bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hoof conformation and performance in the racing Thoroughbred in Macau
Authors: Cust ARE , Anderson GA , Whitton RC , Davies HMS 
Published: December 2012

ObjectivesTo investigate associations between race performance and hoof–ground angle (HG), pastern–hoof angle (PH) and mediolateral hoof angle (ML) of the left forelimb.MethodsA total of 1570 starts were recorded from 636 horses, and meetings were equally divided between sand and turf tracks. HG, PH and ML were measured on each starter in a race, over a 3‐month period, using a Finnegan hoof gauge (Tallahesse Asia Holdings Ltd, Hong Kong) and digital photographic images. Race performance was recorded as win or place (1st–3rd).ResultsThere was no association between the probability of winning or placing and gauge HG, photographic HG or photographic ML. There was a significant negative association between PH and the probability of winning on the turf track. On the turf surface, the odds ratio of winning for each 1° decrease in PH was 1.06 (95% confidence interval 1.01–1. 12). There was no association between the probability of winning or placing on the sand track and PH.Conclusions and clinical relevanceDirect measures of hoof conformation (HG and ML) were not related to racehorse performance in Macau. Lower PH was associated with better performance on a turf track. Further investigation into factors affecting PH and why it is related to performance are warranted. This study demonstrated that PH was associated with performance on a turf track. This information may be useful in the management and selection of Thoroughbred racehorses.
Predicting late recurrence in surgically treated patients with Cushing's disease
Authors: Barbot Mattia , Albiger Nora , Koutroumpi Stavroula , Ceccato Filippo , Frigo Anna C. , Manara Renzo , Fassina Ambrogio , Gardiman Marina P. , Scanarini Massimo , Mantero Franco , Scaroni Carla 
Published: December 2012

SummaryObjectiveCushing's disease (CD) has an uncertain prognosis because patients achieving remission after transsphenoidal pituitary neurosurgery (TSS) may relapse. We aimed to identify factors predicting relapse, focusing on desmopressin (DDAVP) and corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) tests after surgery.Materials and methodsFifty‐seven patients with CD (mean age 36 years) after TSS experienced remission (24 cases), late relapse (LR) (15 cases), or persistent disease (18 cases).ResultsThe median time to relapse was 40 months. ACTH levels increased after both DDAVP and CRH stimulation, with a significantly higher response in the late recurrence group, showing this to be an indicator of increased risk of relapse. In the logistic regression model, a rise in ACTH >9 pg/ml after DDAVP and >36·7 pg/ml after CRH showed a sensitivity of 93% and 73%, respectively, a specificity of 82% and 76% in LR group. The area under the curve was 0·91 for DDAVP, 0·80 for CRH and 0·95 for DDAVP+CRH test, i.e. the combined tests performed better than each test alone, but not to a statistically significant degree. A response to both tests resulted in a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100%, while no response to either test in a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%.ConclusionsACTH hyper‐responsiveness to DDAVP stimulation proved a valuable indicator of relapsing patients with high sensitivity and specificity; in selected cases when a clear high increment of ACTH level is not evident, the CRH test might be used as additional tool to confirm the risk of future relapses.
Tailored Fieldwork Design to Increase Representative Household Survey Response: An Experiment in the Survey of Consumer Satisfaction
Authors: Luiten Annemieke , Schouten Barry 
Published: December 2012

SummaryWe used a tailored survey design to obtain a more representative response. Paradata from previous consumer sentiments surveys and register information were used to stratify the sample into groups that differed in contact and co-operation propensity. We approached an experimental sample of 3000 households with a Web–mail–computer-assisted telephone interviewing sequential mixed mode strategy. The choice of initial mode and the subsequent computer-assisted telephone interviewing approach were tailored to the expected contact and co-operation propensities of the sample units. In the computer-assisted telephone interviewing follow-up of non-respondents, co-operation was manipulated by assigning specific interviewers to specific sample units. Contact was manipulated by timing, spacing and prioritizing calls. The tailored fieldwork strategy was successful in significantly increasing representativeness, while maintaining the level of response and costs. Representativeness was determined by R-indicators.
Ternary quadratic forms and half-integral weight modular forms
Authors: Hamieh Alia 
Published: December 2012

AbstractLet k be a positive integer such that k≡3 mod 4, and let N be a positive square-free integer. In this paper, we compute a basis for the two-dimensional subspace Sk/2(Γ0(4N),F) of half-integral weight modular forms associated, via the Shimura correspondence, to a newform F∈Sk−1(Γ0(N)), which satisfies $L(F,\frac {1}{2})\neq 0$. This is accomplished by using a result of Waldspurger, which allows one to produce a basis for the forms that correspond to a given F via local considerations, once a form in the Kohnen space has been determined.
Bactobolin Resistance Is Conferred by Mutations in the L2 Ribosomal Protein
Authors: Chandler Josephine R. , Truong Thao T. , Silva Patricia M. , Seyedsayamdost Mohammad R. , Carr Gavin , Radey Matthew , Jacobs Michael A. , Sims Elizabeth H. , Clardy Jon , Greenberg E. Peter 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTBurkholderia thailandensisproduces a family of polyketide-peptide molecules called bactobolins, some of which are potent antibiotics. We found that growth ofB. thailandensisat 30°C versus that at 37°C resulted in increased production of bactobolins. We purified the three most abundant bactobolins and determined their activities against a battery of bacteria and mouse fibroblasts. Two of the three compounds showed strong activities against both bacteria and fibroblasts. The third analog was much less potent in both assays. These results suggested that the target of bactobolins might be conserved across bacteria and mammalian cells. To learn about the mechanism of bactobolin activity, we isolated four spontaneous bactobolin-resistantBacillus subtilismutants. We used genomic sequencing technology to show that each of the four resistant variants had mutations inrplB, which codes for the 50S ribosome-associated L2 protein. Ectopic expression of a mutantrplBgene in wild-typeB. subtilisconferred bactobolin resistance. Finally, the L2 mutations did not confer resistance to other antibiotics known to interfere with ribosome function. Our data indicate that bactobolins target the L2 protein or a nearby site and that this is not the target of other antibiotics. We presume that the mammalian target of bactobolins involves the eukaryotic homolog of L2 (L8e).IMPORTANCECurrently available antibiotics target surprisingly few cellular functions, and there is a need to identify novel antibiotic targets. We have been interested in theBurkholderia thailandensisbactobolins, and we sought to learn about the target of bactobolin activity by mapping spontaneous resistance mutations in the bactobolin-sensitiveBacillus subtilis. Our results indicate that the bactobolin target is the 50S ribosome-associated L2 protein or a region of the ribosome affected by L2. Bactobolin-resistant mutants are not resistant to other known ribosome inhibitors. Our evidence indicates that bactobolins interact with a novel antibiotic target.
Alternative myocardial protection strategies are necessary in patients with intramural aortic course of anomalous coronary artery
Authors: Jadoon Mehmood A , Graham Alistair N J 
Published: December 2012

A 48-year old Caucasian woman presented with chest pain on exertion and was diagnosed with an anomalous origin of dominant right coronary artery, it then ran a short intramural course in the wall of the aorta. Right coronary artery (RCA) was reimplanted on cardiac bypass at normal exit point on the aortic root. The heart was adequately protected with antegrade cold blood cardioplegia via the aortic root and regular direct cardioplegia via the coronary ostia. The patient could not come off cardiopulmonary bypass after surgery and required right ventricular assist device support to be weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient ultimately recovered well and her right heart function is normalising.We believe that antegrade cardioplegia via the aortic root caused increased pressure in the aorta and squashed RCA in the wall of the aorta causing failure of myocardial protection and stunning of the right ventricle. This could be prevented with alternative myocardial protection strategies like direct cardioplegia via the coronary ostium.
Impact of multidisciplinary simulation-based training on patient safety in a paediatric emergency department
Authors: Patterson Mary D , Geis Gary L , LeMaster Thomas , Wears Robert L 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundCincinnati Children's Hospital is one of the busiest paediatric emergency departments (ED) in the USA; high volume, high acuity and frequent interruptions contribute to an increased risk for error.ObjectiveTo improve patient safety in a paediatric ED by implementing a multidisciplinary, simulation-based curriculum emphasising teamwork and communication.MethodsSubjects included all healthcare providers in the ED. Multidisciplinary teams participated in simulation-based training focused on teamwork and communication behaviours in critical clinical scenarios. The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire, tests of knowledge and evaluations of critical simulations and actual performance in the ED resuscitation bay were assessed. Methods to sustain improvements included mandatory participation of all new staff in simulation-based training and the introduction of routine in situ simulations.Results289 participants attended the initial training. 151 participants attended the re-evaluation at a mean of 10.2 months later. Sustained improvements in knowledge and attitudes were demonstrated. Knowledge tests at baseline, postintervention and re-evaluation had scores of 86%, 96% and 93%, respectively. Friedman's test analysis of SAQ scores at baseline, postintervention and re-evaluation indicated significant attitude changes. The ED with a preintervention baseline of 2–3 patient safety events per year has now sustained more than 1000 days without a patient safety event. This improvement occurred even though the time required in initial simulation training has been condensed from 12 to 4 h.ConclusionsSimulation training is an effective tool to modify safety attitudes and teamwork behaviours in an ED. Sustaining cultural and behavioural changes requires repeated practice opportunities.
Ammonite aptychi from the Lower Jurassic (Toarcian) near Whitby, North Yorkshire, UK
Authors: Lomax Dean R. , Hyde Benjamin G. 
Published: December 2012

Summary

Ammonite aptychi from the Lower Jurassic of Port Mulgrave near Whitby, U.K., are reported for the first time in association with ammonites of the Family Hildoceratidae, Subfamily Harpoceratinae. The aptychi are preserved in shale, varying in their completeness and exhibiting a range of sizes, but are identified as
Cornaptychus
sp. and cf.
Lamellaptychus
sp. Some
Cornaptychus
specimens are preserved with ammonites identified as
Tiltoniceras antiquum
. The aptychi, especially
Cornaptychus
, are comparable with aptychi associated with ammonites of the Harpoceratinae elsewhere, notably in the Posidonia Shale of Toarcian age in Germany. The ammonite aptychi were further analysed using an Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM) in order to determine their composition and assess whether this might have implications for their occurrence and preservation potential compared with that of the ammonite shells.
Impairment of Glioma Stem Cell Survival and Growth by a Novel Inhibitor for Survivin–Ran Protein Complex
Authors: Guvenc Hacer , Pavlyukov Marat S. , Joshi Kaushal , Kurt Habibe , Banasavadi-Siddegowda Yeshavanth K. , Mao Ping , Hong Christopher , Yamada Ryosuke , Kwon Chang-Hyuk , Bhasin Deepak , Chettiar Somsundaram , Kitange Gaspar , Park In-Hee , Sarkaria Jann N. , Li Chenglong , Shakhparonov Mihail I. , Nakano Ichiro 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Purpose: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a devastating disease. Recent studies suggest that the stem cell properties of GBM contribute to the development of therapy resistance.
Experimental Design: The expression of Survivin and Ran was evaluated by immunohistochemistry with GBM tissues, and quantitative reverse transcriptase (qRT)-PCR and immunocytochemistry with patient-derived GBM sphere cultures. With a computational structure-based drug design, 11 small-molecule compounds were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as inhibitor candidates for the molecular interaction of Survivin protein. The molecular mechanism of the lead compound, LLP-3, was determined by Western blot, ELISA, in situ proximity ligation assay, and immunocytochemistry. The effects of LLP-3 treatment on GSCs were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. Quantitative immunohistochemistry was carried out to compare Survivin expression in tissues from 44 newly diagnosed and 31 recurrent post-chemoradiation GBM patients. Lastly, the sensitivities of temozolomide-resistant GBM spheres to LLP-3 were evaluated in vitro.
Results: Survivin and Ran were strongly expressed in GBM tissues, particularly in the perivasculature, and also in patient-derived GSC cultures. LLP-3 treatment disrupted the Survivin–Ran protein complex in cancer cells and abolished the growth of patient-derived GBM spheres in vitro and in vivo. This inhibition was dependent on caspase activity and associated with p53 status of cells. Immunohistochemistry showed that Survivin expression is significantly increased in recurrent GBM compared with newly diagnosed tumors, and temozolomide-resistant GBM spheres exhibited high sensitivities to LLP-3 treatment.
Conclusions: Disruption of the Survivin–Ran complex by LLP-3 abolishes survival and growth of GSCs both in vitro and in vivo, indicating an attractive novel therapeutic approach for GBM. Clin Cancer Res; 19(3); 631–42. ©2012 AACR.
Delayed Cerebral Ischemia After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: de Rooij Nicolien K. , Rinkel Gabriel J.E. , Dankbaar Jan Willem , Frijns Catharina J.M. 
Published: December 2012

Background and Purpose—
Established predictors of delayed cerebral ischemia after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage are large amounts of extravasated blood and poor clinical condition on admission. The predictive value of other factors is uncertain.

Methods—
We searched MEDLINE (1960–2012) for clinical, laboratory, and radiological predictors routinely available within 72 hours after subarachnoid hemorrhage. The studies were categorized according to methodological quality. Crude data and effect estimates (odds ratio [OR], hazard ratios, and risk ratio) with 95% CI were extracted, (re-)calculated and pooled if possible. For every potential predictor we assessed all effect estimates on consistency (point estimates in equal direction) and clinical relevance (size and 95% CI).

Results—
Fifty-two studies on 33 potential predictors were included. There was strong evidence (≥3 high-quality studies) for a higher risk of delayed cerebral ischemia in smokers (pooled OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1–1.4), and moderate evidence (2 high-quality studies) for an increased risk in patients with hyperglycemia (OR, 3.2; 1.8–5.8 and hazard ratios, 1.7; 1.1–2.5), hydrocephalus (OR, 1.3; 1.1–1.5 and OR, 2.6; 1.2–5.5), history of diabetes mellitus (pooled OR, 6.7; 1.7–26), and early systemic inflammatory response syndrome (pooled OR, 2.1; 1.4–3.3). Evidence was limited for increased risk in women (pooled OR, 1.3; 1.1–1.6) and in patients with history of hypertension (pooled OR, 1.5; 1.3–1.7). The evidence on initial loss of consciousness, history of migraine, previous use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, hypomagnesemia, low hemoglobin, or high blood flow on early transcranial Doppler was also limited.

Conclusions—
There is strong evidence that smoking is a predictor of delayed cerebral ischemia. For several other potential predictions the evidence is moderate, limited, or inconsistent.
The Mean and the Time Variability of the Shallow Meridional Overturning Circulation in the Tropical South Pacific Ocean
Authors: Zilberman N. V. , Roemmich D. H. , Gille S. T. 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The meridional transport in the Pacific Ocean subtropical cell is studied for the period from 2004 to 2011 using gridded Argo temperature and salinity profiles and atmospheric reanalysis surface winds. The poleward Ekman and equatorward geostrophic branches of the subtropical cell exhibit an El Niño–Southern Oscillation signature with strong meridional transport occurring during La Niña and weak meridional transport during El Niño. At 7.5°S, mean basinwide geostrophic transport above 1000 dbar is 48.5 ± 2.5 Sv (Sv ≡ 106 m3 s−1) of which 30.3–38.4 Sv return to the subtropics in the surface Ekman layer, whereas 10.2–18.3 Sv flow northward, feeding the Indonesian Throughflow. Geostrophic transport within the subtropical cell is stronger in the ocean interior and weaker in the western boundary during La Niña, with changes in the interior dominating basinwide transport. Using atmospheric reanalyses, only half of the mean heat gain by the Pacific north of 7.5°S is compensated by oceanic heat transport out of the region. The National Oceanography Centre at Southampton air–sea flux climatology is more consistent for closing the oceanic heat budget. In summary, the use of Argo data for studying the Pacific subtropical cell provides an improved estimate of basinwide mean geostrophic transport, includes both interior and western boundary contributions, quantifies El Niño/La Niña transport variability, and illustrates how the meridional overturning cell dominates ocean heat transport at 7.5°S.
Vitamin D and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kostoglou-Athanassiou Ifigenia , Athanassiou Panagiotis , Lyraki Aikaterini , Raftakis Ioannis , Antoniadis Christodoulos 
Published: December 2012

Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, such as diabetes mellitus type 1 and multiple sclerosis. Reduced vitamin D intake has been linked to increased susceptibility to the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and vitamin D deficiency has been found to be associated with disease activity in patients with RA. The objective was to evaluate vitamin D status in patients with RA and to assess the relationship between vitamin D levels and disease activity. Methods: In a cohort of 44 patients with RA, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] levels, parathyroid hormone levels, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were measured. Disease activity was evaluated by calculating the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28). A control group ( n = 44), matched for age and sex, was evaluated as well. Results: In the cohort of 44 patients with RA 25(OH)D3 levels were found to be low compared with the control group, 25(OH)D3 being 15.26 ± 1.07 ng/ml [mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM)] and 25.8 ± 1.6 ng/ml in the patient and control group respectively (Student’s t test, p < 0.001). Parathyroid hormone levels were 71.08 ± 7.02 pg/ml (mean ± SEM) (normal values 10.0–65.0 pg/ml), CRP 7.6 ± 1.57 mg/litre (mean ± SEM) (normal values < 3 mg/litre) and ESR was 38.0 ± 4.6 mm/h (mean ± SEM) in the group of patients with RA. Levels of 25(OH)D3 were found to be negatively correlated to the DAS28, the correlation coefficient being −0.084. Levels of 25(OH)D3 were also found to be negatively correlated to CRP and ESR, the correlation coefficient being –0.115 and −0.18, respectively. Conclusion: It appears that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in patients with RA, and that vitamin D deficiency may be linked to disease severity in RA. As vitamin D deficiency has been linked to diffuse musculoskeletal pain, these results have therapeutic implications. Vitamin D supplementation may be needed both for the prevention of osteoporosis as well as for pain relief in patients with RA.
The deletion of bacterial dynamin and flotillin genes results in pleiotrophic effects on cell division, cell growth and in cell shape maintenance
Authors: Dempwolff Felix , Wischhusen Hanna M , Specht Mara , Graumann Peter L 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
In eukaryotic cells, dynamin and flotillin are involved in processes such as endocytosis and lipid raft formation, respectively. Dynamin is a GTPase that exerts motor-like activity during the pinching off of vesicles, while flotillins are coiled coil rich membrane proteins with no known enzymatic activity. Bacteria also possess orthologs of both classes of proteins, but their function has been unclear.

Results
We show that deletion of the single dynA or floT genes lead to no phenotype or a mild defect in septum formation in the case of the dynA gene, while dynA floT double mutant cells were highly elongated and irregularly shaped, although the MreB cytoskeleton appeared to be normal. DynA colocalizes with FtsZ, and the dynA deletion strain shows aberrant FtsZ rings in a subpopulation of cells. The mild division defect of the dynA deletion is exacerbated by an additional deletion in ezrA, which affects FtsZ ring formation, and also by the deletion of a late division gene (divIB), indicating that DynA affects several steps in cell division. DynA and mreB deletions generated a synthetic defect in cell shape maintenance, showing that MreB and DynA play non-epistatic functions in cell shape maintenance. TIRF microscopy revealed that FloT forms many dynamic membrane assemblies that frequently colocalize with the division septum. The deletion of dynA did not change the pattern of localization of FloT, and vice versa, showing that the two proteins play non redundant roles in a variety of cellular processes. Expression of dynamin or flotillin T in eukaryotic S2 cells revealed that both proteins assemble at the cell membrane. While FloT formed patch structures, DynA built up tubulated structures extending away from the cells.

Conclusions

Bacillus subtilis dynamin ortholog DynA plays a role during cell division and in cell shape maintenance. It shows a genetic link with flotillin T, with both proteins playing non-redundant functions at the cell membrane, where they assemble even in the absence of any bacterial cofactor.