bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reaction of bentonite in low-alkali cement leachates: an overview of the Cyprus Natural Analogue Project (CNAP)
Authors: Alexander W. R. , Milodowski A. E. , Pitty A. F. , Hardie S. M. L. , Kemp S. J. , Korkeakoski P. , Rigas M. , Rushton J. C. , Sellin P. , Tweed C. J.
Published: January 2013

The Cyprus Natural Analogue Project was carried out due to the requirement to support ongoing laboratory and modelling efforts on the potential reaction of the bentonite buffer with cementitious leachates in the repository engineered barrier system. Although it is known that the higher pH (12.5–13) leachates from ordinary Portland cement will degrade bentonite, it is unclear if this will also be the case for the lower pH (10–11) leachates typical of low alkali cements. Ongoing laboratory and underground rock laboratory programmes, which are currently investigating this, face the obstacle of slow kinetics and the production of short-lived metastable phases, meaning obtaining unambiguous results may take decades. It was therefore decided to implement a focussed natural analogue study on bentonite/low alkali cement leachate reactions to provide indications of the probable long-term reaction products and reaction pathways to provide feedback on the existing short-term investigations noted above and to ascertain if any critical path research and development needs to be instigated now. The results of the analyses presented here, in this short overview of the project, suggest that there has been very limited alkaline groundwater reaction with the bentonite. This is generally supported by both the geomorphological evidence and the natural decay series data which imply groundwater/rock interaction in the last 105 a.
Modelling evolution in the near field of a cementitious repository
Authors: Hoch A. R. , Baston G. M. N. , Glasser F. P. , Hunter F. M. I. , Smith V.
Published: January 2013

In the United Kingdom, disposal of radioactive waste may involve packages of grouted waste being placed in a geological disposal facility (GDF) and surrounded by a cementitious backfill. This paper describes modelling that has been carried out to develop an understanding of the possible spatial and temporal evolution within the GDF.

A single waste package is assumed to be filled with an encapsulation grout, placed in an underground vault and surrounded by a cementitious backfill. Groundwater from the host rock flows into the vault and through the backfill. A simplified model system examines the interactions between groundwater, cementitious backfill and grout.

In most cases the model predicts a reduction in the backfill porosity due to precipitation and dissolution reactions, particularly at the upstream edge of the vault. The degree to which this occurs depends on the groundwater composition. The model also predicts precipitation and dissolution reactions would occur in the grouts close to their interface with the backfill, reducing the local porosity significantly which may isolate the grouts from the backfill, so that the pH within the grouts would be unchanged over an extended period.
Europium interaction with a vault backfill at high pH
Authors: Telchadder R. , Smith K. , Bryan N. D.
Published: January 2013

Batch experiments have been used to assess the sorption properties of a potential cementitious repository backfill, NRVB (Nirex reference vault backfill), using Eu3+as a model trivalent radionuclide and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as a competing ligand. The NRVB is an effective scavenger of Eu from solution, with most sorbed within minutes onto the crushed material and less than 1.5% remaining in solution after one day (Rdvalues in the range 0.3–2.4 × 104l kg−1). Ultrafiltration showed that nearly all of this remaining Eu (>94%) is attached to NRVB derived colloids or particulates that are mainly retained by a 100 kDa ultrafilter. High concentrations of EDTA (>0.01 M) reduced the extent of sorption at apparent equilibrium. The addition of EDTA to a pre-equilibrated system of Eu3+and NRVB resulted in a temporary suspension of some Eu, but this very quickly returned to the solid phase. There is some irreversibility in these systems, with EDTA able to prevent removal of Eu(III) from solution, but unable to bring it back into solution under the same conditions.
Uranium uptake onto Magnox sludge minerals studied using EXAFS
Authors: van Veelen A. , Copping R. , Law G. T. W. , Smith A. J. , Bargar J. R. , Rogers J. , Shuh D. K. , Wogelius R. A.
Published: January 2013

Around the world large quantities of sludge wastes derived from nuclear energy production are currently kept in storage facilities. In the UK, the British government has marked sludge removal as a top priority as these facilities are nearing the end of their operational lifetimes. Therefore chemical understanding of uranium uptake in Mg-rich sludge is critical for successful remediation strategies. Previous studies have explored uranium uptake by the calcium carbonate minerals, calcite and aragonite, under conditions applicable to both natural and anthropogenically perturbed systems. However, studies of the uptake by Mg-rich minerals such as brucite [Mg(OH)2], nesquehonite [MgCO3·3H2O] and hydromagnesite [Mg5(CO3)4(OH)2·4H2O], have not been previously conducted. Such experiments will improve our understanding of the mobility of uranium and other actinides in natural lithologies as well as provide key information applicable to nuclear waste repository strategies involving Mg-rich phases. Experiments with mineral powders were used to determine the partition coefficients (Kd) and coordination of UO22+ during adsorption and co-precipitation with brucite, nesquehonite and hydromagnesite. The Kd values for the selected Mg-rich minerals were comparable or greater than those published for calcium carbonates. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis results showed that the structure of the uranyl-triscarbonato [UO2(CO3)3] species was maintained after surface attachment and that uptake of uranyl ions took place mainly via mineral surface reactions.
Observations of heterogeneous pore pressure distributions in clay-rich materials
Authors: Cuss R. J. , Harrington J. F. , Graham C. C. , Sathar S. , Milodowski A. E.
Published: January 2013

The concept of effective stress is one of the basic tenets of rock mechanics where the stress acting on a rock can be viewed as the total stress minus the pore water pressure. In many materials, including clay-rich rocks, this relationship has been seen to be imperfect and a coefficient (χ) is added to account for the mechanical properties of the clay matrix. Recent experimental results during the flow testing (both gas and water) of several rocks (Callovo-Oxfordian claystone, Opalinus Clay, Boom Clay) and geomaterials (bentonite, kaolinite) has given evidence for stable high pressure differentials. The design of the experiments allows multiple measurements of pore pressure, which commonly shows a complex distribution for several different experimental geometries. The observed stable high pressure differentials and heterogeneous pore pressure distribution makes the describing of stress states in terms of effective stress complex. Highly localized pore pressures can be sustained by argillaceous materials and concepts of evenly distributed pore pressures throughout the sample (i.e. conventional effective stress) do not fit many clay-rich rocks if the complexities observed on the micro-scale are not incorporated, especially when considering the case of gas flow.
An overview of gas research in support of the UK geological disposal programme
Authors: Williams S. J.
Published: January 2013

Gases will be generated in waste packages during their transport to a geological disposal facility (GDF), this generation will continue during GDF operations and after GDF closure. The range of gases produced will include flammable, radioactive and chemotoxic species. These must be managed to ensure safety during transport and operations, and the post-closure consequences need to be understood. The two primary post-closure gas issues for a GDF are the need for the system pressure to remain below a value at which irreversible damage to the engineered barrier system and host geology could occur, and the need to ensure that any flux of gas (in particular gaseous radionuclides) to the biosphere does not result in unacceptable risk. This paper provides an overview of the research of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Radioactive Waste Management Directorate into gas generation and its migration from a GDF.
Comparison of alternative approaches to modelling gas migration through a higher strength rock
Authors: Hoch A. R. , James M.
Published: January 2013

The Radioactive Waste Management Directorate of the UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has prepared a generic disposal system safety case (DSSC) that covers a range of possible host rock environments. In many of the waste packages considered in the DSSC, the formation of gases by chemical and microbial processes is likely to occur. In order to demonstrate safety, it is necessary to understand the rates at which the gases are generated and their subsequent migration from a disposal facility after closure. This paper is concerned with modelling gas migration through a fractured higher strength host rock. A first set of simulations compares alternative approaches to modelling gas migration through a fractured rock. The approaches differ in their representation of the interaction between the fractures and the rock matrix. As expected, the gross features of many of the simulations are very similar, with a single continuum approach in which the porosity is set equal to either the fracture porosity or the matrix porosity providing the bounding cases. Gas migration is slower for those simulations where the gas can access more of the rock matrix. A final simulation, with a heterogeneous permeability field, is compared with the other simulations, again showing a very similar evolution.
Sorption properties of aged cements
Authors: Baston G. M. N. , Cowper M. M. , Marshall T. A.
Published: January 2013

Samples of artificially aged Nirex reference vault backfill (NRVB) were prepared by progressive leaching with deionized water, after which some of the samples underwent hydrothermal treatment. Compared to unaltered NRVB, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) provided evidence for the ageing resulting in alteration of the mineralogy, in particular the absence of portlandite was observed. The specific surface area of NRVB initially increased due to leaching, but then decreased after further leaching.

Sorption distribution ratios (RD values) of uranium(VI), neptunium(IV), tin and zirconium onto aged NRVB samples were measured using the batch sorption technique. For all four elements, there was little difference between RD values for aged NRVB and those for untreated material. The most probable explanation for these findings is that even though the ageing treatments altered the NRVB mineralogy, calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) phases are responsible for most of the radionuclide uptake and their transformation to more crystalline forms has little effect on the bulk sorption capacity of the aged material.
Viral latency locus augments B-cell response in vivo to induce chronic marginal zone enlargement, plasma cell hyperplasia, and lymphoma
Authors: Sin Sang-Hoon , Dittmer Dirk P.
Published: January 2013

Key Points

Kaposi sarcoma associated herpesvirus miRNAs and latent proteins drive B-cell proliferation. Viral miRNAs and latent proteins induce BCR and TLR hyper-responsivness in transgenic mice.
Genome-wide analysis of human hotspot intersected genes highlights the roles of meiotic recombination in evolution and disease
Authors: Zhou Tao , Hu Zhibin , Zhou Zuomin , Guo Xuejiang , Sha Jiahao
Published: January 2013

Background

Meiotic recombination events are not randomly located, but rather cluster at hotspot regions. Recently, the fine-scale mapping of genome-wide human recombination hotspots was performed. Here, we systematically analyzed the evolutionary and disease-associated features of hotspots that overlapped with protein-coding genes.

Results

In this study, we defined hotspot intersected genes as HI genes. We found that HI genes were prone to be located in the extracellular part and were functionally enriched in cell-to-cell communication. Tissue-specific genes and secreted protein encoding genes were overrepresented in HI genes, while housekeeping genes were underrepresented. Compared to slowly evolving housekeeping genes and random genes with lower recombination rates, HI genes evolved faster. The fact that brain and blood specific genes were overrepresented in HI genes indicates that they may be involved in the evolution of human intelligence and the immune system. We also found that genes related to disease were enriched in HI genes, especially genes with disease-associated chromosomal rearrangements. Hotspot sequence motifs were overrepresented in common sequences of HI genes and genes with disease-associated chromosomal rearrangements. We further listed repeat elements that were enriched both in hotspots and genes with disease-associated chromosomal rearrangements.

Conclusion

HI genes are evolving and may be involved in the generation of key features of human during evolution. Disease-associated genes may be by-products of meiotic recombination. In addition, hotspot sequence motifs and repeat elements showed the connection between meiotic recombination and genes with disease-associated chromosomal rearrangements at the sequence level. Our study will enable us to better understand the evolutionary and biological significance of human meiotic recombination.
Comparison of class 2 transposable elements at superfamily resolution reveals conserved and distinct features in cereal grass genomes
Authors: Han Yujun , Qin Shanshan , Wessler Susan R
Published: January 2013

Background

Class 2 transposable elements (TEs) are the predominant elements in and around plant genes where they generate significant allelic diversity. Using the complete sequences of four grasses, we have performed a novel comparative analysis of class 2 TEs. To ensure consistent comparative analyses, we re-annotated class 2 TEs in Brachypodium distachyon, Oryza sativa (rice), Sorghum bicolor and Zea mays and assigned them to one of the five cut-and-paste superfamilies found in plant genomes (Tc1/mariner, PIF/Harbinger, hAT, Mutator, CACTA). We have focused on noncoding elements because of their abundance, and compared superfamily copy number, size and genomic distribution as well as correlation with the level of nearby gene expression.

Results

Our comparison revealed both unique and conserved features. First, the average length or size distribution of elements in each superfamily is largely conserved, with the shortest always being Tc1/mariner elements, followed by PIF/Harbinger, hAT, Mutator and CACTA. This order also holds for the ratio of the copy numbers of noncoding to coding elements. Second, with the exception of CACTAs, noncoding TEs are enriched within and flanking genes, where they display conserved distribution patterns, having the highest peak in the promoter region. Finally, our analysis of microarray data revealed that genes associated with Tc1/mariner and PIF/Harbinger noncoding elements have significantly higher expression levels than genes without class 2 TEs. In contrast, genes with CACTA elements have significantly lower expression than genes without class 2 TEs.

Conclusions

We have achieved the most comprehensive annotation of class 2 TEs to date in these four grass genomes. Comparative analysis of this robust dataset led to the identification of several previously unknown features of each superfamily related to copy number, element size, genomic distribution and correlation with the expression levels of nearby genes. These results highlight the importance of distinguishing TE superfamilies when assessing their impact on gene and genome evolution.
ANGUSTIFOLIA is a central component of tissue morphogenesis mediated by the atypical receptor-like kinase STRUBBELIG
Authors: Bai Yang , Vaddepalli Prasad , Fulton Lynette , Bhasin Hemal , Hülskamp Martin , Schneitz Kay
Published: January 2013

Background

During plant tissue morphogenesis cells have to coordinate their behavior to allow the generation of the size, shape and cellular patterns that distinguish an organ. Despite impressive progress the underlying signaling pathways remain largely unexplored. InArabidopsis thaliana, the atypical leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase STRUBBELIG (SUB) is involved in signal transduction in several developmental processes including the formation of carpels, petals, ovules and root hair patterning. The threeSTRUBBELIG-LIKE MUTANT(SLM) genesDETORQUEO(DOQ),QUIRKY(QKY) andZERZAUST(ZET) are considered central elements ofSUB-mediated signal transduction pathways as corresponding mutants share most phenotypic aspects withsubmutants.

Results

Here we show thatDOQcorresponds to the previously identifiedANGUSTIFOLIAgene. The genetic analysis revealed that thedoq-1mutant exhibits all additional mutant phenotypes and conversely that otheranalleles show theslmphenotypes. We further provide evidence that SUB and AN physically interact and that AN is not required for subcellular localization of SUB.

Conclusions

Our data suggest thatANis involved inSUBsignal transduction pathways. In addition, they reveal previously unreported functions ofANin several biological processes, such as ovule development, cell morphogenesis in floral meristems, and root hair patterning. Finally, SUB and AN may directly interact at the plasma membrane to mediate SUB-dependent signaling.
The maximum standardized uptake value of 18 F-FDG PET scan to determine prognosis of hormone-receptor positive metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Jian , Jia Zhen , Ragaz Joseph , Zhang Ying-Jian , Zhou Min , Zhang Yong-Ping , Li Gang , Wang Bi-Yun , Wang Zhong-Hua , Hu Xi-Chun
Published: January 2013

Background

Whether PET scan maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) could differentiate luminal A from luminal B and help predict the survival of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) patients with luminal subtype is still unknown and need to be investigated.

Methods

305 MBC patients with luminal subtypes were screened with PET/CT. Eligible patients were prospectively followed up.

Results

In total, 134 patients were eligible for this study. SUVmax was significantly related to the number of metastatic sites and presence of visceral metastasis on univariate analysis. SUVmax could not effectively differentiate patients with luminal A from luminal B subtype. Although luminal subtype at diagnosis could predict the relapse-free interval, it could not predict progression-free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) after developing relapse. In contrast, SUVmax was predictive of both PFS and OS and this effect was maintained in multivariate COX regression model.

Conclusions

SUVmax of MBC did not correlate with molecular subtypes of primary tumor. While molecular subtype may be a valuable prognostic factor at primary diagnosis of breast cancer, the SUVmax, rather than molecular subtype, does have a potential to predict independently in multivariate analysis for the PFS and OS in patients with metastatic disease of luminal subtype.
Influence of the gel thickness on in vivo hyaline cartilage regeneration induced by double-network gel implanted at the bottom of a large osteochondral defect: Short-term results
Authors: Matsuda Hidetoshi , Kitamura Nobuto , Kurokawa Takayuki , Arakaki Kazunobu , Gong Jian Ping , Kanaya Fuminori , Yasuda Kazunori
Published: January 2013

Background

A double-network (DN) gel, which is composed of poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid) and poly(N,N’-dimethyl acrylamide), can induce hyaline cartilage regeneration in vivo in a large osteochondral defect. The purpose of this study was to clarify the influence of the thickness of the implanted DN gel on the induction ability of hyaline cartilage regeneration.

Methods

Thirty-eight mature rabbits were used in this study. We created an osteochondral defect having a diameter of 4.3-mm in the patellofemoral joint. The knees were randomly divided into 4 groups (Group I: 0.5-mm thick gel, Group II: 1.0-mm thick gel, Group III: 5.0-mm thick gel, and Group IV: untreated control). Animals in each group were further divided into 3 sub-groups depending on the gel implant position (2.0-, 3.0-, or 4.0-mm depth from the articular surface) in the defect. The regenerated tissues were evaluated with the Wayne’s gross and histological grading scales and real time PCR analysis of the cartilage marker genes at 4 weeks.

Results

According to the total Wayne’s score, when the depth of the final vacant space was set at 2.0 mm, the scores in Groups I, II, and III were significantly greater than that Group IV (p < 0.05), although there were no significant differences between Groups I and IV at a 3.0-mm deep vacant space. The expression levels of type-2 collagen in Groups II and III were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in Group IV.

Conclusions

The 1.0-mm thick DN gel sheet had the same ability to induce hyaline cartilage regeneration as the 5.0-mm thick DN gel plug. However, the induction ability of the 0.5-mm thick sheet was significantly lower when compared with the 1.0-mm thick gel sheet. The 1.0-mm DN gel sheet is a promising device to establish a cell-free cartilage regeneration strategy that minimizes bone loss from the gel implantation.
Oral health behavior of drug addicts in withdrawal treatment
Authors: Shekarchizadeh Hajar , Khami Mohammad R , Mohebbi Simin Z , Virtanen Jorma I
Published: January 2013

Background

Oral health behavior (OHB), one major factor contributing to proper oral health status, has been addressed insufficiently in addiction literature. The aim of our study was to investigate OHB and its determinants among drug addicts in withdrawal treatment.

Methods

Through a stratified cluster sampling method, we collected the data from 685 patients in withdrawal treatment in Tehran using self-administered questionnaires on OHB components and conducting interviews about patients’ characteristics and addiction history. The T-test, ANOVA, and a linear regression model served for statistical analysis.

Results

Of the patients, 48% reported brushing their teeth less than once a day, more than 90% used fluoride toothpaste almost or always, and 81% flossed their teeth rarely or never. Eating sugary products twice a day or more was reported by 57% of the patients and 85% of them were current smokers. Poor OHB was associated with male gender, lower education, being addicted mainly to crystalline heroin, starting drug abuse at a younger age, and having a longer history of addiction (p < .05).

Conclusion

Poor OHB was found among the participants in drug withdrawal treatment. Preventive strategies on oral health should be planned and be integrated into other health promotion programs for addicts along with their withdrawal treatment taking into account special groups at higher risk.
Treatment with a copper-selective chelator causes substantive improvement in cardiac function of diabetic rats with left-ventricular impairment
Authors: Lu Jun , Pontré Beau , Pickup Stephen , Choong Soon Y , Li Mingming , Xu Hong , Gamble Gregory D , Phillips Anthony RJ , Cowan Brett R , Young Alistair A , Cooper Garth JS
Published: January 2013

Background

Defective copper regulation is implicated as a causative mechanism of organ damage in diabetes. Treatment with trientine, a divalent-copper-selective chelator, improves arterial and renal structure/function in diabetes, wherein it also ameliorates left-ventricular (LV) hypertrophy. However, direct in vivo evidence that trientine can improve cardiac function in heart failure has hitherto been lacking.

Methods

To determine whether trientine treatment could improve in vivo outcome, we measured cardiac function in groups of trientine-treated diabetic (TETA-DIA), non-drug-treated diabetic (DIA) and sham-treated control (SHAM) rats, by using in vivo high-field cardiac magnetic-resonance imaging (cMRI) and an ex vivo isolated-perfused working heart method. Forty age-matched animals underwent a cMRI scan after which 12 were randomized to the SHAM group and 28 underwent streptozotocin-injection; of these, 25 developed stable diabetes, and 12 were then randomized to receive no treatment for 16 weeks (DIA) and the other 13 to undergo 8-weeks’ untreated diabetes followed by 8-weeks’ drug treatment (TETA-DIA). Animals were studied again by cMRI at 8 and 16 weeks following disease induction, and finally by measurement of ex vivo cardiac function.

Results

After eight weeks diabetes, rats (DIA/TETA-DIA) had developed significant impairment of LV function, as judged by impairment of ejection fraction (LVEF), cardiac output (CO), and LV mass (LVM)/body-mass (all P < 0.001), as well as other functional indexes. LVEF, CO (both P < 0.001) and the other indexes deteriorated further at 16 weeks in DIA, whereas trientine (TETA-DIA) improved cardiac function by elevating LVEF and CO (both P < 0.001), and also partially reversed the increase in LVM/body-mass (P < 0.05). In ex vivo hearts from DIA, the CO response to increasing preload pressure was deficient compared with SHAM (P < 0.001) whereas the preload-CO relationship was significantly improved in TETA-DIA animals (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Trientine treatment significantly improved cardiac function in diabetic rats with substantive LV impairment. These results implicate impaired copper regulation in the pathogenesis of impaired cardiac function caused by diabetic cardiomyopathy, and support ongoing studies of trientine treatment in patients with heart failure.
Characterization of physicochemical properties of ivy nanoparticles for cosmetic application
Authors: Huang Yujian , Lenaghan Scott C , Xia Lijin , Burris Jason N , Stewart C Neal Jr , Zhang Mingjun
Published: February 2013

Background

Naturally occurring nanoparticles isolated from English ivy (Hedera helix) have previously been proposed as an alternative to metallic nanoparticles as sunscreen fillers due to their effective UV extinction property, low toxicity and potential biodegradability.

Methods

This study focused on analyzing the physicochemical properties of the ivy nanoparticles, specifically, those parameters which are crucial for use as sunscreen fillers, such as pH, temperature, and UV irradiation. The visual transparency and cytotoxicity of ivy nanoparticles were also investigated comparing them with other metal oxide nanoparticles.

Results

Results from this study demonstrated that, after treatment at 100°C, there was a clear increase in the UV extinction spectra of the ivy nanoparticles caused by the partial decomposition. In addition, the UVA extinction spectra of the ivy nanoparticles gradually reduced slightly with the decrease of pH values in solvents. Prolonged UV irradiation indicated that the influence of UV light on the stability of the ivy nanoparticle was limited and time-independent. Compared to TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles, ivy nanoparticles showed better visual transparency. Methylthiazol tetrazolium assay demonstrated that ivy nanoparticles exhibited lower cytotoxicity than the other two types of nanoparticles. Results also suggested that protein played an important role in modulating the three-dimensional structure of the ivy nanoparticles.

Conclusions

Based on the results from this study it can be concluded that the ivy nanoparticles are able to maintain their UV protective capability at wide range of temperature and pH values, further demonstrating their potential as an alternative to replace currently available metal oxide nanoparticles in sunscreen applications.
Multi-channel acoustic recording and automated analysis of Drosophila courtship songs
Authors: Arthur Benjamin J , Sunayama-Morita Tomoko , Coen Philip , Murthy Mala , Stern David L
Published: January 2013

Background

Drosophila melanogaster has served as a powerful model system for genetic studies of courtship songs. To accelerate research on the genetic and neural mechanisms underlying courtship song, we have developed a sensitive recording system to simultaneously capture the acoustic signals from 32 separate pairs of courting flies as well as software for automated segmentation of songs.

Results

Our novel hardware design enables recording of low amplitude sounds in most laboratory environments. We demonstrate the power of this system by collecting, segmenting and analyzing over 18 hours of courtship song from 75 males from five wild-type strains of Drosophila melanogaster. Our analysis reveals previously undetected modulation of courtship song features and extensive natural genetic variation for most components of courtship song. Despite having a large dataset with sufficient power to detect subtle modulations of song, we were unable to identify previously reported periodic rhythms in the inter-pulse interval of song. We provide detailed instructions for assembling the hardware and for using our open-source segmentation software.

Conclusions

Analysis of a large dataset of acoustic signals from Drosophila melanogaster provides novel insight into the structure and dynamics of species-specific courtship songs. Our new system for recording and analyzing fly acoustic signals should therefore greatly accelerate future studies of the genetics, neurobiology and evolution of courtship song.
A (H1N1) pdm09 HA D222 variants associated with severity and mortality in patients during a second wave in Mexico
Authors: Vazquez-Perez Joel A , Isa Pavel , Kobasa Darwyn , Ormsby Christopher E , Ramírez-Gonzalez Jose E , Romero-Rodríguez Damaris P , Ranadheera Charlene , Li Yan , Bastien Nathalie , Embury-Hyatt Carissa , González-Duran Elizabeth , Barrera-Badillo Gisela , Ablanedo-Terrazas Yuria , Sevilla-Reyes Edgar E , Escalera-Zamudio Marina , Cobián-Güemes Ana G , Lopez Irma , Ortiz-Alcántara Joanna , Alpuche-Aranda Celia , Perez-Padilla Jose R , Reyes-Terán Gustavo
Published: January 2013

Background

Pandemic type A (H1N1) influenza arose in early 2009, probably in Mexico and the United States, and reappeared in North America in September for seven more months. An amino acid substitution in the hemagglutinin (HA), D222G, has been reported in a significant proportion of patients with a severe and fatal outcome. We studied the prevalence of HA222 substitutions in patients in Mexico during the second wave and its association with clinical outcome and pathogenicity in a mouse model.

Methods

The nucleotide sequences of hemagglutinin (HA) from viruses collected from 77 patients were determined including 50 severe and fatal cases and 27 ambulatory cases. Deep sequencing was done on 5 samples from severe or fatal cases in order to determine the quasispecies proportion. Weight loss and mortality due to infection with cultured influenza viruses were analyzed in a mouse model.

Results

Viruses from 14 out of 50 hospitalized patients (28%) had a non aspartic acid residue at the HA 222 position (nD222), while all 27 ambulatory patients had D222 (p = 0.0014). G222 was detected as sole species or in coexistence with N222 and D222 in 12 patients with severe disease including 8 who died. N222 in coexistence with D222 was detected in 1 patient who died and co-occurrence of A222 and V222, together with D222, was detected in another patient who died. The patients with a nD222 residue had higher mortality (71.4%), compared to the group with only D222 (22.2%, p = 0.0008). Four of the 14 viruses from hospitalized patients were cultured and intranasally infected into mice. Two viruses with G222 were lethal while a third virus, with G222, caused only mild illness in mice similar to the fourth virus that contained D222.

Conclusions

We confirm the elevated incidence of HA222 (H1N1)pdm09 variants in severe disease and mortality. Both clinical and mouse infection data support the idea that nD222 mutations contribute to increased severity of disease but additional determinants in disease outcome may be present.
The epidemiology, antibiotic resistance and post-discharge course of peritonsillar abscesses in London, Ontario
Authors: Sowerby Leigh J , Hussain Zafar , Husein Murad
Published: January 2013

Background

Peritonsillar abscesses (PTA) are a common complication of tonsillitis. Recent global epidemiological data regarding PTAs have demonstrated increasing antimicrobial resistance patterns. No similar studies have been conducted in Canada and no Canadian study has examined the post-discharge course of treated patients.

Methods

A prospective observational study of the epidemiology, antibiotic resistance and post-discharge course of patients presenting with a peritonsillar abscess to the Emergency Department in London, Ontario over one year. A follow-up telephone survey was conducted 2–3 weeks after abscess drainage.

Results

60 patients were diagnosed with an abscess, giving an incidence of 12/100,000. 46 patients were enrolled in the study; the average duration of symptoms prior to presentation was 6 days, with 51% treated with antibiotics prior to presentation. Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus anginosus were present in 56% of isolates and of those, 7/23 (32%) of specimens demonstrated resistance to clindamycin. Eight patients were treated with clindamycin and had a culture that was resistant, yet only one had recurrence. Telephone follow-up was possible for 38 patients: 51% of patients reported a return to solid food within 2 days, and 75% reported no pain by 5 days. Resolution of trismus took a week or longer for 51%.

Interpretation

Clindamycin resistance was identified in a third of Streptococcus isolates, which should be taken into account when prescribing antibiotics. Routine culture appears unnecessary as patients recover quickly from outpatient drainage and empiric therapy, with less pain than expected, but trismus takes time to resolve.
Percutaneous cartilage injection: A prospective animal study on a rabbit model
Authors: Beaudoin Olivier X , Mitchell Andrew , Rahal Akram
Published: January 2013

Background

Cartilage grafting is a useful technique in nasal reconstruction. Implantation of a whole graft is usually done through an incision. Crushed cartilage can also be used. Injection of cartilage could be an alternative to implantation. The objective of this study is to compare the long-term viability of percutaneously injected crushed auricular cartilage to surgically implanted cartilage in the rabbit.

Methods

Auricular cartilage was harvested bilaterally in 10 New Zealand white rabbits. A 1 cm2 cartilage graft was implanted surgically on the upper nasal dorsum. The remaining cartilage was crushed and percutaneously injected on the lower nasal dorsum. Volume and mass of each graft were compared between pre-implantation and after 3 months of observation. A histological study was conducted to evaluate chondrocyte viability and degree of fibrosis on pre and post-implantation cartilage.

Results

Mass and volume remained similar for surgically implanted cartilage grafts. Mass and volume diminished by an average of 47% and 40% respectively after 3 months for the injected crushed cartilage grafts. Chondrocyte viability was an average of 25% lower in the injected grafts.

Conclusions

Cartilage injection is a promising technique that must be refined to increase chondrocyte viability. Developing an appropriate injection apparatus would improve this technique.
Syntheses, characterizations and thermal analyses of four novel unsymmetrical β-diketiminates
Authors: Patil Siddappa A , Medina Phillip A , Ziller Joseph W , Fahlman Bradley D
Published: January 2013

Four novel unsymmetrical β-diketiminates 2-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)amino-4-(phenyl)imino-2-pentene (4a), 2-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)amino-4-(4-methylphenyl)imino-2-pentene (4b), 2-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)amino-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)imino-2-pentene (4c) and 2-(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)amino-4-(4-chlorophenyl)imino-2-pentene (4d) were synthesized with a 77-84% yield, and were characterized by spectroscopic methods (1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR and mass spectrometry), elemental analysis, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction, respectively. Spectroscopic and X-ray single-crystal diffraction analyses determined the structures of the four β-diketiminates. While thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed two distinct endothermic peaks for each β-diketiminate at temperatures of 92.55°C and 221.50°C (4a), 93.51°C and 238.82°C (4b), 109.60°C and 329.22°C (4c), 115.43°C and 243.25°C (4d), respectively, corresponding to their melting and boiling points.
Cellular Mechanism by Which Estradiol Protects Female Ovariectomized Mice From High-Fat Diet-Induced Hepatic and Muscle Insulin Resistance
Authors: Camporez João Paulo G. , Jornayvaz François R. , Lee Hui-Young , Kanda Shoichi , Guigni Blas A. , Kahn Mario , Samuel Varman T. , Carvalho Carla R.O. , Petersen Kitt Falk , Jurczak Michael J. , Shulman Gerald I.
Published: January 2013

Estrogen replacement therapy reduces the incidence of type 2 diabetes in postmenopausal women; however, the mechanism is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolic effects of estrogen replacement therapy in an experimental model of menopause. At 8 weeks of age, female mice were ovariectomized (OVX) or sham (SHAM) operated, and OVX mice were treated with vehicle (OVX) or estradiol (E2) (OVX+E2). After 4 weeks of high-fat diet feeding, OVX mice had increased body weight and fat mass compared with SHAM and OVX+E2 mice. OVX mice displayed reduced whole-body energy expenditure, as well as impaired glucose tolerance and whole-body insulin resistance. Differences in whole-body insulin sensitivity in OVX compared with SHAM mice were accounted for by impaired muscle insulin sensitivity, whereas both hepatic and muscle insulin sensitivity were impaired in OVX compared with OVX+E2 mice. Muscle diacylglycerol (DAG), content in OVX mice was increased relative to SHAM and OVX+E2 mice. In contrast, E2 treatment prevented the increase in hepatic DAG content observed in both SHAM and OVX mice. Increases in tissue DAG content were associated with increased protein kinase Cϵ activation in liver of SHAM and OVX mice compared with OVX+E2 and protein kinase Cθ activation in skeletal muscle of OVX mice compared with SHAM and OVX+E2. Taken together, these data demonstrate that E2 plays a pivotal role in the regulation of whole-body energy homeostasis, increasing O2 consumption and energy expenditure in OVX mice, and in turn preventing diet-induced ectopic lipid (DAG) deposition and hepatic and muscle insulin resistance.
Lay Patronage and the Development of Ecclesiastical Property in Spanish America: The Case of Buenos Aires, 1700–1900
Authors: Di Stefano Roberto
Published: January 2013

Beginning with the dissolution of colonial Christendom, the development of church property has been closely tied to processes of secularization in Latin American countries. This process is to be understood not as the marginalization of religion but as the restructuring of religious matters in modern societies. The practice of lay patronage—which was common in America, as it was in Europe for centuries—channeled family wealth into the financial support of certain institutions, which in turn allowed lay patrons to intervene in decisions about religious life. In the case of Buenos Aires such properties were absorbed or expropriated during the nineteenth century as part of a process of centralization, in which local church authorities, the papacy, and the state all participated. Thus in Buenos Aires the process of disentailment of church property did not involve the transfer of property from the church to the state, as might be supposed by extrapolating from the liberal reforms that took place in other countries. Rather, there was a process of appropriation by the state and by the church of property and managerial authority that had previously been held by families and various local institutions. It is worth asking if this phenomenon was unique to Buenos Aires, or if it can be generalized in some measure to other parts of the Hispanic world.
The transcription factor Vox represses endoderm development by interacting with Casanova and Pou2
Authors: Zhao Jue , Lambert Guillaume , Meijer Annemarie H. , Rosa Frederic M.
Published: January 2013

Endoderm and mesoderm are both formed upon activation of Nodal signaling but how endoderm differentiates from mesoderm is still poorly explored. The sox-related gene casanova (sox32) acts downstream of the Nodal signal, is essential for endoderm development and requires the co-factor Pou2 (Pou5f1, Oct3, Oct4) in this process. Conversely, BMP signals have been shown to inhibit endoderm development by an as yet unexplained mechanism. In a search for Casanova regulators in zebrafish, we identified two of its binding partners as the transcription factors Pou2 and Vox, a member of the Vent group of proteins also involved in the patterning of the gastrula. In overexpression studies we show that vox and/or Vent group genes inhibit the capacity of Casanova to induce endoderm, even in the presence of its co-factor Pou2, and that Vox acts as a repressor in this process. We further show that vox, but not other members of the Vent group, is essential for defining the proper endodermal domain size at gastrulation. In this process, vox acts downstream of BMPs. Cell fate analysis further shows that Vox plays a key role downstream of BMP signals in regulating the capacity of Nodal to induce endoderm versus mesoderm by modulating the activity of the Casanova/Pou2 regulatory system.
Eaf1 and Eaf2 negatively regulate canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling
Authors: Liu Jing-Xia , Zhang Dawei , Xie Xunwei , Ouyang Gang , Liu Xing , Sun Yonghua , Xiao Wuhan
Published: January 2013

Eaf factors play a crucial role in tumor suppression and embryogenesis. To investigate the potential mechanism of Eaf activity, we performed loss- and gain-of-function assays in zebrafish using morpholino and mRNA injections, respectively. We found that eaf1 and eaf2 inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling, thereby modulating mesodermal and neural patterning in the embryo. Moreover, ectopic expression of eaf1 and eaf2 in embryos and cultured cells blocked β-catenin reporter activity. By immunoprecipitation, we also observed that Eaf1 and Eaf2 bound to the Armadillo repeat region and C-terminus of β-catenin, as well as to other β-catenin transcription complex proteins, such as c-Jun, Tcf and Axin, suggesting the formation of a novel complex. In addition, the N-terminus of Eaf1 and Eaf2 bound to β-catenin and exhibited dominant-negative activity, whereas the C-terminus appeared to either harbor a suppression domain or to recruit a repressor. Both the N- and C-terminus must be intact for Eaf1 and Eaf2 suppressive activity. Lastly, we demonstrate a conservation of biological activities for Eaf family proteins across species. In summary, our evidence points to a novel role for Eaf1 and Eaf2 in inhibiting canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which might form the mechanistic basis for Eaf1 and Eaf2 tumor suppressor activity.
Feasibility Study of Semiconductor Sequencing for Noninvasive Prenatal Detection of Fetal Aneuploidy
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Jiang Fuman , Hua Sang , Du Bole , Hao Yibin , Ye Lili , Liu Jiucheng , Feng Kaiyan , Huang Xinjie , Yi Xin , Wang Wei , Yang Ling , Mu Feng , Liu Caixia , Liang Yu
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive prenatal detection of common fetal aneuploidies with cell-free DNA from maternal plasma has been achieved with high-throughput next-generation sequencing platforms. Turnaround times for previously tested platforms are still unsatisfactory for clinical applications, however, because of the time spent on sequencing. The development of semiconductor sequencing technology has provided a way to shorten overall run times. We studied the feasibility of using semiconductor sequencing technology for the noninvasive detection of fetal aneuploidy.

METHODS

Maternal plasma DNA from 13 pregnant women, corresponding to 4 euploid, 6 trisomy 21 (T21), 2 trisomy 18 (T18), and 1 trisomy 13 (T13) pregnancies, were sequenced on the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine sequencer platform with 318 chips. The data were analyzed with the T statistic method after correcting for GC bias, and the T value was calculated as an indicator of fetal aneuploidy.

RESULTS

We obtained a mean of 3 524 401 high-quality reads per sample, with an efficiency rate of 77.9%. All of the T21, T13, and T18 fetuses could be clearly distinguished from euploid fetuses, and the time spent on library preparation and sequencing was 24 h.

CONCLUSIONS

Semiconductor sequencing represents a suitable technology for the noninvasive prenatal detection of fetal aneuploidy. With this platform, sequencing times can be substantially reduced; however, a further larger-scale study is needed to determine the imprecision of noninvasive fetal aneuploidy detection with this system.
History, nation and memory in south Korean cinema: Lee Chang-dong’s Peppermint Candy
Authors: Ghosh Manas
Published: January 2013

South Korean cinema entered in a new phase in the late 1980s as a group of young film directors started the National Film Movement (NFM). The new film-makers developed critical interests in contents, styles and languages of their filmic representation. They often exposed the scares
of political oppression in the public memory of South Korean people. They examined the historical past and psychoanalytical dimensions of characters in their films. Peppermint Candy (Chang-dong, 1999) follows the footsteps of those NFM films. Lee Chang-dong’s film critically examines
a time span of two decades, from 1979 to 1999 of the protagonist Kim Yong-ho’s life. In those eventful years South Korean people witnessed the rule of the military junta, popular uprisings and democratic movements, unprecedented state oppressions, coming of the civilian government in
power, liberalization and privatization of the national economy and the International Monitory Fund crisis. These twenty years are important in the life of the protagonist of the film as well as in the national life of South Korea. Having disregarded his tender love of young age Yong-ho built
his career in military service and established himself as a ruthless cadre. When he realized the mistake, it was too late. While critically investigating the role of the nation state, the film excavates collective memory of the people and delves into the individual psyche.
Oldboy and Korean film noir
Authors: McCracken Chelsea
Published: January 2013

This article discusses the use and reinvention of genre tradition, specifically film noir, in contemporary South Korean cinema. Film noir conventions were established by a group of Hollywood films in the 1940s and 1950s, and this genre is highly influential but often overlooked when
discussing Korean film. This article explores the contemporary history of Korean cinema and the conventions of film noir in order to examine the recent phenomenon of Korean film noir. Park Chan-wook’s 2003 film Oldboy is an exemplar of this trend, and this article includes a close reading
of Park’s appropriation of film noir conventions. Korean film noir provides an example of the transnational exchange of ideas and film conventions, and shows how fruitful these cross-pollinations can be.
REVIEWS
Authors: Dorman Andrew , Chan Brenda
Published: January 2013

JAPANESE CINEMA GOES GLOBAL: FILMWORKERS’ JOURNEYS, YOSHIHARU TEZUKA (2012) Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press, 200 pp.,ISBN: 978 988 8083 32 9, h/bk, £50.83,ISBN: 978 988 8083 33 6, p/bk, £38.40

SOUTHEAST ASIAN INDEPENDENT CINEMA: ESSAYS, DOCUMENT INTERVIEW
TILMAN BAUMGÄRTEL (ED.) (2012) Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press, 304 pp., ISBN: 978-9971-69-640-5, p/bk, US$30
Cat’s Cradle: Unintended resonances?
Authors: Yeatman Bevin
Published: January 2013

A literal interpretation of Cat’s Cradle cannot be taken seriously. The travelling through time and space of a family carrying a dead body to deposit it in a cinema suggests a metaphoric intention. This article speculates on resonances generated by the title and a critic’s
proposal of a dead audience.