bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Distribution of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms Related to Fungicide Resistance and Implications for Sampling
Authors: Van der Heyden H. , Dutilleul P. , Brodeur L. , Carisse O.
Published: January 2014

Spatial distribution of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to fungicide resistance was studied for Botrytis cinerea populations in vineyards and for B. squamosa populations in onion fields. Heterogeneity in this distribution was characterized by performing geostatistical analyses based on semivariograms and through the fitting of discrete probability distributions. Two SNPs known to be responsible for boscalid resistance (H272R and H272Y), both located on the B subunit of the succinate dehydrogenase gene, and one SNP known to be responsible for dicarboximide resistance (I365S) were chosen for B. cinerea in grape. For B. squamosa in onion, one SNP responsible for dicarboximide resistance (I365S homologous) was chosen. One onion field was sampled in 2009 and another one was sampled in 2010 for B. squamosa, and two vineyards were sampled in 2011 for B. cinerea, for a total of four sampled sites. Cluster sampling was carried on a 10-by-10 grid, each of the 100 nodes being the center of a 10-by-10-m quadrat. In each quadrat, 10 samples were collected and analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or allele specific PCR. Mean SNP incidence varied from 16 to 68%, with an overall mean incidence of 43%. In the geostatistical analyses, omnidirectional variograms showed spatial autocorrelation characterized by ranges of 21 to 1 m. Various levels of anisotropy were detected, however, with variograms computed in four directions (at 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° from the within-row direction used as reference), indicating that spatial autocorrelation was prevalent or characterized by a longer range in one direction. For all eight data sets, the β-binomial distribution was found to fit the data better than the binomial distribution. This indicates local aggregation of fungicide resistance among sampling units, as supported by estimates of the parameter θ of the β-binomial distribution of 0.09 to 0.23 (overall median value = 0.20). On the basis of the observed spatial distribution patterns of SNP incidence, sampling curves were computed for different levels of reliability, emphasizing the importance of sample size for the detection of mutation incidence below the risk threshold for control failure.
Symmetry-extended counting rules for periodic frameworks
Authors: Guest S. D. , Fowler P. W.
Published: December 2013

A symmetry-adapted version of the Maxwell rule appropriate to periodic bar-and-joint frameworks is obtained, and is further extended to body-and-joint systems. The treatment deals with bodies and forces that are replicated in every unit cell, and uses the point group isomorphic to the factor group of the space group of the framework. Explicit expressions are found for the numbers and symmetries of detectable mechanisms and states of self-stress in terms of the numbers and symmetries of framework components. This approach allows detection and characterization of mechanisms and states of self-stress in microscopic and macroscopic materials and meta-materials. Illustrative examples are described. The notion of local isostaticity of periodic frameworks is extended to include point-group symmetry.
Experimental investigation of the mechanical stiffness of periodic framework-patterned elastomers
Authors: Francois N. , Arnoux T. , Garcia L. , Hyde S. T. , Robins V. , Saadatfar M. , Saba M. , Senden T. J.
Published: December 2013

Recent advances in the cataloguing of three-dimensional nets mean a systematic search for framework structures with specific properties is now feasible. Theoretical arguments about the elastic deformation of frameworks suggest characteristics of mechanically isotropic networks. We explore these concepts on both isotropic and anisotropic networks by manufacturing porous elastomers with three different periodic net geometries. The blocks of patterned elastomers are subjected to a range of mechanical tests to determine the dependence of elastic moduli on geometric and topological parameters. We report results from axial compression experiments, three-dimensional X-ray computed tomography imaging and image-based finite-element simulations of elastic properties of framework-patterned elastomers.
Black rhinoceros demography should be stage, not age, based
Authors: Law Peter R. , Linklater Wayne L.
Published: December 2013

Biologically meaningful and standardized definitions of life stages are essential for demographic studies, especially for endangered and intensively managed species such as rhinoceros. Focusing on the black rhinocerosDiceros bicornis, we argue that standardized biological definitions of calf, subadult, and adult, rather than age classes, provide the appropriate basis for black rhinoceros demography. Age classes do not correlate well with the risks of mortality nor characterize, at least for females, the attainment of reproductive maturity. Black rhinoceros demography based on age classes, typical of existing literature, obscures the significance of studies of mortality and fecundity. Comparison of studies also requires standardized definitions. We propose biologically meaningful definitions of life stages appropriate for the demography of the black rhinoceros and encourage the community of rhinoceros researchers to reach consensus on standardized, demographically appropriate definitions for adoption for each rhinoceros species.
Dimethyl 5-acetyl-1-hydroxy-4-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2,3-dicarboxylate, an oxidation-resistantN-hydroxypyrrole
Authors: Rosen Gerald M. , Muralidharan Sukumaran , Zavalij Peter Y. , Kao Joseph P. Y.
Published: January 2014

The title compound, C11H13NO6, exhibits an intramolecular O–H...O=C hydrogen bond between theN-hydroxyl H atom and carbonyl O atom of the neighboring acetyl group. This finding contradicts a previously published model in which the hydrogen bond was postulated to occur with the neighboring carbomethoxy group. This relatively strong hydrogen bond [O—H...O:D= 2.5583 (11) Å and θ = 152°] may underlie the resistance of the title compound to oxidation into the corresponding nitroxide.
1-[(4-Hydroxyanilino)methylidene]naphthalen-2(1H)-one
Authors: Chahmana Safia , Benghanem Fatiha , Keraghel Saida , Ourari Ali
Published: January 2014

The title Schiff base, C17H13NO2, crystallizes in the zwitterionic form and an N—H...O hydrogen bond closes anS(6) ring. The dihedral angle between the aromatic ring systems is 15.62 (9)°. In the crystal, O—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules intoC(11) chains propagating in [010].
2,6-Dichloro-9-(2′,3′,5′-tri-O-acetyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl)-9H-purine
Authors: Novosjolova Irina , Stepanovs Dmitrijs , Bizdēna Ērika , Mishnev Anatoly , Turks Māris
Published: January 2014

The title synthetic analog of purine nucleosides, C16H16Cl2N4O7, has its acetylated β-furanose ring in a 3′β-envelope conformation, with the corresponding C atom deviating by 0.602 (5) Å from the rest of the ring. The planar part of the furanose ring forms a dihedral angle of 65.0 (1)° with the mean plane of the purine bicycle. In the crystal, molecules form a three-dimensional network through multiple C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds and C—H...π interactions.
Local injection of botulinum toxin A: An alternative therapy for axillary osmidrosis
Authors: Xie Aiguo , Nie Lanjun , Tan Qian
Published: January 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of local injection of botulinum toxin A for treating axillary osmidrosis. One hundred and fifty patients with axillary osmidrosis were randomly divided to receive botulinum toxin A injection treatment (50 U of botulinum toxin A was injected intracutaneously into 6–20 different sites within each axilla, n = 74) or surgical excision of the apocrine glands (n = 76). The patients were followed up for 1–3 months to analyze the therapeutic effect and complications of the two methods. The curative effect in patients with mild and moderate axillary osmidrosis was not significantly different between the botulinum toxin A injection group and operation group. However, for patients with severe axillary osmidrosis, surgery treatment seemed to be superior to botulinum toxin A treatment (P = 0.005). There was also no significant difference in the modified Dermatology Life Quality Index between the two treatments. Two cases showed complications related to hemorrhage and incision infection in the operation group. In conclusion, local injection of botulinum toxin A is a safe, fast and effective treatment for mild and moderate axillary osmidrosis, but the long‐term effect remains to be further investigated.
Mechanism of pathogenesis of imiquimod‐induced skin inflammation in the mouse: A role for interferon‐alpha in dendritic cell activation by imiquimod
Authors: Ueyama Azumi , Yamamoto Mina , Tsujii Kenichiro , Furue Yoko , Imura Chihiro , Shichijo Michitaka , Yasui Kiyoshi
Published: January 2014

Topical application of imiquimod (IMQ), a Toll‐like receptor (TLR)7 ligand, can induce and exacerbate psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. In a mouse model of IMQ‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation, T‐helper (Th)17 cells and interleukin (IL)‐17/IL‐22‐producing γδ‐T cells have been shown to play a pivotal role. However, the mechanisms of induction of the Th17 pathway and development of psoriasis‐like skin inflammation by IMQ treatment remain unclear. In this study, we investigated pathogenic mechanisms of IMQ‐induced psoriasis‐like skin inflammation in mice. We first confirmed that, together with an increase in IL‐17 and IL‐22 production, application of IMQ to mouse skin induced the expression of cytokines required for activation of the Th17 pathway, and pro‐inflammatory mediators involved in the pathology of psoriasis. Analysis of Tlr7−/− mice demonstrated that most of the in vivo effects of IMQ were mediated via TLR7. In an in vitro study using plasmacytoid dendritic cells (DCs), IMQ induced production of interferon (IFN)‐α, IL‐23, IL‐6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. Furthermore, when we analyzed in vitro‐generated bone marrow‐derived DCs with features similar to TNF‐α and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)‐producing DCs, IL‐23, IL‐6, IL‐1β, TNF‐α and iNOS/NO production was weakly induced by IMQ alone and further enhanced after co‐stimulation with IMQ and IFN‐α. These in vitro effects of IMQ were also mediated via TLR7 and the synergistic effect of IMQ, and IFN‐α was suggested to be caused by upregulation of TLR7 expression by IFN‐α. These results demonstrate part of the mechanism by which the Th17 pathway and psoriasis‐like skin inflammation are induced by IMQ and IFN‐α in a mouse model.
The association between TNFα gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis in an ethnic Kashmiri population: relationship with disease activity and severity markers
Authors: Shafia Syed , Sofi Fayaz A. , Dilafroze  , Rasool Roohi , Javeed Sheikh , Shah Zafar A.
Published: December 2013

Aim

The aim of our study was to determine the genetic associations between polymorphisms of the TNFα gene (‐308G/A and ‐238G/A) with disease susceptibility and severity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in an ethnic Kashmiri population.

Methods

Allele and genotype frequencies of TNFα‐308G/A and TNFα‐238G/A polymorphisms were compared between 150 RA patients and 200 healthy controls by using polymerase chain reaction – restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Demographic, clinical and serological data were prospectively evaluated. Disease activity score (DAS28) was also assessed.

Results

We did not find any significant association between TNFα‐308G/A and TNFα‐238G/A polymorphism and RA risk (P > 0.05), but TNFα‐308GG genotype was associated significantly with rheumatoid factor seropositivity (P < 0.01) and TNFα‐238GA genotype was associated with swollen joint count < 5 (P = 0.04) as well as with less severe disease activity as measured by DAS28 score (P = 0.02).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest the possible roles of TNFα‐308GG and TNFα‐238GA as important determinants for the development of certain manifestations and disease severity in RA in ethnic Kashmiri population.
Expression and significance of squalene epoxidase in squamous lung cancerous tissues and pericarcinoma tissues
Authors: Zhang Hong‐Yan , Li Hong‐Mei , Yu Zhuang , Yu Xiao‐yun , Guo Kang
Published: January 2014

Background

A high expression of squalene epoxidase (SQLE) is related to tumor occurrence, development, and prognosis in a variety of cancers. In this study, the expression and significance of SQLE was analyzed in patients with squamous lung cancer and pericarcinoma tissues.

Methods

The SQLE mRNA and protein expression were separately examined by semi‐quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot in 65 cases of squamous cell lung carcinoma tissues and adjacent non‐cancerous lung tissues.

Results

The expression of SQLE mRNA and protein in lung squamous cancerous tissues was significantly higher than in pericarcinoma tissues (63.07% vs. 44.61%, P = 0.0348; 67.69% vs. 38.46%, P = 0.0008). The positive expression rate of SQLE mRNA was not associated with gender, age, smoking, or tumor size (P > 0.05). The expression of SQLE mRNA was closely correlated with poor differentiation, clinical stages, and lymphatic metastasis (P < 0.05). The expression of SQLE mRNA was negatively associated with overall survival rate (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

A high expression of SQLE was found in squamous lung cancer tissues. The high expression of the SQLE gene may be closely related to the occurrence and development of squamous cell lung carcinoma. SQLE expression predicts a poor prognosis and may serve as a novel lung carcinoma molecule marker.
Three‐dimensional conformal reirradiation for locoregionally recurrent lung cancer previously treated with radiation therapy
Authors: Huh Gil Ja , Jang Seong Soon , Park Suk Young , Seo Jae Hyuk , Cho Eun Youn , Park Ji Chan , Yang Young Jun
Published: January 2014

Background

To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of reirradiation using three‐dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3D‐CRT) in symptomatic patients with locoregionally recurrent lung cancer.

Methods

Between 2005 and 2012, 15 patients with locoregionally recurrent lung cancer were retreated with 3D‐CRT after previously receiving thoracic radiotherapy. The median interval between the initial irradiation and reirradiation was 12 months (range, five to 41 months). The median initial radiotherapy dose was 63 Gy (range, 45–70 Gy), and reirradiation doses ranged from 25.2 to 45.2 Gy (median, 36 Gy), with daily fractions of 1.8–4 Gy (median, 2 Gy).

Results

After reirradiation, 80% of the patients experienced resolved or diminished symptoms for one or more of their symptoms, with an 83% improvement in a total of 24 symptoms. The overall tumor response rate to reirradiation was 46.7%, with progressive disease occurring in only one patient. The median overall survival (OS) time was 11 months (range, one to 27 months), and the one‐year OS rate was 47%. The progression‐free survival time ranged from one to 10 months (median, five months). In univariate analysis, the use of combined chemotherapy and a higher reirradiation dose showed a trend toward improved survival after reirradiation. Treatment‐induced toxicity included grade 2 radiation pneumonitis in only one patient, and there were no other complications, such as radiation esophagitis or myelopathy.

Conclusions

Reirradiation using 3D‐CRT with moderate doses for locoregionally recurrent lung cancer can provide palliative benefits without severe complications to the majority of selected patients with symptoms as a result of a regrowing tumor.
Human stem cell aging: do mitochondrial DNA mutations have a causal role?
Authors: Baines Holly L. , Turnbull Douglass M. , Greaves Laura C.
Published: December 2013

A decline in the replicative and regenerative capacity of adult stem cell populations is a major contributor to the aging process. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations clonally expand with age in human stem cell compartments including the colon, small intestine, and stomach, and result in respiratory chain deficiency. Studies in a mouse model with high levels of mtDNA mutations due to a defect in the proofreading domain of the mtDNA polymerase γ (mtDNA mutator mice) have established causal relationships between the accumulation of mtDNA point mutations, stem cell dysfunction, and premature aging. These mtDNA mutator mice have also highlighted that the consequences of mtDNA mutations upon stem cells vary depending on the tissue. In this review, we present evidence that these studies in mice are relevant to normal human stem cell aging and we explore different hypotheses to explain the tissue‐specific consequences of mtDNA mutations. In addition, we emphasize the need for a comprehensive analysis of mtDNA mutations and their effects on cellular function in different aging human stem cell populations.
Extremely low‐frequency electromagnetic fields enhance the survival of newborn neurons in the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Podda Maria V. , Leone Lucia , Barbati Saviana A. , Mastrodonato Alessia , Li Puma Domenica D. , Piacentini Roberto , Grassi Claudio
Published: December 2013

In recent years, much effort has been devoted to identifying stimuli capable of enhancing adult neurogenesis, a process that generates new neurons throughout life, and that appears to be dysfunctional in the senescent brain and in several neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases. We previously reported that in vivo exposure to extremely low‐frequency electromagnetic fields (ELFEFs) promotes the proliferation and neuronal differentiation of hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs) that functionally integrate in the dentate gyrus. Here, we extended our studies to specifically assess the influence of ELFEFs on hippocampal newborn cell survival, which is a very critical issue in adult neurogenesis regulation. Mice were injected with 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) to label newborn cells, and were exposed to ELFEFs 9 days later, when the most dramatic decrease in the number of newly generated neurons occurs. The results showed that ELFEF exposure (3.5 h/day for 6 days) enhanced newborn neuron survival as documented by double staining for BrdU and doublecortin, to identify immature neurons, or NeuN labeling of mature neurons. The effects of ELFEFs were associated with enhanced spatial learning and memory. In an in vitro model of hippocampal NSCs, ELFEFs exerted their pro‐survival action by rescuing differentiating neurons from apoptotic cell death. Western immunoblot assay revealed reduced expression of the pro‐apoptotic protein Bax, and increased levels of the anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2, in the hippocampi of ELFEF‐exposed mice as well as in ELFEF‐exposed NSC cultures, as compared with their sham‐exposed counterparts. Our results may have clinical implications for the treatment of impaired neurogenesis associated with brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases.
Lake shoreline in the contiguous United States: quantity, distribution and sensitivity to observation resolution
Authors: Winslow Luke A. , Read Jordan S. , Hanson Paul C. , Stanley Emily H.
Published: January 2014

Quantifying lake biogeochemical processing at broad spatial scales requires that we scale processes along with physical metrics. Past work has primarily scaled lentic processes using estimates of lake surface area. However, many processes important to lakes, such as material, energy and biological fluxes and biogeochemical cycling, scale with lake perimeter.

We estimate the total lake perimeter for the contiguous United States (U.S.) and examine the sensitivity of this estimate to measurement resolution. At the original mapping resolution, lakes in the contiguous U.S. have a total perimeter of over 1.8 million km.

The change in measured perimeter versus measurement resolution for the contiguous U.S. had a log‐log slope (also known as the fractal dimension) of −0.21, generally less than previously reported estimates. With changing observation resolution, total measured perimeter was most sensitive to the inclusion or exclusion of small lakes, not shoreline complexity.

The total aquatic–terrestrial interface in lakes is less than one‐tenth that of streams and rivers, which collectively account for over 21 million km of shoreline in the contiguous U.S. This study further describes the distribution of lake perimeter and proposes a technique that can contribute to understanding continental‐scale processes.
Plant morphology, genome size, and SSR markers differentiate five distinct taxonomic groups among accessions in the genus Miscanthus
Authors: Chae Won Byoung , Hong Sae Jin , Gifford Justin M. , Rayburn A. Lane , Sacks Erik J. , Juvik John A.
Published: January 2014

Information on genome size, ploidy level, and genomic polymorphisms among accessions of the genus Miscanthus can assist in taxonomic studies, help understand the evolution of the genus, and provide valuable information to biomass crop improvement programs. Taxonomic investigation combining variation in plant morphology, genome size, chromosome numbers, and simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker polymorphisms were applied to characterize 101 Miscanthus accessions. A total of 258 amplicons generated from 17 informative SSR primer pairs was subjected to cluster and principal coordinate analysis and used to characterize genetic variation and relationships among 31 Miscanthus accessions, including four interspecific Miscanthus hybrids created from controlled pollinations, and four Saccharum, six Erianthus, and one Sorghum bicolor accessions. Miscanthus accessions were distinct from accessions in the genera Erianthus and Saccharum. Miscanthus accessions fell into five taxonomic groups, including the existing taxonomic section Miscanthus, diploid and tetraploid Miscanthus sacchariflorus, and a fourth (M. × giganteus) and fifth group (Miscanthus ‘purpurascens’); the last two being intermediate forms. In contrast to previous work, our findings suggest diploid and tetraploid M. sacchariflorus are taxonomically different, the latter more closely related to M. sacchariflorus var lutarioriparius. We also suggest that Miscanthus ‘purpurascens’ accessions are interspecific hybrids between Miscanthus sinensis and diploid M. sacchariflorus based on DNA content and SSR polymorphisms. The evolution of Miscanthus and related genera is discussed based on combined analysis and geographical origin.
Social Enterprises as Hybrid Organizations: A Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Doherty Bob , Haugh Helen , Lyon Fergus
Published: January 2014

The impacts of the global economic crisis of 2008, the intractable problems of persistent poverty and environmental change have focused attention on organizations that combine enterprise with an embedded social purpose. Scholarly interest in social enterprise (SE) has progressed beyond the early focus on definitions and context to investigate their management and performance. From a review of the SE literature, the authors identify hybridity, the pursuit of the dual mission of financial sustainability and social purpose, as the defining characteristic of SEs. They assess the impact of hybridity on the management of the SE mission, financial resource acquisition and human resource mobilization, and present a framework for understanding the tensions and trade‐offs resulting from hybridity. By examining the influence of dual mission and conflicting institutional logics on SE management the authors suggest future research directions for theory development for SE and hybrid organizations more generally.
Progranulin promotes tumour necrosis factor‐induced proliferation of suppressive mouse CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Hu Ya , Xiao Haitao , Shi Tingchen , Oppenheim Joost J. , Chen Xin
Published: January 2014

Progranulin (PGRN) is a pleiotropic growth factor with immunosuppressive properties. Recently, it was reported that PGRN was an antagonist of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptors, preferentially for TNFR2. However, we and others showed that TNF–TNFR2 interaction was critical for the activation and expansion of functional CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells. We therefore examined the effect of PGRN on the proliferation of naturally occurring murine suppressive Treg cells induced by TNF. Consistent with our previous reports, TNF overcame the hyporesponsiveness of highly purified Treg cells to T‐cell receptor stimulation. Furthermore, in the presence of interleukin‐2, TNF preferentially stimulated proliferation of Treg cells contained in unfractionated CD4 cells. These effects of TNF on suppressive Treg cells were markedly increased by exogenous PGRN. TNF and TNFR2 interactions are required for this effect of PGRN, because the PGRN by itself did not stimulate Treg cell proliferation. The effect of PGRN on Treg cells was abrogated by antibody against TNFR2, and Treg cells deficient in TNFR2 also failed to respond to PGRN. Furthermore, PGRN also enhanced the proliferative responses of effector T cells to TNF, but to a lesser extent than that of Treg cells, presumably caused by the different levels of TNFR2 expression on these two subsets of CD4 cells. Hence, our data clearly show that PGRN promotes, rather than inhibits, the functional consequence of TNF–TNFR2 interaction on Treg cells.
The effect of a structured adolescent health summer programme: a quasi‐experimental intervention
Authors: Lee R.L. , Hayter M.
Published: December 2013

Background

It is important to integrate adolescent health domains into pre‐service nursing education in order to enhance undergraduate nursing students' competencies in promoting adolescent health.

Aim

To determine the effectiveness of a structured adolescent health summer programme for Chinese undergraduate nursing students.

Methods

A quasi‐experimental design was used to evaluate differences in the Chinese undergraduate nursing students' perceived competency in promoting adolescent health. A stand‐alone adolescent health course was implemented as an intervention with pre‐ and post‐tests of a 2‐week intensive summer programme in 2010. The questionnaire included demographics, adolescent health competency checklist and programme evaluation. Descriptive statistics with the Wilcoxon signed‐ranks test and the Mann–Whitney U‐test were used for data analysis.

Results

Of the 113 nursing students, seniors perceived higher adolescent health competence mean scores than the juniors in the post‐test phase. Majority of nursing students revealed the increasing awareness of the importance in promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours and psychosocial well‐being after attending the summer programme. They agreed that nurses do have a role to play.

Limitations

This 2‐week summer programme may only have short‐term impacts on students' perception.

Conclusions

A stand‐alone adolescent health summer programme can prepare nursing students to respond to the health issues of adolescents by enhancing their competence in health need assessment and service delivery.

Implications for nursing and health policy

Nurses serve in a leadership role for health policies and programmes. In nursing education, it is important for students to understand how to put in place policies to resolve adolescent health issues.
Estimating influenza outpatients' and inpatients' incidences from 2009 to 2011 in a tropical urban setting in the Philippines
Authors: Tallo Veronica L. , Kamigaki Taro , Tan Alvin G. , Pamaran Rochelle R. , Alday Portia P. , Mercado Edelwisa S. , Javier Jenaline B. , Oshitani Hitoshi , Olveda Remigio M.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

Although the public health significance of influenza in regions with a temperate climate has been widely recognized, information on influenza burden in tropical countries, including the Philippines, remains limited. We aimed to estimate influenza incidence rates for both outpatients and inpatients then characterized their demographic features.

Design

An enhanced surveillance was performed from January 2009 to December 2011 in an urbanized highland city. The influenza‐like illness (ILI) surveillance involved all city health centers and an outpatient department of a tertiary government hospital. The severe acute respiratory infection (sARI) surveillance was also conducted with one government and four private hospitals since April 2009. Nasal and/or oropharyngeal swabs were collected and tested for influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus.

Results and Conclusions

We obtained 5915 specimens from 13 002 ILI cases and 2656 specimens from 10 726 sARI cases throughout the study period. We observed year‐round influenza activity with two possible peaks each year. The overall influenza detection rate was 23% in the ILI surveillance and 9% in the sARI surveillance. The mean annual outpatient incidence rate of influenza was 5·4 per 1000 individuals [95% confidence interval (CI), 1·83–12·7], and the mean annual incidence of influenza‐associated sARI was 1·0 per 1000 individuals (95% CI, 0·03–5·57). The highest incidence rates were observed among children aged <5 years, particularly those aged 6–23 months. Influenza posed a certain disease burden among inpatients and outpatients, particularly children aged <5 years, in an urbanized tropical city of the Philippines.
Seroprevalence of antibody to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 attributed to vaccination or infection, before and after the second (2010) pandemic wave in Australia
Authors: McVernon Jodie , Laurie Karen , Faddy Helen , Irving David , Nolan Terry , Barr Ian , Kelso Anne
Published: December 2013

Objectives

Historical records of influenza pandemics demonstrate variability in incidence and severity between waves. The influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 pandemic was the first in which many countries implemented strain‐specific vaccination to mitigate subsequent seasons. Serosurveys provide opportunity to examine the constraining influence of antibody on population disease experience.

Design

Changes in the proportion of adults seropositive to influenza A(H1N1)pdm09over the 2009/10 (summer) interepidemic period and 2010 (winter) influenza season were measured to determine whether there was a temporal relationship with vaccine distribution and influenza activity, respectively.

Setting

Australia.

Sample

Plasma samples were collected from healthy blood donors from seven cities at the end of the first wave (November 2009), and before (March/April 2010) and after (November 2010) the subsequent influenza season.

Main outcome measures

Haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assays were performed to assess reactivity of plasma against A(H1N1)pdm09, and the proportion seropositive (HI titre ≥ 40) compared over time, by age group and location.

Results

Between the 2009 and 2010 influenza seasons, the seropositive proportion rose from 22% to 43%, an increase observed across all ages and sites. Brisbane alone recorded a significant rise in seropositivity over the 2010 influenza season – from a baseline of 35% to 53%. The seropositive proportion elsewhere was ≥40% pre‐season, and did not rise over winter.

Conclusions

A vaccine‐associated increase in seropositive proportion preceding the influenza season correlated with low levels of disease activity in winter 2010. These observations support the role of immunisation in mitigating the ‘second wave’ of A(H1N1)pdm09, with timing critical to ensure sustained herd protection.
Efficient estimation of distance‐dependent metrics in edge‐failing networks
Authors: Cancela Héctor , Robledo Franco , Rubino Gerardo , Sartor Pablo
Published: December 2013

This article introduces a method for estimating performability metrics built upon non‐binary network states, determined by the hop distances between distinguished nodes. The estimation is performed by a Monte Carlo simulation where the sampling space is reduced using edge sets known as d‐pathsets and d‐cutsets. Numerical experiments over two mesh‐like networks are presented. They show significant efficiency improvements relative to the crude Monte Carlo method, in particular as link failures become rarer events, which is usually the case in most real communication networks.
Effect of Tm3+ Ions on the White Light Emission of Dy3+–Tm3+ Codoped SrMg2La2W2O12 Phosphors
Authors: Pavani K. , Suresh Kumar J. , Rama Moorthy L.
Published: January 2014

Dy3+–Tm3+ ions codoped SrMg2La2W2O12 (strontium magnesium lanthanum tungstate) phosphors were synthesized by conventional high‐temperature solid‐state reaction method. X‐ray analysis of the end products revealed the well‐crystallized phases with orthorhombic structure. The functional groups present in the phosphors were studied by the Fourier transform infrared measurements. To know the potential applicability of these phosphors for white light emission, the excitation and emission spectra were recorded. The excitation spectra exhibited an intense broad band at 313 nm, pertaining to the O → W ligand‐to‐metal charge‐transfer state (LMCT) of the host. With the excitation of LMCT band (313 nm), the decay curves of singly doped SrMg2La2W2O12:Dy phosphors exhibited single exponential, where as the codoped SrMg2La2W2O12:DyTm phosphors exhibited double exponential nature. The luminescence colors of these phosphors were estimated from Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates using the photoluminescence data. The color of singly doped SrMg2La2W2O12:Dy phosphor has been tuned by codoping with Tm3+ ions. It has been noticed that the CIE chromaticity coordinates (x,y) determined from the luminescence spectrum of singly Dy3+ doped SrMg2La2W2O12 phosphor shifted toward the white light region, when codoped with Tm3+ ions. The increase in correlated color temperatures (Tcct) has been noticed with the increase of Tm3+ ions concentration in SrMg2La2W2O12:DyTm phosphors.
Improvement of Physical Properties for KNN‐based Ceramics by Modified Two‐Step Sintering
Authors: Zhang Jialiang , Qin Yalin , Gao Yong , Yao Weizeng , Zhao Minglei
Published: January 2014

A modified two‐step sintering (MTSS) technique was attempted to fabricate dense (K,Na)NbO3‐based lead‐free ceramics through the solid‐state reaction route. (K0.50Na0.50)0.98Li0.02(Nb0.795Ta0.18Sb0.025)O3 and (K0.45Na0.55)0.98Li0.02Nb0.77Ta0.18Sb0.05O3 were chosen as the test chemical compositions, and high relative density values over 97.5% were successfully obtained in their corresponding ceramics. Consequently, the d33 values were enhanced considerably and reached 353 and 436 pC/N, respectively. The latter d33 value is a record one ever achieved in the (K,Na)NbO3‐based ceramic materials so far. Furthermore, observation analyses of microstructure and domain patterns were carried out and showed that partial depoling occurs more easily in large grains than in small ones. In particular, it was found that the (K0.50Na0.50)0.98Li0.02(Nb0.795Ta0.18Sb0.025)O3 ceramic densified by MTSS has a quite uniform grain‐size distribution with comparatively small grains and exhibits the very excellent time‐aging stability. The study results suggest that microstructure with high relative density and suitably suppressed grain sizes is desirable for further acquiring the superior KNN‐based ceramics of both excellent piezoelectric properties and good depoling stabilities.
Oxygen Nonstoichiometry and Thermodynamic Quantities of La2Ni0.95Al0.05O4.025 + δ
Authors: Jeon Sang‐Yun , Singh Bhupendra , Yoo Young‐Sung , Hwang Jin‐Ha , Song Sun‐Ju
Published: January 2014

The oxygen nonstoichiometry of La2Ni0.95Al0.05O4.025 + δ (LNAO) is measured as a function of oxygen partial pressure (pO2) and temperature by coulometric titration method and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in 800°C–1000°C temperature range and 10−16‐1 atm pO2 range. The partial molar quantities for mixing of oxygen were calculated and results were compared with the literature results on La2NiO4 + δ (LNO). The variation in activity coefficient of holes versus oxygen nonstoichiometry illustrated an early positive deviation of the activity coefficient of holes from unity, leading to  ≈  7 at δ  ≈  0.08, which was lower than the literature value of  ≈  14 for La2NiO4  +  δ at δ  ≈  0.08, indicating lesser deviation of LNAO from ideal solution behavior. The effective mass of holes () was 1.02–1.21 times the rest mass (mo), which indicated the band‐like conduction and allowed the effect of the small degree of polaron hopping to be ignored. The comparison of oxygen nonstoichiometry and partial molar quantities showed that incorporation of interstitial oxygen is less favorable in LNAO in comparison to LNO.
Surface Analysis of Cr2O3‐, CoO‐, and Al2O3‐Doped Iron–Phosphate Glasses at High Temperature
Authors: Yano Tetsuji , Tateno Hayato , Kishi Tetsuo , Shibata Shuichi , Matsuyama Kanae , Okita Takeshi , Miyamoto Shinya , Kofuji Hirohide , Myochin Munetaka
Published: January 2014

Surface structures of iron–phosphate glasses were examined using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Cr2O3, CoO, and Al2O3 were introduced to the glass by the replacement of a part of Fe2O3, and the simulated fission products are also added. The obtained glasses showed high chemical durabilities by MCC‐1 test. In situ high‐temperature and room‐temperature XPS measurements were conducted on the polished sample surfaces and also those after 1‐week chemical durability test. Unique trends were observed in XPS spectra on heating and after the chemical durability test, respectively. Nature of the glass surface of iron–phosphate glasses was explained from the point of view of surface energy, and the origin of high chemical durability and the effect of chromium ions were discussed based on the changes on surface composition and valence states of transition‐metal ions.
Biology of the harlequin fish Othos dentex (Serranidae), with particular emphasis on sexual pattern and other reproductive characteristics
Authors: French B. , Potter I. C. , Hesp S. A. , Coulson P. G. , Hall N. G.
Published: January 2014

Key biological characteristics of the harlequin fish Othos dentex, a representative of a monospecific genus of the Anthiinae (Serranidae), were determined from samples collected around reefs on the south coast of Western Australia. The females of this relatively long‐lived species (maximum recorded age in this study = 37 years) attained only a slightly greater maximum total length and age than males and neither the length nor the age‐frequency distributions showed a conspicuous sex‐based bimodality. Furthermore, gonads from a wide size and age range of O. dentex were shown by histology, at several locations along their length, to always comprise exclusively either ovarian or testicular tissues. Thus, O. dentex is a gonochorist, a sexual pattern only previously recorded definitively for one other anthiine serranid, i.e. Epinephelides armatus, which also occurs in south‐western Australia. Similar to E. armatus, O. dentex possesses ‘solid’ testes with a central sperm duct, thereby differing in structure from those typically found in serranids, in which there is a central membrane‐bound ‘ovarian’ lumen and peripherally located sperm sinuses. The gonadal characteristics and sexual pattern of these two gonochoristic anthiines are not consistent with a recent proposal for the trends exhibited by the evolution of gonochorism and protogyny within the Serranidae. Othos dentex has indeterminate fecundity and a protracted spawning period (7 months) and, on the basis of underwater observations and a low gonado‐somatic index (IG) for males, is a pair spawner, which is unusual for a gonochorist of a serranid or member of a related family. While the large spots on the lower half of the body of O. dentex are shown quantitatively to be similarly yellow in juveniles and adult females, they then become blue in males at maturity and this intensifies during the spawning period, when they presumably play an important role in agonistic interactions among males and courtship with females. The attainment of maturity and rapid growth by O. dentex early in life may reflect selection pressures to reduce predation mortality during that period. Total mortality in the population is moderately low during later life, implying that the current fishing pressure on O. dentex is relatively light.
Microsatellite primers for Australian recreationally and commercially important estuarine fishes
Authors: Roberts D. G. , Gray C. A. , Ayre D. J.
Published: January 2014

Eight primer sets that amplify microsatellite DNA loci were developed for the estuarine fishes, dusky flathead Platycephalus fuscus and sand whiting Sillago ciliata, which are targets of recreational and commercial fishers on the east coast of Australia. Surveys across these loci revealed remarkably similar levels of genetic diversity within samples of c. 22 P. fuscus and S. ciliata from each of the two estuaries. These loci will be useful in determining the genetic stock structure of these two species.
Protocol for quantitative shape analysis of deformities in early larval European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax
Authors: Nikolakakis S. , Bossier P. , Kanlis G. , Dierckens K. , Adriaens D.
Published: January 2014

This study established an optimized protocol for quantifying the shape variation of newly hatched larvae of European seabass Dicentrarchus labrax, focusing on the effect of fixatives and mounting on body shape from hatching until 14 days post hatching, while also minimizing the error introduced by handling. This assessment was performed based on both biometric and geometric shape data, with the latter relying on outline based elliptic Fourier analysis. The fixation and mounting effect on the total length and shape of newly hatched larvae of D. labrax was tested for four fixation treatments: (1) 8% formalin, (2) 70% ethanol, (3) 8% formalin for 48 h and then to 70% ethanol and (4) 3% phosphate‐buffered glutaraldehyde. The analyses showed that no significant size and shape effect was observed on anaesthetized specimens 5 months post‐fixation in glutaraldehyde, and that the glycerol mounting process of specimens fixed in glutaraldehyde provided the best results for further ontogenetic qualitative and quantitative analysis. The protocol proved to be sufficiently sensitive to even quantify and visualize subtle pre‐fixation shape differences originating from a different egg batch.
Bulb and Root Rot in Lily (Lilium longiflorum) and Onion (Allium cepa) in Israel
Authors: Lebiush‐Mordechai Sara , Erlich Orly , Maymon Marcel , Freeman Stanley , Ben‐David Tslila , Ofek Tal , Palevsky Eric , Tsror (Lahkin) Leah
Published: January 2014

In the past 10 years, there has been a substantial increase in reports, from growers and extension personnel, on bulb and root rots in lily (Lilium longiflorum) in Israel. Rot in these plants, when grown as cut flowers, caused serious economic damage expressed in reduction in yield and quality. In lily, the fungal pathogens involved in the rot were characterized as binucleate Rhizoctonia AG‐A, Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium oligandrum, Fusarium proliferatum (white and purple isolates) and F. oxysporum, using morphological and molecular criteria. These fungi were the prevalent pathogens in diseased plants collected from commercial greenhouses. Pathogenicity trials were conducted on lily bulbs and onion seedlings under controlled conditions in a greenhouse to complete Koch's postulates. Disease symptoms on lily were most severe in treatments inoculated with binucleate Rhizoctonia AG‐A, P. oligandrum and F. proliferatum. Plant height was lower in the above treatments compared with the control plants. The least aggressive fungus was R. solani. In artificial inoculations of onion, seedling survival was significantly affected by all fungi. The most pathogenic fungus was F. proliferatum w and the least were isolates of F. oxysporum (II and III). All fungi were successfully re‐isolated from the inoculated plants.
Resolving phenotypic plasticity and species designation in the morphologically challengingCaulerpa racemosa–peltatacomplex (Chlorophyta, Caulerpaceae)
Authors: Belton Gareth S. , van Reine Willem F. Prud'homme , Huisman John M. , Draisma Stefano G. A. , D. Gurgel Carlos Frederico
Published: December 2013

Although recent molecular studies have indicated the presence of a number of distinct species within theCaulerpa racemosa–peltatacomplex, due to the difficulties presented by high levels of phenotypic plasticity and the large number of synonyms, infra‐specific taxa, and names of uncertain affinity, taxonomic proposals are yet to be made. In this study, we aimed to resolve the taxonomy of the complex and provide an example of how historical nomenclature can best be integrated into molecular based taxonomies. We accomplished this by first determining the number of genetic species within our globally sampled data set through a combination of phylogenetic and species‐delimitation approaches of partial elongation factorTUandRUBISCOlarge subunit gene sequences. Guided by these results, comparative morphological examinations were then undertaken to gauge the extent of phenotypic plasticity within each species, as well as any morphological overlap between them. Our results revealed the presence of 11 distinct species within the complex, five of which showed high levels of phenotypic plasticity and partial overlap with other species. On the basis of observations of a large number of specimens, including type specimens/descriptions, and geographic inferences, we were able to confidently designate names for the lineages.Caulerpa peltata,C. imbricataandC. racemosavars.laetevirens, occidentalisandturbinatawere found to represent environmentally induced forms of a single species, for which the earlier‐describedC. chemnitzia, previously regarded as a synonym ofC. racemosavar.turbinata, is reinstated.C. cylindracea,C. lamourouxii,C. macrodisca,C. nummulariaandC. oligophyllaare also reinstated and two new species,C. macrastat. nov. andC. megadiscasp. nov., are proposed.
Branching and intercellular communication in the Section V cyanobacterium Mastigocladus laminosus, a complex multicellular prokaryote
Authors: Nürnberg Dennis J. , Mariscal Vicente , Parker Jamie , Mastroianni Giulia , Flores Enrique , Mullineaux Conrad W.
Published: January 2014

The filamentous Section V cyanobacterium Mastigocladus laminosus is one of the most morphologically complex prokaryotes. It exhibits cellular division in multiple planes, resulting in the formation of true branches, and cell differentiation into heterocysts, hormogonia and necridia. Here, we investigate branch formation and intercellular communication in M. laminosus. Monitoring of membrane rearrangement suggests that branch formation results from a randomized direction of cell growth. Transmission electron microscopy reveals cell junction structures likely to be involved in intercellular communication. We identify a sepJ gene, coding for a potential key protein in intercellular communication, and show that SepJ is localized at the septa. To directly investigate intercellular communication, we loaded the fluorescent tracer 5‐carboxyfluorescein diacetate into the cytoplasm, and quantified its intercellular exchange by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. Results demonstrate connectivity of the main trichome and branches, enabling molecular exchange throughout the filament network. Necridia formation inhibits further molecular exchange, determining the fate of a branch likely to become a hormogonium. Cells in young, narrow trichomes and hormogonia exhibited faster exchange rates than cells in older, wider trichomes. Signal transduction to co‐ordinate movement of hormogonia might be accelerated by reducing cell volume.