bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Owabi Reservoir (Ghana) water quality using factor analysis
Authors: Akoto Osei , Abankwa Ernest
Published: September 2014

The Owabi Reservoir receives water inflows from several streams that drain through the rapidly urbanizing towns in the Kumasi metropolis. The reservoir catchment had been encroached upon by various human activities, resulting in the generation of large volumes of waste water being discharged into streams draining to the reservoir. This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the water quality of Owabi Reservoir. Water samples from 10 sampling sites within the reservoir were analysed for various water quality parameters; namely, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), sulphate (), phosphate (), chloride (Cl−), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), total dissolved solids (TSS), turbidity, faecal coliform and E. coli. The measured water quality parameters were compared to the guidelines proposed by the WHO for drinking water and natural background levels. Mean values for Pb, As, turbidity, TDS, faecal coliform and E. coli were greater than the WHO guidelines. Factor analysis for the measured parameters resulted in the extraction of five factors accounting for 83.13% of the total variance. Factor 1 showed strong loadings for , and TDS, reflecting a negative influence on the water quality by agricultural discharges. Factor 2 showed high loadings for EC, Cl− and apparent colour, while Factor 3 registered high loadings for colour and faecal coliform, suggesting domestic wastewater discharges and the presence of decaying organic matter. Factors 4 and 5 showed high loadings for copper, lead, turbidity and E. coli, an indication of both organic and inorganic pollution. Accordingly, periodic monitoring of Owabi Reservoir water quality, and the streams draining into it, is recommended as a means of ensuring good water quality, as well as facilitating the identification of the possible types and sources of water pollutants entering the reservoir.
Sedimentation and internal phosphorus loads in Krishnagiri Reservoir, India
Authors: Arunbabu Elangovan , Ravichandran Seetharaman , Sreeja Paulraj
Published: September 2014

This study examines sedimentation rate and its consequences on the bathymetry, capacity and internal phosphorus loading of Krishnagiri Reservoir in Tamil Nadu, South India, utilizing an acoustic Doppler profiler and remote sensing data in an ArcGIS environment. There was a significant change in the reservoir bathymetry for the year 2012, compared with the 2007. The sedimentation rate was 0.818 MCM from 1960 to 1990 and 0.83 MCM over past 5 years. The present reservoir volume is 35.57 MCM, having been reduced to nearly half of its original capacity over a 55 year span, pointing to a seriously threatened lifespan. The sediment total phosphorus (TP) load spatially varied from 6.84 to 23 394 kg, depending on the sediment deposition zones. Sequential extraction indicated the dominance of phosphate fractions to be Al‐P> Fe‐P> Ca‐P> SRP, with an average TP value of 27.27 mg g−1 dry weight. Aluminium‐ (35%) and iron(25%)‐bound forms are the major sediment phosphorus fractions, suggesting temperature, pH and redox or related chemical reactions may be important means of sediment P release in Krishnagiri Reservoir. The sediment phosphorus load in Krishnagiri Reservoir is estimated to be 44.50 tons, with an average TP release of 40.97 mg m−2 (range of 10.22–70 mg m−2). The measured pore water TP concentration and calculated sediment phosphate release exhibited a linear relation. Even with a reduced external P load, the eutrophication of Krishnagiri Reservoir cannot be reduced immediately because of its high internal load and nutrient remobilization.
Use of geographical information system and remote sensing techniques for planning culture‐based fisheries in non‐perennial reservoirs of Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijenayake W. M. Hiranya Kelum , Gunaratne A. B. Ajith Kumara , De Silva Sena S. , Amarasinghe Upali S.
Published: September 2014

The presence of a wide areal extent of small‐sized village reservoirs offers a considerable potential for the development of culture‐based fisheries (CBFs) in Sri Lanka. To this end, this study uses geographical information systems (GISs) and remote sensing (RS) techniques to determine the morphometric and biological characteristics most useful for classifying non‐perennial reservoirs for CBF development and for assessing the influence of catchment land‐use patterns on potential CBF yields. The reservoir shorelines at full water supply level were mapped with a Global Positioning System to determine shoreline length and reservoir areal extent. The ratio of shoreline length to reservoir extent, which was reported to be a powerful predictor variable of CBF yields, could be reliably quantified using RS techniques. The areal extent of reservoirs, quantified with RS techniques (RS extent), was used to estimate the ratio of forest cover plus scrubland cover to RS extent and was found to be significantly related to the CBF yield (R2 = 0.400; P < 0.05). The results of this study indicated that morphometric characteristics and catchment land‐use patterns, which might be viewed as indices of biological productivity, can be quantified using RS and GIS techniques.
Reducing reservoir impacts and improving outcomes for dam‐forced resettlement: experiences in central Vietnam
Authors: Singer Jane , Watanabe Tsugihiro
Published: September 2014

The present study focuses on the growing problem of the impacts of human displacement resulting from hydropower dam construction, within the context of the integrated lake basin management of dam reservoirs. Dam‐forced displacement and resettlement can pose severe challenges to the environmental, economic and social sustainability of a reservoir basin. A case study in Quang Nam Province, central Vietnam, suggests that many resettled communities experience impoverishment due to the lack of adequate replacement land, declines in supplemental food sources and reduced access to natural resources. In response to such situations, resettled residents may (i) destroy lake catchment forests for the purpose of converting them to farmland or engage in illegal logging; (ii) increase agrichemical inputs on reduced land, thereby polluting run‐off and groundwater; and (iii) place increased pressure on fish stocks and wildlife. Examples are provided from central Vietnam to illustrate the need for applying management approaches that allows the affected people to become beneficiaries of dam projects and for including civil society organisations in resettlement planning. The hydropower authority can fund benefit‐sharing mechanisms, including village‐level electrification and payment for environmental services schemes, in which resettled populations are paid for forest maintenance and protection to prevent erosion and deforestation, and reservoir access can be provided for fishing, aquaculture and agriculture. Civil society organizations can advocate for residents’ interests and for reallocation of protected forest land for community forestry. These approaches can be supported by an inclusive reservoir management board working to achieve environmental sustainability, economic growth and social equity.
Divergent properties and phylogeny of cyanobacterial 5‐enol‐pyruvyl‐shikimate‐3‐phosphate synthases: evidence for horizontal gene transfer in the Nostocales
Authors: Forlani Giuseppe , Bertazzini Michele , Barillaro Donatella , Rippka Rosmarie
Published: September 2014

As it represents the target of the successful herbicide glyphosate, great attention has been paid to the shikimate pathway enzyme 5‐enol‐pyruvyl‐shikimate‐3‐phosphate (EPSP) synthase. However, inconsistent results have been reported concerning the sensitivity of the enzyme from cyanobacteria, and consequent inhibitory effects on cyanobacterial growth.

The properties of EPSP synthase were investigated in a set of 42 strains representative of the large morphological diversity of these prokaryotes. Publicly available protein sequences were analyzed, and related to enzymatic features.

In most cases, the native protein showed an unusual homodimeric composition and a general sensitivity to micromolar doses of glyphosate. By contrast, eight out of 15 Nostocales strains were found to possess a monomeric EPSP synthase, whose activity was inhibited only at concentrations exceeding 1 mM. Sequence analysis showed that these two forms are only distantly related, the latter clustering separately in a clade composed of diverse bacterial phyla.

The results are consistent with the occurrence of a horizontal gene transfer event involving an evolutionarily distant organism. Moreover, data suggest that the existence of class I (glyphosate‐sensitive) and class II (glyphosate‐tolerant) EPSP synthases representing two distinct phylogenetic clades is an oversimplification because of the limited number of analyzed samples.
Maturation of the middle phalanx of the third finger and cervical vertebrae: a comparative and diagnostic agreement study
Authors: Perinetti G. , Perillo L. , Franchi L. , Di Lenarda R. , Contardo L.
Published: September 2014

Structured Abstract

Objective

Diagnostic agreement on individual basis between the third middle phalanx maturation (MPM) method and the cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) method has conjecturally been based mainly on overall correlation analyses. Herein, the true agreement between methods according to stage and sex has been evaluated through a comprehensive diagnostic performance analysis.

Subjects and methods

Four hundred and fifty‐one Caucasian subjects were included in the study, 231 females and 220 males (mean age, 12.2 ± 2.5 years; range, 7.0–17.9 years). The X‐rays of the middle phalanx of the third finger and the lateral cephalograms were examined for staging by blinded operators, blinded for MPM stages and subjects' age. The MPM and CVM methods based on six stages, two pre‐pubertal (1 and 2), two pubertal (3 and 4), and two post‐pubertal (5 and 6), were considered. Specifically, for each MPM stage, the diagnostic performance in the identification of the corresponding CVM stage was described by Bayesian statistics.

Results

For both sexes, overall agreement was 77.6%. Most of the disagreement was due to 1 stage apart. Slight disagreement was seen for the stages 5 and 6, where the third middle phalanx shows an earlier maturation.

Conclusions

The two maturational methods show an overall satisfactorily diagnostic agreement. However, at post‐pubertal stages, the middle phalanx of the third finger appears to mature earlier than the cervical vertebrae. Post‐pubertal growth phase should thus be based on the presence of stage 6 in MPM.
Algal chloroplast produced camelid VHH antitoxins are capable of neutralizing botulinum neurotoxin
Authors: Barrera Daniel J. , Rosenberg Julian N. , Chiu Joanna G. , Chang Yung‐Nien , Debatis Michelle , Ngoi Soo‐Mun , Chang John T. , Shoemaker Charles B. , Oyler George A. , Mayfield Stephen P.
Published: September 2014

We have produced three antitoxins consisting of the variable domains of camelid heavy chain‐only antibodies (VHH) by expressing the genes in the chloroplast of green algae. These antitoxins accumulate as soluble proteins capable of binding and neutralizing botulinum neurotoxin. Furthermore, they accumulate at up to 5% total soluble protein, sufficient expression to easily produce these antitoxins at scale from algae. The genes for the three different antitoxins were transformed into Chlamydomonas reinhardtii chloroplasts and their products purified from algae lysates and assayed for in vitro biological activity using toxin protection assays. The produced antibody domains bind to botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) with similar affinities as camelid antibodies produced in Escherichia coli, and they are similarly able to protect primary rat neurons from intoxication by BoNT/A. Furthermore, the camelid antibodies were produced in algae without the use of solubilization tags commonly employed in E. coli. These camelid antibody domains are potent antigen‐binding proteins and the heterodimer fusion protein containing two VHH domains was capable of neutralizing BoNT/A at near equimolar concentrations with the toxin. Intact antibody domains were detected in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of mice treated orally with antitoxin‐producing microalgae. These findings support the use of orally delivered antitoxins produced in green algae as a novel treatment for botulism.
Psychometric Features of an Assessment Instrument with Likert and Dichotomous Response Formats
Authors: Capik Canturk , Gozum Sebahat
Published: September 2014

Objective

To assess the psychometric properties of a Likert‐formatted assessment instrument after altering the responses to a dichotomous format.

Design and Sample

This methodological study used a 15‐item instrument to obtain data from 183 participants who responded in both Likert and dichotomous formats. Response sets from each format were compared.

Measures

Each response set underwent factor analysis, Kuder‐Richardson 20, Cronbach's α coefficient, item‐total correlation, and parallel form equivalence tests.

Results

Factor loads of the instrument varied between .362 and .754 when responses were Likert‐formatted and between .370 and .713 when responses were dichotomous. The Cronbach's α coefficient with Likert‐formatted responses was .858; the Kuder‐Richardson 20 coefficient of the dichotomous responses was .827. Parallel form equivalences were significant at the level of r = .753.

Conclusions

The instrument had valid results when either Likert or dichotomous responses were obtained.
Enhanced protection against Clonorchis sinensis induced by co‐infection with Trichinella spiralis in rats
Authors: Chu K.‐B. , Kim S.‐S. , Lee S.‐H. , Lee H.‐S. , Joo K.‐H. , Lee J.‐H. , Lee Y.‐S. , Zheng S. , Quan F.‐S.
Published: September 2014

Although co‐infection with multiple parasites is a frequent occurrence, changes in the humoral immune response against a pre‐existing parasite induced as a result of a subsequent parasitic infection remain undetermined. Here, we utilized enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to investigate antibody responses, cytokine production and enhanced resistance in Clonorchis sinensis‐infected rats (Sprague–Dawley) upon Trichinella spiralis infection. Higher levels of C. sinensis‐specific IgG and IgA were elicited upon T. spiralis infection, and these levels remained higher than in rats infected with C. sinensis alone. Upon subsequent infection with T. spiralis, IgG antibodies against C. sinensis appeared to be rapidly boosted at day 3, and IgA antibodies were boosted at day 7. Challenge infection of C. sinensis‐infected rats with T. spiralis induced substantial mucosal IgG and IgA responses in the liver and intestine and increases in antibody‐secreting plasma cells in the spleen and bone marrow. Subsequent infection also appeared to confer effective control of liver C. sinensis loads, resulting in enhanced resistance. Memory B cells generated in response to C. sinensis infection were rapidly amplified into antibody‐secreting cells upon T. spiralis infection. These results indicate that enhanced C. sinensis clearance induced by co‐infection is associated with systemic and mucosal IgG and IgA responses.
Extensive goblet cell metaplasia of the peripheral lung may harbor precancerous molecular changes: Comparison of two cases
Authors: Tajima Shogo , Kurabe Nobuya , Okudela Koji , Yajima Kiyoshige , Takahashi Tsuyoshi , Neyatani Hiroshi , Sugimura Haruhiko , Koda Kenji
Published: September 2014

We present two cases of extensive goblet cell metaplasia in the peripheral lung. The first case was a 72‐year‐old male with a nodule (12 × 10 mm) detected by CT. Macroscopically, it contained abundant mucin; histopathologically, goblet cells were predominant, whereas ciliated and basal cells were sparse. A KRAS G12V mutation was detected. In the pulmonary background of this case, scattered tiny foci of goblet cell metaplasia were present. The second case was a 71‐year‐old female with a nodule (7 × 5 mm) detected by CT. It contained abundant mucin, and microscopically, various cell types were intermingled. Although the nodule mainly comprised goblet cells, ciliated and basal cells were also easily identified. No KRAS mutation was found in this patient. Dispersed minute foci of goblet cell metaplasia were identified in the pulmonary background. Therefore, we suspect that airway irritants may have contributed to the changes that occurred in the pulmonary background of both cases. We propose that the tendency of goblet cells to overwhelm other cell types in the metaplastic epithelium may be an indicator of precancerous molecular changes.
Probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic supplements in sturgeon aquaculture: a review
Authors: Hoseinifar Seyed Hossein , Ringø Einar , Shenavar Masouleh Alireza , Esteban Maria Ángeles
Published: September 2014

This study addressed the issue of the dietary supplements; probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotics considered as functional food ingredients in sturgeon aquaculture. Developments of this strategy have been suggested and practiced as an alternative to antibiotic administration in aquaculture. Sturgeons are commercially valuable species due to their meet and roe, which is made into caviar. Aquaculture of sturgeons up to marketable size has increased during the last decade while disquieting decreases have been noticed of the natural populations. In line with the expand evaluations of microbial dietary supplements and prebiotics in finfish and shellfish aquaculture, the scientific community has also increased their interest in approaches to these issues in sturgeon aquaculture. The present review summarizes and discusses the results on intestinal microbiota of sturgeon species and the effects of probiotic, prebiotic or synbiotic administration on growth performance, gut physiology, intestinal microbiota, immune response and health. Furthermore, this study tries to cover the gaps of existing knowledge and suggest issues that merits further investigations.
Impact of salbutamol on muscle metabolism assessed by 31P NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Decorte N. , Lamalle L. , Carlier P.G. , Giacomini E. , Guinot M. , Levy P. , Verges S. , Wuyam B.
Published: September 2014

The potential ergogenic effects of oral salbutamol intake were demonstrated for decades but the underlying mechanisms remain to elucidate. We hypothesized that improved exercise performance after acute oral salbutamol administration is associated with changes in muscle metabolism. Twelve healthy, nonasthmatic, moderately trained, male subjects were recruited to compare in a double‐blind crossover randomized study, an oral dose of salbutamol (4 mg) and a placebo. After treatment administration, subjects performed repetitive plantar flexions to exhaustion in a 3T magnet. Continuous 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy assessment of the calf muscles was performed at rest, during exercise, and during recovery. No significant difference between treatments was detected in metabolite concentration at rest (P > 0.05). Creatine phosphate and inorganic phosphate changes during and immediately after exercise were similar between treatments (P > 0.05). Intramuscular pH (pHi) was significantly higher at rest, at submaximal exercise but not at exhaustion with salbutamol (pHi at 50% of exercise duration, 6.8 ± 0.1/6.9 ± 0.1 for placebo and salbutamol, respectively, P < 0.05). The maximal power (28 ± 7 W/23 ± 7 W; P = 0.001) and total work (1702 ± 442 J/1381 ± 432 J; P = 0.003) performed during plantar flexions were significantly increased with salbutamol. Salbutamol induced significant improvement in calf muscle endurance with similar metabolic responses during exercise, except slight differences in pHi. Other mechanisms than changes in muscle metabolism may be responsible for the ergogenic effect of salbutamol administration.
The transmembrane domain of N –acetylglucosaminyltransferase I is the key determinant for its Golgi subcompartmentation
Authors: Schoberer Jennifer , Liebminger Eva , Vavra Ulrike , Veit Christiane , Castilho Alexandra , Dicker Martina , Maresch Daniel , Altmann Friedrich , Hawes Chris , Botchway Stanley W. , Strasser Richard
Published: September 2014

Golgi‐resident type–II membrane proteins are asymmetrically distributed across the Golgi stack. The intrinsic features of the protein that determine its subcompartment‐specific concentration are still largely unknown. Here, we used a series of chimeric proteins to investigate the contribution of the cytoplasmic, transmembrane and stem region of Nicotiana benthamiana N–acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (GnTI) for its cis/medial‐Golgi localization and for protein–protein interaction in the Golgi. The individual GnTI protein domains were replaced with those from the well‐known trans‐Golgi enzyme α2,6–sialyltransferase (ST) and transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana. Using co‐localization analysis and N–glycan profiling, we show that the transmembrane domain of GnTI is the major determinant for its cis/medial‐Golgi localization. By contrast, the stem region of GnTI contributes predominately to homomeric and heteromeric protein complex formation. Importantly, in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana, a chimeric GnTI variant with altered sub‐Golgi localization was not able to complement the GnTI‐dependent glycosylation defect. Our results suggest that sequence‐specific features in the transmembrane domain of GnTI account for its steady‐state distribution in the cis/medial‐Golgi in plants, which is a prerequisite for efficient N–glycan processing in vivo.
Endogenous pararetrovirus sequences associated with 24 nt small RNAs at the centromeres of Fritillaria imperialis L. (Liliaceae), a species with a giant genome
Authors: Becher Hannes , Ma Lu , Kelly Laura J. , Kovarik Ales , Leitch Ilia J. , Leitch Andrew R.
Published: September 2014

Endogenous pararetroviral sequences are the most commonly found virus sequences integrated into angiosperm genomes. We describe an endogenous pararetrovirus (EPRV) repeat in Fritillaria imperialis, a species that is under study as a result of its exceptionally large genome (1C = 42 096 Mbp, approximately 240 times bigger than Arabidopsis thaliana). The repeat (FriEPRV) was identified from Illumina reads using the RepeatExplorer pipeline, and exists in a complex genomic organization at the centromere of most, or all, chromosomes. The repeat was reconstructed into three consensus sequences that formed three interconnected loops, one of which carries sequence motifs expected of an EPRV (including the gag and pol domains). FriEPRV shows sequence similarity to members of the Caulimoviridae pararetrovirus family, with phylogenetic analysis indicating a close relationship to Petuvirus. It is possible that no complete EPRV sequence exists, although our data suggest an abundance that exceeds the genome size of Arabidopsis. Analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms revealed elevated levels of C→T and G→A transitions, consistent with deamination of methylated cytosine. Bisulphite sequencing revealed high levels of methylation at CG and CHG motifs (up to 100%), and 15–20% methylation, on average, at CHH motifs. FriEPRV's centromeric location may suggest targeted insertion, perhaps associated with meiotic drive. We observed an abundance of 24 nt small RNAs that specifically target FriEPRV, potentially providing a signature of RNA‐dependent DNA methylation. Such signatures of epigenetic regulation suggest that the huge genome of F. imperialis has not arisen as a consequence of a catastrophic breakdown in the regulation of repeat amplification.
Invariants and -spectrums of local theta lifts
Authors: Loke Hung Yean , Ma Jiajun
Published: September 2014

Let $(G,G^{\prime })$ be a type I irreducible reductive dual pair in Sp$(W_{\mathbb{R}})$. We assume that $(G,G^{\prime })$ is in the stable range where $G$ is the smaller member. Let $K$ and $K^{\prime }$ be maximal compact subgroups of $G$ and $G^{\prime }$ respectively. Let $\mathfrak{g}=\mathfrak{k}\bigoplus \mathfrak{p}$ and $\mathfrak{g}^{\prime }=\mathfrak{k}^{\prime }\bigoplus \mathfrak{p}^{\prime }$ be the complexified Cartan decompositions of the Lie algebras of $G$ and $G^{\prime }$ respectively. Let $\widetilde{K}$ and $\widetilde{K}^{\prime }$ be the inverse images of $K$ and $K^{\prime }$ in the metaplectic double cover $\widetilde{\text{Sp}}(W_{\mathbb{R}})$ of Sp$(W_{\mathbb{R}})$. Let ${\it\rho}$ be a genuine irreducible $(\mathfrak{g},\widetilde{K})$-module. Our first main result is that if ${\it\rho}$ is unitarizable, then except for one special case, the full local theta lift ${\it\rho}^{\prime }={\rm\Theta}({\it\rho})$ is equal to the local theta lift ${\it\theta}({\it\rho})$. Thus excluding the special case, the full theta lift ${\it\rho}^{\prime }$ is an irreducible and unitarizable $(\mathfrak{g}^{\prime },\widetilde{K}^{\prime })$-module. Our second main result is that the associated variety and the associated cycle of ${\it\rho}^{\prime }$ are the theta lifts of the associated variety and the associated cycle of the contragredient representation ${\it\rho}^{\ast }$ respectively. Finally we obtain some interesting $(\mathfrak{g},\widetilde{K})$-modules whose $\widetilde{K}$-spectrums are isomorphic to the spaces of global sections of some vector bundles on some nilpotent $K_{\mathbb{C}}$-orbits in $\mathfrak{p}^{\ast }$.
Increased Variability of Lap Speeds: Differentiating Medalists and Nonmedalists in Middle-Distance Running and Swimming Events
Authors: Mytton Graham J. , Archer David T. , Turner Louise , Skorski Sabrina , Renfree Andrew , Thompson Kevin G. , Gibson Alan St Clair
Published: September 2014

Purpose:

Previous literature has presented pacing data of groups of competition finalists. The aim of this study was to analyze the pacing patterns displayed by medalists and nonmedalists in international competitive 400-m swimming and 1500-m running finals.

Methods:

Split times were collected from 48 swimming finalists (four 100-m laps) and 60 running finalists (4 laps) in international competitions from 2004 to 2012. Using a cross-sectional design, lap speeds were normalized to whole-race speed and compared to identify variations of pace between groups of medalists and nonmedalists. Lap-speed variations relative to the gold medalist were compared for the whole field.

Results:

In 400-m swimming the medalist group demonstrated greater variation in speed than the nonmedalist group, being relatively faster in the final lap (P < .001; moderate effect) and slower in laps 1 (P = .03; moderate effect) and 2 (P > .001; moderate effect). There were also greater variations of pace in the 1500-m running medalist group than in the nonmedalist group, with a relatively faster final lap (P = .03; moderate effect) and slower second lap (P = .01; small effect). Swimming gold medalists were relatively faster than all other finalists in lap 4 (P = .04), and running gold medalists were relatively faster than the 5th- to 12th-placed athletes in the final lap (P = .02).

Conclusions:

Athletes who win medals in 1500-m running and 400-m swimming competitions show different pacing patterns than nonmedalists. End-spurtspeed increases are greater with medalists, who demonstrate a slower relative speed in the early part of races but a faster speed during the final part of races than nonmedalists.
Warm-Up Strategy and High-Intensity Endurance Performance in Trained Cyclists
Authors: Christensen Peter M. , Bangsbo Jens
Published: September 2014

Purpose:

To evaluate the influence of warm-up exercise intensity and subsequent recovery on intense endurance performance, selected blood variables, and the oxygen-uptake (VO2) response.

Methods:

Twelve highly trained male cyclists (VO2max 72.4 ± 8.0 mL · min−1 · kg−1, incremental-test peak power output (iPPO) 432 ± 31 W; mean ± SD) performed 3 warm-up strategies lasting 20 min before a 4-min maximal-performance test (PT). Strategies consisted of moderate-intensity exercise (50%iPPO) followed by 6 min of recovery (MOD6) or progressive high-intensity exercise (10–100%iPPO and 2 × 20-s sprints) followed by recovery for 6 min (HI6) or 20 min (HI20).

Results:

Before PT venous pH was lower (P < .001) in HI6 (7.27 ± 0.05) than in HI20 (7.34 ± 0.04) and MOD6 (7.35 ± 0.03). At the same time, differences (P < .001) existed for venous lactate in HI6 (8.2 ± 2.0 mmol/L), HI20 (5.1 ± 1.7 mmol/L), and MOD6 (1.4 ± 0.4 mmol/L), as well as for venous bicarbonate in HI6 (19.3 ± 2.6 mmol/L), HI20 (22.6 ± 2.3 mmol/L), and MOD6 (26.0 ± 1.4 mmol/L). Mean power in PT in HI6 (402 ± 38 W) tended to be lower (P = .11) than in HI20 (409 ± 34 W) and was lower (P = .007) than in MOD6 (416 ± 32 W). Total VO2 (15–120 s in PT) was higher in HI6 (8.18 ± 0.86 L) than in HI20 (7.85 ± 0.82 L, P = .008) and MOD6 (7.90 ± 0.74 L, P = .012).

Conclusions:

Warm-up exercise including race-pace and sprint intervals combined with short recovery can reduce subsequent performance in a 4-min maximal test in highly trained cyclists. Thus, a reduced time at high exercise intensity, a reduced intensity in the warm-up, or an extension of the recovery period after an intense warm-up is advocated.
The autoinhibitory C-terminal SH2 domain of phospholipase C–γ2 stabilizes B cell receptor signalosome assembly
Authors: Wang Jing , Sohn Haewon , Sun Guangping , Milner Joshua D. , Pierce Susan K.
Published: September 2014

The immune disorder PLAID is found to be the result of destabilization of B cell receptor complexes due to loss of an autoinhibitory domain in phospholipase C–γ2.
Protective effect of the long pentraxin PTX3 against histone-mediated endothelial cell cytotoxicity in sepsis
Authors: Daigo Kenji , Nakakido Makoto , Ohashi Riuko , Fukuda Rie , Matsubara Koichi , Minami Takashi , Yamaguchi Naotaka , Inoue Kenji , Jiang Shuying , Naito Makoto , Tsumoto Kouhei , Hamakubo Takao
Published: September 2014

Bundling extracellular histone proteins together blocks their cytotoxic effects and protects against sepsis.
Origin of Fish Pigment Cell for Pattern
Authors: Purnell Beverly A.
Published: September 2014

Zebrafish adult pigment cells arise from several lineages and require thyroid hormone for pattern development.
Plants Interpret Climate Change
Authors: Berndt Jason D.
Published: September 2014

A plant hormone pathway senses increased atmospheric CO
2
to regulate the development of gas exchange pores.
Single-molecule sequencing to track plasmid diversity of hospital-associated carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Conlan Sean , Thomas Pamela J. , Deming Clayton , Park Morgan , Lau Anna F. , Dekker John P. , Snitkin Evan S. , Clark Tyson A. , Luong Khai , Song Yi , Tsai Yu-Chih , Boitano Matthew , Dayal Jyoti , Brooks Shelise Y. , Schmidt Brian , Young Alice C. , Thomas James W. , Bouffard Gerard G. , Blakesley Robert W. ,   NISC Comparative Sequencing Program, Mullikin James C. , Korlach Jonas , Henderson David K. , Frank Karen M. , Palmore Tara N. , Segre Julia A.
Published: September 2014

Single-molecule sequencing of bacteria at the NIH Clinical Center documents diverse plasmids encoding antibiotic resistance and their transfer between microbes.
Phenomics and the Interpretation of Personal Genomes
Authors: Petrovski Slavé , Goldstein David B.
Published: September 2014

In contemporary genomics research, phenotype-driven bioinformatics approaches hint at the potential of establishing a framework for quantifying phenotypic similarities among patients.
A New Role for Epigenetic Therapy
Authors: Gerber David E.
Published: September 2014

Demethylating agents may alleviate cancer-associated pain.
Environmental Heterogeneity Drives Within-Host Diversification and Evolution of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Markussen Trine , Marvig Rasmus Lykke , Gómez-Lozano María , Aanæs Kasper , Burleigh Alexandra E. , Høiby Niels , Johansen Helle Krogh , Molin Søren , Jelsbak Lars
Published: September 2014

Microbial population polymorphisms are commonly observed in natural environments, including long-term infected hosts. However, the underlying processes promoting and stabilizing diversity are difficult to unravel and are not well understood. Here, we use chronic infection of cystic fibrosis airways by the opportunistic pathogenPseudomonas aeruginosaas a system for investigating bacterial diversification processes during the course of infection. We analyze clonal bacterial isolates sampled during a 32-year period and map temporal and spatial variations in population diversity to different infection sites within the infected host. We show that the ancestral infecting strain diverged into distinct sublineages, each with their own functional and genomic signatures and rates of adaptation, immediately after initial colonization. The sublineages coexisted in the host for decades, suggesting rapid evolution of stable population polymorphisms. Critically, the observed generation and maintenance of population diversity was the result of partitioning of the sublineages into physically separated niches in the CF airway. The results reveal a complex within-host population structure not previously realized and provide evidence that the heterogeneity of the highly structured and complex host environment promotes the evolution and long-term stability of pathogen population diversity during infection.

IMPORTANCEWithin-host pathogen evolution and diversification during the course of chronic infections is of importance in relation to therapeutic intervention strategies, yet our understanding of these processes is limited. Here, we investigate intraclonal population diversity inP. aeruginosaduring chronic airway infections in cystic fibrosis patients. We show the evolution of a diverse population structure immediately after initial colonization, with divergence into multiple distinct sublineages that coexisted for decades and occupied distinct niches. Our results suggest that the spatial heterogeneity in CF airways plays a major role in relation to the generation and maintenance of population diversity and emphasize that a single isolate in sputum may not represent the entire pathogen population in the infected individual. A more complete understanding of the evolution of distinct clonal variants and their distribution in different niches could have positive implications for efficient therapy.
Eccentric training for prevention of hamstring injuries may depend on intervention compliance: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Goode Adam P , Reiman Michael P , Harris Lloyd , DeLisa Lucia , Kauffman Aaron , Beltramo David , Poole Charles , Ledbetter Leila , Taylor Andrea B
Published: September 2014

Background

Hamstring injury is a prevalent muscle injury in sports. Inconclusive evidence exists for eccentric hamstring strengthening to prevent hamstring injuries. One reason for this discrepancy may be the influence intervention non-compliance has on individual study estimates, and therefore pooled estimates.

Objective

This systematic review aims to determine the effect of eccentric hamstring strengthening on the risk of hamstring injury and quantitatively explores the impact of intervention non-compliance on the precision, heterogeneity and strength of pooled estimates.

Methods

A computer-assisted literature search of Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, AMED, SportDiscus and PEDro databases was conducted with keywords related to eccentric strengthening and hamstring injury. The search was conducted from the end of a previous comprehensive review forward (1 December 2008 to 31 December 2013). Random-effects models were used for both main effects and a sensitivity analysis. Pooled estimate precision was measured with a confidence limit ratio (confidence limit ratio (CLR); upper limit divided by the lower limit) and heterogeneity was assessed with I2, Cochrane's-Q and τ2. A protocol was not registered for this review.

Results

Four out of 349 studies met the inclusion criteria. In main effects analysis, eccentric hamstring training did not reduce the risk of hamstring injury (risk ratio [RR]=0.59 ((95% CI 0.24 to 1.44)). This estimate was imprecise (CLR=6.0) with significant heterogeneity (p value 0.02, 69.6% variation and t2=0.57). Subjects compliant with eccentric strengthening had a significant (RR=0.35 ((95% CI 0.23 to 0.55)) reduction in hamstring injuries. This estimate was precise (CLR=2.4) and homogenous (p value=0.38, 2.8% variation and t2=0.007).

Conclusions

The null-biased effect in using intent-to-treat methods from intervention non-compliance has a substantial impact on the precision, heterogeneity and the direction and strength of pooled estimates. Eccentric strengthening, with good compliance, appears to be successful in prevention of hamstring injury.
Opening research sites in multicentre clinical trials within the UK: a detailed analysis of delays
Authors: Kearney Anna , McKay Andrew , Hickey Helen , Balabanova Silviya , Marson Anthony G , Gamble Carrol , Williamson Paula
Published: September 2014

Objective

To investigate the length of time taken to open UK research sites in multicentre clinical trials and to identify reasons for any delays.

Design

A case study, recording key milestone dates from the time a site receives ethical approval through to opening to recruitment. Delay reasons were prospectively logged by trial staff at a minimum of fortnightly periods using a coding system.

Setting

SANADII, a phase IV pragmatic trial, managed by the Clinical Trials Research Centre, Liverpool. The trial seeks to work with over 100 National Health Service (NHS) sites to meet its recruitment target of 1510 patients.

Outcomes and analysis

The primary outcome was time from Multicentre Regional Ethics Committee (MREC) approval to site opening using survival analysis. Where sites took over a specified time to reach milestones (>3 months from MREC to Site Specific Information (SSI) submission, >30 days from SSI validation to local R&D approval, or >30 days from local Research and Development (R&D) approval to opening to recruitment), the longest continuous delay during that milestone was identified.

Results

The median opening time for participating sites was 9.7 months (IQR 6.2 to Not Reached). SSI submission took 7 months (IQR 4.1–12.3) from ethics approval, R&D approval took 16 days (IQR 5.0–32.0) from SSI validation and site opening took 15 days (IQR 8.5–40.0) following R&D approval. The longest delays before SSI submission resulted from negotiating excess treatment costs, finalising logistics, collecting CVs and ongoing participation discussions.

Conclusions

While recently imposed targets are reducing the time taken for R&D departments to approve valid applications, the time taken to open UK research sites remains excessive and must be reduced. At present significant public funds are being used inefficiently in order to navigate NHS systems, challenging the resolve of trial teams and the competitiveness of the UK.
Republished: New age of biological therapies in paediatric rheumatology
Authors: Sen Ethan S , Ramanan A V
Published: September 2014

Many paediatric rheumatic diseases result from the abnormal activation or control of the immune system. Biologic drugs, which are synthesised within a biological system, have been designed to target specific molecules involved in cytokine signalling or cell–cell interactions. The past 15 years have seen a revolution in the range of effective treatments for rheumatic diseases, particularly juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). As a result, the target of inactive disease and minimal long-term disease-associated damage is increasingly becoming achievable. In this article we review evidence from recent trials of the use of biologic drugs in the treatment of systemic JIA, juvenile dermatomyositis and juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus. We also highlight novel agents currently undergoing investigation which may broaden our therapeutic armamentarium over the coming decade. Key to these developments are well-designed multicentre controlled clinical trials and long-term safety monitoring as part of international drug registries.
Multi-physiopathological consequences of the c.1392G>T CFTR mutation revealed by clinical and cellular investigations
Authors: Farhat Raed , El-Seedy Ayman , El-Moussaoui Kamal , Pasquet Marie-Claude , Adolphe Catherine , Bieth Eric , Languepin Jeanne , Sermet-Gaudelus Isabelle , Kitzis Alain , Ladevèze Véronique
Published: September 2014

This study combines a clinical approach and multiple level cellular analyses to determine the physiopathological consequences of the c.1392G>T (p.Lys464Asn) CFTR exon 10 mutation, detected in a CF patient with a frameshift deletion in trans and a TG(11)T(5) in cis. Minigene experiment, with different TG(m)T(n) alleles, and nasal cell mRNA extracts were used to study the impact of c.1392G>T on splicing in both in cellulo and in vivo studies. The processing and localization of p.Lys464Asn protein were evaluated, in cellulo, by western blotting analyses and confocal microscopy. Clinical and channel exploration tests were performed on the patient to determine the exact CF phenotype profile and the CFTR chloride transport activity. c.1392G>T affects exon 10 splicing by inducing its complete deletion and encoding a frameshift transcript. The polymorphism TG(11)T(5) aggravates the effects of this mutation on aberrant splicing. Analysis of mRNA obtained from parental airway epithelial cells confirmed these in cellulo results. At the protein level the p.Lys464Asn protein showed neither maturated form nor membrane localization. Furthermore, the in vivo channel tests confirmed the absence of CFTR activity. Thus, the c.1392G>T mutation alone or in association with the TG repeats and the poly T tract revealed obvious impacts on splicing and CFTR protein processing and functionality. The c.[T(5); 1392G>T] complex allele contributes to the CF phenotype by affecting splicing and inducing a severe misprocessing defect. These results demonstrate that the classical CFTR mutations classification is not sufficient: in vivo and in cellulo studies of a possible complex allele in a patient are required to provide correct CFTR mutation classification, adequate medical counseling, and adapted therapeutic strategies.
Cytochrome P450 expression in mouse brain: specific isoenzymes involved in Phase I metabolizing system of porphyrinogenic agents in both microsomes and mitochondria
Authors: Lavandera Jimena , Ruspini Silvina , Batlle Alcira , Buzaleh Ana María
Published: September 2014

Brain cytochrome P450 (CYP) metabolizes a variety of drugs to produce their pharmacological effects within the brain. We have previously observed that porphyrinogenic agents altered CYP levels in brain. The aim of this work was to further study the involvement of mice brain mitochondrial and microsomal Phase I drug metabolizing system when porphyrinogenic agents, such as Enflurane, Isoflurane, allylisopropylacetamide, veronal, ethanol, and Griseofulvin were administered. To this end, CYP2E1, CYP2B1, and CYP3A4 expression were measured. NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) expression was also determined. Western Blots were performed in microsomes and mitochondria of whole brain. Some of the drugs studied altered expression mainly in microsomes. Chronic Isoflurane augmented mitochondrial isoform, although this anaesthetic diminished microsomal expression. Ethanol and topical Griseofulvin affected expression in microsomes but not in mitochondria. CYP2E1 mitochondrial activity was induced by acute Enflurane; while the activity of the microsomal protein was enhanced in alcoholised animals. Ethanol also induced CYP2E1 expression in microsomes, although Isoflurane provoked opposite effects in mitochondria and microsomes. Expression of CPR was also induced. Several reports support an emergent role of CYP enzymes in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, so CYP response in brain could be one of the multiples factors influencing porphyria acute attacks.
C/EBPβ regulates P2X7 receptor expression in response to glucose challenge in intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Bilodeau Maude S. , Arguin Guillaume , Gendron Fernand-Pierre
Published: September 2014

Activation of the ATP-dependent P2X7 receptor modulates glucose transport in intestinal epithelial cells through the downregulation of glucose transporter GLUT2. In the present study, we show that an increase in glucose concentration stimulates P2X7 receptor transcription via modulation of CCAAT/enhancer binding proteins (C/EBPs) α and β expression. The described human P2X7 receptor promoter region (GenBank Y12851) was cloned upstream of a luciferase reporter gene in pGL4.10 plasmid and used to determine whether C/EBPs, namely C/EBPα and C/EBPβ, are able to stimulate the transcription of P2X7 receptor. Results show that C/EBPβ was the main regulator of P2X7 receptor expression in response to a glucose challenge. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays further revealed that C/EBPβ occupied the –213 to +6 nt P2X7 promoter region. Surprisingly, C/EBPα was also able to bind this region as revealed by ChIP assays, but without inducing receptor transcription. In fact, C/EBPα and the C/EBPβ-LIP isoform blocked the C/EBPβ-dependent regulation of P2X7 receptor transcription. These findings suggest that glucose is not only the major source of energy for cell function but may also act as a signaling molecule to stimulate the expression of regulatory proteins.
Development of semi-physically based model to predict erosion rate of kaolinite clay under different moisture content
Authors: Sang Joseph , Allen Peter , Dunbar John , Hanson Gregory
Published: September 2014

Understanding the susceptibility of soils to concentrated flow erosion is imperative for predicting sustainability of various engineering structures and assessing environmental integrity. Currently, a widely used model is empirical in nature. In this study, we developed a semi-physically based model that predicts the rate of concentrated flow erosion of kaolinite clay based on tensile and erodibility characteristics. To develop this model, direct tensile tests and jet erosion tests (JETs) were performed on kaolinite clay with different percent moisture contents (MCs). The direct tensile test results showed that the energy required to break interparticle bonds across a fracture plane and tensile strength decreases with an increase in MC, whereas the JET results showed that soil resistance to erosion decreases with an increase in MC. Results also showed that an efficiency index of the JET apparatus, which represents the fraction of jet power used in actual erosion processes, diminishes with a decrease in MC. This semi-physically based model predicted the rate of erosion of kaolinite clay for a range of MC and applied hydraulic shear stress. In model development and verification, 98% and 90% of the data, respectively, were within a discrepancy ratio of 0.50 and 2.0.
Drift dissipative instability in a dusty plasma: Do dust particles reduce intensity of density irregularities in the lower ionosphere?
Authors: Surve Shobha , Kulkarni V.H.
Published: September 2014

We re-analyzed the effect of loss of electrons and hence the reduction in electron density on drift dissipative instability. We find that the growth rates of the drift waves decrease. The analysis suggests that the presence of dust particle, if they are responsible for the loss of background electrons, will reduce the intensity of density irregularities in the E region of the ionosphere.