biomechanics and clinical aspects of concussion injury, as well as the possible effects of repeated subconcussive impacts in football.
Emergency Face-Mask Removal Effectiveness: A Comparison of Traditional and Nontraditional Football Helmet Face-Mask Attachment Systems
Authors: Swartz Erik E. , Belmore Keith , Decoster Laura C. , Armstrong Charles W.
Published: November 2010

Context:

Football helmet face-mask attachment design changes might affect the effectiveness of face-mask removal.

Objective:

To compare the efficiency of face-mask removal between newly designed and traditional football helmets.

Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Setting:

Applied biomechanics laboratory.

Participants:

Twenty-five certified athletic trainers.

Intervention(s):

The independent variable was face-mask attachment system on 5 levels: (1) Revolution IQ with Quick Release (QR), (2) Revolution IQ with Quick Release hardware altered (QRAlt), (3) traditional (Trad), (4) traditional with hardware altered (TradAlt), and (5) ION 4D (ION). Participants removed face masks using a cordless screwdriver with a back-up cutting tool or only the cutting tool for the ION. Investigators altered face-mask hardware to unexpectedly challenge participants during removal for traditional and Revolution IQ helmets. Participants completed each condition twice in random order and were blinded to hardware alteration.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Removal success, removal time, helmet motion, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Time and 3-dimensional helmet motion were recorded. If the face mask remained attached at 3 minutes, the trial was categorized as unsuccessful. Participants rated each trial for level of difficulty (RPE). We used repeated-measures analyses of variance (α  =  .05) with follow-up comparisons to test for differences.

Results:

Removal success was 100% (48 of 48) for QR, Trad, and ION; 97.9% (47 of 48) for TradAlt; and 72.9% (35 of 48) for QRAlt. Differences in time for face-mask removal were detected (F4,20  =  48.87, P  =  .001), with times ranging from 33.96 ± 14.14 seconds for QR to 99.22 ± 20.53 seconds for QRAlt. Differences were found in range of motion during face-mask removal (F4,20  =  16.25, P  =  .001), with range of motion from 10.10° ± 3.07° for QR to 16.91° ± 5.36° for TradAlt. Differences also were detected in RPE during face-mask removal (F4,20  =  43.20, P  =  .001), with participants reporting average perceived difficulty ranging from 1.44 ± 1.19 for QR to 3.68 ± 1.70 for TradAlt.

Conclusions:

The QR and Trad trials resulted in superior results. When trials required cutting loop straps, results deteriorated.
Time to Stabilization of Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Reconstructed Versus Healthy Knees in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Female Athletes
Authors: Webster Kathryn A. , Gribble Phillip A.
Published: November 2010

Context:

Jump landing is a common activity in collegiate activities, such as women's basketball, volleyball, and soccer, and is a common mechanism for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. It is important to better understand how athletes returning to competition after ACL reconstruction are able to maintain dynamic postural control during a jump landing.

Objective:

To use time to stabilization (TTS) to measure differences in dynamic postural control during jump landing in ACL-reconstructed (ACLR) knees compared with healthy knees among National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I female athletes.

Design:

Case-control study.

Setting:

University athletic training research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Twenty-four Division I female basketball, volleyball, and soccer players volunteered and were assigned to the healthy control group (n  =  12) or the ACLR knee group (n  =  12). Participants with ACLR knees were matched to participants with healthy knees by sport and by similar age, height, and mass.

Intervention(s):

At 1 session, participants performed a single-leg landing task for both limbs. They were instructed to stabilize as quickly as possible in a single-limb stance and remain as motionless as possible for 10 seconds.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

The anterior-posterior TTS and medial-lateral TTS ground reaction force data were used to calculate resultant vector of the TTS (RVTTS) during a jump landing. A 1-way analysis of variance was used to determine group differences on RVTTS. The means and SDs from the participants' 10 trials in each leg were used for the analyses.

Results:

The ACLR group (2.01 ± 0.15 seconds, 95% confidence interval [CI]  =  1.91, 2.10) took longer to stabilize than the control group (1.90 ± 0.07 seconds, 95% CI  =  1.86, 1.95) (F1,22  =  4.28, P  =  .05). This result was associated with a large effect size and a 95% CI that did not cross zero (Cohen d  =  1.0, 95% CI  =  0.91, 1.09).

Conclusions:

Although they were Division I female athletes at an average of 2.5 years after ACL reconstruction, participants with ACLR knees demonstrated dynamic postural-control deficits as evidenced by their difficulty in controlling ground reaction forces. This increased TTS measurement might contribute to the established literature reflecting differences in single-limb dynamic control. Clinicians might need to focus rehabilitation efforts on stabilization after jump landing. Further research is needed to determine if TTS is a contributing factor in future injury.
Gastric Emptying After Pickle-Juice Ingestion in Rested, Euhydrated Humans
Authors: Miller Kevin C. , Mack Gary W. , Knight Kenneth L.
Published: November 2010

Context:

Small volumes of pickle juice (PJ) relieve muscle cramps within 85 seconds of ingestion without significantly affecting plasma variables. This effect may be neurologic rather than metabolic. Understanding PJ's gastric emptying would help to strengthen this theory.

Objective:

To compare gastric emptying and plasma variables after PJ and deionized water (DIW) ingestion.

Design:

Crossover study.

Setting:

Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Ten men (age  =  25.4 ± 0.7 years, height  =  177.1 ± 1.6 cm, mass  =  78.1 ± 3.6 kg).

Intervention(s):

Rested, euhydrated, and eunatremic participants ingested 7 mL·kg−1 body mass of PJ or DIW on separate days.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Gastric volume was measured at 0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes postingestion (using the phenol red dilution technique). Percentage changes in plasma volume and plasma sodium concentration were measured preingestion (−45 minutes) and at 5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes postingestion.

Results:

Initial gastric volume was 624.5 ± 27.4 mL for PJ and 659.5 ± 43.8 mL for DIW (P > .05). Both fluids began to empty within the first 5 minutes (volume emptied: PJ  =  219.2 ± 39.1 mL, DIW  =  305.0 ± 40.5 mL, P < .05). Participants who ingested PJ did not empty further after the first 5 minutes (P > .05), whereas in those who ingested DIW, gastric volume decreased to 111.6 ± 39.9 mL by 30 minutes (P < .05). The DIW group emptied faster than the PJ group between 20 and 30 minutes postingestion (P < .05). Within 5 minutes of PJ ingestion, plasma volume decreased 4.8% ± 1.6%, whereas plasma sodium concentration increased 1.6 ± 0.5 mmol·L−1 (P < .05). Similar changes occurred after DIW ingestion. Calculated plasma sodium content was unchanged for both fluids (P > .05).

Conclusions:

The initial decrease in gastric volume with both fluids is likely attributable to gastric distension. Failure of the PJ group to empty afterward is likely due to PJ's osmolality and acidity. Cardiovascular reflexes resulting from gastric distension are likely responsible for the plasma volume shift and rise in plasma sodium concentration despite nonsignificant changes in plasma sodium content. These data support our theory that PJ does not relieve cramps via a metabolic mechanism.
The Disablement in the Physically Active Scale, Part II: The Psychometric Properties of an Outcomes Scale for Musculoskeletal Injuries
Authors: Vela Luzita I. , Denegar Craig R.
Published: November 2010

Context:

Outcomes assessment is an integral part of ensuring quality in athletic training, but few generic instruments have been specifically designed to measure disablement in the physically active.

Objective:

To assess the psychometric properties of the Disablement in the Physically Active Scale (DPA), a patient-report, generic outcomes instrument.

Design:

Observational study.

Setting:

We collected data in 5 settings with competitive and recreational athletes. Participants entered into the study at 3 distinct points: (1) when healthy and (2) after an acute injury, or (3) after a persistent injury.

Patients or Other Participants:

Measures were obtained from 368 baseline participants (202 females, 166 males; age  =  20.1 ± 3.8 years), 54 persistent participants (32 females, 22 males; age  =  22.0 ± 8.3 years), and 28 acutely injured participants (8 females, 20 males; age  =  19.8 ± 1.90 years).

Main Outcome Measure(s):

We assessed internal consistency with a Cronbach α and test-retest reliability with intraclass correlation (2,1) values. The scale's factor structure was assessed with a hierarchical confirmatory factor analysis. Concurrent validity was assessed with a Pearson correlation. Responsiveness was calculated using a receiver operating characteristic curve and a minimal clinically important difference value.

Results:

The Cronbach α scores for the DPA were 0.908 and 0.890 in acute and persistent groups, respectively. The intraclass correlation (2,1) value of the DPA was 0.943 (95% confidence interval  =  0.885, 0.972). The fit indices values were 1.89, 0.852, 0.924, 0.937, and 0.085 (90% confidence interval  =  0.066, 0.103) for the minimum sample discrepancy divided by degrees of freedom, goodness-of-fit index, Tucker-Lewis Index, comparative fit index, and root mean square error of approximation, respectively. The DPA scores accounted for 51% to 56.4% of the variation in global functioning scores. The area under the curve was statistically significant, and the minimally clinically important difference values were established.

Conclusions:

The DPA is a reliable, valid, and responsive instrument.
Identifying the Combinatorial Effects of Histone Modifications by Association Rule Mining in Yeast
Authors: Wang Jiang , Dai Xianhua , Xiang Qian , Deng Yangyang , Feng Jihua , Dai Zhiming , He Caisheng
Published: November 2010

Eukaryotic genomes are packaged into chromatin by histone proteins whose chemical modification can profoundly influence gene expression. The histone modifications often act in combinations, which exert different effects on gene expression. Although a number of experimental techniques and data analysis methods have been developed to study histone modifications, it is still very difficult to identify the relationships among histone modifications on a genome-wide scale.

We proposed a method to identify the combinatorial effects of histone modifications by association rule mining. The method first identified Functional Modification Transactions (FMTs) and then employed association rule mining algorithm and statistics methods to identify histone modification patterns. We applied the proposed methodology to Pokholok et al's data with eight sets of histone modifications and Kurdistani et al's data with eleven histone acetylation sites. Our method succeeds in revealing two different global views of histone modification landscapes on two datasets and identifying a number of modification patterns some of which are supported by previous studies.

We concentrate on combinatorial effects of histone modifications which significantly affect gene expression. Our method succeeds in identifying known interactions among histone modifications and uncovering many previously unknown patterns. After in-depth analysis of possible mechanism by which histone modification patterns can alter transcriptional states, we infer three possible modification pattern reading mechanism (‘redundant’, ‘trivial’, ‘dominative’). Our results demonstrate several histone modification patterns which show significant correspondence between yeast and human cells.
Camtracker: a new camera controlled high precision solar tracker system for FTIR-spectrometers
Authors: Gisi M. , Hase F. , Dohe S. , Blumenstock T.
Published: November 2010

Abstract. A new system to very precisely couple radiation of a moving source into a FTIR-spectrometer is presented. The Camtracker consists of a homemade altazimuthal solar tracker, a digital camera and a homemade program to process the camera data and to control the motion of the tracker. The key idea is to evaluate the image of the radiation source on the entrance field stop of the spectrometer. We prove that the system reaches tracking accuracies of about 10" for a ground-based solar absorption FTIR spectrometer, which is significantly better than current solar trackers. Moreover, due to the incorporation of a camera, the new system allows to document residual pointing errors and to point onto the solar disc centre even in case of variable intensity distributions across the source due to cirrus or haze.
Coevolutionary relationship between striatum size and social play in nonhuman primates
Authors: Graham Kerrie Lewis
Published: November 2010

The striatum is a region of the brain specifically tied to the experience and anticipation of pleasure, reward, appropriate behavioral sequencing, cognition, learning, and social modulation. Furthermore, the striatum is connected neurologically and functionally to other brain regions associated with the exhibition of social play, such as the neocortex, cerebellum, and limbic system. For these reasons, the striatum is especially interesting to researchers of play behavior. Moreover, the caudate–putamen area of the striatum has been specifically implicated in laboratory studies of social play behavior. This study uses the phylogenetic comparative method of independent contrasts to test for an evolutionary relationship between striatum volume and a measure of social play in nonhuman primates. Relative volume of the primate striatum correlates with rate of social, but not nonsocial, play behavior across species, suggesting a coevolution of traits. The pleasurable and procedural aspects of social play behavior may be mediated in part by the striatum and further to its connection to dopaminergic pathways in the primate brain. Am. J. Primatol. 73:314–322, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cerebral amyloid angiopathy pathology and cognitive domains in older persons
Authors: Arvanitakis Zoe , Leurgans Sue E. , Wang Zhenxin , Wilson Robert S. , Bennett David A. , Schneider Julie A.
Published: November 2010

Objective

To examine the relation of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) to cognitive domains in older community‐dwelling persons with and without dementia.

Methods

Subjects were 404 persons in the Religious Orders Study, a cohort study of aging, who underwent annual clinical evaluations, including 19 neuropsychological tests from which 5 cognitive domain and global summary scores were derived, and brain autopsy at time‐of‐death (mean age‐at‐death 86). Using amyloid‐β immunostaining, CAA severity was graded in 5 regions (midfrontal, inferior temporal, angular, calcarine, and hippocampal cortices), as 0 = none, 1 = mild, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe, and 4 = very severe. Because severity was related across regions (all rs > 0.63), and almost all persons had some CAA, we averaged regional CAA scores and created class variable predictors for no‐to‐minimal (<0.5), mild‐to‐moderate (0.5‐2.5) and moderate‐to‐very severe CAA (>2.5).

Results

CAA was very common (84.9%; 94 had no‐to‐minimal, 233 mild‐to‐moderate, and 76 moderate‐to‐very severe disease) and was related to AD pathology (rs = 0.68). In linear regression analyses controlling for age, sex, education, AD pathology, infarcts, and Lewy bodies, moderate‐to‐very severe CAA was associated with lower perceptual speed (p = 0.012) and episodic memory (p = 0.047), but not semantic memory, working memory, visuospatial skills, or a composite of all cognitive measures. No associations of mild‐to‐moderate CAA with cognition were found. Dementia did not modify these findings.

Interpretation

CAA pathology is very common in older community‐dwelling persons and is associated with AD pathology. Moderate‐to‐very severe CAA, but not mild‐to‐moderate CAA, is associated with lower performance in specific cognitive domains, most notably perceptual speed, separately from the effect of AD pathology. ANN NEUROL 2011
Interferon‐β inhibits toll‐like receptor 9 processing in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Balashov Konstantin E. , Aung Latt Latt , Vaknin‐Dembinsky Adi , Dhib‐Jalbut Suhayl , Weiner Howard L.
Published: November 2010

Objective

Viral infections have been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are present in peripheral blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain lesions of MS patients. pDCs sense viral DNA via Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9), which has to be cleaved from the N‐terminal to become functional (TLR9 processing). pDCs activated with TLR9 agonists promote T‐helper type 1 (Th1)/T‐helper type 17 (Th17) responses. In the animal model of MS, TLR9 agonists can induce disease. We hypothesized that pDCs are inhibited by disease‐modifying therapy such as interferon (IFN)‐β, consequently decreasing the frequency of MS attacks.

Methods

We separated pDCs from healthy subjects and patients diagnosed with relapsing‐remitting MS and clinically isolated syndrome. Cytokine secretion by pDCs activated with TLR9 agonists was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and multianalyte profiling. TLR9 gene and protein expression was studied by DNA microarrays and western blot.

Results

In untreated patients, pDCs activated with TLR9 agonists produced increased levels of IFN‐α, a Th1‐promoting cytokine, as compared to healthy subjects. In IFN‐β‐treated patients, activated pDCs had decreased ability to produce both IFN‐α and the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)‐6 and tumor necrosis factor α as compared to untreated patients. pDCs separated from IFN‐β‐treated patients had significantly reduced levels of the processed TLR9 protein but normal levels of the full‐length TLR9 protein and TLR9 gene expression as compared to untreated patients.

Interpretation

This finding represents a novel immunomodulatory mechanism of IFN‐β: inhibition of TLR9 processing. This results in decreased activation of pDCs by viral pathogens and, thus, may affect the frequency of MS exacerbations. ANN NEUROL 2010
Comparative analysis of therapeutic options used for myasthenia gravis
Authors: Mandawat Aditya , Kaminski Henry J. , Cutter Gary , Katirji Bashar , Alshekhlee Amer
Published: November 2010

Objective

To compare clinical and economic outcomes following plasma exchange (PLEX) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in U.S. patients with primary diagnoses of myasthenia gravis (MG).

Methods

Our cohort was identified from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database for years 2000–2005 using codes from the International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition. Multivariate regression analyses were used to identify predictors of mortality, complications, length of stay, and total inpatient cost.

Results

Among 1,606 hospitalized patients, the unadjusted mortality rate of MG crisis remained higher than those without crisis (0.44% vs 4.44%, p < 0.001), as well as the unadjusted complication rate (26.36% vs 11.23%, p < 0.001). MG crisis patients receiving PLEX had significantly more complications than those receiving IVIG (30.06% vs 14.79%, p < 0.001). Among the whole cohort, adjusted mortality and complication rates were not significantly different between the treatment groups (p > 0.05). Acute respiratory failure, major cardiac complications, and acute renal failure were associated with an increased mortality rate (p < 0.001). Age and respiratory failure were associated with an increased complication rate (p < 0.001). Length of stay was significantly longer for MG (6 vs 4 days, p < 0.001) and MG crisis (10 vs 5 days, p < 0.001) patients receiving PLEX. Inpatient costs were higher for MG ($26,662 vs $21,124, p < 0.01) and MG crisis ($53,801 vs $33,924, p < 0.001) patients receiving PLEX.

Interpretation

Compared to PLEX, IVIG appears of similar clinical (mortality and complications) and perhaps of superior economic (length of stay and total inpatient charges) outcomes in the treatment of MG. Elderly and those with complex comorbid diseases including acute respiratory failure may be better treated with IVIG. ANN NEUROL 2010
Identification of active loci of a human endogenous retrovirus in neurons of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Douville Renée , Liu Jiankai , Rothstein Jeffrey , Nath Avindra
Published: November 2010

Objective

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the progressive loss of motor neurons, of unknown etiology. Previous studies showed reverse transcriptase in serum of ALS patients at levels comparable to human immunodeficiency virus‐infected patients; however, the source and significance of the retroviral elements is uncertain.

Methods

Expression of a human endogenous retrovirus (HERV‐K) was determined in autopsy brain tissue of patients with ALS and compared to control populations by real‐time polymerase chain reaction followed by sequencing of the amplified genes and confirmed by immunostaining.

Results

HERV‐K pol transcripts were increased in patients with ALS compared to those with chronic systemic illness, but could not be detected in Parkinson disease or in the accidental death controls. Sequencing revealed several actively transcribed loci in the HML‐2 and 3 subfamilies of HERV‐K, with a specific pattern of expression including intact open reading frames and the transcription of a unique locus in ALS. The frequency of intact pol transcripts was highest in the motor cortex, and the reverse transcriptase protein was localized to cortical neurons of ALS patients. HERV‐K expression strongly correlated with TDP‐43, a multifunctional protein known to be dysregulated in ALS.

Interpretation

We have identified a specific pattern of HERV‐K expression in ALS, which may potentially define the pathophysiology of ALS. Targeting of activated genome‐encoded retroviral elements may open new prospects for the treatment of ALS. Ann Neurol 2011;69:141–151.