bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managerial Ownership and Financial Analysts’ Information Environment
Authors: Han Sam , Jin Justin Yiqiang , Kang Tony , Lobo Gerald
Published: April 2014

Despite the importance of sell‐side financial analysts as information intermediaries in the capital market, little is known about how managerial equity ownership is associated with their information environment. Using Barron, Kim, Lim and Stevens’ (1998) framework for measuring the precision of financial analysts’ information, we observe that managerial ownership is positively associated with the precision of financial analysts’ public (common) and private (idiosyncratic) information, largely consistent with the alignment view of managerial equity ownership. These results are robust to controlling for various economic and statistical factors that might affect the inference.
Aborigine‐managed forest, savanna and grassland: biome switching in montane eastern Australia
Authors: Butler Don W. , Fensham Roderick J. , Murphy Brett P. , Haberle Simon G. , Bury Sarah J. , Bowman David M. J. S.
Published: April 2014

Aim

To assess hypotheses about the role of anthropogenic fire in the maintenance and origin of a fine‐scale vegetation mosaic of rain forest, eucalypt savanna and grassland.

Location

Bunya Mountains, subtropical eastern Australia.

Methods

A time series of vegetation maps was compiled from historical and recent aerial photography and field surveys. Geospatial models were constructed of environmental domains for rain forest, savanna and grassland, and for areas of biome change. Grassland soils were analysed for carbon isotope ratios (δ13C), and radiocarbon (14C) dates were acquired for bulk samples from a range of depths.

Results

Analysis revealed weak associations between topography and the distribution of rain forest, savanna and grassland, and their patterns of recent change. Grassland occupied an environmental domain intermediate between rain forest and savanna and was more than four times as likely to occur within a matrix of rain forest rather than savanna. There was a large proportional reduction in the area of both grassland (−35%) and savanna (−19%) between 1961 and 2006 because of the expansion of rain forest. However, the greater initial extent of savanna meant that the areal loss of savanna was an order of magnitude greater than for grassland (1433 vs. 146 ha). There was no evidence of abrupt changes in δ13C in grassland soil profiles, indicating stability of the vegetation over the last 2000 years.

Main conclusions

There is no simple gradient in ‘tree suitability’ from rain forest, through savanna, to treeless grassland on the Bunya Mountains. A general absence of fire since the 19th century has greatly reduced the extent of grassy savanna and grassland formations, to the advantage of rain forest. These results support the hypothesis that the vegetation mosaic on the Bunya Mountains is a cultural artefact and testament to millennia of skilful and persistent burning. We could not conclusively reject the hypothesis that the grasslands are Pleistocene relicts that have declined throughout the Holocene; nonetheless, an explanation more consistent with the evidence overall is that the grasslands must have had periods of expansion during the Holocene, probably as a consequence of severe fires that have destroyed patches of rain forest.
Southern Hemisphere temperate tree lines are not climatically depressed
Authors: Cieraad Ellen , McGlone Matt S. , Huntley Brian
Published: April 2014

Aim

Southern temperate tree lines are found at low elevations compared with their Northern Hemisphere counterparts. They are also regarded as forming at warm temperatures, which has been attributed to taxon‐specific limitations. Using New Zealand tree lines as an example, we assess whether these tree lines are anomalously warm compared with the global mean.

Location

New Zealand.

Methods

Soil and air temperatures were measured over 2 years at six New Zealand tree line sites, and compared with other local and global growing season temperature data. In New Zealand and other oceanic regions, the long, variable seasonal transitions make calculations of mean growing season temperatures highly sensitive to how the growing season is defined. We used both the conventional (wide) definition (from when mean weekly root‐zone temperature exceeds 3.2 °C in spring, to when it first falls below 3.2 °C in autumn) and a narrow definition (the period during which temperatures are continuously above 3.2 °C). Application of these criteria leads to similar mean growing season temperatures in continental regions, but different ones in oceanic regions. We tested whether growing season temperatures differ between northern and southern temperate tree lines.

Results

New Zealand tree lines had a mean root‐zone temperature during the wide growing season of 7.0 °C ± 0.4 SD, not significantly different from those at northern temperate tree lines. The mean temperature of the narrow growing season was 7.8 °C, warmer than tree lines elsewhere, but still within the range reported for temperate tree lines (7–8 °C).

Main conclusions

Whilst they are found at lower elevations, New Zealand tree lines form at temperatures similar to those at Northern Hemisphere temperate tree lines. Together with similar recent evidence from Chile, these results refute the previously postulated taxon‐specific limitation hypothesis, and suggest these southern temperate tree lines are not climatically depressed, but are governed by the same thermal threshold as other tree lines worldwide.
Comparison of pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and pharmacodynamics of liposomal and free doxorubicin in tumour-bearing mice following intratumoral injection
Authors: Ren Shuangxia , Li Cuiyun , Dai Yu , Li Ning , Wang Xin , Tian Fengjie , Zhou Sufeng , Qiu Zhixia , Lu Yang , Zhao Di , Chen Xijing , Chen Dingding
Published: April 2014

Objectives

The clinical application of doxorubicin (DOX) is limited by severe systemic side effects. The aim of this study was to develop a strategy that combined the liposomal DOX (LipDOX) and intratumoral injection to reduce the toxicity and enhance the antitumor efficiency.

Methods

The pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and pharmacodynamics of LipDOX compared with free DOX were investigated by intratumoral injection in murine H22 hepatoma-bearing mice at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight. A sensitive HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry method was used to determine the DOX levels in plasma and tissues. The tumour volume and body weight of mice were measured every 3 days.

Key findings

LipDOX administration resulted in 1.3-fold longer mean residence time (MRT) and 2.4-fold higher area under concentration (AUC)-time curve compared with free DOX administration in tumour. Free DOX caused higher peak plasma concentration (Cmax) than LipDOX in plasma and major organs, which may result in significant mortality for acute cardiac toxicity. After successive 21 days treatment, the final volume of tumour treated by normal saline, free DOX and LipDOX was 5.0-, 1.3-fold higher and 1.6-fold lower than the initial tumour volume, respectively.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that the intratumoral injection of LipDOX is a promising approach with higher therapeutic efficacy and lower systemic toxicity than free DOX.
Penile Artery Shunt Syndrome: A Novel Cause of Erectile Dysfunction after Penile Revascularization Surgery
Authors: Pavlinec Jonathan G. , Hakky Tariq S. , Yang Christopher , Massis Kamal , Munarriz Ricardo , Carrion Rafael E.
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Penile revascularization is a surgical treatment option for erectile dysfunction (ED) in healthy individuals due to a focal arterial occlusion in the absence of generalized vascular disease. Most described failures have been attributed to graft stenosis or disruption of the anastomosis.

Aim

We report a novel phenomenon called Penile Artery Shunt Syndrome that contributed to persistent ED in a patient after penile microvascular arterial bypass surgery.

Methods

A 26-year-old man presented for evaluation of long-standing ED, which was attributed to trauma sustained 12 years earlier. He had difficulty obtaining and maintaining erections despite oral pharmacotherapy. Clinical data related to the case were studied, analyzed, and reviewed with urologic and radiologic specialists at multiple centers that collaborated in the care of this patient.

Main Outcome Measures

Penile duplex ultrasound peak systolic velocities and five-item International Index for Erectile Function questionnaire scores were the main outcome measures.

Results

Initial diagnostic workup of the patient confirmed severe insufficiency of the left cavernosal artery, with no evidence of venous leak. The patient underwent penile microvascular arterial bypass surgery with anastomosis of the left inferior epigastric artery to the left dorsal penile artery. The patient had persistence of severe ED despite patent anastomosis by penile duplex ultrasound. Subsequent arteriography revealed an arterial shunt due to an aberrant obturator artery arising from the donor inferior epigastric artery. The patient underwent embolization of the aberrant obturator artery, with resolution of the shunt and marked improvement in erectile function.

Conclusions

The presence of an aberrant obturator artery arising from the inferior epigastric artery may predispose to persistent ED after revascularization due to the creation of a shunt phenomenon. Pelvic arteriography may be useful in identifying anomalous anatomic considerations prior to penile revascularization and to evaluate patients with persistent postoperative ED.
The filamentous ascomycete Sordaria macrospora can survive in ambient air without carbonic anhydrases
Authors: Lehneck Ronny , Elleuche Skander , Pöggeler Stefanie
Published: April 2014

The rapid interconversion of carbon dioxide and bicarbonate (hydrogen carbonate) is catalysed by metalloenzymes termed carbonic anhydrases (CAs). CAs have been identified in all three domains of life and can be divided into five evolutionarily unrelated classes (α, β, γ, δ and ζ) that do not share significant sequence similarities. The function of the mammalian, prokaryotic and plant α‐CAs has been intensively studied but the function of CAs in filamentous ascomycetes is mostly unknown. The filamentous ascomycete Sordaria macrospora codes for four CAs, three of the β‐class and one of the α‐class. Here, we present a functional analysis of CAS4, the S. macrospora α‐class CA. The CAS4 protein was post‐translationally glycosylated and secreted. The knockout strain Δcas4 had a significantly reduced rate of ascospore germination. To determine the cas genes required for S. macrospora growth under ambient air conditions, we constructed double and triple mutations of the four cas genes in all possible combinations and a quadruple mutant. Vegetative growth rate of the quadruple mutant lacking all cas genes was drastically reduced compared to the wild type and invaded the agar under normal air conditions. Likewise the fruiting bodies were embedded in the agar and completely devoid of mature ascospores.
Polar localization of Escherichia coli chemoreceptors requires an intact Tol–Pal complex
Authors: Santos Thiago M. A. , Lin Ti‐Yu , Rajendran Madhusudan , Anderson Samantha M. , Weibel Douglas B.
Published: April 2014

Subcellular biomolecular localization is critical for the metabolic and structural properties of the cell. The functional implications of the spatiotemporal distribution of protein complexes during the bacterial cell cycle have long been acknowledged; however, the molecular mechanisms for generating and maintaining their dynamic localization in bacteria are not completely understood. Here we demonstrate that the trans‐envelope Tol–Pal complex, a widely conserved component of the cell envelope of Gram‐negative bacteria, is required to maintain the polar positioning of chemoreceptor clusters in Escherichia coli. Localization of the chemoreceptors was independent of phospholipid composition of the membrane and the curvature of the cell wall. Instead, our data indicate that chemoreceptors interact with components of the Tol–Pal complex and that this interaction is required to polarly localize chemoreceptor clusters. We found that disruption of the Tol–Pal complex perturbs the polar localization of chemoreceptors, alters cell motility, and affects chemotaxis. We propose that the E. coli Tol–Pal complex restricts mobility of the chemoreceptor clusters at the cell poles and may be involved in regulatory mechanisms that co‐ordinate cell division and segregation of the chemosensory machinery.
Developments in the correction of presbyopia II: surgical approaches
Authors: Charman W. Neil
Published: April 2014

Purpose

To discuss the various static and dynamic surgical approaches which attempt to give presbyopes good vision at far, intermediate and near viewing distances.

Content

Static methods broadly adopt the same optical techniques as those used in presbyopic contact lens correction and aim to satisfy the needs of the presbyope by increasing binocular depth‐of‐focus, often using monovision as well as simultaneous‐imagery. Dynamic methods generally attempt to make use of at least some of the still‐active elements of the accommodation system. They include procedures which are supposed to modify the relative geometry of the ciliary muscle and lens, or which reduce the stiffness of the presbyopic lens either by replacing it with other natural or man‐made material or by subjecting it to femtosecond laser treatment. Alternatively the natural lens may be replaced by some form of intraocular lens which changes power as a result of forces derived from the still‐active ciliary muscle, zonule and capsule, or other sources.

Conclusions

At present, multifocal intraocular lenses appear to offer the most consistent and reliable surgical approach to surgical presbyopic correction. They have obvious advantages in convenience and stability over optically‐similar, simultaneous‐image presbyopic contact lenses but this must be balanced against their relative inflexibility in cases of patient dissatisfaction. Dynamic methods remain largely experimental. Although some approaches show promise, as yet no method has demonstrated a reliable, long‐term ability to correct distance refractive error and to appropriately change ocular power in response to changes in viewing distance over the normal range of interest.
Deciphering the molecular bases for drought tolerance in Arabidopsis autotetraploids
Authors: DEL POZO JUAN C. , RAMIREZ‐PARRA ELENA
Published: April 2014

Whole genome duplication (autopolyploidy) is common in many plant species and often leads to better adaptation to adverse environmental conditions. However, little is known about the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying these adaptations. Drought is one of the major environmental conditions limiting plant growth and development. Here, we report that, in Arabidopsis thaliana, tetraploidy promotes alterations in cell proliferation and organ size in a tissue‐dependent manner. Furthermore, it potentiates plant tolerance to salt and drought stresses and decreases transpiration rate, likely through controlling stomata density and closure, abscisic acid (ABA) signalling and reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis. Our transcriptomic analyses revealed that tetraploidy mainly regulates the expression of genes involved in redox homeostasis and ABA and stress response. Taken together, our data have shed light on the molecular basis associated with stress tolerance in autopolyploid plants.
Identification and validation of reference genes for Populus euphratica gene expression analysis during abiotic stresses by quantitative real‐time PCR
Authors: Wang Hou‐Ling , Chen Jinhuan , Tian Qianqian , Wang Shu , Xia Xinli , Yin Weilun
Published: April 2014

Populus euphratica is the only arboreal species that is established in the world's largest shifting‐sand desert in China and is well‐adapted to the extreme desert environment, so it is widely considered a model system for researching into abiotic stress resistance of woody plants. However, few P. euphratica reference genes (RGs) have been identified for quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) until now. Validation of suitable RGs is essential for gene expression normalization research. In this study, we screened 16 endogenous candidate RGs in P. euphratica leaves in six abiotic stress treatments, including abscisic acid (ABA), cold, dehydration, drought, short‐duration salt (SS) and long‐duration salt (LS) treatments, each with 6 treatment gradients. After calculation of PCR efficiencies, three different software tools, NormFinder, geNorm and BestKeeper, were employed to analyze the qRT‐PCR data systematically, and the outputs were merged by means of a non‐weighted unsupervised rank aggregation method. The genes selected as optimal for gene expression analysis of the six treatments were RPL17 (ribosomal protein L17) in ABA, EF1α (elongation factor‐1 alpha) in cold, HIS (histone superfamily protein H3) in dehydration, GIIα in drought and SS, and TUB (tubulin) in LS. The expression of 60S (the 60S ribosomal protein) varied the least during all treatments. To illustrate the suitability of these RGs, the relative quantifications of three stress‐inducible genes, PePYL1, PeSCOF‐1 and PeSCL7 were investigated with different RGs. The results, calculated using qBasePlus software, showed that compared with the least‐appropriate RGs, the expression profiles normalized by the recommended RGs were closer to expectations. Our study provided an important RG application guideline for P. euphratica gene expression characterization.
The exegesis of Vitruvius and the creation of theatrical spaces in Renaissance Ferrara
Authors: Torello‐Hill Giulia
Published: April 2014

Under the rule of Ercole I d'Este (1471–1505), Ferrara experienced an unprecedented revival of classical Roman comedy. For the first time, the plays of Plautus and Terence began to be staged in vernacular Italian. This essay focuses on the temporary theatre buildings that hosted these productions and discusses the instrumental role played by the short treatise Spectacula, written by Ercole's courtier, Pellegrino Prisciani (c. 1435–1510). It argues that the planning of theatre spaces was informed by the humanist interpretation of Vitruvian principles. Furthermore, it evaluates the weight of contemporary iconography and the illustrative tradition of Terence, which was disseminated through the first printed editions, on the planning of theatre spaces. The modernization of set design and the creation of theatre spaces that reinterpreted Vitruvian principles along with the adaptation of classical dramatic texts represents the first modern example of reception of ancient comedy.
Trade Liberalization and Firm Productivity: Evidence from Chinese Manufacturing Industries
Authors: Hu Albert Guangzhou , Liu Zhengning
Published: April 2014

This paper examines the impact of tariff reduction following China's World Trade Organization (WTO) entry on the productivity of Chinese manufacturing firms using a firm‐level panel database that comprises all of China's manufacturing firms with an annual turnover above 5 million yuan and that spans the period of 2000–2006. An instrumental variable estimator is used to account for the endogeneity of the tariff reduction. The results indicate that China's trade liberalization in the five years following its WTO entry has led to a 0.94% annual increase in total factor productivity for Chinese manufacturing firms. However, the overall productivity gain from the tariff reduction is a net result of a productivity depressing effect of output tariff reduction and a productivity enhancing effect of input tariff reduction. Both effects have diminished in magnitude over the years after China joined the WTO. Firm heterogeneity and turnover plays an important role in generating gains from trade liberalization. The surviving firms have managed to cope with and take advantage of lower tariffs. The extent to which the tariff reduction affects Chinese firms' productivity is also dependent on the ownership structure of the firms with foreign‐invested firms being the clear winner.
An atypical anxious‐impulsive pattern of social anxiety disorder in an adult clinical population
Authors: Mörtberg Ewa , Tillfors Maria , van Zalk Nejra , Kerr Margaret
Published: April 2014

An atypical subgroup of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) with impulsive rather than inhibited traits has recently been reported. The current study examined whether such an atypical subgroup could be identified in a clinical population of 84 adults with SAD. The temperament dimensions harm avoidance and novelty seeking of the Temperament and Character Inventory, and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale were used in cluster analyses. The identified clusters were compared on depressive symptoms, the character dimension self‐directedness, and treatment outcome. Among the six identified clusters, 24% of the sample had atypical characteristics, demonstrating mainly generalized SAD in combination with coexisting traits of inhibition and impulsivity. As additional signs of severity, this group showed low self‐directedness and high levels of depressive symptoms. We also identified a typically inhibited subgroup comprising generalized SAD with high levels of harm avoidance and low levels of novelty seeking, with a similar clinical severity as the atypical subgroup. Thus, higher levels of harm avoidance and social anxiety in combination with higher or lower levels of novelty seeking and low self‐directedness seem to contribute to a more severe clinical picture. Post hoc examination of the treatment outcome in these subgroups showed that only 20 to 30% achieved clinically significant change.
Local Influence Analysis in AB–BA Crossover Designs
Authors: Hao Chengcheng , von Rosen Dietrich , von Rosen Tatjana
Published: April 2014

The aim of this article is to develop methodology for detecting influential observations in crossover models with random individual effects. Various case‐weighted perturbations are performed. We obtain the influence of the perturbations on each parameter estimator and on their dispersion matrices. The obtained results exhibit the possibility to obtain closed‐form expressions of the influence using the residuals in mixed linear models. Some graphical tools are also presented.
The human myotendinous junction: An ultrastructural and 3D analysis study
Authors: Knudsen A. B. , Larsen M. , Mackey A. L. , Hjort M. , Hansen K. K. , Qvortrup K. , Kjær M. , Krogsgaard M. R.
Published: April 2014

The myotendinous junction (MTJ) is a specialized structure in the musculotendinous system, where force is transmitted from muscle to tendon. Animal models have shown that the MTJ takes form of tendon finger‐like processes merging with muscle tissue. The human MTJ is largely unknown and has never been described in three dimensions (3D). The aim of this study was to describe the ultrastructure of the human MTJ and render 3D reconstructions. Fourteen subjects (age 25 ± 3 years) with isolated injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), scheduled for reconstruction with a semitendinosus/gracilis graft were included. Semitendinosus and gracilis tendons were stripped as grafts for the ACL reconstruction. The MTJ was isolated from the grafts and prepared for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy. It was possible to isolate recognizable MTJ tissue from all 14 patients. TEM images displayed similarities to observations in animals: Sarcolemmal evaginations observed as finger‐like processes from the tendon and endomysium surrounding the muscle fibers, with myofilaments extending from the final Z‐line of the muscle fiber merging with the tendon tissue. The 3D reconstruction revealed that tendon made ridge‐like protrusions, which interdigitiated with groove‐like indentations in the muscle cell.
Effect of PNF stretching training on the properties of human muscle and tendon structures
Authors: Konrad A. , Gad M. , Tilp M.
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of a 6‐week proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching training program on the various parameters of the human gastrocnemius medialis muscle and the Achilles tendon. Therefore, 49 volunteers were randomly assigned into PNF stretching and control groups. Before and after the stretching intervention, we determined the maximum dorsiflexion range of motion (RoM) with the corresponding fascicle length and pennation angle. Passive resistive torque (PRT) and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) of the musculo‐articular complex were measured with a dynamometer. Muscle‐tendon junction (MTJ) displacement allowed us to determine the length changes in tendon and muscle, and hence to calculate stiffness. Mean RoM increased from 31.1 ± 7.2° to 33.1 ± 7.2° (P = 0.02), stiffness of the tendon decreased significantly in both active (from 21.1 ± 8.0 to 18.1 ± 5.5 N/mm) and passive (from 12.1 ± 4.9 to 9.6 ± 3.2 N/mm) conditions, and the pennation angle increased from 18.5 ± 1.8° to 19.5 ± 2.1° (P = 0.01) at the neutral ankle position (90°), only in the intervention group, whereas MVC and PRT values remained unchanged. We conclude that a 6‐week PNF stretching training program increases RoM and decreases tendon stiffness, despite no change in PRT.
Agricultural Biotechnology in Central and Eastern Europe: Determinants of Cultivation Bans
Authors: Tosun Jale
Published: April 2014

By the joining of the European Union (EU), the Central and Eastern European states had to align their agricultural biotechnology regulations to EU standards. In some cases, this meant the adoption of stricter regulations such as for the co‐existence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and conventional crops. In other cases, harmonisation with EU rules entailed the need to give up more restrictive national regulation, for example: to allow the cultivation of a limited number of GMOs. This article examines why some Central and Eastern European states joined the group of Western European countries that instituted bans on the commercial cultivation of GMOs in the EU. This study contributes to the literature in two ways. First, it contends that the prohibition of the commercial cultivation of GMOs in some Central and Eastern European member states must be interpreted in light of the EU‐wide public and political contestation of GMOs. Second, this piece of research shows that the ideological composition of governments matters in explaining the regulation of agricultural biotechnology. This second contribution allows for going beyond the predominant focus on public opinion when analysing the regulation of GMOs in the EU.
Understanding noncompliance with selective donor deferral criteria for high‐risk behaviors in Australian blood donors
Authors: Lucky Tarana T.A. , Seed Clive R. , Waller Daniel , Lee June F. , McDonald Ann , Wand Handan , Wroth Stephen , Shuttleworth Glen , Keller Anthony J. , Pink Joanne , Wilson David P.
Published: April 2014

Background

Using a predonation screening questionnaire, potential blood donors are screened for medical or behavioral factors associated with an increased risk for transfusion‐transmissible infection. After disclosure of these risks, potential donors are deferred from donating. Understanding the degree of failure to disclose full and truthful information (termed noncompliance) is important to determine and minimize residual risk. This study estimates the prevalence of, and likely reasons for, noncompliance among Australian donors with the deferrals for injecting drug use, sex with an injecting drug user, male‐to‐male sex, sex worker activity or contact, and sex with a partner from a high‐HIV‐prevalence country.

Study Design and Methods

An anonymous, online survey of a nationally representative sample of Australian blood donors was conducted. Prevalence of noncompliance with deferrable risk categories was estimated. Factors associated with noncompliance were determined using unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios.

Results

Of 98,044 invited donors, 30,790 donors completed the survey. The estimated prevalence of overall noncompliance (i.e., to at least one screening question) was 1.65% (95% confidence interval CI, 1.51%‐1.8%). Noncompliance with individual deferrals ranged from 0.05% (sex work) to 0.54% (sex with an injecting drug user). The prevalences of the disclosed exclusionary risk behaviors were three to 14 times lower than their estimated prevalence in the general population.

Conclusion

The prevalence of noncompliance is relatively low but our estimate is likely to be a lower bound. The selected high‐risk behaviors were substantially less common in blood donors compared to the general population suggesting that self‐deferral is effective. Nevertheless, a focus on further minimization should improve the blood safety.
The Effect of Physical Training on Heart Rate Variability in Healthy Children: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Authors: da Silva Carla Cristiane , Pereira Ligia Maxwell , Cardoso Jefferson Rosa , Moore Jonathan Patrick , Nakamura Fábio Yuzo
Published: April 2014

The positive effects of physical training on heart rate variability (HRV) in healthy adults are widely recognized; however, the responsiveness to training in healthy children has not yet been established. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of physical training on HRV in prepubertal healthy children. Systematic computerized searches were performed from 1950 to 2012 in the following databases: Medline, Embase, Cinahl, Lilacs, Scielo, SportDiscus, ProQuest; Web of Science; PEDro; Academic Search Premier and the Cochrane Library. The key words used were: heart rate variability, autonomic nervous system, exercise training, physical activity, continuous exercise, intermittent exercise, children, prepubescent, adolescents, and healthy. Although the database search initially identified 6,164 studies, after removing duplicates and excluding by title the number was 148, however, only 2 studies were included in this systematic review. The meta-analysis compared the experimental group (n = 29) with the control group (n = 28) for the HRV parameters: RR intervals, SDNN, RMSSD, pNN50, LF (log), HF (log), LF/HF and Total Power (log). The meta-analysis demonstrated similar HRV indices between both the experimental and control groups. In conclusion, the available results from randomized controlled trials do not support the hypothesis that physical training improves HRV in healthy children[AUQ2].
Double Jeopardy: Metabolic Syndrome Leads to Increased Sedentary Behavior in Peri-Pubertal Minority Females
Authors: Hsu Ya-Wen , Chou Chih-Ping , Belcher Britni R. , Nguyen-Rodriguez Selena T. , Weigensberg Marc J. , McClain Arianna D. , Spruijt-Metz Donna
Published: April 2014

While most studies have focused on investigating the preventive effects of physical activity on metabolic risk, the longitudinal impacts of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on activity levels is poorly understood. This study aims to examine the influence of MetS on initial activity levels and the trajectory of activity levels in Latina and African American female children over 12 months (n = 55, 9 ± 1 years). Metabolic measures, including fat and lean tissue mass by BodPod, fasting glucose, lipids, blood pressure, and waist circumference, were collected at baseline. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behavior by accelerometry were collected on a quarterly basis. There were no significant differences in either initial activity levels by MetS status (Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity: 33 ± 12 mins/day for MetS, 48 ± 28 mins/day for Non-MetS, p = .12; sedentary behavior: 408 ± 57 mins/day for MetS, 421 ± 72 mins/day for Non-MetS, p = .67). Longitudinal declines in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (p = .038) and increases in sedentary behavior (p = .003) were found. Daily sedentary behavior increased by 82.64 more minutes in youth with MetS than in those without over one year (p = .015). This study yields the first evidence of the adverse effect of MetS on sedentary behavior. Targeted intervention strategies to reduce progressive sedentariness evident in minority youth with MetS are warranted.
Computer-Guided Inquiry to Improve Science Learning
Authors: Linn Marcia C. , Gerard Libby , Ryoo Kihyun , McElhaney Kevin , Liu Ou Lydia , Rafferty Anna N.
Published: April 2014

Automated guidance on essays and drawings can improve learning in precollege and college courses.
Unfolding the Laws of Star Formation: The Density Distribution of Molecular Clouds
Authors: Kainulainen Jouni , Federrath Christoph , Henning Thomas
Published: April 2014

Mapping Stardust

A galaxy's structure throughout time depends largely on its ability to convert the raw material of molecular clouds into stars. One of the most influential properties in determining star formation rates is the distribution of densities among individual molecular clouds, which can be described by a probability density function of volume densities.

Kainulainen
et al.

(p.
183
) devised a method to quantify these distributions from empirical dust extinction maps of nearby clouds. The threshold for star formation in these observationally based calculations was significantly lower than theoretical predictions.
Mapping the Cellular Response to Small Molecules Using Chemogenomic Fitness Signatures
Authors: Lee Anna Y. , St.Onge Robert P. , Proctor Michael J. , Wallace Iain M. , Nile Aaron H. , Spagnuolo Paul A. , Jitkova Yulia , Gronda Marcela , Wu Yan , Kim Moshe K. , Cheung-Ong Kahlin , Torres Nikko P. , Spear Eric D. , Han Mitchell K. L. , Schlecht Ulrich , Suresh Sundari , Duby Geoffrey , Heisler Lawrence E. , Surendra Anuradha , Fung Eula , Urbanus Malene L. , Gebbia Marinella , Lissina Elena , Miranda Molly , Chiang Jennifer H. , Aparicio Ana Maria , Zeghouf Mahel , Davis Ronald W. , Cherfils Jacqueline , Boutry Marc , Kaiser Chris A. , Cummins Carolyn L. , Trimble William S. , Brown Grant W. , Schimmer Aaron D. , Bankaitis Vytas A. , Nislow Corey , Bader Gary D. , Giaever Guri
Published: April 2014

Yeasty HIPHOP

In order to identify how chemical compounds target genes and affect the physiology of the cell, tests of the perturbations that occur when treated with a range of pharmacological chemicals are required. By examining the haploinsufficiency profiling (HIP) and homozygous profiling (HOP) chemogenomic platforms,Leeet al.(p.208) analyzed the response of yeast to thousands of different small molecules, with genetic, proteomic, and bioinformatic analyses. Over 300 compounds were identified that targeted 121 genes within 45 cellular response signature networks. These networks were used to extrapolate the likely effects of related chemicals, their impact upon genetic pathways, and to identify putative gene functions.
“Nature and Art Beneath One Roof”
Natural Histories
A Project

by Miguel Ángel Blanco

Museo Nacional del Prado, Madrid. Through 27 April 2014. https://www.museodelprado.es/en/exhibitions/exhibitions/at-the-museum/historias-naturales
Authors: Ash Caroline
Published: April 2014

Through 22 "interventions," Blanco illuminates links between natural history and art from the Prado's collection.
Can Cloning Revive Spain's Extinct Mountain Goat?
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: April 2014

Scientists in Spain are trying to revive the Pyrenean ibex by cloning cells from the last living animal, which died in 2000.
Comparison of Tetrazolium Salt Assays for Evaluation of Drug Activity against Leishmania spp
Authors: Ginouves Marine , Carme Bernard , Couppie Pierre , Prevot Ghislaine
Published: April 2014

In French Guiana, leishmaniasis is an essentially cutaneous infection. It constitutes a major public health problem, with a real incidence of 0.2 to 0.3%.
Leishmania guyanensis
is the causal species most frequently encountered in French Guiana. The treatment of leishmaniasis is essentially drug based, but the therapeutic compounds available have major side effects (e.g., liver damage and diabetes) and must be administered parenterally or are costly. The efficacy of some of these agents has declined due to the emergence of resistance in certain strains of
Leishmania
. There is currently no vaccine against leishmaniasis, and it is therefore both necessary and urgent to identify new compounds effective against
Leishmania
. The search for new drugs requires effective tests for evaluations of the leishmanicidal activity of a particular molecule or extract. Microculture tetrazolium assays (MTAs) are colorimetric tests based on the use of tetrazolium salts. We compared the efficacies of three tetrazolium salts—3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2
H
-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT), and 2-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2
H
-tetrazolium (WST-8)—for quantification of the promastigotes of various species of
Leishmania
. We found that the capacity of
Leishmania
to metabolize a tetrazolium salt depended on the salt used and the species of
Leishmania
. WST-8 was the tetrazolium salt best metabolized by
L. guyanensis
and gave the best sensitivity.
Simplified Microarray System for Simultaneously Detecting Rifampin, Isoniazid, Ethambutol, and Streptomycin Resistance Markers in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Linger Yvonne , Kukhtin Alexander , Golova Julia , Perov Alexander , Lambarqui Amine , Bryant Lexi , Rudy George B. , Dionne Kim , Fisher Stefanie L. , Parrish Nicole , Chandler Darrell P.
Published: April 2014

We developed a simplified microarray test for detecting and identifying mutations in
rpoB
,
katG
,
inhA
,
embB
, and
rpsL
and compared the analytical performance of the test to that of phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST). The analytical sensitivity was estimated to be at least 110 genome copies per amplification reaction. The microarray test correctly detected 95.2% of mutations for which there was a sequence-specific probe on the microarray and 100% of 96 wild-type sequences. In a blinded analysis of 153 clinical isolates, microarray sensitivity for first-line drugs relative to phenotypic DST (true resistance) was 100% for rifampin (RIF) (14/14), 90.0% for isoniazid (INH) (36/40), 70% for ethambutol (EMB) (7/10), and 89.1% (57/64) combined. Microarray specificity (true susceptibility) for first-line agents was 95.0% for RIF (132/139), 98.2% for INH (111/113), and 98.6% for EMB (141/143). Overall microarray specificity for RIF, INH, and EMB combined was 97.2% (384/395). The overall positive and negative predictive values for RIF, INH, and EMB combined were 84.9% and 98.3%, respectively. For the second-line drug streptomycin (STR), overall concordance between the agar proportion method and microarray analysis was 89.5% (137/153). Sensitivity was 34.8% (8/23) because of limited microarray coverage for STR-conferring mutations, and specificity was 99.2% (129/130). All false-susceptible discrepant results were a consequence of DNA mutations that are not represented by a specific microarray probe. There were zero invalid results from 220 total tests. The simplified microarray system is suitable for detecting resistance-conferring mutations in clinical
M. tuberculosis
isolates and can now be used for prospective trials or integrated into an all-in-one, closed-amplicon consumable.
Direct Detection of Indirect Transmission of Streptobacillus moniliformis Rat Bite Fever Infection
Authors: Mackey Joseph R. , Melendez Elsa L. Vazquez , Farrell John J. , Lowery Kristin S. , Rounds Megan A. , Sampath Rangarajan , Bonomo Robert A.
Published: April 2014

We describe the evaluation of culture-negative synovial fluid from a 3-year-old boy by PCR and electrospray ionization followed by mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS). Our patient developed a diffuse rash and fever with systemic signs and symptoms of sepsis, but four sets of blood cultures obtained prior to initiation of antibiotics were negative. After 1 week of illness, he developed right-knee swelling. Analysis of synovial fluid was consistent with infection, but cultures of specimens obtained following initiation of antimicrobial treatment were negative for growth. PCR/ESI-MS detected
Streptobacillus moniliformis
in the synovial fluid sample. Our patient completed an appropriate course of antibiotic treatment and remained completely asymptomatic in follow-up evaluation. This unique case suggests that PCR/ESI-MS may be a useful diagnostic tool for direct detection of unusual or unexpected pathogens directly from clinical specimens, particularly when samples have been obtained from patients following initiation of antibiotic therapy.
Reduction in False-Positive Aspergillus Serum Galactomannan Enzyme Immunoassay Results Associated with Use of Piperacillin-Tazobactam in the United States
Authors: Vergidis Paschalis , Razonable Raymund R. , Wheat L. Joseph , Estes Lynn , Caliendo Angela M. , Baden Lindsey R. , Wingard John R. , Baddley John , Assi Maha , Norris Steven , Chandrasekar Pranatharthi , Shields Ryan , Nguyen Hong , Freifeld Alison , Kohler Richard , Kleiman Martin , Walsh Thomas J. , Hage Chadi A.
Published: April 2014

Piperacillin-tazobactam (PTZ) is known to cause false-positive results in the Platelia
Aspergillus
enzyme-linked immunoassay (EIA), due to contamination with galactomannan (GM). We tested 32 lots of PTZ and 27 serum specimens from patients receiving PTZ. GM was not detected in the lots of PTZ; one serum specimen (3.7%) was positive. PTZ formulations commonly used in the United States today appear to be a rare cause for false-positive GM results.
Integrative Analysis of Salmonellosis in Israel Reveals Association of Salmonella enterica Serovar 9,12:l,v:− with Extraintestinal Infections, Dissemination of Endemic S. enterica Serovar Typhimurium DT104 Biotypes, and Severe Underreporting of Outbreaks
Authors: Marzel Alex , Desai Prerak T. , Nissan Israel , Schorr Yosef Ilan , Suez Jotham , Valinsky Lea , Reisfeld Abraham , Agmon Vered , Guard Jean , McClelland Michael , Rahav Galia , Gal-Mor Ohad
Published: April 2014

Salmonella enterica
is the leading etiologic agent of bacterial food-borne outbreaks worldwide. This ubiquitous species contains more than 2,600 serovars that may differ in their host specificity, clinical manifestations, and epidemiology. To characterize salmonellosis epidemiology in Israel and to study the association of nontyphoidal
Salmonella
(NTS) serovars with invasive infections, 48,345
Salmonella
cases reported and serotyped at the National
Salmonella
Reference Center between 1995 and 2012 were analyzed. A quasi-Poisson regression was used to identify irregular clusters of illness, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis in conjunction with whole-genome sequencing was applied to molecularly characterize strains of interest. Three hundred twenty-nine human salmonellosis clusters were identified, representing an annual average of 23 (95% confidence interval [CI], 20 to 26) potential outbreaks. We show that the previously unsequenced
S. enterica
serovar 9,12:l,v:− belongs to the B clade of
Salmonella enterica
subspecies
enterica
, and we show its frequent association with extraintestinal infections, compared to other NTS serovars. Furthermore, we identified the dissemination of two prevalent
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium DT104 clones in Israel, which are genetically distinct from other global DT104 isolates. Accumulatively, these findings indicate a severe underreporting of
Salmonella
outbreaks in Israel and provide insights into the epidemiology and genomics of prevalent serovars, responsible for recurring illness.
Detection of Prosthetic Joint Infection by Use of PCR-Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Applied to Synovial Fluid
Authors: Melendez Dante P. , Uhl James R. , Greenwood-Quaintance Kerryl E. , Hanssen Arlen D. , Sampath Rangarajan , Patel Robin
Published: April 2014

PCR coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry applied to synovial fluid specimens had an 81% sensitivity and a 95% specificity for the diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection.
Fungal DNA Detected in Blood Samples of Patients Who Received Contaminated Methylprednisolone Injections Reveals Increased Complexity of Causative Agents
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Armeanu Emilian , DiVerniero Richard , Lewis Terri A. , Dobson Richard C. , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Roilides Emmanuel , Walsh Thomas J. , Perlin David S.
Published: April 2014

Using
Exserohilum rostratum
-specific and panfungal real-time PCR, we studied 24 blood samples and 2 synovial fluid specimens from 20 patients with persistent or worsening pain following injections of contaminated methylprednisolone. Seven blood specimens from 6 patients were significantly positive for fungal DNA by panfungal PCR, with multiple fungal species identified.
hnRNP L and NF90 Interact with Hepatitis C Virus 5′-Terminal Untranslated RNA and Promote Efficient Replication
Authors: Li You , Masaki Takahiro , Shimakami Tetsuro , Lemon Stanley M.
Published: April 2014

The 5′-terminal sequence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive-strand RNA genome is essential for viral replication. Critical host factors, including a miR-122/Ago2 complex and poly(rC)-binding protein 2 (PCBP2), associate with this RNA segment. We used a biotinylated RNA pulldown approach to isolate host factors binding to the HCV 5′ terminal 47 nucleotides and, in addition to Ago2 and PCBP2, identified several novel proteins, including IGF2BP1, hnRNP L, DHX9, ADAR1, and NF90 (ILF3). PCBP2, IGF2BP1, and hnRNP L bound single-stranded RNA, while DHX9, ADAR1, and NF90 bound a cognate double-stranded RNA bait. PCBP2, IGF2BP1, and hnRNP L binding were blocked by preannealing the single-stranded RNA bait with miR-122, indicating that they bind the RNA in competition with miR-122. However, IGF2BP1 binding was also inhibited by high concentrations of heparin, suggesting that it bound the bait nonspecifically. Among these proteins, small interfering RNA-mediated depletion of hnRNP L and NF90 significantly impaired viral replication and reduced infectious virus yields without substantially affecting HCV internal ribosome entry site-mediated translation. hnRNP L and NF90 were found to associate with HCV RNA in infected cells and to coimmunoprecipitate with NS5A in an RNA-dependent manner. Both also associate with detergent-resistant membranes where viral replication complexes reside. We conclude that hnRNP and NF90 are important host factors for HCV replication, at least in cultured cells, and may be present in the replication complex.

IMPORTANCE
Although HCV replication has been intensively studied in many laboratories, many aspects of the viral life cycle remain obscure. Here, we use a novel RNA pulldown strategy coupled with mass spectrometry to identify host cell proteins that interact functionally with regulatory RNA elements located at the extreme 5′ end of the positive-strand RNA genome. We identify two, primarily nuclear RNA-binding proteins, hnRNP L and NF90, with previously unrecognized proviral roles in HCV replication. The data presented add to current understanding of the replication cycle of this pathogenic human virus.