bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Higher mortality after myocardial infarction in patients with severe mental illness: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Bodén R. , Molin E. , Jernberg T. , Kieler H. , Lindahl B. , Sundström J. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore the impact of severe mental illness (SMI) on myocardial infarction survival and determine the influence of risk factor burden, myocardial infarction severity and different treatments.Design, setting and participantsThis population‐based cohort study, conducted in Sweden during the period 1997–2010, included all patients with a first diagnosis of myocardial infarction in the Swedish nationwide myocardial infarction register SWEDEHEART (n = 209 592). Exposure was defined as a diagnosis of SMI (i.e. bipolar disorder or schizophrenia) in the national patient register prior to infarction. Bias‐minimized logistic regression models were identified using directed acyclic graphs and included covariates age, gender, smoking, diabetes, previous cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction characteristics and treatment.Main outcome measuresThe outcomes were 30‐day and 1‐year mortality, obtained through linkage with national population registers.ResultsPatients with bipolar disorder (n = 442) and schizophrenia (n = 541) were younger (mean age 68 and 63 years, respectively) than those without SMI (n = 208 609; mean age 71 years). The overall 30‐day and 1‐year mortality rates were 10% and 18%, respectively. Compared with patients without SMI, patients with SMI had higher 30‐day [odds ratio (OR) 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.55–2.56] and 1‐year mortality (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.74–2.56) in the fully adjusted model. The highest mortality was observed amongst patients with schizophrenia (30‐day mortality: OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.88–3.54; 1‐year mortality: OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.98–3.29).ConclusionSMI is associated with a markedly higher mortality after myocardial infarction, also after accounting for contributing factors. It is imperative to identify the reasons for this higher mortality.
Institution Building and Political Accountability
Authors: MAJUMDAR SUMON , MUKAND SHARUN W. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe paper examines the role of policy intervention in catalyzing institutional change. We identify two effects of development policy as a tool for institutional change. By increasing political accountability, it may encourage nascent democratic governments to invest in good institutions. However, it also increases incentives of the rentier elite to tighten their grip on political institutions. Which of these effects dominate determine if development policy will lead to democratic consolidation and economic improvement or to the worsening of existing institutions. If the elite are deeply entrenched, then modernization may require combining development policy with subsidies.
Effects of stomatal density and leaf water content on the 18O enrichment of leaf water
Authors: Larcher Leticia , Hara‐Nishimura Ikuko , Sternberg Leonel 
Published: November 2014

Summary

Leaf water isotopic composition is imprinted in several biomarkers of interest and it is imperative that we understand the isotopic enrichment of leaf water. Here, we test the effect of stomatal density and leaf water content on the oxygen isotopic composition of leaf water in transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing different stomatal densities, and several other species showing a range of stomatal density.

We grew Arabidopsis plants hydroponically and collected other species in the field. Stomatal density and leaf water content were determined for each plant. We measured transpiration and extracted leaf water for isotopic determination. Using these measurements and the current leaf water isotope model, we calculated several of the parameters related to leaf water isotopic enrichment.

High stomatal density promoted leaf water isotope enrichment. No conclusion, however, can be drawn regarding the effect of leaf water content on leaf water isotope enrichment. Factors such as transpiration might mask the effect of stomatal density on leaf water isotopic enrichment.

We propose a method by which stomatal density can be incorporated in the current Peclet model of leaf water isotope enrichment. These findings have important applications in the use of plant‐based metabolic proxies in paleoclimate studies.
Three causes of variation in the photochemical reflectance index (PRI) in evergreen conifers
Authors: Wong Christopher Y. S. , Gamon John A. 
Published: November 2014

Summary

The photochemical reflectance index (PRI) reflects diurnal xanthophyll cycle activity and is also influenced by seasonally changing carotenoid : Chl pigment ratios. Both changing pigment pools and xanthophyll cycle activity contribute to photoprotection in evergreen conifers exposed to boreal winters, but they operate over different timescales, and their relative contribution to the PRI signal has often been unclear.

To clarify these responses and their contribution to the PRI signal, leaf PRI, pigment composition, temperature and irradiance were monitored over 2 yr for two evergreen conifers (Pinus contorta and Pinus ponderosa) in a boreal climate.

PRI was affected by three distinct processes operating over different timescales and exhibiting contrasting spectral responses. Over the 2 yr study period, the greatest change in PRI resulted from seasonally changing carotenoid : Chl pigment ratios, followed by a previously unreported shifting leaf albedo during periods of deep cold. Remarkably, the smallest change was attributable to the xanthophyll cycle.

To properly distinguish these three effects, interpretation of PRI must consider temporal context, physiological responses to evolving environmental conditions, and spectral response. Consideration of the separate mechanisms affecting PRI over different timescales could greatly improve efforts to monitor changing photosynthetic activity using optical remote sensing.
Repression of flowering under a noninductive photoperiod by the HDA9‐AGL19‐FT module in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kang Min‐Jeong , Jin Hong‐Shi , Noh Yoo‐Sun , Noh Bosl 
Published: November 2014

Summary

Posttranslational acetylation of histones is reversibly regulated by histone deacetylases (HDACs). Despite the evident significance of HDACs in Arabidopsis development, the biological roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of many HDACs are yet to be elucidated.

By a reverse‐genetic approach, we isolated an hda9 mutant and performed phenotypic analyses on it. In order to address the role of HDA9 in flowering, genetic, molecular, and biochemical approaches were employed.

hda9 flowered early under noninductive short‐day (SD) conditions and had increased expression of the floral integrator FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and the floral activator AGAMOUS‐LIKE 19 (AGL19) compared with the wild‐type. The hda9 mutation increased histone acetylation and RNA polymerase II occupancy at AGL19 but not at FT during active transcription, and the HDA9 protein directly targeted AGL19. AGL19 expression was higher under SD than under inductive long‐day (LD) conditions, and an AGL19 overexpression caused a strong up‐regulation of FT. A genetic analysis showed that an agl19 mutation is epistatic to the hda9 mutation, masking both the early flowering and the increased FT expression of hda9.

Taken together, our data indicate that HDA9 prevents precocious flowering under SD conditions by curbing the hyperactivation of AGL19, an upstream activator of FT, through resetting the local chromatin environment.
Altered lipid composition and enhanced lipid production in green microalga by introduction of brassica diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2
Authors: Ahmad Irshad , Sharma Anil K. , Daniell Henry , Kumar Shashi 
Published: November 2014

SummaryHigher lipid biosynthesis and accumulation are important to achieve economic viability of biofuel production via microalgae. To enhance lipid content, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was genetically engineered with a key enzyme diacylglycerol acyltransferase (BnDGAT2) from Brassica napus, responsible for neutral lipid biosynthesis. The transformed colonies harbouring aph7 gene, screened on hygromycin‐supplemented medium, achieved transformation frequency of ~120 ± 10 colonies/1 × 106 cells. Transgene integration and expression were confirmed by PCR, Southern blots, staining lipid droplets, proteins and spectro‐fluorometric analysis of Nile red‐stained cells. The neutral lipid is a major class (over 80% of total lipids) and most significant requirement for biodiesel production; this was remarkably higher in the transformed alga than the untransformed control. The levels of saturated fatty acids in the transformed alga decreased to about 7% while unsaturated fatty acids increased proportionately when compared to wild type cells. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially α‐linolenic acid, an essential omega‐3 fatty acid, were enhanced up to 12% in the transformed line. Nile red staining confirmed formation of a large number of lipid globules in the transformed alga. Evaluation of long‐term stability and vitality of the transgenic alga revealed that cryopreservation produced significantly higher quantity of lipid than those maintained continuously over 128 generations on solid medium. The overexpression of BnDGAT2 significantly altered the fatty acids profile in the transformed alga. Results of this study offer a valuable strategy of genetic manipulation for enhancing polyunsaturated fatty acids and neutral lipids for biofuel production in algae.
Nationwide survey of coronary aneurysms with diameter >6 mm in Kawasaki disease in Korea
Authors: Jang Gi Young , Kang I‐seok , Choi Jae Young , Bae Eun Jung , Kim Young‐Hwue , Kim Seong Ho , Ma Jae Sook 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundWe investigated the course of coronary aneurysm with diameter >6 mm in Kawasaki disease (KD), as well as related therapeutic trends and prognosis in Korea.MethodsA nationwide questionnaire survey was carried out in 77 hospitals, to investigate, retrospectively, patients with KD who had coronary aneurysms with a diameter >6 mm between 1990 and 2011.ResultsThe median age of onset was 3 years (range, 2 months–16 years) in a total of 239 patients. During the acute stage of KD, most patients received i.v. immunoglobulins and aspirin. In addition, 27 patients received steroid therapy. In the current study, the mean coronary aneurysm size was 8.7 ± 3.2 mm (range, 6–21 mm). Twenty‐two patients underwent interventional catheterization. Procedures included percutaneous transluminal coronary balloon angioplasty (n = 10), stent placement (n = 9), and percutaneous transluminal coronary rotational ablation (n = 3). Fourteen patients underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Of the 239 patients who had coronary aneurysms with diameter >6 mm, 13 (5.4%) presented with findings suggestive of myocardial infarction. Five patients died during the follow‐up period.ConclusionsSevere stenosis or occlusion of the coronary artery may occur in some patients who develop coronary aneurysms with diameter >6 mm; early management such as coronary interventions or surgery should be considered in such cases.
Effects of Addition of Tissue‐Type Plasminogen Activator in In Vitro Fertilization Medium on Bovine Embryo Development and Quality
Authors: Krania F , Dovolou E , Rekkas CA , Theodosiadou EK , Pappas I , Amiridis GS 
Published: November 2014

ContentsPlasminogen activators/Plasmin system plays pivotal role in regulating reproductive functions of mammals. Here, we examined the effects of modification of in vitro fertilization medium (IVF medium) with the addition of tissue‐type plasminogen activator (t‐PA), on bovine embryo development and quality, assessed by quantification of expression of various genes related to metabolism, oxidation, implantation and apoptosis. In addition, plasminogen activator activity (PAA) and plasminogen activator inhibition (PAI) were measured in the spent media. After conventional IVM, 2016 cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) were divided into four groups with modified composition of the IVF medium containing t‐PA and/or its inhibitor epsilon‐aminocaproic acid (control, t‐PA, t‐PA+ε‐ACA, ε‐ACA). Presumptive zygotes were cultured for 8 days in synthetic oviductal fluid (SOF) medium; gene expression studies were carried out on morulae and blastocysts. t‐PA alone significantly suppressed cleavage and blastocyst formation rates, but this effect was neutralized by the addition of ε‐ACA. PAA in the treated group was significantly reduced by ε‐ACA, but without total elimination. Significant differences were detected in the expression of genes related to apoptosis and/or cell cycle arrest (BAX, BCL2L1, KAT2B) between embryos produced in t‐PA‐modified media and controls, giving an overall notion that the inferior developmental competence of treated embryos may be attributed to apoptotic phenomena induced by t‐PA. In conclusion, it appears that excessive t‐PA content in the IVF media, suppresses blastocyst formation rate, possibly due to induction of apoptotic phenomena.
The key role of global solid‐Earth processes in preconditioning Greenland's glaciation since the Pliocene
Authors: Steinberger Bernhard , Spakman Wim , Japsen Peter , Torsvik Trond H. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAfter >500 Ma of absence, major Northern Hemisphere glaciations appeared during the Plio‐Pleistocene, with Greenland leading other northern areas. Here, we propose that three major solid‐Earth processes underpinned build‐up of the Greenland ice‐sheet. First, a mantle‐plume pulse, responsible for the North Atlantic Igneous Province at ~60 Ma, regionally thinned the lithosphere. Younger plume pulses led to uplift, which accelerated at ~5 Ma, lifting the parts of the East Greenland margin closest to Iceland to elevations of more than 3 km above sea level. Second, plate‐tectonic reconstruction shows a ~6° northward component of Greenland motion relative to the mantle since ~60 Ma. Third, a concurrent northward rotation of the entire mantle and crust towards the pole, dubbed True Polar Wander (TPW), contributed an additional ~12° change in latitude. These global geodynamic processes preconditioned Greenland to sustain long‐term glaciation, emphasizing the role of solid‐Earth processes in driving long‐term global climatic transitions.
Vaccination guidelines after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: practitioners' knowledge, attitudes, and gap between guidelines and clinical practice
Authors: Ariza‐Heredia E.J. , Gulbis A.M. , Stolar K.R. , Kebriaei P. , Shah D.P. , McConn K.K. , Champlin R.E. , Chemaly R.F. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundHematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) recipients are more susceptible to infections from vaccine‐preventable diseases than the general population. Despite the development of international consensus guidelines addressing immunization after HCT, studies have shown that deviations from recommended immunization practices commonly occur.MethodsAn anonymous survey aimed at determining awareness of the guidelines and attitudes toward vaccination was distributed to our HCT clinicians. In parallel, we retrospectively evaluated patients' characteristics and post‐HCT vaccine administration practices from 2010 to 2013.ResultsThe majority of survey respondents (96%) were familiar with post‐HCT vaccination protocols. Seventy‐four percent of respondents reported that influenza vaccines were given to >70% of their patients, and 41% stated that they prescribed live vaccines to eligible patients. However, our pharmacy database review revealed that 38% of patients received the first series of vaccinations by the recommended 6 months post HCT, and 60% received them by 1 year after HCT. Most patients who had their vaccines withheld had relapsed disease or were undergoing treatment for graft‐versus‐host disease. Furthermore, we identified lower immunization rates in non‐English speaking individuals, African‐Americans, and Hispanic patients.ConclusionsSurvey respondents reported being aware of current guidelines; however, adherence to the recommendations varied, likely connected to conflicting data on vaccine effectiveness and a lack of clear recommendations in complex clinical scenarios. Similar to the general population, patient barriers also could have contributed to lower vaccination rates in some cases. To decrease the large gap between the post‐HCT vaccination guidelines and clinical practice, further studies on vaccine effectiveness and specific populations are warranted.
Whole‐genome DNA methylation patterns and complex associations with gene structure and expression during flower development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yang Hongxing , Chang Fang , You Chenjiang , Cui Jie , Zhu Genfeng , Wang Lei , Zheng Yu , Qi Ji , Ma Hong 
Published: November 2014

SummaryFlower development is a complex process requiring proper spatiotemporal expression of numerous genes. Accumulating evidence indicates that epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, play essential roles in modulating gene expression. However, few studies have examined the relationship between DNA methylation and floral gene expression on a genomic scale. Here we present detailed analyses of DNA methylomes at single‐base resolution for three Arabidopsis floral periods: meristems, early flowers and late flowers. We detected 1.5 million methylcytosines, and estimated the methylation levels for 24 035 genes. We found that many cytosine sites were methylated de novo from the meristem to the early flower stage, and many sites were demethylated from early to late flowers. A comparison of the transcriptome data of the same three periods revealed that the methylation and demethylation processes were correlated with expression changes of >3000 genes, many of which are important for normal flower development. We also found different methylation patterns for three sequence contexts (mCG, mCHG and mCHH) and in different genic regions, potentially with different roles in gene expression.
Wet, Dry, and Hybrid Heat Rejection System Impacts on the Economic Performance of a Thermoelectric Power Plant Subjected to Varying Degrees of Water Constraint
Authors: Carter Thomas P. , Furlong James W. , Bushart Sean P. , Shi Jessica 
Published: November 2014

The reduction of water consumption and use is emerging as a top priority for all types of thermoelectric power plants. In the United States, thermoelectric power production accounts for approximately 41% of freshwater withdrawals [1] and 3% of overall fresh water consumption. [2] On the basis of responses to a 2011 Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Request for Information [3], the feasibility study [4,5,6,7] of a Thermosyphon Cooler Hybrid System (TCHS) [8], proposed by Johnson Controls, was funded under EPRI’s Technology Innovation (TI) Water-Conservation Program. The objective of this project was to further develop the TCHS design concept for larger scale power plant applications and then perform a thorough technical and economic feasibility evaluation of the TSC Hybrid System and compare it to a variety of other competitive heat rejection systems.
The Thermosyphon Cooler Hybrid System reduces power plant cooling tower evaporative water loss by pre-cooling the condenser loop water through a dry cooling process employing an energy efficient, naturally recirculating refrigerant loop. This paper details the results of a detailed feasibility study that was conducted to compare the cost and performance of the TCHS to a number of other potential wet, dry, and hybrid thermoelectric power plant heat rejection systems operating under varying degrees of water constraint. Installed system cost estimates were developed for the base all wet cooling tower systems, TCHS’s of varying sizes, air-cooled condenser (ACC) hybrid systems of varying sizes, and all dry ACC systems.
Optimized all wet cooling tower and all dry ACC system configurations were developed for five different climatic locations. A comprehensive power plant simulation program that evaluated the fuel and water requirements of the power plants equipped with the different heat rejection systems across the weather conditions associated with all 8,760 hours of a typical meteorological year was developed and then an extensive array of simulations were run each location. The summary data were organized in a separate interactive dynamic system comparison summary program to allow users to gain further insight into the relationships between the various heat rejection systems and the sensitivity of the results to changes in key input assumptions.
This paper details the data presented in the interactive dynamic system comparison summary program. This program displays the key metrics of the Annual Net Cost of Power Production, the Annual Net Power Plant Profit, the Annual Operating Profit, and the Internal Rate of Return as a function of the Percent Annual Water Savings Required for the various heat rejection systems at each of the five studied climatic locations studied. Key results and conclusions are presented.
Green Heat: Hot Water Energy Offset System
Authors: Fowler Nathaniel , Wiand Jeff , Eddy Bryan , Lowery Andrew D. , Smith James E. 
Published: November 2014

The implementation of renewable energy systems is often regarded by the consumer to be too costly and too complex to maintain and operate. For instance converting sunlight or wind energy to electricity along with the conditioning equipment required to put energy into the system can be cost prohibitive for a residential or commercial application. The proposed system implements multiple renewable energy components working in series. These components bypass those costly electrical energy conversions by converting the acquired energy into heat, which can be utilized to offset a portion of the energy consumed within the home or business. This system can be made completely transparent with little or no impact on the consumers’ lifestyle. Also, the proposed system, by only attempting to offset a portion of the current usage, will be simple and inexpensive to assemble and maintain with a short return on investment.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration an estimated 10 quadrillion Btu’s are consumed by 113.6 million houses in the United States, while 1.8 quadrillion Btu’s of the total energy is used for hot water heating [1]. It has been shown that approximately 20% of the energy costs associated with most residential and small commercial businesses stem from hot water heating. A patent-pending technology, called a viscous controller, attached at the base of a wind turbine, which operates in series with a traditional thermal solar collector to supplement the energy used in the hot water tank. This technology reduces the cost of the system and allows for the average homeowner and small business owner to offset their current energy usage, incorporate renewable energy sources, and offer a 4–5 year return on initial investment. More importantly, if this system is implemented in only a portion of the target market, it has the potential to completely offset the rising energy demands for the United States each year for the foreseeable future.