bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is the Fastest MRI a Hologram?
Authors: Hutchinson Michael , Raff  Ulrich 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTReal‐time MR imaging might exert a profound influence on neuroscience in the future by enabling the direct visualization of neuronal interactions. At this time, however, all practical embodiments of MRI require at least some degree of gradient encoding, and this in turn sets a lower limit of about 100 ms for volume acquisition. A novel formulation of MRI is proposed here which is given the acronym ULTRA (Unlimited Trains of Radio Acquisitions). In the preferred embodiment ULTRA is completely free of gradient reversals, which allows for signal acquisition from the entire object volume simultaneously. This permits a rate of signal acquisition that is increased hundreds of times compared with existing techniques, with full 3‐D imaging in as little as one millisecond. The proposed detector now resembles a holographic recording.
Improvement of the Diagnostic Accuracy of MRA with Subtraction Technique in Cerebral Vasospasm
Authors: Hamaguchi Akiyoshi , Fujima Noriyuki , Yoshida Daisuke , Hamaguchi Naoko , Kodera Shuichi 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTPURPOSEVasospasm has been considered the most severe acute complication after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). MRA is not considered ideal for detecting cerebral vasospasm because of background including the hemorrhage. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Subtraction MRA (SMRA) by comparing it to that of conventional MRA (CMRA) for diagnosis of cerebral vasospasm.METHODSArteries were assigned to one of three categories based on the degree of MRA diagnostic quality of vasospasm (quality score): 0, bad … 2, good. Furthermore each artery was assigned to one of four categories based on the degree of vasospasm severity (SV score): 0, no vasospasm … 3, severe. The value of the difference between DSA‐SV score and MRA‐SV score was defined as the DIF score. CMRA and SMRA were compared for each arterial region with regard to quality score and DIF score.RESULTSThe average CMRA and SMRA quality score were 1.46 and 1.79; the difference was statistically significant. The average CMRA and SMRA DIF score were 1.08 and .60; the difference was statistically significant.CONCLUSIONSDiagnosis of cerebral vasospasm is more accurate by SMRA than by CMRA. The advantages are its noninvasive nature and its ability to detect cerebral vasospasm.
Development of probiotic-based immunoparticles for pulmonary immunization against Hepatitis B
Authors: Sharma Kulbhushan , Malik Basant , Goyal Amit K , Rath Goutam 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Objectives
The present study was oriented towards the development of pulmonary vaccine for Hepatitis B using probiotic biomass as an adjuvant.

Methods
The antigen was spray dried in presence of heat treated, formalin treated and live probiotic biomass.

Key findings
The results indicated that the biomass itself without any additional cryoprotectant is capable of protecting the structural integrity of the antigen. We were able to retain more than 80% of the antigenicity. The scanning electron microscopic images indicated that the formulation bearing live probiotic biomass have spherical size, while the formulations with heat and formalin treated biomass shows irregular shaped particles. The developed formulations were further evaluated for in-vivo immune response. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) titre results were found to be comparable with marketed (aluminium adsorbed) formulations while significantly higher secretory immunoglobulin A titre showed better mucosal immune response than marketed formulation.

Conclusion
Therefore, the probiotic biomass can be utilized as a potential cryoprotectant as well as a potent immunomodulator.
Variation of genome size and the ribosomal DNA ITS region of Alternanthera philoxeroides (Amaranthaceae) in Argentina, the USA, and China
Authors: CHEN Zi‐Yi , XIONG Zhu‐Jun , PAN Xiao‐Yun , SHEN Su‐Qin , GENG Yu‐Peng , XU Cheng‐Yuan , CHEN Jia‐Kuan , ZHANG Wen‐Ju 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAlligator weed, Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb., is one of the worst invasive weeds in the world. In the present study, the genome size of seven forms/biotypes of alligator weed from Argentina (native area), the USA (introduced area), and China (introduced area) was analyzed using flow cytometers; the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) was cloned and sequenced. We found that the genome size of A. philoxeroides ranged from 5.72 to 8.50 pg/2C nucleus, consisting of four levels of genome and three kinds of ploidy. Among them, three levels and two kinds (tetraploid and hexaploid) were found in samples from Argentina, two levels and one kind (pentaploid) in US samples, and one level and one kind (hexaploid) in samples from China. Contrary to the significant variation in genome size, we found that the intraspecific differentiation of the ITS sequences in the seven forms/biotypes was extremely low, and that six of them shared ITS sequences with no or one single substitution. These results show that the change of genome size played a major role in the differentiation of A. philoxeroides, and that forms/biotypes with higher ploidy seem to have stronger invasive ability. Furthermore, the differences of A. philoxeroides in ploidy between samples from the USA and China showed that alligator weeds from these two invaded areas certainly have different native progenitors.
Antiviral therapy (pegylated interferon and ribavirin) of hepatitis C in dialysis patients: meta‐analysis of clinical studies
Authors: Fabrizi F. , Dixit V. , Messa P. , Martin P. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryInformation on the antiviral treatment (pegylated interferon plus ribavirin) of chronic infection by hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients on long‐term dialysis is extremely limited. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of combination antiviral therapy (pegylated interferon plus ribavirin) in patients on long‐term dialysis with chronic hepatitis C by performing a systematic review of the literature with a meta‐analysis of clinical studies. The primary outcome was sustained virological response (SVR) (as a measure of efficacy); the secondary outcome was dropout rate (as a measure of tolerability). We used the random‐effects model of DerSimonian and Laird, with heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses. We identified eleven clinical studies (287 unique patients), two of them being controlled clinical trials. The summary estimate for SVR and dropout rate was 0.60 (95% Confidence Intervals, 0.47; 0.71) and 0.18 (95% CI, 0.08; 0.35), respectively; studies being heterogeneous with regard to both the outcomes. Stratified analysis reported a higher SVR rate in controlled trials, 0.86 (95% CI, 0.27; 0.99). The most common sources of dropout were anaemia (11/46 = 23%) and infections (6/46 = 13%). Meta‐regression analysis showed a detrimental impact of HCV genotype 1 (P = 0.036) and dropout (P = 0.0001) rate upon the frequency of SVR. Antiviral therapy based on pegylated interferon plus ribavirin for HCV gives encouraging results in terms of efficacy and safety among patients on long‐term dialysis; such approach should be considered the current standard of care for HCV‐infected individuals on regular dialysis.
Contrasting soil fungal community responses to experimental nitrogen addition using the large subunit rRNA taxonomic marker and cellobiohydrolase I functional marker
Authors: Mueller Rebecca C. , Balasch Monica M. , Kuske Cheryl R. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractHuman activities have resulted in increased nitrogen inputs into terrestrial ecosystems, but the impact of nitrogen on ecosystem function, such as nutrient cycling, will depend at least in part on the response of soil fungal communities. We examined the response of soil fungi to experimental nitrogen addition in a loblolly pine forest (North Carolina, USA) using a taxonomic marker (large subunit rDNA, LSU) and a functional marker involved in a critical step of cellulose degradation (cellobiohydrolase, cbhI) at five time points that spanned fourteen months. Sampling date had no impact on fungal community richness or composition for either gene. Based on the LSU, nitrogen addition led to increased fungal community richness, reduced relative abundance of fungi in the phylum Basidiomycota and altered community composition; however, similar shifts were not observed with cbhI. Fungal community dissimilarity of the LSU and cbhI genes was significantly correlated in the ambient plots, but not in nitrogen‐amended plots, suggesting either functional redundancy of fungi with the cbhI gene or shifts in other functional groups in response to nitrogen addition. To determine whether sequence similarity of cbhI could be predicted based on taxonomic relatedness of fungi, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis of publically available cbhI sequences from known isolates and found that for a subset of isolates, similar cbhI genes were found within distantly related fungal taxa. Together, these findings suggest that taxonomic shifts in the total fungal community do not necessarily result in changes in the functional diversity of fungi.
Geographic differences in vertical connectivity in the Caribbean coral Montastraea cavernosa despite high levels of horizontal connectivity at shallow depths
Authors: Serrano X. , Baums I. B. , O'Reilly K. , Smith T. B. , Jones R. J. , Shearer T. L. , Nunes F. L. D. , Baker A. C. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe deep reef refugia hypothesis proposes that deep reefs can act as local recruitment sources for shallow reefs following disturbance. To test this hypothesis, nine polymorphic DNA microsatellite loci were developed and used to assess vertical connectivity in 583 coral colonies of the Caribbean depth‐generalist coral Montastraea cavernosa. Samples were collected from three depth zones (≤10, 15–20 and ≥25 m) at sites in Florida (within the Upper Keys, Lower Keys and Dry Tortugas), Bermuda, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Migration rates were estimated to determine the probability of coral larval migration from shallow to deep and from deep to shallow. Finally, algal symbiont (Symbiodinium spp.) diversity and distribution were assessed in a subset of corals to test whether symbiont depth zonation might indicate limited vertical connectivity. Overall, analyses revealed significant genetic differentiation by depth in Florida, but not in Bermuda or the U.S. Virgin Islands, despite high levels of horizontal connectivity between these geographic locations at shallow depths. Within Florida, greater vertical connectivity was observed in the Dry Tortugas compared to the Lower or Upper Keys. However, at all sites, and regardless of the extent of vertical connectivity, migration occurred asymmetrically, with greater likelihood of migration from shallow to intermediate/deep habitats. Finally, most colonies hosted a single Symbiodinium type (C3), ruling out symbiont depth zonation of the dominant symbiont type as a structuring factor. Together, these findings suggest that the potential for shallow reefs to recover from deep‐water refugia in M. cavernosa is location‐specific, varying among and within geographic locations likely as a consequence of local hydrology.
Discovery of the first light‐dependent protochlorophyllide oxidoreductase in anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria
Authors: Kaschner Marco , Loeschcke Anita , Krause Judith , Minh Bui Quang , Heck Achim , Endres Stephan , Svensson Vera , Wirtz Astrid , von Haeseler Arndt , Jaeger Karl‐Erich , Drepper Thomas , Krauss Ulrich 
Published: July 2014

SummaryIn all photosynthetic organisms, chlorophylls function as light‐absorbing photopigments allowing the efficient harvesting of light energy. Chlorophyll biosynthesis recurs in similar ways in anoxygenic phototrophic proteobacteria as well as oxygenic phototrophic cyanobacteria and plants. Here, the biocatalytic conversion of protochlorophyllide to chlorophyllide is catalysed by evolutionary and structurally distinct protochlorophyllide reductases (PORs) in anoxygenic and oxygenic phototrophs. It is commonly assumed that anoxygenic phototrophs only contain oxygen‐sensitive dark‐operative PORs (DPORs), which catalyse protochlorophyllide reduction independent of the presence of light. In contrast, oxygenic phototrophs additionally (or exclusively) possess oxygen‐insensitive but light‐dependent PORs (LPORs). Based on this observation it was suggested that light‐dependent protochlorophyllide reduction first emerged as a consequence of increased atmospheric oxygen levels caused by oxygenic photosynthesis in cyanobacteria. Here, we provide experimental evidence for the presence of an LPOR in the anoxygenic phototrophic α‐proteobacterium Dinoroseobacter shibae DFL12T. In vitro and in vivo functional assays unequivocally prove light‐dependent protochlorophyllide reduction by this enzyme and reveal that LPORs are not restricted to cyanobacteria and plants. Sequence‐based phylogenetic analyses reconcile our findings with current hypotheses about the evolution of LPORs by suggesting that the light‐dependent enzyme of D. shibae DFL12T might have been obtained from cyanobacteria by horizontal gene transfer.
Serum 1,3‐beta‐d‐glucan for antifungal treatment stratification at the intensive care unit and the influence of surgery
Authors: Prattes Jürgen , Hoenigl Martin , Rabensteiner Jasmin , Raggam Reinhard B. , Prueller Florian , Zollner‐Schwetz Ines , Valentin Thomas , Hönigl Katharina , Fruhwald Sonja , Krause Robert 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to evaluate a preemptive approach with serum 1,3‐beta‐d‐glucan (BDG) as a marker for treatment stratification of systemic antifungal (AF) therapy in patients with clinical suspected invasive fungal infections (IFI) at intensive care units (ICU), and the impact of surgical procedures. A total of 66 ICU patients with clinical suspected IFI were included in this retrospective analysis. Serum BDG testing was performed prior to initiation of AF treatment and in addition to routine diagnostic measures. Based on the BDG results the initial clinical decision whether or not to start systemic AF therapy was re‐evaluated. Impact of surgical procedures on clinical utility of serum BDG was evaluated in a sub‐group of 25 patients who had undergone surgical procedures prior to BDG evaluation. BDG test results led to discontinuation of AF therapy in 13 patients, and initiation of AF therapy in seven patients. In 46 patients the clinical decision was confirmed by BDG. The majority of suspected, probable and proven IFI cases (10/13, 77%) was predicted by the test. BDG testing turned out positive in 9/25 (36%) of patients that had undergone recent surgery and levels correlated with clinical findings. Serum BDG evaluation seems to be a promising tool to guide AF therapy in ICU patients even after recent surgical procedures.
Endoscopic ultrasound as an adjunctive evaluation in patients with esophageal motor disorders subtyped by high‐resolution manometry
Authors: Krishnan K. , Lin C.‐Y. , Keswani R. , Pandolfino J. E. , Kahrilas P. J. , Komanduri S. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundEsophageal motor disorders are a heterogeneous group of conditions identified by esophageal manometry that lead to esophageal dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical utility of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the further evaluation of patients with esophageal motor disorders categorized using the updated Chicago Classification.MethodsWe performed a retrospective, single center study of 62 patients with esophageal motor disorders categorized according to the Chicago Classification. All patients underwent standard radial endosonography to assess for extra‐esophageal findings or alternative explanations for esophageal outflow obstruction. Secondary outcomes included esophageal wall thickness among the different patient subsets within the Chicago Classification.Key ResultsEUS identified 9/62 (15%) clinically relevant findings that altered patient management and explained the etiology of esophageal outflow obstruction. We further identified substantial variability in esophageal wall thickness in a proportion of patients including some with a significantly thickened non‐muscular layer.Conclusions & InferencesEUS findings are clinically relevant in a significant number of patients with motor disorders and can alter clinical management. Variability in esophageal wall thickness of the muscularis propria and non‐muscular layers identified by EUS may also explain the observed variability in response to standard therapies for achalasia.
Climate refugia: joint inference from fossil records, species distribution models and phylogeography
Authors: Gavin Daniel G. , Fitzpatrick Matthew C. , Gugger Paul F. , Heath Katy D. , Rodríguez‐Sánchez Francisco , Dobrowski Solomon Z. , Hampe Arndt , Hu Feng Sheng , Ashcroft Michael B. , Bartlein Patrick J. , Blois Jessica L. , Carstens Bryan C. , Davis Edward B. , de Lafontaine Guillaume , Edwards Mary E. , Fernandez Matias , Henne Paul D. , Herring Erin M. , Holden Zachary A. , Kong Woo‐seok , Liu Jianquan , Magri Donatella , Matzke Nicholas J. , McGlone Matt S. , Saltré Frédérik , Stigall Alycia L. , Tsai Yi‐Hsin Erica , Williams John W. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryClimate refugia, locations where taxa survive periods of regionally adverse climate, are thought to be critical for maintaining biodiversity through the glacial–interglacial climate changes of the Quaternary. A critical research need is to better integrate and reconcile the three major lines of evidence used to infer the existence of past refugia – fossil records, species distribution models and phylogeographic surveys – in order to characterize the complex spatiotemporal trajectories of species and populations in and out of refugia. Here we review the complementary strengths, limitations and new advances for these three approaches. We provide case studies to illustrate their combined application, and point the way towards new opportunities for synthesizing these disparate lines of evidence. Case studies with European beech, Qinghai spruce and Douglas‐fir illustrate how the combination of these three approaches successfully resolves complex species histories not attainable from any one approach. Promising new statistical techniques can capitalize on the strengths of each method and provide a robust quantitative reconstruction of species history. Studying past refugia can help identify contemporary refugia and clarify their conservation significance, in particular by elucidating the fine‐scale processes and the particular geographic locations that buffer species against rapidly changing climate.

Contents

Summary
38

I.
Climate refugia: biogeographical and conservation significance
38

II.
Approaches for reconstructing refugia: strengths, limitations and recent advances
39

III.
Climate refugia of the past: three case studies
46

IV.
New integrative approaches to reconstructing refugia
47

V.
How can historical refugia inform us about future refugia?
48

VI.
Concluding thoughts
49

Acknowledgements
49

References
49
Frequent Premature Ventricular Complex Is Associated with Left Atrial Enlargement in Patients with Normal Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: PARK YEONJEONG , KIM SUJI , SHIN JEWOOK , OH AH REUM , SHIN EUN JI , LEE JUNG HOON , AHN TAEHOON , CHA JI‐YOUNG , MOON JEONGGEUN 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundPremature ventricular complex (PVC) has been regarded as benign; however, when frequent, the arrhythmia can induce left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. Meanwhile, the influence of PVCs on cardiac structural remodeling and functional change before occurrence of overt systolic heart failure has not been fully described. In this study, we attempted to identify early cardiac structural/functional manifestations of frequent PVCs in patients with normal LV systolic function.MethodsA total of 146 patients (age: 55 ± 15 years, 48 males) with frequent PVCs observed on 24‐hour Holter monitoring (>10/h) and normal LV ejection fraction (LV EF ≥ 55% on echocardiography) were enrolled. Clinical characteristics and echocardiographic parameters of the patients were compared with those of an age‐/sex‐matched control group (n = 292, age: 55 ± 15 years, 96 males).ResultsPatients with frequent PVCs had significantly larger left atrial volume index (LAVI [28 ± 9 mL/m2 vs. 24 ± 7 mL/m2]), along with larger LV end‐diastolic dimension (49.4 ± 4.4 mm vs. 48.5 ± 3.9 mm), lower LV EF (63 ± 7% vs. 66 ± 6%), and lower peak systolic mitral annular velocity (7 ± 2 cm/s vs. 8 ± 2 cm/s; P < 0.05 for all), whereas other clinical characteristics were similar. In particular, in patients with frequent PVCs, LAVI showed linear correlation with PVC burden (R = 0.30, P < 0.001), and, in a multiple regression model, PVC burden independently estimated LAVI, even after controlling for age, sex, comorbidities, and systolic function (β = 0.309, P < 0.001).ConclusionFrequent PVC is associated with LA enlargement in patients with normal LV EF. Atrial anatomical remodeling may precede LV geometry change and systolic dysfunction in patients with frequent PVCs.
Study of Spatial Relationship of Phrenic Nerves with Cardiac Structures Relevant to Electrophysiologic Interventions
Authors: RANDHAWA ARPANDEEP , SAHNI DAISY , AGGARWAL ANJALI , ROHIT MANOJ KUMAR , SEHGAL SHOBHA , REDDY Y MADHU 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundPulmonary vein (PV) isolation with catheter ablation in treating atrial fibrillation carries the risk of injury to phrenic nerve (PN). Left PN (LPN) stimulation continues to be one of the common complications of transvenous left ventricular lead placement during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).Methods and ResultsIn 30 formalin‐fixed cadavers, spatial relationship of PNs with PV ostia, left atrial appendage (LAA), and cardiac veins was observed. Segmental location of LPN and cardiac vein crossover was also noted. Right and left PNs coursed abutting the ostium of right superior and left superior PVs in five (16.6%) and one (3.33%) cases, respectively. LPN coursed along the lateral surface of LAA in 20 (66.66%) cases and behind LAA in one (3.33%) case. Out of 18 (60%) cases having two cardiac veins draining free wall of left ventricle (LV) and suitable for CRT lead placement, both cardiac veins were crossed by LPN in two (6.66%) cases. LPN–cardiac vein crossover was located in midlateral segment in 10 (33.3%) cases; mid posterolateral segment in five (16.7%) cases; apical lateral segment and apical posterolateral segment in three (10.0%) cases each.ConclusionPN is highly susceptible to either injury during catheter ablation or stimulation with LV pacing in certain critical locations. Detailed knowledge of spatial relationship of PNs with cardiac structures could help minimize inadvertent complications during these transcatheter electrophysiological procedures.