bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
8 Geographies of Power: Territoriality and Empire during the Mesopotamian Iron Age
Authors: Parker Bradley J.
Published: October 2013

This chapter synthesizes archaeological, textual, and ethnohistorical data from or pertaining to the Mesopotamian Iron Age to reconceptualize the nature of the territoriality of the Neo‐Assyrian Empire. Instead of seeing the Neo‐Assyrian Empire as a monolithic political unit, I show that it was an expansionist state that applied varying degrees of power over conquered landscapes. In describing what I call the “geographies” of Assyrian power, I utilize a modified version of D'Altroy's territorial‐hegemonic continuum to model the broader implications of these geographies for a more nuanced understanding of the spatiality of empire. [archaeology, Assyrian Empire, imperialism, territory, hegemonic power]
In vitro validation of an ultra‐sensitive scanning fluorescence microscope for analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells
Authors: Hillig Thore , Nygaard Ann‐Britt , Nekiunaite Laura , Klingelhöfer Jörg , Sölétormos György
Published: October 2013

Analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTC) holds promise of providing liquid biopsies from patients with cancer. However, current methods include enrichment procedures. We present a method (CytoTrack®), where CTC from 7.5 mL of blood is stained, analyzed and counted by a scanning fluorescence microscope. The method was validated by breast cancer cells (MCF‐7) spiked in blood from healthy donors. The number of cells spiked in each blood sample was exactly determined by cell sorter and performed in three series of three samples spiked with 10, 33 or 100 cells in addition with three control samples for each series. The recovery rate of 10, 33 and 100 tumor cells in a blood sample was 55%, 70% and 78%, percent coefficient of variation (CV%) for samples was 59%, 32% and 18%, respectively. None of the control samples contained CTC. In conclusion, the method has been validated to highly sensitively detect breast cancer cells in spiking experiments and should be tested on blood samples from breast cancer patients. The method could benefit from automation that could reduce the CV%, and further optimization of the procedure to increase the recovery.
BMP4 promotes vascularization of human adipose stromal cells and endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhou C. , Cai X. , Grottkau B. E. , Lin Y.
Published: October 2013

Objectives

Vascularization is a major obstacle to clinical application of regenerative medicine. Engineered tissues must be able to generate an early vascular network that can quickly connect with the host vasculature. Recent research demonstrates that natural adipose tissues contain abundant stromal cells, which can give rise to pericytes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the application of human adipose stromal cells (ASCs) to vascularization, and the function of BMP4 protein during vascularization.

Materials and methods

Immunofluorescence staining for α‐SMA and PDGFR‐β were utilized to identify characteristics of ASCs/pericytes. They were then loaded into a collagen‐fibronectin gel with endothelial cells to assess their vascularization ability, both in vitro and in vivo.

Results

We showed that the ASCs expressed some of the essential markers of pericytes and they were able to promote vascularization with endothelial cells in 3D culture, both in vitro and in vivo. BMP4 protein further promoted this vascularization.

Conclusion

Adipose stromal cells promoted vascularization by endothelial cells and BMP4 protein further enhanced this effect.
Unpacking livelihood challenges and opportunities in energy crop cultivation: perspectives on Jatropha curcas projects in Mali
Authors: Favretto Nicola , Stringer Lindsay C , Dougill Andrew J
Published: October 2013

This study contributes to global debates on biofuels and rural development, providing insights into the role of Jatropha curcas L. (Jatropha) in addressing global poverty and promoting sustainable energy. Jatropha energy crop investments have proliferated as a means to substitute imported oil, foster rural development and reduce poverty. This paper presents new mixed‐method assessments of the potential for, and initial impacts of, Jatropha projects that aim to improve livelihoods and energy security in rural Mali, a leading proponent of Jatropha cultivation. Factors affecting the socio‐economic and environmental vulnerabilities of smallholder farmers are assessed and capital assets available for different livelihood strategies are identified and evaluated. Comparative analysis of information gathered through participatory methods allows evaluation of the role played by Jatropha cultivation in the determination of different livelihood outcomes. Data show that households involved with NGO or private sector activities linked to Jatropha can gain financial capital from the sale of Jatropha seeds and soap. Findings also show that small‐scale cultivation does not threaten food security. When grown on a small scale as a living fence, Jatropha demarcates property, and reduces land tenure conflicts and soil erosion. Projects focusing on Jatropha use for rural electrification offer potential to improve energy access. However, current supplies of Jatropha oil remain insufficient for these benefits to materialise. On‐the‐ground challenges were identified, along with opportunities to better link policies to local‐level practices.
Chlorpromazine for the Treatment of Migraine in a Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Kanis Jessica M. , Timm Nathan L.
Published: October 2013

Background

Migraine headache is a common presenting condition to the pediatric emergency department (PED). Dopamine receptor antagonists, such as prochlorperazine and metoclopramide, serve as the primary treatment for migraine headache in many emergency departments; however, in 2012, our institution experienced a shortage of these drugs, resulting in the use of alternative medications. Chlorpromazine was included as an option for treatment at our institution during this shortage, although limited data exist on the effectiveness in children.

Objective

The objectives of this study were: (1) to compare the treatment failure rate of chlorpromazine in the treatment of migraine headache in youth presenting to the PED with those who received prochlorperazine; and (2) to identify the frequency and type of adverse events, and change in pain score.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients 12‐21 years of age treated for migraine headache in our emergency department. Our treatment group received intravenous chlorpromazine between February and April 2012, while the comparison group consisted of children treated with intravenous prochlorperazine between February and April 2011. The outcomes of interest were: (1) treatment failure, defined as need for additional therapy, hospitalization or 48‐hour return; (2) adverse reactions to drug therapy; and (3) change in pain score.

Results

This study yielded 75 patients in the treatment group and 274 in the comparison group. Forty percent (30/75) of the treatment group had treatment failure compared with 15% (41/274) of the comparison group. There was no difference in mean change in pain score between the groups. The most common adverse effects included hypotension in the treatment group (12%) and akathisia in the comparison group (12%).

Conclusions

This is the first study that has examined the use of chlorpromazine as a therapy in pediatric migraines. Abortive therapy for migraine headache in the PED with chlorpromazine is associated with greater need for rescue medication and hospitalization, and higher rates of hypotension.
Comparing the Efficacy of Eletriptan for Migraine in Women During Menstrual and Non‐Menstrual Time Periods: A Pooled Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Bhambri Rahul , Martin Vincent T. , Abdulsattar Younos , Silberstein Stephen , Almas Mary , Chatterjee Anjan , Ramos Elodie
Published: October 2013

Objective

To assess the efficacy and tolerability of eletriptan in treating migraine attacks occurring within the defined menstrual time period of 1 day before and 4 days after onset of menstruation (menses days –1 to +4) compared with attacks occurring during non‐menstrual time periods (occurring outside of menses days –1 to +4).

Background

Migraine attacks during menses have been associated with longer duration, higher recurrence rates, greater treatment resistance, and greater functional disability than those not associated with menses. The efficacy of eletriptan in treating migraine attacks associated with menstruation vs those outside a defined menstrual period has not been evaluated.

Methods

Data were pooled from 5 similarly designed, double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled trials of eletriptan 20 mg/40 mg/80 mg. Two groups were defined for this analysis: women with a single index migraine beginning during the menstrual (group 1) and non‐menstrual (group 2) time periods. End points of interest were headache response at 2 hours, migraine recurrence and sustained responses for nausea, photo/phonophobia, and function. Logistic regression was used to compare group 1 vs group 2 and each eletriptan dose (20, 40, or 80 mg) vs placebo. Adverse events were also assessed.

Results

Of 3217 subjects pooled from 5 studies, 2216 women were either in group 1 (n = 630) or group 2 (n = 1586). Rates of headache response at 2 hours were similar in group 1 vs group 2 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.11 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.91, 1.36]; P = .2944). The rate of headache recurrence was significantly higher in group 1 vs group 2 (26.8% vs 18.6%; OR = 1.67 [95% CI 1.23, 2.26]; P < .001). The odds of achieving sustained nausea responses were significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (OR = 0.70 [95% CI 0.54, 0.92]; P = .0097). There was no significant difference between group 1 and group 2 in the odds of achieving a sustained photo/phonophobia and functional response (OR = 0.96 [95% CI 0.77, 1.20]; P = .7269 and OR = 1.14 [95% CI 0.87, 1.50]; P = .3425, respectively). Adverse events were comparable between group 1 and group 2.

Conclusions

Two‐hour headache outcome measures were similar in women treated with eletriptan both within and outside of the defined menstrual time period (menses days –1 to +4). The main treatment differences between the 2 groups occurred 2‐24 hours post‐treatment, with higher recurrence rates and lower sustained response rates for nausea in the group treated during the menstrual time period.
Prevalence of community‐acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and antibiotic resistance in patients with atopic dermatitis in Porto Alegre, Brazil
Authors: Petry Vanessa , Lipnharski Caroline , Bessa Giancarlo R. , Silveira Vera B. , Weber Magda B. , Bonamigo Renan R. , d'Azevedo Pedro A.
Published: October 2013

Background

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a skin manifestation of atopy caused by hyperreactivity to various antigens. Studies have shown that 60–100% of patients with this condition present with colonization by Staphylococcus aureus. Given increasing rates of antimicrobial resistance, the sensitivity to antimicrobials of S. aureus colonizing atopic patients has been investigated. Cross‐sectional studies worldwide suggest that the prevalence of methicillin‐resistant S. aureus infection (MRSA) in the AD population varies from 0% to 30.8%.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to determinate the prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA in patients with AD in two dermatologic centers in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Methods

A total of 91 patients with AD attending two dermatologic centers in Porto Alegre were enrolled in this study from December 2009 to July 2011. Two skin swabs were taken from each patient, one from the nares and the other from a non‐infected eczematous skin lesion. The swabs were sent to the laboratory, where standard procedures to isolate bacteria and identify S. aureus, antimicrobial resistance, and sensitivity patterns were carried out. The severity of AD was defined using the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI).

Results

Of the 91 patients sampled, 67 (73.6%) patients were found to be positive for S. aureus colonization. Nasal swabs were positive in 55 (60.4%) patients, lesional swabs in 44 (48.4%) patients, and both lesional and nasal swabs were positive in 32 (35.2%) patients. Patients with positive swabs had a higher mean ± standard deviation EASI score [mean (9.1 ± 8.8)] compared with patients with negative swabs (3.9 ± 3.6) (P = 0.002). None of the 91 patients showed any evidence of MRSA infection. Overall, nearly 32% of the S. aureus isolated from nasal swabs and 36.40% of the S. aureus isolated from lesional swabs was resistant to erythromycin.

Conclusions

The results of this study confirm a high rate of S. aureus colonization in pediatric patients with AD and indicate a relevant association between colonization and high EASI score. No MRSA was found in cultures from this sample of patients in southern Brazil. Nearly one‐third of isolates were identified as resistant to erythromycin, an antibiotic that is commonly used in pediatric patients.
Downregulation of erythroid differentiation regulator 1 as a novel marker of skin tumors
Authors: Lee Young Bok , Kim Hee Jung , Jung Hwa Young , Park Yong Gyu , Kim Si Yong , Cho Baik Kee , Cho Daeho , Park Hyun Jeong
Published: October 2013

Background

Erythroid differentiation regulator 1 is decreased in malignant melanoma. However, the expression of erythroid differentiation regulator 1 has not been reported in normal epidermis, vessel, nerve, dermal adnexae, and various skin tumors.

Methods

To investigate the expression of erythroid differentiation regulator 1 in normal skin and various skin tumors, immunohistochemical analysis of normal skin, epidermal tumors, sebaceous tumors, and eccrine tumors was performed. The image analysis was quantitatively performed using HistoQuant™ software.

Results

Erythroid differentiation regulator 1 was strongly expressed in the nuclei of normal epidermis, sebaceous gland, eccrine gland, vessel, and nerve. Expression of erythroid differentiation regulator 1 was weak in seborrheic keratosis, sebaceous hyperplasia, and eccrine spiradenoma. Erythroid differentiation regulator 1 was rarely observed in malignant skin tumors, including squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, sebaceous carcinoma, and eccrine porocarcinoma.

Conclusions

The expression of erythroid differentiation regulator 1 was negatively correlated with the malignant potential in various skin tumors. The results support the role of erythroid differentiation regulator 1 in cutaneous carcinogenesis and indicate its potential as a novel marker of skin tumors.
Downregulation of PTEN expression in psoriatic lesions
Authors: Li Yadi , Man Xiaohong , You Liping , Xiang Qing , Li Hongyan , Xu Bo , Chen Zhihua , Zhang Xiaoyan , Lian Shi
Published: October 2013

Background

Considerable studies showed that tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) deleted on chromosome 10 is a major tumor suppressor, which inhibits cell proliferation through inactivation of the PI3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt signal pathway. In many human tumors, there is loss of function or mutations in PTEN. In our previous study, it was found that Akt activity in psoriatic lesions increased compared with that in normal controls. However, the expression of PTEN and the correlation between PTEN and PI3K/Akt have not been investigated in patients with psoriasis.

Materials and methods

Skin tissue samples were obtained from 18 patients with psoriasis and 19 healthy controls. The expressions of PTEN were measured with quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Quantitative RT‐PCR analysis demonstrated that the mRNA levels of PTEN in psoriatic lesions were decreased in comparison with that in normal skin. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry analysis of PTEN showed that PTEN protein was lowly expressed in psoriatic lesions compared with that in normal controls, which suggested that the reduction of PTEN mRNA expression leads to decreased PTEN protein levels.

Conclusions

The downregulation of PTEN expressions may play a role in the overactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in psoriatic lesions and correlate with the hyperproliferation of psoriatic keratinocytes.
A recombinant human hyaluronidase sustained release gel for the treatment of post‐surgical edema
Authors: Nekoroski Tara , Paladini Rudolph D. , Sauder Daniel N. , Frost Gregory I. , Keller Gilbert‐A.
Published: October 2013

Background

Edema commonly accompanies surgical procedures and when excessive, can adversely affect surgical outcomes. The skin extracellular matrix, including one of its primary components, hyaluronan (HA), is a significant barrier to effective drainage of accumulated edematous fluid. Recombinant human hyaluronidase (rHuPH20) is a human hyaluronidase that acts transiently and locally to depolymerize HA. A non‐liposomal gel formulation that provides a sustained release of rHuPH20 was tested in vivo in a preclinical murine model of acquired lymphedema.

Methods

Lymphedemic mice were injected 24 hours before surgery, and at 2 and 12 days following surgery with rHuPH20 sustained release gel (PH20 SR gel). Quantitative assessment of treatment response indicated that a single dose of PH20 SR gel resulted in accelerated resolution and reduced severity of post‐surgical edema as compared to the gel vehicle (control).

Results

Statistically significant enzymatic degradation of HA was demonstrated up to 5 mm from the injection site, and histological analysis confirmed removal of HA up to 72 hours following PH20 SR gel administration.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate sustained hyaluronidase enzymatic activity that promotes diffusion of accumulated post‐surgical edematous fluid, suggesting that PH20 SR gel may be a useful adjuvant in promoting postoperative edema resolution.
A case of pachyonychia congenita with unusual manifestations: an unusual type or a new syndrome?
Authors: Gönül Müzeyyen , Gül Ülker , Kılıç Arzu , Soylu Seçil , Koçak Oğuzhan , Demiriz Murat
Published: October 2013

Abstract

A 30‐year‐old man presented with lesions on his oral mucosa and soles. There were no similar complaints in his family members. The dermatological examination revealed follicular hyperkeratosis on his trunk and upper extremities and flesh‐colored, firm cystic lesions on his axillae. He had focal, painful, hyperkeratotic areas sited particularly on both his soles and palms. In addition to these, leukokeratosis and ulcerative areas on buccal, labial mucosa, tongue, and at corners of the mouth, and complete loss of teeth was observed. The proximal layering was revealed on all of his nails. The laboratory investigations produced normal results except the deficiency of immunoglobulin A. The psychiatric examination revealed mild mental retardation. Keratin gene (KRT6a, KRT6b, KRT16, and KRT17) mutations for pachyonychia congenita were negative. He got removable dental prosthesis because of inadequate alimentation. Squamous cell cancer developed on lower lip mucosa during follow‐up.

We present an individual who had different nail dystrophy, epidermal cysts, mental retardation, blepharitis, complete loss of teeth, and negative keratin gene mutations for pachyonychia congenita and developed squamous cell cancer on the oral leukokeratosis lesions. We think that the present case may be an unusual new type of pachyonychia congenita.
European Financial Management Association (EFMA) Annual Meetings: a Retrospective Evaluation
Authors: Doukas John A. , Walter Andreas
Published: October 2013

We provide a retrospective evaluation of the European Financial Management Association (EFMA) annual meetings from 2001 to 2010. In the 10‐year investigation period, 2,986 papers have been presented at the annual EFMA meetings. Presented research has, in accordance with the objective of the EFMA, a strong focus on European financial topics, and most accepted papers were written by European authors. Our analysis reveals that empirical papers analysing European datasets have a positive impact on the likelihood of being published in the European Financial Management (EFM), the journal of the EFMA, compared to other peer‐reviewed journals. This evidence appears to be consistent with the EFM objectives to foster more research on European finance issues.
Uncertainties in Climate Models: Living with Uncertainty in an Uncertain World
Authors: Lee Lindsay
Published: October 2013

Climate change is hugely complicated, physically and statistically. Debate rages about predictions and the uncertainties within them. Understanding such uncertainties is vital. Lindsay Lee works on the Leeds University GLOMAP model of aerosols in the atmosphere and the changes they may bring. This article was a runner-up in the Significance/Young Statisticians Section writers’ competition earlier this year.
Visualising Movement: The Seagull
Authors: Demšar Urška , van Loon Emiel
Published: October 2013

Where does a seagull spend its day? Overcrowded diagrams don't help you to see it. More cunning designs show it all clearly. Urška Demšar and Emiel van Loon describe how visualising the geography of time and movement supports the study of animal ecology.
Receptor‐Like Kinases in Plant Innate Immunity
Authors: Wu Ying , Zhou Jian‐Min
Published: October 2013

Plants employ a highly effective surveillance system to detect potential pathogens, which is critical for the success of land plants in an environment surrounded by numerous microbes. Recent efforts have led to the identification of a number of immune receptors and components of immune receptor complexes. It is now clear that receptor‐like kinases (RLKs) and receptor‐like proteins (RLPs) are key pattern‐recognition receptors (PRRs) for microbe‐ and plant‐derived molecular patterns that are associated with pathogen invasion. RLKs and RLPs involved in immune signaling belong to large gene families in plants and have undergone lineage specific expansion. Molecular evolution and population studies on phytopathogenic molecular signatures and their receptors have provided crucial insight into the co‐evolution between plants and pathogens.

image

Jian‐Min Zhou

(Corresponding author)
Association analysis of fiber quality traits and exploration of elite alleles in Upland cotton cultivars/accessions (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Cai Caiping , Ye Wenxue , Zhang Tianzhen , Guo Wangzhen
Published: October 2013

Exploring the elite alleles and germplasm accessions related to fiber quality traits will accelerate the breeding of cotton for fiber quality improvement. In this study, 99 Gossypium hirsutum L. accessions with diverse origins were used to perform association analysis of fiber quality traits using 97 polymorphic microsatellite marker primer pairs. A total of 107 significant marker‐trait associations were detected for three fiber quality traits under three different environments, with 70 detected in two or three environments and 37 detected in only one environment. Among the 70 significant marker‐trait associations, 52.86% were reported previously, implying that these are stable loci for target traits. Furthermore, we detected a large number of elite alleles associated simultaneously with two or three traits. These elite alleles were mainly from accessions collected in China, introduced to China from the United States, or rare alleles with a frequency of less than 5%. No one cultivar contained more than half of the elite alleles, but 10 accessions were collected from China and the two introduced from the United States did contain more than half of these alleles. Therefore, there is great potential for mining elite alleles from germplasm accessions for use in fiber quality improvement in modern cotton breeding.
The Effect of Condoms on Penile Vibrotactile Sensitivity Thresholds in Young, Heterosexual Men
Authors: Hill Brandon J. , Janssen Erick , Kvam Peter , Amick Erick E. , Sanders Stephanie A.
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Investigating the ways in which barrier methods such as condoms may affect penile sensory thresholds has potential relevance to the development of interventions in men who experience negative effects of condoms on sexual response and sensation. A quantitative, psychophysiological investigation examining the degree to which sensations are altered by condoms has, to date, not been conducted.

Aim

The objective of this study was to examine penile vibrotactile sensitivity thresholds in both flaccid and erect penises with and without a condom while comparing men who do and those who do not report condom-associated erection problems (CAEP).

Methods

Penile vibrotactile sensitivity thresholds were assessed among a total of 141 young, heterosexual men using biothesiometry. An incremental two-step staircase method was used and repeated three times for each of four conditions. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated for all vibratory assessments. Penile vibratory thresholds were compared using a mixed-model analysis of variance.

Main Outcome Measures

Penile vibrotactile sensitivity thresholds with and without a condom, erectile function measured by International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire, and self-reported degree of erection.

Results

Significant main effects of condoms (yes/no) and erection (yes/no) were found. No main or interaction effects of CAEP were found. Condoms were associated with higher penile vibrotactile sensitivity thresholds (F[1,124] = 17.11, P < 0.001). Penile vibrotactile thresholds were higher with an erect penis than with a flaccid penis (F[1,124] = 4.21, P = 0.042).

Conclusion

The current study demonstrates the feasibility of measuring penile vibratory thresholds with and without a condom in both erect and flaccid experimental conditions. As might be expected, condoms increased penile vibrotactile sensitivity thresholds. Interestingly, erections were associated with the highest thresholds. Thus, this study was the first to document that erect penises are less sensitive to vibrotactile stimulation than flaccid penises.
Determination of Aroma Volatile Diffusion Coefficients in Set‐Type Acidified Dairy Matrices of Different Composition and Microstructure by Means of the Concentration Profile Technique in Combination with Headspace Gas Chromatography
Authors: Heilig Andrej , Hahn Christian , Erpenbach Kerstin , Kübler Katya , Hinrichs Jörg
Published: October 2013

The diffusion of aroma volatiles in set‐type acidified dairy matrices of different composition and structure was investigated using the concentration profile technique (CPT) in combination with headspace gas chromatography (HSGC). Multiphase confocal laser scanning microscopy and puncture testing were used to characterize the micro‐ and macrostructure of the matrices. Aroma volatiles under investigation included diacetyl, (Z)‐3‐hexenol, ethyl butanoate, ethyl‐2‐methylbutanoate, (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate and limonene, and covered a wide range of hydrophobicity. CPT in combination with HSGC was found suitable to determine apparent diffusion coefficients at equilibrium. Increased overall protein content decreased the diffusivity of hydrophobic volatiles. At 4% protein content, diffusivity remained unaffected by process‐induced changes in the protein network density. Addition of milk fat substantially decreased the mobility of hydrophobic volatiles. In milk fat‐containing matrices, the addition of pectin did not change the diffusion properties of the volatiles, independent of their hydrophobicity.

Practical Applications

This study is relevant to the producers of acidified dairy products such as yoghurt, fresh cheese and quarg. The results specify within which boundaries several core parameters of manufacture, such as the addition of pectin, the intensity of milk heating, shearing and adaptations in protein and fat content, may be changed at a minimized risk of altered aroma delivery during consumption. This information amplifies the technological possibilities of the manufacturers and increases their flexibility in terms of product composition and processing. Aroma suppliers could use the outcomes of this study to modify the composition of their aromas based on dairy product specifications and the hydrophobicity of the individual aroma compounds they are using.
Small Deformation Rheology for Characterization of Anhydrous Milk Fat/Rapeseed Oil Samples
Authors: Rønholt Stine , Mortensen Kell , Knudsen Jes C.
Published: October 2013

Samples of anhydrous milk fat and rapeseed oil were characterized by small amplitude oscillatory shear rheology using nine different instrumental geometrical combinations to monitor elastic modulus (G′) and relative deformation (strain) at fracture. First, G′ was continuously recorded during crystallization in a fluted cup at 5C. Second, crystallization of the blends occurred for 24 h, at 5C, in external containers. Samples were gently cut into disks or filled in the rheometer prior to analysis. Among the geometries tested, corrugated parallel plates with top and bottom temperature control are most suitable due to reproducibility and dependence on shear and strain. Similar levels for G′ were obtained for samples measured with parallel plate setup and identical samples crystallized in situ in the geometry. Samples measured with other geometries have G′ orders of magnitude lower than identical samples crystallized in situ. This emphasizes the importance of gentle sample pre handling, temperature control and preventing slip.

Practical Applications

Small deformation rheology is widely used to study and evaluate textural behavior of fat‐based systems. As different research groups use different geometries, a systematic evaluation of data gained using different geometrical combinations is needed. By conducting a methodic evaluation, this work provides an increased knowledge of how to characterize fat‐based systems using small deformation rheology and evaluates the relations between geometries. Because of the rigid nature of fat‐based systems, wall slip is likely to occur. Moreover, when characterizing such systems during storage and/or produced at industrial scale, in situ crystallization is not possible. In such cases, the sample must be loaded at the geometry prior to analysis. Such loading will affect the fat crystal network to some extent and consequently the data obtained. However, as the physical conditions differ between the geometries available, they affect both the fat crystal network and the tendency of wall slip to occur differently.
Gelation Behavior and Rheological Properties of Salt‐ or Acid‐Induced Soy Proteins Soft Tofu‐Type Gels
Authors: Murekatete Nicole , Hua Yufei , Chamba Moses Vernonxious Madalitso , Djakpo Odilon , Zhang Caimeng
Published: October 2013

Oscillatory tests data were analyzed using the power law and the weak gel models. Acid‐induced gels had higher storage modulus (G′) than salt‐induced gels. During gelation, both moduli increased gradually but never reached a steady state, with G′ being higher than G″. Under applied parameters, salt‐induced gels made from soybean coagulated faster than the ones made from soy protein isolate (SPI). Syneresis rate in salt‐induced gels was significantly lower than in acid‐induced gels, with SPI acid‐induced gel having the highest rate (36.72%) and soybean salt‐induced gel having the lowest (14.77%). Furthermore, salt‐induced gels resulted in a reduction in shear deformation at fracture and an increase in the shear stress at yielding, whereas the shear stress at yielding was reduced and the shear deformation at fracture was increased in both acid‐induced gels. It was observed that gels made from soybean had a more uniform and denser network with smaller network pore size than the ones made from SPI.

Practical Applications

The coagulation effect of calcium sulfate and glucono‐δ‐lactone was established in this comparative study, and also the use of soybean and soy protein isolate in salt‐ or acid‐induced soft tofu‐type gels have shown the effects of other soybean constituents besides proteins on the rheological properties and gelling process. Therefore, a better understanding of the gelation mechanism, small‐ and large‐scale deformations of soy protein curd, is industrially relevant, as it will allow for better process design, monitoring and quality control, thus potentially lead to the development of novel soy‐based products. In addition, the parameters and conditions used were close to the ones used during soft silken tofu making, therefore making the process application easier.
Environmental determinism and neutrality in vegetation at millennial time scales
Authors: Correa‐Metrio Alexander , Meave Jorge A. , Lozano‐García Socorro , Bush Mark B.
Published: October 2013

Questions

At millennial scales, is the historic evolution of tropical plant communities the result of ‘random walk’? Are presence and abundance of taxa independent of environmental variability?

Location

Lake Petén‐Itzá, Guatemala, Central American lowlands.

Methods

We use an 86 000‐yr‐long pollen record to study the relative contribution of neutral mechanisms and environmental determinism in configuring vegetation in the Central American lowlands. By using variance ratios, we evaluated the role of neutral drift at community and functional group levels. Additionally, regression analyses were applied to explain persistence and abundance of individual taxa as a function of regional moisture availability and fire frequency.

Results

Environmental fluctuations drove vegetation dynamics in the Central American lowlands during the late Pleistocene. When the data set was stratified according to moisture availability and fire frequency, variance ratios further supported our findings. Regression analyses revealed that whereas species’ presence was independent of both moisture availability and fire frequency, their abundance was closely associated with both.

Conclusions

Neutrality, probably expressed in the face of stressors, through factors such as the existence of microrefugia, survival of relictual individuals and phenotypic and phenologic plasticity, was probably crucial in preventing biodiversity losses. Climate, however, was the main driver of vegetation dynamics in the Yucatan Peninsula during the late Pleistocene.
Integrating multiple lines of evidence to better understand the evolutionary divergence of humpback dolphins along their entire distribution range: a new dolphin species in Australian waters?
Authors: Mendez Martin , Jefferson Thomas A. , Kolokotronis Sergios‐Orestis , Krützen Michael , Parra Guido J. , Collins Tim , Minton Giana , Baldwin Robert , Berggren Per , Särnblad Anna , Amir Omar A. , Peddemors Vic M. , Karczmarski Leszek , Guissamulo Almeida , Smith Brian , Sutaria Dipani , Amato George , Rosenbaum Howard C.
Published: October 2013

The conservation of humpback dolphins, distributed in coastal waters of the Indo‐West Pacific and eastern Atlantic Oceans, has been hindered by a lack of understanding about the number of species in the genus (Sousa) and their population structure. To address this issue, we present a combined analysis of genetic and morphologic data collected from beach‐cast, remote‐biopsied and museum specimens from throughout the known Sousa range. We extracted genetic sequence data from 235 samples from extant populations and explored the mitochondrial control region and four nuclear introns through phylogenetic, population‐level and population aggregation frameworks. In addition, 180 cranial specimens from the same geographical regions allowed comparisons of 24 morphological characters through multivariate analyses. The genetic and morphological data showed significant and concordant patterns of geographical segregation, which are typical for the kind of demographic isolation displayed by species units, across the Sousa genus distribution range. Based on our combined genetic and morphological analyses, there is convincing evidence for at least four species within the genus (S. teuszii in the Atlantic off West Africa, S. plumbea in the central and western Indian Ocean, S. chinensis in the eastern Indian and West Pacific Oceans, and a new as‐yet‐unnamed species off northern Australia).
Flocculation increases the efficacy of depth filtration during the downstream processing of recombinant pharmaceutical proteins produced in tobacco
Authors: Buyel Johannes F. , Fischer Rainer
Published: October 2013

Flocculation is a cost‐effective method that is used to improve the efficiency of clarification by causing dispersed particles to clump together, allowing their removal by sedimentation, centrifugation or filtration. The efficacy of flocculation for any given process depends on the nature and concentration of the particulates in the feed stream, the concentration, charge density and length of the flocculant polymer, the shear rate, the properties of the feed stream (e.g. pH and ionic strength) and the properties of the target products. We tested a range of flocculants and process conditions using a design of experiments approach to identify the most suitable polymers for the clarification step during the production of a HIV‐neutralizing monoclonal antibody (2G12) and a fluorescent marker protein (DsRed) expressed in transgenic tobacco leaves. Among the 23 different flocculants we tested, the greatest reduction in turbidity was achieved with Polymin P, a branched, cationic polyethylenimine with a charge density of 13.0 meq/g. This flocculant reduced turbidity by more than 90% under a wide range of process conditions. We developed a model that predicted its performance under different process conditions, and this enabled us to increase the depth filter capacity three–sevenfold depending on the process scale, depth filter type and plant species. The costs of filter consumables were reduced by more than 50% compared with a process without flocculant, and there was no loss of recovery for either 2G12 or DsRed.
Successful treatment with rituximab and mycophenolate mofetil of refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia post‐hematopoietic stem cell transplant for dyskeratosis congenita due to TINF2 mutation
Authors: O'Connell Niall , Goodyer Matthew , Gleeson Mary , Storey Lorna , Williams Martina , Cotter Melanie , O'Marcaigh Aengus , Smith Owen
Published: October 2013

AIHA following allogeneic HSCT is appearing more frequently in the literature. It occurs as a result of donor cell‐derived antibodies targeting donor red cell antigens. Little guidance exists on the management of such patients, particularly in the pediatric setting. First‐line conventional treatment is corticosteroids and/or immunoglobulin therapy with monoclonal antibody therapy reserved for treatment failure. We report our experience of a child refractory to immunoglobulin and steroid therapy who required several infusions of rituximab and immunomodulatory therapy to obtain a clinically significant response.
An estimator for the cumulative co‐volatility of asynchronously observed semimartingales with jumps
Authors: Koike Yuta
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we consider two semimartingales sampled at stopping times in an asynchronous manner. We are interested in estimating their cumulative co‐volatility separately from the sum of their co‐jumps. For this purpose, we combine the Hayashi–Yoshida method (to deal with the asynchronicity) with the threshold technique (to separate the jumps) and consider a class of statistics called the truncated Hayashi–Yoshida estimator. We prove the consistency and the asymptotic mixed normality of the truncated Hayashi–Yoshida estimator under some mild conditions allowing the presence of infinite activity jumps.
Structure and gating of tetrameric glutamate receptors
Authors: Sobolevsky Alexander I.
Published: October 2013

Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are ligand‐gated ion channels that open their ion‐conducting pores in response to the binding of agonist glutamate. In recent years, significant progress has been achieved in studies of iGluRs by determining numerous structures of isolated water‐soluble ligand‐binding and amino‐terminal domains, as well as solving the first crystal structure of the full‐length AMPA receptor in the closed, antagonist‐bound state. These structural data combined with electrophysiological and fluorescence recordings, biochemical experiments, mutagenesis and molecular dynamics simulations have greatly improved our understanding of iGluR assembly, activation and desensitization processes. This article reviews the recent structural and functional advances in the iGluR field and summarizes them in a simplified model of full‐length iGluR gating.
Distinct Signaling Roles of Ceramide Species in Yeast Revealed Through Systematic Perturbation and Systems Biology Analyses
Authors: Montefusco David J. , Chen Lujia , Matmati Nabil , Lu Songjian , Newcomb Benjamin , Cooper Gregory F. , Hannun Yusuf A. , Lu Xinghua
Published: October 2013

Distinct transcriptional modules are regulated by specific ceramides.
Better Metabolism Through Oxygen Deprivation
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: October 2013

Targeting the components of a hypoxia signaling pathway in liver could be a strategy to treat diabetes.
Prevention of Biofilm Colonization by Gram-Negative Bacteria on Minocycline-Rifampin-Impregnated Catheters Sequentially Coated with Chlorhexidine
Authors: Jamal Mohamed A. , Rosenblatt Joel S. , Hachem Ray Y. , Ying Jiang , Pravinkumar Egbert , Nates Joseph L. , Chaftari Anne-Marie P. , Raad Issam I.
Published: October 2013

Resistant Gram-negative bacteria are increasing central-line-associated bloodstream infection threats. To better combat this, chlorhexidine (CHX) was added to minocycline-rifampin (M/R) catheters. The
in vitro
antimicrobial activity of CHX-M/R catheters against multidrug resistant, Gram-negative
Acinetobacter baumannii
,
Enterobacter cloacae
,
Escherichia coli
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, and
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
was tested. M/R and CHX-silver sulfadiazine (CHX/SS) catheters were used as comparators. The novel CHX-M/R catheters were significantly more effective (
P
< 0.0001) than CHX/SS or M/R catheters in preventing biofilm colonization and showed better antimicrobial durability.
A Small-Molecule Inhibitor of Hepatitis C Virus Infectivity
Authors: Bush Caroline O. , Pokrovskii Maria V. , Saito Roland , Morganelli Philip , Canales Eda , Clarke Michael O. , Lazerwith Scott E. , Golde Justin , Reid Brian G. , Babaoglu Kerim , Pagratis Nikos , Zhong Weidong , Delaney William E. , Paulson Matthew S. , Beran Rudolf K. F.
Published: October 2013

One of the most challenging goals of hepatitis C virus (HCV) research is to develop well-tolerated regimens with high cure rates across a variety of patient populations. Such a regimen will likely require a combination of at least two distinct direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Combining two or more DAAs with different resistance profiles increases the number of mutations required for viral breakthrough. Currently, most DAAs inhibit HCV replication. We recently reported that the combination of two distinct classes of HCV inhibitors, entry inhibitors and replication inhibitors, prolonged reductions in extracellular HCV in persistently infected cells. We therefore sought to identify new inhibitors targeting aspects of the HCV replication cycle other than RNA replication. We report here the discovery of the first small-molecule HCV infectivity inhibitor, GS-563253, also called HCV infectivity inhibitor 1 (HCV II-1). HCV II-1 is a substituted tetrahydroquinoline that selectively inhibits genotype 1 and 2 HCVs with low-nanomolar 50% effective concentrations. It was identified through a high-throughput screen and subsequent chemical optimization. HCV II-1 only permits the production and release of noninfectious HCV particles from cells. Moreover, infectious HCV is rapidly inactivated in its presence. HCV II-1 resistance mutations map to HCV E2. In addition, HCV-II prevents HCV endosomal fusion, suggesting that it either locks the viral envelope in its prefusion state or promotes a viral envelope conformation change incapable of fusion. Importantly, the discovery of HCV II-1 opens up a new class of HCV inhibitors that prolong viral suppression by HCV replication inhibitors in persistently infected cell cultures.
Potential Efficacy of Citicoline as Adjunct Therapy in Treatment of Cerebral Malaria
Authors: El-Assaad Fatima , Combes Valery , Grau Georges Emile Raymond , Jambou Ronan
Published: October 2013

Cerebral malaria (CM) is characterized by a dysregulated immune response that results in endothelial membrane destabilization and increased microparticle (MP) production. Citicoline (CTC) is a membrane stabilizer used for the treatment of neurological disorders. We evaluated the efficacy of CTC as adjunct therapy to aid recovery from experimental CM. We show that CTC reduces MP production
in vitro
; in combination with artesunate
in vivo
, confers partial protection against CM; and prolongs survival.
Assessing the accuracy of the International Classification of Diseases codes to identify abusive head trauma: a feasibility study
Authors: Berger Rachel P , Parks Sharyn , Fromkin Janet , Rubin Pamela , Pecora Peter J
Published: October 2013

Objective

To assess the accuracy of an International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code-based operational case definition for abusive head trauma (AHT).

Methods

Subjects were children <5 years of age evaluated for AHT by a hospital-based Child Protection Team (CPT) at a tertiary care paediatric hospital with a completely electronic medical record (EMR) system. Subjects were designated as non-AHT traumatic brain injury (TBI) or AHT based on whether the CPT determined that the injuries were due to AHT. The sensitivity and specificity of the ICD-based definition were calculated.

Results

There were 223 children evaluated for AHT: 117 AHT and 106 non-AHT TBI. The sensitivity and specificity of the ICD-based operational case definition were 92% (95% CI 85.8 to 96.2) and 96% (95% CI 92.3 to 99.7), respectively. All errors in sensitivity and three of the four specificity errors were due to coder error; one specificity error was a physician error.

Conclusions

In a paediatric tertiary care hospital with an EMR system, the accuracy of an ICD-based case definition for AHT was high. Additional studies are needed to assess the accuracy of this definition in all types of hospitals in which children with AHT are cared for.
Adiponectin Deficiency Blunts Hypoxia-Induced Mobilization and Homing of Circulating Angiogenic Cells
Authors: Everaert Bert R. , Nijenhuis Vincent J. , Reith Florence C. M. , Hoymans Vicky Y. , Timmermans Jean-Pierre , Vrints Christiaan J.
Published: October 2013

Aim. We investigated the effects of adiponectin deficiency on circulating angiogenic cell (CAC) mobilization, homing, and neovascularization in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (AMI).Methods & Results. AMI was induced in wild-type (WT) (n=10) and adiponectin knockout (Adipoq−/−) mice (n=7). One week after AMI, bone marrow (BM) concentration and mobilization of Sca-1+and Lin−Sca-1+progenitor cells (PCs) were markedly attenuated underAdipoq−/−conditions, as assessed by flow cytometry. The mRNA expression of HIF-1-dependent chemotactic factors, such asCxcl12(P=0.005) andCcl5(P=0.025), and vascular adhesion molecules, such asIcam1(P=0.010), andVcam1(P=0.014), was significantly lower in the infarction border zone ofAdipoq−/−mice. Histologically,Adipoq−/−mice evidenced a decrease in neovascularization capacity in the infarction border zone (P<0.001). Overall, capillary density was positively correlated with Sca-1+PC numbers in BM (P=0.01) and peripheral blood (PB) (P=0.005) and with the expression of the homing factorsCxcl12(P=0.013),Icam1(P=0.034) andVcam1(P=0.014).Conclusions. Adiponectin deficiency reduced the BM reserve and mobilization capacity of CACs, attenuated the expression of hypoxia-induced chemokines and vascular adhesion molecules, and impaired the neovascularization capacity one week after AMI.