bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Curious Disappearances: Affectability Imbalances and Process‐Based Invisibility
Authors: Dotson Kristie , Gilbert Marita
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we analyze the recent public scandal involving Nafissatou Diallo and Dominique Strauss‐Kahn to offer an account of the role affectability imbalances play in process‐based invisibility. Process‐based invisibilities, in this paper, refer to predictable narrative gaps within public narratives that can be aptly described as disappearances. We demonstrate that compromised, complex social identities, maladjusted webs of reciprocity, and a failure to fully appreciate basic affectability in large part cause affectability imbalances. Ultimately, we claim that affectability imbalances and the three imbricated conditions that facilitate such imbalances—complex social identities, reciprocity, and basic affectability—are integral features of process‐based invisibility.
Effect of solution pH and activated carbon dosage on the decolourization ability, nitrogen components and antioxidant activity of peanut meal hydrolysate
Authors: Xiao Chuqiao , Zheng Lin , Su Guowan , Zhao Mouming
Published: July 2014

Activated carbon was used to remove the colour of peanut meal hydrolysate. Effects of solution pH and activated carbon dosages on the decolourization efficiency, nitrogen components and antioxidant activity of the hydrolysate were investigated. The results showed that the colour and the undigested protein or large peptides could be removed efficiently under acidic condition (pH 2.0–4.0), while less small peptides were adsorbed under this condition. Among these total amino acids (AAs), the loss of aromatic AA (Tyr and Phe) was the largest regardless of the solution pH. Greater loss of acidic AA (Glu and Asp) was observed under acidic condition, while the loss of basic AA (His, Lys and Arg) followed the opposite trend. The antioxidant activity of the hydrolysate was also reduced after decolourization, which was likely due to the loss of total phenolics and peptides containing aromatic and/or acidic AA.
Multi‐scale structural and digestion properties of wheat starches with different amylose contents
Authors: Zhou Zhongkai , Zhang Yan , Chen Xiaoshan , Zhang Min , Wang Zhiwei
Published: July 2014

The physicochemical and digestion properties of three wheat starches with different amylose contents were studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed they displayed a spherical disc‐like form, a lenticular shape and an irregular morphology, respectively. Compared with waxy and normal wheat starches, high‐amylose wheat starch (HAWS) was characterised by the presence of lower molecular weight amylose fraction, and its granules demonstrated the highest resistance to the cooking. The changes in the IR ratio 1022/999–1047/1022 cm−1 following the gel storage suggested the molecules of HAWS are more readily to re‐associate and re‐organise into a more organised status than other two starches. The determination of glucose release showed that HAWS had the lowest digestion kinetics (P < 0.001), and this difference in the digestion properties between HAWS and the other two starches might imply that starch molecular structure, in particular amylose structure is another key factor for manipulating starch digestion property rather than amylose content alone.
Fecal Sterols in Infants; Bile Acids and Steroids 194
Authors: Gustafsson J.‐Å. , Werner B.
Published: July 2014

The predominant sterols in feces of 31 infants have been studied by gas‐liquid chromatography and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Cholesterol, β‐sitosterol, and campesterol were the predominant sterols in feces of infants under one year of age. At about the age of 1 year, coprostanol began to appear in feces; after this time the predominant fecal sterols were coprostanol, cholesterol, campesterol, 24α‐ethylcoprostanol, and β‐sitosterol. The sterol pattern of feces of infants from 5 months of age up to the highest age investigated (1 year and 9 months), however, was characterized by considerable individual variation.
The Purity of Two Commercial p‐aminohippurate Preparations
Authors: Frederiksen S. , Nissen O. I.
Published: July 2014

P‐aminohippuric acid (PAH) preparations made by “Koch‐Light” and “Fluka” were analyzed by a column chromatographic technique using columns of Dowex‐1‐Cl−, 200—400 mesh, ×2 and Dowex‐50‐H+, 200—400 mesh, ×12. A commonly used procedure for determination of PAH in plasma and urine was applied to the effluents. The preparations contained impurities giving positive PAH reaction in concentrations of 1.3 % (Koch‐Light) and 0.3 % (Fluka) expressed as PAH. The major parts of the contaminants are probably p‐aminobenzoic acid, 1.2 % and 0.2 %, respectively.
Beta‐Adrenergic Blockade and Central Circulation during Exercise in Sitting Position in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Furberg C. , Schmalensee G. v.
Published: July 2014

The effect of a beta‐adrenergic blockade on central circulation during exercise in a sitting position has been examined in 8 healthy young men. After oral administration of propranolol in doses of about 0.22 mg/kg b.wt. there were significant decreases in pulse rate, cardiac output and mean pressure in the brachial artery during exercise. An increase of a‐v oxygen difference and of mean pressure in the pulmonary artery was noted. No systematic change was noted in oxygen uptake and stroke volume respectively during the beta‐blockade. The physical working capacity at pulse 170 increased on an average by 15 % after propranolol. This increase was made possible primarily through a better peripheral oxygen utilization and could only be explained to a minor extent by an increase in stroke volume.
Amine Formation by Rat Mast Cells in vitro
Authors: Slorach Stuart A. , Uvnäs Börje
Published: July 2014

The effects of incubation temperature, time, pH, cell concentration, pyridoxal and aminoguanidine on 14C histamine formation by rat mast cells in vitro were investigated. It was shown that disruption of the cells by physical means (sonication, freezing and thawing and hypotonic shock) or treatment with the histamine releaser ATP caused a marked reduction in histamine formation. In contrast to this, treatment of the cells with compound 48/80 caused an increase in histamine formation. After water lysis and centrifugation the histidine decarboxylase activity was found predominantly in the non‐particulate fraction. The cells were also shown to decarboxylate 5HTP and dopa in vitro, forming 5HT and dopamine. Hydroxylation of phenylalanine, tyrosine or tryptophan could not be demonstrated. This suggests that the reason why normal rat peritoneal and pleural mast cells contain relatively low amounts of 5HT (compared to histamine) and no dopamine is the unavailability of the immediate precursors (5HTP and dopa) and their inability to synthesize these by hydroxylation of tryptophan or tyrosine.
A “Two‐Compartment Diver” in the Micro‐Diver Technique
Authors: Hamberger Lars
Published: July 2014

A technique is described which makes it possible and easy to mix solutions in the micro‐diver at any time during an experiment. The mixing procedure is completed within 5 min and does not in itself cause any alterations in the rate of gas consumption. This two‐compartment diver can be used for measurements of gas consumptions in the order of 10−4 μl/hr, thus allowing determinations on single cells. Some results from experiments on isolated granulosa cells from the rat ovary are reported to illustrate the usefulness of the technique.
Post‐Tetanic Decurarization in Developing Cat Leg Muscles
Authors: Nyström Bo
Published: July 2014

The effect of a conditioning tetanization on the twitch tension and size of compound muscle action potentials of subsequent twitches has been studied in partly curarized gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of kittens, ranging in age from 3—140 days, and adult cats. Nembutal® anesthesia was used. Comparisons were made with results obtained in non‐curarized animals.

At all ages, a post‐tetanic increase in twitch tension in both muscles, when partly curarized, was accompanied by a similar increase in size of the muscle action potentials.

In adult cats, high‐frequency tetanizations (250—450 c/sec) were more effective than low (45 c/sec) in eliciting the decurarizing effect. In young kittens, both were about equally effective.

The effect of tetanization on the half relaxation time of post‐tetanic twitches was found to differ in normal and in partly curarized gastrocnemius muscles, whereas this did not apply to the soleus of young kittens.

In both muscles, the post‐tetanic effects seen in non‐curarized and in partly curarized muscles differed with respect to the muscle action potential changes, as well as to the time course and frequency‐dependence of twitch potentiation. This indicates that the PTP of twitch tension found in normal muscles is, most probably, brought about mainly by a mechanism other than recruitment of muscle fibres.
Position and Velocity Sensitivity of Muscle Spindles in the Cat. IV. Interaction Between Two Fusimotor Fibres Converging on the Same Spindle Ending
Authors: Lennerstrand Gunnar
Published: July 2014

Position and velocity responses have been measured during the co‐activation of two indentified fusimotor fibres influencing the same primary or secondary ending in the ankle extensor or flexor muscles of the cat. The effect of double‐fibre activation has been compared with that of stimulating the participating single‐fibres in isolation. During the activation of a dynamic‐static combination complete ‘occlusion’ was usually encountered in the steady discharge at ‘zero’ extension, in the position sensitivity and in the velocity responses to length decrement. Larger responses than any of the two individual actions occurred in the response to dynamic length increment. In the dynamic‐dynamic and in many of the static‐static double‐activations the responses were indistinguishable from those of single‐fibre stimulation at higher stimulus frequency. Other static‐static combinations gave rise to ‘averaging’ of the two single‐fibre effects; this was seen in the position sensitivity and in the velocity responses particularly during static I—static II co‐activations. Possible modes of fusimotor interaction in the spindle are discussed.
Fusimotor Effects on Position and Velocity Sensitivity of Spindle Endings in the External Intercostal Muscle of the Gat
Authors: Andersson Bengt F. , Lennerstrand Gunnar , Thoden Uwe
Published: July 2014

Position and velocity responses of spindle endings in the external intercostal muscle of the cat have been determined in the absence and in the presence of fusimotor fibre stimulation at a constant rate. The length input signal had triangular wave form. A close functional resemblance was found between intercostal and leg muscle spindles: primary and secondary endings could be separated among intercostal afferents with the same methods that have been used in leg muscles; dynamic and static fibres were discerned and the fusimotor effects on position and velocity sensitivity were the same as in the hind limb; the ratio between dynamic and static fibres was about 1: 3, i.e. the same as in the hind leg. Some dissimilarities existed: the number of ‘intermediate’ endings was larger in the intercostal than in the leg muscles; position and velocity sensitivities were generally larger in intercostal endings. These discrepancies are discussed. As a general conclusion it is stated that a spindle model elaborated from studies on leg spindles can easily be modified to account also for intercostal spindle behaviour.
Influence of Acetylcholine and Biogenic Amines on Branchial, Pulmonary and Systemic Vascular Resistance in the African Lungfish, Protopterus Aethiopicus
Authors: Johansen Kjell , Reite Ola B.
Published: July 2014

The effects of acetylcholine and biogenic amines on the main vascular beds in lungfish were studied in intact animals and in isolated preparations perfused with physiological solution. Acetylcholine, histamine and serotonin increased the branchial as well as the pulmonary and the systemic vascular resistance. The sensitivity to acetylcholine was highest in the branchial blood vessels. Adrenaline and noradrenaline caused increased resistance in pulmonary and systemic blood vessels, whereas the branchial vascular bed usually responded by dilatation. The results are discussed in relation to the vascular responses obtained with the same pharmacological agents in other species of fish.
Practitioner Review: Engaging fathers – recommendations for a game change in parenting interventions based on a systematic review of the global evidence
Authors: Panter‐Brick Catherine , Burgess Adrienne , Eggerman Mark , McAllister Fiona , Pruett Kyle , Leckman James F.
Published: July 2014

Background

Despite robust evidence of fathers’ impact on children and mothers, engaging with fathers is one of the least well‐explored and articulated aspects of parenting interventions. It is therefore critical to evaluate implicit and explicit biases manifested in current approaches to research, intervention, and policy.

Methods

We conducted a systematic database and a thematic hand search of the global literature on parenting interventions. Studies were selected from Medline, Psychinfo, SSCI, and Cochrane databases, and from gray literature on parenting programs, using multiple search terms for parent, father, intervention, and evaluation. We tabulated single programs and undertook systematic quality coding to review the evidence base in terms of the scope and nature of data reporting.

Results

After screening 786 nonduplicate records, we identified 199 publications that presented evidence on father participation and impact in parenting interventions. With some notable exceptions, few interventions disaggregate ‘father’ or ‘couple’ effects in their evaluation, being mostly driven by a focus on the mother–child dyad. We identified seven key barriers to engaging fathers in parenting programs, pertaining to cultural, institutional, professional, operational, content, resource, and policy considerations in their design and delivery.

Conclusions

Barriers to engaging men as parents work against father inclusion as well as father retention, and undervalue coparenting as contrasted with mothering. Robust evaluations of father participation and father impact on child or family outcomes are stymied by the ways in which parenting interventions are currently designed, delivered, and evaluated. Three key priorities are to engage fathers and coparenting couples successfully, to disaggregate process and impact data by fathers, mothers, and coparents, and to pay greater attention to issues of reach, sustainability, cost, equity, and scale‐up. Clarity of purpose with respect to gender‐differentiated and coparenting issues in the design, delivery, and evaluation of parenting programs will constitute a game change in this field.
Do violence dynamics matter?
Authors: Katerndahl David , Burge Sandra , Ferrer Robert , Becho Johanna , Wood Robert
Published: July 2014

Rationale, aims and objectives

Intimate partner violence is a complex, non‐linear phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to determine whether violence dynamics (pattern, degree of non‐linearity, optimal non‐linearity) contributed to outcomes in violent relationships.

Methods

The study was conducted in six primary care clinics, enrolling 200 adult women in violent relationships. In addition to baseline and end‐of‐study interviews, women completed daily telephone assessments of household environment and partner violence using interactive verbal response. Three non‐linearity measures of violence were computed with ‘optimal’ non‐linearity estimated using Z‐transformations. Assignment of dynamic patterns (periodic, chaotic, random) was made based upon Lyapunov exponent and correlation dimension. Outcomes across dynamic patterns were analysed using analysis of variance. In addition, stepped multiple linear regression explained factor‐analysed outcomes, adjusting for demographic, childhood, mental health and marital variables; attitudinal/behavioural outcomes were also adjusted for when explaining clinical outcomes.

Results

Women experiencing periodic violence recognized the importance of violence and used their active coping to seek mental health care. Those with chaotic dynamics recognized that they were not responsible, experienced fewer psychological symptoms and emotional role limitations, and did not seek help. Those experiencing random violence recognized its unpredictability and uncontrollability. Violence non‐linearity predicted negative coping, positive appraisals and hope/support in regression analyses, while optimal non‐linearity contributed to readiness for change and symptoms functioning. Of the nine outcomes investigated, violence non‐linearity contributed to five outcomes.

Conclusion

Dynamic pattern of violence, degree of violence non‐linearity and optimal non‐linearity correlated with several attitudinal/behavioural and clinical outcomes. Knowledge of violence dynamics may have applications when working with violent couples.
In situ observation of chimaerid species in the Gorringe Bank: new distribution records for the north‐east Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Vieira R. P. , Cunha M. R.
Published: July 2014

In the framework of the R.V. Nautilus exploration programme, remotely operated vehicle (ROV) surveys were conducted at bathyal depths in the Gorringe Bank. Video transects revealed the presence of the chimaerids Chimaera opalescens and Hydrolagus affinis in the region. An identification key for the north‐east Atlantic species of the family Chimaeridae is proposed.
Hoya hanhiae sp. nov. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) from central Vietnam
Authors: Pham Van The , Le Tuan Anh , Averyanov Leonid V.
Published: July 2014

A new species, Hoya hanhiae V. T. Pham et Aver. discovered in central Vietnam is described, illustrated and compared with the related species H. macrophylla Bl. and H. verticillata (Vahl) G. Don.
Canavan disease: Clinical features and recent advances in research
Authors: Hoshino Hideki , Kubota Masaya
Published: July 2014

Canavan disease (CD) is a genetic neurodegenerative leukodystrophy that results in the spongy degeneration of white matter in the brain. CD is characterized by mutations in the gene encoding aspartoacylase (ASPA), the substrate enzyme that hydrolyzes N‐acetylaspartic acid (NAA) to acetate and aspartate. Elevated NAA and subsequent deficiency in acetate associated with this disease cause progressive neurological symptoms, such as macrocephaly, visuocognitive dysfunction, and psychomotor delay. The prevalence of CD is higher among Ashkenazi Jewish people, and several types of mutations have been reported in the gene coding ASPA. Highly elevated NAA is more specific to CD than other leukodystrophies, and an examination of urinary NAA concentration is useful for diagnosing CD. Many researchers are now examining the mechanisms responsible for white matter degeneration or dysmyelination in CD using mouse models, and several persuasive hypotheses have been suggested for the pathophysiology of CD. One is that NAA serves as a water pump; consequently, a disorder in NAA catabolism leads to astrocytic edema. Another hypothesis is that the hydrolyzation of NAA in oligodendrocytes is essential for myelin synthesis through the supply of acetate. Although there is currently no curative therapy for CD, dietary supplements are candidates that may retard the progression of the symptoms associated with CD. Furthermore, gene therapies using viral vectors have been investigated using rat models. These therapies have been found to be tolerable with no severe long‐term adverse effects, reduce the elevated NAA in the brain, and may be applied to humans in the future.
Growing duckweed for biofuel production: a review
Authors: Cui W. , Cheng J. J.
Published: July 2014

Duckweed can be utilised to produce ethanol, butanol and biogas, which are promising alternative energy sources to minimise dependence on limited crude oil and natural gas. The advantages of this aquatic plant include high rate of nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) uptake, high biomass yield and great potential as an alternative feedstock for the production of fuel ethanol, butanol and biogas. The objective of this article is to review the published research on growing duckweed for the production of the biofuels, especially starch enrichment in duckweed plants. There are mainly two processes affecting the accumulation of starch in duckweed biomass: photosynthesis for starch generation and metabolism‐related starch consumption. The cost of stimulating photosynthesis is relatively high based on current technologies. Considerable research efforts have been made to inhibit starch degradation. Future research need in this area includes duckweed selection, optimisation of duckweed biomass production, enhancement of starch accumulation in duckweeds and use of duckweeds for production of various biofuels.
Arabidopsis thaliana, an experimental host for tomato yellow leaf curl disease‐associated begomoviruses by agroinoculation and whitefly transmission
Authors: Cañizares M. C. , Rosas‐Díaz T. , Rodríguez‐Negrete E. , Hogenhout S. A. , Bedford I. D. , Bejarano E. R. , Navas‐Castillo J. , Moriones E.
Published: July 2014

Tomato yellow leaf curl disease is one of the most devastating viral diseases affecting tomato crops worldwide. This disease is caused by several begomoviruses (genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae), such as Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), that are transmitted in nature by the whitefly vector Bemisia tabaci. An efficient control of this vector‐transmitted disease requires a thorough knowledge of the plant–virus–vector triple interaction. The possibility of using Arabidopsis thaliana as an experimental host would provide the opportunity to use a wide variety of genetic resources and tools to understand interactions that are not feasible in agronomically important hosts. In this study, it is demonstrated that isolates of two strains (Israel, IL and Mild, Mld) of TYLCV can replicate and systemically infect A. thaliana ecotype Columbia plants either by Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated inoculation or through the natural vector Bemisia tabaci. The virus can also be acquired from A. thaliana‐infected plants by B. tabaci and transmitted to either A. thaliana or tomato plants. Therefore, A. thaliana is a suitable host for TYLCV–insect vector–plant host interaction studies. Interestingly, an isolate of the Spain (ES) strain of a related begomovirus, Tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus (TYLCSV‐ES), is unable to infect this ecotype of A. thaliana efficiently. Using infectious chimeric viral clones between TYLCV‐Mld and TYLCSV‐ES, candidate viral factors involved in an efficient infection of A. thaliana were identified.
Delayed system response times affect immediate physiology and the dynamics of subsequent button press behavior
Authors: Kohrs Christin , Hrabal David , Angenstein Nicole , Brechmann André
Published: July 2014

System response time research is an important issue in human‐computer interactions. Experience with technical devices and general rules of human‐human interactions determine the user's expectation, and any delay in system response time may lead to immediate physiological, emotional, and behavioral consequences. We investigated such effects on a trial‐by‐trial basis during a human‐computer interaction by measuring changes in skin conductance (SC), heart rate (HR), and the dynamics of button press responses. We found an increase in SC and a deceleration of HR for all three delayed system response times (0.5, 1, 2 s). Moreover, the data on button press dynamics was highly informative since subjects repeated a button press with more force in response to delayed system response times. Furthermore, the button press dynamics could distinguish between correct and incorrect decisions and may thus even be used to infer the uncertainty of a user's decision.
Post‐resistance exercise hemodynamic and autonomic responses: Comparison between normotensive and hypertensive men
Authors: Queiroz A. C. C. , Sousa J. C. S. , Cavalli A. A. P. , Silva N. D. , Costa L. A. R. , Tobaldini E. , Montano N. , Silva G. V. , Ortega K. , Mion D. , Tinucci T. , Forjaz C. L. M.
Published: July 2014

To compare post‐resistance exercise hypotension (PREH) and its mechanisms in normotensive and hypertensive individuals, 14 normotensives and 12 hypertensives underwent two experimental sessions: control (rest) and exercise (seven exercises, three sets, 50% of one repetition maximum). Hemodynamic and autonomic clinic measurements were taken before (Pre) and at two moments post‐interventions (Post 1: between 30 and 60 min; Post 2: after 7 h). Ambulatory blood pressure (BP) was monitored for 24 h. At Post 1, exercise decreased systolic BP similarly in normotensives and hypertensives (−8 ± 2 vs −13 ± 2 mmHg, P > 0.05), whereas diastolic BP decreased more in hypertensives (−4 ± 1 vs −9 ± 1 mmHg, P < 0.05). Cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance did not change in normotensives and hypertensives (0.0 ± 0.3 vs 0.0 ± 0.3 L/min; −1 ± 1 vs −2 ± 2 U, P > 0.05). After exercise, heart rate (+13 ± 3 vs +13 ± 2 bpm) and its variability (low‐ to high‐frequency components ratio, 1.9 ± 0.4 vs +1.4 ± 0.3) increased whereas stroke volume (−14 ± 5 vs −11 ± 5 mL) decreased similarly in normotensives and hypertensives (all, P > 0.05). At Post 2, all variables returned to pre‐intervention, and ambulatory data were similar between sessions. Thus, a session of resistance exercise promoted PREH in normotensives and hypertensives. Although this PREH was greater in hypertensives, it did not last during the ambulatory period, which limits its clinical relevance. In addition, the mechanisms of PREH were similar in hypertensives and normotensives.
Molecular Mechanisms of Substrate Recognition and Specificity of New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase
Authors: Chiou Jiachi , Leung Thomas Yun-Chung , Chen Sheng
Published: July 2014

Carbapenems are one of the last lines of defense for Gram-negative pathogens, such as members of the
Enterobacteriaceae
. Despite the fact that most carbapenems are resistant to extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL), emerging metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs), including New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase 1 (NDM-1), that can hydrolyze carbapenems have become prevalent and are frequently associated with the so-called “superbugs,” for which treatments are extremely limited. Crystallographic study sheds light on the modes of antibiotic binding to NDM-1, yet the mechanisms governing substrate recognition and specificity are largely unclear. This study provides a connection between crystallographic study and the functional significance of NDM-1, with an emphasis on the substrate specificity and catalysis of various β-lactams. L1 loop residues L
59
, V
67
, and W
87
were important for the activity of NDM-1, most likely through maintaining the partial folding of the L1 loop or active site conformation through hydrophobic interaction with the R groups of β-lactams or the β-lactam ring. Substitution of alanine for L
59
showed greater reduction of MICs to ampicillin and selected cephalosporins, whereas substitutions of alanine for V
67
had more impact on the MICs of carbapenems. K
224
and N
233
on the L3 loop played important roles in the recognition of substrate and contributed to substrate hydrolysis. These data together with the structure comparison of the B1 and B2 subclasses of MBLs revealed that the broad substrate specificity of NDM-1 could be due to the ability of its wide active site cavity to accommodate a wide range of β-lactams. This study provides insights into the development of efficient inhibitors for NDM-1 and offers an efficient tactic with which to study the substrate specificities of other β-lactamases.
Activity of Praziquantel Enantiomers and Main Metabolites against Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Meister Isabel , Ingram-Sieber Katrin , Cowan Noemi , Todd Matthew , Robertson Murray N. , Meli Claudia , Patra Malay , Gasser Gilles , Keiser Jennifer
Published: July 2014

A racemic mixture of
R
and
S
enantiomers of praziquantel (PZQ) is currently the treatment of choice for schistosomiasis. Though the
S
enantiomer and the metabolites are presumed to contribute only a little to the activity of the drug, in-depth side-by-side studies are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the
in vitro
activities of PZQ and its main metabolites, namely,
R
- and
S-cis
- and
R
- and
S-trans
-4′-hydroxypraziquantel, against adult worms and newly transformed schistosomula (NTS). Additionally, we explored the
in vivo
activity and hepatic shift (i.e., the migration of the worms to the liver) produced by each PZQ enantiomer in mice. Fifty percent inhibitory concentrations of
R
-PZQ,
S
-PZQ, and
R-trans
- and
R-cis
-4′-hydroxypraziquantel of 0.02, 5.85, 4.08, and 2.42 μg/ml, respectively, for adult
S. mansoni
were determined
in vitro. S-trans
- and
S-cis
-4′-hydroxypraziquantel were not active at 100 μg/ml. These results are consistent with microcalorimetry data and studies with NTS.
In vivo
, single 400-mg/kg oral doses of
R
-PZQ and
S
-PZQ achieved worm burden reductions of 100 and 19%, respectively. Moreover, worms treated
in vivo
with
S
-PZQ displayed an only transient hepatic shift and returned to the mesenteric veins within 24 h. Our data confirm that
R
-PZQ is the main effector molecule, while
S
-PZQ and the metabolites do not play a significant role in the antischistosomal properties of PZQ.
Derivatives of the Mouse Cathelicidin-Related Antimicrobial Peptide (CRAMP) Inhibit Fungal and Bacterial Biofilm Formation
Authors: De Brucker Katrijn , Delattin Nicolas , Robijns Stijn , Steenackers Hans , Verstraeten Natalie , Landuyt Bart , Luyten Walter , Schoofs Liliane , Dovgan Barbara , Fröhlich Mirjam , Michiels Jan , Vanderleyden Jos , Cammue Bruno P. A. , Thevissen Karin
Published: July 2014

We identified a 26-amino-acid truncated form of the 34-amino-acid cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) in the islets of Langerhans of the murine pancreas. This peptide, P318, shares 67% identity with the LL-37 human antimicrobial peptide. As LL-37 displays antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity, we tested antifungal and antibiofilm activity of P318 against the fungal pathogen
Candida albicans
. P318 shows biofilm-specific activity as it inhibits
C. albicans
biofilm formation at 0.15 μM without affecting planktonic survival at that concentration. Next, we tested the
C. albicans
biofilm-inhibitory activity of a series of truncated and alanine-substituted derivatives of P318. Based on the biofilm-inhibitory activity of these derivatives and the length of the peptides, we decided to synthesize the shortened alanine-substituted peptide at position 10 (AS10; KLKKIAQKIKNFFQKLVP). AS10 inhibited
C. albicans
biofilm formation at 0.22 μM and acted synergistically with amphotericin B and caspofungin against mature biofilms. AS10 also inhibited biofilm formation of different bacteria as well as of fungi and bacteria in a mixed biofilm. In addition, AS10 does not affect the viability or functionality of different cell types involved in osseointegration of an implant, pointing to the potential of AS10 for further development as a lead peptide to coat implants.
High
In Vitro
Activity of the Novel Spiropyrimidinetrione AZD0914, a DNA Gyrase Inhibitor, against Multidrug-Resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates Suggests a New Effective Option for Oral Treatment of Gonorrhea
Authors: Jacobsson Susanne , Golparian Daniel , Alm Richard A. , Huband Michael , Mueller John , Jensen Jorgen Skov , Ohnishi Makoto , Unemo Magnus
Published: July 2014

We evaluated the activity of the novel spiropyrimidinetrione AZD0914 (DNA gyrase inhibitor) against clinical gonococcal isolates and international reference strains (
n
= 250), including strains with diverse multidrug resistance and extensive drug resistance. The AZD0914 MICs were substantially lower than those of most other currently or previously recommended antimicrobials. AZD0914 should be further evaluated, including
in vitro
selection,
in vivo
emergence and mechanisms of resistance, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics in humans, optimal dosing, and performance, in appropriate randomized and controlled clinical trials.
Impact of Third-Generation-Cephalosporin Administration in Hatcheries on Fecal Escherichia coli Antimicrobial Resistance in Broilers and Layers
Authors: Baron Sandrine , Jouy Eric , Larvor Emeline , Eono Florent , Bougeard Stéphanie , Kempf Isabelle
Published: July 2014

We investigated the impact of the hatchery practice of administering third-generation cephalosporin (3GC) on the selection and persistence of 3GC-resistant
Escherichia coli
in poultry. We studied 15 3GC-treated (TB) and 15 non-3GC-treated (NTB) broiler flocks and 12 3GC-treated (TL) and 10 non-3GC-treated (NTL) future layer flocks. Fecal samples from each flock were sampled before arrival on the farm (day 0), on day 2, on day 7, and then twice more.
E. coli
isolates were isolated on MacConkey agar without antibiotics and screened for 3GC resistance, and any 3GC-resistant
E. coli
isolates were further analyzed. 3GC-resistant
E. coli
isolates were found in all 3GC-treated flocks on at least one sampling date. The percentages of 3GC-resistant
E. coli
isolates were significantly higher in TB (41.5%) than in NTB (19.5%) flocks and in TL (49.5%) than in NTL (24.5%) flocks. In the day 2 samples, more than 80% of the
E. coli
strains isolated were 3GC resistant. 3GC-resistant
E. coli
strains were still detected at the end of the follow-up period in 6 out of 27 3GC-treated and 5 out of 25 non-3GC-treated flocks. Many 3GC-resistant
E. coli
strains were resistant to tetracycline, and there were significant differences in the percentages of resistance to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, streptomycin, or gentamicin between treated and nontreated flocks.
bla
CTX-M
and
bla
CMY-2
were the most frequently detected genes. These results clearly demonstrated that 3GC-resistant strains are introduced early in flocks and that the use of 3GC in hatcheries promotes the selection of 3GC-resistant
E. coli
. Measures must be implemented to avoid the spread and selection of 3GC-resistant strains.
Placental Transfer of Darunavir in an
Ex Vivo
Human Cotyledon Perfusion Model
Authors: Mandelbrot Laurent , Duro Dominique , Belissa Emilie , Peytavin Gilles
Published: July 2014

Placental transfer of the HIV protease inhibitor darunavir was investigated in 5 term human cotyledons perfused with darunavir (1,000 ng/ml) in the maternal to fetal direction. The mean (± the standard deviation [SD]) fetal transfer rate (FTR) (fetal/maternal concentration at steady state from 30 to 90 min) was 15.0% ± 2.1%, and the mean (±SD) clearance index (darunavir FTR/antipyrine FTR) was 40.3% ± 5.8%. This shows that darunavir crosses the placenta at a relatively low rate, resulting in fetal exposure.
Cryptococcus gattii Infection Dampens Th1 and Th17 Responses by Attenuating Dendritic Cell Function and Pulmonary Chemokine Expression in the Immunocompetent Hosts
Authors: Angkasekwinai Pornpimon , Sringkarin Nuntarat , Supasorn Oratai , Fungkrajai Madtika , Wang Yui-Hsi , Chayakulkeeree Methee , Ngamskulrungroj Popchai , Angkasekwinai Nasikarn , Pattanapanyasat Kovit
Published: July 2014

Cryptococcal infections are primarily caused by two related fungal species:Cryptococcus neoformansandCryptococcus gattii. It is well known thatC. neoformansgenerally affects immunocompromised hosts; however,C. gattiiinfection can cause diseases in not only immunocompromised hosts but also immunocompetent individuals. While recent studies suggest thatC. gattiiinfection could dampen pulmonary neutrophil recruitment and inflammatory cytokine production in immunocompetent hosts, the impact ofC. gattiiinfection on the development of their adaptive T helper cell immune response has not been addressed. Here, we report thatC. neoformansinfection with highly virulent and less virulent strains preferentially induced pulmonary Th1 and Th17 immune responses in the host, respectively. However, fewer pulmonary Th1 and Th17 cells could be detected in mice infected withC. gattiistrains. Notably, dendritic cells (DC) in mice infected withC. gattiiexpressed much lower levels of surface MHC-II andIl12orIl23transcripts and failed to induce effective Th1 and Th17 differentiationin vitro. Furthermore, the expression levels ofIp10andCxcl9transcripts, encoding Th1-attracting chemokines, were significantly reduced in the lungs of mice infected with the highly virulentC. gattiistrain. Thus, our data suggest thatC. gattiiinfection dampens the DC-mediated effective Th1/Th17 immune responses and downregulates the pulmonary chemokine expression, thus resulting in the inability to mount protective immunity in immunocompetent hosts.
Downregulation of Chicken Interleukin-17 Receptor A during Eimeria Infection
Authors: Kim Woo H. , Jeong Jipseol , Park Ae R. , Yim Dongjean , Kim Suk , Chang Hong H. , Yang Seung-Hak , Kim Dong-Hee , Lillehoj Hyun S. , Min Wongi
Published: July 2014

Both interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and IL-17F are proinflammatory cytokines that have an important role in intestinal homeostasis via receptor signaling. These cytokines have been characterized in chickens, but very little is known about their receptors and their functional activity. We provide here the first description of the sequence analysis, bioactivity, and comparative expression analysis of chicken IL-17RA (chIL-17RA) in chickens infected with
Salmonella
and
Eimeria
, two major infectious agents of gastrointestinal diseases of poultry of economic importance. A full-length chIL-17RA cDNA with a 2,568-bp coding region was identified from chicken thymus cDNA. chIL-17RA shares ca. 46% identity with mammalian homologues and 29.2 to 31.5% identity with its piscine counterparts. chIL-17RA transcript expression was relatively high in the thymus and in the chicken macrophage cell line HD11. The chIL-17RA-specific small interfering RNA inhibits interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and IL-1β mRNA expression in chicken embryo fibroblast cells (but not in DF-1 cells) stimulated with chIL-17A or chIL-17F. Interaction between chIL-17RA and chIL-17A was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation. Downregulation of chIL-17RA occurred in concanavalin A- or lipopolysaccharide-activated splenic lymphocytes but not in poly(I·C)-activated splenic lymphocytes. In
Salmonella
- and
Eimeria
-infected chickens, the expression levels of the chIL-17RA transcript were downregulated in intestinal tissues from chickens infected with two
Eimeria
species,
E. tenella
or
E. maxima
, that preferentially infect the cecum and jejunum, respectively. However, chIL-17RA expression was generally unchanged in
Salmonella
infection. These results suggest that chIL-17RA has an important role in mucosal immunity to intestinal intracellular parasite infections such as
Eimeria
infection.
Biochemical Characterization of a Dihydroneopterin Aldolase Used for Methanopterin Biosynthesis in Methanogens
Authors: Wang Yu , Xu Huimin , Grochowski Laura L. , White Robert H.
Published: July 2014

The gene encoding 7,8-dihydroneopterin aldolase (DHNA) was recently identified in archaea through comparative genomics as being involved in methanopterin biosynthesis (V. Crécy-Lagard, G. Phillips, L. L. Grochowski, B. El Yacoubi, F. Jenney, M. W. Adams, A. G. Murzin, and R. H. White, ACS Chem. Biol. 7:1807–1816, 2012, doi:10.1021/cb300342u). Archaeal DHNA shows a unique secondary and quaternary structure compared with bacterial and plant DHNAs. Here, we report a detailed biochemical examination of DHNA from the methanogen
Methanocaldococcus jannaschii
. Kinetic studies show that
M. jannaschii
DHNA possesses a catalytic capability with a
k
cat

/K
m

above 10
5
M
−1
s
−1
at 70°C, and at room temperature it exhibits a turnover number (0.07 s
−1
) comparable to bacterial DHNAs. We also found that this enzyme follows an acid-base catalytic mechanism similar to the bacterial DHNAs, except when using alternative catalytic residues. We propose that in the absence of lysine, which is considered to be the general base in bacterial DHNAs, an invariant water molecule likely functions as the catalytic base, and the strictly conserved His35 and Gln61 residues serve as the hydrogen bond partners to adjust the basicity of the water molecule. Indeed, substitution of either His35 or Gln61 causes a 20-fold decrease in
k
cat
. An invariant Tyr78 is also shown to be important for catalysis, likely functioning as a general acid. Glu25 plays an important role in substrate binding, since replacing Glu25 by Gln caused a ≥25-fold increase in

K
m

. These results provide important insights into the catalytic mechanism of archaeal DHNAs.
Communication between Binding Sites Is Required for YqjI Regulation of Target Promoters within the
yqjH-yqjI
Intergenic Region
Authors: Wang Suning , Blahut Matthew , Wu Yun , Philipkosky Katherine E. , Outten F. Wayne
Published: July 2014

The nickel-responsive transcription factor YqjI represses its own transcription and transcription of the divergent
yqjH
gene, which encodes a novel ferric siderophore reductase. The intergenic region between the two promoters is complex, with multiple sequence features that may impact YqjI-dependent regulation of its two target promoters. We utilized mutagenesis and DNase I footprinting to characterize YqjI regulation of the
yqjH-yqjI
intergenic region. The results show that YqjI binding results in an extended footprint at the
yqjI
promoter (site II) compared to the
yqjH
promoter (site I). Mutagenesis of
in vivo
gene reporter constructs revealed that the two YqjI binding sites, while separated by nearly 200 bp, appear to communicate in order to provide full YqjI-dependent regulation at the two target promoters. Thus, YqjI binding at both promoters is required for full repression of either promoter, suggesting that the two YqjI binding sites cooperate to control transcription from the divergent promoters. Furthermore, internal deletions that shorten the total length of the intergenic region disrupt the ability of YqjI to regulate the
yqjH
promoter. Finally, mutagenesis of the repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP) elements within the
yqjH-yqjI
intergenic region shows that these sequences are not required for YqjI regulation. These studies provide a complex picture of novel YqjI transcriptional regulation within the
yqjH-yqjI
intergenic region and suggest a possible model for communication between the YqjI binding sites at each target promoter.
Description and implementation of U-Turn Medical, a comprehensive lifestyle intervention programme for chronic disease in the sport and exercise medicine setting: pre–post observations in 210 consecutive patients
Authors: Derman Wayne , Schwellnus Martin , Hope Fallon , Jordaan Esme , Padayachee Trishanta
Published: July 2014

Background

Non-communicable disease (NCD) is increasing, but management remains mostly curative, disease-centred and focused on single interventions. We describe the development and implementation of a patient-centred, comprehensive, multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention programme (LIP) for patients with NCD in the sport and exercise medicine (SEM) setting (part 1) and present preliminary observational data (part 2).

Methods

Part 1 is a description of the programme development and implementation. In part 2, 210 participants with NCD underwent a 12-week LIP (U-Turn Medical). Physiological, functional and metabolic outcomes were assessed at baseline and at completion.

Results

84% of patients had two or more comorbidities, requiring additional considerations for exercise rehabilitation. On completion, there were decreases in % body fat (29.8±6.7% vs 28.5±6.6%), waist (100.2±16.2 vs 97.3±14.8 cm) and hip circumference (105.4±13 vs 104±12 cm), resting heart rate (74.2±13.4 vs 71.4±11.9 bpm), resting systolic blood pressure (125.7±16.1 vs 120.1±13 mm Hg) and cholesterol (4.7±1.2 vs 4.3±0.9 mmol/L), low-density lipoprotein (3±0.9 vs 2.7±0.8 mmol/L) and triglyceride (1.4±0.7 vs 1.3±0.6 mmol/L), and increases in flexibility (12.1±11.6 vs 16.1±10.8 cm) and 6 min walk distance (559.4±156.6 vs 652.3±193.6 m; all p<0.05).

Conclusions

A 12-week comprehensive, patient-centred LIP can be implemented successfully in the SEM setting in patients with NCDs with multiple comorbidities. Observed results show improvements in the majority of outcome variables.
Inter-annual and intra-annual variability in blood variables and parasitic loads of wild Thunnus maccoyii
Authors: Kirchhoff Nicole T. , Nelligan Justin , Ellis David , Cadoret Karine , Leef Melanie , Nowak Barbara
Published: July 2014

The health of southern bluefin tuna (SBT), Thunnus maccoyii, in the Great Australian Bight was assessed. Samples were obtained over 3 years (2010–2012) and over five individual schools in 2012. Several blood variables and parasite loads were measured and used as indicators of SBT health. The health of wild SBT varied among years and among schools sampled within the same month. Haemoglobin and the humoral immune parameters lysozyme and alternative complement activity explained the majority of the variation. Haemoglobin concentration, lysozyme activity, alternative complement activity, and lactate were lower in wild SBT sampled in 2010 than in 2011 and 2012. The extent to which the health differences in wild SBT may affect ranched SBT is currently unknown. Benchmark values were set for various blood parameters and parasite loads in wild SBT.
An Adjustment-Free NDT Technique for Defect Detection in Multilayered Composite Constructions Using Ultrasonic Guided Waves
Authors: Raišutis Renaldas , Kažys Rymantas , Mažeika Liudas , Žukauskas Egidijus , Samaitis Vykintas , Draudvilienė Lina , Vladišauskas Alfonsas
Published: July 2014

In recent years, the novel lightweight honeycomb sandwich structures have been applied in a wide range of industries. However, daily operational conditions, fatigue, as well as various defects developed during exploitation lead to the risk of structure failure. To meet safety and economical requirements, such structures must be tested. In this paper, an ultrasonic pitch-catch technique based on ultrasonic guided waves (UGW) for detection of defects in honeycomb sandwich structures is proposed. The technique is based on simultaneous scanning of a pair of contact type transmitting and receiving transducers positioned at fixed distance from each other. The proposed technique has been verified by the experiments and simulations on a honeycomb sandwich structure with an aluminium core and carbon fiber skin. The results have shown that different types of internal nonhomogeneities, such as changes in internal multilayered structure, skin delaminations or disbonds between the skin and the core, give the effects of amplitude and phase velocity deviations, which can be detected with accuracy reasonable for practical applications.
Sensor Mission Assignment in Rechargeable Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Porta Thomas La , Petrioli Chiara , Phillips Cynthia , Spenza Dora
Published: July 2014

Sensor mission assignment involves matching the sensing resources of a wireless sensor network (WSN) to appropriate tasks (missions), which may come to the network dynamically. Although solutions for WSNs with battery-operated nodes have been proposed for this problem, no attention has been given to networks whose nodes have energy-harvesting capabilities and are powered in part by uncontrollable environmental sources, which impose quite a different energy model. In this article we address this problem by providing both an analytical model and a distributed heuristic, called EN-MASSE, specifically tailored for energy-harvesting mission-centric WSNs. To assess the performance of our proposed solution we have interfaced TelosB nodes with solar cells and performed extensive experiments to derive models and traces of solar energy acquisition. We use such real-life traces in our simulations. A comparative performance evaluation between EN-MASSE and other schemes previously proposed in the literature has shown that our solution significantly outperforms existing energy-harvesting-unaware mission assignment schemes. Moreover, using our analytical model as a benchmark, we also show that the profit earned by EN-MASSE is close to the optimum. Finally, we have implemented our proposed solution in TinyOS and experimentally validated its performance, showing the effectiveness of our approach.