bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maf1-mediated repression of RNA polymerase III transcription inhibits tRNA degradation via RTD pathway
Authors: Turowski Tomasz W. , Karkusiewicz Iwona , Kowal Justyna , Boguta Magdalena
Published: August 2012

tRNA precursors, which are transcribed by RNA polymerase III, undergo end-maturation, splicing, and base modifications. Hypomodified tRNAs, such as tRNAVal(AAC), lacking 7-methylguanosine and 5-methylcytidine modifications, are subject to degradation by a rapid tRNA decay pathway. Here we searched for genes which, when overexpressed, restored stability of tRNAVal(AAC) molecules in a modification-deficient trm4Δtrm8Δ mutant. We identified TEF1 and VAS1, encoding elongation factor eEF1A and valyl-tRNA synthetase respectively, which likely protect hypomodified tRNAVal(AAC) by direct interactions. We also identified MAF1 whose product is a general negative regulator of RNA polymerase III. Expression of a Maf1-7A mutant that constitutively repressed RNA polymerase III transcription resulted in increased stability of hypomodified tRNAVal(AAC). Strikingly, inhibition of tRNA transcription in a Maf1-independent manner, either by point mutation in RNA polymerase III subunit Rpc128 or decreased expression of Rpc17 subunit, also suppressed the turnover of the hypomodified tRNAVal(AAC). These results support a model where inhibition of tRNA transcription leads to stabilization of hypomodified tRNAVal(AAC) due to more efficient protection by tRNA-interacting proteins.
Mutational analysis of Trypanosoma brucei editosome proteins KREPB4 and KREPB5 reveals domains critical for function
Authors: Carnes Jason , Schnaufer Achim , McDermott Suzanne M. , Domingo Gonzalo , Proff Rose , Steinberg Alodie G. , Kurtz Irina , Stuart Kenneth
Published: August 2012

The transcriptome of kinetoplastid mitochondria undergoes extensive RNA editing that inserts and deletes uridine residues (U's) to produce mature mRNAs. The editosome is a multiprotein complex that provides endonuclease, TUTase, exonuclease, and ligase activities required for RNA editing. The editosome's KREPB4 and KREPB5 proteins are essential for editosome integrity and parasite viability and contain semi-conserved motifs corresponding to zinc finger, RNase III, and PUF domains, but to date no functional analysis of these domains has been reported. We show here that various point mutations to KREPB4 and KREPB5 identify essential domains, and suggest that these proteins do not themselves perform RNase III catalysis. The zinc finger of KREPB4 but not KREPB5 is essential for editosome integrity and parasite viability, and mutation of the RNase III signature motif in KREPB5 prevents integration into editosomes, which is lethal. Isolated TAP-tagged KREPB4 and KREPB5 complexes preferentially associate with components of the deletion subcomplex, providing additional insights into editosome architecture. A new alignment of editosome RNase III sequences from several kinetoplastid species implies that KREPB4 and KREPB5 lack catalytic activity and reveals that the PUF motif is present in the editing endonucleases KREN1, KREN2, and KREN3. The data presented here are consistent with the hypothesis that KREPB4 and KREPB5 form intermolecular heterodimers with the catalytically active editing endonucleases, which is unprecedented among known RNase III proteins.
Service Commitment Strategy and Pricing Decisions in Retail Supply Chains with Risk-Averse Players
Authors: Xiao Tiaojun , Choi Tsan Ming , Yang Danqin , Cheng T. C. E.
Published: August 2012

We study the service commitment strategy and pricing decisions in a single-supplier single-retailer supply chain where all the players (and consumers) are risk averse. Motivated by various industrial practices, we explore the case where the retailer determines whether to provide a service guarantee (SG) or to provide no service guarantee (NSG). The main incentive for using SG is to reduce the service-level risk to consumers. We derive the range of the supplier's degree of risk aversion and the range of the consumer's sensitivity (or attitude) to service reliability over which the retailer chooses SG. We find that (i) the retailer's motivation to use SG increases with the consumer's product quality perception, (ii) the retailer's motivation to use SG decreases with the retailer's degree of risk aversion but increases with both the consumer's degree of risk aversion and the retailer's service investment efficiency, and (iii) the unit wholesale price under NSG is lower than that under SG if and only if the consumer's service-level sensitivity is sufficiently small. In addition, we illustrate that the endogenization of unit wholesale price raises the retailer's motivation to use SG if the consumer is sufficiently risk averse; otherwise, it may decrease this motivation. In the make-to-stock mode, we also find that a higher unit-holding cost weakens the retailer's motivation to use an availability guarantee.
Long-term analysis of the efficacy and tolerability of sorafenib in advanced radio-iodine refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma: final results of a phase II trial
Authors: Schneider T C , Abdulrahman R M , Corssmit E P , Morreau H , Smit J W A , Kapiteijn E
Published: August 2012

Objective

We conducted a prospective phase II clinical trial to determine the efficacy of sorafenib in patients with advanced radio-iodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer. In this article, the long-term results are presented.

Patients and methods

Thirty-one patients with progressive metastatic or locally advanced radioactive iodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer received sorafenib 400 mg orally twice daily. The study end points included response rate, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), best response by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria 1.0, and toxicity.

Results

Median PFS was 18 months (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 7–29 months) and median OS was 34.5 months (95% CI: 19–50 months). Eight patients (31%) achieved a partial response and 11 patients (42%) showed stable disease after a median follow-up of 25 months (range 3.5–39 months). Toxicity mostly included hand foot syndrome, weight loss, diarrhea, and rash.

Conclusion

Sorafenib has clinically relevant antitumor activity in patients with progressive metastatic or locally advanced radio-iodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancer. Sorafenib can nowadays be considered as the standard option in these patients.
Growth differentiation factor 15 predicts future insulin resistance and impaired glucose control in obese nondiabetic individuals: results from the XENDOS trial
Authors: Kempf Tibor , Guba-Quint Anja , Torgerson Jarl , Magnone Maria Chiara , Haefliger Carolina , Bobadilla Maria , Wollert Kai C
Published: August 2012

Objective

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a stress-responsive cytokine that is increased in obesity and established type 2 diabetes. We assessed whether GDF-15 can predict future insulin resistance and impaired glucose control in obese nondiabetic individuals.

Design and methods

Plasma GDF-15 concentrations were measured with an automated electrochemiluminescent immunoassay at baseline and after 4 years in 496 obese nondiabetic individuals (52% men, median age 48 years, median body mass index (BMI) 37.6 kg/m2) enrolled in the XENical in the prevention of Diabetes in Obese subjects (XENDOS) trial.

Results

The median GDF-15 concentration at baseline was 869 ng/l (interquartile range 723–1064 ng/l). GDF-15 was related to body weight, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and insulin resistance (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)) (all P<0.01). Changes in GDF-15 from baseline to 4 years were related to changes in body weight, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and HOMA-IR (all P<0.05). Baseline GDF-15 was associated with the risk to have prediabetes or diabetes at 4 years by univariate analysis (odds ratio (OR) for 1 unit increase in ln GDF-15, 3.2; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.7–6.1; P<0.001), and after multivariate adjustment for age, gender, treatment allocation (orlistat vs placebo), BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and glucose control at baseline (OR 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1–4.7; P=0.026). Similarly, baseline GDF-15 was independently associated with HOMA-IR at 4 years (P=0.024).

Conclusions

This first longitudinal study of GDF-15 in a large cohort of obese individuals indicates that GDF-15 is related to abdominal obesity and insulin resistance and independently associated with future insulin resistance and abnormal glucose control.
Local overexpression of GH and GH/IGF1 effects in the adult mouse hippocampus
Authors: Walser Marion , Samà Maria Teresa , Wickelgren Ruth , Åberg Maria , Bohlooly-Y Mohammad , Olsson Bob , Törnell Jan , Isgaard Jörgen , Åberg N David
Published: August 2012

GH therapy improves hippocampal functions mainly via circulating IGF1. However, the roles of local GH and IGF1 expression are not well understood. We investigated whether transgenic (TG) overexpression in the adult brain of bovine GH (bGH) under the control of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter affected cellular proliferation and the expression of transcripts known to be induced by systemic GH in the hippocampus. Cellular proliferation was examined by 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine immunohistochemistry. Quantitative PCR and western blots were performed. Although robustly expressed, bGH-Tg did not increase either cell proliferation or survival. However, bGH-Tg modestly increasedIgf1andGfapmRNAs, whereas other GH-associated transcripts were unaffected, i.e. the GH receptor (Ghr), IGF1 receptor (Igf1r), 2′,3′-cyclic nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase (Cnp), ionotropic glutamate receptor 2a (Nr2a(Grin2a)), opioid receptor delta (Dor), synapse-associated protein 90/postsynaptic density-95-associated protein (Sapap2(Dlgap2)), haemoglobin beta (Hbb) and glutamine synthetase (Gs(Glul)). However, IGF1R was correlated with the expression ofDor,Nr2a,Sapap2,GsandGfap. In summary, although localbGHexpression was robust, it activated local IGF1 very modestly, which is probably the reason for the low response of previous GH-associated response parameters. This would, in turn, indicate that hippocampal GH is less important than endocrine GH. However, as most transcripts were correlated with the expression of IGF1R, there is still a possibility for endogenous circulating or local GH to act via IGF1R signalling. Possible reasons for the relative bio-inactivity of bGH include the bell-shaped dose–response curve and cell-specific expression ofbGH.
Safety and Efficacy of an Ultrashort-Acting ?1-Blocker on Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: Ito Nobuhisa , Tashiro Tadashi , Morishige Noritsugu , Nishimi Masaru , Hayashida Yoshio , Minematsu Noritoshi , Kuwahara Go , Sukehiro Yuta , Teratani Hiromitsu
Published: August 2012

Landiolol hydrochloride, an ultrashort-acting ?1-selective blocker, is a highly regulated drug. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of this drug for cases of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with left ventricular dysfunction. Between September 2006 and August 2009, 32 patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction of <40% underwent CABG. Two groups of patients, a group administered landiolol hydrochloride and a control group not administered this drug, were compared. The administration of landiolol hydrochloride was initiated at 1 ?g/kg per minute (?) after cardiopulmonary bypass in on-pump cases and after completion of all the distal anastomoses in off-pump cases. We observed no significant differences between the groups with respect to preoperative patient background or incidences of complications, except for postoperative atrial fibrillation. The heart rate decreased significantly 30 minutes after landiolol hydrochloride administration, but no change was observed in arterial pressure. No change was observed in other parameters; the hemodynamics were stable. The occurrence of atrial fibrillation during the intensive care unit stay (during landiolol hydrochloride administration) was significantly lower in the administration group. The difference remained significant after multiple logistic regression analysis; landiolol hydrochloride was the sole inhibitory factor.
Left Atrial Myxoma with Neovascularization Presenting as a Sick Sinus Syndrome
Authors: Bayramoğlu Zehra , Caynak Barıs , Oral Kerem , Erdim Refik , Teyyareci Yelda , Akpınar Belhan
Published: August 2012

Myxoma is benign tumor of the heart. It is mostly located in the left atrium and revascularized by the left and right coronary artery in 30% to 40% of cases. Symptoms of these neovascularized cardiac myxomas are typically quite variable, from obstruction of mitral valve to coronary embolism resulting in acute myocardial infarction. In this case, left atrial myxoma that is revascularized by nodal branches of the right coronary artery presented as a sick sinus syndrome, which is rare in literature.
A New Form of Coronary Subclavian Steal Syndrome: a Saphenous Vein Graft-Coronary-Subclavian Unidirectional Steal Syndrome
Authors: �zkan Birol , A�ar G�ksel , �akalagaoglu Kamil Cant�rk , Koksal Cengiz , Esen Ali Metin
Published: August 2012

Coronary subclavian steal syndrome refers to decreased or reversed internal mammary artery flow, which causes angina related to severe subclavian steno-occlusive disease in patients with in situ internal mammary-to-coronary artery graft. We present a 48-year-old man with cerebrovascular and peripheral artery disease and the first case in the literature of a saphenous vein graft-coronary-subclavian unidirectional steal syndrome.
Special considerations in generic substitution of immunosuppressive drugs in transplantation
Authors: Remport Ádám , Dankó Dávid , Gerlei Zsuzsa , Czebe Krisztina , Kiss István
Published: August 2012

Long-term success in solid organ transplantation strongly depends on the optimal use of maintenance immunosuppressive treatment. Cyclosporin and tacrolimus are the most frequently administered immunosuppressants and they are designed to narrow therapeutic index drugs. The substitution of the branded formulation by their generic counterparts may lead to economic benefit only if equivalent clinical outcomes can be achieved. There is no published evidence to date on the guarantee of their long-term therapeutic equivalence and cases of therapeutic failures have been reported due to inadvertent drug conversion. The disadvantageous clinical consequences of a non medical, mechanistic forced switch from the original to generic formulation of tacrolimus and the estimated loss of the payer’s presumed savings are presented in a kidney transplant recipient population. Special problems related to pediatric patients, drug interactions with concurrent medications and the burden of additional therapeutic drug monitoring and follow up visits are also discussed. The authors are convinced that the implementation of the European Society of Organ Transplantation guidelines on generic substitution may provide a safe way for patients and healthcare payers. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1341–1349.
Transformation of carbon onions under high pressure and shear deformation in diamond anvil cell
Authors: Kirichenko A.N. , Aseev A.K. , Denisov V.N. , Perezhogin I. , Kulnitskiy B.A. , Nuzhdin A.A. , Blank V.D.
Published: August 2012

The carbon onions have been treated in a shear diamond anvil cell under pressure up to 43 GPa and shear deformation up to 2000. The recovered samples have been investigated by the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and the UV and visible Raman spectroscopy. The carbon onions was stable at pressure up to 30 GPa and 400 shear. Bigger shear deformation at pressures exceeding 30 GPa leads to the amorphous carbon. At 43 GPa shear deformation leads to transformation of onions to DLC.
Spatial distribution of top soil water content in an experimental catchment of Southeast Brazil
Authors: Mello Carlos Rogério de , Ávila Léo Fernandes , Norton Lloyd Darrell , Silva Antônio Marciano da , Mello José Márcio de , Beskow Samuel
Published: August 2012

Soil water content is essential to understand the hydrological cycle. It controls the surface runoff generation, water infiltration, soil evaporation and plant transpiration. This work aims to analyze the spatial distribution of top soil water content and to characterize the spatial mean and standard deviation of top soil water content over time in an experimental catchment located in the Mantiqueira Range region, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Measurements of top soil water content were carried out every 15 days, between May/2007 and May/2008. Using time-domain reflectometry (TDR) equipment, 69 points were sampled in the top 0.2 m of the soil profile. Geostatistical procedures were applied in all steps of the study. First, the spatial continuity was evaluated, and the experimental semi-variogram was modeled. For the development of top soil water content maps over time a co-kriging procedure was used having the slope as a secondary variable. Rainfall regime controlled the top soil water content during the wet season. Land use was also another fundamental local factor. The spatial standard deviation had low values under dry conditions, and high values under wet conditions. Thus, more variability occurs under wet conditions.
Randomization and Statistical Power: Paramount in Trial Reproducibility (Even for Rare Cancers)
Authors: Baker Laurence H. , Crowley John J. , Maki Robert G.
Published: August 2012

This article comments on the importance of randomization and statistical power in clinical trials.
Compression resistance of confined timber stud walls
Authors: Gross Christopher , Walker Pete , Pritchett Ian
Published: August 2012

Hemp-lime is an insulating low carbon dioxide material that is produced from sustainable natural resources. The use of hemp-lime within the construction industry is a relatively recent development. Currently within the UK hemp-lime is used to form solid wall insulation in conjunction with structural timber studwork. Current design practice generally assumes that the hemp-lime does not contribute towards the structural capacity of the wall. This paper details research that has been undertaken to establish the compressive load enhancement provided to timber studs by encasement in hemp-lime. Laboratory testing was carried out on timber studs with and without hemp-lime and the results compared. It was found that the hemp-lime significantly increases the compressive capacity of the studs and prevents buckling from occurring.
Stability of granite drystone masonry retaining walls: I. Analytical design
Authors: ALEJANO L.R. , VEIGA M. , TABOADA J. , DíEZ-FARTO M.
Published: August 2012

A limit-equilibrium-based technique is proposed for the design and analysis of drystone masonry retaining walls, focusing particularly on granite walls as traditionally constructed in Galicia in northwest Spain. To date, walls have typically been designed on the basis of past experience and rigid wall approaches. The method presented analyses wall stability, at different heights associated with block rows, against sliding and against two overturning mechanisms. As a result, design widths are obtained for different wall depths. The method can also be applied to estimates of the stability of existing walls with known dimensions and properties. The analytical method was applied experimentally to the design of a 20 m high wall. A sensitivity analysis of the design was also performed, with results presented in the form of a spider diagram. Estimates of the most relevant parameters for this type of design and some back-analyses to assess the technique are addressed in an accompanying paper.
Stability of granite drystone masonry retaining walls: II. Relevant parameters and analytical and numerical studies of real walls
Authors: ALEJANO L.R. , VEIGA M. , GóMEZ-MáRQUEZ I. , TABOADA J.
Published: August 2012

This paper applies the analytical limit-equilibrium technique described in the accompanying Part I of this article to the design of granite drystone masonry retaining walls. Particular attention has been paid to estimating relevant parameters for the materials used. The friction angle between the stone blocks was studied by means of full-scale tests, and an empirical method was used to estimate the backfill strength properties. The dip of the base of the part of the wall tending to overturn was also studied. The technique was tested by back-analysing three wall failures, and was compared with numerical results from the UDEC code, suggested as an appropriate approach for assessing analytical results. Analytical factor of safety results for the design of a 20 m-high wall compared well with the numerical approach used in combination with the shear strength reduction technique. The results confirm the suitability of the limit-equilibrium approach for analysing these traditional, cost-effective and environmentally friendly structures.
Extraction of a representative instantaneous unit hydrograph
Authors: Bajgirani Ali Ghiami , Sharifi Mohammad Bagher , Pourshahabi Shokoufeh
Published: August 2012

This paper deals with the problem of the presence of noise in the calculated instantaneous unit hydrograph (IUH). Daubechies wavelets are used to decompose and smooth the derived IUH by way of fast Fourier transform. The results reveal the effectiveness of wavelet analysis in obtaining a fine separation of the noise frequencies from the main frequencies relating to IUHs. Choosing a representative IUH through the smoothed IUHs by a cross-validation technique, it can be applied to predict other flood events or as a design tool in hydrology.
Particle-tracking model of outfall plumes in a tidal channel
Authors: Liu Song , Li S. Samuel
Published: August 2012

In order to protect the environment that receives them, it is necessary to manage marine outfall discharges of wastewater effluents, which typically contain different types of contaminants even after treatment. The objective of this paper is to answer the question: ‘To what extent is the receiving environment being exposed to effluents?' The focus is on effluent spreading in the far field. A particle-tracking technique is presented, in which effluents are represented by a large number of particles and the particles' trajectories are tracked for given conditions of ambient flow and density stratification. The technique is particularly useful for examining the undesirable scenario of effluents rising to the water surface or coming into contact with the seabed. Advection, non-Fickian horizontal diffusion and Richardson number-dependent vertical diffusion are taken into account. The technique is successfully applied to the discharge of effluents into a tidal channel where the water column is density-stratified. In this application, predictions of the temporally and spatially varying effluent concentration field agree well with field data. A proper formulation of the effects of stratification on vertical mixing of the effluents in the ambient water is the key to success. The technique has shown advantages in handling large spatial gradients.
Estimation of Muskingum parameter by meta-heuristic algorithms
Authors: Orouji Hossein , Bozorg Haddad Omid , Fallah-Mehdipour Elahe , Mariño Miguel A.
Published: August 2012

The Muskingum model is a hydrologic flood routing method in which the accuracy of the parameter estimation affects the routed hydrograph, especially in both the value and time of the flood peak. Meta-heuristic algorithms are good candidates to determine optimal/near-optimal parameters in the Muskingum model. In this paper, two meta-heuristic algorithms – the simulated annealing (SA) algorithm and the shuffled frog leaping algorithm (SFLA) – are applied and compared in two benchmark and real case studies, considering the sum of the squared deviation (SSQ) between observed and routed outflows and the sum of the absolute value of deviation (SAD) between observed and routed outflow as the objective functions, and deviation of value and occurrence time of the routed flood peak (DPO and DPOT) as the important parameters on the routed flood hydrograph. Results show that the SFLA improves (decreases) the SSQ and SAD by 0·03% and 0·39% in the benchmark problem, and by 3·59% and 2·03% in the real case study, respectively, compared to reported results using various optimisation algorithms. In addition, the SFLA improves (decreases) the DPO of the routed hydrograph in the benchmark problem by 56·67% compared to the best (minimum) result using the Tung method.
Biogeomorphic feedbacks drive dynamics of vegetation–landform complex in a coastal riparian system
Authors: Kim Daehyun
Published: August 2012

Vegetation succession in riparian zones is traditionally considered to be mainly driven by allogenic hydrogeomorphological factors, while the importance of autogenic, plant‐induced processes may become more significant as landform stability is achieved. This conventional notion was tested at selected point bars and cutbank edges along a salt marsh creek system in southwestern Denmark. It was predicted that, within each narrow habitat (ca. 5 m width), sites closer to creeks experience more dynamic changes in hydrogeomorphology, and hence, more changes in plant species composition than those farther away from creeks. These sites were compared in terms of the rate of vegetation succession between 2006 and 2011, using nonmetric multidimensional scaling. In the resulting two‐dimensional diagram, the Euclidean distance between any two samples representing the same quadrat of different time periods was interpreted as the degree of change in species composition. The predicted differences in succession rates among sites with varying distances from the channel were not observed. Locations adjacent to the creek have experienced the most intensive allogenic fluvial‐geomorphic processes. However, the rate of allogenic succession under such physical dynamism has not necessarily been greater than that of the autogenic succession that was highly dominant at locations slightly away from creeks. Allogenic and autogenic factors are probably equally, or at least simultaneously, important to vegetation dynamics even under dynamic hydrogeomorphology. Such a view is in disagreement with the conventional belief in fluvial ecology, calling for a more explicit inclusion of autogenic processes in modeling the evolution of vegetation–landform complexes in the riparian zone. In other words, a true biogeomorphic nonlinearity exists in highly dynamic fluvial systems in that output (i.e., vegetation and landform dynamics) is not necessarily a direct product of input (i.e., hydrogeomorphic effects), due to an unexpectedly significant intervening variable, autogenesis.
Are Short Dental Implants (<10 mm) Effective? A Meta‐Analysis on Prospective Clinical Trials
Authors: Monje Alberto , Chan Hsun‐Liang , Fu Jia‐Hui , Suarez Fernando , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: August 2012

Background: This study aims to compare the survival rate of short (<10 mm) and standard (≥10 mm) rough‐surface dental implants under functional loading.

Methods: An electronic literature search using PubMed and Medline databases was conducted. Prospective clinical human trials, published in English from January 1997 to July 2011, that examined dental implants of <10 mm with a 12‐month follow‐up were included in this meta‐analysis. The following data were retrieved from the included articles: the number of implants, implant dimensions, implant locations, types of prostheses, follow‐up periods, and implant survival rates. Kaplan‐Meier survival estimates and the hazard rates were analyzed and compared between short and standard implants.

Results: Thirteen studies were selected, examining 1,955 dental implants, of which 914 were short implants. Short dental implants had an estimated survival rate of 88.1% at 168 months, when standard dental implants had a similar estimated survival rate of 86.7% (P = 0.254). The peak failure rate of short dental implants was found to occur between 4 and 6 years of function. This occurred at an earlier time point compared with standard dental implants, where the peak failure rate occurred between 6 and 8 years of function.

Conclusions: This study shows that in the long term, implants of <10 mm are as predictable as longer implants. However, they fail at an earlier stage compared with standard implants.
Fate and Transport of Thirteen Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products in a Controlled Irrigated Turfgrass System
Authors: Wright Lena , Devitt Dale A. , Young Michael H. , Gan Jay , Vanderford Brett J. , Snyder Shane A. , McCullough Michael , Dodgen Laurel
Published: August 2012

An environmentally acceptable alternative to discharging recycled water to rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water is to use the water for irrigation of large areas of turfgrass. Such waters contain pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), of which, some may have high mobility in irrigated soil–plant systems, potentially impacting groundwater resources. To determine the movement of 13 PPCPs under irrigated turfgrass conditions, a field‐based lysimeter study was conducted. After 745 d of monitoring, 9 of the 13 compounds were detected in drainage samples. The compounds with the highest detection rate in the drainage water were sulfamethoxazole and primidone in both soil types (100% in the loamy sand soil for both compounds and 50 and 65%, respectively, in the sandy loam soil) and carbamazepine in the loamy sand soil (50%). Factors influencing the movement of these compounds varied based on the compound and the imposed treatments. In the case of primidone, 94% of the variability in the mass discharge could be accounted for by taking into account the number of unsaturated pore volumes draining, the sand content, and the redox potential at 105 cm. The highest mass flux, scaled on a hectare basis, was recorded for sulfamethoxazole (0.25 g ha−1 yr−1). Based on our results, restricting the use of recycled water based solely on the presence of PPCPs should only be a consideration at sites where soils are extremely sandy and irrigation regimes are not based on an evapotranspiration feedback approach.
Ground Cover Rice Production System Increases Yield and Nitrogen Recovery Efficiency
Authors: Qu Hang , Tao Hongbin , Tao Yueyue , Liu Meiju , Shen Kangrong , Lin Shan
Published: August 2012

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) production faces a worldwide challenge of severe water scarcity. The ground cover rice production system (GCRPS) is one alternative to the paddy system, using plastic‐film covering and less irrigation water. As contradictory yield performances occurred throughout different regions, a general evaluation of GCRPS was seldom reported. Therefore, a 7‐yr experiment was conducted in a mountainous area of the Hubei Province from 2003 to 2009. the paddy system and GCRPS were compared with 0 and 150 kg N ha−1, where crop growth, yield, plant N uptake, and soil C and N were measured to evaluate the adaptability, stability, and sustainability of GCRPS. Under GCRPS, grain yield was significantly higher than under the paddy system during the 7‐yr period. Additionally, the interannual difference in grain yield under GCRPS was significantly lower than under the paddy system. Furthermore, vegetative growth of GCRPS plants was improved with a sufficient N supply, while reproductive growth was limited with N reduction, which led to low number of spikelets and filled grains. Soil organic C and total N (0–20‐cm soil depth) were both significantly lower under GCRPS than paddy cultivation, while N fertilization slightly reversed organic C and N reductions. Hence, GCRPS is highly adoptable and stable in typical paddy areas where water scarcity and low temperature occur and high clay and organic matter contents prevail. Further research is needed to evaluate GCRPS in other related locations and to assess new techniques for achieving continuous soil N supply to the reproductive stage and increasing sustainability under GCRPS.
Carbon Balance of No‐Till Soybean with Winter Wheat Cover Crop in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Gebremedhin Maheteme T. , Loescher Henry W. , Tsegaye Teferi D.
Published: August 2012

The southeastern United States is an economically important agricultural region, yet its role in the regional C budget is not fully understood. There is concern that climate change, particularly altered precipitation patterns, may induce a shift in how crops exchange CO2with the atmosphere. This study examined the seasonal and interannual variation in net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of a winter wheat cover crop (Triticum aestivumL.) and soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] using the eddy covariance (EC) method. This was conducted at Winfred Thomas Agricultural Research Station, Hazel Green, AL (2007–2009). Annual C balance ranged from a source in 2007 (NEE = 100 g C m−2yr−1) to a sink (–20 g C m−2yr−1) in 2009. Annual ecosystem respiration (Re) ranged between 750 and 1013 g C m−2yr−1, while gross ecosystem productivity was between 650 and 1034 g C m−2yr−1. Seasonal NEE for soybean ranged between 42 and –66 g C m−2. The uptake rates from the cover crop (NEE = –80.0, –80.4, and –40.0 g C m−2for 2007, 2008, and 2009, respectively) suggested the importance of winter C uptake offsetting C losses caused by summer droughts. The Revaried between 286 and 542 g C m−2for soybean and between 160 and 313 g C m−2for the cover crop. Annual variations in NEE and Rewere primarily due to precipitation and air temperature, respectively, indicating a tight coupling between biophysical factors and C uptake. Our results were compared with those from other reported NEE crop estimates using EC.
Soybean Yield and Quality in Relation to Soil Properties
Authors: Anthony P. , Malzer G. , Sparrow S. , Zhang M.
Published: August 2012

To optimize management, farmers require quantitative understanding of the factors affecting variability in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed yield and quality. Our objectives were to characterize spatial variation in soybean seed yield, oil concentration, and protein concentration in two south‐central Minnesota fields over 6 yr of a corn [Zea mays L.]–soybean rotation, and to determine the influence of fertilizer treatments, soil chemical properties, and topography on soybean yield, oil, and protein. Soil and topographical variables were observed on 0.014‐ha cells, and included Bray P1, Olsen P, K, Zn, pH, organic matter, total organic C, NH4–N, NO3–N, total N, mineralizable N, elevation, slope, curvature, flow accumulation, and aspect. Soybean yields consistently exhibited spatial structure. Within fields, spatial patterns of soybean yields were highly correlated across years, and we observed consistent relationships between yield and soil variables. Overall, soybean yield related positively to soil P and Zn and negatively to pH at all site‐years. Models of soybean yield in relation to soil P and Zn indicate that in high pH soils at these sites, yield is optimized when soil P and Zn levels are higher than current extension recommendations. Protein and oil concentrations exhibited inconsistent spatial structure, and the spatial pattern of protein and oil concentrations differed across years. Relationships between soybean quality and soil properties were more consistent between sites within years than across years within sites, indicating that soybean quality is influenced by soil–climate interactions that function on a regional basis.
Current Aspects on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Markopoulos Anastasios K
Published: August 2012

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant epithelial neoplasm affecting the oral cavity.
This article overviews the essential points of oral squamous cell carcinoma, highlighting its risk and genomic factors, the
potential malignant disorders and the therapeutic approaches. It also emphasizes the importance of the early diagnosis.
Orthodontic Management of Silver-Russell Syndrome. A Case Report
Authors: Ioannidou-Marathiotou Ioulia , Sluzker Ariel , Athanasiou Athanasios E
Published: August 2012

This case report describes the orthodontic management of a 10-year-old female with Silver-Russell syndrome by means of gradual expansion of the mandibular dental arch using removable appliances and subsequent comprehensive treatment of malocclusion by means of fixed appliances.
Retrieval of Radiology Reports Citing Critical Findings with Disease-Specific Customization
Authors: Lacson Ronilda , Sugarbaker Nathanael , Prevedello Luciano M , Ivan IP , Mar Wendy , Andriole Katherine P , Khorasani Ramin
Published: August 2012

Background:

Communication of critical results from diagnostic procedures between caregivers is a Joint Commission national patient safety goal. Evaluating critical result communication often requires manual analysis of voluminous data, especially when reviewing unstructured textual results of radiologic findings. Information retrieval (IR) tools can facilitate this process by enabling automated retrieval of radiology reports that cite critical imaging findings. However, IR tools that have been developed for one disease or imaging modality often need substantial reconfiguration before they can be utilized for another disease entity.

Purpose:

This paper: 1) describes the process of customizing two Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Information Retrieval/Extraction applications – an open-source toolkit, A Nearly New Information Extraction system (ANNIE); and an application developed in-house, Information for Searching Content with an Ontology-Utilizing Toolkit (iSCOUT) – to illustrate the varying levels of customization required for different disease entities and; 2) evaluates each application’s performance in identifying and retrieving radiology reports citing critical imaging findings for three distinct diseases, pulmonary nodule, pneumothorax, and pulmonary embolus.

Results:

Both applications can be utilized for retrieval. iSCOUT and ANNIE had precision values between 0.90-0.98 and recall values between 0.79 and 0.94. ANNIE had consistently higher precision but required more customization.

Conclusion:

Understanding the customizations involved in utilizing NLP applications for various diseases will enable users to select the most suitable tool for specific tasks.
Physical Exercise, Fasting Glucose, and Renal Hyperfiltration in the General Population
Authors: Melsom Toralf , Mathisen Ulla Dorte , Eilertsen Britt-Ann Winther , Ingebretsen Ole C. , Jenssen Trond , Njølstad Inger , Solbu Marit D. , Toft Ingrid , Eriksen Bjørn O.
Published: August 2012

Background and objectives

Abnormally elevated GFR, or hyperfiltration, is a proposed mechanism for kidney injury in diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity. This study investigated whether lack of physical exercise is associated with hyperfiltration and whether exercise modifies the positive association between fasting glucose and measured GFR.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

The Renal Iohexol Clearance Survey in Tromsø 6 measured GFR as single-sample plasma iohexol clearance in 1506 members of the general population (age 50–62 years) without diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or kidney disease. Leisure-time physical exercise was assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Hyperfiltration was defined as GFR above the 90th percentile after adjustment for sex, age, weight, height, and use of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors.

Results

High-intensity exercise was associated with lower adjusted odds of hyperfiltration in men (odds ratio [OR], 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.28–0.80) but not in women (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.60–1.72). In both sexes, high-intensity exercise modified the association between fasting glucose and GFR. A fasting glucose level 1 mmol/L higher was associated with a GFR that was 7.3 (95% CI, 4.0–10.6) and 6.2 (95% CI, 3.4–9.0) ml/min per 1.73 m2 higher in men and women who never exercised or exercised with low intensity. There was no association between fasting glucose and GFR in men and women who exercised with high intensity (interaction, P<0.001).

Conclusions

High-intensity exercise was associated with lower odds of hyperfiltration in men and modified the association between glucose and GFR of both sexes in a population without diabetes.
Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Lenz Oliver , Waheed Ahmed A. , Baig Abdur , Pop Alexander , Contreras Gabriel
Published: August 2012

Lupus nephritis (LN) increases the morbidity and mortality of patients with SLE. This review compares the randomized, controlled trials that examined various maintenance regimens available to treat LN. Currently, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and azathioprine (AZA) are the most popular therapeutic agents used for long-term maintenance of LN. Long-term maintenance with MMF is recommended as the first choice after achieving remission with cyclophosphamide or MMF induction. MMF is effective in consolidating remission and preventing relapse and CKD in patients of diverse races and ethnicities. Long-term maintenance with AZA is the recommended second choice, especially when patients develop intolerance of or contraindications to MMF. Azathioprine is particularly effective in consolidating remission and preventing relapse and CKD in patients who receive an induction regimen of cyclophosphamide. To date, there are no data on how rapidly maintenance therapies can be withdrawn; however, it is recommended that the immunosuppressive therapy be maintained indefinitely, unless it is contraindicated, in patients at high risk for progression to CKD.
Association of Smoking with Cardiovascular and Infection-Related Morbidity and Mortality in Chronic Hemodialysis
Authors: Mc Causland Finnian R. , Brunelli Steven M. , Waikar Sushrut S.
Published: August 2012

Background and objectives

Smoking is common in the hemodialysis population and is associated with increased all-cause mortality and development of cardiovascular disease. Cause-specific outcomes have not yet been examined in detail. This study investigated the association of baseline smoking status with all-cause, cardiovascular, and infection-related morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Post hoc analysis of the HEMO Study in patients with available comorbidity, clinical, and nutritional data. Cox proportional hazards regression models were fit to estimate the association of smoking status with mortality. Poisson and negative binomial regression models were fit to estimate the association of smoking status with hospitalization rate.

Results

Complete data were available for 1842 individuals (44% male, 63% black, 45% diabetic). Mean age was 58±14 years. At baseline, 17% were current smokers and 32% were former smokers. After case-mix adjustment, compared with never smoking, current smoking was associated with greater infection-related mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32–3.10) and all-cause mortality (HR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.16–1.79) and greater cardiovascular (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.49; 95% CI, 1.22–1.82), infection-related (IRR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.11–1.64) and all-cause (IRR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.24–1.65) hospitalization rates. The population attributable fraction (i.e., fraction of observed deaths that may have been avoided) was 5.3% for current smokers versus never-smokers and 2.1% for current versus former smokers.

Conclusions

Active smoking is prevalent in the chronic hemodialysis population and is associated with greater all-cause, cardiovascular, and infection-related morbidity and mortality.
Monitoring of atrazine and its metabolites in groundwaters of the Republic of Serbia
Authors: Lazic Sanja , Sunjka Dragana , Pucarevic Mira , Grahovac Nada , Vukovic Slavica , Indjic Dusanka , Jaksic Snezana
Published: August 2012

The intensive use of atrazine herbicides in the Republic of Serbia during
recent decades has led to the accumulation of residues of atrazine and its
metabolites in the environment, which endangers groundwater. With the
objective to check the presence of atrazine and its metabolites
deethylatrazine (DEA) and deisopropylatrazine (DIA) in the groundwater, the
monitoring programme was carried out over the period from 2007 to 2009 in the
localities where the atrazine-based herbicides were intensively applied for a
number of years. Samples were taken from 327 localities, in total there were
1408 samples of groundwater of the first welling-up collected. The atrazine
and its metabolites were extracted with methanol by means of ENVI-C18 (47mm)
disc, and the residue level of the studied compounds was analyzed with gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In the most of groundwater samples
collected from agricultural regions, average value of all tested analytes was
above 0.1 ?g/dm3. The highest values of atrazine and its metabolites were in
the localities that is known for intensive maize production and in the areas
of this region under orchards and vineyards, where atrazine was used in large
quantities. The average values of content of this active substance in
analyzed samples are the result of intensive and long-term usage of this
group of herbicides, as well as the high level of groundwater in this region.
Why Do SGLT2 Inhibitors Inhibit Only 30–50% of Renal Glucose Reabsorption in Humans?
Authors: Liu Jiwen (Jim) , Lee TaeWeon , DeFronzo Ralph A.
Published: August 2012

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibition is a novel and promising treatment for diabetes under late-stage clinical development. It generally is accepted that SGLT2 mediates 90% of renal glucose reabsorption. However, SGLT2 inhibitors in clinical development inhibit only 30–50% of the filtered glucose load. Why are they unable to inhibit 90% of glucose reabsorption in humans? We will try to provide an explanation to this puzzle in this perspective analysis of the unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of SGLT2 inhibitors in clinical trials and examine possible mechanisms and molecular properties that may be responsible.
Visibility of Artificial Buccal Recurrent Caries Under Restorations Using Different Radiographic Techniques
Authors: Murat S , Kamburoğlu K , İsayev A , Kurşun S , Yüksel S
Published: August 2012

The aim of the present study was to assess intraoral images and two cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) systems for detection of artificial buccal recurrent caries under restorations. Class V cavities were made for composite (30 teeth) and amalgam (30 teeth). Full restorations with thermoplastic polymer (30 teeth) and nickel-chromium metal crown (30 teeth) were constructed. In 60 teeth, artificial buccal recurrent caries were simulated; 60 other teeth served as controls. Intraoral film, intraoral digital, Veraviewepocs 3D, and Kodak 9000 images were scored twice. κ Coefficients were calculated and Az values were compared using Z-tests, with a significance level of α=0.05. Higher interobserver agreement was obtained from the CBCT images compared with the intraoral images. The Az values of both readings of all three observers were highest for the Veraviewepocs 3D followed by Kodak 9000 except for the second reading of the third observer. CBCT outperformed intraoral radiography in detection of artificial buccal recurrent caries under restorations.
Development of laser finishing for non-circular profiles
Authors: Liu Ko-Wang , Sheng Paul S.
Published: August 2012

A laser-based technique for finishing of non-circular cylindrical parts is presented. In this process, the frequency characteristics of a desired non-circular shape is extracted from a CAD through a Fast Fourier Transform algorithm and implemented through a CO2 laser machining system. A galvanometer-based scanner is used in the process to achieve programmable beam trajectories and high-speed finishing. An error estimation scheme can be developed to determine the final dimensional error of the non-circular profile. This process can be selected as both a batch production tool and a rapid prototyping tool based on the designated processing rate and precision. Initial experimental results include the production of two- and three-lobed profiles, as well as definition of part feature using higher-order harmonics, in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) with corresponding Ra values of less than 1 μm. The machine tool elements and general procedure for non-circular laser finishing are also presented.