bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indo-Fijian English
Authors: Zipp Lena
Published: August 2014

This paper first traces the history and sociolinguistic situation of Fiji’s well-established and influential Indian diaspora. It then weighs support for the development of endocentric norms in the national second language variety of English, Fiji English, against diasporic influence by combining linguistic evidence from previous studies with data from an attitude survey conducted among Fiji students in the country’s capital. The status of Fiji English as a national variety is investigated by evaluating statements of language attitudes and reported usage based on a keyword analysis of responses to direct, open-ended survey questions. The results support the claim of progressing endonormative stabilization whereas indications for diasporic links to India in the use of English remain weak.
Transnational flows, language variation, and ideology
Authors: Sharma Devyani
Published: August 2014

Migrant groups maintain ties to their region of origin to different degrees, but this variable factor has not been consistently integrated into sociolinguistic studies of diaspora communities. A balanced consideration of transnational interaction, as well as the social valuation of such ties, is needed in order to understand the development of diasporic varieties. This article examines the role of ‘material’ and ‘ideological’ conduits of transnational influence: Does a person’s transnational activity influence their language use? And can their ideologies of distant varieties, in particular Indian English (IndE), influence their language use as well? Focusing on the use of an IndE accent feature among second generation members of a British Punjabi community, I first develop an exploratory metric to track the impact of transnational activity on language behaviour. The analysis finds decreasing transnational activity over time as well as, independently, decreasing correlation with transnational factors. A qualitative consideration of the participants’ interviews points to positive alignment with educated IndE as a relatively prestigious variety, supporting not just a material but also an ideological basis for maintaining selected IndE accent features.
The map, the group and language ideology
Authors: Wright Sue
Published: August 2014

This article chronicles the history of mapmaking, showing how the way maps develop is in tandem with the development of patterns of group identity. The central question concerns our ways of conceptualising the physical world and whether these feed into language ideology, that set of beliefs, values and attitudes drawn from our socio-political environment, which directs, constrains and moulds our language behaviour. Benedict Anderson noted the parallel development of mapping, identity and language practices in nation building. My argument here is that it is also possible to see this association in the European medieval world and that there are some indicators that such co-occurrence is discernible in mapmaking, identity formation and language practices in post-national settings. As ever in the social sciences, it would be inappropriate to claim clear cause and effect. However, it is possible to demonstrate that changes in world view co-occur with changes in language behaviour. It may, therefore, be legitimate to hypothesise that the view of ourselves that maps give us and the identities we assume as part of groups thus constructed play some part in the choice of languages we willingly acquire and speak.
TheCaenorhabditiseleganspericentriolar material components SPD-2 and SPD-5 are monomeric in the cytoplasm before incorporation into the PCM matrix
Authors: Wueseke Oliver , Bunkenborg Jakob , Hein Marco Y. , Zinke Andrea , Viscardi Valeria , Woodruff Jeffrey B. , Oegema Karen , Mann Matthias , Andersen Jens S. , Hyman Anthony A.
Published: August 2014

Centrosomes are the main microtubule-organizing centers in animal cells. Centrosomes consist of a pair of centrioles surrounded by a matrix of pericentriolar material (PCM) that assembles from cytoplasmic components. In Caenorhabditis elegans embryos, interactions between the coiled-coil proteins SPD-5 and SPD-2 and the kinase PLK-1 are critical for PCM assembly. However, it is not known whether these interactions promote the formation of cytoplasmic complexes that are added to the PCM or whether the components interact only during incorporation into the PCM matrix. Here we address this problem by using a combination of live-cell fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and hydrodynamic techniques to investigate the native state of PCM components in the cytoplasm. We show that SPD-2 is monomeric, and neither SPD-2 nor SPD-5 exists in complex with PLK-1. SPD-5 exists mostly as a monomer but also forms complexes with the PP2A-regulatory proteins RSA-1 and RSA-2, which are required for microtubule organization at centrosomes. These results suggest that the interactions between SPD-2, SPD-5, and PLK-1 do not result in formation of cytoplasmic complexes, but instead occur in the context of PCM assembly.
The Abl/Enabled signaling pathway regulates Golgi architecture in Drosophila photoreceptor neurons
Authors: Kannan Ramakrishnan , Kuzina Irina , Wincovitch Stephen , Nowotarski Stephanie H. , Giniger Edward
Published: August 2014

The Golgi apparatus is optimized separately in different tissues for efficient protein trafficking, but we know little of how cell signaling shapes this organelle. We now find that the Abl tyrosine kinase signaling pathway controls the architecture of the Golgi complex in Drosophila photoreceptor (PR) neurons. The Abl effector, Enabled (Ena), selectively labels the cis-Golgi in developing PRs. Overexpression or loss of function of Ena increases the number of cis- and trans-Golgi cisternae per cell, and Ena overexpression also redistributes Golgi to the most basal portion of the cell soma. Loss of Abl or its upstream regulator, the adaptor protein Disabled, lead to the same alterations of Golgi as does overexpression of Ena. The increase in Golgi number in Abl mutants arises in part from increased frequency of Golgi fission events and a decrease in fusions, as revealed by live imaging. Finally, we demonstrate that the effects of Abl signaling on Golgi are mediated via regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. Together, these data reveal a direct link between cell signaling and Golgi architecture. Moreover, they raise the possibility that some of the effects of Abl signaling may arise, in part, from alterations of protein trafficking and secretion.
Actin cable distribution and dynamics arising from cross-linking, motor pulling, and filament turnover
Authors: Tang Haosu , Laporte Damien , Vavylonis Dimitrios
Published: August 2014

The growth of fission yeast relies on the polymerization of actin filaments nucleated by formin For3p, which localizes at tip cortical sites. These actin filaments bundle to form actin cables that span the cell and guide the movement of vesicles toward the cell tips. A big challenge is to develop a quantitative understanding of these cellular actin structures. We used computer simulations to study the spatial and dynamical properties of actin cables. We simulated individual actin filaments as semiflexible polymers in three dimensions composed of beads connected with springs. Polymerization out of For3p cortical sites, bundling by cross-linkers, pulling by type V myosin, and severing by cofilin are simulated as growth, cross-linking, pulling, and turnover of the semiflexible polymers. With the foregoing mechanisms, the model generates actin cable structures and dynamics similar to those observed in live-cell experiments. Our simulations reproduce the particular actin cable structures in myoVΔ cells and predict the effect of increased myosin V pulling. Increasing cross-linking parameters generates thicker actin cables. It also leads to antiparallel and parallel phases with straight or curved cables, consistent with observations of cells overexpressing α-actinin. Finally, the model predicts that clustering of formins at cell tips promotes actin cable formation.
The cytosolic carboxypeptidases CCP2 and CCP3 catalyze posttranslational removal of acidic amino acids
Authors: Tort Olivia , Tanco Sebastián , Rocha Cecilia , Bièche Ivan , Seixas Cecilia , Bosc Christophe , Andrieux Annie , Moutin Marie-Jo , Avilés Francesc Xavier , Lorenzo Julia , Janke Carsten
Published: August 2014

The posttranslational modification of carboxy-terminal tails of tubulin plays an important role in the regulation of the microtubule cytoskeleton. Enzymes responsible for deglutamylating tubulin have been discovered within a novel family of mammalian cytosolic carboxypeptidases. The discovery of these enzymes also revealed the existence of a range of other substrates that are enzymatically deglutamylated. Only four of six mammalian cytosolic carboxypeptidases had been enzymatically characterized. Here we complete the functional characterization of this protein family by demonstrating that CCP2 and CCP3 are deglutamylases, with CCP3 being able to hydrolyze aspartic acids with similar efficiency. Deaspartylation is a novel posttranslational modification that could, in conjunction with deglutamylation, broaden the range of potential substrates that undergo carboxy-terminal processing. In addition, we show that CCP2 and CCP3 are highly regulated proteins confined to ciliated tissues. The characterization of two novel enzymes for carboxy-terminal protein modification provides novel insights into the broadness of this barely studied process.
A support vector machine to search for metal-poor galaxies
Authors: Shi Fei , Liu Yu-Yan , Kong Xu , Chen Yang , Li Zhong-Hua , Zhi Shu-Teng
Published: August 2014

To develop a fast and reliable method for selecting metal-poor galaxies (MPGs), especially in large surveys and huge data bases, a support vector machine (svm) supervized learning algorithms is applied to a sample of star-forming galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey data release 9 provided by the Max Planck Institute and the Johns Hopkins University (http://www.sdss3.org/dr9/spectro/spectroaccess.php). A two-step approach is adopted: (i) the svm must be trained with a subset of objects that are known to be either MPGs or metal-rich galaxies (MRGs), treating the strong emission line flux measurements as input feature vectors in n-dimensional space, where n is the number of strong emission line flux ratios. (ii) After training on a sample of star-forming galaxies, the remaining galaxies are classified in the automatic test analysis as either MPGs or MRGs using a 10-fold cross-validation technique. For target selection, we have achieved an acquisition accuracy for MPGs of ∼96 and ∼95 per cent for an MPG threshold of 12 + log(O/H) = 8.00 and 12 + log(O/H) = 8.39, respectively. Running the code takes minutes in most cases under the matlab 2013a software environment. The code in the Letter is available on the web (http://fshi5388.blog.163.com). The svm method can easily be extended to any MPGs target selection task and can be regarded as an efficient classification method particularly suitable for modern large surveys.
On the high-frequency spectrum of a classical accretion disc
Authors: Balbus Steven A.
Published: August 2014

We derive simple and explicit expressions for the high-frequency spectrum of a classical accretion disc. Both stress-free and finite stress inner boundaries are considered. A classical accretion disc spectrum with a stress-free inner boundary departs from a Wien spectrum at large ν, scaling as ν2.5 (as opposed to ν3) times the usual exponential cut-off. If there is finite stress at the inner disc boundary, the maximum disc temperature generally occurs at this edge, even at relatively modest values of the stress. In this case, the high-frequency spectrum is proportional to ν2 times the exponential cut-off. If the temperature maximum is a local hotspot, instead of an axisymmetric ring, then an interior maximum produces a ν2 prefactor while an edge maximum yields ν1.5. Because of beaming effects, these latter findings should pertain to a classical relativistic disc. The asymptotics are in general robust and independent of the detailed temperature profile, provided only that the liberated free energy of differential rotation is dissipated locally, and may prove useful beyond the strict domain of classical disc theory. As observations continue to improve with time, our findings suggest the possibility of using the high-energy spectral component of black hole candidates as a signature prediction of classical theory, as well as a diagnostic of the stress at the inner regions of an accretion disc.
Genome-wide mapping of unexplored essential regions in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome: evidence for hidden synthetic lethal combinations in a genetic interaction network
Authors: Kaboli Saeed , Yamakawa Takuya , Sunada Keisuke , Takagaki Tao , Sasano Yu , Sugiyama Minetaka , Kaneko Yoshinobu , Harashima Satoshi
Published: August 2014

Despite systematic approaches to mapping networks of genetic interactions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, exploration of genetic interactions on a genome-wide scale has been limited. The S. cerevisiae haploid genome has 110 regions that are longer than 10 kb but harbor only non-essential genes. Here, we attempted to delete these regions by PCR-mediated chromosomal deletion technology (PCD), which enables chromosomal segments to be deleted by a one-step transformation. Thirty-three of the 110 regions could be deleted, but the remaining 77 regions could not. To determine whether the 77 undeletable regions are essential, we successfully converted 67 of them to mini-chromosomes marked with URA3 using PCR-mediated chromosome splitting technology and conducted a mitotic loss assay of the mini-chromosomes. Fifty-six of the 67 regions were found to be essential for cell growth, and 49 of these carried co-lethal gene pair(s) that were not previously been detected by synthetic genetic array analysis. This result implies that regions harboring only non-essential genes contain unidentified synthetic lethal combinations at an unexpectedly high frequency, revealing a novel landscape of genetic interactions in the S. cerevisiae genome. Furthermore, this study indicates that segmental deletion might be exploited for not only revealing genome function but also breeding stress-tolerant strains.
Regulation of transcription termination by glucosylated hydroxymethyluracil, base J, in Leishmania major and Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Reynolds David , Cliffe Laura , Förstner Konrad U. , Hon Chung-Chau , Siegel T. Nicolai , Sabatini Robert
Published: August 2014

Base J, β-d-glucosyl-hydroxymethyluracil, is an epigenetic modification of thymine in the nuclear DNA of flagellated protozoa of the order Kinetoplastida. J is enriched at sites involved in RNA polymerase (RNAP) II initiation and termination. Reduction of J in Leishmania tarentolae via growth in BrdU resulted in cell death and indicated a role of J in the regulation of RNAP II termination. To further explore J function in RNAP II termination among kinetoplastids and avoid indirect effects associated with BrdU toxicity and genetic deletions, we inhibited J synthesis in Leishmania major and Trypanosoma brucei using DMOG. Reduction of J in L. major resulted in genome-wide defects in transcription termination at the end of polycistronic gene clusters and the generation of antisense RNAs, without cell death. In contrast, loss of J in T. brucei did not lead to genome-wide termination defects; however, the loss of J at specific sites within polycistronic gene clusters led to altered transcription termination and increased expression of downstream genes. Thus, J regulation of RNAP II transcription termination genome-wide is restricted to Leishmania spp., while in T. brucei it regulates termination and gene expression at specific sites within polycistronic gene clusters.
Regulation of pri-miRNA processing by the hnRNP-like protein AtGRP7 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Köster Tino , Meyer Katja , Weinholdt Claus , Smith Lisa M. , Lummer Martina , Speth Corinna , Grosse Ivo , Weigel Detlef , Staiger Dorothee
Published: August 2014

The hnRNP-like glycine-rich RNA-binding protein AtGRP7 regulates pre-mRNA splicing in Arabidopsis. Here we used small RNA-seq to show that AtGRP7 also affects the miRNA inventory. AtGRP7 overexpression caused a significant reduction in the level of 30 miRNAs and an increase for 14 miRNAs with a minimum log2 fold change of ±0.5. Overaccumulation of several pri-miRNAs including pri-miR398b, pri-miR398c, pri-miR172b, pri-miR159a and pri-miR390 at the expense of the mature miRNAs suggested that AtGRP7 affects pri-miRNA processing. Indeed, RNA immunoprecipitation revealed that AtGRP7 interacts with these pri-miRNAs in vivo. Mutation of an arginine in the RNA recognition motif abrogated in vivo binding and the effect on miRNA and pri-miRNA levels, indicating that AtGRP7 inhibits processing of these pri-miRNAs by direct binding. In contrast, pri-miRNAs of selected miRNAs that were elevated or not changed in response to high AtGRP7 levels were not bound in vivo. Reduced accumulation of miR390, an initiator of trans-acting small interfering RNA (ta-siRNA) formation, also led to lower TAS3 ta-siRNA levels and increased mRNA expression of the target AUXIN RESPONSE FACTOR4. Furthermore, AtGRP7 affected splicing of pri-miR172b and pri-miR162a. Thus, AtGRP7 is an hnRNP-like protein with a role in processing of pri-miRNAs in addition to its role in pre-mRNA splicing.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children of Manitoba
Authors: El‐Matary Wael , Moroz Stan P. , Bernstein Charles N.
Published: August 2014

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to describe the incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children <17 years of age in 30 years from 1978 to 2007.

Methods:

From January 1, 1978, to December 31, 2007, the sex‐ and age‐adjusted annual incidence and prevalence of pediatric IBD per 100,000 population were calculated based on the pediatric IBD database of the only pediatric tertiary center in the province. The annual health statistics records for the Province of Manitoba were used to calculate population estimates for the participants. To ensure validity of data, the University of Manitoba IBD Epidemiology Database was analyzed for patients <17 years of age from 1989 to 2000.

Results:

The sex‐ and age‐adjusted incidence of pediatric Crohn disease has increased from 1.2/100,000 in 1978 to 4.68/100,000 in 2007 (P < 0.001). For ulcerative colitis, the incidence has increased from 0.47/100,000 in 1978 to 1.64/100,000 in 2007 (P < 0.001). During the same time period, the prevalence of Crohn disease has increased from 3.1 to 18.9/100,000 (P < 0.001) and from 0.7 to 12.7/100,000 for ulcerative colitis (P < 0.001). During the last 5 years of the study the average annual incidence of IBD in urban patients was 8.69/100,000 as compared with 4.75/100,000 for rural patients (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The incidence and prevalence of pediatric IBD are increasing. The majority of patients were residents of urban Manitoba, confirming the important role of environmental factors in the etiopathogenesis of IBD.
Psychometric Properties of PedsQL Generic Core Scales for Children With Functional Constipation in The Netherlands
Authors: Hartman Esther E. , Pawaskar Manjiri , Williams Valerie , McLeod Lori , Dubois Dominique , Benninga Marc A. , Joseph Alain
Published: August 2014

Objectives:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Dutch translation of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory version 4.0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQL) in children with functional constipation (FC).

Methods:

The PedsQL was completed by children with FC ages 5 to 18 years and by the parents of children ages 2 to 18 years. To assess construct validity, all of the parents and children completed the PedsQL Gastrointestinal Symptoms Module (GI module) and children ages 8 to 18 years completed the defecation disorder list. Item response distributions, internal consistency reliability, patient–parent agreement, and discriminating ability were evaluated.

Results:

Overall, 269 children were enrolled. The PedsQL showed minimal missing responses (self‐report: 5.3% with >50% missing, parent report: 2.6% with >50% missing) and achieved satisfactory internal consistency for the total (self‐report: α = 0.86, parent report: α = 0.88), physical health (self‐report: α = 0.75, parent report α = 0.83), and psychosocial health (self‐report: α = 0.80; parent report: α = 0.85) scores. Internal consistency was less convincing for those ages 5 to 7 years (α = 0.53–0.77) than for older individuals. Self‐reported health‐related quality of life was lower than parent reported, with the exception of children ages 5 to 7 years. Interrater reliability intraclass correlations were 0.52 to 0.61 for the overall population. Correlations among the PedsQL, GI module, and defecation disorder list were consistent with a priori hypotheses and generally supported construct validity. The PedsQL distinguished between a previously published healthy reference sample and children with FC, and between those with mild and severe symptoms (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The self‐reported and proxy reported PedsQL demonstrated satisfactory measurement properties in Dutch children with FC ages 8 to 18 years. Further research is needed to establish internal consistency and validity in those ages 5 to 7 years.
Aetiology, source and prevention of waterborne healthcare-associated infections: a review
Authors: Ferranti Greta , Marchesi Isabella , Favale Marcella , Borella Paola , Bargellini Annalisa
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this review is to discuss the scientific literature on waterborne healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) published from 1990 to 2012. The review focuses on aquatic bacteria and describes both outbreaks and single cases in relation to patient characteristics, the settings and contaminated sources. An overview of diagnostic methods and environmental investigations is summarized in order to provide guidance for future case investigations. Lastly, on the basis of the prevention and control measures adopted, information and recommendations are given. A total of 125 reports were included, 41 describing hospitalized children. All cases were sustained by opportunistic pathogens, mainlyLegionellaceae,PseudomonadaceaeandBurkholderiaceae. Hot-water distribution systems were the primary source of legionnaires’ disease, bottled water was mainly colonized byPseudomonaceae, andBurkholderiaceaewere the leading cause of distilled and sterile water contamination. The intensive care unit was the most frequently involved setting, but patient characteristics were the main risk factor, independent of the ward. As it is difficult to avoid water contamination by microbes and disinfection treatments may be insufficient to control the risk of infection, a proactive preventive plan should be put in place. Nursing staff should pay special attention to children and immunosuppressed patients in terms of tap-water exposure and also their personal hygiene, and should regularly use sterile water for rinsing/cleaning devices.
Comparison of the effects of gamma ray, electron beam, and X-ray irradiation to improve safety of black pepper powder
Authors: Park Jae-Nam , Jung Koo , Yoon Young-Min , Choi Soo-Jeong , Kim Jae-Hun , Lee Ju-Woon , Song Beom-Seok
Published: August 2014

This study evaluated the effects of a gamma ray (GR), electron beam (EB), and X-ray (XR) to improve the safety of black pepper powder. The black pepper powder was irradiated by GR, EB, and XR at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 kGy. The results of the total bacterial populations in the black pepper power sample showed a similar effect on microbial decontamination for radiation sources. Radiation sensitivity (D10 value) on the initial bacteria loads in the sample was 2.24 kGy in GR, 2.37 kGy in EB, and 2.75 kGy in XR. In addition, there were no differences among the radiation sources. The color values, such as L (lightness), a (redness), and b (yellowness), were not changed significantly. The sensory characteristics of GR, EB, and XR irradiated black pepper powder were decreased when the radiation dose increased, but there was no significant changes among the radiation sources. The results can be applied to investigate the effects of radiation sources on the microbiological and sensory characteristics of black pepper powder.
Moisture sorption isotherms of corn powder as affected by roasting temperature
Authors: Chung Hun-Sik , Youn Kwang-Sup
Published: August 2014

The moisture sorption isotherms of corn powder prepared from corn kernels roasted for 20 min at 160, 180, 200, 220, and 240°C were determined at 20°C using the static gravimetric method over the range of water activities (aw) of 0.11~0.90. The moisture sorption isotherms showed a typical sigmoid shape, and the equilibrium moisture content tended to increase with increasing aw, and increased sharply at above 0.75 aw. At above 0.53 aw, the equilibrium moisture content of the roasted corn powder increased with the increase in the roasting temperature. Six mathematical models (Bradley, Caurie, Halsey, Henderson, Kuhn, and Oswin) were used to fit the experimental data. The Oswin, Caurie, Henderson, and Halsey models were found to have suitability for describing the sorption curves, and the Oswin model was the best fit model for all the roasting temperatures. Concerning the monolayer moisture content, the Guggenheim-Anderson-Boer (GAB) equation showed high significance. The monolayer moisture content increased as the roasting temperature was increased, to 0.043 and 0.053 kg H2O/kg solids in the corn powder roasted at 180°C and 240°C, respectively. These results suggest that the roasting temperatures of the corn kernels affected the moisture sorption characteristics (20°C) of the corn powder.
Fermentation characteristic of Yeongdeok Bobsikhae to which a natural substance (Bellflower) was added
Authors: Bae Man-Jong , Kim Soo-Jung , Cho Min-Seog , Um Yong-Bin , Bae Myung-In
Published: August 2014

Bobsikhae and Bellflower tea-added Bobsikhae samples were prepared. Their general ingredients and useful ingredients were analyzed. Among the general ingredients of the two samples, the crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, and carbonhydrate contents, but not the water, were found to have been higher in the Bellflower tea-added Bobsikhae. To summarize all the results of this study by comparing Bobsikhae with Bellflower tea-added Bobsikhae that used the Bellflower root with edible and medicinal values, their general ingredient contents were similar, but the lactic acid bacteria all tended to be higher in the Bellflower tea-added Bobsikhae. The results of the sensory evaluation showed that the overall taste and general acceptability were better in the Bellflower tea-added Bobsikhae than in the Bobsikhae. Thus, the Bellflower tea-added Bobsikhae is considered ideal for further commercialization. However, it was determined that further studies will be required to show if the bioactive substance would be influenced by the fermentation in the production progress of the Bellflower tea. Such findings and their application to the product development are expected to contribute much to the popularization of Bobsikhae.
Relationship between the fruit size and the quality properties of imported Valencia oranges
Authors: Jo Deokjo , Yoo Seong-Yeol , Park Joo-Hyeon , Gao Yaping , Kim Seul-Gi , Lee Jea-Young , Kwon Eun-Jin , Kwon Joong-Ho
Published: August 2014

Imported Valencia oranges were evaluated to determine the relationship between the fruit size and its quality. The orange size was classified into three groups on a commercial basis: small (140~160 g/113±5 fruit/box), medium (190~220 g/88±5 fruit/box), and large (250~280 g/72±5 fruit/box). The physicochemical and sensory properties were analyzed to evaluate the orange quality. No significant difference in the peel thickness and flesh ratio was detected across the fruit sizes. The juice yield of the medium-sized orange and the TSS/TA ratios of the medium-sized and large oranges showed the highest value, respectively (p<0.05). The large orange had the highest vitamin C content, which was positively correlated with both its DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging abilities (p<0.05). In the sensory evaluation of the fruits and their juice, the scores for sourness and overall preference were significantly higher in the medium-sized and large oranges than in the small ones. The total soluble solids, total acidity, TSS/TA ratio, and reducing sugar content were significantly related to the sensory properties. Finally, the quality and sensory properties were considered superior in the medium-sized and lager Valencia oranges. Further studies on the effects of the variety and origin of Valencia oranges on their quality and sensory properties are required.
Nutritional components and antioxidant activities of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner flower and its wine
Authors: Kwak Woo-sun , Lee Sun-Kyu , Lee Ki-Jin , Kim Kye-Hoon , Kim Hey-Ran , Lee Hyo-Ku , Oh Ji-Won , Lee Ok-Hwan
Published: August 2014

This study was conducted to investigate the nutritional components and antioxidant activities of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner flower (lotus flower, LF) and its wine (lotus flower wine, LF wine). The moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, and carbohydrate contents of the LF were 85.90, 1.91, 0.30, 1.04, and 10.85%, respectively, and of the LF wine, 92.87, 1.70, 0.30, 0.15, and 5.17%, respectively. The total amino acids in the LF and the LF wine were 2,168 and 6,341 mg/kg, respectively. Palmitic acid (38.63%) was a major fatty acid in the crude fat of the LF, and oleic acid (76.24%) was a major fatty acid in the crude fat of the LF wine. The levels of potassium in the LF (390.91±9.60 mg/100 g) and the LF wine (27.40±1.86 mg/100 g) were higher than those of the other minerals. The total phenol and flavonoid contents of both the lotus flower water extract (LFW) and the lotus flower ethanol extract (LFE) were higher than those of the LF wine. In addition, the highest antioxidant activities and ORAC values were obtained from the LFW and the LFE. In conclusion, we found that the LF and the LF wine have potential as natural antioxidants due to their higher bioactive compound contents such as their total phenol and flavonoid contents.
Nutritional composition and functionality of mixed cereals powder
Authors: Kim Ja-Min , Park Joo-Young , Kim Kun-Woo , Yoon Kyung-Young
Published: August 2014

Six types of mixed cereals powder were prepared using different mixing ratios of barley, proso millet, sorghum, and adlay, and their nutritional components and functionalities were analyzed. The mixed cereals powders contained high levels of crude protein. The free amino acid and mineral contents of Sample E were the highest among all the samples. Fructose, glucose, sucrose, and maltose were detected as the four major free sugars in all the mixed cereals powders, and Sample D had the highest amount of reducing sugar among all the samples. The total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents of Sample F were significantly higher than those of the other samples. Sample C showed the highest level of DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power. As for the ABTS radical scavenging activity, the IC50 of Sample D was the lowest among all the samples, but did not significantly differ from that of Sample C. Therefore, we suggest 2:2:1:1 (in Sample D) as the best mixing ratio of barley, proso millet, sorghum, and adlay to produce a mixed cereals powder with excellent nutritional value and antioxidant activities.
Effect of fermented Hovenia dulcis Thunb fruit water extract on biomarker for liver injury and body weight changes in rats given oral administration of ethanol
Authors: Choi Ji-Young , Kim Jun-Han , Kim Gho , Kim Choon-Kyung , Choi Myung-Sook
Published: August 2014

This study was performed to investigate the effect of fermented Hovenia dulcis Thunb fruit water extract on biomarkers for acute (a) ethanol-induced hangover and chronic (c) ethanol-induced liver injury in rats. For acute ethanol-induced hangover, the rats were administered distilled water (D.W., 10 mL/kg body wt.), Hovenia dulcis Thunb fruit water extract (HWE, 400 mg/10 mL/kg body wt.) and fermented HWE (FHWE, 400 mg/10 mL/kg body wt.), respectively, before 40% ethanol (5 g/kg body wt.) was administered. For chronic ethanol-induced liver injury, the rats were randomly divided into the normal control (cNC), ethanol (cET), cET-HWE and cET-FHWE groups. The cNC and cET groups were administered D.W. (10 mL/kg body wt.) before 40% alcohol (5 g/kg body wt.) was administrered for 21 days. The cET-HWE and cET-FHWE groups were administered HWE (400 mg/10 mL/kg body wt.) and FHWE (400 mg/10 mL/kg body wt.), respectively before 40% ethanol (5 g/kg body wt.) administration for 21 days. For acute ethanol-induced hangover, the serum alcohol and acetaldehyde concentrations were more significantly reduced in the aHWE and aFHWE groups than in the aET group. Moreover, the effect of FHWE was greater than that of HWE. For chronic ethanol-induced liver injury, the serum ethanol, acetaldehyde, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP) levels and the hepatic lipids concentration more significantly dropped in the cET-HWE and cET-FHWE groups than in the cET group. The FHWE administration showed faster recovery of the serum glucose concentration than in the cET and cET-HWE groups. The body weight reduction tended to normalize in the cET-HWE and cET-FHWE groups, which is ideal for chronic ethanol administration. These results suggest that FHWE has a protective effect against ethanol-induced liver damage, as evidenced by its ability to lower the serum ethanol and acetaldehyde concentrations after alcohol administration, and by its ability to decrease the level of γ-GTP and hepatic lipids. FHWE also elevated serum glucose concentration. Therefore, FHWE is effective in reducing ethanol-induced hangover and can play a beneficial role in the treatment of ethanol-induced liver damage as well as body weight reduction.
Antioxidant and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities of Anemarrhena asphodeloides
Authors: Kwon O Jun , Lee Ha Yeong , Kim Tae Hoon , Kim Se Gie
Published: August 2014

In this study, the antioxidant and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities of aqueous methanolic (70% methanol) extract from the roots of Anemarrhena asphodeloides were investigated. The extracts of four solvent fractions (the n-hexane layer, EtOAc layer, n-BuOH layer, and H2O layer) of the 70% methanol extract were also investigated. Furthermore, the total phenolic content was quantified using a spectrophotometric method. All the tested samples showed dose-dependent radical scavenging and pancreatic lipase inhibitory activities. In particular, the pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity of the ethyl acetate soluble portion (the EtOAc layer) from the rhizomes of the A. asphodeloides was higher than that of the other solvent-soluble portions. The antioxidant property of the extracts was evaluated using radical scavenging assays with DPPH and ABTS+ radicals. 1000 mg/ml of the n-BuOH layer extract showed 91.2% DPPH radical scavenging activity. The EtOAc layer extract and the n-BuOH layer extract showed IC50 = 20.5±1.7 mg/ml and IC50 = 50.5±0.7 mg/ml ABTS+ radical scavenging activities, respectively. The anti-obesity efficacy of the A. asphodeloides extract was tested via porcine pancreatic lipase assay. A pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity (IC50) of 31.3±0.1 mg/ml was obtained from the EtOAc layer extract. These results suggest that A. asphodeloides can be considered a new potential source of natural antioxidant and anti-obesity agents.
Benchmarking undedicated cloud computing providers for analysis of genomic datasets
Authors: Yazar Seyhan , Gooden George E C , Mackey David A , Hewitt Alex W
Published: August 2014

A major bottleneck in biological discovery is now emerging at the computational level. Cloud computing offers a dynamic means whereby small and medium-sized laboratories can rapidly adjust their computational capacity. We benchmarked two established cloud computing services, Amazon Web Services Elastic MapReduce (EMR) on Amazon EC2 instances and Google Compute Engine (GCE), using publicly available genomic datasets (E.coliCC102 strain and a Han Chinese male genome) and a standard bioinformatic pipeline on a Hadoop-based platform. Wall-clock time for complete assembly differed by 52.9% (95%CI: 27.5-78.2) forE.coliand 53.5% (95%CI: 34.4-72.6) for human genome, with GCE being more efficient than EMR. The cost of running this experiment on EMR and GCE differed significantly, with the costs on EMR being 257.3% (95%CI: 211.5-303.1) and 173.9% (95%CI: 134.6-213.1) more expensive forE.coliand human assemblies respectively. Thus, GCE was found to outperform EMR both in terms of cost and wall-clock time. Our findings confirm that cloud computing is an efficient and potentially cost-effective alternative for analysis of large genomic datasets. In addition to releasing our cost-effectiveness comparison, we present available ready-to-use scripts for establishing Hadoop instances with Ganglia monitoring on EC2 or GCE.
Spatial distribution and seasonal fluctuations ofDrosophilaon Santa Catalina Island with an emphasis on the repleta species group
Authors: Kao JY , Nuzhdin SV
Published: August 2014

Santa Catalina Island is a small island off the coast of southern California and for its modest size harbors several species of flies from theDrosophilagenus. We performed an island-wide survey ofDrosophilaspecies to ascertain which species were endemic to the island and where they were most abundant. In doing so, we have assembled useful sampling information for researchers who wish to conduct field studies on Santa Catalina Island. From this survey, we determined thatDrosophila hamatofila, Drosophila mainlandi,andDrosophila mettleriwere the prominent repleta species on the island. Other repleta species encountered includedDrosophila mojavensisandDrosophila wheeleri.Non-repleta species sighted on the island includeDrosophila melanogaster, Drosophila pseudoobscura, Drosophila simulans,and an unknown species not seen before on the island. Additionally, we performed seasonal collections at two locations on the island and observed that species abundance and composition at these two sites vary between seasons. One of the seasonal sites was sampled in two consecutive summer seasons, which revealed that species composition had shifted between years, but relative species abundances were approximately the same.
Postmating reproductive barriers contribute to the incipient sexual isolation of US and CaribbeanDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kao Joyce Y. , Lymer Seana , Hwang Sea H. , Sung Albert , Nuzhdin Sergey V.
Published: August 2014

The nascent stages of speciation start with the emergence of sexual isolation. Understanding the influence of reproductive barriers in this evolutionary process is an ongoing effort. We present a study ofDrosophila melanogasterpopulations from the southeast United States and Caribbean islands undergoing incipient sexual isolation. The existence of premating reproductive barriers have been previously established, but these types of barriers are not the only source shaping sexual isolation. To assess the influence of postmating barriers, we investigated putative postmating barriers of female remating and egg laying behavior, as well as hatchability of eggs laid and female longevity after mating. In the central region of our putative hybrid zone of American and Caribbean populations, we observed lower hatchability of eggs laid accompanied by increased resistance to harm after mating to less related males. These results illustrate that postmating reproductive barriers acting alongside premating barriers in a complex secondary contact zone. Furthermore, our findings suggest hybrid incompatibilities, likely due to the nature of genomic admixture of populations in the area, are influential even at the early phases of sexual isolation.
Crystal structure ofN-(3-chloro-1-methyl-1H-indazol-5-yl)-4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide
Authors: Chicha Hakima , Rakib El Mostapha , Gamouh Ahmed , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: August 2014

In the title compound, C15H14ClN3O3S, the dihedral angle between the planes of the indazole ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.007 Å) and the benzene ring is 89.05 (7)°. The methoxy C atom deviates from its attached ring by 0.196 (3) Å. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds generateR22(8) loops. The dimers are connected into [010] chains by C—H...O interactions.
Crystal structure of 2-[(E)-4-benzyloxy-2-hydroxybenzylidene]-N-cyclohexylhydrazinecarbothioamide acetonitrile hemisolvate
Authors: Sajitha N. R. , Sithambaresan M. , Kurup M. R. Prathapachandra
Published: August 2014

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C21H25N3O2S·0.5C2H3N, contains two independent molecules with almost similar structural properties along with a solvent molecule of acetonitrile. The compound exists in theEconformation with respect to the azomethine C=N double bond. The hydrazinecarbothioamide moieties in both independent molecules are almost planar [maximum deviations of 0.013 (2) and 0.007 (2) Å]. The molecular conformation is stabilized in each case by an intramolecular N—H...N hydrogen bond. In the crystal, pairs of N—H...S hydrogen bonds link each of the independent molecules into inversion dimers. The dimers are interconnected by means of three C—H...π interactions.
Ptychography with multilayer Laue lenses
Authors: Kubec Adam , Braun Stefan , Niese Sven , Krüger Peter , Patommel Jens , Hecker Michael , Leson Andreas , Schroer Christian G.
Published: August 2014

Two different multilayer Laue lens designs were made with total deposition thicknesses of 48 µm and 53 µm, and focal lengths of 20.0 mm and 12.5 mm at 20.0 keV, respectively. From these two multilayer systems, several lenses were manufactured for one- and two-dimensional focusing. The latter is realised with a directly bonded assembly of two crossed lenses, that reduces the distance between the lenses in the beam direction to 30 µm and eliminates the necessity of producing different multilayer systems. Characterization of lens fabrication was performed using a laboratory X-ray microscope. Focusing properties have been investigated using ptychography.
Carbon isotopic signatures of soil organic matter correlate with leaf area index across woody biomes
Authors: Ladd Brenton , Peri Pablo L. , Pepper David A. , Silva Lucas C. R. , Sheil Douglas , Bonser Stephen P. , Laffan Shawn W. , Amelung Wulf , Ekblad Alf , Eliasson Peter , Bahamonde Hector , Duarte‐Guardia Sandra , Bird Michael
Published: August 2014

Leaf area index (LAI), a measure of canopy density, is a key variable for modelling and understanding primary productivity, and also water use and energy exchange in forest ecosystems. However, LAI varies considerably with phenology and disturbance patterns, so alternative approaches to quantifying stand‐level processes should be considered. The carbon isotope composition of soil organic matter (δ13CSOM) provides a time‐integrated, productivity‐weighted measure of physiological and stand‐level processes, reflecting biomass deposition from seasonal to decadal time scales.

Our primary aim was to explore how well LAI correlates with δ13CSOM across biomes.

Using a global data set spanning large environmental gradients in tropical, temperate and boreal forest and woodland, we assess the strength of the correlation between LAI and δ13CSOM; we also assess climatic variables derived from the WorldClim database.

We found that LAI was strongly correlated with δ13CSOM, but was also correlated with Mean Temperature of the Wettest Quarter, Mean Precipitation of Warmest Quarter and Annual Solar Radiation across and within biomes.

Synthesis. Our results demonstrate that δ13CSOM values can provide spatially explicit estimates of leaf area index (LAI) and could therefore serve as a surrogate for productivity and water use. While δ13CSOM has traditionally been used to reconstruct the relative abundance of C3 versus C4 species, the results of this study demonstrate that within stable C3‐ or C4‐dominated biomes, δ13CSOM can provide additional insights. The fact that LAI is strongly correlated to δ13CSOM may allow for a more nuanced interpretation of ecosystem properties of palaeoecosystems based on palaeosol 13C values.
Incorporating family‐based therapy principles into a partial hospitalization programme for adolescents with anorexia nervosa: challenges and considerations
Authors: Hoste Renee Rienecke
Published: August 2014

There is increasing research evidence that family‐based treatment (FBT) is the most effective form of treatment currently available for adolescents with anorexia nervosa, while preliminary evidence suggests that it may also be effective for adolescents with bulimia nervosa. Originally designed as a weekly outpatient treatment, FBT's efficacy has led to its adaptation for use in other treatment settings, such as partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient programmes. Although FBT cannot be replicated in these treatment settings, FBT principles can be borrowed and implemented. This article reviews challenges that arise when incorporating FBT into more intensive treatment settings while attempting to remain true to the intent of the original treatment approach.

Practitioner points

FBT cannot be replicated in higher levels of care, but FBT principles can be effectively incorporated into a day treatment programme for eating disorders.

Challenges in incorporating FBT into higher levels of care include adequate parental involvement and empowerment.
Assessing Organizational Change in Multisector Community Health Alliances
Authors: Alexander Jeffrey A. , Hearld Larry R. , Shi Yunfeng
Published: August 2014

Objective

The purpose of this article was to identify some common organizational features of multisector health care alliances (MHCAs) and the analytic challenges presented by those characteristics in assessing organizational change.

Data Sources

Two rounds of an Internet‐based survey of participants in 14 MHCAs.

Study Design

We highlight three analytic challenges that can arise when quantitatively studying the organizational characteristics of MHCAs—assessing change in MHCA organization, assessment of construct reliability, and aggregation of individual responses to reflect organizational characteristics. We illustrate these issues using a leadership effectiveness scale (12 items) validated in previous research and data from 14 MHCAs participating in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Aligning Forces for Quality (AF4Q) program.

Findings

High levels of instability and turnover in MHCA membership create challenges in using survey data to study changes in key organizational characteristics of MHCAs. We offer several recommendations to diagnose the source and extent of these problems.
Revision of the workplace bullying checklist: the importance of human resource management's role in defining and addressing workplace bullying
Authors: Fox Suzy , Cowan Renee L.
Published: August 2014

Human resource professionals (HRPs) in the US are important actors in workplace bullying (WB) situations. Most WB research currently focuses on the target but fails to include the individual most often left to interpret and respond to complaints of bullying – the HRP. We argue that because HRPs must work to identify, understand and deal with victims and bullies; HR should have a voice in assessing WB. The difficulties HRPs report in effectively responding to employee complaints of WB have been attributed to a number of factors, including conflicts among multiple HR roles in the organisation, a paucity of specific organisational policies and guidelines for dealing with bullying, and ambiguous definitions and criteria for behaviour to be considered bullying. The impetus for the study reported here was the need to clarify the definition of bullying incorporating the HR perspective, determine what behaviours and criteria are seen as bullying by HRPs. Scale use and limitations are discussed as well as theoretical and practical implications.