bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis at weaning and ultrasongraphically measured body composition traits in yearling cattle
Authors: Funk Lucas D. , Reecy James M. , Wang Chong , Tait Richard G. , O'Connor Annette M.
Published: December 2013

Objective—To assess associations between infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK) diagnosed at weaning and production traits in yearling beef calves.

Design—Retrospective population-based cohort study.

Animals—1,882 Angus calves.

Procedures—Angus calves from 1 farm were evaluated over 7 years. The association between yearling body production traits and detection of IBK lesions at weaning was evaluated.

Results—Yearlings that had evidence of IBK at weaning had less 12th rib fat depth, ribeye area, and body weight than did cohorts without evidence of IBK. Average daily gain was greater in cattle that had IBK lesions at weaning, but this did not offset lower body weight at weaning.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The associations between IBK at weaning and production variables persisted well into the postweaning period, and there appeared to be a relationship between decreased body composition traits at yearling evaluation and IBK infection before weaning.
Comparison of anesthesia with fully reversible dexmedetomidine-butorphanol-midazolam versus ketamine-midazolam in captive Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus)
Authors: Fiorello Christine V. , Rapoport Gregg S. , Rivera Sam , Clauss Tonya M. , Brainard Benjamin M.
Published: December 2013

Objective—To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination of dexmedetomidine, butorphanol, and midazolam administered IM for anesthesia in captive Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus) and to compare this combination with a combination of ketamine and midazolam.

Design—Prospective crossover study.

Animals—10 captive Asian small-clawed otters.

Procedures—A combination of either dexmedetomidine (0.03 mg/kg [0.014 mg/lb]), butorphanol (0.2 mg/kg [0.091 mg/lb]), and midazolam (0.15 mg/kg [0.068 mg/lb]) or ketamine (10.1 mg/kg [4.59 mg/lb]) and midazolam (0.3 mg/kg [0.14 mg/lb]) was administered IM to otters for immobilization to allow scheduled wellness examinations. Otters were intubated and administered 100% oxygen during the examination. Anesthesia was supplemented with isoflurane in oxygen if necessary. Routine medical procedures, including blood collection, radiography, echocardiography, dental scaling, vaccinations, and contraception administration, were performed as indicated during the immobilization. Physiologic, clinicopathologic, and anesthetic variables were recorded and compared. Otters given dexmedetomidine-butorphanol-midazolam were administered atipamezole (0.2 mg/kg [0.091 mg/lb]), naltrexone (0.6 mg/kg [0.27 mg/lb]), and flumazenil (0.05 mg/kg [0.023 mg/lb]) IM at the completion of the examination.

Results—The need for and duration of isoflurane administration were greater for ketamine-midazolam anesthesia, compared with dexmedetomidine-butorphanol-midazolam anesthesia. Recoveries were shorter and subjectively smoother with dexmedetomidine-butorphanol-midazolam. Heart rates were significantly higher during ketamine-midazolam anesthesia. Regardless of protocol, all otters developed hypothermia and hypercapnia during anesthesia.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Both protocols were safe and effective for this species, but the reversible nature of dexmedetomidine-butorphanol-midazolam resulted in more rapid recoveries than did ketamine-midazolam. Otters anesthetized with ketamine-midazolam may require additional anesthetic medications for routine examinations, and assisted ventilation and thermal support may be of benefit with either protocol.
Refractometric total protein concentrations in icteric serum from dogs
Authors: Gupta Aradhana , Stockham Steven L.
Published: December 2013

Objective—To determine whether high serum bilirubin concentrations interfere with the measurement of serum total protein concentration by refractometry and to assess potential biases among refractometer measurements.

Design—Evaluation study.

Sample—Sera from 2 healthy Greyhounds.

Procedures—Bilirubin was dissolved in 0.1M NaOH, and the resulting solution was mixed with sera from 2 dogs from which food had been withheld to achieve various bilirubin concentrations up to 40 mg/dL. Refractometric total protein concentrations were estimated with 3 clinical refractometers. A biochemical analyzer was used to measure biuret assay–based total protein and bilirubin concentrations with spectrophotometric assays.

Results—No interference with refractometric measurement of total protein concentrations was detected with bilirubin concentrations up to 41.5 mg/dL. Biases in refractometric total protein concentrations were detected and were related to the conversion of refractive index values to total protein concentrations.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Hyperbilirubinemia did not interfere with the refractometric estimation of serum total protein concentration. The agreement among total protein concentrations estimated by 3 refractometers was dependent on the method of conversion of refractive index to total protein concentration and was independent of hyperbilirubinemia.
Endovascular evaluation and treatment of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in dogs: 100 cases (2001–2011)
Authors: Weisse Chick , Berent Allyson C. , Todd Kimberly , Solomon Jeffrey A. , Cope Constantin
Published: December 2013

Objective—To evaluate short- and long-term outcome following endovascular treatment of intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in dogs.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—100 dogs.

Procedures—All patients had angiographic evaluation with or without endovascular shunt attenuation. The medical records were reviewed for pertinent data, complications, outcome, and survival time.

Results—95 dogs with congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunts received 111 procedures (83% [79/95] had 1 treatment, and 17% [16/95] had > 1 treatment; 5 dogs had no treatment because of excessive portal venous pressure–central venous pressure gradients). Angiography identified 38 right, 33 left, and 19 central divisional single shunts (n = 90) and 10 complex or multiple shunts. Partial shunt attenuation was performed in 92 dogs by means of caval stent placement and insertion of thrombogenic coils within the shunt, and 3 had complete acute shunt occlusion. Major intraoperative complications (3/111 [3%]) included temporary severe portal hypertension in 2 dogs and gastrointestinal hemorrhage in 1 dog. Major postoperative (< 1 week after surgery) complications (14/111 [13%]) included seizures or hepatoencephalopathy (7/111 [6%]), cardiac arrest (2/111 [2%]), jugular site bleeding (2/111 [2%]), pneumonia (1/111 [1%]), suspected portal hypertension (1/111 [1%]), and acute death (1/111 [1%]). Median follow-up time was 958 days (range, 0 to 3,411 days). Median survival time for treated dogs was 2,204 days (range, 0 to 3,411 days). Outcome was considered excellent (57/86 [66%]) or fair (13/86 [15%]) in 70 of 86 (81%) treated dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that endovascular treatment of intrahepatic shunts in dogs may result in lower morbidity and mortality rates, with similar success rates, compared with previously reported outcomes for open surgical procedures. Gastrointestinal ulceration was a common finding among this population of dogs, and lifelong gastroprotectant medications are now recommended.
Diversity ≠ Inclusion
Authors: Tienda Marta
Published: December 2013

I argue that enrollment of a diverse student body is but a pragmatic first step toward the broader social goal of inclusion and ask whether motives for campus diversification are aligned with pedagogic goals. I address this question by focusing on inclusion, namely, organizational strategies and practices that promote meaningful social and academic interactions among students who differ in their experiences, views, and traits. After illustrating the contours and pace of diversification, I discuss challenges to achieving meaningful integration as campuses become more racially diverse by focusing on ethnic programming and evidence about students’ social interaction patterns. Integration is not an automatic by-product of campus diversity; therefore, to harness the benefits of diverse student bodies, institutional leaders must pursue deliberate strategies that promote inclusion.
Bias and Bias Correction in Multisite Instrumental Variables Analysis of Heterogeneous Mediator Effects
Authors: Reardon Sean F. , Unlu Fatih , Zhu Pei , Bloom Howard S.
Published: December 2013

We explore the use of instrumental variables (IV) analysis with a multisite randomized trial to estimate the effect of a mediating variable on an outcome in cases where it can be assumed that the observed mediator is the only mechanism linking treatment assignment to outcomes, an assumption known in the IV literature as the exclusion restriction. We use a random-coefficient IV model that allows both the impact of program assignment on the mediator (compliance with assignment) and the impact of the mediator on the outcome (the mediator effect) to vary across sites and to covary with one another. This extension of conventional fixed-coefficient IV analysis illuminates a potential bias in IV analysis which Reardon and Raudenbush refer to as “compliance-effect covariance bias.” We first derive an expression for this bias and then use simulations to investigate the sampling variance of the conventional fixed-coefficient two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimator in the presence of varying (and covarying) compliance and treatment effects. We next develop two alternate IV estimators that are less susceptible to compliance-effect covariance bias. We compare the bias, sampling variance, and root mean squared error of these “bias-corrected IV estimators” to those of 2SLS and ordinary least squares (OLS). We find that, when the first-stage F-statistic exceeds 10 (a commonly used threshold for instrument strength), the bias-corrected estimators typically perform better than 2SLS or OLS. In the last part of the article, we use both the new estimators and 2SLS to reanalyze data from two large multisite studies.
Queering School, queers in school
Authors: Malmquist Anna , Gustavson Malena , Schmitt Irina
Published: December 2013

Queer studies of education have become a growing field with a range of theoretical and political positions and methodological approaches. Moreover, research with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) kids is tightly connected to anti-homophobia, anti-transphobia and norm-critical activism. One of the key contentions within this field is what researchers and activists mean by “queer” in the context of education: is it a focus on queer/ed subjectivities? Is it about using queer theories to critique forms and norms of education in a given sociopolitical context? Who is queer/ed in schools? Is the language of homophobia and transphobia the best or even correct way to describe and analyse normative educational settings and frameworks?
RETRACTED: Lim, S. Steady State Analytical Equation of Motion of Linear Shaped Charges Jet Based on the Modification of Birkhoff Theory. Appl. Sci. 2012, 2, 35–45
Authors: Lim Seokbin
Published: December 2013

The following article: doi:10.3390/app2010035 [1] has been retracted by the author due to problems in the hydrocode simulation configuration.
A Characterization of Conserved Quantities in Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics
Authors: Romero Ignacio
Published: December 2013

The well-known Noether theorem in Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics associates symmetries in the evolution equations of a mechanical system with conserved quantities. In this work, we extend this classical idea to problems of non-equilibrium thermodynamics formulated within the GENERIC (General Equations for Non-Equilibrium Reversible-Irreversible Coupling) framework. The geometric meaning of symmetry is reviewed in this formal setting and then utilized to identify possible conserved quantities and the conditions that guarantee their strict conservation. Examples are provided that demonstrate the validity of the proposed definition in the context of finite and infinite dimensional thermoelastic problems.
Analysis and Design of a Transverse-Flux Dual Rotor Machine for Power-Split Hybrid Electric Vehicle Applications
Authors: Zheng Ping , Zhao Quanbin , Bai Jingang , Yu Bin , Song Zhiyi , Shang Jing
Published: December 2013

A novel compound-structure transverse-flux permanent-magnet synchronous machine (CS-TFPMSM) is proposed in this paper, which is used in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) to fulfill the power-split function. The key component of the CS-TFPMSM is a brushless transverse-flux dual rotor machine (TFDRM). The TFDRM originates from the transverse-flux machines, and is capable of speed adjustment between the transverse-flux rotor and the permanent-magnet rotor without using any brushes. The structure and principle of the TFDRM are described. The torque equations of the TFDRM are deduced, which are different from those of traditional machines. Based on the investigation, the TFDRM tends to have high leakage and a poor power factor. The method to obtain high power factor is discussed. The back electromotive force (BEMF) and torque of the TFDRM are simulated with the variation of parameters, such as pole-pair number, width of the permanent magnets (PMs), and so on. A prototype of a 10kW TFDRM is designed.
Potentials for Mutually Beneficial Collaboration Between FIA Specialists and IEG-40 Pathologists and Geneticists Working on Fusiform Rust
Authors: Cowling Ellis , Randolph KaDonna
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this article is to encourage development of an enduring mutually beneficial collaboration between data and information analysts in the US Forest Service’s “Enhanced Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program” and forest pathologists and geneticists in the information exchange group (IEG) titled “Genetics and Breeding of Southern Forest Trees.” The goal of this collaborative partnership is to take full advantage of the Forest Health Monitoring capabilities within the Enhanced FIA Program to provide up-to-date information on the incidence of fusiform rust on loblolly and slash pine stands in the Southern United States and to periodically report the status of the rust epidemic in this region. Our initial analysis of 2000–2011 FIA data demonstrates that careful analysis and interpretation of results from continuing FIA observations can provide valuable guidance for optimizing the performance of forest tree improvement programs in this region.
Impact of Flavour Variability on Electronic Cigarette Use Experience: An Internet Survey
Authors: Farsalinos Konstantinos , Romagna Giorgio , Tsiapras Dimitris , Kyrzopoulos Stamatis , Spyrou Alketa , Voudris Vassilis
Published: December 2013

Background: A major characteristic of the electronic cigarette (EC) market is the availability of a large number of different flavours. This has been criticised by the public health authorities, some of whom believe that diverse flavours will attract young users and that ECs are a gateway to smoking. At the same time, several reports in the news media mention that the main purpose of flavour marketing is to attract youngsters. The importance of flavourings and their patterns of use by EC consumers have not been adequately evaluated, therefore, the purpose of this survey was to examine and understand the impact of flavourings in the EC experience of dedicated users. Methods: A questionnaire was prepared and uploaded in an online survey tool. EC users were asked to participate irrespective of their current smoking status. Participants were divided according to their smoking status at the time of participation in two subgroups: former smokers and current smokers. Results: In total, 4,618 participants were included in the analysis, with 4,515 reporting current smoking status. The vast majority (91.1%) were former smokers, while current smokers had reduced smoking consumption from 20 to 4 cigarettes per day. Both subgroups had a median smoking history of 22 years and had been using ECs for 12 months. On average they were using three different types of liquid flavours on a regular basis, with former smokers switching between flavours more frequently compared to current smokers; 69.2% of the former subgroup reported doing so on a daily basis or within the day. Fruit flavours were more popular at the time of participation, while tobacco flavours were more popular at initiation of EC use. On a scale from 1 (not at all important) to 5 (extremely important) participants answered that variability of flavours was “very important” (score = 4) in their effort to reduce or quit smoking. The majority reported that restricting variability will make ECs less enjoyable and more boring, while 48.5% mentioned that it would increase craving for cigarettes and 39.7% said that it would have been less likely for them to reduce or quit smoking. The number of flavours used was independently associated with smoking cessation. Conclusions: The results of this survey of dedicated users indicate that flavours are marketed in order to satisfy vapers’ demand. They appear to contribute to both perceived pleasure and the effort to reduce cigarette consumption or quit smoking. Due to the fact that adoption of ECs by youngsters is currently minimal, it seems that implementing regulatory restrictions to flavours could cause harm to current vapers while no public health benefits would be observed in youngsters. Therefore, flavours variability should be maintained; any potential future risk for youngsters being attracted to ECs can be sufficiently minimized by strictly prohibiting EC sales in this population group.
Elderly Healthcare Monitoring Using an Avatar-Based 3D Virtual Environment
Authors: Pouke Matti , Häkkilä Jonna
Published: December 2013

Homecare systems for elderly people are becoming increasingly important due to both economic reasons as well as patients’ preferences. Sensor-based surveillance technologies are an expected future trend, but research so far has devoted little attention to the User Interface (UI) design of such systems and the user-centric design approach. In this paper, we explore the possibilities of an avatar-based 3D visualization system, which exploits wearable sensors and human activity simulations. We present a technical prototype and the evaluation of alternative concept designs for UIs based on a 3D virtual world. The evaluation was conducted with homecare providers through focus groups and an online survey. Our results show firstly that systems taking advantage of 3D virtual world visualization techniques have potential especially due to the privacy preserving and simplified information presentation style, and secondly that simple representations and glancability should be emphasized in the design. The identified key use cases highlight that avatar-based 3D presentations can be helpful if they provide an overview as well as details on demand.
The Association between Splenocyte Apoptosis and Alterations of Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 mRNA Expression, and Oxidative Stress Induced by Dietary Nickel Chloride in Broilers
Authors: Huang Jianying , Cui Hengmin , Peng Xi , Fang Jing , Zuo Zhicai , Deng Junliang , Wu Bangyuan
Published: December 2013

Two hundred and forty avian broilers were equally divided into four groups, and raised with a corn-soybean basal diet or the same diet supplemented with 300, 600, 900 mg/kg NiCl2 for 42 days. Numbers or percentages of apoptotic splenocytes by flow cytometry (FCM) and TUNEL were higher (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in the 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg groups than those in the control group. Results measured by qRT-PCR and ELISA showed that mRNA expression and contents were significantly higher (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in Bax and Caspase-3, and were significantly lower (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in Bcl-2 of the 300, 600 and 900 mg/kg groups. Also, the SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities, and the ability to inhibit hydroxyl radical, and GSH contents were significantly decreased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01), and MDA contents were increased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) in all groups. In conclusion, dietary NiCl2 in excess of 300 mg/kg caused apoptosis, altered Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 mRNA expression levels and contents, and induced oxidative stress in the spleen. Also, splenocyte apoptosis was closely related to the alternations of Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 mRNA expression, and oxidative damage. The splenic immunity and blood filtration functions were impaired in broilers.
CYP 2D6 Binding Affinity Predictions Using Multiple Ligand and Protein Conformations
Authors: Perić-Hassler Lovorka , Stjernschantz Eva , Oostenbrink Chris , Geerke Daan
Published: December 2013

Because of the large flexibility and malleability of Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs), in silico prediction of CYP binding affinities to drugs and other xenobiotic compounds is a true challenge. In the current work, we use an iterative linear interaction energy (LIE) approach to compute CYP binding affinities from molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. In order to improve sampling of conformational space, we combine results from simulations starting with different relevant protein-ligand geometries. For calculated binding free energies of a set of thiourea compounds binding to the flexible CYP 2D6 isoform, improved correlation with experiment was obtained by combining results of MD runs starting from distinct protein conformations and ligand-binding orientations. This accuracy was obtained from relatively short MD simulations, which makes our approach computationally attractive for automated calculations of ligand-binding affinities to flexible proteins such as CYPs.
EGFR Mutations in Surgically Resected Fresh Specimens from 697 Consecutive Chinese Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Their Relationships with Clinical Features
Authors: Lai Yuanyang , Zhang Zhipei , Li Jianzhong , Sun Dong , Zhou Yong'an , Jiang Tao , Han Yong , Huang Lijun , Zhu Yifang , Li Xiaofei , Yan Xiaolong
Published: December 2013

We aimed to reveal the true status of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations in Chinese patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after lung resections. EGFR mutations of surgically resected fresh tumor samples from 697 Chinese NSCLC patients were analyzed by Amplification Refractory Mutation System (ARMS). Correlations between EGFR mutation hotspots and clinical features were also explored. Of the 697 NSCLC patients, 235 (33.7%) patients had tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKIs) sensitive EGFR mutations in 41 (14.5%) of the 282 squamous carcinomas, 155 (52.9%) of the 293 adenocarcinomas, 34 (39.5%) of the 86 adenosquamous carcinomas, one (9.1%) of the 11 large-cell carcinomas, 2 (11.1%) of the 18 sarcomatoid carcinomas, and 2 (28.6%) of the 7 mucoepidermoid carcinomas. TKIs sensitive EGFR mutations were more frequently found in female patients (p < 0.001), non-smokers (p = 0.047) and adenocarcinomas (p < 0.001). The rates of exon 19 deletion mutation (19-del), exon 21 L858R point mutation (L858R), exon 21 L861Q point mutation (L861Q), exon 18 G719X point mutations (G719X, including G719C, G719S, G719A) were 43.4%, 48.1%, 1.7% and 6.8%, respectively. Exon 20 T790M point mutation (T790M) was detected in 3 squamous carcinomas and 3 adenocarcinomas and exon 20 insertion mutation (20-ins) was detected in 2 patients with adenocarcinoma. Our results show the rates of EGFR mutations are higher in all types of NSCLC in Chinese patients. 19-del and L858R are two of the more frequent mutations. EGFR mutation detection should be performed as a routine postoperative examination in Chinese NSCLC patients.
Towards Lipidomics of Low-Abundant Species for Exploring Tumor Heterogeneity Guided by High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Imaging
Authors: Cimino Jonathan , Calligaris David , Far Johann , Debois Delphine , Blacher Silvia , Sounni Nor , Noel Agnès , De Pauw Edwin
Published: December 2013

Many studies have evidenced the main role of lipids in physiological and also pathological processes such as cancer, diabetes or neurodegenerative diseases. The identification and the in situ localization of specific low-abundant lipid species involved in cancer biology are still challenging for both fundamental studies and lipid marker discovery. In this paper, we report the identification and the localization of specific isobaric minor phospholipids in human breast cancer xenografts by FTICR MALDI imaging supported by histochemistry. These potential candidates can be further confirmed by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) after extraction from the region of interest defined by MALDI imaging. Finally, this study highlights the importance of characterizing the heterogeneous distribution of low-abundant lipid species, relevant in complex histological samples for biological purposes.
Characterization of a κ-Carrageenase from Marine Cellulophaga lytica strain N5-2 and Analysis of Its Degradation Products
Authors: Yao Ziang , Wang Feifei , Gao Zheng , Jin Liming , Wu Haige
Published: December 2013

A carrageenan-degrading marine Cellulophaga lytica strain N5-2 was isolated from the sediment of carrageenan production base. A κ-carrageenase (EC 3.2.1.83) with high activity was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from the culture supernatant by a procedure of ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialyzing and gel filtration on SephadexG-200 and SephadexG-75. The purified enzyme was verified as a single protein on SDS-PAGE, and whose molecular weight was 40.8 kDa. The κ-carrageenase yielded a high activity of 1170 U/mg protein. For κ-carrageenase activity, the optimum temperature and pH were 35 °C and pH 7.0, respectively. The enzyme was stable at 40 °C for at least 2.5 h. The enzyme against κ-carrageenan gave a Km value of 1.647 mg/mL and a Vmax value of 8.7 μmol/min/mg when the reaction was carried out at 35 °C and pH 7.0. The degradation products of the k-carrageenase were analyzed by thin layer chromatography (TLC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (ESI-TOF-MS) and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, and the results indicated that the enzyme was specific of the β-1,4 linkage and hydrolyzed κ-carrageenan into κ-neocarraoctaose-sulfate and κ-neocarrahexaose-sulfate first, and then broke κ-neocarraoctaose-sulfate into κ-neocarrabiose-sulfate and κ-neocarrahexaose-sulfate.
The Regenerative Role of the Fetal and Adult Stem Cell Secretome
Authors: Bollini Sveva , Gentili Chiara , Tasso Roberta , Cancedda Ranieri
Published: December 2013

For a long time, the stem cell regenerative paradigm has been based on the assumption that progenitor cells play a critical role in tissue repair by means of their plasticity and differentiation potential. However, recent works suggest that the mechanism underlying the benefits of stem cell transplantation might relate to a paracrine modulatory effect rather than the replacement of affected cells at the site of injury. Therefore, mounting evidence that stem cells may act as a reservoir of trophic signals released to modulate the surrounding tissue has led to a paradigm shift in regenerative medicine. Attention has been shifted from analysis of the stem cell genome to understanding the stem cell “secretome”, which is represented by the growth factors, cytokines and chemokines produced through paracrine secretion. Insights into paracrine-mediated repair support a new approach in regenerative medicine and the isolation and administration of specific stem cell-derived paracrine factors may represent an extremely promising strategy, introducing paracrine-based therapy as a novel and feasible clinical application. In this review, we will discuss the regenerative potential of fetal and adult stem cells, with particular attention to their secretome.
Simulations of Prebiotic Chemistry under Post-Impact Conditions on Titan
Authors: Turse Carol , Leitner Johannes , Firneis Maria , Schulze-Makuch Dirk
Published: December 2013

The problem of how life began can be considered as a matter of basic chemistry. How did the molecules of life arise from non-biological chemistry? Stanley Miller’s famous experiment in 1953, in which he produced amino acids under simulated early Earth conditions, was a huge leap forward in our understanding of this problem. Our research first simulated early Earth conditions based on Miller’s experiment and we then repeated the experiment using Titan post-impact conditions. We simulated conditions that could have existed on Titan after an asteroid strike. Specifically, we simulated conditions after a potential strike in the subpolar regions of Titan that exhibit vast methane-ethane lakes. If the asteroid or comet was of sufficient size, it would also puncture the icy crust and bring up some of the subsurface liquid ammonia-water mixture. Since, O’Brian, Lorenz and Lunine showed that a liquid water-ammonia body could exist between about 102–104 years on Titan after an asteroid impact we modified our experimental conditions to include an ammonia-water mixture in the reaction medium. Here we report on the resulting amino acids found using the Titan post-impact conditions in a classical Miller experimental reaction set-up and how they differ from the simulated early Earth conditions.
Crystal Structures and Antifungal Activities of Fluorine-Containing Thioureido Complexes with Nickel(II)
Authors: Li Chun , Yang Wen , Liu Huanhuan , Li Mengying , Zhou Weiqun , Xie Juan
Published: December 2013

Ni(II) complexes with N-2-fluorobenzoylpiperidine-1-carbothioimidate (L2−), N-4-fluorobenzoylpiperidine-1-carbothioimidate (L3−), N-2-fluorobenzoylmorpholine- 1-carbothioimidate (L5−) and N-4-fluorobenzoylmorpholine-1-carbothioimidate (L6−) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR and 1H-NMR. The crystal structures of three ligands (HL2, HL3 and HL6) and the corresponding Ni(II) complexes ([Ni(L2)2], [Ni(L3)2] and [Ni(L6)2]) have been determined by X-ray diffraction. The antifungal activities of the Ni(II) complexes together and the corresponding ligands against the fungi Botrytis cinerea, Trichoderma spp., Myrothecium and Verticillium spp. have been investigated. The experimental results showed that the ligands and their complexes have antifungal abilities. When the fluorine was substituted on the para-benzoyl moiety, the antifungal activity of the ligands was obviously increased. Moreover, the ligands were stronger than their complexes in inhibiting fungal activities. The antifungal ability of HL6 is especially strong, and similar to that of the commercial fungicide fluconazole.
4,6,8-Triarylquinoline-3-carbaldehyde Derivatives: Synthesis and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Mphahlele Malose , Adeloye Adewale
Published: December 2013

Palladium catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of 6,8-dibromo-4-chloroquinoline-3-carbaldehyde with arylboronic and arylvinylboronic acid derivatives in the presence of potassium carbonate in aqueous dioxane afforded the corresponding 4,6,8-triarylquinoline-3-carbaldehydes, exclusively. These products were transformed into 4,6,8-triaryl-3-(4-fluorophenyl)amino)-N-(quinolin-3-yl)methylenes and their 4,6,8-triaryl-quinoline-3-methanol derivatives. The absorption and emission spectra were measured for the 4,6,8-triarylquinoline-3-carbaldehydes and their derivatives in selected solvents of different polarity.
Glycyrrhizin Alleviates Neuroinflammation and Memory Deficit Induced by Systemic Lipopolysaccharide Treatment in Mice
Authors: Song Jeong-Ho , Lee Ju-Won , Shim Beomsoo , Lee Chang-Yeol , Choi Sooyong , Kang Chulhun , Sohn Nak-Won , Shin Jung-Won
Published: December 2013

The present study investigated the effects of glycyrrhizin (GRZ) on neuroinflammation and memory deficit in systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated C57BL/6 mice. Varying doses of GRZ was orally administered (10, 30, or 50 mg/kg) once a day for 3 days before the LPS (3 mg/kg) injection. At 24 h after the LPS injection, GRZ significantly reduced TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA at doses of 30 and 50 mg/kg. COX-2 and iNOS protein expressions were significantly reduced by GRZ at doses of 30 and 50 mg/kg. In the Morris water maze test, GRZ (30 mg/kg) significantly prolonged the swimming time spent in the target and peri-target zones. GRZ also significantly increased the target heading and memory score numbers. In the hippocampal tissue, GRZ significantly reduced the up-regulated Iba1 protein expression and the average cell size of Iba1-expressing microglia induced by LPS. The results indicate that GRZ ameliorated the memory deficit induced by systemic LPS treatment and the effect of GRZ was found to be mediated through the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators and microglial activation in the brain tissue. This study supports that GRZ may be a putative therapeutic drug on neurodegenerative diseases associated with cognitive deficits and neuroinflammation such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Application of Remote Power-by-Light Switching in a Simplified BOTDA Sensor Network
Authors: Bravo Mikel , Ullan Angel , Zornoza Ander , Loayssa Alayn , Lopez-Amo Manuel , Lopez-Higuera Jose
Published: December 2013

We propose and demonstrate the use of spatial multiplexing as a means to reduce the costs of distributed sensing networks. We propose a new scheme in which remote power-by-light switching is deployed to scan multiple branches of a distributed sensing network based on Brillouin Optical Time Domain Analysis (BOTDA) sensors. A proof-of-concept system is assembled with two 5-km sensor fiber branches that are alternatively monitored using a fast remotely controlled and optically powered optical switch. The multiplexed distributed sensor fibers were located 10 km away from the interrogation unit and a Raman pump is used to remotely power the switch. Furthermore, the deployed BOTDA unit uses an alternative configuration that can lead to simplified setups.
MusA: Using Indoor Positioning and Navigation to Enhance Cultural Experiences in a Museum
Authors: Rubino Irene , Xhembulla Jetmir , Martina Andrea , Bottino Andrea , Malnati Giovanni
Published: December 2013

In recent years there has been a growing interest in the use of multimedia mobile guides in museum environments. Mobile devices have the capabilities to detect the user context and to provide pieces of information suitable to help visitors discover and follow the logical and emotional connections that develop during the visit. In this scenario, location based services (LBS) currently represent an asset, and the choice of the technology to determine users’ position, combined with the definition of methods that can effectively convey information, become key issues in the design process. In this work, we present Museum Assistant (MusA), a general framework for the development of multimedia interactive guides for mobile devices. Its main feature is a vision-based indoor positioning system that allows the provision of several LBS, from way-finding to the contextualized communication of cultural contents, aimed at providing a meaningful exploration of exhibits according to visitors’ personal interest and curiosity. Starting from the thorough description of the system architecture, the article presents the implementation of two mobile guides, developed to respectively address adults and children, and discusses the evaluation of the user experience and the visitors’ appreciation of these applications.
Data Mining for Wearable Sensors in Health Monitoring Systems: A Review of Recent Trends and Challenges
Authors: Banaee Hadi , Ahmed Mobyen , Loutfi Amy
Published: December 2013

The past few years have witnessed an increase in the development of wearable sensors for health monitoring systems. This increase has been due to several factors such as development in sensor technology as well as directed efforts on political and stakeholder levels to promote projects which address the need for providing new methods for care given increasing challenges with an aging population. An important aspect of study in such system is how the data is treated and processed. This paper provides a recent review of the latest methods and algorithms used to analyze data from wearable sensors used for physiological monitoring of vital signs in healthcare services. In particular, the paper outlines the more common data mining tasks that have been applied such as anomaly detection, prediction and decision making when considering in particular continuous time series measurements. Moreover, the paper further details the suitability of particular data mining and machine learning methods used to process the physiological data and provides an overview of the properties of the data sets used in experimental validation. Finally, based on this literature review, a number of key challenges have been outlined for data mining methods in health monitoring systems.
Floor Covering and Surface Identification for Assistive Mobile Robotic Real-Time Room Localization Application
Authors: Gillham Michael , Howells Gareth , Spurgeon Sarah , McElroy Ben
Published: December 2013

Assistive robotic applications require systems capable of interaction in the human world, a workspace which is highly dynamic and not always predictable. Mobile assistive devices face the additional and complex problem of when and if intervention should occur; therefore before any trajectory assistance is given, the robotic device must know where it is in real-time, without unnecessary disruption or delay to the user requirements. In this paper, we demonstrate a novel robust method for determining room identification from floor features in a real-time computational frame for autonomous and assistive robotics in the human environment. We utilize two inexpensive sensors: an optical mouse sensor for straightforward and rapid, texture or pattern sampling, and a four color photodiode light sensor for fast color determination. We show how data relating floor texture and color obtained from typical dynamic human environments, using these two sensors, compares favorably with data obtained from a standard webcam. We show that suitable data can be extracted from these two sensors at a rate 16 times faster than a standard webcam, and that these data are in a form which can be rapidly processed using readily available classification techniques, suitable for real-time system application. We achieved a 95% correct classification accuracy identifying 133 rooms’ flooring from 35 classes, suitable for fast coarse global room localization application, boundary crossing detection, and additionally some degree of surface type identification.
Analysis of Deoxynivalenol and Deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside in Hard Red Spring Wheat Inoculated with Fusarium Graminearum
Authors: Ovando-Martínez Maribel , Ozsisli Bahri , Anderson James , Whitney Kristin , Ohm Jae-Bom , Simsek Senay
Published: December 2013

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin affecting wheat quality. The formation of the “masked” mycotoxin deoxinyvalenol-3-glucoside (D3G) results from a defense mechanism the plant uses for detoxification. Both mycotoxins are important from a food safety point of view. The aim of this work was to analyze DON and D3G content in inoculated near-isogenic wheat lines grown at two locations in Minnesota, USA during three different years. Regression analysis showed positive correlation between DON content measured with LC and GC among wheat lines, locality and year. The relationship between DON and D3G showed a linear increase until a certain point, after which the DON content and the D3G increased. Wheat lines having higher susceptibility to Fusarium showed the opposite trend. ANOVA demonstrated that the line and location have a greater effect on variation of DON and D3G than do their interaction among years. The most important factor affecting DON and D3G was the growing location. In conclusion, the year, environmental conditions and location have an effect on the D3G/DON ratio in response to Fusarium infection.
Cytogenetics of Legumes in the Phaseoloid Clade
Authors: Iwata Aiko , Greenland Christopher M. , Jackson Scott A.
Published: December 2013

Cytogenetics played an essential role in studies of chromosome structure, behavior, and evolution in numerous plant species. The advent of molecular cytogenetics combined with recent development of genomic resources has ushered in a new era of chromosome studies that have greatly advanced our knowledge of karyotypic diversity, genome and chromosome organization, and chromosomal evolution in legumes. This review summarizes some of the achievements of cytogenetic studies in legumes in the Phaseoloid clade, which includes several important legume crops such as common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.], soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], and pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth]. In the Phaseoloid clade, karyotypes are mostly stable. There are, however, several species with extensive chromosomal changes. Fluorescence in situ hybridization has been useful to reveal chromosomal structure by physically mapping transposons, satellite repeats, ribosomal DNA genes, and bacterial artificial chromosome clones onto chromosomes. Polytene chromosomes, which are much longer than the mitotic chromosomes, have been successfully found and used in cytogenetic studies in some Phaseolus and Vigna species. Molecular cytogenetics will continue to be an important tool in legume genetics and genomics, and we discuss future applications of molecular cytogenetics to better understand chromosome and genome structure and evolution in legumes.
Divergence of Flowering‐Related Genes in Three Legume Species
Authors: Kim Moon Young , Kang Yang Jae , Lee Taeyoung , Lee Suk‐Ha
Published: December 2013

We used a set of approximately 200 Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. genes that are involved in the control of flowering time as a reference to identify orthologous (or homologous) counterparts of these genes in three legume species, that is, Lotus corniculatus L. var. japonicus Regel [syn. Lotus japonicus (Regel) K. Larsen], Medicago truncatula Gaertn. (barrel medic), and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. A total of 96, 98, and 304 homologs of flowering genes were identified in L. corniculatus var. japonicus, M. truncatula, and G. max, respectively. Most of these genes were categorized into seven different flowering pathways, including photoperiod, vernalization, gibberellins, autonomous pathways, floral pathway integrators (FPIs), and floral meristem identity. Many key genes, including the FPI genes FT, SOC1, and LFY, are conserved in the legumes while CO, FRI, FLC, and FD were not. Eighteen genes were conserved as single copy genes in all three legume species, including GI, VRN2, COP1, and TSF. The chromosomal distribution of paralog‐rich genes revealed differences in the major evolutionary processes affecting flowering genes in legumes, including whole genome duplication in soybean, tandem duplication in M. truncatula, and ectopic duplication in L. corniculatus var. japonicus. High divergence was observed among the members of large gene families, most containing transcription factors, indicating the accumulation of gene copies and gene divergence during evolutionary adaptations to environmental changes.
Exploiting Genomic Resources for Efficient Conservation and Use of Chickpea, Groundnut, and Pigeonpea Collections for Crop Improvement
Authors: Gowda C. L. Laxmipathi , Upadhyaya Hari D. , Sharma Shivali , Varshney Rajeev K. , Dwivedi Sangam L.
Published: December 2013

Both chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] are important dietary source of protein while groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the major oil crops. Globally, approximately 1.1 million grain legume accessions are conserved in genebanks, of which the ICRISAT genebank holds 49,485 accessions of cultivated species and wild relatives of chickpea, pigeonpea, and groundnut from 133 countries. These genetic resources are reservoirs of many useful genes for present and future crop improvement programs. Representative subsets in the form of core and mini core collections have been used to identify trait‐specific genetically diverse germplasm for use in breeding and genomic studies in these crops. Chickpea, groundnut, and pigeonpea have moved from “orphan” to “genomic resources rich crops.” The chickpea and pigeonpea genomes have been decoded, and the sequences of groundnut genome will soon be available. With the availability of these genomic resources, the germplasm curators, breeders, and molecular biologists will have abundant opportunities to enhance the efficiency of genebank operations, mine allelic variations in germplasm collection, identify genetically diverse germplasm with beneficial traits, broaden the cultigen's genepool, and accelerate the cultivar development to address new challenges to production, particularly with respect to climate change and variability. Marker‐assisted breeding approaches have already been initiated for some traits in chickpea and groundnut, which should lead to enhanced efficiency and efficacy of crop improvement. Resistance to some pests and diseases has been successfully transferred from wild relatives to cultivated species.
Genetic Mapping and Quantitative Trait Loci Analysis for Disease Resistance Using F2 and F5 Generation‐based Genetic Maps Derived from ‘Tifrunner’ × ‘GT‐C20’ in Peanut
Authors: Wang Hui , Pandey Manish K. , Qiao Lixian , Qin Hongde , Culbreath Albert K. , He Guohao , Varshney Rajeev K. , Scully Brian T. , Guo Baozhu
Published: December 2013

One mapping population derived from Tifrunner × GT‐C20 has shown great potential in developing a high density genetic map and identifying quantitative trait loci (QTL) for important disease resistance, tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and leaf spot (LS). Both F2 and F5 generation‐based genetic maps were previously constructed with 318 and 239 marker loci, respectively. Higher map density could be achieved with the F2 map (5.3 cM per locus) as compared to the F5 (5.7 cM per locus). Quantitative trait loci analysis using multi‐environment phenotyping data from F8 and higher generations for disease resistance identified 54 QTL in the F2 map including two QTL for thrips (12.14–19.43% phenotypic variation explained [PVE]), 15 for TSWV (4.40–34.92% PVE), and 37 for LS (6.61–27.35% PVE). Twenty‐three QTL could be identified in the F5 map including one QTL for thrips (5.86% PVE), nine for TSWV (5.20–14.14% PVE), and 13 for LS (5.95–21.45% PVE). Consistent QTL identified in each map have shown higher phenotypic variance than nonconsistent QTL. As expected, the number of QTL and their estimates of phenotypic variance were lower in the F5 map. This is the first QTL study reporting novel QTL for thrips, TSWV, and LS in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), and therefore, future studies will be conducted to refine these QTL.