bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
HAM‐2 and HAM‐3 are central for the assembly of the Neurospora STRIPAK complex at the nuclear envelope and regulate nuclear accumulation of the MAP kinase MAK‐1 in a MAK‐2‐dependent manner
Authors: Dettmann Anne , Heilig Yvonne , Ludwig Sarah , Schmitt Kerstin , Illgen Julia , Fleißner Andre , Valerius Oliver , Seiler Stephan 
Published: September 2013

SummaryIntercellular communication and somatic cell fusion are important for fungal colony establishment, multicellular differentiation and have been associated with host colonization and virulence of pathogenic species. By a combination of genetic, biochemical and live cell imaging techniques, we characterized the Neurospora crassa STRIPAK complex that is essential for self‐signalling and consists of the six proteins HAM‐2/STRIP, HAM‐3/striatin, HAM‐4/SLMAP, MOB‐3/phocein, PPG‐1/PP2A‐C and PP2A‐A. We describe that the core STRIPAK components HAM‐2 and HAM‐3 are central for the assembly of the complex at the nuclear envelope, while the phosphatase PPG‐1 only transiently associates with this central subcomplex. Our data connect the STRIPAK complex with two MAP kinase pathways: (i) nuclear accumulation of the cell wall integrity MAP kinase MAK‐1 depends on the functional integrity of the STRIPAK complex at the nuclear envelope, and (ii) phosphorylation of MOB‐3 by the MAP kinase MAK‐2 impacts the nuclear accumulation of MAK‐1. In summary, these data support a model, in which MAK‐2‐dependent phosphorylation of MOB‐3 is part of a MAK‐1 import mechanism. Although self‐communication remained intact in the absence of nuclear MAK‐1 accumulation, supporting the presence of multiple mechanisms that co‐ordinate robust intercellular communication, proper fruiting body morphology was dependent on the MAK‐2‐phosphorylated N‐terminus of MOB‐3.
Migration timing and distance from shore of southbound eastern Pacific gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) off Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Authors: De Jesús Melba , Heckel Gisela , Breiwick Jeffrey M. , Reilly Stephen B. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractEastern Pacific gray whales were monitored off Ensenada, Mexico, during the southbound migration. The objectives were to determine southbound migration timing and width of the migration corridor during three seasons (2003–2006). Migration timing was determined by fitting a generalized additive model to the shore counts for each season and estimating the 10, 50, and 90 percentiles of the fitted curves. To estimate abundance from shore‐based counts, a probability density function for the shore based distances was estimated by a product of a gamma distribution fit to the boat survey distance data for 2006/2007 and a half‐normal detection function using combined data of the three seasons. The parameters of the gamma distribution were corrected to account for less boat survey effort carried out 20–40 km than 0–20 km from shore. The onset of the migration off Ensenada was in late December/early January and ended around 13 February. The median date was 23–26 January for the first and third season and a week early for the second season. Boat surveys indicated a wide (20 km) migration corridor but most gray whales traveled within 9.9 km from shore. The estimated total number of whales during watch hours was 2,298 (95%CI= 1,536–4,447).
Contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography is a valid technique for the assessment of renal microvascular perfusion dysfunction in diabetic Goto‐Kakizaki rats
Authors: Ma Fang , Yadav Ganga Prasad , Cang Yan‐qin , Dang Yuan‐yuan , Wang Chao‐qing , Liu Bo , Guo Le‐hang , Li Xin‐hua , Peng Ai 
Published: September 2013

AbstractAimTo evaluate the reliability of contrast‐enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) for the detection of renal microvascular blood perfusion in a type 2 diabetic Goto‐Kakizaki (GK) rat model.MethodsMale GK and Wistar rats at the age of 4, 12 and 20 weeks (n = 10, respectively) were used for the study. Real‐time and haemodynamic imaging of the renal cortex was performed using CEUS with SonoVue. Outage time‐intensity curves (TICs) were applied for the analysis of basic intensity, slope rates of the ascending (S1) and descending curves (S2), time to peak (TTP), half time of peak descending (HDT), peak intensity (PI), and total area under the curve (AUC). Immunohistochemical staining for endothelial cells (ECs) was performed using the CD34 monoclonal antibody for the quantification of microvessel density and distribution.ResultsImages of the renal cortex microvascular beds after injection of SonoVue in the rats were rapidly and clearly displayed, and it is easy to differentiate the enhanced and faded images of renal perfusion. The TICs of the GK rats were much wider than the controls; however, no significant changes in PI were found in all aged rats. Ultrasonographic quantitative analysis revealed a decrease in S1 and S2, and an increase in TTP, HDT and AUC in the 12‐ and 20‐week‐old GK rats compared with the controls (P < 0.05). Moreover, the 20‐week‐old GK rats had much lower glomerular density and smaller distribution area of CD34‐positive ECs, which was in parallel with more severe proteinuria, GBM thickening, glomerulosclerosis and interstitial vascular damages (P < 0.05). Interestingly, negative correlations between AUC and glomerular microvessel density or distribution were detected, respectively (P < 0.05).ConclusionsContrast‐enhanced ultrasonography is a valid technique for the real‐time and dynamic assessment of renal cortex microvascular perfusion and haemodynamic characterization in GK rats.
Tidal Volume and Minute Ventilation Parameters Derived from Pacemaker Impedance Measurements Can Predict Experimental Heart Failure Development
Authors: LEFKOV SHARON , DE VOIR CHRIS , MÜSSIG DIRK , TKEBUCHAVA TENGIZ , LIAN JIE , ORLOV MICHAEL V. 
Published: September 2013

BackgroundSpecific respiratory patterns and periodic breathing have been associated with heart failure. Less is known regarding changes in tidal volume (TV) and minute ventilation (MV) as a result of early heart failure (HF) decompensation.Methods and ResultsTwelve adult Yucatan minipigs were implanted with a biventricular pacemaker and a left ventricular pressure sensor. HF was induced using high‐rate pacing at 240 paces per minute for 2–4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of recovery. Left ventricular pressure measurements and weekly echocardiograms verified the development of HF. The right and left ventricular intrathoracic impedance (RVITI and LVITI, respectively) signals were used to determine the respiratory parameters of rate, TV, and MV. Compared to baseline (BL), during HF, the TV dropped 68% for RVITI and 61% for LVITI (P < 0.0001 for both). Correspondingly, MV dropped 34% for RVITI and 27% for LVITI (P < 0.0001 for both). The daily medians of the respiratory rate (RR) and the longest breath interval (LBI) did not change significantly from BL to HF and recovery. However, circadian variation of the RR and the LBI became blunted during HF development. All derived respiratory parameters showed the reverse trend during the recovery period.ConclusionTV and MV change independently from the RR in early HF decompensation. Tracking the changes of TV and MV with an implantable device may provide an additional method for early HF detection and assessment of the response to therapy.
Development of the scale of psychosocial factors in food allergy (SPS‐FA)
Authors: Cortes Aaron , Castillo Angela , Sciaraffia Alicia 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundFood allergy (FA) is a growing condition among children and it's psychological impact over the patients and their caregivers is well known, establishing a vicious circle that perpetuates stress levels. However, psychosocial factors are not commonly included in allergy treatments. Based on the lack of evidence of records about a scale that indicates the level of interaction between biopsychosocial factors in the patient–caregivers dyad for FA, the present research aims to develop a scale with these characteristics as a helpful tool to achieve a more comprehensive system of health care.MethodsA preliminary 28‐item scale was generated (sample N = 99). The scale was adjusted in contents and language after expert opinion and application on patients. A factor analysis was carried out selecting the items from the final scale.ResultsThe final 9‐item scale included three areas: impact on quality of life, social impact and conflicts. The scale had a good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.870) and correlated significantly with anxiety and depression measurements. Moreover, it was able to discriminate between study groups (members and non‐members of peer support groups) and proved construct validity.ConclusionsThe SPS‐FA is the first scale for the assessment of the interaction of biopsychosocial factors on FA that includes the patient–caregiver dyad. Its application might be relevant for future research, and it can provide the clinician and the researcher with a solid tool to define which type of psychosocial support is required to provide a more comprehensive care in FA.
Analysis of comorbidities and therapeutic approach for allergic rhinitis in a pediatric population in Spain
Authors: Ibáñez María Dolores , Valero Antonio Luis , Montoro Javier , Jauregui Ignacio , Ferrer Marta , Dávila Ignacio , Bartra Joan , del Cuvillo Alfonso , Mullol Joaquim , Sastre Joaquín 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundAllergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common chronic disease in children. The main objective of this study was to analyze the comorbidities and therapeutic approaches for AR in a Spanish pediatric population.MethodsChildren aged 6 to 12 years with AR were included in an observational, cross‐sectional, multicenter study.Results1,275 children were recruited from 271 centers. AR was intermittent in 59.5% of cases, persistent in 40.5%, seasonal in 60.7%, and perennial in 39.3% of patients. The most frequent comorbidities were conjunctivitis (53.6%), asthma (49.5%), atopic dermatitis (40%), rhinosinusitis(26.1%), otitis media (23.8%), and adenoid hypertrophy (17.3%). Overall, patients with persistent, moderate or severe, AR were more likely to present comobidities, except for food allergy and urticaria. The most common drugs used for treatment of AR were oral antihistamines(76%), nasal corticosteroids(49%) and a combination of both (45%). Antihistamines and nasal corticosteroids were used on demand (<18 days) in 38 and 41% of patients, respectively; for 18–30 days in 22 and 27%; for 1–3 months in 31 and 29%; and for more than 3 months in 8 and 3%, respectively. Eye drops were used in 32% and specific immunotherapy in 21% of patients.ConclusionComorbidities are frequent in children with AR, supporting the notion of allergy as a systemic disease. Severity and duration of AR were significantly associated with presence of most of comorbidities. The most common drugs used for AR treatment were oral antihistamines, followed by nasal corticosteroids and a combination of both used on demand.
Dynamic Epistemic Logic II: Logics of Information Change
Authors: Pacuit Eric 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThis is the second paper in a two‐part series introducing logics for reasoning about the dynamics of knowledge and beliefs. Part I introduced different logical systems that can be used to reason about the knowledge and beliefs of a group of agents. In this second paper, I show how to adapt these logical systems to reason about the knowledge and beliefs of a group of agents during the course of a social interaction or rational inquiry. Inference, communication and observation are typical examples of informative events, which have been subjected to a logical analysis. The main goal of this article is to introduce the key conceptual and technical issues that drive much of the research in this area.
Semantic Inferentialism and the Evolutionary Argument Against Naturalism
Authors: Collin James Henry 
Published: September 2013

AbstractAlvin Plantinga's evolutionary argument against naturalism makes the case that the conjunction of evolutionary theory and naturalism cannot be rationally believed, as, if both evolutionary theory and naturalism were true, it would be highly unlikely that our cognitive faculties are reliable. I present Plantinga's evolutionary argument against naturalism and survey a theory of meaning espoused by Robert Brandom, known as semantic inferentialism. I argue that if one accepts semantic inferentialism, as it is developed by Brandom, then Plantinga's motivation for the evolutionary argument against naturalism is undermined.
Divine Passibility: God and Emotion
Authors: Scrutton Anastasia 
Published: September 2013

AbstractWhile the impassibility debate has traditionally been construed in terms of whether God suffers, recent philosophy of religion has interpreted it in terms of whether God has emotions more generally. This article surveys the philosophical literature on divine im/passibility over the last 25 years, outlining major arguments for and against the idea that God has emotions. It argues that questions about the nature and value of emotions are at the heart of the im/passibility debate. More specifically, it suggests that presuppositions about the dichotomy between emotions and reason (or the ‘heart and the head’) have negatively impacted the debate. It contends that the debate can only move forward in response to serious reflection on our affects as we experience them, aided by historical and anthropological as well as contemporary philosophical perspectives.
Hannah Arendt and Global Justice
Authors: Parekh Serena 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThis essay explores recent scholarship on Hannah Arendt's contribution to the field of global justice. I show that many of Arendt's ideas have been brought to bear fruitfully on some of the most pressing global issues of our day. I turn first to the area in which Arendt has, arguably, been most influential, namely human right. I then look at recent scholarship on Arendt and various issues in global justice, including immigration, statelessness, human security, global poverty, political reconciliation, and global democracy. This essay offers a critical analysis of the ways that Arendt's work has been employed in discussions of global justice and highlights the contributions that she has made to this field of thought.© 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Gaita's Moral Philosophy and the Rational Soul
Authors: Buckle Stephen 
Published: September 2013

AbstractRaimond Gaita's moral philosophy has a Platonic emphasis on “goodness beyond virtue.” But it also displays an anti‐rationalist tendency, subordinating reason to the immediate responsiveness of human beings to each other. However, Gaita's account of the lucidity on which moral life depends fits ill with this subordination. Some Wittgensteinian remarks that have influenced Gaita are deployed to show that a Platonic rationalist psychology better serves his purposes than does his own, implicitly empiricist, psychology. The conclusion notes that Gaita's more recent work evidences less hostility to rationality.
Silencing of Erwinia amylovora sy69 AHL‐quorum sensing by a Bacillus simplex AHL‐inducible aiiA gene encoding a zinc‐dependent N‐acyl‐homoserine lactonase
Authors: Hanano A. , Harba M. , Al‐Ali M. , Ammouneh H. 
Published: September 2013

Quorum sensing in Gram‐negative bacteria is regulated by diffusible signal molecules called N‐acyl‐l‐homoserine lactones (AHLs). These molecules are degraded by lactonases. In this study, six Bacillus simplex isolates were characterized and identified as a new quorum‐quenching species of Bacillus. An aiiA gene encoding an AHL‐lactonase was identified based on evidence that: (i) it showed high homology with other aiiA genes of Bacillus sp.; (ii) the deduced amino acid sequence contained two conserved regions, 104SHLHFDH111 and 165TPGHTPGH173, characteristic of the metallo‐β‐lactamase superfamily; and (iii) the protein had zinc‐dependent AHL‐degrading activity. Additionally, the expression of the aiiA gene was significantly up‐regulated by 3‐oxo‐AHL. The AHL‐lactonase inhibited multiplication of the 3‐oxo‐C6‐AHL‐producing plant pathogen Erwinia amylovora sy69 both in vitro and in planta. The results provide support for the use of the quorum‐quenching functionality of B. simplex in the integrated control of the devastating fire blight pathogen.
Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement with Peritoneoscopic Technique and Successful Initiation of Peritoneal Dialysis in a Patient with Diastasis Recti
Authors: Abdelsalam Mohamed Said , Althaf Mohammed Mahdi , Albaqumi Mamdouh Nasser , Alfurayh Osman , Korbi Lutfi , Haq Naveed Ul 
Published: September 2013

AbstractPreserved anatomical integrity of the anterior abdominal wall is considered important in the presurgical evaluation of a patient who is being considered for placement of a peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter. Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is the excessive widening or separation between the two bellies of the rectus abdominis muscle. The separation can occur anywhere along the linea alba and at times has been found to span the entire length from the xiphosternal angle to the pubic bone. Presence of DRA can pose a surgical challenge in the peritoneoscopic placement of peritoneal dialysis catheter. In this report, we discuss a case of successful placement of peritoneal dialysis catheter with peritoneoscope technique and successful initiation of peritoneal dialysis in a chronic kidney disease patient with DRA.
Optimal detection of a jump in the intensity of a Poisson process or in a density with likelihood ratio statistics
Authors: Rivera Camilo , Walther Guenther 
Published: September 2013

ABSTRACTWe consider the problem of detecting a ‘bump’ in the intensity of a Poisson process or in a density. We analyze two types of likelihood ratio‐based statistics, which allow for exact finite sample inference and asymptotically optimal detection: The maximum of the penalized square root of log likelihood ratios (‘penalized scan’) evaluated over a certain sparse set of intervals and a certain average of log likelihood ratios (‘condensed average likelihood ratio’). We show that penalizing thesquare rootof the log likelihood ratio — rather than the log likelihood ratio itself — leads to a simple penalty term that yields optimal power. The thus derived penalty may prove useful for other problems that involve a Brownian bridge in the limit. The second key tool is an approximating set of intervals that is rich enough to allow for optimal detection, but which is also sparse enough to allow justifying the validity of the penalization scheme simply via the union bound. This results in a considerable simplification in the theoretical treatment compared with the usual approach for this type of penalization technique, which requires establishing an exponential inequality for the variation of the test statistic. Another advantage of using the sparse approximating set is that it allows fast computation in nearly linear time. We present a simulation study that illustrates the superior performance of the penalized scan and of the condensed average likelihood ratio compared with the standard scan statistic.
Analysis of plasma surfactant protein D levels in lung transplant recipients
Authors: Bejvl I. , Weseslindtner L. , Strassl R. , Jaksch P. , Kundi M. , Klepetko W. , Puchhammer‐Stöckl E. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractIn lung transplant recipients (LTRs), severe clinical complications, such as microbial infections of the lung or transplant rejection, may occur. Surfactant protein D (SP‐D) is a C‐type lectin that is mainly produced in alveolar type II cells. Plasma SP‐D levels are usually low, but may increase when the lung–blood barrier is impaired. In this study, we analyzed whether plasma SP‐D concentrations reflect rejection or infection of the lung allograft. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure SP‐D levels in plasma samples from 58 LTRs during intervals without pathologic respiratory findings and during episodes of acute cellular rejection (ACR), microbial colonization, and microbial pneumonia. Median plasma SP‐D levels were significantly increased during episodes of microbial pneumonia, but not in the absence of pathologic respiratory findings, during microbial colonization, or during ACR up to grade A2–A3 (P < 0.05). During pneumonia, an increased plasma SP‐D level was detected in 60% of LTRs and this was further associated with a significantly higher risk for the patients to develop stage III bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS III) or to die within the subsequent 6 months after pneumonia (P = 0.0093). All patients with a plasma SP‐D level of >300 ng/mL during pneumonia developed BOS III and/or died within 6 months of follow‐up (P = 0.001). The determination of SP‐D levels in plasma during pneumonia in LTRs may be of prognostic value and warrants further evaluation.
Identifying the superior measure of rapid fibrosis for predicting premature cirrhosis after liver transplantation for hepatitis C
Authors: Howell J. , Sawhney R. , Angus P. , Fink M. , Jones R. , Wang B.Z. , Visvanathan K. , Crowley P. , Gow P. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence post liver transplant is universal, with a subgroup of patients developing rapid hepatic fibrosis. Various clinical definitions of rapid fibrosis (RF) have been used to identify risks for rapid progression, but their comparability and efficacy at predicting adverse outcomes has not been determined.MethodsRetrospective data analysis was conducted on 100 adult patients with HCV who underwent liver transplantation at a single center. We measured year 1 fibrosis progression (RF defined as METAVIR F score ≥1 at 1‐year liver biopsy), time to METAVIR F2‐stage fibrosis, and fibrosis rate (calculated using liver biopsies graded by METAVIR scoring F0–4; fibrosis rate = fibrosis stage/year post transplant). RF was defined as ≥0.5 units/year.ResultsMultivariate analysis revealed that donor age and peak HCV viral load were significant risks for RF, when fibrosis rate was used to define RF. Advanced donor age was a risk for rapid progression to F2‐stage fibrosis, whereas genotype 2 or 3 HCV infection was protective. Fibrosis rate had the strongest correlation with time to cirrhosis development (P < 0.0001, r = −0.76) and was the most accurate predictor of rapid graft cirrhosis (P < 0.0001, area under the curve 0.979, sensitivity 100%, specificity 94%).ConclusionDifferent measures of RF progression identify different risks for RF and are not directly comparable. Fibrosis rate was the most accurate predictor of rapid graft cirrhosis.