bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-classicality of the molecular vibrations assisting exciton energy transfer at room temperature
Authors: O’Reilly Edward J. , Olaya-Castro Alexandra
Published: January 2014

Advancing the debate on quantum effects in light-initiated reactions in biology requires clear identification of non-classical features that these processes can exhibit and utilize. Here we show that in prototype dimers present in a variety of photosynthetic antennae, efficient vibration-assisted energy transfer in the sub-picosecond timescale and at room temperature can manifest and benefit from non-classical fluctuations of collective pigment motions. Non-classicality of initially thermalized vibrations is induced via coherent exciton–vibration interactions and is unambiguously indicated by negativities in the phase–space quasi-probability distribution of the effective collective mode coupled to the electronic dynamics. These quantum effects can be prompted upon incoherent input of excitation. Our results therefore suggest that investigation of the non-classical properties of vibrational motions assisting excitation and charge transport, photoreception and chemical sensing processes could be a touchstone for revealing a role for non-trivial quantum phenomena in biology.
Quantification of recombinant human relaxin-2 (B-29/A-24) in non-pregnant rat plasma using ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyan , Liu Jingjing , Wu Jie , Cao Rongyue , Li Taiming
Published: January 2014

A sensitive analytical method using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry is developed for the determination of recombinant human relaxin-2 (B-29/A-24) in rats for characterizing pharmacokinetics.
Catalytic hydroacetylenation of carbodiimides with homoleptic alkaline earth hexamethyldisilazides
Authors: Arrowsmith Merle , Crimmin Mark R. , Hill Michael S. , Lomas Sarah L. , Heng Myra Sae , Hitchcock Peter B. , Kociok-Köhn Gabriele
Published: January 2014

The homoleptic alkaline earth hexamethyldisilazides, [M{N(SiMe3)2}2(THF)2] (M = Mg, Ca, Sr), are shown to be efficient precatalysts for the hydroacetylenation of organic carbodiimides with alkyl- and arylacetylenes.
Pre-miRNA expressing plasmid delivery for anti-cancer therapy
Authors: Benisvy-Aharonovich Elena , Shimanovich Ulyana , Kronfeld Noam , Giladi Nis , Bier Ariel , Kazimirsky Gila , Gedanken Aharon , Brodie Chaya
Published: January 2014

The premiR145/GFP expressing plasmid DNA was delivered into glioma cells and the transcripted miRNA145 efficiently decreases the expression of CTGF.
Multiscale modeling of thermal conductivity of polycrystalline graphene sheets
Authors: Mortazavi Bohayra , Pötschke Markus , Cuniberti Gianaurelio
Published: January 2014

We developed a multiscale approach to explore the effective thermal conductivity of polycrystalline graphene sheets.
Conjugates of folic acids with zinc aminophthalocyanine for cancer cell targeting and photodynamic therapy by one-photon and two-photon excitations
Authors: Wang By Song , Wang Jing , Chen Ji-Yao
Published: January 2014

To improve the photodynamic detection and therapy of cancers (PDT), folic acid (FA) was conjugated with zinc tetraaminophthalocyanine (ZnaPc) to form ZnaPc–FA.
Essential and nonredundant roles for Diaphanous formins in cortical microtubule capture and directed cell migration
Authors: Daou Pascale , Hasan Salma , Breitsprecher Dennis , Baudelet Emilie , Camoin Luc , Audebert Stéphane , Goode Bruce L. , Badache Ali
Published: January 2014

Formins constitute a large family of proteins that regulate the dynamics and organization of both the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons. Previously we showed that the formin mDia1 helps tether microtubules at the cell cortex, acting downstream of the ErbB2 receptor tyrosine kinase. Here we further study the contributions of mDia1 and its two most closely related formins, mDia2 and mDia3, to cortical microtubule capture and ErbB2-dependent breast carcinoma cell migration. We find that depletion of each of these three formins strongly disrupts chemotaxis without significantly affecting actin-based structures. Further, all three formins are required for formation of cortical microtubules in a nonredundant manner, and formin proteins defective in actin polymerization remain active for microtubule capture. Using affinity purification and mass spectrometry analysis, we identify differential binding partners of the formin-homology domain 2 (FH2) of mDia1, mDia2, and mDia3, which may explain their nonredundant roles in microtubule capture. The FH2 domain of mDia1 specifically interacts with Rab6-interacting protein 2 (Rab6IP2). Further, mDia1 is required for cortical localization of Rab6IP2, and concomitant depletion of Rab6IP2 and IQGAP1 severely disrupts cortical capture of microtubules, demonstrating the coinvolvement of mDia1, IQGAP1, and Rab6IP2 in microtubule tethering at the leading edge.
Transendothelial migration of effector T cells across inflamed endothelial barriers does not require heparan sulfate proteoglycans
Authors: Stoler-Barak Liat , Barzilai Sagi , Zauberman Ayelet , Alon Ronen
Published: January 2014

Leukocyte diapedesis is a chemotactic multistep process that requires optimal chemoattractant presentation by the endothelial barrier. Recent studies have described a critical role for heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans (HSGAGs) in the presentation and functions of chemokines essential for lymphocyte interactions with the lymph node vasculature. We wished to test whether HS expression by a prototypic endothelial cell type, i.e. human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), is critical for their ability to support neutrophil and lymphocyte adhesion and transendothelial migration (TEM) under shear flow. We found that HUVECs deposit HS GAGs mainly at their basolateral compartments in both their resting and inflamed states. We next inactivated the key enzyme involved in HS biosynthesis, exostosin-1 (Ext1). Silencing Ext1 resulted in a complete loss of HS biosynthesis; nonetheless, TNF-α and IL-1β stimulation of key adhesion molecules and inflammatory chemokines necessary for neutrophil or lymphocyte adhesion and TEM remained intact. Ext1 silencing reduced neutrophil arrest and markedly impaired TEM, consistent with a role of basolateral HS GAGs in directing neutrophil crossing of inflamed endothelial barriers. Strikingly, however, the TEM of effector T cells across identically Ext1-silenced HUVECs remained normal. Importantly, the biosynthesis of the main promigratory chemokines for effector T cells and neutrophils, respectively, CCL2 and CXCL1, and their vesicle distributions were also Ext1 independent. These results suggest that transmigrating neutrophils must respond to chemokines transiently presented by apical and basolateral endothelial HS GAGs. In contrast, effector T cells can integrate chemotactic TEM signals directly from intra-endothelial chemokine stores rather than from externally deposited chemokines.
Genome-wide parent-of-origin DNA methylation analysis reveals the intricacies of human imprinting and suggests a germline methylation-independent mechanism of establishment
Authors: Court Franck , Tayama Chiharu , Romanelli Valeria , Martin-Trujillo Alex , Iglesias-Platas Isabel , Okamura Kohji , Sugahara Naoko , Simón Carlos , Moore Harry , Harness Julie V. , Keirstead Hans , Sanchez-Mut Jose Vicente , Kaneki Eisuke , Lapunzina Pablo , Soejima Hidenobu , Wake Norio , Esteller Manel , Ogata Tsutomu , Hata Kenichiro , Nakabayashi Kazuhiko , Monk David
Published: January 2014

Differential methylation between the two alleles of a gene has been observed in imprinted regions, where the methylation of one allele occurs on a parent-of-origin basis, the inactive X-chromosome in females, and at those loci whose methylation is driven by genetic variants. We have extensively characterized imprinted methylation in a substantial range of normal human tissues, reciprocal genome-wide uniparental disomies, and hydatidiform moles, using a combination of whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and high-density methylation microarrays. This approach allowed us to define methylation profiles at known imprinted domains at base-pair resolution, as well as to identify 21 novel loci harboring parent-of-origin methylation, 15 of which are restricted to the placenta. We observe that the extent of imprinted differentially methylated regions (DMRs) is extremely similar between tissues, with the exception of the placenta. This extra-embryonic tissue often adopts a different methylation profile compared to somatic tissues. Further, we profiled all imprinted DMRs in sperm and embryonic stem cells derived from parthenogenetically activated oocytes, individual blastomeres, and blastocysts, in order to identify primary DMRs and reveal the extent of reprogramming during preimplantation development. Intriguingly, we find that in contrast to ubiquitous imprints, the majority of placenta-specific imprinted DMRs are unmethylated in sperm and all human embryonic stem cells. Therefore, placental-specific imprinting provides evidence for an inheritable epigenetic state that is independent of DNA methylation and the existence of a novel imprinting mechanism at these loci.
Genome-wide identification of long noncoding natural antisense transcripts and their responses to light in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Huan , Chung Pil Joong , Liu Jun , Jang In-Cheol , Kean Michelle J. , Xu Jun , Chua Nam-Hai
Published: January 2014

Recent research on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) has expanded our understanding of gene transcription regulation and the generation of cellular complexity. Depending on their genomic origins, lncRNAs can be transcribed from intergenic or intragenic regions or from introns of protein-coding genes. We have recently reported more than 6000 intergenic lncRNAs in Arabidopsis. Here, we systematically identified long noncoding natural antisense transcripts (lncNATs), defined as lncRNAs transcribed from the opposite DNA strand of coding or noncoding genes. We found a total of 37,238 sense–antisense transcript pairs and 70% of annotated mRNAs to be associated with antisense transcripts in Arabidopsis. These lncNATs could be reproducibly detected by different technical platforms, including strand-specific tiling arrays, Agilent custom expression arrays, strand-specific RNA-seq, and qRT-PCR experiments. Moreover, we investigated the expression profiles of sense–antisense pairs in response to light and observed spatial and developmental-specific light effects on 626 concordant and 766 discordant NAT pairs. Genes for a large number of the light-responsive NAT pairs are associated with histone modification peaks, and histone acetylation is dynamically correlated with light-responsive expression changes of NATs.
Computational identification of miRNAs, their targets and functions in three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Authors: Chaturvedi Anurag , Raeymaekers Joost A. M. , Volckaert Filip A. M.
Published: January 2014

An intriguing question in biology is how the evolution of gene regulation is shaped by natural selection in natural populations. Among the many known regulatory mechanisms, regulation of gene expression by microRNAs (miRNAs) is of critical importance. However, our understanding of their evolution in natural populations is limited. Studying the role of miRNAs in three‐spined stickleback, an important natural model for speciation research, may provide new insights into adaptive polymorphisms. However, lack of annotation of miRNAgenes in its genome is a bottleneck. To fill this research gap, we used the genome of three‐spined stickleback to predict miRNAs and their targets. We predicted 1486 mature miRNAs using the homology‐based miRNAprediction approach. We then performed functional annotation and enrichment analysis of these targets, which identified over‐represented motifs. Further, a database resource (GAmiRdb) has been developed for dynamically searching miRNAs and their targets exclusively in three‐spined stickleback. Finally, the database was used in two case studies focusing on freshwater adaptation in natural populations. In the first study, we found 44 genomic regions overlapping with predicted miRNAtargets. In the second study, we identified twoSNPs altering theMREseed site of sperm‐specific glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate gene. These findings highlight the importance of theGAmiRdb knowledge base in understanding adaptive evolution.
Performance of individual vs. group sampling for inferring dispersal under isolation‐by‐distance
Authors: Luximon N. , Petit E. J. , Broquet T.
Published: January 2014

Models of isolation‐by‐distance formalize the effects of genetic drift and gene flow in a spatial context where gene dispersal is spatially limited. These models have been used to show that, at an appropriate spatial scale, dispersal parameters can be inferred from the regression of genetic differentiation against geographic distance between sampling locations. This approach is compelling because it is relatively simple and robust and has rather low sampling requirements. In continuous populations, dispersal can be inferred from isolation‐by‐distance patterns using either individuals or groups as sampling units. Intrigued by empirical findings where individual samples seemed to provide more power, we used simulations to compare the performances of the two methods in a range of situations with different dispersal distributions. We found that sampling individuals provide more power in a range of dispersal conditions that is narrow but fits many realistic situations. These situations were characterized not only by the general steepness of isolation‐by‐distance but also by the intrinsic shape of the dispersal kernel. The performances of the two approaches are otherwise similar, suggesting that the choice of a sampling unit is globally less important than other settings such as a study's spatial scale.
A dual role for integrin‐linked kinase and β1‐integrin in modulating cardiac aging
Authors: Nishimura Mayuko , Kumsta Caroline , Kaushik Gaurav , Diop Soda B. , Ding Yun , Bisharat‐Kernizan Jumana , Catan Hannah , Cammarato Anthony , Ross Robert S. , Engler Adam J. , Bodmer Rolf , Hansen Malene , Ocorr Karen
Published: January 2014

Cardiac performance decreases with age, which is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality in the aging human population, but the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac aging are still poorly understood. Investigating the role of integrin‐linked kinase (ilk) and β1‐integrin (myospheroid, mys) in Drosophila, which colocalize near cardiomyocyte contacts and Z‐bands, we find that reduced ilk or mys function prevents the typical changes of cardiac aging seen in wildtype, such as arrhythmias. In particular, the characteristic increase in cardiac arrhythmias with age is prevented in ilk and mys heterozygous flies with nearly identical genetic background, and they live longer, in line with previous findings in Caenorhabditis elegans for ilk and in Drosophila for mys. Consistent with these findings, we observed elevated β1‐integrin protein levels in old compared with young wild‐type flies, and cardiac‐specific overexpression of mys in young flies causes aging‐like heart dysfunction. Moreover, moderate cardiac‐specific knockdown of integrin‐linked kinase (ILK)/integrin pathway‐associated genes also prevented the decline in cardiac performance with age. In contrast, strong cardiac knockdown of ilk or ILK‐associated genes can severely compromise cardiac integrity, including cardiomyocyte adhesion and overall heart function. These data suggest that ilk/mys function is necessary for establishing and maintaining normal heart structure and function, and appropriate fine‐tuning of this pathway can retard the age‐dependent decline in cardiac performance and extend lifespan. Thus, ILK/integrin‐associated signaling emerges as an important and conserved genetic mechanism in longevity, and as a new means to improve age‐dependent cardiac performance, in addition to its vital role in maintaining cardiac integrity.
The ‘drug policy ratchet’: why do sanctions for new psychoactive drugs typically only go up?
Authors: Stevens Alex , Measham Fiona
Published: January 2014

It has been much more common for drugs to be subjected to tighter rather than looser control as drugs and evidence about their effects have has emerged. We argue that there is in place a drug policy ratchet which subjects new psychoactive substances (NPS) to increasing control through the continuation of historical patterns that involve the attribution to emerging drugs of guilt by three different kinds of association: guilt by deviant association; guilt by lunatic association; and guilt by molecular association. We use our contemporary ethnographic experience of drug policy‐making to show how these processes continue to be applied to policy onNPS, alongside selective, narrative use of evidence and the ‘silent silencing’ by absorption of the concept of evidence‐based policy. We show that the drug policy ratchet cannot be justified as an example of the precautionary principle in action, as this principle is itself not rationally justified. We conclude that recognition of the drug policy ratchet and its mechanisms may help researchers and policy‐makers to improve regulation ofNPS.
Assessing Risk to Birds from Industrial Wind Energy Development via Paired Resource Selection Models
Authors: MILLER TRICIA A. , BROOKS ROBERT P. , LANZONE MICHAEL , BRANDES DAVID , COOPER JEFF , O'MALLEY KIERAN , MAISONNEUVE CHARLES , TREMBLAY JUNIOR , DUERR ADAM , KATZNER TODD
Published: January 2014

When wildlife habitat overlaps with industrial development animals may be harmed. Because wildlife and people select resources to maximize biological fitness and economic return, respectively, we estimated risk, the probability of eagles encountering and being affected by turbines, by overlaying models of resource selection for each entity. This conceptual framework can be applied across multiple spatial scales to understand and mitigate impacts of industry on wildlife. We estimated risk to Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) from wind energy development in 3 topographically distinct regions of the central Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania (United States) based on models of resource selection of wind facilities (n = 43) and of northbound migrating eagles (n = 30). Risk to eagles from wind energy was greatest in the Ridge and Valley region; all 24 eagles that passed through that region used the highest risk landscapes at least once during low altitude flight. In contrast, only half of the birds that entered the Allegheny Plateau region used highest risk landscapes and none did in the Allegheny Mountains. Likewise, in the Allegheny Mountains, the majority of wind turbines (56%) were situated in poor eagle habitat; thus, risk to eagles is lower there than in the Ridge and Valley, where only 1% of turbines are in poor eagle habitat. Risk within individual facilities was extremely variable; on average, facilities had 11% (SD 23; range = 0–100%) of turbines in highest risk landscapes and 26% (SD 30; range = 0–85%) of turbines in the lowest risk landscapes. Our results provide a mechanism for relocating high‐risk turbines, and they show the feasibility of this novel and highly adaptable framework for managing risk of harm to wildlife from industrial development.

Evaluación del Riesgo para las Aves por el Desarrollo de Energía Eólica Industrial Mediante Modelos de Selección de Recursos Pareados.
Clinical significance and detection of microRNA‐21 in serum of patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in Chinese population
Authors: Chen Weiqun , Wang Hui , Chen Heming , Liu Shuiyi , Lu Hongda , Kong Deyong , Huang Xiaodong , Kong Qinzhi , Lu Zhongxin
Published: January 2014

Background

Expression patterns of microRNAs in serum are involved in potentially non‐invasive biomarkers for various diseases. The purpose of this study is to examine the expression of miR‐21 in serum of patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and to validate the significance of miR‐21 in early diagnosis, genotyping, treatment options as well as its prognosis estimates of Chinese DLBCL.

Methods

miR‐21 expression was detected by fluorescent quantity polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in 9 DLBCL cell lines (OCI‐Ly1, OCI‐Ly3, OCI‐Ly4, OCI‐Ly7, OCI‐Ly8, OCI‐Ly10, OCI‐Ly18, OCI‐Ly19, and HBL), as well as in tumor tissue and serum samples from patients with DLBCL (germinal center B‐cell‐like (GCB) DLBCL 32; activated B‐cell‐like (ABC) DLBCL 30) and 50 healthy subjects.

Results

Expression of miR‐21 was increased in DLBCL cell lines. Compared with the miR‐21 expression of GCB subgroup (OCI‐Ly1, OCI‐Ly4, OCI‐Ly7, OCI‐Ly8, OCI‐Ly18, OCI‐Ly19), ABC subgroup (OCI‐Ly3, OCI‐Ly10, and HBL) has higher expression (t = 11.18, P < 0.01). Circulating miR‐21 level in sera from patients with DLBCLwas associated with matched tumor tissue (r2 = 0.931, P < 0.0001). Consistent with the in vitro, miR‐21 expression levels in serum of patients with DLBCL [21.38(10.26–45.21)] were higher than those in serum of control cases [1.87(1.05–3.97); U = 168, P = 0.000]. Moreover, miR‐21 expression levels in serum of patients with subgroup ABC [28.68(14.92~98.44)] were higher than that of patients with subgroup GCB [18.3(7.32~33.46); U = 336, P = 0.043]. miR‐21 expression in serum of DLBCL with stage I and II were higher than those in stage III and IV (U = 62, P = 0.013 in GCB type; U = 53, P = 0.014 in ABC type). Compared with relapse‐free survival in patients with DLBCL, high expression of miR‐21 was associated with well prognosis (U = 259, P = 0.035).

Conclusion

miR‐21 expressed in the serum of patients with DLBCL from Chinese was associated with clinical stage, molecular subgroup, and prognosis estimates. miR‐21 may be served as a biomarker in early diagnosis, genotyping, treatment options, and prognosis estimating of Chinese DLBCL.
Does Hell Still Have a Future?
Authors: Henry Martin
Published: January 2014

The vexed and ever‐controversial question of hell and the possibility of its final realization is the subject matter of this article. The current fading of belief, or at least serious interest, in this traditional aspect of Christian teaching is the starting‐point for a brief historical survey of the meaning of the term in general and its meaning within Christianity in particular. The article argues for a retention of the doctrine, albeit shorn of some of its more flamboyant, traditional attributes, as being of lasting significance to the Christian understanding of salvation.
The effects of a breastfeeding self‐efficacy intervention on short‐term breastfeeding outcomes among primiparous mothers in Wuhan, China
Authors: Wu Di Shi , Hu Jie , McCoy Thomas P. , Efird Jimmy T.
Published: January 2014

Aims

To evaluate the effects of a breastfeeding intervention on primiparous mothers' breastfeeding self‐efficacy, breastfeeding duration and exclusivity at 4 and 8 weeks postpartum.

Background

Few studies have examined the effects of breastfeeding self‐efficacy on improved breastfeeding outcomes among primiparous mothers in China.

Design

An experimental pre‐test and posttest, two‐group design was used in the study.

Methods

A total of 74 participants were recruited to the study from a tertiary hospital in central China, from June–October 2012. An individualized, standardized nursing intervention based on the Self‐Efficacy Theory was delivered to enhance mothers' breastfeeding self‐efficacy, breastfeeding duration and exclusivity at 4 and 8 weeks postpartum. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention or referent group. Participants in the intervention group received three individualized, self‐efficacy‐enhancing sessions. Participants in the referent group received standard care.

Results

Participants in the intervention group showed significantly greater increases in breastfeeding self‐efficacy, exclusivity and duration than participants in the control group at 4 and 8 weeks postpartum (except for duration at 4 weeks). High baseline breastfeeding self‐efficacy predicted higher breastfeeding self‐efficacy later and more exclusive breast‐feeding.

Conclusion

The findings in this study suggest that intervention aimed at increasing self‐efficacy has a significant impact on maternal breastfeeding self‐efficacy and short‐term breastfeeding outcomes.
The functional role of microRNAs in alcoholic liver injury
Authors: McDaniel Kelly , Herrera Leonardo , Zhou Tianhao , Francis Heather , Han Yuyan , Levine Phillip , Lin Emily , Glaser Shannon , Alpini Gianfranco , Meng Fanyin
Published: January 2014

The function of microRNAs (miRNAs) during alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has recently become of great interest in biological research. Studies have shown that ALD associated miRNAs play a crucial role in the regulation of liver‐inflammatory agents such as tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), one of the key inflammatory agents responsible for liver fibrosis (liver scarring) and the critical contributor of alcoholic liver disease. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of the cell wall of gram‐negative bacteria, is responsible for TNF‐α release by Kupffer cells. miRNAs are the critical mediators of LPS signalling in Kupffer cells, hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells. Certain miRNAs, in particular miR‐155 and miR‐21, show a positive correlation in up‐regulation of LPS signalling when they are exposed to ethanol. ALD is related to enhanced gut permeability that allows the levels of LPS to increase, leads to increased secretion of TNF‐α by the Kupffer cells and subsequently promotes alcoholic liver injury through specific miRNAs. Meanwhile, two of the most frequently dysregulated miRNAs in steatohepatitis, miR‐122 and miR‐34a are the critical mediators in ethanol/LPS activated survival signalling during ALD. In this review, we summarize recent findings regarding the experimental and clinical aspects of functions of specific microRNAs, focusing mainly on inflammation and cell survival after ethanol/LPS treatment, and advances on the role of circulating miRNAs in human alcoholic disorders.
Outbreak of pathogenic Escherichia coli in an outdoor‐housed non‐human primate colony
Authors: Kolappaswamy K. , Nazareno J. , Porter W.P. , Klein H.J.
Published: January 2014

Background

Pathogenic Escherichia coli has been identified as an etiologic agent in humans causing acute diarrhea or even death but has been rarely reported in non‐human primates (NHP). An outbreak of diarrhea occurred in an outdoor‐housed NHP colony over a period of 2 months with an attack rate of 29%.

Methods

Bacterial culture and PCR were performed on the fecal specimens to identify enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC) and Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC) in the NHPs.

Results

By random sampling of 10% of fecal samples of diarrheal cases, four cases of EIEC in rhesus macaques and two cases of EHEC in cynomolgus macaques were confirmed.

Conclusion

This is the first time EIEC and EHEC have been reported in NHPs associated with diarrhea. The primary source of infection could not be determined.
Puerperal Infections of the Genital Tract: A Clinical Review
Authors: Karsnitz Deborah Brandt
Published: January 2014

Puerperal genital tract infections, although less common in the 21st century, continue to affect maternal mortality and morbidity rates in the United States. Puerperal genital tract infections include endometritis as well as abdominal and perineal wound infections. These infections interrupt postpartum restoration, increase the potential for readmission to a health care facility, and can interfere with maternal‐infant bonding. In addition, unrecognized or improperly treated genital tract infection could extend to other sites via venous circulation or the lymphatic system and increase the risk of severe complications or sepsis. Midwives are leaders in education, low rates of intervention, and prompt recognition of deviation from normal. Because puerperal genital tract infection usually begins after discharge, detailed education for women will encourage preventative health care, prompt recognition, and treatment.
Early Numerical Studies on the Peristaltic Flow through the Pharynx
Authors: Salinas‐Vázquez M. , Vicente W. , Brito‐de la Fuente E. , Gallegos C. , Márquez J. , Ascanio G.
Published: January 2014

The flow through the pharynx from the GPJ to the UES has been numerically investigated with a non‐Newtonian fluid obeying the power law with similar rheological indices to a contrast medium used in videofluroscopy. Flow fields revealed the occurrence of reflux regions in the beginning, being this effect stronger at low entrance pressure, which could be related to abnormal swallowing. As a consequence, the bolus travels preferably along the walls. It has been also observed that the bolus head travels faster than the bolus tail, which indicates that the bolus is elongated. Results from this work can be further used for a rheological characterization of oral nutritional supplements for patients suffering from swallowing disorders.

Practical Applications

The flow through the pharynx has been numerically investigated with a non‐Newtonian fluid to get insight about causes leading to abnormal swallowing. Reflux has been observed in the beginning as result of a central stream and two symmetric loops generated along the walls, being this effect at low peristaltic pressure. Velocity fields revealed that the bolus head travels faster than the bolus tail, which is a result of the geometry and conservation of mass. Under these conditions, extensional stresses are generated by the flexion of the pharynx walls. Shear rate fields allowed establishing the shear rate range at which the bolus is subjected along the pharynx, which is useful for the rheological characterization of supplements for patients suffering from swallowing disorders.
Integer‐valued Trawl Processes: A Class of Stationary Infinitely Divisible Processes
Authors: Barndorff‐Nielsen Ole E. , Lunde Asger , Shephard Neil , Veraart Almut E.D.
Published: January 2014

This paper introduces a new continuous‐time framework for modelling serially correlated count and integer‐valued data. The key component in our new model is the class of integer‐valued trawl processes, which are serially correlated, stationary, infinitely divisible processes. We analyse the probabilistic properties of such processes in detail and, in addition, study volatility modulation and multivariate extensions within the new modelling framework. Moreover, we describe how the parameters of a trawl process can be estimated and obtain promising estimation results in our simulation study. Finally, we apply our new modelling framework to high‐frequency financial data.
Changing Healthcare System Types
Authors: Wendt Claus
Published: January 2014

This article classifies 32 Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) healthcare systems based on data from 2001 and 2007. It shows that European countries are clustered in different types of healthcare systems and that traditional typologies are only partially represented in the four types of healthcare systems identified in this study. Type 1 represents countries with low total health expenditure (THE), high public financing, and low out‐of‐pocket payment (OOP). In‐patient healthcare is higher and out‐patient healthcare lower than the OECD average. General practitioners (GPs) are paid by capitation, and patients' access to healthcare is strictly regulated. Type 2 represents countries with an average level of THE, high public financing, above‐average OOP, and high in‐patient and out‐patient healthcare. GPs receive a salary, and access regulation is strict. Type 3 is characterized by very low THE, low public financing, and very high OOP. Both in‐patient and out‐patient healthcare is well below average, and GPs are paid a salary. Type 4 includes systems with the highest THE, the highest public financing, and the lowest direct payments by patients. In‐patient healthcare is below the OECD mean and out‐patient healthcare is well above it. GPs are paid by fee‐for‐service, and most countries offer free choice of medical doctors. The clusters for the years 2001 and 2007 are quite robust. During this time period, THE increased, and patients' access to medical doctors has since become more regulated.
Opportunities and Impediments for Open GIS
Authors: Sui Daniel
Published: January 2014

The field of GIS (S for Systems, Sciences, Services, and Studies) is at a cross‐road in the early 2010s. Aiming to link the multiple visions for the next phase of GIS development, this article suggests that the emerging open GIS should serve as a guiding concept. Contextualized in the broader literature of open science, this article proposes open GIS should include eight dimensions related to data, software, hardware, standards, research, publication, funding, and education. For the GIS community, open GIS offers four exciting opportunities: (1) technology‐driven opportunities for addressing challenges posed by the (spatial) big data deluge; (2) application‐led opportunities for confronting the problems of a rapidly changing planet; (3) curiosity‐inspired, crowd‐powered opportunities for the development of an open and geographic citizen science; and (4) education‐focused opportunities for implementing the vision of a spatial university. Although there are academic, legal, social/political, and environmental impediments for the practice of open GIS, open GIS will become increasingly important in shaping our research and educational agendas in the future.
Does Warm-Up Have a Beneficial Effect on 100-m Freestyle?
Authors: Neiva Henrique P. , Marques Mario C. , Fernandes Ricardo J. , Viana João L. , Barbosa Tiago M. , Marinho Daniel A.
Published: January 2014

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of warm-up on 100-m swimming performance.

Methods:

Twenty competitive swimmers (with a training frequency of 8.0 ± 1.0 sessions/wk) performed 2 maximal 100-m freestyle trials on separate days, with and without prior warm-up, in a counterbalanced and randomized design. The warm-up distance totaled 1000 m and replicated the swimmers’ usual precompetition warm-up strategy. Performance (time), physiological (capillary blood lactate concentrations), psychophysiological (perceived exertion), and biomechanical variables (distance per stroke, stroke frequency, and stroke index) were assessed on both trials.

Results:

Performance in the 100-m was fastest in the warm-up condition (67.15 ± 5.60 vs 68.10 ± 5.14 s; P = .01), although 3 swimmers swam faster without warm-up. Critical to this was the 1st 50-m lap (32.10 ± 2.59 vs 32.78 ± 2.33 s; P < .01), where the swimmers presented higher distance per stroke (2.06 ± 0.19 vs. 1.98 ± 0.16 m; P = .04) and swimming efficiency compared with the no-warm-up condition (stroke index 3.46 ± 0.53 vs 3.14 ± 0.44 m2 · c−1 · s−1; P < .01). Notwithstanding this better stroke-kinematic pattern, blood lactate concentrations and perceived exertion were similar between trials.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that swimmers’ usual warm-up routines lead to faster 100-m freestyle swimming performance, a factor that appears to be related to better swimming efficiency in the 1st lap of the race. This study highlights the importance of performing swimming drills (for higher distance per stroke) before a maximal 100-m freestyle effort in similar groups of swimmers.
Single-Cell RNA-Seq Reveals Dynamic, Random Monoallelic Gene Expression in Mammalian Cells
Authors: Deng Qiaolin , Ramsköld Daniel , Reinius Björn , Sandberg Rickard
Published: January 2014

Expressing One Allele at a Time

Although genetic traits are often dominant or recessive, the impact of the same heterozygous genotype can vary quite a bit between individuals.

Deng
et al.

(p.
193
), analyzed global gene expression in hundreds of individual mouse cells and found that a substantial fraction of the genes only expressed one of the alleles, chosen randomly, at any given point in time. Such stochasticity in transcription increases the heterogeneity among cells and likely contributes to the phenotypic variance among individuals of identical genotype.
A Spatial Accommodation by Neighboring Cells Is Required for Organ Initiation in
Arabidopsis
Authors: Vermeer Joop E. M. , von Wangenheim Daniel , Barberon Marie , Lee Yuree , Stelzer Ernst H. K. , Maizel Alexis , Geldner Niko
Published: January 2014

Make Way for the Emerging Rootlet

Plant cells are immobilized by their rigid cells walls, and the root endodermal cell layer maintains a impervious perimeter seal made of an indigestible irregular polymer. Despite these mechanical obstacles, lateral root primordia, which initiate in the deep layers of the root, manage to break through to the surface.

Vermeer
et al.

(p.
178
; see the cover) used live-tissue imaging and genetics to show that signals are exchanged between the root primordium and the handful of cells overlying it, which then cave in on themselves to open up a channel for the growing root primordium.
Glimpsing Eruptions on Europa
Authors: Spencer John R.
Published: January 2014

Recent observations with the Hubble Space Telescope reveal what are probably eruptions of water vapor from Jupiter's moon Europa.

[Also see Report by

Roth
et al.

]
High Frequency of Acinetobacter soli among Acinetobacter Isolates Causing Bacteremia at a Tertiary Hospital in Japan
Authors: Endo Shiro , Yano Hisakazu , Kanamori Hajime , Inomata Shinya , Aoyagi Tetsuji , Hatta Masumitsu , Gu Yoshiaki , Tokuda Koichi , Kitagawa Miho , Kaku Mitsuo
Published: January 2014

Acinetobacter baumannii
is generally the most frequently isolated
Acinetobacter
species. Sequence analysis techniques allow reliable identification of
Acinetobacter
isolates at the species level. Forty-eight clinical isolates of
Acinetobacter
spp. were obtained from blood cultures at Tohoku University Hospital. These isolates were identified at the species level by partial sequencing of the RNA polymerase β-subunit (
rpoB
), 16S rRNA, and
gyrB
genes. Then further characterization was done by using the PCR for detection of OXA-type β-lactamase gene clusters, metallo-β-lactamases, and
carO
genes. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing were also performed. The most frequent isolate was
Acinetobacter soli
(27.1%). Six of the 13
A. soli
isolates were carbapenem nonsusceptible, and all of these isolates produced IMP-1. PFGE revealed that the 13
A. soli
isolates were divided into 8 clusters. This study demonstrated that
A. soli
accounted for a high proportion of
Acinetobacter
isolates causing bacteremia at a Japanese tertiary hospital. Non-
A. baumannii
species were identified more frequently than
A. baumannii
and carbapenem-nonsusceptible isolates were found among the non-
A. baumannii
strains. These results emphasize the importance of performing epidemiological investigations of
Acinetobacter
species.
Small Noncoding RNAs in Cells Transformed by Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1: a Role for a tRNA Fragment as a Primer for Reverse Transcriptase
Authors: Ruggero Katia , Guffanti Alessandro , Corradin Alberto , Sharma Varun Kumar , De Bellis Gianluca , Corti Giorgio , Grassi Angela , Zanovello Paola , Bronte Vincenzo , Ciminale Vincenzo , D'Agostino Donna M.
Published: January 2014

The present study employed mass sequencing of small RNA libraries to identify the repertoire of small noncoding RNAs expressed in normal CD4
+
T cells compared to cells transformed with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), the causative agent of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL). The results revealed distinct patterns of microRNA expression in HTLV-1-infected CD4
+
T-cell lines with respect to their normal counterparts. In addition, a search for virus-encoded microRNAs yielded 2 sequences that originated from the plus strand of the HTLV-1 genome. Several sequences derived from tRNAs were expressed at substantial levels in both uninfected and infected cells. One of the most abundant tRNA fragments (tRF-3019) was derived from the 3′ end of tRNA-proline. tRF-3019 exhibited perfect sequence complementarity to the primer binding site of HTLV-1. The results of an
in vitro
reverse transcriptase assay verified that tRF-3019 was capable of priming HTLV-1 reverse transcriptase. Both tRNA-proline and tRF-3019 were detected in virus particles isolated from HTLV-1-infected cells. These findings suggest that tRF-3019 may play an important role in priming HTLV-1 reverse transcription and could thus represent a novel target to control HTLV-1 infection.

IMPORTANCE
Small noncoding RNAs, a growing family of regulatory RNAs that includes microRNAs and tRNA fragments, have recently emerged as key players in many biological processes, including viral infection and cancer. In the present study, we employed mass sequencing to identify the repertoire of small noncoding RNAs in normal T cells compared to T cells transformed with human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1), a retrovirus that causes adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma. The results revealed a distinct pattern of microRNA expression in HTLV-1-infected cells and a tRNA fragment (tRF-3019) that was packaged into virions and capable of priming HTLV-1 reverse transcription, a key event in the retroviral life cycle. These findings indicate tRF-3019 could represent a novel target for therapies aimed at controlling HTLV-1 infection.
NF-κB Inhibition Facilitates the Establishment of Cell Lines That Chronically Produce Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 Viral Particles
Authors: Zahoor Muhammad Atif , Philip Subha , Zhi Huijun , Giam Chou-Zen
Published: January 2014

Most human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-infected HeLa and SupT1 cells cease proliferation and become senescent immediately after infection by HTLV-1 or transduction of the HTLV-1
tax
gene. The cellular senescence response triggered by Tax is caused by hyperactivated NF-κB and mediated by cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, p21
CIP1/WAF1
and p27
KIP1
. When NF-κB activity is blocked by a degradation-resistant form of IκBα, ΔN-IκBα, Tax-induced senescence is averted. Here, we show that NF-κB inhibition through the expression of ΔN-IκBα allows cells of a human osteosarcoma (HOS) cell line to be chronically infected by HTLV-1. Stable HTLV-1-producing HOS cell clones can be readily established and isolated. These clones continue to proliferate in culture; express Tax, Rex, Gag, and Env proteins persistently; and transmit HTLV-1 to naive HOS, SupT1, and Jurkat T reporter cell lines readily after cocultivation. As HOS cells are adherent to culture plates, infected T cells in suspension can be easily collected and characterized. The ease with which chronic and productive HTLV-1 infection can be established in cell culture through inhibition of NF-κB affords a useful means to examine in depth the molecular events of HTLV-1 replication and the mechanisms of action of viral genes.

IMPORTANCE
This paper describes a system for establishing cell lines that can be productively infected by human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and can spread HTLV-1 to susceptible cells. Such a system can facilitate the study of HTLV-1 replication in cell culture.
Assessment of Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin Stalk-Based Immunity in Ferrets
Authors: Krammer Florian , Hai Rong , Yondola Mark , Tan Gene S. , Leyva-Grado Victor H. , Ryder Alex B. , Miller Matthew S. , Rose John K. , Palese Peter , García-Sastre Adolfo , Albrecht Randy A.
Published: January 2014

Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies that target the conserved stalk domain of the influenza virus hemagglutinin and stalk-based universal influenza virus vaccine strategies are being developed as promising countermeasures for influenza virus infections. The pan-H1-reactive monoclonal antibody 6F12 has been extensively characterized and shows broad efficacy against divergent H1N1 strains in the mouse model. Here we demonstrate its efficacy against a pandemic H1N1 challenge virus in the ferret model of influenza disease. Furthermore, we recently developed a universal influenza virus vaccine strategy based on chimeric hemagglutinin constructs that focuses the immune response on the conserved stalk domain of the hemagglutinin. Here we set out to test this vaccination strategy in the ferret model. Both strategies, pretreatment of animals with a stalk-reactive monoclonal antibody and vaccination with chimeric hemagglutinin-based constructs, were able to significantly reduce viral titers in nasal turbinates, lungs, and olfactory bulbs. In addition, vaccinated animals also showed reduced nasal wash viral titers. In summary, both strategies showed efficacy in reducing viral loads after an influenza virus challenge in the ferret model.

IMPORTANCEInfluenza virus hemagglutinin stalk-reactive antibodies tend to be less potent yet are more broadly reactive and can neutralize seasonal and pandemic influenza virus strains. The ferret model was used to assess the potential of hemagglutinin stalk-based immunity to provide protection against influenza virus infection. The novelty and significance of the findings described in this report support the development of vaccines stimulating stalk-specific antibody responses.
Worldwide variation in human growth and the World Health Organization growth standards: a systematic review
Authors: Natale Valerie , Rajagopalan Anuradha
Published: January 2014

Objective

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established a set of growth curves for use as international standards in children up to age 5. The WHO's position is that all economically advantaged children who were breastfed as infants grow similarly. As a result, a single set of growth charts can be used to judge growth in any child, regardless of race or ethnicity. The goal of this study was to compare mean heights, weights and head circumferences from a variety of studies with the WHO's data.

Design

We compared data from the WHO's Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS) with data from studies performed in 55 countries or ethnic groups.

Data sources

PubMed, WHO Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition, SciELO, Google Scholar, Textbooks and Ministries of Statistics and Public Health.

Eligibility criteria

Large recent studies (1988–2013) of economically advantaged groups, including comparisons with cohorts of breastfed children wherever possible.

Results

Height varied somewhat among different national and ethnic groups. Means were generally within 0.5 of an SD of the MGRS means. Weight varied more than height, but the low MGRS means were seen as endorsing slenderness in the midst of an obesity epidemic. The mean head circumference varied widely. In many groups, means were consistently 0.5–1 SD above the MGRS mean. Head size in breastfed children at any age examined was far closer to local norms than to the MGRS means.

Conclusions

Height and weight curves may not be optimal fits in all cases. The differences between national or ethnic group head circumference means were large enough that using the WHO charts would put many children at risk for misdiagnosis of macrocephaly or microcephaly. Our findings indicate that the use of a single international standard for head circumference is not justified.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO (# CRD42013003675).