bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Investigation of the Diffusion Errors in Diffusion Vortex Methods
Authors: Huang M.-J. , Chen Y.-Y. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTTo model the viscous effect, the core area of particles in Leonard's core spreading vortex method must grow linearly in time, which however results in growing convective errors and consequently causes the failure of a correct convergence of the method to the Navier-Stokes equations. The so-called diffusion vortex method was proposed and claimed to have smaller core-area growth rates because part of the viscous effect is modeled into the movement of particles. The growth rates however are non-uniform and an additional diffusion error arises due to the nonzero divergence of the diffusion velocity. The goal of this work is to analyze the associated errors of several existing versions of the diffusion vortex method and compare them with that of Leonard's. Simulations of two axisymmetric flows are performed to measure the involved diffusion errors and consequently distinguish these diffusion vortex methods. The results show that the circulation conservation is important, besides a small core-area growth rate, in obtaining a good accuracy. Under the consideration of both efficiency and accuracy, the diffusion vortex method in which each vortex particle conserves its own circulation on its core area alone is recommended.
Study of Static Fracture Propagation by Element-Free Galerkin Method With Singular Weight Function at Crack Tip
Authors: Shen K.-J. , Sheng J. P. , Wang C.-Y. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractElement-free Galerkin method (EFGM) based on moving least-square curve fitting concept is presented and applied to elastic fracture problems. Because no element connectivity data are needed, EFGM is very convenient and effective numerical method for crack growth analysis. This paper is intended as an investigation of crack trajectory for different notch locations under three-point bending test. The initial crack growth angles obtained by element-free Galerkin method in comparison with those obtained by lab test reveal that both results are very close. However, numerical results also show that the location of an original notch can stronger affect the variation of crack path for different increment. The stress intensity factors (SIF) of cracks under three-point bending test with different increment are also investigated by EFGM.
Cucurbit Downy Mildew ipmPIPE: A Next Generation Web-based Interactive Tool for Disease Management and Extension Outreach
Authors: Ojiambo P. S. , Holmes G. J. , Britton W. , Babadoost M. , Bost S. C. , Boyles R. , Brooks M. , Damicone J. , Draper M. A. , Egel D. S. , Everts K. L. , Ferrin D. M. , Gevens A. J. , Gugino B. K. , Hausbeck M. K. , Ingram D. M. , Isakeit T. , Keinath A. P. , Koike S. T. , Langston D. , McGrath M. T. , Miller S. A. , Mulrooney R. P. , Rideout S. , Roddy E. , Seebold K. W. , Sikora E. J. , Thornton A. , Wick R. L. , Wyenandt C. A. , Zhang S. 
Published: May 2011

Cucurbit downy mildew (CDM), caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is one of the most important diseases affecting cucurbits worldwide. In the USA, host resistance in cucumber had adequately controlled the disease with very minimal application of fungicides from the late 1960s to 2004. In 2004, there was a resurgence of the disease that devastated the cucumber crop in several states in the eastern USA. Since then, host plant resistance alone has not been sufficient to adequately control the disease and now control relies heavily on application of fungicides. To effectively apply fungicides in a timely manner, cucurbit growers, extension personnel, and crop consultants and advisors can now utilize information on disease occurrence and predicted spread disseminated through the United States Department of Agriculture's CDM ipmPIPE decision support system developed by scientists at North Carolina State University. Based on a survey conducted in Georgia, North Carolina, and Michigan, the CDM ipmPIPE resulted in an average reduction of 2 to 3 fungicide applications in 2009 compared to calendar-based fungicide sprays. With approximately 122,000 acres of cucurbits in these three states, this translates to more than $6 million in savings to the producers in these three states. Economic savings and positive environmental implications of reduced fungicide applications demonstrate the value of a coordinated national monitoring network for management of a plant disease that is disseminated aerially over long distances. Accepted for publication 31 January 2011. Published 11 April 2011.
Root Rot of Dry Edible Bean Caused by Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Bilgi V. N. , Bradley C. A. , Mathew F. M. , Ali S. , Rasmussen J. B. 
Published: May 2011

Fusarium graminearum was identified as a root pathogen of a diverse array of dry edible bean genotypes under both field and greenhouse conditions in North Dakota. In comparisons under controlled conditions, root rot caused by F. graminearum was equal or greater than that caused by F. solani f. sp. phaseoli. Out of eleven dry bean genotypes evaluated in controlled conditions, Eclipse, VAX 3, and T-39 had the lowest root rot severity values for both F. graminearum and F. solani f. sp. phaseoli. A significant and positive correlation between genotype response to F. graminearum and F. solani f. sp. phaseoli indicates that genetic resistance to both pathogens may be related. Accepted for publication 2 March 2011. Published 25 April 2011.
Application of Gene Targeting to Designed Mutation Breeding of High-Tryptophan Rice
Authors: Saika Hiroaki , Oikawa Akira , Matsuda Fumio , Onodera Haruko , Saito Kazuki , Toki Seiichi 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Site-directed mutagenesis via gene targeting (GT) based on homologous recombination is the ultimate mutation breeding technology because it enables useful information acquired from structural- and computational-based protein engineering to be applied directly to molecular breeding, including metabolic engineering, of crops. Here, we employed this rationale to introduce precise mutations in OASA2—an α-subunit of anthranilate synthase that is a key enzyme of tryptophan (Trp) biosynthesis in rice (Oryza sativa)—via GT, with subsequent selection of GT cells using a Trp analog. The expression level of OASA2 in plants homozygous and heterozygous for modified OASA2 was similar to that of nontransformants, suggesting that OASA2 transcription in GT plants was controlled in the same manner as endogenous OASA2, and that GT could lead to a lower risk of gene silencing than in conventional overexpression approaches. Moreover, we showed that enzymatic properties deduced from protein engineering or in vitro analysis could be reproduced in GT plants as evidenced by Trp accumulation levels. Interestingly, mature seeds of homozygous GT plants accumulated Trp levels 230-fold higher than in nontransformants without any apparent morphological or developmental changes. Thus, we have succeeded in producing a novel rice plant of great potential nutritional benefit for both man and livestock that could not have been selected using conventional mutagenesis approaches. Our results demonstrate the effectiveness of directed crop improvement by combining precision mutagenesis via GT with a knowledge of protein engineering.
AtMYB2Regulates Whole Plant Senescence by Inhibiting Cytokinin-Mediated Branching at Late Stages of Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Guo Yongfeng , Gan Susheng 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWhole plant senescence of monocarpic plants consists of three major processes: arrest of shoot apical meristem, organ senescence, and permanent suppression of axillary buds. At early stages of development, axillary buds are inhibited by shoot apex-produced auxin, a mechanism known as apical dominance. How the buds are suppressed as an essential part of whole plant senescence, especially when the shoot apexes are senescent, is not clear. Here, we report an AtMYB2-regulated post apical dominance mechanism by which Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) inhibits the outgrowth of axillary buds as part of the whole plant senescence program. AtMYB2 is expressed in the compressed basal internode region of Arabidopsis at late stages of development to suppress the production of cytokinins, the group of hormones that are required for axillary bud outgrowth. atmyb2 T-DNA insertion lines have enhanced expression of cytokinin-synthesizing isopentenyltransferases genes, contain higher levels of cytokinins, and display a bushy phenotype at late stages of development. As a result of the continuous generation of new shoots, atmyb2 plants have a prolonged life span. The AtMYB2 promoter-directed cytokinin oxidase 1 gene in the T-DNA insertion lines reduces the endogenous cytokinin levels and restores the bushy phenotype to the wild type.
Safety and efficacy of a fixed‐dose cyclosporin microemulsion (100 mg) for the treatment of psoriasis
Authors: SHINTANI Yoichi , KANEKO Natumi , FURUHASHI Takuya , SAITO Chiyo , MORITA Akimichi 
Published: May 2011

AbstractCyclosporin is a second‐line modality for the treatment of psoriasis. The long‐term efficacy of cyclosporin and potential adverse side‐effects, however, are a concern to patients. Therefore, a cyclosporin microemulsion (Neoral), which is steadily absorbed at an ultra‐low dosage (1–2 mg/kg per day) or low dosage (2–3 mg/kg per day), is currently recommended. The dose must be calculated based on patient bodyweight and the blood concentration monitored regularly, which is time‐consuming. Furthermore, the concentration is related to the safety profile, but not to efficacy. We examined whether a fixed‐dose cyclosporin microemulsion (100 mg/day) is effective for treating psoriasis. Enrolled patients (n = 40) were given either 100 mg cyclosporin emulsion once daily (group A) or 50 mg twice daily (group B), regardless of patient weight and condition, before meals in a randomized controlled study. Patient bodyweight ranged 50–80 kg. We assessed the serum cyclosporin concentration 1 h after administrating the medicine (C1 score), Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score, quality of life, and the results of regular blood examinations. The improvement rate was 69.4 ± 4.8% in group A and 73.4 ± 4.3% in group B. PASI‐50 was achieved by 82% in group A and 84% in group B. At 6 weeks, the number of patients with PASI‐50 was significantly higher in group A than in group B. PASI‐75 and ‐90 were also achieved in both groups with no significant difference between groups. Administration of a fixed‐dose cyclosporin microemulsion (100 mg/day) is practical for second‐line psoriasis treatment.
Effects of the moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, fluconazole, on the pharmacokinetics of fesoterodine in healthy subjects
Authors: Malhotra Bimal , Dickins Maurice , Alvey Christine , Jumadilova Zhanna , Li Xiaoxi , Duczynski Gregory , Gandelman Kuan 
Published: May 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• Available data suggest that fesoterodine dosage should not exceed 4 mg once daily when taken concomitantly with potent CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole. Currently, no information is available on whether dose adjustment is necessary when fesoterodine is administered with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS• This study shows that adjustment of fesoterodine dose is not warranted when co‐administered with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor.AIMS To assess the effects of fluconazole, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, on the pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety/tolerability of fesoterodine.METHODS In this open‐label, randomized, two‐way crossover study, 28 healthy subjects (18–55 years) received single doses of fesoterodine 8 mg alone or with fluconazole 200 mg. PK endpoints, including the area under the plasma concentration–time curve from 0 to infinity (AUC(0,∞)), maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), time to Cmax (tmax), and half‐life (t1/2), were assessed for 5‐hydroxymethyl tolterodine (5‐HMT), the active moiety of fesoterodine.RESULTS Concomitant administration of fesoterodine with fluconazole increased AUC(0,∞) and Cmax of 5‐HMT by approximately 27% and 19%, respectively, with corresponding 90% confidence intervals of (18%, 36%) and (11%, 28%). There was no apparent effect of fluconazole on 5‐HMT tmax or t½. Fesoterodine was generally well tolerated regardless of fluconazole co‐administration, with no reports of death, serious adverse events (AEs) or severe AEs. Following co‐administration of fesoterodine with fluconazole, 13 subjects (48%) experienced a total of 40 AEs; following administration of fesoterodine alone, six subjects (22%) experienced a total of 19 AEs. The majority of AEs were of mild intensity. There were no clinically significant changes in laboratory or physical examination parameters.CONCLUSION Fesoterodine 8 mg single dose was well tolerated when administered alone or with fluconazole. Based on the observed increase in 5‐HMT exposures being within the inherent variability of 5‐HMT pharmacokinetics, adjustment of fesoterodine dose is not warranted when co‐administered with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor provided they are not also inhibitors of transporters.
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 immunoglobulin modified dendritic cells attenuate allergic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness by regulating the development of T helper type 1 (Th1)/Th2 and Th2/regulatory T cell subsets in a murine model of asthma
Authors: Ying L , Fu Z , Luo J , Zhou C , Chen Y , Wang L , Liu E 
Published: May 2011

SummaryT helper type 2 (Th2) and regulatory T cells (Treg) have been postulated to have critical roles in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 immunoglobulin (CTLA4Ig) gene-modified dendritic cells (DC-CTLA4Ig) have the potential to reduce Th2 cells and induce Treg cells. In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of the adoptive transfer of DC-CTLA4Ig into mice in an experimental model of asthma. BALB/c mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA) and challenged with aerosolized OVA for 7 days. Just prior to the first challenge, DC-CTLA4Ig, DCs or DCs infected with DC-green fluorescent protein (GFP) were injected intravenously into mice. The administration of DC-CTLA4Ig reduced airway hyperresponsiveness, relieved asthmatic airway inflammation and decreased the numbers of esosinophils in the BALF in OVA-sensitized/challenged mice. In addition, DC-CTLA4Ig altered the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokine production in the lungs with increased interferon (IFN)-γ levels and decreased interleukin (IL)-4 levels, decreased the percentage of Th2 and increased both the percentage of Th1 and Treg cells in the lungs of OVA-sensitized/challenged mice. This research demonstrates that DC-CTL4Ig reduces airway hyperresponsiveness effectively and prevents airway inflammation in OVA-sensitized/challenged mice, which is due most probably to attenuated secretion of Th2 cytokines and increased secretion of Th1 cytokines in the local airway, and the correction of the pulmonary imbalance between Th1/Th2 cells and Th2/Treg cells.
MRP8/14 is associated with systemic inflammation in stable coronary atherosclerosis in men
Authors: Baumann Marcus , Schmaderer Christoph , Burkhardt Klaus , Haller Bernhard , Heemann Uwe , Dugi Klaus , von Eynatten Maximilian 
Published: May 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (12): 1261–1267AbstractBackground  MRP8/14, a secreted heterodimeric protein complex secreted upon phagocyte activation, plays an important role in atherogenesis and vascular injury. Phagocyte activation is crucially involved in the development of atherosclerotic processes, and MRP8/14 levels have also been linked to acute cardiovascular events. We investigated whether circulating MRP8/14 correlates to chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) stages in this observational, cross‐sectional study.Methods and results  A total of 240 male subjects undergoing elective coronary angiography were included in the study. CAD was present in 166 individuals, whereas 74 subjects were classified without prevalent CAD (control subjects). The atherosclerotic burden was obtained by three independent angiographic scores: the Severity, Gensini and Extent Score. Serum MRP8/14 levels were measured by ELISA. They were associated with hs‐CRP, IL‐6 and fibrinogen levels (r = 0·43, r = 0·40 and r = 0·44, respectively; all P < 0·001). However, MRP8/14 was neither associated with any other cardiovascular disease risk factor nor did serum levels differ between patients with stable CAD [0·82 (0·55–1·14) μg mL−1] and control subjects [0·91 (0·63–1·30) μg mL−1; P = 0·69]. Moreover, atherosclerotic wall irregularities did not demonstrate any association with circulating MRP8/14.Conclusions  The phagocyte activation marker MRP8/14 is significantly associated with markers of systemic inflammation in male patients with CAD. However, we were unable to find a correlation between circulating MRP8/14 complex and stable CAD.
The evaluation of depression, suicidal ideation and coping strategies in haemodialysis patients with renal failure
Authors: Keskin Gülseren , Engin Esra 
Published: May 2011

Aim.  This study aimed at evaluating depression and suicidal ideation and coping strategies with stress in patients receiving haemodialysis replacement therapy.Background.  Patients undergoing haemodialysis treatment may often experience depression and accompanying suicidal ideation. Coping strategies with depression‐related suicidal ideation may require regular evaluation of the patient and the support of nurses.Design.  A cross‐sectional descriptive study.Method.  The sample consisted of 92 adults with an age range of 19–65 who had chronic renal failure and consecutively admitted to the Dialysis Center of Kadiköy and Dialysis Center of Kahraman in Turkey. Four instruments were used: Socio‐demographic Form, Beck Depression Inventory, Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire and Coping Strategies with Stress Inventory.Results.  The points obtained from Beck Depression Inventory were above 17 (the cut‐off point) in 40·2% of the patients. There were positive correlations between depression and Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire (r = 0·469, p = 0·001), between patients’ age and depression (r = 0·43, p = 0·00) and suicidal ideation (r = 0·27, p = 0·01). Depression and behavioural disengagement had a positive correlation (p = 0·001, r = 0·410). Depression and suicidal ideation increased with lower education status (F = 7·42, p = 0·001; F = 4·51, p = 0·014).Conclusion.  Haemodialysis patients frequently experience depression. This study demonstrated that suicidal ideation increased as the severity of depression increased. Depression and suicidal ideation were increasing with age in patients with chronic renal failure. Therefore, it is considered necessary for dialysis patients to be under regular psychiatric evaluation with risk assessment.Relevance to clinical practice.  It is vitally important that nurses in dialysis centres evaluate the psychosocial conditions of patients with renal failure undergoing haemodialysis treatment so as to enhance the quality of nursing care. It is also fundamental for the success of holistic care that nurses properly assess the possibility of depression and suicide as well as coping strategies. This study sheds light on the holistic evaluations of dialysis patients.
Renal tubulointerstitial hypoxia: Cause and consequence of kidney dysfunction
Authors: Palm Fredrik , Nordquist Lina 
Published: May 2011

Summary1. Intrarenal oxygen availability is the balance between supply, mainly dependent on renal blood flow, and demand, determined by the basal metabolic demand and the energy‐requiring tubular electrolyte transport. Renal blood flow is maintained within close limits in order to sustain stable glomerular filtration, so increased intrarenal oxygen consumption is likely to cause tissue hypoxia.2. The increased oxygen consumption is closely linked to increased oxidative stress, which increases mitochondrial oxygen usage and reduces tubular electrolyte transport efficiency, with both contributing to increased total oxygen consumption.3. Tubulointerstitial hypoxia stimulates the production of collagen I and α‐smooth muscle actin, indicators of increased fibrogenesis. Furthermore, the hypoxic environment induces epithelial–mesenchymal transdifferentiation and aggravates fibrosis, which results in reduced peritubular blood perfusion and oxygen delivery due to capillary rarefaction.4. Increased oxygen consumption, capillary rarefaction and increased diffusion distance due to the increased fibrosis per se further aggravate the interstitial hypoxia.5. Recently, it has been demonstrated that hypoxia simulates the infiltration and maturation of immune cells, which provides an explanation for the general inflammation commonly associated with the progression of chronic kidney disease.6. Therapies targeting interstitial hypoxia could potentially reduce the progression of chronic renal failure in millions of patients who are otherwise likely to eventually present with fully developed end‐stage renal disease.
Positive effects of native shrubs on three specially protected cacti species in Durango, México
Authors: MURO‐PÉREZ GISELA , JURADO ENRIQUE , FLORES JOEL , SÁNCHEZ‐SALAS JAIME , GARCÍA‐PÉREZ JAIME , ESTRADA EDUARDO 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe spatial association between the specially protected cacti Coryphanta durangensis, Echinocereus longisetus and Peniocereus greggii and potential nurse plants was evaluated, as was their relative position to the sun under the crown of the latter in the southern Chihuahuan Desert. The soil temperature under potential nurse plants was lower than under direct sunlight. There was more nitrogen and organic matter in the soil under Prosopis laevigata trees than in soil under direct sunlight. There were 68 plants of C. durangensis, 59 plants of E. longisetus and 157 of P. greggii. Only one individual of C. durangensis and one of E. longisetus grew outside the shade of the crown of other plants. Echinocereus longisetus was not associated with any particular species, but grew more often than expected by chance in the northern segment of the crown (i.e. the area most shaded in the afternoon). Coryphanta durangensis and P. greggii grew more often under P. laevigata than expected by chance. The effect of other plants, and P. laevigata in particular, on the facilitation of growth of protected cacti species should be considered in management plans of the Chihuahuan Desert, where mesquite (P. laevigata) is often harvested for charcoal production.