bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The oxygen isotope enrichment of leaf‐exported assimilates – does it always reflect lamina leaf water enrichment?
Authors: Gessler Arthur , Brandes Elke , Keitel Claudia , Boda Sonja , Kayler Zachary E. , Granier André , Barbour Margaret , Farquhar Graham D. , Treydte Kerstin 
Published: June 2013

Summary

The oxygen stable isotope composition of plant organic matter (OM) (particularly of wood and cellulose in the tree ring archive) is valuable in studies of plant–climate interaction, but there is a lack of information on the transfer of the isotope signal from the leaf to heterotrophic tissues.

We studied the oxygen isotopic composition and its enrichment above source water of leaf water over diel courses in five tree species covering a broad range of life forms. We tracked the transfer of the isotopic signal to leaf water‐soluble OM and further to phloem‐transported OM.

Observed leaf water evaporative enrichment was consistent with values predicted from mechanistic models taking into account nonsteady‐state conditions. While leaf water‐soluble OM showed the expected 18O enrichment in all species, phloem sugars were less enriched than expected from leaf water enrichment in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), European larch (Larix decidua) and Alpine ash (Eucalyptus delegatensis).

Oxygen atom exchange with nonenriched water during phloem loading and transport, as well as a significant contribution of assimilates from bark photosynthesis, can explain these phloem 18O enrichment patterns. Our results indicate species‐specific uncoupling between the leaf water and the OM oxygen isotope signal, which is important for the interpretation of tree ring data.
Utility of Mapping Signals to Improve Precision of Atrioventricular Node Ablation
Authors: YEO WEE TIONG , SPORTON SIMON C.E. , DHINOJA MEHUL , SCHILLING RICHARD J. , EARLEY MARK J. 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundAtrioventricular node (AVN) ablation is effective for rate control in atrial fibrillation. This may require multiple radiofrequency applications to achieve complete atrioventricular block (CAB). In this retrospective study, we tested the hypothesis that mapping the AVN utilizing electrograms (EGMs) on both proximal and distal bipoles of the mapping catheter may improve the likelihood of CAB.MethodsLesion characteristics and EGM components on the proximal and distal bipoles of the ablation catheter in first‐time AVN ablation procedures were analyzed. Outcomes of each lesion, including presence of CAB, acute recurrence of AVN conduction, new‐onset right bundle branch block (RBBB), and junctional escape rhythm, were analyzed. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify EGM characteristics that independently predicted the outcomes of interest. Lesions with these EGM characteristics were then identified and their outcomes compared with the whole cohort.ResultsA total of 441 ablation lesions were analyzed. EGM characteristics that independently predicted outcomes were the presence of His and atrial EGMs on the distal bipole and the absence of ventricular EGM on the proximal bipole. Among the 25 lesions with all these characteristics, 18 (72%) resulted in CAB compared to the overall cohort rate of 38% (P = 0.001). There was no new‐onset RBBB. The likelihood of acute recurrent AVN conduction and junctional escape rhythm were similar.ConclusionCombining proximal and distal bipole EGM characteristics of the ablation catheter can improve the accuracy of AVN localization during AVN ablation and avoid right bundle branch injury.
The Systolic Index: A Noninvasive Approach for the Assessment of Cardiac Function: Implications for Patients with DDD and CRT Devices
Authors: CHIRIFE RAUL , RUIZ G. AURORA , GAYET ENRIQUE , MURATORE CLAUDIO , MAZZETTI HÉCTOR , PELLEGRINI ALEJANDRO , TENTORI M. CRISTINA 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundOur objective was to evaluate the systolic index (SI), the ratio between rate‐corrected left ventricular ejection time (LVETc), and a preejection period surrogate (PEPsu), to assess cardiac function in patients with DDD and cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) pacemakers.MethodsLVETc and PEPsu were automatically measured from electrocardiogram and finger photoplethismography. Atrioventricular (AV) and mode switch (CRT to DDD) were used as hemodynamic challenges. Performance of SI, beat‐by‐beat systolic blood pressure (SBP), and Doppler aortic velocity/time integral (AoVTI) were compared in 36 patients, and SI's detection of CRT to DDD mode switch in nine patients, responders to CRT. AVs were changed from 30 ms to 250 ms (20 ms steps) at constant paced heart rate, alternating with a reference AV (RefAV), to reduce hemodynamic drift. The coefficient of variation (standard deviation/mean) of SI, SBP, and AoVTI during all RefAVs were used as error marker. The percentage detection of hemodynamic changes during AV transitions was a marker of sensitivity.ResultsFifty‐five patients (males 62%, age 69.6 ± 17) were studied. SI detected 441 of 544 transitions (81%) versus 361 (66%) of SBP (P = 0.005). Error during RefAVs was smaller for SI (3.4%) as compared to AoVTI (7.8%, P = 0.015) and to SBP (5.7%, P = 0.005). SIs correlated with AoVTI (R from 0.71 to 0.98, all P < 0.001). SI detected all CRT to DDD changes (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe noninvasive SI obtained with a simple, observer‐independent hemodynamic assessment procedure has higher accuracy than SBP and AoVTI and better sensitivity than SBP. It detects mechanical resynchronization in CRT and allows programming a suitable AV delay.
The interaction between glucose and cytokinin signal transduction pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: KUSHWAH SUNITA , LAXMI ASHVERYA 
Published: June 2013

AbstractCytokinins (CKs) and glucose (GLC) control a number of common responses in plants. We hypothesize that there may be an extensive overlap between CK‐ and GLC‐signalling pathways. Microarray along with physiological analysis has been performed to find out the interdependence/overlap between CK and GLC signal transduction pathways in Arabidopsis seedlings. GLC could transcriptionally affect 76% of CK‐regulated genes at whole genome level, 89% of which are agonistically regulated. GLC may also affect CK‐regulated gene expression via non‐transcriptional pathways. GLC can regulate several genes involved in CK metabolism and signalling. A number of gene families involved in development and stress are commonly regulated by CK and GLC. Physiologically, both GLC and CK could regulate hypocotyl length in dark. GLC and CK signalling may integrate at the level of type A Arabidopsis response regulators (ARRs) in controlling hypocotyl length. Both GLC and CK signalling cannot alter hypocotyl length in dark in auxin‐signalling mutants AUXIN RESPONSE2/INDOLE‐3‐ACETIC ACID7 (AXR2/IAA7) and AXR3/IAA17 suggesting that they may involve auxin‐signalling component as a nodal point. Here, we demonstrate that there is an extensive overlap between CK‐ and GLC‐regulated gene expression and physiological responses.
Juvenile fibromyalgia: Guidance for management
Authors: Yokota Shumpei , Kikuchi Masako , Miyamae Takako 
Published: June 2013

AbstractJuvenile fibromyalgia (JFM) is a disease in which patients complain of acute and chronic severe pain, an overt primary cause for which cannot be found or surmised. Although patients with JFM mainly complain of systemic pain or allodynia in the medical interview and physical examination, the concept of the disease is the total sum of painful illness, chronic fatigue, hypothermia and many other autonomic symptoms and signs. Many issues are interacting including individual traits (personality, temperament, sensitivity, memory of pain; age: early adolescence), individual states (self‐esteem, anxiety, developmental level), and external stressors (parent especially mother, school environment). JFM is diagnosed on the combination of disease history, physical examination to determine the 18 tender points and allodynia, pain from gently touching their hair, and negative results of blood tests (inflammatory markers, thyroid function, myogenic enzymes). The goals of treatment are the following: restoration of function and relief of pain. Psychological support is advocated. Although the exact number of patients with JFM is still to be elucidated, it seems to be growing because pediatric rheumatologists in Japan encounter children with a wide variety of musculoskeletal pains. This guideline describes how to diagnose JFM in children and how to treat them appropriately.
Outcome evaluations in group decision making using the majority rule: An electrophysiological study
Authors: Kimura Kenta , Katayama Jun'ichi 
Published: June 2013

AbstractEvent‐related brain potential (ERP) reflecting outcome evaluation is called feedback‐related negativity (FRN). The present study examined the evaluative processes for two different types of outcomes by recording ERPs from three participants during a group decision task. First, we examined the evaluative processing of outcomes associated with group decisions using the majority rule. Second, we investigated whether the majority rule influenced the evaluation of conflicts related to individual opinions among group members. We found that FRN for monetary loss associated with the group decision was reduced when the participant's opinion was in the minority. In addition, conflict of opinions among group members elicited FRN‐like negativity, and greater amplitudes were observed when the participant's opinion was in the minority. The present results suggested that the majority rule can modulate outcome evaluations in group decision making.
Development of a severity of illness scoring system (inpatient triage, assessment and treatment) for resource‐constrained hospitals in developing countries
Authors: Olson Dan , Davis Nicole L. , Milazi Robert , Lufesi Norman , Miller William C. , Preidis Geoffrey A. , Hosseinipour Mina C. , McCollum Eric D. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo develop a new paediatric illness severity score, called inpatient triage, assessment and treatment (ITAT), for resource‐limited settings to identify hospitalised patients at highest risk of death and facilitate urgent clinical re‐evaluation.MethodsWe performed a nested case–control study at a Malawian referral hospital. The ITAT score was derived from four equally weighted variables, yielding a cumulative score between 0 and 8. Variables included oxygen saturation, temperature, and age‐adjusted heart and respiratory rates. We compared the ITAT score between cases (deaths) and controls (discharges) in predicting death within 2 days. Our analysis includes predictive statistics, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression, and calculation of data‐driven scores.ResultsA total of 54 cases and 161 controls were included in the analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.76. At an ITAT cut‐off of 4, the sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratio were 0.44, 0.86 and 1.70, respectively. A cumulative ITAT score of 4 or higher was associated with increased odds of death (OR 4.80; 95% CI 2.39–9.64). A score of 2 for all individual vital signs was a statistically significant independent predictor of death.ConclusionsWe developed an inpatient triage tool (ITAT) appropriate for resource‐constrained hospitals that identifies high‐risk children after hospital admission. Further research is needed to study how best to operationalise ITAT in developing countries.
Donor body mass index is an important factor that affects peripheral blood progenitor cell yield in healthy donors after mobilization with granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor
Authors: Chen Jian , Burns Kevin M. , Babic Aleksandar , Carrum George , Kennedy Martha , Segura Francisco J. , Garcia Salvador , Potts Sandra , Leveque Christopher 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundThe use of hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) transplantation has rapidly expanded in recent years. Currently, several sources of HPCs are available for transplantation including peripheral blood HPCs (PBPCs), cord blood cells, and marrow cells. Of these, PBPC collection has become the major source of HPCs. An important variable in PBPC collection is the response to PBPC mobilization, which varies significantly and sometime causes mobilization failure.Study Design and MethodsA retrospective study of 69 healthy donors who underwent PBPC donation by leukapheresis was performed. All of these donors received 10 μg/kg/day or more granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) for 5 days before PBPC harvest. Donor factors were evaluated and correlated with mobilization responses, as indicated by the precollection CD34 count (pre‐CD34).ResultsDonors with a pre‐CD34 of more than 100 × 106/L had higher body mass index (BMI) compared with donors whose pre‐CD34 was 38 × 106 to 99 × 106/L or less than 38 × 106/L (32.0 ± 1.04 kg/m2 vs. 28.7 ± 0.93 kg/m2 vs. 25.9 ± 1.27 kg/m2, respectively; p < 0.05). In addition, donors with high BMIs had higher pre‐CD34 on a per‐kilogram‐of‐body‐weight basis compared with donors with low BMIs.ConclusionBMI is an important factor that affects donor's response to mobilization and consequently the HPC yield. This effect may be due to a relatively high dose of G‐CSF administered to donors with higher BMI or due to the presence of unknown intrinsic factors affecting mobilization that correlate with the amount of adipose tissue in each donor.
Analysis of inventory strategies for blood components in a regional blood center using process simulation
Authors: Baesler Felipe , Nemeth Matías , Martínez Cristina , Bastías Alfonso 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundThe storage of blood components is an important concern in the blood supply chain. Because these are perishable products, the definition of good inventory policies is crucial to reduce shortages and spills.Study Design and MethodsTo analyze and propose inventory policies in a regional blood center, a discrete event simulation model was created using simulation software (Arena 12.0, Rockwell Software). The model replicates the activities that are performed along the supply chain including donation arrivals, testing, production, inventory management, and dispatching.ResultsTwelve different scenarios were analyzed, with each one representing different inventory policies composed of a combination of an optimal inventory, a reorder point, and a level of extra donations. The best scenario demonstrates that it is possible to decrease unsatisfied demand and wastage of red blood cell units by 2.5 and 3%, respectively, when compared to current practices.ConclusionsThis study shows that simulation is an alternative that can be used to model inventory components in blood centers. A responsible selection of inventory variables can improve the capability of the system to respond to the final patient requirements.
The radiosensitizing effect of the aurora kinase inhibitors, ENMD‐2076, on canine mast cell tumours in vitro
Authors: Shiomitsu K. , Sajo E. , Rubin C. , Sehgal I. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractENMD‐2076 is an aurora kinase inhibitor that also has multi‐target tyrosine kinase inhibitor properties. In this study, the mRNA and the protein expression of aurora‐A and aurora‐B were evaluated in three canine mast cell tumour cell lines. Dose‐dependent cytotoxicity was seen in the cells treated, and it affected the cell cycle with cells in the G2/M phase being selectively killed. The cells were also evaluated for radiosensitivity with/without ENMD‐2076, and radiosensitization was seen after 3 Gy and 6 Gy exposures with ENMD‐2076 for 48 h. Protein expression of caspase‐3 was gradually increased, and the expression intensity was highest at 24 h post irradiation in cells without ENMD‐2076 treatment, which indicates that radiation exposure with ENMD‐2076‐induced cell death faster than radiation treatment alone. Our study results suggest the potential usefulness of treating canine mast cell tumours with aurora kinase inhibitors alone or in conjunction with radiation therapy.
Cellular Immune Responses to Recombinant Mycobacterium bovis BCG Constructs Expressing Major Antigens of Region of Difference 1 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Shaban Kholoud , Amoudy Hanady A. , Mustafa Abu S. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT

Besides being the most widely used vaccine directed against tuberculosis (TB) worldwide,
Mycobacterium bovis
BCG is also the most controversial vaccine in current use. Its protective efficacy varies widely in different parts of the world. One approach to improving the current BCG vaccine might be to produce recombinant BCG strains that express major antigens encoded by genes that are present in the
M. tuberculosis
-specific region of difference 1 (RD1), such as
pe35
,
cfp10
, and
esat6
. In this study,
pe35
,
cfp10
, and
esat6
genes were cloned into shuttle plasmid pDE22 to generate the recombinant plasmids PDE22-PE35, PDE22-CFP10, and PDE22-ESAT6, which were electroporated into BCG to generate recombinant BCGs (rBCGs). The cellular immune responses (antigen-induced proliferation and secretion of selected T helper 1 [Th1], Th2, and anti-inflammatory cytokines, i.e., gamma interferon [IFN-γ], interleukin 5 [IL-5], and IL-10, respectively) that are specific to the proteins of cloned genes were studied by using spleen cells from mice immunized with native BCGs and rBCGs and synthetic peptides covering the protein sequence of the cloned genes. The results showed that the spleen cells did not secrete IL-5, whereas IL-10 was secreted in response to peptides of all three proteins from mice immunized with rBCGs only, suggesting expression of the cloned genes and
in vivo
priming of spleen cells to the expressed proteins. However, in Th1 cell assays that correlate with protective cellular immune responses, i.e., antigen-induced proliferation and IFN-γ secretion, only mice immunized with rBCG-pDE22-PE35 yielded positive responses to the peptides of PE35. These results suggest that rBCG-PDE22-PE35 is the only one of the three vaccines used in this work that is worthy of consideration as a new vaccine candidate against TB.
Development of a Highly Sensitive Bioluminescent Enzyme Immunoassay for Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen Capable of Detecting Divergent Mutants
Authors: Minekawa Takayuki , Takehara Shizuka , Takahashi Masaharu , Okamoto Hiroaki 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTHepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are sometimes overlooked when using commercial kits to measure hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) due to their low sensitivities and reactivities to mutant strains of various genotypes. We developed an ultrasensitive bioluminescent enzyme immunoassay (BLEIA) for HBsAg using firefly luciferase, which is adaptable to a variety of HBsAg mutants, by combining four monoclonal antibodies with a polyclonal antibody against HBsAg. The measurement of seroconversion panels showed trace amounts of HBsAg during the early infection phase by the BLEIA because of its high sensitivity of 5 mIU/ml. The BLEIA detected HBsAg as early as did PCR in five of seven series and from 2.1 to 9.4 days earlier than commercial immunoassay methods. During the late infection phase, the BLEIA successfully detected HBsAg even 40 days after the disappearance of HBV DNA and the emergence of antibodies against HBsAg. The HBsAg BLEIA successfully detected all 13 recombinant HBsAg and 45 types of HBsAg mutants with various mutations within amino acids 90 to 164 in the S gene product. Some specimens had higher values determined by the BLEIA than those by a commercial chemiluminescent immunoassay; this suggests that such discrepancies were caused by the dissociation of preS1/preS2 peptides from the particle surface. With its highly sensitive detection of low-titer HBsAg, including various mutants, the HBsAg BLEIA is considered to be useful for the early diagnosis and prevention of HBV infection because of the shorter window of infection prior to detection, which facilitates early prediction of recurrence in HBV-infected individuals.
Clinical Disease Upregulates Expression of CD40 and CD40 Ligand on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Cattle Naturally Infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis
Authors: Khalifeh M. S. , Stabel J. R. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTCD40 and CD40 ligand (CD40L) have costimulatory effects as part of a complex series of events in host immunity. In this study, the expression of CD40 and CD40L on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) isolated from cattle with Johne's disease were measured on freshly isolated PBMCs and on cells cultured for 8, 24, and 72 h in the presence or absence of liveMycobacterium aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisand exogenous gamma interferon, interleukin 10, and transforming growth factor β. Results demonstrated greater CD40 and CD40L expression on fresh PBMCs obtained from animals in the clinical stage of disease (symptomatic) than those from healthy control animals or cows in the subclinical stage of disease (asymptomatic). A similar expression profile with greater magnitude was noted for cultured PBMCs, with increased CD40 expression after 8 and 24 h of culture and increased CD40L expression between 24 and 72 h on PBMCs obtained from clinically infected animals. The addition of liveM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisto cell cultures resulted in downregulation of CD40L expression in naturally infected cows, regardless of the disease stage. In contrast, the addition of liveM. aviumsubsp.paratuberculosisto cultures resulted in upregulation of CD40 expression on cells obtained from clinically infected animals, while a decrease in expression was noted for healthy and subclinically infected cows. No effects of exogenous cytokines on CD40 or CD40L expression were observed. These results clearly point for the first time to a disparity in the expression of these costimulatory molecules on immune cells from cattle in different stages of Johne's disease and suggest further investigation into their roles in paratuberculosis pathogenesis.
In VitroAssessment of the Immunological Significance of a Human Monoclonal Antibody Directed to the Influenza A Virus Nucleoprotein
Authors: Bodewes Rogier , Geelhoed-Mieras Martina M. , Wrammert Jens , Ahmed Rafi , Wilson Patrick C. , Fouchier Ron A. M. , Osterhaus Albert D. M. E. , Rimmelzwaan Guus F. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTInfluenza A viruses cause annual epidemics and occasionally pandemics. Antibodies directed to the conserved viral nucleoprotein (NP) may play a role in immunity against various influenza A virus subtypes. Here, we assessed the immunological significance of a human monoclonal antibody directed to NPin vitro. This antibody bound to virus-infected cells but did not display virus-neutralizing activity, complement-dependent cell cytotoxicity, or opsonization of viral antigen for improved antigen presentation to CD8+T cells by dendritic cells.