bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of dynamical Coulomb interaction on junctionless transistor performance: Monte Carlo study of plasmon excitations
Authors: Yoshida Katsuhisa , Shibamiya Toru , Sano Nobuyuki
Published: July 2014

We study the dynamical Coulomb interaction under the junctionless transistor (JLT) structures, in which high doping concentration is inevitable to obtain good device performance, by employing the self-consistent Monte Carlo simulations. The power spectra of potential fluctuations in the source and drain regions show clear peaks corresponding to the plasma frequencies in those regions. This observation justifies the accuracy of the present simulations. The dynamical Coulomb interaction degrades the drain current and, thus, is inevitable to predict accurate device performance of JLTs.
Analyzing fluorophore electronic structure and depolarization by fluorescence polarizing angle spectrum
Authors: Mu Taotao , Chen Siying , Zhang Yinchao , Chen He , Guo Pan
Published: July 2014

In this Letter, a method, based on stokes parameters, is developed to observe the angular displacement between the excitation and emission moments. Experiments demonstrate that when combined with degree of polarization spectrums, we can acquire the depolarization caused by angular displacement or energy migration. The method presented in this Letter can be easily realized with the existing fluorescence measuring system and may potentially make it convenient to study the fluorophore electronic structure or the mechanism of fluorescence anisotropy.
Photoelectrochemical and photosensing behaviors of hydrothermally grown ZnO nanorods
Authors: Majumder T. , Hmar J. J. L. , Debnath K. , Gogurla N. , Roy J. N. , Ray S. K. , Mondal S. P.
Published: July 2014

ZnO nanorods have been grown on indium-tin-oxide coated glass substrates by a low cost chemical process. Current-voltage characteristics have been studied using ZnO nanorods as photoanode in an electrochemical cell. The flat band voltage shift and depletion width of ZnO nanorods/electrolyte interface have been estimated from Mott-Schottky (MS) characteristics. The electrochemical impedance measurements have been carried out to study the charge transport mechanism at the semiconductor-electrolyte interface under dark and white light (100 mW/cm2) illumination. The doping concentration of nanorods has been extracted from MS plot. Photoresponse behavior of ZnO nanorods is found to be enhanced than seed layers with the incident of white light. Spectral dependent photovoltage of ZnO nanorods has been carried out using monochromatic light of wavelength 250–600 nm. The photopotential recovery time has been estimated for nanorods and seed layers. The stability of ZnO nanorods as a photoanode has been investigated.
Flow and evaporation in single micrometer and nanometer scale pipes
Authors: Velasco A. E. , Yang C. , Siwy Z. S. , Toimil-Molares M. E. , Taborek P.
Published: July 2014

We report measurements of pressure driven flow of fluids entering vacuum through a single pipe of micrometer or nanometer scale diameter. Nanopores were fabricated by etching a single ion track in polymer or mica foils. A calibrated mass spectrometer was used to measure the flow rates of nitrogen and helium through pipes with diameter ranging from 10 μm to 31 nm. The flow of gaseous and liquid nitrogen was studied near 77 K, while the flow of helium was studied from the lambda point (2.18 K) to above the critical point (5.2 K). Flow rates were controlled by changing the pressure drop across the pipe in the range 0–31 atm. When the pressure in the pipe reached the saturated vapor pressure, an abrupt flow transition was observed. A simple viscous flow model is used to determine the position of the liquid/vapor interface in the pipe. The observed mass flow rates are consistent with no slip boundary conditions.
Low pull-in voltage graphene electromechanical switch fabricated with a polymer sacrificial spacer
Authors: Sun Jian , Wang Wenzhen , Muruganathan Manoharan , Mizuta Hiroshi
Published: July 2014

A simple bottom-up procedure using a polymer sacrificial spacer is presented to fabricate graphene electromechanical contact switch devices without using acid etching. Low pull-in voltage of below 2 V is achieved with good consistency on a run-to-run basis, which is compatible with the conventional, complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor circuit requirements. In addition, the formation of carbon-gold bonds at the contact position is proposed as another important mechanism for the irreversible switch—other than the well-known irreversible static friction.
What's in a Name? Moving Towards a Limited Vocabulary for Macromolecular Crystallisation
Authors: Newman Janet , Peat Thomas S. , Savage G. Paul
Published: July 2014

This paper discusses the need for a systematic and standard naming nomenclature within the field of macromolecular crystallisation, and presents a set of rules and standard names which provides a start towards this end. The field of protein crystallisation is populated by biologists and chemists, and the dictionary in use needs to be unambiguous to both disciplines, yet must have useability as the most fundamental tenet if it is going to be widely adopted.
Drought resistance of Trifolium repens×Trifolium uniflorum interspecific hybrids
Authors: Nichols S. N. , Hofmann R. W. , Williams W. M.
Published: July 2014

White clover (Trifolium repens L.) is a widely used and highly valued temperate legume; however, its productivity and survival are restricted under dryland and drought conditions. This study investigated whether drought resistance of white clover could be improved by interspecific hybridisation with Trifolium uniflorum L. After almost 4 months without irrigation in a rain-shelter facility, shoot dry weight (DW) decreased significantly less in first-generation backcross (BC1) hybrids (–47%) than second-generation backcross (BC2) hybrids (–68%) and white clover (–69%). Stolon morphological parameters such as internode length and leaf lamina area also decreased less under water stress in the BC1 hybrids than in BC2 and white clover. There was also lower senescence in BC1 under water stress than in the other clover types. Genotypes with smaller changes in leaf lamina area, internode length, senescence and lateral spread had smaller changes in shoot DW, and there were significant correlations between constitutive levels of some characteristics and the effect of water stress on shoot DW. Under water stress, the growth form of the BC1 hybrids was compact, dense and prostrate, whereas white clover was more spreading and open. Increased allocation of dry matter to roots under drought, and greater root diameter, may also have influenced the ability of BC1 hybrids to maintain water uptake and key physiological processes. Overall, the data confirm that the drought resistance of white clover can be improved through hybridisation with T. uniflorum.
N-Glycans in Xenopus laevis testis characterised by lectin histochemistry
Authors: Valbuena Galder , Madrid Juan Francisco , Martínez de Ubago María , Gómez-Santos Laura , Alonso Edurne , Díaz-Flores Lucio , Sáez Francisco J.
Published: July 2014

Analysis of glycan chains of glycoconjugates is difficult because of their considerable variety. Despite this, several functional roles for these glycans have been reported. N-Glycans are oligosaccharides linked to asparagine residues of proteins. They are synthesised in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in a unique way, and later modified in both the ER and Golgi apparatus, developing different oligosaccharide chains. An essential role for complex N-glycans in mammalian spermatogenesis has been reported. The aim of the present study was to analyse the N-glycans of the Xenopus laevis testis by means of lectin histochemistry. Five lectins were used that specifically recognise mannose-containing and complex glycans, namely Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA) from snowdrops, concanavalin A (Con A) from the Jack bean, Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA) from lentils and Phaseolus vulgaris erythroagglutinin (PHA-E) and P. vulgaris leukoagglutinin (PHA-L) from the common bean. GNA and Con A labelled the interstitium and most of the germ cell types, whereas LCA and PHA-E showed affinity only for the interstitium. A granular cytoplasmic region was labelled in spermatogonia and spermatocytes by GNA and PHA-L, whereas GNA and LCA labelled a spermatid region that is probably associated with the centriolar basal body of the nascent flagellum. There was no specific labelling in the acrosome. Some unexpected results were found when deglycosylative pretreatments were used: pre-incubation of tissue sections with peptide N glycosidase F, which removes N-linked glycans, reduced or removed labelling with most lectins, as expected. However, after this pretreatment, the intensity of labelling remained or increased for Con A in the follicle (Sertoli) and post-meiotic germ cells. The β-elimination procedure, which removes O-linked glycans, revealed new labelling patterns with GNA, LCA and PHA-L, suggesting that some N-glycans were masked by O-glycans, and thus they became accessible to these lectins only after removal of the O-linked oligosaccharides. The functional role of the glycan chains identified could be related to the role of N-glycans involved in mammalian spermatogenesis reported previously.
Oceanographic dynamics and the end of the last interglacial in the subpolar North Atlantic
Authors: Mokeddem Zohra , McManus Jerry F. , Oppo Delia W.
Published: July 2014

Significance

The last interglacial, ∼125,000 y ago, was the last extended warm period the earth has known before our Common Era of the past 11,000 y. Its end came after ∼15,000 y, paced by the decline in northern summer insolation, and followed by a glacial age lasting 100,000 y. Yet the ocean dynamics contributing to this glacial initiation and its global propagation are not fully understood, nor are their general role in climate evolution understood. This study assesses the role of the ocean’s gyre systems and fronts as dynamical components in large-scale climate change. Using microfossils, we document progressive southward advances of Arctic and polar hydrographic fronts into the subpolar North Atlantic Ocean, which trigger regional coolings and accelerate the transition into the glacial age.
Evolutionary history of tuberculosis shaped by conserved mutations in the PhoPR virulence regulator
Authors: Gonzalo-Asensio Jesús , Malaga Wladimir , Pawlik Alexandre , Astarie-Dequeker Catherine , Passemar Charlotte , Moreau Flavie , Laval Françoise , Daffé Mamadou , Martin Carlos , Brosch Roland , Guilhot Christophe
Published: July 2014

Significance

In 1901, when Robert Koch proposed that the bacilli causing human and bovine tuberculosis were not identical, this view caused much controversy. Now, 113 y later, we know that the bovine tuberculosis agent,
Mycobacterium bovis
, together with other animal strains, forms a separate phylogenetic lineage apart from the human
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
lineages, but the molecular reasons why bovine and animal strains only play minor roles in human tuberculosis epidemiology remain unknown. Herein, we show by genetic transfer and virulence experiments that specific mutations in a virulence regulator contribute to lower fitness and virulence of
M. bovis
and related strains for the human host, likely obstructing the capacity of causing overt disease needed for efficient human-to-human transmission.
Residue level quantification of protein stability in living cells
Authors: Monteith William B. , Pielak Gary J.
Published: July 2014

Significance

Proteins function in a sea of macromolecules within cells, but are traditionally studied under ideal conditions in vitro
.
The more details we amass from experiments performed in cells, the closer we will get to understanding fundamental aspects of protein chemistry in the cellular environment. In addition to furthering our essential knowledge of biochemistry, advancements in the field of macromolecular crowding will drive efforts to stabilize protein-based therapeutics. Here, we show that protein stability can be measured at the residue level in living cells without adding destabilizing cosolutes or heat.
Diversity-oriented combinatorial biosynthesis of benzenediol lactone scaffolds by subunit shuffling of fungal polyketide synthases
Authors: Xu Yuquan , Zhou Tong , Zhang Shuwei , Espinosa-Artiles Patricia , Wang Luoyi , Zhang Wei , Lin Min , Gunatilaka A. A. Leslie , Zhan Jixun , Molnár István
Published: July 2014

Significance

Benzenediol lactone (BDL) polyketides are privileged structures whose various members bind to distinct receptors or modulate the heat shock response and the immune system. BDLs are biosynthesized by collaborating polyketide synthase enzyme pairs in fungi. Coexpressing random heterocombinations of these enzymes from different BDL biosynthetic pathways in yeast cells is shown here to lead to the one-pot, one-step combinatorial biosynthesis of structurally diverse polyketides in practical amounts. Combinatorial biosynthesis promises to generate a novel unexplored source of bioactive molecules in an environmentally sustainable, economical, and inherently scalable manner. Broadening the medicinally relevant chemical space of polyketides by such methods will provide unnatural products as valuable entry points for drug discovery and development.
Denervation protects limbs from inflammatory arthritis via an impact on the microvasculature
Authors: Stangenberg Lars , Burzyn Dalia , Binstadt Bryce A. , Weissleder Ralph , Mahmood Umar , Benoist Christophe , Mathis Diane
Published: July 2014

Significance

Individuals who suffer paralysis on one side of the body and then develop rheumatoid arthritis show joint inflammation only on the neurologically intact side. We successfully modeled hemiplegia-induced protection from arthritis by transferring arthritogenic serum from K/BxN mice into recipients that had undergone unilateral sciatic and femoral nerve transection. Protection from serum-transferred arthritis could not be achieved by inhibiting the sympathetic, parasympathetic, or sensory arms of the nervous system. However, nerve transection did inhibit the joint-localized, inflammation-enhancing vascular leak rapidly induced by arthritogenic immune complexes and suggestively altered the transcriptome of the ankle microvasculature.
Correlating animal and human phase Ia/Ib clinical data with CALAA-01, a targeted, polymer-based nanoparticle containing siRNA
Authors: Zuckerman Jonathan E. , Gritli Ismael , Tolcher Anthony , Heidel Jeremy D. , Lim Dean , Morgan Robert , Chmielowski Bartosz , Ribas Antoni , Davis Mark E. , Yen Yun
Published: July 2014

Significance

CALAA-01 is a targeted nanoparticle containing siRNA that is a first-in-class experimental therapeutic for cancer. To our knowledge, it is the first targeted, polymer-based nanoparticle-carrying siRNA to be systemically administered to humans. Results from a human phase Ia/Ib clinical trial are presented and correlated to preclinical animal data to provide an initial assessment of how this class of experimental therapeutics is translated from animals to humans.
Sulfenome mining in
Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Waszczak Cezary , Akter Salma , Eeckhout Dominique , Persiau Geert , Wahni Khadija , Bodra Nandita , Van Molle Inge , De Smet Barbara , Vertommen Didier , Gevaert Kris , De Jaeger Geert , Van Montagu Marc , Messens Joris , Van Breusegem Frank
Published: July 2014

Significance

When oxygen gets incompletely reduced, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated. These ROS molecules can harm the building blocks of the cell but are also important signaling molecules. Until now, the ROS language of the cell has not been understood and a clear view is needed on how the cell differentiates metabolic ROS noise from ROS that allows signaling, regulation, and protection. To address this question, we focused on
Arabidopsis thaliana
and identified the proteins that react with hydrogen peroxide on the thiol of the amino acid cysteine, which after reaction forms a sulfenic acid. The characterization of the plant sulfenome improves the understanding of important ROS signaling pathways.
Trans-nodal migration of resident dendritic cells into medullary interfollicular regions initiates immunity to influenza vaccine
Authors: Woodruff Matthew C. , Heesters Balthasar A. , Herndon Caroline N. , Groom Joanna R. , Thomas Paul G. , Luster Andrew D. , Turley Shannon J. , Carroll Michael C.
Published: July 2014

Dendritic cells (DCs) are well established as potent antigen-presenting cells critical to adaptive immunity. In vaccination approaches, appropriately stimulating lymph node–resident DCs (LNDCs) is highly relevant to effective immunization. Although LNDCs have been implicated in immune response, their ability to directly drive effective immunity to lymph-borne antigen remains unclear. Using an inactive influenza vaccine model and whole node imaging approaches, we observed surprising responsiveness of LNDC populations to vaccine arrival resulting in a transnodal repositioning into specific antigen collection sites within minutes after immunization. Once there, LNDCs acquired viral antigen and initiated activation of viral specific CD4+ T cells, resulting in germinal center formation and B cell memory in the absence of skin migratory DCs. Together, these results demonstrate an unexpected stimulatory role for LNDCs where they are capable of rapidly locating viral antigen, driving early activation of T cell populations, and independently establishing functional immune response.
Feeding by grey seals on endangered stocks of Atlantic cod and white hake
Authors: Hammill M.O. , Stenson G.B. , Swain D.P. , Benoît H.P.
Published: July 2014

High natural mortality is preventing the recovery of collapsed stocks of Atlantic cod and white hake in the southern Gulf of St Lawrence, Canada. Predation by grey seals has been proposed as an important cause of this high mortality. We determined the contribution of cod and hake to the diet of grey seals collected along the west coast of Cape Breton Island and in the Cabot Strait, an area where overwintering cod aggregate. Along the coast of Cape Breton Island, the contribution of hake and cod to the diet was 30 and 17%, respectively, by weight using stomach contents and 13 and 9%, respectively, based on intestine contents. In the Cabot Strait, when overwintering aggregations of cod were present, cod accounted for 68% (range 57–80%) of the male diet from stomachs, and 46% (range: 31–64%) of the diet determined from intestines. Among females, cod represented 14% (range: 0–34%) and 9% (range: 3–54%) of the diet from stomachs and intestines, respectively. In Cabot Strait, white hake accounted for up to 17% of the diet by weight from stomachs, and up to 6% of the diet determined from intestines. The mean length of cod consumed by seals was 28 cm (SD = 8.6) along the coast of Cape Breton Island, and 39 cm (SD = 5.7) in Cabot Strait. The mean length of hake consumed by seals was 29 cm (SD = 7.0) along the coast of Cape Breton Island, and 35 cm (SD = 5.6) in Cabot Strait. Cod and hake are more important to the diet of males than that of females. The contribution of cod to the diet of grey seals foraging in the cod overwintering area is much greater than has been reported elsewhere.
Spore Dispersal byDothistroma septosporumin Northwest British Columbia
Authors: Boateng Kennedy , Lewis Kathy J.
Published: July 2014

We studied spore dispersal by Dothistroma septosporum, causal agent of a serious outbreak of red band needle blight in lodgepole pine plantations in northwest British Columbia. Spore abundance was assessed at different distances and heights from inoculum sources and microclimatic factors were recorded during two consecutive years. Conidia were observed on spore traps from June to September during periods of rainfall. It was rare to detect spores more than 2 m away from inoculum sources. The timing and number of conidia dispersed were strongly tied to the climatic variables, particularly rainfall and leaf wetness. Should the trend toward increased spring and summer precipitation in the study area continue, the results suggest that disease spread and intensification will also increase. Increasing the planting distances between lodgepole pine trees through mixed species plantations and overall reduction in use of lodgepole pine for regeneration in wet areas are the best strategies to reduce the spread of the disease and enhance future productivity of plantations in the study area.
Long‐Term Experience With ZENPEP in Infants With Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Associated With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Wooldridge Jamie L. , Schaeffer David , Jacobs David , Thieroff‐Ekerdt Ruth
Published: July 2014

The objective of our study was to determine whether infants with cystic fibrosis who developed exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in early infancy would tolerate long‐term treatment with ZENPEP (pancrelipase) delayed‐release capsules, containing 3000 US Pharmacopeia units of lipase/capsule, and demonstrate consistent long‐term growth. The most common treatment‐emergent adverse events were diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation (mild or moderate). At study completion, median weight‐for‐age percentiles increased from 22nd to 49th, median length‐for‐age percentiles increased from 36.5th to 42nd, and median weight‐for‐length percentiles increased from 41.5th to 55.5th. Long‐term treatment (up to 12 months) of infants with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency owing to cystic fibrosis with ZENPEP was well tolerated and associated with improved growth parameters. This is the first long‐term study of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy conducted in this patient population.
The centriole duplication cycle
Authors: Fırat-Karalar Elif Nur , Stearns Tim
Published: July 2014

Centrosomes are the main microtubule-organizing centre of animal cells and are important for many critical cellular and developmental processes from cell polarization to cell division. At the core of the centrosome are centrioles, which recruit pericentriolar material to form the centrosome and act as basal bodies to nucleate formation of cilia and flagella. Defects in centriole structure, function and number are associated with a variety of human diseases, including cancer, brain diseases and ciliopathies. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of how new centrioles are assembled and how centriole number is controlled. We propose a general model for centriole duplication control in which cooperative binding of duplication factors defines a centriole ‘origin of duplication’ that initiates duplication, and passage through mitosis effects changes that license the centriole for a new round of duplication in the next cell cycle. We also focus on variations on the general theme in which many centrioles are created in a single cell cycle, including the specialized structures associated with these variations, the deuterosome in animal cells and the blepharoplast in lower plant cells.
The centrosome–Golgi apparatus nexus
Authors: Rios Rosa M.
Published: July 2014

A shared feature among all microtubule (MT)-dependent processes is the requirement for MTs to be organized in arrays of defined geometry. At a fundamental level, this is achieved by precisely controlling the timing and localization of the nucleation events that give rise to new MTs. To this end, MT nucleation is restricted to specific subcellular sites called MT-organizing centres. The primary MT-organizing centre in proliferating animal cells is the centrosome. However, the discovery of MT nucleation capacity of the Golgi apparatus (GA) has substantially changed our understanding of MT network organization in interphase cells. Interestingly, MT nucleation at the Golgi apparently relies on multiprotein complexes, similar to those present at the centrosome, that assemble at thecis-face of the organelle. In this process, AKAP450 plays a central role, acting as a scaffold to recruit other centrosomal proteins important for MT generation. MT arrays derived from either the centrosome or the GA differ in their geometry, probably reflecting their different, yet complementary, functions. Here, I review our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in MT nucleation at the GA and how Golgi- and centrosome-based MT arrays work in concert to ensure the formation of a pericentrosomal polarized continuous Golgi ribbon structure, a critical feature for cell polarity in mammalian cells. In addition, I comment on the important role of the Golgi-nucleated MTs in organizing specialized MT arrays that serve specific functions in terminally differentiated cells.
Betulin 3,28-di-O-tosylate
Authors: Peipiņš Uldis , Freimanis Niks , Stepanovs Dmitrijs , Mishnev Anatoly , Turks Māris
Published: July 2014

The title compound, C44H62O6S2{systematic name: (1R,3aS,5aR,5bR,7aR,9S,11aR,11bR,13aR,13bR)-5a,5b,8,8,11a-pentamethyl-1-(prop-1-en-2-yl)-3a-[(tosyloxy)methyl]icosahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]chrysen-9-yl 4-methylbenzenesulfonate}, was obtained by tosylation of naturally occurring betulin. All the cyclohexane rings adopt chair conformations and the cyclopentane ring adopts a twisted envelope conformation, with the C atom bearing the tosylmethyl substituent forming the flap. In the crystal, molecules form a three-dimensional network through multiple weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Crystal and solution structure of the human RIG-I SF2 domain
Authors: Deimling Tobias , Cui Sheng , Lammens Katja , Hopfner Karl-Peter , Witte Gregor
Published: July 2014

RIG-I is a pathogen-recognition receptor that recognizes viral 5′-triphosphates carrying double-stranded RNA. Upon binding to these microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), RIG-I forms oligomers and promotes downstream processes that result in type I interferon production and induction of an antiviral state. Here, the crystal structure of the human RIG-I superfamily 2 ATPase domain crystallized in an unusually elongated and open conformation is reported. The elongated structure is probably induced in part by crystal packing, but nevertheless indicates that the domain is intrinsically very flexible. This flexibility might allow substantial structural changes upon substrate binding and oligomerization.
Protein crystallization with microseed matrix screening: application to human germline antibody Fabs
Authors: Obmolova Galina , Malia Thomas J. , Teplyakov Alexey , Sweet Raymond W. , Gilliland Gary L.
Published: July 2014

The crystallization of 16 human antibody Fab fragments constructed from all pairs of four different heavy chains and four different light chains was enabled by employing microseed matrix screening (MMS). In initial screening, diffraction-quality crystals were obtained for only three Fabs, while many Fabs produced hits that required optimization. Application of MMS, using the initial screens and/or refinement screens, resulted in diffraction-quality crystals of these Fabs. Five Fabs that failed to give hits in the initial screen were crystallized by cross-seeding MMS followed by MMS optimization. The crystallization protocols and strategies that resulted in structure determination of all 16 Fabs are presented. These results illustrate the power of MMS and provide a basis for developing future strategies for macromolecular crystallization.
Cloning, purification and preliminary crystallographic analysis of Ara127N, a GH127 β-L-arabinofuranosidase fromGeobacillus stearothermophilusT6
Authors: Lansky Shifra , Salama Rachel , Dann Roie , Shner Izhak , Manjasetty Babu A. , Belrhali Hassan , Shoham Yuval , Shoham Gil
Published: July 2014

The L-arabinan utilization system ofGeobacillus stearothermophilusT6 is composed of five transcriptional units that are clustered within a 38 kb DNA segment. One of the transcriptional units contains 11 genes, the last gene of which (araN) encodes a protein, Ara127N, that belongs to the newly established GH127 family. Ara127N shares 44% sequence identity with the recently characterized HypBA1 protein fromBifidobacterium longumand thus is likely to function similarly as a β-L-arabinofuranosidase. β-L-Arabinofuranosidases are enzymes that hydrolyze β-L-arabinofuranoside linkages, the less common form of such linkages, a unique enzymatic activity that has been identified only recently. The interest in the structure and mode of action of Ara127N therefore stems from its special catalytic activity as well as its membership of the new GH127 family, the structure and mechanism of which are only starting to be resolved. Ara127N has recently been cloned, overexpressed, purified and crystallized. Two suitable crystal forms have been obtained: one (CTP form) belongs to the monoclinic space groupP21, with unit-cell parametersa= 104.0,b= 131.2,c= 107.6 Å, β = 112.0°, and the other (RB form) belongs to the orthorhombic space groupP212121, with unit-cell parametersa= 65.5,b= 118.1,c= 175.0 Å. A complete X-ray diffraction data set has been collected to 2.3 Å resolution from flash-cooled crystals of the wild-type enzyme (RB form) at −173°C using synchrotron radiation. A selenomethionine derivative of Ara127N has also been prepared and crystallized for multi-wavelength anomalous diffraction (MAD) experiments. Crystals of selenomethionine Ara127N appeared to be isomorphous to those of the wild type (CTP form) and enabled the measurement of a three-wavelength MAD diffraction data set at the selenium absorption edge. These data are currently being used for detailed three-dimensional structure determination of the Ara127N protein.
Nondestructive Methods for Recovery of Biological Material from Human Teeth for DNA Extraction
Authors: Hervella Montserrat , Iñiguez Maitane G. , Izagirre Neskuts , Anta Alberto , de‐la‐Rúa Concepción
Published: July 2014

The extraction of DNA from human skeletal remains applied to forensic, and evolutionary studies do not exclude risks, which are to be evaluated when working with unique specimens that could be damaged or even destroyed. In the present study were evaluated several nondestructive methods for recovering DNA instead of the most currently used pulverization method. Three different procedures to access inside the dental pieces (occlusal perforation, cervical perforation, and cervical cut) have been compared with the aim of recovering as many cell remains as possible to carry out a DNA extraction. Given the DNA quantitation results, a method was proposed that consists of a cervical cut to facilitate the access to the pulp cavity and a subsequent filing of the root canals down to the apex of the dental root. This methodology allows the recovery of both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, with the minimum deterioration for the dental pieces.
Evaluation of different obesity indices as predictors of type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Chinese population评价不同肥胖指数在中国人群中预测2型糖尿病的价值
Authors: Xiao Xianchao , Liu Yujia , Sun Chenglin , Gang Xiaokun , Cheng Jie , Tian Suyan , Gao Ying , Lv You , Sun Zhonghua , Li Yazhen , He Ping , Liu Yang , Wang Gang , Gao Yuan , Zhu Liwen , Liu Yan , Wang Guixia
Published: July 2014

Background

The aim of the present study was to compare correlation coefficients between anthropometric indices and blood glucose level, and to determine optimal cutoff points of obesity indices in a Chinese population.

Methods

2419 males and 5140 females participated in this study in Changchun city. Weight, height, WC (waist circumference) and hip circumference were measured; and BMI (body mass index), WHtR (waist height ratio), WHR (waist hip ratio) and BAI (body adiposity index) were calculated by formulas. FPG (fasting plasma glucose), PPG (post‐load plasma glucose), HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) and FSI (fasting serum insulin) were measured.

Results

WHtR had the highest partial correlation coefficients with blood glucose and HbA1c in both males and females; however, BAI had the lowest coefficients. AUC (area under receiver operating characteristic curves) for WHtR in screening type 2 diabetes mellitus were higher than other indices. We confirmed that the optimal cutoff points of obesity for WHtR, WHR, WC, BMI and BAI were 0.55, 0.92, 88.1, 25.9 and 28.1 in males, and 0.52, 0.85, 81.6, 24.6 and 31.0 in females, respectively.

Conclusions

Central obesity correlates more closely to glucose metabolism in Chinese population than general obesity. WHtR is the best index to predict type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese adults.
Intimate partner violence against Spanish pregnant women: application of two screening instruments to assess prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Velasco Casilda , Luna Juan D. , Martin Aurelia , Caño Africa , Martin‐de‐las‐Heras Stella
Published: July 2014

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of intimate partner violence in Spanish women during the 12 months prior to delivery and to identify associated risk factors using two screening instruments.

Design

A population‐based study.

Setting

Fifteen public hospitals in southern Spain.

Population

A total of 779 women admitted to the hospital obstetrics department.

Methods

Intimate partner violence was diagnosed with the Abuse Assessment Screen and Index of Spouse Abuse screening instruments.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence and associated risk factors of intimate partner violence during pregnancy.

Results

According to the Abuse Assessment Screen, intimate partner violence during the pre‐delivery year was experienced by 7.7% of the women, emotional abuse by 4.8%, and physical abuse by 1.7%. According to the Index of Spouse Abuse, non‐physical intimate partner violence during this period was reported by 21.0% of the women and physical intimate partner violence by 3.6%. After adjusting for socio‐demographic characteristics, multivariate regression models showed that an uncommitted relationship and absence of kin support were significantly associated with an increased intimate partner violence risk during the pre‐delivery year. Employment was a significant protective factor against any of the three forms of intimate partner violence (Abuse Assessment Screen) and physical intimate partner violence (Index of Spouse Abuse) during this period.

Conclusions

A high proportion of women in Spain experience intimate partner violence during or just before pregnancy. Pregnant women in an uncommitted relationship or without kin support were at greater risk of intimate partner violence. Screening instruments for intimate partner violence during pregnancy should be evaluated in different cultural contexts.
Relative validity and reproducibility of a food frequency questionnaire used in pregnant women from a rural area of China
Authors: Li Min , Halldorsson Thorhallur I. , Bjerregaard Anne A. , Che Yan , Mao Yanyan , Hu Wenfu , Wang Yu , Zhou Weijin , Olsen Sjúrdur F. , Strøm Marin
Published: July 2014

Objective

Food frequency questionnaires are relatively inexpensive, easy and quick to administer, but the construction of a food frequency questionnaire that can capture Chinese food habits is challenging given the diverse lifestyle and eating habits in different parts of the country. The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reproducibility of a self‐administered food frequency questionnaire against a 3‐day dietary recall in a rural region of western China.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

Chinese maternal and child healthcare hospital.

Population

A total of 168 healthy pregnant women.

Methods

Pregnant women completed a food frequency questionnaire at 16–24 weeks gestation, and again at 29–31 weeks; during weeks 26–27 they completed a 3‐day dietary recall.

Results

In general, mean intake was higher when assessed with food frequency questionnaires compared with dietary recall. Spearman and intra‐class correlation coefficients between the two food frequency questionnaires ranged from 0.31 to 0.69 and from 0.27 to 0.79, respectively. For the second food frequency questionnaire and the dietary recall, the crude and de‐attenuated Spearman correlations ranged from 0.12 to 0.55 and 0.14 to 0.58, respectively. The correlation both between the two food frequency questionnaires and between the second food frequency questionnaire and the dietary recall decreased after adjustment for energy. Ranking women, 31–57% and 1–8% were classified into the same and the opposite quartile, respectively, by both food frequency questionnaires; 30–45% and 1–11% were classified into the same and the opposite quartile respectively for the second food frequency questionnaire and dietary recall.

Conclusion

The food frequency questionnaire showed good reproducibility and correlations with dietary recall; it is useful for ranking study participants according to dietary intake, which is of great importance to future etiological studies in this cohort.
A method for lipid droplet isolation from human placenta for further analyses in clinical trials
Authors: Hernández‐Albaladejo Inmaculada , Ruíz‐Palacios María , Gázquez Antonio , Blanco José E. , Parrilla Juan J. , Larqué Elvira
Published: July 2014

We describe a method to isolate lipids droplets from human placental tissue for future lipid analyses. We collected placentas at term from healthy women (n = 5) and tested three methods published for lipids droplets isolation in other tissues. Only one of the methods, when modified, isolated lipids droplets from placental tissue, whereas all three methods allowed lipids droplets isolation from rat liver (control tissue) and separation of lipids droplets from blood contamination of the tissue. The placental lipids droplets layer was characterized by the presence of adipophilin while no N+/K+‐ATPase as plasma membrane contamination was detected. Intraplacental triglyceride content showed a high coefficient of variation (~42%), whereas for cholesterol and phospholipids this was lower. One method was effective for isolation of placental lipids droplets. It is necessary to collect a pool of placental tissue pieces for placental lipids droplets analyses. Freezing in liquid nitrogen is recommended.
The ‘Timing of Androgen‐Deprivation therapy in incurable prostate cancer’ protocol (TOAD) – where are we now? Synopsis of the Victorian Cooperative Oncology Group PR 01‐03 and Trans‐Tasman Radiation Oncology Group 03.06 clinical trial
Authors: Duchesne Gillian M. , Woo Henry H.
Published: July 2014

Objective

To outline the development of the ‘Timing of Androgen Deprivation’ (TOAD) protocol, a collaborative randomised clinical trial under the auspices of the Cancer Council Victoria, the Trans‐Tasman Radiation Oncology Group, and the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ), which opened to recruitment in 2004.

Patients and Methods

The principal hypothesis for the trial was that the early introduction of androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT; experimental arm) at the time when curative therapies are no longer considered an option, would improve overall survival for these patients, whilst maintaining an acceptable quality of life; compared with waiting for disease progression or the development of symptoms (control arm). An increase in overall survival at 5 years of 10% was judged to be clinically worthwhile.

Results

Recruitment was slow, with fewer than half of the protocol requirement of 750 patients eventually accrued, but nonetheless it is considered that the trial will still contribute a major source of evidence in this area. The study closed to follow‐up at the end of 2013, with data analysis commencing mid‐2014, and with the primary publication anticipated to be submitted by the end of 2014.

Conclusion

The question of timing of ADT remains relevant in the current era of newer and more varied treatment methods. Even with the advent of novel chemotherapy and the biological agents that are undergoing investigation for progressively earlier disease stages, the dilemma of when to commence palliative treatment in an asymptomatic patient will remain, unless or until these agents are shown to increase overall survival. The TOAD trial will contribute to answering at least in part, some of these questions.
The relationship between self‐Image and social anxiety in adolescence
Authors: Di Blasi Maria , Cavani Paola , Pavia Laura , Lo Baido Rosa , La Grutta Sabina , Schimmenti Adriano
Published: July 2014

Background

Self‐image is the subjective perception about one's own self, body, mental functioning, social attitudes, and adjustment in different aspects of life. Research has linked negative self‐image with a number of problem behaviors and psychiatric symptoms in adolescence; however, studies of the relationship between self‐image and anxiety disorders are still scarce.

Method

This study involved a community sample of 1305 high‐school students (51.4% female) who ranged in age from 14 to 19 years old. They completed self‐report measures of self‐image and social anxiety disorder (SAD).

Results

A quarter of the students reported high levels of social anxiety. Statistical analyses showed significant differences between these students and the other students in all the self‐image subscales. Several dimensions of impaired self‐image (emotional tone, social attitudes, vocational and educational goals, family relationships, external mastery, and psychological health) were associated with high levels of social anxiety, with some gender differences underpinning these relationships.

Conclusions

Clinicians treating SAD in youth may wish to consider that a negative self‐image may play a critical role in the onset and retention of social anxiety symptoms.
Effectiveness of mite‐impermeable covers: a hypothesis‐generating meta‐analysis
Authors: van Boven F. E.
Published: July 2014

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease. The subject of mite allergen control has evolved into a debate dominated by a Cochrane review by Gøtzsche and Johansen (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008, Art. No: CD001187). A not well‐discussed aspect of that study is the selection by those authors of a univariate meta‐analysis including various interventions. This study extends the meta‐analysis by Gøtzsche and Johansen and aims to generate hypotheses on the effectiveness of various bedding interventions, including the coverage of all bedding elements. Trials were selected based on environmental criteria. The interventions were classified according to the number of barriers used. Standardized mean differences yielded the mite load, three physiological outcomes and asthma symptom scores. The influence of covariates was examined with a mixed‐effect model using the metafor package for meta‐analysis in R. Twelve trials included 1187 observations. The interventions included one barrier or product (six trials), two barriers or partial control (four trials) and three barriers or integral control (two trials). The exposure data showed considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 93%). The risk of bias significantly (P = 0.04) influenced the final load, the square root of the interaction between the baseline load and the type of intervention as well (95% CI: −0.66 to −0.07 μg/g; P = 0.02). Changes in load showed similar tendencies. Health outcomes showed moderate to considerable heterogeneity (physiological outcomes I2 = 44–94%; symptom score I2 = 93%). A meta‐regression of bedding interventions indicates that integral control most significantly reduced mite load when the load was high at baseline. The number of trials was too small to allow an appropriate examination of health outcomes. Future studies are suggested to test the hypothesis that allergic patients benefit from integral control when the baseline mite load is high.
Prognostic Value of Total Atrial Conduction Time Measured with Tissue Doppler Imaging to Predict the Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm after External Electrical Cardioversion of Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Maffè Stefano , Paffoni Paola , Dellavesa Pierfranco , Cucchi Lorenzo , Zenone Franco , Bergamasco Luca , Paino Anna Maria , Franchetti Pardo Nicolò , Signorotti Fabiana , Baduena Lara , Parravicini Umberto
Published: July 2014

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, with a high recurrence rate, especially during the first months after cardioversion (CV). Few parameters have been evaluated as predictors for the maintenance of sinus rhythm (SR), with limited results. Recently total atrial conduction time (TACT) has been proposed as independent predictor of AF recurrence. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of TACT, measured using PA‐TDI duration, to predict 1‐year maintenance of restored SR after electrical CV.

Methods and Results

In a population of 104 patients (58 male, aged 70 ± 9) with persistent AF, submitted to external electrical CV, we performed a complete echocardiogram after restoring SR. The TACT was estimated by measuring the time delay between the onset of the P‐wave in lead II of the surface electrocardiogram and the peak A′‐wave on the tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) tracing of the left atrial lateral wall (so‐called PA‐TDI duration). After a mean follow‐up of 14 ± 2 months, 34 (33%) patients had recurrent AF, whereas 70 (67%) patients maintained SR. At multivariate analysis only PA‐TDI was identified as independent predictor of AF recurrence (HR 1.04; 95% CI 1.03–1.06; P < 0.001). Receiver operator characteristics curve analyses demonstrated a high degree of discrimination (area under the curve 0.923); with a cut point of 152 msec, we obtain a good diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity 91%, specificity 87%).

Conclusion

The TACT using TDI is an independent predictor of AF recurrence and can be used to predict the maintenance of SR after external electrical CV.
Bioprosthetic Mitral Valve Thrombosis Complicating Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome, Successfully Treated with Thrombolysis
Authors: Chamsi‐Pasha Mohammed A. , Alyousef Tareq , Sayyed Samer
Published: July 2014

The incidence of bioprosthetic valve thrombosis and related embolic complications is extremely rare, obviating the need for long‐term anticoagulation. As a result, experience in the diagnosis and treatment of bioprosthetic valve thrombosis is fairly limited. We report the first case of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome presenting as bioprosthetic mitral valve thrombosis, 15 months after valve replacement, and successfully treated with thrombolytic therapy.
Recurrent thyroid cancers have more peritumoural lymphatic vasculature than nonrecurrent thyroid cancers
Authors: Hakala Tommi , Sand Juhani , Kellokumpu‐Lehtinen Pirkko‐Liisa , Huhtala Heini , Leinonen Rauha , Kholová Ivana
Published: July 2014

Background

The goal of the study was to evaluate angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in differentiated thyroid cancer and recurrences.

Methods

Twenty‐seven patients with recurrent differentiated thyroid cancer (20 papillary and seven follicular thyroid carcinomas) and 24 nonrecurrent thyroid cancers were included in this study. Additionally, 24 thyroid adenomas were included as benign controls. All thyroid cancer recurrences were operatively managed, and local recurrences in cervical lymph nodes or cervical soft tissue were histologically confirmed. Altogether, a total of 108 samples were evaluated using CD31 and D2‐40 immunohistochemical staining and microscopy.

Results

As measured in primary tumours, the median density of CD31‐positive vascular structures was 327 vessels (v)/mm2 for recurrent cancers, 362 v/mm2 for nonrecurrent cancers and 484 v/mm2 for thyroid adenomas (P = 0·017). Among the subgroups, the lowest median vascular density of 316 v/mm2 was found in recurrent papillary cancers and the highest vascular density of 604 v/mm2 was observed in nonrecurrent follicular cancers (P = 0·018). The median density of D2‐40‐positive peritumoural lymphatic vessels was 101/mm2 in recurrent cancers, 56·1/mm2 in nonrecurrent cancers and 53·9/mm2 for adenomas (P = 0·015). In the subgroups, peritumoural lymphatic vascular density was 102 v/mm2 in recurrent papillary cancers and 56·0 v/mm2 in nonrecurrent papillary cancers (P = 0·044).

Conclusions

Recurrent thyroid cancers expressed less intratumoural microvessels than thyroid adenomas. A high density of peritumoural lymphatic vessels was found in recurrent papillary cancers. High blood vessel density may be a marker for less aggressive tumours, while high peritumoural lymphatic vasculature is a marker for more aggressive and recurrence‐prone tumours.