bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
VHA Patient-Centered Medical Home Associated With Lower Rate of Hospitalizations and Specialty Care Among Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Randall Ian , Mohr David C. , Maynard Charles 
Published: November 2014

Abstract:

Objective:
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) implemented a patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model, termed Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT), in 2010. We assessed the association between PACT and the use of health services among U.S. veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Methods:
VHA clinical and administrative data were obtained for the pre-PACT period of April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2010 and post-PACT period of June 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012. Outcomes included hospitalizations, primary, specialty and mental health visits, and emergency department and urgent care visits. We utilized negative binomial regression and extended estimating equation models for the full sample. The analysis contained 696,379 unique veterans in both pre- and post-PACT periods. We estimated the linear incremental effect of PACT on utilization outcomes.

Results:
PACT were associated with a decrease in hospitalizations (incremental effect [IE]: –0.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: –0.03, –0.01), a decrease in specialty care visits (IE: –0.45; 95% CI: –0.07, –0.23), and an increase in primary care visits (IE: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.67, 1.25).

Conclusions:
The period following PACT implementation was associated with a lower rate of hospitalizations and specialty care visits, and a higher rate of primary care visits for veterans with PTSD, indicating enhanced access to primary care.
An investigation of matching symmetry in the human pinnae with possible implications for 3D ear recognition and sound localization
Authors: Claes Peter , Reijniers Jonas , Shriver Mark D. , Snyders Jonatan , Suetens Paul , Nielandt Joachim , De Tré Guy , Vandermeulen Dirk 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe human external ears, or pinnae, have an intriguing shape and, like most parts of the human external body, bilateral symmetry is observed between left and right. It is a well‐known part of our auditory sensory system and mediates the spatial localization of incoming sounds in 3D from monaural cues due to its shape‐specific filtering as well as binaural cues due to the paired bilateral locations of the left and right ears. Another less broadly appreciated aspect of the human pinna shape is its uniqueness from one individual to another, which is on the level of what is seen in fingerprints and facial features. This makes pinnae very useful in human identification, which is of great interest in biometrics and forensics. Anatomically, the type of symmetry observed is known as matching symmetry, with structures present as separate mirror copies on both sides of the body, and in this work we report the first such investigation of the human pinna in 3D. Within the framework of geometric morphometrics, we started by partitioning ear shape, represented in a spatially dense way, into patterns of symmetry and asymmetry, following a two‐factoranovadesign. Matching symmetry was measured in all substructures of the pinna anatomy. However, substructures that ‘stick out’ such as the helix, tragus, and lobule also contained a fair degree of asymmetry. In contrast, substructures such as the conchae, antitragus, and antihelix expressed relatively stronger degrees of symmetric variation in relation to their levels of asymmetry. Insights gained from this study were injected into an accompanying identification setup exploiting matching symmetry where improved performance is demonstrated. Finally, possible implications of the results in the context of ear recognition as well as sound localization are discussed.
Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation: Interrelationships and Psychosexual Factors
Authors: Brody Stuart , Weiss Petr 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Both erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) impair the quality of sexual intercourse for both men and their female partners.

Aims
This study aims to examine with a large representative sample the interrelationships of measures of ED, PE, typical intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), men's perceived relationship quality with their mother, and age of first being in love.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study, a nationally representative sample of 960 Czech coitally experienced men (aged 15–84), provided age, International Index of Erectile Function 5-item (IIEF-5), Index of Premature Ejaculation (IPE) scores, IELT, rating of relationship with their mother, and age at first being in love.

Main Outcome Measures
Correlations, partial correlations adjusting for age, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and multiple regression statistical methods were used.

Results
IIEF-5, IPE, and IELT were significantly intercorrelated (IIEF-5 and IPE: r = 0.64). Better IIEF-5 scores were associated with younger age at first (and ever) being in love. Poorer IPE score, shorter IELT, and mild–moderate ED were associated with poorer perceived mother relationship (which was also associated with first being in love at an older age). Multiple regression analyses revealed that: (i) greater IELT was associated with better erectile function and better mother relationship, but not with age; and (ii) IELT of &lt;1 minute was associated with poorer perceived mother relationship and poorer IIEF-5, but marginally with age. History of homosexual activity was unrelated to IIEF-5, IPE, IELT, and perceived mother relationship scores.

Conclusions
The findings suggest that degrees of ED and PE are often comorbid, and both ED and PE are associated with less favorable early experiences with women.
Time‐ and state‐dependent analysis of autonomic control in narcolepsy: higher heart rate with normal heart rate variability independent of sleep fragmentation
Authors: van der Meijden Wisse P. , Fronczek Rolf , Reijntjes Robert H. A. M. , Corssmit Eleonora P. M. , Biermasz Nienke R. , Lammers Gert Jan. , van Dijk J. Gert , Thijs Roland D. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryNarcolepsy with hypocretin deficiency is known to alter cardiovascular control during sleep, but its aetiology is disputed. As cardiovascular control differs between sleep states, and narcolepsy affects sleep architecture, controlling for both duration and transitions of sleep states is necessary. This study therefore aimed to assess heart rate and its variability in narcolepsy during sleep taking these factors into account. The study included 12 medication‐naïve patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy and hypocretin deficiency (11 male, 16–53 years old), and 12 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls (11 male, 19–55 years). All subjects underwent 1‐night ambulatory polysomnography recording. Cardiovascular parameters were calculated for each 30‐s epoch. Heart rate was significantly higher in patients with narcolepsy than in controls in all sleep states and during wakefulness prior to sleep. Groups did not differ in heart rate variability measures. The effects of sleep state duration on heart rate and its variability were similar between patients and controls. In conclusion, heart rate was consistently higher in patients with narcolepsy than controls, independent of sleep stage and sleep fragmentation. A direct effect of hypocretin deficiency therefore seems probable.
Baseline sensitivity of T cells to alpha‐IFN correlates with sustained virological response to IFN‐based triple therapy in HCV infection
Authors: Sultanik P.‐S. , Casrouge A. , Alanio C. , Mottez E. , Rosa‐Hézode I. , Hézode C. , Renard P. , Bousquet L. , Pellet P. , Uzé G. , Pol S. , Albert M. L. , Mallet V. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryChronic infection with HCV is a public health problem with approximately 170 million people infected worldwide. Interferon alpha (IFNα) sensitivity in liver and IL28B genotype has been identified as important determinants of HCV clearance in the setting of pegylated interferon/ribavirin treatment. Herein, we explored IFNα sensitivity in PBMC from 21 healthy donors and 21 HCV‐infected patients treated with pegylated interferon/ribavirin and HCV nonstructural protein‐3 inhibitors (i.e. telaprevir/boceprevir). We explored phospho‐STAT1 level as read‐out for IFN signalling pathway activation in PBMC, T cells and monocytes and correlated results with virological response. We found that PBMC from healthy donors are desensitized to IFNα after priming and challenged with IFNα, with a subsequent decrease of phospho‐STAT1 and interferon‐stimulated genes. Furthermore, we show that CD3+ T cells, but not monocytes, become desensitized after 4 weeks of treatment, with a significant decrease of phospho‐STAT1 after ex vivo IFNα stimulation. Finally, we identified baseline phospho‐STAT1 level in CD3+ T cells as a potential biomarker of sustained virological response, regardless of the IL28B genotype. In the upcoming costly era of IFN‐sparing regimen, baseline IFNα sensitivity could act as biomarker to define cost‐effectiveness strategies of treatment by identifying patients who will or will not respond to IFN‐based treatments.
The OSIRIS‐REx target asteroid (101955) Bennu: Constraints on its physical, geological, and dynamical nature from astronomical observations
Authors: Lauretta D. S. , Bartels A. E. , Barucci M. A. , Bierhaus E. B. , Binzel R. P. , Bottke W. F. , Campins H. , Chesley S. R. , Clark B. C. , Clark B. E. , Cloutis E. A. , Connolly H. C. , Crombie M. K. , Delbó M. , Dworkin J. P. , Emery J. P. , Glavin D. P. , Hamilton V. E. , Hergenrother C. W. , Johnson C. L. , Keller L. P. , Michel P. , Nolan M. C. , Sandford S. A. , Scheeres D. J. , Simon A. A. , Sutter B. M. , Vokrouhlický D. , Walsh K. J. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWe review the results of an extensive campaign to determine the physical, geological, and dynamical properties of asteroid (101955) Bennu. This investigation provides information on the orbit, shape, mass, rotation state, radar response, photometric, spectroscopic, thermal, regolith, and environmental properties of Bennu. We combine these data with cosmochemical and dynamical models to develop a hypothetical timeline for Bennu's formation and evolution. We infer that Bennu is an ancient object that has witnessed over 4.5 Gyr of solar system history. Its chemistry and mineralogy were established within the first 10 Myr of the solar system. It likely originated as a discrete asteroid in the inner Main Belt approximately 0.7–2 Gyr ago as a fragment from the catastrophic disruption of a large (approximately 100‐km), carbonaceous asteroid. It was delivered to near‐Earth space via a combination of Yarkovsky‐induced drift and interaction with giant‐planet resonances. During its journey, YORP processes and planetary close encounters modified Bennu's spin state, potentially reshaping and resurfacing the asteroid. We also review work on Bennu's future dynamical evolution and constrain its ultimate fate. It is one of the most Potentially Hazardous Asteroids with an approximately 1‐in‐2700 chance of impacting the Earth in the late 22nd century. It will most likely end its dynamical life by falling into the Sun. The highest probability for a planetary impact is with Venus, followed by the Earth. There is a chance that Bennu will be ejected from the inner solar system after a close encounter with Jupiter. OSIRIS‐REx will return samples from the surface of this intriguing asteroid in September 2023.
Oligomerization of FtsZ converts the FtsZ tail motif (conserved carboxy‐terminal peptide) into a multivalent ligand with high avidity for partners ZipA and SlmA
Authors: Du Shishen , Park Kyung‐Tae , Lutkenhaus Joe 
Published: November 2014

SummaryA short conserved motif located at the carboxy terminus of FtsZ, referred to here as the CCTP (conserved carboxy‐terminal peptide), is required for the interaction of FtsZ with many of its partners. In Escherichia coli interaction of FtsZ with its membrane anchors, ZipA and FtsA, as well as the spatial regulators of Z‐ring formation, MinC and SlmA, requires the CCTP. ZipA interacts with FtsZ with high affinity and interacts with the CCTP with low affinity, but the reason for this difference is not clear. In this study, we show that this difference is due to the oligomerization of FtsZ converting the CCTP to a multivalent ligand that binds multiple ZipAs bound to a surface with high avidity. Artificial dimerization of the CCTP is sufficient to increase the affinity for ZipA in vitro. Similar principles apply to the interaction of FtsZ with SlmA. Although done in vitro, these results have implications for the recruitment of FtsZ to the membrane in vivo, the interaction of FtsZ with spatial regulators and the reconstitution of FtsZ systems in vitro.
Chlamydia trachomatis protein CT009 is a structural and functional homolog to the key morphogenesis component RodZ and interacts with division septal plane localized MreB
Authors: Kemege Kyle E. , Hickey John M. , Barta Michael L. , Wickstrum Jason , Balwalli Namita , Lovell Scott , Battaile Kevin P. , Hefty P. Scott 
Published: November 2014

SummaryCell division in Chlamydiae is poorly understood as apparent homologs to most conserved bacterial cell division proteins are lacking and presence of elongation (rod shape) associated proteins indicate non‐canonical mechanisms may be employed. The rod‐shape determining protein MreB has been proposed as playing a unique role in chlamydial cell division. In other organisms, MreB is part of an elongation complex that requires RodZ for proper function. A recent study reported that the protein encoded by ORF CT009 interacts with MreB despite low sequence similarity to RodZ. The studies herein expand on those observations through protein structure, mutagenesis and cellular localization analyses. Structural analysis indicated that CT009 shares high level of structural similarity to RodZ, revealing the conserved orientation of two residues critical for MreB interaction. Substitutions eliminated MreB protein interaction and partial complementation provided by CT009 in RodZ deficient Escherichia coli. Cellular localization analysis of CT009 showed uniform membrane staining in Chlamydia. This was in contrast to the localization of MreB, which was restricted to predicted septal planes. MreB localization to septal planes provides direct experimental observation for the role of MreB in cell division and supports the hypothesis that it serves as a functional replacement for FtsZ in Chlamydia.
Second Language Learner Knowledge of Verb–Argument Constructions: Effects of Language Transfer and Typology
Authors: Römer Ute , O'Donnell Matthew Brook , Ellis Nick C. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis article examines second language (L2) learner knowledge of English verb–argument constructions (VACs), for example, the ‘V against n’ construction. It investigates to what extent constructions underpin L2 learners' linguistic competence, how VAC mental representations in native speakers and learners differ, and whether there are observable effects of the learners' first language. Native speakers of English and advanced learners of 3 different first language backgrounds (Czech, German, Spanish) were asked to generate the first verb that came to mind to fill the gap in 20 sparse VAC frames like “she ____ against the….” The comparison of learner and native speaker verb responses highlights crosslinguistic transfer effects as well as effects of language typology that impact verb semantics (cf. Talmy, 1985). Our findings suggest that learners whose L1 is, like English, satellite‐framed (here Czech and German) produce more target‐like verbs than learners whose L1 is verb‐framed (here Spanish).
Transient myoclonic state with asterixis presenting as persistent hyperperfusion on single‐photon emission computed tomography: A case report
Authors: Umemura Atsushi , Oeda Tomoko , Sawada Hideyuki 
Published: November 2014

AbstractTransient myoclonic state with asterixis is characterized by sudden onset generalized myoclonus and asterixis without consciousness impairment. Electrophysiological studies have shown that myoclonus correlates with cortical hyperexcitability localized in the primary motor cortex during the symptomatic period. However, it is unclear whether this excitability remains in the asymptomatic period. Here, we report a 79‐year‐old Japanese man who presented with transient myoclonic state with asterixis. He had been diagnosed with progressive non‐fluent aphasia and he suffered from rhythmic myoclonus; predominantly in the neck, shoulders and upper extremities. Asterixis was observed in the forearms. Brain 123I‐iodoamphetamine single‐photon emission computed tomography showed focal hyperperfusion in the bilateral precentral gyri even at 3 months after remission of the myoclonus. These data suggest that cortical hyperactivity was persistent without symptoms and led to transient myoclonic state with asterixis, which could have been due to the underlying neurodegenerative disorder of progressive non‐fluent aphasia.
Temporal variation in mycorrhizal diversity and carbon and nitrogen stable isotope abundance in the wintergreen meadow orchid Anacamptis morio
Authors: Ercole Enrico , Adamo Martino , Rodda Michele , Gebauer Gerhard , Girlanda Mariangela , Perotto Silvia 
Published: November 2014

Summary

Many adult orchids, especially photoautotrophic species, associate with a diverse range of mycorrhizal fungi, but little is known about the temporal changes that might occur in the diversity and functioning of orchid mycorrhiza during vegetative and reproductive plant growth.

Temporal variations in the spectrum of mycorrhizal fungi and in stable isotope natural abundance were investigated in adult plants of Anacamptis morio, a wintergreen meadow orchid.

Anacamptis morio associated with mycorrhizal fungi belonging to Tulasnella, Ceratobasidium and a clade of Pezizaceae (Ascomycetes). When a complete growing season was investigated, multivariate analyses indicated significant differences in the mycorrhizal fungal community. Among fungi identified from manually isolated pelotons, Tulasnella was more common in autumn and winter, the pezizacean clade was very frequent in spring, and Ceratobasidium was more frequent in summer. By contrast, relatively small variations were found in carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stable isotope natural abundance, A. morio samples showing similar 15N enrichment and 13C depletion at the different sampling times.

These observations suggest that, irrespective of differences in the seasonal environmental conditions, the plant phenological stages and the associated fungi, the isotopic content in mycorrhizal A. morio remains fairly constant over time.
Exploring the transfer of recent plant photosynthates to soil microbes: mycorrhizal pathway vs direct root exudation
Authors: Kaiser Christina , Kilburn Matt R. , Clode Peta L. , Fuchslueger Lucia , Koranda Marianne , Cliff John B. , Solaiman Zakaria M. , Murphy Daniel V. 
Published: November 2014

Summary

Plants rapidly release photoassimilated carbon (C) to the soil via direct root exudation and associated mycorrhizal fungi, with both pathways promoting plant nutrient availability. This study aimed to explore these pathways from the root's vascular bundle to soil microbial communities.

Using nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) imaging and 13C‐phospho‐ and neutral lipid fatty acids, we traced in‐situ flows of recently photoassimilated C of 13CO2‐exposed wheat (Triticum aestivum) through arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) into root‐ and hyphae‐associated soil microbial communities.

Intraradical hyphae of AM fungi were significantly 13C‐enriched compared to other root‐cortex areas after 8 h of labelling. Immature fine root areas close to the root tip, where AM features were absent, showed signs of passive C loss and co‐location of photoassimilates with nitrogen taken up from the soil solution. A significant and exclusively fresh proportion of 13C‐photosynthates was delivered through the AM pathway and was utilised by different microbial groups compared to C directly released by roots.

Our results indicate that a major release of recent photosynthates into soil leave plant roots via AM intraradical hyphae already upstream of passive root exudations. AM fungi may act as a rapid hub for translocating fresh plant C to soil microbes.
Structural, evolutionary and functional analysis of the NAC domain protein family in Eucalyptus
Authors: Hussey Steven G. , Saïdi Mohammed N. , Hefer Charles A. , Myburg Alexander A. , Grima‐Pettenati Jacqueline 
Published: November 2014

Summary

NAC domain transcription factors regulate many developmental processes and stress responses in plants and vary widely in number and family structure. We analysed the characteristics and evolution of the NAC gene family of Eucalyptus grandis, a fast‐growing forest tree in the rosid order Myrtales.

NAC domain genes identified in the E. grandis genome were subjected to amino acid sequence, phylogenetic and motif analyses. Transcript abundance in developing tissues and abiotic stress conditions in E. grandis and E. globulus was quantified using RNA‐seq and reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR).

One hundred and eighty‐nine E. grandis NAC (EgrNAC) proteins, arranged into 22 subfamilies, are extensively duplicated in subfamilies associated with stress response. Most EgrNAC genes form tandem duplicate arrays that frequently carry signatures of purifying selection. Sixteen amino acid motifs were identified in EgrNAC proteins, eight of which are enriched in, or unique to, Eucalyptus. New candidates for the regulation of normal and tension wood development and cold responses were identified.

This first description of a Myrtales NAC domain family reveals an unique history of tandem duplication in stress‐related subfamilies that has likely contributed to the adaptation of eucalypts to the challenging Australian environment. Several new candidates for the regulation of stress, wood formation and tree‐specific development are reported.
Woody plant encroachment of grasslands: a comparison of terrestrial and wetland settings
Authors: Saintilan Neil , Rogers Kerrylee 
Published: November 2014

SummaryA global trend of woody plant encroachment of terrestrial grasslands is co‐incident with woody plant encroachment of wetland in freshwater and saline intertidal settings. There are several arguments for considering tree encroachment of wetlands in the context of woody shrub encroachment of grassland biomes. In both cases, delimitation of woody shrubs at regional scales is set by temperature thresholds for poleward extent, and by aridity within temperature limits. Latitudinal expansion has been observed for terrestrial woody shrubs and mangroves, following recent warming, but most expansion and thickening has been due to the occupation of previously water‐limited grassland/saltmarsh environments. Increases in atmosphericCO2, may facilitate the recruitment of trees in terrestrial and wetland settings. Improved water relations, a mechanism that would predict higher soil moisture in grasslands and saltmarshes, and also an enhanced capacity to survive arid conditions, reinforces local mechanisms of change. The expansion of woody shrubs and mangroves provides a negative feedback on elevated atmosphericCO2by increasing carbon sequestration in grassland and saltmarsh, and is a significant carbon sink globally. These broad‐scale vegetation shifts may represent a new stable state, reinforced by positive feedbacks between global change drivers and endogenic mechanisms of persistence in the landscape.