bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Edaphic filters and the functional structure of plant assemblages in grasslands in southern Brazil
Authors: Moraes Daniele A. , Cavalin Pedro O. , Moro Rosemeri S. , Oliveira Ricardo A.C. , Carmo Marta R.B. , Marques Marcia C.M.
Published: August 2015

Questions

We analysed trait convergence and trait divergence assembly patterns across a metacommunity of grassland types (dry, wet and rocky) occurring along an edaphic gradient. We asked whether (1) floristics and phylogenetic structures vary among grassland types; (2) there is convergence and/or divergence in plant traits along the gradient; (3) the functional structure is influenced by phylogeny; and (4) abiotic or biotic filters generate the assembly patterns.

Location

Campos Gerais region, Paraná State, southern Brazil (ca. 25°15′02″ S, 49°59′59″ W).

Methods

We sampled plant functional traits and soil variables at 81.1‐m2 quadrats in three natural grassland vegetation types across three different sites. We analysed the relationship between species composition (abundance), phylogenetic relationships, functional traits and soil characteristics using matrix correlations, where soil characteristics were the predictors of functional and phylogenetic assembly patterns.

Results

A total of 168 plant species were sampled on the three vegetation types. Wet grassland quadrats were more similar to each other in species composition and phylogeny than with those on dry and rocky grasslands. We found trait convergence (not phylogenetically constrained) and trait divergence (phylogenetically constrained) assembly patterns in the three vegetation types along the edaphic gradient. Traits that generated convergence and divergence are related to strategies for survival in dry and low nutrient availability soils; nutritional soil gradient determined trait differences at small scales.

Conclusion

Species composition and phylogenetic structure of communities occurring in different grassland types are related to edaphic gradient. The occurrence of both trait convergence and trait divergence patterns suggests, respectively, that environmental filters and biotic filters (competition) are structuring the plant assemblages.
Factors associated with breast milk intake among 9–10‐month‐old Malawian infants
Authors: Kumwenda Chiza , Hemsworth Jaimie , Phuka John , Arimond Mary , Ashorn Ulla , Maleta Kenneth , Ashorn Per , Haskell Marjorie J. , Dewey Kathryn G.
Published: August 2015

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended during the first 6 months of life; thereafter, continued breastfeeding along with nutritious complementary foods is recommended. Continued breastfeeding contributes a substantial proportion of nutrient needs and promotes healthy growth and development, but the quantity of breast milk consumed may be highly variable and little is known about the factors associated with breast milk intake after 6 months of age. The present study was conducted to assess factors associated with breast milk intake of Malawian infants at 9–10 months of age. Breast milk intake was measured using the dose‐to‐mother deuterium oxide dilution method in a subsample of 358 Malawian infants who were participating in a randomized controlled trial of lipid‐based nutrient supplements. Regression analysis was used to assess associations between breast milk intake and several maternal and infant variables. Mean (standard deviation) breast milk intake was 752 (244) g day–1. In multiple regression, breast milk intake was positively associated with infant weight (+62 g per kg body weight, P < 0.01) and maternal height (P < 0.01) and negatively associated with maternal education and age (P < 0.01). There was a non‐significant (P = 0.063) inverse association between energy from non‐breast milk sources and breast milk intake. In this rural Malawian population, infant weight is the main predictor of breast milk intake, even after the first 6 months of life.
A transferable plasticity region in Campylobacter coli allows isolates of an otherwise non‐glycolytic food‐borne pathogen to catabolize glucose
Authors: Vorwerk Hanne , Huber Claudia , Mohr Juliane , Bunk Boyke , Bhuju Sabin , Wensel Olga , Spröer Cathrin , Fruth Angelika , Flieger Antje , Schmidt‐Hohagen Kerstin , Schomburg Dietmar , Eisenreich Wolfgang , Hofreuter Dirk
Published: August 2015

Thermophilic Campylobacter species colonize the intestine of agricultural and domestic animals commensally but cause severe gastroenteritis in humans. In contrast to other enteropathogenic bacteria, Campylobacter has been considered to be non‐glycolytic, a metabolic property originally used for their taxonomic classification. Contrary to this dogma, we demonstrate that several Campylobacter coli strains are able to utilize glucose as a growth substrate. Isotopologue profiling experiments with 13C‐labeled glucose suggested that these strains catabolize glucose via the pentose phosphate and Entner‐Doudoroff (ED) pathways and use glucose efficiently for de novo synthesis of amino acids and cell surface carbohydrates. Whole genome sequencing of glycolytic C. coli isolates identified a genomic island located within a ribosomal RNA gene cluster that encodes for all ED pathway enzymes and a glucose permease. We could show in vitro that a non‐glycolytic C. coli strain could acquire glycolytic activity through natural transformation with chromosomal DNA of C. coli and C. jejuni subsp. doylei strains possessing the ED pathway encoding plasticity region. These results reveal for the first time the ability of a Campylobacter species to catabolize glucose and provide new insights into how genetic macrodiversity through intra‐ and interspecies gene transfer expand the metabolic capacity of this food‐borne pathogen.
Bacteria–zinc co‐localization implicates enhanced synthesis of cysteine‐rich peptides in zinc detoxification when Brassica juncea is inoculated with Rhizobium leguminosarum
Authors: Adediran Gbotemi A. , Ngwenya Bryne T. , Mosselmans J. Frederick W. , Heal Kate V.
Published: August 2015

Some plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) are enigmatic in enhancing plant growth in the face of increased metal accumulation in plants. Since most PGPB colonize the plant root epidermis, we hypothesized that PGPB confer tolerance to metals through changes in speciation at the root epidermis.

We employed a novel combination of fluorophore‐based confocal laser scanning microscopic imaging and synchrotron based microscopic X‐ray fluorescence mapping with X‐ray absorption spectroscopy to characterize bacterial localization, zinc (Zn) distribution and speciation in the roots of Brassica juncea grown in Zn contaminated media (400 mg kg−1 Zn) with the endophytic Pseudomonas brassicacearum and rhizospheric Rhizobium leguminosarum.

PGPB enhanced epidermal Zn sequestration relative to PGBP‐free controls while the extent of endophytic accumulation depended on the colonization mode of each PGBP. Increased root accumulation of Zn and increased tolerance to Zn was associated predominantly with R. leguminosarum and was likely due to the coordination of Zn with cysteine‐rich peptides in the root endodermis, suggesting enhanced synthesis of phytochelatins or glutathione.

Our mechanistic model of enhanced Zn accumulation and detoxification in plants inoculated with R. leguminosarum has particular relevance to PGPB enhanced phytoremediation of soils contaminated through mining and oxidation of sulphur‐bearing Zn minerals or engineered nanomaterials such as ZnS.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura during pregnancy versus imitator of preeclampsia
Authors: Gasparri Maria Luisa , Bellati Filippo , Brunelli Roberto , Perrone Giuseppina , Pecorini Francesco , Papadia Andrea , Meloni Giovanna , Trisolini Silvia Maria , Gozzer Maria , Domenici Lavinia , Lecce Francesca , Benedetti Panici Pierluigi
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a severe disorder affecting the microcirculation of multiple organs due to a systemic endothelial cell injury secondary to a deficiency in ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloprotease with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) activity. TTP is a rare complication of pregnancy with a poor prognosis and high fetal mortality, especially when it occurs during the first trimester. Recent data have supported that effective treatment of TTP is plasma therapy. Unfortunately a major problem remains in the delay in diagnosis due to confounding factors between other “imitators of preeclampsia.” Rapid and readily available laboratory testing to quickly diagnose TTP is desperately needed to improve care and to save mother and future child life.

CASE REPORT

We describe a rare case of successful pregnancy after TTP manifestations occurring in the first trimester; most importantly, our experience represents the first case of atypical manifestation due to neurologic and kidney manifestations preceding laboratory assay alterations.

RESULTS

We treated a patient with plasma replacement of 30 mL/kg/day and daily plasmapheresis in combination with continuous infusion of fresh‐frozen plasma 10 mL/kg/day. The response of clinical manifestation immediately improved. At 30 weeks, the patient had multiple episodes of high blood pressure and concomitant decrease of hemoglobin and platelet count, so a cesarean section was immediately performed. She delivered a healthy female baby.

CONCLUSION

Early diagnosis by ADAMTS13 activity, occasionally occurring before clinical manifestations, aided us in promptly administering commended and life‐saving treatments.
The chloride–bicarbonate exchanger pendrin is increased in the kidney of the pregnant rat
Authors: West Crystal A. , Verlander Jill W. , Wall Susan M. , Baylis Chris
Published: August 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Pregnancy requires a robust plasma volume expansion driven by renal sodium retention. In the late‐pregnant kidney, the aldosterone‐responsive epithelial Na+ channel is increased, whereas the sodium–chloride cotransporter is decreased. Pendrin has been shown to support sodium reabsorption in the distal nephron and compensate for loss of the sodium–chloride cotransporter. We investigated the expression and abundance of pendrin in the pregnant kidney.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Pendrin protein, apical localization and thiazide sensitivity are increased in pregnancy. This implicates a possible role for pendrin in supporting the renal sodium chloride reabsorption and plasma volume expansion of pregnancy.

Pregnancy is characterized by cumulative plasma volume expansion as a result of renal sodium retention, driven by activation of aldosterone. We previously reported that the abundance and activity of the aldosterone‐responsive epithelial Na+ channel is increased, whereas the sodium–chloride cotransporter (NCC) is decreased in the kidney of the late‐pregnant rat. The chloride–bicarbonate exchanger pendrin is also aldosterone responsive and has been shown to support activity of the aldosterone‐responsive epithelial Na+ channel and compensate for the loss of NCC. Additionally, pendrin coupled to the sodium‐dependent chloride–bicarbonate exchanger (NDCBE) mediates thiazide‐sensitive sodium reabsorption in the cortical collecting duct. In this study, we investigated pendrin and NDCBE transcript expression, pendrin protein abundance, pendrin cellular localization and thiazide sensitivity in virgin, mid‐pregnant and late‐pregnant rats to test the hypothesis that increased pendrin activity might occur in pregnancy. By RT‐PCR, NDCBE and pendrin mRNA expression was unchanged from virgins, whereas pendrin protein abundance determined by Western blotting was increased in both mid‐ and late‐pregnant rats. The apical localization of pendrin was also increased in late‐pregnant rats compared with virgins by immunohistochemistry. Pregnant rats displayed an increased natriuretic response to hydrochlorothiazide compared with virgins. Given that NCC expression is decreased in late pregnancy, an increased thiazide sensitivity may be due to inhibition of upregulated pendrin–NDCBE‐coupled sodium reabsorption. Thus, increased pendrin in pregnant rats may compensate for the decreased NCC and aid in the renal sodium chloride reabsorption of pregnancy.
Patterns of Change in Psychological Variables Leading up to Competition in Superior Versus Inferior Performers
Authors: Boat Ruth , Taylor Ian M.
Published: August 2015

The study explored patterns of change in a number of potentially performance-related variables (i.e., fatigue, social support, self-efficacy, autonomous motivation, mental skills) during the lead-up to a competitive triathlon, and whether these patterns of change differed for relatively superior versus inferior performers. Forty-two triathletes completed an inventory measuring the study variables every other day during a 2-week period leading up to competition. Performance was assessed using participants’ race time, and using a self-referenced relative score compared with personal best times. Multilevel growth curve analyses revealed significant differences in growth trajectories over the 2-week period in mental skills use, social support, and fatigue. The results provide novel insight into how athletes’ fluctuating psychological state in the 2 weeks before competition may be crucial in determining performance.
Polymyxin B in Combination with Antimicrobials Lacking
In Vitro
Activity versus Polymyxin B in Monotherapy in Critically Ill Patients with Acinetobacter baumannii or Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections
Authors: Rigatto Maria Helena , Vieira Fabiane J. , Antochevis Laura C. , Behle Tainá F. , Lopes Natane T. , Zavascki Alexandre P.
Published: August 2015

There is no clinical evidence supporting the use of polymyxin B in combination with another antimicrobial for infections caused by extensively drug-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
or
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates. We developed a cohort study of patients in two intensive care units from teaching hospitals to evaluate treatment with intravenous polymyxin B for ≥48 h for severe
A. baumannii
or
P. aeruginosa
infections. Covariates potentially associated with 30-day mortality were evaluated in a Cox proportional hazards model. A total of 101 patients were included; 33 (32.7%) were treated with polymyxin B in combination with an antimicrobial lacking
in vitro
activity and 68 (67.3%) with polymyxin B in monotherapy. The overall 30-day mortality was 59.4% (60 patients), comprising 42.4% (14 of 33) and 67.6% (46 of 68) in combination and monotherapy groups, respectively (
P
= 0.03). The mortality rates were 18.5/1,000 patient days and 36.4/1,000 patient days in the combination and monotherapy groups, respectively (
P
= 0.02). Combination therapy was independently associated with lower 30-day mortality (hazard ratio, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.17 to 0.64;
P
= 0.001). Creatinine clearance of ≥60 ml/min was also a protective factor, while a higher acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) score and polymicrobial infection were associated with increased mortality. The results did not change after adding a propensity score for prescribing combination therapy into the model. The protective effect remained when only combination with β-lactam or carbapenem was considered and in both subgroups of patients: those with
A. baumannii
infection and those with lower respiratory tract infections. To our knowledge, this is the first clinical study to show a benefit of combination over monotherapy with polymyxin B for severe extensively drug-resistant
A. baumannii
or
P. aeruginosa
infections.
Isolated hydatid cyst of the pancreas masquerading as pancreatic pseudocyst
Authors: Chinya Abhishek , Khanolkar Ashwini , Kumar Jyoti , Sinha Shandip Kumar
Published: August 2015

Hydatid cyst of the pancreas is very rare and usually presents with obstructive jaundice. We report a case of a 7-year-old girl with cyst of the pancreas without any obstructive jaundice. The child was treated surgically and hydatid cyst of pancreas was found. Partial pericystectomy was performed. After 1 month on follow-up, the child developed pseudocyst of pancreas, which needed cystogastrostomy. Postoperatively, the child improved and is remaining well after 3 months of follow-up. Hydatid cysts of pancreas are very difficult to diagnose preoperatively and should be kept as a differential diagnosis of cystic intrapancreatic lesions. Serological tests can help in early diagnosis.
Noncommutative wormhole solutions in f(G) gravity
Authors: Sharif M. , Fatima H. Ismat
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we study noncommutative static spherically symmetric wormhole solutions in the context of modified Gauss–Bonnet gravity. We explore these solutions either by assuming a viable [Formula: see text] model to construct shape function or by specifying the shape function to deduce [Formula: see text] model. The energy conditions are discussed for both types of wormholes. In the first case, we find a physically acceptable wormhole solution threaded by normal matter for all values of radial coordinate [Formula: see text] while the second case gives physical solution only for large values of [Formula: see text].
Glucokinase activation is beneficial or toxic to cultured rat pancreatic islets depending on the prevailing glucose concentration
Authors: Roma Leticia P. , Duprez Jessica , Jonas Jean-Christophe
Published: August 2015

In rat pancreatic islets, β-cell gene expression, survival, and subsequent acute glucose stimulation of insulin secretion (GSIS) are optimally preserved by prolonged culture at 10 mM glucose (G10) and markedly altered by culture at G5 or G30. Here, we tested whether pharmacological glucokinase (GK) activation prevents these alterations during culture or improves GSIS after culture. Rat pancreatic islets were cultured 1–7 days at G5, G10, or G30 with or without 3 μM of the GK activator Ro 28-0450 (Ro). After culture, β-cell apoptosis and islet gene mRNA levels were measured, and the acute glucose-induced increase in NAD(P)H autofluorescence, intracellular calcium concentration, and insulin secretion were tested in the absence or presence of Ro. Prolonged culture of rat islets at G5 or G30 instead of G10 triggered β-cell apoptosis and reduced their glucose responsiveness. Addition of Ro during culture differently affected β-cell survival and glucose responsiveness depending on the glucose concentration during culture: it was beneficial to β-cell survival and function at G5, detrimental at G10, and ineffective at G30. In contrast, acute GK activation with Ro increased the glucose sensitivity of islets cultured at G10 but failed at restoring β-cell glucose responsiveness after culture at G5 or G30. We conclude that pharmacological GK activation prevents the alteration of β-cell survival and function by long-term culture at G5 but mimics glucotoxicity when added to G10. The complex effects of glucose on the β-cell phenotype result from changes in glucose metabolism and not from an effect of glucose per se.
Knee Flexion and Daily Activities in Patients following Total Knee Replacement: A Comparison with ISO Standard 14243
Authors: Wimmer Markus A. , Nechtow William , Schwenke Thorsten , Moisio Kirsten C.
Published: August 2015

Walking is only one of many daily activities performed by patients following total knee replacement (TKR). The purpose of this study was to examine the hypotheses (a) that subject activity characteristics are correlated with knee flexion range of motion (ROM) and (b) that there is a significant difference between the subject’s flexion/extension excursion throughout the day and the ISO specified input for knee wear testing. In order to characterize activity, the number of walking and stair stepping cycles, the time spent with dynamic and stationary activities, the number of activity sequences, and the knee flexion/extension excursion of 32 TKR subjects were collected during daily activity. Flexion/extension profiles were compared with the ISO 14243 simulator input profile using a level crossing classification algorithm. Subjects took an average of 3102 (range: 343–5857) walking cycles including 65 (range: 0–319) stair stepping cycles. Active and passive ROMs were positively correlated with stair walking time, stair step counts, and stair walking sequences. Simulated knee motion according to ISO showed significantly fewer level crossings at the flexion angles 20–40° and beyond 50° than those measured with the monitor. This suggests that implant wear testing protocols should contain more cycles and a variety of activities requiring higher knee flexion angles with incorporated resting/transition periods to account for the many activity sequences.
Parameter Sensitivity of the Microdroplet Vacuum Freezing Process
Authors: Zhang Zhijun , Zhang Yuekai , Zhao Lili , Zhang Wenhui , Zhao Shuangshuang
Published: August 2015

The vacuum freezing process of microdroplets (<100 μm in diameter) is studied by dynamic mesh method. The mass transfer coefficient was studied using the results of related papers that considered droplet diameters exceeding 1 mm. The diameter, initial temperature, and vacuum chamber pressure effects are also discussed. To estimate parameter sensitivity, the effects of material density, specific heat, and thermal conductivity in 20% scope, as well as latent evaporation/sublimation in 5%, were simulated. The results show that the mass transfer coefficientKis essentially different between microdroplets (<100 μm) and macrodroplet (>1 mm). Pressure and droplet diameter have an effect on cooling and freezing stages, but initial temperature only affects the cooling stage. The thermal conductivity coefficientklaffected the cooling stage, whereaskiaffected the freezing stage. Heat capacityClaffected the cooling stage, butCihas virtually no effect on all stages. The actual latent heat of freezingΔHwas also affected. Higher density corresponds to lower cooling rate in the cooling stage.
Analysis of the Hybrid Power System for High-Altitude Unmanned Aircraft
Authors: Sun Kangwen , Zhu Ming , Wang Lifeng , Liu Hu
Published: August 2015

The application of single solar array on high-altitude unmanned aircraft will waste energy because of its low conversion efficiency. Furthermore, since its energy utilization is limited, the surface temperature of solar array will rise to 70°C due to the waste solar energy, thus reducing the electrical performance of the solar array. In order to reuse the energy converted into heat by solar array, a hybrid power system is presented in this paper. In the hybrid power system, a new electricity-generating method is adopted to spread the photovoltaic cell on the wing surface and arrange photothermal power in the wing box section. Because the temperature on the back of photovoltaic cell is high, it can be used as the high-temperature heat source. The lower wing surface can be a low-temperature cold source. A high-altitude unmanned aircraft was used to analyze the performances of pure solar-powered aircraft and hybrid powered aircraft. The analysis result showed that the hybrid system could reduce the area of wing by 19% and that high-altitude unmanned aircraft with a 35 m or less wingspan could raise the utilization rate of solar energy per unit area after adopting the hybrid power system.
An Unconditionally Stable Method for Solving the Acoustic Wave Equation
Authors: Fu Zhi-Kai , Shi Li-Hua , Huang Zheng-Yu , Fu Shang-Chen
Published: August 2015

An unconditionally stable method for solving the time-domain acoustic wave equation using Associated Hermit orthogonal functions is proposed. The second-order time derivatives in acoustic wave equation are expanded by these orthogonal basis functions. By applying Galerkin temporal testing procedure, the time variable can be eliminated from the calculations. The restriction of Courant-Friedrichs-Levy (CFL) condition in selecting time step for analyzing thin layer can be avoided. Numerical results show the accuracy and the efficiency of the proposed method.
ECCT: An Efficient-Cooperative ADHOC MAC for Cluster-Based TDMA System in VANETs
Authors: Nguyen VanDung , Kazmi S. M. Ahsan , Hong Choong Seon
Published: August 2015

In VANETs, a clustering algorithm can be used to partition the network into smaller segments. Therefore, the clustering algorithms provide not only limited channel contention but also fair channel access within the cluster. In addition, they also increase spatial reuse in VANETs and efficient control for the network topology. The main concern in the clustering algorithm is the cluster stability. The major challenge is to elect a cluster head and to maintain the membership of member nodes in a highly dynamic and a fast-changing topology. Therefore, the major criterion for cluster formation is to form a stable cluster. In this paper, a clustering algorithm to affect organization and cooperative ADHOC MAC for cluster-based TDMA system in VANETs (ECCT) is proposed. The cooperation is used to help a cluster head update each neighbor cluster's information which helps each cluster head to avoid collision when two clusters move into each other's cluster's transmission range. This efficiently utilizes a time slot. We use the lowest-ID algorithm to achieve organization. The analytical and simulated results show that not only the average number of time slots for electing a cluster head but also total number of time slots before data can be successfully transmitted is less than the existing cluster-based TDMA system and IEEE 802.11p.
Nitrogen Dynamics Variation in Overlying Water of Jinshan Lake, China
Authors: Zhou Xiaohong , Wang Mingyuan , Liu Longmei , Chen Zhigang , Li Yimin , Zhang Jinping
Published: August 2015

Jinshan Lake is a famous urban landscape lake with approximately 8.8 km2water area, which is located on the north of Zhenjiang, of Jiangsu Province, China. Eighteen sampled sites were selected and overlying water was sampled from 2013 to 2014 to study the seasonal and spatial variation of nitrogen in overlying water of Jinshan Lake. Results showed that physicochemical characteristics of temperature, pH, and DO showed high seasonal variation, whereas they had no significant spatial differences in the 18 sampling points (P>0.05) in overlying water of Jinshan Lake. Nitrogen concentrations showed strong seasonal variation trends. The ranked order of TN was as follows: spring > summer > autumn > winter; the order ofNH4+-N was as follows: spring > autumn > summer > winter, whereasNO3--N concentrations revealed an inverse seasonal pattern, with maxima occurring in winter and minimal values occurring in spring. Nitrogen concentrations had dramatic spatial changes in 18 sampling points of Jinshan Lake. Physicochemical parameter difference, domestic wastes pollution, and rainfall runoff source may have led to seasonal and spatial fluctuation variations of nitrogen in overlying water of Jinshan Lake, China.
Antioxidant Activity and Antibacterial Effects on Clinical IsolatedStreptococcus suisandStaphylococcus intermediusof Extracts from Several Parts ofCladogynos orientalisand Their Phytochemical Screenings
Authors: Sithisarn Pongtip , Rojsanga Piyanuch , Sithisarn Patchima , Kongkiatpaiboon Sumet
Published: August 2015

Thein vitroantioxidant and antibacterial assays against clinically isolatedStreptococcus suisandStaphylococcus intermediusof the extracts prepared by decoction and ethanolic reflux of different parts of Chettaphangki (Cladogynos orientalisZipp. ex Span), including the leaves, roots, and stems, using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay and disc diffusion method were conducted. Quantitative analysis of total phenolic and total flavonoid contents in the extracts using spectrophotometric methods was also performed. Finally, phytochemical screening by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was conducted. Leaf ethanolic reflux extract (100 g) contained the highest total phenolic and total flavonoid contents of 7.21 ± 0.28 μg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and 11.51 ± 2.02 μg rutin equivalent (RE), respectively. Chettaphangki extracts promoted low antioxidant activity with EC50values in the range of 0.27–0.48 mg/mL. Extracts and fractions from the roots and stems of this plant promoted low to intermediate antibacterial activity againstS. intermediuswith the inhibition zones between 7 and 14 mm. The chromatographic data suggested that the leaf extracts ofC. orientaliscontained rutin while the root and stem extracts contained scopoletin and chettaphanin I. Rutin promoted strong antioxidant activity while chettaphanin I showed low antibacterial activity againstStaphylococcus intermedius.
Enabling 4-Lane Based 400 G Client-Side Transmission Links with MultiCAP Modulation
Authors: Tatarczak Anna , Iglesias Olmedo Miguel , Zuo Tianjian , Estaran Jose , Bevensee Jensen Jesper , Xu Xiaogeng , Tafur Monroy Idelfonso
Published: August 2015

We propose a uniform solution for a future client-side 400 G Ethernet standard based on MultiCAP advanced modulation format, intensity modulation, and direct detection. It employs 4 local area networks-wavelength division multiplexing (LAN-WDM) lanes in 1300 nm wavelength band and parallel optics links based on vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) in 850 nm wavelength band. Total bit rate of 432 Gbps is transmitted over unamplified 20 km standard single mode fiber link and over 40 km link with semiconductor optical amplifier. 70.4 Gb/s transmission over 100 m of OM3 multimode fiber using off-the-shelf 850 nm VCSEL with 10.1 GHz 3 dB bandwidth is demonstrated indicating the feasibility of achieving 100 Gb/s per lane with a single 25 GHz VCSEL. In this review paper we introduce and present in one place the benefits of MultiCAP as versatile scheme for use in a number of client-side scenarios: short range, long range, and extended range.
Oxidation of Sulfonamides in Aqueous Solution by UV-TiO2-Fe(VI)
Authors: Ma Yan , Zhang Kejia , Li Cong , Zhang Tuqiao , Gao Naiyun
Published: August 2015

The photocatalytic degradation of sulfonamides in aqueous TiO2suspension under UV irradiation has been investigated using potassium ferrate as electron acceptors. The results showed that the stability of Fe(VI) is dependent on pH significantly, and the stability reduces obviously in the presence of UV-TiO2. The experiments indicated that Fe(VI) could effectively scavenge the conduction band electrons from the surface of TiO2. The photocatalytic oxidation of sulfonamides with Fe(VI) was found to be much faster than that without Fe(VI). The SD, SM, and SMX concentration was greatly reduced by 89.2%, 83.4%, and 82.0%, respectively, after 10 min with UV-TiO2-Fe(VI), comparing to 65.2%, 66.0%, and 71.9%, respectively, with Fe(VI) only in the dark and 71.3%, 72.7%, and 76.0%, respectively, with UV-TiO2. The pH value of solution significantly influenced the sulfonamides degradation in UV-TiO2-Fe(VI) system. The degradation amount of sulfonamides after 10 min was a maximum at pH 7. The intermediate products of sulfonamides oxidation by UV-TiO2-Fe(VI) were analysed by LC-HESI-MS-MS and the results suggested that a majority of sulfonamides turned into large-molecule products without complete mineralization.
Intermediate Diastolic Velocity as a Parameter of Cardiac Dysfunction in Growth-Restricted Fetuses
Authors: Tang Xiangna , Hernandez-Andrade Edgar , Ahn Hyunyoung , Garcia Maynor , Saker Homam , Korzeniewski Steven J. , Tarca Adi L. , Yeo Lami , Hassan Sonia S. , Romero Roberto
Published: August 2015

Objective: To evaluate the intermediate intracardiac diastolic velocities in fetuses with growth restriction. Methods: Doppler waveforms of the two atrioventricular valves were obtained. Peak velocities of the E (early) and A (atrial) components, and the lowest intermediate velocity (IDV) between them, were measured in 400 normally grown and in 100 growth-restricted fetuses. The prevalence of abnormal IDV, E/IDV, and A/IDV ratios in fetuses presenting with perinatal death or acidemia at birth (pH ≤7.1) was estimated. Results: IDV was significantly lower and E/IDV ratios significantly higher in the two ventricles of growth-restricted fetuses with reduced diastolic velocities in the umbilical artery (p < 0.05). In 13 fetuses presenting with perinatal death or acidemia at birth, 11 (85%) had either an E/IDV or A/IDV ratio >95th percentile, whereas 5 (38%) showed absent or reversed atrial velocities in the ductus venosus (DV-ARAV; p < 0.04). Fetuses without DV-ARAV but with elevated E/IDV ratios in either ventricle were nearly 7-fold more likely to have perinatal demise or acidemia at birth (OR 6.9, 95% CI 1.4-34) than those with E/IDV ratios <95th percentile. Conclusion: The E/IDV and A/IDV ratios in the two cardiac ventricles might provide information about the risk of perinatal demise or acidemia in growth-restricted fetuses.
S-Nitrosylation of Calcium-Handling Proteins in Cardiac Adrenergic Signaling and Hypertrophy
Authors: Irie Tomoya , Sips Patrick Y. , Kai Shinichi , Kida Kotaro , Ikeda Kohei , Hirai Shuichi , Moazzami Kasra , Jiramongkolchai Pawina , Bloch Donald B. , Doulias Paschalis-Thomas , Armoundas Antonis A. , Kaneki Masao , Ischiropoulos Harry , Kranias Evangelia , Bloch Kenneth D. , Stamler Jonathan S. , Ichinose Fumito
Published: August 2015

Rationale:

The regulation of calcium (Ca
2+
) homeostasis by β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) activation provides the essential underpinnings of sympathetic regulation of myocardial function, as well as a basis for understanding molecular events that result in hypertrophic signaling and heart failure. Sympathetic stimulation of the βAR not only induces protein phosphorylation but also activates nitric oxide–dependent signaling, which modulates cardiac contractility. Nonetheless, the role of nitric oxide in βAR-dependent regulation of Ca
2+
handling has not yet been explicated fully.

Objective:

To elucidate the role of protein S-nitrosylation, a major transducer of nitric oxide bioactivity, on βAR-dependent alterations in cardiomyocyte Ca
2+
handling and hypertrophy.

Methods and Results:

Using transgenic mice to titrate the levels of protein S-nitrosylation, we uncovered major roles for protein S-nitrosylation, in general, and for phospholamban and cardiac troponin C S-nitrosylation, in particular, in βAR-dependent regulation of Ca
2+
homeostasis. Notably, S-nitrosylation of phospholamban consequent upon βAR stimulation is necessary for the inhibitory pentamerization of phospholamban, which activates sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
-ATPase and increases cytosolic Ca
2+
transients. Coincident S-nitrosylation of cardiac troponin C decreases myocardial sensitivity to Ca
2+
. During chronic adrenergic stimulation, global reductions in cellular S-nitrosylation mitigate hypertrophic signaling resulting from Ca
2+
overload.

Conclusions:

S-Nitrosylation operates in concert with phosphorylation to regulate many cardiac Ca
2+
-handling proteins, including phospholamban and cardiac troponin C, thereby playing an essential and previously unrecognized role in cardiac Ca
2+
homeostasis. Manipulation of the S-nitrosylation level may prove therapeutic in heart failure.
Southern Dietary Pattern Is Associated With Hazard of Acute Coronary Heart Disease in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study
Authors: Shikany James M. , Safford Monika M. , Newby P. K. , Durant Raegan W. , Brown Todd M. , Judd Suzanne E.
Published: August 2015

Background—

The association of overall diet, as characterized by dietary patterns, with risk of incident acute coronary heart disease (CHD) has not been studied extensively in samples including sociodemographic and regional diversity.

Methods and Results—

We used data from 17 418 participants in Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS), a national, population-based, longitudinal study of white and black adults aged ≥45 years, enrolled from 2003 to 2007. We derived dietary patterns with factor analysis and used Cox proportional hazards regression to examine hazard of incident acute CHD events – nonfatal myocardial infarction and acute CHD death – associated with quartiles of consumption of each pattern, adjusted for various levels of covariates. Five primary dietary patterns emerged: Convenience, Plant-based, Sweets, Southern, and Alcohol and Salad. A total of 536 acute CHD events occurred over a median (interquartile range) 5.8 (2.1) years of follow-up. After adjustment for sociodemographics, lifestyle factors, and energy intake, highest consumers of the Southern pattern (characterized by added fats, fried food, eggs, organ and processed meats, and sugar-sweetened beverages) experienced a 56% higher hazard of acute CHD (comparing quartile 4 with quartile 1: hazard ratio, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–2.08;
P
for trend across quartiles=0.003). Adding anthropometric and medical history variables to the model attenuated the association somewhat (hazard ratio, 1.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.85;
P
=0.036).

Conclusions—

A dietary pattern characteristic of the southern United States was associated with greater hazard of CHD in this sample of white and black adults in diverse regions of the United States.
New bryophyte taxon records for tropical countries 6
Authors: Eggers Jens
Published: August 2015

Cololejeunea hyalina G.Asthana & S.C.Srivastava Cibodas, ca.1700m alt., epiphyllous in mountain rainforest, leg. 1995 J.Eggers JAV 2/91 (herb.Eggers), det. T.Pócs. Distribution: India (Asthana & Srivastava 2003).
Contributions to the Bryoflora of Australia, I.
Authors: Pócs Tamás , Streimann Heinar
Published: August 2015

During a joint field trip organised by H. Streimann in 1999, the authors collected large amount of bryophytes in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria states and in the Austral Capital Territory (A.C.T.). Some of them proved to be new state records, or new records for Australia. The list below is the first selection of these records in Hepaticae, with 16 species newly reported from the whole continent.
Monte Carlo Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) Revisited: Detecting Oscillator Clusters in Multivariate Datasets
Authors: Groth Andreas , Ghil Michael
Published: August 2015

Singular spectrum analysis (SSA) along with its multivariate extension (M-SSA) provides an efficient way to identify weak oscillatory behavior in high-dimensional data. To prevent the misinterpretation of stochastic fluctuations in short time series as oscillations, Monte Carlo (MC)–type hypothesis tests provide objective criteria for the statistical significance of the oscillatory behavior. Procrustes target rotation is introduced here as a key method for refining previously available MC tests. The proposed modification helps reduce the risk of type-I errors, and it is shown to improve the test’s discriminating power. The reliability of the proposed methodology is examined in an idealized setting for a cluster of harmonic oscillators immersed in red noise. Furthermore, the common method of data compression into a few leading principal components, prior to M-SSA, is reexamined, and its possibly negative effects are discussed. Finally, the generalized Procrustes test is applied to the analysis of interannual variability in the North Atlantic’s sea surface temperature and sea level pressure fields. The results of this analysis provide further evidence for shared mechanisms of variability between the Gulf Stream and the North Atlantic Oscillation in the interannual frequency band.
Climatology of Daily Precipitation and Extreme Precipitation Events in the Northeast United States
Authors: Agel Laurie , Barlow Mathew , Qian Jian-Hua , Colby Frank , Douglas Ellen , Eichler Timothy
Published: August 2015

This study examines U.S. Northeast daily precipitation and extreme precipitation characteristics for the 1979–2008 period, focusing on daily station data. Seasonal and spatial distribution, time scale, and relation to large-scale factors are examined. Both parametric and nonparametric extreme definitions are considered, and the top 1% of wet days is chosen as a balance between sample size and emphasis on tail distribution. The seasonal cycle of daily precipitation exhibits two distinct subregions: inland stations characterized by frequent precipitation that peaks in summer and coastal stations characterized by less frequent but more intense precipitation that peaks in late spring as well as early fall. For both subregions, the frequency of extreme precipitation is greatest in the warm season, while the intensity of extreme precipitation shows no distinct seasonal cycle. The majority of Northeast precipitation occurs as isolated 1-day events, while most extreme precipitation occurs on a single day embedded in 2–5-day precipitation events. On these extreme days, examination of hourly data shows that 3 h or less account for approximately 50% of daily accumulation. Northeast station precipitation extremes are not particularly spatially cohesive: over 50% of extreme events occur at single stations only, and 90% occur at only 1–3 stations concurrently. The majority of extreme days (75%–100%) are related to extratropical storms, except during September, when more than 50% of extremes are related to tropical storms. Storm tracks on extreme days are farther southwest and more clustered than for all storm-related precipitation days.
The Biobank as Political Artifact
Authors: Lee Sandra Soo-Jin
Published: August 2015

This article discusses the institutional practices of classifying and creating taxonomies of difference within biobanks (repositories that store a broad range of biological materials, including DNA) and the technical and sociopolitical priorities that ultimately create biobanks. I argue that biobanks operate as political artifacts and that the social circumstances surrounding the development and use of biobanks determine what counts as meaningful difference within human genetic research. The massive collection of human DNA, blood, and tissues is critical to genomic medicine and the development and governance of biobanks structure knowledge that will ultimately bear on how population differences are interpreted and health disparities are framed. Careful consideration of how to avoid the conflation of concepts of race, ethnicity, and nationality with biological differences is necessary to identify effective interventions that will bear positively on health.
Metateatro e ibridismo sociale e culturale in Amor nello specchio di Giovan Battista Andreini
Authors: Salvi Marcella
Published: August 2015

Nella commedia Amor nello specchio (1622), lo scrittore e attore professionista Giovan Battista Andreini riflette sulle problematiche relazionate al teatro considerato, da una parte nella sua formulazione generica (teatro come genere letterario), dall’altra nelle sue implicazioni sociali (teatro come spazio sociale). In particolare, Amor nello specchio rientra nel contesto di difesa della categoria sociale e professionale dell’autore-attore professionista alludendo al conflitto tra i professionisti del teatro e i dilettanti. Andreini si appropria, modificandole, di alcune convenzioni teatrali (in particolare, il travestitismo, la relazione tra sessi e la figura del mago) e propone una commedia nuova, un ibrido fra tradizione e innovazione. L’autore crea una serie di aspettative convenzionali per il suo pubblico che non saranno compiute. Attraverso una serie di trasgressioni, Andreini conferma la sua posizione liminale nell’ambito sociale e culturale del diciassettesimo secolo, affermandosi come ibrido tra la figura del letterato cortigiano ( dilettante) e del professionista.
Diet and Dental Caries
Authors: Sheiham A. , James W.P.T.
Published: August 2015

The importance of sugars as a cause of caries is underemphasized and not prominent in preventive strategies. This is despite overwhelming evidence of its unique role in causing a worldwide caries epidemic. Why this neglect? One reason is that researchers mistakenly consider caries to be a multifactorial disease; they also concentrate mainly on mitigating factors, particularly fluoride. However, this is to misunderstand that the only cause of caries is dietary sugars. These provide a substrate for cariogenic oral bacteria to flourish and to generate enamel-demineralizing acids. Modifying factors such as fluoride and dental hygiene would not be needed if we tackled the single cause—sugars. In this article, we demonstrate the sensitivity of cariogenesis to even very low sugars intakes. Quantitative analyses show a log-linear dose-response relationship between the sucrose or its monosaccharide intakes and the progressive lifelong development of caries. This results in a substantial dental health burden throughout life. Processed starches have cariogenic potential when accompanying sucrose, but human studies do not provide unequivocal data of their cariogenicity. The long-standing failure to identify the need for drastic national reductions in sugars intakes reflects scientific confusion partly induced by pressure from major industrial sugar interests.
Goal disengagement in emerging adulthood
Authors: Brandstätter Veronika , Herrmann Marcel
Published: August 2015

In emerging adulthood, being committed to and making progress on important personal goals constitutes a source of identity and well-being. Goal striving, however, does not always go without problems. Even though highly committed to a goal, individuals may experience recurring setbacks and, consequently, increasing doubts about the goal that might culminate in an action crisis, that is, an intra-psychic decisional conflict about whether to disengage from or to continue on their way. Action crises have been shown to lead to negative consequences on well-being and performance. Besides these negative consequences, however, an action crisis is hypothesized to have an adaptive side that is addressed in the present paper. Actively questioning the pursuit of a goal should allow for weighing up the focal goal against alternative and possibly more desirable goals. This open-minded re-evaluation, in the event of goal disengagement, is assumed to avoid the emergence of action crises in subsequently formed goals. As expected, in a longitudinal study over one and a half years with n = 207 freshman students, the degree of experienced action crisis prior to goal disengagement predicted the desirability and decisional certainty of the subsequently formed alternative goal. Theoretical implications of the results for research on self-regulation and identity formation in emerging adulthood are discussed.
Topic and background knowledge effects on performance in speaking assessment
Authors: Khabbazbashi Nahal
Published: August 2015

This study explores the extent to which topic and background knowledge of topic affect spoken performance in a high-stakes speaking test. It is argued that evidence of a substantial influence may introduce construct-irrelevant variance and undermine test fairness. Data were collected from 81 non-native speakers of English who performed on 10 topics across three task types. Background knowledge and general language proficiency were measured using self-report questionnaires and C-tests respectively. Score data were analysed using many-facet Rasch measurement and multiple regression. Findings showed that for two of the three task types, the topics used in the study generally exhibited difficulty measures which were statistically distinct. However, the size of the differences in topic difficulties was too small to have a large practical effect on scores. Participants’ different levels of background knowledge were shown to have a systematic effect on performance. However, these statistically significant differences also failed to translate into practical significance. Findings hold implications for speaking performance assessment.