bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methane and nitrous oxide emissions due to excreta returns from grazing cattle in Nasu, Japan
Authors: Mori Akinori , Hojito Masayuki
Published: February 2015

To quantify emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) from the excreta returns of grazing cattle, we used a closed‐chamber method to quantify the fluxes of CH4 and N2O from patches of dung, urine and untreated grassland (control) within an experimental site. Fresh dung or urine of beef cattle was applied five times at different times of year to simulate excreta deposition from year‐round grazing. CH4 fluxes were greatest immediately after dung deposition and returned to control fluxes within 10–35 days. When precipitation occurred following dung deposition, CH4 fluxes temporarily increased. Once CH4 emission ceased, however, later rewetting did not lead to a resumption of CH4 emission. CH4 emission factors for dung (CH4 EFdung) averaged 0.052%. During the normal grazing period from May to October, the mean CH4 EFdung was estimated to be 0.076%. The CH4 fluxes were not significantly affected by urine deposition. However, N2O fluxes increased only slightly following dung deposition. During the grass‐growing period, N2O fluxes increased after urine deposition, reached a maximum within 3–14 days, and then returned to the levels measured from untreated controls within 28–35 days. During the winter, N2O fluxes increased slightly after urine deposition. However, relatively small N2O fluxes, typically less than 100 μg N m−2 h−1, were observed intermittently following rainfall events. The N2O emission factors for dung (N2O EFdung) averaged 0.013%, and those for urine (N2O EFurine) averaged 0.570%. During the normal grazing period from May to October, the mean N2O EFdung and N2O EFurine were estimated to be 0.024% and 0.684%, respectively. These results suggest that CH4 and N2O emissions from manure could be reduced by grazing cattle and leaving their manure in the field as opposed to housing cattle and composting their manure.
Impact of defined clinical population and missing data on temporal trends in HIV viral load estimation within a health care system
Authors: Edelman EJ , Tate JP , Fiellin DA , Brown ST , Bryant K , Gandhi N , Gibert CL , Goetz MB , Gordon KS , Rodriguez‐Barradas MC , Braithwaite RS , Rimland D , Justice AC
Published: February 2015

Objectives

Community viral load (CVL) estimates vary based on analytic methods. We extended the CVL concept and used data from the Veterans Health Administration (VA) to determine trends in the health care system viral load (HSVL) and its sensitivity to varying definitions of the clinical population and assumptions regarding missing data.

Methods

We included HIV‐infected patients in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study, 2000−2010, with at least one documented CD4 count, HIV‐1 RNA or antiretroviral prescription (n = 37 318). We created 6‐month intervals including patients with at least one visit in the past 2 years. We assessed temporal trends in clinical population size, patient clinical status and mean HSVL and explored the impact of varying definitions of the clinical population and assumptions about missing viral load.

Results

The clinical population size varied by definition, increasing from 16 000–19 000 patients in 2000 to 23 000–26 000 in 2010. The proportion of patients with suppressed HIV‐1 RNA increased over time. Over 20% of patients had no viral load measured in a given interval or the past 2 years. Among patients with a current HIV‐1 RNA, mean HSVL decreased from 97 800 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL in 2000 to 2000 copies/mL in 2010. When current HIV‐1 RNA data were unavailable and the HSVL was recalculated using the last available HIV‐1 RNA, HSVL decreased from 322 300 to 9900 copies/mL. HSVL was underestimated when using only current data in each interval.

Conclusions

The CVL concept can be applied to a health care system, providing a measure of health care quality. Like CVL, HSVL estimates depend on definitions of the clinical population and assumptions about missing data.
Evaluation of screening and treatment of cryptococcal antigenaemia among HIV‐infected persons in Soweto, South Africa
Authors: Govender NP , Roy M , Mendes JF , Zulu TG , Chiller TM , Karstaedt AS
Published: February 2015

Objectives

We retrospectively evaluated clinic‐based screening to determine the prevalence of cryptococcal antigenaemia and management and outcome of patients with antigenaemia.

Methods

Cryptococcal antigen (CrAg) screening of HIV‐infected adults who attended the HIV clinic at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital was conducted over 19 months. Data collected from CrAg‐positive patients included CD4 T‐lymphocyte count at screening, prior or subsequent cryptococcal meningitis (CM), antifungal and antiretroviral treatment and outcome after at least 8 months.

Results

Of 1460 patients with no prior CM, 30 (2.1%) had a positive CrAg test. The prevalence of antigenaemia among patients with a CD4 count < 100 cells/μl and no prior CM was 2.8% (20 of 708). Of 29 evaluable CrAg‐positive patients with no prior CM, 14 (48%) did not return for post‐screening follow‐up. Of these 14, five developed CM and one (7%) was known to be alive at follow‐up. Of 15 patients who returned for follow‐up, two already had evidence of nonmeningeal cryptococcosis. Overall, 11 received fluconazole, one did not and fluconazole treatment was unknown for three. Among these 15, one developed CM and 10 (67%) were known to be alive at follow‐up. Overall, 18 (62%) of 29 CrAg‐positive patients died or were lost to follow‐up. Seven (0.5%) of 1430 CrAg‐negative patients developed CM a median of 83 days post‐screening (range 34 to 219 days).

Conclusions

Loss to follow‐up is the major operational issue relevant to scale‐up of screen‐and‐treat. Patient outcomes may be improved by rapid access to CrAg results and focus on linkage to and retention in HIV care.
Effect of adjunctive use of green tea dentifrice in periodontitis patients – A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Hrishi TS , Kundapur PP , Naha A , Thomas BS , Kamath S , Bhat GS
Published: February 2015

Objectives

Green tea is known to possess anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant activities. This study evaluated the effect of a locally prepared green tea dentifrice on specific parameters assessing gingival inflammation and severity of periodontal disease, when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the management of chronic periodontitis by comparing with a fluoride–triclosan‐containing control dentifrice.

Materials and methods

Thirty patients, with mild to moderate chronic periodontitis, were randomly allocated into two treatment groups, ‘test’ and ‘control’ after initial SRP. The test group was given green tea dentifrice with instructions on method of brushing, while the control group received a commercially available fluoride and triclosan containing dentifrice. Clinical parameters of Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), percentage of sites with bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) along with biochemical parameters of total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) activity in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were recorded at baseline line and 4 weeks post‐SRP.

Results

Intragroup analysis at 4 weeks showed statistically significant improvements of GI, PI, BOP, PD, CAL and TAOC in both groups. GST activity however, was increased only in the test group. At the end of the study period, the test group showed statistically significant improvements in GI, BOP, CAL, TAOC and GST levels compared to the control group.

Conclusion

On comparison with fluoride–triclosan dentifrice, green tea showed greater reduction of gingival inflammation and improved periodontal parameters. Green tea dentifrice may serve as a beneficial adjunct to non‐surgical periodontal therapy.
Concomitant anterior and posterior urethral valves in pediatrics: A single center experience over 12 years and long‐term follow up after endoscopic treatment
Authors: Kajbafzadeh Abdol‐Mohammad , Hosseini Sharifi Seyed Hossein , Keihani Sorena , Soltani Mohammad Hossein , Tajali Afshin , Salavati Alborz , Payabvash Seyedmehdi , Mehdizadeh Mehrzad
Published: February 2015

Objective

To report our 12‐year experience with endoscopic management of patients with concomitant anterior and posterior urethral valves.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients referred to us for management of urethral valves from 2000 to 2012 to find cases with concomitant anterior and posterior valves. The diagnosis of valves was first suspected on voiding cystourethrography and confirmed by urethrocystoscopy. We collected available data on patients’ age at diagnosis, clinical presentations, ultrasound and urodynamic findings, and surgical treatments. The final outcome at last follow up was also recorded.

Results

From 38 cases with anterior urethral valve, six (15.8%) presented concomitant anterior and posterior valves. The age at diagnosis in these patients ranged from antenatal diagnosis to 13 years. Initial presenting symptoms were recurrent urinary tract infection, incontinence, urosepsis and poor urinary stream. All valves were ablated by transurethral fulguration/resection using small‐sized urethrocystoscopes. Among those with concomitant anterior and posterior valves, four patients had vesicoureteral reflux at presentation that resolved in two patients after valve ablation. One patient progressed to renal failure and required dialysis. Bladder hypercontractility and detrusor overactivity were the main urodynamic patterns in these patients.

Conclusions

Concomitant anterior and posterior valves seem to be more prevalent than previously assumed, and might be missed on initial assessment. Oblique view voiding cystourethrography with full‐length delineation of the urethra is of paramount diagnostic importance when obstruction is suspected. A meticulous urethrocystoscopy should follow for confirming the diagnosis and endoscopic ablation/resection of the valves.
Calibrating a Basin‐Scale Groundwater Model to Remotely Sensed Estimates of Groundwater Evapotranspiration
Authors: Carroll Rosemary W.H. , Pohll Greg M. , Morton Charles G. , Huntington Justin L.
Published: February 2015

Remotely sensed vegetation indices correspond to canopy vigor and cover and have been successfully used to estimate groundwater evapotranspiration (ETg) over large spatial and temporal scales. However, these data do not provide information on depth to groundwater (dtgw) necessary for groundwater models (GWM) to calculate ETg. An iterative approach is provided that calibrates GWM to ETg derived from Landsat estimates of the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI). The approach is applied to different vegetation groups in Mason Valley, Nevada over an 11‐year time span. An uncertainty analysis is done to estimate the resulting mean and 90% confidence intervals in ETg to dtgw relationships to quantify errors associated with plant physiologic complexity, species variability, and parameter smoothing to the 100 m GWM‐grid, temporal variability in soil moisture and nonuniqueness in the solution. Additionally, a first‐order second moment analysis shows ETg to dtgw relationships are almost exclusively sensitive to estimated land surface, or maximum, ETg despite relatively large uncertainty in extinction depths and hydraulic conductivity. The EVI method of estimating ETg appears to bias ETg during years with exceptionally wet spring/summer conditions. Excluding these years improves model performance significantly but highlights the need to develop a methodology that accounts not only on quantity but timing of annual precipitation on phreatophyte greenness.
The c‐MYC‐ABCB5 axis plays a pivotal role in 5‐fluorouracil resistance in human colon cancer cells
Authors: Kugimiya Naruji , Nishimoto Arata , Hosoyama Tohru , Ueno Koji , Enoki Tadahiko , Li Tao‐Sheng , Hamano Kimikazu
Published: February 2015

c‐MYC overexpression is frequently observed in various cancers including colon cancer and regulates many biological activities such as aberrant cell proliferation, apoptosis, genomic instability, immortalization and drug resistance. However, the mechanism by which c‐MYC confers drug resistance remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, we found that the c‐MYC expression level in primary colorectal cancer tissues correlated with the recurrence rate following 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU)‐based adjuvant chemotherapy. Supporting this finding, overexpression of exogenous c‐MYC increased the survival rate following 5‐FU treatment in human colon cancer cells, and knockdown of endogenous c‐MYC decreased it. Furthermore, c‐MYC knockdown decreased the expression level of ABCB5, which is involved in 5‐FU resistance. Using a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we found that c‐MYC bound to the ABCB5 promoter region. c‐MYC inhibitor (10058‐F4) treatment inhibited c‐MYC binding to the ABCB5 promoter, leading to a decrease in ABCB5 expression level. ABCB5 knockdown decreased the survival rate following 5‐FU treatment as expected, and the ABCB5 expression level was increased in 5‐FU‐resistant human colon cancer cells. Finally, using a human colon cancer xenograft murine model, we found that the combined 5‐FU and 10058‐F4 treatment significantly decreased tumorigenicity in nude mice compared with 5‐FU or 10058‐F4 treatment alone. 10058‐F4 treatment decreased the ABCB5 expression level in the presence or absence of 5‐FU. In contrast, 5‐FU treatment alone increased the ABCB5 expression level. Taken together, these results suggest that c‐MYC confers resistance to 5‐FU through regulating ABCB5 expression in human colon cancer cells.
Impact of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Age Trajectories of Health: Evidence from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Hsu Yu‐Ching , Chiu Ching‐Ju , Wray Linda A. , Beverly Elizabeth A. , Tseng Shuo‐Ping
Published: February 2015

Although traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is widely used, its effect on health outcomes is not well understood. This study employed a cohort sequential design to investigate levels and rates of change in health from midlife to older adulthood in TCM users and nonusers. A sample of 1,302 community‐dwelling adults aged 53 to 80 was selected from individuals interviewed in the 1999 Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging (TLSA) and reinterviewed in 2003 and 2007. TCM users were identified as participants who reported visiting a Chinese medicine clinic in the year before each of the three interviews. Health outcomes included physical function, self‐rated health, cognitive function, and depressive symptoms. Approximately one in five adults reported that they used TCM in at least one wave of the 3 interview years, but less than one in twenty across all waves. Controlling for time‐varying sociodemographic and health conditions, levels and rates of change in physical and cognitive function did not differ according to TCM use. Although adults who reported using TCM had higher depressive symptoms (βTCM = 0.979, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.200–1.758) and poorer self‐rated health (βTCM = −0.267, 95% CI = −0.267 to −0.081) at baseline, their rates of change in these outcomes did not differ from those who did not use TCM. Subgroup analyses revealed that TCM use benefited adults with higher depressive symptoms by attenuating worsening depressive symptoms (βTCM×Age = −0.221, 95% CI = −0.434 to −0.007). Further research aimed at understanding the specific mechanisms by which TCM affects health outcomes is warranted.
Regulation of RAGE splicing by hnRNP A1 and Tra2β‐1 and its potential role in AD pathogenesis
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Yan , Li Hong‐Lei , Su Jia‐Bin , Ding Fei‐Hong , Zhao Jing‐Jing , Chai Fang , Li Yuan‐Xin , Cui Shi‐Cao , Sun Feng‐Yan , Wu Zhi‐Ying , Xu Ping , Chen Xian‐Hua
Published: February 2015

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) gene expresses two major alternative splicing isoforms, full‐length membrane‐bound RAGE (mRAGE) and secretory RAGE (esRAGE). Both isoforms play important roles in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, either via interaction of mRAGE with β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) or inhibition of the mRAGE‐activated signaling pathway. In the present study, we showed that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1 (hnRNP A1) and Transformer2β‐1 (Tra2β‐1) were involved in the alternative splicing of mRAGE and esRAGE. Functionally, two factors had an antagonistic effect on the regulation. Glucose deprivation induced an increased ratio of mRAGE/esRAGE via up‐regulation of hnRNP A1 and down‐regulation of Tra2β‐1. Moreover, the ratios of mRAGE/esRAGE and hnRNP A1/Tra2β‐1 were increased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from AD patients. The results provide a molecular basis for altered splicing of mRAGE and esRAGE in AD pathogenesis.

image

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) gene expresses two major alternative splicing isoforms, membrane‐bound RAGE (mRAGE) and secretory RAGE (esRAGE). Both isoforms play important roles in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Mechanism for imbalanced expression of these two isoforms in AD brain remains elusive. We proposed here a hypothetic model to illustrate that impaired glucose metabolism in AD brain may increase the expression of splicing protein hnRNP A1 and reduce Tra2β‐1, which cause the imbalanced expression of mRAGE and esRAGE.
Adolescents' Perceptions of Family Belonging in Stepfamilies
Authors: King Valarie , Boyd Lisa M. , Thorsen Maggie L.
Published: February 2015

Prior research has established that adolescents' perceptions of family belonging are associated with a range of well‐being indicators and that adolescents in stepfamilies report lower levels of family belonging than adolescents in two‐biological‐parent families. Yet, we know little regarding what factors are associated with adolescents' perceptions of family belonging in stepfamilies. Guided by family systems theory, the authors addressed this issue by using nationally representative data (Add Health) to examine the associations between family characteristics and adolescents' perceptions of family belonging in stepfather families (N = 2,085). Results from structural equation models revealed that both the perceived quality of the stepfather–adolescent relationship and in particular the perceived quality of the mother–adolescent relationship were the factors most strongly associated with feelings of family belonging.
Sexual Satisfaction and Distress in Sexual Functioning in a Sample of the BDSM Community: A Comparison Study Between BDSM and Non-BDSM Contexts
Authors: Monteiro Pascoal Patrícia , Cardoso Daniel , Henriques Rui
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Little attention has been paid to distress in sexual functioning or the sexual satisfaction of people who practice BDSM (Bondage and Discipline, Domination and Submission, Sadism and Masochism).

Aim

The purpose of this study was to describe sociodemographic characteristics and BDSM practices and compare BDSM practitioners' sexual outcomes (in BDSM and non-BDSM contexts).

Methods

A convenience sample of 68 respondents completed an online survey that used a participatory research framework. Cronbach's alpha and average inter-item correlations assessed scale reliability, and the Wilcoxon paired samples test compared the total scores between BDSM and non-BDSM contexts separately for men and women. Open-ended questions about BDSM sexual practices were coded using a preexisting thematic tree.

Main Outcome Measures

We used self-reported demographic factors, including age at the onset of BDSM interest, age at first BDSM experience, and favorite and most frequent BDSM practices. The Global Measure of Sexual Satisfaction measured the amount of sexual distress, including low desire, arousal, maintaining arousal, premature orgasm, and anorgasmia.

Results

The participants had an average age of 33.15 years old and were highly educated and waited 6 years after becoming interested in BDSM to act on their interests. The practices in which the participants most frequently engaged did not coincide with the practices in which they were most interested and were overwhelmingly conducted at home. Comparisons between genders in terms of distress in sexual functioning in BDSM and non-BDSM contexts demonstrate that, with the exception of maintaining arousal, we found distress in sexual functioning to be statistically the same in BDSM and non-BDSM contexts for women. For men, we found that distress in sexual functioning, with the exception of premature orgasm and anorgasmia, was statistically significantly lower in the BDSM context. There were no differences in sexual satisfaction between BDSM and non-BDSM contexts for men or women.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that BDSM sexual activity should be addressed in clinical settings that account for BDSM identities, practices, relationships, preferences, sexual satisfaction, and distress in sexual function for men and women. Additional research needs are identified, such as the need to define distressful sexual functioning experiences and expand our understanding of the development of BDSM sexual identities.
Evidence for an active rare biosphere within freshwater protists community
Authors: Debroas Didier , Hugoni Mylène , Domaizon Isabelle
Published: February 2015

Studies on the active rare biosphere at the RNA level are mainly focused on Bacteria and Archaea and fail to include the protists, which are involved in the main biogeochemical cycles of the earth. In this study, the richness, composition and activity of the rare protistan biosphere were determined from a temporal survey of two lakes by pyrosequencing. In these ecosystems, the always rare OTUs represented 77.2% of the total OTUs and 76.6% of the phylogenetic diversity. From the various phylogenetic indices computed, the phylogenetic units (PUs) constituted exclusively by always rare OTUs were discriminated from the other PUs. Therefore, the rare biosphere included mainly taxa that are distant from the reference databases compared to the dominant ones. In addition, the rarest OTUs represented 59.8% of the active biosphere depicted by rRNA and the activity (rRNA:rDNA ratio) increased with the rarity. The high rRNA:rDNA ratio determined in the rare fraction highlights that some protists were active at low abundances and contribute to ecosystem functioning. Interestingly, the always rare and active OTUs were characterized by seasonal changes in relation with the main environmental parameters measured. In conclusion, the rare eukaryotes represent an active, dynamic and overlooked fraction in the lacustrine ecosystems.
Unravelling the role of SNM1 in the DNA repair system of Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Sullivan James A. , Tong Jie Lun , Wong Martin , Kumar Ambika , Sarkar Hajrah , Ali Sarah , Hussein Ikran , Zaman Iqra , Meredith Emma Louise , Helsby Nuala A. , Hu Longqin , Wilkinson Shane R.
Published: February 2015

All living cells are subject to agents that promote DNA damage. A particularly lethal lesion are interstrand cross‐links (ICL), a property exploited by several anti‐cancer chemotherapies. In yeast and humans, an enzyme that plays a key role in repairing such damage are the PSO2/SNM1 nucleases. Here, we report that Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of African trypanosomiasis, possesses a bona fide member of this family (called TbSNM1) with expression of the parasite enzyme able to suppress the sensitivity yeast pso2Δ mutants display towards mechlorethamine, an ICL‐inducing compound. By disrupting the Tbsnm1 gene, we demonstrate that TbSNM1 activity is non‐essential to the medically relevant T. brucei life cycle stage. However, trypanosomes lacking this enzyme are more susceptible to bi‐ and tri‐functional DNA alkylating agents with this phenotype readily complemented by ectopic expression of Tbsnm1. Genetically modified variants of the null mutant line were subsequently used to establish the anti‐parasitic mechanism of action of nitrobenzylphosphoramide mustard and aziridinyl nitrobenzamide prodrugs, compounds previously shown to possess potent trypanocidal properties while exhibiting limited toxicity to mammalian cells. This established that these agents, following activation by a parasite specific type I nitroreductase, produce metabolites that promote formation of ICLs leading to inhibition of trypanosomal growth.
Intraosseous vascular access in critically ill adults—a review of the literature
Authors: Garside Joanne , Prescott Stephen , Shaw Susan
Published: February 2015

Background

The IO route is an established method of obtaining vascular access in children in acute and emergency situations and is now increasingly being used in adults as an alternative to intravenous access, yet a paucity of evidence exists regarding its use, effectiveness and implementation.

Aim and objectives

The aim of this literature review is to present a detailed investigation critiquing contemporary practices of intraosseous (IO) vascular access in adult patients. Specific objectives identified led to the exploration of clinical contexts, IO device/s and anatomical sites; education and training requirements; implications and recommendations for emergency health care practice and any requirements for further research.

Search strategies

An exploratory literature review was undertaken in acknowledgement of the broad and complex nature of the project aim. Five electronic search engines were examined iteratively from June 2013 to February 2014. The search terms were ‘intraosseous’ and ‘adult’ which were purposely limited because of the exploratory nature of the review. Studies that met the inclusion criteria of primary research articles with an adult focus were included. Research with a paediatric focus was excluded. Secondary research, reviews, case reports, editorials and opinion papers were excluded.

Conclusion

IO vascular access is considered an alternative intravascular access route although debate considering the preferred anatomical site is ongoing. Documented practices are only established in pre‐hospital and specialist emergency department settings; however, variety exists in policy and actual practice. Achieving insertion competence is relatively uncomplicated following minimal preparation although ongoing skill maintenance is less clear. IO vascular access is associated with minimal complications although pain is a significant issue for the conscious patient especially during fluid administration.

Relevance to clinical practice

The IO route is clearly a valuable alternative to problematic intravascular access. However, further research, including cost effectiveness reviews, is required to gain clarity of whole acute care approaches.
Natural variation in flavonol and anthocyanin metabolism during cold acclimation in Arabidopsis thaliana accessions
Authors: SCHULZ ELISA , TOHGE TAKAYUKI , ZUTHER ELLEN , FERNIE ALISDAIR R. , HINCHA DIRK K.
Published: February 2015

In plants from temperate climates such as Arabidopsis thaliana, low, non‐freezing temperatures lead to increased freezing tolerance in a process termed cold acclimation. During cold acclimation, massive changes in gene expression and in the content of primary metabolites and lipids have been observed. Here, we have analysed the influence of cold acclimation on flavonol and anthocyanin content and on the expression of genes related to flavonoid metabolism in 54 Arabidopsis accessions covering a wide range of freezing tolerance. Most flavonols and anthocyanins accumulated upon cold exposure, but the extent of accumulation varied strongly among the accessions. This was also true for most of the investigated transcripts. Correlation analyses revealed a high degree of coordination among metabolites and among transcripts, but only little correlation between metabolites and transcripts, indicating an important role of post‐transcriptional regulation in flavonoid metabolism. Similarly, levels of many flavonoid biosynthesis genes were correlated with freezing tolerance after cold acclimation, but only the pool sizes of a few flavonols and anthocyanins. Collectively, our data provide evidence for an important role of flavonoid metabolism in Arabidopsis freezing tolerance and point to the importance of post‐transcriptional mechanisms in the regulation of flavonoid metabolism in response to cold.
Floral diversity and pollination strategies of three rheophytic Schismatoglottideae (Araceae)
Authors: Low S. L. , Wong S. Y. , Ooi I. H. , Hesse M. , Städler Y. , Schönenberger J. , Boyce P. C.
Published: February 2015

Homoplastic evolution of ‘unique’ morphological characteristics in the Schismatoglottideae – many previously used to define genera – prompted this study to compare morphology and function in connection with pollination biology for Aridarum nicolsonii, Phymatarum borneense and Schottarum sarikeense. Aridarum nicolsonii and P. borneense extrude pollen through a pair of horned thecae while S. sarikeense sheds pollen through a pair of pores on the thecae. Floral traits of spathe constriction, presence and movement of sterile structures on the spadix, the comparable role of horned thecae and thecae pores, the presence of stamen‐associated calcium oxalate packages, and the timing of odour emission are discussed in the context of their roles in pollinator management. Pollinators for all investigated species were determined to be species of Colocasiomyia (Diptera: Drosophilidae).
PAR’s Social Equity Footprint
Authors: Gooden Susan T.
Published: February 2015

During the 75th anniversary of Public Administration Review (PAR), this article examines the social equity scholarship published in PAR from 1940 to 2013. Less than 5 percent of all articles published in PAR since its inception focus on social equity. The articles published in PAR are primarily concentrated within the areas of personnel and public policy. Very few articles were published in the areas of budgeting or ethics. While social equity scholarship published in PAR has made a valuable contribution to understanding the career inequities of women and minorities in the public sector, scholars and professionals need to more thoroughly examine the black box of agency practice and structural inequities to examine why they persist. The challenge for future social equity research in public administration is to examine broader dimensions of equity and to understand how social inequities in administration can be mitigated.
The Politics of Jurisprudence Revisited: A Swedish Realist in Historical Context
Authors: Cotterrell Roger
Published: February 2015

This article argues that juristic theories must be understood in relation to the historical conditions in which they have emerged. This is not to reduce theories to their context but to gain essential insight into their aims, meaning, and scope with the aid of such “external” reference points. Here I use the ideas of the Swedish legal realist Vilhelm Lundstedt to illustrate these claims, choosing his juristic theory for this purpose specifically because it has been so widely seen (at least by non‐Scandinavian interpreters) as deeply puzzling and “extreme.” The article argues that his central ideas are readily intelligible in historical context. But such a contextual examination of juristic ideas also makes it possible to assess what in them can properly travel beyond immediate context: in other words, what insights about the nature of the jurist's task can legitimately be taken from them for more universal application. Lundstedt's work, despite having been largely ignored or excluded from international juristic debate, has something to offer here if seen through a contextualising lens that sets the possibilities for its broader application in sharp relief.
Asking the Sovereignty Question in Global Legal Pluralism: From “Weak” Jurisprudence to “Strong” Socio‐Legal Theories of Constitutional Power Operations
Authors: Přibáň Jiří
Published: February 2015

The article examines recent theories of legal and constitutional pluralism, especially their adoption of sociological perspectives and criticisms of the concept of sovereignty. The author argues thatJohnGriffiths's original dichotomy of “weak” and “strong” pluralism has to be reassessed because “weak” jurisprudential theories contain useful sociological analyses of the internal differentiation and operations of specific legal orders, their overlapping, parallel validity and collisions in global society. Using the sociological methodology of legal pluralism theories and critically elaborating on Teubner's societal constitutionalism, the author subsequently reformulates the question of sovereignty as a sociological problem of complex power operations communicated through the constitutional state's organization and reconfigured within the global legal and political framework.
Risk Analysis for U.S. Offshore Wind Farms: The Need for an Integrated Approach
Authors: Staid Andrea , Guikema Seth D.
Published: February 2015

Wind power is becoming an increasingly important part of the global energy portfolio, and there is growing interest in developing offshore wind farms in the United States to better utilize this resource. Wind farms have certain environmental benefits, notably near‐zero emissions of greenhouse gases, particulates, and other contaminants of concern. However, there are significant challenges ahead in achieving large‐scale integration of wind power in the United States, particularly offshore wind. Environmental impacts from wind farms are a concern, and these are subject to a number of on‐going studies focused on risks to the environment. However, once a wind farm is built, the farm itself will face a number of risks from a variety of hazards, and managing these risks is critical to the ultimate achievement of long‐term reductions in pollutant emissions from clean energy sources such as wind. No integrated framework currently exists for assessing risks to offshore wind farms in the United States, which poses a challenge for wind farm risk management. In this “Perspective”, we provide an overview of the risks faced by an offshore wind farm, argue that an integrated framework is needed, and give a preliminary starting point for such a framework to illustrate what it might look like. This is not a final framework; substantial work remains. Our intention here is to highlight the research need in this area in the hope of spurring additional research about the risks to wind farms to complement the substantial amount of on‐going research on the risks from wind farms.
The Chlamydomonas cell cycle
Authors: Cross Frederick R. , Umen James G.
Published: February 2015

The position of Chlamydomonas within the eukaryotic phylogeny makes it a unique model in at least two important ways: as a representative of the critically important, early‐diverging lineage leading to plants; and as a microbe retaining important features of the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA) that has been lost in the highly studied yeast lineages. Its cell biology has been studied for many decades and it has well‐developed experimental genetic tools, both classical (Mendelian) and molecular. Unlike land plants, it is a haploid with very few gene duplicates, making it ideal for loss‐of‐function genetic studies. The Chlamydomonas cell cycle has a striking temporal and functional separation between cell growth and rapid cell division, probably connected to the interplay between diurnal cycles that drive photosynthetic cell growth and the cell division cycle; it also exhibits a highly choreographed interaction between the cell cycle and its centriole–basal body–flagellar cycle. Here, we review the current status of studies of the Chlamydomonas cell cycle. We begin with an overview of cell‐cycle control in the well‐studied yeast and animal systems, which has yielded a canonical, well‐supported model. We discuss briefly what is known about similarities and differences in plant cell‐cycle control, compared with this model. We next review the cytology and cell biology of the multiple‐fission cell cycle of Chlamydomonas. Lastly, we review recent genetic approaches and insights into Chlamydomonas cell‐cycle regulation that have been enabled by a new generation of genomics‐based tools.
A clinical governance framework for blood services
Authors: Williamson L. M. , Benjamin R. J. , Devine D. V. , Katz L. M , Pink J. ,   the Alliance of Blood Operators Medical Directors Group
Published: February 2015

Background and Objectives

The elements of clinical governance, which ensure excellence in clinical care, can be applied to blood services. In this survey, their application in a range of blood providers was gauged, with the aim of identifying best practice and producing a generalizable framework.

Materials and Methods

The Medical Directors of members of the Alliance of Blood Operators surveyed how different elements of clinical governance operated within their organizations and developed recommendations applicable in the blood service environment.

Results

The recommendations that emerged highlighted the importance of an organization's culture, with the delivery of optimal clinical governance being a corporate responsibility. Senior management must agree and promote a set of values to ensure that the system operates with the patient and donor at its heart. All staff should understand how their role fits into the ‘journey to the patient’, and a culture of openness promoted. Thus, reporting of errors and risks should be actively sought and praised, with penalties applied for concealment. Systems should exist to collect, analyse and escalate clinical outcomes, safety data, clinical risk assessments, incident reports and complaints to inform organizational learning.

Conclusion

Clinical governance principles from general health care can be applied within blood services to complement good manufacturing practice. This requires leadership, accountability, an open culture and a drive for continuous improvement and excellence in clinical care.
W2,p interior estimates of fully nonlinear elliptic equations
Authors: Li Dongsheng , Zhang Kai
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we generalize the interior estimates of fully nonlinear elliptic equations that were obtained by Caffarelli [‘Interior a priori estimates for solutions of fully nonlinear equations’, Ann. of Math. 130 (1989) 189–213]. The generalizations are carried out in two directions. One is that we relax the regularity requirement on the ‘constant coefficients’ equations and the other one is that we broaden the range of .
Differing autonomic responses to dobutamine stress in the presence and absence of myocardial ischaemia
Authors: Sharma Rajan , O'Driscoll Jamie M , Saha Ansuman , Sritharan Mukunthan , Sutton Richard , Rosen Stuart D
Published: February 2015

Key points

Dobutamine stress echocardiography is a validated tool for the non‐invasive evaluation of myocardial ischaemia and enables the recording of heart rate variability in non‐resting conditions.

In this study we determined whether individuals with transient myocardial ischaemia had different autonomic responses to the stress of dobutamine infusion compared to non‐ischaemic (normal) responders.

Non‐ischaemic responders had a residual predominance of parasympathetic over sympathetic activity. However, under conditions of myocardial ischaemia, there was a directionally opposite cardiac autonomic response with a residual increase of sympathetic over parasympathetic modulation.

The sympathetic response to dobutamine stress is augmented as the burden of myocardial ischaemia is increased.

Cardiac autonomic dysfunction has prognostic significance in patients with coronary artery disease. This investigation aimed to assess changes in autonomic modulation induced by dobutamine stress in the presence and absence of myocardial ischaemia. In total, 314 individuals underwent dobutamine stress echocardiography to detect or exclude myocardial ischaemia. Simultaneous autonomic and haemodynamic data were obtained using a plethysmographic device. Total power spectral density and associated low‐frequency (LF) and high‐frequency (HF) power spectral components in absolute (ms2) and normalised units (nu) were determined. Participants were categorised as non‐ischaemic (NI) or ischaemic (IS) responders. There were no significant differences in LFnu or HFnu between groups at baseline. At peak stress, LFnu decreased from baseline in NI (43 ± 1.8 to 40 ± 1.8%), but increased from baseline in IS responders (39.5 ± 2 to 56 ± 2%, P < 0.05). In contrast, HFnu increased in NI patients (57 ± 1.8 to 60 ± 1.8%) but decreased in IS responders (60.5 ± 2 to 44 ± 2%, P < 0.05). Those with a high ischaemic burden [more than three ischaemic left ventricular (LV) segments] had a greater increase in LFnu (41 ± 4.8 to 65 ± 3.2% vs. 44.8 ± 3.8 to 57.7 ± 3.1%, P < 0.05) and greater decrease in HFnu (59 ± 4.8 to 35 ± 3.2% vs. 55.2 ± 3.8 to 42.3 ± 3.1%, P < 0.05) compared to patients with a low ischaemic burden (1–3 ischaemic LV segments) respectively, at peak stress. In the absence of myocardial ischaemia, dobutamine stress is associated with a residual predominance of parasympathetic over sympathetic activity. Under conditions of ischaemia, there is a directionally opposite autonomic response with a significant residual increase of sympathetic over parasympathetic modulation. This response is augmented as the burden of ischaemia is increased.
Limiting TGF-β signaling to prevent fibrosis
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: February 2015

The orphan receptor NR4A1 inhibits TGF-β signaling and is inactivated in fibrotic diseases.
Acquired haemophilia A presenting at a District General Hospital
Authors: Freeman Amy
Published: February 2015

We report a case of a 64-year-old man presented to A&E with a 2-week to 4-month history of right hip pain, right leg weakness and fasciculations, extensive bruising and a vesicular skin rash. He had a CT of the chest/abdomen/pelvis, which revealed multiple extensive haematomas including an iliopsoas haematoma causing a lumbar plexopathy and resulting in the right hip and leg symptoms. He had clotting studies showing a prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time. Haematology review together with mixing studies suggested a diagnosis of acquired haemophilia A. He was treated at the local tertiary centre with activated prothrombin complex concentrate and steroids and made a full recovery.
Delayed splenic abscess after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Singh Yardesh , Cawich Shamir , Aziz Imran , Naraynsingh Vijay
Published: February 2015

Splenic abscesses complicating sleeve gastrectomies are extremely rare. We report the fourth recorded case of a splenic abscess; in our case it occurred 10 weeks after sleeve gastrectomy in a 44-year-old man. The clinical presentation was vague but included the triad of fever, left upper quadrant tenderness and leucocytosis. The presence of this triad after sleeve gastrectomy should prompt investigation with contrast CT scans to exclude a splenic abscess.
Legionnaires disease presenting as acute kidney injury in the absence of pneumonia
Authors: Yogarajah Meera , Sivasambu Bhradeev
Published: February 2015

Legionnaires disease is a pneumonic illness with multisystem involvement. In 1987, Haineset alreported the only reported case of isolated renal disease of legionellosis without concurrent respiratory disease. A 62-year-old man presented with generalised weakness and malaise and watery diarrhoea, and was found to have acute kidney injury on admission. He was initially managed as acute gastroenteritis complicated with dehydration and acute kidney injury with intravenous hydration. Despite adequate hydration, his renal function was worsening day by day. Later in the course of his sickness he developed pneumonic illness and was diagnosed with Legionnaires disease after a positive urine antigen test. We are reporting the second case of Legionnaires disease presenting as an isolated acute kidney injury in the absence of respiratory symptoms on presentation.
Why do Italian stroke patients receive CT scans earlier than UK patients?
Authors: Wardlaw J M , Lewis S C , Sandercock P A G , Ricci S , Spizzichino L ,   the International Stroke Trial Collaborators in Italy and the UK
Published: February 2015

Computed tomography (CT) scanning is important prior to acute stroke treatment. We wished to identify factors associated with being able to obtain a CT scan quickly, from a recent large stroke treatment trial. A questionnaire survey on the organisation of CT scanning services for stroke was sent to 179 UK and Italian hospitals who had randomised patients into the International Stroke Trial and performed at least one pre-randomisation CT scan. Data from the questionnaire were analysed in conjunction with other patient data. Italian doctors expected the CT scans to be done more quickly than UK doctors, their hospitals were more likely to have a CT scanner operating all the time, and a porter was used less frequently to take the patient to the CT scanner. A few simple changes in the way CT scanning is organised for stroke patients in the UK could speed access to CT considerably.
Interpretation of uplift load tests on belled piers in Gobi gravel
Authors: Qian Zeng-zhen , Lu Xian-long , Han Xue , Tong Rui-ming
Published: February 2015

Belled piers are widely applied in Gobi gravel to withstand axial tensile loads for transmission towers in Northwest China. This study evaluates the pullout performance of belled piers in Gobi gravel. Forty-one full-scale belled piers were installed at seven sites, and pullout load testing was conducted for each foundation. In general, the uplift load – shaft-head displacement curves of the belled piers in Gobi gravel approximately exhibited an initial linear, a curvilinear transition, and a final linear region, and their capacities should be interpreted from the load test results. Four representative uplift interpretation criteria (Chin, slope tangent, tangent intersection, and L1–L2) were used to evaluate the capacity of each belled pier. The results were interrelated to establish a generalized correlation among these interpreted capacities using a mean normalized uplift load–displacement curve. Based on these analyses, the relative interrelationships of these criteria were established, and the use of these methods was suggested.