bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogeography of the freshwater red alga Sirodotia (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) in Brazil
Authors: Paiano Monica O. , Necchi Orlando 
Published: July 2013

SummaryConsidering the lack of knowledge on genetic variation on members of the freshwater red algal of the order Batrachospermales in tropical regions, phylogeographic patterns in Sirodotia populations were investigated using two mitochondrial regions: the cox2‐3 spacer and partial cox1 gene (barcode). Individuals identified as Sirodotia delicatula were analyzed from 14 stream segments across its distribution in Brazil. Phylogenetic analyses based on the ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase large sub‐unit gene showed three clades, one representing S. delicatula, from all locations in southeastern Brazil and other regions from Brazil. The remaining samples formed two clades, which were highly divergent and distantly positioned from those of S. delicatula: 2.5–2.7% and 3.4–3.7%. This level of variation would warrant the species split of these taxa from mid‐western Brazil. A total of eight cox2‐3 spacer and nine cox1 haplotypes were observed among the 122 individuals studied. One location had two cox2‐3 haplotypes and three locations had two cox1 haplotypes; all others had a single dominant haplotype each. The existence of high intraspecific genetic variation among individuals of distinct locations (several haplotypes), but little variation within a location seems to be a pattern for the Batrachospermales. Haplotype networks showed low variation among the haplotypes from southeastern Brazil (10 locations with divergence of 0.3–1.1% for cox2‐3, 0.1–0.3% for cox1) and high variation among the haplotypes from the mid‐west region (four locations, 4.0–9.3% for cox2‐3, 6.2–8.4% for cox1). Thus, the present data clearly suggest the existence of cryptic species in Sirodotia in Brazil.
Altering Scapular Position Reduces Isometric Shoulder Strength
Authors: Matthews Paul A. , Scott Martin 
Published: July 2013

Background Strength assessment is an integral part of many clinical tests and some outcome measures. However, shoulder strength may not only be influenced by pathology or treatment effect, but also by scapular position. The present study aimed to examine the influence of scapular positioning on shoulder strength. Methods Sixteen normal volunteers (seven males and nine females; mean age 35 years) conducted maximal isometric elevation strength tests in scapular positions of self-selected neutral (SN), maximal protraction (SP), maximal retraction (SR) and posterior tilt (ST), with all of these being assessed in the scapular plane. A prospective, repeated measure, balanced protocol was employed. Results Resultant strengths were SN = 6.5 kg, SP = 5.0 kg, SR = 5.3 kg and ST = 5.0 kg. Analysis of variance was significant ( p = 0.002) with post-hoc analysis revealing SN as being significantly stronger than SP ( p = 0.002), SR ( p = 0.004) and ST ( p = 0.001). There were no significant differences between SP, SR and ST. Test – retest analysis yielded intraclass correlation coefficients exceeding 0.85. Conclusions Altering scapula position may affect shoulder strength in asymptomatic individuals. This has implications for the validity and reliability of shoulder tests and outcome measures that are reliant upon shoulder strength, at the same time as supporting the premise that the application of scapula correction exercises should be based upon individual assessment rather than general prescription.
A Public T cell Receptor Recognized by a Monoclonal Antibody Specific for the D‐J Junction of the β‐chain
Authors: Frigstad T. , Løset G. Å. , Sandlie I. , Bogen B. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIt is becoming increasingly clear that T cell responses against many antigens are dominated by public α/β T cell receptors (TCRs) with restricted heterogeneity. Because expression of public TCRs may be related to resistance, or predisposition to diseases, it is relevant to measure their frequencies. Although staining with tetrameric peptide/major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) molecules gives information about specificity, it does not give information about the TCR composition of the individual T cells that stain. Moreover, next‐generation sequencing of TCR does not yield information on pairing of α‐ and β‐chains in single T cells. In an effort to overcome these limitations, we have here investigated the possibility of raising a monoclonal antibody (moAb) that recognizes a public TCR. As a model system, we have used T cells responding to the 91–101 CDR3 peptide of an Ig L‐chain (λ2315), presented by the MHC class II molecule I‐Ed. The CD4+ T cell responses against this pMHC are dominated by a receptor composed of Vα3Jα1;Vβ6DβJβ1.1. Even the V(D)J junctions are to a large extent shared between T cell clones derived from different BALB/c mice. We here describe a murine moAb (AB10) of B10.D2 origin that recognizes this public TCR, while binding to peripheral T cells is negligible. Binding of the moAb is abrogated by introduction of two Gly residues in the D‐J junction of the CDR3 of the β‐chain. A model for the public TCR determinant is presented.
Disparity and Diversity: Their Use in EU Rural Policies
Authors: Saraceno Elena 
Published: July 2013

AbstractEU rural policies have, in the past, used the twin concepts of disparity and diversity in alternative ways but have never really acknowledged the different assumptions that underlie them in terms of rural development and policy implementation. This, it is argued here, is the result of three different processes. The first is that by which scientific knowledge passes through several mediation stages as concepts that are adopted by policymakers leading to the subsequent modification of their original meaning. The second is that by which European Union (EU) rural policies are hosted in a variety of different policy areas for which they are not the main concern, leading to a degree of ambiguity that may nevertheless serve a political purpose. The third is that experience has shown that even though the concept of diversity might initially appear more suited to addressing the different needs of European rural areas in modern advanced economies, it has nevertheless proved particularly difficult and costly to implement. As a consequence, the simpler concept of disparity, with its one‐size‐fits‐all approach, has maintained its dominance as a policy concept; a dominance that has been considerably reinforced over the last decade. In the first section of the article the concepts of diversity and disparity are analysed and contrasted in their assumptions and policy implications. This is followed by an assessment of how these concepts are employed in EU rural policy. The final section discusses the governance implications of both concepts in rural policy and their link to the wider agenda of EU policies today.
Organic matter accumulation post‐mineral sands mining
Authors: Wick A. F. , Daniels W. L. , Orndorff Z. W. , Alley M. M. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSoil development and organic matter (OM) accumulation are vital for sustainability in reclaimed prime farmlands following mineral sands mining. Additionally, the effectiveness of soil reconstruction techniques on soil development greatly influences crop productivity. Soil development and management effects following mineral sands mining were evaluated in years 1 (2005), 4 (2009) and 6 (2011) at the Carraway‐Winn Reclamation Research Farm, VA, USA. Treatments for this full scale agricultural experiment are as follows: biosolids applied at a rate of 78 Mg/ha managed with conventional tillage (BIO‐CT) and no‐till (BIO‐NT), a 15‐cm topsoil cap (TS), and a lime + fertilized control. Crop yields were determined annually, and soils were collected and analysed for aggregate size distributions and OM pools (available, aggregate‐protected and mineral‐bound). Crop yields (Corn‐Zea mays and wheat/soybean‐Triticum aestivum/Glycine max) were generally larger in the biosolids treatments from 2005 to 2008, with no difference among treatments from 2009 to 2011. Whole soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) rapidly increased between 2005 and 2009, mainly in the large macroaggregate (2000–8000 μm) size fraction. Carbon accumulation rates in the whole soils ranged from 2.85 to 3.58 Mg C/ha in the first 4 yr of soil development (similar trends were observed for N). There were no differences for soil aggregate parameters among treatments until year 6, where biosolids treatments contained more microaggregate (53–250 μm) and mineral‐bound C and N relative to other treatments. Short‐term increases in crop yields and long‐term increases in stable soil C and N make biosolids applications a viable alternative to traditional TS replacement strategies for this mining land use scenario.
Slurry field management and ammonia emissions under Mediterranean conditions
Authors: Yagüe M. R. , Bosch‐Serra A. D. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIn Spain, farmers are interested in applying pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) slurry (PS) to their fields throughout the year. During the spring and summer months, ammonia (NH3) volatilization may be high. We studied the potential range of NH3 losses under a warm and a hot period of the year, using available field practices, and two strategies: PS directly incorporated into the soil, in spring (I‐spring); and PS applied by splash‐plate, in summer time (SP‐summer), both to bare soil. Measurements were conducted, after PS application, using the micrometeorological mass balance integrated horizontal flux method. The cumulative NH3‐N volatilization was 35% (I‐spring) and 60% (SP‐summer) of total ammonium nitrogen applied, and half of the total NH3‐N losses happened by 17 h and 8 h, respectively, after application. Incorporation strategy was less effective in avoiding NH3 losses than is described in the literature. This fact has important consequences for the implementation of NH3 mitigation measures in Mediterranean agricultural systems.
‘I cry every day’: experiences of patients co‐infected with HIV and multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Isaakidis Petros , Rangan Sheela , Pradhan Anagha , Ladomirska Joanna , Reid Tony , Kielmann Karina 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo understand patients' challenges in adhering to treatment for MDR‐TB/HIV co‐infection within the context of their life circumstances and access to care and support.MethodsQualitative study using in‐depth interviews with 12 HIV/MDR‐TB co‐infected patients followed in a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) clinic in Mumbai, India, five lay caregivers and ten health professionals. The data were thematically analysed along three dimensions of patients' experience of being and staying on treatment: physiological, psycho‐social and structural.ResultsBy the time patients and their families initiate treatment for co‐infection, their financial and emotional resources were often depleted. Side effects of the drugs were reported to be severe and debilitating, and patients expressed the burden of care and stigma on the social and financial viability of the household. Family caregivers were crucial to maintaining the mental and physical health of patients, but reported high levels of fatigue and stress. Médecins Sans Frontières providers recognised that the barriers to patient adherence were fundamentally social, rather than medical, yet were limited in their ability to support patients and their families.ConclusionsThe treatment of MDR‐TB among HIV‐infected patients on antiretroviral therapy is hugely demanding for patients, caregivers and families. Current treatment regimens and case‐holding strategies are resource intensive and require high levels of support from family and lay caregivers to encourage patient adherence and retention in care.
Orbital apex tumour caused by chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: an unlikely suspect
Authors: Garala Kanai , Jayaramachandran Pavitra , Knopp Michael , Critchley Peter 
Published: July 2013

An 88-year-old woman with a background of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and presented with unilateral ptosis and dull facial pains for 1 month. Examination revealed a complete right-sided ptosis and pupillary dilation. Vision in her right eye was limited to light perception. She had total external ophthalmoplegia. Her corneal reflex was not present in her right eye and she had lost sensation on the right side of her forehead. MRI revealed abnormal enhancement in the right orbital apex extending posteriorly to the sphenoid sinus. The mass invaded the superior orbital fissure, optic canal and cavernous sinus. The lumbar puncture was normal. Owing to the proximity of the mass to the cavernous sinus, it was deemed that surgical excision of the tumour was unsafe; however, it was amenable to biopsy. Histology of the biopsies was consistent with CLL.The patient declined to undergo single high-dose radiotherapy followed by dexamethasone.
THE BRENKE TYPE GENERATING FUNCTIONS AND EXPLICIT FORMS OF MRM-TRIPLES BY MEANS OF Q-HYPERGEOMETRIC SERIES
Authors: ASAI NOBUHIRO , KUBO IZUMI , KUO HUI-HSIUNG 
Published: July 2013

An MRM-triple (h(x), ρ(t), B(t)) gives a generating function B(t)h(ρ(t)x) of some orthogonal polynomials on ℝ. In particular, B(t)h(tx) is called the Brenke type.19 In this paper, we shall determine all MRM-triples and associated Jacobi-Szegö parameters of this type with showing very careful computations in detail. (h(x), t, B(t)) is classified into four categories. In any case, h(x) and B(t) can be expressed in terms of two kinds of q-hypergeometric series, old basic and basic hypergeometric series, rΦs and rϕs, respectively. As examples, our results contain generating functions of the Al-Salam-Carlitz (I and II), little q-Laguerre, q-Laguerre, and discrete q-Hermite (I and II) polynomials. Our results are more complete and general than those of Refs. 20 and 21 by Chihara. The following are special cases of our results in each class. Here {αn, ωn} are the Jacobi-Szegö parameters. [Formula: see text]
Evidence of Systematic Duplication by New Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Programs
Authors: Concannon Thomas W. , Nelson Jason , Kent David M. , Griffith John L. 
Published: July 2013

Background—
Evidence suggests that recent and projected future investments in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) programs at US hospitals fail to increase access to timely reperfusion for patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Methods and Results—
We set out to estimate the annual number and costs of new PCI programs in US hospitals from 2004 to 2008 and identify the characteristics of hospitals, neighborhoods, and states where new PCI programs have been introduced. We estimated a discrete-time hazard model to measure the influence of these characteristics on the decision of a hospital to introduce a new PCI program. In 2008, 1739 US hospitals were capable of performing PCI, a relative increase of 16.5% (251 hospitals) over 2004. The percentage of the US population with projected access to timely PCI grew by 1.8%. New PCI programs were more likely to be introduced in areas that already had a PCI program with more competition for market share, near populations with higher rates of private insurance, in states that had weak or no regulation of new cardiac catheterization laboratories, and in wealthier and larger hospitals.

Conclusions—
Our data show that new PCI programs were systematically duplicative of existing programs and did not help patients gain access to timely PCI. The total cost of recent US investments in new PCI programs is large and of questionable value for patients.
Scopes and Challenges of Dual-Doppler Lidar Wind Measurements—An Error Analysis
Authors: Stawiarski Christina , Träumner Katja , Knigge Christoph , Calhoun Ronald 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Pulsed Doppler lidars are powerful tools for long-range, high-resolution measurements of radial wind velocities. With the development of commercial Doppler lidars and the reduction of acquisition costs, dual-Doppler lidar systems will be become increasingly accessible in upcoming years. This study reviews the most common dual-Doppler techniques, describes the setup of a highly synchronized long-range dual-Doppler lidar system, and discusses extensively the different kinds of errors connected with this complex measurement technique. Sources of errors and their interactions are traced through the retrieval algorithm, including errors from single-Doppler lidar and those occurring from a combination of instruments related to various parameters, such as relative beam angles, time and spatial scales of the scan pattern, and atmospheric conditions.
Reactive Oxygen Species in Chronic Rhinosinusitis and Secondhand Smoke Exposure
Authors: Fordham M. Taylor , Mulligan Jennifer K. , Casey Sarah E. , Mulligan Ryan M. , Wang Eric W. , Sansoni E. Ritter , Schlosser Rodney J. 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveReactive oxygen species (ROS) can potentiate cellular injury and inflammation. This study aimed to (1) assess the presence of reactive oxygen species in the sinus tissue of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and (2) assess the impact of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.Study DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingAcademic medical center.Subjects and MethodsSinus tissue samples from patients undergoing sinus surgery were analyzed using diaminobenzidine (DAB) staining to assess for ROS. Stained specimens were photographed at random by a blinded photographer and then quantified by 3 blinded graders. The patient's SHS exposure was determined by hair nicotine levels. Results were compared between non–smoke exposed cohorts and those exposed to secondhand smoke and by diagnosis.ResultsSixty‐nine adults undergoing sinus surgery were included in the study. For the non‐SHS‐exposed cohorts, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) had the highest number of DAB+ cells/high‐powered field (hpf) followed by chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) and controls. When comparing the control patients to their SHS‐exposed counterparts, SHS exposure yielded statistically significantly higher levels of DAB‐positive cells/hpf. SHS exposure did not affect DAB staining in CRSsNP or CRSwNP patients.ConclusionROS are differentially expressed in various subtypes of CRS. SHS exposure increases ROS in sinus tissue of control patients, but the clinical significance of this is unclear.
Assessment of Directionality Performances: Comparison between Freedom and CP810 Sound Processors
Authors: Razza Sergio , Albanese Greta , Ermoli Lucilla , Zaccone Monica , Cristofari Eliana 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveTo compare speech recognition in noise for the Nucleus Freedom and CP810 sound processors using different directional settings among those available in the SmartSound portfolio.Study DesignSingle‐subject, repeated measures study.SettingTertiary care referral center.Subjects and MethodsThirty‐one monoaurally and binaurally implanted subjects (24 children and 7 adults) were enrolled. They were all experienced Nucleus Freedom sound processor users and achieved a 100% open set word recognition score in quiet listening conditions. Each patient was fitted with the Freedom and the CP810 processor. The program setting incorporated Adaptive Dynamic Range Optimization (ADRO) and adopted the directional algorithm BEAM (both devices) and ZOOM (only on CP810). Speech reception threshold (SRT) was assessed in a free‐field layout, with disyllabic word list and interfering multilevel babble noise in the 3 different pre‐processing configurations.ResultsOn average, CP810 improved significantly patients’ SRTs as compared to Freedom SP after 1 hour of use. Instead, no significant difference was observed in patients’ SRT between the BEAM and the ZOOM algorithm fitted in the CP810 processor.ConclusionThe results suggest that hardware developments achieved in the design of CP810 allow an immediate and relevant directional advantage as compared to the previous‐generation Freedom device.
Treatment of left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis: stent or surgery
Authors: Sismanoglu Mesut , Sarıkaya Sabit , Onk Oruc Alper , Adademir Taylan , Aksoy Eray , Kırali Kaan 
Published: July 2013

Background: Drug-eluting stents have emerged as a solution to the problem of restenosis after bare-metal stent implantation, as an alternative to off-pump coronary bypass, for isolated left anterior descending coronary artery lesions at short-term follow-up. However, long-term follow-up is yet to be defined. Methods: From January to December 2004, 64 consecutive patients underwent myocardial revascularization: 31 by drug-eluting stents and 33 by off-pump coronary bypass. The primary endpoint was angiographic outcome, and the secondary endpoint was clinical outcome at 5 years. Results: There was no early or late mortality in either group. Hospital stay was significantly shorter in the stent group (2.5 ± 2.1 vs. 7.1 ± 4.9 days, p = 0.003). Long-term patency was higher and major adverse cardiac events (recurrence of angina and revascularization of target vessel) were encountered less frequently in the coronary bypass group, although not significantly. Conclusion: The 5-year follow-up showed no significant difference between the off-pump coronary bypass and stent groups for the primary and secondary endpoints. As a significant difference between treatment options is lacking, decision-making for appropriate treatment in this group of patients requires the collaboration of cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons and an individual approach, to achieve successful long-term outcomes.
Post-infarction ventricular septal defect: surgical outcomes in the last decade
Authors: Yam Nicholson , Au Timmy Wing-Kuk , Cheng Lik-Cheung 
Published: July 2013

Background: Post-infarction ventricular septal defects require surgical closure. Only a few studies have been conducted in Asian populations. This study reports the current outcomes and determinants affecting survival. Methods: Between January 1995 and January 2012, 40 patients underwent surgery for post-infarction ventricular septal defect. We analyzed demographics, clinical, angiographic, and echocardiographic parameters, operative data, postoperative morbidity, and survival. Mean follow-up was 5.2 ± 5.3 years. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the factors affecting 30-day mortality and long-term survival. Results: There was no intraoperative death. Our 30-day mortality was 20%. Single-vessel disease was found on coronary angiography in 63% of patients. Eight patients had concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting. Overall survival at 1, 5, and 10 years was 68%, 55%, and 42%, respectively. Event-free survival from subsequent angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, or percutaneous interventions at 1, 5, and 10 years was 66%, 43%, and 25%, respectively. Preoperative oliguria and postoperative sepsis were independent predictors of 30-days mortality on multivariate analysis ( p = 0.02). Preoperative left ventricular function was associated with long-term survival ( p = 0.048). Conclusion: We had good results of current postinfarction ventricular septal defect repair. Selected patients had concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting. Preoperative oliguria and postoperative sepsis were independent predictors of 30-day mortality, while left ventricular function was related to long-term survival.