bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selection, de‐selection and progression in German football talent promotion
Authors: Güllich Arne
Published: November 2013

This study explored to which extent the development of German professional football players is based on early talent identification (TID) and long‐term nurture in talent promotion (TP) programmes or on their emergence in the course of repeated procedures of player selection and de‐selection in these programmes through childhood and youth. The annual turnover of squad members in national junior teams (2001–2013) and youth elite academies was calculated; national U‐team members were followed up with regard to nominations through subsequent seasons and to their success level eventually achieved at senior age; and all current Bundesliga players were analysed retrospectively regarding their earlier involvement in TID/TP programmes. Analyses revealed that the mean annual turnover of squad members was 24.5% (youth academies) and 41.0% (national U‐teams), respectively. At any age, the probability of persisting in the programme three years later was <50%. Among current Bundesliga players, the age of recruitment into the TID/TP programme was widely evenly distributed across childhood and youth, respectively. Accordingly, the number of (future) Bundesliga players who were involved in TID/TP was built up continuously through all age categories. The observations suggest that the collective of professional players emerged from repeated procedures of selection and de‐selection through childhood and youth rather than from early selection and long‐term continuous nurture in TID/TP programmes. The findings are discussed with regard to the uncertainty of TID and of interventions applied to the selected players, and they are related to the individualistic and collectivistic approach in TP.
Combination of genetics and spatial modelling highlights the sensitivity of cod (Gadus morhua) population diversity in the North Sea to distributions of fishing
Authors: Heath Michael R. , Culling Mark A. , Crozier Walter W. , Fox Clive J. , Gurney William S. C. , Hutchinson William F. , Nielsen Einar E. , O'Sullivan Martha , Preedy Katharine F. , Righton David A. , Speirs Douglas C. , Taylor Martin I. , Wright Peter J. , Carvalho Gary R.
Published: November 2013

Conserving genetic diversity in animal populations is important for sustaining their ability to respond to environmental change. However, the “between-population” component of genetic diversity (biocomplexity) is threatened in many exploited populations, particularly marine fish, where harvest management regions may be larger than the spatial extent of genetically distinct subpopulations. Using single-nucleotide polymorphism data, we delineated the geographic limits of three population units of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in northwest European waters. Two of the populations cohabit the North Sea, and trawl survey data showed differing trends in their abundances. We developed a spatial model of these units to simulate population dynamics under spatial patterns of harvesting. Competition between units during the pelagic juvenile stages in the model led to suppression of the more localized northern North Sea (Viking) unit by the more widespread (Dogger) unit, and its premature extinction under some spatial patterns of fishing. Fishery catch limits for cod are set at the scale of the whole North Sea without regard to such subpopulation dynamics. Our model offers a method to quantify adjustments to regional fishing mortality rates to strike a balance between maximizing sustainable yield and conserving vulnerable populations.
NASPGHAN Nutrition University as a Model for Continuing Education Within Pediatric Nutrition
Authors: Vanderpool Charles , Lin Henry C. , Scheimann Ann
Published: November 2013

The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Nutrition Committee developed the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Nutrition University (N2U) as an education resource designed to address the nutrition topics identified by pediatric gastroenterologists. N2U was initially designed as a series of lectures. Participants completed a precourse, immediate postcourse, and 6‐month postcourse assessment. The average pretest score was 74%. Participants reported learning “a great deal” and immediate postcourse test score average was 90%. Feedback from N2U participants will shape future course design, focusing on the interactive learning sessions. N2U may serve as a model for offering topic‐directed continuing medical education based on targeted physician responses and feedback.
Monotonicity formulae for variational problems
Authors: Evans Lawrence C
Published: November 2013

We discuss in this largely expository paper the derivation of useful monotonicity formulae for various interesting variational problems.
Delay in intervention increases neonatal morbidity in births monitored with cardiotocography and ST‐waveform analysis
Authors: Kessler Jörg , Moster Dag , Albrechtsen Susanne
Published: November 2013

Objective

To assess the effect of the time interval from indication of hypoxia to delivery on neonatal outcome in high‐risk pregnancies monitored with cardiotocography (CTG) and ST‐waveform analysis.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

University hospital, Norway, 2004–08.

Population

Singleton high‐risk births with a gestational age above 35+6 weeks, monitored with CTG and ST‐waveform analysis.

Methods

Logistic regression analysis and Kaplan–Meier survival plots.

Main outcome measure

Neonatal morbidity in relation to the rapidity of intervention.

Results

Of 6010 deliveries monitored with ST‐waveform analysis, 1131 (19%) had an indication to intervene for fetal distress according to clinical guidelines. Those fetuses were at increased risk of an adverse neonatal outcome, and if delivered later than 20 min after the indication of hypoxia their risk increased further; i.e. transfer to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from an odds ratio of 1.6 (95% confidence interval 1.2–2.2) to an odds ratio of 3.3 (95% confidence interval 2.5–4.3). The indication‐to‐delivery interval was longer for neonates with a 5‐min Apgar score of <7, transfer to NICU and neonatal encephalopathy than for those without adverse outcome.

Conclusion

In deliveries monitored with CTG and ST‐waveform analysis, the risk of an adverse neonatal outcome was dependent on the time between indication of hypoxia and delivery. Nonadherence to the specific clinical guidelines increased the risk of neonatal morbidity.
Retinal layers measurements in healthy eyes and in eyes receiving silicone oil‐based endotamponade
Authors: Caramoy Albert , Droege Katharina M. , Kirchhof Bernd , Fauser Sascha
Published: November 2013

Purpose

To characterize the concordance/symmetry of each retinal layers in individuals without macular pathology and to further characterize the localization of inner retinal thinning in eyes receiving silicone oil‐based endotamponade.

Methods

Retinal layers of one hundred eyes of 50 individuals without macular pathology were imaged using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) and manually segmented using ImageJ software (developed by Wayne Rasband, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA). In the second part of the study, retrospective analysis of 3028 cases of pars plana vitrectomy in University Eye Hospital Cologne, Germany, was conducted, retrieving nine patients with silicone oil‐based endotamponade with no macular condition interfering retinal layers measurements. These patients had retinal detachment not involving the macula due to various conditions. In these patients, retinal layer segmentation was performed and compared with the fellow eye.

Results

There is a moderate‐to‐high concordance for all retinal layers between the right and the left eye of the same individual. In eyes receiving silicone oil‐based endotamponade, the inner retinal layers become subsequently thinner. Ganglion cell and inner plexiform layers contribute most to this thinning, that is, 0.537 ± 0.096 mm3 compared with 0.742 ± 0.117 mm3; p = 0.006. Outer retinal layers were not affected by silicone oil‐based endotamponade (p = 0.439 for the differences of calculated outer retinal layers).

Conclusion

Ganglion cell and inner retinal layers become subsequently thinner after the use of silicone oil‐based endotamponade. This study advocates the use of spectral domain optical coherence tomography for patient management with silicone oil endotamponade to early detect subsequent retinal thinning.
B cell activation through CD40 and IL4R ligation modulates the response of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia cells to BAFF and APRIL
Authors: Ferrer Gerardo , Bosch Rosa , Hodgson Kate , Tejero Rut , Roué Gael , Colomer Dolors , Montserrat Emili , Moreno Carol
Published: November 2013

The two tumour necrosis factor family proteins BAFF (TNFSF13B) and APRIL (TNFSF13) and their receptors [BAFF‐R (TNFRSF13C), TACI (TNFRSF13B), BCMA (TNFRSF17)] play a critical role in the survival of normal B cells. The sensitivity of normal B cells to BAFF and APRIL can be modulated by signals regulated by their receptors. This modulation, however, has not been extensively investigated in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) cells. We evaluated the expression, regulation and signalling of BAFF and APRIL receptors in normal and in CLL cells upon stimulation through CD40+IL4R and BCR. We further analysed the prognostic value of BAFF and APRIL receptors expression in patients with CLL. BCMA expression was significantly higher on CLL cells than on normal B cells. BCR and CD40+IL4R stimulation promoted an increase in TACI and BCMA expression, cell viability and activation in normal B cells. A similar effect was observed in CLL cells after CD40+IL4R but not BCR stimulation. BCMA expression correlated with unmutated IGHV genes, poor‐risk cytogenetics, and short progression‐free survival. These findings further characterize the link between CD40+IL4R regulatory signals, BAFF, APRIL and their receptors and the survival of leukaemic cells and clinical features of CLL.
Laser therapy of onychomycosis
Authors: Nenoff Pietro , Grunewald Sonja , Paasch Uwe
Published: November 2013

Since 2010 the FDA has approved laser systems as capable of producing a “temporary increase in clear nails” in patients with onychomycosis. Fungal eradication is probably mediated by heat in infrared laser systems; their efficacy has been confirmed thermographically, histologically and in electron microscopy. Another approach to decontaminate the nail organ is to disrupt fungi and spores by q‐switched pulse applications. Recently specific combinations of wavelengths have been tested for their ability to disrupt the mitochondrial transmembrane potential at physiological temperatures by generating ATP and ROS. While clinically extremely high clearance rates of approximately 87.5–95.8 % have been reported, in‐vitro investigations have failed to confirm the clearance. The variety of systems and advised parameters hampers a systematic evaluation. Recommendations for safe and practical treatment protocols, informed consent items, and combination with conventional treatment options are all areas of active work. Currently there is a lack of data concerning the long‐term efficacy of laser therapy of onychomycosis; certified treatment protocols are needed.
Use of Diffusion Tensor Imaging for Evaluating Changes in the Microstructural Integrity of White Matter Over 3 Years in Patients with Amnesic‐Type Mild Cognitive Impairment Converting to Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Fu Jian‐Liang , Liu Yu , Li Yu‐Mei , Chang Cheng , Li Wen‐Bin
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) are at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is therefore important to identify biomarkers of conversion to AD. This study examined whether the integrity of white matter can predict this conversion.

METHODS

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and neuropsychological features of aMCI subjects (n = 41) were compared with normal controls (n = 20) for 12‐36 months.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, 22 aMCI subjects had lower fractional anisotropy (FA) values in the cingulate fasciculus (CF) at baseline, and 19 of those converted to AD during follow‐up. Only two of the other 19 aMCI patients converted to AD. Compared to baseline, AD converters showed lower FA values in the anterior frontal lobe, temporal lobe, hippocampus, inferior fronto‐occipital fascicles, corpus callosum genu and CF, and higher apparent diffusion coefficient values in the temporal lobe and hippocampus.

CONCLUSIONS

Those aMCI subjects with lower than normal FA values in the CF were more likely to convert to AD. The connectivity of the hippocampus and cingulate bundles may be affected in the early stage of AD. Impairment of white matter and fiber bundles was more severe at the AD stage than the aMCI stage.
Increased expression of MCM5 is significantly associated with aggressive progression and poor prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yu Shang‐Yang , Wang Yi‐Ping , Chang Julia Yu‐Fong , Shen Wei‐Ren , Chen Hsin‐Ming , Chiang Chun‐Pin
Published: November 2013

Background

Overexpression of MCM5 protein has been found to be significantly associated with the progression and prognosis of several human cancers.

Methods

This study used immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of MCM5 protein in 97 specimens of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC), 80 specimens of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED, including 31 mild, 29 moderate, and 20 severe OED samples), and 20 specimens of normal oral mucosa (NOM).

Results

We found that the mean nuclear MCM5 labeling indices (LIs) increased significantly from NOM (15 ± 6%), through mild (25 ± 10%), moderate (34 ± 9%), and severe OED (43 ± 12%), to OSCC samples (61 ± 16%, P < 0.001). A significant correlation was found between the higher mean nuclear MCM5 LI and OSCCs with site at the tongue (P = 0.046), larger tumor size (P = 0.032), positive lymph node metastasis (P = 0.003), more advanced clinical stage (P = 0.002), higher histological grade (P = 0.002), deeper invasion depth (P = 0.0001), and perineural invasion (P = 0.0047). Only nuclear MCM5 LI ≧ 60% was identified as independent unfavorable prognostic factor by multivariate regression analyses (P = 0.049). The Kaplan–Meier curve showed that patients with OSCC with a nuclear MCM5 LI ≧ 60% had a significantly poorer cumulative survival than those with a nuclear MCM5 LI < 60% (log‐rank test, P = 0.0062).

Conclusions

The increased expression of MCM5 protein begins at the oral pre‐cancerous stage. The higher expression of MCM5 protein is significantly associated with the aggressive progression and poor prognosis of OSCC.
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND INCOME INEQUALITY: HUMAN CAPITAL MATTERS
Authors: Lin Shu‐Chin , Kim Dong‐Hyeon , Wu Yi‐Chen
Published: November 2013

This paper empirically examines whether human capital defines the association between foreign direct investment (FDI) and income inequality. Rather than focusing on one country or region, we investigate with a broad cross section of countries to address parameter heterogeneity across countries. Using the instrumental variable threshold regressions approach, we find a significant threshold level of human capital, below which FDI exerts a disproportionately positive (negative) impact on the relatively poor (rich) and hence improves income distribution. Beyond this critical level, however, FDI benefits (harms) the nonpoor (nonrich) most and thus exacerbates income inequality.
Activities of Vancomycin, Ceftaroline, and Mupirocin against Staphylococcus aureus Isolates Collected in a 2011 National Surveillance Study in the United States
Authors: Richter Sandra S. , Diekema Daniel J. , Heilmann Kristopher P. , Dohrn Cassie L. , Crispell Emily K. , Riahi Fathollah , McDanel Jennifer S. , Satola Sarah W. , Doern Gary V.
Published: November 2013

Forty-two medical centers from throughout the United States participating in a longitudinal surveillance program were asked to submit 100 consecutive
Staphylococcus aureus
isolates during July to December 2011. Susceptibility testing using CLSI broth microdilution and
mecA
detection by PCR analysis was performed on the 4,131 isolates collected. Methods employing Etest glycopeptide resistance detection (GRD; bioMérieux) and brain heart infusion agar containing 4 μg/ml vancomycin (BHIV) were used to screen methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) isolates for heterogeneous intermediate-level resistance to vancomycin (hVISA). Isolates with positive hVISA screen results were confirmed by population analysis profiling-area under the curve (PAP-AUC) determinations. The genetic relatedness of hVISA, ceftaroline-nonsusceptible, or high-level (HL) mupirocin resistance MRSA isolates was assessed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Among 2,093 MRSA isolates, the hVISA screen results were positive with 47 isolates by Etest GRD and 30 isolates by BHIV agar screen. Twenty-five of the GRD- or BHIV screen-positive isolates were confirmed as hVISA by PAP-AUC testing. Results of the current study were compared to results obtained from prior surveillance performed in 2009. The prevalence of hVISA among MRSA isolates was higher in 2011 than in 2009 (1.2% versus 0.4%,
P
= 0.003), especially for isolates with a vancomycin MIC of 2 (45.4% versus 14.3%,
P
= 0.01). The overall rate of ceftaroline susceptibility in the current study was 99.4% (one hVISA isolate had an intermediate ceftaroline MIC). HL mupirocin resistance increased from 2.2% in 2009 to 3.2% in 2011 (
P
= 0.006). Although overall rates of hVISA and HL mupirocin resistance are low, they have increased since 2009.
Efficacy of Three-Week Oxytetracycline or Rifampin Monotherapy Compared with a Combination Regimen against the Filarial Nematode Onchocerca ochengi
Authors: Bah Germanus S. , Ward Emma L. , Srivastava Abhishek , Trees Alexander J. , Tanya Vincent N. , Makepeace Benjamin L.
Published: November 2013

Onchocerciasis (river blindness), caused by the filarial nematode
Onchocerca volvulus
, is a major cause of visual impairment and dermatitis in sub-Saharan Africa. As
O. volvulus
contains an obligatory bacterial symbiont (
Wolbachia
), it is susceptible to antibiotic chemotherapy, although current regimens are considered too prolonged for community-level control programs. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacies of oxytetracycline and rifampin, administered separately or in combination, against a close relative of
O. volvulus
(
Onchocerca ochengi
) in cattle. Six animals per group were treated with continuous or intermittent oxytetracycline regimens, and effects on adult worm viability, dermal microfilarial loads, and
Wolbachia
density in worm tissues were assessed. Subsequently, the efficacies of 3-week regimens of oxytetracycline and rifampin alone and a combination regimen were compared, and rifampin levels in plasma and skin were quantified. A 6-month regimen of oxytetracycline with monthly dosing was strongly adulticidal, while 3-week and 6-week regimens exhibited weaker adulticidal effects. However, all three regimens achieved >2-log reductions in microfilarial load. In contrast, rifampin monotherapy and oxytetracycline-rifampin duotherapy failed to induce substantive reductions in either adult worm burden or microfilarial load, although a borderline effect on
Wolbachia
density was observed following duotherapy. Dermal rifampin levels were maintained above the MIC for >24 h after a single intravenous dose. We conclude that oxytetracycline-rifampin duotherapy is less efficacious against
O. ochengi
than oxytetracycline alone. Further studies will be required to determine whether rifampin reduces oxytetracycline bioavailability in this system, as suggested by human studies using other tetracycline-rifampin combinations.
Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Secretes a Highly Conserved Mucin-Degrading Metalloprotease To Effectively Engage Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Luo Qingwei , Kumar Pardeep , Vickers Tim J. , Sheikh Alaullah , Lewis Warren G. , Rasko David A. , Sistrunk Jeticia , Fleckenstein James M.
Published: November 2013

Enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) is a leading cause of death due to diarrheal illness among young children in developing countries, and there is currently no effective vaccine. Many elements of ETEC pathogenesis are still poorly defined. Here we demonstrate that YghJ, a secreted ETEC antigen identified in immunoproteomic studies using convalescent patient sera, is required for efficient access to small intestinal enterocytes and for the optimal delivery of heat-labile toxin (LT). Furthermore, YghJ is a highly conserved metalloprotease that influences intestinal colonization of ETEC by degrading the major mucins in the small intestine, MUC2 and MUC3. Genes encoding YghJ and its cognate type II secretion system (T2SS), which also secretes LT, are highly conserved in ETEC and exist in other enteric pathogens, including other diarrheagenic
E. coli
and
Vibrio cholerae
bacteria, suggesting that this mucin-degrading enzyme may represent a shared virulence feature of these important pathogens.
THE HOMOLOGY GROUPS OF CERTAIN MODULI SPACES OF PLANE SHEAVES
Authors: MAICAN MARIO
Published: November 2013

Using the Białynicki-Birula method, we determine the additive structure of the integral homology groups of the moduli spaces of semi-stable sheaves on the projective plane having rank and Chern classes (5, 1, 4), (7, 2, 6), respectively, (0, 5, 19). We compute the Hodge numbers of these moduli spaces.
EFFECT OF Au AND Pt DEPOSITION AND THERMAL TREATMENT ON THE PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY OF AS-PREPARED ZnS NANOROD
Authors: PAL BONAMALI , SINGH ROHIT , SINGLA SHILPA
Published: November 2013

The wurtzite phase of ZnS -nanorods (NRs) (length 100–120 nm and width 10–15 nm) has been prepared by solvothermal method and 1 wt.% Au and Pt nanoparticles (2–5 nm) were photodeposited and sintered at 500°C for 2 h. ZnS -NR exhibits an exciton band at 283 nm and absorption onset at 304 nm (bandgap = 4.06 eV) as compared to 336 nm (bandgap = 3.77 eV) of bulk ZnS , indicating its quantum size effect. The absorption is red shifted to ~350 nm and ~366 nm after Au and Pt deposition, and also sintering led to quench the ZnS absorption band in UV region due to the exciton–plasmon interactions. Photoluminescence (PL) of ZnS -NRs (band at 366–377 nm) is significantly reduced after Au or Pt deposition and sintering. The photocatalytic activity of p-nitrophenol (PNP) degradation has been appreciably improved (rate constants k = 3.6 × 10-3 min-1 and k = 3.6 × 10-3 min-1) after 1 wt.% Pt loading on ZnS followed by sintering at 500°C for 2 h as compared to bare (k = 1.2 × 10-3 min-1) and sintered ZnS (k = 3.3 × 10-3 min-1) catalyst, respectively. Similarly, Au loading and sintering led to increased the k = 2.7 × 10-3 and 4.5 × 10-3 min-1 relative to bare ZnS -NR and direct photolysis (k = 0.3 × 10-3 min-1) of PNP under UV light (10.4 mWcm-2) irradiation. Sintering appreciably improves the ZnS (surface area = 58.9 m2g-1) photoactivity due to better crystallinity and removal of defect sites.
Regulation of PKC Autophosphorylation by Calponin in Contractile Vascular Smooth Muscle Tissue
Authors: Kim Hak Rim , Gallant Cynthia , Morgan Kathleen G.
Published: November 2013

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a key enzyme involved in agonist-induced smooth muscle contraction. In some cases, regulatory phosphorylation of PKC is required for full activation of the enzyme. However, this issue has largely been ignored with respect to PKC-dependent regulation of contractile vascular smooth muscle (VSM) contractility. The first event in PKC regulation is a transphosphorylation by PDK at a conserved threonine in the activation loop of PKC, followed by the subsequent autophosphorylation at the turn motif and hydrophobic motif sites. In the present study, we determined whether phosphorylation of PKC is a regulated process in VSM and also investigated a potential role of calponin in the regulation of PKC. We found that calponin increases the level of in vitro PKCαphosphorylation at the PDK and hydrophobic sites, but not the turn motif site. In vascular tissues, phosphorylation of the PKC hydrophobic site, but not turn motif site, as well as phosphorylation of PDK at S241 increased in response to phenylephrine. Calponin knockdown inhibits autophosphorylation of cellular PKC in response to phenylephrine, confirming results with recombinant PKC. Thus these results show that autophosphorylation of PKC is regulated in dVSM and calponin is necessary for autophosphorylation of PKC in VSM.
The Sinus That Breeds Fungus: Subcutaneous Zygomycosis Caused byBasidiobolus ranarumat the Injection Site
Authors: Jayanth S. T. , Gaikwad P. , Promila M. , Muthusami J. C.
Published: November 2013

Subcutaneous zygomycosis is caused byBasidiobolus ranarumwhich is endemic in India. We report a case of a housewife who presented with a persistent discharging sinus from the right gluteal region subsequent to an intramuscular injection which was refractory to empirical antituberculous therapy. She underwent an excision of the sinus tract, the culture of which yieldedB. ranarum. The wound improved with oral potassium iodide.
Maxwell’s Equations on Cantor Sets: A Local Fractional Approach
Authors: Zhao Yang , Baleanu Dumitru , Cattani Carlo , Cheng De-Fu , Yang Xiao-Jun
Published: November 2013

Maxwell’s equations on Cantor sets are derived from the local fractional vector calculus. It is shown that Maxwell’s equations on Cantor sets in a fractal bounded domain give efficiency and accuracy for describing the fractal electric and magnetic fields. Local fractional differential forms of Maxwell’s equations on Cantor sets in the Cantorian and Cantor-type cylindrical coordinates are obtained. Maxwell's equations on Cantor set with local fractional operators are the first step towards a unified theory of Maxwell’s equations for the dynamics of cold dark matter.
Surgical Treatment for Achalasia of the Esophagus: Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy
Authors: Torres-Villalobos Gonzalo , Martin-del-Campo Luis Alfonso
Published: November 2013

Achalasia is an esophageal motility disorder that leads to dysphagia, chest pain, and weight loss. Its diagnosis is clinically suspected and is confirmed with esophageal manometry. Although pneumatic dilation has a role in the treatment of patients with achalasia, laparoscopic Heller myotomy is considered by many experts as the best treatment modality for most patients with newly diagnosed achalasia. This review will focus on the surgical treatment of achalasia, with special emphasis on laparoscopic Heller myotomy. We will also present a brief discussion of the evaluation of patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms after surgical treatment for achalasia and emerging technologies such as LESS, robot-assisted myotomy, and POEM.
Tensorial Kernel Principal Component Analysis for Action Recognition
Authors: Liu Cong , Wei-sheng Xu , Qi-di Wu
Published: November 2013

We propose the Tensorial Kernel Principal Component Analysis (TKPCA) for dimensionality reduction and feature extraction from tensor objects, which extends the conventional Principal Component Analysis (PCA) in two perspectives: working directly with multidimensional data (tensors) in their native state and generalizing an existing linear technique to its nonlinear version by applying the kernel trick. Our method aims to remedy the shortcomings of multilinear subspace learning (tensorial PCA) developed recently in modelling the nonlinear manifold of tensor objects and brings together the desirable properties of kernel methods and tensor decompositions for significant performance gain when the data are multidimensional and nonlinear dependencies do exist. Our approach begins by formulating TKPCA as an optimization problem. Then, we develop a kernel function based on Grassmann Manifold that can directly take tensorial representation as parameters instead of traditional vectorized representation. Furthermore, a TKPCA-based tensor object recognition is also proposed for application of the action recognition. Experiments with real action datasets show that the proposed method is insensitive to both noise and occlusion and performs well compared with state-of-the-art algorithms.
Unidirectional Dual-Band CPW-Fed Antenna Loaded with an AMC Reflector
Authors: Luo Qun , Tian Huiping , Huang Zhitong , Wang Xudong , Guo Zheng , Ji Yuefeng
Published: November 2013

A unidirectional dual-band coplanar waveguide fed antenna (DB-CPWFA) loaded with a reflector is presented in this paper. The reflector is made of an electric ground plane, a dielectric substrate, and artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) which shows an effective dual operational bandwidth. Then, the closely spaced AMC reflector is employed under the DB-DPWFA for performance improvement including unidirectional radiation, low profile, gain enhancement, and higher front-to-back (F/B) ratio. The final antenna design exhibits an 8% and 13% impedance bandwidths for 2.45 GHz and 5.8 GHz frequency regions, respectively. The overall gain enhancement of about 4 dB is achieved. The F/B ratio is approximate to 20 dB with a 16 dB improvement. The measured results are inconsistent with the numerical values. The presented design is a suitable candidate for radio frequency identification (RFID) reader application.
How Much Does AMH Really Vary in Normal Women?
Authors: La Marca Antonio , Grisendi Valentina , Griesinger Georg
Published: November 2013

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is an ovarian hormone expressed in growing follicles that have undergone recruitment from the primordial follicle pool but have not yet been selected for dominance. It is considered an accurate marker of ovarian reserve, able to reflect the size of the ovarian follicular pool of a woman of reproductive age. In comparison to other hormonal biomarkers such as serum FSH, low intra- and intermenstrual cycle variability have been proposed for AMH. This review summarizes the knowledge regarding within-subject variability, with particular attention on AMH intracycle variability. Moreover the impact of ethnicity, body mass index, and smoking behaviour on AMH interindividual variability will be reviewed. Finally changes in AMH serum levels in two conditions of ovarian quiescence, namely contraceptives use and pregnancy, will be discussed. The present review aims at guiding researchers and clinicians in interpreting AMH values and fluctuations in various research and clinical scenarios.
Childhood Height and Body Mass Index Were Associated with Risk of Adult Thyroid Cancer in a Large Cohort Study
Authors: Kitahara Cari M. , Gamborg Michael , Berrington de González Amy , Sørensen Thorkild I.A. , Baker Jennifer L.
Published: November 2013

Taller stature and obesity in adulthood have been consistently associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer, but few studies have investigated the role of childhood body size. Using data from a large prospective cohort, we examined associations for height and body mass index (BMI) at ages 7 to 13 years with risk of thyroid cancer in later life. The study population included 321,085 children from the Copenhagen School Health Records Register, born between 1930 and 1989 in Copenhagen, Denmark, with measurements of height and weight from 7 to 13 years of age. These data were linked with the Danish Cancer Registry to identify incident thyroid cancer cases (1968–2010). Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for age- and sex-specific height and BMI SD scores (SDS) using proportional hazards models stratified by birth cohort and sex. During follow-up (median = 38.6 years), 171 women and 64 men were diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Both height and BMI were positively associated with thyroid cancer risk, and these associations were similar by age at measurement. Using age 10 as an example, HRs per 1 unit increase in SDS for height (∼6–7 cm) and BMI (∼ 1.5–2 kg/m2) were 1.22 (95% CI, 1.07–1.40) and 1.15 (95% CI, 1.00–1.34), respectively. These results, together with the relatively young ages at which thyroid cancers are diagnosed compared with other malignancies, suggest a potential link between early-life factors related to growth and body weight and thyroid carcinogenesis. Cancer Res; 74(1); 235–42. ©2013 AACR.
Secondary sexual coloration is related to white blood cell counts and testosterone in male southeastern five-lined skinks (Plestiodon inexpectatus)
Authors: Seddon Ryan , Klukowski Matthew
Published: November 2013

The immunocompetence handicap hypothesis posits that secondary sexual coloration can honestly signal male quality because elevated testosterone, which is necessary for the expression of the coloration, also handicaps males through immunosuppression. Thus only high quality males can express the showiest coloration in spite of immunosuppression. Here we report a test of the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis in southeastern five-lined skinks, Plestiodon inexpectatus, which exhibit a reddish-orange head coloration during the breeding season. We tested whether head coloration is related to circulating testosterone concentrations and reflects the status of a male’s immune system, as measured by total leukocyte counts. As predicted, hue, saturation, and extent of head coloration were correlated with plasma testosterone, and the brightness of the head was negatively correlated with total circulating leukocytes. While results are consistent with the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis, additional studies that include experimental manipulations of testosterone levels and measure other aspects of immunity are warranted.
Parthenogenetic and sexual species within the Haploembia solieri species complex (Embioptera: Oligotomidae) found in California
Authors: Hodson Alicia M. , Cook Sarah E. , Edgerly Janice S. , Miller Kelly B.
Published: November 2013

Webspinners in the genus Haploembia Verhoeff (Embioptera: Oligotomidae) were introduced into California from their native range in the Mediterranean region. In that region the genus has long been thought to comprise a single widespread species Haploembia solieri (Rambur) with both sexual and asexual populations and two additional sexual species with restricted ranges in the Mediterranean. For most of its known history in California, only asexual populations of Haploembia solieri were collected. However, within the last couple of decades, sexual populations have been discovered. The purpose of this project is to determine whether a single species of Haploembia solieri exists in California, which may imply reacquisition of sex, or whether these populations represent two or more species. To resolve this question DNA sequence data were acquired from multiple populations (sexual and asexual) of Californian, New Mexican, and Mediterranean Haploembia solieri, including both nuclear (histone 3) and mitochondrial (cytochrome oxidase I) genes. These data were included in a phylogenetic analysis to resolve relationships between these individuals. Our analysis shows asexual California specimens grouping with the asexual specimens from Sardinia; whereas the sexual California specimens group separately from both asexual specimens, and sexual Mediterranean specimens. Therefore, we conclude that there are two species of Haploembia introduced into California and at least three species involved in what was historically considered H. solieri.
Selective Impairment of Timing Functions in Non-Clinical Impulsiveness
Authors: Mueller Anna K. , Berger Justus , Tucha Oliver , Falter Christine M.
Published: November 2013

Time processing abnormalities in impulsive individuals have been reported by numerous studies, mostly using interval timing tasks. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether the relationship between time processing and impulsivity as a personality trait also holds for very short timescales as tested using a perceptual simultaneity task and for orientation towards longer temporal dimensions in terms of subjective time perspective. Thresholds of perceptual simultaneity were determined for forty-eight participants and their self-rated level of impulsivity and time perspective was assessed. Self-rated impulsivity and time perspective were found to be strongly related, but no relationship was found for impulsivity and perceptual simultaneity thresholds. These results suggest that perceptual simultaneity does not fall within the realm of timing functions related to personalities characterized by higher levels of impulsivity. The relationship between time processing and impulsivity seems to be selective to certain timing functions sparing very short timescales relevant for perceptual simultaneity.
Four new species of the genus Smaragdina Chevrolat, 1836 from China (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae: Clytrini)
Authors: WANG FENG-YAN , ZHOU HONG-ZHANG
Published: November 2013

Four new species are described for the genus Smaragdina, from Sichuan, Yunnan and Zhejiang provinces of China: Smaragdina tianmuensis sp. nov., S. yajiangensis sp. nov., S. yangae sp. nov., and S. zhangi sp. nov. The Chinese fauna of the genus is thus increased to 64 species. Color plates and line drawings of habitus, maxilla, labium, as well as those characters from the internal morphology like male genitalia, female spermatheca, and rectal sclerites are provided.
Two new species of Tylototriton from Thailand (Amphibia: Urodela: Salamandridae)
Authors: NISHIKAWA KANTO , KHONSUE WICHASE , POMCHOTE PORRAWEE , MATSUI MASAFUMI
Published: November 2013

Three morphological groups are found in a salamandrid newt Tylototriton shanjing from Thailand. We describe two of them as new species, one from northern and the other from northeastern Thailand, based on molecular and morphological data, however we could not make a taxonomic decision on the remaining one group because of the lack of voucher specimens and sufficient genetic data. The northern species differs morphologically from all known congeners by having the combination of orange to reddish brown markings, narrow and sharply protruding dorsolateral bony ridges on head, weakly segmented vertebral ridge, and long and high tail. The northeastern species is characterized by having the combination of yellow, orange, or reddish brown markings, wide and moderately protruding dorsolateral bony ridges on head, smooth vertebral ridge, black limbs, and black tail except for edges. Validity of taxonomic subdivision of the genus Tylototriton is discussed.
Bathymetry Estimation Using Drifter-Based Velocity Measurements on the Kootenai River, Idaho
Authors: Landon Kyle C. , Wilson Greg W. , Özkan-Haller H. Tuba , MacMahan Jamie H.
Published: November 2013

Velocity measurements from drifter GPS records are used in an ensemble-based data assimilation technique to extract the river bathymetry. The method is tested on a deep meandering reach and a shallow braided reach of the Kootenai River in Idaho. The Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) is used to model numerous statistically varied bathymetries to create an ensemble of hydrodynamic states. These states, the drifter observations, and the uncertainty of each are combined to form a cost function that is minimized to produce an estimated velocity field and bathymetry. The goals of this study are to assess whether ROMS can accurately reproduce the Kootenai River flow to an extent that depth estimation is feasible, to investigate if drifter paths are sensitive enough to bottom topography to make depth estimation possible, and to establish practical limitations of the present methodology. At both test sites, the depth estimation method produced a bathymetry that was more accurate than the prior estimate.
Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Kelly Darlene G. , Tappenden Kelly A. , Winkler Marion F.
Published: November 2013

Short bowel syndrome (SBS) occurs as a result of intestinal resection, and in many patients is associated with complications, such as diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, and nutrition deficiencies. Many individuals with SBS develop intestinal failure and require parenteral nutrition (PN) and/or intravenous (IV) fluids (PN/IV). Although PN is essential for survival, some patients with SBS who require long‐term PN experience significant complications that contribute to morbidity and mortality. Consequently, therapies that decrease reliance on PN are of considerable importance. Intestinal adaptation, which results in morphologic and functional changes that increase performance of the remnant bowel, occurs spontaneously after intestinal resection. These effects can be enhanced with nutrition and pharmaceutical approaches. For example, oral or tube‐fed nutrients stimulate growth and adaptation of intestinal tissues. In addition, prebiotics support growth of beneficial intestinal microbiota that produce short‐chain fatty acids, which have been shown in preclinical studies to enhance intestinal structure and function. Finally, glucagon‐like peptide 2 (GLP‐2) is an endogenous peptide that promotes intestinal rehabilitation and improves intestinal absorption. Teduglutide, a recombinant human GLP‐2 analog, has recently been approved in the United States for the treatment of adults with SBS who are dependent on PN. In pharmacodynamic and clinical studies, teduglutide has been shown to promote changes in intestinal structure, such as increases in villus height and crypt depth, and to improve intestinal absorption, as indicated by reduced PN/IV dependence. This article presents a brief overview of SBS, including effects on survival and quality of life and current treatment options.
Progress on electrodynamic passive magnetic bearings for rotor levitation
Authors: Detoni JG
Published: November 2013

Electrodynamic suspension exploits repulsive forces due to eddy currents to produce positive stiffness by passive means, without violating the Earnshaw stability criterion. Systems employing this principle to levitate a rotor radial and/or axial degrees of freedom are called electrodynamic bearings (EDBs). Since the eddy currents can be induced either by using alternating current supplied electromagnets or by the relative motion between a conductor and a constant magnetic field, the research on EDBs has developed many different configurations. The present paper reviews the literature on electrodynamic passive magnetic bearings to analyze the evolution of this technology toward completely passive, stable, rotor levitation, and to compare the EDBs performance with other common magnetic bearing technologies. Radial and axial EDB technologies are reviewed attempting to create an organized connection between the works and to discuss some critical issues that still preclude the use of EDBs in industrial applications.
Producing mobility through locality and visibility: Developing a transnational perspective on sports labour migration
Authors: Engh Mari Haugaa , Agergaard Sine
Published: November 2013

To date, studies of sports labour migration have afforded little attention to analyses of how individual athletes relate to historical and macro- structural power relations and forces. In this article, we set out to develop a transnational perspective on sports labour migration, focusing particularly on migrants’ achievement and maintenance of mobility as a key constituting factor in migratory movements. We argue that athletic mobility is an on-going process, a commodity that must continuously be achieved. The article provides material from an on-going PhD project concerning migratory routes between African and Scandinavian women’s football, and focuses attention on a case study of Nigerian women footballers’ migration out of their country of origin and into Scandinavian football clubs. The article concludes that, despite the unequal power relations that shape the global trade in athletic talent, sports migrants assert agency and control over important aspects of transnational movement and mobility.
CMV-specific CD8+ T-cell function is not impaired in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: te Raa G. Doreen , Pascutti Maria Fernanda , García-Vallejo Juan J. , Reinen Emilie , Remmerswaal Ester B. M. , ten Berge Ineke J. M. , van Lier René A. W. , Eldering Eric , van Oers Marinus H. J. , Tonino Sanne H. , Kater Arnon P.
Published: November 2013

Key Points

Expression of exhaustion markers is decreased on CMV-specific CD8+ T cells from CLL patients as compared with those from age-matched HCs. Functionality of CMV-specific CD8+ T cells in CLL with respect to cytokine production, cytotoxicity, and immune synapse formation is preserved.
Identification of phenylpropanoid biosynthetic genes and phenylpropanoid accumulation by transcriptome analysis of Lycium chinense
Authors: Zhao Shicheng , Tuan Pham Anh , Li Xiaohua , Kim Yeon Bok , Kim HyeRan , Park Chun Geon , Yang Jingli , Li Cheng Hao , Park Sang Un
Published: November 2013

Background

Lycium chinense is well known in traditional Chinese herbal medicine for its medicinal value and composition, which have been widely studied for decades. However, further research on Lycium chinense is limited due to the lack of transcriptome and genomic information.

Results

The transcriptome of L. chinense was constructed by using an Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencing platform. All 56,526 unigenes with an average length of 611 nt and an N50 equaling 848 nt were generated from 58,192,350 total raw reads after filtering and assembly. Unigenes were assembled by BLAST similarity searches and annotated with Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) orthology identifiers. Using these transcriptome data, the majority of genes that are associated with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in L. chinense were identified. In addition, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis-related gene expression and compound content in different organs were analyzed. We found that most phenylpropanoid genes were highly expressed in the red fruits, leaves, and flowers. An important phenylpropanoid, chlorogenic acid, was also found to be extremely abundant in leaves.

Conclusions

Using Illumina sequencing technology, we have identified the function of novel homologous genes that regulate metabolic pathways in Lycium chinense.
Fixed point theorems of contractive mappings of integral type
Authors: Liu Zeqing , Li Jinglei , Kang Shin Min
Published: November 2013

Three fixed point theorems for three general classes of contractive mappings of integral type in complete metric spaces are proved. Three examples are included.

MSC:54H25.
Synthetic pre-microRNAs reveal dual-strand activity of miR-34a on TNF-α
Authors: Guennewig Boris , Roos Martina , Dogar Afzal M. , Gebert Luca F.R. , Zagalak Julian A. , Vongrad Valentina , Metzner Karin J. , Hall Jonathan
Published: November 2013

Functional microRNAs (miRNAs) are produced from both arms of their precursors (pre-miRNAs). Their abundances vary in context-dependent fashion spatiotemporarily and there is mounting evidence of regulatory interplay between them. Here, we introduce chemically synthesized pre-miRNAs (syn-pre-miRNAs) as a general class of accessible, easily transfectable mimics of pre-miRNAs. These are RNA hairpins, identical in sequence to natural pre-miRNAs. They differ from commercially available miRNA mimics through their complete hairpin structure, including any regulatory elements in their terminal-loop regions and their potential to introduce both strands into RISC. They are distinguished from transcribed pre-miRNAs by their terminal 5′ hydroxyl groups and their precisely defined terminal nucleotides. We demonstrate with several examples how they fully recapitulate the properties of pre-miRNAs, including their processing by Dicer into functionally active 5p- and 3p-derived mature miRNAs. We use syn-pre-miRNAs to show that miR-34a uses its 5p and 3p miRNAs in two pathways: apoptosis during TGF-β signaling, where SIRT1 and SP4 are suppressed by miR-34a-5p and miR-34a-3p, respectively; and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activation of primary human monocyte-derived macrophages, where TNF (TNFα) is suppressed by miR-34a-5p indirectly and miR-34a-3p directly. Our results add to growing evidence that the use of both arms of a miRNA may be a widely used mechanism. We further suggest that syn-pre-miRNAs are ideal and affordable tools to investigate these mechanisms.