bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Independent evolution of functional Pm3 resistance genes in wild tetraploid wheat and domesticated bread wheat
Authors: Yahiaoui Nabila , Kaur Navreet , Keller Beat 
Published: December 2008

SummaryThe Pm3 alleles of cultivated bread wheat confer gene for gene resistance to the powdery mildew fungus. They represent a particular case of plant disease resistance gene evolution, because of their recent origin and possible evolution after the formation of hexaploid wheat. The Pm3 locus is conserved in tetraploid wheat, thereby allowing the comparative evolutionary study of the same resistance locus in a domesticated species and in one of its wild ancestors. We have identified 61 Pm3 allelic sequences from wild and domesticated tetraploid wheat subspecies. The Pm3 sequences corresponded to 24 different haplotypes. They showed low sequence diversity, differing by only a few polymorphic sequence blocks that were further reshuffled between alleles by gene conversion and recombination. Polymorphic sequence blocks are different from the blocks found in functional Pm3 alleles of hexaploid wheat, indicating an independent evolution of the Pm3 loci in the two species. A new functional gene was identified in a wild wheat accession from Syria. This gene, Pm3k, conferred intermediate race‐specific resistance to powdery mildew, and consists of a mosaic of gene segments derived from non‐functional alleles. This demonstrates that Pm3‐based resistance is not very frequent in wild tetraploid wheat, and that the evolution of functional resistance genes occurred independently in wild tetraploid and bread wheat. The Pm3 sequence variability and geographic distribution indicated that diversity was higher in wild emmer wheat from the Levant area, compared with the accessions from Turkey. Further screens for Pm3 functional genes in wild wheat should therefore focus on accessions from the Levant region.
An International Reference Reagent (minimum sensitivity) for the detection of anti‐human platelet antigen 1a
Authors: Metcalfe P. , Allen D. , Kekomaki R. , Kaplan C. , De Haas M. , Ouwehand W. H. 
Published: December 2008

Background and Objectives  The platelet‐specific alloantibody anti‐human platelet antigen (HPA) 1a is involved in feto‐maternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia, post‐transfusion purpura and platelet refractoriness. The existing minimum potency preparation for the detection of anti‐HPA‐1a (NIBSC code 93/710) was established by World Health Organization in 1997 and is used by laboratories to validate new assays or to calibrate ‘in‐house’ controls. However, it has been well‐used and a replacement is required. This report describes the production and comparative evaluation of a freeze‐dried preparation of pooled human plasma, coded 05/106, containing anti‐HPA‐1a.Materials and Methods  Plasma containing anti‐HPA‐1a was obtained and 2974 1‐ml aliquots were prepared and freeze‐dried in glass ampoules. In order to characterize the material and compare it to the existing reference material, three collaborative studies were organized, involving a total of 50 different laboratories in 23 countries.Results  As expected only anti‐HPA‐1a could be detected in the plasma and no additional HPA or human leucocyte antigen antibodies were detected. When tested in titration, there was a wide variation in the sensitivity of antibody detection by different laboratories, irrespective of the technique used. However, there was no significant difference between the two materials when compared using a t‐test.Conclusions  When diluted 1 in 2, most laboratories were able to detect the presence of anti‐HPA‐1a in both materials and the participants agreed that this was an appropriate level to set as the minimum sensitivity required. In October 2007, the World Health Organization Expert Committee on Biological Standardization approved the material 05/106 as an International Reference Reagent.
Treatment of invasive candidiasis with echinocandins
Authors: Glöckner Andreas , Steinbach Angela , Vehreschild Jörg Janne , Cornely Oliver A. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryBlood stream infections by Candida spp. represent the majority of invasive fungal infections in intensive care patients. The high crude mortality of invasive candidiasis remained essentially unchanged during the last two decades despite new treatment options that became available. The echinocandins, the latest class of antifungals introduced since 2001, exhibit potent activity against clinically relevant fungi including most Candida spp. In several randomised multicentre phase III trials, anidulafungin, caspofungin and micafungin showed convincing efficacy when compared with standard treatment regimens. In all trials, echinocandins were at least non‐inferior to standard treatments. Anidulafungin was shown to be superior to fluconazole. Echinocandins have a favourable tolerability profile and exhibit a minimal potential for drug interactions since their pharmacokinetics is independent of renal and – largely – hepatic function. As a result of these properties, echinocandins are appropriate drugs of choice for invasive candidiasis in intensive care where many patients experience organ failure and receive multiple drugs with complex interactions.
Cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis of foot caused by Curvularia clavata
Authors: Fan Yi‐Ming , Huang Wen‐Ming , Li Shun‐Fan , Wu Guo‐Feng , Li Wen , Chen Rong‐Yi 
Published: December 2008

SummaryA case of cutaneous lesions on the left foot caused by Curvularia clavata in a 64‐year‐old immunocompetent man is described. Fungal elements were found in the exudate and biopsy specimen. The isolate was identified as C. clavata based on its colonial and microscopic morphology in pure culture. The skin lesions healed after a 12‐week regimen with oral fluconazole. This is the second case of cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by C. clavata.
Third Joint Meeting of the American Urological Association and the Japanese Urological Association International Program at the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association at Orlando 2008
Authors: Petrylak Daniel P , Akaza Hideyuki , Assimos Dean G , Ogawa Yoshihide , Gleave Martin E , Ichikawa Tomohiko , Nieh Peter T , D'Amico Authony V , Mimata Hiromitsu , Tomita Yoshihiko , Chancellor Michael B , Gotoh Momokazu , Okuyama Akihiko 
Published: December 2008

Preface:  We are heartily grateful for the warm support of all of the people concerned, including the moderators and panelists of both societies for giving us the opportunity to hold the 3rd American Urological Association/Japanese Urological Association (AUA/JUA) Joint Meeting, held once again at the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Urological Association (17–22 May 2008, Orlando, Florida, USA). Joint programs have been held by the societies of France and Italy and Latin America in recent years. China and India from Asia also participate. However, it has not been easy to maintain the joint meeting because of constraints in planning, financial support and the workforce, and therefore some societies have been unable to hold their meetings continuously. Nevertheless, there are long‐term plans to hold the meeting with the cooperation of both AUA and JUA sharing the moderators and panelists. We started to adopt continuing medical education (CME) credits last year for AUA members who participated in our meeting in various ways. This time we place emphasis on the different views of clinical practice and basic research and plan to have our program more widely incorporated this year with discussions and case studies. We would like to thank Professor Robert C Flanigan, the Secretary General of AUA, Professor Glenn M Preminger, the Chairman of the AUA Office of Education and the staff of AUA and JUA for supporting our program. We hope to keep holding the joint meeting and have plenty of ideas on themes and forms. We believe that this international program helps to establish a closer relationship between JUA and AUA in the scientific field.Akihiko Okuyama md, President of JUAHideyuki Akaza md, Chairman of the International Committee of JUA
Primary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the urinary bladder
Authors: Akamatsu Shusuke , Kanamaru Sojun , Ishihara Misa , Sano Takeshi , Soeda Asaki , Hashimoto Kimio 
Published: December 2008

Abstract:Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the urinary bladder is rare. It is a type of neuroendocrine carcinoma morphologically distinct from small cell carcinoma. We report here a case of primary LCNEC of the urinary bladder. We observed a very large invasive tumor, which was not able to be detected three months previously by cystoscopy or computed tomography. The tumor cells morphologically and immunohistochemically resembled that of pulmonary LCNEC. With prompt cystoprostatectomy and chemotherapy, the patient is free of disease 16 months after diagnosis. Although LCNEC is usually very aggressive, it may be controlled by early diagnosis and treatment.
Renal cell carcinoma with a huge solitary metastasis to the contralateral adrenal gland: A case report
Authors: Utsumi Takanobu , Suzuki Hiroyoshi , Nakamura Kazuyoshi , Kim Woojin , Kamijima Shuichi , Awa Yusuke , Araki Kazuhiro , Nihei Naoki , Naya Yukio , Ichikawa Tomohiko 
Published: December 2008

AbstractRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) is capable of metastasizing to several organs. Synchronous isolated contralateral adrenal metastasis of the primary RCC is, however, very rare. Herein we report a case of RCC with a huge solitary metastasis to the contralateral adrenal gland that was surgically treated. We scheduled nephrectomy for the left primary RCC and adrenalectomy for the right adrenal tumor. However, at surgery we found a huge right adrenal tumor that had invaded the right kidney, right renal vein, and inferior vena cava. Therefore right nephrectomy was performed simultaneously with resection and reconstruction of the inferior vena cava. Pathological findings demonstrated that the left renal tumor and right adrenal tumor had the same histology. Although the patient required hemodialysis, he remains well at six months postoperatively. So far, there have been only two cases of a solitary contralateral metastatic adrenal tumor that was larger than the primary RCC, thus the present case is the third one.
Varicocele complicating spontaneous arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Minei Sadatsugu , Minamida Satoru , Dobashi Masato , Ishii Junichiro , Minei Sadanori , Irie Akira 
Published: December 2008

Abstract:We describe herein a rare case of a varicocele complicating spontaneous arteriovenous fistula. A 40‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital in November 2006, complaining of a non‐tender mass in the left scrotum at the age of 15 and thereafter. On examination, his left scrotum revealed a large varicocele, but no manifest superficial thrill was noted. Scrotal ultrasonograpy revealed approximately 7 cm large varicocele. Computed tomography angiography revealed the existence of an arteriovenous fistula between the left testicular artery and the veins of the left pampiniform plexus. We laparoscopically carried out internal spermatic vessels ligation under the diagnosis of a varicocele complicating a spontaneous arteriovenous fistula. The postoperative course was uneventful. At 18 months postoperatively, the varicocele and fistula had not recurred.
Effects of species traits on the genetic diversity of high‐mountain plants: a multi‐species study across the Alps and the Carpathians
Authors: Thiel‐Egenter Conny , Gugerli Felix , Alvarez Nadir , Brodbeck Sabine , Cieślak Elżbieta , Colli Licia , Englisch Thorsten , Gaudeul Myriam , Gielly Ludovic , Korbecka Grażyna , Negrini Riccardo , Paun Ovidiu , Pellecchia Marco , Rioux Delphine , Ronikier Michał , Schönswetter Peter , Schüpfer Fanny , Taberlet Pierre , Tribsch Andreas , Van Loo Marcela , Winkler Manuela , Holderegger Rolf ,   the IntraBioDiv Consortium
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTAim To test the influence of various species traits, elevation and phylogeographical history on the genetic diversity of high‐mountain plants in the Alps and Carpathians.Location The regular sampling grid comprised the whole range of the European Alps and the Carpathians.Methods Twenty‐two high‐mountain plant species were exhaustively sampled and their genetic diversity was assessed with amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs). ANOVAs were used to check for relationships between species traits and species genetic diversity, and to test whether genetic diversity was influenced by altitude and phylogeographical history (i.e. Alps versus Carpathians).Results In both mountain systems, species dispersed and pollinated by wind showed higher genetic diversity than species with self or insect pollination, and with animal‐ or gravity‐dispersed seeds. Only in the Alps did altitudinal range size affect species genetic diversity significantly: species with narrow altitudinal ranges in the highest vegetation belts had significantly higher genetic diversity than those expanding over wide altitudinal ranges. Genetic diversity was species specific and significantly higher in the Alps than in the Carpathians, but it was not influenced by elevation.Main conclusions Wind pollination and wind dispersal seem to foster high genetic diversity. However, species traits are often associated and their effects on genetic diversity cannot be clearly disentangled. As genetic diversity is species specific, comparisons across species need to be interpreted with care. Genetic diversity was generally lower in the Carpathians than in the Alps, due to higher topographical isolation of alpine habitats in the Carpathians and this mountain massif's divergent phylogeographical history. Elevation did not influence genetic diversity, challenging the long‐held view of decreasing genetic diversity with increasing elevation in mountain plants.
EMPIRICAL LIKELIHOOD‐BASED INFERENCES FOR PARTIALLY LINEAR MODELS WITH MISSING COVARIATES
Authors: Liang Hua , Qin Yongsong 
Published: December 2008

SummaryThis paper considers statistical inference for partially linear models Y = X⊤β+ν(Z) +ɛ when the linear covariate X is missing with missing probability π depending upon (Y, Z). We propose empirical likelihood‐based statistics to construct confidence regions for β and ν(z). The resulting empirical likelihood ratio statistics are shown to be asymptotically chi‐squared‐distributed. The finite‐sample performance of the proposed statistics is assessed by simulation experiments. The proposed methods are applied to a dataset from an AIDS clinical trial.
OPTIMAL SEMIPARAMETRIC INFERENCE FOR THE TAIL INDEX BASED ON RATIOS OF THE LARGEST EXTREMES
Authors: Gay R. , Poskitt D. S. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryThe k largest order statistics in a random sample from a common heavy‐tailed parent distribution with a regularly varying tail can be characterized as Fréchet extremes. This paper establishes that consecutive ratios of such Fréchet extremes are mutually independent and distributed as functions of beta random variables. The maximum likelihood estimator of the tail index based on these ratios is derived, and the exact distribution of the maximum likelihood estimator is determined for fixed k, and the asymptotic distribution as k →∞. Inferential procedures based upon the maximum likelihood estimator are shown to be optimal. The Fréchet extremes are not directly observable, but a feasible version of the maximum likelihood estimator is equivalent to Hill's statistic. A simple diagnostic is presented that can be used to decide on the largest value of k for which an assumption of Fréchet extremes is sustainable. The results are illustrated using data on commercial insurance claims arising from fires and explosions, and from hurricanes.
Modelling Non-Stationary Extremes with Application to Surface Level Ozone
Authors: Eastoe Emma F. , Tawn Jonathan A. 
Published: December 2008

SummaryStatistical methods for modelling extremes of stationary sequences have received much attention. The most common method is to model the rate and size of exceedances of some high constant threshold; the size of exceedances is modelled by using a generalized Pareto distribution. Frequently, data sets display non-stationarity; this is especially common in environmental applications. The ozone data set that is presented here is an example of such a data set. Surface level ozone levels display complex seasonal patterns and trends due to the mechanisms that are involved in ozone formation. The standard methods of modelling the extremes of a non-stationary process focus on retaining a constant threshold but using covariate models in the rate and generalized Pareto distribution parameters. We suggest an alternative approach that uses preprocessing methods to model the non-stationarity in the body of the process and then uses standard methods to model the extremes of the preprocessed data. We illustrate both the standard and the preprocessing methods by using a simulation study and a study of the ozone data. We suggest that the preprocessing method gives a model that better incorporates the underlying mechanisms that generate the process, produces a simpler and more efficient fit and allows easier computation.
A Bayesian Hierarchical Distributed Lag Model for Estimating the Time Course of Risk of Hospitalization Associated with Particulate Matter Air Pollution
Authors: Peng Roger D. , Dominici Francesca , Welty Leah J. 
Published: December 2008

Summary
Time series studies have provided strong evidence of an association between increased levels of ambient air pollution and increased hospitalizations, typically at a single lag of 0, 1 or 2 days after an air pollution episode. Two important scientific objectives are to understand better how the risk of hospitalization that is associated with a given day’s air pollution increase is distributed over multiple days in the future and to estimate the cumulative short-term health effect of an air pollution episode over the same multiday period. We propose a Bayesian hierarchical distributed lag model that integrates information from national health and air pollution databases with prior beliefs of the time course of risk of hospitalization after an air pollution episode. This model is applied to air pollution and health data on 6.3 million enrollees of the US Medicare system living in 94 counties covering the years 1999–2002. We obtain estimates of the distributed lag functions relating fine particulate matter pollution to hospitalizations for both ischaemic heart disease and acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and we use our model to explore regional variation in the health risks across the USA.
Joint Analysis of Correlated Repeated Measures and Recurrent Events Processes in the Presence of Death, with Application to a Study on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Authors: Liu Lei , Huang Xuelin 
Published: December 2008

SummaryIn many longitudinal studies, we observe two correlated processes: a repeated measures process and a recurrent events process, both subject to a dependent terminal event. For example, in the ‘Terry Beirn community programs for clinical research on AIDS’ (CPCRA) study, higher CD4 cell counts are associated with lower risk of recurrent opportunistic diseases. They are also correlated with mortality, e.g. higher CD4 cell repeated measures and a lower rate of opportunistic disease imply better survival for patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. We propose a joint random-effects model for the three correlated outcomes. The correlation is modelled by conditioning on shared random effects. Covariate effects can be taken into account in the model. Maximum likelihood estimation and inference are carried out through a Gaussian quadrature technique, assuming piecewise constant baseline hazards for recurrent events and death. The model can be fitted conveniently by Gaussian quadrature tools, e.g. SAS procedure NLMIXED. Simulation studies show that the estimation method yields satisfactory results. We apply this method to the CPCRA data.
A GOODWINIAN MODEL WITH DIRECT AND ROUNDABOUT RETURNS TO SCALE (AN APPLICATION TO ITALY)
Authors: Ryzhenkov Alexander V. 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTThis paper re‐formulates and tests statistically a hypothetical law (HL) of capital accumulation that manifests itself in three scenarios for Italian economy. HL refines Verdoorn law and ‘Ricardian’ relationship between employment and returns; it generalizes neoclassical and Goodwinian models. Big cycles are not sustainable in inertia Scenario I. Lowering direct diseconomy of scale does not alter a non‐trivial stationary state in stabilization Scenario II. Weakening an inverse relation between employment ratio and growth rate of capital intensity raises stationary relative labour compensation without deteriorating profitability in stabilization Scenario III. Stationary states with zero relative labour compensation are not economically relevant.
Social Representations, Alternative Representations and Semantic Barriers
Authors: GILLESPIE ALEX 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTSocial representations research has tended to focus upon the representations that groups have in relation to some object. The present article elaborates the concept of social representations by pointing to the existence of “alternative representations” as sub‐components within social representations. Alternative representations are the ideas and images the group has about how other groups represent the given object. Alternative representations are thus representations of other people's representations. The present article uses data fromMoscovici's (1976/2008) analysis of the diffusion of psychoanalysis to examine how people engage with alternative representations. It is demonstrated that there can be more or less dialogical relations with alternative representations. The analysis concludes by considering seven “semiotic barriers” which work to neutralise the dialogical potential of alternative representations, thus on the one hand enabling groups to talk about the views of others, while, on the other hand, remaining unchallenged by those views.
Linking Science to Common Sense
Authors: CORREIA JESUINO JORGE 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTThe distinction between the reified universe of science and the consensual universe of common sense introduced by Serge Moscovici in the Psychoanalysis and reiterated in further texts always gave rise to debate and puzzled interrogations.In the present text it is argued that for Serge Moscovici there is both a discontinuity and continuity between the two fields of science and common sense although at different levels of analysis.They would be discontinuous at the operative theoretical level corresponding to the logic of verification in the sense of Popper. Truth and truthfulness are not the same. But there would be continuity at the metatheoretical thematic level, where either scientists or lay people seem to follow the same non conscious insightful processes enabling them to look beyond the empirical observables as well as beyond the traditional beliefs and common places.
The First Social Psychologist
Authors: LEIBER JUSTIN 
Published: December 2008

ABSTRACTBecause both the individual and the state call for simultaneous investigation in social psychology, one could argue that in some sense Serge Moscovici, with the publication of Psychoanalysis, put forward the first systematic large scale empirical study of cognitive representations in, as it happily proved, various blocs of French understandings of psychoanalysis, admitting, characteristically, doubts about the individual, bloc, and the state representations.