bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2,3‐Dihydroxy‐quinoxaline induces ATPase activity of Herpes Simplex Virus thymidine kinase
Authors: Zeifman Alexey A. , Novikov Fedor N. , Stroylov Victor S. , Stroganov Oleg V. , Chilov Ghermes G. , Skoblov Alexander Y. , Miroshnikov Anatoly I. , Skoblov Yuri S.
Published: December 2013

2,3‐Dihydroxy‐quinoxaline, a small molecule that promotes ATPase catalytic activity of Herpes Simplex Virus thymidine kinase (HSV‐TK), was identified by virtual screening. This compound competitively inhibited HSV‐TK catalyzed phosphorylation of acyclovir with K
i
= 250 μM (95% CI: 106–405 μM) and dose‐dependently increased the rate of the ATP hydrolysis with K
M
= 112 μM (95% CI: 28–195 μM). The kinetic scheme consistent with this experimental data is proposed.
Trim27‐deficient mice are susceptible to streptozotocin‐induced diabetes
Authors: Zaman Mohammad Mahabub-Uz , Shinagawa Toshie , Ishii Shunsuke
Published: December 2013

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) plays an important role in cell proliferation and apoptosis, and defects in TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis are associated with various diseases. TRIM27 is a tripartite motif (TRIM) protein containing RING finger, B‐box, and coiled‐coil domains. We recently reported that TRIM27 positively regulates TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis through deubiquitination of receptor‐interacting protein 1 (RIP1). Multiple studies have suggested a link between TNF‐α pathway and various diseases, such as diabetes and colitis. Here, we report that Trim27‐deficient mice were susceptible to streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes, a mouse model of diabetes. Infiltration of T cells and cleaved caspase‐3 signals were enhanced, and β‐cell mass was decreased in Trim27‐deficient islets compared to wild‐type islets. On the other hand, Trim27‐mutation did not affect the dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)‐induced colitis. These data support the idea that the TRIM27 mutation is responsible for the development of certain types of diseases.
Amino acid signatures in the developing mouse retina
Authors: Nivison‐Smith Lisa , Chua Jacqueline , Tan Seong‐Seng , Kalloniatis Michael
Published: December 2013

This study characterizes the developmental patterns of seven key amino acids: glutamate, γ‐amino‐butyric acid (GABA), glycine, glutamine, aspartate, alanine and taurine in the mouse retina. We analyze amino acids in specific bipolar, amacrine and ganglion cell sub‐populations (i.e. GABAergic vs. glycinergic amacrine cells) and anatomically distinct regions of photoreceptors and Müller cells (i.e. cell bodies vs. endfeet) by extracting data from previously described pattern recognition analysis. Pattern recognition statistically classifies all cells in the retina based on their neurochemical profile and surpasses the previous limitations of anatomical and morphological identification of cells in the immature retina. We found that the GABA and glycine cellular content reached adult‐like levels in most neurons before glutamate. The metabolic amino acids glutamine, aspartate and alanine also reached maturity in most retinal cells before eye opening. When the overall amino acid profiles were considered for each cell group, ganglion cells and GABAergic amacrine cells matured first, followed by glycinergic amacrine cells and finally bipolar cells. Photoreceptor cell bodies reached adult‐like amino acid profiles at P7 whilst Müller cells acquired typical amino acid profiles in their cell bodies at P7 and in their endfeet by P14. We further compared the amino acid profiles of the C57Bl/6J mouse with the transgenic X‐inactivation mouse carrying the lacZ gene on the X chromosome and validated this animal model for the study of normal retinal development. This study provides valuable insight into normal retinal neurochemical maturation and metabolism and benchmark amino acid values for comparison with retinal disease, particularly those which occur during development.
Clinical features and predictors of lethal ventricular tachyarrhythmias after cardiac resynchronization therapy for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death
Authors: Ishida Yuji , Sasaki Shingo , Kinjo Takahiko , Itoh Taihei , Sasaki Kenichi , Horiuchi Daisuke , Owada Shingen , Kimura Masaomi , Okumura Ken
Published: December 2013

Background

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reduces the mortality rate among patients with advanced heart failure (HF) and a wide QRS complex. Despite such clinical improvement, the clinical features of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VA) and the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) among these patients still remain to be elucidated.

Methods

In total, 128 consecutive patients with advanced HF (mean age, 68±10 years; 90 men; mean left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], 27±7%) who underwent CRT with a cardioverter‐defibrillator (CRT‐D) as the primary prevention for SCD were examined. Twenty‐nine patients had ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM), whereas the other 99 patients had nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM). At each follow‐up examination, patient‐ and device‐related data were collected. All detected VA episodes were analyzed.

Results

During a mean period of 1009±566 days, 30 patients (23%) experienced appropriate cardioverter‐defibrillator treatment for sustained VA. Twenty‐six had NICM and the other 4 had ICM. The first VA episodes mostly involved monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) at 187±30 beats/min (28 patients, 93%). The mode of successful therapy was antitachycardia pacing (ATP) in 60% of patients. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that among clinically plausible predictors (age; gender; LVEF; underlying rhythms; QRS duration; QT interval; ischemic cause of HF; history of nonsustained VT; and the uses of amiodarone, β‐blockers, and renin‐angiotensin inhibitors), only the history of nonsustained VT (P<0.0001) was a significant predictor of appropriate cardioverter‐defibrillator therapy.

Conclusions

After implantation of a CRT‐D device for primary prevention, VAs were more prone to occur in patients with nonischemic HF than in those with ischemic HF. Moreover, the first VA episodes were mostly monomorphic VT, and most episodes were terminated by ATP. In addition, nonsustained VT was a potent predictor of VA after CRT.
Spatial and transmural repolarization, and dispersion of repolarization and late potentials evaluated using signal‐averaged vector‐projected 187‐channel high‐resolution electrocardiogram in Brugada syndrome
Authors: Ohkubo Kimie , Watanabe Ichiro , Okumura Yasuo , Kofune Masayoshi , Nagashima Koichi , Mano Hiroaki , Sonoda Kazumasa , Nakai Toshiko , Kasamaki Yuji , Hirayama Atsushi , Sumitomo Naokata , Nakayama Tomohiro
Published: December 2013

Background

Vector‐projected 187‐channel electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded in 45 patients with a Brugada‐type ECG to evaluate spatial and transmural repolarization and dispersion of action potential duration in Brugada syndrome (BS).

Methods

Corrected recovery time (RT‐c, R wave peak to the first positive maximum derivative of the T wave with Bazett correction) and RT‐c dispersion were calculated. The corrected T peak‐end interval (T(p‐e)‐c, T wave peak to the end of the T wave with Bazett correction) and T(p‐e)‐c dispersion were calculated.

Results

RT‐c dispersion and T(p‐e)‐c interval were longer in patients with a type 1 ECG, but there was no significant difference in Tp‐e dispersion between patients with a type 1 and those with a type 2/3 ECG. No significant correlation was noted between RT‐c dispersion, T(p‐e)‐c dispersion, and symptoms. Late potentials (P=0.023) and a family history of sudden cardiac death (P=0.0017) were correlated with symptoms.

Conclusions

Spatial dispersion of repolarization may constitute the electrocardiographic pattern of the Brugada type ECG and conduction disturbance in addition to repolarization abnormality may contribute to the development of malignant ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
Shortening of intraventricular conduction time with rapid ventricular pacing
Authors: Sasaki Naoko , Watanabe Ichiro , Okumura Yasuo , Sonoda Kazumasa , Kogawa Rikitake , Takahashi Keiko , Ohkubo Kimie , Nakai Toshiko , Hirayama Atsushi
Published: December 2013

Background

Supernormal conduction (SNC) of the human ventricular myocardium has been reported, but its mechanism remains controversial.

Methods

We recorded monophasic action potentials during rapid ventricular pacing from the right ventricular endocardium in 24 patients with supraventricular tachyarrhythmias who underwent catheter ablation.

Results

In 7 of 24 patients, shortening of the QRS duration was observed at a pacing cycle length ≤400 ms and lengthening of the QRS duration was observed in 3.

Conclusions

Shortening of the QRS duration during rapid ventricular pacing was observed in the patients.
A simple algorithm for localizing accessory pathways in patients with Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome using only the R/S ratio
Authors: Taguchi Noriko , Yoshida Naoki , Inden Yasuya , Yamamoto Toshihiko , Miyata Shinjiro , Fujita Masaya , Yokoi Kenichiro , Kyo Seifuku , Shimano Masayuki , Hirai Makoto , Murohara Toyoaki
Published: December 2013

Background

Several algorithms for localizing accessory pathways (APs) are based on the delta wave morphology, R/S ratio, and QRS polarity. However, they are somewhat complicated, and an accurate determination of the delta wave morphology is occasionally difficult. The aims of this study were to develop a simple algorithm for localizing APs using only the R/S ratio, and to test the accuracy of the algorithm prospectively.

Methods

We studied 142 patients with a single anterogradely conducting AP on a 12‐lead ECG. R/S ratios were analyzed in leads V1, V2, and aVF (R/S‐V1, R/S‐V2, and R/S‐aVF). AP locations were divided into five regions based on fluoroscopic anatomy.

Results

A new algorithm was developed by correlating R/S‐V1, R/S‐V2, and R/S‐aVF with successful ablation sites in 88 initial consecutive patients. All 55 patients with left free wall APs showed R/S‐V1 ≥0.5, and 47 (98%) of 48 patients with left anterior or lateral APs showed R/S‐aVF ≥1. In contrast, all seven patients with left posterolateral or posterior APs showed R/S‐aVF <1. All nine patients with right‐and‐left midseptal or posteroseptal APs showed R/S‐V1 <0.5 and R/S‐V2 ≥0.5. Of 12 patients with right anterior, lateral or anteroseptal APs, 10 (83%) showed R/S‐V1 <0.5, R/S‐V2 <0.5 and R/S‐aVF ≥1. Finally, nine (75%) of 12 patients with right posterolateral or posterior APs showed R/S‐V1 <0.5, R/S‐V2 <0.5, and R/S‐aVF <1. Then this algorithm was tested prospectively in 54 patients. Overall, the sensitivity was 94%, and the specificity was 98%.

Conclusions

This ECG algorithm provides a simple and accurate way to identify the AP localization.
Comparison of the inguinal and scrotal approaches for the treatment of communicating hydrocele in children
Authors: Alp Bilal Firat , Irkilata Hasan Cem , Kibar Yusuf , Zorba Unal , Sancaktutar Ahmet Ali , Kaya Engin , Dayanc Murat
Published: December 2013

The inguinal approach is used for the treatment of hydrocele in the pediatric population. Although studies on scrotal orchiopexy have mentioned hernia or hydrocele repair through the same scrotal incision as a part of an orchiopexy procedure, there are a few studies reporting the treatment of isolated communicating hydrocele through a scrotal incision. We retrospectively evaluated and compared the outcomes of inguinal and scrotal approaches for the treatment of communicating hydrocele in boys. The classical inguinal and scrotal approaches to the treatment of communicating hydrocele were performed on 46 and 30 testicular units (in 43 boys and 27 boys, respectively). The patients' charts were reviewed to assess the operative times as well as the immediate and long‐term complications during follow‐up periods. The patients' ages ranged from 1 year to 8 years (3.6 ± 2.0 years) in the inguinal group and from 1 year to 10 years (mean 4.6 ± 2.8 years) in the scrotal group. Operative time was significantly lower in the scrotal group (p < 0.0001). The early minor complication rate did not differ between the two groups. Furthermore, there were no major complications noted. None of the patients had hydrocele recurrence after a mean follow‐up of 6 months. The advantages of the scrotal approach for the treatment of communicating hydrocele are as follows: it is well tolerated, simple, and cosmetically appealing, and it has a short operative time in comparison with the standard inguinal approach. The scrotal incision technique is an effective alternative in communicating hydrocele treatment.
Treatment of Extensor Digitorum Brevis Manus Myalgia With Botulinum Toxin
Authors: Wendel Ian , Cole Jeffrey
Published: December 2013

Extensor digitorum brevis manus (EDBM) muscles are accessory dorsal hand muscles that are present in 1%‐3% of the population. These muscles are not commonly symptomatic, but they can occasionally cause pain and discomfort and may be misdiagnosed as tenosynovitis or a ganglion cyst. In this case, we describe an appropriate workup of dorsal hand masses and myalgia that are suspected to be related to EDBM muscles. The patient's symptoms were controlled with injections of botulinum toxin into the EDMB muscle belly, which allowed the patient to be relatively pain free for a considerable amount of time and avoid surgery.
Bisphosphonate Treatment for Children With Disabling Conditions
Authors: Boyce Alison M. , Tosi Laura L. , Paul Scott M.
Published: December 2013

Fractures are a frequent source of morbidity in children with disabling conditions. The assessment of bone density in this population is challenging, because densitometry is influenced by dynamic forces affecting the growing skeleton and may be further confounded by positioning difficulties and surgical hardware. First‐line treatment for pediatric osteoporosis involves conservative measures, including optimizing the management of underlying conditions, maintaining appropriate calcium and vitamin D intake, encouraging weight‐bearing physical activity, and monitoring measurements of bone mineral density. Bisphosphonates are a class of medications that increase bone mineral density by inhibiting bone resorption. Although bisphosphonates are commonly prescribed for treatment of adult osteoporosis, their use in pediatric patients is controversial because of the lack of long‐term safety and efficacy data.
Terminal Pleistocene change in mammal communities in southeastern Washington State, USA
Authors: Lyman R. Lee
Published: December 2013

Small mammal communities in western North America experienced declines in taxonomic richness across the late Pleistocene to Holocene transition (PHT), a recent natural global warming event. One community also experienced a decline in evenness and others replaced one species with a congener. Variability in response of small mammal communities to PHT warming is apparent. At the presently arid and xeric Marmes site in the Columbia Basin of southeastern Washington State, megafauna were absent by about 13,000 cal yr BP, evenness of small mammals declined about 11,700 cal yr BP and again about 11,400 cal yr BP whereas richness declined about 11,400 cal BP. Regional faunal turnover was, however, minimal among small-bodied taxa. Local mammal communities are depauperate as a result of megafaunal extinctions and subsequent decreases in small-mammal richness and evenness. The latter chronologically corresponds with a decrease in primary productivity driven by increasing warmth and aridity. More faunas must be studied in order to fully document the range of variability in the responses of mammalian communities to PHT warming. Documentation of patterns in those responses will facilitate understanding and enhance predictive accuracy with respect to responses of mammalian communities to modern global warming.
Interaction between differential gene expression profile and phenotype in bovine blastocysts originating from oocytes exposed to elevated non-esterified fatty acid concentrations
Authors: Van Hoeck V. , Rizos D. , Gutierrez-Adan A. , Pintelon I. , Jorssen E. , Dufort I. , Sirard M. A. , Verlaet A. , Hermans N. , Bols P. E. J. , Leroy J. L. M. R.
Published: December 2013

Maternal metabolic disorders linked to lipolysis are major risk factors for reproductive failure. A notable feature of such disorders is increased non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations in the blood, which are reflected in the ovarian follicular fluid. Elevated NEFA concentrations impact on the maturing oocyte and even alter subsequent embryo physiology. The aetiological mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Therefore, in the present study, bovine in vitro maturing cumulus–oocyte complexes were exposed (24 h) to three different maturation treatments containing: (1) physiological (72 µM) NEFA concentrations (= control); (2) elevated (75 µM) stearic acid (SA) concentrations (= HIGH SA); and (3) elevated (425 µM) NEFA concentrations (= HIGH COMBI). Zygotes were fertilised and cultured following standard procedures. Transcriptomic analyses in resulting Day 7.5 blastocysts revealed that the major pathways affected are related to lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in HIGH COMBI embryos and to lipid metabolism and cell death in HIGH SA embryos. Furthermore, lower glutathione content and a reduced number of lipid droplets per cell were observed in HIGH SA-exposed oocytes and resulting morulae, respectively, compared with their HIGH COMBI-exposed counterparts. Vitrified embryos originating from HIGH SA-exposed oocytes tended to exhibit lower survival rates compared with controls. These data suggest possible mechanisms explaining why females across species suffering lipolytic disorders experience difficulties in conceiving.
Working Knowledge: characterising collective indigenous, scientific, and local knowledge about the ecology, hydrology and geomorphology of Oriners Station, Cape York Peninsula, Australia
Authors: Barber M. , Jackson S. , Shellberg J. , Sinnamon V.
Published: December 2013

The term, Working Knowledge, is introduced to describe the content of a local cross-cultural knowledge recovery and integration project focussed on the indigenous-owned Oriners pastoral lease near Kowanyama on the Cape York Peninsula, Queensland. Social and biophysical scientific researchers collaborated with indigenous people, non-indigenous pastoralists, and an indigenous natural resource management (NRM) agency to record key ecological, hydrological and geomorphological features of this intermittently occupied and environmentally valuable ‘flooded forest’ country. Working Knowledge was developed in preference to ‘local’ and/or ‘indigenous’ knowledge because it collectively describes the contexts in which the knowledge was obtained (through pastoral, indigenous, NRM, and scientific labour), the diverse backgrounds of the project participants, the provisional and utilitarian quality of the collated knowledge, and the focus on aiding adaptive management. Key examples and epistemological themes emerging from the knowledge recovery research, as well as preliminary integrative models of important hydro-ecological processes, are presented. Changing land tenure and economic regimes on surrounding cattle stations make this study regionally significant but the Working Knowledge concept is also useful in analysing the knowledge base used by the wider contemporary indigenous land management sector. Employees in this expanding, largely externally funded, and increasingly formalised sector draw on a range of knowledge in making operational decisions – indigenous, scientific, NRM, bureaucratic and knowledge learned in pastoral and other enterprises. Although this shared base is often a source of strength, important aspects or precepts of particular component knowledges must necessarily be deprioritised, compromised, or even elided in everyday NRM operations constrained by particular management logics, priorities and funding sources. Working Knowledge accurately characterised a local case study, but also invites further analysis of the contemporary indigenous NRM knowledge base and its relationship to the individual precepts and requirements of the indigenous, scientific, local and other knowledges which respectively inform it.
Adaptations for digging in the forelimb muscle anatomy of the southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) and bilby (Macrotis lagotis)
Authors: Warburton Natalie M. , Grégoire Lea , Jacques Sandra , Flandrin Camille
Published: December 2013

Bandicoots and bilbies (Peramelemorphia) represent a distinct lineage within the marsupial adaptive radiation, which despite several curious anatomical traits has received little morphological attention. Many bandicoot species (family Peramelidae) dig for subterranean food, while bilbies (family Thylacomyidae) employ their forelimbs to dig extensive burrow systems for shelter. In the current study, dissections of the southern brown bandicoot (Isoodon obesulus) (n = 7) and greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) (n = 4) provide the first anatomical descriptions of forelimb musculature in these species. The anatomical arrangement of forelimb muscles in I. obesulus and M. lagotis differs from that of other marsupials and corresponds to the aclaviculate pectoral girdle and modified arrangement of digits in the study species. Comparative and functional interpretations indicate that the forelimb of I. obesulus is well equipped for scratch digging and demonstrates muscular modifications in order to generate large out-forces. The bones of the forelimb, and in particular the antebrachium, are relatively short, stout bones, improving both their resistance to mechanical forces and providing a mechanical advantage via a reduced out-lever length. There has been an increase in the absolute volume of muscles employed during digging, thereby increasing the magnitude of the in-force. Increased in-lever lengths have been achieved via the migration of muscle insertions, including the elongate olecranon for the insertion of the m. triceps brachii, and the distal migration of the humeral attachments of the teres major, latissimus dorsi and superficial pectoral muscles.
Interannual variation in land-use intensity enhances grassland multidiversity
Authors: Allan Eric , Bossdorf Oliver , Dormann Carsten F. , Prati Daniel , Gossner Martin M. , Tscharntke Teja , Blüthgen Nico , Bellach Michaela , Birkhofer Klaus , Boch Steffen , Böhm Stefan , Börschig Carmen , Chatzinotas Antonis , Christ Sabina , Daniel Rolf , Diekötter Tim , Fischer Christiane , Friedl Thomas , Glaser Karin , Hallmann Christine , Hodac Ladislav , Hölzel Norbert , Jung Kirsten , Klein Alexandra Maria , Klaus Valentin H. , Kleinebecker Till , Krauss Jochen , Lange Markus , Morris E. Kathryn , Müller Jörg , Nacke Heiko , Pašalić Esther , Rillig Matthias C. , Rothenwöhrer Christoph , Schall Peter , Scherber Christoph , Schulze Waltraud , Socher Stephanie A. , Steckel Juliane , Steffan-Dewenter Ingolf , Türke Manfred , Weiner Christiane N. , Werner Michael , Westphal Catrin , Wolters Volkmar , Wubet Tesfaye , Gockel Sonja , Gorke Martin , Hemp Andreas , Renner Swen C. , Schöning Ingo , Pfeiffer Simone , König-Ries Birgitta , Buscot François , Linsenmair Karl Eduard , Schulze Ernst-Detlef , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Fischer Markus
Published: December 2013

Significance

Land-use intensification is a major threat to biodiversity. So far, however, studies on biodiversity impacts of land-use intensity (LUI) have been limited to a single or few groups of organisms and have not considered temporal variation in LUI. Therefore, we examined total ecosystem biodiversity in grasslands varying in LUI with a newly developed index called multidiversity, which integrates the species richness of 49 different organism groups ranging from bacteria to birds. Multidiversity declined strongly with increasing LUI, but changing LUI across years increased multidiversity, particularly of rarer species. We conclude that encouraging farmers to change the intensity of their land use over time could be an important strategy to maintain high biodiversity in grasslands.
Neurofibrillary tangle-bearing neurons are functionally integrated in cortical circuits in vivo
Authors: Kuchibhotla Kishore V. , Wegmann Susanne , Kopeikina Katherine J. , Hawkes Jonathan , Rudinskiy Nikita , Andermann Mark L. , Spires-Jones Tara L. , Bacskai Brian J. , Hyman Bradley T.
Published: December 2013

Significance

Alzheimer's disease is pathologically characterized by extracellular amyloid-β plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). It has long been assumed that the accumulation of tau into NFTs causes neuronal dysfunction and death, and is a proximate cause of dementia in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. This assumption underlies the NFT-busting drugs currently in clinical trials and research efforts aimed at understanding tau aggregation. Our study tested the dogma that NFT-bearing neurons are indeed impaired in their ability to respond to complex sensory stimuli. Using two-photon imaging in awake mice with NFT pathology, we found that individual neurons with NFTs respond to visual stimuli and do not impair local circuits. These unexpected results suggest that the presence of an NFT does not inevitably lead to gross physiological alterations.
An amphioxus RAG1-like DNA fragment encodes a functional central domain of vertebrate core RAG1
Authors: Zhang Yanni , Xu Ke , Deng Anqi , Fu Xing , Xu Anlong , Liu Xiaolong
Published: December 2013

Significance

Recombination activating gene (RAG)-mediated variable, diversity, and joining [V(D)J] gene recombination is the hallmark of the adaptive immunity that only exists in jawed vertebrates. The evolutionary origin of RAG remains largely unknown although many hypotheses have been proposed. This study indicates that a RAG1-like DNA fragment (bfRAG1L) from the invertebrate amphioxus might encode a functional central domain of vertebrate core RAG1. We show that bfRAG1L (if translated) is a virus-related protein that can degrade both DNA and RNA and is able to introduce V(D)J gene recombination in RAG1-deficient mice after the reconstitution of bfRAG1L into a core RAG1-like protein. In this paper, we propose a model for the evolutionary process of RAG1 in the combination of previous hypotheses, and it provides unique insights into the origin and evolution of RAG1.
The Behavior of Bid‐Ask Spreads in the Electronically‐Traded Corn Futures Market
Authors: Wang Xiaoyang
Published: December 2013

This is the first paper to analyze liquidity costs in agricultural futures markets based on the observed bid‐ask spread (BAS) faced by market participants. The results reveal a highly liquid corn market that mostly offers order execution at minimum cost. The BAS responds negatively to volume and positively to price volatility, but also affects volume traded and price volatility. While statistically significant, these responses on a cents/bushel or a percentage basis are generally small. Liquidity costs are also virtually impervious to short‐term changes in demand for spreading and trend‐following trader activity, as well as differences from day‐of‐the‐week changes in market activity. Much larger cents/bushel and percentage changes in BAS occur during commodity index trader roll periods and on USDA report release days. The roll period findings indicate a sunshine trading effect, while announcement effects identify the importance of unexpected information and adverse selection on order execution costs. Overall, our research demonstrates that the transition to electronic trading in the corn futures market has led to low and stable liquidity costs, despite the market turbulence in 2008–2009.
Burkholderia dilworthii sp. nov., isolated from Lebeckia ambigua root nodules
Authors: De Meyer Sofie E. , Cnockaert Margo , Ardley Julie K. , Van Wyk Ben-Erik , Vandamme Peter A. , Howieson John G.
Published: December 2013

Three strains of Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacteria were isolated from Lebeckia ambigua root nodules and authenticated on this host. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogeny, they were shown to belong to the genus

Burkholderia

, with the representative strain WSM3556T being most closely related to

Burkholderia caledonica

LMG 23644T (98.70 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Burkholderia rhynchosiae WSM3937T (98.50 %). Additionally, these strains formed a distinct group in phylogenetic trees of the housekeeping genes gyrB and recA. Chemotaxonomic data, including fatty acid profiles and analysis of respiratory quinones, supported the assignment of our strains to the genus

Burkholderia

. Results of DNA–DNA hybridizations, MALDI-TOF MS analysis and physiological and biochemical tests allowed genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of our strains from their nearest neighbour species. Therefore, these strains represent a novel species, for which the name Burkholderia dilworthii sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain WSM3556T ( = LMG 27173T = HAMBI 3353T).
Reclassification of Rhodospirillum photometricum Molisch 1907, Rhodospirillum sulfurexigens Anil Kumar et al. 2008 and Rhodospirillum oryzae Lakshmi et al. 2013 in a new genus, Pararhodospirillum gen. nov., as Pararhodospirillum photometricum comb. nov., Pararhodospirillum sulfurexigens comb. nov. and Pararhodospirillum oryzae comb. nov., respectively, and emended description of the genus Rhodospirillum
Authors: Lakshmi K. V. N. S. , Divyasree B. , Ramprasad E. V. V. , Sasikala Ch. , Ramana Ch. V.
Published: December 2013

The genus

Rhodospirillum

is represented by four species, with three of them showing phylogenetic divergence compared to the type species,

Rhodospirillum rubrum

. Differences in the major diagnostic properties such as internal photosynthetic membranes, quinones, fatty acids, carotenoid composition and a few other phenotypic properties warrant the reclassification of members of this genus. Resultantly, a new genus, Pararhodospirillum gen. nov., is proposed based on the analysis of nine strains to accommodate

Rhodospirillum photometricum

,

Rhodospirillum sulfurexigens

and

Rhodospirillum oryzae

as Pararhodospirillum photometricum comb. nov., Pararhodospirillum sulfurexigens comb. nov. and Pararhodospirillum oryzae comb. nov., respectively. The type species of the genus is Pararhodospirillum photometricum comb. nov. An emended description of the genus

Rhodospirillum

is also proposed.
The causal meaning of genomic predictors and how it affects the construction and comparison of genome-enabled selection models
Authors: Valente Bruno D. , Morota Gota , Rosa Guilherme J.M. , Gianola Daniel , Weigel Kent
Published: December 2013

The additive genetic effect is arguably the most important quantity inferred in animal and plant breeding analyses. The termeffectindicates that it represents causal information, which is different from standard statistical concepts asregression coefficientandassociation. The process of inferring causal information is also different from standard statistical learning, as the former requires causal (i.e. non-statistical) assumptions and involves extra complexities. Remarkably, the task of inferring genetic effects is largely seen as a standard regression/prediction problem, contradicting its label. This widely accepted analysis approach is by itself insufficient for causal learning, suggesting that causality is not the point for selection. Given this incongruence, it is important to verify if genomic predictors need to represent causal effects to be relevant for selection decisions, especially because applying regression studies to answer causal questions may lead to wrong conclusions. The answer to this question defines if genomic selection models should be constructed aiming maximum genomic predictive ability or aiming identifiability of genetic causal effects. Here, we demonstrate that selection relies on a causal effect from genotype to phenotype, and that genomic predictors are only useful for selection if they distinguish such effect from other sources of association. Conversely, genomic predictors capturing non-causal signals provide information that is less relevant for selection regardless of the resulting predictive ability. Focusing on covariate choice decision, simulated examples are used to show that predictive ability, which is the criterion normally used to compare models, may not indicate the quality of genomic predictors for selection. Additionally, we propose using alternative criteria to construct models aiming for the identification of the genetic causal effects.
Revisiting the effect of population size on cumulative cultural evolution
Authors: Baldini Ryan
Published: December 2013

Henrich (2004) argued that larger populations can better maintain complex technologies because they contain more highly skilled people whom others can imitate. His original model, however, did not distinguish the effects of population size from population density or network size; a learner’s social network included the entire population. Does population size remain important when populations are subdivided and networks are realistically small? I use a mathematical model to show that population size has little effect onequilibriumlevels of mean skill under a wide range of conditions. The effects of network size and transmission error rate usually overshadow that of population size. Population size can, however, affect therateat which a population approaches equilibrium, by increasing the rate at which innovations arise. This effect is small unless innovation is very rare. Whether population size predicts technological complexity in the real world, then, depends on whether technological evolution is innovation-limited and short of equilibrium. The effect of population “connectedness,” via migration or trade, is similar. I discuss the results of this analysis in light of the current empirical debate.
Autophagy-Related Proteins Are Required for Degradation of Peroxisomes inArabidopsisHypocotyls during Seedling Growth
Authors: Kim Jimi , Lee Heeeun , Lee Han Nim , Kim Soon-Hee , Shin Kwang Deok , Chung Taijoon
Published: December 2013

Plant peroxisomes play a pivotal role during postgerminative growth by breaking down fatty acids to provide fixed carbons for seedlings before the onset of photosynthesis. The enzyme composition of peroxisomes changes during the transition of the seedling from a heterotrophic to an autotrophic state; however, the mechanisms for the degradation of obsolete peroxisomal proteins remain elusive. One candidate mechanism is autophagy, a bulk degradation pathway targeting cytoplasmic constituents to the lytic vacuole. We present evidence supporting the autophagy of peroxisomes in Arabidopsis thaliana hypocotyls during seedling growth. Mutants defective in autophagy appeared to accumulate excess peroxisomes in hypocotyl cells. When degradation in the vacuole was pharmacologically compromised, both autophagic bodies and peroxisomal markers were detected in the wild-type vacuole but not in that of the autophagy-incompetent mutants. On the basis of the genetic and cell biological data we obtained, we propose that autophagy is important for the maintenance of peroxisome number and cell remodeling in Arabidopsis hypocotyls.
Phosphatidic Acid Interacts with a MYB Transcription Factor and Regulates Its Nuclear Localization and Function inArabidopsis
Authors: Yao Hongyan , Wang Geliang , Guo Liang , Wang Xuemin
Published: December 2013

Phosphatidic acid (PA) has emerged as a class of cellular mediators involved in various cellular and physiological processes, but little is known about its mechanism of action. Here we show that PA interacts with WEREWOLF (WER), a R2R3 MYB transcription factor involved in root hair formation. The PA-interacting region is confined to the end of the R2 subdomain. The ablation of the PA binding motif has no effect on WER binding to DNA, but abolishes its nuclear localization and its function in regulating epidermal cell fate. Inhibition of PA production by phospholipase Dζ also suppresses WER's nuclear localization, root hair formation, and elongation. These results suggest a role for PA in promoting protein nuclear localization.
SPECT‐based functional lung imaging for the prediction of radiation pneumonitis: A clinical and dosimetric correlation
Authors: Hoover Douglas A. , Reid Robert H. , Wong Eugene , Stitt Larry , Sabondjian Eric , Rodrigues George B. , Jaswal Jasbir K. , Yaremko Brian P.
Published: December 2013

Introduction

When we irradiate lung cancer, the radiation dose that can be delivered safely is limited by the risk of radiation pneumonitis (RP) in the surrounding normal lung. This risk is dose‐dependent and is commonly predicted using metrics such as the V20, which are usually formulated assuming homogeneous pulmonary function. Because in vivo pulmonary function is not homogeneous, if highly functioning lung can be identified beforehand and preferentially avoided during treatment, it might be possible to reduce the risk of RP, suggesting the utility of function‐based prediction metrics.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 26 patients who received ventilation and perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT‐CT) immediately prior to curative‐intent radiation therapy. Patients were separated into non‐RP and RP groups. As‐treated dose‐volume histogram (DVH), perfusion‐SPECT‐based and ventilation‐SPECT‐based dose‐function histogram (DFH) parameters were defined for each group and were tested for differences. The relative utilities of ventilation‐based and perfusion‐based DFH metrics were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

The standard mean lung dose (MLD) was significantly higher in the RP group; the standard V20 and V30 were higher in the RP group but not significantly. Perfusion‐weighted and ventilation‐weighted values of the MLD, V20 and V30 were all significantly higher in the RP group. ROC analysis suggested that SPECT‐based DFH parameters outperformed standard DVH parameters as predictors of RP.

Conclusions

SPECT‐based DFH parameters appear to be useful as predictors of RP.
Prevalence, nature and potential preventability of adverse drug events – a population‐based medical record study of 4970 adults
Authors: Hakkarainen Katja M. , Gyllensten Hanna , Jönsson Anna K. , Andersson Sundell Karolina , Petzold Max , Hägg Staffan
Published: December 2013

Aims

To estimate the 3 month prevalence of adverse drug events (ADEs), categories of ADEs and preventable ADEs, and the preventability of ADEs among adults in Sweden. Further, to identify drug classes and organ systems associated with ADEs and estimate their seriousness.

Methods

A random sample of 5025 adults in a Swedish county council in 2008 was drawn from the Total Population Register. All their medical records in 29 inpatient care departments in three hospitals, 110 specialized outpatient clinics and 51 primary care units were reviewed retrospectively in a stepwise manner, and complemented with register data on dispensed drugs. ADEs, including adverse drug reactions (ADRs), sub‐therapeutic effects of drug therapy (STEs), drug dependence and abuse, drug intoxications from overdose, and morbidities due to drug‐related untreated indication, were detected during a 3 month study period, and assessed for preventability.

Results

Among 4970 included individuals, the prevalence of ADEs was 12.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 11.1, 12.9%), and preventable ADEs 5.6% (95% CI 5.0, 6.2%). ADRs (6.9%; 95% CI 6.2, 7.6%) and STEs (6.4%; 95% CI 5.8, 7.1%) were more prevalent than the other ADEs. Of the ADEs, 38.8% (95% CI 35.8–41.9%) was preventable, varying by ADE category and seriousness. ADEs were frequently associated with nervous system and cardiovascular drugs, but the associated drugs and affected organs varied by ADE category.

Conclusions

The considerable burden of ADEs and preventable ADEs from commonly used drugs across care settings warrants large‐scale efforts to redesign safer, higher quality healthcare systems. The heterogeneous nature of the ADE categories should be considered in research and clinical practice for preventing, detecting and mitigating ADEs.
Die Reduktionskraft und Hydroperoxidzerlegung von Estern und Amiden der phosphorigen Säure studiert durch EPR-Spektroskopie
Authors: Tkáč Alexander , Rüger Claus , Schwetlick Klaus
Published: December 2013

Es wurden die Reaktionen von Brenzcatechylphosphorigsäureestern (I) und Brenzcatechylphosphorigsäureesteramiden (II) bis (XI) mit Kobalt(II)-acetylacetonat (Co(acac)2, tert-Butylhydroperoxid (TBHP), H2O2 und mit an Kobalt koordinierten Peroxyradikalen [Co(III)RO2· EPR-spektroskopisch untersucht. In Gegenwart von Sauerstoff werden die Ester von (Co(acac)2 oxidativ unter Spaltung der Brenzcatechin-Phosphorbindung angegriffen, wobei ein Komplex des Phenoxyradikals mit Kobalt gebildet wird. Bei der Reaktion von (I) mit TBPH tritt ein Elektronentransfer vom Phosphor auf das Hydroperoxid auf, der in geringem Umfang zu einem RO·-Radikalaustausch führt, worauf die freien 2,6-tert-Butyl-4-methyl-phenoxyradikale hinweisen. In Gegenwart von koordinierten [Co(III)](RO2·)-Radikalen verläuft die Reaktion mit (I) ebenfalls unter einem oxidativen Angriff an der Brenzcatechin-Phosphorbindung unter Komplexbildung mit dem Übergangsmetall. Phosphorigsäureesteramide reagieren mit Co(acac)2 unter Reduktion des Co(II) zu Co(I) bzw. Co(O). Die reduktive Kraft ist von der Struktur des Amides abhängig. Die nach einer Elektronenübertragung auf ein Peroxid (TBHP, H2O2) entstehenden instabilen Kationradikale zerfallen unter Spaltung der P-N-Bindung, wobei stabile Nitroxyradikale ·O-N-(R1)(R2) und oxidierte Phosphorverbindungen entstehen. Mit Kobalt koordinierten RO2·-Radikalen reagieren die Phosphorigsäureesteramide unter Wasserstoffabstraktion am Amidstickstoff, wobei ein Nitroxylradikal gebildet wird. Tertiäare Amide reagieren nicht.
Mechanism of oxidation of Cr(II) ions by chloroform, bromoform and iodoform
Authors: Ševčík Peter , Cifra Peter
Published: December 2013

The kinetics and mechanism of oxidation of Cr(II) ions by haloforms were studied in H2O-CH3OH-HClO4 system, in the case of bromoform also in H2O-CH3COOH-HClO4 system. Six mol of Cr2+ ions is consumed in the oxidation-reduction reaction per one mol of CHX3, the final organic product is methane. The primary Cr(III) products are CrX2+ ions and [CrCHX22+] organochromic complexes. The oxidation-reduction reactions are 1st order with respect to each reactant, the rate constants of the 2nd order reaction, independent of the H+ ion concentration and the ionic strength, decrease in the order kI > kBr > kCl. The inner-sphere mechanism is suggested for the electron transfer; the effect of the C-X bond cleavage is more significant than the effect of the Cr-X bond formation and controls the rate of the halogen atom transfer from the haloform to Cr(II).
Influence of chromium cations on properties of stabilized and non-stabilized forms of Y-zeolites
Authors: Tvarůžková Zdenka , Bosáček Vladimír
Published: December 2013

Differences in the behaviour of the non-stabilized form and of stabilized forms of the Y-type zeolite with Cr3+ in the interaction with ethylene were investigated. While with the stabilized forms the polymerization of ethylene takes place with initial rates r0 = 9-12 . 10-2 g(C2H4)g-1 (zeolite) min-1, the initial rate of polymerization with the non-stabilized zeolite containing Cr3+ is by two orders of magnitude lower. In the infrared spectra of OH stretching vibrations of the zeolites with Cr3+ cations two new bands were found at 3 660 and 3 550 cm-1, in comparison with the initial samples. These bands were ascribed to hydroxocomplexes of chromium.
Synthesis of dinucleoside phosphates containing 5'-O-bonded 1-(6-deoxy-β-D-allofuranosyl)uracil and 1-(6-deoxy-α-L-talofuranosyl)uracil
Authors: Padyukova Nella Sh. , Smrt Jiří
Published: December 2013

1-O-Acetyl-2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-6-deoxy-L-talofuranose (IV) affords by the reaction with silylated uracil in the presence of stannic chloride, followed by the action of methanolic ammonia, 1-(6-deoxy-α-L-talofuranosyl)uracil (Vb). 1-(6-Deoxy-β-D-allofuranosyl)uracil (IIb) and/or the compound Vb reacts with ethyl orthoformate in the presence of hydrogen chloride under the formation of 2',3'-O-ethoxymethylene derivatives III or VI which afford, by the reaction with pyridinium salts of 2'-O-tetrahydropyranyl-5'-O-acetyl-(N-acetyl)ribonucleoside 3'-phosphates VIIa-VIId in the presence of N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and the removal of protecting groups, ribonucleosid-3'-phosphorylyl-(3' → 5')-1-(6-deoxy-β-D-allofuranosyl)uracils IXa-IXd and/or ribonucleosid-3'-phosphorylyl-(3' → 5')-1-(6-deoxy-α-L-talofuranosyl)uracils Xa-Xd.
Anthraquinones related to anthracyclinones from the mutant strain Streptomyces galilaeus J-14
Authors: Královcová Emanuela , Sedmera Petr , Vokoun Jindřich , Vaněk Zdenko
Published: December 2013

The anhydro derivative of ε-pyrromycinone IX and three anthraquinones X-XII related to anthracyclinones were found as minor metabolites of the mutant strain Streptomyces galilaeus J-14. Proposed structures are based on the spectroscopic measurements.
Carbon-13 and nitrogen-14 NMR spectra of 1-(substituted phenyl)pyridinium salts
Authors: Lyčka Antonín
Published: December 2013

The 13C and 14N NMR spectra of 1M solutions of 1-(substituted phenyl)pyridinium salts (4-CH3, 4-OCH3, H, 4-Cl, 4-Br, 4-I, 3-NO2, 4-NO2, 2,4-(NO2)2 (the 13C NMR only)) have been measured in heavy water at 30 °C. The 13C and 14N chemical shifts, the 1J(CH) coupling constants, some 3J(CH) coupling constants, and values of half-widths Δ 1/2 of the 14N NMR signals are given. The 13C chemical shifts of C(4) correlate with the σ0 constants (δC(4) = (1.79 ± 0.097) σ0 + (147.67 ± 0.041)), whereas no correlation of the nitrogen chemical shifts with the σ constants has been found. The half-widths Δ 1/2 correlate with the σ0 constants (Δ 1/2 = (76.2 ± 4.9) σ0 + (106.4 ± 2.2)) except for 1-phenylpyridinium chloride.
In situ reactions of amines and amino alcohols and their application to structural assignment by 1H NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Buděšínský Miloš , Samek Zdeněk , Tichý Miloš
Published: December 2013

The in situ reaction of amines with trichloroacetyl isocyanate (TAI) in the NMR sample tube was investigated as a tool in structural analysis by means of 1H NMR spectroscopy. Preferred conformations of the adducts were suggested which explain different behaviour of NH protons and the induced CH protons shifts. On the example of amino alcohols it was shown how to use the TAI method in combination with other in situ reactions (protonation, acetylation, trifluoroacetylation) for simultaneous differentiation between functional groups in polyfunctional molecules.
Synthesis of 2'(3')-phosphates and 2'(3')-phosphorothioates of 5'-O-carboxymethylinosine and related compounds
Authors: Holý Antonín , Kois Pavol
Published: December 2013

5'-O-Carboxymethylinosine (IX) was prepared from disodium salt of 2',3'-O-isopropylideneinosine (VIII) by treatment with sodium chloroacetate, followed by acid hydrolysis. 5'-O-(2-Aminoethylamidocarbonylmethyl)inosine (XIII) was obtained by reaction of IX with p-nitrophenol and subsequent treatment with ethylenediamine. Action of triethyl phosphite on the compounds IX and XIII afforded the corresponding 5'-O-substituted 2'(3')-phosphites X and XIV which on reaction with trimethylsilyl chloride and sulfur gave the 2'(3')-phosphorothioates XI and XV. The compound IX was transformed by phosphorus oxychloride in 5'-O-carboxymethylinosine 2'(3')-phosphate (XII). Uridine, adenosine and inosine 2'(3')-phosphorothioates (Ia-Ic) were obtained from 2',3'-O-di-n-butylstannylene derivatives of the nucleosides IV by treatment with thiophosphoryl chloride followed by alkaline hydrolysis; inosine and guanosine 2'(3')-phosphorothioates (Ic,Id) were prepared by reaction of the corresponding 2'(3')-phosphites VIc, VId with trimethylsilyl chloride and sulfur. Cyclization of Ic and Id with ethyl chloroformate in the presence of tri-n-butylamine afforded inosine 2',3'-O,O-cyclophosphorothioate (VIIc) and the corresponding guanosine derivative VIId. Compounds VIIc and VIId are not cleaved by Streptomyces aureofaciens ribonuclease.