bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eggplant and related species are promising genetic resources to dissect the plant immune response to Pseudomonas syringae and Xanthomonas euvesicatoria and to identify new resistance determinants
Authors: Clarke Christopher R. , Hayes Byron W. , Runde Brendan J. , Wicker Emmanuel , Vinatzer Boris A. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThe apparent lack of durability of many resistance (R) genes highlights the need for the constant identification of new genetic sources of resistance for the breeding of new disease‐resistant crop cultivars. To this end, we screened a collection of accessions of eggplant and close relatives for resistance against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pto) and Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (Xeu), foliar plant pathogens of many solanaceous crops. Both pathogens caused substantial disease on most genotypes of eggplant and its relatives. Promisingly, however, some of the genotypes were fully or partially resistant to either of the pathogens, suggesting the presence of effective resistance determinants in these genotypes. Segregation of resistance to the growth of Xeu following infiltration in F2 progeny from a cross of a resistant and susceptible genotype suggests that resistance to Xeu is inherited as a multigenic trait. With regard to Pto, a mutant strain lacking all 28 functional type III secreted effectors, and a Pseudomonas fluorescens strain expressing a P. syringae type III secretion system (T3SS), both elicit a strong cell death response on most eggplant lines. Several genotypes thus appear to harbour a mechanism for the direct recognition of a component of the T3SS. Therefore, eggplant and its close relatives are promising resources to unravel novel aspects of plant immunity and to identify new candidate R genes that could be employed in other Solanaceae in which Xeu and Pto cause agriculturally relevant diseases.
District nurses' lived experiences of meeting significant others in advanced home care
Authors: Pusa Susanna , Hägglund Katharina , Nilsson Maria , Sundin Karin 
Published: March 2014

AimThe aim of this study was to illuminate the meanings of district nurses′ lived experiences of meeting significant others in the home when giving advanced home care to patients.MethodsThe data was collected through 10 audio‐taped narrative focus‐group interviews with 36 district nurses and interpreted using a phenomenological hermeneutic approach.FindingsThree themes emerged. The first theme, Feeling close, consists of three subthemes: Being available, Sharing understanding and Being aware. The second theme, Mediating strength, contains the subthemes Being a resource and Sharing trust. Being emotionally influenced is the third theme and involves the subthemes Experiencing emotional distress and Experiencing emotional gratitude.ConclusionMeeting significant others as a district nurse in advanced home care means creating and maintaining a trustful relationship with significant others, both on a personal and family level, aiming to illuminate and respond to their needs and desires. The district nurses strive to reach a mutual understanding and co‐operate to mediate support. Being a district nurse in advanced home care is both emotionally demanding and emotionally rewarding.
High Functional CD70 Expression on α‐Type 1‐Polarized Dendritic Cells from Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
Authors: Junevik K. , Werlenius O. , Fogelstrand L. , Karlsson‐Parra A. , Andersson P.‐O. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAntigen‐loaded dendritic cells (DCs) used as anticancer vaccine holds promise for therapy, but needs to be optimized. The most frequently described DC vaccine is being matured with a cocktail containing prostaglandin E2 (PGE2DC). However, even though PGE2DCs express both costimulatory and migratory receptors, their IL‐12p70‐prodcution is low, leading to an insufficient Th1 immune response. As an alternative, α‐type‐1 polarized DCs (αDC1s) have shown a superior production of IL‐12p70 and subsequent activation of effector cells. From chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients, αDC1s can be generated to induce a functional Th1‐immune response. Yet, another costimulatory receptor, CD70, appears to be essential for optimal DC function by promotion of T cell survival and function. So far, PGE2 is suggested as one of the most important factors for the induction of CD70 expression on DCs. Therefore, we wanted to investigate whether αDC1s have the ability to express functional CD70. We found that CD70 expression on αDC1s could be upregulated in the same manner as PGE2DCs. In an allogeneic mixed leucocyte reaction, we found that antibody‐blocking of CD70 on αDC1s from controls reduced effector cell proliferation although this could not be found when using CLL αDC1s. Nevertheless, CD70‐blocking of αDC1s from both controls and patients with CLL had a negative influence on the production of both IL‐12p70 and the Th1 cytokine IFN‐γ, while the production of the Th2 cytokine IL‐5 was enhanced. Together, this study further suggests that αDC1s should be considered as a suitable candidate for clinical antitumour vaccine strategies in patients with CLL.
Equine orbital fractures: a review of 18 cases (2006–2013)
Authors: Gerding Joseph C. , Clode Alison , Gilger Brian C. , Montgomery Keith W. 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveTo review the clinical features, treatments, complications, and outcomes of horses with traumatic orbital fractures.Study designRetrospective study.Sample PopulationEighteen horses with confirmed orbital fractures.ProceduresMedical records of horses presenting with orbital fractures between 2006 and 2013 were reviewed. Signalment, etiology of fracture, clinical signs, fracture descriptions, diagnostic imaging, treatments, complications, and outcomes were evaluated.ResultsEighteen horses presented with orbital fractures resulting from rearing in a confined space (n = 5), being kicked (4), colliding with a stationary object (3), and unknown trauma (6). Radiography and computed tomography were effective at classifying fractures and evaluating sinus/nasal involvement. Epistaxis/sinusitis were associated with fractures of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone (n = 3) and comminuted fractures of multiple bones (5). Seventeen fractures required treatment, with fifteen receiving a combination of medical and surgical therapy. Surgery included reduction of large bony fragments (n = 8), removal of small fragments (12), stabilization with a wire implant (1), and sinus trephination and lavage (5). Factors contributing to a favorable outcome included: globe retention (n = 16), vision (14), comfort (15), cosmesis (9), and return to previous function (13).ConclusionsHorses sustaining orbital fractures treated promptly with medical and surgical therapy have a favorable prognosis for return to function and cosmesis. Fractures affecting the zygomatic process of the frontal bone are unlikely to involve the sinus/nasal cavities. Epistaxis and sinusitis warrant more aggressive therapy and decrease functional and cosmetic outcome.
Should all patients be optimized to the same preoperative hemoglobin level to avoid transfusion in primary knee arthroplasty?
Authors: Basora M. , Tió M. , Martin N. , Lozano L. , Salazar F. , Sánchez‐Etayo G. , Raquel B. , Pereira A. 
Published: March 2014

Background and ObjectiveOptimization of the preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level is an effective way to reduce allogeneic transfusion in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) though the procedure is expensive, requires close monitoring and is often inconvenient for patients with reduced mobility. Our aim was to investigate the value of preoperative Hb levels to predict transfusion and thereby tailoring Hb optimization to patient characteristics.Materials and MethodsAll consecutive patients who undergone primary TKA in our center over 2 years, and received tranexamic acid intraoperatively, were reviewed. The adjusted association between preoperative Hb levels and transfusion was assessed by multivariate logistic regression, and the estimated probability of transfusion for individual patients was derived from the logistic model.ResultsOut of the 784 patients who meet the inclusion criteria, risk of transfusion was associated with poorer performance status, as measured by the America Association of Anestesiology (ASA) score III/IV (OR: 3·3, P < 0·001) and lower preoperative Hb level (OR 3·8 for each g/dl below 13 g/dl; P < 0·001). According to the Hb level, the estimated probability of transfusion was 0·03 (range: 0·03–0·64) for ASA I/II patients and 0·10 (range: 0·10–0·84) for ASA III/IV.ConclusionNot all the patients undergoing TKA who receive tranexamic acid need the same preoperative Hb optimization target. Two easily available factors, such as the ASA score and the Hb level, can help individualize the Hb optimization target.
Factors affecting fine bubble creation and bubble size for activated sludge
Authors: Alkhalidi Ammar A. T. , Amano R. S. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis paper addresses a study of air bubble creation in wastewater treatment system using both computational fluid dynamic (CFD) and experimental techniques. Based on the results found in this work, it was found that the bubble size depends on several factors such as flow rate, inlet pressure and contact angle for rubber membrane. Among these factors, it was found that the flow rate has the largest effect on the bubble size followed by membrane material contact angle. The punch size has a moderate effect on the bubble size while the punch length and punch direction have slight effect on bubble size. Finer bubbles are desired and they provide larger surface area and longer residency time which will improve the standard oxygen transfer.
Martelli Chaotic Properties of a Generalized Form of Zadeh’s Extension Principle
Authors: Lan Yaoyao , Mu Chunlai 
Published: March 2014

LetXdenote a compact metric space and letf : X→Xbe a continuous map. It is known that a discrete dynamical system (X,f) naturally induces its fuzzified counterpart, that is, a discrete dynamical system on the space of fuzzy compact subsets ofX. In 2011, a new generalized form of Zadeh’s extension principle, so-calledg-fuzzification, had been introduced by Kupka 2011. In this paper, we study the relations between Martelli’s chaotic properties of the original andg-fuzzified system. More specifically, we study the transitivity, sensitivity, and stability of the orbits in system (X,f) and its connections with the same ones in itsg-fuzzified system.
Land–Sea Thermal Contrast and Intensity of the North American Monsoon under Climate Change Conditions
Authors: Torres-Alavez Abraham , Cavazos Tereza , Turrent Cuauhtemoc 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The hypothesis that global warming during the twenty-first century will increase the land–sea thermal contrast (LSTC) and therefore the intensity of early season precipitation of the North American monsoon (NAM) is examined. To test this hypothesis, future changes (2075–99 minus 1979–2004 means) in LSTC, moisture flux convergence (MFC), vertical velocity, and precipitation in the region are analyzed using six global climate models (GCMs) from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) under the representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) emission scenario. A surface LSTC index shows that the continent becomes warmer than the ocean in May in the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) and ECMWF Interim Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) and in June in the mean ensemble of the GCMs (ens_GCMs), and the magnitude of the positive LSTC is greater in the reanalyses than in the ens_GCMs during the historic period. However, the reanalyses underestimate July–August precipitation in the NAM region, while the ens_GCMs reproduces the peak season surprisingly well but overestimates it the rest of the year. The future ens_GCMs projects a doubling of the magnitude of the positive surface LSTC and an earlier start of the continental summer warming in mid-May. Contrary to the stated hypothesis, however, the mean projection suggests a slight decrease of monsoon coastal precipitation during June–August (JJA), which is attributed to increased midtropospheric subsidence, a reduced midtropospheric LSTC, and reduced MFC in the NAM coastal region. In contrast, the future ens_GCMs produces increased MFC and precipitation over the adjacent mountains during JJA and significantly more rainfall over the entire NAM region during September–October, weakening the monsoon retreat.
O2 and OH Night Airglow Emission Derived from GOMOS-Envisat Instrument
Authors: Bellisario Christophe , Keckhut Philippe , Blanot Laurent , Hauchecorne Alain , Simoneau Pierre 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Global Ozone Monitoring by Occultation of Stars (GOMOS) was an instrument dedicated to the study of atmospheric chemistry based on the principle of stellar occultation. The signals delivered by the IR spectrometer coupled with two CCD detectors, initially used for absorption measurements, were analyzed in order to observe the night airglow resulting from O2 and OH emissions at 761.9 and 930 nm, respectively. The method to retrieve those emissions is described as well as the error analysis. The results of this first attempt are presented and discussed with respect to instrument characteristics, earth coverage, altitude resolution, and the ability of GOMOS data to contribute to night airglow investigations. Mean limb intensities are equal to 28.9 and 7.7 MR for O2 at 760 nm and OH at 930 nm, respectively. Individual O2 emissions are retrieved with an accuracy better than 15%, while the OH emission, which provides smaller intensities, is retrieved with an accuracy of 10% for the monthly average.
New Predictors and a Statistical Forecast Model for Mei-Yu Onset Date in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River Valley
Authors: Hu Yijia , Zhu Yimin , Zhong Zhong , Ha Yao 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The prediction of mei-yu onset date (MOD) in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River valley (MLYRV) is an important and challenging task for those making seasonal climate predictions in China. In this paper, the atmospheric and oceanic conditions in the preceding winter and spring related to MOD are analyzed. It is found that the MOD is associated with the intensity of the Ural high and the East Asian trough in high latitudes, with the intensity of the upper-level westerly jet in middle latitudes, and with the contrast of land–sea temperature and pressure in the preceding winter and spring, which are proxies for the intensity of the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM). It is suggested that the intensity of the EAWM is the most crucial factor affecting the MOD. Years with an early MOD usually correspond to strong EAWMs in the preceding winter, and vice versa. The EAWM can affect the MOD by influencing the East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) through tropical ocean–atmosphere and tropical–extratropical interactions. Based on the above analysis, a physics-based statistical forecast model is established using multivariable linear regression techniques. The hindcast of MOD during the 13 yr from 1998 to 2010 is carried out to evaluate the performance of this forecast model. The MOD can be predicted successfully in 8 out of the 13 yr. The forecast model predicts the MOD in the years with strong mei-yu intensity more accurately than in those with weak mei-yu intensity, especially for cases of extreme flooding. This is useful in the prevention of flooding disasters.
Recruitment of participants to a multiple sclerosis trial: The CombiRx experience
Authors: Bhanushali Minal J , Gustafson Tarah , Powell Steve , Conwit Robin A , Wolinsky Jerry S , Cutter Gary R , Lublin Fred D , Cofield Stacey S 
Published: March 2014

Background and purpose Participant recruitment is central to all clinical trials. Any delay in recruitment affects the completion and ultimate success of the trial. We report our experience with patient screening and randomization in CombiRx, which may inform the design of other trials. CombiRx was a multicenter, phase III, double-blind, randomized clinical trial comparing the combined use of interferon beta-1a and glatiramer acetate to either agent alone in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). This trial was launched in January 2005 in 69 centers in the United States and Canada under a co-operative agreement with the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). The goal was to recruit 1000 patients over 1.5 years after a 6-month start-up period. Instead, the investigators required 4.25 years to enroll 1008 patients. Methods During this trial, we assessed the effectiveness of various recruitment strategies, utility of rescreening prior screen failures, and potential factors and strategies used in study conduct, research, and infrastructure, all of which affected recruitment of participants and ultimately time to completion of CombiRx. We particularly were interested in the variability in time to site initiation between academic centers and private practice sites. Results Physicians who were directly involved in the medical care of patients with RRMS were the primary source of patients recruited to CombiRx. A flexible study design that allowed for rescreening of the initial screen failures after a period of time was useful due to the relapsing/remitting course of the disease. Academic centers took longer to implement the trial than the private practice centers, but once sites were approved for enrollment, there was no important difference in the number of participants enrolled. Limitations The CombiRx trial was conducted during a period when multiple new medications were being tested, thus affecting the pace of recruitment and limiting ability to generalize our experiences. However, the lessons we learned about process are relevant. Conclusion Participants can be enrolled successfully in a clinical trial for RRMS, but factors affecting the time to achieve the requirements needed to start screening can be unpredictable and problematic. Prospective planning by the sponsors and investigators, use of central institutional review boards (IRBs), master trial agreements and secure remote desktop access to the trial database may expedite trial implementation and participant recruitment. A good scientific research question with flexible study design and active involvement of the clinicians are important factors driving recruitment. Clinical trials can be implemented successfully both in private practices and at academic centers, a consideration when selecting sites.
Enrollment of racially/ethnically diverse participants in traumatic brain injury trials: Effect of availability of exception from informed consent
Authors: Yamal Jose-Miguel , Robertson Claudia S , Rubin M Laura , Benoit Julia S , Hannay H Julia , Tilley Barbara C 
Published: March 2014

Background The Final Rule regulations were developed to allow exception from informed consent (EFIC) to enable clinical trial research in emergency settings where major barriers exist for informed consent. There is little known evidence of the effect of the Final Rule in minority enrollment in clinical trials, particularly in traumatic brain injury (TBI) trials. A clinical trial funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke was conducted to study the effects of erythropoietin on cerebral vascular dysfunction and anemia in subjects with TBI. There were periods of time when EFIC was and was not available for enrollment into the study. Purpose To explore the effect of EFIC availability on TBI trial enrollment of minority versus non-minority subjects. Methods Minority status of screened (n = 289) and enrolled (n = 191) TBI subjects was determined for this study. We tested for the presence of a minority and EFIC availability interaction in a multiple logistic regression model after controlling for EFIC and minority group main effects and other covariates. Results An interaction between the availability of EFIC minority and non-minority enrollment was not detected (odds ratio = 1.22; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.29–5.16). Limitations Our study was conducted at a single site, and the CI for the EFIC and minority interaction term was wide. Therefore, a small interaction effect cannot be ruled out. Conclusion EFIC increased the odds of being enrolled regardless of minority status.
mAChRs activation induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition on lung epithelial cells
Authors: Yang Kai , Song Yun , Tang Ya-Bing , Xu Zu-Peng , Zhou Wei , Hou Li-Na , Zhu Liang , Yu Zhi-Hua , Chen Hong-Zhuan , Cui Yong-Yao 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been proposed as a mechanism in the progression of airway diseases and cancer. Here, we explored the role of acetylcholine (ACh) and the pathway involved in the process of EMT, as well as the effects of mAChRs antagonist.

Methods
Human lung epithelial cells were stimulated with carbachol, an analogue of ACh, and epithelial and mesenchymal marker proteins were evaluated using western blot and immunofluorescence analyses.

Results
Decreased E-cadherin expression and increased vimentin and α-SMA expression induced by TGF-β1 in alveolar epithelial cell (A549) were significantly abrogated by the non-selective mAChR antagonist atropine and enhanced by the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor physostigmine. An EMT event also occurred in response to physostigmine alone. Furthermore, ChAT express and ACh release by A549 cells were enhanced by TGF-β1. Interestingly, ACh analogue carbachol also induced EMT in A549 cells as well as in bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE) in a time- and concentration-dependent manner, the induction of carbachol was abrogated by selective antagonist of M1 (pirenzepine) and M3 (4-DAMP) mAChRs, but not by M2 (methoctramine) antagonist. Moreover, carbachol induced TGF-β1 production from A549 cells concomitantly with the EMT process. Carbachol-induced EMT occurred through phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and ERK, which was inhibited by pirenzepine and 4-DAMP.

Conclusions
Our findings for the first time indicated that mAChR activation, perhaps via M1 and M3 mAChR, induced lung epithelial cells to undergo EMT and provided insights into novel therapeutic strategies for airway diseases in which lung remodeling occurs.