bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sclerosing lipogranuloma of the eyelid: unusual complication following nasal packing in endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Ramaswamy Balakrishnan , Singh Rohit , Manusrut Manusrut , Hazarika Manali
Published: March 2015

An eyelid or orbital lipogranuloma can occur following nasal packing with liquid paraffin, petroleum jelly or an antibiotic-based cream. It usually presents a few weeks or months after the initial procedure. We present a report of three such cases of sclerosing lipogranuloma involving the eyelid, which occurred following a sinonasal surgery where nasal packing using petroleum jelly was performed. The typical clinical course and the classical histopathological features are highlighted. All cases were diagnosed by histopathological examination as sclerosing lipogranuloma. Complete surgical removal resulted in complete resolution on 1 month follow-up. The diagnosis is based on a high degree of suspicion following a detailed history of prior use of lipid-based products for nasal packing following endonasal surgery. Histopathology is diagnostic. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice, however, due to its infiltrative nature, it may be difficult to obtain a complete cure.
T-cell primary leptomeningeal lymphoma in cerebellopontine angle
Authors: Briongos-Figuero Laisa Socorro , Gómez-Traveso Tamara , Pérez-Castrillon José Luis
Published: March 2015

Primary meningeal lymphomas are very rare and those derived from T cells are even more infrequent (less than 5% of primary central nervous system lymphomas). Cerebellopontine angle involvement in the primary T-cell lymphoma is exceptional. Clinical presentation depends on the type of lesions, and histological diagnosis is needed. We present a rare case of a 50-year-old woman who presented with clinical cerebellar syndrome with posterior opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome. Necropsy evaluation revealed primary diffuse leptomeningeal non-Hodgkin's T-cell lymphoma.
Neonatal thyrotoxicosis caused by maternal autoimmune hyperthyroidism
Authors: Correia Miguel Fragata , Maria Ana Teresa , Prado Sara , Limbert Catarina
Published: March 2015

Neonatal immune hyperthyroidism is a rare but potentially fatal condition. It occurs in 1–5% of infants born to women with Graves’ disease (GD). In most of the cases it is due to maternal antibodies transferred from the mother into the fetal compartment, stimulating the fetal thyroid by binding thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone, TSH) receptor. We present a case of neonatal thyrotoxicosis due to maternal GD detected at 25 days of age and discuss the potential pitfalls in the diagnosis.
Patterns and trends in sources of information about sex among young people in Britain: evidence from three National Surveys of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles
Authors: Tanton Clare , Jones Kyle G , Macdowall Wendy , Clifton Soazig , Mitchell Kirstin R , Datta Jessica , Lewis Ruth , Field Nigel , Sonnenberg Pam , Stevens Amy , Wellings Kaye , Johnson Anne M , Mercer Catherine H
Published: March 2015

Objective

To assess progress in meeting young people's sex education needs in Britain by examining the current situation and changes over the past 20 years in sources of information about sexual matters and unmet information needs.

Design

Cross-sectional probability sample surveys.

Setting

British general population.

Participants

3869 men and women aged 16–24 years, interviewed 2010–2012 for the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes & Lifestyles (Natsal-3), compared with 16–24 year-olds in Natsal-1 (1990–1991; 792 men and women) and Natsal-2 (1999–2001; 2673 men and women).

Main outcome measures

Reported source of information about sexual matters, unmet information needs and preferred source of additional information.

Results

Between 1990 and 2012, the proportion citing school lessons as their main source of information about sexual matters increased from 28.2% (95% CI 24.6 to 32.1) to 40.3% (95% CI 38.6 to 42.1). In 2010–2012, parents were reported as a main source by only 7.1% (95% CI 5.8 to 8.7) of men and 14.1% (95% CI 12.6 to 15.7) of women and, for women, were less commonly reported than in 1999–2001 (21.7%; 95% CI 19.6 to 24.0). Most young people reported not knowing enough when they first felt ready for sexual experience (68.1% men, 70.6% women), and this did not change substantially over time. They wanted more information about psychosexual matters (41.6% men, 46.8% women), as well as sexually transmitted infections (27.8% men, 29.8% women) and, for women, contraception (27.5%). Young people primarily wanted this information from school, parents or health professionals.

Conclusions

Over the past 20 years, young people have increasingly identified school lessons as their main source of information about sex, although they continue to report needing more information on a broad range of topics. The findings support the expressed need for improved sex and relationships education in schools alongside greater involvement of parents and health professionals.
A survey of patients’ experience of pain and other symptoms while receiving care from palliative care services
Authors: Pidgeon Tanya , Johnson Claire E , Currow David , Yates Patsy , Banfield Maree , Lester Leanne , Allingham Sam F , Bird Sonia , Eagar Kathy
Published: March 2015

Context

In Australia, patients at the end of life with complex symptoms and needs are often referred to palliative care services (PCSs), but little is known about the symptoms of patients receiving palliative care in different settings.

Objective

To explore patients’ levels of pain and other symptoms while receiving care from PCSs.

Method

PCSs registered through Australia's national Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration (PCOC) were invited to participate in a survey between 2008 and 2011. Patients (or if unable, a proxy) were invited to complete the Palliative Care Outcome Scale.

Results

Questionnaires were completed for 1800 patients. One-quarter of participants reported severe pain, 20% reported severe ‘other symptoms’, 20% reported severe patient anxiety, 45% reported severe family anxiety, 66% experienced depressed feelings and 19% reported severe problems with self-worth. Participants receiving care in major cities reported higher levels of depressed feelings than participants in inner regional areas. Participants receiving care in community and combined service settings reported higher levels of need for information, more concerns about wasted time, and lower levels of family anxiety and depressed feelings when compared to inpatients. Participants in community settings had lower levels of concern about practical matters than inpatients.

Conclusions

Patients receiving care from Australian PCSs have physical and psychosocial concerns that are often complex and rated as ‘severe’. Our findings highlight the importance of routine, comprehensive assessment of patients’ concerns and the need for Specialist Palliative Care clinicians to be vigilant in addressing pain and other symptoms in a timely, systematic and holistic manner, whatever the care setting.
The online use of Violence and Journey metaphors by patients with cancer, as compared with health professionals: a mixed methods study
Authors: Semino Elena , Demjén Zsófia , Demmen Jane , Koller Veronika , Payne Sheila , Hardie Andrew , Rayson Paul
Published: March 2015

Objective

To compare the frequencies with which patients with cancer and health professionals use Violence and Journey metaphors when writing online; and to investigate the use of these metaphors by patients with cancer, in view of critiques of war-related metaphors for cancer and the adoption of the notion of the ‘cancer journey’ in UK policy documents.

Design

Computer-assisted quantitative and qualitative study of two data sets totalling 753 302 words.

Setting

A UK-based online forum for patients with cancer (500 134 words) and a UK-based website for health professionals (253 168 words).

Participants

56 patients with cancer writing online between 2007 and 2012; and 307 health professionals writing online between 2008 and 2013.

Results

Patients with cancer use both Violence metaphors and Journey metaphors approximately 1.5 times per 1000 words to describe their illness experience. In similar online writing, health professionals use each type of metaphor significantly less frequently. Patients’ Violence metaphors can express and reinforce negative feelings, but they can also be used in empowering ways. Journey metaphors can express and reinforce positive feelings, but can also be used in disempowering ways.

Conclusions

Violence metaphors are not by default negative and Journey metaphors are not by default a positive means of conceptualising cancer. A blanket rejection of Violence metaphors and an uncritical promotion of Journey metaphors would deprive patients of the positive functions of the former and ignore the potential pitfalls of the latter. Instead, greater awareness of the function (empowering or disempowering) of patients’ metaphor use can lead to more effective communication about the experience of cancer.
Oesophageal stenting for benign and malignant strictures: a systematic approach
Authors: Rana Fahd , Dhar Anjan
Published: March 2015

Oesophageal stenting is now standard treatment for managing both benign and malignant stenosis of the oesophagus. There is a wide choice in oesophageal stents currently available on the market, with variations in the stent material, size and design. Most oesophageal stents are made from metal alloy compounds for use in malignant strictures, although there are stents made of durable polymers, and now of biodegradable (BD) material, for use in both benign and malignant strictures. With the development of self-expanding plastic stents, self-expanding metal stents and BD stents, stent placement for oesophageal pathologies can be safe and cost-effective. Oesophageal stenting has several challenges for a therapeutic endoscopist which is determined by the location of stricture or tumour, the anatomy of the stenosis and the nature of stent selected. Strictures that have narrow or tortuous lumens can be particularly difficult to stent as the luminal diameter must allow access of at least a 0.035 inch guide wire. This review covers the indications and outcomes of different stents in clinical situations to help rational decision-making.
Assessment and management of the malignant colorectal polyp
Authors: Neilson Laura J , Rutter Matthew D , Saunders Brian P , Plumb Andrew , Rees Colin J
Published: March 2015

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer affecting men and women in England. The introduction of National Bowel Cancer Screening in 2006 has led to a rise in the proportion of colorectal cancers detected at an early stage. Many screen-detected cancers are malignant colorectal polyps and may potentially be cured with endoscopic resection, without recourse to the risk of major surgery or prolonged adjuvant therapies. Endoscopic decision making is crucial to select those early lesions that may be suitable for local endoscopic excision as well as identifying lesions for surgical resection, thus avoiding unnecessary surgical intervention in some and ensuring potentially curative surgery in others. This paper uses the current evidence base to provide a structured approach to the assessment of potentially malignant polyps and their management.

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A comparison of the pathological, clinical and radiographical, features of cryptogenic organising pneumonia, acute fibrinous and organising pneumonia and granulomatous organising pneumonia
Authors: Feinstein Marc B , DeSouza Shilpa A , Moreira Andre L , Stover Diane E , Heelan Robert T , Iyriboz Tunç A , Taur Ying , Travis William D
Published: March 2015

Aims

Cryptogenic organising pneumonia (COP) and acute fibrinous and organising pneumonia (AFOP) are recognised patterns of organising pneumonia (OP), a condition that resembles pneumonia but is not caused by infection. We have recognised granulomatous organising pneumonia (GOP) to be a similar histopathological entity where non-necrotising granulomata are intimately associated with the organising connective tissue. To what degree COP, AFOP and GOP represent distinct clinical and pathological disorders is unknown. This cross-sectional study sought to compare the pathological, clinical, and radiographical features of these OP patterns.

Methods

Surgical lung biopsy specimens were reviewed for consecutive patients referred with OP to a metropolitan cancer centre. Clinical information and CT images were acquired from the hospital electronic medical record to determine the clinical and CT characteristics of each OP pattern.

Results

Sixty-one patients (35 men, 26 women), mean age 61.5 years (range 8–85 years), were available for analysis. Of these, 43 patients (70%) had at least one prior cancer; 27 (44%) had received chemotherapy and 18 (30%) had received radiation. Approximately, half (32 patients) had respiratory symptoms, most commonly cough, dyspnoea and/or wheezing. While symptoms and mortality rates were not different among OP groups, AFOP patients more commonly had fever (p=0.04). GOP patients less commonly had received chemotherapy (p=0.03) and were more likely to present as masses/nodules (p=0.04).

Conclusions

AFOP and GOP, a newly described OP form, possess clinical and pathological findings that set it apart from a COP, suggesting an emerging spectrum of OP.
Clinical abnormalities in working donkeys and their associations with behaviour
Authors: Regan (nee Ashley) F. H. , Hockenhull J. , Pritchard J. C. , Waterman‐Pearson A. E. , Whay H. R.
Published: March 2015

Introductions

Working donkeys are at risk of developing multiple, acute and chronic health problems. The ability to recognise and assess pain in donkeys associated with these health problems is important for people responsible for their care and treatment, including owners and veterinary or animal health workers.

Aims and objectives

The aims of this study were firstly to quantify the prevalence of a range of clinical abnormalities within a sample of working donkeys; and secondly to find out whether these abnormalities were associated with potential behavioural indicators of pain.

Materials and methods

One hundred and thirty‐three entire male adult working donkeys were observed for ten minutes before and after a one‐hour rest period. Using an ethogram developed and refined in associated studies, posture and event behaviours were recorded by a single observer. The health of each donkey was then assessed by a veterinarian for specific clinical abnormalities.

Results

Working donkeys have a high prevalence of clinical abnormalities and a number of behaviours are associated with these. Significant associations were found between observed behaviours and systemic, ocular and limb‐related clinical abnormalities. Cumulative clinical scores for limb‐related problems were associated with a higher frequency of leg trembling, knuckling of the forelimb, leg‐lifting and weight‐shifting behaviours (all R≥0.4; P<0.001) and with a lower frequency of weight‐bearing evenly on all four feet (R=‐0.458; P<0.001).

Conclusions

The specific behaviour changes associated with clinical abnormalities identified in this study, together with general changes in demeanour identified in related studies, may be useful in assessing the presence and severity of pain in working donkeys and their response to medical and palliative interventions.
Morbidity and disease management in pet rats: a study of 375 cases
Authors: Rey F. , Bulliot C. , Bertin N. , Mentré V. ,   REMORA Team, Berthelet A. , Bertin N. , Boinot C. , Bulliot C. , Chesnoy C. , Duranceau S. , Mentré V. , Rey F.
Published: March 2015

Typical diseases are well described in pet rats, but their prevalence and management are largely unknown. During a six‐month period, standardised records were obtained for 375 rats presenting in three French centres to determine the diagnoses made and the treatments prescribed. Rhinitis, healthy animal and mammary gland tumours accounted for the majority of diagnoses. The 10 most common diagnoses accounted for 66.9 per cent of all cases. Inappropriate environment was a risk factor for respiratory disease (P<0.001). Mean age of presentation of rats with respiratory disease was lower for rats living in non‐appropriate environment (P=0.049). Twenty‐two per cent of animals underwent surgery, with a significant difference according to sex because of the higher rate of mammary gland tumours in females (P=0.006). Tumourectomy, ovariohysterectomy or castration accounted for 70 per cent of all procedures. Training veterinarians on 10 clinical situations, 3 surgical procedures and 3 therapeutic classes would improve the management of most of the pet rats. An early visit to provide owners with all recommendations and information on appropriate maintenance, and one visit around 15 months of age to detect any mass at an early stage, could help to reduce respiratory disease and improve clinical outcomes.
The roles of peroxide protective regulons in protecting Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris from sodium hypochlorite stress
Authors: Charoenlap Nisanart , Sornchuer Phornphan , Piwkam Anong , Srijaruskul Kriangsuk , Mongkolsuk Skorn , Vattanaviboon Paiboon
Published: March 2015

The exposure of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris to sublethal concentrations of a sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution induced the expression of genes that encode peroxide scavenging enzymes within the OxyR and OhrR regulons. Sensitivity testing in various X. campestris mutants indicated that oxyR, katA, katG, ahpC, and ohr contributed to protection against NaOCl killing. The pretreatment of X. campestris cultures with oxidants, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), t-butyl hydroperoxide, and the superoxide generator menadione, protected the bacteria from lethal concentrations of NaOCl in an OxyR-dependent manner. Treating the bacteria with a low concentration of NaOCl resulted in the adaptive protection from NaOCl killing and also provided cross-protection from H2O2 killing. Taken together, the results suggest that the toxicity of NaOCl is partially mediated by the generation of peroxides and other reactive oxygen species that are removed by primary peroxide scavenging enzymes, such as catalases and AhpC, as a part of an overall strategy that protects the bacteria from the lethal effects of NaOCl.
Tricholoma matsutake fruit bodies secrete hydrogen peroxide as a potent inhibitor of fungal growth
Authors: Takakura Yoshimitsu
Published: March 2015

Tricholoma matsutake is an ectomycorrhizal fungus that dominates the microbial communities in the soil of pine and spruce forests. The mycorrhizas of this fungus have antimicrobial activity, although factors responsible for the antimicrobial activity have not been fully elucidated. The present study shows that fruit bodies of T. matsutake secreted hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which was produced by pyranose oxidase, and that the H2O2 thus secreted strongly inhibited the growth of mycelia of the phytopathological fungus Rhizoctonia solani. These findings suggest that fruit bodies of T. matsutake have antifungal activity and that the pyranose oxidase plays an important role in the antifungal activity.
Renormalization group approach to quantum Hamiltonian dynamics
Authors: Głazek Stanisław D.
Published: March 2015

Ken Wilson developed powerful renormalization group procedures for constructing effective theories and solving a broad class of difficult physical problems. His insights allowed him to later advance the Hamiltonian approach to quantum dynamics of particles and fields in the Minkowski space–time, motivated by QCD. The latter advances are described in this article, concluding with a remark on Ken's related interest in difficult systemic issues of society.
Study of vorticity in an exact rotating hydro model
Authors: Csernai L. P. , Inderhaug J. H.
Published: March 2015

We study a semianalytic exact solution of the fluid dynamical model of heavy ion reactions and evaluate some observable signs of the rotation.
Renormalization of the γ-ray strength functions of light nuclei
Authors: Canbula Bora , Erşan Sibel , Babacan Halil
Published: March 2015

γ-ray strength function is the key input for the photonuclear reactions, which have a special astrophysical importance, and should be renormalized by using the nuclear level density for calculating the theoretical average radiative capture width, but performing such renormalization is challenging for light nuclei. With this motivation, recently introduced level density parameter formula including collective effects is used to calculate the average radiative capture width of light nuclei, and therefore to renormalize their γ-ray strength functions. Obtained normalization factors are tested in (n, γ) reactions for the necessity of renormalization for light nuclei.
Recognizing alternating groups by their order and one conjugacy class length
Authors: Asboei Alireza Khalili , Mohammadyari Reza
Published: March 2015

In this paper, the alternating groups of degree p are characterized by their order and one conjugacy class length, where p is a prime number. This work implies that Thompson's conjecture holds for the alternating groups of degree p.
Morita invariants of semirings
Authors: Sardar Sujit Kumar , Gupta Sugato
Published: March 2015

In this paper we revisit that ideal lattices and congruence lattices are preserved by Morita equivalence of semirings which is originally obtained implicitly by Katsov and his co-authors. This is then used to obtain some Morita invariants for semirings.
Down–up algebras over a polynomial base ring 𝕂[t1,…,tn]
Authors: Tang Xin
Published: March 2015

We study a class of down–up algebras 𝒜(α, β, ϕ) defined over a polynomial base ring 𝕂[t1,…,tn] and establish several analogous results. We first construct a 𝕂-basis for the algebra 𝒜(α, β, ϕ). As an application, we completely determine the center of 𝒜(α, β, ϕ) when char 𝕂 = 0, and prove that the Gelfand–Kirillov dimension of 𝒜(α, β, ϕ) is n + 3. Then, we prove that 𝒜(α, β, ϕ) is a noetherian domain if and only if β ≠ 0, and 𝒜(α, β, ϕ) is Auslander-regular when β ≠ 0. We show that the global dimension of 𝒜(α, β, ϕ) is n + 3, and 𝒜(α, β, ϕ) is a prime ring except when α = β = ϕ = 0. Finally, we obtain some results on the Krull dimensions, isomorphisms and automorphisms of 𝒜(α, β, ϕ).
On nilpotency of the group of outer class-preserving automorphisms of a group
Authors: Rai Pradeep K.
Published: March 2015

Let G be a group and Zj(G), for j ≥ 0, be the jth term in the upper central series of G. We prove that if Outc(G/Zj(G)), the group of outer class-preserving automorphisms of G/Zj(G), is nilpotent of class k, then Outc(G) is nilpotent of class at most j + k. Moreover, if Outc(G/Zj(G)) is a trivial group, then Outc(G) is nilpotent of class at most j. As an application we prove that if γi(G)/γi(G) ∩ Zj(G) is cyclic then Outc(G) is nilpotent of class at most i + j, where γi(G), for i ≥ 1, denotes the ith term in the lower central series of G. This extends an earlier work of the author, where this assertion was proved for j = 0. We also improve bound on the nilpotency class of Outc(G) for some classes of nilpotent groups G.
Modules with pure resolutions over Koszul algebras revisited
Authors: Cassidy Thomas
Published: March 2015

I construct a Koszul algebra A and a finitely generated graded A-module M that together form a counterexample to a recently published claim. M is generated in degree 0 and has a pure resolution, and the graded Jacobson radical of the Yoneda algebra of A does not annihilate the Ext module of M, but nonetheless M is not a Koszul module.
Moving non-null curves according to Bishop frame in Minkowski 3-space
Authors: Gürbüz Nevin
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we introduce three new transformations and establish connections between moving non-null curves and soliton equations according to Bishop frame in Minkowski 3-space. Later we find formulas for differentials of these three new transformations associated with the nonlinear heat system and repulsive type nonlinear Schrödinger equation.
Green Synthesis and Radial Breathing Modes inTiNanoparticles
Authors: Britto-Hurtado R. , Cortez-Valadez M. , Alvarez Ramón A. B. , Horta-Fraijo P. , Bocarando-Chacon J.-G. , Gámez-Corrales R. , Pérez-Rodríguez A. , Martínez-Suárez F. , Rodríguez-Melgarejo F. , Arizpe-Chavez H. , Flores-Acosta M.
Published: March 2015

This work presents the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles of titanium. The extract from the nopal (Opuntia ficus-indica) plant was used as the redactor agent. The results of transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) show that nanoparticles have a sphere-like shape with an approximate diameter of 1–4 nm. The presence of Ti in these particles was corroborated by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Optical properties were detected with the presence of absorption bands centered in 295 nm and 355 nm, similar to those reported in the literature. Two Raman bands centered at 359 cm-1and 404 cm-1were observed after the synthesis of titanium nanoparticles. Afterwards, structural and vibrational parameters of small clusters of Ti  ( Tin, n = 3–13) were analyzed by the density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP level of approximation combined with the basis set LANL2DZ. Radial breathing modes (RBMs) were detected in the vibrational spectrum of each cluster, placed around 298–387 cm-1.
THE "DELTA" OF THE MARGRABE FORMULA
Authors: SEBEHELA TUMELLANO
Published: March 2015

This paper illustrates a derivative of a derivative (i.e. "delta") of an exchange option in the U.S. real estate investment trust (REIT) industry. So far, it seems that there is no study that derives a "delta" of an exchange option using Laplace transform. First, the "delta" illustrates that change in exchange option is "driven" by at least one variable which in turn influences the curvature of a "delta" distribution. The empirical results show that each "delta" is 0.03 on average. Lastly, it seems that REIT mergers and acquisitions (M&As) occurred both for strategic and financial reasons.
The Structure of Photosystem II and the Mechanism of Water Oxidation in Photosynthesis
Authors: Shen Jian-Ren
Published: March 2015

Oxygenic photosynthesis forms the basis of aerobic life on earth by converting light energy into biologically useful chemical energy and by splitting water to generate molecular oxygen. The water-splitting and oxygen-evolving reaction is catalyzed by photosystem II (PSII), a huge, multisubunit membrane-protein complex located in the thylakoid membranes of organisms ranging from cyanobacteria to higher plants. The structure of PSII has been analyzed at 1.9-Å resolution by X-ray crystallography, revealing a clear picture of the Mn4CaO5 cluster, the catalytic center for water oxidation. This article provides an overview of the overall structure of PSII followed by detailed descriptions of the specific structure of the Mn4CaO5 cluster and its surrounding protein environment. Based on the geometric organization of the Mn4CaO5 cluster revealed by the crystallographic analysis, in combination with the results of a vast number of experimental studies involving spectroscopic and other techniques as well as various theoretical studies, the article also discusses possible mechanisms for water splitting that are currently under consideration.
PIWI-Interacting RNA: Its Biogenesis and Functions
Authors: Iwasaki Yuka W. , Siomi Mikiko C. , Siomi Haruhiko
Published: March 2015

PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) are a class of small RNAs that are 24–31 nucleotides in length. They associate with PIWI proteins, which constitute a germline-specific subclade of the Argonaute family, to form effector complexes known as piRNA-induced silencing complexes, which repress transposons via transcriptional or posttranscriptional mechanisms and maintain germline genome integrity. In addition to having a role in transposon silencing, piRNAs in diverse organisms function in the regulation of cellular genes. In some cases, piRNAs have shown transgenerational inheritance to pass on the memory of “self” and “nonself,” suggesting a contribution to various cellular processes over generations. Many piRNA factors have been identified; however, both the molecular mechanisms leading to the production of mature piRNAs and the effector phases of gene silencing are still enigmatic. Here, we summarize the current state of our knowledge on the biogenesis of piRNA, its biological functions, and the underlying mechanisms.
Mechanisms of Autophagy
Authors: Noda Nobuo N. , Inagaki Fuyuhiko
Published: March 2015

The formation of the autophagosome, a landmark event in autophagy, is accomplished by the concerted actions of Atg proteins. The initial step of starvation-induced autophagy in yeast is the assembly of the Atg1 complex, which, with the help of other Atg groups, recruits Atg conjugation systems and initiates the formation of the autophagosome. In this review, we describe from a structural-biological point of view the structure, interaction, and molecular roles of Atg proteins, especially those in the Atg1 complex and in the Atg conjugation systems.
Contemporary NMR Studies of Protein Electrostatics
Authors: Hass Mathias A.S. , Mulder Frans A.A.
Published: March 2015

Electrostatics play an important role in many aspects of protein chemistry. However, the accurate determination of side chain proton affinity in proteins by experiment and theory remains challenging. In recent years the field of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has advanced the way that protonation states are measured, allowing researchers to examine electrostatic interactions at an unprecedented level of detail and accuracy. Experiments are now in place that follow pH-dependent 13C and 15N chemical shifts as spatially close as possible to the sites of protonation, allowing all titratable amino acid side chains to be probed sequence specifically. The strong and telling response of carefully selected reporter nuclei allows individual titration events to be monitored. At the same time, improved frameworks allow researchers to model multiple coupled protonation equilibria and to identify the underlying pH-dependent contributions to the chemical shifts.
The Architecture, Chemistry, and Evolution of Continental Magmatic Arcs
Authors: Ducea Mihai N. , Saleeby Jason B. , Bergantz George
Published: March 2015

Continental magmatic arcs form above subduction zones where the upper plate is continental lithosphere and/or accreted transitional lithosphere. The best-studied examples are found along the western margin of the Americas. They are Earth's largest sites of intermediate magmatism. They are long lived (tens to hundreds of millions of years) and spatially complex; their location migrates laterally due to a host of tectonic causes. Episodes of crustal and lithospheric thickening alternating with periods of root foundering produce cyclic vertical changes in arcs. The average plutonic and volcanic rocks in these arcs straddle the compositional boundary between an andesite and a dacite, very similar to that of continental crust; about half of that comes from newly added mafic material from the mantle. Arc products of the upper crust differentiated from deep crustal (>40 km) residual materials, which are unstable in the lithosphere. Continental arcs evolve into stable continental masses over time; trace elemental budgets, however, present challenges to the concept that Phanerozoic arcs are the main factories of continental crust.
Beyond Ricardo: Assignment Models in International Trade
Authors: Costinot Arnaud , Vogel Jonathan
Published: March 2015

International trade has experienced a Ricardian revival. In this article, we offer a user guide to assignment models, which we refer to as Ricardo-Roy (R-R) models, that have contributed to this revival.
L12-Strengthened Cobalt-Base Superalloys
Authors: Suzuki Akane , Inui Haruyuki , Pollock Tresa M.
Published: March 2015

The discovery of the γ′-Co3(Al,W) phase with an L12 structure provided Co-base alloys with a new strengthening mechanism, enabling a new class of high-temperature material: Co-base superalloys. This review discusses the current understanding of the phase stability, deformation, and oxidation behaviors of γ′ single-phase and γ + γ′ two-phase alloys in comparison with Ni-base γ′-L12 phase and γ + γ′ superalloys. Relatively low stacking fault energies and phase stability of the γ′ phase compared with those in Ni-base alloys are responsible for the unique deformation behaviors observed in Co-base γ′ and γ + γ′ alloys. Controlling energies of planar defects, such as stacking faults and antiphase boundaries, by alloying is critical for alloy development. Experimental and density functional theory studies indicate that additions of Ta, Ti, Nb, Hf, and Ni are effective in simultaneously increasing the phase stability and stacking fault energy of γ′-Co3(Al,W), thus improving the high-temperature strength of Co-base γ′ phase and γ + γ′ two-phase superalloys.
Vibrational Energy Transport in Molecules Studied by Relaxation-Assisted Two-Dimensional Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Rubtsova Natalia I. , Rubtsov Igor V.
Published: March 2015

This review presents an overview of the relaxation-assisted two-dimensional infrared (RA 2DIR) spectroscopy method for measuring structures and energy transport dynamics in molecules. The method strongly enhances the range of accessible distances compared to traditional 2DIR and offers new structural reporters, such as the energy transport time, cross-peak amplification factors, and connectivity patterns. The use of the method for assigning vibrational modes with various levels of delocalization is illustrated. RA 2DIR relies on vibrational energy transport in molecules; as such, the transport mechanism can be conveniently studied by the method. Applications to identify diffusive and ballistic energy transport are demonstrated.
Political Islam: Theory
Authors: March Andrew F.
Published: March 2015

This essay focuses on questions that pertain to the ideological, normative, symbolic, and epochal aspects of political Islam. Political theorists, historians, sociologists, and anthropologists have disagreed on whether political Islam is an exclusively modern political phenomenon or is indebted to long-standing Islamic religious commitments. More specifically, they have also disagreed on whether the shape and ambitions of political Islam are entirely determined by the powers and institutions of the modern, bureaucratic state, particularly its secular desire to control, regulate, and reshape religion. These interpretive debates have often sat uneasily with ongoing normative debates about what kind of secularism democracy requires and whether democracy has priority over liberal rights and freedoms.
Exercise training prevents the deterioration in the arterial baroreflex control of sympathetic nerve activity in chronic heart failure patients
Authors: Groehs Raphaela V. , Toschi-Dias Edgar , Antunes-Correa Ligia M. , Trevizan Patrícia F. , Rondon Maria Urbana P. B. , Oliveira Patrícia , Alves Maria J. N. N. , Almeida Dirceu R. , Middlekauff Holly R. , Negrão Carlos E.
Published: March 2015

Arterial baroreflex control of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (ABRMSNA) is impaired in chronic systolic heart failure (CHF). The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that exercise training would improve the gain and reduce the time delay of ABRMSNA in CHF patients. Twenty-six CHF patients, New York Heart Association Functional Class II-III, EF ≤ 40%, peak V̇o2 ≤ 20 ml·kg−1·min−1 were divided into two groups: untrained (UT, n = 13, 57 ± 3 years) and exercise trained (ET, n = 13, 49 ± 3 years). Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) was directly recorded by microneurography technique. Arterial pressure was measured on a beat-to-beat basis. Time series of MSNA and systolic arterial pressure were analyzed by autoregressive spectral analysis. The gain and time delay of ABRMSNA was obtained by bivariate autoregressive analysis. Exercise training was performed on a cycle ergometer at moderate intensity, three 60-min sessions per week for 16 wk. Baseline MSNA, gain and time delay of ABRMSNA, and low frequency of MSNA (LFMSNA) to high-frequency ratio (HFMSNA) (LFMSNA/HFMSNA) were similar between groups. ET significantly decreased MSNA. MSNA was unchanged in the UT patients. The gain and time delay of ABRMSNA were unchanged in the ET patients. In contrast, the gain of ABRMSNA was significantly reduced [3.5 ± 0.7 vs. 1.8 ± 0.2, arbitrary units (au)/mmHg, P = 0.04] and the time delay of ABRMSNA was significantly increased (4.6 ± 0.8 vs. 7.9 ± 1.0 s, P = 0.05) in the UT patients. LFMSNA-to-HFMSNA ratio tended to be lower in the ET patients ( P < 0.08). Exercise training prevents the deterioration of ABRMSNA in CHF patients.
Clinical outcomes and cardiovascular responses to exercise training in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dieberg Gudrun , Ismail Hashbullah , Giallauria Francesco , Smart Neil A.
Published: March 2015

Exercise training induces physical adaptations for heart failure patients with systolic dysfunction, but less is known about those patients with preserved ejection fraction. To establish whether exercise training produces changes in peak V̇o2 and related measures, quality of life, general health, and diastolic function in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction. We conducted a MEDLINE search (1985 to October 10, 2014), for exercise-based rehabilitation trials in heart failure, using search terms “exercise training, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, heart failure with normal ejection fraction, peak V̇o2, and diastolic heart dysfunction”. Seven intervention studies were included providing a total of 144 exercising subjects and 114 control subjects, a total of 258 participants. Peak V̇o2 increased by a mean difference (MD) 2.13 ml·kg−1·min−1 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54 to 2.71, P < 0.00001] in exercise training vs. sedentary control, equating to a 17% improvement from baseline. The corresponding data are provided for the following exercise test variables: V̇e/V̇co2 slope, MD 0.85 ml·kg−1·min−1 (95% CI 0.05 to 1.65, P = 0.04); maximum heart rate, MD 5.60 beats per minute (95% CI 3.95 to 7.25, P < 0.00001); Six-Minute Walk Test, MD 32.1 m (95% CI 17.2 to 47.1, P < 0.0001); and indices of diastolic function: E/A ratio, MD 0.07 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.12, P = 0.005); E/E′ ratio MD −2.31 (95% CI −3.44 to −1.19, P < 0.0001); deceleration time (DT), MD −13.2 ms (95% CI −19.8 to −6.5, P = 0.0001); and quality of life: Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire, MD −6.50 (95% CI −9.47 to −3.53, P < 0.0001); and short form-36 health survey (physical dimension), MD 15.6 (95% CI 7.4 to 23.8, P = 0.0002). In 3,744 h patient-hours of training, not one death was directly attributable to exercise. Exercise training appears to effect several health-related improvements in people with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction.
Impaired myocardial function does not explain reduced left ventricular filling and stroke volume at rest or during exercise at high altitude
Authors: Stembridge Mike , Ainslie Philip N. , Hughes Michael G. , Stöhr Eric J. , Cotter James D. , Tymko Michael M. , Day Trevor A. , Bakker Akke , Shave Rob
Published: March 2015

Impaired myocardial systolic contraction and diastolic relaxation have been suggested as possible mechanisms contributing to the decreased stroke volume (SV) observed at high altitude (HA). To determine whether intrinsic myocardial performance is a limiting factor in the generation of SV at HA, we assessed left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic mechanics and volumes in 10 healthy participants (aged 32 ± 7; mean ± SD) at rest and during exercise at sea level (SL; 344 m) and after 10 days at 5,050 m. In contrast to SL, LV end-diastolic volume was ∼19% lower at rest ( P = 0.004) and did not increase during exercise despite a greater untwisting velocity. Furthermore, resting SV was lower at HA (∼17%; 60 ± 10 vs. 70 ± 8 ml) despite higher LV twist (43%), apical rotation (115%), and circumferential strain (17%). With exercise at HA, the increase in SV was limited (12 vs. 22 ml at SL), and LV apical rotation failed to augment. For the first time, we have demonstrated that EDV does not increase upon exercise at high altitude despite enhanced in vivo diastolic relaxation. The increase in LV mechanics at rest may represent a mechanism by which SV is defended in the presence of a reduced EDV. However, likely because of the higher LV mechanics at rest, no further increase was observed up to 50% peak power. Consequently, although hypoxia does not suppress systolic function per se, the capacity to increase SV through greater deformation during submaximal exercise at HA is restricted.
Exercise training-induced bradycardia: evidence for enhanced parasympathetic regulation without changes in intrinsic sinoatrial node function
Authors: Billman George E. , Cagnoli Kristen L. , Csepe Thomas , Li Ning , Wright Patrick , Mohler Peter J. , Fedorov Vadim V.
Published: March 2015

The mechanisms responsible for exercise-induced reductions in baseline heart rate (HR), known as training bradycardia, remain controversial. Therefore, changes in cardiac autonomic regulation and intrinsic sinoatrial nodal (SAN) rate were evaluated using dogs randomly assigned to either a 10- to 12-wk exercise training ( Ex, n = 15) or an equivalent sedentary period ( Sed, n = 10). Intrinsic HR was revealed by combined autonomic nervous system (ANS) blockade (propranolol + atropine, iv) before and after completion of the study. At the end of the study, SAN function was further evaluated by examining the SAN recovery time (SNRT) following rapid atrial pacing and the response to adenosine in anesthetized animals. As expected, both the response to submaximal exercise and baseline HR significantly ( P < 0.01) decreased, and heart rate variability (HRV; e.g., high-frequency R-R interval variability) significantly ( P < 0.01) increased in the Ex group but did not change in the Sed group. Atropine also induced significantly ( P < 0.01) greater reductions in HRV in the Ex group compared with the Sed group; propranolol elicited similar HR and HRV changes in both groups. In contrast, neither intrinsic HR ( Ex before, 141.2 ± 6.7; Ex after, 146.0 ± 8.0 vs. Sed before, 143.3 ± 11.1; Sed after, 141.0 ± 11.3 beats per minute), the response to adenosine, corrected SNRT, nor atrial fibrosis and atrial fibrillation inducibility differed in the Ex group vs. the Sed group. These data suggest that in a large-animal model, training bradycardia results from an enhanced cardiac parasympathetic regulation and not from changes in intrinsic properties of the SAN.
Decoding the future from past experience: learning shapes predictions in early visual cortex
Authors: Luft Caroline D. B. , Meeson Alan , Welchman Andrew E. , Kourtzi Zoe
Published: March 2015

Learning the structure of the environment is critical for interpreting the current scene and predicting upcoming events. However, the brain mechanisms that support our ability to translate knowledge about scene statistics to sensory predictions remain largely unknown. Here we provide evidence that learning of temporal regularities shapes representations in early visual cortex that relate to our ability to predict sensory events. We tested the participants' ability to predict the orientation of a test stimulus after exposure to sequences of leftward- or rightward-oriented gratings. Using fMRI decoding, we identified brain patterns related to the observers' visual predictions rather than stimulus-driven activity. Decoding of predicted orientations following structured sequences was enhanced after training, while decoding of cued orientations following exposure to random sequences did not change. These predictive representations appear to be driven by the same large-scale neural populations that encode actual stimulus orientation and to be specific to the learned sequence structure. Thus our findings provide evidence that learning temporal structures supports our ability to predict future events by reactivating selective sensory representations as early as in primary visual cortex.
SPIKY: a graphical user interface for monitoring spike train synchrony
Authors: Kreuz Thomas , Mulansky Mario , Bozanic Nebojsa
Published: March 2015

Techniques for recording large-scale neuronal spiking activity are developing very fast. This leads to an increasing demand for algorithms capable of analyzing large amounts of experimental spike train data. One of the most crucial and demanding tasks is the identification of similarity patterns with a very high temporal resolution and across different spatial scales. To address this task, in recent years three time-resolved measures of spike train synchrony have been proposed, the ISI-distance, the SPIKE-distance, and event synchronization. The Matlab source codes for calculating and visualizing these measures have been made publicly available. However, due to the many different possible representations of the results the use of these codes is rather complicated and their application requires some basic knowledge of Matlab. Thus it became desirable to provide a more user-friendly and interactive interface. Here we address this need and present SPIKY, a graphical user interface that facilitates the application of time-resolved measures of spike train synchrony to both simulated and real data. SPIKY includes implementations of the ISI-distance, the SPIKE-distance, and the SPIKE-synchronization (an improved and simplified extension of event synchronization) that have been optimized with respect to computation speed and memory demand. It also comprises a spike train generator and an event detector that makes it capable of analyzing continuous data. Finally, the SPIKY package includes additional complementary programs aimed at the analysis of large numbers of datasets and the estimation of significance levels.
Cerebellar control of saccade dynamics: contribution of the fastigial oculomotor region
Authors: Quinet Julie , Goffart Laurent
Published: March 2015

The fastigial oculomotor region is the output by which the medioposterior cerebellum influences the generation of saccades. Recent inactivation studies reported observations suggesting an involvement in their dynamics (velocity and duration). In this work, we tested this hypothesis in the head-restrained monkey with the electrical microstimulation technique. More specifically, we studied the influence of duration, frequency, and current on the saccades elicited by fastigial stimulation and starting from a central (straight ahead) position. The results show ipsilateral or contralateral saccades whose amplitude and dynamics depend on the stimulation parameters. The duration and amplitude of their horizontal component increase with the duration of stimulation up to a maximum amplitude. Varying the stimulation frequency mostly changes their latency and the peak velocity (for contralateral saccades). Current also influences the metrics and dynamics of saccades: the horizontal amplitude and peak velocity increase with the intensity, whereas the latency decreases. The changes in peak velocity and in latency observed in contralateral saccades are not correlated. Finally, we discovered that contralateral saccades can be evoked at sites eliciting ipsilateral saccades when the stimulation frequency is reduced. However, their onset is timed not with the onset but with the offset of stimulation. These results corroborate the hypothesis that the fastigial projections toward the pontomedullary reticular formation (PMRF) participate in steering the saccade, whereas the fastigiocollicular projections contribute to the bilateral control of visual fixation. We propose that the cerebellar influence on saccade generation involves recruiting neurons and controlling the size of the active population in the PMRF.