bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First identification of the pathogen causing tumor malformations in evergreen oaks in Spain
Authors: Martín-Santafé María , Sánchez-Durán Sergio , Batlle-Durany Assumpció , Laviña-Gomila Amparo , Barriuso-Vargas Juan
Published: July 2014

Aim of study: In recent years an increase in pests and diseases associated with truffle plantations has been detected in Spain. The appearance of tumor malformations in trunks and branches of Quercus ilex L. must be highlighted. These bumps have expanded dramatically since the increase in the number and density of truffle plantations. This pathology is not only found in plantations, but also in forests, and in trees of all ages.Area of study: the eastern mountains and the truffle plantations of the Iberian Peninsula.Material and methods: Positive results were obtained by using two types of PCR: Real-Time PCR and nested-PCR. They were carried out with primers that amplified 16S ribosomal gene sequences that are common to all known phytoplasmas.Main result: The disease manifests itself as an irregular thickening in branches of any age and in the trunk that results in the woody tissue cracking open, forming wounds. The affected branches usually undergo necrosis and in case of affecting the trunk, the tree will eventually die. After an extensive literature review and several failed attempts to isolate fungal and bacterial species from these tumors and wounds, the disease-causing organism has been identified as a Candidatus Phytoplasma.Research highlights: The appearance of this disease may endanger the profitability of an a priori profitable crop. Due to the intrinsic characteristics of the organism, and knowing that no phytosanitary treatment is able to control phytoplasmas, future works should be directed towards identifying the transmitter in order to control the disease.Key words: Candidatus Phytoplasma; PCR; Quercus ilex; black truffle; Tuber melanosporum.
Alkalinity and structure of soils determine the truffle production in the Pyrenean Regions
Authors: Jaillard Benoit , Barry-Etienne Dominique , Colinas Carlos , De Miguel Ana-Maria , Genola Laurent , Libre Aline , Neveu Pascal , Oliach Daniel , Saenz Williams , Sáez Mauricio , Salducci Xavier , Souche Gerard , Sourzat Pierre , Villeneuve Manon
Published: July 2014

Aim of study: The program "Typology of truffle stations in the Pyrenean Regions" aimed to define the ecological conditions and culture practices that favor Tuber melanosporum growth and fruiting in this area.Area of study: Navarra, Catalonia, Midi-Pyrénées and Languedoc-Roussillon.Material and methods: The program was based on the survey of 212 wild and cultivated truffle beds of evergreen oaks (Quercus ilex). The data collected in the field consisted of photographs, samples of soil, roots and mycorrhizae, and information on cultural practices followed by truffle growers.Main results: (i) truffle soils are alkaline, from neutral, dolomitic, to moderately or very calcareous soils; (ii) truffle soils are light, well-structured and stable to water immersion; (iii) mycelium that colonizes roots survives in suboptimal conditions, but it does not necessarily bear ascocarps. Finally our results suggest that T. melanosporum is a relatively ubiquitous fungus able to grow, or at least to persist, in a wide range of physical and chemical soil conditions. We propose a probabilistic model of the environment favorable for fruiting, built around a two-dimensional graph with an axis for the chemical conditions, like soil alkalinity, and another axis for the physical conditions, like soil structure. Research highlights: Soil alkalinity and structure allow to built a convenient representation of the ecological capacity of a place to be good T. melanosporum habitat, and thus of the probability for truffle growers to harvest truffles according to the environmental properties of their truffle orchards.Keywords: dolomite; limestone; mycorrhizae; Quercus ilex; field survey; Tuber melanosporum.
A survey of preoperative blood tests in primary open-angle glaucoma patients versus cataract surgery patients
Authors: Cohen Laura , Wong Jessica , Jiwani Aliya , Greenstein Scott , Brauner Stacey , Chen Sherleen C. , Turalba Angela V. , Chen Teresa C. , Shen Lucy , Rhee Douglas J. , Wiggs Janey L. , Kang Jae Hee , Loomis Stephanie , Pasquale Louis R.
Published: July 2014

PurposeTo investigate biomarker differences in routine preoperative blood tests performed on primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) case and control patients presenting for anterior segment eye surgery.MethodsPOAG cases and age-related cataract surgery patients (controls) who underwent anterior segment surgery at Massachusetts Eye and Ear from January 2009 through March 2012 were identified by retrospective record review. Patients with diabetes mellitus, secondary glaucoma, and cataract due to trauma or steroid exposure were excluded. Data on demographic features, preoperative ophthalmological and medical diagnosis, blood pressure, anthropometric measures, basic metabolic panel, and complete blood count were extracted from the medical records. Univariate differences in lab values between POAG cases and controls were assessed using unpaired t tests. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was completed to determine the independent associations of biomarkers with POAG.ResultsA total of 150 cases and 150 age-related controls were included. In multivariate analysis, higher AG was inversely associated with POAG (odds ratio [OR] = 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80-1.00), and higher Cl− level was positively associated with POAG (OR = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.02-1.29). The lower AG in POAG patients could be explained by higher IgG levels as the available data in post hoc analysis showed a nonsignificant trend toward higher IgG in cases compared to controls (17 vs 23; 1142 ± 284 mg/dl vs 1028 ± 291 mg/dl; P = 0.22). Furthermore, in multivariable analysis, a higher red blood cell count was also associated with POAG (OR = 1.91; 95% CI, 1.11-3.28).ConclusionsPatients with POAG presenting for anterior segment surgery had a lower AG compared to age-related cataract surgery patients. The etiology of this reduced gap is unclear but the possible contribution of IgG warrants further exploration. The etiology of higher red blood cell counts in POAG cases is unknown and deserves further exploration.
Corneal allograft reaction associated with nonocular inflammation
Authors: Vora Gargi Khare , Ciolino Joseph B.
Published: July 2014

Corneal allograft rejection is known to have many risk factors, including ocular infection and inflammation. Although not reported in the literature, local nonocular inflammation may also have the ability to incite a graft reaction. We report 2 cases, one with dental inflammation and the other with a facial abscess, with simultaneous corneal transplant rejection. Possible pathophysiology and a review of the literature are given.
A 66-year-old woman with extensive conjunctival melanosis
Authors: Merritt Helen , Bakhoum Mathieu F. , Sniegowski Matthew C. , Esmaeli Bita
Published: July 2014

A 66-year-old white woman was referred to the Orbital Oncology & Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery service at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center for evaluation and management of new, extensive conjunctival pigmentation of the right eye concerning for a conjunctival neoplasm. The patient had been in her usual state of health until 5 weeks prior to presentation, when she suffered a mechanical fall onto a cement sidewalk, sustaining blunt trauma to the right side of her face and head. She had initially presented to her established local ophthalmologist 10 days following her injury complaining of right eye floaters. Examination by the outside ophthalmologist had revealed near 360-degree conjunctival pigmentation, most dense superiorly, in the right eye that had not been previously noted on routine examination 6 months prior. The patient was subsequently referred to our cancer center for evaluation and management of suspected primary acquired melanosis (PAM). The patient’s past medical history was significant for rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. Her past ocular history was significant for bilateral cataract extraction with intraocular lens placement.
Cherokee Towns and Calumet Ceremonialism in Eastern North America
Authors: Rodning Christopher B.
Published: July 2014

Calumet ceremonialism was widely practiced by Native American and European colonial groups in the Great Plains and Southeast during the late seventeenth century and the early eighteenth century. Cultural practices associated with smoking calumet pipes have roots in the prehistoric past, but the spread of calumet ceremonialism across the Southeast was associated with the spread of European colonists and colonialism. Calumet ceremonialism served the needs for groups to have a means of creating balance, and of setting the stage for peaceful interaction and exchange, during a period marked by considerable instability and dramatic cultural change. The presence of a redstone elbow pipe bowl fragment from the Coweeta Creek site in southwestern North Carolina demonstrates the participation of Cherokee towns in calumet ceremonialism, despite the remote location of this site in the southern Appalachians, far from major European colonial settlements, and far from areas such as the Mississippi River Valley and the upper Midwest where such pipes are much more common.
Identifying Dart and Arrow Points in the Great Basin: A Reply to Hockett Et Al.
Authors: Smith Geoffrey M. , Barker Pat , Hattori Eugene M. , Raymond Anan , Goebel Ted
Published: July 2014

Hockett et al. 's (2014) comment argues two points: (1) the Nicholarsen Cache does not contain both dart and arrow points;, and (2) the “early“ Elko points in our sample are Large Side-notched points. We appreciate their reanalysis of the Nicholarsen Cache points using a different approach, which leads them to the same conclusion made in our original article. Whereas we concede that one of the Elko points is difficult to classify and could be viewed as a Large Side-notched point, we find no evidence that the other specimen is anything but an Elko point directly dated to the middle Holocene.
Tethered Molecular Sorbents: Enabling Metal‐Sulfur Battery Cathodes
Authors: Ma Lin , Zhuang Houlong , Lu Yingying , Moganty Surya S. , Hennig Richard G. , Archer Lynden A.
Published: July 2014

A rechargeable battery that uses sulfur at the cathode and a metal (e.g., Li, Na, Mg, or Al) at the anode provides perhaps the most promising path to a solid‐state, rechargeable electrochemical storage device capable of high charge storage capacity. It is understood that solubilization in the electrolyte and loss of sulfur in the form of long‐chain lithium polysulfides (Li2Sx, 2 < x < 8) has hindered development of the most studied of these devices, the rechargeable Li‐S battery. Beginning with density‐functional calculations of the structure and interactions of a generic lithium polysulfide species with nitrile containing molecules, it is shown that it is possible to design nitrile‐rich molecular sorbents that anchor to other components in a sulfur cathode and which exert high‐enough binding affinity to Li2Sx to limit its loss to the electrolyte. It is found that sorbents based on amines and imidazolium chloride present barriers to dissolution of long‐chain Li2Sx and that introduction of as little as 2 wt% of these molecules to a physical sulfur‐carbon blend leads to Li‐S battery cathodes that exhibit stable long‐term cycling behaviors at high and low charge/discharge rates.
Unusual prenatal presentation of Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome: A case report
Authors: Bedeschi Maria Francesca , Crippa Beatrice Letizia , Colombo Lorenzo , Guez Sophie , Cerruti Marta , Fogliani Roberto , Gervasini Cristina , Lalatta Faustina
Published: July 2014

Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome (RTS) is a rare multiple congenital anomalies‐intellectual disability syndrome. The diagnosis is made after birth and based on the detection of signs such as growth and developmental delay, minor facial anomalies, and broad thumbs and halluces. It is rare to suspect RTS during the prenatal period. We report here the approach to a patient with RTS whose pregnancy was complicated by multiple congenital anomalies. However, in the presence of the broad thumb and facial anomalies, we were able to suggest the correct diagnosis. The RTS was confirmed at birth and the molecular analysis of the major causative gene revealed a previously unreported heterozygous truncating mutation of CREBBP. This report provides new knowledge of the fetal phenotype of RTS. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Controllable Synthesis of Wurtzite Cu2ZnSnS4 Nanocrystals by Hot‐Injection Approach and Growth Mechanism Studies
Authors: Luo Qun , Zeng Yongquan , Chen Liwei , Ma Changqi
Published: July 2014

Wurtzite Cu2ZnSnS4 (WZ‐CZTS) has been controllably synthesized through a hot‐injection route. The crystal‐growth mechanism of WZ‐CZTS has been investigated by using time‐dependent XRD patterns, TEM images, and absorption spectra analysis, and revealed that WZ‐CZTS nucleated and grew from monoclinic Cu7S4 nanocrystals through phase transformation of Cu7S4 to WZ‐CZTS within 5 min. The synthesis processes are dependent on precursor concentration, reaction temperature, reaction time, organic ligand, and sulfur source and have been studied in detail. It was revealed that the width of the WZ‐CZTS nanocrystals was mainly controlled by the precursor concentration, which determines the diameter of Cu7S4. The length could be regulated by the ratio of dodecanethiol (DDT) to oleylamine (OLA) and reaction time.
The institutionalization of a concept
Authors: Taylor Pamela J.
Published: July 2014

Government involvement with psychiatry creates potentially great opportunities, as hitherto neglected problems receive attention and funding. When seriously harmful behaviour is involved, however, such opportunity can be limited or lost. Parallel consideration of legal restraints on those people with serious disorder who commit harm to others seems to spill over into restraints on clinical conceptualization of the disorder, on the shape of clinical treatment programmes and even on the people who deliver treatment. Greater clarity for everyone about the individuality and variety of people with personality disorders and a propensity for serious offending will be a critical factor in avoidance of new forms of institutionalization, the dangers of which have only been hinted at in literature to date.
Intermediate expression of CCRL1 reveals novel subpopulations of medullary thymic epithelial cells that emerge in the postnatal thymus
Authors: Ribeiro Ana R. , Meireles Catarina , Rodrigues Pedro M. , Alves Nuno L.
Published: July 2014

Cortical and medullary thymic epithelial cells (cTECs and mTECs, respectively) provide inductive microenvironments for T‐cell development and selection. The differentiation pathway of cTEC/mTEC lineages downstream of common bipotent progenitors at discrete stages of development remains unresolved. Using IL‐7/CCRL1 dual reporter mice that identify specialized TEC subsets, we show that the stepwise acquisition of chemokine (C–C motif) receptor‐like 1 (CCRL1) is a late determinant of cTEC differentiation. Although cTECs expressing high CCRL1 levels (CCRL1hi) develop normally in immunocompetent and Rag2−/−thymi, their differentiation is partially blocked in Rag2−/−Il2rg−/− counterparts. These results unravel a novel checkpoint in cTEC maturation that is regulated by the cross‐talk between TECs and immature thymocytes. Additionally, we identify new Ulex europaeus agglutinin 1 (UEA)+ mTEC subtypes expressing intermediate CCRL1 levels (CCRL1int) that conspicuously emerge in the postnatal thymus and differentially express Tnfrsf11a, Ccl21, and Aire. While rare in fetal and in Rag2−/− thymi, CCRL1int mTECs are restored in Rag2−/−Marilyn TCR‐Tg mice, indicating that the appearance of postnatal‐restricted mTECs is closely linked with T‐cell selection. Our findings suggest that alternative temporally restricted routes of new mTEC differentiation contribute to the establishment of the medullary niche in the postnatal thymus.
Association between pain, central sensitization and anxiety in postherpetic neuralgia
Authors: Schlereth T. , Heiland A. , Breimhorst M. , Féchir M. , Kern U. , Magerl W. , Birklein F.
Published: July 2014

Background

In postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), dorsal root ganglia neurons are damaged. According to the proposed models, PHN pain might be associated with nociceptive deafferentation, and peripheral (heat hyperalgesia) or central sensitization (allodynia).

Methods

In 36 PHN patients, afferent nerve fibre function was characterized using quantitative sensory testing and histamine‐induced flare analysis. Psychological factors were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), disease‐related quality of life (QoL) with SF‐36 and pain with the McGill questionnaire [pain rating index (PRI)]. The patients were also divided into subgroups according to the presence or absence of brush‐evoked allodynia as a sign of central sensitization.

Results

For all patients, warm, cold and mechanical detection was impaired (p < 0.001 each) and the size of the histamine flare was diminished on the affected side (p < 0.05); pain thresholds with the exception of brush‐evoked allodynia (p < 0.05) were unaltered. Correlation analysis revealed allodynia, anxiety, depression, QoL and age as relevant factors associated with pain severity (PRI). Allodynia was present in 23 patients (64%). In these patients, heat pain perception was preserved; the histamine flare was larger; the pinprick pain was increased as were McGill PRI sensory subscore, actual pain rating and almost significantly pain (McGill PRI) over the last 4 weeks.

Conclusions

PHN is associated with damage of afferent fibres. Central sensitization (i.e., allodynia) might contribute to PHN pain. There was a striking association between anxiety, depression and age, and the magnitude of PHN pain.
The COMFORT behaviour scale detects clinically meaningful effects of analgesic and sedative treatment
Authors: Boerlage A.A. , Ista E. , Duivenvoorden H.J. , de Wildt S.N. , Tibboel D. , van Dijk M.
Published: July 2014

Background

The COMFORT behaviour scale (COMFORT‐B scale) is widely used in paediatric intensive care units to assess young children's pain and distress. It is also used to assess the impact of treatment interventions, but little is known on the scale's sensitivity to detect changes between before and after measurements following an intervention. This study explored the sensitivity to change of the COMFORT‐B scale.

Methods

COMFORT‐B scores, originally and prospectively collected as part of standard care, were retrieved from the digital patient data management system. We analysed scores obtained in 747 paired observations, i.e., before and after a pharmacological intervention in 180 paediatric intensive care patients between September 2009 and September 2010.

Results

The mean scores before and after an intervention were 20.0 [standard deviation (SD) 3.7] and 14.1 (SD 4.7), respectively. Multilevel regression analysis showed a 6‐point mean decline after an intervention (p < 0.0001). The magnitude of this decline was not statistically significantly related to number and type of interventions or time between assessments. In almost three‐quarters of cases (74%), the COMFORT‐B score dropped to below 17 after a pharmacological intervention, indicating good responsiveness.

Conclusions

This is the first study demonstrating that the COMFORT‐B scale detects treatment‐related changes in pain or distress intensity. This implies that COMFORT‐B assessments can effectively guide analgesic and sedation treatment in critically ill children.
Attempt to run urinary protein electrophoresis using capillary technique
Authors: Falcone Michele
Published: July 2014

The study of urinary protein has a predominant place in the diagnosis of kidney disease. The most common technique is agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE). For several years, the technique of choice applied to the analysis of serum proteins has been CE, a system that uses capillary fused silica, subjected to high voltage to separate and measure serum proteins. The purpose of this paper was to perform capillary electrophoresis on urinary proteins which, at present, are not interpretable due to the many nonspecific peaks visible when using gel electrophoresis. In order to carry out our research, we used a capillary V8 analyzer together with an agarose gel system from the same company. AGE was taken as the reference method, for which urine was used without any pretreatment. For the V8 system, urine was subjected to purification on granular‐activated carbon and then inserted into the V8 analyzer, selecting a program suitable for liquids with low protein content. We examined 19 urine samples collected over 24 hrs from both hospitalized and external patients with different types of proteinuria plus a serum diluted 1/61 considered as a control to recognize the bands. Both methods showed the same protein fractions and classified the proteinuria in a similar way.
Evaluation of fritless solid‐phase extraction coupled on‐line with capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry for the analysis of opioid peptides in cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Medina‐Casanellas Silvia , Tak Yvonne H. , Benavente Fernando , Sanz‐Nebot Victoria , Toraño Javier Sastre , Somsen Govert W. , de Jong Gerhardus J.
Published: July 2014

Fritless SPE on‐line coupled to CE with UV and MS detection (SPE‐CE‐UV and SPE‐CE‐MS) was evaluated for the analysis of opioid peptides. A microcartridge of 150 μm id was packed with a C18 sorbent (particle size > 50 μm), which was retained between a short inlet capillary and a separation capillary (50 μm id). Several experimental parameters were optimized by SPE‐CE‐UV using solutions of dynorphin A (DynA), endomorphin 1 (End1), and methionine‐enkephaline (Met). A microcartridge length of 4 mm was selected, sample was loaded for 10 min at 930 mbar and the retained peptides were eluted with 67 nL of an acidic hydro‐organic solution. Using SPE‐CE‐MS, peak area and migration time repeatabilities for the three opioid peptides were 12–27% and 4–5%, respectively. SPE recovery was lower for the less hydrophobic DynA (22%) than for End1 (66%) and Met (78%) and linearity was satisfactory in all cases between 5 and 60 ng/mL. The LODs varied between 0.5 and 1.0 ng/mL which represent an enhancement of two orders of magnitude when compared with CE‐MS. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples spiked with the opioid peptides were analyzed to demonstrate the applicability to biological samples. Peak area and migration time repeatabilities were similar to the standard solutions and the opioid peptides could be detected down to 1.0 ng/mL.
A metabolomic strategy to screen the prototype components and metabolites of Qingkailing injection in rat urine by high‐performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Guo Mingxing , Zhang Li , Liu Haiyu , Qin Lingling , Zhang Zhixin , Bai Xu , Gao Xiaoyan
Published: July 2014

Xenobiotic metabolome identification of Chinese herbal formula in biological systems is a very challenging task. Qingkailing injection is a typical Chinese herbal injection, which is wildly used clinically in China. However, the holistic metabolic fate of the ingredient from Qingkailing injection remains unclear. In this work, a metabolomic strategy for comprehensively elucidating Qingkailing injection derived prototype components and metabolites in rat urine conducted by hybrid linear ion trap high‐resolution mass spectrometry was developed. High‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid linear ion trap high‐resolution mass spectrometry was developed to obtain the urine profiling between the control group and Qingkailing injection treated group. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminate analysis was applied to distinguish the exogenous and the endogenous. In the S‐plot, 37 xenobiotics derived from Qingkailing injection were found in urine, including 18 prototype compounds and 19 metabolites. The characterization of the prototype components and metabolites in rat's urine provided essential data for further pharmacological studies of Qingkailing injection. Our results indicated that the metabolomic approach was an effective tool to discover, screen, and analyze the multiple prototype components and their metabolites from complicated traditional Chinese preparations in vivo.
Ultra‐trace level determination of diquat and paraquat residues in surface and drinking water using ion‐pair liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry: A comparison of direct injection and solid‐phase extraction methods
Authors: Oh Jin‐Aa , Lee Jun‐Bae , Lee Soo‐Hyung , Shin Ho‐Sang
Published: July 2014

Direct injection and solid‐phase extraction methods for the determination of diquat and paraquat in surface and drinking water were developed using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The signal intensities of analytes based on six ion‐pairing reagents were compared with each other, and 12.5 mM nonafluoropentanoic acid was selected as the best suited amongst them. A clean‐up method was developed using Oasis hydrophilic–lipophilic balance; this was compared to the direct injection method, with respect to limits of detection, interference, precision, and accuracy. Limits of quantification of diquat and paraquat were 0.03 and 0.01 μg/L using the direct injection method, and 0.002 and 0.001 μg/L using the hydrophilic–lipophilic balance method. When the hydrophilic–lipophilic balance method was used to analyze target compounds in 114 surface water and 30 drinking water samples, paraquat and diquat were detected within a concentration range of 0.001–0.12 and 0.002–0.038 μg/L in surface water, respectively. When the direct injection method was used to analyze target compounds in the same samples, the detected concentrations of paraquat and diquat were within 25% in samples being >0.015 μg/L using the hydrophilic–lipophilic balance method. The liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method using direct injection can thus be used for routine monitoring of paraquat and diquat in surface and drinking water.
People with Parkinson's disease and normal MMSE score have a broad range of cognitive performance
Authors: Burdick Daniel J. , Cholerton Brenna , Watson G.S. , Siderowf Andrew , Trojanowski John Q. , Weintraub Daniel , Ritz Beate , Rhodes Shannon L. , Rausch Renecca , Factor Stewart A. , Wood‐Siverio Cathy , Quinn Joseph F. , Chung Kathryn A. , Srivatsal Sindhu , Edwards Karen L. , Montine Thomas J. , Zabetian Cyrus P. , Leverenz James B.
Published: July 2014

Cognitive impairment, including dementia, is common in Parkinson's disease (PD). The Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) has been recommended as a screening tool for Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), with values below 26 indicative of possible dementia. Using a detailed neuropsychological battery, we examined the range of cognitive impairment in PD patients with an MMSE score of 26 or higher. In this multicenter, cross‐sectional, observational study, we performed neuropsychological testing in a sample of 788 PD patients with MMSE scores of 26 or higher. Evaluation included tests of global cognition, executive function, language, memory, and visuospatial skills. A consensus panel reviewed results for 342 subjects and assigned a diagnosis of no cognitive impairment, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia. Sixty‐seven percent of the 788 subjects performed 1.5 standard deviations below the normative mean on at least one test. On eight of the 15 tests, more than 20% of subjects scored 1.5 standard deviations or more below the normative mean. Greatest impairments were found on Hopkins Verbal Learning and Digit Symbol Coding tests. The sensitivity of the MMSE to detect dementia was 45% in a subset of participants who underwent clinical diagnostic procedures. A remarkably wide range of cognitive impairment can be found in PD patients with a relatively high score on the MMSE, including a level of cognitive impairment consistent with dementia. Given these findings, clinicians must be aware of the limitations of the MMSE in detecting cognitive impairment, including dementia, in PD. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for detection of botulinum toxin‐antibodies
Authors: Dressler Dirk , Gessler Frank , Tacik Pawel , Bigalke Hans
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Antibodies against botulinum neurotoxin (BNT‐AB) can be detected by the mouse protection assay (MPA), the hemidiaphragm assay (HDA), and by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Both MPA and HDA require sacrifice of experimental animals, and they are technically delicate and labor intensive. We introduce a specially developed ELISA for detection of BNT‐A‐AB and evaluate it against the HDA.

Methods

Thirty serum samples were tested by HDA and by the new ELISA. Results were compared, and receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to optimize ELISA parameter constellation to obtain either maximal overall accuracy, maximal test sensitivity, or maximal test specificity. When the ELISA is optimized for sensitivity, a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 55% can be reached. When it is optimized for specificity, a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 90% can be obtained.

Results

We present an ELISA for BNT‐AB detection that can be—for the first time—customized for special purposes. Adjusted for optimal sensitivity, it reaches the best sensitivity of all BNT‐AB tests available.

Conclusions

Using the new ELISA together with the HDA as a confirmation test allows testing for BNT‐AB in large numbers of patients receiving BT drugs in an economical, fast, and more animal‐friendly way. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Chameleon – a group communication framework for smartphones
Authors: Dvinsky Alex , Friedman Roy
Published: July 2014

This paper reports about our experience in designing and developing Chameleon, a highly portable and adaptable group communication framework for smartphones. Chameleon owes its level of portability to several design choices, including the following: (i) a layered architecture, where the headers of each layer have a standard XML‐based format, enabling automatic, error‐resistant generation of efficient serialization code in any platform; (ii) reliance only on the J2ME library, which serves as least common denominator for Java dialects and facilitates automatic translation to.NET; (iii) having flexible membership models; and (iv) supporting multiple concurrent protocol stacks.Through a single codebase, Chameleon is currently available as an open‐source project for J2ME, J2SE, Android,.NET CF, and.NET. Chameleon is easily extendable and is bundled with tools, configurations, and third‐party code tuned in a way that lifts some of the burden normally associated with multiplatform development for smartphones. Both the header generation from XML and automatic translation to.NET features of Chameleon are readily available to any application that is based on it. Chameleon's threading model separates between execution of internal layers and application's code and by that protects one from the other. As we describe in the paper, it simplifies layers' development and allows the protocol stack to easily block application calls when this is required by internal algorithms. Additionally, this model simplifies testing, and an extensive testing framework is supplied along with Chameleon, which is also usable for testing of application‐specific layers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ezrin silencing remodulates the expression of Phosphoinositide‐specific Phospholipase C enzymes in human osteosarcoma cell lines
Authors: Lo Vasco V. R. , Leopizzi M. , Puggioni C. , Della Rocca C.
Published: July 2014

Ezrin, a protein belonging to the Ezrin, radixin and moesin (ERM) family, was engaged in the metastatic spread of osteosarcoma. The Protein 4.1, Ezrin, radixin, moesin (FERM) domain of Ezrin binds the membrane Phosphatydil inositol (4,5) bisphosphate (PIP2), a crucial molecule belonging to the Phosphoinositide (PI) signal transduction pathway. The cytoskeleton cross‐linker function of Ezrin largely depends on membrane PIP2 levels, and thus upon the activity of related enzymes belonging to the PI‐specific phospholipase C (PI‐PLC) family. Based on the role of Ezrin in tumour progression and metastasis, we silenced the expression of Vil2 (OMIM *123900), the gene which codifies for Ezrin, in cultured human osteosarcoma 143B and Hs888 cell lines. After Ezrin silencing, the growth rate of both cell lines was significantly reduced and morphogical changes were observed. We also observed moderate variations both of selected PI‐PLC enzymes within the cell and of expression of the corresponding PLC genes. In 143B cell line the transcription of PLCB1 decreased, of PLCG2 increased and of PLCE differed in a time‐dependent manner. In Hs888, the expression of PLCB1 and of PLCD4 significantly increased, of PLCE moderately increased in a time dependent manner; the expression of PLCG2 was up‐regulated. These observations indicate that Ezrin silencing affects the transcription of selected PLC genes, suggesting that Ezrin might influence the expression regulation of PI‐PLC enzymes.
Summary Report on the 2012 Sun Grant National Conference: Science for Biomass Feedstock Production and Utilization
Authors: McCord Jessica , Owens Vance , Rials Tim , Stokes Bryce
Published: July 2014

The 2012 Sun Grant National Conference on Science for Biomass Feedstock Production and Utilization was held on 2–5 October 2012, in New Orleans, LA, USA. The Sun Grant Initiative set out to highlight recent advances in science and technology contributing to the deployment of conventional and advanced biofuels and bioproducts from agricultural and forest systems. The Initiative, with sponsorship from the Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), assembled an agenda focusing on promoting collaboration between academic, industry, non-profit, and government partners. This special issue is comprised of a small sample of conference presentations selected to reflect important research progress and to highlight the range of issues that must be considered as the transition to biomass energy takes hold.
The favorite-longshot bias and the impact of experience
Authors: Feess Eberhard , Müller Helge , Schumacher Christoph
Published: July 2014

With a unique data set from New Zealand which allows us to assign each bet to individual bettors, we analyze the impact of experience on behavior and success in non-parimutuel (fixed odds) sports betting markets. We find that experienced bettors bet more on favorites than inexperienced bettors do. Average returns, which we use as success measure, increase with experience even after controlling for odds. This means that the higher return of experienced bettors cannot only be attributed to betting more on favorites. To get a more detailed picture, we divide the data set into ten equally large subgroups, sorted by experience. We find that odds decrease from subgroup to subgroup, while success consistently increases. This shows that the positive impact of experience is not mainly driven by professional bettors.
Explaining the Breakdown of Dominant Party Systems: Party Splits and the Mechanisms of Factional Bargaining
Authors: SAKAIYA SHIRO , MAEDA KENTARO
Published: July 2014

This paper presents an explanation for the breakdown of dominant party systems. In contrast to previous works that examine how ruling parties lose their dominant position as a result of interparty competition, this paper focuses on how they are undermined from within by factional conflict. Through an overview of dominant party systems in the postwar world, we show that most of the ruling parties suffered from major splits that significantly reduced their electoral strengths before their final electoral defeat. In order to explain why large groups of politicians decide to leave dominant parties that are likely to remain in power, we develop simple game-theoretic models of intraparty bargaining between party factions over the distribution of benefits from office. Our results suggest two mechanisms through which dominant parties break up. First, factional defections from dominant parties are likely to occur when they are experiencing a significant decline in public support. Second, factional defections are likely to occur when a non-mainstream faction is rapidly losing its bargaining power against the party leadership. Importantly, our results show that under certain conditions, dominant parties will break up even when their electoral prospects are much better than the opposition. We briefly discuss how these mechanisms can be applied to actual cases of dominant party systems.
A Comparative Analysis of Political Confidence in the BRICS Countries
Authors: LU PENG
Published: July 2014

The aim of this paper is to describe and analyze people's confidence in political institutions in the so-called BRICS countries, that is, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. I argue that the quality of macroeconomic indicators cannot explain the variation in political confidence between the five most dynamic new emerging economies, and that there is no substantial difference among the young, middle-aged, and senior-aged groups. By combing data from the Asia Barometer Survey and the World Value Survey, I provide two complementary approaches, one sociocultural and the other micropolitical, to reveal the factors that influence people's confidence in four major political institutions. The explanatory effects of these two approaches are mixed. Political identity and values, in most cases, have a significant impact on political confidence. On the other hand, high levels of interpersonal social trust, individual happiness, and satisfaction with living standards also show positive influences.
Regulatory T cells and T‐cell‐derived IL‐10 interfere with effective anti‐cytomegalovirus immune response
Authors: Jost Nils H , Abel Simone , Hutzler Marina , Sparwasser Tim , Zimmermann Albert , Roers Axel , Müller Werner , Klopfleisch Robert , Hengel Hartmut , Westendorf Astrid M , Buer Jan , Hansen Wiebke
Published: July 2014

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) establishes lifelong chronic infection in its host with mostly asymptomatic or only mild disease, but under immunosuppressive conditions the virus can reactivate and infection can cause life‐threatening disease. CMV has evolved several mechanisms to escape from host's immunity, allowing persistence of the virus. Until now, it remains elusive whether regulatory T cells (Tregs) have an impact on insufficient host immune response against the virus in this context. In the present study, we provide evidence that CD4+Foxp3+ naturally occurring Tregs (nTregs) as well as CD4+Foxp3−IL‐10+‐induced Tregs (iTregs) interfere with an effective anti‐mouse CMV (mCMV) immune response. Depletion of Foxp3+ Tregs by using DEREG mice resulted in enhanced T‐cell activation as measured by the expression of CD62L, granzyme B and interferon (IFN)‐γ and was associated with reduced viral titers in salivary glands, the organ where mCMV mainly persists. Moreover, we identified CD4+Foxp3− T cells to produce elevated levels of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL‐10 at early time points during mCMV infection. Analysis of T‐cell activation and viral replication in mCMV‐infected IL‐10flox/flox × CD4‐cre mice and IL‐10flox/flox × FIC mice revealed that T‐cell‐specific inactivation of IL‐10, but not Foxp3+ Treg‐specific IL‐10 ablation alone, resulted in elevated IFN‐γ production by T cells associated with a significant decrease in viral loads in salivary glands. Thus, our data illustrate a crucial role for CD4+Foxp3+ nTregs as well as IL‐10‐producing CD4+Foxp3− iTregs in the regulation of appropriate T‐cell responses and viral clearance during mCMV infection.
Photo-antagonism of the GABAA receptor
Authors: Mortensen Martin , Iqbal Favaad , Pandurangan Arun P. , Hannan Saad , Huckvale Rosemary , Topf Maya , Baker James R. , Smart Trevor G.
Published: July 2014

Neurotransmitter receptor trafficking is fundamentally important for synaptic transmission and neural network activity. GABAA receptors and inhibitory synapses are vital components of brain function, yet much of our knowledge regarding receptor mobility and function at inhibitory synapses is derived indirectly from using recombinant receptors, antibody-tagged native receptors and pharmacological treatments. Here we describe the use of a set of research tools that can irreversibly bind to and affect the function of recombinant and neuronal GABAA receptors following ultraviolet photoactivation. These compounds are based on the competitive antagonist gabazine and incorporate a variety of photoactive groups. By using site-directed mutagenesis and ligand-docking studies, they reveal new areas of the GABA binding site at the interface between receptor β and α subunits. These compounds enable the selected inactivation of native GABAA receptor populations providing new insight into the function of inhibitory synapses and extrasynaptic receptors in controlling neuronal excitation.
Anisotropic zero-index waveguide with arbitrary shapes
Authors: Luo Jie , Lai Yun
Published: July 2014

We design a series of waveguides composed of uniform anisotropic epsilon-near-zero media. Unlike normal waveguides in which the transmission rate strongly depends on the width and the boundary shape, such waveguides can achieve high transmission with almost arbitrary width and boundary shapes, leading to applications such as unusual waveguides, wave expanders and compressors, splitters, bends and devices with combined purposes. The physical origin of such high transmission can be explained by using transformation optics and the condition for total transmission is derived. Numerical simulations with multilayers consisting of dielectric and negative-permittivity materials proved our theory. Our work provides a unified physical picture for waveguide structures based on anisotropic epsilon-near-zero media.
Molecularly imprinted polymer based on CdTe@SiO2 quantum dots as a fluorescent sensor for the recognition of norepinephrine
Authors: Wei Fangdi , Wu Yanzi , Xu Guanhong , Gao Yankun , Yang Jing , Liu Liping , Zhou Ping , Hu Qin
Published: July 2014

A fluorescent sensor with recognition ability for norepinephrine was simply prepared and actually used to determine norepinephrine in rat plasma.
A label-free electrochemical immunosensor based on an ionic organic molecule and chitosan-stabilized gold nanoparticles for the detection of cardiac troponin T
Authors: Brondani Daniela , Piovesan Jamille Valéria , Westphal Eduard , Gallardo Hugo , Fireman Dutra Rosa Amalia , Spinelli Almir , Vieira Iolanda Cruz
Published: July 2014

A immunosensor based on an ionic organic molecule and chitosan-stabilized gold nanoparticles was developed for the detection of cardiac troponin T (cTnT).
Electrospun polymer mat as a SERS platform for the immobilization and detection of bacteria from fluids
Authors: Szymborski Tomasz , Witkowska Evelin , Adamkiewicz Witold , Waluk Jacek , Kamińska Agnieszka
Published: July 2014

A new class of SERS substrates is presented that allows for the simultaneous filtration of bacteria from any solution (blood, urine, water, or milk), immobilization of bacteria on the SERS platform, and enhancing the Raman signal of bacteria.
Solvent-mediated crystal-to-crystal transformations from a cationic homometallic metal–organic framework to heterometallic frameworks
Authors: Li Xinxiong , Gong Yaqiong , Zhao Huaixia , Wang Ruihu
Published: July 2014

A new strategy for the synthesis of heterometallic metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) was presented. Two unprecedented heterometallic MOFs were successfully prepared through solvent-mediated crystal-to-crystal transformations from a monometallic cationic MOF.
An assessment of vapour pressure estimation methods
Authors: O'Meara Simon , Booth Alastair Murray , Barley Mark Howard , Topping David , McFiggans Gordon
Published: July 2014

Vapour pressure estimation methods are assessed against measurements and input to a SOA model to evaluate loading and composition sensitivities.
Acidity constants of lumiflavin from first principles molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Kılıç Murat , Ensing Bernd
Published: July 2014

DFT-based molecular dynamics simulations predict the acidity of lumiflavin in different redox states.
A particle on a hollow cylinder: the triple ring tubular cluster B27+
Authors: Duong Long Van , Pham Hung Tan , Tam Nguyen Minh , Nguyen Minh Tho
Published: July 2014

We determined the geometries and chemical bonding phenomena of the B27system in its dicationic, cationic, neutral, anionic and dianionic states using DFT computations using DFT computations. We proposed a hollow cylinder model to interpret the MOs of the triple ring B27+.
Spectroscopy and dynamics of the HOCO radical: insights into the OH + CO → H + CO2reaction
Authors: Johnson Christopher J. , Otto Rico , Continetti Robert E.
Published: July 2014

Photoelectron–photofragment coincidence experiments coupled with quantum chemistry and dynamics calculations have significantly enhanced our understanding of the reactive intermediate HOCO.
A density function theory study on the NO reduction on nitrogen doped graphene
Authors: Zhang Xilin , Lu Zhansheng , Tang Yanan , Fu Zhaoming , Ma Dongwei , Yang Zongxian
Published: July 2014

The nitrogen doped graphene is an efficient metal-free catalyst for NO reduction by the dimer mechanism.
A survey of solvent selection guides
Authors: Prat Denis , Hayler John , Wells Andy
Published: July 2014

The data given in the published solvent guides have been compiled. An acceptable alignment of the classifications could be met.
Modified enrichment and purification protocol for dissolved silicon-isotope determination in natural waters
Authors: Zhang Anyu , Zhang Jing , Zhang Ruifeng , Xue Yun
Published: July 2014

Single magnesium co-precipitation combined with resin separation to enrich and purify dissolved silicon for the determination of silicon isotopes.
‘Ome’ on the range: update on high-altitude acclimatization/adaptation and disease
Authors: Luo Yongjun , Wang Yuxiao , Lu Hongxiang , Gao Yuqi
Published: July 2014

The main physiological challenge in high-altitude plateau environments is hypoxia.
Peptide HIV fusion inhibitors: modifications and conjugations
Authors: Liu Wei , Tan Jianjun , Mehryar Mohammadreza Mohammadzad , Teng Zhiping , Zeng Yi
Published: July 2014

HIV fusion inhibitors are a group of virus entry preventing drugs aimed at membrane fusion.
Perchloric acid modified-cellulose: a versatile, novel and biodegradable heterogeneous solid acid catalyst for single-pot synthesis of novel bis-pyran annulated heterocyclic scaffolds under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Khan Tabassum , Siddiqui Zeba N.
Published: July 2014

An eco-friendly synthesis of novel bis-pyran annulated heterocyclic scaffolds (4a–r) and pyran annulated heterocyclic scaffolds (4s–u) using cellulose-HClO4as a biodegradable catalyst is described.
Short asymmetric synthesis of phenanthroindolizidines through chiral homoallylic sulfinamines
Authors: Anton-Torrecillas Cintia , Gonzalez-Gomez Jose C.
Published: July 2014

An expeditious synthesis of enantioenriched phenanthroindolizidines has been achieved using tert-butylsulfinamide as a chiral inductor and without any other protecting group.
Bio-derived calcite as a sustainable source for graphene as high-performance electrode material for energy storage
Authors: Tang Huang , Gao Peibo , Liu Xianmin , Zhu Huanguang , Bao Zhihao
Published: July 2014

Graphene as high-performance electrode material for energy storage was synthesized from eggshells using a magnesiothermic reduction process.