bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of Oxyanion‐Doped Cobalt Containing Perovskites
Authors: Porras‐Vazquez Jose M. , Slater Peter R.
Published: November 2012

In this paper, we report the incorporation of borate, silicate and phosphate into La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3–δ (LSCF) and Sr0.9Y0.1CoO3–δ (SYC) cathode materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). In the former, an increase in the electronic conductivity was observed, which can be correlated with electron doping due to the oxyanion doping favoring the introduction of oxide ion vacancies. The highest conductivity was observed for La0.6Sr0.4Co0.76Fe0.19B0.05O3–δ, 1190 S cm–1 at 700 °C, in comparison with 431 S cm–1 for undoped La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3–δ at the same temperature. For Sr0.9Y0.1CoO3–δ series the conductivity suffers a decrease on doping, attributed to any effect of electron doping being outweighed by the effect of partial disruption of the electronic conduction pathways by the oxyanion. Composites of these cathode materials with 50% CGO10 were examined on dense CGO10 pellets and the area‐specific resistances (ASR) in symmetrical cells were determined. The ASR values, at 800 °C, were 0.20, 0.08 and 0.11 Ω cm2 for La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3–δ, La0.6Sr0.4Co0.76Fe0.19B0.05O3–δ and La0.6Sr0.4Co0.78Fe0.195Si0.025O3–δ, respectively. For the SYC materials, the oxyanion‐doped compositions also showed an improvement in the ASR values with respect to the parent compounds, despite the lower electronic conductivity in these cases. This observation may be due to an increase in ionic conductivity due to oxyanion incorporation leading to the formation of oxide ion vacancies. In addition, the stability of these systems towards CO2 was studied. For La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8(1–x)Fe0.2(1–x)MxO3–δ series, all compositions showed no evidence for reactivity with CO2 between RT and 1000 °C. On the other hand, for the Sr0.9Y0.1Co1–xMxO3–δ series, some reactivity was observed, although the CO2 stability was shown to be improved on oxyanion doping. Thus, these results show that oxyanion doping can have a beneficial effect on the performance of perovskite cobaltite cathode materials.
Transient acidification and subsequent proinflammatory cytokine stimulation of astrocytes induce distinct activation phenotypes
Authors: Renner Nicole A. , Sansing Hope A. , Inglis Fiona M. , Mehra Smriti , Kaushal Deepak , Lackner Andrew A. , MacLean Andrew G.
Published: November 2012

The foot processes of astrocytes cover over 60% of the surface of brain microvascular endothelial cells, regulating tight junction integrity. Retraction of astrocyte foot processes has been postulated to be a key mechanism in pathology. Therefore, movement of an astrocyte in response to a proinflammatory cytokine or even limited retraction of processes would result in leaky junctions between endothelial cells. Astrocytes lie at the gateway to the CNS and are instrumental in controlling leukocyte entry. Cultured astrocytes typically have a polygonal morphology until stimulated. We hypothesized that cultured astrocytes which were induced to stellate would have an activated phenotype compared with polygonal cells. We investigated the activation of astrocytes derived from adult macaques to the cytokine TNF‐α under resting and stellated conditions by four parameters: morphology, intermediate filament expression, adhesion, and cytokine secretion. Astrocytes were stellated following transient acidification; resulting in increased expression of GFAP and vimentin. Stellation was accompanied by decreased adhesion that could be recovered with proinflammatory cytokine treatment. Surprisingly, there was decreased secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by stellated astrocytes compared with polygonal cells. These results suggest that astrocytes are capable of multiple phenotypes depending on the stimulus and the order stimuli are applied. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 1284–1294, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MRT letter: Localization of endogenous hydrogen peroxide by modified processes of sample preparation for transmissionelectron microscope in Escherichia coli
Authors: Li Xin , Hu Rongliu , Zhu Wenxue , Fan Jinling , Pang Xinyue , Wang Na , Wang Liping , Yang Lipeng , Zhao Chunyan , He Chenyang
Published: November 2012

The bacterial endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was detected cytochemically by its reaction with cerium chloride (CeCl3) to produce electron‐dense deposits of cerium perhydroxides. The sequence of fixation and CeCl3 staining of H2O2 in the processing of transmission electron microscope (TEM) sample preparation is crucial to the localization of endogenous H2O2 in Escherichia coli. In this study, results confirmed that the process that fixation simultaneously with CeCl3 staining provided optimum effects for H2O2 localization in E. coli. The modified process of TEM provides very efficient protection for H2O2 localization and more accurate quantization for the H2O2 accumulation in bacterial cells. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Baseline factors and early viral response (week 4) to antiviral therapy with peginterferon and ribavirin for predicting sustained virologic response in patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1: A multicenter study
Authors: Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Shimada Noritomo , Takaguchi Koichi , Ide Tatsuya , Sata Michio , Ginba Hiroyuki , Matsuyama Kazuhiro , Izumi Namiki
Published: November 2012

Both baseline predictive factors and viral response at week 4 of therapy are reported to have high predictive ability for sustained virologic response to peginterferon and ribavirin combination therapy in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1. However, it is not clear how these baseline variables and week 4 response should be combined to predict sustained virologic response. In this multicenter study, the authors investigated the impact of baseline predictive factors on the predictive value of week 4 viral response. Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to evaluate the ability of week 4 reduction in HCV RNA levels to predict sustained virologic response in 293 Japanese patients infected with HCV genotype 1b. Analyses were performed in all patients and in patient subgroups stratified according to baseline variables. Overall, week 4 viral reduction demonstrates a high predictive ability for sustained virologic response. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value, and accuracy were higher than those of viral reduction at week 12. However, the best cut‐off levels differ depending on the baseline factors and they were lower in patients with unfavorable baseline predictors. When patients had the TG/GG rs8099917 genotype, the best cut‐off was markedly low with low PPV. Week 4 viral response can be a predictor of sustained virologic response in patients with HCV genotype 1 and is better than week 12 viral response. However, the cut‐off levels should be modified based on the baseline predictive variables. J. Med. Virol. 85:65–70, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Severe acute hepatitis B in a treatment‐naïve patient with antiviral drug resistant mutations in the polymerase gene
Authors: Morando Filippo , Rosi Silvia , Fasolato Silvano , Cavallin Marta , Gola Elisabetta , Gatta Angelo , Angeli Paolo
Published: November 2012

This is a case of 62 years old Caucasian treatment‐naïve patient who developed a severe acute hepatitis B infection soon after a trip to Thailand. The infection was due to genotype C HBV which was found to be resistant to lamivudine and telbivudine. The patient was treated with tenofovir resulting in complete suppression of viral replication and complete clinical and laboratory remission of acute hepatitis. Later the patient also developed seroconversion of HBeAg to anti‐HBe and of HBsAg to anti‐HBs. This case demonstrates that mutations of HBV polymerase associated with lamivudine, telbivudine, and adefovir resistance can be present also in untreated patients with severe acute hepatitis B. This suggests that in the clinical context, which represents a life threatening condition, a baseline resistance‐testing should be an additional marker in the diagnostic evaluation process. Finally, this case report seems to support the use of tenofovir for the immediate treatment of severe acute hepatitis B. J. Med. Virol. 85:210–213, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HIV‐1 drug resistance‐associated mutations among antiretroviral‐naive thai patients with chronic HIV‐1 infection
Authors: Manosuthi Weerawat , Thongyen Supeda , Nilkamhang Samruay , Manosuthi Sukanya , Sungkanuparph Somnuek
Published: November 2012

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has increased in resource‐limited settings. This study determined the prevalence of HIV‐1 drug resistance‐associated mutations (DRAMs) among patients with chronic HIV‐1 infections and compare DRAMs between CRF01_AE and B subtypes. ART‐naive Thai patients who had ART initiation between 2010 and 2011 were enrolled prospectively. Genotypic assays were performed on viral reverse transcriptase and protease genes within 4 weeks before starting ART. DRAMs were assessed using the International AIDS Society‐USA 2011 list. A total of 330 patients were included. HIV‐1 subtypes included CRF01_AE (73%), B (23.9%), and others (3.1%). Median (IQR) CD4+ was 66 (23–172) cells/mm3 and median (IQR) HIV‐1 RNA was 5.2 (4.6–5.8) log copies/ml. The prevalence of patients with ≥1 DRAMs for any antiretroviral agents was 17.6%. DRAM prevalence was 17% for non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), 0.6% for NRTIs, and 0.6% for protease inhibitors (PIs). DRAMs to NNRTIs were V106I (7%), V179D (4.2%), V179T (1.8%), E138A (1.5%), V90I (1.2%), K103N (0.9%), Y181C (0.9%), and P225H (0.3%). DRAMs to NRTIs were M184V (0.3%) and T215S (0.3%). The only major DRAM for PIs was M46L (0.6%). Minor DRAMs to PIs including I13V, M36I, H69K, and L89M were observed more frequently in CRF_01 AE. By multivariate analysis, the factors “HIV‐1 subtype B” and “low pretreated CD4+ cell count” were associated with a higher rate of DRAMs. HIV‐1 DRAMs, especially to NNRTIs, are emerging in a middle‐income country after widespread use of NNRTI‐based ART. HIV genotypic assays before ART initiation in patients with chronic HIV‐1 infection should be considered. J. Med. Virol. 85:194–199, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Infection with high‐risk HPV types among female sex workers in northern Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Huyen Thi Thanh , Ishizaki Azumi , Nguyen Cuong Hung , Tran Vuong Thi , Matsushita Kaori , Saikawa Kunikazu , Hosaka Norimitsu , Pham Hung Viet , Bi Xiuqiong , Ta Van Thanh , Van Pham Thuc , Ichimura Hiroshi
Published: November 2012

Vaccines against two high‐risk human papillomavirus (HPV) types, HPV‐16, and HPV‐18, are in use currently, with high efficacy for preventing infections with these HPV types and consequent cervical cancers. However, circulating HPV types can vary with geography and ethnicity. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HPV types and the association between HPV types and abnormal cervical cytology among female sex workers in Northern Vietnam. Cervical swabs and plasma samples were collected from 281 female sex workers at two health centers in Hanoi and Hai Phong in 2009. The HPV L1 gene was amplified by PCR using original and modified GP5+/6+ primers. Amplified PCR products were genotyped by the microarray system GeneSquare (KURABO) and/or clonal sequencing. Of the 281 women, 139 (49.5%) were positive for HPV DNA. Among the HPV‐positive samples, 339 strains and 29 different types were identified. Multiple‐type and high risk‐type HPV infections were found in 85 (61.2%) and 124 (89.2%) women, respectively. The most common genotype was HPV‐52, followed by HPV‐16, HPV‐18, and HPV‐58. Abnormal cervical cytology was detected in 3.2% (9/281) of the women, and all of these samples were positive for HPV‐DNA. Age ≤25 years and infection with human immunodeficiency virus were associated positively with HPV infection among the women while ever smoking was associated negatively. These results show that HPV‐52 is most prevalent among female sex workers in Northern Vietnam, most of whom had normal cervical cytology. This information may be important for designing vaccination strategies in Vietnam. J. Med. Virol. 85:288–294, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic and antigenic evolution profiles of G1 rotaviruses in córdoba, Argentina, during a 27‐year period (1980–2006)
Authors: Barril Patricia , Martínez Laura , Giordano Miguel , Masachessi Gisela , Isa María , Pavan Jorge , Glikmann Graciela , Nates Silvia
Published: November 2012

Rotavirus G1 strains represent the most common genotype that causes diarrhea in humans and has been incorporated into both, monovalent and multivalent, rotavirus licensed vaccines. The aim of this study was to determine the evolution profile of G1 rotaviruses in Córdoba, Argentina, over a 27‐year period (1980–2006). Intragenotype diversity, represented by lineages within rotavirus circulating strains, was observed. Phylogenetic analysis of the VP7‐gene of G1 rotavirus clinical strains showed the circulation of G1 lineage IV and V strains in the 1980s, and co‐circulation of lineage I and II strains in the 1990s and 2000–2006. The distribution of G1 in lineages could be linked to multiple nucleotide substitutions distributed across lineages that did not correlate with the emergence of G1 antigenic variants. Moreover, temporal lineage distribution was not linked to significant changes in G1 prevalence. Therefore, the continuous and dominant circulation of G1 over time could not be related to the emergence of antigenic variants in the community. Continuous rotavirus surveillance is necessary to understand rotavirus evolution and to measure how genetic and antigenic changes might affect the effectiveness of vaccines in the future. J. Med. Virol. 85:363–369, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A diatom‐based reconstruction of summer sea‐surface salinity in the Southern Okinawa Trough, East China Sea, over the last millennium
Authors: Li Dongling , Knudsen Mads Faurschou , Jiang Hui , Olsen Jesper , Zhao Meixun , Li Tiegang , Knudsen Karen Luise , Seidenkrantz Marit‐Solveig , Sha Longbin
Published: November 2012

A high‐resolution diatom record from site MD05‐2908 in the Southern Okinawa Trough, East China Sea, reveals pronounced multidecadal‐ to centennial‐scale palaeoceanographic changes throughout the last millennium. Summer sea‐surface salinity (SSS) was reconstructed using a weighted averaging partial least squares diatom‐based training set. The reconstructed SSS shows slightly decreasing values during the period AD 905–1930 with considerable fluctuations superimposed on this general trend. Relatively high‐salinity conditions during the interval AD 905–1450 probably suggest a low flood frequency in north‐eastern Taiwan. Furthermore, the high SSS values are associated with a strong and stable influence of the Kuroshio Current on the Southern Okinawa Trough during the Medieval Climate Anomaly. The period AD 1450–1930 is characterized by three low‐salinity intervals (AD 1450–1500, AD 1625–1725 and AD 1770–1880) separated by periods of relatively high salinity. The low SSS intervals indicate increased freshwater discharge into the Southern Okinawa Trough during the Little Ice Age, probably as a result of higher flood frequencies in north‐eastern Taiwan. Spectral and wavelet analyses suggest that this pattern was linked to multidecadal variations in summer SSS, presumably associated with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wild salmon authenticity can be predicted by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Capuano Edoardo , Lommen Arjen , Heenan Samuel , de la Dura Angela , Rozijn Maikel , van Ruth Saskia
Published: November 2012

The combination of 1H NMR fingerprinting of muscle lipids from fresh and processed (frozen, canned and smoked) Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) with supervised multivariate analysis was applied to differentiate wild and farmed fish. Soft Independent Modelling of Class Analogy (SIMCA) allowed classification of samples according to the wild and farmed status with a 100% correct classification. The discrimination is mainly based on the higher content in oleic and linoleic acid in farmed fish.
Syntheses, characterization and future outlook of structured phospholipids
Authors: Cheong Ling‐Zhi , Guo Zheng , Xu Xuebing
Published: November 2012

Crude oils contain phospholipids which are removed during the degumming stage of refining. This valuable product has been used as an emulsifier in food, feed and cosmetics. Most of the naturally occurring phospholipids contain unsaturated fatty acids which are prone to oxidation. Thus, it is worth modifying the structure of phospholipids to improve their physical, chemical and functional properties. This paper considers the possibilities of modifying the phospholipids structure and the properties of the modified compounds.
Synthesis and microstructural study of stereoblock elastomeric polypropylenes from metallocene catalyst (2‐PhInd)2ZrCl2 activated with cocatalyst mixtures
Authors: Nejabat Gholam‐Reza , Nekoomanesh Mehdi , Arabi Hassan , Salehi‐Mobarakeh Hamid , Zohuri Gholam‐Hossein , Omidvar Mojtaba , Miller Stephen A.
Published: November 2012

Various elastomeric polypropylenes (PPs) are synthesized through homogeneous propylene polymerization with metallocene catalyst (2‐PhInd)2ZrCl2 in the presence of different cocatalyst mixtures: triethylaluminum (TEA)/methylaluminoxane (MAO) or triisobutylaluminum (TIBA)/MAO in the range of AlAlR3/AlMAO = 0.0–0.9. The cocatalyst formulation impacts the resultant polymer microstructure and the thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of the produced PPs. 13C NMR analysis of the polymers reveals essentially atactic PP, with mmmm = 7.9%, when AlAlR3/AlMAO = 0.0. The mmmm pentad content is maximized when AlAlR3/AlMAO = 0.8; for TIBA, mmmm = 23.5%; and for TEA, mmmm = 17.6%. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis corroborate these findings. Specifically, Tm, ΔHm, and Tg are essentially maximized under these conditions, and the minimum damping is observed for AlAlR3/AlMAO = 0.6–0.8. 1H NMR analysis of the mixtures of catalyst and cocatalysts (without monomer) shows very minor differences for [Zr]:AlAlR3 in the range of 1:1–1:5. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013
Stationary polarons in discrete molecular chains
Authors: Toprek Dragan , Ivić Zoran , Kapor Darko , Lekić Sreten
Published: November 2012

Properties of the large acoustic polarons in discrete molecular chains have been investigated within the adiabatic approximation. It turns out that practically all the polaron features are determined by the single parameter‐coupling constant which represents the ratio between the small polaron binding energy and the electron bandwidth. Three different types of stationary solutions were found corresponding to weak, intermediate, and strong coupling limits, respectively. In the weak coupling regime, that is, for the values of coupling constant exceeding the limit of the applicability of continuum approximation but lower than the critical one (
$g_C$), we observe symmetric bond‐centered solution corresponding to the polaron positioned in the middle between the adjacent lattice sites. When coupling constant overgrows, this critical value transition toward the site‐centered state occurs. It takes place continuously through the intermediate asymmetric state whose position gradually approaches lattice site as coupling constant increases. One of the main consequences of the lattice discreteness is the emergence of the periodic potential, Peierls‐Nabarro potential relief, through which polarons have to pass to transfer along the chain. The conditions for the polaron propagation are formulated in terms of the threshold velocity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ab initio study of the mechanism of forming a spiro‐heterocyclic ring compound involving Si and Ge from dichlorosilylene germylidene(Cl2SiGe:) and formaldehyde
Authors: Lu Xiuhui , Lian Zhenxia , Liu Dongting , Bao Weijie
Published: November 2012

The mechanism of the cycloaddition reaction between singlet dichlorosilylene germylidene (Cl2SiGe:) and formaldehyde has been investigated with the CCSD(T)//MP2/6‐31G* method. From the potential energy profile, it could be predicted that the reaction has one dominant reaction pathway. The reaction rule presented is that the two reactants first form a four‐membered Si‐heterocyclic ring germylene through the [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction. Because of the 4p unoccupied orbital of Ge atom in the four‐membered Si‐heterocyclic ring germylene and the π orbital of formaldehyde forming a π→p donor–acceptor bond, the four‐membered Si‐heterocyclic ring germylene further combines with formaldehyde to form an intermediate. Because the Ge atom in intermediate undergoes sp3 hybridization after transition state, then, the intermediate isomerizes to a spiro‐heterocyclic ring compound involving Si and Ge via a transition state. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Controlled Synthesis of Hollow Cu2‐xTe Nanocrystals Based on the Kirkendall Effect and Their Enhanced CO Gas‐Sensing Properties
Authors: Xiao Guanjun , Zeng Yi , Jiang Yueyue , Ning Jiajia , Zheng Weitao , Liu Bingbing , Chen Xiaodong , Zou Guangtian , Zou Bo
Published: November 2012

This paper develops a facile solution‐based method to synthesize hollow Cu2‐xTe nanocrystals (NCs) with tunable interior volume based on the Kirkendall effect. Transmission electron microscopy images and time‐dependent absorption spectra reveal the temporal growth process from solid copper nanoparticles to hollow Cu2‐xTe NCs. Furthermore, the as‐prepared hollow Cu2‐xTe NCs show enhanced sensitivity for the detection of carbon monoxide (CO), which is often referred to as the “silent killer”. The response and recovery time of the as‐prepared sensor for the detection of 100 ppm CO gas are estimated to be about 21 and 100 s, respectively, which are sufficient to render it a promising candidate for effective CO gas‐sensing applications. Such enhanced performance is achieved owing to the small grain size and large specific area of the hollow nanostructures. Therefore, the obtained hollow NCs based on the Kirkendall effect may have the potential as new functional blocks for high‐performance gas sensors.
Ca3Ag1+xGe3–x (x = 1/3): New Transition Metal Zintl Phase with Intergrowth Structure and Alloying with Aluminum Metal
Authors: Ponou Siméon , Lidin Sven
Published: November 2012

Abstract. The ternary Zintl phase Ca3Ag1+xGe3–x (x = 1/3) was synthesized by the high‐temperature solid‐state technique and its crystal structure was refined from single‐crystal diffraction data. The compound Ca3Ag1.32Ge2.68(1) adopts the Sc3NiSi3 type structure, crystal data: space group C2/m, a = 10.813(1) Å, b = 4.5346(4) Å, c = 14.3391(7) Å, β = 110.05(1)° and V = 660.48(10) Å3 for Z = 4. Its structure can be interpreted as an intergrowth of fragments cut from the CaGe (CrB‐type) and the CaAg1+xGe1–x (TiNiSi‐type) structures, and it therefore represents an alkaline‐earth member of the structure series with the general formula R2+nT2X2+n with n = 4. Unlike the rare‐earth homologues that are fully ordered phases, one seventh of the atomic sites in the unit cell of the title compound are mixed occupied (roughly 2/3Ge and 1/3Ag), and this can be explained by the Zintl concept. The alloying of this phase using aluminum metal yielded the isotypic solid solution Ca3(Ag/Al)1+xGe3–x, in which the aluminum for silver substitution is strictly localized in the TiNiSi substructure, revealing the very different functionality of the two building blocks.
Two neonatal cholestasis patients with mutations in the SRD5B1 (AKR1D1) gene: diagnosis and bile acid profiles during chenodeoxycholic acid treatment
Authors: Seki Yoshitaka , Mizuochi Tatsuki , Kimura Akihiko , Takahashi Tomoyuki , Ohtake Akira , Hayashi Shin‐Ichi , Morimura Toshiya , Ohno Yasuharu , Hoshina Takayuki , Ihara Kenji , Takei Hajime , Nittono Hiroshi , Kurosawa Takao , Homma Keiko , Hasegawa Tomonobu , Matsuishi Toyojiro
Published: November 2012

Background and aims

In two Japanese infants with neonatal cholestasis, 3‐oxo‐Δ4‐steroid 5β‐reductase deficiency was diagnosed based on mutations of the SRD5B1 gene. Unusual bile acids such as elevated 3‐oxo‐Δ4 bile acids were detected in their serum and urine by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. We studied effects of oral chenodeoxycholic acid treatment.

Patients and methods

SRD5B1 gene analysis used peripheral lymphocyte genomic DNA. Diagnosis and treatment of these two patients were investigated retrospectively and prospectively investigated.

Results

With respect to SRD5B1, one patient was heterozygous (R266Q, a novel mutation) while the other was a compound heterozygote (G223E/R261C). Chenodeoxycholic acid treatment was effective in improving liver function and decreasing unusual bile acids such as 7α‐hydroxy‐ and 7α,12α‐dihydroxy‐3‐oxo‐4‐cholen‐24‐oic acids in serum and urine.

Conclusion

Primary bile acid treatment using chenodeoxycholic acid was effective for these patients treated in early infancy before the late stage of chronic cholestatic liver dysfunction.
Effects of Added Phosphates on Lipid Stability During Salt Curing and Rehydration of Cod (Gadus morhua)
Authors: Nguyen Minh Van , Arason Sigurjon , Thorkelsson Gudjon , Gudmundsdottir Agusta , Thorarinsdottir Kristin Anna , Vu Boi Ngoc
Published: November 2012

Effects of added phosphates on retardation of lipid oxidation of salted cod during processing, storage and after rehydration were investigated. Lipid hydrolysis progress and development of color, primary and secondary lipid oxidation products and fluorescence intensities were determined. Added phosphates significantly retarded lipid hydrolysis and lipid oxidation progress, resulting in lower free fatty acid, lipid hydroperoxides (PV), thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances (TBARS) as well as fluorescence intensities (δFor and δFaq). Significant correlation between the lipid oxidation products (PV, TBARS, δFor and δFaq) and yellow/brownish discoloration (b* value) of salted cod was observed. Principal component analysis showed that TBARS, b* value and δFor were the strongest indicators of lipid oxidation during salting and storage.
Research on cachexia, sarcopenia and skeletal muscle in cardiology
Authors: Coats Andrew J. S.
Published: November 2012

Background

The awareness of cardiac cachexia, i.e. involuntary weight loss in patients with underlying cardiovascular disease, has increased over the last two decades.

Methods and results

This mini‐review looks at recent research in the cardiovascular literature that is relevant to the areas of interest of the Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle. It identifies significant research in the last 3 years on the obesity paradox, the causes and effects of skeletal muscle wasting, animal models of cachexia and emerging treatment ideas in cardiac cachexia.

Conclusions

Assuming a similar literature in the fields of cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic renal failure and chronic liver failure, the emergence of cachexia as a vibrant area of clinical and experimental research seems assured.
Transient receptor potential N (TRPN1) from Xenopus interacts with the penta‐EF‐hand protein peflin
Authors: Wiemuth Dominik , van de Sandt Lena , Herr Rudolf , Gründer Stefan
Published: November 2012

TRPN1
physically interacts with
Peflin
by pull down (View Interaction: 1, 2, 3)
A Comparison of South African and International First-Year Students’ Counselling Needs and Preferred Counselling Sources
Authors: Nicholas Lionel , Damianova Maria , Ntantiso Mzamo
Published: November 2012

This study investigated the personal, career and learning skill needs of first-year university students, their preferred counselling sources, and compared South African and international students. Respondents completed a structured questionnaire (N = 567) with more than half reporting a moderate to high need for assistance with their concerns. Women had a significantly greater need for assistance with the bulk of listed concerns than men. International students had a significantly greater need for assistance than South African students and were particularly concerned about xenophobia. These results may assist administrators and counsellors to develop strategies to address identified student needs.
Do Patriotism and Multiculturalism Collide? Competing Perspectives from Canada and the United States
Authors: Citrin Jack , Johnston Richard , Wright Matthew
Published: November 2012

Abstract.The relationship of national identifications to preferences about immigration is a subject of empirical controversy. The hypothesis we explore here through a comparison of Canada and the United States is that the normative content of national identity—how people define the meaning of patriotism in their country—mediates the relationship between national pride and sentiment about immigration and multiculturalism. How political elites construct what citizens should be proud of matters. In comparisons based on the 2003 International Social Survey Program's “National Identity Module,” Canadians seem more divided than Americans over their nationality and generally less chauvinist. Canadians are more receptive to maintaining the current level of immigration and see newcomers as less threatening to economic and cultural values. The relationship between identification with the country and support for immigration and multiculturalism diverges sharply between the countries: where in Canada the relationship is positive, in the US it is negative.

Résumé.Le lien entre l'identification à la nation et les préférences quant à l'immigration est un sujet de controverse. À travers une comparaison du Canada et des Etats-Unis, l'hypothèse que nous explorons ici est que le contenu normatif de l'identité nationale, c'est-à-dire le sens donné par la population au patriotisme envers leur pays, joue un rôle intermédiaire dans la relation entre la fierté nationale et les sentiments vis-à-vis l'immigration et le multiculturalisme. La façon dont les élites politiques construisent ce en quoi les citoyens devraient être fiers revêt donc une importance particulière. À titre comparatif, en se basant sur le « Module Identité Nationale » du International Social Survey Programme de 2003, les Canadiens semblent plus divisés que les Américains sur la signification de leur identité nationale et, de façon générale, sont moins chauvins. Les Canadiens sont également plus réceptifs à l'idée de maintenir l'immigration à son niveau actuel et voient les nouveaux arrivants comme étant moins menaçants pour leurs valeurs économiques et culturelles. La relation entre l'identification au pays et le support pour l'immigration et le multiculturalisme diverge nettement entre les deux pays. Alors qu'au Canada la relation est positive, aux Etats-Unis elle est négative.
JOHN JORTIN, ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY, AND THE CHRISTIAN REPUBLIC OF LETTERS
Authors: YOUNG B. W.
Published: November 2012

The writing of ecclesiastical history is rarely disinterested, and this was especially so in eighteenth-century England. Its leading practitioner, John Jortin, wrote with a clear, determined, and dynamic purpose: to offer an effective critique of orthodoxy and its ally, persecution, and to secure civil and religious liberty in a way commensurate with maintaining an established church and liberal learning. His life and writings meditated on early eighteenth-century tendencies in thought and scholarship in a spirit that allowed often radical developments to take place. Unambiguously heterodox in tone and conclusions, Jortin's researches were drawn on by radical dissent. A scion of a Huguenot family, Jortin was a critical mediator between the culture of the Huguenot Refuge and English scholarship. He was a pioneer in the study of English literature, moving such study away from the narrowly philological methods of Richard Bentley towards more reflective literary scholarship. Above all, Jortin was determined that the Republic of Letters should be a Christian Republic; his contribution to and experience of Enlightenment substantiates J. G. A. Pocock's contention that, in England, it was largely clerical and conservative: study of Jortin in context challenges the hegemony of the Radical Enlightenment thesis that is rapidly becoming an interpretative orthodoxy.
Moho depth determination from waveforms of microearthquakes in the West Bohemia/Vogtland swarm area
Authors: Hrubcová Pavla , Vavryčuk Václav , Boušková Alena , Horálek Josef
Published: November 2012

The West Bohemia/Vogtland area is known for its increased geodynamic activity with reoccurrence of intraplate earthquake swarms. Previous geophysical studies, namely active and passive seismic investigations, revealed a high velocity lower crust in this area with increased reflectivity. To refine this result and retrieve a more detailed structure of the deep crust and the Moho discontinuity, we analyzed waveforms of local microearthquakes that occurred in this area during the 2008 swarm. The waveforms of earthquakes were grouped into clusters with similar focal mechanisms, and the clusters were processed separately. We developed a new multiazimuthal approach in data processing to increase resolution of Moho phases in the waveforms. We applied the waveform cross‐correlation of the P and S waves, and rotated, aligned, and stacked the seismograms to extract the Moho SmS, PmP, and PmS reflected/converted phases. These phases were inverted for laterally varying Moho depth by ray tracing and a grid search inversion algorithm. The model retrieved was verified using modeling of full waveforms computed by the discrete wave number method. The multiazimuthal approach reveals details in the velocity structure of the crust/mantle transition at each station. Instead of a single interface with a sharp velocity contrast, the inversion indicates a reflective zone at Moho depths with one or two strongly reflective interfaces, which is in agreement with the zone interpreted by previous investigations. The thickness of the zone varies from 2 to 4 km within the depth range of 27–31.5 km and is delimited by reflections from its top and bottom boundaries, sometimes with strong reflectors within the zone. The average Vp/Vs ratio determined from the Moho reflections and conversions is 1.73.
Hydrological effects of dip‐slip fault rupture on a hydrothermal plume
Authors: Dempsey D. E. , Archer R. A. , Ellis S. M. , Rowland J. V.
Published: November 2012

Earthquakes cause a variety of hydrological effects, including changes in well levels, streamflow, hot‐spring temperatures, and geyser periodicity. These may be produced by changes in pore‐fluid pressure or by changes in permeability. We investigate near‐field effects of normal earthquakes on fault‐controlled hydrothermal plumes, e.g., at the Te Kopia geothermal system on the Paeroa Fault, New Zealand. A numerical model is detailed that addresses the effects of coseismic pore‐pressure and permeability perturbations on geothermal upflow along a dip‐slip fault. Fluid flow is modeled using the heat and mass transfer code Finite Element Heat and Mass transfer. The 2 m wide fault is impermeable and thus behaves as a partition between fluid flow in the adjacent fault blocks, as well as a structure for upflow to localize upon. A realistic distribution for the coseismic change in mean rock stress is obtained from a plane‐strain mechanical model for normal fault rupture in an elastic‐plastic‐viscous crust. These stress changes are imported into the fluid flow model as pore‐fluid pressure changes. In addition, we consider the effects of fault core fracture and damage by introducing an increase in permeability at the fault plane. Results show that short‐term effects are dominated by pore‐pressure changes, which cause increased heat and mass fluxes at the surface for a period of several weeks. Longer‐term, an elevated mass flux remains due to the increase in subsurface permeability. Upflow migrates from the footwall scarp into the hanging wall and away from the fault, because rising fluids are no longer deflected by the fault.
A numerical model study of the effects of interannual time scale wave propagation on the predictability of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation
Authors: Sinha B. , Topliss B. , Blaker A. T. , Hirschi J.‐M.
Published: November 2012

We investigate processes leading to uncertainty in forecasts of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC). A climate model is used to supply initial conditions for ensemble simulations in which members initially have identical ocean states but perturbed atmosphere states. Baroclinic transports diverge on interannual time scales even though the ocean is not eddy‐permitting. Interannual fluctuations of the model AMOC in the subtropical gyre are caused by westward propagating Rossby waves. Divergence of the predicted AMOC with time occurs because the waves develop different phases in different ensemble members predominantly due to differences in eastern boundary windstress curl. These windstress fluctuations communicate with interior ocean transports via modifications to the vertical velocity and the vortex stretching term dw/dz. Consequently, errors propagate westward resulting in longer predictability times in the interior ocean compared with the eastern boundary. Another source of divergence is transport anomalies propagating along the Gulf Stream (and other boundary currents). The propagation mechanism seems to be predominantly advection by mean currents, and we show that the arrival of westward propagating waves can trigger development of these anomalies. The mean state of the AMOC has a small effect on interannual predictability in the subtropical gyre, most likely because eastern boundary windstress curl predictability is not strongly dependent on the state of the AMOC in the subtropics. Eastern boundary windstress curl was more predictable at 45°N when the AMOC was in a strongly decreasing state, but, unlike at 30°N, no mechanism was found linking windstress curl fluctuations with deep transports.
Characteristics of tropical and subtropical atmospheric moistening derived from Lagrangian mass balance constrained by measurements of HDO and H2O
Authors: Brown Derek , Worden John , Noone David
Published: November 2012

Regional tropospheric water balance depends on local mixing rates, moistening and precipitation efficiency associated with cloud processes, and large‐scale moisture advection. Conventional data sets are insufficient to disentangle how these processes affect the regional humidity, and models are limited by their need to parameterize many of the pertinent mechanisms, including precipitation efficiency, evaporation of cloud condensate, and mixing rates. This study provides new insight by constraining a Lagrangian mass balance model with satellite measurements of specific humidity and the HDO/H2O ratio in water vapor. Seasonal estimates of mixing rates, moistening efficiency, isotopic composition of source waters, and effective isotopic fractionation in clouds are calculated. Analysis shows that the water source is dominated by cloud evaporation in the dry subtropics, subcloud rainfall recycling in the humid subtropics, and convective detrainment and postcondensational exchange during tropical monsoons. Moistening efficiency is shown to be as twice as strong over the wintertime subtropics as over other regions. Over monsoonal areas, however, moistening efficiency decreases during times of most intense mixing, since postcondensational exchange and convective recycling effects act to dehydrate and isotopically deplete the local water sources. A robust relationship is found between precipitation efficiency derived from rainfall profile measurements and differences in effective and equilibrium isotopic fractionation rates, suggesting that isotopic observations might enable estimates of this illusive parameter to be inferred directly. In spite of the simple modeling framework employed, the results provide insight in to the gains that can be expected by assimilating satellite observations of isotope ratios into more comprehensive, isotope‐enabled general circulation models.
Observations of geomagnetically induced currents in the Australian power network
Authors: Marshall R. A. , Gorniak H. , Van Der Walt T. , Waters C. L. , Sciffer M. D. , Miller M. , Dalzell M. , Daly T. , Pouferis G. , Hesse G. , Wilkinson P.
Published: November 2012

Infrastructures such as pipelines and power networks at low‐middle latitude regions have historically been considered relatively immune to geomagnetically induced currents (GICs). Over the past decade there have been an increasing number of investigations into the impact of GICs in long grounded conductors at these latitudes. The Australian region power network spans thousands of kilometers from low to middle latitudes. The approaching maximum of solar cycle 24 and recent findings of studies into power networks located at similar latitudes have stimulated the Australian power industry to better understand this phenomenon in their region. As a result, a pilot study to compare space weather activity with in situ GIC monitors at strategic locations within the power network was initiated. This paper provides some results from the first of these operational GIC monitors during a modest geomagnetic storm, showing the first observational evidence of space weather well correlated with GICs measured in the Australian power network. Transformer neutral currents show a high degree of similarity with the geoelectric field derived from the closest available geomagnetic observatory. Current maxima of 4–5 amperes were observed in association with geoelectric field values of ~0.06–0.07 volts per kilometer. This paper also discusses the GIC measurements obtained during this storm in terms of the space weather drivers and the considerably larger geoelectric field values anticipated during larger geomagnetic storms.
Shifts of functional gene representation in wheat rhizosphere microbial communities under elevated ozone
Authors: Li Xinyu , Deng Ye , Li Qi , Lu Caiyan , Wang Jingjing , Zhang Huiwen , Zhu Jianguo , Zhou Jizhong , He Zhili
Published: November 2012

Although the influence of ozone (O3) on plants has been well studied in agroecosystems, little is known about the effect of elevated O3 (eO3) on soil microbial functional communities. Here, we used a comprehensive functional gene array (GeoChip 3.0) to investigate the functional composition, and structure of rhizosphere microbial communities of Yannong 19 (O3-sensitive) and Yangmai 16 (O3-relatively sensitive) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars under eO3. Compared with ambient O3 (aO3), eO3 led to an increase in soil pH and total carbon (C) percentages in grain and straw of wheat plants, and reduced grain weight and soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Based on GeoChip hybridization signal intensities, although the overall functional structure of rhizosphere microbial communities did not significantly change by eO3 or cultivars, the results showed that the abundance of specific functional genes involved in C fixation and degradation, nitrogen (N) fixation, and sulfite reduction did significantly (P<0.05) alter in response to eO3 and/or wheat cultivars. Also, Yannong 19 appeared to harbor microbial functional communities in the rhizosphere more sensitive in response to eO3 than Yangmai 16. Additionally, canonical correspondence analysis suggested that the functional structure of microbial community involved in C cycling was largely shaped by soil and plant properties including pH, DOC, microbial biomass C, C/N ratio and grain weight. This study provides new insight into our understanding of the influence of eO3 and wheat cultivars on soil microbial communities.
Comparative analysis of the distribution of segmented filamentous bacteria in humans, mice and chickens
Authors: Yin Yeshi , Wang Yu , Zhu Liying , Liu Wei , Liao Ningbo , Jiang Mizu , Zhu Baoli , Yu Hongwei D , Xiang Charlie , Wang Xin
Published: November 2012

Segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) are indigenous gut commensal bacteria. They are commonly detected in the gastrointestinal tracts of both vertebrates and invertebrates. Despite the significant role they have in the modulation of the development of host immune systems, little information exists regarding the presence of SFB in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and diversity of SFB in humans and to determine their phylogenetic relationships with their hosts. Gut contents from 251 humans, 92 mice and 72 chickens were collected for bacterial genomic DNA extraction and subjected to SFB 16S rRNA-specific PCR detection. The results showed SFB colonization to be age-dependent in humans, with the majority of individuals colonized within the first 2 years of life, but this colonization disappeared by the age of 3 years. Results of 16S rRNA sequencing showed that multiple operational taxonomic units of SFB could exist in the same individuals. Cross-species comparison among human, mouse and chicken samples demonstrated that each host possessed an exclusive predominant SFB sequence. In summary, our results showed that SFB display host specificity, and SFB colonization, which occurs early in human life, declines in an age-dependent manner.
Protein–protein interactions between the bilirubin-conjugating UDPglucuronosyltransferase UGT1A1 and its shorter isoform 2 regulatory partner derived from alternative splicing
Authors: Rouleau Mélanie , Collin Pierre , Bellemare Judith , Harvey Mario , Guillemette Chantal
Published: November 2012

The oligomerization of UGTs [UDP (uridine diphosphate)-glucuronosyltransferases] modulates their enzyme activities. Recent findings also indicate that glucuronidation is negatively regulated by the formation of inactive oligomeric complexes between UGT1A enzymes [i1 (isoform 1)] and an enzymatically inactive alternatively spliced i2 (isoform 2). In the present paper, we assessed whether deletion of the UGT-interacting domains previously reported to be critical for enzyme function might be involved in i1–i2 interactions. The bilirubin-conjugating UGT1A1 was used as a prototype. We also explored whether intermolecular disulfide bonds are involved in i1–i2 interactions and the potential role of selected cysteine residues. Co-immunoprecipitation assays showed that UGT1A1 lacking the SP (signal peptide) alone or also lacking the transmembrane domain (absent from i2) did not self-interact, but still interacted with i2. The deletion of other N- or C-terminal domains did not compromise i1–i2 complex formation. Under non-reducing conditions, we also observed formation of HMWCs (high-molecular-mass complexes) for cells overexpressing i1 and i2. The presence of UGTs in these complexes was confirmed by MS. Mutation of individual cysteine residues throughout UGT1A1 did not compromise i1–i1 or i1–i2 complex formation. These findings are compatible with the hypothesis that the interaction between i1 and i2 proteins (either transient or stable) involves binding of more than one domain that probably differs from those involved in i1–i1 interactions.