bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defective antiviral CD8 T‐cell response and viral clearance in the absence of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases
Authors: Wang Yong‐Qin , Ma Xi , Lu Lingling , Zhao Limei , Zhang Xiaoqing , Xu Qingyu , Wang Yang 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThe c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) signalling pathway appears to act as a critical intermediate in the regulation of lymphocyte activation and proliferation. The majority of studies on the importance of JNK are focused on its role in T helper responses, with very few reports addressing the mechanisms of JNK in governing CD8 T‐cell‐mediated immunity. By using a well‐defined mousepox model, we demonstrate that JNK is involved in CD8+ T‐cell‐mediated antiviral responses. Deficiency of either JNK1 or JNK2 impaired viral clearance, subsequently resulting in an increased susceptibility to ectromelia virus in resistant mice. The impairment of CD8 responses in JNK‐deficient mice was not directly due to an inhibition of effector T‐cell expansion, as both JNK1 and JNK2 had limited effect on the activation‐induced cell death of CD8+ T cells, and only JNK2‐deficient mice exhibited a significant change in CD8+ T‐cell proliferation after acute ectromelia virus infection. However, optimal activation of CD8+ T cells and their effector functions require signals from both JNK1 and JNK2. Our results suggest that the JNK pathway acts as a critical intermediate in antiviral immunity through regulation of the activation and effector function of CD8+ T cells rather than by altering their expansion.
New Zealand nurses’ views on preceptoring international nurses
Authors: Riden H. , Jacobs S. , Marshall B. 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundNew Zealand encourages internationally educated nurses to seek registration in New Zealand to reduce local nursing shortages. Internationally educated nurses must meet requirements of the Health Practitioners Competency Assurance Act 2003, and demonstrate competency to practise through a clinical competency assessment programme.AimThe purpose was to establish whether preceptors believe they are adequately prepared to assess nurses for whom English is a second language, and to determine the support and recognition received in the role.MethodsPreceptor training, workload, understanding of ethical and legal accountability, and perceived organizational values, support and attitudes were evaluated via an anonymous internet survey.ResultsSome preceptors do not meet Nursing Council of New Zealand standards and some work environments require nurses to preceptor international nurses. Many nurses believe the role is not valued despite the high workload requirements. Training increased preceptor confidence and preparedness for clinical assessment but additional education is required to understand ethical and legal accountability within the role. Many preceptors indicated they felt pressured into recording assessments they were uncomfortable with.DiscussionEnhancing preceptorship acceptance could be achieved through institutional recognition of the role's value via workload consideration, institutional recognition or financial means. Increased preceptorship training, particularly around ethical and legal issues, would encourage preceptor confidence.ConclusionsOrganizations must find ways of meeting these challenges while recognizing they are responsible for the work environment of both preceptors and internationally registered nurses for whom English is a second language. A register of preceptors could provide a platform for audit and quality assurance principles, ensuring adequate education and preparation of preceptors.Implications for nursing and health policyEffective preceptorship requires training, recognition and support. Successful integration of international nurses depends on organizational recognition and implementation of these factors.
Genetic susceptibility to male infertility: news from genome‐wide association studies
Authors: Aston K. I. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryA thorough understanding of the genetic basis of male infertility has eluded researchers in spite of significant efforts to identify novel genetic causes of the disease, particularly over the past decade. Approximately half of male factor infertility cases have no known cause; however, it is likely that the majority of idiopathic male factor infertility cases have some unidentified genetic basis. Well‐established genetic causes of male infertility are limited to Y chromosome microdeletions and Klinefelter's syndrome, together accounting for 10–20% of cases of severe spermatogenic failure. In addition to these, several genetic polymorphisms have been demonstrated to be significantly associated with male infertility. The discovery of new genetic associations with male infertility has been hampered by two primary factors. First, most studies are underpowered because of insufficient sample size and ethnic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Second, most studies evaluate a single gene, an approach that is very inefficient in the context of male infertility, considering that many hundreds of genes are involved in the process of testicular development and spermatogenesis. Significant recent advances in microarray and next‐generation sequencing technologies have enabled the application of whole‐genome approaches to the study of male infertility. We recently performed a pilot genome‐wide association study (GWAS) for severe spermatogenic failure, and several additional male infertility GWAS have since been published. More recently, genomic microarray tools have been applied to the association of copy number variants with male infertility. These studies are beginning to shed additional light on the genetic architecture of male infertility, and whole‐genome studies have proven effective in identifying novel genetic causes of the disease. This review will discuss some of the recent findings of these whole‐genome studies as well as future directions for this research that will likely be the most productive moving forward.
European Deposit Insurance and Resolution in the Banking Union
Authors: Gros Daniel , Schoenmaker Dirk 
Published: February 2014

AbstractSince the European Council of June 2012, ‘banking union’ is a key item for the EU's policy agenda. This contribution outlines the state of the policy debate – identifying the elements that are missing but important from a theoretical viewpoint. Concrete proposals are made as to how the missing elements could be added in the form of a new European Deposit Insurance and Resolution Authority, which would work alongside the ‘single supervisory mechanism’ under which the European Central Bank assumes supervisory powers for the largest eurozone banks. The paper also illustrates how a gradual transition could align incentives and mitigate the political resistance to a full banking union. Finally, new estimates are provided for how much would be needed for a European Deposit Insurance and Resolution Fund.
Multivariable Fuzzy Control Strategy for an Experimental Chiller System
Authors: Schmitz J.E. , Silva F.V. , Neves Filho L.C. , Fileti A.M.F. , Silveira V. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA multivariable fuzzy controller was developed and implemented for the regulation of the secondary fluid temperature in a chiller using both the rotation frequencies of the pump and the compressor as manipulated variables. Its performance was measured using the integral of time‐weighted absolute error (ITAE) index and the energy consumption. The proposed control strategy proved able to adequately control the chiller in all experiments. For comparison purposes, similar experiments were carried out with fuzzy control strategies in which only one variable was manipulated at a time. Comparing the performance of the proposed controllers with the fuzzy single input–single output controllers for regulatory control, a mean percentage reduction of at least 88.5% was observed in the ITAE. Good results were also observed in control effort and energy consumption. Besides, the implementation of the control strategy was quite simple.Practical ApplicationsRefrigeration systems are of fundamental importance for food conservation. Besides, to maintain the temperature into a narrow range needs an efficient control system and implies energy consumption and equipment wear. The use of a fuzzy controller with two manipulated variables to regulate the secondary fluid temperature has proved to be an efficient control configuration. Desirable characteristics like small or no overshoot, reduced control effort were achieved by the proposed multivariable fuzzy controller. Therefore, this proposed strategy is a valuable alternative to control processes that require strict variability or long periods of operation without stopping.
Modeling of Shrinkage, Rehydration and Textural Changes for Food Structural Analysis: A Review
Authors: Parthasarathi S. , Anandharamakrishnan C. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractFood processing is a unique method to create a structure that has been imparted by nature. The food‐processing industries are still facing some technological challenges like structural changes, appearance and simultaneous heat and mass transfer phenomena. Mathematical modeling and computer simulations of food systems can provide the distinctive insight of the food structure apart from the some critical examinations, which are not possible by experimental analysis. Moreover, the conventional experimental design optimization procedure involves time‐consuming expensive trial‐and‐error methods. This review describes the application of modeling techniques for predicting shrinkage during dehydration, textural changes and rehydration of porous food materials, etc. In addition, the challenges involved in modeling of food structure and product analysis, current limitations of commercial softwares, recent developments in this area and future applications are highlighted.Practical ApplicationsThe shrinkage of the food product is the change in volume of food material because of water loss during dehydration. Dried materials are either sold to customers as ready‐to‐use foods or for the production of powdery food materials. Rehydration is aimed at the restoration of the properties from the dehydrated food material. Texture contributes to the enjoyment and acceptance of food. Above three properties play an important role in determining the food characteristics. Physical, chemical and structural changes during the process determine the characteristics of the material. This review helps to apply different modeling techniques to understand the food microstructures.
Organized Hematoma Developed after Suboccipital Craniectomy
Authors: Chae Hee‐Dong , Choi Seung Hong , Park Sung‐Hye , Jung Hee‐Won , Yun Tae‐Jin , Kim Ji‐Hoon , Sohn Chul‐Ho 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTAn organized hematoma shows a heterogeneous signal intensity on T1‐and T2‐weighted images on MR imaging, reflecting variable stages of hemorrhage. Although rather nonspecific, precontrast CT images of an organized hematoma demonstrate inhomogeneous hyperdense mass with or without calcification. We report a case of an organized hematoma in a 44‐year‐old man, which developed 5 years after decompressive suboccipital craniectomy following acute cerebellar infarction. To our best knowledge, there has been no report describing organized hematoma in the suboccipital craniectomy site. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings of the organized hematoma are shown and discussed. We believe that recognition of the characteristic imaging findings of the organized hematoma as well as consideration of the history of surgery or anticoagulation treatment assists in its correct diagnosis enabling an inappropriate surgery to be avoided.
WHICH FIRMS ARE LEFT IN THE PERIPHERY? SPATIAL SORTING OF HETEROGENEOUS FIRMS WITH SCALE ECONOMIES IN TRANSPORTATION
Authors: Forslid Rikard , Okubo Toshihiro 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThis paper introduces scale economies in transportation in a trade and geography model with heterogeneous firms. This relatively small change to the standard model produces a new pattern of spatial sorting among firms. In contrast to the existing literature, our model produces the result that firms of intermediate productivity relocate to the large core region, whereas high‐ and low‐productivity firms remain in the periphery. Trade liberalization leads to a gradual relocation to the core with the most productive firms remaining in the periphery.
A Rare Case of Rectovaginal Fistula Following Consensual Vaginal Intercourse
Authors: Uğurel Vedat , Özer Dilek Pınar , Varol Füsun 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Postcoital nonobstetric vaginal lacerations due to consensual sexual act are generally minute mucosal tears. In some cases, the vaginal mucosa is lacerated deeper and the bleeding may require suturing of opened vessel ends or even transfusion.

Aim
The aim of this case report is to present a rare case of acute fistula formation by penile penetration through the full thickness of the rectovaginal wall after consensual vaginal intercourse and to its management in emergency settings.

Methods
We report a rare case of isolated rectovaginal laceration sparing anal sphincters and perineum in a 24-year-old woman following her second consensual vaginal intercourse with her new partner. Speculum examination demonstrated a 4 cm laceration on the left posterior vaginal wall forming a fistula between the rectum and vagina, 2 cm above the hymenal ring and not extending to the posterior fornix or perineum. Three layer suturing of rectal, vaginal mucosa, and rectovaginal septum was enough to treat the acute fistula in this case.

Results
After 2 months follow-up, we observed the complete healing of the rectovaginal laceration with no fistula formation and the patient resumed her sexual activity. Long term follow-up of patients is necessary to observe complete healing and to ensure the absence of a chronic fistula formation.

Conclusion
Simple suturing of rectal and vaginal mucosa, appropriate antiseptic precautions, and antibiotic coverage are enough to treat acutely formed low rectovaginal fistulas resulting from coitus. Decision to form colostomy and diversion of feces in the repair of such injuries should be taken cautiously.
CytochromeP450 geneCYP337and heritability of fitness traits in theGlanville fritillary butterfly
Authors: de Jong M. A. , Wong S. C. , Lehtonen R. , Hanski I. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractFitness‐related life history traits often show substantial heritable genetic variation in natural populations, but knowledge of the genetic architecture of these traits is limited. In theGlanville fritillary butterfly, we measured the heritability of key life history traits in a large outdoor population cage during 2 years and generations and combined this experiment with an association study of a set of candidate genes. The genes were selected on the basis of previous genomic and transcriptomic studies and have been linked to the physiology and life history of this or other arthropod species. Heritability was high and significant for two traits, post‐diapause larval development time (h2 = 0.37) and lifetime egg (and larval) production (h2 = 0.62); the latter is closely related to lifetime reproductive success and therefore fitness. We discovered a strong association between genetic polymorphism in thecytochrome P450 geneCYP337and lifetime egg production, which accounted for 14% of the additive variance in egg production. This gene belongs to a group ofcytochrome P450 genes that have a well‐documented role in host plant adaptations in Lepidoptera and other insects and is likely to play an important role in the ecology and microevolution of theGlanville fritillary. This study provides a prime example of a gene associated with heritable fitness variation, measured under semi‐natural ecological conditions.
Incorporation of extracellular fatty acids by a fatty acid kinase‐dependent pathway in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Parsons Joshua B. , Frank Matthew W. , Jackson Pamela , Subramanian Chitra , Rock Charles O. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryAcyl‐CoA and acyl‐acyl carrier protein (ACP) synthetases activate exogenous fatty acids for incorporation into phospholipids in Gram‐negative bacteria. However, Gram‐positive bacteria utilize an acyltransferase pathway for the biogenesis of phosphatidic acid that begins with the acylation of sn‐glycerol‐3‐phosphate by PlsY using an acyl‐phosphate (acyl‐PO4) intermediate. PlsX generates acyl‐PO4 from the acyl‐ACP end‐products of fatty acid synthesis. The plsX gene of Staphylococcus aureus was inactivated and the resulting strain was both a fatty acid auxotroph and required de novo fatty acid synthesis for growth. Exogenous fatty acids were only incorporated into the 1‐position and endogenous acyl groups were channeled into the 2‐position of the phospholipids in strain PDJ39 (ΔplsX). Extracellular fatty acids were not elongated. Removal of the exogenous fatty acid supplement led to the rapid accumulation of intracellular acyl‐ACP and the abrupt cessation of fatty acid synthesis. Extracts from the ΔplsX strain exhibited an ATP‐dependent fatty acid kinase activity, and the acyl‐PO4 was converted to acyl‐ACP when purified PlsX is added. These data reveal the existence of a novel fatty acid kinase pathway for the incorporation of exogenous fatty acids into S. aureus phospholipids.
Identification of in vivo regulators of the Vibrio cholerae xds gene using a high‐throughput genetic selection
Authors: McDonough EmilyKate , Lazinski David W. , Camilli Andrew 
Published: February 2014

SummaryVibrio cholerae, the causative agent of cholera, remains a threat to public health in areas with inadequate sanitation. As a waterborne pathogen, V. cholerae moves between two dissimilar environments, aquatic reservoirs and the intestinal tract of humans. Accordingly, this pathogen undergoes adaptive shifts in gene expression throughout the different stages of its lifecycle. One particular gene, xds, encodes a secreted exonuclease that was previously identified as being induced during infection. Here we sought to identify regulators responsible for the in vivo‐specific induction of xds. A transcriptional fusion of xds to two consecutive antibiotic resistance genes was used to select transposon mutants that had inserted within or adjacent to regulatory genes and thereby caused increased expression of the xds fusion under non‐inducing conditions. Large pools of selected insertion sites were sequenced in a high throughput manner using Tn‐seq to identify potential mechanisms of xds regulation. Our selection identified the two‐component system PhoB/R as the dominant activator of xds expression. In vitro validation confirmed that PhoB, a protein which is only active during phosphate limitation, was responsible for xds activation. Using xds expression as a biosensor of the extracellular phosphate level, we observed that the mouse small intestine is a phosphate‐limited environment.
Gain from marker‐based recurrent selection for increased heterozygosity in barley
Authors: Nandety Aruna , Geiger Hartwig H. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBarley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a highly adaptable cereal crop grown under a wide range of agro‐ecological conditions. Various literature reports demonstrate that heterozygosity may enhance the yielding level and stability of barley particularly in stress‐prone environments. The major aim of this study was to investigate whether recurrent selection (RS) for heterozygosity at highly polymorphic codominant molecular marker loci increases outcrossing in a genetically broad‐based population. Four to six SSR marker loci were used for this purpose. Selection was conducted over four cycles. Progress from selection was evaluated in a terminal experiment comprised of population samples from all four RS cycles. All experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions. The starting population was composed of 201 gene bank accessions (178 lines, 12 landraces and 11 wild barley populations) sampled in West Asia and North Africa. Selection led to a stepwise increase in heterozygosity from 0.23% to 1.50%. Correspondingly, the estimated multilocus outbreeding rate rose from 1.4% to 3.5%. This positive selection response offers new perspectives for improving the productivity of barley in stress‐prone areas.
Abnormalities of mental rotation of hands associated with speed of information processing and executive function in chronic schizophrenic patients
Authors: Mazhari Shahrzad , Moghadas Tabrizi Yousef 
Published: February 2014

AimDeficits in mental imagery ability have been reported in patients with schizophrenia. However, there is scarce evidence about the correlation between impairment in mental rotation and other cognitive deficits in the patients. The aim of this study was to assess mental rotation ability, along with other measures of cognitive function in patients with schizophrenia.MethodsThe performance of 29 patients with schizophrenia was compared with 29 healthy controls. Mental rotation was measured with the Hand Rotation Task, and cognitive functions were measured with the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS).ResultsOn Hand Rotation Task, the patients were significantly slower and less accurate compared to controls. Moreover, mental rotation accuracy was significantly correlated with all the BACS domains except verbal memory. In multiple regression analysis, the two BACS subscales, Tower of London and Symbol Coding tasks, were significant predictors and accounted for 41% of the variance in accuracy in the patients.ConclusionThese results support previous findings showing dysfunction of the posterior parietal cortex in schizophrenia, which is involved in general mental rotation, as well as other cognitive processes.
MicroRNAs in fruit trees: discovery, diversity and future research directions
Authors: Solofoharivelo M. C. , van der Walt A. P. , Stephan D. , Burger J. T. , Murray S. L. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractSince the first description of microRNAs (miRNAs) 20 years ago, the number of miRNAs identified in different eukaryotic organisms has exploded, largely due to the recent advances in DNA sequencing technologies. Functional studies, mostly from model species, have revealed that miRNAs are major post‐transcriptional regulators of gene expression in eukaryotes. In plants, they are implicated in fundamental biological processes, from plant development and morphogenesis, to regulation of plant pathogen and abiotic stress responses. Although a substantial number of miRNAs have been identified in fruit trees to date, their functions remain largely uncharacterised. The present review aims to summarise the progress made in miRNA research in fruit trees, focusing specifically on the economically important species Prunus persica, Malus domestica, Citrus spp, and Vitis vinifera. We also discuss future miRNA research prospects in these plants and highlight potential applications of miRNAs in the on‐going improvement of fruit trees.
Hemodialysis‐Associated Cardiomyopathy: A Newly Defined Disease Entity
Authors: McIntyre Christopher W. , Odudu Aghogho 
Published: February 2014

AbstractCardiovascular disease is the most common cause of the greatly elevated rates of mortality characteristic of patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. This article is an attempt to describe the complex and evolving features of cardiac disease routinely encountered in HD patients. Furthermore, by trying to appreciate the pathophysiological drivers, and the crucial interaction with the HD treatment itself, this article seeks to define cardiac disease in this setting (HD‐associated cardiomyopathy) as a unique and complex entity. By understanding the phenotype and basis of HD‐associated cardiomyopathy, we can develop an evolved understanding of the dominant processes involved in its development and offer up dialysis‐based interventions specifically designed to mitigate the cumulative ischemic insults consequent to conventional HD treatment. This article explores the justification of this approach and recent evidence of its efficacy.