bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraspecific variation in Diplodia seriata isolates occurring on grapevines in Spain
Authors: Elena G. , Garcia‐Figueres F. , Reigada S. , Luque J.
Published: September 2014

Variation of Diplodia seriata, a fungal species associated with botryosphaeria dieback of grapevine, was investigated with respect to its genetic, phenotypic and pathogenic characteristics. The inter‐simple sequence repeat (ISSR) technique was used to investigate the genetic diversity of 83 isolates of D. seriata. Five ISSR primers were able to provide reproducible and polymorphic DNA fingerprint patterns, thus showing a relevant genetic variability in the species. Analyses of ISSR data by different clustering methods grouped the isolates into two distinct clusters through the Bayesian and DAPC analyses. No relationships between either geographic or host origin of isolates and genetic clusters were observed. Several representative isolates from each genetic cluster were chosen for studying their conidial dimensions, in vitro mycelial growth, vegetative and mating compatibility, and pathogenicity on detached grapevine canes and potted vines. No significant differences in conidial dimensions were detected among the groups. Vegetative compatibility reactions were observed among isolates but this was not related with the genetic clustering. Production of sexual fruiting bodies in vegetative compatible crossings was not observed under the experimental conditions used in the study. All 14 isolates tested for pathogenicity were confirmed to be pathogenic according to the length of the necrotic lesions that they caused and their reisolation frequencies from the infected plant tissues. Differences in the length of necrosis were detected among isolates, thus revealing the existence of different virulence levels in the species.
Impact of Instruction in the Creighton Model FertilityCare System on Time to Pregnancy in Couples of Proven Fecundity: Results of a Randomised Trial
Authors: Stanford Joseph B. , Smith Ken R. , Varner Michael W.
Published: September 2014

Background

The Creighton Model FertilityCare System (CrMS) teaches women to identify days when intercourse is likely to result in pregnancy. We sought to assess the impact of the CrMS on time to pregnancy (TTP), via per‐cycle pregnancy rates (fecundability).

Methods

We conducted a parallel randomised trial at the University of Utah School of Medicine, 2003–06. Women ages 18–35 years, in a relationship of proven fertility, who desired to conceive, were block‐randomised and stratified for age, with allocation concealment by opaque sequentially numbered sealed envelopes. The control group received the advice to have intercourse 2–3 times per week, and the intervention group received CrMS instruction. All women were asked to begin trying to conceive starting the second cycle in the study and were followed actively up to seven cycles, without blinding of research personnel. We calculated descriptive statistics and fecundability, and estimated Cox models for TTP. (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00161395).

Results

There were 143 women randomised: 71 to the control group (all analysed) and 72 to the CrMS group (69 analysed). The adjusted hazard ratio for the influence of CrMS on TTP was 0.86 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.53, 1.38]. Fecundability in cycles with intent to conceive was 31% in controls and 36% with CrMS (P = 0.32). By the first cycle, fecundability was 17% in controls, and 4% with CrMS (P = 0.02). No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

We found no significant impact of CrMS on TTP or fecundability, but fewer of the women receiving CrMS conceived by the first cycle.
Different strategies underlying uncertain decision making: Higher executive performance is associated with enhanced feedback‐related negativity
Authors: Kóbor Andrea , Takács Ádám , Janacsek Karolina , Németh Dezső , Honbolygó Ferenc , Csépe Valéria
Published: September 2014

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of executive functions (EFs) in different strategies underlying risky decision making. Adult participants from a nonclinical sample were assigned to low or high EF groups based on their performance on EF tasks measuring shifting, updating, and inhibition. ERPs were recorded while participants performed the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART). In this task, each balloon pump was associated with either a reward or a balloon pop with unknown probability. The BART behavioral measures did not show between‐group differences. However, the feedback‐related negativity (FRN) associated with undesirable outcomes was larger in the high EF group than in the low EF group. Since the FRN represents salience prediction error, our results suggest that the high EF group formed internal models that were violated by the outcomes. Thus, we provided ERP evidence for EFs influencing risky decision‐making processes.
Urban Poverty and Neighborhood Effects on Crime: Incorporating Spatial and Network Perspectives
Authors: Graif Corina , Gladfelter Andrew S. , Matthews Stephen A.
Published: September 2014

Research on neighborhoods and crime is on a remarkable growth trajectory. In this article, we survey important recent developments in the scholarship on neighborhood effects and the spatial stratification of poverty and urban crime. We advance the case that, in understanding the impact of neighborhoods and poverty on crime, sociological and criminological research would benefit from expanding the analytical focus from residential neighborhoods to the network of neighborhoods that individuals are exposed to during their daily routine activities. This perspective is supported by re‐emerging scholarship on activity spaces and macro‐level research on inter‐neighborhood connections. We highlight work indicating that non‐residential contexts add variation in criminogenic exposure, which in turn influence offending behavior and victimization risk. Also, we draw on recent insights from research on gang violence, social and institutional connections, and spatial mismatch and call for advancements in the scholarship on urban poverty that investigates the salience of inter‐neighborhood connections in evaluating the spatial stratification of criminogenic risk for individuals and communities.
A novel HLA allele, HLA‐B*37:06:02, identified in a Chinese family
Authors: Li X. , Zou H. , Gu B. , Zhu Y. , Chen Q.
Published: September 2014

The novel allele HLA‐B*37:06:02 differs from HLA‐B*37:06:01 by a silent nucleotide substitution at codon 47P.
A retrospective review of treatment and response of high‐risk mast cell tumours in dogs
Authors: Miller R. L. , Van Lelyveld S. , Warland J. , Dobson J. M. , Foale R. D.
Published: September 2014

This retrospective case series evaluates survival outcome of 94 dogs with high metastatic risk mast cell tumours (MCT). Patients were treated with a cytotoxic chemotherapy protocol or the tyrosine kinase inhibitor masitinib, in the presence of gross disease or as an adjunct to surgical resection of the primary tumour. In patients presenting with metastatic disease, surgical resection of the primary tumour with adjunctive therapy with any chemotherapy incurred a significant survival advantage [median survival time (MST): 278 days] compared to patients receiving chemotherapy without surgical excision of the primary tumour (MST: 91 days, P < 0.0001). Patients with a surgically excised Patnaik grade II tumour and high Ki‐67 in the absence of metastatic disease treated with vinblastine and prednisolone showed a significantly longer survival (MST: 1946 days) than those treated with masitinib (MST: 369 days, P = 0.0037). Further prospective case‐controlled clinical trials of high‐risk MCTs are required to make precise evidence‐based treatment decisions for individual patients.
Efficacy of low‐level laser therapy on hair regrowth in dogs with noninflammatory alopecia: a pilot study
Authors: Olivieri Lara , Cavina Damiano , Radicchi Giada , Miragliotta Vincenzo , Abramo Francesca
Published: September 2014

Background

Canine noninflammatory alopecia (CNA) is a heterogeneous group of skin diseases with different underlying pathogenesis. The therapeutic approach is challenging, and new options for treatment are desirable.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To test the clinical efficacy of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) on hair regrowth in CNA.

Animals

Seven dogs of different ages, breeds and genders with a clinical and histopathological diagnosis of noninflammatory alopecia.

Methods

Each dog was treated twice weekly for a maximum of 2 months with a therapeutic laser producing the following three different wavelengths emerging simultaneously from 21 foci: 13 × 16 mW, 470 nm; 4 × 50 mW, 685 nm; and 4 × 200 mW, 830 nm. The fluence given was 3 J/cm2, frequency 5 Hz, amplitude of the irradiated area was 25 cm2 and application time was 1.34 min. A predetermined alopecic area was left untreated and served as a control area. From one dog, post‐treatment biopsies of treated and untreated sites were obtained for histological evaluation of hair density and the percentage of haired and nonhaired follicles.

Results

At the end of the study, coat regrowth was greatly improved in six of seven animals and improved in one of seven. By morphometry, the area occupied by hair follicles was 18% in the treated sample and 11% in the untreated one (11%); haired follicles were (per area) 93% in the treated sample and only 9% in the control sample.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Our clinical and histological data document promising effects of LLLT on hair regrowth in CNA. Further studies investigating the biological mechanism underlying the effect of LLLT on hair follicle cycling are warranted.
Point prevalence of complex wounds in a defined United Kingdom population
Authors: Hall Jill , Buckley Hannah L. , Lamb Karen A. , Stubbs Nikki , Saramago Pedro , Dumville Jo C. , Cullum Nicky A.
Published: September 2014

Complex wounds (superficial‐, partial‐, or full‐thickness skin loss wounds healing by secondary intention) are common; however, there is a lack of high‐quality, contemporary epidemiological data. This paper presents point prevalence estimates for complex wounds overall as well as for individual types. A multiservice, cross‐sectional survey was undertaken across a United Kingdom city (Leeds, population 751,485) during 2 weeks in spring of 2011. The mean age of people with complex wounds was approximately 70 years, standard deviation 19.41. The point prevalence of complex wounds was 1.47 per 1,000 of the population, 95% confidence interval 1.38 to 1.56. While pressure ulcers and leg ulcers were the most frequent, one in five people in the sample population had a less common wound type. Surveys confined to people with specific types of wound would underestimate the overall impact of complex wounds on the population and health care resources.
Season Specific Daily Diffuse Solar Radiation Fraction Parameterizations for India
Authors: Singh Jyotsna , Kumar Manoj , Sivakumar V.
Published: September 2014

Models of the diffuse fraction of daily solar radiation (KD) have been developed over India for different seasons (winter, spring/autumn, and summer/monsoon) using the clearness index, also known as atmospheric transmissivity (KT). Measurements of global (RG) and diffuse (RD) solar radiation made at four stations in different climates (Jodhpur—arid, New Delhi—semi-arid, Nagpur—subhumid, and Kolkata—humid) have been used to develop two types of empirical models. The “regional” models cover all climate zones and “local” models are climate specific. On an average, regional models perform better than local models over Indian subtropical regions. An exception is the arid climatic regions where local models exhibits the lowest Akaike's information criterion (AIC) and higher coefficient of determination, R2 (0.8–0.9). The applicability of regional models has been tested over an additional set of 16 stations well distributed in India. In winter, the majority of these stations exhibit R2 > 0.8. In spring/autumn, R2 was highest for Ranchi (R2 = 0.92). In summer/monsoon, 14 stations out of 16 have R2 > 0.8. The regional models perform well in all the seasons over the stations of India except Shillong. In Shillong for winter, spring/autumn, and summer/monsoon bias (R2) are 0.182 (0.06), 0.048 (0.36), and −0.05 (0.30), respectively. It is concluded that regional models of the KD can be applied for all seasons to the Indian subtropics except in higher latitude and mountain areas where errors are high.
Transient Thermal Analysis and Viscoplastic Damage Model for Life Prediction of Turbine Components
Authors: Staroselsky A. , Martin T. J. , Cassenti B.
Published: September 2014

This paper reports the process and computer methodology for a physics-based prediction of overall deformation and local failure modes in cooled turbine airfoils, blade outer air seals, and other turbomachinery parts operating in severe high temperature and high stress environments. The computational analysis work incorporated time-accurate, coupled aerothermal computational fluid dynamics (CFD) with nonlinear deformation thermal-structural finite element model (FEM) with a slip-based constitutive model, evaluated at real engine characteristic mission times, and flight points for part life prediction. The methodology utilizes a fully coupled elastic-viscoplastic model that was based on crystal morphology, and a semi-empirical life prediction model introduced the use of dissipated energy to estimate the remaining part life in terms of cycles to failure. The method was effective for use with three-dimensional FEMs of realistic turbine airfoils using commercial finite element applications. The computationally predicted part life was calibrated and verified against test data for deformation and crack growth.
Compact Model-Based Microfluidic Controller for Energy Efficient Thermal Management Using Single Tier and Three-Dimensional Stacked Pin-Fin Enhanced Microgap
Authors: Han Xuefei , Joshi Yogendra K.
Published: September 2014

Overcooling of electronic devices and systems results in excess energy consumption, which can be reduced by closely linking cooling requirements with actual power dissipation. A thermal model-based flow rate controller for single phase liquid cooled single tier and three-dimensional (3D) stacked chips, using pin-fin enhanced microgap was studied in this paper. Thermal compact models of a planar and 3D stacked two-layer pin-fin enhanced microgap were developed, which ran 104-105 times faster than using full-field computational fluid dynamics/heat transfer (CFD/HT) method, with reasonable accuracy and spatial details. Compact model was used in conjunction with a flow rate control strategy to provide the needed amount of liquid to cool the heat sources to the desired temperature range. Example case studies show that the estimated energy savings in pump power is about 25% compared with pumping fluid at a constant flow rate.
Emotion Regulation and Sport Performance
Authors: Wagstaff Christopher R. D.
Published: September 2014

This study used a single-blind, within-participant, counterbalanced, repeated-measures design to examine the relationship between emotional self-regulation and sport performance. Twenty competitive athletes completed four laboratory-based conditions; familiarization, control, emotion suppression, and nonsuppression. In each condition participants completed a 10-km cycling time trial requiring self-regulation. In the experimental conditions participants watched an upsetting video before performing the cycle task. When participants suppressed their emotional reactions to the video (suppression condition) they completed the cycling task slower, generated lower mean power outputs, and reached a lower maximum heart rate and perceived greater physical exertion than when they were given no self-regulation instructions during the video (nonsuppression condition) and received no video treatment (control condition). The findings suggest that emotional self-regulation resource impairment affects perceived exertion, pacing and sport performance and extends previous research examining the regulation of persistence on physical tasks. The results are discussed in line with relevant psychophysiological theories of self-regulation and fatigue and pertinent potential implications for practice regarding performance and well-being are suggested.
New Insights into the
In Vitro
Susceptibility of Pythium insidiosum
Authors: Loreto Érico S. , Tondolo Juliana S. M. , Pilotto Maiara B. , Alves Sydney H. , Santurio Janio M.
Published: September 2014

We have determined the
in vitro
activity of several antibacterial and antifungal drugs against
Pythium insidiosum
using broth microdilution (BMD), disk diffusion, and Etest methods. The largest zones of inhibition (disk diffusion) and the lowest BMD and Etest MICs were observed for azithromycin, clarithromycin, linezolid, mupirocin, doxycycline, minocycline, and tigecycline. The
in vitro
activities observed suggest that antibacterials, which act by inhibiting protein synthesis, are promising candidate therapies for the treatment of pythiosis.
Submicronic Fungal Bioaerosols: High-Resolution Microscopic Characterization and Quantification
Authors: Afanou Komlavi Anani , Straumfors Anne , Skogstad Asbjørn , Nilsen Terje , Synnes Ole , Skaar Ida , Hjeljord Linda , Tronsmo Arne , Green Brett James , Eduard Wijnand
Published: September 2014

Submicronic particles released from fungal cultures have been suggested to be additional sources of personal exposure in mold-contaminated buildings.
In vitro
generation of these particles has been studied with particle counters, eventually supplemented by autofluorescence, that recognize fragments by size and discriminate biotic from abiotic particles. However, the fungal origin of submicronic particles remains unclear. In this study, submicronic fungal particles derived from
Aspergillus fumigatus
,
A. versicolor
, and
Penicillium chrysogenum
cultures grown on agar and gypsum board were aerosolized and enumerated using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). A novel bioaerosol generator and a fungal spores source strength tester were compared at 12 and 20 liters min
−1
airflow. The overall median numbers of aerosolized submicronic particles were 2 × 10
5
cm
−2
, 2.6 × 10
3
cm
−2
, and 0.9 × 10
3
cm
−2
for
A. fumigatus
,
A. versicolor
, and
P. chrysogenum
, respectively.
A. fumigatus
released significantly (
P
< 0.001) more particles than
A. versicolor
and
P. chrysogenum
. The ratios of submicronic fragments to larger particles, regardless of media type, were 1:3, 5:1, and 1:2 for
A. fumigatus
,
A. versicolor
, and
P. chrysogenum
, respectively. Spore fragments identified by the presence of rodlets amounted to 13%, 2%, and 0% of the submicronic particles released from
A. fumigatus
,
A. versicolor
, and
P. chrysogenum
, respectively. Submicronic particles with and without rodlets were also aerosolized from cultures grown on cellophane-covered media, indirectly confirming their fungal origin. Both hyphae and conidia could fragment into submicronic particles and aerosolize
in vitro
. These findings further highlight the potential contribution of fungal fragments to personal fungal exposure.
Absolute Humidity Influences the Seasonal Persistence and Infectivity of Human Norovirus
Authors: Colas de la Noue Alexandre , Estienney Marie , Aho Serge , Perrier-Cornet Jean-Marie , de Rougemont Alexis , Pothier Pierre , Gervais Patrick , Belliot Gaël
Published: September 2014

Norovirus (NoV) is one of the main causative agents of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. In temperate climates, outbreaks peak during the winter season. The mechanism by which climatic factors influence the occurrence of NoV outbreaks is unknown. We hypothesized that humidity is linked to NoV seasonality. Human NoV is not cultivatable, so we used cultivatable murine norovirus (MNV) as a surrogate to study its persistence when exposed to various levels of relative humidity (RH) from low (10% RH) to saturated (100% RH) conditions at 9 and 25°C. In addition, we conducted similar experiments with virus-like particles (VLPs) from the predominant GII-4 norovirus and studied changes in binding patterns to A, B, and O group carbohydrates that might reflect capsid alterations. The responses of MNV and VLP to humidity were somewhat similar, with 10 and 100% RH exhibiting a strong conserving effect for both models, whereas 50% RH was detrimental for MNV infectivity and VLP binding capacity. The data analysis suggested that absolute humidity (AH) rather than RH is the critical factor for keeping NoV infectious, with an AH below 0.007 kg water/kg air being favorable to NoV survival. Retrospective surveys of the meteorological data in Paris for the last 14 years showed that AH average values have almost always been below 0.007 kg water/kg air during the winter (i.e., 0.0046 ± 0.0014 kg water/kg air), and this finding supports the fact that low AH provides an ideal condition for NoV persistence and transmission during cold months.
Three-Component
O
-Demethylase System Essential for Catabolism of a Lignin-Derived Biphenyl Compound in Sphingobium sp. Strain SYK-6
Authors: Yoshikata Taichi , Suzuki Kazuya , Kamimura Naofumi , Namiki Masahiro , Hishiyama Shojiro , Araki Takuma , Kasai Daisuke , Otsuka Yuichiro , Nakamura Masaya , Fukuda Masao , Katayama Yoshihiro , Masai Eiji
Published: September 2014

Sphingobium
sp. strain SYK-6 is able to assimilate lignin-derived biaryls, including a biphenyl compound, 5,5′-dehydrodivanillate (DDVA). Previously,
ligXa
(SLG_07770), which is similar to the gene encoding oxygenase components of Rieske-type nonheme iron aromatic-ring-hydroxylating oxygenases, was identified to be essential for the conversion of DDVA; however, the genes encoding electron transfer components remained unknown. Disruption of putative electron transfer component genes scattered through the SYK-6 genome indicated that SLG_08500 and SLG_21200, which showed approximately 60% amino acid sequence identities with ferredoxin and ferredoxin reductase of dicamba
O
-demethylase, were essential for the normal growth of SYK-6 on DDVA. LigXa and the gene products of SLG_08500 (LigXc) and SLG_21200 (LigXd) were purified and were estimated to be a trimer, a monomer, and a monomer, respectively. LigXd contains FAD as the prosthetic group and showed much higher reductase activity toward 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol with NADH than with NADPH. A mixture of purified LigXa, LigXc, and LigXd converted DDVA into 2,2′,3-trihydroxy-3′-methoxy-5,5′-dicarboxybiphenyl in the presence of NADH, indicating that DDVA
O
-demethylase is a three-component monooxygenase. This enzyme requires Fe(II) for its activity and is highly specific for DDVA, with a

K
m

value of 63.5 μM and
k
cat
of 6.1 s
−1
. Genome searches in six other sphingomonads revealed genes similar to
ligXc
and
ligXd
(>58% amino acid sequence identities) with a limited number of electron transfer component genes, yet a number of diverse oxygenase component genes were found. This fact implies that these few electron transfer components are able to interact with numerous oxygenase components and the conserved LigXc and LigXd orthologs are important in sphingomonads.
Assessment of Adhesins as an Indicator of Pathovar-Associated Virulence Factors in Bovine Escherichia coli
Authors: Valat Charlotte , Forest Karine , Auvray Frédéric , Métayer Véronique , Méheut Thomas , Polizzi Charlène , Gay Emilie , Haenni Marisa , Oswald Eric , Madec Jean-Yves
Published: September 2014

The CS31A, F17, and F5 adhesins are usually targeted by serology-based methods to detect pathogenic
Escherichia coli
associated with calf enteritis. However, the virulence traits of the selected isolates are still poorly described. Here, from a set of 349 diarrheagenic
E. coli
isolates from cattle, we demonstrated a 70.8% concordance rate (Cohen's kappa, 0.599) between serology- and PCR-based approaches for the detection of adhesins under field conditions. A 79% to 82.4% correspondence between the two methods was found for fimbrial adhesins, whereas major discrepancies (33%) were observed for CS31A-type antigens. Various F17A variants were found, such as F17Ac (20K) (50%), F17Aa (FY) (18.9%), F17Ab (8.1%), and F17Ad (111K) (5.4%), including a high proportion (17.6%) of new F17A internal combinations (F17Aab, F17Aac, and F17Abc) or untypeable variants. In addition, the highest proportion of pathovar-associated virulence factor (VF) genes was observed among
E. coli
isolates that produced F5/F41 adhesins. A specific link between the heat-stable toxins related to the enterotoxigenic
E. coli
(ETEC) pathovar and adhesins was identified. STa was significantly linked to F5/F41 and EAST1 to CS31A adhesins (
P
< 0.001), respectively, whereas NTEC was associated with F17 adhesin (
P
= 0.001). Clustering between phylogroups according to the adhesin types was also observed. Also, few Shiga toxin-producing
E. coli
(STEC) or enteropathogenic
E. coli
(EPEC) pathovars were identified. Finally, no statistically significant difference was observed in the occurrence of extended-spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) production according to the adhesins expressed by the isolates (
P
= 0.09). Altogether, this study gives new insights into the relationship between adhesins, VF, and antimicrobial resistance in calf enteritis and supports the need for further standardization of methodologies for such approaches.
Surface-Dried Viruses Can Resist Glucoprotamin-Based Disinfection
Authors: Zeitler Benjamin , Rapp Ingrid
Published: September 2014

Touching of contaminated objects and surfaces is a well-known method of virus transmission. Once they are attached to the hands, viruses can easily get adsorbed and initiate infection. Hence, disinfection of frequently touched surfaces is of major importance to prevent virus spreading. Here we studied the antiviral activity of a glucoprotamin-containing disinfectant against influenza A virus and the model virus vaccinia virus (VACV) dried on inanimate surfaces. The efficacy of the surface disinfectant on stainless steel, polyvinyl chloride, and glass coupons was investigated in a quantitative carrier test. Vacuum-dried viruses were exposed to 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% disinfectant for 5 min, 15 min, and 30 min without agitation, and residual infectivity was determined by endpoint titration. Although glucoprotamin was highly active against both viruses in suspension, limited antiviral activity against the surface-dried viruses was detected. Even after 30 min of exposure to 1% disinfectant, VACV was not completely inactivated. Furthermore, influenza A virus inactivation was strongly affected by the surface composition during the 5-min and 15-min treatments with 0.25% and 0.5% disinfectant. The results presented in this study highlight the relevance of practical tests to assess the antiviral activity of surface disinfectants. High virucidal activity in solution is not necessarily indicative of high antiviral activity against surface-dried viruses. In addition, we want to emphasize that the mere exposure of surfaces to disinfectants might not be sufficient for virus inactivation and mechanical action should be applied to bring attached viruses into contact with virucidal compounds.
Immunogenicity and
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Protective Effects of Antibodies Targeting a Recombinant Form of the Streptococcus mutans P1 Surface Protein
Authors: Batista Milene Tavares , Souza Renata D. , Ferreira Ewerton L. , Robinette Rebekah , Crowley Paula J. , Rodrigues Juliana F. , Brady L. Jeannine , Ferreira Luís C. S. , Ferreira Rita C. C.
Published: September 2014

Streptococcus mutans
is a major etiologic agent of dental caries, a prevalent worldwide infectious disease and a serious public health concern. The surface-localized
S. mutans
P1 adhesin contributes to tooth colonization and caries formation. P1 is a large (185-kDa) and complex multidomain protein considered a promising target antigen for anticaries vaccines. Previous observations showed that a recombinant P1 fragment (P1
39–512
), produced in
Bacillus subtilis
and encompassing a functional domain, induces antibodies that recognize the native protein and interfere with
S. mutans
adhesion
in vitro
. In the present study, we further investigated the immunological features of P1
39–512
in combination with the following different adjuvants after parenteral administration to mice: alum, a derivative of the heat-labile toxin (LT), and the phase 1 flagellin of
S.
Typhimurium LT2 (FliCi). Our results demonstrated that recombinant P1
39–512
preserves relevant conformational epitopes as well as salivary agglutinin (SAG)-binding activity. Coadministration of adjuvants enhanced anti-P1 serum antibody responses and affected both epitope specificity and immunoglobulin subclass switching. Importantly, P1
39–512
-specific antibodies raised in mice immunized with adjuvants showed significantly increased inhibition of
S. mutans
adhesion to SAG, with less of an effect on SAG-mediated bacterial aggregation, an innate defense mechanism. Oral colonization of mice by
S. mutans
was impaired in the presence of anti-P1
39–512
antibodies, particularly those raised in combination with adjuvants. In conclusion, our results confirm the utility of P1
39–512
as a potential candidate for the development of anticaries vaccines and as a tool for functional studies of
S. mutans
P1.
Oxygen-Dependent Control of Respiratory Nitrate Reduction in Mycelium of Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2)
Authors: Fischer Marco , Falke Dörte , Pawlik Tony , Sawers R. Gary
Published: September 2014

Several members of the obligately aerobic genus
Streptomyces
are able to reduce nitrate, catalyzed by Nar-type respiratory nitrate reductases. A unique feature of
Streptomyces coelicolor
A3(2) compared with other streptomycetes is that it synthesizes three nonredundant Nar enzymes. In this study, we show that Nar2 is the main Nar enzyme active in mycelium and could characterize the conditions governing its synthesis. Nar2 was present at low levels in aerobically cultivated mycelium, but synthesis was induced when cultures were grown under oxygen limitation. Growth in the presence of high oxygen concentrations prevented the induction of Nar2 synthesis. Equally, an abrupt shift from aerobiosis to anaerobiosis did not result in the immediate induction of Nar2 synthesis. This suggests that the synthesis of Nar2 is induced during a hypoxic downshift, probably to allow maintenance of a proton gradient during the transition to anaerobiosis. Although no Nar2 could be detected in freshly harvested mature spores, synthesis of the enzyme could be induced after long-term (several days) incubation of these resting spores under anaerobic conditions. Induction of Nar2 synthesis in spores was linked to transcriptional control. Nar2 activity in whole mycelium was strictly dependent on the presence of a putative nitrate transporter, NarK2. The oxygen-dependent inhibition of nitrate reduction by Nar2 was mediated by NarK2-dependent nitrate:nitrite antiport. This antiport mechanism likely prevents the accumulation of toxic nitrite in the cytoplasm. A deletion of the
narK2
gene had no effect on Nar1-dependent nitrate reduction in resting spores. Together, our results indicate redox-dependent transcriptional and posttranslational control of nitrate reduction by Nar2.
Mg
2+
, K
+
, and the Ribosome
Authors: Nierhaus Knud H.
Published: September 2014

Mg
2+
and K
+
are the prevalent di- and monovalent cations inside the cells in all three domains, playing a dominant role in structure and function of biological macromolecules. Ribosomes bind a substantial fraction of total Mg
2+
and K
+
cations. In this issue of the
Journal of Bacteriology
, Akanuma and coworkers (G. Akanuma et al., J. Bacteriol. 196:3820–3830, 2014, doi:
10.1128/JB.01896-14
) report a surprising genetic link between ribosome amounts per cell and the intracellular Mg
2+
concentrations.
Fluoroquinolone use in a child associated with development of osteochondritis dissecans
Authors: Jacobs John C , Shea Kevin G , Oxford Julia Thom , Carey James L
Published: September 2014

Several aetiological theories have been proposed for the development of osteochondritis dissecans. Cartilage toxicity after fluoroquinolone use has been well documented in vitro. We present a case report of a 10-year-old child who underwent a prolonged 18-month course of ciprofloxacin therapy for chronic urinary tract infections. This patient later developed an osteochondritis dissecans lesion of the medial femoral condyle. We hypothesise that the fluoroquinolone therapy disrupted normal endochondral ossification, resulting in development of osteochondritis dissecans. The aetiology of osteochondritis dissecans is still unclear, and this case describes an association between fluoroquinolone use and osteochondritis dissecans development.
Restless legs syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes: effectiveness of pramipexole therapy
Authors: Harashima Shin-Ichi , Nishimura Akiko , Osugi Tomoaki , Wang Yu , Liu Yanyan , Takayama Hiroshi , Inagaki Nobuya
Published: September 2014

Objective

We investigated the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes and assessed the efficacy of pramipexole therapy.

Design

One hundred patients with type 2 diabetes without secondary causes of RLS were sequentially screened for the 12-week, prospective, single arm study. RLS was screened by essential diagnostic criteria developed by the International Restless Legs Study Group. Diabetic neuropathy was diagnosed by nerve conductance study. Severity of RLS and sleep quality were assessed by the International Restless Legs Rating Scale (IRLS) and the Japanese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI-J), respectively. Pramipexole was administered for 12 weeks. The primary end point was change in the IRLS score in 12 weeks and secondary end points were change in PSQI-J and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in 12 weeks.

Results

RLS was diagnosed in 8 of 100 participants (8%). Diabetic neuropathy was most likely associated with RLS (OR 3.81, 95% CI 0.85 to 17.05, p=0.111). The IRLS score was improved from 19.0±5.6 to 5.4±4.8 by pramipexole in 12 weeks (p<0.001). The change in the score was −13.6 (95% CI −15.5 to −11.7; p<0.05). PSQI-J was improved from 6.0±4.4 to 1.5±1.3 in 12 weeks (p<0.05). Change in PSQI-J was −4.5 (95% CI −6.8 to −2.1; p<0.05). HbA1c was slightly decreased from 7.19±0.56% (55±6 mmol/mol) to 6.90±0.48% (52±5 mmol/mol) in 12 weeks (p<0.05). Change in HbA1c was −0.29% (−3 mmol/mol) (95% CI −0.37% to −0.20% (−4 to −2 mmol/mol;) p<0.05).

Conclusions

We find that type 2 diabetes is a possible risk factor for RLS in the Japanese population, and that pramipexole treatment can improve the symptoms of RLS as well as the quality of sleep and glycaemic control in these patients.

Trial registration number

University hospital Medical Information Network in Japan (UMIN000008347).
Benzalkonium chloride exposure in cats: a retrospective analysis of 245 cases reported to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS)
Authors: Bates N. , Edwards N.
Published: September 2014

Benzalkonium chloride is commonly found in household products. This retrospective study examined 245 cases of feline exposure to benzalkonium chloride‐containing products reported to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS). A single route of exposure was reported in 188 cats (ingestion 126, skin 58, buccal 4); 57 cats had multiple routes. The common products involved were household antibacterial cleaners (43.6 per cent), household disinfectants (22.3 per cent) and patio cleaners (17.5 per cent). The most common signs were hypersalivation/drooling (53.9 per cent), tongue ulceration (40.4 per cent), hyperthermia (40.4 per cent) and oral ulceration (22.9 per cent). The mean time recorded for onset of the first clinical sign was 6.4 hours (range five minutes to 48 hours, median 4.5 hours, n=60), however, the VPIS was not contacted until 14.0±13.2 hours after exposure (n=120). This figure also reflects the time of presentation. The most common treatments given were antibiotics (82.0 per cent), fluids (50.2 per cent), analgesia (45.3 per cent), gastroprotectants (31.0 per cent), dermal decontamination (24.1 per cent) and steroids (22.7 per cent). 13 cats (5.3 per cent) received syringe or nasogastric feeding. Of 245 cats, 12 (4.9 per cent) remained asymptomatic, 230 (93.9 per cent) recovered and three died (1.2 per cent). The time to recovery ranged from 1 to 360 hours (n=67) with a mean of 100.4±82.0 hours (4.2±3.4 days, median 72 hours).
Partial regularities and a*-invariants of Borel type ideals
Authors: Lu Dancheng , Chu Lizhong
Published: September 2014

We express the partial regularities and a*-invariants of a Borel type ideal in terms of its irredundant irreducible decomposition. In addition, we consider the behaviors of those invariants under intersections and sums.
E6, the group: The structure of SL(3, 𝕆)
Authors: Wangberg Aaron , Dray Tevian
Published: September 2014

We present the subalgebra structure of 𝔰𝔩(3, 𝕆), a particular real form of 𝔢6 chosen for its relevance to particle physics and its close relation to generalized Lorentz groups. We use an explicit representation of the Lie group 𝔰𝔩(3, 𝕆) to construct the multiplication table of the corresponding Lie algebra 𝔰𝔩(3, 𝕆). Both the multiplication table and the group are then utilized to find various nested chains of subalgebras of 𝔰𝔩(3, 𝕆), in which the corresponding Cartan subalgebras are also nested where possible. Because our construction involves the Lie group, we simultaneously obtain an explicit representation of the corresponding nested chains of subgroups of SL(3, 𝕆).
Finsler metrics and relativistic spacetimes
Authors: Javaloyes Miguel A. , Sánchez Miguel
Published: September 2014

Recent links between Finsler Geometry and the geometry of spacetimes are briefly revisited, and prospective ideas and results are explained. Special attention is paid to geometric problems with a direct motivation in Relativity and other parts of Physics.
Electronic origin of the step-like character of the discharge curve for NaxCoO2-y cathode
Authors: Molenda Janina , Baster Dominika , Gutowska Maria U. , Szewczyk Andrzej , Puźniak Roman , Tobola Janusz
Published: September 2014

This paper shows electronic approach to an explanation of the step-like character of the discharge/charge curve of Na / Na +/ Na x CoO 2-y battery. On a basis of comprehensive experimental studies of physicochemical properties of Na x CoO 2-y cathode material (XRD, electrical conductivity, thermoelectric power, electronic specific heat) supported by calculations performed using the Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker method with the coherent potential approximation to account for chemical disorder, it has been shown that the observed step-like character of the discharge curve reflects the variation of the chemical potential of electrons (Fermi level) in the density of states of Na x CoO 2-y, which is anomalously perturbed by a presence of the oxygen vacancy defects and sodium ordering.
Synthesis and electro-magnetic properties of flower-like Fe2O3-Ag nanocomposite using direct subsidence loading method
Authors: Zhou Xing , Wu Zhengying , Xu Nan , Liu Shouqing , Zhao Guizhe , Liu Yaqing
Published: September 2014

Novel flower-like Fe 2 O 3/ Ag nanocomposites were synthesized by a simple direct subsidence loading method. The composition and morphology of the obtained samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SEAD) techniques. The Ag nanoparticles which loaded on the surface of petals exhibit spherical morphology. Further, the magnetic and electrical conductive properties reveal the well controllable performance. Room temperature magnetic measurement of the flower-like nanocomposites demonstrated its ferromagnetic properties and the saturation magnetization (Ms) decreased from 0.6 to 0.11 emu/g.
Blue shift in the optical bandgap of tin oxide thin films by controlling oxygen-to-argon gas flow ratio
Authors: Meenakshi  , Gautam Sanjeev , Chae Keun Hwa , Lee Ik-Jae , Shin Hyun-Joon , Thakur Anup
Published: September 2014

Tin oxide ( SnO2) thin films were deposited by radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering on silicon and glass substrates at different oxygen-to-argon gas-flow ratio ( O2-to- Ar = 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 50%). All films were deposited at room temperature and fixed working pressures, 10 mTorr. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement suggests that all films were crystalline in nature except film deposited only in argon environment. The transparency of all of the films was more than 85% in the visible range except the film deposited only in the argon environment. Atomic force microscopy results showed that the surface of all the films were highly flat and smooth. The optical bandgap, estimated by Tauc plot was increased with oxygen environment. Blue shift was observed in the absorption edge and was accounted to decrease in the oxygen vacancies and dangling bonds.
On Brownian computation
Authors: Norton John D.
Published: September 2014

Brownian computation, as presently characterized in the literature, is thermodynamically irreversible, the analog of an uncontrolled expansion of a one-molecule gas. I propose a modification to the protocol that brings the process as close to thermodynamic reversibility as the overcoming of thermal fluctuations allows.
Apply current exponential de Finetti theorem to realistic quantum key distribution
Authors: Zhao Yi-Bo , Yin Zhen-Qiang
Published: September 2014

In the realistic quantum key distribution (QKD), Alice and Bob respectively get a quantum state from an unknown channel, whose dimension may be unknown. However, while discussing the security, sometime we need to know exact dimension, since current exponential de Finetti theorem, crucial to the information-theoretical security proof, is deeply related with the dimension and can only be applied to finite dimensional case. Here we address this problem in detail. We show that if POVM elements corresponding to Alice and Bob's measured results can be well described in a finite dimensional subspace with sufficiently small error, then dimensions of Alice and Bob's states can be almost regarded as finite. Since the security is well defined by the smooth entropy, which is continuous with the density matrix, the small error of state actually means small change of security. Then the security of unknown-dimensional system can be solved. Finally we prove that for heterodyne detection continuous variable QKD and differential phase shift QKD, the collective attack is optimal under the infinite key size case.
Insight into monogenetic eruption processes at Pelagatos volcano, Sierra Chichinautzin, Mexico: a combined melt inclusion and physical volcanology study
Authors: Roberge Julie , Guilbaud Marie-Noëlle , Mercer Celestine N. , Reyes-Luna Paola C.
Published: September 2014

Eruptions and magma evolution of monogenetic volcanoes are thought to be controlled by rapid ascent of magmas over a short period of time. Volatiles degassing from magmas control the ascent velocity and therefore eruption intensity. Complex feedbacks exist between the rate and extent of volatile exsolution at shallow levels and groundmass crystallization, affecting the magma rheology, extent of fragmentation, resulting eruptive style and related hazards. Melt inclusions record the volatile contents and compositions of melts at various stages during their evolution, providing insights into degassing–crystallization processes at shallow crustal levels. Here we present new volatile and major element data from olivine-hosted melt inclusions from Pelagatos scoria cone, Mexico. These new data, combined with recent geochemical and textural data on Pelagatos eruptive products, allow us to propose a model for shallow magmatic processes at this volcano. Discharge of volatile-poor, low-viscosity magma drives early effusive activity along the fissure. Decreasing magma fluxes lead to the clogging of the fissure and the formation of a shallow magma reservoir where degassing and fractional crystallization take place. Subsequent explosive cone-forming activity is triggered by influx of deeper (
c.
5 km), less evolved, more volatile-rich magma into this shallow (
c.
1 km) reservoir.

Supplementary material:

new whole rock and matrix glass date are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18782
.
Regulation of retinal oxygen metabolism in humans during graded hypoxia
Authors: Palkovits Stefan , Told Reinhard , Schmidl Doreen , Boltz Agnes , Napora Katarzyna J. , Lasta Michael , Kaya Semira , Werkmeister René M. , Popa-Cherecheanu Alina , Garhöfer Gerhard , Schmetterer Leopold
Published: September 2014

Animal experiments indicate that the inner retina keeps its oxygen extraction constant despite systemic hypoxia. For the human retina no such data exist. In the present study we hypothesized that systemic hypoxia does not alter inner retinal oxygen extraction. To test this hypothesis we included 30 healthy male and female subjects aged between 18 and 35 years. All subjects were studied at baseline and during breathing 12% O2 in 88% N2 as well as breathing 15% O2 in 85% N2. Oxygen saturation in a retinal artery (SO2art) and an adjacent retinal vein (SO2vein) were measured using spectroscopic fundus reflectometry. Measurements of retinal venous blood velocity using bidirectional laser Doppler velocimetry and retinal venous diameters using a Retinal Vessel Analyzer (RVA) were combined to calculate retinal blood flow. Oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressure were measured from earlobe arterialized capillary blood. Retinal blood flow was increased by 43.0 ± 23.2% ( P < 0.001) and 30.0 ± 20.9% ( P < 0.001) during 12% and 15% O2 breathing, respectively. SO2art as well as SO2vein decreased during both 12% O2 breathing (SO2art: −11.2 ± 4.3%, P < 0.001; SO2vein: −3.9 ± 8.5%, P = 0.012) and 15% O2 breathing (SO2art: −7.9 ± 3.6%, P < 0.001; SO2vein: −4.0 ± 7.0%, P = 0.010). The arteriovenous oxygen difference decreased during both breathing periods (12% O2: −28.9 ± 18.7%; 15% O2: −19.1 ± 16.7%, P < 0.001 each). Calculated oxygen extraction did, however, not change during our experiments (12% O2: −2.8 ± 18.9%, P = 0.65; 15% O2: 2.4 ± 15.8%, P = 0.26). Our results indicate that in healthy humans, oxygen extraction of the inner retina remains constant during systemic hypoxia.
Dichloroacetate selectively improves cardiac function and metabolism in female and male rainbow trout
Authors: Battiprolu Pavan K. , Rodnick Kenneth J.
Published: September 2014

Cardiac tissue from female rainbow trout demonstrates a sex-specific preference for exogenous glucose and glycolysis, impaired Ca2+handling, and a greater tolerance for hypoxia and reoxygenation than cardiac tissue from male rainbow trout. We tested the hypothesis that dichloroacetate (DCA), an activator of pyruvate dehydrogenase, enhances cardiac energy metabolism and Ca2+handling in female preparations and provide cardioprotection for hypoxic male tissue. Ventricle strips from sexually immature fish with very low (male) and nondetectable (female) plasma sex steroids were electrically paced in oxygenated or hypoxic Ringer solution with or without 1 mM DCA. In the presence of 5 mM glucose, aerobic tissue from male trout could be paced at a higher frequency (1.79 vs. 1.36 Hz) with lower resting tension and less contractile dysfunction than female tissue. At 0.5 Hz, DCA selectively reduced resting tension below baseline values and lactate efflux by 75% in aerobic female ventricle strips. DCA improved the functional recovery of developed twitch force, reduced lactate efflux by 50%, and doubled citrate in male preparations after hypoxia-reoxygenation. Independent of female sex steroids, reduced myocardial pyruvate dehydrogenase activity and impaired carbohydrate oxidation might explain the higher lactate efflux, compromised function of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and reduced mechanical performance of aerobic female tissue. Elevated oxidative metabolism and reduced glycolysis might also underlie the beneficial effects of DCA on the mechanical recovery of male cardiac tissue after hypoxia-reoxygenation. These results support the use of rainbow trout as an experimental model of sex differences of cardiovascular energetics and function, with the potential for modifying metabolic phenotypes and cardioprotection independent of sex steroids.