bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of serum Spondin 2 levels in the different stages of Type 2 diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Kahvecioglu Serdar , Guclu Metin , Ustundag Yasemin , Gul Cuma Bulent , Dogan Ibrahim , Dagel Tuncay , Esen Bennur , Akturk Esen Selin , Celik Huseyin , Esen Irfan 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimWe aimed to determine whether serum SPON2 is a useful biomarker in the detection of Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) and to compare serum SPON2 levels with 24‐hour urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) in patients with DN at different stages.MethodsThe cohort included 80 adult patients with T2D and 20 healthy controls. The patients with T2D were divided into four groups according to UAER and serum creatinine (sCr) levels. Group 1 consisted of patients with normoalbuminuria (n = 20), Group 2 with microalbuminuria (n = 20), Group 3 with macroalbuminuria (n = 20) and Group 4 with albuminuria and sCr > 1.5 mg/dL (n = 20).ResultsThere were no significant differences between the groups in terms of demographic data, C‐reactive protein, HbA1c, lipids, serum uric acid levels and leukocyte counts. SPON2 levels were observed to increase linearly with increasing severity of diabetic nephropathy levels. The SPON2 levels of Group 4 were significantly higher than Group 1 and the controls, and SPON2 levels of Group 3 were significantly higher than Group 1. Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and UAER were significantly positively correlated with SPON2; serum total protein and calcium levels were negatively correlated with SPON2 in patients with DN.ConclusionWe observed a linear and significant increase in SPON2 levels of patients with T2D as the stage of DN increased, but serum SPON2 level was not as effective as microalbuminuria in reflecting nephropathy. Also, serum SPON2 level was not as good as urine and tissue levels of SPON2 in detection of renal damage in DN.
Effectiveness and Reliability of Selected Site Pacing for Avoidance of Phrenic Nerve Stimulation in CRT Patients with Quadripolar LV Leads: The EffaceQ Study
Authors: OSWALD HANNO , ASBACH STEFAN , KÖBE JULIA , WEGLAGE HEINRICH , SCHULTE‐PITZKE BERNFRIED , BRACHMANN JOHANNES 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) relies on sufficient left ventricular (LV) pacing with safety margin to phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS). Previous studies introduced LV vector reprogramming in bipolar coronary sinus leads to optimize LV pacing and avoid PNS. We investigated the efficacy and reliability of quadripolar leads in CRT.MethodsThe EffaceQ study enrolled 344 patients with de novo CRT implantation with a quadripolar LV lead in an observational, prospective multicenter study. The study was powered to demonstrate that in at least 90% of patients with an implanted quadripolar LV lead, a viable LV pacing configuration (LVPC) is available (primary end point: LV pacing threshold ≤2.5 V/0.5 ms, sufficient PNS margin).ResultsQuadripolar leads were successfully implanted in 96% of patients. A total of 278 of 299 (93.0%) patients with complete data met the criteria for viable LVPC. With the use of traditional LVPCs, a viable LVPC would have been available (268 of 299 patients; P = 0.002) in significantly fewer patients (89.6%). In any LVPC, PNS was inducible in 65.0% of patients and 22.6% of patients reported PNS during ambulatory 3‐month follow‐up. LVPC reprogramming was performed in 49.8% of patients. PNS inducibility decreased from distal to proximal electrodes, whereas LV pacing thresholds increased from distal to proximal. At prehospital discharge, 5.9 ± 2.8 viable LVPCs were observed, stable during follow‐up. The quadripolar electrode offered significantly more LVPC for LV optimization and PNS avoidance.ConclusionQuadripolar LV leads yield high numbers of patients with viable LVPCs and alternatives for noninvasive repositioning of LV pacing.
Clinical Predictors of Pacemaker Implantation in Patients with Syncope Receiving Implantable Loop Recorder with or without ECG Conduction Abnormalities
Authors: AHMED NAUMAN , FRONTERA ANTONIO , CARPENTER ALEXANDER , CATALDO STAFENIA , CONNOLLY GEORGIA M. , FASIOLO MATTEO , CRIPPS TIM , THOMAS GLYN , DIAB IHAB , DUNCAN EDWARD R. 
Published: May 2015

BackgroundImplantable loop recorders (ILR) allow prolonged cardiac rhythm monitoring and improved diagnostic yield in syncope patients. Predictive factors for pacemaker (PM) implantation in the ILR population with unexplained syncope have not been adequately investigated. In this single center, retrospective, observational study we investigated factors that predict PM implantation in this population.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed our ILR database of patients aged over 18 years who underwent ILR implantation for unexplained syncope between January 2009 and June 2013. Patient case notes were examined for demographics, history, electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities, investigations, and events during follow‐up. The primary end‐point was the detection of a symptomatic or asymptomatic bradycardia requiring PM implantation.ResultsDuring a period of 4.5 years, 200 patients were implanted with ILR for unexplained syncope, of who n = 33 (16.5%) had clinically significant bradycardia requiring PM implantation. After multivariable analysis, history of injury secondary to syncope was found to be the strongest independent predictor for PM implantation (odds ratio [OR]:9.1; P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI]: (3.26–26.81). Other significant predictors included female sex, PR interval > 200msec, and age >75 years. In patients without conduction abnormalities on the ECG, history of injury secondary to syncope was found to be the strongest independent predictor for PM implantation (OR: 8.16; P = 0.00027; 95% [CI]: (2.67–26.27).ConclusionsA history of injury secondary to syncope and female sex were independent predictive factors for bradycardia necessitating PM implantation in patients receiving an ILR for syncope with or without ECG conduction abnormalities.
Elevated CO2 improves lipid accumulation by increasing carbon metabolism in Chlorella sorokiniana
Authors: Sun Zhilan , Chen Yi‐Feng , Du Jianchang 
Published: May 2015

SummarySupplying microalgae with extra CO2 is a promising means for improving lipid production. The molecular mechanisms involved in lipid accumulation under conditions of elevated CO2, however, remain to be fully elucidated. To understand how elevated CO2 improves lipid production, we performed sequencing of Chlorella sorokiniana LS‐2 cellular transcripts during growth and compared transcriptional dynamics of genes involved in carbon flow from CO2 to triacylglycerol. These analyses identified the majority genes of carbohydrate metabolism and lipid biosynthesis pathways in C. sorokiniana LS‐2. Under high doses of CO2, despite down‐regulation of most de novo fatty acid biosynthesis genes, genes involved in carbohydrate metabolic pathways including carbon fixation, chloroplastic glycolysis, components of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDHC) and chloroplastic membrane transporters were upexpressed at the prolonged lipid accumulation phase. The data indicate that lipid production is largely independent of de novo fatty acid synthesis. Elevated CO2 might push cells to channel photosynthetic carbon precursors into fatty acid synthesis pathways, resulting in an increase of overall triacylglycerol generation. In support of this notion, genes involved in triacylglycerol biosynthesis were substantially up‐regulated. Thus, elevated CO2 may influence regulatory dynamics and result in increased carbon flow to triacylglycerol, thereby providing a feasible approach to increase lipid production in microalgae.
Compact tomato seedlings and plants upon overexpression of a tomato chromatin remodelling ATPase gene
Authors: Folta Adam , Bargsten Joachim W. , Bisseling Ton , Nap Jan‐Peter , Mlynarova Ludmila 
Published: May 2015

SummaryControl of plant growth is an important aspect of crop productivity and yield in agriculture. Overexpression of the AtCHR12/23 genes in Arabidopsis thaliana reduced growth habit without other morphological changes. These two genes encode Snf2 chromatin remodelling ATPases. Here, we translate this approach to the horticultural crop tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). We identified and cloned the single tomato ortholog of the two Arabidopsis Snf2 genes, designated SlCHR1. Transgenic tomato plants (cv. Micro‐Tom) that constitutively overexpress the coding sequence of SlCHR1 show reduced growth in all developmental stages of tomato. This confirms that SlCHR1 combines the functions of both Arabidopsis genes in tomato. Compared to the wild type, the transgenic seedlings of tomato have significantly shorter roots, hypocotyls and reduced cotyledon size. Transgenic plants have a much more compact growth habit with markedly reduced plant height, severely compacted reproductive structures with smaller flowers and smaller fruits. The results indicate that either GMO‐based or non‐GMO‐based approaches to modulate the expression of chromatin remodelling ATPase genes could develop into methods to control plant growth, for example to replace the use of chemical growth retardants. This approach is likely to be applicable and attractive for any crop for which growth habit reduction has added value.
Evaluating Transformational Leaders: The Challenging Case of Eric Shinseki and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Authors: Van Wart Montgomery 
Published: May 2015

AbstractEvaluating less than fully successful transformational leaders is difficult. One common method of assessing leadership is to focus on a single temporal narrative. A second approach uses a particular theory, such as transformational leadership, to frame the analysis. The latter, less common strategy is used with the example of Eric Shinseki, who served as both chief of staff of the U.S. Army and as secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The analytic framework used here has six major elements that are specified by 22 factors. Using those factors to evaluate Shinseki's tenure at the VA, he is found to be very poor in only 2 factors but poor in 11, adequate in 6, good in 1, and excellent in only 2. While using a list of factors does not eliminate subjectivity or the challenges of reaching a single assessment, it does clarify the elements of judgment and weighting.
Wait Until Your Mother Gets Home! Mothers' and Fathers' Discipline Strategies
Authors: Hallers‐Haalboom Elizabeth T. , Groeneveld Marleen G. , van Berkel Sheila R. , Endendijk Joyce J. , van der Pol Lotte D. , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J. , Mesman Judi 
Published: May 2015

AbstractFrom a traditional viewpoint, fathers are seen as the main disciplinarian in the family. However, recent studies suggest that these traditional family role patterns may have changed. In this study, we observed discipline strategies of mothers and fathers toward their sons and daughters. Participants included 242 families with two children (1 and 3 years of age). Findings revealed that parental discipline varied by the age of the children, but that mothers disciplined their children more often than fathers. Fathers, conversely, showed more laxness in response to child non‐compliance. Gender of the children was only related to physical interference, with mothers using more physical interference with boys than fathers, irrespective of birth order. Taken together, these findings highlight the importance of parent gender for parent–child interactions in early childhood, but also suggest that child age should be taken into account as important explanatory factors.
Economic Uncertainty, Job Threat, and the Resiliency of the Millennial Generation's Attitudes Toward Immigration*
Authors: Ross Ashley D. , Rouse Stella M. 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveDrawing a distinction between conditional and prevalence factors that affect immigration attitudes, we examine if the recent economic recession has influenced the Millennial Generation's attitudes about immigration, compared to non‐Millennials.MethodsEmploying data from the 2008 American National Election Study (ANES), we conduct a logit analysis to estimate the effects of theoretically relevant factors on immigration attitudes.ResultsOur findings indicate that even in the face of poor economic conditions that disproportionately impacted Millennials, this cohort's attitudes toward immigration are quite resilient. While Millennials’ immigration attitudes vary across a number of determinants, overall, they are more tolerant of immigration than non‐Millennials.ConclusionMillennials’ tolerance of immigration is consistent with their general liberal beliefs. This is true even under the conditional impact of economic self‐interest and the conditional and prevalence impact of culture during the recession—a time when Millennials could have been susceptible to factors mitigating their feelings toward immigrants.
Digital Image Correlation Used for Experimental Investigations of Al/Mg Compounds
Authors: Kirbach C. , Lehmann T. , Stockmann M. , Ihlemann J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAl/Mg compounds produced by hydrostatic extrusion exhibit unique characteristics in terms of high strength and low weight, which are required in lightweight safety parts. The compound interface between the core and sleeve is a brittle intermetallic phase consisting of Al2Mg3 and Al12Mg17. However, a certain plastic deformability is required for subsequent processing of the semi‐finished product by forming. To obtain a basic understanding of the deformation behaviour of the interface, the Digital Image Correlation is used together with a new analysis procedure based on the approximation of the displacement field with polynomial functions. The procedure is first tested with a bending test. The specimens exhibit a remarkable deformation behaviour under bending at high temperatures, which is confirmed by the results of radial upsetting tests. Even under a multi‐axle load, the interface maintains a full material joint, though fragmentation occurs, and a new secondary interface between the fragments can be observed. In addition, an evaluation of light microscopy images and Eulerian Hencky strain values at the interface, which are based on the Digital Image Correlation results, imply a connection between the strain and the boundary layer's appearance.
THO2, a core member of the THO/TREX complex, is required for microRNA production in Arabidopsis
Authors: Francisco‐Mangilet Anchilie G. , Karlsson Patricia , Kim Myung‐Hee , Eo Hyeon Ju , Oh Sung Aeong , Kim Jeong Hoe , Kulcheski Franceli Rodrigues , Park Soon Ki , Manavella Pablo Andrés 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThe THO/TREX complex mediates transport of nascent mRNAs from the nucleus towards the cytoplasm in animals, and has a role in small interfering RNA‐dependent processes in plants. Here we describe five mutant alleles of Arabidopsis thaliana THO2, which encodes a core subunit of the plant THO/TREX complex. tho2 mutants present strong developmental defects resembling those in plants compromised in microRNA (miRNA) activity. In agreement, not only were the levels of siRNAs reduced in tho2 mutants, but also those of mature miRNAs. As a consequence, a feedback mechanism is triggered, increasing the amount of miRNA precursors, and finally causing accumulation of miRNA‐targeted mRNAs. Yeast two‐hybrid experiments and confocal microscopy showed that THO2 does not appear to interact with any of the known miRNA biogenesis components, but rather with the splicing machinery, implying an indirect role of THO2 in small RNA biogenesis. Using an RNA immunoprecipitation approach, we found that THO2 interacts with miRNA precursors, and that tho2 mutants fail to recruit such precursors into the miRNA‐processing complex, explaining the reduction in miRNA production in this mutant background. We also detected alterations in the splicing pattern of genes encoding serine/arginine‐rich proteins in tho2 mutants, supporting a previously unappreciated role of the THO/TREX complex in alternative splicing.
Centromeric chromatin and its dynamics in plants
Authors: Lermontova Inna , Sandmann Michael , Mascher Martin , Schmit Anne‐Catherine , Chabouté Marie‐Edith 
Published: May 2015

SummaryCentromeres are chromatin structures that are required for proper separation of chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis. The centromere is composed of centromeric DNA, often enriched in satellite repeats, and kinetochore complex proteins. To date, over 100 kinetochore components have been identified in various eukaryotes. Kinetochore assembly begins with incorporation of centromeric histone H3 variant CENH3 into centromeric nucleosomes. Protein components of the kinetochore are either present at centromeres throughout the cell cycle or localize to centromeres transiently, prior to attachment of microtubules to each kinetochore in prometaphase of mitotic cells. This is the case for the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) proteins in animal cells. The SAC complex ensures equal separation of chromosomes between daughter nuclei by preventing anaphase onset before metaphase is complete, i.e. the sister kinetochores of all chromosomes are attached to spindle fibers from opposite poles. In this review, we focus on the organization of centromeric DNA and the kinetochore assembly in plants. We summarize recent advances regarding loading of CENH3 into the centromere, and the subcellular localization and protein–protein interactions of Arabidopsis thaliana proteins involved in kinetochore assembly and function. We describe the transcriptional activity of corresponding genes based on in silico analysis of their promoters and cell cycle‐dependent expression. Additionally, barley homologs of all selected A. thaliana proteins have been identified in silico, and their sequences and domain structures are presented.
Preoperative anaemia and newly diagnosed cancer 1 year after elective total hip and knee arthroplasty
Authors: Jørgensen C. C. , Jans Ø. , Kehlet H. ,   the Lundbeck Foundation Centre for Fast‐track Hip and Knee Replacement Collaborative Group
Published: May 2015

BackgroundPreoperative anaemia is a well‐established risk factor for use of blood transfusions and postoperative morbidity. Consequently, focus on preoperative evaluation of haemoglobin levels is increasing. In this context, iron deficiency anaemia may be a symptom of undiscovered gastrointestinal (GI) cancer requiring further investigation. However, the association between preoperative anaemia and cancer 1 year after elective total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is unknown. We evaluated 1‐year cancer diagnoses, particularly GI cancers, in anaemic and non‐anaemic THA and TKA patients.Study Design and MethodsA prospective database on preoperative patient characteristics from six Danish orthopaedic centres was cross‐referenced with the Danish Cancer Registry for information on diagnoses of new cancers 1 year after surgery. Crude cancer risk estimates were calculated using chi‐square and Fisher's exact test in the total study cohort. Adjusted risk estimates were obtained using propensity scores and the Mantel–Haenzel statistic.ResultsOf 5400 procedures, 731 (13·5%) were in anaemic patients. These were older and had more comorbidity than non‐anaemic patients. There were 17 (2·3%) and 79 (1·6%) new cancers in anaemic and non‐anaemic patients, respectively (OR: 1·38; 95% CI: 0·81–2·35, P = 0·228). After propensity matching of 661 anaemic and 1305 non‐anaemic patients, we found no association between preoperative anaemia and cancer (OR: 0·94; 95% CI: 0·51–1·73, P = 0·837) or with GI cancers specifically (OR: 0·80; 95% CI: 0·25‐2·56, P = 0·707).ConclusionPreoperative anaemia per se may not be related to being diagnosed with cancer 1 year after THA and TKA. The optimal criteria for preoperative referral of anaemic patients to gastroenterologist in elective THA and TKA need further investigation.
The grammatical features of English in a Chinese Internet discussion forum
Authors: AI HAIYANG , YOU XIAOYE 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTRecent research in world Englishes shows that the lexis‐grammar interface, or lexicogrammar, constitutes an important area for investigating structural nativisation of local varieties of English (Schilk). While most studies of lexicogrammar have focused on Inner Circle and Outer Circle varieties, the study presented in this paper focuses on an Expanding Circle variety, China English, and explores some of its patterns of structural nativisation. Utilising large‐scale corpus data collected from an online discussion forum, this study examines several locally emergent linguistic patterns in China English, including new ditransitive verbs, verb‐complementation, and collocation. The results suggest that there exist certain associations between specific lexical items and grammatical constructions in this local variety.
Analysing China's English‐language media
Authors: ALVARO JOSEPH JAMES 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTThis paper is a sociolinguistic view of China's English language media and its attempted penetration of the global language community. Using Kachru's Caliban dynamic as a metaphor, I examine how China attempts to send an ideologically loaded, Sinocentric English back to the ‘colonisers’. The careful construction of language (linguistic engineering) for political purposes is discussed in its various forms of officialese and fixed formulations as peculiar to the Chinese political tradition. The paper concludes by suggesting that due to its limited interest to global society in general, and other reasons, the language of China's politicised English outreach (i.e. Zhonglish, Xinhua English, New China Newspeak) will continue to retain only a marginal global media presence until ideological divides can be bridged.
Evaluation of the HISCL Anti-Treponema pallidum Assay as a Screening Test for Syphilis
Authors: An Jingna , Chen Qixia , Liu Qianqian , Rao Chenli , Li Dongdong , Wang Tingting , Tao Chuanmin , Wang Lanlan 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

The resurgence of syphilis in recent years has become a serious threat to public health worldwide, and the serological detection of specific antibodies against
Treponema pallidum
remains the most reliable method for laboratory diagnosis of syphilis. This study examined the performance of the recently launched HISCL anti-
Treponema pallidum
(anti-TP) assay as a screening test for syphilis in a high-volume laboratory. The HISCL anti-TP assay was tested in 300 preselected syphilis-positive samples, 704 fresh syphilis-negative samples, 48 preselected potentially interfering samples, and 30 “borderline” samples and was compared head to head with the commercially available Lumipulse G TP-N. In this study, the HISCL anti-TP assay was in perfect agreement with the applied testing algorithms with an overall agreement of 100%, comparable to that of Lumipulse G TP-N (99.63%). The sensitivity and specificity of the HISCL anti-TP assay were 100% (95% confidence interval [CI], 98.42% to 100%) and 100% (95% CI, 99.37% to 100%), respectively. Considering the excellent ease of use and automation, high throughput, and its favorable sensitivity and specificity, the HISCL anti-TP assay may represent a new choice for syphilis screening in high-volume laboratories.
Vaccination with theospA- andospB-Negative Borrelia burgdorferi Strain 50772 Provides Significant Protection against Canine Lyme Disease
Authors: LaFleur Rhonda L. , Callister Steven M. , Dant Jennifer C. , Wasmoen Terri L. , Jobe Dean A. , Lovrich Steven D. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACTBeagles received placebo orospA- andospB-negativeBorrelia burgdorferibefore a tick challenge. A total of 28 (41%) ticks and skin biopsy specimens from each control dog (n= 10) containedB. burgdorferi. In contrast, 12 (19%) ticks recovered from the vaccine recipients (n= 10) were infected (P= 0.0077), and 5 dogs yielded spirochetes from the skin biopsy specimens (P= 0.0325). In addition, 9 (90%) placebo recipients and 4 (40%) vaccine recipients developed joint abnormalities (P= 0.0573). Therefore, vaccination with theospA- andospB-negative spirochete provided significant protection against Lyme disease.