bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bayesian Modeling of External Corrosion in Underground Pipelines Based on the Integration of Markov Chain Monte Carlo Techniques and Clustered Inspection Data
Authors: Wang Hui , Yajima Ayako , Liang* Robert Y. , Castaneda Homero 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn this study, a model is developed to assess external corrosion in buried pipelines based on the unification of Bayesian inferential structure derived from Markov chain Monte Carlo techniques using clustered inspection data. This proposed stochastic model combines clustering algorithms that can ascertain the similarity of corrosion defects and Monte Carlo simulation that can give an accurate probability density function estimation of the corrosion rate. The metal loss rate is chosen as the indicator of corrosion damage propagation, obeying a generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution. Bayesian theory was employed to update the probability distribution of metal loss rate as well as the GEV parameters in order to account for the model uncertainty. The proposed model was validated with direct and indirect inspection data extracted from a 110‐km buried pipeline system.
Influence of socioeconomic status on allograft and patient survival following kidney transplantation
Authors: Ward Frank L , O'Kelly Patrick , Donohue Fionnuala , ÓhAiseadha Coilin , Haase Trutz , Pratschke Jonathan , deFreitas Declan G , Johnson Howard , Conlon Peter J , O'Seaghdha Conall M 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimWhether socioeconomic status confers worse outcomes after kidney transplantation is unknown. Its influence on allograft and patient survival following kidney transplantation in Ireland was examined.MethodsA retrospective, observational cohort study of adult deceased‐donor first kidney transplant recipients from 1990 to 2009 was performed. Those with a valid Irish postal address were assigned a socioeconomic status score based on the Pobal Hasse‐Pratschke deprivation index and compared in quartiles. Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis were used to investigate any significant association of socioeconomic status with patient and allograft outcomes.ResultsA total of 1944 eligible kidney transplant recipients were identified. The median follow‐up time was 8.2 years (interquartile range 4.4–13.3 years). Socioeconomic status was not associated with uncensored or death‐censored allograft survival (hazard ratio (HR) 1.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.99–1.00, P = 0.33 and HR 1.0, 95% CI 0.99–1.00, P = 0.37, respectively). Patient survival was not associated with socioeconomic status quartile (HR 1.0, 95% CI 0.93–1.08, P = 0.88). There was no significant difference among quartiles for uncensored or death‐censored allograft survival at 5 and 10 years.ConclusionThere was no socioeconomic disparity in allograft or patient outcomes following kidney transplantation, which may be partly attributable to the Irish healthcare model. This may give further impetus to calls in other jurisdictions for universal healthcare and medication coverage for kidney transplant recipients.
Quantifying the effects of inactin vs Isoflurane anesthesia on gastrointestinal motility in rats using dynamic magnetic resonance imaging and spatio‐temporal maps
Authors: Ailiani A. C. , Neuberger T. , Brasseur J. G. , Banco G. , Wang Y. , Smith N. B. , Webb A. G. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundAnesthetics are commonly applied in animal studies of gastrointestinal (GI) function. Different anesthetics alter smooth‐muscle motility in different ways. The aim of this study is to quantify and compare non‐invasively with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the motility patterns of the rat gut when anesthetized with inactin vs isoflurane anesthetics in the fed state.MethodsRats were given an oral gavage of MRI contrast agent for improved visualization of the GI tract. Two‐dimensional images through the jejunum of the pre‐ and postanesthetized rat in the fed state were acquired every 168 ms. Image registration, segmentation, and postprocessing algorithms were applied to produce spatio‐temporal maps that were used to quantify peristaltic and segmental motions in the jejunum region interspersed between periods of inactivity.Key ResultsThere were significantly longer periods of inactivity in the rats treated with isoflurane than in those treated with inactin (179.9 ± 22.4 s vs 17.7 ± 10.3 s). The speed of propagation and wavelength of peristalsis, and the frequency and speed of pattern switching of segmental motility, were higher (p < 0.05) in rats treated with inactin.Conclusions & InferencesIsoflurane and inactin anesthetics produce significantly different motility behavior with the rat's GI tract in the fed state. Isoflurane anesthetic, results in a reduced frequency of occurrence of motility periods and an overall reduced level of motility in comparison with inactin.
Emerging treatments in neurogastroenterology: a multidisciplinary working group consensus statement on opioid‐induced constipation
Authors: Camilleri M. , Drossman D. A. , Becker G. , Webster L. R. , Davies A. N. , Mawe G. M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundOpioids are effective for acute and chronic pain conditions, but their use is associated with often difficult‐to‐manage constipation and other gastrointestinal (GI) effects due to effects on peripheral μ‐opioid receptors in the gut. The mechanism of opioid‐induced constipation (OIC) differs from that of functional constipation (FC), and OIC may not respond as well to most first‐line treatments for FC. The impact of OIC on quality of life (QoL) induces some patients to decrease or stop their opioid therapy to relieve or avoid constipation.PurposeAt a roundtable meeting on OIC, a working group developed a consensus definition for OIC diagnosis across disciplines and reviewed current OIC treatments and the potential of treatments in development. By consensus, OIC is defined as follows: ‘A change when initiating opioid therapy from baseline bowel habits that is characterized by any of the following: reduced bowel movement frequency, development or worsening of straining to pass bowel movements, a sense of incomplete rectal evacuation, or harder stool consistency’. The working group noted the prior validation of a patient response outcome and end point for clinical trials and recommended future efforts to create treatment guidelines and QoL measures specific for OIC. Details from the working group's discussion and consensus recommendations for patient care and research are presented in this article.
Genetic architecture of carbon isotope composition and growth in Eucalyptus across multiple environments
Authors: Bartholomé Jérôme , Mabiala André , Savelli Bruno , Bert Didier , Brendel Oliver , Plomion Christophe , Gion Jean‐Marc 
Published: January 2015

Summary

In the context of climate change, the water‐use efficiency (WUE) of highly productive tree varieties, such as eucalypts, has become a major issue for breeding programmes. This study set out to dissect the genetic architecture of carbon isotope composition (δ13C), a proxy of WUE, across several environments.

A family of Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis was planted in three trials and phenotyped for δ13C and growth traits. High‐resolution genetic maps enabled us to target genomic regions underlying δ13C quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on the E. grandis genome.

Of the 15 QTLs identified for δ13C, nine were stable across the environments and three displayed significant QTL‐by‐environment interaction, suggesting medium to high genetic determinism for this trait. Only one colocalization was found between growth and δ13C. Gene ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis suggested candidate genes related to foliar δ13C, including two involved in the regulation of stomatal movements.

This study provides the first report of the genetic architecture of δ13C and its relation to growth in Eucalyptus. The low correlations found between the two traits at phenotypic and genetic levels suggest the possibility of improving the WUE of Eucalyptus varieties without having an impact on breeding for growth.
Traumatic long‐standing unilateral dislocation of TMJ – a case report
Authors: Mohd Razi M.R. , Zamhari A.K. , Lee S.W. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis article aims to report a rare case of traumatic long‐standing unilateral dislocation of temporomandibular joint (TMJ). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of unilateral TMJ dislocation in the paediatric population. A healthy 15‐year‐old boy presented to our department complaining of facial pain around the TMJ region. A diagnosis of unilateral left TMJ dislocation associated with myofacial pain was made based on history, clinical and radiographic examinations. Manual reduction alone was not successful to keep the reduced left condyle within the glenoid fossa. Intermaxillary fixation was needed to improve the treatment outcome. Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug was prescribed for myofacial pain. The management of this case was challenging contributed to the nature of clinical presentations.
Protein body formation in leaves of Nicotiana benthamiana: a concentration‐dependent mechanism influenced by the presence of fusion tags
Authors: Saberianfar Reza , Joensuu Jussi J. , Conley Andrew J. , Menassa Rima 
Published: January 2015

SummaryProtein bodies (PBs) are endoplasmic reticulum (ER) derived organelles originally found in seeds whose function is to accumulate seed storage proteins. It has been shown that PB formation is not limited to seeds and green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to either elastin‐like polypeptide (ELP) or hydrophobin (HFBI) fusion tags induce the formation of PBs in leaves of N. benthamiana. In this study, we compared the ELP‐ and HFBI‐induced PBs and showed that ELP‐induced PBs are larger than HFBI‐induced PBs. The size of ELP‐ and HFBI‐induced PBs increased over time along with the accumulation levels of their fused protein. Our results show that PB formation is a concentration‐dependent mechanism in which proteins accumulating at levels higher than 0.2% of total soluble protein are capable of inducing PBs in vivo. Our results show that the presence of fusion tags is not necessary for the formation of PBs, but affects the distribution pattern and size of PBs. This was confirmed by PBs induced by fluorescent proteins as well as fungal xylanases. We noticed that in the process of PB formation, secretory and ER‐resident molecules are passively sequestered into the lumen of PBs. We propose to use this property of PBs as a tool to increase the accumulation levels of erythropoietin and human interleukin‐10 by co‐expression with PB‐inducing proteins.
Comparison of VHH‐Fc antibody production in Arabidopsis thaliana,Nicotiana benthamiana and Pichia pastoris
Authors: De Meyer Thomas , Laukens Bram , Nolf Jonah , Van Lerberge Els , De Rycke Riet , De Beuckelaer Ans , De Buck Sylvie , Callewaert Nico , Depicker Ann 
Published: January 2015

SummaryVHHs or nanobodies are widely acknowledged as interesting diagnostic and therapeutic tools. However, for some applications, multivalent antibody formats, such as the dimeric VHH‐Fc format, are desired to increase the functional affinity. The scope of this study was to compare transient expression of diagnostic VHH‐Fc antibodies in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves with their stable expression in Arabidopsis thaliana seeds and Pichia pastoris. To this end, VHH‐Fc antibodies targeting green fluorescent protein or the A. thaliana seed storage proteins (albumin and globulin) were produced in the three platforms. Differences were mainly observed in the accumulation levels and glycosylation patterns. Interestingly, although in plants oligomannosidic N‐glycans were expected for KDEL‐tagged VHH‐Fcs, several VHH‐Fcs with an intact KDEL‐tag carried complex‐type N‐glycans, suggesting a dysfunctional retention in the endoplasmic reticulum. All VHH‐Fcs were equally functional across expression platforms and several outperformed their corresponding VHH in terms of sensitivity in ELISA.
McMYB10 regulates coloration via activating McF3′H and later structural genes in ever‐red leaf crabapple
Authors: Tian Ji , Peng Zhen , Zhang Jie , Song Tingting , Wan Huihua , Zhang Meiling , Yao Yuncong 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe ever‐red leaf trait, which is important for breeding ornamental and higher anthocyanin plants, rarely appears in Malus families, but little is known about the regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis involved in the red leaves. In our study, HPLC analysis showed that the anthocyanin concentration in ever‐red leaves, especially cyanidin, was significantly higher than that in evergreen leaves. The transcript level of McMYB10 was significantly correlated with anthocyanin synthesis between the ‘Royalty’ and evergreen leaf ‘Flame’ cultivars during leaf development. We also found the ever‐red leaf colour cultivar ‘Royalty’ contained the known R6: McMYB10 sequence, but was not in the evergreen leaf colour cultivar ‘Flame’, which have been reported in apple fruit. The distinction in promoter region maybe is the main reason why higher expression level of McMYB10 in red foliage crabapple cultivar. Furthermore, McMYB10 promoted anthocyanin biosynthesis in crabapple leaves and callus at low temperatures and during long‐day treatments. Both heterologous expression in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) and Arabidopsis pap1 mutant, and homologous expression in crabapple and apple suggested that McMYB10 could promote anthocyanins synthesis and enhanced anthocyanin accumulation in plants. Interestingly, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, coupled with yeast one‐hybrid analysis, revealed that McMYB10 positively regulates McF3′H via directly binding to AACCTAAC and TATCCAACC motifs in the promoter. To sum up, our results demonstrated that McMYB10 plays an important role in ever‐red leaf coloration, by positively regulating McF3′H in crabapple. Therefore, our work provides new perspectives for ornamental fruit tree breeding.
Exploiting algal NADPH oxidase for biophotovoltaic energy
Authors: Anderson Alexander , Laohavisit Anuphon , Blaby Ian K. , Bombelli Paolo , Howe Christopher J. , Merchant Sabeeha S. , Davies Julia M. , Smith Alison G. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryPhotosynthetic microbes exhibit light‐dependent electron export across the cell membrane, which can generate electricity in biological photovoltaic (BPV) devices. How electrons are exported remains to be determined; the identification of mechanisms would help selection or generation of photosynthetic microbes capable of enhanced electrical output. We show that plasma membrane NADPH oxidase activity is a significant component of light‐dependent generation of electricity by the unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. NADPH oxidases export electrons across the plasma membrane to form superoxide anion from oxygen. The C. reinhardtii mutant lacking the NADPH oxidase encoded by RBO1 is impaired in both extracellular superoxide anion production and current generation in a BPV device. Complementation with the wild‐type gene restores both capacities, demonstrating the role of the enzyme in electron export. Monitoring light‐dependent extracellular superoxide production with a colorimetric assay is shown to be an effective way of screening for electrogenic potential of candidate algal strains. The results show that algal NADPH oxidases are important for superoxide anion production and open avenues for optimizing the biological component of these devices.
Overexpression of the PtSOS2 gene improves tolerance to salt stress in transgenic poplar plants
Authors: Yang Yang , Tang Ren‐Jie , Jiang Chun‐Mei , Li Bei , Kang Tao , Liu Hua , Zhao Nan , Ma Xu‐Jun , Yang Lei , Chen Shao‐Liang , Zhang Hong‐Xia 
Published: January 2015

SummaryIn higher plants, the salt overly sensitive (SOS) signalling pathway plays a crucial role in maintaining ion homoeostasis and conferring salt tolerance under salinity condition. Previously, we functionally characterized the conserved SOS pathway in the woody plant Populus trichocarpa. In this study, we demonstrate that overexpression of the constitutively active form of PtSOS2 (PtSOS2TD), one of the key components of this pathway, significantly increased salt tolerance in aspen hybrid clone Shanxin Yang (Populus davidiana × Populus bolleana). Compared to the wild‐type control, transgenic plants constitutively expressing PtSOS2TD exhibited more vigorous growth and produced greater biomass in the presence of high concentrations of NaCl. The improved salt tolerance was associated with a decreased Na+ accumulation in the leaves of transgenic plants. Further analyses revealed that plasma membrane Na+/H+ exchange activity and Na+ efflux in transgenic plants were significantly higher than those in the wild‐type plants. Moreover, transgenic plants showed improved capacity in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by salt stress. Taken together, our results suggest that PtSOS2 could serve as an ideal target gene to genetically engineer salt‐tolerant trees.
Eighteen Cases of Soft Tissue Atrophy After Intralesional Bleomycin A5 Injections for the Treatment of Infantile Hemangiomas: A Long‐Term Follow‐Up
Authors: Qiu Yajing , Lin Xiaoxi , Ma Gang , Chang Lei , Jin Yunbo , Chen Hui , Hu Xiaojie 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPingyangmycin is a commonly used drug in China for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas (IHs) and vascular malformations. Also known as bleomycin A5, it has a similar chemical structure to bleomycin. The side effects of bleomycin include swelling, erythema, fever, headache, hyperpigmentation, ulceration, allergic reactions, and pulmonary fibrosis. We conducted this retrospective study to identify the correlation between bleomycin A5 injections and soft tissue atrophy. We performed a retrospective chart review of all patients with IHs who had this treatment and presented with soft tissue atrophy in our department from January 2011 through July 2013. Eighteen children with IHs (14 girls, 4 boys) were included in this study. The average age was 8.6 ± 3.8 years. All of the atrophied deformities were located at the injection site. Thirteen (72.2%) were located on the upper lip, three (16.7%) on the nose, and two (11.1%) on the cheeks. Seventeen (94.5%) received their first injection at the age of 1 or 2 months. The mean number of injections was 3.5 ± 1.6. The mean interval between injections was 1.2 ± 0.3 months. Eight of 18 patients (44.4%) had ulceration after injection. Intralesional bleomycin A5 injection is not safe for the treatment of IHs because it may lead to soft tissue atrophy. Other safer treatments, such as oral propranolol, should replace this treatment.
Phototherapy for the Treatment of Vitiligo in Asian Children
Authors: Koh Mark Jean‐Aan , Mok Zhun‐Rui , Chong Wei‐Sheng 
Published: January 2015

AbstractVitiligo is a common acquired progressive depigmenting condition that can have devastating psychological effects in dark‐skinned patients. We performed a retrospective review of patients younger than 16 years of age with a clinical diagnosis of vitiligo treated using phototherapy at the National Skin Center, Singapore, over a 5‐year period. Seventy‐one Asian patients ages 5 to 15 years when they underwent phototherapy were identified. There was a higher proportion of Indian patients in our cohort than in the population. The duration of disease ranged from 2 months to 12 years. More than half of the patients had generalized vitiligo and more than one‐third had segmental vitiligo. Patients with generalized vitiligo had a better response than those with segmental vitiligo. Reported response rates were highest for narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy, followed by targeted phototherapy combining ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) and UVB; 308‐nm excimer lamp phototherapy and paint psoralen–UVA photochemotherapy had marginally lower reported response rates. The duration of treatment ranged from 3 to 40 months and the total number of treatments ranged from 20 to 209 sessions. Reported side effects were mild and included itching, scaling, erythema, pain, sunburn, blistering, and phototoxicity. We consider phototherapy to be a safe and efficacious modality for the treatment of vitiligo in Asian children.
The Successful Use of Extracorporeal Photopheresis in a 12‐Year‐Old Patient with Refractory Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita
Authors: Liszewski Walter , Omland Silje Haukali , Gniadecki Robert 
Published: January 2015

AbstractEpidermolysis bullosa acquisita is a rare autoimmune bullous disease of the mucosa and skin characterized by the presence of anti‐collagen VII antibodies at the dermoepidermal junction. Most patients respond to immunosuppressive or antiinflammatory agents, although patients whose condition is refractory to these therapies will require more aggressive treatment. We present a 12‐year‐old girl with refractory epidermolysis bullosa acquisita who responded to extracorporeal photopheresis.
Outcome in VLBW infants with surgical intestinal disorder at 18 months of corrected age
Authors: Hayakawa Masahiro , Taguchi Tomoaki , Urushihara Naoto , Yokoi Akiko , Take Hiroshi , Shiraishi Jun , Fujinaga Hideshi , Ohashi Kensuke , Oshiro Makoto , Kato Yuichi , Ohfuji Satoko , Okuyama Hiroomi 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundSurgical intestinal disorders, such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), focal intestinal perforation (FIP), and meconium‐related ileus (MRI), are serious morbidities in very low‐birthweight infants (VLBWI). The aim of this study was to compare the composite outcomes of death or neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in VLBWI with surgical intestinal disorders and assess independent risk factors for death and NDI at 18 months of corrected age.MethodsA retrospective matched‐cohort study was conducted at 11 institutes. We included VLBWI who had undergone laparotomy for NEC, FIP, and MRI. Two control subjects were chosen for every surgical patient and matched for gestational age and birthweight to form the comparison group. Death and neurodevelopmental outcome at 18 months of corrected age were evaluated.ResultsThe number of infants in the NEC, FIP, MRI, and control groups was 44, 47, 42, and 261, respectively. In‐hospital mortality was higher in infants with NEC and MRI relative to those in the control group (P < 0.001). The incidence rate for NDI at 18 months of corrected age was higher in infants with MRI relative to those in the control group (P = 0.021). On logistic regression analysis, low gestational age, male sex, small for gestational age, intraventricular hemorrhage, and MRI were associated with increased risk of death or NDI at 18 months of corrected age.ConclusionsNEC and MRI were associated with in‐hospital mortality, and MRI was associated with NDI or death at 18 months of corrected age.