bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microsatellite markers for Dayaoshania cotinifolia (Gesneriaceae), a critically endangered perennial herb
Authors: Zhang Bing , Wang Hong‐Wei , Cheng Yue‐Qin , Ye Yong‐Zhong , Wang Zhao‐Shan 
Published: August 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for the critically endangered species Dayaoshania cotinifolia (Gesneriaceae) to evaluate population genetic diversity and detect population history.• Methods and Results: In our study, 15 primer sets were developed using an enriched genomic library. These are the first microsatellite loci developed for this genus. Genetic diversity was measured using 40 individuals. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to six, and the incidence of observed heterozygosities was 0.365 and 0.410 in two populations.• Conclusions: The described markers will be useful in future population genetics studies of this critically endangered species.
Three new teosintes (Zeaspp., Poaceae) from México
Authors: Sánchez G. J. J. , De La Cruz L. L. , Vidal M. V. A. , Ron P. J. , Taba S. , Santacruz‐Ruvalcaba F. , Sood S. , Holland J. B. , Ruíz C. J. A. , Carvajal S. , Aragón C. F. , Chávez T. V. H. , Morales R. M. M. , Barba‐González R. 
Published: August 2011

•Premise of the study:Teosinte species are the closest relatives of maize and represent an important but increasingly rare genetic resource for maize improvement and the study of evolution by domestication. Three morphologically and ecologically distinct teosinte populations were recently discovered in México. The taxonomic status of these rare and endangered populations was investigated by detailed comparisons to previously characterized wildZeaspecies.•Methods:Three new teosinte populations were compared to known teosinte taxa on the basis of morphological, ecogeographic, cytological, and molecular characteristics. Phenetic and phylogenetic analyses were performed using morphological and molecular data, respectively.•Key results:The newly discovered populations are distinct from each other and from otherZeaspecies to represent three new entities based on their unique combinations of morphological, ecological, ploidy, and DNA markers. A perennial diploid population from Nayarit is distinguished by early maturing plants, and having male inflorescences with few tassel branches and long spikelets. A perennial tetraploid population from Michoacán is characterized by tall and late maturing plants, and having male inflorescences with many branches. An annual diploid population from Oaxaca is characterized by having male inflorescences with fewer branches and longer spikelets than those found in the sister taxaZ. luxuriansandZ. nicaraguensis, plants with high thermal requirements, and very long seed dormancy.•Conclusions:Evidence from multiple independent sources suggests placement of the three new populations of teosinte as distinct entities within sectionLuxuriantesof the genusZea. However, more extensive DNA marker or sequence data are required to resolve the taxonomy of this genus.
Le financement des retraites aux États-Unis
Authors: Touzé Vincent 
Published: August 2011

Résumé Deux logiques concourent au financement des retraites américaines : un régime fédéral par répartition verse des pensions de base ; des fonds de retraite par capitalisation gérés par des employeurs publics ou privés complètent le système. La récession de 2009 a lourdement pesé sur les ressources du régime par répartition et ce dernier est en déficit primaire depuis 2010. Toutefois son financement n’a pas été mis en péril grâce aux revenus financiers d’un fonds de réserve qui compensent amplement le déficit primaire. La crise a réduit les ressources et rapproché la période où le régime commence à puiser dans le fonds de réserve. À long terme, ce dernier ne sera pas suffisant pour couvrir le déficit chronique. Des réformes seront donc nécessaires d’ici 2030. Avec la crise financière, les régimes par capitalisation ont souffert d’une forte dévalorisation de leurs actifs, ce qui peut poser un problème de survie pour certains fonds de pension. Pour ceux qui versent des pensions à prestation définie, le risque est porté par les employeurs qui doivent alors ajuster leurs contributions en fonction des performances boursières. Pour les pensions à cotisations définies, les aléas financiers sont intégralement supportés par les salariés. En cas de faillite, les fonds de pension à prestation définie du secteur privé bénéficient d’une garantie fédérale. Ce n’est pas le cas pour les fonds gérés par les États et les administrations locales. Pourtant, ces derniers semblent plus vulnérables car ils étaient déjà sous-capitalisés avant la crise et, de plus, leurs engagements auraient été largement sous-évalués. Des mesures correctives nationales ou locales semblent donc inévitables.
Surgical Management of Pediatric Limbal Dermoids With Sutureless Amniotic Membrane Transplantation and Augmentation
Authors: Pirouzian Amir , Holz Huck , Merrill Kevin , Sudesh Rattehalli , Karlen Kris 
Published: August 2011

Purpose:
To further evaluate the efficacy of a new surgical technique for removal of pediatric corneal-limbal dermoids and ocular surface reconstruction using multilayered amniotic membrane.

Methods:
Three pediatric patients with corneal-limbal dermoid (grade I) in one practice were identified in a retrospective fashion. All patients underwent deep lamellar excision followed by sutureless multilayered amniotic membrane transplantation by a single surgeon (AP). Preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, anterior segment examination, anterior segment B-scan, and cycloplegic refraction were performed.

Results:
Three patients with ages ranging from 6 months to 18 years had a postoperative follow-up of 9 to 12 months from the time of surgery. This surgical technique achieved rapid postoperative corneal re-epithelialization, reduced postoperative pain, and diminished postoperative scarring in all three patients. Existing preoperative astigmatism remained unchanged throughout the follow-up period. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted.

Conclusion:
This surgical approach offers an alternative surgical technique to a simple excision with or without deep lamellar keratoplasty for removal of pediatric corneal-limbal dermoids (grade I). In the management of pediatric limbal dermoids (grade I), surgical excision combined with sutureless multilayered amniotic membrane transplantation eliminates painful postoperative recovery and corneal neovascularization, and can achieve an improved long-term ocular surface cosmesis.
The Potential Cost-Effectiveness of Amblyopia Screening Programs
Authors: Rein David B. , Wittenborn John S. , Zhang Xinzhi , Song Michael , Saaddine Jinan B. ,   the Vision Cost-effectiveness Study Group
Published: August 2011

Purpose:To estimate the incremental cost-effective-ness of amblyopia screening at preschool and kindergarten, the costs and benefits of three amblyopia screening scenarios were compared to no screening and to each other: (1) acuity/stereopsis (A/S) screening at kindergarten, (2) A/S screening at preschool and kindergarten, and (3) photoscreening at preschool and A/S screening at kindergarten.Methods:A probabilistic microsimulation model of amblyopia natural history and response to treatment with screening costs and outcomes estimated from two state programs was programmed. The probability was calculated that no screening and each of the three interventions were most cost-effective per incremental quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained and case avoided.Results:Assuming a minimal 0.01 utility loss from monocular vision loss, no screening was most cost-effective with a willingness to pay (WTP) of less than $16,000 per QALY gained. A/S screening at kindergarten alone was most cost-effective at a WTP between $17,000 and $21,000. A/S screening at preschool and kindergarten was most cost-effective at a WTP between $22,000 and $75,000, and photoscreening at preschool and A/S screening at kindergarten was most cost-effective at a WTP greater than $75,000. Cost-effectiveness substantially improved when assuming a greater utility loss. All scenarios were cost-effective when assuming a WTP of $10,500 per case of amblyopia cured.Conclusion:All three screening interventions evaluated are likely to be considered cost-effective relative to many other potential public health programs. The choice of screening option depends on budgetary resources and the value placed on monocular vision loss prevention by funding agencies.
Effect of Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery on the Macula
Authors: Ecsedy Mónika , Miháltz Kata , Kovács Illés , Takács Ágnes , Filkorn Tamás , Nagy Zoltán Z. 
Published: August 2011

PURPOSE:
To compare the effect of conventional and femtosecond laser–assisted (Alcon LenSx Inc) phacoemulsification on the macula using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

METHODS:
Twenty eyes of 20 patients underwent uneventful cataract surgery in both study groups: femtosecond laser–assisted (laser group) and conventional phacoemulsification (control group). Macular thickness and volume were evaluated by OCT preoperatively and 1 week and 1 month postoperatively. Primary outcomes were OCT retinal thickness in 3 macular areas and total macular volume at 1 week and 1 month postoperative. Secondary outcomes were changes in retinal thickness at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively, with respect to preoperative retinal thickness values and effective phacoemulsification time.

RESULTS:

Multivariable modeling of the effect of surgery on postoperative macular thickness showed significantly lower macular thickness in the inner retinal ring in the laser group after adjusting for age and preoperative thickness across the time course (
P
=.002). In the control group, the inner macular ring was significantly thicker at 1 week (mean: 21.68 μm; 95% confidence limit [CL]: 11.93–31.44 μm,
P
<.001). After 1 month, this difference decreased to a mean of 17.56 μm (95% CL: −3.21–38.32 μm,
P
=.09) and became marginally significant.

CONCLUSIONS:
Results of this study suggest that femtosecond laser–assisted cataract extraction does not differ in postoperative macular thickness as compared with standard ultrasound phacoemulsification.
IL-2 Regulates Expression of C-MAF in Human CD4 T Cells
Authors: Rani Aradhana , Afzali Behdad , Kelly Audrey , Tewolde-Berhan Lemlem , Hackett Mark , Kanhere Aditi S. , Pedroza-Pacheco Isabela , Bowen Holly , Jurcevic Stipo , Jenner Richard G. , Cousins David J. , Ragheb Jack A. , Lavender Paul , John Susan 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Blockade of IL-2R with humanized anti-CD25 Abs, such as daclizumab, inhibits Th2 responses in human T cells. Recent murine studies have shown that IL-2 also plays a significant role in regulating Th2 cell differentiation by activated STAT5. To explore the role of activated STAT5 in the Th2 differentiation of primary human T cells, we studied the mechanisms underlying IL-2 regulation of C-MAF expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies revealed that IL-2 induced STAT5 binding to specific sites in the C-MAF promoter. These sites corresponded to regions enriched for markers of chromatin architectural features in both resting CD4 and differentiated Th2 cells. Unlike IL-6, IL-2 induced C-MAF expression in CD4 T cells with or without prior TCR stimulation. TCR-induced C-MAF expression was significantly inhibited by treatment with daclizumab or a JAK3 inhibitor, R333. Furthermore, IL-2 and IL-6 synergistically induced C-MAF expression in TCR-activated T cells, suggesting functional cooperation between these cytokines. Finally, both TCR-induced early IL4 mRNA expression and IL-4 cytokine expression in differentiated Th2 cells were significantly inhibited by IL-2R blockade. Thus, our findings demonstrate the importance of IL-2 in Th2 differentiation in human T cells and support the notion that IL-2R–directed therapies may have utility in the treatment of allergic disorders.
Human Natural Regulatory T Cell Development, Suppressive Function, and Postthymic Maturation in a Humanized Mouse Model
Authors: Onoe Takashi , Kalscheuer Hannes , Danzl Nichole , Chittenden Meredith , Zhao Guiling , Yang Yong-Guang , Sykes Megan 
Published: August 2011

AbstractCD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) control adaptive immune responses and promote self-tolerance. Various humanized mouse models have been developed in efforts to reproduce and study a human immune system. However, in models that require T cell differentiation in the recipient murine thymus, only low numbers of T cells populate the peripheral immune systems. T cells are positively selected by mouse MHC and therefore do not function well in an HLA-restricted manner. In contrast, cotransplantation of human fetal thymus/liver and i.v. injection of CD34+ cells from the same donor achieves multilineage human lymphohematopoietic reconstitution, including dendritic cells and formation of secondary lymphoid organs, in NOD/SCID mice. Strong Ag-specific immune responses and homeostatic expansion of human T cells that are dependent on peripheral human APCs occur. We now demonstrate that FOXP3+Helios+ “natural” Tregs develop normally in human fetal thymic grafts and are present in peripheral blood, spleen, and lymph nodes of these humanized mice. Humanized mice exhibit normal reversal of CD45 isoform expression in association with thymic egress, postthymic “naive” to “activated” phenotypic conversion, and suppressive function. These studies demonstrate the utility of this humanized mouse model for the study of human Treg ontogeny, immunobiology and therapy.
Plasma Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) as an Indicator of Left Ventricular Function, Early Outcome and Mechanical Complications after Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Fazlinezhad A. , Rezaeian M. Khadem , Yousefzadeh H. , Ghaffarzadegan K. , Khajedaluee M. 
Published: August 2011

Aims This study investigated the prognostic value of B type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients and its relation with left ventricular function and post-myocardial infarction complications. Methods In this cross-sectional study, plasma BNP level was measured for 42 consecutive patients (mean ± SD: 61.6 ± 10.85 years old) with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI) and 42 healthy, age and gender matched subjects. Result BNP level in AMI patients were significantly higher than control group (@ P < 0.001). Regarding to infarct location, the highest BNP level measured in inferoposterior MI (BNP = 4436.63 ± 6188.159 pg/ml) and the lowest one indicated in standalone inferior MI (BNP = 598.83 ± 309.867 pg/ml ( P = 0.071). There was significant reverse relation between BNP and EF ( P = 0.006, OR = −0.47) and a significant relationship between BNP and killip classification ( P = 0.036). There was no significant relation between diastolic and right-ventricular function and BNP level ( P = 0.61, P = 0.21). The highest BNP level was detected in LV septal rupture and false aneurysm ( P = 0.02) and in ventricular tachycardia, but without significant relationship ( P = 0.25). Conclusion After the onset of AMI, BNP blood level can be used as an important predictor for left ventricular dysfunction, killip classification, early mechanical complications and cardiac death.
Nonvanishing of L-functions, the Ramanujan Conjecture, and Families of Hecke Characters
Authors: Blomer Valentin , Brumley Farrell 
Published: August 2011

AbstractWe prove a nonvanishing result for families of GLn× GLn Rankin–Selberg L-functions in the critical strip, as one factor runs over twists by Hecke characters. As an application, we simplify the proof, due to Luo, Rudnick, and Sarnak, of the best known bounds towards the Generalized Ramanujan Conjecture at the infinite places for cusp forms on GLn. A key ingredient is the regularization of the units in residue classes by the use of an Arakelov ray class group.
Note on Cubature Formulae and Designs Obtained from Group Orbits
Authors: Nozaki Hiroshi , Sawa Masanori 
Published: August 2011

Abstract In 1960, Sobolev proved that for a finite reflection group G, a G-invariant cubature formula is of degree t if and only if it is exact for all G-invariant polynomials of degree at most t . In this paper, we make some observations on invariant cubature formulas and Euclidean designs in connection with the Sobolev theorem. First, we give an alternative proof of theorems by Xu (1998) on necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of cubature formulas with some strong symmetry. The new proof is shorter and simpler compared to the original one by Xu, and, moreover, gives a general interpretation of the analytically-written conditions of Xu's theorems. Second, we extend a theorem by Neumaier and Seidel (1988) on Euclidean designs to invariant Euclidean designs, and thereby classify tight Euclidean designs obtained from unions of the orbits of the corner vectors. This result generalizes a theorem of Bajnok (2007), which classifies tight Euclidean designs invariant under the Weyl group of type B, to other finite reflection groups.
The Central Limit Theorem for Subsequences in Probabilistic Number Theory
Authors: Aistleitner Christoph , Elsholtz Christian 
Published: August 2011

Abstract Let (nk)k≥1 be an increasing sequence of positive integers, and let f (x) be a real function satisfyingIf the distribution ofconverges to a Gaussian distribution. In the casethere is a complex interplay between the analytic properties of the function f , the number-theoretic properties of (nk)k≥1, and the limit distribution of (2).In this paper we prove that any sequence (nk)k≥1 satisfying lim contains a nontrivial subsequence (mk)k≥1 such that for any function satisfying (1) the distribution ofconverges to a Gaussian distribution. This result is best possible: for any ε > 0 there exists a sequence (nk)k≥1 satisfying lim such that for every nontrivial subsequence (mk)k≥1 of (nk)k≥1 the distribution of (2) does not converge to a Gaussian distribution for some f.Our result can be viewed as a Ramsey type result: a sufficiently dense increasing integer sequence contains a subsequence having a certain requested number-theoretic property.
p-adic L-functions and the Rationality of Darmon Cycles
Authors: Seveso Marco Adamo 
Published: August 2011

Abstract Darmon cycles are a higher weight analogue of Stark–Heegner points. They yield local cohomology classes in the Deligne representation associated with a cuspidal form on Γ0(N) of even weight k0 ≥ 2. They are conjectured to be the restriction of global cohomology classes in the Bloch–Kato Selmer group defined over narrow ring class fields attached to a real quadratic field. We show that suitable linear combinations of them obtained by genus characters satisfy these conjectures. We also prove p-adic Gross–Zagier type formulas, relating the derivatives of p-adic L-functions of the weight variable attached to imaginary (resp. real) quadratic fields to Heegner cycles (resp. Darmon cycles). Finally we express the second derivative of the Mazur– Kitagawa p-adic L-function of the weight variable in terms of a global cycle defined over a quadratic extension of ℚ.
A Cohomological Property of π-invariant Elements
Authors: Filali M. , Sangani Monfared M. 
Published: August 2011

Abstract.Let A be a Banach algebra and let be a continuous representation of A on a separable Hilbert space H with dim H = m. Let πi j be the coordinate functions of π with respect to an orthonormal basis and suppose that for each and . Under these conditions, we call an element left π-invariant if In this paper we prove a link between the existence of left π-invariant elements and the vanishing of certain Hochschild cohomology groups of A. Our results extend an earlier result by Lau on F-algebras and recent results of Kaniuth, Lau, Pym, and and the second author in the special case where π : A → C is a non-zero character on A.
On Automorphisms and Commutativity in Semiprime Rings
Authors: Liau Pao-Kuei , Liu Cheng-Kai 
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Let R be a semiprime ring with center Z(R). For x, y ∊ R, we denote by [x, y] = xy – yx the commutator of x and y. If σ is a non-identity automorphism of R such thatfor all x ∊ R, where n0, n1, n2, … nk are fixed positive integers, then there exists a map μ: R → Z(R) such that σ(x) = x + μ(x) for all x ∊ R. In particular, when R is a prime ring, R is commutative.
Long-Term Outcome of Epi-LASIK for High Myopia
Authors: Wang Shiyuan , Dai Jinhui , Chu Renyuan , Zhou Xingtao 
Published: August 2011

Purpose To evaluate the long-term outcomes of epipolis laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (epi-LASIK) for high myopia. Methods High myopic patients who underwent epi-LASIK during 2004 and 2005 were included in this study. Epi-LASIK was performed with an automatically rotational epikeratome (KM-5000D). Postoperative visual acuity, manifest refraction, and haze formation were assessed 3 mo, 6 mo, 1 y, and 3 y after surgery. Results were compared by dividing patients into 2 groups according to preoperative mean refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE): group A (≥–6 D to −10 D; group B ≥–10 D). The differences within groups were analyzed using mixed model for continuous variables. The differences between groups were analyzed using t test or rank sum test for continuous variables, and Pearson χ2 or Fisher exact probabilities for categorical variables. Results A total of 20 patients (33 eyes) were followed up for more than 3 years with 17 eyes in group A (MRSE −8.15±1.41 D) and 16 eyes in group B (MRSE −12.95±2.91 D). While postoperative refraction regression occurred in both groups, it was more prominent in group B (p<0.05). The long-term predictability is good in group A with 14 eyes (82.35%) within ±1 D of attempted correction at 3 years while the percentage in group B was 18.75%. The efficacy index was significantly different between the 2 groups (p<0.05): 0.84±0.29 for group A and 0.61±0.47 for group B at 3 years. The safety index was above 1.0 at each timepoint in both groups. Haze was at low level and faded with time after epi-LASIK. Conclusions Epi-LASIK had a satisfactory long-term effect for high myopia of less than −10 D. Myopic regression limited the satisfaction of epi-LASIK in eyes with myopia of more than −10.0 D.
Reemergence of dormant Coats disease after 30 years
Authors: Pérez-Campagne Eric , Wolfensberger Thomas J. 
Published: August 2011

Purpose We describe an atypical case of a patient with Coats disease that re-emerged after 30 years, illustrating a previously poorly understood long-term evolution of the disease. Methods A 20-year-old man consulted for visual acuity (VA) decrease in the left eye (LE) to 0.3. Fundus examination revealed an exudative lesion with telangiectasias in the superior peripheral retina compatible with the diagnosis of Coats disease. Results The patient was treated with cryotherapy and argon laser. Visual acuity improved to 0.5 and remained stable during a 1-year follow-up. The patient did not seek further clinical follow-up. Thirty years later, he returned complaining of a progressive VA decrease in the LE. Snellen VA was measured to counting fingers. Fundus examination revealed stage 3A Coats disease with macular exudation and a serous retinal detachment in the inferior quadrants requiring the placement of an encircling band, external drainage, and cryotherapy of the vascular lesions. After 10 additional sessions of argon laser on the vascular malformations, exudation regressed further and best-corrected VA increased to 0.1 at the end of the follow-up period. Conclusions Coats disease must be considered as a chronic disease, which necessitates a very long-term follow-up even in the absence of subjective visual loss. The disease can reawaken and recur with force in previously unaffected areas of the retina several decades later. The gold standard treatment consists of cryotherapy and argon laser. However, in cases of very important retinal exudation, surgical management with subretinal drainage may be necessary.