bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protective effects of connexins in atheromatous plaques in patients of carotid artery stenosis
Authors: Nakase Taizen , Ishikawa Tatsuya , Miyata Hajime 
Published: October 2016

AbstractFragility of atheromatous plaque in the internal carotid artery can be a risk of brain infarction. The activation of macrophages by oxidative stress and the vulnerability of vascular endothelial cells have been reported to participate in the fragility of atheromatous plaque. Therefore, from the view point of prevention of brain infarction, we investigated the pathological factors which may influence the stabilization of atheromatous plaque. Patients undertaking carotid endoarterectomy (CEA) were continuously screened. Then, 21 samples were obtained from the atheromatous plaques of CEA patients. The expression of connexin (Cx) which composes a gap junction, an intercellular communication organ, was immunohistochemicaly observed. The expression of CD36, an oxidized low‐density lipoprotein receptor, was assessed as a marker of oxidative stress. As a result, asymptomatic plaques which were assumed the stable plaques expressed Cx43 along with CD36 expression. In contrast, in the symptomatic plaques, the expression of Cx43 was few and there was almost no coexpression with CD36. The distribution of Cx37 expression was not different between asymptomatic and symptomatic plaques. The expressions of CD36, Cx37 and Cx43 showed no relation to the previous treatment with statins. In conclusion, Cx43 might contribute to the stabilization of atheromatous plaque which is affected by oxidative stress.
Benchmarks for the interpretation of esophageal high‐resolution manometry
Authors: Yadlapati R. , Keswani R. N. , Dunbar K. B. , Gawron A. J. , Gyawali C. P. , Kahrilas P. J. , Katz P. O. , Katzka D. , Spechler S. J. , Tatum R. , Pandolfino J. E. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundCompetent interpretation of esophageal high‐resolution manometry (HRM) is integral to a quality study. Currently, methods to assess physician competency for the interpretation of esophageal HRM do not exist. The aim of this study was to use formal techniques to (i) develop an HRM interpretation exam, and (ii) establish minimum competence benchmarks for HRM interpretation skills at the trainee, physician interpreter, and master level.MethodsA total of 29 physicians from 8 academic centers participated in the study: 9 content experts separated into 2 study groups—expert test‐takers (n=7) and judges (n=2), and 20 HRM inexperienced trainees (“trainee test‐taker”; n=20). We designed the HRM interpretation exam based on expert consensus. Expert and trainee test‐takers (n=27) completed the exam. According to the modified Angoff method, the judges reviewed the test‐taker performance and established minimum competency cut scores for HRM interpretation skills.Key ResultsThe HRM interpretation exam consists of 22 HRM cases with 8 HRM interpretation skills per case: identification of pressure inversion point, hiatal hernia >3 cm, integrated relaxation pressure, distal contractile integral, distal latency, peristaltic integrity, pressurization pattern, and diagnosis. Based on the modified Angoff method, minimum cut scores for HRM interpretation skills at the trainee, physician interpreter, and master level ranged from 65–80%, 85–90% (with the exception of peristaltic integrity), and 90–95%, respectively.Conclusions & InferencesUsing a formal standard setting technique, we established minimum cut scores for eight HRM interpretation skills across interpreter levels. This examination and associated cut scores can be applied in clinical practice to judge competency.
Singlet oxygen initiates a plastid signal controlling photosynthetic gene expression
Authors: Page Mike T. , McCormac Alex C. , Smith Alison G. , Terry Matthew J. 
Published: October 2016

Summary

Retrograde signals from the plastid regulate photosynthesis‐associated nuclear genes and are essential to successful chloroplast biogenesis. One model is that a positive haem‐related signal promotes photosynthetic gene expression in a pathway that is abolished by the herbicide norflurazon. Far‐red light (FR) pretreatment and transfer to white light also results in plastid damage and loss of photosynthetic gene expression. Here, we investigated whether norflurazon and FR pretreatment affect the same retrograde signal.

We used transcriptome analysis and real‐time reverse transcription−polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) to analyse the effects of these treatments on nuclear gene expression in various Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) retrograde signalling mutants.

Results showed that the two treatments inhibited largely different nuclear gene sets, suggesting that they affected different retrograde signals. Moreover, FR pretreatment resulted in singlet oxygen (1O2) production and a rapid inhibition of photosynthetic gene expression. This inhibition was partially blocked in the executer1executer2 mutant, which is impaired in 1O2 signalling.

Our data support a new model in which a 1O2 retrograde signal, generated by chlorophyll precursors, inhibits expression of key photosynthetic and chlorophyll synthesis genes to prevent photo‐oxidative damage during de‐etiolation. Such a signal would provide a counterbalance to the positive haem‐related signal to fine tune regulation of chloroplast biogenesis.
X‐ray microtomography observations of xylem embolism in stems of Laurus nobilis are consistent with hydraulic measurements of percentage loss of conductance
Authors: Nardini Andrea , Savi Tadeja , Losso Adriano , Petit Giai , Pacilè Serena , Tromba Giuliana , Mayr Stefan , Trifilò Patrizia , Lo Gullo Maria A. , Salleo Sebastiano 
Published: October 2016

Summary

Drought‐induced xylem embolism is a serious threat to plant survival under future climate scenarios. Hence, accurate quantification of species‐specific vulnerability to xylem embolism is a key to predict the impact of climate change on vegetation. Low‐cost hydraulic measurements of embolism rate have been suggested to be prone to artefacts, thus requiring validation by direct visualization of the functional status of xylem conduits using nondestructive imaging techniques, such as X‐ray microtomography (microCT).

We measured the percentage loss of conductance (PLC) of excised stems of Laurus nobilis (laurel) dehydrated to different xylem pressures, and compared results with direct observation of gas‐filled vs water‐filled conduits at a synchrotron‐based microCT facility using a phase contrast imaging modality.

Theoretical PLC calculated on the basis of microCT observations in stems of laurel dehydrated to different xylem pressures overall were in agreement with hydraulic measurements, revealing that this species suffers a 50% loss of xylem hydraulic conductance at xylem pressures averaging −3.5 MPa.

Our data support the validity of estimates of xylem vulnerability to embolism based on classical hydraulic techniques. We discuss possible causes of discrepancies between data gathered in this study and those of recent independent reports on laurel hydraulics.
Position Statement of the Israeli Society for Musculoskeletal Medicine on Intramuscular Stimulation for Myofascial Pain Syndrome—A Delphi Process
Authors: Ratmansky Motti , Minerbi Amir , Kalichman Leonid , Kent John , Wende Osnat , Finestone Aharon S. , Vulfsons Simon 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo develop consensus on a position paper on the use of intramuscular stimulation (IMS) for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) by physicians in Israel.MethodsThe Israeli Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine ran a modified Delphi process to gather opinions from a multidisciplinary expert panel. Eight experts in the treatment of MPS were chosen and asked to participate, and six participated. The position paper was iterated three times.ResultsAfter three iterations, general consensus was reached by all six experts. The general statement that was agreed on was: “IMS is one of the preferred treatments for myofascial pain syndrome. The treatment is evidence‐based, effective, safe, and inexpensive. The position of the Israeli Society of Musculoskeletal Medicine is that the treatment should be taught and used by all primary care physicians and those physicians in other areas of medicine who deal with pain in their work.”ConclusionsThe position paper is a basis for clinical work and education programs for physicians interested in a better understanding and ability to treat patients with a musculoskeletal complaint or manifestation of disease.
A Randomized Comparative Study of Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment With or Without Selective Nerve Root Block for Chronic Cervical Radicular Pain
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhou Qian , Xiao Lizu , Yang Juan , Xong Donglin , Li Disen , Liu LiPing , Ancha Sigdha , Cheng Jianguo 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundWe demonstrated a combination of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) and cervical nerve root block (CNRB) via a posterior approach was superior to a transforaminal epidural steroid injection through the anterolateral approach for cervical radicular pain in a previous study. This randomized trial was conducted to determine the comparative efficacy between CNRB, PRF, and CNRB + PRF for cervical radicular pain.MethodsA prospective and randomized design was used in this study. Sixty‐two patients were randomized into three parallel groups: CNRB, PRF, or CNRB + PRF. Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) was used to measure pain intensity, and global perceived effect (GPE) was scored by the patient on a 7‐point scale, ranging from much worse (−3), no change (0), to total improvement (+3). The outcomes were evaluated at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. Side effects and complications were noted.ResultsThe NRS was significantly reduced in all three groups 1 week after the treatments (P < 0.001), and the rates of positive GPE (+2 or +3) were not significantly different between the three groups. At 1, 3, and 6 months of follow‐ups, the combined therapy achieved significantly lower NRS and higher GPE compared to CNRB or PRF alone group (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the CNRB and PRF groups (P > 0.05). No serious complications were observed in any of the patients.ConclusionsCombining CNRB and PRF appeared to be a safe and efficacious technique for cervical radicular pain. The combination therapy yielded better outcomes than either CNRB or PRF alone.
Pain Catastrophizing Mediates the Effect of Psychological Inflexibility on Pain Intensity and Upper Extremity Physical Function in Patients with Upper Extremity Illness
Authors: Talaei‐Khoei Mojtaba , Fischerauer Stefan F. , Lee Sang‐Gil , Ring David , Vranceanu Ana‐Maria 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundPsychological inflexibility—the inability to take value‐based actions in the presence of unwanted thoughts, feelings, or bodily symptoms—is associated with negative health outcomes including depression and anxiety.ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the association between the general construct of psychological inflexibility and pain intensity, and upper extremity physical function in patients with musculoskeletal illness in an orthopedics practice. We also set out to test multiple‐mediator models proposing that psychological inflexibility affects pain intensity and upper extremity physical function directly, as well as indirectly through depression, anxiety, and pain catastrophizing.MethodsOne hundred and eight patients with upper extremity illness completed self‐report measures of pain intensity, upper extremity physical function, psychological inflexibility, pain catastrophizing, depression, and anxiety in this cross‐sectional study.ResultsWe found that psychological inflexibility affected pain intensity and upper extremity physical function directly and indirectly. Pain catastrophizing but not depression or anxiety mediated the association of psychological inflexibility to pain intensity and upper extremity physical function.ConclusionsPsychological inflexibility plays an important role in understanding the increased pain and decreased upper extremity physical function in patients with musculoskeletal pain. It also suggests that the cognitive error of pain catastrophizing is one of the mechanisms through which the general construct of psychological inflexibility may influence pain intensity and upper extremity physical function. Psychological treatments aimed at decreasing pain and increasing upper extremity physical function should target both pain catastrophizing and psychological inflexibility.
The durable wheat disease resistance gene Lr34 confers common rust and northern corn leaf blight resistance in maize
Authors: Sucher Justine , Boni Rainer , Yang Ping , Rogowsky Peter , Büchner Heike , Kastner Christine , Kumlehn Jochen , Krattinger Simon G. , Keller Beat 
Published: October 2016

SummaryMaize (corn) is one of the most widely grown cereal crops globally. Fungal diseases of maize cause significant economic damage by reducing maize yields and by increasing input costs for disease management. The most sustainable control of maize diseases is through the release and planting of maize cultivars with durable disease resistance. The wheat gene Lr34 provides durable and partial field resistance against multiple fungal diseases of wheat, including three wheat rust pathogens and wheat powdery mildew. Because of its unique qualities, Lr34 became a cornerstone in many wheat disease resistance programmes. The Lr34 resistance is encoded by a rare variant of an ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter that evolved after wheat domestication. An Lr34‐like disease resistance phenotype has not been reported in other cereal species, including maize. Here, we transformed the Lr34 resistance gene into the maize hybrid Hi‐II. Lr34‐expressing maize plants showed increased resistance against the biotrophic fungal disease common rust and the hemi‐biotrophic disease northern corn leaf blight. Furthermore, the Lr34‐expressing maize plants developed a late leaf tip necrosis phenotype, without negative impact on plant growth. With this and previous reports, it could be shown that Lr34 is effective against various biotrophic and hemi‐biotrophic diseases that collectively parasitize all major cereal crop species.
Direct observation and modelling of embolism spread between xylem conduits: a case study in Scots pine
Authors: Torres‐Ruiz José M. , Cochard Hervé , Mencuccini Maurizio , Delzon Sylvain , Badel Eric 
Published: October 2016

AbstractXylem embolism is one of the main processes involved in drought‐related plant mortality. Although its consequences for plant physiology are already well described, embolism formation and spread are poorly evaluated and modelled, especially for tracheid‐based species. The aim of this study was to assess the embolism formation and spread in Pinus sylvestris as a case study using X‐ray microtomography and hydraulics methods. We also evaluated the potential effects of cavitation fatigue on vulnerability to embolism and the micro‐morphology of the bordered pits using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to test for possible links between xylem anatomy and embolism spread. Finally, a novel model was developed to simulate the spread of embolism in a 2D anisotropic cellular structure. Results showed a large variability in the formation and spread of embolism within a ring despite no differences being observed in intertracheid pit membrane anatomical traits. Simulations from the model showed a highly anisotropic tracheid‐to‐tracheid embolism spreading pattern, which confirms the major role of tracheid‐to‐tracheid air seeding to explain how embolism spreads in Scots pine. The results also showed that prior embolism removal from the samples reduced the resistance to embolism of the xylem and could result in overestimates of vulnerability to embolism.
How Income and Crowding Effects Influence the World Market for French Wines
Authors: Candau Fabien , Deisting Florent , Schlick Julie 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWine prices rose rapidly between 2001 and 2011 but have now stagnated. The growth phase could be explained by the increased demand from emerging markets, while the subsequent stagnation may result from the crowding effect caused by the entry of numerous new varieties onto the wine market. The generalised model of ideal variety proposed by Hummels and Lugovskyy combines these two elements, and focusing on French exporters, we find partial support for this explanation at the world level. A 1 per cent increase in GDP per capita (income effect) generated an increase in price of 1.13 per cent between 2001 and 2011. In contrast, a 1 per cent increase in market size (competition effect) reduced prices by 1.10 per cent over the same period. This paper goes further into the analysis of these effects by considering wine exports according to the mode of transport used and indirectly evaluates economies of scale when wine is exported by land, sea or air (via a gravity equation). Economies of scale are observed for transport by plane and ship but not for road. A 10 per cent increase in the value of wine exported by road (plane) leads to a rise (reduction) in transport costs of 0.5 per cent (19 per cent).
A novel approach to neutron dosimetry
Authors: Balmer Matthew J. I. , Gamage Kelum A. A. , Taylor Graeme C. 
Published: October 2016

PurposeHaving been overlooked for many years, research is now starting to take into account the directional distribution of neutron workplace fields. Existing neutron dosimetry instrumentation does not account for this directional distribution, resulting in conservative estimates of dose in neutron workplace fields (by around a factor of 2, although this is heavily dependent on the type of field). This conservatism could influence epidemiological studies on the health effects of radiation exposure. This paper reports on the development of an instrument which can estimate the effective dose of a neutron field, accounting for both the direction and the energy distribution.MethodsA 6Li‐loaded scintillator was used to perform neutron assays at a number of locations in a 20 × 20 × 17.5 cm3 water phantom. The variation in thermal and fast neutron response to different energies and field directions was exploited. The modeled response of the instrument to various neutron fields was used to train an artificial neural network (ANN) to learn the effective dose and ambient dose equivalent of these fields. All experimental data published in this work were measured at the National Physical Laboratory (UK).ResultsExperimental results were obtained for a number of radionuclide source based neutron fields to test the performance of the system. The results of experimental neutron assays at 25 locations in a water phantom were fed into the trained ANN. A correlation between neutron counting rates in the phantom and neutron fluence rates was experimentally found to provide dose rate estimates. A radionuclide source behind shadow cone was used to create a more complex field in terms of energy and direction. For all fields, the resulting estimates of effective dose rate were within 45% or better of their calculated values, regardless of energy distribution or direction for measurement times greater than 25 min.ConclusionsThis work presents a novel, real‐time, approach to workplace neutron dosimetry. It is believed that in the research presented in this paper, for the first time, a single instrument has been able to estimate effective dose.
A large‐scale measurement of dielectric properties of normal and malignant colorectal tissues obtained from cancer surgeries at Larmor frequencies
Authors: Li Zhou , Deng Guanhua , Li Zhe , Xin Sherman Xuegang , Duan Song , Lan Maoying , Zhang Sa , Gao Yixin , He Jun , Zhang Songtao , Tang Hongming , Wang Weiwei , Han Shuai , Yang Qing X. , Zhuang Ling , Hu Jiani , Liu Feng 
Published: October 2016

PurposeKnowledge of dielectric properties of malignant human tissues is necessary for the recently developed magnetic resonance (MR) technique called MR electrical property tomography. This technique may be used in early tumor detection based on the obvious differentiation of the dielectric properties between normal and malignant tissues. However, the dielectric properties of malignant human tissues in the scale of the Larmor frequencies are not completely available in the literature. In this study, the authors focused only on the dielectric properties of colorectal tumor tissue.MethodsThe dielectric properties of 504 colorectal malignant samples excised from 85 patients in the scale of the Larmor frequencies were measured using the precision open‐ended coaxial probe method. The obtained complex‐permittivity data were fitted to the single‐pole Cole–Cole model.ResultsThe median permittivity and conductivity for the malignant tissue sample were 79.3 and 0.881 S/m at 128 MHz, which were 14.6% and 17.0% higher, respectively, than those of normal tissue samples. Significant differences between normal and malignant tissues were found for the dielectric properties (p < 0.05).ConclusionsExperimental results indicated that the dielectric properties were significantly different between normal and malignant tissues for colorectal tissue. This large‐scale clinical measurement provides more subtle base data to validate the technique of MR electrical property tomography.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Bacillus
Phage Belinda from Grand Cayman Island
Authors: Breslin Eileen F. , Cornell Jessica , Schuhmacher Zachary , Himelright Madison , Andos Aya , Childs Ariel , Clem Ana , Gerber Monica , Gordillo Arissa , Harb Laith , Hossain Reafa , Hutchinson Taylor , Miller Isaac , Morton Edmund , Walters Ryan , Webb Destin , Temple Louise 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

Soil from George Town, Grand Cayman Island, yielded the bacteriophage Belinda, isolated on
Bacillus thuringiensis
DSM 350. We present here the analysis of the complete genome sequence of 162,308 bp, with 298 predicted genes. The genome also contains three tRNA genes. Belinda belongs to the C1 cluster of
Bacillus
phages.
Draft Genome Sequence of Carnobacterium divergens V41, a Bacteriocin-Producing Strain
Authors: Remenant Benoît , Borges Frédéric , Cailliez-Grimal Catherine , Revol-Junelles Anne-Marie , Marché Laurent , Lajus Aurélie , Médigue Claudine , Pilet Marie-France , Prévost Hervé , Zagorec Monique 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

In this study, we present the draft genome sequence of
Carnobacterium divergens
V41. This strain was previously reported as producing divercin V41, a bacteriocin of interest for food biopreservation. Its genome revealed also the presence of a gene cluster putatively involved in polyketide production, which is unique in lactic acid bacteria.
Draft Genome Sequence of 11399, a Transformable Citrus-Pathogenic Strain of Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: Niza Bárbara , Merfa Marcus V. , Alencar Valquíria C. , Menegidio Fabiano B. , Nunes Luiz R. , Machado Marcos A. , Takita Marco A. , de Souza Alessandra A. 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

The draft genome of
Xylella fastidiosa
subsp.
pauca
strain 11399, a transformable citrus-pathogenic strain, is reported here. The 11399 genome size is 2,690,704 bp and has a G+C content of 52.7%. The draft genome of 11399 reveals the absence of four type I restriction-modification system genes.
Genome Sequence of Listeria monocytogenes Plasmid pLM-C-273 Carrying Genes Related to Stress Resistance
Authors: Liang Lindsay , Gnaneshan Saravanamuttu , Garduño Rafael A. , Mallo Gustavo V. 
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

Mobile genetic elements in bacteria, such as plasmids, act as important vectors for the transfer of antibiotic resistance, virulence, and metal resistance genes. Here, we report the genome sequence of a new plasmid pLM-C-273, identified in a
Listeria monocytogenes
strain isolated from a clinical sample in Ontario, Canada.