bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of skeletal muscle mitochondrial function: genes to proteins
Authors: Lanza I. R. , Sreekumaran Nair K.
Published: March 2010

The impact of ageing on mitochondrial function and the deterministic role of mitochondria on senescence continue to be topics of vigorous debate. Many studies report that skeletal muscle mitochondrial content and function are reduced with ageing and metabolic diseases associated with insulin resistance. However, an accumulating body of literature suggests that physical inactivity typical of ageing may be a more important determinant of mitochondrial function than chronological age,per se. Reports of age‐related declines in mitochondrial function have spawned a vast body of literature devoted to understanding the underlying mechanisms. These mechanisms include decreased abundance of mtDNA, reduced mRNA levels, as well as decreased synthesis and expression of mitochondrial proteins, ultimately resulting in decreased function of the whole organelle. Effective therapies to prevent, reverse or delay the onset of the aforementioned mitochondrial changes, regardless of their inevitability or precise underlying causes, require an intimate understanding of the processes that regulate mitochondrial biogenesis, which necessitates the coordinated regulation of nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. Herein we review the current thinking on regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis by transcription factors and transcriptional co‐activators and the role of hormones and exercise in initiating this process. We review how exercise may help preserve mitochondrial content and functionality across the lifespan, and how physical inactivity is emerging as a major determinant of many age‐associated changes at the level of the mitochondrion. We also review evidence that some mitochondrial changes with ageing are independent of exercise or physical activity and appear to be inevitable consequences of old age.
Disparity in regional and systemic circulatory capacities: do they affect the regulation of the circulation?
Authors: Calbet J. A. L. , Joyner M. J.
Published: March 2010

In this review we integrate ideas about regional and systemic circulatory capacities and the balance between skeletal muscle blood flow and cardiac output during heavy exercise in humans. In the first part of the review we discuss issues related to the pumping capacity of the heart and the vasodilator capacity of skeletal muscle. The issue is that skeletal muscle has a vast capacity to vasodilate during exercise [∼300 mL (100 g)−1 min−1], but the pumping capacity of the human heart is limited to 20–25 L min−1in untrained subjects and ∼35 L min−1in elite endurance athletes. This means that when more than 7–10 kg of muscle is active during heavy exercise, perfusion of the contracting muscles must be limited or mean arterial pressure will fall. In the second part of the review we emphasize that there is an interplay between sympathetic vasoconstriction and metabolic vasodilation that limits blood flow to contracting muscles to maintain mean arterial pressure. Vasoconstriction in larger vessels continues while constriction in smaller vessels is blunted permitting total muscle blood flow to be limited but distributed more optimally. This interplay between sympathetic constriction and metabolic dilation during heavy whole‐body exercise is likely responsible for the very high levels of oxygen extraction seen in contracting skeletal muscle. It also explains why infusing vasodilators in the contracting muscles does not increase oxygen uptake in the muscle. Finally, when ∼80% of cardiac output is directed towards contracting skeletal muscle modest vasoconstriction in the active muscles can evoke marked changes in arterial pressure.
Carotenoid and Chlorophyll‐Derived Compounds in Some Wine Grapes Grown in Apulian Region
Authors: Crupi Pasquale , Coletta Antonio , Milella Rosa Anna , Palmisano Giuseppe , Baiano Antonella , La Notte Ennio , Antonacci Donato
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT:  Carotenoid compounds in wine grapes (Chardonnay, Merlot, Primitivo, Negroamaro) grown in Apulian region were investigated by chromatographic and spectrometric analyses. Cis‐isomers of lutein and β‐carotene (9Z, 9′Z‐lutein and 9Z‐β‐carotene) and 5,6‐epoxyxanthophylls were detected: 9′Z‐neoxanthin, violaxanthin, and 5,6‐epoxylutein. Moreover, zeaxanthin was efficiently resolved from lutein by a selective factor > 1 (α= 1.06) and was found in high amounts (50 to 300 μg/kg) in the grape extracts analyzed in 3 y of study (2006 to 2008). At grape maturity, β‐carotene had concentration approximately 2‐to 4‐fold higher than (all‐E)‐lutein in all varieties. Because carotenoids are potential precursors of aroma compounds, it was determined carotenoids change ΔC (μg/kg), from the difference of total carotenoids concentration between veraison and maturity. Chardonnay and Merlot had the highest ΔC values and principal component analysis showed that they were characterized by 5,6‐epoxyxanthophylls derivatives and zeaxanthin, lutein, and β‐carotene derivatives, respectively. An important effect of vintage on ΔC values in the analyzed grapes was also observed. A strong positive correlation was determined between ΔC and temperature data that seem to be responsible for the difference of ΔC in the Chardonnay and Merlot compared to the Primitivo and Negroamaro varieties.
Cloning, Expression, and Genus‐Specificity Analysis of 28‐kDa OmpK from Vibrio alginolyticus
Authors: Li Yan‐Dong , Ren Hong‐Lin , Lu Shi‐Ying , Zhou Yu , Han Xue , Gong Bin‐Bin , Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Liu Zeng‐Shan
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT:  Some Vibrio species are universal marine pathogens and Vibrio infections are often encountered due to consumption of raw or uncooked seafood. The outer membrane proteins, playing a key role in interaction between bacteria and hosts, are potential candidates for development of vaccine and markers of the genus Vibrio. In this study, the ompK (outer membrane protein K) genes of Vibrio alginolyticus, V. vulnificus, V. parahaemolyticus, V. fluvialis, and V. mimicu were cloned with 798 to 822 nucleotides encoding 266 to 274 amino acids. The ompK gene from V. alginolyticus was expressed in Escherichia coli using pET‐22b expression vector. The recombinant fusion OmpK protein with 6×His tag was purified with nickel chelate affinity chromatography. The polyclonal antibody (titer, 1:102400) against V. alginolyticus OmpK was developed in guinea pigs and it positively reacted with each of 5 Vibrio species but negative to other 18 Gram‐negative bacterial strains. The result suggests that Vibrio OmpK protein could be a genus‐specific antigen, which can be used for developing vaccines and rapid detection of multiple Vibrio species.
Isolation and Identification of Bacillus spp. and Related Genera from Different Starchy Foods
Authors: Fangio Maria Florencia , Roura Sara Ines , Fritz Rosalía
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT:  Samples of butternut squash, potatoes, rice, and wheat flour were analyzed. Bacillus spp. and related species belonging to Paenibacillus and Brevibacillus genera were found in 96% of the samples. In butternut squash, predominant species were Bacillus pumilus and Paenibacillus polymyxa together with other Bacillus spp. species (B. cereus, B. licheniformis, B. sphaericus, and B. subtilis). In all the potato samples, Bacillus species were detected (B. cereus, B. mycoides, and B. licheniformis). Also, Bacillus spp. were detected in 100% of the unhusked rice samples, while incidence in white rice samples was 83%. In total rice samples, B. pumilus, Brevibacillus brevis, and Paenibacillus macerans were the main species and B. cereus, P. polymyxa, B. subtilis, and Brevibacillus laterosporus had the lower percentage. The most important species found in wheat flour was P. polymyxa with colony forming units per gram of about 102. As the identified species were potentially causatives of foodborne diseases, attention should be given to sanitary and temperature conditions as critical factors that influence the safety and shelf life of these products.

Practical Application: Foodborne illness produce by B. cereus have been associated with a wide variety of food. In addition, some other Bacillus species have been related to foodborne disease in humans. Information about the virulence mechanisms of other Bacillus spp. is scanty and their risk is underestimated. Identifying the group of food and the food processes in which Bacillus cereus or other Bacillus spp. would be hazardous for human health is vital for the prevention of foodborne outbreak. In this study, we determined the incidence of Bacillus spp. and related genera in some food items of agriculture origin from Argentina. This research is relevant to identify the presence of potentially pathogen Bacillus species and related genera in this type of food.
Optimization of Combined Microwave–Hot Air Roasting of Malt Based on Energy Consumption and Neo‐Formed Contaminants Content
Authors: Akkarachaneeyakorn S. , Laguerre J.C. , Tattiyakul J. , Neugnot B. , Boivin P. , Morales F.J. , Birlouez‐Aragon I.
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT:  To produce specialty malt, malts were roasted by combined microwave–hot air at various specific microwave powers (SP = 2.5 to 3 W/g), microwave heating times (tmw = 3.3 to 3.5 min), oven temperatures (Toven = 180 to 220 °C), and oven heating times (toven = 60 to 150 min). The response variables, color, energy consumption by microwave (Emw) and oven (Eoven), total energy consumption (Etot), quantity of neo‐formed contaminants (NFCs), which include hydroxymethylfurfural, furfural, furan, and acrylamide were determined. Response surface methodology (RSM) was performed to analyze and predict the optimum conditions for the specialty malt. Production using combined microwave–hot air roasting process based on minimum energy consumption and level of NFCs. At 95% confident level, SP, Toven, and toven were the most influencing effects with regard to Etot, whereas tmw did not affect Etot. Toven and toven significantly affected malt color. Only Toven significantly influenced the NFCs content. The optimum parameters were: SP = 2.68 W/g for 3.44 min, Toven = 206 °C for 136 min for coffee malt, SP = 2.5 W/g for 3.48 min, Toven = 214 °C for 136 min for chocolate malt, and SP = 2.5 W/g for 3.48 min, Toven = 211 °C for 150 min for black malt. Comparing with conventional process, combined microwave–hot air reduced Etot by approximately 40%, 26%, and 26% for coffee, chocolate, and black malts, respectively, and reduced HMF, furfural, furan, and acrylamide contents by 40%, 18%, 23%, and 95%, respectively, for black malt.

Practical Application: An important goal for research institutions and the brewery industry is to produce colored malt by combining microwave and hot air roasting, while saving energy, getting desirable color, and avoiding the formation of carcinogenic and toxic neo‐formed contaminants (NFCs). Therefore, one objective of this study was to compare energy consumption and content of NFCs during roasting of malt by hot air‐only and combined microwave–hot air processes as well as to determine the effect of specific power, microwave processing time, oven temperature, and oven processing time during combined microwave–hot air roasting. Another objective was to predict the optimum conditions for the production of coffee, chocolate, and black malts.
Low‐Dose Irradiation Improves Microbial Quality and Shelf Life of Fresh Mint (Mentha piperita L.) without Compromising Visual Quality
Authors: Hsu Wei‐Yea , Simonne Amarat , Jitareerat Pongphen , Marshall Jr. Maurice R.
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT:  The effects of low‐dose irradiation (0.25 to 2 kGy) and postirradiation storage (at 4 °C) on microbial and visual quality, color values (L*, a*, b*, chroma, and hue [°]), and chlorophyll content (Chl a, Chl b, and total Chl) of fresh mint were evaluated. Samples inoculated with E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and MS2 bacteriophage were irradiated and evaluated. E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella populations were reduced by 2 to 2.4, 3.5, and 5.8 log CFU/g, respectively, 1 d after treatment with 0.25, 0.60, and 1 kGy, respectively, and were completely eliminated at 2 kGy. None of the irradiation doses (P < 0.0001) reduced MS2 bacteriophage populations by more than 0.60 log PFU/g. Irradiation doses did not affect visual quality and samples remained of excellent to good quality (score 7.75 to 9) for up to 9 d of storage. Irradiation at 0.60, 1, and 2 kGy increased (P < 0.0001) Chl a, Chl b, and total Chl. Both total Chl and Chl a decreased significantly after 3 d of storage. Significant decreases in Chl b were not observed until day 12 of storage. Color values (L*, b*, and chroma) were not significantly different until day 6 of storage and hue (°) remained unchanged (179°) for the entire storage period of 12 d. Overall, irradiation did not change L*, a*, b*, or chroma. These results demonstrate that irradiation of fresh mint at 2 kGy has the potential to improve its microbial quality and extend its shelf life without compromising its visual quality and color.

Practical Application: Mints and other raw fresh herbs are widely used for flavoring as well as garnish in a variety of dishes without further cooking. However, mint is one considered as one of the high‐risk herbs when it comes to microbial contamination. We have evaluated the use of gamma irradiation treatment at very low doses ranging from 0 to 2 kGy to eliminate seeded Salmonella spp, E. coli O157:H7, and MS2 bacteriophage, a surrogate of hepatitis A virus. We found that low‐dose irradiation (1.0 to 2.0 kGy) appears to be a promising method for improving the microbiological quality of fresh mint without compromising its visual and color attributes. This method may be applied to many popular fresh culinary herbs that are commonly used as garnishes in Asian cuisine.
Thermal Stability of Ricin in Orange and Apple Juices
Authors: Jackson Lauren S. , Zhang Zhe , Tolleson William H.
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT:  Ricin is a potent protein toxin that could be exploited for bioterrorism. Although ricin may be detoxified using heat, inactivation conditions in foods are not well characterized. Two brands of pulp‐free orange juice and 2 brands of single‐strength apple juice (one clarified and the other unclarified) containing 100 μg/mL added ricin were heated at 60 to 90 °C for up to 2 h. With increasing heating times and temperatures the heat‐treated juices exhibited decreasing detectability of ricin by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and cytotoxicity to cultured cells. Z‐values for ricin inactivation in orange juices were 14.4 ± 0.8 °C and 17 ± 4 °C using cytotoxicity assays, compared to 13.4 ± 1.5 °C and 14 ± 2 °C determined by ELISA. Although insignificant differences were apparent for z‐values measured for the 2 orange juice brands, significant differences were found in the z‐values for the 2 brands of apple juice. The z‐values for ricin inactivation in the clarified and unclarified apple juices were 21 ± 4 °C and 9.5 ± 1.1 °C, determined by cytotoxicity assays, and 20 ± 2 °C and 11.6 ± 0.7 °C, respectively, using ELISA. Overall, there were no significant differences between results measured with ELISA and cytotoxicity assays. Ricin stability in orange juice and buffer was evaluated at 25 °C. Half‐lives of 10 ± 3 d and 4.9 ± 0.4 d, respectively, indicated that active ricin in juice could reach consumers. These results indicate that ricin in apple and orange juices can remain toxic under some processing and product storage conditions.

Practical Application: Ricin is a potent toxin that is abundant in castor beans and is present in the castor bean mash by‐product after cold‐press extraction of castor oil. U.S. Health and Human Services recognizes that ricin could be used for bioterrorism. This study reports the stability of ricin in apple and orange fruit juices at temperatures ranging from 60 to 90 °C (140 to 194 °F).
REVIEW: New Approaches to Atrial Fibrillation Management: Treat the Patient, not the ECG
Authors: Pinter Arnold , Dorian Paul
Published: March 2010

Atrial fibrillation causes a significant burden on patients and the health care system. The main goals of atrial fibrillation therapy are to improve symptoms and reduce morbidity. There have been significant recent developments in both stoke prophylaxis and rhythm/rate control. The results of the ACTIVE W study emphasize the importance of effective oral anticoagulant therapy in patients with moderate‐to‐high risk for stroke. The RE‐LY study showed superiority of dabigatran, an oral direct thrombin inhibitor, over warfarin in the prevention of stroke, or systemic embolism. Dronedarone, a new antiarrhythmic drug with multiple class effects, has been recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of atrial fibrillation. Dronedarone has moderate rhythm and rate control efficacy; however, dronedarone significantly reduced cardiovascular hospitalization, cardiovascular death, and stroke in the large ATHENA trial. There is also an important shift in the paradigm of the goals of atrial fibrillation therapy. Instead of focusing solely on the electrocardiographic outcomes of treatment and considering “rhythm versus rate control,” one needs to consider “symptom control” as well as patient well‐being. This review will suggest that patient based outcomes rather than ECG‐based outcomes should be the primary goals of treatment. Original reports and reviews on specific topics were identified through Medline. Randomized controlled trials were selected as the primary source of information. Analysis included critical review of the evidence available to date.
Study Abroad: When, How Long, and With What Results? New Data From the Russian Front
Authors: Davidson Dan E.
Published: March 2010

Abstract:This study reports on the measured proficiency‐referenced learning outcomes during study abroad of a large, multi‐institutional cohort (N=1,881) of  U.S. students of Russian who have undertaken intensive language study on ACTR‐administered formal language study programs at Russian universities for periods of 2, 4, and 9 months over the course of the past 15 years. The study specifically examines the effects of different durations of immersion on learning outcomes across skills, as well as potential effects of age, gender, knowledge of other foreign languages, levels of control of language structure, years of formal study, and the interaction of gains across different skills. Attention is also devoted to the role of initial (pre‐program) levels of proficiency in the prediction of ultimate outcomes from study abroad terms of different durations. Results indicate that second language (L2) gain across skills is strongly correlated with longer‐duration immersion programming, including systematically documented outcomes at the Superior and Distinguished Levels (ILR 3, 3+, and 4) in the case of the yearlong overseas Flagship program, now in its sixth year. The present study replicates results of an earlier ACTR/NFLC “Predictors” study (Brecht, Davidson, & Ginsberg, 1995) that structural control and pre‐program reading comprehension are correlated positively with L2 gain at the semester level while demonstrating similar effects for academic year program outcomes as well. In addition, a strong correlation of pre‐program listening proficiency and post‐program speaking gain was noted at the advanced levels and above. By contrast, age, gender, and years of formal study were not correlated with overseas L2 gain at the advanced level and above.
Language‐Learning Motivation During Short‐Term Study Abroad: An Activity Theory Perspective
Authors: Allen Heather Willis
Published: March 2010

Abstract:This study investigated the development of language‐learning motivation during short‐term study abroad (SA) for six intermediate‐level students of French. Taking an activity theory perspective, findings demonstrated that one of two orientations motivated participants to study or continue studying French at the college level: linguistic motives or career‐oriented motives. The choice to study abroad was seen as either a critical step to achieving fluency or a means of travel and cultural learning. Enhanced language‐learning motivation emerged to varying degrees for participants with linguistically oriented motives for learning French who viewed SA as a language‐learning experience but not for participants with primarily pragmatic reasons for learning French and participating in SA. Implications of the study include the need for curricular intervention in student learning abroad.
Toward a Second Language Socialization Perspective: Issues in Study Abroad Research
Authors: Wang Chilin
Published: March 2010

Abstract: The last few decades have seen a proliferation of research on study abroad (SA). A review of SA research literature shows general inconsistencies and inconclusiveness on certain issues, particularly on SA outcomes and their factors. This article discusses such inconsistencies in terms of the highly variable contexts and vastly unstable nature of second language acquisition (SLA). It is evident that the amount and the quality of interactional encounters with native speakers, along with learners' identity, play a major role in language acquisition in the SA context. Accordingly, the researcher argues for a socialization perspective on documenting and interpreting the SLA process in the SA context, with an emphasis on learner identity.
Exploring Conditions to Enhance Student/Host Family Interaction Abroad
Authors: Knight Susan M. , Schmidt‐Rinehart Barbara C.
Published: March 2010

Abstract: This study investigates the role of task‐based learning in the study abroad experience in order to enhance interaction with the host family. Tasks were incorporated into a Family Interaction Journal and implemented under four evolving, though different, conditions over a 5‐year period. The conditions were: (1) home campus administered/student participated voluntarily; (2) home campus administered/student participated for voluntary credit; (3) abroad program administered/student participated voluntarily; and (4) abroad program administered/student participated for credit in conversation class. In each condition students were assigned to task/no‐task groups. Although there were no statistically significant differences on questionnaire answers for the two groups, the qualitative data consistently showed greater understanding of the family, increased language and cultural learning, and increased interaction for the task group.
Monitoring Processes in Spanish as a Second Language During a Study Abroad Program
Authors: DeKeyser Robert
Published: March 2010

Abstract: In an effort to understand better how and why accuracy in speaking develops during study abroad, a group of 16 U.S. students of Spanish as a second language were followed during their 6‐week program in Argentina. They were interviewed in Spanish at the beginning and the end of their stay, each time followed by a stimulated recall session. They were also given a questionnaire on their views about language learning and observed in a wide variety of social contexts. The data collected this way, along with a written proficiency test and an aptitude test, both given at the beginning of their program, along with students' comments on their classroom experiences in the United States, paint a picture of students who are motivated and eager to practice and who hope to improve their speaking proficiency dramatically, but who quickly feel that they are stalled and lose their motivation as a result. The explanation that emerges from both the quantitative and the qualitative data is that the students' shaky grammar knowledge and their virtually total lack of proceduralized knowledge made it impossible to make much progress automatizing their knowledge; even speaking accurately without trying to be fluent was largely impossible, even for rather basic structures, and even at the end of the 6 weeks abroad. It appears that the promise of study abroad remains unfulfilled without adequate preparation in the form of proceduralized or at least declarative knowledge of the second language grammar.
Initial growth stage evaluation of high quality ZnSe films deposited on glass substrate
Authors: Huang C. W. , Weng H. M. , Ueng H. Y.
Published: March 2010

Initial growth stage evaluation of high quality ZnSe films deposited on a glass substrate was investigated. The self-limiting monolayer epitaxial process was used to pregrowth the buffer layer for a zinc selenide (ZnSe) film deposited. After alternating depositions for several cycles, the growth mode was changed to the molecular beam deposition mode under growth conditions. Films deposited at substrate temperatures of 250–350 °C and Se/Zn beam equivalent pressure ratios of 0.77–1.87 were investigated. The crystal structure and the preferred orientation of as-grown ZnSe films were examined using x-ray diffraction patterns. The optical properties of the ZnSe films were revealed by photoluminescence spectra. The characteristics of the ZnSe films with and without a buffer layer were compared and discussed in detail. Finally, the results demonstrate how the quality of ZnSe film can be improved on glass substrates for application to various devices.
Residual stress stability in fiber textured stoichiometric AlN film grown using rf magnetron sputtering
Authors: Sah R. E. , Kirste L. , Baeumler M. , Hiesinger P. , Cimalla V. , Lebedev V. , Baumann H. , Zschau H.-E.
Published: March 2010

The authors report on the stability of mechanical stress with aging and thermal cycling for columnar structured stoichiometric and homogeneous aluminum nitride thin films grown using radio frequency magnetron sputtering technique. The set of deposition parameters were optimized for the best possible orientation of crystallites in the c axis of compositionally stoichiometric films. The as-grown stress in the slightly nitrogen-rich film does not change when exposed to the atmosphere following deposition, while that in the nitrogen-deficient film, it changes due to oxidation. Additionally, the magnitude of as-grown stress has been found to depend on the substrate material in addition to the deposition parameters. The stress in the film grown on a Si(001) substrate was more tensile than in the film grown on a semi-insulating (si) GaAs(001) substrate for a given set of deposition parameters. Furthermore, the stress in the film grown on Si decreased with temperature, while that on si GaAs increased, indicating the thermally induced stress component to be the major component in the residual stress. Upon subsequent cooling the stress changes in both substrates followed the same path as of heating, thus exhibiting no hysteresis with thermal cycles between room temperature and 400 °C.
Oxide Interfaces—An Opportunity for Electronics
Authors: Mannhart J. , Schlom D. G.
Published: March 2010

Extraordinary electron systems can be generated at well-defined interfaces between complex oxides. In recent years, progress has been achieved in exploring and making use of the fundamental properties of such interfaces, and it has become clear that these electron systems offer the potential for possible future devices. We trace the state of the art of this emerging field of electronics and discuss some of the challenges and pitfalls that may lie ahead.
Materials and Mechanics for Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Rogers John A. , Someya Takao , Huang Yonggang
Published: March 2010

Recent advances in mechanics and materials provide routes to integrated circuits that can offer the electrical properties of conventional, rigid wafer-based technologies but with the ability to be stretched, compressed, twisted, bent, and deformed into arbitrary shapes. Inorganic and organic electronic materials in microstructured and nanostructured forms, intimately integrated with elastomeric substrates, offer particularly attractive characteristics, with realistic pathways to sophisticated embodiments. Here, we review these strategies and describe applications of them in systems ranging from electronic eyeball cameras to deformable light-emitting displays. We conclude with some perspectives on routes to commercialization, new device opportunities, and remaining challenges for research.
An Emergent Change of Phase for Electronics
Authors: Takagi Hidenori , Hwang Harold Y.
Published: March 2010

Correlated electrons in transition metal oxides can form a variety of electronic phases. The phase change between these various states gives rise to novel device functions, including sensing,
signal conversion, and nonvolatile memory, and is now at the frontier of research on “emergent research device materials.” Those oxide devices may have an advantage over conventional semiconductor devices for added functionality and future downsizing to the nanoscale. The elucidation of the microscopic physics behind their operation is a key step for further development.
Strontium-Doped Perovskites Rival Platinum Catalysts for Treating NO

x

in Simulated Diesel Exhaust
Authors: Kim Chang Hwan , Qi Gongshin , Dahlberg Kevin , Li Wei
Published: March 2010

Platinum-Free Diesel

The efficiency advantages inherent in diesel-based combustion engines are counterbalanced by the production of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NO

x

). Currently, expensive precious metals, such as platinum, are required to remove these pollutants.

Kim
et al.

(p.
1624
; see the Perspective by

Parks

) show that a strontium-doped perovskite catalyst, prepared from more abundant (and cheaper) elements, may help to lower the cost of NO

x

treatments and thus ultimately make diesel a more cost-effective automotive fuel. Under conditions realistically simulating exhaust streams, the catalyst rivaled platinum in accelerating NO

x

decomposition.
A Self-Incompatibility System Explains High Male Frequencies in an Androdioecious Plant
Authors: Saumitou-Laprade Pierre , Vernet Philippe , Vassiliadis Christine , Hoareau Yves , de Magny Guillaume , Dommée Bertrand , Lepart Jacques
Published: March 2010

The Making of the Males

Most plants have a hermaphroditic mating system with flowers with both male and female function. However, in some cases, species are invaded by a sex-specific sterility factor. When female sterility factors invade a population, it results in a mating system called androdioecy. Theoretically, these female sterile (male) individuals should occur at low frequencies because of their reduced reproductive capacity. However, some species in the olive family have a greater than expected frequency of males.

Saumitou-Laprade
et al.

(p.
1648
) show that, for one species, males were able to reach high frequencies because of the retention of a self-incompatibility factor within hermaphroditic individuals. In this case, hermaphroditic individuals can only mate with individuals outside of their incompatibility type, reducing their available mating partners, whereas males are able to mate with all hermaphrodites. This explains how, contrary to theory, high frequencies of males can exist within populations.
Controlling Radiation Damage
Authors: Ackland Graeme
Published: March 2010

A self-healing mechanism may render nanomaterials highly useful for nuclear applications.
The Future of Psychiatric Research: Genomes and Neural Circuits
Authors: Akil Huda , Brenner Sydney , Kandel Eric , Kendler Kenneth S. , King Mary-Claire , Scolnick Edward , Watson James D. , Zoghbi Huda Y.
Published: March 2010

Integrating the tools of genomics and neural science is needed to reveal causes of neuropsychiatric illnesses and to suggest new strategies for treatment and prevention.
What's Old Is New: 1918 Virus Matches 2009 H1N1 Strain
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: March 2010

New findings, reported online this week in

Science

and

Science Translational Medicine

indicate that the surface protein, hemagglutinin, of the "novel" H1N1 swine influenza virus that last year caused the first human pandemic in 4 decades closely matches the HA in the H1N1 virus responsible for the 1918 pandemic.
NIH Seeks Fresh Ideas on Diversity
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: March 2010

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is betting $10 million that academics can find new ways to promote diversity in U.S. science. The money will be spent on a new competition called the Director's Pathfinder Award.
Of Mice and Women: The Bias in Animal Models
Authors: Wald Chelsea , Wu Corinna
Published: March 2010

Male rodents are cheaper and easier to work with than females, but scientists worry that research done on males alone won't apply across the sexes.
Antibody Response Patterns to
Bordetella pertussis
Antigens in Vaccinated (Primed) and Unvaccinated (Unprimed) Young Children with Pertussis
Authors: Cherry James D. , Heininger Ulrich , Richards David M. , Storsaeter Jann , Gustafsson Lennart , Ljungman Margaretha , Hallander Hans O.
Published: March 2010

In a previous study, it was found that the antibody response to a nonvaccine pertussis antigen in children who were vaccine failures was reduced compared with the response in nonvaccinated children who had pertussis. In two acellular pertussis vaccine efficacy trials in Sweden, we studied the convalescent-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) geometric mean values (GMVs) in response to pertussis toxin (PT), filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA), pertactin (PRN), and fimbriae (FIM 2/3) in vaccine failures and controls with pertussis. In Germany, the antibody responses to
Bordetella pertussis
antigens PT, FHA, PRN, and FIM-2 were analyzed by ELISA according to time of serum collection after onset of illness in children with pertussis who were vaccine failures or who were previously unvaccinated. Antibody values were also compared by severity of clinical illness. In Sweden, infants who had received a PT toxoid vaccine and who were vaccine failures had a blunted response to the nonvaccine antigen FHA compared with the response in children who had received a PT/FHA vaccine. Similarly, infants who had pertussis and who had received a PT/FHA vaccine had a blunted response to the nonvaccine antigens PRN and FIM 2/3 compared with the response in children who were vaccine failures and who had received a PT, FHA, PRN, and FIM 2/3 vaccine. In Germany, in sera collected from 0 to 15 days after pertussis illness onset, the GMVs for all 4 antigens (PT, FHA, PRN, and FIM-2) were significantly lower in an unvaccinated group than in children who were diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine failures. In the unvaccinated group, the GMV of the PT antibody rose rapidly over time so that it was similar to that of the DTaP vaccine recipients at the 16- to 30-day period. In contrast, the antibody responses to FHA, PRN, and FIM-2 at all time periods were lower in the diphtheria-tetanus vaccine (DT) recipients than in the DTaP vaccine failures. In both Sweden and Germany, children with less severe illness had lower antibody responses than children with typical pertussis. Our findings indicate that upon exposure and infection, previous vaccinees have more-robust antibody responses to the antigens contained in the vaccine they had received than to
Bordetella
antigens that were not in the vaccine they had received. In addition, over time the antibody responses to FHA, PRN, and FIM-2 were greater in children with vaccine failure (primed subjects) than in unvaccinated children (unprimed subjects) whereas the responses to PT were similar in the primed and unprimed children, as determined from sera collected after 15 days of illness. Our findings lend support to the idea that DTaP vaccines should contain multiple antigens.
Performance Characteristics of the MultiCode-RTx Hepatitis C Virus Load Test Targeting the 3′ Untranslated Region
Authors: Ramjit Ruan T. , Ingersoll Jessica , Abdul-Ali Deborah , Frempong Mona , Caliendo Angela M.
Published: March 2010

Viral load testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA has become a key parameter in the diagnosis of infection and treatment monitoring. This study evaluated the performance characteristics of the MultiCode-RTx HCV assay (MultiCode; EraGen Biosciences, Inc., Madison, WI), a real-time PCR test targeting the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of the HCV genome, compared to the TaqMan HCV load ASR assay (TaqMan; Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN) that targets the 5′ UTR. For plasma specimens, the MultiCode assay had a limit of detection of 2.3 log
10
IU/ml and a linear range of at least 6.7 log
10
IU/ml. Comparison of plasma viral loads obtained by the MultiCode and TaqMan tests showed that they were in very close agreement (mean difference, −0.1 log
10
IU/ml). No genotype bias was observed for genotypes 1, 2, and 3. When the MultiCode assay was evaluated with the MagNA Pure and easyMAG extraction methods, the viral loads for the easyMAG extraction were consistently higher for all specimens tested (mean difference, 0.45 log
10
IU/ml). Aside from the limit of detection, the performance characteristics of the MultiCode assay were similar to the TaqMan assay for the clinical application of HCV load testing.
Dual-Emission Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) Real-Time PCR Differentiates Feline Immunodeficiency Virus Subtypes and Discriminates Infected from Vaccinated Cats
Authors: Wang Chengming , Johnson Calvin M. , Ahluwalia Sudhir K. , Chowdhury Erfan , Li Yihang , Gao Dongya , Poudel Anil , Rahman K. Shamsur , Kaltenboeck Bernhard
Published: March 2010

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is among the most common infectious agents of cats. Five well-characterized FIV subtypes, A, B, C, D, and E, are recognized worldwide. As in HIV diagnosis, serum antibodies against FIV classically serve as an indicator of infection status. After the introduction of an inactivated FIV vaccine, this approach has become problematic, since antibodies generated by vaccination are indistinguishable from antibodies in response to infection. However, PCR detection of host-cell-integrated FIV DNA will differentiate infection-derived antibody from vaccination-derived positivity because presumably the RNA of inactivated vaccine virus will not integrate into the host genome. In this study, we established a
gag
gene-based dual-emission fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) real-time PCR that amplifies single-target copies of all known FIV strains and differentiates five FIV subtypes. All blood samples from experimentally FIV-infected cats (
n
= 5) were antibody positive and highly positive in the FIV PCR. In contrast, nine cats became antibody positive after FIV vaccination but remained negative in the FIV PCR. Of 101 FIV antibody-positive feline blood specimens submitted for FIV PCR diagnosis, 61 were positive (60%). A total of 23 of the positive PCRs identified subtype A, 11 identified subtype B1, 11 identified subtype B2/E, and 16 identified subtype C. FIV subtype D was not detected in any submitted specimens even though 13 blood specimens were from cats known to have received the FIV vaccine, which contains FIV subtype A and D inactivated virions. Therefore, this PCR quantitatively identifies FIV subtypes and unambiguously discriminates between FIV-vaccinated and FIV-infected cats.
Escherichia coli
Variants in Periprosthetic Joint Infection: Diagnostic Challenges with Sessile Bacteria and Sonication
Authors: Sendi Parham , Frei Reno , Maurer Thomas B. , Trampuz Andrej , Zimmerli Werner , Graber Peter
Published: March 2010

The diagnostic yield of prosthetic joint-associated infection is hampered by the phenotypic change of bacteria into a sessile and resistant form, also called biofilm. With sonication, adherent bacteria can be dislodged from the prosthesis. Species identification may be difficult because of their variations in phenotypic appearance and biochemical reaction. We have studied the phenotypic, genotypic, and biochemical properties of
Escherichia coli
variants isolated from a periprosthetic joint infection. The strains were collected from synovial fluid, periprosthetic tissue, and fluid from the explanted and sonicated prosthesis. Isolates from synovial fluid revealed a normal phenotype, whereas a few variants from periprosthetic tissue and all isolates from sonication fluid showed different morphological features (including small-colony variants). All isolates from sonication fluid were beta-galactosidase negative and nonmotile; most were indole negative. Because of further variations in biochemical properties, species identification was false or not possible in 50% of the isolates included in this study. In contrast to normal phenotypes, variants were resistant to aminoglycosides. Typing of the isolates using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis yielded nonidentical banding patterns, but all strains were assigned to the same clonal origin when compared with 207 unrelated
E. coli
isolates. The bacteria were repeatedly passaged on culture media and reanalyzed. Thereafter, most variants reverted to normal phenotype and regained their motility and certain biochemical properties. In addition, some variants displayed aminoglycoside susceptibility after reversion. Sonication of an explanted prosthesis allows insight into the lifestyle of bacteria in biofilms. Since sonication fluid also reveals dislodged sessile forms, species identification of such variants may be misleading.
Evaluation of
Mycobacterium avium
Complex Clarithromycin Susceptibility Testing Using SLOMYCO Sensititre Panels and JustOne Strips
Authors: Babady N. Esther , Hall Leslie , Abbenyi Adeline T. , Eisberner Justin J. , Brown-Elliott Barbara A. , Pratt Cody J. , McGlasson Maria C. , Beierle Keanan D. , Wohlfiel Sherri L. , Deml Sharon M. , Wallace Richard J. , Wengenack Nancy L.
Published: March 2010

The SLOMYCO Sensititre panel and the custom JustOne strip (both from TREK Diagnostic Systems, Cleveland, OH) were evaluated for susceptibility testing of
Mycobacterium avium
complex isolates against clarithromycin. Seventy-one archived and prospectively collected isolates were tested using both the SLOMYCO panel and the JustOne strip, and the results were compared to those obtained using the BACTEC 460 (BD, Sparks, MD) radiometric method and a broth microdilution reference method. Results obtained by the SLOMYCO panel and the JustOne strip agreed with the BACTEC 460 method for 64/71 isolates (90%). Similarly, concordance with the broth microdilution method was 40/43 isolates (93%) for both test systems. The effect of the source medium on inoculum preparation was evaluated, and there were no differences noted in MICs, regardless of whether the inoculum was prepared from isolates grown in Middlebrook 7H9 medium, on Middlebrook 7H10 agar, or in VersaTREK broth culture bottles (Trek Diagnostics). Clarithromycin susceptibility testing of MAC using the SLOMYCO panel and the JustOne strip methods is easy to set up and simple to read and is readily incorporate into the clinical laboratory. These systems offer advantages over the BACTEC 460 system including the lack of a need for radioactive substrates, sharps, or costly instrumentation.
Detection by GenoType MTBDR
sl
Test of Complex Mechanisms of Resistance to Second-Line Drugs and Ethambutol in Multidrug-Resistant
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Complex Isolates
Authors: Brossier Florence , Veziris Nicolas , Aubry Alexandra , Jarlier Vincent , Sougakoff Wladimir
Published: March 2010

The GenoType MTBDR
sl
test rapidly detects resistance to ethambutol, fluoroquinolones, and second-line aminoglycosides (amikacin and kanamycin) and cyclic peptide (capreomycin) in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
. A set of 41 multidrug-resistant (MDR)
M. tuberculosis
strains, 8 extensively drug-resistant (XDR)
M. tuberculosis
strains, and 3 non-MDR
M. tuberculosis
strains were tested by the MTBDR
sl
test and by DNA sequencing of the resistance-determining regions in
gyrA
and
gyrB
(fluoroquinolones [FQ]),
rpsL
(streptomycin),
rrs
and
tlyA
(aminoglycosides and/or cyclic peptide), and
embB
(ethambutol). The sensitivity and specificity of the MTBDR
sl
test were as follows: 87% and 96%, respectively, for fluoroquinolones; 100% for both for amikacin; 77% and 100%, respectively, for kanamycin, 80% and 98%, respectively, for capreomycin; and 57% and 92%, respectively, for ethambutol. Analysis of the discrepant results indicated that three FQ-resistant strains (including one XDR strain) with mutations in
gyrB
were missed by the MTBDR
sl
test and that one FQ-susceptible strain, identified as resistant by the MTBDR
sl
test, had a double mutation (T80A-A90G) in GyrA that did not confer resistance to FQ. Five strains (including two XDR strains) without mutations in
rrs
were monoresistant to aminoglycosides or cyclic peptide and were missed by the MTBDR
sl
test. Finally, 12/28 ethambutol-resistant strains had no mutation at codon 306 in
embB
, while 2/24 ethambutol-susceptible strains had such a mutation. In conclusion, the MTBDR
sl
test efficiently detects the most common mutations involved in resistance to fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides/cyclic peptide, and ethambutol and accurately assesses susceptibility to amikacin. However, due to mutations not included in the test (particularly in
gyrB
) or resistance mechanisms not yet characterized (particularly those related to ethambutol resistance and to monoresistance to aminoglycosides or cyclic peptide), the wild-type results yielded by the MTBDR
sl
test should be confirmed by drug susceptibility testing.
Evaluation of a Rapid Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Diagnosis of Strongyloidiasis
Authors: Bon B. , Houze S. , Talabani H. , Magne D. , Belkadi G. , Develoux M. , Senghor Y. , Chandenier J. , Ancelle T. , Hennequin C.
Published: March 2010

Diagnosis of strongyloidiasis using stool examination remains unsatisfactory due to the lack of sensitivity and fastidious techniques. In this work, we investigated the value of an anti-
Strongyloides
IgG enzyme immunoassay (EIA), using a panel of 207 sera retrospectively collected from patients with definitive diagnoses of strongyloidiasis (
n
= 57), other helminthic infections (
n
= 46), eosinophilia without parasitic infection diagnosis (
n
= 54), and digestive disturbances following a tropical journey (
n
= 30) and from 20 negative controls. By following a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, it was possible to optimize the test to reach a sensitivity of 91.2% and a specificity of 93.3%, with 92.8% of patients correctly classified. Considering the incidence of strongyloidiasis diagnosed in our own laboratory, the negative predictive value was calculated at 99.9%. In conclusion, this test is very rapid and easy to perform and may be valuable for diagnosis of strongyloidiasis both in cases where the infection is unrevealed by a parasitological stool examination and in patients at risk for severe clinical forms, such as patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy.