bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A unique covalent bond in basement membrane is a primordial innovation for tissue evolution
Authors: Fidler Aaron L. , Vanacore Roberto M. , Chetyrkin Sergei V. , Pedchenko Vadim K. , Bhave Gautam , Yin Viravuth P. , Stothers Cody L. , Rose Kristie Lindsey , McDonald W. Hayes , Clark Travis A. , Borza Dorin-Bogdan , Steele Robert E. , Ivy Michael T. ,   The Aspirnauts, Hudson Julie K. , Hudson Billy G.
Published: December 2013

Significance

The evolution of multicellular animals from single-celled ancestors was one of the most significant transitions of life on earth. The emergence of larger, more complex animals able to resist predation and colonize new environments was enabled, in part, by a collagen scaffold, which anchors cells together to form tissues and organs. Here, we show that a unique chemical bond, a link between sulfur and nitrogen atoms called a sulfilimine bond, arose over 500 Mya, binding this scaffold together and enabling tissues to withstand mechanical forces. Peroxidasin forms the bond by generating hypohalous acids as strong oxidants, a form of bleach, which normally function as antimicrobial agents. These understandings may lead to approaches for targeting tumors and treatment of other diseases.
Transmembrane allosteric coupling of the gates in a potassium channel
Authors: Wylie Benjamin J. , Bhate Manasi P. , McDermott Ann E.
Published: December 2013

Significance

K
+
channels are spontaneously inactivated subsequent to channel opening, a process that is central to their many crucial roles in cell signaling. Several studies suggest that for KcsA inactivation involves ion release. Here we demonstrate that K
+
expulsion from the selectivity filter at neutral pH causes spontaneous opening. This illustrates an unexpected opening mechanism for KcsA, which is normally pH gated, and also provides strong evidence for transmembrane allosteric coupling.
Growth feedback as a basis for persister bistability
Authors: Feng Jingchen , Kessler David A. , Ben-Jacob Eshel , Levine Herbert
Published: December 2013

Significance

The phenomenon of persistence is important both at a fundamental level in serving as a striking example of adaptive phenotypic variability and from the applied perspective as it contributes to the antibiotic resistance of bacteria in general and biofilms in particular. Our paper presents a unique quantitatively successful model of persistence in
Escherichia coli
and helps explain many puzzling observations in the literature. It will serve as a guide for further work, both experimental and theoretical. The primary molecular actors in our approach are a toxin–antitoxin pair HipBA, and we use very recent structural data to formulate a comprehensive approach to this problem and to guide further work. Finally, our effort is consistent with recent ideas regarding the fact that many toxin–antitoxin pairs may contribute in a parallel manner to the persister state.
SuperBiHelix method for predicting the pleiotropic ensemble of G-protein–coupled receptor conformations
Authors: Bray Jenelle K. , Abrol Ravinder , Goddard William A. , Trzaskowski Bartosz , Scott Caitlin E.
Published: December 2013

Significance

It is known that G-protein–coupled receptors exhibit several distinct low-energy conformations, each of which might favor binding to different ligands and/or lead to different downstream functions. Understanding the function of such proteins requires knowledge of the ensemble of low-energy configurations that might play a role in this pleiotropic functionality. We present the SuperBiHelix methodology aimed at identifying all the low-energy structures that might play a role in binding, activation, and signaling. SuperBiHelix uses overall template information from all available experimental or theoretical structures and then does very complete (∼13 trillion configurations) sampling of the helix rotations and tilts to predict the ensemble of low-energy structures. We find that different mutations and ligands stabilize different conformations.
Epstein–Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen 3C binds to BATF/IRF4 or SPI1/IRF4 composite sites and recruits Sin3A to repress CDKN2A
Authors: Jiang Sizun , Willox Bradford , Zhou Hufeng , Holthaus Amy M. , Wang Anqi , Shi Tommy T. , Maruo Seiji , Kharchenko Peter V. , Johannsen Eric C. , Kieff Elliott , Zhao Bo
Published: December 2013

Significance

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is an important causative agent of B-cell lymphomas and Hodgkin disease in immune-deficient people, including HIV-infected people. The experiments described here were undertaken to determine the mechanisms through which the EBV-encoded nuclear protein EBNA3C blocks the cell
p14

ARF

and
p16

INK4A

tumor suppressor-mediated inhibition of EBV-infected B-cell growth, thereby unfettering EBV-driven B-cell proliferation. The experiments also identify the molecular basis for diverse EBNA3C enhancer interactions with cell DNA-binding proteins and cell DNA to regulate
MYC, pRB, BCL2, and BIM
expression. Surprisingly, EBNA3C’s role in enhancer-mediated cell gene transcription up-regulation is primarily mediated by combinatorial effects with cell transcription factors, most notably AICEs, EICEs, and RUNX3.
Expectations and outcomes: considering competition and corporate power in South Africa under democracy
Authors: Makhaya Gertrude , Roberts Simon
Published: December 2013

Competition law was viewed as a key instrument under democracy to address entrenched corporate power, in the context of liberalisation. This article examines South Africa's competition law regime and the changing strategies of large firms through three industry case studies. In the industry studies we assess, first, how corporate strategies have evolved to protect market power and the rents derived from this power and, second, how the competition regime has affected economic power and its exercise. We reflect on the overall record of the competition authorities in light of the outcomes observed.
Assessment for Learning in the writing classroom: an incomplete realisation
Authors: Hawe Eleanor , Parr Judy
Published: December 2013

An Observation Guide, designed to help New Zealand teachers identify areas of teaching strength and aspects for development, was developed as part of a wider project. In the second phase of this project, 18 middle school teachers used the Guide to gather and record evidence as they participated in seven rounds of reciprocal peer observation and feedback during writing lessons with Grades 6–8 students. We report here on data from round 6 observations about the assessment for learning (AfL) strategies reported as evident in teachers’ practices, how these strategies were implemented and potential gaps in practice. AfL has at its heart a core of interdependent strategies that collectively contribute to the development of autonomous, self‐regulating learners and quality learning. While the middle school teachers shared goals for learning and communicated what counted as successful achievement to students, they appeared to struggle when articulating goals in terms of literacy learning and conveying the substantive aspects and quality expected in students’ writing. In addition, despite AfL%s promotion of learner autonomy, few teachers openly afforded students focused opportunities to take a meaningful role in their learning through the appraisal of their own and peers’ writing and the joint construction of feedback. As such, teachers’ AfL practice in the writing classroom failed to realise its full potential. It is argued that the promise of AfL can only be reached when strategies are enacted in ways that reflect its unitary nature, promote quality outcomes and give students a central role in their learning.
Social Notes: Oscar Wilde, Francis Bacon, and the Medium of Aphorism
Authors: Reader Simon
Published: December 2013

This paper reads Oscar Wilde's aphoristic style in terms of the note-taking practices he develops as an undergraduate at Oxford. It treats his use of small, mobile pieces of language as a strategy for dealing with methodological uncertainty in a time of curricular upheaval. His trademark style is perhaps best understood as a form of social notation, whereby pieces of information behave as actors seeking sociality and recombination, rather than placement in systematic arrangements. One significant unpublished source – the ‘Notebook on Philosophy’ – discloses Wilde's engagement with a surprising aphoristic precursor, Francis Bacon, who deploys the form for similar purposes. In modelling a form of non-teleological informational assembly, Wilde's notebooks also body forth the utopian social life he conceives in his later critical writings.
Spiritual leadership: a validation study in a Korean context
Authors: Jeon Ki Seok , Passmore David L. , Lee Chan , Hunsaker William
Published: December 2013

This study examined and validated revised and new spiritual leadership models with higher-order factors in the Korean organizational context. Research on revised spiritual leadership models has not yet been conducted in the US context and no empirical research on new spiritual leadership
models has occurred in South Korea. Structural equation modeling (SEM) results revealed that the revised spiritual leadership model had validity in the Korean organizational context. Inner life plays a foundational role having a positive relationship with three factors of spiritual leadership:
vision, altruistic love, and hope/faith. Membership doubled the impact on team productivity and life satisfaction over calling/meaning. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Loss of Arp2/3 induces an NF-κB–dependent, nonautonomous effect on chemotactic signaling
Authors: Wu Congying , Haynes Elizabeth M. , Asokan Sreeja B. , Simon Jeremy M. , Sharpless Norman E. , Baldwin Albert S. , Davis Ian J. , Johnson Gary L. , Bear James E.
Published: December 2013

Arp2/3-branched actin is critical for cytoskeletal dynamics and cell migration. However, perturbations and diseases affecting this network have phenotypes that cannot be fully explained by cell-autonomous effects. In this paper, we report nonautonomous effects of Arp2/3 depletion. We show that, upon Arp2/3 depletion, the expression of numerous genes encoding secreted factors, including chemokines, growth factors, and matrix metalloproteases, was increased, a signature resembling the senescence-associated secretory phenotype. These factors affected epidermal growth factor chemotaxis in a nonautonomous way, resolving the recent contradictions about the role of Arp2/3 in chemotaxis. We demonstrate that these genes were activated by nuclear factor κB via a CCM2–MEKK3 pathway that has been implicated in hyperosmotic stress signaling. Consistent with this, Arp2/3-depleted cells showed misregulation of volume control and reduced actin in the submembranous cortex. The defects in osmotic signaling in the Arp2/3-depleted cells can be rescued by hypoosmotic treatment. Thus, perturbations of Arp2/3 have nonautonomous effects that should be considered when evaluating experimental manipulations and diseases affecting the Arp2/3-actin cytoskeleton.
Novel septin 9 repeat motifs altered in neuralgic amyotrophy bind and bundle microtubules
Authors: Bai Xiaobo , Bowen Jonathan R. , Knox Tara K. , Zhou Kaifeng , Pendziwiat Manuela , Kuhlenbäumer Gregor , Sindelar Charles V. , Spiliotis Elias T.
Published: December 2013

Septin 9 (SEPT9) interacts with microtubules (MTs) and is mutated in hereditary neuralgic amyotrophy (HNA), an autosomal-dominant neuropathy. The mechanism of SEPT9 interaction with MTs and the molecular basis of HNA are unknown. Here, we show that the N-terminal domain of SEPT9 contains the novel repeat motifs K/R-x-x-E/D and R/K-R-x-E, which bind and bundle MTs by interacting with the acidic C-terminal tails of β-tubulin. Alanine scanning mutagenesis revealed that the K/R-R/x-x-E/D motifs pair electrostatically with one another and the tails of β-tubulin, enabling septin–septin interactions that link MTs together. SEPT9 isoforms lacking repeat motifs or containing the HNA-linked mutation R88W, which maps to the R/K-R-x-E motif, diminished intracellular MT bundling and impaired asymmetric neurite growth in PC-12 cells. Thus, the SEPT9 repeat motifs bind and bundle MTs, and thereby promote asymmetric neurite growth. These results provide the first insight into the mechanism of septin interaction with MTs and the molecular and cellular basis of HNA.
Divalent cations activate TRPV1 through promoting conformational change of the extracellular region
Authors: Yang Fan , Ma Linlin , Cao Xu , Wang KeWei , Zheng Jie
Published: December 2013

Divalent cations Mg2+ and Ba2+ selectively and directly potentiate transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 heat activation by lowering the activation threshold into the room temperature range. We found that Mg2+ potentiates channel activation only from the extracellular side; on the intracellular side, Mg2+ inhibits channel current. By dividing the extracellularly accessible region of the channel protein into small segments and perturbing the structure of each segment with sequence replacement mutations, we observed that the S1–S2 linker, the S3–S4 linker, and the pore turret are all required for Mg2+ potentiation. Sequence replacements at these regions substantially reduced or eliminated Mg2+-induced activation at room temperature while sparing capsaicin activation. Heat activation was affected by many, but not all, of these structural alternations. These observations indicate that extracellular linkers and the turret may interact with each other. Site-directed fluorescence resonance energy transfer measurements further revealed that, like heat, Mg2+ also induces structural changes in the pore turret. Interestingly, turret movement induced by Mg2+ precedes channel activation, suggesting that Mg2+-induced conformational change in the extracellular region most likely serves as the cause of channel activation instead of a coincidental or accommodating structural adjustment.
Sarcolemmal ATP-sensitive potassium channels modulate skeletal muscle function under low-intensity workloads
Authors: Zhu Zhiyong , Sierra Ana , Burnett Colin M.-L. , Chen Biyi , Subbotina Ekaterina , Koganti Siva Rama Krishna , Gao Zhan , Wu Yuejin , Anderson Mark E. , Song Long-Sheng , Goldhamer David J. , Coetzee William A. , Hodgson-Zingman Denice M. , Zingman Leonid V.
Published: December 2013

ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels have the unique ability to adjust membrane excitability and functions in accordance with the metabolic status of the cell. Skeletal muscles are primary sites of activity-related energy consumption and have KATP channels expressed in very high density. Previously, we demonstrated that transgenic mice with skeletal muscle–specific disruption of KATP channel function consume more energy than wild-type littermates. However, how KATP channel activation modulates skeletal muscle resting and action potentials under physiological conditions, particularly low-intensity workloads, and how this can be translated to muscle energy expenditure are yet to be determined. Here, we developed a technique that allows evaluation of skeletal muscle excitability in situ, with minimal disruption of the physiological environment. Isometric twitching of the tibialis anterior muscle at 1 Hz was used as a model of low-intensity physical activity in mice with normal and genetically disrupted KATP channel function. This workload was sufficient to induce KATP channel opening, resulting in membrane hyperpolarization as well as reduction in action potential overshoot and duration. Loss of KATP channel function resulted in increased calcium release and aggravated activity-induced heat production. Thus, this study identifies low-intensity workload as a trigger for opening skeletal muscle KATP channels and establishes that this coupling is important for regulation of myocyte function and thermogenesis. These mechanisms may provide a foundation for novel strategies to combat metabolic derangements when energy conservation or dissipation is required.
Characterization of a Banach-Finsler manifold in terms of the algebras of smooth functions
Authors: Jaramillo J. , Jiménez-Sevilla M. , Sánchez-González L.
Published: December 2013

In this note we give sufficient conditions to ensure that the weak Finsler structure of a complete

C

k

C^{k}

Finsler manifold

M
M

is determined by the normed algebra

C
b
k

(
M
)

C_b^k(M)

of all real-valued, bounded and

C
k

C^k

smooth functions with bounded derivative defined on

M
M

. As a consequence, we obtain: (i) the Finsler structure of a finite-dimensional and complete

C

k

C^{k}

Finsler manifold

M
M

is determined by the algebra

C
b
k

(
M
)

C_b^k(M)

; (ii) the weak Finsler structure of a separable and complete

C

k

C^{k}

Finsler manifold

M
M

modeled on a Banach space with a Lipschitz and

C
k

C^k

smooth bump function is determined by the algebra

C
b
k

(
M
)

C^k_b(M)

; (iii) the weak Finsler structure of a

C
1

C^1

uniformly bumpable and complete

C

1

C^{1}

Finsler manifold

M
M

modeled on a Weakly Compactly Generated (WCG) Banach space is determined by the algebra

C
b
1

(
M
)

C^1_b(M)

; and (iv) the isometric structure of a WCG Banach space

X
X

with a

C
1

C^1

smooth bump function is determined by the algebra

C
b
1

(
X
)

C_b^1(X)

.
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor protects against bacterial infection by promoting macrophage survival and reactive oxygen species production
Authors: Kimura Akihiro , Abe Hiromi , Tsuruta Sanae , Chiba Sayuri , Fujii-Kuriyama Yoshiaki , Sekiya Takashi , Morita Rimpei , Yoshimura Akihiko
Published: December 2013

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is crucial for various immune responses. The relationship between AhR and infection with the intracellular bacteria Listeria monocytogenes (LM) is poorly understood. Here, we show that in response to LM infection, AhR is required for bacterial clearance by promoting macrophage survival and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. AhR-deficient mice were more susceptible to listeriosis, and AhR deficiency enhances bacterial growth in vivo and in vitro. On the other hand, pro-inflammatory cytokines were increased in AhR-deficient macrophages infected with LM despite enhanced susceptibility to LM infection in AhR-deficient mice. Subsequent studies demonstrate that AhR protects against macrophage cell death induced by LM infection through the induction of the antiapoptotic factor, the apoptosis inhibitor of macrophages, which promotes macrophage survival in the setting of LM infection. Furthermore, AhR promotes ROS production for bacterial clearance. Our results demonstrate that AhR is essential to the resistance against LM infection as it promotes macrophage survival and ROS production. This suggests that the activation of AhR by its ligands may be an effective strategy against listeriosis.
The English Struwwelpeter and the Birth of International Copyright
Authors: Brown Jane , Jones Gregory
Published: December 2013

Following its publication in 1848, The English Struwwelpeter was to become a long-lived favourite among children's books in Britain, yet for half a century it was an exclusively German production. It is proposed that The English Struwwelpeter was the first outstanding beneficiary of the first major convention on international copyright, concluded between Britain and Prussia in 1846. The identity of the gifted translator was never revealed, but evidence is presented which converges on a new proposal, Alexander Platt. Understanding the book's history has previously been hampered by the mystifying ramifications of its more than fifty editions. For the first time all editions, some issued under two or three different imprints concurrently, are characterised and dated. The 11th edition is identified as having influenced the development of Slovenly Peter in America. The early British responses to the book's copyright protection are traced, as are the responses to its eventual expiry.
Initial Experience with Intraventricular Repair Using CorMatrix Extracellular Matrix
Authors: Yanagawa Bobby , Rao Vivek , Yau Terrence M. , Cusimano Robert J.
Published: December 2013

Objective

Pericardial patches for intraventricular repair are limited by progressive calcification, thickening, and retraction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of CorMatrix extracellular matrix (ECM) for intraventricular repair of mechanical complications of myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods

CorMatrix ECM is a novel material synthesized from decellularized porcine small intestinal submucosa. Between July 2011 and October 2012, a total of 11 consecutive patients with post-MI complications including ventricular aneurysm (n = 7), ventricular septal defect (VSD; n = 3), and both aneurysm and VSD (n = 1) underwent patch repair using CorMatrix ECM. Clinical follow-up and interval transthoracic echocardiography data were collected.

Results

Eleven patients underwent Dor or linear left ventricular aneurysm repair and/or patch VSD repair. There were two reoperations and one surgical mortality but no cases of CorMatrix ECM repair failures. The mean ± SD clinical follow-up was 207 ± 211 days, and the longest follow-up was 642 days, during which there was no readmission for any cardiac cause or death. The mean ± SD transthoracic echocardiography follow-up was 176 ± 220 days, which demonstrated integrity of CorMatrix ECM repair in all cases.

Conclusions

In our series, CorMatrix ECM was a safe alternative for ventricular patch repair of mechanical complications after MI in the short-term. This series supports the continued study of the efficacy and the regenerative potential of this novel material for cardiac repair.
Minithoracotomy versus Sternotomy for Mitral Surgery in Patients with Chronic Renal Impairment
Authors: Tang Paul , Onaitis Mark , Desai Bhargavi , Gaca Jeffrey G. , Milano Carmelo A. , Stafford-Smith Mark , Glower Donald D.
Published: December 2013

Objective

Compared with median sternotomy, a right thoracotomy (RT) approach to mitral surgery is associated with decreased postoperative acute renal failure. Therefore, we examined propensity-matched patients with chronic renal impairment to compare outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective review at a single institution identified patients who underwent mitral valve surgery from 1986 to 2010. After excluding patients who had procedures that were not usually performed through an RT approach, 2306 patients were identified. Of this group, we found 446 patients with preoperative creatinines of 1.3 mg/dL or greater. Using propensity score matching based on comorbidities, operative year, and surgeon, 90 matched patients in each group were included.

Results

There was no difference in the median year of operation. Postoperative mortality is 20% lower for the RT group ( P = 0.037) using Mantel-Cox statistics. This greater survival in the RT group occurred early within the first year and was maintained on long-term follow-up. The RT approach was also associated with a Cox proportional hazard for mortality of 0.528 ( P = 0.006). Incidence of postoperative complications with an RT approach was lower in terms of acute renal failure (10% vs 21%, P = 0.05), stroke (1% vs 9%, P = 0.017), and permanent pacemaker insertion (3% vs 11%, P = 0.044). Right thoracotomy was associated with lower chest tube outputs (503 vs 1333 mL, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The RT approach was associated with lower postoperative mortality and morbidity in patients with impaired renal function. The RT approach to the mitral valve may be preferred in this high-risk population.
Dextranomer Hyaluronic Acid Copolymer Effects on Gastroesophageal Junction
Authors: Martin Kathryn , Emil Sherif , Bernard Chantal , Gaied Fady , Blumenkrantz Miriam , Laberge Jean‐Martin , Morinville Veronique , Nguyen Van‐Hung
Published: December 2013

Objective:

The outcomes of fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease are suboptimal in many children, and alternatives are clearly needed. Dextranomer hyaluronic acid (DxHA) copolymer, an agent with proven efficacy in vesicoureteral reflux, was studied with respect to its effects on the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ).

Methods:

Twelve New Zealand white rabbits underwent measurement of lower esophageal sphincter pressure followed by laparotomy and injection into the muscular layer of the GEJ (controls, 1.0 mL saline; low‐dose DxHA [0.5 mL]; high‐dose DxHA [1.0 mL]). After a 12‐week survival period, the animals underwent manometry, sacrifice, and necropsy. Organs were examined histologically by pathologists blinded to the injection delivered.

Results:

All animals survived. Weight gain was equal in the 3 groups. There was no significant difference in mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure from baseline in any group (control 2.3 mmHg [95% confidence interval, CI −3.3 to 7.9]; low‐dose group 3.2 mmHg [95% CI −0.8 to 7.2]; high‐dose group −4.0 mmHg [95% CI −18.95 to 10.95]). Histologically, DxHA injection produced an intramural implant, with a foreign body giant cell reaction, and fibroblastic infiltration with collagen deposition. High‐dose injection did not consistently result in a qualitative increase in the magnitude of the reaction. There was no mucosal injury or luminal stenosis.

Conclusions:

In this first study evaluating the effects of DxHA injection at the GEJ, a histologic bulking effect was observed without obvious functional complications. The agent may have a role in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Question of an Infectious Etiology or Contribution to the Pathogenesis of Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis
Authors: Modarressi Taher
Published: December 2013

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is a concerning cause of nonbilious vomiting in the neonatal population. Although a number of etiological theories exist, its exact cause remains nebulous. The question of an infectious etiology (or contribution) has been previously examined in case reports and case series, with recent support through suggestions of seasonality and familial aggregation with unclear inheritance patterns. The present review discusses the published literature regarding infectious etiologies of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Furthermore, it attempts to demonstrate that newer research regarding an NOS1 genetic etiology does not exclude, but rather can be consistent with, an infectious etiology.
Lower Fructose Intake May Help Protect Against Development of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver in Adolescents With Obesity
Authors: O'Sullivan Therese A. , Oddy Wendy H. , Bremner Alexandra P. , Sherriff Jill L. , Ayonrinde Oyekoya T. , Olynyk John K. , Beilin Lawrence J. , Mori Trevor A. , Adams Leon A.
Published: December 2013

Objectives:

Although obesity is a major risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), not all individuals with obesity develop the condition, suggesting that other factors such as diet may also contribute to NAFL development. We evaluated associations between fructose and total sugar intake and subsequent diagnosis of NAFL in adolescents with obesity and without obesity in a population‐based cohort.

Methods:

Adolescents participating in the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study completed 3‐day food records and body mass index measurement at age 14 years. At age 17 years, participants underwent abdominal ultrasound to determine NAFL status. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyse associations between energy‐adjusted fructose and total sugar intake and NAFL status. Food diaries and liver assessments were completed for 592 adolescents.

Results:

The prevalence of NAFL at age 17 was 12.8% for the total group and 50% for adolescents with obesity. Fructose intake did not significantly differ between adolescents with or without NAFL in our cohort as a whole. Among adolescents with obesity, those without NAFL had significantly lower energy‐adjusted fructose intake at age 14 years compared with those with NAFL (mean ± standard deviation [SD] 38.8 ± 19.8 g/day, vs 55.7 ± 14.4 g/day, P = 0.02). Energy‐adjusted fructose intake was independently associated with NAFL in adolescents with obesity (OR [odds ratio] 1.09, 95% CI 1.01–1.19, P = 0.03) after the adjustment for confounding factors. Energy‐adjusted total sugar intake showed less significance (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.999–1.07, P = 0.06). No significant associations were observed in other body mass index categories.

Conclusions:

Lower fructose consumption in adolescents with obesity at 14 years is associated with a decreased risk of NAFL at 17 years. Fructose rather than overall sugar intake may be more physiologically relevant in this association.
Fat‐Soluble Vitamins in Cystic Fibrosis and Pancreatic Insufficiency
Authors: Bertolaso Chiara , Groleau Veronique , Schall Joan I. , Maqbool Asim , Mascarenhas Maria , Latham Norma E. , Dougherty Kelly A. , Stallings Virginia A.
Published: December 2013

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of LYM‐X‐SORB (LXS), an organized lipid matrix that has been shown to be absorbable without pancreatic enzyme therapy on fat‐soluble vitamin status in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and pancreatic insufficiency (PI).

Methods:

Children with CF and PI were randomized to daily LXS or an isocaloric placebo comparison supplement for 12 months. Serum vitamins A (retinol), D (25‐hydroxyvitamin D[25D]), E (α‐tocopherol, α‐tocopherol:cholesterol ratio), and K (percentage of undercarboxylated osteocalcin [%ucOC] and plasma proteins induced by vitamin K absence factor II [PIVKA II]) were assessed at baseline and 12 months. Dietary intake was determined using 3‐day weighed food records and supplemental vitamin intake by a comprehensive questionnaire.

Results:

A total of 58 subjects (32 boys, age 10.3 ± 2.9 years [mean ± standard deviation]) with complete serum vitamin, dietary and supplemental vitamin data were analyzed. After adjusting for dietary and supplemental vitamin intake, serum retinol increased 3.0 ± 1.4 μg/dL (coefficient ± standard error) (adjusted R2 = 0.02, P = 0.03) and vitamin K status improved as demonstrated by a decreased percentage of undercarboxylated osteocalcin of −6.0% ± 1.6% by 12 months (adjusted R2 = 0.15, P < 0.001). These changes occurred in both the LXS and placebo comparison groups. No changes in serum 25D or α‐tocopherol were detected. Both nutrition interventions increased caloric intake a mean of 83 ± 666 kcal/day by 12 months.

Conclusions:

Vitamins A and K status improved, whereas vitamins D and E status was unchanged during 12 months of LXS and isocaloric placebo comparison supplement in children with CF and PI.
A 4‐Polymorphism Risk Score Predicts Steatohepatitis in Children With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Nobili Valerio , Donati Benedetta , Panera Nadia , Vongsakulyanon Apirom , Alisi Anna , Dallapiccola Bruno , Valenti Luca
Published: December 2013

Objective:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease in industrialized countries in adults and children, following the trail of the epidemic diffusion of obesity. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a potentially serious form of NAFLD linked with a significant increase in overall and liver‐related morbidity and mortality. Because diagnosis still requires liver biopsy, there is urgent need of developing noninvasive early markers. The aim of the present study was to assess whether the simultaneous detection of genetic risk factors could predict NASH.

Method:

We enrolled 152 untreated, consecutive obese children and adolescents with biopsy‐proven NAFLD and increased liver enzymes. The PNPLA3 rs738409 C>G (I148 M), SOD2 rs4880 C>T, KLF6 rs3750861 G>A, and LPIN1 rs13412852 C>T polymorphisms were detected by Taqman assays.

Results:

A multivariate logistic model based on the genetic risk factors significantly predicted NASH (area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.67–0.82, P < 0.0001), performing better than a clinical risk score identified at stepwise regression based on age, aspartate aminotransferase levels, and diastolic blood pressure (AUC 0.66, 95% CI 0.57–0.75). A single cutoff value of the genetic risk score had 90% sensitivity and 36% specificity for NASH. A risk score combining the clinical and genetic risk factors resulted in an AUC of 0.80 (95% CI 0.73–0.87).

Conclusions:

A score based on genetic risk factors significantly predicts NASH in obese children with increased liver enzymes, representing a proof‐of‐principle that genetic scores may be useful to predict long‐term outcomes of the disease and guide clinical management.
The nodal count {0,1,2,3,…} implies the graph is a tree
Authors: Band Ram
Published: December 2013

Sturm's oscillation theorem states that the
n
th eigenfunction of a Sturm–Liouville operator on the interval has
n
−1 zeros (nodes) (Sturm 1836
J. Math. Pures Appl.
1
, 106–186; 373–444). This result was generalized for all metric tree graphs (Pokornyĭ
et al.
1996
Mat. Zametki
60
, 468–470 (
doi:10.1007/BF02320380
); Schapotschnikow 2006
Waves Random Complex Media
16
, 167–178 (
doi:10.1080/1745530600702535
)) and an analogous theorem was proved for discrete tree graphs (Berkolaiko 2007
Commun. Math. Phys.
278
, 803–819 (
doi:10.1007/S00220-007-0391-3
); Dhar & Ramaswamy 1985
Phys. Rev. Lett.
54
, 1346–1349 (
doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.54.1346
); Fiedler 1975
Czechoslovak Math. J.
25
, 607–618). We prove the converse theorems for both discrete and metric graphs. Namely if for all
n
, the
n
th eigenfunction of the graph has
n
−1 zeros, then the graph is a tree. Our proofs use a recently obtained connection between the graph's nodal count and the magnetic stability of its eigenvalues (Berkolaiko 2013
Anal. PDE
6
, 1213–1233 (
doi:10.2140/apde.2013.6.1213
); Berkolaiko & Weyand 2014
Phil. Trans. R. Soc. A
372
, 20120522 (
doi:10.1098/rsta.2012.0522
); Colin de Verdière 2013
Anal. PDE
6
, 1235–1242 (
doi:10.2140/apde.2013.6.1235
)). In the course of the proof, we show that it is not possible for all (or even almost all, in the metric case) the eigenvalues to exhibit a diamagnetic behaviour. In addition, we develop a notion of ‘discretized’ versions of a metric graph and prove that their nodal counts are related to those of the metric graph.
Calculation of multi-fractal dimensions in spin chains
Authors: Atas Y. Y. , Bogomolny E.
Published: December 2013

It was demonstrated in Atas & Bogomolny (2012
Phys. Rev. E
86
, 021104) that the ground-state wave functions for a large variety of one-dimensional spin-

models are multi-fractals in the natural spin-
z
basis. We present here the details of analytical derivations and numerical confirmations of this statement.
The value of signs and symptoms in differentiating between bacterial, viral and mixed aetiology in patients with community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Huijskens Elisabeth G. W. , Koopmans Marion , Palmen Fernand M. H. , van Erkel Adriana J. M. , Mulder Paul G. H. , Rossen John W. A.
Published: December 2013

Current diagnostics for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) include testing for a wide range of pathogens, which is costly and not always informative. We compared clinical and laboratory parameters of patients with CAP caused by different groups of pathogens to evaluate the potential for targeted diagnostics and directed treatment. In a prospective study, conducted between April 2008 and April 2009, adult patients with CAP were tested for the presence of a broad range of possible respiratory pathogens using bacterial cultures, PCR, urinary antigen testing and serology. Of 408 patients with CAP, pathogens were detected in 263 patients (64.5 %).Streptococcus pneumoniaeand influenza A virus were the most frequently identified bacterial and viral pathogens, respectively. Age had a significant effect on the prediction of aetiology (P = 0.054), with an increase in the relative contribution of viruses with advancing age. Multivariate analyses further showed that the presence of cough increased the likelihood of detecting a viral pathogen [odds ratio (OR) 5.536, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 2.130–14.390], the presence of immunodeficiency decreased the likelihood of detecting a bacterial pathogen (OR 0.595, 95 % CI 0.246–1.437) and an increase in pneumonia severity index score increased the likelihood of detecting a pathogen in general. Although several variables were independently associated with the detection of a pathogen group, substantial overlap meant there were no reliable clinical predictors to distinguish aetiologies. Therefore, testing for common respiratory pathogens is still necessary to optimize treatment.
Invasion of endothelial cells and arthritogenic potential of endocarditis-associated Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Authors: Peixoto Renata Stavracakis , Pereira Gabriela Andrade , Sanches dos Santos Louisy , Rocha-de-Souza Cláudio Marcos , Gomes Débora Leandro Rama , Silva dos Santos Cintia , Werneck Lucia Maria Correa , Dias Alexandre Alves de Souza de Oliveira , Hirata Raphael , Nagao Prescilla Emy , Mattos-Guaraldi Ana Luíza
Published: December 2013

Although infection by Corynebacterium diphtheriae is a model of extracellular mucosal pathogenesis, different clones have been also associated with invasive infections such as sepsis, endocarditis, septic arthritis and osteomyelitis. The mechanisms that promote C. diphtheriae infection and haematogenic dissemination need further investigation. In this study we evaluated the association and invasion mechanisms with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and experimental arthritis in mice of endocarditis-associated strains and control non-invasive strains. C. diphtheriae strains were able to adhere to and invade HUVECs at different levels. The endocarditis-associated strains displayed an aggregative adherence pattern and a higher number of internalized viable cells in HUVECs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis revealed intracellular bacteria free in the cytoplasm and/or contained in a host-membrane-confined compartment as single micro-organisms. Data showed bacterial internalization dependent on microfilament and microtubule stability and involvement of protein phosphorylation in the HUVEC signalling pathway. A high number of affected joints and high arthritis index in addition to the histopathological features indicated a strain-dependent ability of C. diphtheriae to cause severe polyarthritis. A correlation between the arthritis index and increased systemic levels of IL-6 and TNF-α was observed for endocarditis-associated strains. In conclusion, higher incidence of potential mechanisms by which C. diphtheriae may access the bloodstream through the endothelial barrier and stimulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, in addition to the ability to affect the joints and induce arthritis through haematogenic spread are thought to be related to the pathogenesis of endocarditis-associated strains.
Understanding the Wolbachia-mediated inhibition of arboviruses in mosquitoes: progress and challenges
Authors: Rainey Stephanie M. , Shah Pranav , Kohl Alain , Dietrich Isabelle
Published: December 2013

Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) pose a considerable threat to human and animal health, yet effective control measures have proven difficult to implement, and novel means of controlling their replication in arthropod vectors, such as mosquitoes, are urgently required. One of the most exciting approaches to emerge from research on arthropods is the use of the endosymbiotic intracellular bacteriumWolbachiato control arbovirus transmission from mosquito to vertebrate. These α-proteobacteria propagate through insects, in part through modulation of host reproduction, thus ensuring spread through species and maintenance in nature. Since it was discovered thatWolbachiaendosymbiosis inhibits insect virus replication inDrosophilaspecies, these bacteria have also been shown to inhibit arbovirus replication and spread in mosquitoes. Importantly, it is not clear how these antiviral effects are mediated. This review will summarize recent work and discuss determinants of antiviral effectiveness that may differ between individualWolbachia/vector/arbovirus interactions. We will also discuss the application of this approach to field settings and the associated risks.
Ethyl 2-[2-(2,4-diphenyl-3-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-9-ylidene)hydrazin-1-yl]-4-methyl-1,3-thiazole-5-carboxylate dimethylformamide monosolvate
Authors: Jothivel S. , Kabilan S.
Published: December 2013

In the title molecule, C27H30N4O2S·C3H7NO, the fused piperidine and cyclohexane rings adopt a twin chair conformation and the phenyl groups occupy equatorial sites. The phenyl rings make a dihedral angle of 40.74 (2)°. In the crystal, the dimethylformamide solvent molecule is connected to the main molecule by an N—H...O hydrogen bond. An additional N—H...O hydrogen bond connects molecules into chains along [100]. Pairs of weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds connect inversion-related chains. The ethyl group was refined as disordered over two sets of sites with an occupancy ratio of 0.660 (17):0.340 (17).
A cross‐sectional study of fluency and reading comprehension in Spanish primary school children
Authors: Calet Nuria , Gutiérrez‐Palma Nicolás , Defior Sylvia
Published: December 2013

The importance of prosodic elements is recognised in most definitions of fluency. Although speed and accuracy have been typically considered the constituents of reading fluency, prosody is emerging as an additional component. The relevance of prosody in comprehension is increasingly recognised in the latest studies. The purpose of this research is to examine the contribution of prosodic reading to comprehension beyond automaticity in word reading, taking into account children's grade level. One hundred and twenty‐two Spanish children (74 second and 48 fourth graders) were tested in prosodic reading, automaticity in word reading (nonword reading and reading rate) and comprehension abilities. Results show that the contribution of automaticity in word reading is relevant in both grades; however, it is more significant in Grade 2. The prosodic components of reading seem to be related differently to comprehension across grades, intonation being the highest predictor of comprehension in Grade 4. Implications for educational practice are discussed.
Agent‐based Modelling of Climate Adaptation and Mitigation Options in Agriculture
Authors: Berger Thomas , Troost Christian
Published: December 2013

Computer simulation models can provide valuable insights for climate‐related analysis and help streamline policy interventions for improved adaptation and mitigation in agriculture. Computable general equilibrium (CGE) and partial equilibrium (PE) models are currently being expanded to include land‐use change and energy markets so that the effects of various policy measures on agricultural production can be assessed. Agent‐based modelling (ABM) or multi‐agent systems (MAS) have been suggested as a complementary tool for assessing farmer responses to climate change in agriculture and how these are affected by policies. MAS applied to agricultural systems draw on techniques used for Recursive Farm Programming, but include models of all individual farms, their spatial interactions and the natural environment. In this article, we discuss the specific insights MAS provide for developing robust policies and land‐use strategies in response to climate change. We show that MAS are well‐suited for uncertainty analysis and can thereby complement existing simulation approaches to advance the understanding and implementation of effective climate‐related policies in agriculture.
Food Safety Offenses in New South Wales, Australia: A Critical Appreciation of Their Complexities
Authors: Ali Abu Noman M.A. , Solaiman S.M.
Published: December 2013

Food is essentially a primary need of all life to remain alive. Faults or carelessness of human beings renders foods unsafe, which may cause disease and death. This article examines selected food safety offenses of New South Wales aimed at assessing their definitional clarity and penal rationality looking through the lens of an offender's culpability. It carries out a critical analysis based on archival materials and concludes that the present offense provisions hold significant merits to regulate food safety; however, further clarity of their inherent complexities could enhance their efficacy.
Sinapic Acid and Its Derivatives: Natural Sources and Bioactivity
Authors: Nićiforović Neda , Abramovič Helena
Published: December 2013

Sinapic acid is widespread in the plant kingdom (fruits, vegetables, cereal grains, oilseed crops, and some spices and medicinal plants) and as such is common in the human diet. Derivatives of sinapic acid are characteristic compounds in the Brassicaceae family. Sinapic acid shows antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, anticancer, and anti‐anxiety activity. 4‐Vinylsyringol (a decarboxylation product of sinapic acid) is a potent antioxidative and antimutagenic agent which suppresses carcinogenesis and the induction of inflammatory cytokines. Sinapine (sinapoyl choline) is considered to be an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor which might have therapeutic applications in various disease treatments. Mainly due to their antioxidative activity, these compounds have been suggested for potential use in food processing, cosmetics, and the pharmaceutical industry, and this review aims to summarize current knowledge on the natural sources, chemistry, and biological activity of these substances.
Texture and Structure Measurements and Analyses for Evaluation of Fish and Fillet Freshness Quality: A Review
Authors: Cheng Jun‐Hu , Sun Da‐Wen , Han Zhong , Zeng Xin‐An
Published: December 2013

Recently, food safety and quality have become critical issues of great concern throughout the world. Fish is one of the most vulnerable and perishable aquatic products. The evaluation of fish and fillet freshness is therefore very significant in research and development for providing premium and supreme quality for human health and acceptance by consumers, as well as for international trade. The texture and structure of fish muscle are important freshness quality attributes that depend on several parameters such as hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, chewiness, resilience, and adhesiveness, as well as the internal cross‐linking of connective tissue and the detachment of fibers. This review aims to present recent advances of texture and structure measurements and analyses, including sensory evaluation and instrumental methods, for indicating and evaluating fish freshness quality. Factors affecting these measurements are detailed and correlations between texture and structure are discussed. Moreover, the limitations and challenges of fish texture and structure measurements are described and some viewpoints about current work and future trends are also presented.
Characterization of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) transcriptome: a resource for molecular ecology and immunogenetics
Authors: Ekblom Robert , Wennekes Paul , Horsburgh Gavin J. , Burke Terry
Published: December 2013

The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is an important model species in ecology and evolution. However, until recently, genomic resources for molecular ecological projects have been lacking in this species. Here, we present transcriptome sequencing data (RNA‐Seq) from three different house sparrow tissues (spleen, blood and bursa). These tissues were specifically chosen to obtain a diverse representation of expressed genes and to maximize the yield of immune‐related gene functions. After de novo assembly, 15 250 contigs were identified, representing sequence data from a total of 8756 known avian genes (as inferred from the closely related zebra finch). The transcriptome assembly contain sequence data from nine manually annotated MHC genes, including an almost complete MHC class I coding sequence. There were 407, 303 and 68 genes overexpressed in spleen, blood and bursa, respectively. Gene ontology terms related to ribosomal function were associated with overexpression in spleen and oxygen transport functions with overexpression in blood. In addition to the transcript sequences, we provide 327 gene‐linked microsatellites (SSRs) with sufficient flanking sequences for primer design, and 3177 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within genes, that can be used in follow‐up molecular ecology studies of this ecological well‐studied species.