003, confidence interval [CI] 1.001-1.006; P = 0.006) and gender (HR 1.663, CI 1.114-2.485; P = 0.013) as the independent predictors for recurrence

after the first CA.\n\nConclusionsWomen and long AF duration were closely related to the recurrence of AF after the first ablation in patients with long-standing persistent AF. Women also had a higher risk of vascular complications.”
“Executive function is traditionally conceptualized as a set of abilities required to guide behavior toward goals. Here, PKC inhibitor an integrated theoretical framework for executive function is developed which has its roots in the notion of hierarchical mental models. Further following Duncan (2010a,b), executive function is construed as a hierarchical recursive system of test-operation-test-exit units (Miller et al., 1960). Importantly, it is shown that this framework can be used to model the main regional prefrontal syndromes, which are characterized by apathetic, disinhibited and dysexecutive BAY 63-2521 nmr cognition, and behavior, respectively. Implications of these considerations for the neuropsychological assessment of executive function are discussed.”
“Serine proteases are highly conserved among fungi and considered to play a key role in different aspects of fungal biology. These proteases are involved

in fungal growth and have been related to biocontrol processes. To assess the functional role of serine proteases from Trichoderma harzianum T88, an effective

biocontrol agent, on inhibition of phytopathogenic fungi, a gene (SL41) encoding a serine protease was isolated by 5′ and 3′ RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends). Northern blot analysis indicated that SL41 was induced in response to cell walls of different fungi. This protease gene was expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae under the control of the galactose-inducible GAL1 promoter. After induction, the enzyme activity was culminated (16.2 units Selleckchem GSK2245840 ml(-1)) at 60 h of cultivation. The optimal enzyme reaction temperature was 40 degrees C and optimal pH was 10.5. Northern blot analysis indicated that the amount of the transcripts increased with the culture time in agreement with the measured enzyme activity. Antifungal activity of serine protease against five phytopathogens was investigated in vitro. It can inhibit the mycelial growth of phytopathogenic fungi and exerted broad spectrum antifungal activity against phytopathogenic fungi. This is the first time that the different regulation of serine protease in T. harzianum response to five phytopathogenic fungi was shown, the protease was functionally expressed in a heterologous host, and its antagonistic activity was evaluated in vitro. Copyright (C) 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel”
“Listed and rare species are abundant in temporary freshwater habitats.