bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Report of a Novel Begomovirus Associated with Yellow Vein Disease of Browne's Blechum (Blechum pyramidatum)
Authors: Tsai W. S. , Shih S. L. , Lee L. M. , Dolores L. M. , Kenyon L.
Published: November 2013

Browne's Blechum (Blechum pyramidatum) is a common weed found in fields and waste grounds in the Philippines. A disease was observed causing begomovirus-like yellow/chlorotic leaf veins and shortened internodes of Browne's Blechum plants on the island of Luzon, Philippines; disease incidence ranged from 10 to 50% in fields in 2012. Samples were collected from two plants with symptoms from each of Laguna and Quezon provinces and one plant without symptoms from Laguna Province. All four samples from plants with symptoms tested positive for begomovirus by PCR using primer pair PAL1v1978B/PAR1c715H (2), but the symptomless plant sample did not. However, no virus DNA-B component was detected in any of the samples using either general detection primer pair DNABLC1/DNABLV2 or DNABLC2/DNABLV2 (1). Using abutting primers AFPH12W1-R2F (TCTGGATCCATTGTTGAACGAGT) and AFPH12W1-R2R (CCGGGATCCCACATTGTTAAACA), a complete DNA-A component sequence was obtained for a Laguna isolate (GenBank Accession No. KF446659) and for a Quezon isolate (KF446660). The Laguna and Quezon isolate sequences were 2,764 and 2,756 nucleotides, respectively, and shared 90.6% nucleotide sequence identity. Both had six open reading frames (ORFs)—two in the virus sense (V1 and V2) and four in the complementary sense (C1 to C4)—and the geminivirus conserved sequence (TAATATTAC). Based on BLASTn searching of GenBank and sequence analysis using MEGALIGN (DNASTAR), both isolates should be considered as a new begomovirus (tentatively named Blechum yellow vein virus, BlYVV) since their DNA-A sequences share less than 89% nucleotide identity with any other begomovirus. Both DNA sequences had the highest nucleotide identity (84.8 to 87.6%) with Papaya leaf curl Guangdong virus isolates (AJ558122, AY650283, FJ495184, FJ869907, and JN703795). To our knowledge, this is the first report of a previously unidentified begomovirus associated with yellow vein disease of this species.

References: (1) S. K. Green et al. Plant Dis. 85:1286, 2001. (2) W. S. Tsai et al. Plant Pathol. 60:787, 2011.
Characterization of Fusarium Isolates from Asparagus Fields in Southwestern Ontario and Influence of Soil Organic Amendments on Fusarium Crown and Root Rot
Authors: Borrego-Benjumea Ana , Basallote-Ureba María J. , Melero-Vara José M. , Abbasi Pervaiz A.
Published: November 2013

Fusarium crown and root rot (FCRR) of asparagus has a complex etiology with several soilborne Fusarium spp. as causal agents. Ninety-three Fusarium isolates, obtained from plant and soil samples collected from commercial asparagus fields in southwestern Ontario with a history of FCRR, were identified as Fusarium oxysporum (65.5%), F. proliferatum (18.3%), F. solani (6.4%), F. acuminatum (6.4%), and F. redolens (3.2%) based on morphological or cultural characteristics and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis with species-specific primers. The intersimple-sequence repeat PCR analysis of the field isolates revealed considerable variability among the isolates belonging to different Fusarium spp. In the in vitro pathogenicity screening tests, 50% of the field isolates were pathogenic to asparagus, and 22% of the isolates caused the most severe symptoms on asparagus. The management of FCRR with soil organic amendments of pelleted poultry manure (PPM), olive residue compost, and fish emulsion was evaluated in a greenhouse using three asparagus cultivars of different susceptibility in soils infested with two of the pathogenic isolates (F. oxysporum Fo-1.5 and F. solani Fs-1.12). Lower FCRR symptom severity and higher plant weights were observed for most treatments on ‘Jersey Giant’ and ‘Grande’ but not on ‘Mary Washington’. On all three cultivars, 1% PPM consistently reduced FCRR severity by 42 to 96% and increased plant weights by 77 to 152% compared with the Fusarium control treatment. Populations of Fusarium and total bacteria were enumerated after 1, 3, 7, and 14 days of soil amendment. In amended soils, the population of Fusarium spp. gradually decreased while the population of total culturable bacteria increased. These results indicate that soil organic amendments, especially PPM, can decrease disease severity and promote plant growth, possibly by decreasing pathogen population and enhancing bacterial activity in the soil.
Fungal Endopolygalacturonases Are Recognized as Microbe-Associated Molecular Patterns by the Arabidopsis Receptor-Like Protein RESPONSIVENESS TO BOTRYTIS POLYGALACTURONASES1
Authors: Zhang Lisha , Kars Ilona , Essenstam Bert , Liebrand Thomas W.H. , Wagemakers Lia , Elberse Joyce , Tagkalaki Panagiota , Tjoitang Devlin , van den Ackerveken Guido , van Kan Jan A.L.
Published: November 2013

Plants perceive microbial invaders using pattern recognition receptors that recognize microbe-associated molecular patterns. In this study, we identified RESPONSIVENESS TO BOTRYTIS POLYGALACTURONASES1 (RBPG1), an Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein, AtRLP42, that recognizes fungal endopolygalacturonases (PGs) and acts as a novel microbe-associated molecular pattern receptor. RBPG1 recognizes several PGs from the plant pathogen Botrytis cinerea as well as one from the saprotroph Aspergillus niger. Infiltration of B. cinerea  PGs into Arabidopsis accession Columbia induced a necrotic response, whereas accession Brno (Br-0) showed no symptoms. A map-based cloning strategy, combined with comparative and functional genomics, led to the identification of the Columbia RBPG1 gene and showed that this gene is essential for the responsiveness of Arabidopsis to the PGs. Transformation of RBPG1 into accession Br-0 resulted in a gain of PG responsiveness. Transgenic Br-0 plants expressing RBPG1 were equally susceptible as the recipient Br-0 to the necrotroph B. cinerea and to the biotroph Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis. Pretreating leaves of the transgenic plants with a PG resulted in increased resistance to H. arabidopsidis. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that RBPG1 and PG form a complex in Nicotiana benthamiana, which also involves the Arabidopsis leucine-rich repeat receptor-like protein SOBIR1 (for SUPPRESSOR OF BIR1). sobir1 mutant plants did not induce necrosis in response to PGs and were compromised in PG-induced resistance to H. arabidopsidis.
NMR diffusion: an update
Authors: Pregosin Paul S.
Published: November 2013

NMR diffusion methods continue to attract increasing attention from practising chemists. This short article summarizes some of the more recent developments and highlights the areas in which these methods are finding application, specifically: estimating molecular volumes; investigating the degree of aggregation (especially in salts); studying host–guest interactions; recognizing hydrogen bonds; and directly proving the presence and extent of ion pairing.
Three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded assembly in 2,2′-disulfanylidene-5,5′-biimidazolidinylidene-4,4′-dione–dimethylformamide–water (3/2/4)
Authors: Wu De-Hong
Published: November 2013

The title compound, 3C6H4N4O2S2·2C3H7NO·4H2O, comprises three 2,2′-disulfanylidene-5,5′-biimidazolidinylidene-4,4′-dione molecules, two dimethylformamide molecules and four water molecules arranged around a crystallographic inversion centre. The non-H atoms within the 5,5′-biimidazolidinylidene molecule are coplanar and these molecules aggregate through N—H...S hydrogen-bonding interactions with cyclic motifs [graph setR22(8)], giving two-dimensional ribbon structures which are close to being parallel. The two independent water molecules associate to form centrosymmetric cyclic hydrogen-bonded (H2O)4tetrameric units [graph setR44(8)]. The ribbon structures extend along theaaxis and are linked through the water tetramers and the dimethylformamide molecules by a combination of two- and three-centre hydrogen bonds, giving an overall three-dimensional structure.
Cultural and socio‐economic determinants of energy consumption on small remote islands
Authors: Lenzen Manfred , Krishnapillai Murukesan , Talagi Deveraux , Quintal Jodie , Quintal Denise , Grant Ron , Abraham Simpson , Ehmes Cindy , Murray Joy
Published: November 2013

In this cross‐country analysis of four small and remote islands, we integrate multiple dimensions of socio‐economic demographic data, such as population, land area, remoteness, tourist arrivals and earnings, export earnings, financial support, average incomes, fuel and electricity prices, penetration of renewable energy sources, and motor vehicle usage; we compare these characteristics with per capita use of energy carriers such as electricity, petrol and diesel. From these characteristics, we identify key determinants of energy consumption in the islands. Whereas we focus on energy, our analysis also applies to emissions of carbon and energy‐related pollutants. Our results indicate that cultural and social contexts are at least as relevant for policymaking as economic and technological aspects. We suggest that in small island developing States there is scope for policymaking to at the same time: reduce economic vulnerability due to dependence on imported fossil fuels; reduce environmental impact; and progress sustainable development. Such progress can be implemented through peer‐to‐peer learning programmes facilitated by targeted international cooperation and partnerships.
LCMS Analysis of Fingerprints, the Amino Acid Profile of 20 Donors
Authors: de Puit Marcel , Ismail Mahado , Xu Xiaoma
Published: November 2013

The analysis of amino acids present in fingerprints has been studied several times. In this paper, we report a method for the analysis of amino acids using an fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl chloride‐derivatization for LC separation and MS detection. We have obtained good results with regard to the calibration curves and the limit of detection and LOQ for the target compounds. The extraction of the amino acids from the substrates used proved to be very efficient. Analysis of the derivatized amino acids enabled us to obtain full amino acid profiles for 20 donors. The intervariability is as expected rather large, with serine as the most abundant constituent, and when examining the total profile of the amino acids per donor, a characteristic pattern can be observed. Some amino acids were not detected in some donors, or fell out of the range of the calibration curve, where others showed a surprisingly high amount of material in the deposition analyses. Further investigations will have to address the intravariability of the amino acid profiles of the fingerprints from donors. By the development of the analytical method and the application to the analysis of fingerprints, we were able to gain insight in the variability of the constituents of fingerprints between the donors.
Activity of Endogenous Muscle Proteases from 4 Australian Underutilized Fish Species as Affected by Ionic Strength, pH, and Temperature
Authors: Ahmed Zeinab , Donkor Osaana N. , Street Wayne A. , Vasiljevic Todor
Published: November 2013

Storage conditions may influence the hydrolytic activity of endogenous muscle enzymes postmortem, rate of autolysis of myofibrillar proteins, and biological properties of hydrolyzed end products. This study investigated the effect of ionic strength, pH, and temperature on the activity of endogenous calpain‐like, cathepsins B and B+L measured in crude extract obtained from deepwater flathead, silver warehou, ribaldo, and ribbonfish muscles. Activity of calpain‐like enzymes in 3 examined species was significantly higher at pH 6.5 than pH 6.0 or 5.5. Raising the reaction temperature increased (P < 0.05) calpain‐like activity in ribaldo. Endogenous activity of cathepsin B in ribbonfish and silver warehou declined significantly with increasing ionic strength at pH 6.5 to 6.0. The obtained results will further expand our understanding of the impact that postmortem storage conditions have on the activity of endogenous fish proteases with respect to quality and bioactivity of fish proteins and potentially diversify utilization of underutilized fish species.
Elective Use of Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump During Aortic Valve Replacement in Elderly Patients to Reduce Postoperative Cardiac Complications
Authors: Nakahira Junko , Sawai Toshiyuki , Minami Toshiaki
Published: November 2013

This is a retrospective cohort study to determine if routine intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) placement prior to aortic valve replacement in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis without significant coronary artery stenosis reduces cardiac complications. Participants were patients aged ≥70 years without significant coronary stenosis, who had severe aortic stenosis, and were undergoing isolated aortic valve replacement. Our primary endpoint was postoperative cardiac morbidity rate as a composite of the adverse cardiac events: elevated creatine kinase with muscle and brain subunits (CK‐MB)/CK (>5%), fatal ventricular arrhythmias requiring therapy, or catecholamine index of >10. Eighteen patients had elective IABP insertion prior to surgery, and 16 patients had no planned IABP insertion. One patient died (5.6%) in the elective IABP group (P = 1.0 compared with the non‐IABP group). The overall rate of in‐hospital death was 2.9% (1/34). In the non‐IABP group, one patient had rescue IABP insertion after surgery (6.3%). The elective IABP group had a significantly lower cardiac morbidity rate than the non‐IABP group (44.4 vs. 87.5%, respectively, P = 0.013). According to multivariate analysis using a logistic European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation value of >10% to define increased morbidity, elective IABP use significantly reduced cardiac morbidity (odds ratio, 0.11; 95% confidence interval, 0.02–0.67; P = 0.016). Additionally, the elective IABP group was more likely to show low CK‐MB/CK than the non‐IABP group (4.1 ± 1.9% vs. 6.1 ± 3.1%, respectively, P = 0.026). We concluded that among elderly aortic valve replacement patients without significant coronary artery stenosis, elective IABP use may reduce the incidence of major adverse cardiac events.
Testosterone and Hemoglobin in Hemodialysis Male and Female Patients
Authors: Ekart Robert , Taskovska Milena , Hojs Nina , Bevc Sebastjan , Hojs Radovan
Published: November 2013

It has been speculated that testosterone stimulates erythropoiesis. We hypothesized that hemoglobin levels in hemodialysis (HD) patients are associated with serum testosterone concentrations. Testosterone, hemoglobin, and other biochemical parameters were measured in a representative sample of 98 chronic HD patients (50 male, 48 female; age 30–90 years, mean 65 ± 13.9 years). We investigated relations among serum testosterone concentration, hemoglobin, ferritin, albumin, body mass index, lean body mass, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), calcium (Ca), P, intact parathyroid hormone, N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide, Karnofsky performance status, and blood pressure (BP) before and after HD. A statistically significant positive correlation between testosterone and hemoglobin was found in all patients (r = 0.25, P < 0.01), men (r = 0.34, P < 0.02), but not in women (r = 0.27, P = 0.07). Multiple regression analysis for all patients has shown statistically significant association between hemoglobin and testosterone (P < 0.001), hsCRP (P < 0.005), lean body mass (P < 0.05), post‐HD systolic (P < 0.04), and diastolic BP (P < 0.005). Multiple regression analysis in men has shown an association between hemoglobin and testosterone (P < 0.04) and post‐HD diastolic BP (P < 0.04) and in women association between hemoglobin and testosterone (P < 0.04), Ca (P < 0.03), and post‐HD diastolic BP (P < 0.03). We found an association between serum testosterone concentration and hemoglobin in male and female HD patients.
A Physiological Controller for Turbodynamic Ventricular Assist Devices Based on a Measurement of the Left Ventricular Volume
Authors: Ochsner Gregor , Amacher Raffael , Wilhelm Markus J. , Vandenberghe Stijn , Tevaearai Hendrik , Plass André , Amstutz Alois , Falk Volkmar , Schmid Daners Marianne
Published: November 2013

The current article presents a novel physiological control algorithm for ventricular assist devices (VADs), which is inspired by the preload recruitable stroke work. This controller adapts the hydraulic power output of the VAD to the end‐diastolic volume of the left ventricle. We tested this controller on a hybrid mock circulation where the left ventricular volume (LVV) is known, i.e., the problem of measuring the LVV is not addressed in the current article. Experiments were conducted to compare the response of the controller with the physiological and with the pathological circulation, with and without VAD support. A sensitivity analysis was performed to analyze the influence of the controller parameters and the influence of the quality of the LVV signal on the performance of the control algorithm. The results show that the controller induces a response similar to the physiological circulation and effectively prevents over‐ and underpumping, i.e., ventricular suction and backflow from the aorta to the left ventricle, respectively. The same results are obtained in the case of a disturbed LVV signal. The results presented in the current article motivate the development of a robust, long‐term stable sensor to measure the LVV.
Identifying Success on the Process Level Reduces Negative Effects of Prior Weight Loss on Subsequent Weight Loss During a Low‐Calorie Diet
Authors: Hennecke Marie , Freund Alexandra M.
Published: November 2013

Background: Dieters often show weight cycling, i.e. prior successful weight loss is followed by weight gain. The current study examined how goal progress during a diet (i.e. weight loss) impacts subsequent weight loss depending on whether success is identified on the process level or the outcome level of dieting. Methods: A short‐term longitudinal study examined lagged effects of weight loss and identifications of success in one week on weight loss in the subsequent week. Across 6 weeks, N = 126 overweight women reported their weekly weight and the degree to which they considered themselves as successful regarding the process of dieting (e.g. changing eating behavior) and the desired dieting outcomes (e.g. improving appearance). Results: Successful weight loss in one week negatively affected weight loss in the subsequent week. However, identifying success on the process level reduced this negative effect. Discussion: Although people might feel generally that goal progress licenses subsequent goal‐inconsistent behavior, identifying successful goal‐pursuit on the process rather than the outcome level of a goal may counteract the subsequent loss of dieting motivation.
Likelihood‐based analysis of longitudinal data from outcome‐related sampling designs
Authors: Neuhaus John M. , Scott Alastair J. , Wild Christopher J. , Jiang Yannan , McCulloch Charles E. , Boylan Ross
Published: November 2013

Investigators commonly gather longitudinal data to assess changes in responses over time and to relate these changes to within‐subject changes in predictors. With rare or expensive outcomes such as uncommon diseases and costly radiologic measurements, outcome‐dependent, and more generally outcome‐related, sampling plans can improve estimation efficiency and reduce cost. Longitudinal follow up of subjects gathered in an initial outcome‐related sample can then be used to study the trajectories of responses over time and to assess the association of changes in predictors within subjects with change in response. In this article, we develop two likelihood‐based approaches for fitting generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) to longitudinal data from a wide variety of outcome‐related sampling designs. The first is an extension of the semi‐parametric maximum likelihood approach developed in Neuhaus, Scott and Wild (2002, Biometrika 89, 23–37) and Neuhaus, Scott and Wild (2006, Biometrics 62, 488–494) and applies quite generally. The second approach is an adaptation of standard conditional likelihood methods and is limited to random intercept models with a canonical link. Data from a study of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children motivates the work and illustrates the findings.
Climbing the Ladder: Gender‐Specific Career Advancement in Financial Services and the Influence of Flexible Work‐Time Arrangements
Authors: Noback Inge , Broersma Lourens , van Dijk Jouke
Published: November 2013

The aim of this study is to gain insight into the gender‐specific career advancement of about 10,000 middle‐ and top‐level managers in a Dutch financial services company. Our results indicate that women earn less, work at lower job levels, but show slightly higher career mobility than men. However, working a compressed four‐day nine‐hours‐a‐day workweek turns out to be favourable for women who are ‘rewarded’ for working full time, whereas men are ‘penalized’ for not working five days a week. Introducing this form of flexibility into a predominantly masculine organizational culture offers new opportunities for career advancement, albeit solely for women.
Evidence for General and Domain‐Specific Elements of Teacher–Child Interactions: Associations With Preschool Children's Development
Authors: Hamre Bridget , Hatfield Bridget , Pianta Robert , Jamil Faiza
Published: November 2013

This study evaluates a model for considering domain‐general and domain‐specific associations between teacher–child interactions and children's development, using a bifactor analytic strategy. Among a sample of 325 early childhood classrooms there was evidence for both general elements of teacher–child interaction (responsive teaching) and domain‐specific elements related to positive management and routines and cognitive facilitation. Among a diverse population of 4‐year‐old children (n = 1,407) responsive teaching was modestly associated with development across social and cognitive domains, whereas positive management and routines was modestly associated with increases in inhibitory control and cognitive facilitation was associated with gains in early language and literacy skills. The conceptual and methodological contributions and challenges of this approach are discussed.
CD24hiCD27+ B cells from patients with allergic asthma have impaired regulatory activity in response to lipopolysaccharide
Authors: van der Vlugt L. E. P. M. , Mlejnek E. , Ozir‐Fazalalikhan A. , Janssen Bonas M. , Dijksman T. R. , Labuda L. A. , Schot R. , Guigas B. , Möller G. M. , Hiemstra P. S. , Yazdanbakhsh M. , Smits H. H.
Published: November 2013

Background

Regulatory B cells have been identified that strongly reduce allergic and auto‐immune inflammation in experimental models by producing IL‐10. Recently, several human regulatory B‐cell subsets with an impaired function in auto‐immunity have been described, but there is no information on regulatory B cells in allergic asthma.

Objective

In this study, the frequency and function of IL‐10 producing B‐cell subsets in allergic asthma were investigated.

Methods

Isolated peripheral blood B cells from 13 patients with allergic asthma and matched healthy controls were analyzed for the expression of different regulatory B‐cell markers. Next, the B cells were activated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), CpG or through the B‐cell receptor, followed by co‐culture with endogenous memory CD4+ T cells and house dust mite allergen DerP1.

Results

Lower number of IL‐10 producing B cells were found in patients in response to LPS, however, this was not the case when B cells were activated through the B‐cell receptor or by CpG. Further dissection showed that only the CD24hiCD27+ B‐cell subset was reduced in number and IL‐10 production to LPS. In response to DerP1, CD4+ T cells from patients co‐cultured with LPS‐primed total B cells produced less IL‐10 compared to similar cultures from controls. These results are in line with the finding that sorted CD24hiCD27+ B cells are responsible for the induction of IL‐10+ CD4+ T cells.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data indicate that CD24hiCD27+ B cells from allergic asthma patients produce less IL‐10 in response to LPS leading to a weaker IL‐10 induction in T cells in response to DerP1, which may play a role in allergic asthma.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 analogue, liraglutide, improves liver fibrosis markers in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kahal H. , Abouda G. , Rigby A. S. , Coady A. M. , Kilpatrick E. S. , Atkin S. L.
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been linked to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and carries an increased risk of liver cirrhosis. Procollagen type 3 amino‐terminal peptide (PIIINP) is an independent predictor of liver cirrhosis.

Objective

To assess whether 6‐month treatment with GLP‐1 analogue, liraglutide, improves markers of liver fibrosis.

Design

A case–control study comparing women with PCOS to age‐ and weight‐matched controls. PCOS was diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria. All participants underwent liver function tests and liver ultrasound scan to assess for fatty infiltration. Serum marker for liver fibrosis, PIIINP, was measured at baseline and after 6‐month treatment with liraglutide 1·8 mg od.

Results

Nineteen women with PCOS and 17 controls were recruited, age 32·8 ± 7·2 vs 33·5 ± 6·7 years and weight 100·9 ± 16·7 vs 99·3 ± 14·7 kg, respectively. At baseline, the PCOS group had higher testosterone 1·2 ± 0·3 vs 0·9 ± 0·3 nm (P = 0·01), HOMA‐IR 5·1 ± 2·6 vs 3·5 ± 1·3 (P = 0·03), AST 22·4 ± 5·2 vs 18·8 ± 3·4 u/l (P = 0·04), PIIINP 4·4 ± 0·8 vs 3·5 ± 0·8 ug/ml (P = 0·01) and NAFLD seven (35%) vs none (P = 0·005), respectively. Twenty‐five (69%) participants completed the study (13 PCOS, 12 controls). Following treatment, weight was reduced by 3·0 ± 4·2 kg (P = 0·01) and 3·8 ± 3·4 kg (P = 0·001), respectively. Similarly, HOMA‐IR, hsCRP, triglycerides and urinary isoprostane significantly reduced in both groups. PIIINP significantly reduced the in PCOS group 4·4 ± 0·8 vs 3·7 ± 0·9 ug/ml (P < 0·01), but not in controls 3·5 ± 0·8 vs 3·2 ± 0·7 ug/ml (P = 0·08).

Conclusions

Treatment with liraglutide, and/or associated weight loss, significantly reduced PIIINP levels in obese women with PCOS. This may be an additional beneficial factor when considering the use of liraglutide in women with PCOS, obesity and NAFLD.
Learners' attitudes toward regional dialects and destination preferences in study abroad
Authors: Shiri Sonia
Published: November 2013

This study explored the impact of short‐term study abroad on the language attitudes of college‐level learners of Arabic in the United States. It investigated students' destination preferences in various Arabic‐speaking countries, their attitudes toward learning Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and regional dialects, and the factors that they perceived as influencing their attitudes. Survey responses from 371 participants indicated that learning Arabic in the Arab world favorably impacted students' attitudes toward dialect learning and sociolinguistic awareness. Students in this sample rejected learning MSA exclusively, believed that learning any dialect was important, and they became open to learning multiple dialects, including those that are less commonly taught. Respondents attributed this attitude shift to the change in their learning context, i.e., learning Arabic in an Arab country.
Clinical Trials Update. 2013: Year in Review
Authors: Peroutka Stephen J.
Published: November 2013

This section of Headache annually reviews the status of recently completed and ongoing major clinical trials involving common headache disorders. The review will focus on multicenter trials of new therapies, as well as novel formulations of previously approved therapeutics. Table 1 summarizes the major therapeutic headache trials that are ongoing at the present time, according to data obtained from both the “ClinicalTrials.Gov” website and from corporate press releases and presentations.
Orofacial Pain: A Guide for the Headache Physician
Authors: Shephard Martina K. , MacGregor E. Anne , Zakrzewska Joanna M.
Published: November 2013

Orofacial pain represents a significant burden in terms of morbidity and health service utilization. It includes very common disorders such as toothache and temporomandibular disorders, as well as rare orofacial pain syndromes. Many orofacial pain conditions have overlapping presentations, and diagnostic uncertainty is frequently encountered in clinical practice. This review provides a clinically orientated overview of common and uncommon orofacial pain presentations and diagnoses, with an emphasis on conditions that may be unfamiliar to the headache physician. A holistic approach to orofacial pain management is important, and the social, cultural, psychological and cognitive context of each patient needs to be considered in the process of diagnostic formulation, as well as in the development of a pain management plan according to the biopsychosocial model. Recognition of psychological comorbidities will assist in diagnosis and management planning.
Preventive Pharmacotherapy in Migraine
Authors: Rizzoli Paul
Published: November 2013

Migraine prevention can be instrumental in the effective management of the migraine patient but remains underused in treatment of this common, chronic, and often debilitating condition. The development of methysergide as the first migraine preventive agent not only laid the groundwork for our current thinking about migraine prevention, but also created a paradigm shift away from migraine as a psychological issue and toward migraine as a legitimate medical condition.

This short review is intended to help the reader select patients appropriate for prevention and to initiate, monitor, and adjust preventive treatment. Goals in discussing preventive management are to facilitate provider familiarity with and confidence in this therapy leading to improved clinical outcomes and to a reduced burden of headache‐related disability. Optimal therapeutic success is best achieved in the setting of a strong therapeutic alliance. Medication options for prevention are reviewed. Continued educational efforts directed at both patient and provider may be required to improve treatment utilization and reduce headache impact.
Current Status of Acute Stroke Management in Korea: A Report on a Multicenter, Comprehensive Acute Stroke Registry
Authors: Kim Beom Joon , Han Moon-Ku , Park Tai Hwan , Park Sang-Soon , Lee Kyung Bok , Lee Byung-Chul , Yu Kyung-Ho , Cha Jae Kwan , Kim Dae-Hyun , Lee Jun , Lee Soo Joo , Ko Youngchai , Park Jong-Moo , Kang Kyusik , Cho Yong-Jin , Hong Keun-Sik , Cho Ki-Hyun , Kim Joon-Tae , Kim Dong-Eog , Lee Juneyoung , Lee Ji Sung , Jang Myung Suk , Broderick Joseph P , Yoon Byung-Woo , Bae Hee-Joon
Published: November 2013

There are limited data on the utilization of diagnostics and the variation of treatments at the national level in acute stroke care. Clinical Research Center for Stroke – 5th division stroke registry aimed to describe stroke statistics and quality of care in Korea and to implement quality indicators. Clinical Research Center for Stroke – 5th division registry was established in April 2008 and covers pretreatment demographics, medical and stroke severity measures, diagnostic evaluation, hyperacute revascularization, in-hospital management, discharge disposition, quality indicators, and long-term functional outcomes. Consecutive stroke cases from 12 participating centers are registered to a web-based database. Meticulous data management and auditing policy were applied. A total of 14 792 ischemic stroke cases were enrolled from April 2008 to January 2012. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 4 at admission, with median delay of onset to arrival of 14 h. Rate of risk factor management before stroke exceeds more than 80% for hypertension and diabetes. Revascularization procedures were performed in 1736 subjects (12%), and 34% were endovascular ( n = 598). Substantial variability was noted in the preferred modality of hyperacute revascularization (range of endovascular recanalization = 6–60%), use of computed tomography (30–93%), and perfusion imaging (2–96%). The Clinical Research Center for Stroke – 5th division registry documented that the current practice of acute stroke care in South Korea largely met the standard of guidelines, but variability of practice still remains. The registry would provide an opportunity to evaluate the quality of stroke care across South Korea and compare it with that of other countries.
Reperfusion after 4·5 Hours Reduces Infarct Growth and Improves Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Picanço Miguel R. , Christensen Søren , Campbell Bruce C. V. , Churilov Leonid , Parsons Mark W. , Desmond Patricia M. , Barber P. Alan , Levi Christopher R. , Bladin Christopher F. , Donnan Geoffrey A. , Davis Stephen M. ,   for the EPITHET Investigators
Published: November 2013

Background

The currently proven time window for thrombolysis in ischemic stroke is 4·5 h. Beyond this, the risks and benefits of thrombolysis are uncertain.

Aims

To determine whether thrombolysis and reperfusion were beneficial after 4·5 h, we examined clinical and radiological outcomes in patients treated with tissue plasminogen activator or placebo within 4·5–6 h, using data from the Echoplanar Imaging Thrombolytic Evaluation Trial.

Methods

In the Echoplanar Imaging Thrombolytic Evaluation Trial, ischemic stroke patients presenting three to six-hours after stroke onset were randomized to tissue plasminogen activator or placebo, without knowledge of magnetic resonance imaging results. This analysis was restricted to patients treated between 4·5 and 6 h. The effect of tissue plasminogen activator and reperfusion on infarct growth between baseline diffusion-weighted imaging and day 90 T2 imaging was assessed, along with good neurological outcome (⩾8 point reduction or reaching 0–1 at 90 days on National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) and functional outcome (modified Rankin scale). The effect of tissue plasminogen activator on reperfusion was also analyzed.

Results

Sixty-nine patients were treated 4·5–6 h after onset, and infarct growth was assessed in 63. Tissue plasminogen activator was associated with lower relative growth (94% vs. 168%, P = 0·03) and a trend to lower absolute growth (−0·17 ml versus 9·6 ml, P = 0·07). Reperfusion was increased in the tissue plasminogen activator group (58% versus 25%, P = 0·03) and was associated with increased rates of good neurological (86% versus 28% P < 0·001) and functional (modified Rankin scale 0–2 73% versus 34%, P = 0·01) outcomes. Reperfusion was strongly associated with lower relative (80% versus 189%, P < 0·001) and absolute (−2·5 ml versus 40 ml, P < 0·001) infarct growth.

Conclusions

Thrombolysis 4·5–6 h after stroke onset reduced infarct growth and increased the rate of reperfusion, which was associated with good neurological and functional outcome.
Obese patients undergoing cystectomy: A population‐based, propensity score matched analysis
Authors: Tyson Mark D , Humphreys Mitchell R , Castle Erik P
Published: November 2013

Objective

To examine the impact of body mass index, as a measure of obesity, on the surgical outcomes of cystectomy.

Methods

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to acquire data on 1293 cystectomies carried out from 2005 to 2011. Patients were divided into two groups: body mass index <30 kg/m2 and ≥30 kg/m2. A propensity score‐matched analysis of perioperative outcomes was carried out.

Results

A total of 869 patients had a body mass index <30, whereas 424 had a body mass index ≥30. Unadjusted comparisons showed higher rates of superficial surgical site infections (8.7% vs 5.3%, P = 0.04), renal insufficiency (4.0% vs 1.7%, P = 0.01) and increased operative times (365.7 min vs 338.6 min, P = 0.0004) in the obese patients, but interestingly lower rates of pneumonia (2.4% vs 4.8, P = 0.03) and cerebral vascular accidents (0.0% vs 0.9%, P = 0.05). However, the latter two observations might be explained by more tobacco use among non‐obese patients (26.6 mean pack‐years vs 20.0 mean pack‐years, P = 0.004). Notably, no differences in 30‐day mortality were noted. After adjusting for preoperative demographic and clinical data using propensity score‐matching methods, there were no observed differences between the two cohorts except for operative time (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

Obesity is not independently associated with an increased risk of perioperative complications or 30‐day mortality after cystectomy.
High percent tumor volume predicts biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy in pathological stage T3a prostate cancer with a negative surgical margin
Authors: You Dalsan , Jeong In Gab , Song Cheryn , Cho Yong Mee , Hong Jun Hyuk , Kim Choung‐Soo , Ahn Hanjong
Published: November 2013

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of percent tumor volume and surgical margin status on biochemical recurrence in pT3–T4 prostate cancer.

Methods

A total of 397 patients who had pT3–T4N0 diseases and did not receive neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy were included for analysis.

Results

In the entire cohort, prostate‐specific antigen (per 1 ng/mL increase; hazard ratio 1.019; P = 0.002), pathological stage (T3b–T4 vs T3a; hazard ratio 2.283; P < 0.001), Gleason score (≥8 vs ≤6; hazard ratio 5.290; P = 0.005), surgical margin status (multiple positive vs negative; hazard ratio 1.839; P = 0.003) and lymphovascular invasion (present vs absent; hazard ratio 1.641; P = 0.008) were independent predictors of recurrence. Percent tumor volume was an independent predictor of recurrence in T3a diseases with negative surgical margins. In analysis using receiver operating characteristic curve, a threshold of 12% showed the best balance of sensitivity and specificity, 66% and 67%, respectively. The 5‐year recurrence‐free survival rates of pT3a diseases with negative surgical margin were 85.2% for percent tumor volume ≤12% and 57.7% for percent tumor volume >12% (P < 0.001). Patients with pT3a with negative surgical margins and percent tumor volume >12% showed comparable 5‐year recurrence‐free survival rate compared with those with pT3a with positive surgical margin (57.7% vs 57.6%; P = 0.763).

Conclusions

Despite having less impact on recurrence than other clinicopathological variables in pT3–T4 prostate cancer, percent tumor volume can further improve recurrence risk stratification in pT3a diseases with negative surgical margins.
Mutans streptococci remained viable on toothbrush bristles, in vivo, for 44 h
Authors: Da Silva Lea Assed Bezerra , Nelson‐Filho Paulo , Saravia Marta Estela , De Rossi Andiara , Lucisano Marília Pacífico , Da Silva Raquel Assed Bezerra
Published: November 2013

Background

Toothbrushes harbor a high number of cariogenic microorganisms.

Aim

To investigate the viability of mutans streptococci (MS) on toothbrushes bristles and the production of extracellular polysaccharide (ECP) related to drying time.

Design

Twenty children were submitted to brushing without dentifrice. Toothbrushes were kept at room temperature from 0 to 48 h and then submitted to microbiological processing. The number of MS colonies/biofilms was expressed according to scores: 0 = no colonies were detected; 1 = 1 to 50; 2 = 51 to 100; 3 = over 100. The amount of ECP was evaluated according to scores: 0 = absence; 1 = ECP recovering until 50% of the surface; 2 = ECP recovering more than 50% of the surface. Data were analyzed by Wilcoxon test (α = 5%).

Results

At the periods of 0 to 16 h, the toothbrushes had intense bacterial contamination (score 3). From the 18‐h, there was a statistically significant decrease in the MS viability (P = 0.0078), with predominance of score 1 on periods of 20 to 44 h. The most detected ECP amount was at 0‐ and 12‐h period (P < 0.05) with reduction until 32‐h period.

Conclusions

Mutans streptococci remained viable on toothbrushes bristles, in vivo, for 44 h.
Descriptions of second language interaction: Toward descriptive adequacy
Authors: Lee Yo–An
Published: November 2013

The distinction between language acquisition and language use has been a source of contention among those who study L2 interaction. However, as featured in The Modern Language Journal (in 1997–1998, 2004, and 2007), debates have essentially been limited to confirming the presence of discrepancies among different paradigms regarding theoretical content. As a result, where methodological practices are at all discussed they are judged only by the extent to which they realize underlying theoretical positions. By contrast, this article argues that there is a need to evaluate methodological practices on their own terms and to specify what is gained and lost in the respective approaches. It does so by examining and comparing descriptive analyses of L2 conversational interactions in the interactionist paradigm and in conversation analysis (CA). The article concludes that, if both approaches were held to a minimum level of descriptive adequacy regarding the respective parties' L2 use, analysts could gain a workable space regarding what can be said and what should be said about actual L2 interactions, including where to end description, that is created independent of theoretical positions.
Codeswitching and participant orientations in a Chinese as a foreign language classroom
Authors: Cheng Tsui–Ping
Published: November 2013

Using a conversation analysis approach to codeswitching (CS; Auer, 1984, 1998), this study examines the relationship between participants’ orientations to two in‐class interactions and their CS practices in a Chinese as a foreign language classroom. Specifically, the analysis focuses on a teacher and one focal student's converging and diverging orientations towards two different types of classroom interaction: assessment talk and an instructed language learning activity. When a mismatch in their orientations occurs, the teacher and student deploy CS as an interactional resource to achieve a common pedagogical goal. CS is thus shown to be a constitutive interactional practice through which the teacher and student accomplish foreign language teaching and learning. Moreover, the close observation of teacher–student interaction in this study encourages language teaching professionals and classroom researchers to consider how CS indexes students' understanding of the pedagogical focus in different classroom activities and how its strategic deployment might foster language learning.
Local and global identities in an EFL internet chat exchange
Authors: Menard–Warwick Julia , Heredia–Herrera Ana , Palmer Dionne Soares
Published: November 2013

This article reports on intercultural learning by participants in an Internet chat exchange between prospective teachers studying English in Chile and graduate students from a distance learning practicum class in California. To highlight issues of identity in such exchanges, we present case studies of discussions in two online chat groups led by graduate students with contrasting linguistic and cultural backgrounds. In our discourse analysis of the chat transcripts from these two groups, we found differences in how participants oriented to local, national, and global contexts, with one group primarily discussing political and educational issues from a global perspective, while the second group responded to the same issues by giving local examples. We conclude by discussing pedagogical implications for future Internet exchanges that aim to foster intercultural learning within a transnational paradigm of foreign language education.
Reciprocal causality between marine macroalgal diversity and productivity in an upwelling area
Authors: Lanari Marianna de O. , Coutinho Ricardo
Published: November 2013

The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning has become a prominent topic in the ecological literature. However, the contemporary approach that species diversity controls primary productivity contrasts with the historical perspective that species diversity responds to productivity. Moreover, previous experimental results have not been consistent with the patterns observed in nature. To resolve these questions, the multivariate productivity–diversity (MPD) hypothesis proposes a bidirectional relationship between diversity and productivity. It predicts that the resource supply, expressed in terms of resource availability and imbalance, establishes the number of species that can locally coexist. Simultaneously, the resource supply also indirectly affects biomass production, determining the form and cause of the effects of species richness on resource use and biomass. To test the MPD hypothesis, we conducted three field experiments with a subtidal marine macroalgal community using a seasonal upwelling process as a driver of distinct levels of nutrient supply. Seasonally, macroalgal species richness and biomass were assessed and experimental manipulations conducted to investigate the relative importance of species richness and identity effects on biomass production and the mechanisms underlying these. Changes in macroalgal biomass and species richness were observed in response to the nutrient supply. Stronger effects of species identity were detected for all periods investigated, although species richness effects also occurred to some extent. The magnitudes of the net biodiversity and of the complementarity effects were a unimodal function of nutrient supply, whereas a concave‐up curve was observed for selection effects. The nutrient supply directly affected the number of species that dominated the local community and, consequently, determined the efficiency with which resources were exploited and converted to biomass. Our results provide evidence consistent with the MPD hypothesis and aids in explaining the discrepancies between experimental results and natural patterns through the merging of two contrasting perspectives in ecology.
Geospatial and Temporal Analysis of a 20‐Year Record of Landsat‐Based Water Clarity in Minnesota's 10,000 Lakes
Authors: Olmanson Leif G. , Brezonik Patrick L. , Bauer Marvin E.
Published: November 2013

A large 20‐year database on water clarity for all Minnesota lakes ≥8 ha was analyzed statistically for spatial distributions, temporal trends, and relationships with in‐lake and watershed factors that potentially affect lake clarity. The database includes Landsat‐based water clarity estimates expressed in terms of Secchi depth (SDLandsat), an integrative measure of water quality, for more than 10,500 lakes for time periods centered around 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, and 2005. Minnesota lake clarity is lower (more turbid) in the south and southwest and clearer in the north and northeast; this pattern is evident at the levels of individual lakes and ecoregions. Temporal trends in clarity were detected in ~11% of the lakes: 4.6% had improving clarity and 6.2% had decreasing clarity. Ecoregions in southern and western Minnesota, where agriculture is the predominant land use, had higher percentages of lakes with decreasing clarity than the rest of the state, and small and shallow lakes had higher percentages of decreasing clarity trends than large and deep lakes. The mean SDLandsat statewide remained stable from 1985 to 2005 but decreased in ecoregions dominated by agricultural land use. Deep lakes had higher clarity than shallow lakes statewide and for lakes grouped by land cover. SDLandsat decreased as the percentage of agriculture and/or urban area increased at county and catchment levels and it increased with increasing forested land.