bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formation of nuclear bodies by the lncRNA Gomafu‐associating proteins Celf3 and SF1
Authors: Ishizuka Akira , Hasegawa Yuko , Ishida Kentaro , Yanaka Kaori , Nakagawa Shinichi
Published: August 2014

Gomafu/MIAT/Rncr2 is a long noncoding RNA that has been proposed to control retinal cell specification, stem cell differentiation and alternative splicing of schizophrenia‐related genes. However, how Gomafu controls these biological processes at the molecular level has remained largely unknown. In this study, we identified the RNA‐binding protein Celf3 as a novel Gomafu‐associating protein. Knockdown of Celf3 led to the down‐regulation of Gomafu, and cross‐link RNA precipitation analysis confirmed specific binding between Celf3 and Gomafu. In the neuroblastoma cell line Neuro2A, Celf3 formed novel nuclear bodies (named CS bodies) that colocalized with SF1, another Gomafu‐binding protein. Gomafu, however, was not enriched in the CS bodies; instead, it formed distinct nuclear bodies in separate regions in the nucleus. These observations suggest that Gomafu indirectly modulates the function of the splicing factors SF1 and Celf3 by sequestering these proteins into separate nuclear bodies.
Clinical and molecular analyses of sporadic acute hepatitis A and E and the specific viral genotypes isolated in Iwate and three neighboring prefectures in the northern part of Honshu, Japan, between 2004 and 2013
Authors: Suzuki Kazuyuki , Kataoka Kojiro , Miyamoto Yasuhiro , Miyasaka Akio , Kumagai Ichiro , Takikawa Yasuhiro , Takahashi Masaharu , Okamoto Hiroaki
Published: August 2014

Aim

To examine the prevalence and characteristics of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections in the northern part of Honshu, Japan, during the last decade.

Methods

Using the registration system of a prospective cohort study for acute liver injury (ALI) in Iwate and three neighboring prefectures, we examined the prevalence of sporadic acute hepatitis (AH) with HAV (AH‐A) and HEV (AH‐E) and the distribution of viral genotypes in 487 patients diagnosed with ALI between 2004 and 2013.

Results

Among all 487 patients, 135 (28%) had ALI with viral infection. In the cases with viral ALI, the prevalence of hepatitis B virus‐related AH was highest (55.6%). AH‐E was seen in 23 patients (17.0%) and its prevalence was higher than that of AH‐A (10 patients, 7.4%). There were no appreciable differences in the prevalence of AH‐A and AH‐E between 2004–2008 and 2009–2013. However, subgenotype IIIA HAV homologous to Korean strains has recently emerged, and the number of AH‐E cases seems to be increasing. HEV genotype 3 was predominant throughout the observation period, but HEV genotype 4 was found in three patients after 2010. The transmission routes of HAV and HEV infections were unknown in approximately 60% of the patients.

Conclusion

In the northern part of Honshu, Japan, HEV has been more frequently implicated in the development of AH than HAV, and HEV genotype 4 has been recently increasing. To provide an effective prophylactic management for HAV and HEV infections, further clarification of the transmission routes is needed.
Combining Probability Distributions by Multiplication in Metrology: A Viable Method?
Authors: Grientschnig Dieter , Lira Ignacio
Published: August 2014

In measurement science quite often the value of a so‐called ‘output quantity’ is inferred from information about ‘input quantities’ with the help of the ‘mathematical model of measurement’. The latter represents the functional relation through which outputs and inputs depend on one another. However, subsets of functionally independent quantities can always be so defined that they suffice to express the entire information available. Reporting information in terms of such a subset may in certain circumstances require aggregating probability distributions whose arguments are interrelated quantities. The option of aggregating by multiplication of distributions is shown to be susceptible of yielding inconsistent results when the roles of inputs and outputs are assigned differently to the quantities. Two alternatives to this practice that do not give rise to such discrepancies are discussed, namely (i) logarithmic pooling with weights summing to one and (ii) linear pooling, of which the former appears to be slightly more favourable for applications in metrology. An example illustrates the inconsistency of results obtained by distinct ways of multiplying distributions and the manner in which these results differ from a logarithmically pooled distribution.
Graphene–Titania Hybrid Photoanodes by Supersonic Kinetic Spraying for Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Lee Jong‐Gun , Kim Do‐Yeon , Park Jung‐Jae , Cha You‐Hong , Yoon Joshua Y. , Jeon Hyo Sang , Min Byoung Koun , Swihart Mark T. , Jin Sungho , Al‐Deyab Salem S. , Yoon Sam S.
Published: August 2014

We report the synthesis of graphene–TiO2 (G–TiO2) composite films that exhibit significantly enhanced photoelectrochemical water‐splitting performance relative to pure TiO2. Supersonic kinetic spraying was used to produce strongly adhered, electrically and mechanically robust G–TiO2 composite films containing 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0 wt.% graphene. Films with an intermediate graphene content of 1.0 wt.% demonstrated the best water‐splitting performance. G–TiO2 composite films with 1.0 wt.% graphene exhibited photocurrent density ten times that of pure TiO2 films. The electron transfer between TiO2 and graphene suppresses the recombination of photoinduced charge carriers and prolongs the electron excited‐state lifetime, which contributes to the enhanced photoelectrochemical water‐splitting performance.
Micro Structural Investigations and Mechanical Properties of Macro Porous Ceramic Materials from Capillary Suspensions
Authors: Dittmann Jens , Willenbacher Norbert
Published: August 2014

Recently, we have introduced a novel, material‐independent processing method for producing macro porous ceramics with capillary suspensions as a stable precursor. A capillary suspension is a three‐phase system where a small amount of an immiscible secondary liquid is added to a suspension resulting in the formation of a sample spanning particle network. This technology provides open porosities well above 50% and pore sizes ranging from 0.5–100 μm. Here we focus on microstructure formation in the capillary suspensions and its impact on mechanical strength of the corresponding sintered parts. Based on the rheological data and SEM‐images, three regimes (I, II, III) are identified with distinctly different flow properties of the wet suspension and characteristic structural features of the sintered ceramic parts depending on the amount of added secondary liquid phase. The average pore size increases and the pore size distribution changes from monomodal (I) to bimodal (II) and broad multimodal (III) with increasing amount of secondary liquid phase. A clear correlation between the yield stress of the wet suspension and the porosity and pore size is observed for regime (I) and (II). Compressive and flexural strength as well as the Young's modulus monotonically decrease with increasing amount of the secondary liquid phase. Absolute values are mainly determined by the porosity and are well predicted by the Gibson & Ashby model for samples corresponding to regime (I) and (II). The broad pore size distribution in regime (III) results in a significantly lower mechanical strength.
Chloride‐Ion‐Stabilized Strontium Mayenite: Expansion of Versatile Material Family
Authors: Dong Yingchao , Hayashi Katsuro , Nozoe Hiroki , Shinoda Yutaka , Hosono Hideo
Published: August 2014

Sr‐mayenite (S12A7) incorporating Cl− ions in its crystallographic cages up to the theoretical maximum occupancy, Sr12Al14O32Cl2, is reported in our study. The addition of a stoichiometric amount of SrCl2 to the starting mixture is effective for the formation of Sr12Al14O32Cl2 with high phase purity. Almost 100% densification is achieved using spark plasma sintering (SPS). Evaporation of SrCl2 from Sr12Al14O32Cl2, which becomes significant at sintering temperatures above ~1300°C, degrades the phase purity. However, SrCl2 effusion is significantly suppressed in the samples fully densified by SPS, impeding the decomposition of Sr12Al14O32Cl2 up to temperature as high as ~1400°C. The crystal structure of Sr12Al14O32Cl2 was investigated by Rietveld analysis of the X‐ray diffraction pattern. It is found that the Cl− ion is incorporated in the center of the inner cage with nearly theoretical maximum occupancy, which is responsible for the phase stability. Porous Sr12Al14O32Cl2 exhibits humidity‐sensitive surface protonic conductivity. Dense Sr12Al14O32Cl2 prepared under reducing conditions such as SPS exhibits electronic conductivity. Sr‐mayenite has various potential applications derived from its multifunctionalities.
Relationship Between Universal Health Outcome Priorities and Willingness to Take Medication for Primary Prevention of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Case Siobhan M. , O'Leary John , Kim Nancy , Tinetti Mary E. , Fried Terri R.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To determine how well universal health outcome priorities represent individuals' preferences in specific clinical situations.

Design

Observational cohort study.

Setting

Community.

Participants

Community‐dwelling adults aged 65 and older (N = 357).

Measurements

Participants used three tools assessing universal health outcome priorities related to two common trade‐offs: quality versus quantity of life and future health versus present inconveniences and burdens of treatment. The tools' ability to identify participants who were unwilling to take a medication that reduced the risk of myocardial infarction but caused dizziness and fatigue was analyzed.

Results

There were consistent and significant associations between unwillingness to take the medication and prioritizing quality of life or future health for all three tools in the expected direction (P < .05). Despite these associations, the positive (PPV) and negative predictive values for the tools were generally modest (0.49–0.83). The tool with the most specific statements resembling the medication scenario had the best specificity (0.97) and PPV (0.83).

Conclusion

Universal health outcome priorities only modestly identified older persons who would be unwilling to take a medication for primary prevention of myocardial infarction that causes adverse effects. Although tools that are the most general in their assessment of priorities have the benefit of being applicable across the widest range of scenarios, tools with greater specificity may be necessary to inform individual treatment decisions.
Mutation ofOryza sativa CORONATINE INSENSITIVE 1b(OsCOI1b) delays leaf senescence
Authors: Lee Sang‐Hwa , Sakuraba Yasuhito , Lee Taeyoung , Kim Kyu‐Won , An Gynheung , Lee Han Yong , Paek Nam‐Chon
Published: August 2014

Jasmonic acid (JA) functions in plant development, including senescence and immunity.Arabidopsis thaliana CORONATINE INSENSITIVE 1encodes a JA receptor and functions in the JA‐responsive signaling pathway. TheArabidopsisgenome harbors a singleCOIgene, but the rice (Oryza sativa) genome harbors threeCOIhomologs,OsCOI1a,OsCOI1b, andOsCOI2. Thus, it remains unclear whether eachOsCOIhas distinct, additive, synergistic, or redundant functions in development. Here, we use theoscoi1b‐1knockout mutants to show thatOsCOI1bmainly affects leaf senescence under senescence‐promoting conditions.oscoi1b‐1mutants stayed green during dark‐induced and natural senescence, with substantial retention of chlorophylls and photosynthetic capacity. Furthermore, several senescence‐associated genes were downregulated inoscoi1b‐1mutants, including homologs ofArabidopsis thaliana ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE 3andORESARA 1, important regulators of leaf senescence. These results suggest that crosstalk between JA signaling and ethylene signaling affects leaf senescence. TheArabidopsis coi1‐1plants containing35S:OsCOI1aor35S:OsCOI1brescued the delayed leaf senescence during dark incubation, suggesting that bothOsCOI1aandOsCOI1bare required for promoting leaf senescence in rice.oscoi1b‐1mutants showed significant decreases in spikelet fertility and grain weight, leading to severe reduction of grain yield, indicating thatOsCOI1‐mediated JA signaling affects spikelet fertility and grain filling.
Race, Ethnicity, and Credit Card Marketing
Authors: FIRESTONE SIMON
Published: August 2014

There is a vast literature on discrepancies in consumer credit related to race and ethnicity. I explore a pattern that was first identified in aggregate data by Han, Keys, and Li () in their study of credit access: Blacks were approximately 27% less likely to receive offers from credit card lenders during the sample period, even after controlling for variables such as credit history, household income, and local economic conditions. Hispanics were 17% less likely to receive an offer, after including controls. The discrepancy is robust to lender‐specific regressions and the inclusion of a large number of explanatory variables. My findings imply that marketing is an important area for analysis of discrimination in consumer credit. Due to the likely need for confidential information in further analysis, investigation by an appropriate regulatory agency such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau would be useful.
Epidermal fatty acid‐binding protein protects nerve growth factor‐differentiated PC12 cells from lipotoxic injury
Authors: Liu Jo‐Wen , Montero Manuel , Bu Liming , De Leon Marino
Published: August 2014

Epidermal fatty acid‐binding protein (E‐FABP/FABP5/DA11) binds and transport long‐chain fatty acids in the cytoplasm and may play a protecting role during neuronal injury. We examined whether E‐FABP protects nerve growth factor‐differentiated PC12 cells (NGFDPC12 cells) from lipotoxic injury observed after palmitic acid (C16:0; PAM) overload. NGFDPC12 cells cultures treated with PAM/bovine serum albumin at 0.3 mM/0.15 mM show PAM‐induced lipotoxicity (PAM‐LTx) and apoptosis. The apoptosis was preceded by a cellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and higher levels of E‐FABP. Antioxidants MCI‐186 and N‐acetyl cysteine prevented E‐FABP's induction in expression by PAM‐LTx, while tert‐butyl hydroperoxide increased ROS and E‐FABP expression. Non‐metabolized methyl ester of PAM, methyl palmitic acid (mPAM), failed to increase cellular ROS, E‐FABP gene expression, or trigger apoptosis. Treatment of NGFDPC12 cultures with siE‐FABP showed reduced E‐FABP levels correlating with higher accumulation of ROS and cell death after exposure to PAM. In contrast, increasing E‐FABP cellular levels by pre‐loading the cells with recombinant E‐FABP diminished the PAM‐induced ROS and cell death. Finally, agonists for PPARβ (GW0742) or PPARγ (GW1929) increased E‐FABP expression and enhanced the resistance of NGFDPC12 cells to PAM‐LTx. We conclude that E‐FABP protects NGFDPC12 cells from lipotoxic injury through mechanisms that involve reduction of ROS.

image

Epidermal fatty acid‐binding protein (E‐FABP) may protect nerve cells from the damaging exposure to high levels of free fatty acids (FA). We show that E‐FABP can neutralize the effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by the high levels of FA in the cell and protect PC12 cells from lipotoxic injuries common in Type 2 diabetes neuropathy. Potentially, E‐FABP gene up‐regulation may be mediated through the NFkB pathway and future studies are needed to further evaluate this proposition.
THE EFFECTS OF PENSION FUNDS ON MARKETS PERFORMANCE: A REVIEW
Authors: Thomas Ashok , Spataro Luca
Published: August 2014

The worldwide reforming process of pension systems triggered by the demographic transition and globalization has led several countries to implement multi‐pillar pension systems and enhance pension funds. For this reason the studies on the effects that pension funds exert on markets performance have been flourishing in the last decades. In this paper, we provide an updated review of the empirical advances in this field of study, with particular focus on the effects that pension funds produce on labour markets, financial markets and economic growth.
Jaw movements in patients with a history of pain: an exploratory study
Authors: Bhaskaracharya M. , Memon S. M. , Whittle T. , Murray G. M.
Published: August 2014

The aims were to determine whether individuals with a past history of pain exhibit (i) altered jaw movement (e.g. reduced amplitude, increased jaw movement variability) in comparison with matched asymptomatic controls, and (ii) correlations between psychological measures (e.g. catastrophising) and altered jaw movement variables. Sixteen participants with a history of trigeminal neuropathic pain (TNP) and 15 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls had jaw movements recorded during open/close, free gum chewing and chewing at standardised rates. All completed the Pain Catastrophising Scale (PCS), the Pain Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS). Velocity and amplitude for open/close and chewing, as well as variability, bias and mean square error for open/close jaw movements were compared between groups. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used to relate kinematic variables with psychological variables. Statistical significance: P < 0·05. There were no significant differences in mean jaw velocity and amplitude between the TNP and control groups during the open/close jaw movements or free or standardised chewing. In comparison with control, the TNP participants exhibited significantly greater variability, bias and/or mean square error during slow and/or fast opening, and significantly greater variance in velocity and/or amplitude during free and standardised chewing. There were significant negative correlations between PCS scores and velocity and/or amplitude of free and/or standardised chewing. This exploratory study suggests that individuals with a history of pain have altered patterns of jaw movements in comparison with asymptomatic control participants and that catastrophising may play a role in the manifestation of these altered jaw movements.
Talking in class: a study of socio‐economic difference in the primary school classroom
Authors: Manison Shore Laura
Published: August 2014

In this paper, I consider the relationship between socio‐economic background and the school experience of two groups of children. I seek to establish whether or not there are identifiable differences in the language of primary school children living in two demographically contrasting geographical areas and, if there are differences, how these differences might impact upon a child's capacity to access learning. In investigating these relationships, I conducted semi‐structured interviews with the two groups using the work of Bernstein as a starting point. I found that while the children in the first school, located in a largely less affluent area of Bristol, appeared to lack confidence, extended vocabulary and often clarity in their speech, the children in the second school, located in a middle class, affluent area of the city appeared articulate, self‐ confident and in possession of a varied and extended vocabulary. While it is not appropriate to generalise from this small scale study, these findings raise questions about the language children experience from an early age both in the home environment and at school and suggest that there is a significant part for schools to play in ensuring that they are not excluding some groups of children from participation.
Stardust Interstellar Preliminary Examination I: Identification of tracks in aerogel
Authors: Westphal Andrew J. , Anderson David , Butterworth Anna L. , Frank David R. , Lettieri Robert , Marchant William , Von Korff Joshua , Zevin Daniel , Ardizzone Augusto , Campanile Antonella , Capraro Michael , Courtney Kevin , Criswell Mitchell N. , Crumpler Dixon , Cwik Robert , Gray Fred Jacob , Hudson Bruce , Imada Guy , Karr Joel , Wah Lily Lau Wan , Mazzucato Michele , Motta Pier Giorgio , Rigamonti Carlo , Spencer Ronald C. , Woodrough Stephens B. , Santoni Irene Cimmino , Sperry Gerry , Terry Jean‐Noel , Wordsworth Naomi , Yahnke Tom , Allen Carlton , Ansari Asna , Bajt Saša , Bastien Ron K. , Bassim Nabil , Bechtel Hans A. , Borg Janet , Brenker Frank E. , Bridges John , Brownlee Donald E. , Burchell Mark , Burghammer Manfred , Changela Hitesh , Cloetens Peter , Davis Andrew M. , Doll Ryan , Floss Christine , Flynn George , Gainsforth Zack , Grün Eberhard , Heck Philipp R. , Hillier Jon K. , Hoppe Peter , Huth Joachim , Hvide Brit , Kearsley Anton , King Ashley J. , Lai Barry , Leitner Jan , Lemelle Laurence , Leroux Hugues , Leonard Ariel , Nittler Larry R. , Ogliore Ryan , Ong Wei Ja , Postberg Frank , Price Mark C. , Sandford Scott A. , Tresseras Juan‐Angel Sans , Schmitz Sylvia , Schoonjans Tom , Silversmit Geert , Simionovici Alexandre S. , Solé Vicente A. , Srama Ralf , Stephan Thomas , Sterken Veerle J. , Stodolna Julien , Stroud Rhonda M. , Sutton Steven , Trieloff Mario , Tsou Peter , Tsuchiyama Akira , Tyliszczak Tolek , Vekemans Bart , Vincze Laszlo , Zolensky Michael E.
Published: August 2014

Here, we report the identification of 69 tracks in approximately 250 cm2 of aerogel collectors of the Stardust Interstellar Dust Collector. We identified these tracks through Stardust@home, a distributed internet‐based virtual microscope and search engine, in which > 30,000 amateur scientists collectively performed >9 × 107 searches on approximately 106 fields of view. Using calibration images, we measured individual detection efficiency, and found that the individual detection efficiency for tracks > 2.5 μm in diameter was >0.6, and was >0.75 for tracks >3 μm in diameter. Because most fields of view were searched >30 times, these results could be combined to yield a theoretical detection efficiency near unity. The initial expectation was that interstellar dust would be captured at very high speed. The actual tracks discovered in the Stardust collector, however, were due to low‐speed impacts, and were morphologically strongly distinct from the calibration images. As a result, the detection efficiency of these tracks was lower than detection efficiency of calibrations presented in training, testing, and ongoing calibration. Nevertheless, as calibration images based on low‐speed impacts were added later in the project, detection efficiencies for low‐speed tracks rose dramatically. We conclude that a massively distributed, calibrated search, with amateur collaborators, is an effective approach to the challenging problem of identification of tracks of hypervelocity projectiles captured in aerogel.
Dominant negative mutant of Plasmodium Rad51 causes reduced parasite burden in host by abrogating DNA double‐strand break repair
Authors: Roy Nabamita , Bhattacharyya Sunanda , Chakrabarty Swati , Laskar Shyamasree , Babu Somepalli Mastan , Bhattacharyya Mrinal Kanti
Published: August 2014

Malaria parasites survive through repairing a plethora of DNA double‐stranded breaks (DSBs) experienced during their asexual growth. In Plasmodium Rad51 mediated homologous recombination (HR) mechanism and homology‐independent alternative end‐joining mechanism have been identified. Here we address whether loss of HR activity can be compensated by other DSB repair mechanisms. Creating a transgenic Plasmodium line defective in HR function, we demonstrate that HR is the most important DSB repair pathway in malarial parasite. Using mouse malaria model we have characterized the dominant negative effect of PfRad51K143R mutant on Plasmodium DSB repair and host–parasite interaction. Our work illustrates that Plasmodium berghei harbouring the mutant protein (PfRad51K143R) failed to repair DSBs as evidenced by hypersensitivity to DNA‐damaging agent. Mice infected with mutant parasites lived significantly longer with markedly reduced parasite burden. To better understand the effect of mutant PfRad51K143R on HR, we used yeast as a surrogate model and established that the presence of PfRad51K143R completely inhibited DNA repair, gene conversion and gene targeting. Biochemical experiment confirmed that very low level of mutant protein was sufficient for complete disruption of wild‐type PfRad51 activity. Hence our work provides evidence that HR pathway of Plasmodium could be efficiently targeted to curb malaria.
Transcriptome‐wide analysis of trypanosome mRNA decay reveals complex degradation kinetics and suggests a role for co‐transcriptional degradation in determining mRNA levels
Authors: Fadda Abeer , Ryten Mark , Droll Dorothea , Rojas Federico , Färber Valentin , Haanstra Jurgen R. , Merce Clemetine , Bakker Barbara M. , Matthews Keith , Clayton Christine
Published: August 2014

African trypanosomes are an excellent system for quantitative modelling of post‐transcriptional mRNA control. Transcription is constitutive and polycistronic; individual mRNAs are excised by trans splicing and polyadenylation. We here measure mRNA decay kinetics in two life cycle stages, bloodstream and procyclic forms, by transcription inhibition and RNASeq. Messenger RNAs with short half‐lives tend to show initial fast degradation, followed by a slower phase; they are often stabilized by depletion of the 5′–3′ exoribonuclease XRNA. Many longer‐lived mRNAs show initial slow degradation followed by rapid destruction: we suggest that the slow phase reflects gradual deadenylation. Developmentally regulated mRNAs often show regulated decay, and switch their decay pattern. Rates of mRNA decay are good predictors of steady state levels for short mRNAs, but mRNAs longer than 3 kb show unexpectedly low abundances. Modelling shows that variations in splicing and polyadenylation rates can contribute to steady‐state mRNA levels, but this is completely dependent on competition between processing and co‐transcriptional mRNA precursor destruction.
Distinct subclades of Aux/IAA genes are direct targets of ARF5/MP transcriptional regulation
Authors: Krogan Naden T. , Yin Xiaojun , Ckurshumova Wenzislava , Berleth Thomas
Published: August 2014

The regulatory interactions between AUXIN RESPONSE FACTORS (ARFs) and Aux/IAA repressors play a central role in auxin signal transduction. Yet, the systems properties of this regulatory network are not well established.

We generated a steroid‐inducible ARF5/MONOPTEROS (MP) transgenic background to survey the involvement of this factor in the transcriptional regulation of the entire Aux/IAA family in Arabidopsis thaliana. Target genes of ARF5/MP identified by this approach were confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation, in vitro gel retardation assays and gene expression analyses.

Our study shows that ARF5/MP is indispensable for the correct regulation of nearly one‐half of all Aux/IAA genes, and that these targets coincide with distinct subclades. Further, genetic analyses demonstrate that the protein products of multiple Aux/IAA targets negatively feed back onto ARF5/MP activity.

This work indicates that ARF5/MP broadly influences the expression of the Aux/IAA gene family, and suggests that such regulation involves the activation of specific subsets of redundantly functioning factors. These groups of factors may then act together to control various processes within the plant through negative feedback on ARF5. Similar detailed analyses of other Aux/IAA–ARF regulatory modules will be required to fully understand how auxin signal transduction influences virtually every aspect of plant growth and development.
A proposed approach to monitor private‐sector policies and practices related to food environments, obesity and non‐communicable disease prevention
Authors: Sacks G. , Swinburn B. , Kraak V. , Downs S. , Walker C. , Barquera S. , Friel S. , Hawkes C. , Kelly B. , Kumanyika S. , L'Abbé M. , Lee A. , Lobstein T. , Ma J. , Macmullan J. , Mohan S. , Monteiro C. , Neal B. , Rayner M. , Sanders D. , Snowdon W. , Vandevijvere S. ,   INFORMAS
Published: August 2014

Private‐sector organizations play a critical role in shaping the food environments of individuals and populations. However, there is currently very limited independent monitoring of private‐sector actions related to food environments. This paper reviews previous efforts to monitor the private sector in this area, and outlines a proposed approach to monitor private‐sector policies and practices related to food environments, and their influence on obesity and non‐communicable disease (NCD) prevention. A step‐wise approach to data collection is recommended, in which the first (‘minimal’) step is the collation of publicly available food and nutrition‐related policies of selected private‐sector organizations. The second (‘expanded’) step assesses the nutritional composition of each organization's products, their promotions to children, their labelling practices, and the accessibility, availability and affordability of their products. The third (‘optimal’) step includes data on other commercial activities that may influence food environments, such as political lobbying and corporate philanthropy. The proposed approach will be further developed and piloted in countries of varying size and income levels. There is potential for this approach to enable national and international benchmarking of private‐sector policies and practices, and to inform efforts to hold the private sector to account for their role in obesity and NCD prevention.
Monitoring foods and beverages provided and sold in public sector settings
Authors: L'Abbé M. , Schermel A. , Minaker L. , Kelly B. , Lee A. , Vandevijvere S. , Twohig P. , Barquera S. , Friel S. , Hawkes C. , Kumanyika S. , Lobstein T. , Ma J. , Macmullan J. , Mohan S. , Monteiro C. , Neal B. , Rayner M. , Sacks G. , Sanders D. , Snowdon W. , Swinburn B. , Walker C. ,   INFORMAS
Published: August 2014

This paper outlines a step‐wise framework for monitoring foods and beverages provided or sold in publicly funded institutions. The focus is on foods in schools, but the framework can also be applied to foods provided or sold in other publicly funded institutions. Data collection and evaluation within this monitoring framework will consist of two components. In component I, information on existing food or nutrition policies and/or programmes within settings would be compiled. Currently, nutrition standards and voluntary guidelines associated with such policies/programmes vary widely globally. This paper, which provides a comprehensive review of such standards and guidelines, will facilitate institutional learnings for those jurisdictions that have not yet established them or are undergoing review of existing ones. In component II, the quality of foods provided or sold in public sector settings is evaluated relative to existing national or sub‐national nutrition standards or voluntary guidelines. Where there are no (or only poor) standards or guidelines available, the nutritional quality of foods can be evaluated relative to standards of a similar jurisdiction or other appropriate standards. Measurement indicators are proposed (within ‘minimal’, ‘expanded’ and ‘optimal’ approaches) that can be used to monitor progress over time in meeting policy objectives, and facilitate comparisons between countries.
Monitoring the availability of healthy and unhealthy foods and non‐alcoholic beverages in community and consumer retail food environments globally
Authors: Ni Mhurchu C. , Vandevijvere S. , Waterlander W. , Thornton L. E. , Kelly B. , Cameron A. J. , Snowdon W. , Swinburn B. ,   INFORMAS
Published: August 2014

Retail food environments are increasingly considered influential in determining dietary behaviours and health outcomes. We reviewed the available evidence on associations between community (type, availability and accessibility of food outlets) and consumer (product availability, prices, promotions and nutritional quality within stores) food environments and dietary outcomes in order to develop an evidence‐based framework for monitoring the availability of healthy and unhealthy foods and non‐alcoholic beverages in retail food environments. Current evidence is suggestive of an association between community and consumer food environments and dietary outcomes; however, substantial heterogeneity in study designs, methods and measurement tools makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions. The use of standardized tools to monitor local food environments within and across countries may help to validate this relationship. We propose a step‐wise framework to monitor and benchmark community and consumer retail food environments that can be used to assess density of healthy and unhealthy food outlets; measure proximity of healthy and unhealthy food outlets to homes/schools; evaluate availability of healthy and unhealthy foods in‐store; compare food environments over time and between regions and countries; evaluate compliance with local policies, guidelines or voluntary codes of practice; and determine the impact of changes to retail food environments on health outcomes, such as obesity.
Monitoring and benchmarking population diet quality globally: a step‐wise approach
Authors: Vandevijvere S. , Monteiro C. , Krebs‐Smith S. M. , Lee A. , Swinburn B. , Kelly B. , Neal B. , Snowdon W. , Sacks G. ,   INFORMAS
Published: August 2014

INFORMAS (International Network for Food and Obesity/non‐communicable diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support) aims to monitor and benchmark the healthiness of food environments globally. In order to assess the impact of food environments on population diets, it is necessary to monitor population diet quality between countries and over time. This paper reviews existing data sources suitable for monitoring population diet quality, and assesses their strengths and limitations. A step‐wise framework is then proposed for monitoring population diet quality. Food balance sheets (FBaS), household budget and expenditure surveys (HBES) and food intake surveys are all suitable methods for assessing population diet quality. In the proposed ‘minimal’ approach, national trends of food and energy availability can be explored usingFBaS. In the ‘expanded’ and ‘optimal’ approaches, the dietary share of ultra‐processed products is measured as an indicator of energy‐dense, nutrient‐poor diets usingHBESand food intake surveys, respectively. In addition, it is proposed that pre‐defined diet quality indices are used to score diets, and some of those have been designed for application within all three monitoring approaches. However, in order to enhance the value of global efforts to monitor diet quality, data collection methods and diet quality indicators need further development work.
INFORMAS (International Network for Food and Obesity/non‐communicable diseases Research, Monitoring and Action Support): overview and key principles
Authors: Swinburn B. , Sacks G. , Vandevijvere S. , Kumanyika S. , Lobstein T. , Neal B. , Barquera S. , Friel S. , Hawkes C. , Kelly B. , L'Abbé M. , Lee A. , Ma J. , Macmullan J. , Mohan S. , Monteiro C. , Rayner M. , Sanders D. , Snowdon W. , Walker C. ,   INFORMAS
Published: August 2014

Non‐communicable diseases (NCDs) dominate disease burdens globally and poor nutrition increasingly contributes to this global burden. Comprehensive monitoring of food environments, and evaluation of the impact of public and private sector policies on food environments is needed to strengthen accountability systems to reduce NCDs. The International Network for Food and Obesity/NCDs Research, Monitoring and Action Support (INFORMAS) is a global network of public‐interest organizations and researchers that aims to monitor, benchmark and support public and private sector actions to create healthy food environments and reduce obesity, NCDs and their related inequalities. The INFORMAS framework includes two ‘process’ modules, that monitor the policies and actions of the public and private sectors, seven ‘impact’ modules that monitor the key characteristics of food environments and three ‘outcome’ modules that monitor dietary quality, risk factors and NCD morbidity and mortality. Monitoring frameworks and indicators have been developed for 10 modules to provide consistency, but allowing for stepwise approaches (‘minimal’, ‘expanded’, ‘optimal’) to data collection and analysis. INFORMAS data will enable benchmarking of food environments between countries, and monitoring of progress over time within countries. Through monitoring and benchmarking, INFORMAS will strengthen the accountability systems needed to help reduce the burden of obesity, NCDs and their related inequalities.
Component‐resolved diagnostics for the evaluation of peanut allergy in a low‐prevalence area
Authors: Suratannon Narissara , Ngamphaiboon Jarungchit , Wongpiyabovorn Jongkonnee , Puripokai Panitchaya , Chatchatee Pantipa
Published: August 2014

Background

Major allergenic components of peanut from distinct geographical regions are widely dispersed. Most of the diagnostic studies are from countries with a high prevalence. There have been only few reports of allergen component sensitizations from countries with a low prevalence of peanut allergy. We aimed to investigate roles of component‐resolved diagnostic (CRD) to differentiate peanut allergy and peanut tolerance in the Asian population from a country with low prevalence of peanut allergy.

Methods

Participants with peanut sensitization were enrolled. Clinical reactions were determined. Skin prick test (SPT) and specific IgE (sIgE) to peanut and related allergen components were performed.

Results

Forty subjects with peanut sensitization were included. The mean wheal sizes of SPT and peanut sIgE were not good predictors for differentiating peanut reactions. SIgE to rAra h 2 was more often found in patients with peanut allergy and anaphylaxis. sIgE to rAra h 9 was also more frequent in the peanut‐allergic group but not related to severe reactions. In the peanut‐tolerant group, despite positive SPT and/or sIgE to peanut, 90% had negative sIgE to rAha h 2 and rAra h 9. Combining rAra h 2 and rAra h 9 resulted in high performance of the test with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 84%, 90%, 0.89, and 0.86, respectively. The ratio between rAra h 2 sIgE to peanut sIgE of 0.6 can be helpful in predicting patients who will develop severe reaction. SIgE to cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD) was exclusively found in the peanut‐tolerant group (33.3% vs. 0%, p = 0.012).

Conclusions

Our study identifies three allergen components: rAra h 2, rAra h 9, and CCD as important components in the diagnosis of peanut allergy in an Asian country with low prevalence. The ratio between rArah h 2 sIgE to peanut sIgE can be used for predicting patients who will develop anaphylaxis.
A retrospective study of anesthesia during rigid bronchoscopy for airway foreign body removal in children: propofol and sevoflurane with spontaneous ventilation
Authors: Chai Jun , Wu Xiu‐Ying , Han Ning , Wang Li‐Yin , Chen Wei‐Min
Published: August 2014

Background

Tracheobronchial foreign body aspiration is a significant cause of childhood morbidity and mortality. We analyzed our experience in management of aspirated foreign bodies, including methods of anesthesia used, over a 4‐year period.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of tracheobronchial foreign body removal by rigid bronchoscopy with spontaneous ventilation in 435 children. All patients had received initial anesthesia with inhaled sevoflurane. One hundred and ninety‐seven patients (Group PropRemi) then received intravenous propofol and remifentanyl for maintenance of anesthesia; the remaining 238 patients (Group PropSevo) received propofol and sevoflurane.

Results

Tracheobronchial foreign body was found in 405 children (93.1%) and successfully removed from 402 (99.3%) children. Among three patients who failed bronchoscopy, one child suffered cardiac arrest and died during the bronchoscopy, and two required subsequent tracheotomy for foreign body removal. Adverse effects (intraoperative coughing, breath holding, body movement, bronchospasm, and laryngospasm) were significantly more frequent in Group PropRemi than in Group PropSevo. No complications such as bleeding, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, or the need for thoracotomy were encountered.

Conclusion

Sevoflurane induction followed by a combination of sevoflurane and continuous infusion of propofol resulted in fewer adverse events than sevoflurane induction followed by TIVA with propofol and remifentanyl during rigid bronchoscopy for airway foreign body removal in children with spontaneous ventilation.
Electroencephalography for children with autistic spectrum disorder: a sedation protocol
Authors: Keidan Ilan , Ben‐Menachem Erez , Tzadok Michal , Ben‐Zeev Bruria , Berkenstadt Haim
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To report the effectiveness and efficiency of a predetermined sedation protocol for providing sedation for electroencephalograph (EEG) studies in children with autism.

Methods

Sleep EEG has been advocated for the majority of children with autism spectrum disorder. In most cases, sedation is required to allow adequate studies. Most sedation drugs have negative effects on the EEG pattern. The sedation protocol we adopted included chloral hydrate, dexmedetomidine, and ketamine and was evaluated prospectively for 2 years.

Results

One hundred and eighty‐three children with autistic spectrum disorder were sedated with the described drug protocol that was efficient, provided adequate EEG readings, and was not associated with serious adverse events.

Conclusions

Our protocol kept costs to a minimum but provided appropriate escalation in care when required.
Modelling the outside‐xylem hydraulic conductance: towards a new understanding of leaf water relations
Authors: SCOFFONI CHRISTINE
Published: August 2014

This article comments on: The contributions of apoplastic, symplastic and gas phase pathways for water transport outside the bundle sheath in leaves
Limustin®, a non‐innovator tacrolimus formulation, yields reduced drug exposure in pediatric renal transplant recipients
Authors: Jacobo‐Cabral Carlos O. , García‐Roca Pilar , Reyes Herlinda , Lozada‐Rojas Lucero , Cruz‐Antonio Leticia , Medeiros Mara , Castañeda‐Hernandez Gilberto
Published: August 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioavailability of two oral tacrolimus formulations, the innovator Prograf® and a formulation commercialized in Mexico with the brand name Limustin®, in children. Stable Mexican pediatric renal transplant recipients received the product authorized by their social security provider, being either Prograf® or Limustin®. At steady state, blood samples were drawn and tacrolimus blood concentration against time curves was constructed. CYP3A5 genotype was also determined. There was no significant difference in dose or in trough concentrations between formulations. However, AUC and Cmax were significantly higher with Prograf®. The lower tacrolimus bioavailability with Limustin® was observed in both expressers and non‐expressers of the functional CYP3A5 protein. Dose‐normalized AUC values in expressers were 12.7 ± 11.9 and 48.7 ± 20.4 ng·h/mL/mg for Limustin® and Prograf®, whereas in non‐expressers, dose‐normalized AUC was 54.4 ± 49.1 and 110.4 ± 42.9 ng·h/mL/mg for Limustin® and Prograf®, respectively (p < 0.05). Pharmaceutical quality analysis showed that Limustin® dissolution at 120 min was 31.1 ± 6.2% while Prograf® dissolution was 100 ± 4.8%. Furthermore, the mean percentage of labeled amount of Limustin® and Prograf® was 91.0 ± 3.1% and 100.0 ± 0.7%, respectively. Hence, Limustin® exhibits pharmaceutical characteristics dissimilar to the innovator that likely explain the reduced tacrolimus exposure in children. We consider Limustin® is not adequate for pediatric use.
Pyramiding of partial disease resistance genes has a predictable, but diminishing, benefit to efficacy
Authors: Grimmer M. K. , Boyd L. A. , Clarke S. M. , Paveley N. D.
Published: August 2014

Partial resistance genes often need to be ‘pyramided’ into a crop cultivar to obtain commercially acceptable levels of disease resistance. Analysis of data from four different wheat mapping populations, segregating for partial resistance to four contrasting foliar pathogens, showed a diminishing benefit to disease control from increasing the numbers of resistance loci in wheat lines. To test whether a general function could describe the efficacy benefit from pyramiding, a simple multiplicative survival model (MSM) was used to predict disease severities on mapping population lines carrying various combinations of two, three or four resistance loci. The effectiveness of each resistance locus was expressed as the disease severity in lines carrying resistance alleles at one locus, as a proportion of the severity in lines carrying no detectable resistance alleles. The predicted severity from any given combination of multiple resistance loci was calculated as the product of the proportional severities for the relevant single loci. A regression line fitted to transformed observed against predicted values explained 93% of the variation, with a slope and intercept not significantly different from 1 and 0, respectively. MSM may therefore provide a simple method to test contrasting types of partial resistance and search for synergistic combinations. The analysis suggests that diminishing returns are a general feature of partial resistance to foliar pathogens in wheat, a finding that is likely to apply to other crop pathosystems. Identifying and combining ever more QTL is likely to provide limited gains. The consequences of these findings for QTL analysis are described.
Development of a lateral flow device for in‐field detection and evaluation of PCR‐based diagnostic methods for Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum, the causal agent of banana xanthomonas wilt
Authors: Hodgetts J. , Karamura G. , Johnson G. , Hall J. , Perkins K. , Beed F. , Nakato V. , Grant M. , Studholme D. J. , Boonham N. , Smith J.
Published: August 2014

Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm) is the causal agent of banana xanthomonas wilt, a major threat to banana production in eastern and central Africa. The pathogen is present in very high levels within infected plants and can be transmitted by a broad range of mechanisms; therefore early specific detection is vital for effective disease management. In this study, a polyclonal antibody (pAb) was developed and deployed in a lateral flow device (LFD) format to allow rapid in‐field detection of Xcm. Published Xcm PCR assays were also independently assessed: only two assays gave specific amplification of Xcm, whilst others cross‐reacted with non‐target Xanthomonas species. Pure cultures of Xcm were used to immunize a rabbit, the IgG antibodies purified from the serum and the resulting polyclonal antibodies tested using ELISA and LFD. Testing against a wide range of bacterial species showed the pAb detected all strains of Xcm, representing isolates from seven countries and the known genetic diversity of Xcm. The pAb also detected the closely related Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vasculorum (Xav), primarily a sugarcane pathogen. Detection was successful in both naturally and experimentally infected banana plants, and the LFD limit of detection was 105 cells mL−1. Whilst the pAb is not fully specific for Xcm, Xav has never been found in banana. Therefore the LFD can be used as a first‐line screening tool to detect Xcm in the field. Testing by LFD requires no equipment, can be performed by non‐scientists and is cost‐effective. Therefore this LFD provides a vital tool to aid in the management and control of Xcm.