bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coronary Vascular Resistance Increases Under Full Bypass Support of Centrifugal Pumps—Relation Between Myocardial Perfusion and Ventricular Workload During Pump Support
Authors: Ando Masahiko , Takewa Yoshiaki , Nishimura Takashi , Yamazaki Kenji , Kyo Shunei , Ono Minoru , Tsukiya Tomonori , Mizuno Toshihide , Taenaka Yoshiyuki , Tatsumi Eisuke 
Published: August 2011

AbstractCoronary circulation is closely linked to myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2), and previous reports have suggested decreased coronary flow (CoF) under left ventricular assist device support. Decreased CoF itself under support is not unfavorable because the native heart can be well unloaded and myocardial oxygen demand is also decreased. There should be an autoregulatory system that would maintain optimal CoF according to oxygen demand; however, the detailed mechanism is still unclear. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effect of centrifugal pumps on CoF under varied bypass rates in relation to left ventricle workload. A centrifugal pump, EVAHEART (Sun Medical Technology Research Corporation, Nagano, Japan), was installed in an adult goat (n = 10, 61.3 ± 6.5 kg). We set up the following conditions, including Circuit‐Clamp (i.e., no pump support), 50% bypass, and 100% bypass. In these settings, CoF, MVO2, pressure–volume area (PVA), and coronary vascular resistance (CVR) were measured. In 100% bypass, CoF, MVO2, and PVA were all decreased significantly from clamp. While in 50% bypass, CoF and MVO2 decreased from clamp, but not PVA. There was a significant 40% increase in CVR in 100% bypass from clamp. This CVR increase in 100% bypass was possibly due to mechanical collapse of coronary vascular bed itself by pump support or increased vascular tone through autoregulatory system. In clinical settings, we should adjust optimal pump speed so as not to cause this vascular collapse. However, to clarify autoregulatory system of the coronary perfusion, further investigation is ongoing in ischemic and heart failure models.
Impact of free light chain hemodialysis in myeloma cast nephropathy: A case–control study
Authors: PETERS Nicolas O. , LAURAIN Emmanuelle , CRIDLIG Joëlle , HULIN Cyrille , CAO‐HUU Thanh , FRIMAT Luc 
Published: August 2011

AbstractNew very high permeability dialysis membranes have been developed to enable the clearance of free light chains in myeloma cast nephropathy. These new dialysis techniques, in combination with chemotherapy, should allow improved prognosis in patients with myeloma cast nephropathy. We report a prospective observational study comparing patients who underwent hemodialysis in our center in 2009 for cast nephropathy revealing multiple myeloma vs. patients treated for the same condition during the same period in other centers in our region. The main difference in the management protocols was the use of high cutoff (HCO) membranes in our center. We described the clinical features, the management protocols, and the outcomes as of June 1, 2010. In 2009, five patients were treated for myeloma cast nephropathy with HCO hemodialysis in our center. At 386 ± 100 days follow‐up, one patient died, while three of the five patients recovered their renal function, allowing cessation of hemodialysis. During the same period, five patients were treated for myeloma cast nephropathy in other centers in our region. At 398 ± 131 days follow‐up, four patients died, and none of the patients recovered renal function, allowing cessation of hemodialysis. In our study, light chain clearance allowed recovery of renal function and cessation of hemodialysis in three of five patients with acute kidney injury secondary to myeloma cast nephropathy. A randomized trial comparing this technique with conventional hemodialysis techniques should be conducted to raise the level of proof for this therapeutic option. The overall prognosis, including quality of life and cost‐effectiveness, of HCO hemodialysis should also be examined.
Consequences of Fragmentation of Tropical Moist Forest for Birds and Their Role in Predation of Herbivorous Insects
Authors: Ruiz‐Guerra Betsabé , Renton Katherine , Dirzo Rodolfo 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTThe consequences of habitat alteration on the role of understory insectivorous birds as predators of herbivorous insects in tropical forests are poorly understood. To examine whether fragmentation may affect the top–down controls of herbivory, we compared the number of species, individuals, and the community structure of insectivorous birds between fragments and continuous tropical moist forest in Mexico. We also registered insect herbivore abundances and conducted a larvae predation experiment to evaluate the potential role of insectivorous birds as predators of herbivorous insects. We recorded 63 bird species from 22 families, 43 percent of which were insectivorous birds. Species richness, abundance, and diversity of the avian community were higher in continuous forest compared with forest fragments. For insectivorous birds in particular, there was low similarity in avian insectivore communities between forest types, and forest fragments had more heavily dominated communities of avian insectivores. During the dry season, forest fragments presented significantly higher predation rates on artificial caterpillars, and lower abundance of herbivorous Lepidoptera larvae, compared with continuous forest. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between artificial caterpillar predation rate and larval Lepidoptera abundance, with higher rates of predation in sample sites of low Lepidoptera abundance. Hence, the potentially greater light in the dry season combined with a more dominated avian insectivore community in forest fragments may facilitate increased predation by avian insectivores, resulting in a decline in abundance of larval Lepidoptera, with implications for the process of insect‐driven herbivory in forest fragments.
Update of prevalence of self‐reported allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms among adults in Sweden
Authors: Eriksson Jonas , Ekerljung Linda , Rönmark Eva , Dahlén Barbro , Ahlstedt Staffan , Dahlén Sven‐Erik , Lundbäck Bo 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackground:  Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common immunologic disease, and it renders a considerable burden on both sufferers and society. The prevalence of AR has been increasing worldwide over the past century. The aim of this study was to assess the present prevalence, risk factor patterns and comorbidity of self‐reported AR and chronic nasal symptoms in different age groups in Stockholm, Sweden.Methods:  A postal questionnaire was sent on two occasions, in 2006 to a population aged 30–80 years, randomly selected 10 years previously, and in 2007 to a randomly selected sample of subjects aged 20–69 years. The response rates were 83% and 68%, respectively, and in total, 9792 subjects participated. The questionnaire included questions on self‐reported AR, asthma, respiratory and nasal symptoms and possible determinants.Results:  The prevalence of self‐reported AR was 28.0% (men 26.6%, women 29.1%, P < 0.01) similar to 10 years previously and 33.6% in ages 30–40 years. Allergic heredity [odds ratio (OR) 4.76, confidence interval (CI) 95% 4.25–5.33], physician‐diagnosed asthma (OR 5.29, CI 95% 4.49–6.24) and occupational exposure to dust, gases and fumes (OR 1.49, CI 95% 1.30–1.72) were determinants for AR. Prevalence of chronic nasal congestion was 16.1% and of chronic rhinorrhea 14.1%.Conclusions:  As a basis for understanding the disease, as well as in planning and prioritising health‐care resources, the study provides information about the current prevalence and determinants of self‐reported AR and chronic nasal symptoms. Further, comparing with previous studies, the present study suggests that a plateau in the prevalence of AR may have been reached in Sweden.Please cite this paper as: Eriksson J, Ekerljung L, Rönmark E, Dahlén B, Ahlstedt S, Dahlén S‐E and Lundbäck B. Update of prevalence of self‐reported allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms among adults in Sweden. Clin Respir J 2012; 6: 159–168.
Gendered Relations and Filial Duties Along the Greek‐Albanian Remittance Corridor
Authors: King Russell , Castaldo Adriana , Vullnetari Julie 
Published: August 2011

abstractRemittances stand at the heart of the migration‐development debate. However, they are overwhelmingly considered in financial and economic terms, neglecting important dimensions, such as gender and patriarchal family structures. This article contributes to rectifying this oversight by analyzing flows of remittances resulting from Albanian migration to neighboring Greece. We draw on a detailed questionnaire survey with 350 remittance‐recipient households in rural southeast Albania and 45 in‐depth interviews with a selection of these respondents and with remitters living in the Greek city of Thessaloniki. We found that gender is interlinked with generation and life‐course stages within the context of Albanian patriarchal norms and that remittances are shaped accordingly. Although remitting to older parents is a filial duty for unmarried sons, upon marriage only the youngest son has this responsibility—other sons send small amounts as tokens of respect and love. Sending remittances is overwhelmingly seen as a “male thing.” Single young women rarely migrate on their own for work abroad. Meanwhile any remittances sent by married daughters to their parents are considered “unofficial,” referred to as “coffee money.” Within nuclear households, some increased power‐sharing among husband remitters and wife recipients takes place. However, the latter are far from passive recipients, since they struggle to combine caring for children and the elderly with farmwork or day labor. We conclude that a deeper understanding of how remittances are gendered can be gained by placing their analysis within the migratory and sociocultural context into which they are embedded.
Functional Characterization of Tn
4401
, a Tn
3
-Based Transposon Involved in
bla
KPC
Gene Mobilization
Authors: Cuzon Gaelle , Naas Thierry , Nordmann Patrice 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACT

The carbapenemase gene
bla
KPC
, which is rapidly spreading worldwide, is located on a Tn
3
-based transposon, Tn
4401
. In a transposition-conjugation assay, Tn
4401
was able to mobilize
bla
KPC-2
gene at a frequency of 4.4 × 10
−6
/recipient cell. A 5-bp target site duplication was evidenced upon each insertion without target site specificity. This study demonstrated that Tn
4401
is an active transposon capable of mobilizing
bla
KPC
genes at high frequency.
A Naturally Occurring Single-Residue Mutation in the Translocator Domain of Neisseria meningitidis NhhA Affects Trimerization, Surface Localization, and Adhesive Capabilities
Authors: Echenique-Rivera Hebert , Brunelli Brunella , Scarselli Maria , Taddei Anna Rita , Pizza Mariagrazia , Aricò Beatrice , Serruto Davide 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTNeisseria meningitidisNhhA (Neisseriahia/hsf homologue A) is an oligomeric outer membrane protein belonging to the family of trimeric autotransporter adhesins. NhhA mediates the interaction ofN. meningitidiswith human epithelial cells and components of the extracellular matrix. The recombinant protein is able to induce bactericidal antibodies and hence has also been considered a potential vaccine candidate. In this study, we analyzed the production of NhhA in a large panel ofN. meningitidisstrains belonging to different serogroups and clonal complexes. We found that trimeric NhhA was produced at different levels by the various strains tested. In some strains belonging to the clonal complex ST41/44, the protein is detectable only as a monomer. Sequencing of thenhhAgene and generation of complementing strains in different genetic backgrounds have proved that a single mutation (Gly to Asp) in the translocator domain affected both trimerization and surface localization of NhhA.In vitroinfection assays showed that this mutation impairs meningococcal NhhA-mediated adhesion, suggesting that strains carrying the mutation may rely on different strategies or molecules to mediate interaction with host cells. Finally, we demonstrated thatN. meningitidisST41/44 strains producing the mutated form did not induce killing mediated by NhhA-specific bactericidal antibodies. Our data help to elucidate the secretion mechanisms of trimeric autotransporters and to understand the contribution of NhhA in the evolutionary process of host-Neisseriainteractions. Also, they might have important implications for the evaluation of NhhA as a vaccine candidate.
Targeting NF-κB in Mouse Models of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Van Waes Carter 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Xue et al. demonstrate response and increased survival but development of acquired resistance to proteasome and inhibitor-κB kinase inhibitors targeting NF-κB activation in adenocarcinomas of Kras-activated, p53-deficient mice. Cancer Discovery; 1(3): 200–2. © 2011 AACR.
Commentary on Xue et al., p. 236.
Characterization of Fractionated Atrial Electrograms Critical for Maintenance of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Hunter Ross J. , Diab Ihab , Tayebjee Muzahir , Richmond Laura , Sporton Simon , Earley Mark J. , Schilling Richard J. 
Published: August 2011

Background—
Whether ablation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) modifies atrial fibrillation (AF) by eliminating drivers or atrial debulking remains unknown. This randomized study aimed to determine the effect of ablating different CFAE morphologies compared with normal electrograms (ie, debulking normal tissue) on the cycle length of persistent AF (AFCL).

Methods and Results—

After pulmonary vein isolation left and right atrial CFAE were targeted, until termination of AF or abolition of CFAE before DC cardioversion. Ten-second electrograms were classified according to a validated scale, with grade 1 being most fractionated and grade 5 normal. Patients were randomly assigned to have CFAE grades eliminated sequentially, from grade 1 to 5 (group 1) or grade 5 to 1 (group 2). An increase in AFCL (mean of left and right atrial appendage) ≥5 ms after a lesion was regarded as significant. CFAE (n=968) were targeted in 20 patients. AFCL increased after targeting 51±35% of grade 1 CFAE, 30±15% grade 2, 12±5% grade 3, 33±12% grade 4, and 8±15% grade 5 CFAE (
P
<0.01 for grades 1, 2, and 4 versus 5; 3 versus 5, not significant). The proportion of lesions causing AFCL prolongation was unaffected by the order in which CFAE were targeted.

Conclusions—
Targeting CFAE is not simply atrial debulking. Ablating certain grades of CFAE increases AFCL, suggesting they are more important in maintaining AF.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00894400.
PChopper: high throughput peptide prediction for MRM/SRM transition design
Authors: Afzal Vackar , Huang Jeffrey T-J , Atrih Abdel , Crowther Daniel J 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
The use of selective reaction monitoring (SRM) based LC-MS/MS analysis for the quantification of phosphorylation stoichiometry has been rapidly increasing. At the same time, the number of sites that can be monitored in a single LC-MS/MS experiment is also increasing. The manual processes associated with running these experiments have highlighted the need for computational assistance to quickly design MRM/SRM candidates.

Results
PChopper has been developed to predict peptides that can be produced via enzymatic protein digest; this includes single enzyme digests, and combinations of enzymes. It also allows digests to be simulated in 'batch' mode and can combine information from these simulated digests to suggest the most appropriate enzyme(s) to use. PChopper also allows users to define the characteristic of their target peptides, and can automatically identify phosphorylation sites that may be of interest. Two application end points are available for interacting with the system; the first is a web based graphical tool, and the second is an API endpoint based on HTTP REST.

Conclusions
Service oriented architecture was used to rapidly develop a system that can consume and expose several services. A graphical tool was built to provide an easy to follow workflow that allows scientists to quickly and easily identify the enzymes required to produce multiple peptides in parallel via enzymatic digests in a high throughput manner.
A novel amniote model of epimorphic regeneration: the leopard gecko, Eublepharis macularius
Authors: McLean Katherine E , Vickaryous Matthew K 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Background
Epimorphic regeneration results in the restoration of lost tissues and structures from an aggregation of proliferating cells known as a blastema. Among amniotes the most striking example of epimorphic regeneration comes from tail regenerating lizards. Although tail regeneration is often studied in the context of ecological costs and benefits, details of the sequence of tissue-level events are lacking. Here we investigate the anatomical and histological events that characterize tail regeneration in the leopard gecko, Eublepharis macularius.

Results
Tail structure and tissue composition were examined at multiple days following tail loss, revealing a conserved pattern of regeneration. Removal of the tail results in a consistent series of morphological and histological events. Tail loss is followed by a latent period of wound healing with no visible signs of regenerative outgrowth. During this latent period basal cells of the epidermis proliferate and gradually cover the wound. An additional aggregation of proliferating cells accumulates adjacent to the distal tip of the severed spinal cord marking the first appearance of the blastema. Continued growth of the blastema is matched by the initiation of angiogenesis, followed by the re-development of peripheral axons and the ependymal tube of the spinal cord. Skeletal tissue differentiation, corresponding with the expression of Sox9, and muscle re-development are delayed until tail outgrowth is well underway.

Conclusions
We demonstrate that tail regeneration in lizards involves a highly conserved sequence of events permitting the establishment of a staging table. We show that tail loss is followed by a latent period of scar-free healing of the wound site, and that regeneration is blastema-mediated. We conclude that the major events of epimorphic regeneration are highly conserved across vertebrates and that a comparative approach is an invaluable biomedical tool for ongoing regenerative research.
Forecasting incidence of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in China using ARIMA model
Authors: Liu Qiyong , Liu Xiaodong , Jiang Baofa , Yang Weizhong 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
China is a country that is most seriously affected by hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) with 90% of HFRS cases reported globally. At present, HFRS is getting worse with increasing cases and natural foci in China. Therefore, there is an urgent need for monitoring and predicting HFRS incidence to make the control of HFRS more effective. In this study, we applied a stochastic autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model with the objective of monitoring and short-term forecasting HFRS incidence in China.

Methods
Chinese HFRS data from 1975 to 2008 were used to fit ARIMA model. Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Ljung-Box test were used to evaluate the constructed models. Subsequently, the fitted ARIMA model was applied to obtain the fitted HFRS incidence from 1978 to 2008 and contrast with corresponding observed values. To assess the validity of the proposed model, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) between the observed and fitted HFRS incidence (1978-2008) was calculated. Finally, the fitted ARIMA model was used to forecast the incidence of HFRS of the years 2009 to 2011. All analyses were performed using SAS9.1 with a significant level of p < 0.05.

Results
The goodness-of-fit test of the optimum ARIMA (0,3,1) model showed non-significant autocorrelations in the residuals of the model (Ljung-Box Q statistic = 5.95,P = 0.3113). The fitted values made by ARIMA (0,3,1) model for years 1978-2008 closely followed the observed values for the same years, with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 12.20%. The forecast values from 2009 to 2011 were 0.69, 0.86, and 1.21per 100,000 population, respectively.

Conclusion
ARIMA models applied to historical HFRS incidence data are an important tool for HFRS surveillance in China. This study shows that accurate forecasting of the HFRS incidence is possible using an ARIMA model. If predicted values from this study are accurate, China can expect a rise in HFRS incidence.
Rodé's theorem on common fixed points of semigroup of nonexpansive mappings in CAT(0) spaces
Authors: Anakkamatee Watcharapong , Dhompongsa Sompong 
Published: August 2011

AbstractWe extend Rodé's theorem on common fixed points of semigroups of nonexpansive mappings in Hilbert spaces to the CAT(0) space setting.2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 47H09; 47H10.
Orthoretroviral-like prototype foamy virus gag-pol expression is compatible with viral replication
Authors: Swiersy Anka , Wiek Constanze , Reh Juliane , Zentgraf Hanswalter , Lindemann Dirk 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
Foamy viruses (FVs) unlike orthoretroviruses express Pol as a separate precursor protein and not as a Gag-Pol fusion protein. A unique packaging strategy, involving recognition of briding viral RNA by both Pol precursor and Gag as well as potential Gag-Pol protein interactions, ensures Pol particle encapsidation.

Results
Several Prototype FV (PFV) Gag-Pol fusion protein constructs were generated to examine whether PFV replication is compatible with an orthoretroviral-like Pol expression. During their analysis, non-particle-associated secreted Pol precursor protein was discovered in extracellular wild type PFV particle preparations of different origin, copurifying in simple virion enrichment protocols. Different analysis methods suggest that extracellular wild type PFV particles contain predominantly mature p85PR-RT and p40IN Pol subunits. Characterization of various PFV Gag-Pol fusion constructs revealed that PFV Pol expression in an orthoretroviral manner is compatible with PFV replication as long as a proteolytic processing between Gag and Pol proteins is possible. PFV Gag-Pol translation by a HIV-1 like ribosomal frameshift signal resulted in production of replication-competent virions, although cell- and particle-associated Pol levels were reduced in comparison to wild type. In-frame fusion of PFV Gag and Pol ORFs led to increased cellular Pol levels, but particle incorporation was only marginally elevated. Unlike that reported for similar orthoretroviral constructs, a full-length in-frame PFV Gag-Pol fusion construct showed wildtype-like particle release and infectivity characteristics. In contrast, in-frame PFV Gag-Pol fusion with C-terminal Gag ORF truncations or non-removable Gag peptide addition to Pol displayed wildtype particle release, but reduced particle infectivity. PFV Gag-Pol precursor fusion proteins with inactivated protease were highly deficient in regular particle release, although coexpression of p71Gag resulted in a significant copackaging of these proteins.

Conclusions
Non-particle associated PFV Pol appears to be naturally released from infected cells by a yet unknown mechanism. The absence of particle-associated Pol precursor suggests its rapid processing upon particle incorporation. Analysis of different PFV Gag-Pol fusion constructs demonstrates that orthoretroviral-like Pol expression is compatible with FV replication in principal as long as fusion protein processing is possible. Furthermore, unlike orthoretroviruses, PFV particle release and infectivity tolerate larger differences in relative cellular Gag/Pol levels.