bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of poly(styrene‐co‐isobornyl methacrylate) beads having controlled glass transition temperature by suspension polymerization
Authors: Zhang Bing , Ma Yuhong , Chen Dong , Xu Jingnan , Yang Wantai
Published: November 2012

The styrene (St) and isobornyl methacrylate (IBMA) random copolymer beads with controlled glass transition temperature (Tg), in the range of 105–158°C, were successfully prepared by suspension polymerization. The influence of the ratios of IBMA in monomer feeds on the copolymerization yields, the molecular weights and molecular weight distributions of the produced copolymers, the copolymer compositions and the Tgs of these copolymers was investigated systematically. The monomer reactivity ratios were r1 (St) = 0.57 and r2 (IBMA) = 0.20 with benzyl peroxide as initiator at 90°C, respectively. As the mass fraction of IBMA in monomer feeds was about 40 wt %, it was observed that the monomer conversion could be up to 90 wt %. The fractions of IBMA unit in copolymers were in the range of 35–40 wt % and Tgs of the corresponding copolymers were in the range of 119.6–128°C while the monomer conversion increased from 0 to greater than 90 wt %. In addition, the effects of other factors, such as the dispersants, polymerization time and the initiator concentration on the copolymerization were also discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of glass fiber‐reinforced crosslinkable poly(arylene ether nitrile)
Authors: Zou Yanke , Liu Xiaobo
Published: November 2012

Crosslinkable poly(arylene ether nitrile)/glass fiber (PEN/GF) composites with high thermal stabilities and mechanical properties were prepared by a economically and environmentally viable method of melt extrusion and injection molding. The feasibility of using PEN/GF composites was investigated by evaluating its morphological, rheological, thermal, and mechanical properties. The morphology shows a good dispersion and strong interfacial interaction between PEN and GF. Thermal studies reveal that the thermal stabilities of PEN/GF are improved significantly with increase of GF content. Mechanical investigation manifested that GFs have strengthening effect (increase in flexural, tensile, and impact strength) on the mechanical performance of PEN composites. Most importantly, crosslinking reaction of PEN/GF composites can further improve their mechanical performances, because a couple of GFs are agglomerated by thermal motion and strong interfacial adhesion and the local agglomeration does not break the global uniform distribution. This work shows that both the enhancement of GF content and the crosslinking reaction of PEN/GF composites are two key factors influencing the thermal and mechanical properties. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Transferring noncharring polyolefins to charring polymers with the presence of Mo/Mg/Ni/O catalysts and the application in flame retardancy
Authors: Song Rongjun , Fu Yao , Li Bin
Published: November 2012

This article presents a novel investigation on the Mo/Mg/Ni/O catalysts (Nmm‐cats) with which the noncharring polyolefins are basically transferred to the charring polymers under forced flaming conditions and the flame retardancy of polyolefins is improved dramatically. The results of model charring experiments show that when appropriate Mo/Mg/Ni molar ratio is adopted and only 3% Nmm‐cats is blended, the Nmm‐cats belong to high‐efficient charring catalysts that can deposit 56 and 64 wt % of volatile products in‐situ from linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) and polypropylene (PP), respectively. The charring properties are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy; and the char‐forming mechanisms are analyzed by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction experiment. The improvement in flammability properties for LLDPE and PP is demonstrated by using a cone calorimeter. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Micro/nanohybrid hierarchical poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)/calcium carbonate composites for smart drug delivery
Authors: Shi Jun , Qi Wenyan , Du Chao , Shi Jin , Cao Shaokui
Published: November 2012

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)/calcium carbonate (CaCO3) micro/nanohybrid composites with smart drug‐delivery property had been prepared via in situ biomineralization reaction. Sodium poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) was used as the crystal growth additive to control the crystalline polymorph of CaCO3 and the morphology of the hybrid materials. The interaction between PSS and Ca2+ contributed to the formation of hierarchical micro/nanohybrid composites, in which microscale vaterite microparticles were covered by nanoscale PNIPAAm micelle. Vitamin B2 (VB2) release behavior was found to be pH‐ and thermal‐responsive. Moreover, the release profiles were sustained with the introduction of CaCO3 microparticles, suggesting that CaCO3 microparticles could hinder the permeation of the encapsulated VB2 and reduce the drug release effectively. The prepared micro/nanohybrid materials can be used as “smart” hierarchical materials for controlled drug delivery. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Edge‐related changes in tree communities in the understory of mesic temperate forest fragments of northern Japan
Authors: Suzuki Satoshi N. , Tomimatsu Hiroshi , Oishi Yoshiko , Konno Yasuo
Published: November 2012

We have assessed the effects of habitat fragmentation on understory tree communities in mesic temperate forests of the Tokachi plain of northern Japan. Tree community composition was analyzed across 13 forest fragments of various sizes ranging from 0.30 to 8.51 ha. The community composition varied along the edge‐to‐interior gradient: there was a lower abundance of shade‐tolerant shrubs in forest edges than in forest interiors, while saplings of dominant canopy trees and pioneer trees were more abundant near the edges. The edge influence extended approximately 56 m into the forest interiors. Even the interior area of small fragments were likely to be affected not only by the nearest edge but also by more distant edges. Consequently, most areas in fragments smaller than 2 ha were covered by these “edge‐type” communities. These results indicate that it is of primary importance to conserve and restore forests with an area at least larger than several hectares to sustain forest‐interior tree communities.
Refractive Index and Density Measurements of Peanut Oil for Determining Oleic and Linoleic Acid Contents
Authors: Davis Jack P. , Sweigart Daniel S. , Price Kristin M. , Dean Lisa L. , Sanders Timothy H.
Published: November 2012

Peanut seed are approximately 50 % oil of which >80 % is either oleic or linoleic acid. The oleic/linoleic acid (O/L) ratio largely influences oxidative stability and hence peanut shelf life. Traditional peanut seed have O/L ratios near 1.5–2.0; however, many new cultivars are “high oleic” with O/L ratios ≥9. During peanut seed handling, contamination among lots may occur. A cost effective method to rapidly differentiate peanut seed based on O/L ratio is needed across multiple segments of the industry, and measurements of oil density and oil refractive index (RI) were evaluated for this potential. Fatty acid profiles of samples from normal and high oleic seed lots, and blends of these oils, were determined by traditional gas chromatography analysis and this data compared to corresponding oil density and RI measurements. Oleic acid content, linoleic acid content, density and RI were all strongly linearly (R2 > 0.98) correlated for oil blends with O/L ratios from ~2 to 16. Threshold density or RI values both showed excellent potential for rapidly differentiating samples with an O/L ≥ 9; however, sample volume requirements preclude density measurements on single seed.
Discrimination of Origin of Sesame Oils Using Fatty Acid and Lignan Profiles in Combination with Canonical Discriminant Analysis
Authors: Jeon Hyeonjin , Kim In‐Hwan , Lee Chan , Choi Hee‐Don , Kim Byung Hee , Akoh Casimir C.
Published: November 2012

The aims of this study were to investigate total fatty acid composition and lignan contents of Korean, Chinese and Indian roasted sesame oils and to differentiate the geographic origins of the oils using analytical data in combination with canonical discriminant analysis. The analytical data were obtained from 84 oil samples that were prepared from 51 Korean, 19 Chinese, and 14 Indian white sesame seeds harvested during 2010 and 2011 and distributed in Korea during the same period. Six variables selected for the discriminant analysis were the contents of three fatty acids (linoleic, oleic, and palmitic) and three lignans (sesamin, sesamolin, and sesamol). A good discrimination between sesame oils from Korea, China, and India was achieved by applying two canonical discriminant functions, with 97.6 % of the samples correctly classified into the geographic origin. When the origins of five commercial oil samples (one was prepared from Korean sesame seeds and the other four were made from imported sesame seeds) were predicted using discriminant functions, the Korean sesame oil was accurately distinguished from the others.
Protein Content and Oil Composition of Almond from Moroccan Seedlings: Genetic Diversity, Oil Quality and Geographical Origin
Authors: Kodad Ossama , Estopañán Gloria , Juan Teresa , Socias i Company Rafel
Published: November 2012

The protein and oil content and the fatty acid profile of the kernels of selected almond genotypes from four different Moroccan regions were determined in order to evaluate the kernel quality of the plant material of these different regions. The ranges of oil content (48.7–64.5 % of kernel DW), oleic (61.8–80.2 % of total oil), linoleic (11.4–27.0 %), palmitic (5.6–7.7 %), stearic (1.3–3.1 %), and palmitoleic (0.4–0.9 %) acid percentages agreed with previous results of other almond genotypes, but the protein content (14.1–35.1 % of kernel DW) showed that some genotypes had higher values than any previously recorded in almond. Some genotypes from mountainous regions showed kernels with very high oil content as well as high and consistent oleic and linoleic ratio, establishing a possible differentiation according to the geographical origin. These differences may allow establishing a geographical denomination for almond products. In terms of genetic diversity, oleic and linoleic acids were confirmed to be the most variable components of almond oil chemical composition among genotypes. Additionally, the genotypes with extreme favorable values, such as high protein content, could be incorporated into an almond breeding program aiming at an increase in kernel quality.
β‐Site amyloid precursor protein–cleaving enzyme 1 activity is related to cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of sortilin‐related receptor with A‐type repeats, soluble amyloid precursor protein, and tau
Authors: Tsolakidou Amalia , Alexopoulos Panagiotis , Guo Liang‐Hao , Grimmer Timo , Westerteicher Christine , Kratzer Martina , Jiang Meizi , Bujo Hideaki , Roselli Francesco , Leante Maria Rosaria , Livrea Paolo , Kurz Alexander , Perneczky Robert
Published: November 2012

Background

β‐Site amyloid precursor protein (APP)–cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) activity determines the rate of APP cleavage and is therefore the main driver of amyloid β production, which is a pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods

The present study explored the correlation between BACE1 activity and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of APP metabolism and axonal degeneration in 63 patients with mild AD and 12 healthy control subjects.

Results

In the AD group, positive correlations between BACE1 activity and soluble APP β, the APP sorting receptor sortilin‐related receptor with A‐type repeats (also known as SorLA or LR11), and tau were detected. BACE1 activity was not associated with amyloid β1–42 or soluble APP α concentrations in the AD group, and no associations between BACE1 activity and any of the protein concentrations were found in the control group.

Conclusion

Our results confirm the relevance of BACE1 and sortilin‐related receptor with A‐type repeats within the amyloid cascade and also provide a further piece of evidence for the link between amyloid and tau pathology in AD.
Cyanoacrylate Glues for Wilderness and Remote Travel Medical Care
Authors: Davis Kyle P. , Derlet Robert W.
Published: November 2012

Cyanoacrylate (CA) glues are commonly used in medical and household repairs. Their chemical compositions have been refined over half a century, making some more suitable than others for creative applications. In remote settings where advanced medical care is not accessible, readily available CAs of differing chemical composition may possess an important therapeutic function. Within this paper we critically examine the published therapeutic risks and benefits of both pharmaceutical and hardware grade CAs when applied in acute care situations. Topics discussed include wound closure as well as the treatment of burns, abrasions, and blisters. Also considered are their chemical properties, toxicities, and potential off-label uses.
Distraction Reduces Both Early and Late Electrocutaneous Stimulus Evoked Potentials
Authors: Blom Jorian H. G. , Wiering Caro H. , Van der Lubbe Rob H. J.
Published: November 2012

Previous electroencephalography studies revealed mixed effects of sustained distraction on early negative and later positive event-related potential components evoked by electrocutaneous stimuli. In our study we further examined the influence of sustained distraction to clarify these discrepancies. Electrocutaneous stimuli of three intensities were delivered in pulse trains to the forearm either while participants attended the stimuli or while they performed a mental-arithmetic or a word-association distraction task. The amplitudes of the N1 and the late P2/P3a components were attenuated during both distraction tasks. These results seem to resolve the debate concerning the attentional modulation of the N1 component. Furthermore, we observed that the amplitude of the late P2/P3a component was strongly affected by stimulus change, in line with the opinion that this component is actually a P3a orienting response. Our study additionally revealed that habituation effects were reflected in lower intensity ratings and reduced amplitudes of the N1 and P3a components. The latter effects were independent of the type of task, which suggests that habituation is unaffected by attention.
Heart Rate Variability, Homeostasis, and Brain Function
Authors: Riganello Francesco , Garbarino Sergio , Sannita Walter G.
Published: November 2012

Measures of heart rate variability (HRV) are major indices of the sympathovagal balance in cardiovascular research. These measures are thought to reflect complex patterns of brain activation as well and HRV is now emerging as a descriptor thought to provide information on the nervous system organization of homeostatic responses in accordance with the situational requirements. Current models of integration equate HRV to the affective states as parallel outputs of the central autonomic network, with HRV reflecting its organization of affective, physiological, “cognitive,” and behavioral elements into a homeostatic response. Clinical application is in the study of patients with psychiatric disorders, traumatic brain injury, impaired emotion-specific processing, personality, and communication disorders. HRV responses to highly emotional sensory inputs have been identified in subjects in vegetative state and in healthy or brain injured subjects processing complex sensory stimuli. In this respect, HRV measurements can provide additional information on the brain functional setup in the severely brain damaged and would provide researchers with a suitable approach in the absence of conscious behavior or whenever complex experimental conditions and data collection are impracticable, as it is the case, for example, in intensive care units.
A zoo of computable binary normal sequences
Authors: Pincus Steve , Singer Burton H.
Published: November 2012

Historically there has been a virtual absence of constructive methods to produce broad classes of “certifiably random” infinite sequences, despite considerable interest in this endeavor. Previously, we proved a theorem that yielded explicit algorithms to produce diverse sets of normal numbers, reasonable candidates for random sequences, given their limiting equidistribution of subblocks of all lengths. Herein, we develop this algorithmic approach much further, systematizing the normal number generation process in several ways. We construct delineated, distinct sets of normal numbers (classified by the extent to which initial segments deviate from maximal irregularity), with virtually any allowable specified rate of convergence to 0 of this deviation, encompassing arbitrarily fast and slow rates, and accommodating asymmetric behavior above or below a centered median. As a corollary, we provide an explicit construction of a normal number that satisfies the Law of the Iterated Logarithm. We also produce distinct families of “biased” normal numbers, with virtually any specified rate of convergence of the bias (to 0). This latter theory is in part motivated by the remarkable observation that the binary version of Champernowne’s number, which is also normal, is biased—any initial segment has more 1s than 0s. Finally, we construct an interesting normal sequence with arbitrarily fast convergence to equidistribution of singleton blocks, yet arbitrarily slow convergence of pairs, which has profound implications both for probability theory, and for metrics to evaluate the “near-randomness” of sequences.
Figuring Abjection: The Slave Mother in the Early Creole Novel
Authors: McCusker Maeve
Published: November 2012

While twentieth-century Caribbean literature in French has generated a substantial body of criticism, earlier writings have largely been neglected. This article begins by contextualizing the Creole novel of the 1830s in cultural and historical terms, then proceeds to analyse two novels published by Martinican authors in 1835:
Outre-mer
by Louis de Maynard de Queilhe and
Les Créoles
by Jules Levilloux. The few studies that exist of these texts tend to contrast their portrayal of the (male) mulatto; Levilloux has generally been considered the more progressive writer in this regard. However, both writers are in striking harmony in their depiction of the black mother, a figure (in both senses, as her physiognomy is central in her portrayal) who has until now been overlooked. In
Outre-mer
, as in
Les Créoles
, the elderly black mother is an abject and wretched creature, a source of phobic disgust. She has necessarily to be shown to be repulsive, filthy, and morally hideous in old age in order to counteract the fascination she provokes, and to embody a phantasized repellent to the desires of the white male.
Ecosystem status and functioning: searching for rules of thumb using an intersite comparison of food-web models of Northeast Atlantic continental shelves
Authors: Lassalle Géraldine , Lobry Jérémy , Le Loc'h François , Mackinson Steven , Sanchez Francisco , Tomczak Maciej Tomasz , Niquil Nathalie
Published: November 2012

Lassalle, G., Lobry, J., Le Loc'h, F., Mackinson, S., Sanchez, F., Tomczak, M. T., and Niquil, N. 2013. Ecosystem status and functioning: searching for rules of thumb using an intersite comparison of food-web models of Northeast Atlantic continental shelves. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70:135–149. This work aimed to provide a better understanding of how the structure and function of marine ecosystems and trophic control mechanisms influence their response to perturbations. Comparative analysis of Ecopath models of four Northeast Atlantic ecosystems was used to search for rules of thumb defining the similarities and differences between them. Ecosystem indicators, related to the ecology of species interactions, were derived from these models and compared. Two main questions were addressed. (i) What are the main energy pathways and mechanisms of control? (ii) Do these ecosystems exhibit the widespread and potentially stabilizing food-web structure such that top predators couple distinct energy pathways? A strong bentho-pelagic coupling operated over the Bay of Biscay Shelf, while energy reached higher trophic levels mostly through pelagic compartments, in northern areas. Zooplankton was demonstrated to be trophically important in all ecosystems, acting as a regulator of the abundance of small pelagic fish. A latitudinal pattern in flow control was highlighted by this analysis, with a significant contribution of top-down effect at higher latitudes. This top-down control of the Baltic Sea, combined with the fact that this ecosystem did not exhibit the potentially stabilizing two-channel structure, suggested a non-stable environment.
Assessing the Health Needs of a Population
Authors: Riches Nicholas
Published: November 2012

The ability to both recognise and respond to the health needs of individual patients is fundamental to effective general practice. Ninety percent of all patient contacts within the National Health Service (NHS) occur in primary care, therefore GPs are ideally placed to understand local health needs. This understanding is acknowledged by recent health care reforms, which give GPs greater responsibility for population health. Accepting this responsibility requires an understanding of how to assess the health needs of a population.
In Vivo Study of Hydroxyapatite-coated Hat Type Cervical Intervertebral Fusion Cage Combined With IGF-I and TGF-β1 in the Goat Model
Authors: Gu Yutong , Zhang Feng , Lineaweaver William C. , Zhang Jian , Jia Lianshun , Qi Jin , Wang Jun , Zhen Xuebin
Published: November 2012

Study Design:

An in vivo animal experimental study.

Objective:

To investigate the hydroxyapatite (HA) coating in a modified fusion cage in improving the results of cervical intervertebral fusion and the role of combination of IGF-I and TGF-β1 treatment in a goat cervical spine interbody fusion model.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-two goats were divided into 4 groups (n=8 for each) and underwent C3–4 discectomy and intervertebral fusion by the following methods: group 1, autologous tricortical iliac crest bone graft; group 2, cage only; group 3, cage coated with HA; group 4, cage coated with HA+IGF-I and TGF-β1. Radiography was performed preoperatively, postoperatively, and after 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. At the same time points, disk space height, intervertebral angle, and lordosis angle were measured. At 12 weeks postoperatively, the goats were killed and fused segments were harvested. Biomechanical study was performed in flexion, extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending with a nondestructive stiffness method to determine the range of motion and stiffness. All cervical fusion specimens underwent histomorphologic studies.

Results:

All 3 cage-treated groups showed significantly higher values for disk space height, intervertebral angle, and lordosis angle compared with the autologous tricortical iliac group at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery (P<0.05). The stiffness of hat-shaped cervical intervertebral fusion cage coated with HA+IGF-I and TGF-β1 in flexion, extension, and lateral bending was significantly greater than that of the other groups (P<0.05), and the stiffness of hat-shaped cervical intervertebral fusion cage coated with HA in extension, axial rotation, and lateral bending was significantly greater than that of fusion with the bone graft and cage-only groups (P<0.05). Histomorphologic evaluation showed better fusion in 3 cage groups than in the bone graft group. In group 4 of the cage coated with HA+IGF-I and TGF-β1, a slightly more advanced bone matrix formation was shown than in groups without coating.

Conclusions:

HA coating can improve the fusion effect of the cervical intervertebral cage, and IGF-I and TGF-β1 can enhance bone fusion.
Sphingopyxis indica sp. nov., isolated from a high dose point hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-contaminated dumpsite
Authors: Jindal Swati , Dua Ankita , Lal Rup
Published: November 2012

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped and light-yellow-pigmented bacterium, designated DS15T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from a hexachlorocyclohexane dumpsite in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Strain DS15T showed highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to

Sphingopyxis panaciterrulae

DCY34T (98.7 %) and

Sphingopyxis soli

BL03T (98.0 %). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain DS15T and species of genus

Sphingopyxis

with validly published names ranged from 92.5 % to 98.7 %. The DNA G+C content of strain DS15T was 67.5 mol%. The chemotaxonomic markers in strain DS15T were consistent with its classification in the genus

Sphingopyxis

, i.e. Q-10 as the major ubiquinone and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω9c), C17 : 1ω6c, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c), C14 : 0 2-OH, C15 : 0 2-OH, C16 : 0 and C17 : 1ω8c as the predominant fatty acids. The major polar lipids of strain DS15T were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and sphingoglycolipids (SGL) and spermidine was detected as the major polyamine. Phylogenetic analysis, DNA–DNA hybridization, and chemotaxonomic and phenotypic analysis support the conclusion that strain DS15T represents a novel species within the genus

Sphingopyxis

, for which the name Sphingopyxis indica is proposed. The type strain is DS15T ( = MTCC 9455T = CCM 7542T = MCC 2023T).
Halopelagius fulvigenes sp. nov., a halophilic archaeon isolated from a lake
Authors: Liu Bing-Bing , Tang Shu-Kun , Cui Heng-Lin , Zhang Yong-Guang , Li Li , Zhang Yuan-Ming , Zhang Li-Li , Li Wen-Jun
Published: November 2012

Two extremely halophilic archaea, designated YIM 94188T and YIM 94189, were isolated from Qijiaojing lake in Xinjiang province, north-west China and subjected to taxonomic characterization using a polyphasic approach. The cells of the two strains were coccoid, non-motile and Gram-stain-negative. Colonies were pink–white-pigmented and aerobic. Growth occurred at 10–30 % (w/v) NaCl, 20–55 °C and pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum: 20–25 % NaCl, 37–42 °C, pH 6.5–7.0). Magnesium was necessary for growth in the range of 0.2–1.2 M. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the two strains belonged to the genus

Halopelagius

showing 98.5 % sequence similarity to the closest phylogenetic neighbour,

Halopelagius inordinatus

RO5-2T. In addition, the DNA–DNA hybridization values of strains YIM 94188T and YIM 94189 to

Halopelagius inordinatus

RO5-2T were 35.7 % and 37.7 %, respectively. Polar lipid analyses revealed that the two strains contained phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylglycerol phosphate methyl ester (PGP-Me), sulfated mannosyl glucosyl diether (S-DGD-1) and mannosyl glucosyl diether (DGD-1). The DNA G+C contents of strains YIM 94188T and YIM 94189 were 66.3 mol% and 64.6 mol%, respectively. On the basis of physiological and chemotaxonomic data, and phylogenetic analysis, strains YIM 94188T and YIM 94189 were classified as representing a novel species in the genus

Halopelagius

. The name Halopelagius fulvigenes sp. nov. is proposed, with YIM 94188T ( = CCTCC AB 2010456T = JCM 17506T) as the type strain.
Lachancea lanzarotensis sp. nov., an ascomycetous yeast isolated from grapes and wine fermentation in Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Authors: González Sara S. , Alcoba-Flórez Julia , Laich Federico
Published: November 2012

During the characterization of the microbiota biodiversity associated with grapes and wineries in different bioclimatic conditions of the Canary Islands (Spain), a novel yeast species was isolated from Lanzarote, the driest wine-producing region of the archipelago. Seven strains isolated from grapes, microvinifications and wineries are described. Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domain of the LSU rDNA gene and 5.8S-ITS regions revealed that the isolates were phylogenetically a member of the genus Lachancea and are closely related to Lachancea meyersii NRRL Y-27269T and Lachancea nothofagi NRRL Y-48670T. On the basis of morphological, biochemical and physiological characterization and phylogenetic analysis, a novel ascosporogenous yeast species, Lachancea lanzarotensis sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is L2C-15T ( = CBS 12615T = CECT 13066T) which was isolated from grape berries of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Listán Negro red grape variety in Tinajo, Lanzarote. The MycoBank no. is MB 801390.
Fuzzy Performance between Surface Fitting and Energy Distribution in Turbulence Runner
Authors: Liang Zhongwei , Liu Xiaochu , Ye Bangyan , Brauwer Richard Kars
Published: November 2012

Because the application of surface fitting algorithms exerts a considerable fuzzy influence on the mathematical features of kinetic energy distribution, their relation mechanism in different external conditional parameters must be quantitatively analyzed. Through determining the kinetic energy value of each selected representative position coordinate point by calculating kinetic energy parameters, several typical algorithms of complicated surface fitting are applied for constructing microkinetic energy distribution surface models in the objective turbulence runner with those obtained kinetic energy values. On the base of calculating the newly proposed mathematical features, we construct fuzzy evaluation data sequence and present a new three-dimensional fuzzy quantitative evaluation method; then the value change tendencies of kinetic energy distribution surface features can be clearly quantified, and the fuzzy performance mechanism discipline between the performance results of surface fitting algorithms, the spatial features of turbulence kinetic energy distribution surface, and their respective environmental parameter conditions can be quantitatively analyzed in detail, which results in the acquirement of final conclusions concerning the inherent turbulence kinetic energy distribution performance mechanism and its mathematical relation. A further turbulence energy quantitative study can be ensured.
Outcome of R-CHOP or CHOP Regimen for Germinal Center and Nongerminal Center Subtypes of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of Chinese Patients
Authors: Huang Ying , Ye Sheng , Cao Yabing , Li Zhiming , Huang Jiajia , Huang He , Cai Muyan , Luo Rongzhen , Lin Tongyu
Published: November 2012

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) can be molecularly subtyped as either germinal center B-cell (GCB) or non-GCB. The role of rituximab(R) in these two groups remains unclear. We studied 204 patients with de novo DLBCL (107 treated with first-line CHOP; 97 treated with first-line R-CHOP), patients being stratified into GCB and non-GCB on the basis of BCL-6, CD10, and MUM1 protein expression. The relationships between clinical characteristics, survival data, and immunophenotype (IHC) were studied. The 5-year overall survival (OS) in the CHOP and R-CHOP groups was 50.4% and 66.6% (P=0.031), respectively. GCB patients had a better 5-year OS than non-GCB patients whether treated with CHOP or not (65.0% versus 40.9%;P=0.011). In contrast, there is no difference in the 5-year OS for the GCB and non-GCB with R-CHOP (76.5% versus 61.3%;P=0.141). In non-GCB subtype, additional rituximab improved survival better than CHOP (61.3% versus 40.9%;P=0.0303). These results indicated that addition of rituximab to standard chemotherapy eliminates the prognostic value of IHC-defined GCB and non-GCB phenotypes in DLBCL by improving the prognostic value of non-GCB subtype of DLBCL.
Somatic rearrangements across cancer reveal classes of samples with distinct patterns of DNA breakage and rearrangement-induced hypermutability
Authors: Drier Yotam , Lawrence Michael S. , Carter Scott L. , Stewart Chip , Gabriel Stacey B. , Lander Eric S. , Meyerson Matthew , Beroukhim Rameen , Getz Gad
Published: November 2012

Whole-genome sequencing using massively parallel sequencing technologies enables accurate detection of somatic rearrangements in cancer. Pinpointing large numbers of rearrangement breakpoints to base-pair resolution allows analysis of rearrangement microhomology and genomic location for every sample. Here we analyze 95 tumor genome sequences from breast, head and neck, colorectal, and prostate carcinomas, and from melanoma, multiple myeloma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. We discover three genomic factors that are significantly correlated with the distribution of rearrangements: replication time, transcription rate, and GC content. The correlation is complex, and different patterns are observed between tumor types, within tumor types, and even between different types of rearrangements. Mutations in theAPCgene correlate with and, hence, potentially contribute to DNA breakage in late-replicating, low %GC, untranscribed regions of the genome. We show that somatic rearrangements display less microhomology than germline rearrangements, and that breakpoint loci are correlated with local hypermutability with a particular enrichment fortransversions.
Pattern of Auxin and Cytokinin Responses for Shoot Meristem Induction Results from the Regulation of Cytokinin Biosynthesis by AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR3
Authors: Cheng Zhi Juan , Wang Liang , Sun Wei , Zhang Yan , Zhou Chao , Su Ying Hua , Li Wei , Sun Tian Tian , Zhao Xiang Yu , Li Xing Guo , Cheng Youfa , Zhao Yunde , Xie Qi , Zhang Xian Sheng
Published: November 2012

De novo organ regeneration is an excellent biological system for the study of fundamental questions regarding stem cell initiation, cell fate determination, and hormone signaling. Despite the general belief that auxin and cytokinin responses interact to regulate de novo organ regeneration, the molecular mechanisms underlying such a cross talk are little understood. Here, we show that spatiotemporal biosynthesis and polar transport resulted in local auxin distribution in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), which in turn determined the cytokinin response during de novo shoot regeneration. Genetic and pharmacological interference of auxin distribution disrupted the cytokinin response and ATP/ADP ISOPENTENYLTRANSFERASE5 (AtIPT5) expression, affecting stem cell initiation and meristem formation. Transcriptomic data suggested that AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR3 (ARF3) mediated the auxin response during de novo organ regeneration. Indeed, mutations in ARF3 caused ectopic cytokinin biosynthesis via the misexpression of AtIPT5, and this disrupted organ regeneration. We further showed that ARF3 directly bound to the promoter of AtIPT5 and negatively regulated AtIPT5 expression. The results from this study thus revealed an auxin-cytokinin cross talk mechanism involving distinct intermediate signaling components required for de novo stem cell initiation and shed new light on the mechanisms of organogenesis in planta.
Arabidopsis Response Regulator1 and Arabidopsis Histidine Phosphotransfer Protein2 (AHP2), AHP3, and AHP5 Function in Cold Signaling
Authors: Jeon Jin , Kim Jungmook
Published: November 2012

The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) two-component signaling system, which is composed of sensor histidine kinases, histidine phosphotransfer proteins, and response regulators, mediates the cytokinin response and various other plant responses. We have previously shown that ARABIDOPSIS HISTIDINE KINASE2 (AHK2), AHK3, and cold-inducible type A ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATORS (ARRs) play roles in cold signaling. However, the roles of type B ARRs and ARABIDOPSIS HISTIDINE PHOSPHOTRANSFER PROTEINS (AHPs) have not been investigated in cold signaling. Here, we show that ARR1 and AHP2, AHP3, and AHP5 play positive roles in the cold-inducible expression of type A ARRs. arr1 mutants showed greatly reduced cold-responsive expression of type A ARRs compared with the wild type, whereas ARR1-overexpressing Arabidopsis exhibited the hypersensitive cold response of type A ARRs as well as enhanced freezing tolerance with cytokinin, suggesting that ARR1 functions as a positive factor of cold signaling. Transgenic Arabidopsis expressing ARR1ƊDDK:GR lacking the amino-terminal receiver domain showed wild-type expression levels of type A ARRs in response to cold, indicating that the signal receiver domain of ARR1 might be important for cold-responsive expression of type A ARRs. ahp2 ahp3 ahp5 triple mutations greatly reduced type A ARR expression in response to cold, whereas the single or double ahp mutants displayed wild-type levels of ARR expression, suggesting that AHP2, AHP3, and AHP5 are redundantly involved in cold signaling. Taken together, these results suggest that ARR1 mediates cold signal via AHP2, AHP3, or AHP5 from AHK2 and AHK3 to express type A ARRs. We further identified a cold transcriptome affected by ahk2 ahk3 mutations by microarray analysis, revealing a new cold-responsive gene network regulated downstream of AHK2 and AHK3.
Loose Plant Architecture1, an INDETERMINATE DOMAIN Protein Involved in Shoot Gravitropism, Regulates Plant Architecture in Rice
Authors: Wu Xinru , Tang Ding , Li Ming , Wang Kejian , Cheng Zhukuan
Published: November 2012

Tiller angle and leaf angle are two important components of rice (Oryza sativa) plant architecture that play a crucial role in determining grain yield. Here, we report the cloning and characterization of the Loose Plant Architecture1 (LPA1) gene in rice, the functional ortholog of the AtIDD15/SHOOT GRAVITROPISM5 (SGR5) gene in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). LPA1 regulates tiller angle and leaf angle by controlling the adaxial growth of tiller node and lamina joint. LPA1 was also found to affect shoot gravitropism. Expression pattern analysis suggested that LPA1 influences plant architecture by affecting the gravitropism of leaf sheath pulvinus and lamina joint. However, LPA1 only influences gravity perception or signal transduction in coleoptile gravitropism by regulating the sedimentation rate of amyloplasts, distinct from the actions of LAZY1. LPA1 encodes a plant-specific INDETERMINATE DOMAIN protein and defines a novel subfamily of 28 INDETERMINATE DOMAIN proteins with several unique conserved features. LPA1 is localized in the nucleus and functions as an active transcriptional repressor, an activity mainly conferred by a conserved ethylene response factor-associated amphiphilic repression-like motif. Further analysis suggests that LPA1 participates in a complicated transcriptional and protein interaction network and has evolved novel functions distinct from SGR5. This study not only facilitates the understanding of gravitropism mechanisms but also generates a useful genetic material for rice breeding.
Back to basics: an evaluation of NaOH and alternative rapid DNA extraction protocols for DNA barcoding, genotyping, and disease diagnostics from fungal and oomycete samples
Authors: Osmundson Todd W. , Eyre Catherine A. , Hayden Katherine M. , Dhillon Jaskirn , Garbelotto Matteo M.
Published: November 2012

The ubiquity, high diversity and often‐cryptic manifestations of fungi and oomycetes frequently necessitate molecular tools for detecting and identifying them in the environment. In applications including DNA barcoding, pathogen detection from plant samples, and genotyping for population genetics and epidemiology, rapid and dependable DNA extraction methods scalable from one to hundreds of samples are desirable. We evaluated several rapid extraction methods (NaOH, Rapid one‐step extraction (ROSE), Chelex 100, proteinase K) for their ability to obtain DNA of quantity and quality suitable for the following applications: PCR amplification of the multicopy barcoding locus ITS1/5.8S/ITS2 from various fungal cultures and sporocarps; single‐copy microsatellite amplification from cultures of the phytopathogenic oomycete Phytophthora ramorum; probe‐based P. ramorum detection from leaves. Several methods were effective for most of the applications, with NaOH extraction favored in terms of success rate, cost, speed and simplicity. Frozen dilutions of ROSE and NaOH extracts maintained PCR viability for over 32 months. DNA from rapid extractions performed poorly compared to CTAB/phenol‐chloroform extracts for TaqMan diagnostics from tanoak leaves, suggesting that incomplete removal of PCR inhibitors is an issue for sensitive diagnostic procedures, especially from plants with recalcitrant leaf chemistry. NaOH extracts exhibited lower yield and size than CTAB/phenol‐chloroform extracts; however, NaOH extraction facilitated obtaining clean sequence data from sporocarps contaminated by other fungi, perhaps due to dilution resulting from low DNA yield. We conclude that conventional extractions are often unnecessary for routine DNA sequencing or genotyping of fungi and oomycetes, and recommend simpler strategies where source materials and intended applications warrant such use.
Clinical responses to antidepressants among 1036 acutely depressed patients with bipolar or unipolar major affective disorders
Authors: Tondo L. , Baldessarini R. J. , Vázquez G. , Lepri B. , Visioli C.
Published: November 2012

Objective

Whether responses to antidepressants differ in bipolar and unipolar depression remains unresolved.

Method

We analyzed patient characteristics and outcomes of antidepressant treatment of 1036 depressed patients with bipolar‐I or bipolar‐II disorder, or unipolar major depression, using bivariate and multivariate methods and survival analysis, testing the hypothesis that responses would be superior in unipolar depression.

Results

Antidepressants were given to 84.8% (878/1036) of depressed patients: 58.9% of 93 bipolar‐I, 80.1% of 117 bipolar‐II, and 91.3% of 668 unipolar disorder cases. The 158 not given antidepressants had more manias/year, spent more months in mania and depression, and were far more likely to receive mood stabilizers or antipsychotics long term. Improvement of HDRS21 depression ratings ranked: bipolar‐II (69.6%) > bipolar‐I (62.9%) > unipolar (57.9%; P < 0.0001), independent of initial illness severity. Responder rates (≥50% improved without switching) ranked: bipolar‐II (77.0%) > bipolar‐I (71.6%) > unipolar (61.7%; P < 0.0001). Remission rates (final HDRS < 7) ranked: 54.0%, 50.6%, and 40.8% respectively (P = 0.02); 67.5% remitted within 12 weeks of treatment. Survival‐computed median time to remission (15.0 weeks, overall) was shortest for bipolar‐II patients (10.7 weeks). The 3‐month risk of switching into mania–hypomania ranked: bipolar‐II (15.8%) > bipolar‐I (8.60%) > unipolar (0.56%). Multivariate modeling found bipolar diagnosis, shorter latency to remission, more recent trial year, and fewer weeks depressed before treatment to be associated with greater percent improvement of HDRS ratings.

Conclusion

Selective use of antidepressants with or without mood stabilizers in non‐agitated, depressed bipolar disorder patients for short periods was effective with moderate risk of potentially dangerous, manic mood elevation.
Usefulness of the delta neutrophil index for assessing neonatal sepsis
Authors: Lee Soon M , Eun Ho S , Namgung Ran , Park Min S , Park Kook I , Lee Chul
Published: November 2012

Aim

We investigated the significance of the calculated delta neutrophil index (DNI) as a diagnostic factor for neonatal sepsis.

Methods

In retrospective study, 24 infants were diagnosed with blood culture‐proven sepsis, and 48 non‐septic neonates matched for gestational age, and birth weight served as controls. Among the 24 infants with sepsis, 5 died within 7 days at diagnosis.

Results

Mean DNI (at diagnosis, after 24 h and 72 h), CRP and WBC counts were significantly higher, and neutrophil and platelet counts were significantly lower in sepsis group than control group. In sepsis group, mean DNI at the time of diagnosis, DNI at 72 h, and CRP at 72 h were significantly higher, and platelet counts were significantly lower for patients with sepsis who died compared with those who survived. In multiple logistic regression analysis, mortality in neonates with sepsis significantly correlated with DNI at 72 h (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.1–5.6, p = 0.032) and with platelet count (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.51–0.99, p = 0.014). ROC analysis for DNI at 72 h revealed a cut‐off value of 12%, which predicted mortality with 81% sensitivity and 87% specificity.

Conclusion

DNI may be a valuable tool in assessing the prognosis of patients with neonatal sepsis.
Speech problems affect more than one in two children with cerebral palsy: Swedish population‐based study
Authors: Nordberg A , Miniscalco C , Lohmander A , Himmelmann K
Published: November 2012

Aim

To describe speech ability in a population‐based study of children with cerebral palsy (CP), in relation to CP subtype, motor function, cognitive level and neuroimaging findings.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of 129 children (66 girls, 63 boys) with CP, born in 1999–2002, was carried out. Speech ability and background information, such as type of CP, motor function, cognitive level and neuroimaging data, were collected and analysed.

Results

Speech disorders were found in 21% of the children and were present in all types of CP. Forty‐one per cent of the children with speech disorders also had mental retardation, and 42% were able to walk independently. A further 32% of the children were nonverbal, and maldevelopment and basal ganglia lesions were most common in this group. The remaining 47% had no speech disorders, and this group was most likely to display white matter lesions of immaturity.

Conclusion

More than half of the children in this CP cohort had a speech disorder (21%) or were nonverbal (32%). Speech ability was related to the type of CP, gross motor function, the presence of mental retardation and the localization of brain maldevelopment and lesions. Neuroimaging results differed between the three speech ability groups.
Age and risk factors influence the microbial aetiology of bloodstream infection in children
Authors: Luthander Joachim , Bennet Rutger , Giske Christian G , Nilsson Anna , Eriksson Margareta
Published: November 2012

Aim

To study the aetiology of bloodstream infections (BSI) in children 0–17 years, the influence of age and underlying co‐morbidity on BSI rate, distribution of pathogens and outcome; and to provide data on antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.

Methods

A retrospective population‐based study. Data on blood cultures were collected at yearly intervals during 1998–2008. Information about risk factors, focal infection and outcome was retrieved from the patient charts.

Results

We identified 1097 BSI. The incidence of BSI was 0.4/1000. The age‐specific incidence was 2.3/1000 in neonates (0–28 days old) and 0.2/1000 in the age group 6–17 years. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen. The number of species causing BSI in previously healthy children was lower compared with children with co‐morbidity. Most children requiring intensive care had a serious underlying illness. Antimicrobial resistance was rare and did not influence outcome. The case‐fatality rate was 14.4% in neonates, 5.4% in children with co‐morbidity and 1.7% in previously healthy children.

Conclusion

Mortality from BSI is low, and a limited spectrum of pathogens is isolated from previously healthy children compared with children with co‐morbidity. When choosing empirical therapy for suspected BSI, age and presence of risk factors should be taken into account.