bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enzymatic Biosynthesis of Novel Resveratrol Glucoside and Glycoside Derivatives
Authors: Pandey Ramesh Prasad , Parajuli Prakash , Shin Ju Yong , Lee Jisun , Lee Seul , Hong Young-Soo , Park Yong Il , Kim Joong Su , Sohng Jae Kyung
Published: September 2014

A UDP glucosyltransferase from
Bacillus licheniformis
was overexpressed, purified, and incubated with nucleotide diphosphate (NDP)
d
- and
l
-sugars to produce glucose, galactose, 2-deoxyglucose, viosamine, rhamnose, and fucose sugar-conjugated resveratrol glycosides. Significantly higher (90%) bioconversion of resveratrol was achieved with α-
d
-glucose as the sugar donor to produce four different glucosides of resveratrol: resveratrol 3-
O
-β-
d
-glucoside, resveratrol 4′-
O
-β-
d
-glucoside, resveratrol 3,5-
O
-β-
d
-diglucoside, and resveratrol 3,5,4′-
O
-β-
d
-triglucoside. The conversion rates and numbers of products formed were found to vary with the other NDP sugar donors. Resveratrol 3-
O
-β-
d
-2-deoxyglucoside and resveratrol 3,5-
O
-β-
d
-di-2-deoxyglucoside were found to be produced using TDP-2-deoxyglucose as a donor; however, the monoglycosides resveratrol 4′-
O
-β-
d
-galactoside, resveratrol 4′-
O
-β-
d
-viosaminoside, resveratrol 3-
O
-β-
l
-rhamnoside, and resveratrol 3-
O
-β-
l
-fucoside were produced from the respective sugar donors. Altogether, 10 diverse glycoside derivatives of the medically important resveratrol were generated, demonstrating the capacity of YjiC to produce structurally diverse resveratrol glycosides.
Fungal Community Responses to Past and Future Atmospheric CO
2
Differ by Soil Type
Authors: Procter Andrew C. , Ellis J. Christopher , Fay Philip A. , Polley H. Wayne , Jackson Robert B.
Published: September 2014

Soils sequester and release substantial atmospheric carbon, but the contribution of fungal communities to soil carbon balance under rising CO
2
is not well understood. Soil properties likely mediate these fungal responses but are rarely explored in CO
2
experiments. We studied soil fungal communities in a grassland ecosystem exposed to a preindustrial-to-future CO
2
gradient (250 to 500 ppm) in a black clay soil and a sandy loam soil. Sanger sequencing and pyrosequencing of the rRNA gene cluster revealed that fungal community composition and its response to CO
2
differed significantly between soils. Fungal species richness and relative abundance of Chytridiomycota (chytrids) increased linearly with CO
2
in the black clay (
P
< 0.04,
R
2
> 0.7), whereas the relative abundance of Glomeromycota (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi) increased linearly with elevated CO
2
in the sandy loam (
P
= 0.02,
R
2
= 0.63). Across both soils, decomposition rate was positively correlated with chytrid relative abundance (
r
= 0.57) and, in the black clay soil, fungal species richness. Decomposition rate was more strongly correlated with microbial biomass (
r
= 0.88) than with fungal variables. Increased labile carbon availability with elevated CO
2
may explain the greater fungal species richness and Chytridiomycota abundance in the black clay soil, whereas increased phosphorus limitation may explain the increase in Glomeromycota at elevated CO
2
in the sandy loam. Our results demonstrate that soil type plays a key role in soil fungal responses to rising atmospheric CO
2
.
The Intimin-Like Protein FdeC Is Regulated by H-NS and Temperature in Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
Authors: Easton Donna M. , Allsopp Luke P. , Phan Minh-Duy , Moriel Danilo Gomes , Goh Guan Kai , Beatson Scott A. , Mahony Timothy J. , Cobbold Rowland N. , Schembri Mark A.
Published: September 2014

Enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) is a Shiga-toxigenic pathogen capable of inducing severe forms of enteritis (e.g., hemorrhagic colitis) and extraintestinal sequelae (e.g., hemolytic-uremic syndrome). The molecular basis of colonization of human and animal hosts by EHEC is not yet completely understood, and an improved understanding of EHEC mucosal adherence may lead to the development of interventions that could disrupt host colonization. FdeC, also referred to by its IHE3034 locus tag ECOK1_0290, is an intimin-like protein that was recently shown to contribute to kidney colonization in a mouse urinary tract infection model. The expression of FdeC is tightly regulated
in vitro
, and FdeC shows promise as a vaccine candidate against extraintestinal
E. coli
strains. In this study, we characterized the prevalence, regulation, and function of
fdeC
in EHEC. We showed that the
fdeC
gene is conserved in both O157 and non-O157 EHEC and encodes a protein that is expressed at the cell surface and promotes biofilm formation under continuous-flow conditions in a recombinant
E. coli
strain background. We also identified culture conditions under which FdeC is expressed and showed that minor alterations of these conditions, such as changes in temperature, can significantly alter the level of FdeC expression. Additionally, we demonstrated that the transcription of the
fdeC
gene is repressed by the global regulator H-NS. Taken together, our data suggest a role for FdeC in EHEC when it grows at temperatures above 37°C, a condition relevant to its specialized niche at the rectoanal junctions of cattle.
Rhizobia Indigenous to the Okavango Region in Sub-Saharan Africa: Diversity, Adaptations, and Host Specificity
Authors: Grönemeyer Jann L. , Kulkarni Ajinkya , Berkelmann Dirk , Hurek Thomas , Reinhold-Hurek Barbara
Published: September 2014

The rhizobial community indigenous to the Okavango region has not yet been characterized. The isolation of indigenous rhizobia can provide a basis for the formulation of a rhizobial inoculant. Moreover, their identification and characterization contribute to the general understanding of species distribution and ecology. Isolates were obtained from nodules of local varieties of the pulses cowpea, Bambara groundnut, peanut, hyacinth bean, and common bean. Ninety-one of them were identified by BOX repetitive element PCR (BOX-PCR) and sequence analyses of the 16S-23S rRNA internally transcribed spacer (ITS) and the
recA
,
glnII
,
rpoB
, and
nifH
genes. A striking geographical distribution was observed.
Bradyrhizobium pachyrhizi
dominated at sampling sites in Angola which were characterized by acid soils and a semihumid climate. Isolates from the semiarid sampling sites in Namibia were more diverse, with most of them being related to
Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense
and
Bradyrhizobium daqingense
. Host plant specificity was observed only for hyacinth bean, which was nodulated by rhizobia presumably representing yet-undescribed species. Furthermore, the isolates were characterized with respect to their adaptation to high temperatures, drought, and local host plants. The adaptation experiments revealed that the Namibian isolates shared an exceptionally high temperature tolerance, but none of the isolates showed considerable adaptation to drought. Moreover, the isolates' performance on different local hosts showed variable results, with most Namibian isolates inducing better nodulation on peanut and hyacinth bean than the Angolan strains. The local predominance of distinct genotypes implies that indigenous strains may exhibit a better performance in inoculant formulations.
Spatially Organized Films from Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus Prey Lysates
Authors: Ferguson Megan A. , Núñez Megan E. , Kim Hyeong-Jin , Goffredi Shana , Shamskhou Elya , Faudree Leanna , Chang Evan , Landry Rebecca M. , Ma Andrew , Choi Da-Eun , Thomas Nicholas , Schmitt Jaclyn , Spain Eileen M.
Published: September 2014

Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus
is a Gram-negative predator of other Gram-negative bacteria. Interestingly,
Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus
109J cells grown in coculture with
Escherichia coli
ML-35 prey develop into a spatially organized two-dimensional film when located on a nutrient-rich surface. From deposition of 10 μl of a routine cleared coculture of
B. bacteriovorus
and
E. coli
cells, the cells multiply into a macroscopic community and segregate into an inner, yellow circular region and an outer, off-white region. Fluorescence
in situ
hybridization and atomic force microscopy measurements confirm that the mature film is spatially organized into two morphologically distinct
Bdellovibrio
populations, with primarily small, vibroid cells in the center and a complex mixture of pleomorphic cells in the outer radii. The interior region cell population exhibits the hunting phenotype while the outer region cell subpopulation does not. Crowding and high nutrient availability with limited prey appear to favor diversification of the
B. bacteriovorus
population into two distinct, thriving subpopulations and may be beneficial to the persistence of
B. bacteriovorus
in biofilms.
The
sps
Gene Products Affect the Germination, Hydrophobicity, and Protein Adsorption of Bacillus subtilis Spores
Authors: Cangiano Giuseppina , Sirec Teja , Panarella Cristina , Isticato Rachele , Baccigalupi Loredana , De Felice Maurilio , Ricca Ezio
Published: September 2014

The multilayered surface of the
Bacillus subtilis
spore is composed of proteins and glycans. While over 70 different proteins have been identified as surface components, carbohydrates associated with the spore surface have not been characterized in detail yet. Bioinformatic data suggest that the 11 products of the
sps
operon are involved in the synthesis of polysaccharides present on the spore surface, but an experimental validation is available only for the four distal genes of the operon. Here, we report a transcriptional analysis of the
sps
operon and a functional study performed by constructing and analyzing two null mutants lacking either all or only the promoter-proximal gene of the operon. Our results show that both
sps
mutant spores apparently have normal coat and crust but have a small germination defect and are more hydrophobic than wild-type spores. We also show that spores lacking all Sps proteins are highly adhesive and form extensive clumps. In addition,
sps
mutant spores have an increased efficiency in adsorbing a heterologous enzyme, suggesting that hydrophobic force is a major determinant of spore adsorption and indicating that a deep understanding of the surface properties of the spore is essential for its full development as a surface display platform.
Ultrastructure and Composition of the Nannochloropsis gaditana Cell Wall
Authors: Scholz Matthew J. , Weiss Taylor L. , Jinkerson Robert E. , Jing Jia , Roth Robyn , Goodenough Ursula , Posewitz Matthew C. , Gerken Henri G.
Published: September 2014

Marine algae of the genus
Nannochloropsis
are promising producers of biofuel precursors and nutraceuticals and are also harvested commercially for aquaculture feed. We have used quick-freeze, deep-etch electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and carbohydrate analyses to characterize the architecture of the
Nannochloropsis gaditana
(strain CCMP 526) cell wall, whose recalcitrance presents a significant barrier to biocommodity extraction. The data indicate a bilayer structure consisting of a cellulosic inner wall (∼75% of the mass balance) protected by an outer hydrophobic algaenan layer. Cellulase treatment of walls purified after cell lysis generates highly enriched algaenan preparations without using the harsh chemical treatments typically used in algaenan isolation and characterization.
Nannochloropsis
algaenan was determined to comprise long, straight-chain, saturated aliphatics with ether cross-links, which closely resembles the cutan of vascular plants. Chemical identification of >85% of the isolated cell wall mass is detailed, and genome analysis is used to identify candidate biosynthetic enzymes.
Characterization of Tetratricopeptide Repeat-Like Proteins in Francisella tularensis and Identification of a Novel Locus Required for Virulence
Authors: Dankova Vera , Balonova Lucie , Straskova Adela , Spidlova Petra , Putzova Daniela , Kijek Todd , Bozue Joel , Cote Christopher , Mou Sherry , Worsham Patricia , Szotakova Barbora , Cerveny Lukas , Stulik Jiri
Published: September 2014

Francisella tularensis
is a highly infectious bacterium that causes the potentially lethal disease tularemia. This extremely virulent bacterium is able to replicate in the cytosolic compartments of infected macrophages. To invade macrophages and to cope with their intracellular environment,
Francisella
requires multiple virulence factors, which are still being identified. Proteins containing tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR)-like domains seem to be promising targets to investigate, since these proteins have been reported to be directly involved in virulence-associated functions of bacterial pathogens. Here, we studied the role of the
FTS_0201
,
FTS_0778
, and
FTS_1680
genes, which encode putative TPR-like proteins in
Francisella tularensis
subsp.
holarctica
FSC200. Mutants defective in protein expression were prepared by TargeTron insertion mutagenesis. We found that the locus
FTS_1680
and its ortholog
FTT_0166c
in the highly virulent
Francisella tularensis
type A strain SchuS4 are required for proper intracellular replication, full virulence in mice, and heat stress tolerance. Additionally, the
FTS_1680
-encoded protein was identified as a membrane-associated protein required for full cytopathogenicity in macrophages. Our study thus identifies FTS_1680/FTT_0166c as a new virulence factor in
Francisella tularensis
.
Sickle cell disease: a neglected chronic disease of increasing global health importance
Authors: Chakravorty Subarna , Williams Thomas N
Published: September 2014

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a single gene disorder causing a debilitating systemic syndrome characterised by chronic anaemia, acute painful episodes, organ infarction and chronic organ damage and by a significant reduction in life expectancy. The origin of SCD lies in the malarial regions of the tropics where carriers are protected against death from malaria and hence enjoy an evolutionary advantage. More recently, population migration has meant that SCD now has a worldwide distribution and that a substantial number of children are born with the condition in higher-income areas, including large parts of Europe and North and South America. Newborn screening, systematic clinical follow-up and prevention of sepsis and organ damage have led to an increased life expectancy among people with SCD in many such countries; however, in resource-limited settings where the majority continue to be born, most affected children continue to die in early childhood, usually undiagnosed, due to the lack of effective programmes for its early detection and treatment. As new therapies emerge, potentially leading to disease amelioration or cure, it is of paramount importance that the significant burden of SCD in resource-poor countries is properly recognised.
Socioeconomic disadvantage and onset of childhood chronic disabling conditions: a cohort study
Authors: Spencer Nick , Strazdins Lyndall
Published: September 2014

Objective

To study the temporal relationship between socioeconomic disadvantage and onset of chronic disabling conditions in childhood.

Method

Using parent reported data from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children, we compared children who developed a chronic disabling condition between the ages of 6/7 and 10/11 years with children without a chronic disabling condition at either age. Logistic regression models assessed association between onset of chronic disabling condition and household income quintiles at 6/7 years, adjusting for confounders. To study the consequences of chronic disabling condition onset for family finances, a linear regression model was fitted on change in household income adjusted for income at 6/7. We compared prevalence of family material hardship in the two groups between 6/7 and 10/11.

Results

Of 4010 children present in both waves, complete data were available for 3629 of whom 233 (6.4%) developed a chronic disabling condition between 6/7 and 10/11. After adjustment for confounding, the children from the lowest income quintile were more than twice as likely to develop a chronic disabling condition as those from the highest income quintile. Onset of a chronic disabling condition was associated with a relatively smaller increase in household income over time, but no change in hardship prevalence.

Conclusions

Family socioeconomic disadvantage when children are aged 6/7 is associated with their development of a chronic disabling condition over the next 4 years and with adverse effects on household income.
Macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) in a 34-year-old patient
Authors: Nicolai Heleen , Wirix Mieke , Spielberg Leigh , Leys Anita
Published: September 2014

We report macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) in a 34-year-old man, the youngest patient so far published with MacTel type 2. The patient presented with metamorphopsia and impaired reading ability. Diagnosis was based on bilateral abnormal macular autofluorescence, perifoveal telangiectasia with fluorescein angiographic hyperfluorescence without cystoid oedema, a small foveal avascular zone, asymmetric configuration of the foveal pit, disruptions in the inner segment/outer segment layer and hyper-reflective haze and spots in the outer nuclear layer. Although MacTel usually manifests with a slowly progressive decrease in visual acuity in the fifth to seventh decades of life, younger patients may occasionally be diagnosed with the disease. Awareness of subtle signs of the condition is essential for early diagnosis.
Uvulitis following general anaesthesia
Authors: Ziahosseini Kimia , Ali Syed , Simo Ricard , Malhotra Raman
Published: September 2014

Uvular necrosis following endotracheal general anaesthesia is a rare complication. We report two cases of uvular and soft palate necrosis after atraumatic intubation with endotracheal tube and, in the second case, laryngeal mask airway.
Major health-related behaviours and mental well-being in the general population: the Health Survey for England
Authors: Stranges Saverio , Samaraweera Preshila Chandimali , Taggart Frances , Kandala Ngianga-Bakwin , Stewart-Brown Sarah
Published: September 2014

Background

Major behavioural risk factors are known to adversely affect health outcomes and be strongly associated with mental illness. However, little is known about the association of these risk factors with mental well-being in the general population. We sought to examine behavioural correlates of high and low mental well-being in the Health Survey for England.

Methods

Participants were 13 983 adults, aged 16 years and older (56% females), with valid responses for the combined 2010 and 2011 surveys. Mental well-being was assessed using the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS). ORs of low and high mental well-being, compared to the middle-range category, were estimated for body mass index (BMI), smoking, drinking habits, and fruit and vegetable intake.

Results

ORs forlow mental well-beingwere increased in obese individuals (up to 1.72, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.36 in BMI 40+ kg/m2). They increased in a linear fashion with increasing smoking (up to 1.98, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.53, >20 cigarettes/day) and with decreasing fruit and vegetable intake (up to 1.53, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.90, <1 portion/day); whereas ORs were reduced for sensible alcohol intake (0.78, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.91, ≤4 units/day in men, ≤3 units/day in women). ORs forhigh mental well-beingwere not correlated with categories of BMI or alcohol intake. ORs were reduced among ex-smokers (0.81, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.92), as well as with lower fruit and vegetable intake (up to 0.79, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.92, 1 to <3 portions/day).

Conclusions

Along with smoking, fruit and vegetable consumption was the health-related behaviour most consistently associated with mental well-being in both sexes. Alcohol intake and obesity were associated with low, but not high mental well-being.
Improving junior doctor handover between jobs
Authors: Hayes Laura
Published: September 2014

Patient safety is one of the most important issues in healthcare. In recent years there has been much focus on “Black Wednesday”; the day that Foundation doctors start their first jobs. Great efforts have been made to ensure that patient safety on this day has improved, with the main example being that newly qualified doctors now use some of their free time between medical school and starting their first job to shadow their outgoing counterparts.

However, because Foundation doctors start a brand new job approximately every four months for two years, subsequent job changeovers were identified as a time of potential problems and increased patient risk. It is not practical to shadow prior to every job because junior doctors are needed in their current post right up until changeover day, so a simple way to smooth this transition was needed.

A handover lunch seemed to be a feasible solution. The day before Foundation doctors change jobs, an hour is dedicated for Foundation Year 1 doctors (F1’s) to sit down together over lunch (provided by the mess) and take a formal handover of all relevant information about their forthcoming job and discuss current inpatients.

Results showed that 100% of those surveyed mentioned face to face handover as essential, 93.75% said it was either helpful or extremely helpful to have a dedicated time for F1’s to handover, and 12.5% said they would not have sought a face to face handover otherwise. Apart from being extremely simple and cheap, it was very popular with the F1’s in the trust. It enables effective working from day one and is a great team building activity.
Improving mid stream urine sampling: reducing labelling error and laboratory rejection
Authors: Jakes Adam , McCue Eleanor , Cracknell Alison
Published: September 2014

A urine sample is vital in older patients with pyrexia or acute confusion, and commonly directs clinicians towards a source of infection. Not only can the organism be identified, but sensitivities to antibiotics can also guide prescribing. A high number of urine samples were not being processed on the medicine for older people wards at St. James’s Hospital due to incomplete hand-written request forms not complying with trust policy. Previous attempts to re-educate staff had failed to improve acceptance rates. Rejected samples delay diagnosis, identification of organisms and subsequent sensitivities, as well as increasing staff workload.

A total of 72 urine samples were audited from our wards in March 2013; 12 (17%) rejected. Clinicians were notified of rejected samples within one to four days. An electronic-requesting system was implemented in April 2013. Once implemented, a further two data collection cycles of 72 urine samples were completed from the same wards. In December 2013, 55 (76%) were electronically requested and 17 (24%) hand-written. Four (5%) samples were rejected and were all hand-written. In August 2014, 61 (85%) were electronically requested and 11 (15%) hand-written. No samples were rejected.

The electronic-requesting system has effectively reduced the number of rejected urine samples. No electronically requested samples were rejected, therefore 100% sample acceptance is achievable. It is more effective than re-educating staff alone and ensures requests meet trust policy. Clinicians were notified of a samples rejection after one to four days. By this time patients may have started antibiotic therapy, decreasing the likelihood of isolating the causative organism in subsequent samples.

All urine samples requested must meet a high standard and comply with trust policy in order to be processed. An electronic-requesting system removes errors of omission and ensures policy compliance, ultimately leading to improved patient care. Now our processes are reliable we will go onto measure changes at patient level, e.g. confirmed diagnoses of urine infection, outcomes of earlier narrow spectrum antibiotics, and length of stay.
Reducing mortality from hip fractures: a systematic quality improvement programme
Authors: Lisk Radcliffe , Yeong Keefai
Published: September 2014

Hip fracture is one of the most serious consequences of falls in the elderly, with a mortality of 10% at one month and 30% at one year. Elderly patients with hip fractures have complex medical, surgical, and rehabilitation needs, and a well-coordinated multidisciplinary team approach is essential for the best outcome.

The model of best practice for hip fracture care is set out in the Orthopaedic Blue Book and is incentivised by the best practice tariff. In 2009 to 2010, only 39.6% of our patients were being operated on within 36 hours, 19% achieved best practice tariff [1], and mortality was 7.8%. We were ranked as one of the worst hospitals to achieve best practice tariff [1] and our mortality was average.

The orthogeriatrics team at Ashford & St Peter's NHS Trust (SPH) was implemented in 2010. Through a system redesign, regular governance meetings, audits and quality improvement projects, we have managed to improve care for our patients and reduce mortality.

Over the last three years we have successfully achieved best care for our hip fracture patients, demonstrating a steady improvement in our attainment of the best practice tariff and a reduction in mortality to 5.3% in 2013, which ranks us amongst the best trusts nationally.
Improving medical induction in obstetrics and gynaecology
Authors: Allen Eve , Palmer Edward , Lloyd Jilly
Published: September 2014

We present a year long quality improvement project to bring a new induction programme to the obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) department of University Hospital Lewisham (UHL). Aimed at non-speciality junior doctors, including general practice and foundation trainees, the induction programme has sought to improve the quality of care delivered and experience of these transiting junior doctors.

We have demonstrated a readily implementable and sustainable programme that requires only modest input of time from senior trainees (ST3+) periodically throughout the year. We have highlighted the specific need for senior consultant investment in the success and sustainability of such a project. We have demonstrated improvement of learning outcomes (p=0.01) in junior doctors undertaking the induction programme at Kirkpatrick's hierarchy level 2.
Pneumocystis pneumonia complicating immunosuppressive therapy in Crohns disease: A preventable problem?
Authors: Omer Omer , Cohen Patrizia , Neong Shuet Fong , Smith Geoffrey V
Published: September 2014

We report the case of a 76-year-old man who presented with moderate active Crohn's colitis that was refractory to high-dose corticosteroids, mesalazine and 6-mercaptopurine. He subsequently received a trial of infliximab with poor response and was diagnosed with cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis, improving on antiviral therapy. Three weeks into treatment he developed acute respiratory distress with hypoxaemia and diffuse pulmonary interstitial infiltrates. This was confirmed asPneumocystis jiroveciion bronchoalveolar lavage. He responded well to treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) and was subsequently discharged home. Despite the favourable outcome, our case raises the question of whether chemoprophylaxis against opportunistic infections in immunosuppressed patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is appropriate. There are currently no recommendations on providing chemoprophylaxis against CMV colitis and so we focus on pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) where wide debate surrounds the use of prophylactic TMP-SMX in HIV-negative patients. Contrasting approaches to chemoprophylaxis against PCP in IBD likely relates to a lack of clear parameters for defining risk of PCP among patient groups. This must be addressed in order to develop universal guidelines that take into account patient-dependent risk factors. Awareness of the severity of PCP among HIV-negative individuals and the current consensus on PCP prophylaxis in IBD must be raised in order to minimise the risk of PCP and drive research in this controversial area.
Job insecurity is associated with adult asthma in Germany during Europe's recent economic crisis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Loerbroks Adrian , Bosch Jos A , Douwes Jeroen , Angerer Peter , Li Jian
Published: September 2014

Background

Job insecurity has been identified as a risk factor for adverse health outcomes. Perceptions of job insecurity steeply increased during Europe's recent economic downturn, which commenced in 2008. The current study assessed whether job insecurity was associated with incident asthma in Germany during this period.

Methods

We used prospective data from the German Socio-Economic Panel for the period 2009–2011 (follow-up rate=77.5%, n=7031). Job insecurity was defined by respondents’ ratings of the probability of losing their job within the next 2 years and asthma as self-reports of physician-diagnosed asthma. Associations between job insecurity in 2009 (continuous z-scores or categorised variables) and incident asthma by 2011 were assessed using multivariable Poisson regression.

Results

The risk of asthma increased significantly by 24% with every one SD increase of the job insecurity variable. In dichotomised analyses, a probability of job loss of ≥50% (vs <50%) was associated with a 61% excess risk of asthma. A trichotomous categorisation of job insecurity confirmed this finding.

Conclusions

This study has shown, for the first time, that perceived job insecurity may increase the risk of new onset asthma. Further prospective studies may examine the generalisability of our findings and determine the underlying mechanisms.
Coefficient and pre-Schwarzian norm estimates for a class of generalized doubly close-to-convex functions
Authors: Răducanu Dorina
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we consider a new class 𝒞(ϕ, ψ, η) of analytic functions defined by means of subordination. Coefficient bounds, Fekete–Szegö problem and norm estimates of the pre-Schwarzian derivatives of functions belonging to the class 𝒞(ϕ, ψ, η) are investigated. A class of multiple close-to-convex functions is also considered.
The Optimal Order Policy for a Capacitated Multiple Product Inventory System Under Symmetry
Authors: Feng Yi , Chen Shaoxiang , Dai Wenqiang
Published: September 2014

Although many researches have conjectured the optimality of the hedging point policy for the multiple-product stochastic capacitated periodic review problem, it is still a challenge to prove the hypothesis. This paper considers a special case of the capacitated multiple-product periodic review problem where stochastic demand distribution, production rate, unit production cost and periodic expected inventory cost are the same for all different products. For this symmetric problem, we prove an optimal policy where ordering and non-ordering regions for every product are defined. Our research provides significant implications to the characterization of the optimal policy for the general problem.
Applications of higher-order QCD
Authors: Höche Stefan
Published: September 2014

In this paper we summarize some recent developments in perturbative QCD and their application to particle physics phenomenology.
A Passive Magneto-Thermo-Mechanical Coupling Actuated by SMA Springs and MR Fluid
Authors: Bucchi Francesco , Elahinia Mohammad , Forte Paola , Frendo Francesco
Published: September 2014

In the present paper, a passive magneto-thermo-mechanical coupling is conceived and developed. The system is designed to engage and disengage auxiliary devices such as a vacuum pump from an internal combustion engine. The coupling increases the transmissible torque of a magnetorheological (MR) clutch, under particular environmental conditions, i.e. for temperature below 20°C. At low temperatures the torque requirements become significantly greater than the nominal operating torque, due to the very low viscosity of the oil in the driven device (vacuum pump). The ON–OFF operation of the thermo-mechanical coupling is the result of two conventional compression springs and two opposing shape memory alloy (SMA) springs. At low temperature the conventional springs keep the coupling engaged, while, if the temperature rises over 90°C, the SMA springs disengages the coupling. At normal operation temperatures, the SMA coupling is disengaged, allowing for the MR clutch to operate as the primary clutch. The SMA springs were designed considering the particular constitutive properties of the material and the equilibrium of the system. A prototype of the mechanical coupling was manufactured considering the geometry of the MR clutch. The experimental results obtained with the prototype, in terms of relative axial position of the two halves of the coupling, appeared in fairly good agreement with the model.
Formulation and Characterization of Clotrimazole Microemulsions and Microemulsion-Based Gels
Authors: Kaewbanjong Jarika , Amnuaikit Thanaporn , Boonme Prapaporn
Published: September 2014

This study aimed to formulate and physically characterized clotrimazole microemulsions and microemulsion based-gels compared with their blank counterparts. Microemulsions were prepared by simple mixing of isopropyl palmitate, 2:1 mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol and 1:1 mixture of polyethylene 20 sorbitan monooleate and sorbitan monooleate. To develop microemulsion-based gels, fumed silica was use as a thickening agent at 2.5, 5 or 7.5% w/w. All studied formulations, i.e., 2 microemulsions and 6 microemulsion based-gels were investigated for physical properties such as appearance, conductivity, pH, rheological behavior and spreadability. Afterwards, 2 microemulsions (ME1 and ME2) and 2 microemulsion based-gels (MBG1-3 and MBG2-2) were selected to incorporate with clotrimazole and then investigated for physical properties. All formulations showed good appearance and physical properties. Clotrimazole did not affect most characteristics of their blank counterparts, except conductivity. Therefore, the investigated microemulsions and microemulsion based gels could be used as the vehicles of clotrimazole for skin drug delivery.
THE OUTBREAK OF PORCINE EPIDEMIC DIARRHEA IN TAIWAN
Authors: Deng Ming-Chung , Chang Chia-Yi , Huang Tien-Shine , Kuo Shu-Ting , Tsai Hsiang-Jung , Chang Chieh , Huang Yu-Liang
Published: September 2014

Between January 20 and April 30 of 2014, a total of 103 diarrhea cases from 47 herds in 13 counties were submitted to the Animal Health Research Institute. In 20 of the 25 herds with detail history, severe diarrhea and vomiting occurred in pigs of all ages, with mortality approaching 100% in suckling pigs. The differential etiologies, including transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), and porcine group A rotavirus (GARV), were tested by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The RT-PCR of PEDV was positive in 79 cases of 34 herds. Attempts to isolate PEDV in Vero cells revealed that only 7 specimens from 7 herds showed the cytopathic effects (CPEs) of fusion and syncytia. These CPEs were indeed caused by PEDV, as confirmed by RT-PCR, sequencing, and electron microscopy. Sequence comparisons of diarrhea samples and isolated PEDV were assayed by MEGA 5.2 software. The newly isolated PEDV/Taiwan/2014 strains were clustered in group 2 as novel PEDV, together with strains PEDV/USA/2013, PEDV/China/2011–2013, PEDV/Thailand/2007–2008, and PEDV/Korea/2008–2009, whereas the classical CV777 strain was placed in a separate group 1. These results indicated that a novel PEDV was the cause of the recent new outbreak of diarrhea in Taiwan.
Synthesis of Nanoporous Materials Al-MCM-41 from Natural Halloysite
Authors: Xie Yaling , Tang Aidong , Yang Huaming
Published: September 2014

Nanoporous materials Al -MCM-41 with varying Si / Al molar ratios have been successfully synthesized from natural clay mineral halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). Hydrothermal treatment of acid-pretreated HNTs and NaOH solution resulted in the one-step synthesis of final nanoporous products by using surfactant. The effects of Si / Al molar ratios (7.7, 61.0 and 176.5) on the surface area, porosity and degree of structural order of Al -MCM-41 materials have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), N 2 adsorption–desorption measurements and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra techniques. The results indicated that Si / Al molar ratio had important effect on the characteristics of nanoporous materials, and Al -MCM-41 with an intermediate Si / Al molar ratio of 61.0 exhibited excellent characteristics with high degree of order, high surface area (S BET ) of 1033 m2/g and pore volume of 0.92 mL/g.
The Next Generation BLAST Experiment
Authors: Galitzki Nicholas , Ade Peter A. R. , Angilè Francesco E. , Ashton Peter , Beall James A. , Becker Dan , Bradford Kristi J. , Che George , Cho Hsiao-Mei , Devlin Mark J. , Dober Bradley J. , Fissel Laura M. , Fukui Yasuo , Gao Jiansong , Groppi Christopher E. , Hillbrand Seth , Hilton Gene C. , Hubmayr Johannes , Irwin Kent D. , Klein Jeffrey , Van Lanen Jeff , Li Dale , Li Zhi-Yun , Lourie Nathan P. , Mani Hamdi , Martin Peter G. , Mauskopf Philip , Nakamura Fumitaka , Novak Giles , Pappas David P. , Pascale Enzo , Pisano Giampaolo , Santos Fabio P. , Savini Giorgio , Scott Douglas , Stanchfield Sara , Tucker Carole , Ullom Joel N. , Underhill Matthew , Vissers Michael R. , Ward-Thompson Derek
Published: September 2014

The Balloon-borne Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope for Polarimetry (BLASTPol) was a suborbital experiment designed to map magnetic fields in order to study their role in star formation processes. BLASTPol made detailed polarization maps of a number of molecular clouds during its successful flights from Antarctica in 2010 and 2012. We present the next-generation BLASTPol instrument (BLAST-TNG) that will build off the success of the previous experiment and continue its role as a unique instrument and a test bed for new technologies. With a 16-fold increase in mapping speed, BLAST-TNG will make larger and deeper maps. Major improvements include a 2.5-m carbon fiber mirror that is 40% wider than the BLASTPol mirror and ~3000 polarization sensitive detectors. BLAST-TNG will observe in three bands at 250, 350, and 500 μm. The telescope will serve as a pathfinder project for microwave kinetic inductance detector (MKID) technology, as applied to feedhorn-coupled submillimeter detector arrays. The liquid helium cooled cryostat will have a 28-day hold time and will utilize a closed-cycle 3 He refrigerator to cool the detector arrays to 270 mK. This will enable a detailed mapping of more targets with higher polarization resolution than any other submillimeter experiment to date. BLAST-TNG will also be the first balloon-borne telescope to offer shared risk observing time to the community. This paper outlines the motivation for the project and the instrumental design.
Approximate Storage in Solid-State Memories
Authors: Sampson Adrian , Nelson Jacob , Strauss Karin , Ceze Luis
Published: September 2014

Memories today expose an all-or-nothing correctness model that incurs significant costs in performance, energy, area, and design complexity. But not all applications need high-precision storage for all of their data structures all of the time. This article proposes mechanisms that enable applications to store data approximately and shows that doing so can improve the performance, lifetime, or density of solid-state memories. We propose two mechanisms. The first allows errors in multilevel cells by reducing the number of programming pulses used to write them. The second mechanism mitigates wear-out failures and extends memory endurance by mapping approximate data onto blocks that have exhausted their hardware error correction resources. Simulations show that reduced-precision writes in multilevel phase-change memory cells can be 1.7 × faster on average and using failed blocks can improve array lifetime by 23% on average with quality loss under 10%.
Alternative splicing impairs soluble guanylyl cyclase function in aortic aneurysm
Authors: Martin Emil , Golunski Eva , Laing Susan T. , Estrera Anthony L. , Sharina Iraida G.
Published: September 2014

Nitric oxide (NO) receptor soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is a key regulator of several important vascular functions and is important for maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis and vascular plasticity. Diminished sGC expression and function contributes to pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases. However, the processes that control sGC expression in vascular tissue remain poorly understood. Previous work in animal and cell models revealed the complexity of alternative splicing of sGC genes and demonstrated its importance in modulation of sGC function. The aim of this study was to examine the role of alternative splicing of α1 and β1 sGC in healthy and diseased human vascular tissue. Our study found a variety of α1 and β1 sGC splice forms expressed in human aorta. Their composition and abundance were different between samples of aortic tissue removed during surgical repair of aortic aneurysm and samples of aortas without aneurysm. Aortas with aneurysm demonstrated decreased sGC activity, which correlated with increased expression of dysfunctional sGC splice variants. In addition, the expression of 55-kDa oxidation-resistant α1 isoform B sGC (α1-IsoB) was significantly lower in aortic samples with aneurysm. The α1-IsoB splice variant was demonstrated to support sGC activity in aortic lysates. Together, our results suggest that alternative splicing contributes to diminished sGC function in vascular dysfunction. Precise understanding of sGC splicing regulation could help to design new therapeutic interventions and to personalize sGC-targeting therapies in treatments of vascular disease.
Periadventitial atRA citrate-based polyester membranes reduce neointimal hyperplasia and restenosis after carotid injury in rats
Authors: Gregory Elaine K. , Webb Antonio R. , Vercammen Janet M. , Flynn Megan E. , Ameer Guillermo A. , Kibbe Melina R.
Published: September 2014

Oral all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) has been shown to reduce the formation of neointimal hyperplasia; however, the dose required was 30 times the chemotherapeutic dose, which already has reported side effects. As neointimal formation is a localized process, new approaches to localized delivery are required. This study assessed whether atRA within a citrate-based polyester, poly(1,8 octanediolcitrate) (POC), perivascular membrane would prevent neointimal hyperplasia following arterial injury. atRA-POC membranes were prepared and characterized for atRA release via high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection. Rat adventitial fibroblasts (AF) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) were exposed to various concentrations of atRA; proliferation, apoptosis, and necrosis were assessed in vitro. The rat carotid artery balloon injury model was used to evaluate the impact of the atRA-POC membranes on neointimal formation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, macrophage infiltration, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) expression in vivo. atRA-POC membranes released 12 μg of atRA over 2 wk, with 92% of the release occurring in the first week. At 24 h, atRA (200 μmol/l) inhibited [3H]-thymidine incorporation into AF and VSMC by 78% and 72%, respectively (* P = 0.001), with negligible apoptosis or necrosis. Histomorphometry analysis showed that atRA-POC membranes inhibited neointimal formation after balloon injury, with a 56%, 57%, and 50% decrease in the intimal area, intima-to-media area ratio, and percent stenosis, respectively ( P = 0.001). atRA-POC membranes had no appreciable effect on apoptosis or proliferation at 2 wk. Regarding biocompatibility, we found a 76% decrease in macrophage infiltration in the intima layer ( P < 0.003) in animals treated with atRA-POC membranes, with a coinciding 53% reduction in VCAM-1 staining ( P < 0.001). In conclusion, perivascular delivery of atRA inhibited neointimal formation and restenosis. These data suggest that atRA-POC membranes may be suitable as localized therapy to inhibit neointimal hyperplasia following open cardiovascular procedures.
Calcineurin upregulates local Ca2+signaling through ryanodine receptor-1 in airway smooth muscle cells
Authors: Savoia Carlo P. , Liu Qing-Hua , Zheng Yun-Min , Yadav Vishal , Zhang Zhen , Wu Ling-Gang , Wang Yong-Xiao
Published: September 2014

Local Ca2+signals (Ca2+sparks) play an important role in multiple cellular functions in airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). Protein kinase Cϵ is known to downregulate ASMC Ca2+sparks and contraction; however, no complementary phosphatase has been shown to produce opposite effects. Here, we for the first time report that treatment with a specific calcineurin (CaN) autoinhibitory peptide (CAIP) to block CaN activity decreases, whereas application of nickel to activate CaN increases, Ca2+sparks in both the presence and absence of extracellular Ca2+. Treatment with xestospogin-C to eliminate functional inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors does not prevent CAIP from inhibiting local Ca2+signaling. However, high ryanodine treatment almost completely blocks spark formation and prevents the nickel-mediated increase in sparks. Unlike CAIP, the protein phosphatase 2A inhibitor endothall has no effect. Local Ca2+signaling is lower in CaN catalytic subunit Aα gene knockout (CaN-Aα−/−) mouse ASMCs. The effects of CAIP and nickel are completely lost in CaN-Aα−/−ASMCs. Neither CAIP nor nickel produces an effect on Ca2+sparks in type 1 ryanodine receptor heterozygous knockout (RyR1−/+) mouse ASMCs. However, their effects are not altered in RyR2−/+or RyR3−/−mouse ASMCs. CaN inhibition decreases methacholine-induced contraction in isolated RyR1+/+but not RyR1−/+mouse tracheal rings. Supportively, muscarinic contractile responses are also reduced in CaN-Aα−/+mouse tracheal rings. Taken together, these results provide novel evidence that CaN regulates ASMC Ca2+sparks specifically through RyR1, which plays an important role in the control of Ca2+signaling and contraction in ASMCs.
Shear stress-related mechanosignaling with lung ischemia: lessons from basic research can inform lung transplantation
Authors: Chatterjee Shampa , Nieman Gary F. , Christie Jason D. , Fisher Aron B.
Published: September 2014

Cessation of blood flow represents a physical event that is sensed by the pulmonary endothelium leading to a signaling cascade that has been termed “mechanotransduction.” This paradigm has clinical relevance for conditions such as pulmonary embolism, lung bypass surgery, and organ procurement and storage during lung transplantation. On the basis of our findings with stop of flow, we postulate that normal blood flow is “sensed” by the endothelium by virtue of its location at the interface of the blood and vessel wall and that this signal is necessary to maintain the endothelial cell membrane potential. Stop of flow is sensed by a “mechanosome” consisting of PECAM-VEGF receptor-VE cadherin that is located in the endothelial cell caveolae. Activation of the mechanosome results in endothelial cell membrane depolarization that in turn leads to activation of NADPH oxidase (NOX2) to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Endothelial depolarization additionally results in opening of T-type voltage-gated Ca2+channels, increased intracellular Ca2+, and activation of nitric oxide (NO) synthase with resultant generation of NO. Increased NO causes vasodilatation whereas ROS provide a signal for neovascularization; however, with lung transplantation overproduction of ROS and NO can cause oxidative injury and/or activation of proteins that drive inflammation and cell death. Understanding the key events in the mechanosignaling cascade has important lessons for the design of strategies or interventions that may reduce injury during storage of donor lungs with the goal to increase the availability of lungs suitable for donation and thus improving access to lung transplantation.