bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the training load during a hypertrophy‐type resistance training programme in men and women
Authors: Ribeiro Alex S. , Avelar Ademar , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Fleck Steven J. , Souza Mariana F. , Padilha Camila S. , Cyrino Edilson S.
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study was to analyze the specific training load during a resistance training (RT) programme designed to increase muscular hypertrophy in men and women. Thirty‐four women (22.7 ± 4.1 years, 58.8 ± 11.9 kg, 162.6 ± 6.2 cm and 22.1 ± 3.6 kg.m−2) and 30 men (22.7 ± 4.4 years, 68.4 ± 9.0 kg, 174.5 ± 6.6 cm and 22.5 ± 2.4 kg.m−2) underwent a supervised RT programme that was divided into two phases of 8 weeks each. Training consisted of 10–12 exercises performed with three sets of 8–12 repetitions at repetition maximum resistances performed 3 times per week on nonconsecutive days. There was a significant (P < 0.05) main effect for gender by time interaction for average training load of all the exercises performed in the first 8 weeks of RT with women showing a higher relative increase than men (+43.6% vs. +32.5%, respectively). This result was not observed during the second 8‐week phase of the RT programme during which no significant gender by time interaction (P > 0.05) was shown with both genders having a similar relative increase (+28.7% vs. +24.3%, respectively). Women had a higher increase than men in specific average training load of the upper limb exercises during both the first 8 weeks of training (+30.2% vs. +26.6%, respectively) and the second 8 weeks of training (+31.1% vs. +25.3%, respectively). We conclude that the adaptation in specific training load is influenced by gender.
F−/Cl− selectivity in CLCF-type F−/H+ antiporters
Authors: Brammer Ashley E. , Stockbridge Randy B. , Miller Christopher
Published: July 2014

Many bacterial species protect themselves against environmental F− toxicity by exporting this anion from the cytoplasm via CLCF F−/H+ antiporters, a subclass of CLC superfamily anion transporters. Strong F− over Cl− selectivity is biologically essential for these membrane proteins because Cl− is orders of magnitude more abundant in the biosphere than F−. Sequence comparisons reveal differences between CLCFs and canonical Cl−-transporting CLCs within regions that, in the canonical CLCs, coordinate Cl− ion and govern anion transport. A phylogenetic split within the CLCF clade, manifested in sequence divergence in the vicinity of this ion-binding center, raises the possibility that these two CLCF subclades might exhibit differences in anion selectivity. Several CLCF homologues from each subclade were examined for F−/Cl− selectivity of anion transport and equilibrium binding. Differences in both of these anion-selectivity metrics correlate with sequence divergence among CLCFs. Chimeric constructs identify two residues in this region that largely account for the subclade differences in selectivity. In addition, these experiments serendipitously uncovered an unusually steep, Cl−-specific voltage dependence of transport that greatly enhances F− selectivity at low voltage.
The Heterogeneity of Clinical Practice Patterns among an International Cohort of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Experts
Authors: Ryan John J. , Butrous Ghazwan , Maron Bradley A.
Published: July 2014

The extent to which pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) experts share common practice patterns that are in alignment with published expert consensus recommendations is unknown. Our objective was to characterize the clinical management strategies used by an international cohort of self‐identified PAH experts. A 32‐item questionnaire composed mainly of rank order or Likert scale questions was distributed via the Internet (August 5, 2013, through January 20, 2014) to four international pulmonary vascular disease organizations. The survey respondents (N = 105) were field experts reporting 11.6 ± 8.7 years of PAH experience. Likert scale responses (1 = disagree, 7 = agree) were 3.0–5.0, indicating a disparity in opinions, for 78% of questions. Respondent (dis)agreement scores were 4.4 ± 2.2 for use of expert recommendations to determine catheterization timing in PAH. For PAH patients without cardiogenic shock or known vasoreactivity status, the most and least preferred first‐line therapies (1 = most preferred, 5 = least preferred) were phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE‐Vi) and subcutaneous prostacyclin analogues, respectively (1.4 ± 0.8 vs. 4.0 ± 1.1; P < 0.05). Compared with US‐practicing clinicians (N = 46), non‐US‐practicing clinicians (N = 57) favored collaboration between cardiology and pulmonary medicine for clinical decision making (1 = disagree, 7 = agree; 3.1 ± 2.2 vs. 4.8 ± 2.2; P < 0.0001) and PDE‐Vi (6.5% vs. 22.4%) as first‐line therapy for PAH patients with cardiogenic shock but were less likely to perform vasoreactivity testing in patients with lung disease–induced pulmonary hypertension (4.3 ± 2.1 vs. 2.2 ± 1.6; P < 0.0001). In conclusion, practice patterns among PAH experts diverge from consensus recommendations and differ by practice location, suggesting that opportunity may exist to improve care quality for this highly morbid cardiopulmonary disease.
Toric stacks I: The theory of stacky fans
Authors: Geraschenko Anton , Satriano Matthew
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this paper and its sequel is to introduce and develop a theory of toric stacks which encompasses and extends several notions of toric stacks defined in the literature, as well as classical toric varieties.

In this paper, we define a toric stack as the stack quotient of a toric variety by a subgroup of its torus (we also define a generically stacky version). Any toric stack arises from a combinatorial gadget called a stacky fan. We develop a dictionary between the combinatorics of stacky fans and the geometry of toric stacks, stressing stacky phenomena such as canonical stacks and good moduli space morphisms.

We also show that smooth toric stacks carry a moduli interpretation extending the usual moduli interpretations of

P

n

\mathbb {P}^n

and

[

A

1

/

G

m

]

[\mathbb {A}^1/\mathbb {G}_m]

. Indeed, smooth toric stacks precisely solve moduli problems specified by (generalized) effective Cartier divisors with given linear relations and given intersection relations. Smooth toric stacks therefore form a natural closure to the class of moduli problems introduced for smooth toric varieties and smooth toric DM stacks in papers by Cox and Perroni, respectively.

We include a plethora of examples to illustrate the general theory. We hope that this theory of toric stacks can serve as a companion to an introduction to stacks, in much the same way that toric varieties can serve as a companion to an introduction to schemes.
Introduction to Competition Law
Authors: Jones Alison , Sufrin Brenda
Published: July 2014

All books in this flagship series contain carefully selected substantial extracts from key cases, legislation, and academic debate, providing able students with a stand-alone resource. This introductory chapter discusses the following: the objectives of competition law; US law; schools of competition analysis and theories and concepts relevant to competition law; ordoliberalism and its implications for competition policy; EU competition law; competition law and the international context; the techniques and tools of competition law; and market power, market definition, and barriers to entry.
Dermatologic Manifestations of Infectious Disease
Authors: Schalock Peter C. , Sober Arthur J.
Published: July 2014

Infections are a leading cause of death globally. Skin lesions can be a primary location for infection or can manifest as an outward sign of a systemic infection. This chapter aims to review the common fungal, bacterial, and viral skin infections, as well as skin manifestations of sexually transmitted diseases and of bugs and bites of medical importance.
Infectious Disease Board Review Questions
Authors: Johnson Jennifer A.
Published: July 2014

This chapter provides 27 Infectious Disease Board Review Questions based on the previous seven chapters.
Genitourinary Cancers
Authors: Elfiky Aymen A. , Pomerantz Mark M. , Katz Leah M. , Oh William K.
Published: July 2014

Since the introduction of widespread prostate cancer screening in the United States in the early 1990s, the incidence of prostate cancer has increased substantially. After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American men. In the prostate cancer-screening era, the majority of newly diagnosed cases are localized (i.e., tumor is confined to the prostate gland). Therefore, most patients have the opportunity for curative therapy. Yet, the benefits of population-wide screening and optimal treatment remain controversial. This section reviews the epidemiology, risk factors, and screening of prostate cancer, as well as treatment options at different stages of disease.
Hematology Board Review Questions
Authors: Losman Julie-Aurore , Ebert Benjamin L.
Published: July 2014

This chapter provides 14 Hematology Board Review Questions based on the previous ten chapters.
Common Soft Tissue Pain Syndromes
Authors: Helfgott Simon M.
Published: July 2014

The soft tissue pain syndromes are among the most common conditions that a primary care physician encounters in daily practice. They are characterized by local or regional pain and discomfort, often made worse by palpation of the adjacent soft tissue or movement of the nearby joint. When they involve the soft tissues near a joint, they can be associated with decreased range of motion of the joint, and the resultant loss of function can be significant. The diagnosis is clinical and based on the history and physical examination of the patient. Imaging and lab testing, when indicated, may help eliminate other diagnoses such as fracture or significant arthritis damage but rarely confirm a soft tissue pain syndrome. Thus, it may not be surprising that many patients are either undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leading to costly evaluations including unnecessary imaging and costly therapeutics. This chapter reviews some of the more common forms of soft tissue pain syndromes, their clinical presentations, the physical examination findings, and the appropriate management of these conditions.
Rheumatic and Immunologic Disease Board Review Questions
Authors: Mody Elinor A.
Published: July 2014

This chapter provides 19 Rheumatic and Immunologic Disease Board Review Questions based on the previous ten chapters.
Pulmonary Function Tests
Authors: Richards Jeremy B. , Roberts David H.
Published: July 2014

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) include the measurement of velocity and volume of expiratory flow (spirometry), static volumes (lung volumes), diffusion of gases across the alveolar-capillary membrane (diffusion capacity), and respiratory muscle strength. PFTs can both identify patterns and quantify the severity of a variety of respiratory system diseases. The indications for performing PFTs in a given individual vary and may include diagnostic evaluation of symptoms, monitoring of disease stability or progression, assessing acute or long-term response to treatment, or providing preoperative pulmonary assessment.
Chest X-Ray Refresher
Authors: Fanta Christopher H.
Published: July 2014

This Chest X-Ray Refresher is organized as a game. For each of the three topics to be discussed, we offer four chest x-rays and four clinical histories. The order of each set is random. The exercise asks that you consider the clues in the history and the findings on chest x-ray to match the history with the x-ray. In many instances, the combination will suggest a diagnosis or a limited differential of diagnostic possibilities. The three topics to be discussed are hemoptysis, chronic interstitial lung diseases, and obstructive lung diseases.
Disorders of Calcium Metabolism
Authors: Becker Carolyn B.
Published: July 2014

This chapter begins with a discussion of the diagnosis and classification of diabetes. Strategies to prevent diabetes and its complications are reviewed. The major focus of the presentation will be glucose management.
Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Garg Rajesh K. , Pendergrass Merri
Published: July 2014

Acutely uncontrolled diabetes, characterized by hyperglycemia and tissue catabolism, can cause fatigue, polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, visual changes, coma, and death. Although the risk for ketoacidosis is markedly higher in type 1 diabetes, characterized by absolute insulin deficiency, it can also occur in type 2 diabetes (usually in the setting of major stress). With the development of effective therapies to control symptomatic hyperglycemia, the chief concern of chronic diabetes management has moved on to the prevention of long-term complications associated with hyperglycemia, including the microvascular complications of retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, and macrovascular (cardiovascular) disease. Maintaining glycemia as close to normal as possible without unacceptable hypoglycemia and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol have been demonstrated to prevent or delay progression of complications of diabetes.
Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Garg Rajesh K.
Published: July 2014

Bone is a dynamic and complex organ that undergoes constant remodeling. It consists of an organic matrix (collagen and some noncollagenous proteins), minerals (calcium and phosphate in hydroxyapatite crystals), and water. Normally bone mass is maintained by a tight coupling of bone breakdown by osteoclasts followed by bone formation by osteoblasts. This chapter summarizes three metabolic bone diseases. Osteoporosis is characterized by a decreased bone mass with a normal mineral-to-matrix ratio and superimposed skeletal fragility and fractures; osteomalacia occurs when there is a reduced mineralization of the matrix; and Paget's disease is a disorder in which there is excessive, disorganized bone resorption and formation.
Metabolic Bone Diseases
Authors: LeBoff Meryl S.
Published: July 2014

This chapter provides 15 Endocrine Board Review Questions.
Parenchymal Renal Disease
Authors: Alexander Mariam P. , Singh Ajay K.
Published: July 2014

Parenchymal renal disease can be considered anatomically under the headings of glomerular, tubular, tubulointerstitial, and vascular disease. Most patients present with a clinical syndrome of nephron injury. The clinical features of parenchymal renal disease frequently depend on the component of the kidney that is affected—for example, glomerulonephritis presents with worsened kidney function, hypertension, hematuria, proteinuria, and red cell casts. Tubulointerstitial nephritis presents with azotemia, pyuria and/or white cell casts.
Nephrology Summary
Authors: Singh Ajay K. , Subramanian Kuyilan Karai
Published: July 2014

This chapter provides a summary on Nephrology.
The Cardiac Examination
Authors: Loscalzo Joseph
Published: July 2014

In this era of high technology and expensive testing, there is nothing more important than a good history and physical examination in the process of medical care. A focused cardiac history allows the clinician to establish a differential diagnosis. The physical examination is utilized not only as an overall assessment of the cardiovascular system but more specifically to pursue those diagnoses in the historical differential that can be confirmed or refuted by the physical findings. Critical physical examination findings are rarely uncovered unless the clinician is specifically probing for given physical examination characteristics and knows what would be expected in the face of disease. Only by applying skilled history and physical examination techniques can the clinician determine the rank order of the differential diagnosis and order those tests most likely to answer the question with the least inconvenience, pain, and cost to the patient.
Preoperative Evaluation and Management Before Major Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Schaffer Adam C. , McKean Sylvia C. W.
Published: July 2014

There are more than 10 million major noncardiac surgical procedures performed in the United States per year, and this number is expected to grow as the population ages. The problem of perioperative cardiac events among patients undergoing noncardiac surgery is significant. The estimated risk of myocardial infarction (MI) in patients undergoing noncardiac surgery is 1.1% among unselected patients and 3.1% among patients at elevated risk of cardiac disease. The task of the internist providing preoperative evaluation of patients is not to provide medical “clearance.” Instead, the role of the internist is, in addition to answering any specific questions posed by the requesting physician, to provide a thorough assessment of the patient's cardiovascular and other risks for the procedure. This risk assessment can assist in the balancing of risks and benefits that influences whether the surgeon decides to go forward with the procedure. The consulting internist must also provide specific suggestions regarding further testing that may be indicated for preoperative risk stratification and, most importantly, recommendations for measures that can be taken to mitigate the identified risks.
Allergy and Immunology
Authors: Castells Mariana C.
Published: July 2014

Chapter 100 dicusses allergy and immunology, including allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma, urticaria and angiodema, ABPA, food allergy, anaphylaxis, mastocytosis, and immunodeficiencies.
Geriatrics
Authors: Simone Mark J. , Salamon Suzanne E.
Published: July 2014

Geriatric medicine is the subspecialty of internal medicine that focuses on the care of patients over the age of 65. As life expectancy increases and the baby boom generation reaches old age, there will be a significant increase in this population. As of 2000 there were 35 million people 65 and older. This number is expected to double to over 70 million by 2030. The 85+ population is projected to increase from 4.2 million in 2000 to 7.3 million in 2020. There will never be enough geriatric specialists to care for this group of patients, so all health care providers must be aware of the key principles of geriatrics.

The effects of normal aging and disease-related changes common in older adults necessitate a unique approach to caring for this group. There are several geriatric syndromes encountered regularly in elderly adults. These include polypharmacy, dementia, delirium, late-life depression, urinary incontinence, and falls.
General Internal Medicine Board Review Questions
Authors: Morris Charles A.
Published: July 2014

This chapter provides 21 General Internal Medicine Board Review Questions.
Internal Medicine Summary
Authors: Morris Charles A.
Published: July 2014

This chapter provides a summary of topics in Internal Medicine.
Board Practice 3
Authors: Kritek Patricia A. , Goessling Wolfram
Published: July 2014

This chapter contains 16 questions in a Board Practice Test.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Following Critical Illness
Authors: Jones Christina , Griffiths Richard D
Published: July 2014

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been shown to be a significant problem for both patients and relatives after critical illness. For patients the recall of delusional memories from the period in ICU can be a powerful trigger for the development of PTSD. Such memories are described by patients as very vivid and difficult to separate from reality. Early recognition and treatment of PTSD, where needed, can reduce the long term effects. Chronic PTSD, where symptoms have been present for three months after the traumatic event, is associated with a number of long term health problems such as chronic pain. It can also have profound effects on relationships, financial status and overall wellbeing. The provision of an ICU diary has been shown to reduce the incidence of PTSD in patients and reduce the level of PTSD-related symptoms in family members. For the majority of patients this relatively simple intervention helps them to fill in memory gaps and combat any delusional memories they may recall.
Neurological complications of Lyme borreliosis
Authors: Singh-Curry Victoria , Arnold Amber , O’Connell Sue
Published: July 2014

European Lyme borreliosis commonly presents with neurological complications such as mono-neuritis multiplex, radiculopathy, and encephalopathy. This chapter describes a case of Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) accompanied by the epidemiology, tick-borne transmission, diagnosis, and management of the condition. A discussion on the range of clinical presentations that are compatible with acute LNB and treatment outcomes of LNB follows, together with a discussion of late LNB or post-Lyme syndrome.
HIV-associated multicentric Castleman’s disease
Authors: Rayment Michael , Bower Mark
Published: July 2014

HIV-associated multicentric Castleman’s disease (HIV-MCD) is a rare, life-threatening complication of HIV infection. Its incidence appears to be increasing in the post-HAART era, and the disease may occur at any CD4 count, and in individuals on and off antiretroviral therapy. The links between HIV-MCD, HHV-8, and Kaposi’s sarcoma herpesvirus are described. Insights into the pathophysiology of the disorder have informed new, targeted therapies. Such therapies, including the monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody rituximab, have made this a treatable condition with excellent short- and medium-term outcomes. The condition runs a relapsing and remitting course and patients must be monitored indefinitely. This chapter presents a case study of HIV-MCD with end-organ dysfunction. We describe the clinical features of HIV-MCD, consider useful diagnostic modalities in the work-up of the condition (including histological features, the measurement of human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8) DNA levels, and the use of positron emission tomography), and discuss current treatment options and outcomes. Clinical tips alert clinicians to salient features of the disorder and its management. The putative pathophysiology of HIV-MCD is discussed.
Developments in the treatment of hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Doyle Tomas , Webster Daniel
Published: July 2014

The burden of HCV-related diseases, in terms of mortality and cost, remains considerable and HCV remains a potential cause of morbidity, mortality, and need for liver transplantation. For many years, patients with chronic HCV have been promised that new, more effective drugs are ‘just around the corner’. Now, advances in drug discovery mean that there is a pipeline of candidate drugs in development and many at the stage of clinical testing with encouraging results. This chapter describes a case of a patient who has relapsed on traditional ribavirin and interferon therapy and is successfully treated with a new regimen containing a directly acting antiviral (DAA). DAAs are discussed with particular attention to prognostic indicators and side-effect profiles.
Staphylococcal prosthetic joint infection
Authors: Bouzidi Kate El , Laundy Matthew
Published: July 2014

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a catastrophic complication and the majority of cases are caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci or Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococci adhere to native bone and prostheses and can form biofilms to protect against the host immune response and antibiotic penetration. Diagnosis may be difficult in the absence of fever and raised inflammatory markers, and radiology findings are often non-specific. A microbiological diagnosis may be obtained by tissue cultures or newer techniques such as sonication and PCR. The infection in the case was identified as methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Different surgical strategies available to manage prosthetic joint infection are discussed including one- and two-stage revision arthroplasty, DAIR (debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention), and the use of antibiotic-eluting spacers and cement. There is controversy regarding the choice, duration, and route of administration of antibiotic therapy and whether prolonged systemic therapy is required at all. PJI creates a significant economic burden and infection control procedures are imperative to reduce the impact on patients and healthcare resources.
Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Hatcher James , Loebinger Michael
Published: July 2014

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) is common and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Antibiotics aimed at Pseudomonas are used to eradicate early infection, suppress chronic infection, and treat acute exacerbations. Treatment options are limited due to increasing resistance and in vitro susceptibility information does not always correlate with in vivo outcomes. A case is presented with chronic Pseudomonas infection and the management and antibiotic choices for the patient during an acute hospital admission discussed, including the role of inhaled antibiotics such as tobramycin.
Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Fhogartaigh Caoimhe Nic , Brown Mike
Published: July 2014

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is increasingly being identified around the world. Treatment options are limited due to the lack of new anti-mycobacterial agents and the side-effect profiles of currently available options. Diagnosis is dependent on both the ability to perform phenotypic susceptibility testing and increasingly on molecular methodologies. A case of MDR-TB is presented and the management discussed. The side effects suffered by the patient and the concomitant resistance to the fluoroquinolones leads the physicians to apply for compassionate use of TMC 207, a new anti-mycobacterial agent.
Cardiology and vascular disease
Authors: Simon Chantal , Everitt Hazel , van Dorp Françoise , Burkes Matt
Published: July 2014

Symptoms and signs of CVD

Examining the heart

Examination of the arterial system

Cardiac investigations

Brief guide to common ECG changes

Prevention of coronary heart disease

Estimating cardiovascular risk

Blood pressure measurement

Hypertension

Hyperlipidaemia

Angina

Drug treatment of angina

After myocardial infarction

Chronic heart failure...
Respiratory medicine
Authors: Simon Chantal , Everitt Hazel , van Dorp Françoise , Burkes Matt
Published: July 2014

Breathlessness

Cough

Chest signs

Other signs of respiratory disease

Respiratory investigations

Bronchodilators and steroids

Asthma in adults

Asthma management in practice

Drug treatment of asthma

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Management of COPD

Acute exacerbations of COPD

Lung cancer

Colds and influenza

Pneumonia in adults

Tuberculosis...
Haematology and immunology
Authors: Simon Chantal , Everitt Hazel , van Dorp Françoise , Burkes Matt
Published: July 2014

Full blood count and ESR

Anaemia: diagnosis and initial investigation

Iron deficiency anaemia

Other anaemias

Haemoglobinopathy

Bleeding and clotting disorders

Anticoagulation

Haematological malignancy

Acute leukaemia

Chronic leukaemia and myeloproliferation

Lymphoma

Immune deficiency syndromes

Allergies

The most commonly requested blood test is the full blood count (FBC). It gives information on:...
Breast disease
Authors: Simon Chantal , Everitt Hazel , van Dorp Françoise , Burkes Matt
Published: July 2014

Breast symptoms

Benign breast disease

Breast cancer screening

Breast cancer

Breast awareness means knowing what your breasts look and feel like normally. Evidence suggests that there is no need to follow a specific or detailed routine such as breast self-examination, but you should be aware of any changes in your breasts....
Cancer and palliative care
Authors: Simon Chantal , Everitt Hazel , van Dorp Françoise , Burkes Matt
Published: July 2014

Principles of cancer care

Surgery for cancer

Chemotherapy

Radiotherapy

Palliative care in general practice

Pain and general debility

Anorexia, nausea, and vomiting

Other GI problems

Skin, neurological, and orthopaedic problems

Respiratory problems

Haematological and vascular problems

Problems with mental well-being

The last 48 hours

Syringe drivers...
Cardiac tumours
Authors: Katritsis Demosthenes G. , Gersh Bernard J. , Camm A. John
Published: July 2014

The epidemiology and aetiology of infective endocarditis are presented. Diagnosis and current treatment and prophylaxis of the disease are discussed. Recommended antibiotic schemes in various clinical settings have been tabulated.
Mayo Clinic Body MRI Case Review
Authors: Lee Christine U.C. , Glockner James
Published: July 2014

Using state-of-the-art MRI images, this online resource illustrates radiological findings in the abdomen and pelvis in a case presentation format. Cases presented include common and uncommon diseases of nearly every organ system of the abdomen and pelvis. Each case succinctly discusses the relevant imaging findings, differential diagnosis, and potential imaging and diagnostic pitfalls. Many cases also include discussion of MRI technique, with illustration of some common artifacts.
Case 1.1
Authors: Lee Christine U. , Glockner James F.
Published: July 2014

71-year-old woman hospitalized for cholestasis and lymphadenopathy; history of recent aortic valve replacement

Axial fat-suppressed T2-weighted FSE (Figure 1.1.1), and axial IP and OP T1-weighted 2D SPGR (Figure 1.1.2) images demonstrate a large right hepatic lobe mass with a hyperintense peripheral rim and hypointense center. Pre- and postgadolinium arterial phase 3D SPGR images (...
Case 1.11
Authors: Lee Christine U. , Glockner James F.
Published: July 2014

21-year-old woman with a liver mass identified incidentally on CT during work-up for acute appendicitis

Axial fat-suppressed FSE T2-weighted image (Figure 1.11.1) demonstrates a large right hepatic lobe mass with mild hyperintensity relative to liver and a high intensity central scar. IP and OP T1-weighted 2D SPGR images showed no signal dropout to suggest intravoxel fat (images not shown). Pregadolinium and arterial, portal venous, equilibrium, and 5-minute delayed phase postgadolinium 3D SPGR images (...
Case 1.12
Authors: Lee Christine U. , Glockner James F.
Published: July 2014

58-year-old woman with a mixed epithelial stromal tumor of the left kidney, status post open partial nephrectomy. MRI was requested to assess for metastatic disease. The radiologist chose to use Multihance

Axial fat-suppressed T2-weighted FSE image (Figure 1.12.1) demonstrates a right hepatic lobe mass with mildly increased signal intensity relative to liver and central high signal intensity. There is no signal dropout from IP to OP T1-weighted 2D SPGR images (...
Transcriptional dynamics of developmental genes assessed with an FMN-dependent fluorophore in mature heterocysts of Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120
Authors: Videau Patrick , Oshiro Reid T. , Cozy Loralyn M. , Callahan Sean M.
Published: July 2014

Anabaenasp. strain PCC 7120 is a filamentous cyanobacterium that differentiates nitrogen-fixing heterocysts when available combined nitrogen is limiting. Growth under diazotrophic conditions results in a mixture of ‘new’ (recently differentiated) and ‘old’ (mature) heterocysts. The microoxic environment present in heterocysts makes the interpretation of gene expression using oxygen-dependent fluorophores, including GFP, difficult. The work presented here evaluates the transcriptional dynamics of three developmental genes in mature heterocysts utilizing EcFbFP, a flavin mononucleotide-dependent fluorophore, as the reporter. Expression of both GFP and EcFbFP from the heterologouspetEpromoter showed that, although GFP and EcFbFP fluoresced in both vegetative cells and new heterocysts, only EcFbFP fluoresced in old heterocysts. A transcriptional fusion of EcFbFP to the late-stage heterocyst-specificnifBpromoter displayed continued expression beyond the cessation of GFP fluorescence in heterocysts. Promoter fusions of the master regulator of differentiation,hetR, and its inhibitors,patSandhetN, to GFP and EcFbFP were visualized to determine their role(s) in heterocyst function after morphogenesis. The expression ofhetRandhetNwas found to persist beyond the completion of development in most heterocysts, whereaspatSexpression ceased. These data are consistent with a model of heterocyst patterning in whichpatSis involved inde novopattern formation,hetNis required for pattern maintenance, andhetRis needed for all stages of development.
Extraction of relations between genes and diseases from text and large-scale data analysis: implications for translational research
Authors: Bravo Àlex , Piñero Janet , Queralt Núria , Rautschka Michael , Furlong Laura I.
Published: July 2014

Background

Current biomedical research needs to leverage and exploit the large amount of information reported in publications. Automated text mining approaches, in particular those aimed at finding relationships between entities, are key for identification of actionable knowledge from free text repositories. We present the BeFree system aimed at identifying relationships between biomedical entities with a special focus on genes and their associated diseases.

Results

By exploiting morpho-syntactic information of the text BeFree is able to identify gene-disease, drug-disease and drug-target associations with state-of-the-art performance. The application of BeFree to real-case scenarios shows its effectiveness in extracting information relevant for translational research. We show the value of the gene-disease associations extracted by BeFree through a number of analyses and integration with other data sources. BeFree succeeds in identifying genes associated to a major cause of morbidity worldwide, depression, which are not present in other public resources. Moreover, large-scale extraction and analysis of gene-disease associations, and integration with current biomedical knowledge, provided interesting insights on the kind of information that can be found in the literature, and raised challenges regarding data prioritization and curation. We found that only a small proportion of the gene-disease associations discovered by using BeFree is collected in expert-curated databases. Thus, there is a pressing need to find alternative strategies to manual curation to review, prioritize and curate text-mining data and incorporate it into domain-specific databases. We present our strategy for data prioritization and discuss its implications for supporting biomedical research and applications.

Conclusions

BeFree is a novel text mining system that performs competitively for the identification of gene-disease, drug-disease and drug-target associations. Our analyses show that mining only a small fraction of MEDLINE results in a large dataset of gene-disease associations, and only a small proportion of this dataset is actually recorded in curated resources, raising several issues on data prioritization and curation. We propose that joint analysis of text mined data with data curated by experts appears as a suitable approach to both assess data quality and highlight novel and interesting information.
A conformational landscape for alginate secretion across the outer membrane ofPseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Tan Jingquan , Rouse Sarah L. , Li Dianfan , Pye Valerie E. , Vogeley Lutz , Brinth Alette R. , El Arnaout Toufic , Whitney John C. , Howell P. Lynne , Sansom Mark S. P. , Caffrey Martin
Published: July 2014

The exopolysaccharide alginate is an important component of biofilms produced byPseudomonas aeruginosa, a major pathogen that contributes to the demise of cystic fibrosis patients. Alginate exits the cellviathe outer membrane porin AlgE. X-ray structures of several AlgE crystal forms are reported here. Whilst all share a common β-barrel constitution, they differ in the degree to which loops L2 and T8 are ordered. L2 and T8 have been identified as an extracellular gate (E-gate) and a periplasmic gate (P-gate), respectively, that reside on either side of an alginate-selectivity pore located midway through AlgE. Passage of alginate across the membrane is proposed to be regulated by the sequential opening and closing of the two gates. In one crystal form, the selectivity pore contains a bound citrate. Because citrate mimics the uronate monomers of alginate, its location is taken to highlight a route through AlgE taken by alginate as it crosses the pore. Docking and molecular-dynamics simulations support and extend the proposed transport mechanism. Specifically, the P-gate and E-gate are flexible and move between open and closed states. Citrate can leave the selectivity pore bidirectionally. Alginate docks stably in a linear conformation through the open pore. To translate across the pore, a force is required that presumably is provided by the alginate-synthesis machinery. Accessing the open pore is facilitated by complex formation between AlgE and the periplasmic protein AlgK. Alginate can thread through a continuous pore in the complex, suggesting that AlgK pre-orients newly synthesized exopolysaccharide for delivery to AlgE.
Schistosoma mansonivenom allergen-like protein 4 (SmVAL4) is a novel lipid-binding SCP/TAPS protein that lacks the prototypical CAP motifs
Authors: Kelleher Alan , Darwiche Rabih , Rezende Wanderson C. , Farias Leonardo P. , Leite Luciana C. C. , Schneiter Roger , Asojo Oluwatoyin A.
Published: July 2014

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that affects over 200 million people. Vaccine candidates have been identified, includingSchistosoma mansonivenom allergen-like proteins (SmVALs) from the SCP/TAPS (sperm-coating protein/Tpx/antigen 5/pathogenesis related-1/Sc7) superfamily. The first SmVAL structure, SmVAL4, was refined to a resolution limit of 2.16 Å. SmVAL4 has a unique structure that could not be predicted from homologous structures, with longer loops and an unusual C-terminal extension. SmVAL4 has the characteristic α/β-sandwich and central SCP/TAPS cavity. Furthermore, SmVAL4 has only one of the signature CAP cavity tetrad amino-acid residues and is missing the histidines that coordinate divalent cations such as Zn2+in other SCP/TAPS proteins. SmVAL4 has a cavity between α-helices 1 and 4 that was observed to bind lipids in tablysin-15, suggesting the ability to bind lipids. Subsequently, SmVAL4 was shown to bind cholesterolin vitro. Additionally, SmVAL4 was shown to complement thein vivosterol-export phenotype of yeast mutants lacking their endogenous CAP proteins. Expression of SmVAL4 in yeast cells lacking endogenous CAP function restores the block in sterol export. These studies suggest an evolutionarily conserved lipid-binding function shared by CAP proteins such as SmVAL4 and yeast CAP proteins such as Pry1.
Interaction of serum amyloid P component with hexanoyl bis(D-proline) (CPHPC)
Authors: Kolstoe Simon E. , Jenvey Michelle C. , Purvis Alan , Light Mark E. , Thompson Darren , Hughes Peter , Pepys Mark B. , Wood Stephen P.
Published: July 2014

Under physiological conditions, the pentameric human plasma protein serum amyloid P component (SAP) binds hexanoyl bis(D-proline) (R-1-{6-[R-2-carboxy-pyrrolidin-1-yl]-6-oxo-hexanoyl}pyrrolidine-2-carboxylic acid; CPHPC) through its D-proline head groups in a calcium-dependent interaction. Cooperative effects in binding lead to a substantial enhancement of affinity. Five molecules of the bivalent ligand cross-link and stabilize pairs of SAP molecules, forming a decameric complex that is rapidly cleared from the circulation by the liver. Here, it is reported that X-ray analysis of the SAP complex with CPHPC and cadmium ions provides higher resolution detail of the interaction than is observed with calcium ions. Conformational isomers of CPHPC observed in solution by HPLC and by X-ray analysis are compared with the protein-bound form. These are discussed in relation to the development of CPHPC to provide SAP depletion for the treatment of amyloidosis and other indications.
Efficient convolution based impedance boundary conditions
Authors: Paganini Alberto , López-Férnández María
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose an approach based on Convolution quadrature (CQ) for the modeling and the numerical treatment of impedance boundary condition.

Design/methodology/approach

– The model is derived from a general setting. Its discretization is discussed in details by providing pseudo-codes and by performing their complexity analysis. The model is validated through several numerical experiments.

Findings

– CQ provides an efficient and accurate treatment of impedance boundary conditions.

Originality/value

– The paper suggests a new effective treatment of impedance boundary conditions.
A reduced basis method for microwave semiconductor devices with geometric variations
Authors: W. Hess Martin , Benner Peter
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The Reduced Basis Method (RBM) generates low-order models of parametrized PDEs to allow for efficient evaluation of parametrized models in many-query and real-time contexts. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the performance of the RBM in microwave semiconductor devices, governed by Maxwell's equations.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper shows the theoretical framework in which the RBM is applied to Maxwell's equations and present numerical results for model reduction under geometry variation.

Findings

– The RBM reduces model order by a factor of $1,000 and more with guaranteed error bounds.

Originality/value

– Exponential convergence speed can be observed by numerical experiments, which makes the RBM a suitable method for parametric model reduction (PMOR).
Antecedents of parent-based school reputation and loyalty: an international application
Authors: A. Badri Masood , Mohaidat Jihad
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to validate the direction and strength of the relationships between school reputation, parental satisfaction and parental loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper reports the findings of a survey of 806 parents from Schools in Abu Dhabi – the United Arab Emirates. The paper builds mainly on previous work of Skallerud (2011) on measurement of school reputations. Structural equation modelling was used to validate the reputation measure and to test the proposed relationships. The model hypothesised and tested relationships linking school reputation to parental satisfaction and loyalty.

Findings

– The results show strong support for a satisfaction-reputation-loyalty model and confirmed the four-dimensional scale (parental orientation, learning quality, safe environment and good teachers) for assessment of parent-based school reputation. Evidence was found that parents’ satisfaction significantly affects the four reputation dimensions. However, only three constructs of parent orientation affected parental perception of school loyalty. Additional personal or demographic variables should be included to improve the model.

Research limitations/implications

– The study was limited to parents of children attending public and private schools in Abu Dhabi. The model should be validated with other schools and in other Emirates and countries.

Practical implications

– Identifying the antecedents of parent-based school reputation might aid school decision makers to better address parental satisfaction and loyalty. A careful examination of the causal relations between the various constructs could aid in crafting and implementing effective programs for increasing parental satisfaction and attracting future students.

Originality/value

– The study adds to the limited body of research addressing the appropriate conceptualisation and measurement of school reputation. It also sheds light on a better understanding of the potential relationships among the constructs in the model.
Logistics and supply chain process integration as a source of competitive advantage
Authors: Mellat-Parast Mahour , E. Spillan John
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of logistics and supply chain integration on firm competitiveness in manufacturing firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– Utilizing the resource-based view of competitive advantage along with the transaction cost economics theory, the authors address the critical role of logistics and supply chain strategy as the driver of logistics and supply chain integration and firm competitiveness. Structural equation modeling is used to determine the effect of two sets of logistics and supply chain integration practices (logistics/supply chain information integration and logistics/supply chain process integration) along with logistics outsourcing decision practices (logistics investment decisions and private warehousing decisions) on firm competitiveness.

Findings

– The results indicate that logistics/supply chain strategy is the main driver of logistics and supply chain integration and logistics decisions. Furthermore, the findings suggest that logistics/supply chain process integration is the most significant predictor of firm's competitive position.

Research limitations/implications

– Further examination and testing of the proposed model across multiple contexts is necessary for validity of the findings.

Originality/value

– This is one of the first studies that provide an empirical analysis on the importance of different sources of integration (information and process) in logistics and supply chain and their impact on firm competitiveness.
Consumer perceptions of salesperson gender and credibility: an evolutionary explanation
Authors: Paul Prendergast Gerard , Sze Li Sze , Li Connie
Published: July 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of the homophily theory and the related concept of source similarity which predict that a male salesperson is more effective in serving male customers, and a female is more effective with females. For products designed to enhance female attractiveness, however, Darwinian theories of reproduction suggest that a male may be more effective than a female in dealing with female customers. This study of Hong Kong consumers examined the possibility and, in doing so, challenged the assumed utility of homophily in selling cosmetics.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two studies were conducted. The first was an experiment where female subjects were asked to report their responses to female and male salespersons selling cosmetics. The second study was a phenomenological study exploring the responses of female customers who had encountered male salespeople in cosmetics shops.

Findings

– The experiment found that a male salesperson tended to induce significantly stronger purchase intention than a female, and that salesperson credibility (specifically, trustworthiness and attractiveness) plays a significant role in mediating the impact of salesperson gender on purchase intention. The follow-up phenomenological study of female customers who had encountered male salespeople in cosmetics shops supported the experimental findings and offered additional support for their evolutionary basis.

Research limitations/implications

– Darwinian theories of reproduction and source credibility together offer a more complete explanation for the effectiveness of salespeople in the gender-sensitive cosmetics market. However, the experiment involved creating fictitious salespeople matched for trust, expertise and attractiveness. The artificiality of the treatments was necessary to construct a controlled scenario to uphold internal validity, but it may limit the generalizability of the results.

Practical implications

– To encourage a positive consumer response, retailers need to consider salesperson gender and training. In some specific contexts (such as the selling of products designed to enhance female attractiveness), male salespeople ought to be used ahead of female salespeople, and those male salespeople need to have high credibility to be effective. However, as such, salesmen may not be seen as more expert than saleswomen; expertise needs to be an area of focus in terms of salesperson training.

Originality/value

– The results of previous research testing homophily theory suggest that a salesperson of the same gender as the customer ought to induce stronger purchase intentions. This study has shown that for the selling of appearance-related products, gender heterophily may be more effective than homophily. Darwinian interpretations of intrasexual rivalry and courtship might help explain why males sell cosmetics more effectively.