bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cell–cell connectivity: desmosomes and disease
Authors: Brooke Matthew A , Nitoiu Daniela , Kelsell David P
Published: October 2011

Cell–cell connectivity is an absolute requirement for the correct functioning of cells, tissues and entire organisms. At the level of the individual cell, direct cell–cell adherence and communication is mediated by the intercellular junction complexes: desmosomes, adherens, tight and gap junctions. A broad spectrum of inherited, infectious and auto‐immune diseases can affect the proper function of intercellular junctions and result in either diseases affecting specific individual tissues or widespread syndromic conditions. A particularly diverse group of diseases result from direct or indirect disruption of desmosomes—a consequence of their importance in tissue integrity, their extensive distribution, complex structure, and the wide variety of functions their components accomplish. As a consequence, disruption of desmosomal assembly, structure or integrity disrupts not only their intercellular adhesive function but also their functions in cell communication and regulation, leading to such diverse pathologies as cardiomyopathy, epidermal and mucosal blistering, palmoplantar keratoderma, woolly hair, keratosis, epidermolysis bullosa, ectodermal dysplasia and alopecia. Here, as well as describing the importance of the other intercellular junctions, we focus primarily on the desmosome, its structure and its role in disease. We will examine the various pathologies that result from impairment of desmosome function and thereby demonstrate the importance of desmosomes to tissues and to the organism as a whole. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The chemokine system and cancer
Authors: Balkwill Frances R
Published: October 2011

Chemokines (chemo‐attractant cytokines) are a group of small proteins that act together with their cell surface receptors, in development, normal physiology and immune responses, to direct cells to specific locations throughout the body. Cancer cells acquire the ability to subvert the chemokine system, such that these molecules and their receptors become important regulators of cell movement into and out of the tumour microenvironment and major players in cancer biology. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bone marrow of neuroblastoma patients shows downregulation of CXCL12 expression and presence of IFN signature
Authors: Scaruffi Paola , Morandi Fabio , Gallo Fabio , Stigliani Sara , Parodi Stefano , Moretti Stefano , Bonassi Stefano , Fardin Paolo , Garaventa Alberto , Zanazzo Giulio , Pistoia Vito , Tonini Gian Paolo , Corrias Maria Valeria
Published: October 2011

Background

At diagnosis, children with neuroblastoma (NB) present with either localized or metastatic disease. Since the mechanisms responsible for BM invasion are not well known, we investigated the transcriptome of resident BM cells from NB patients as compared to healthy children.

Procedure

Ninety‐two and 88 children with localized and metastatic NB, respectively, and 15 healthy children were included in the study. BM resident cells recovered from BM aspirates by immunomagnetic bead manipulation were subjected to genome‐wide microarray analysis. After validation in an independent set of samples, the genes significantly modulated in resident BM cells from NB patients were tested for their diagnostic/prognostic values.

Results

BM resident cells, irrespective of neoplastic cell invasion, significantly overexpressed genes involved in innate immune responses, and interferon (IFN) and IFN‐DRS signatures were enriched. Genes coding for metallothioneins and zinc finger proteins, and involved in histone and nucleosome/chromatin organization were also overexpressed. Resident BM cells from NB patients significantly downregulated genes involved in cell adhesion, and in erythrocyte, myeloid, and platelet differentiation pathways. Among downregulated genes, CXCL12 expression reached near complete silencing in patients with metastatic disease. The downregulation of CXCL12 expression was independent of contact between NB cell and resident BM cell.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that NB tumor growth at the primary site can alter the BM microenvironment, and the presence of BM‐infiltrating NB cells makes the alterations more pronounced. Therefore, the restoration of a BM physiological state by means of IFN‐α monoclonal antibody, Sifalimumab, and selective noradrenaline receptor blockers should be further studied to ameliorate patients' clinical management. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 44–51. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An overview of mongenic and syndromic obesities in humans
Authors: Chung Wendy K.
Published: October 2011

Obesity is increasing in prevalence in the United States with over 65% of adults considered overweight and 16% of children with BMI > 95 percentile. The heritability of obesity is estimated between 40% and 70%, but the genetics of obesity for most individuals are complex and involve the interaction of multiple genes and environment. There are however several syndromic and non‐syndromic forms of obesity that are monogenic and oligogenic that provide insight into the underlying molecular control of food intake and the neural networks that control ingestive behavior and satiety to regulate body weight and which may interact with treatment exposures to produce or exacerbate obesity in childhood cancer survivors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 122–128. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surface modification of carbon fiber and its effects on the mechanical and tribological properties of the polyurethane composites
Authors: Zhao Gai , Wang Tingmei , Wang Qihua
Published: October 2011

To improve the friction and wear behavior of the polyurethane composites, carbon fibers were modified with 2, 4‐diisocyanatotoluene. The mechanical and tribological properties of the reinforced polyurethane composites were studied. Tensile strength of the composites increased with the addition of carbon fibers. The friction and wear experiments were tested on a MRH‐3 model ring‐on‐block test rig at different sliding speeds and loads under dry sliding. Experimental results revealed that carbon fibers with chemical treatment contributed to largely improve the tribological properties of the polyurethane composites. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) investigations showed that the worn surface of the modified polyurethane composite was smoother than pure polyurethane under given load and sliding speed. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dynamic mechanical properties of pineapple leaf fiber polyester composites
Authors: Devi L. Uma , Bhagawan S.S. , Thomas S.
Published: October 2011

In the recent years, lignocellulosic fibers that originate from a renewable source have been found to provide good reinforcement in polymer matrices. Among the natural fibers, pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) exhibits excellent mechanical properties, besides possessing low density, high stiffness, and low cost. The dynamic mechanical properties, storage modulus (E′), and loss tangent of PALF‐reinforced polyester (PER) composites were evaluated at three frequencies 0.1, 1, and 10 Hz and temperatures ranging from 30 to 200°C. Addition of PALF of 30 mm length (aspect ratio 600) was found to increase the storage modulus leading to a maximum value at 40 wt%. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the composite of 40 wt% showed a positive shift indicating high polymer/fiber interaction. A new relaxation is observed at 40 wt% showing the presence of a strong interphase at all aspect ratios. SEM photographs of fracture surfaces of composites confirm the results obtained from static and dynamic mechanical analysis. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Cognitive Existential Couple Therapy for newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients and their partners: a descriptive pilot study
Authors: Collins Anna L. , Love Anthony W. , Bloch Sidney , Street Annette F. , Duchesne Gillian M. , Dunai Judy , Couper Jeremy W.
Published: October 2011

Objective

This paper aims to describe ‘Cognitive Existential Couple Therapy’ (CECT), a novel couples‐based intervention for men with early stage prostate cancer (PCa) and their partners, and to report preliminary findings from a pilot study that investigated the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention and the measures to be used in a subsequent randomised controlled trial.

Methods

A manualised CECT programme was delivered to 12 couples facing a diagnosis of PCa within the previous 12 months by psychiatrists and clinical psychologists. Participants completed measures of psychological distress, marital function and coping pattern before and after CECT. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with nine couples shortly after the completion of CECT.

Results

The application of CECT was both feasible and acceptable as indicated by favourable participant compliance (10 of the 12 couples attended all six designated sessions), completion of measures before and after CECT and participation in semi‐structured interviews by nine couples. Preliminary results included reduced levels of avoidance and hyperarousal after the programme, with this effect stronger in partners than in patients. Interviews demonstrated that couples valued the therapist's contribution to their overall care.

Conclusions

Previous research suggests that a couple‐focused psychological intervention is desirable in the context of early stage PCa. This pilot study has established that CECT is acceptable, feasible and valued by couples facing a recent PCa diagnosis and demonstrates a potential for reduced psychological distress following CECT. A randomised controlled trial is currently being undertaken to validate the efficacy of this novel approach. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A genetically encoded, high‐signal‐to‐noise maltose sensor
Authors: Marvin Jonathan S. , Schreiter Eric R. , Echevarría Ileabett M. , Looger Loren L.
Published: October 2011

We describe the generation of a family of high‐signal‐to‐noise single‐wavelength genetically encoded indicators for maltose. This was achieved by insertion of circularly permuted fluorescent proteins into a bacterial periplasmic binding protein (PBP), Escherichia coli maltodextrin‐binding protein, resulting in a four‐color family of maltose indicators. The sensors were iteratively optimized to have sufficient brightness and maltose‐dependent fluorescence increases for imaging, under both one‐ and two‐photon illumination. We demonstrate that maltose affinity of the sensors can be tuned in a fashion largely independent of the fluorescent readout mechanism. Using literature mutations, the binding specificity could be altered to moderate sucrose preference, but with a significant loss of affinity. We use the soluble sensors in individual E. coli bacteria to observe rapid maltose transport across the plasma membrane, and membrane fusion versions of the sensors on mammalian cells to visualize the addition of maltose to extracellular media. The PBP superfamily includes scaffolds specific for a number of analytes whose visualization would be critical to the reverse engineering of complex systems such as neural networks, biosynthetic pathways, and signal transduction cascades. We expect the methodology outlined here to be useful in the development of indicators for many such analytes. Proteins 2011; 79:3025–3036. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In Focus: Spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, across perspectives
Authors: Lee Jana C , Bruck Denny J , Dreves Amy J , Ioriatti Claudio , Vogt Heidrun , Baufeld Peter
Published: October 2011

In August 2008, the first detection of the spotted wing drosophila, Drosophila suzukii, to the North America mainland in California caused great concern, as the fly was found infesting a variety of commercial fruits. Subsequent detections followed in Oregon, Washington, Florida and British Columbia in 2009; in Utah, North Carolina, South Carolina, Michigan, and Louisiana in 2010; and in Virginia, Montana, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Mexico in 2011. In Europe, it has been detected in Italy and Spain in 2009 and in France in 2010. Economic costs to the grower from D. suzukii include the increased cost of production (increased labor and materials for chemical inputs, monitoring and other management tools) and crop loss. An effective response to the invasion of D. suzukii requires proper taxonomic identification at the initial phase, understanding basic biology and phenology, developing management tools, transferring information and technology quickly to user groups, and evaluating the impact of the research and extension program on an economic, social, and environmental level. As D. suzukii continues to expand its range, steps must be initiated in each new region to educate and inform the public as well as formulate management tactics suitable for the crops and growing conditions in each. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Restriction maps in equivariant KK-theory
Authors: Uuye Otgonbayar
Published: October 2011

We extend McClure's results regarding restriction maps in equivariant K-theory to bivariant K-theory:

Let G be a compact Lie group and A and B be G-C*-algebras. Suppose that KKHn(A, B) is a finitely generated R(G)-module for every H ≤ G closed and n ∈ ℤ. Then, if KKF*(A, B) = 0 for all F ≤ Gfinite cyclic, then KKG*(A, B) = 0.
Effects of an axisymmetric contraction on a turbulent pipe flow
Authors: Jang Seong Jae , Sung Hyung Jin , Krogstad Per-Åge
Published: October 2011

The flow in an axisymmetric contraction fitted to a fully developed pipe flow is experimentally and numerically studied. The reduction in turbulence intensity in the core region of the flow is discussed on the basis of the budgets for the various turbulent stresses as they develop downstream. The contraction generates a corresponding increase in energy in the near-wall region, where the sources for energy production are quite different and of opposite sign compared to the core region, where these effects are caused primarily by vortex stretching. The vortices in the pipe become aligned with the flow as the stretching develops through the contraction. Vortices which originally have a spanwise component in the pipe are stretched into pairs of counter-rotating vortices which become disconnected and aligned with the mean flow. The structures originating in the pipe which are inclined at an angle with respect to the wall are rotated towards the local mean streamlines. In the very near-wall region and the central part of the contraction the flow tends towards two-component turbulence, but these structures are different. The streamwise and azimuthal stresses are dominant in the near-wall region, while the lateral components dominate in the central part of the flow. The two regions are separated by a rather thin region where the flow is almost isotropic.
Preliminary study: voluntary food intake in dogs during tryptophan supplementation
Authors: Fragua Víctor , González-Ortiz Gemma , Villaverde Cecilia , Hervera Marta , Maria Mariotti Valentina , Manteca Xavier , Dolores Baucells María
Published: October 2011

Tryptophan, a precursor of important molecules such as serotonin, melatonin and niacin, is an essential amino acid for dogs. In pigs, tryptophan supplementation has been shown to induce a significant increase in food intake. The aim of the present study was to assess whether long-term tryptophan supplementation increases voluntary food intake in dogs and to observe whether this was accompanied by a change in serum ghrelin. In the present study, sixteen adult Beagle dogs were used, with four male and four female dogs fed diets supplemented with tryptophan (1 g/dog per d) during 81 d (Trp) and four male and four female dogs that were not supplemented (control). A voluntary food intake test was performed during 5 d following the supplementation period. The Trp group tended to show a higher food intake during the voluntary food intake test (58·0 (se 5·37) v. 77·5 (se 3·65) g/kg metabolic weight per d; P = 0·074). No significant differences were found for serum ghrelin concentrations.
The effects of weight loss on adipokines and markers of inflammation in dogs
Authors: Wakshlag Joseph J. , Struble Angela M. , Levine Corri B. , Bushey Jennifer J. , Laflamme Dorothy P. , Long Grace M.
Published: October 2011

Evidence suggests that adipose tissue-derived adipokines induce mild inflammation and may play a role in insulin resistance associated with diabetes. The present study was designed to examine a series of adipokines and markers of inflammation in dogs before and after a successful weight loss. The study included fasting serum samples from twenty-five dogs before and after a weight-loss programme. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were measured as indicators of chronic inflammation, while serum adipokines including total adiponectin, high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin, resistin and leptin were also examined. Medians for CRP (before, 10·0 (interquartile range 5·4–15·0) μg/ml; after, 5·6 (interquartile range 3·8–7·0) μg/ml) and MCP-1 (before, 212 (interquartile range 157–288) ng/ml; after, 185 (interquartile range 143–215) ng/ml) decreased significantly after weight loss. Medians for resistin showed a mild, yet significant reduction (before, 67·1 (interquartile range 44·4–88·5) pg/ml; after, 60·5 (interquartile range 32·3–67·1) pg/ml), while leptin showed a dramatic decrease after weight loss (before, 18·9 (interquartile range 10·8–35·4) ng/ml; after, 6·6 (interquartile range 3·9–10·2) ng/ml). Serum total adiponectin and HMW adiponectin were unchanged on all analyses performed. These data suggest that weight loss can decrease chronic inflammation; however, the clinical implications of this decrease are not well elucidated in dogs. Surprisingly, there was no increase in total or HMW serum adiponectin after weight loss, as observed previously in human subjects. The lack of change in total and HMW adiponectin might explain why insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are less prevalent in obese dogs when compared with humans and cats.
Low-maintenance energy requirements of obese dogs after weight loss
Authors: German Alexander J. , Holden Shelley L. , Mather Nicola J. , Morris Penelope J. , Biourge Vincent
Published: October 2011

Weight rebound after successful weight loss is a well-known phenomenon in humans and dogs, possibly due to the fact that energy restriction improves metabolic efficiency, reducing post-weight-loss maintenance energy requirements (MER). The aim of the present study was to estimate post-weight-loss MER in obese pet dogs that had successfully lost weight and did not subsequently rebound. A total of twenty-four obese dogs, successfully completing a weight management programme at the Royal Canin Weight Management Clinic, University of Liverpool (Wirral, UK), were included. In all dogs, a period of >14 d of stable weight ( < 1 % change) was identified post-weight loss, when food intake was constant and activity levels were stable (assessed via owners' diary records). Post-weight-loss MER was indirectly estimated by determining dietary energy consumption during this stable weight period. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify factors that were associated with post-weight-loss MER. The mean length of stable weight after weight loss was 54 (sd 34·1) d. During this time, MER was 285 (sd 54·8) kJ/kg0·75 per d. The rate of prior weight loss and food intake during the weight-loss phase was positively associated with post-weight-loss MER, while the amount of lean tissue lost was negatively associated with post-weight-loss MER. MER are low after weight loss in obese pet dogs (typically only 10 % more than required during weight-loss MER), which has implications for what should constitute the optimal diet during this period. Preserving lean tissue during weight loss may maximise post-weight-loss MER and help prevent rebound.
Identification of intra- and inter-individual metabolite variation in plasma metabolite profiles of cats and dogs
Authors: Colyer Alison , Gilham Matthew S. , Kamlage Beate , Rein Dietrich , Allaway David
Published: October 2011

The purpose of the present study was first to identify drivers of variance in plasma metabolite profiles of cats and dogs that may affect the interpretation of nutritional metabolomic studies. A total of fourteen cats and fourteen dogs housed in environmentally enriched accommodation were fed a single batch of diet to maintain body weight. Fasting blood samples were taken on days 14, 16 and 18 of the study. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), liquid chromatography (LC)–MS/MS and solid-phase extraction–LC–MS/MS analyses were used for metabolite profiling. Principal component (PC) analysis that indicated 31 and 27 % of the variance was explained in PC1 and PC2 for cats and dogs, respectively, with most individuals occupying a unique space. As the individual was a major driver of variance in the plasma metabolome, the second objective was to identify metabolites associated with the individual variation observed. The proportion of intra- and inter-individual variance was calculated for 109 cat and 101 dog metabolites with a low intra-individual variance (sd< 0·05). Of these, fifteen cat and six dog metabolites had inter-individual variance accounting for at least 90 % of the total variance. There were four metabolites common to both species (campesterol, DHA, a cholestenol and a sphingosine moiety). Many of the metabolites with >75 % inter-individual variance were common to both species and to similar areas of metabolism. In summary, the individual is an important driver of variance in the fasted plasma metabolome, and specific metabolites and areas of metabolism may be differentially regulated by individuals in two companion animal species.
Unexpected depletion of plasma arachidonate and total protein in cats fed a low arachidonic acid diet due to peroxidation
Authors: Chamberlin Amy , Mitsuhashi Yuka , Bigley Karen , Bauer John E.
Published: October 2011

An opportunity to investigate a low-arachidonic acid (AA) feline diet possibly related to elevated peroxide value (PV) during storage on plasma phospholipid (PL) and reproductive tissue fatty acid (FA) profiles presented itself in the present study. Cats (nine animals per group) had been fed one of three dry extruded, complete and balanced diets for 300 d before spaying. The diets contained adequate AA (0·3 g/kg), similar concentration of antioxidants and were stored at ambient temperature, but differed in FA composition. The diets were designated as follows: diet A (high linoleic acid), diet B (high γ-linolenic acid) and diet C (adequate linoleic acid). Diet samples that were obtained the week before spaying revealed an elevated PV of diet A v. diets B and C (135 v. 5·80 and 2·12 meq/kg fat, respectively). Records revealed decreased food consumption of diet A cats beginning at 240 d but without weight loss; thus an opportunity presented to investigate diet PV effects. Total plasma protein and PL-AA concentrations in group A were significantly decreased at 140 and 300 d. Uterine and ovarian tissues collected at surgery revealed modest decrements of AA. Diet A was below minimum standards at 0·015 % (minimum 0·02 %), probably due to oxidation. The time at which diet A became unacceptable may have occurred between 60 and 140 d because plasma PL-AA was within our normal colony range (approximately 4–7 % relative) after 56 d of feeding. High-linoleic acid-containing diets may be more likely to be oxidised requiring additional antioxidants. The findings suggest that reduced plasma protein in combination with plasma AA concentrations may serve as biomarkers of diet peroxidation in cats before feed refusal, weight loss or tissue depletion.
The effect of dietary starch level on postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations in cats and dogs
Authors: Hewson-Hughes Adrian K. , Gilham Matthew S. , Upton Sarah , Colyer Alison , Butterwick Richard , Miller Andrew T.
Published: October 2011

A charge made against feeding dry foods to cats is that the high carbohydrate (i.e. starch) content results in high blood glucose levels which over time may have detrimental health effects. The present study determined the post-meal concentrations of plasma glucose and insulin in adult cats (seven males and four females) and dogs (Labrador retrievers; four males and five females) fed dry diets with low-starch (LS), moderate-starch (MS) or high-starch (HS) levels. In a cross-over design with at least 7 d between the test meals, plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were measured following a single meal of a LS, MS and HS diet (209 kJ/kg bodyweight). Only the HS diet resulted in significant post-meal increases in plasma glucose concentration in cats and dogs although the time-course profiles were different between the species. In cats, plasma glucose concentration was significantly increased above the pre-meal concentration from 11 h until 19 h after the meal, while in dogs, a significant increase above baseline was seen only at the 7 h time point. Plasma insulin was significantly elevated in dogs 4–8 h following the MS diet and 2–8 h after the HS diet. In cats, plasma insulin was significantly greater than baseline from 3–7 and 11–17 h after the HS diet. The time lag (approximately 11 h) between eating the HS diet and the subsequent prolonged elevation of plasma glucose concentration seen in cats may reflect metabolic adaptations that result in a slower digestive and absorptive capacity for complex carbohydrate.
Effect of citrus polyphenol- and curcumin-supplemented diet on inflammatory state in obese cats
Authors: Leray Véronique , Freuchet Benjamin , Le Bloc'h Jérôme , Jeusette Isabelle , Torre Celina , Nguyen Patrick
Published: October 2011

Among obesity-associated disorders, low-grade inflammation has been described. The putative therapeutic properties of citrus and curcumin polyphenols could be associated with their anti-inflammatory properties. Two diets supplemented either with hesperidin (0·05 %) and naringin (0·1 %) from citrus extract or with highly bioavailable curcumin fromCurcuma longaextract (0·09 %) were fed to eight obese cats for two 8-week periods (cross-over study design) while maintaining animals in an obese state. Plasma acute-phase protein (APP; α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), serum amyloid A and haptoglobin) levels were assessed before and at the end of each test period. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, transforming growth factor-β, interferon (IFN)-γ mRNA levels were determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by real-time PCR. Compared with pre-study values, supplementation with citrus polyphenols resulted in lower plasma AGP and haptoglobin concentrations, while that with curcumin resulted in lower plasma AGP concentration. There were no differences between the supplementations. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, transforming growth factor-β, mRNA levels remained unaffected by either dietary supplementation. In contrast, IFN-γ and IL-2 mRNA levels were lower at the end of the citrus and the curcumin supplementation, respectively. There were no differences between the supplementations. The present study results show a slight effect of citrus and curcumin supplementation on inflammatory markers expressed by PBMC, and a decreased concentration of APP, which are mainly expressed by the liver. This would confirm that hesperidin and naringin or highly bioavailable curcumin extract have beneficial effects, targeted in the liver and could improve the obesity-related inflammatory state.
Old beagle dogs have lower faecal concentrations of some fermentation products and lower peripheral lymphocyte counts than young adult beagles
Authors: Gomes Márcia de Oliveira Sampaio , Beraldo Mariana Casteleti , Putarov Thaila Cristina , Brunetto Márcio Antônio , Zaine Leandro , Glória Maria Beatriz Abreu , Carciofi Aulus Cavalieri
Published: October 2011

The effects of age on microbiota composition, gut fermentation end-product formation and peripheral lymphocyte numbers were compared between old and young adult Beagle dogs fed four kibble diets differing in yeast cell wall contents. The experiment had a double 4 × 4 Latin square design, one with four mature dogs (4 years old) and the other with four old dogs (10 years old), with four replicates (diets) per dog. In each period a 15 d adaptation period preceded a 5 d total collection of faeces for the digestibility trial. On day 21, fresh faecal samples were collected for the determination of bacterial enumeration, pH, biogenic amine and short-chain fatty acid. Flow cytometry was used for immunophenotypic evaluation. Dogs were fed four kibble diets with similar composition with 0, 0·15, 0·30 and 0·45 % of yeast cell wall (as-fed), respectively. Data were evaluated using general linear models of Statistical Analysis Systems statistical software (P < 0·05). No evidence of a difference in faecal bacteria counts between ages was found (total aerobes, total anaerobes,Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, ClostridiumandEscherichia coli:P>0·15). Faecal concentrations of butyrate, histamine, agmatine and spermine were lower (P ≤ 0·05) and faecal pH was higher (P = 0·03) in older dogs than in mature adult dogs, suggesting an alteration in bacterial metabolic activity, or in the rate of intestinal absorption of these compounds. Concentrations of T-lymphocytes, T-cytotoxic lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes were also lower (P ≤ 0·01) in older dogs than in mature adult dogs. The study confirmed alterations in peripheral lymphocytes and revealed a reduced concentration of some fermentation end products in the colon of old dogs.
Characteristics of ageing pets and their owners: dogsv.cats
Authors: Heuberger Roschelle , Wakshlag Joseph
Published: October 2011

The purpose of the present cross-sectional, convenience sampled study was to ascertain differences in diet and lifestyle between cat (n155) and dog (n318) owners and their pets. Average cat ownership was 6·1 (sd5) years and average cat's age was 6·9 (sd5) years. Cats were reported to be overweight (14 %), fedad libitum(87 %), given medication (11 %) and had health conditions (24 %). Cat's age was significantly and positively related to cat's weight, duration of illness, owner's BMI and some owners' dietary characteristics. Overweight in cats was significantly associated with overweight in older owners ( ≥ 60 years). Younger cat owners ( < 60 years) showed non-statistically significant trends between the owner's BMI and cat's overweight. Cat's age was inversely correlated with cat's and owner's activity levels. Dogs were owned for 5·5 (sd4) years and mean dog's age was 5·9 (sd4) years. Dogs were reported to be overweight (18 %), fedad libitum(49 %), given medication (31 %) and had health conditions (34 %). Dog's age was positively associated with duration of illness. Dog's age was inversely correlated with amount of food fed, dog's activity and owner's exercise and intake of fruit, vegetables and whole grains. Dog's age was positively correlated with the owner's BMI and frequency of added fat consumption. Overweight in dogs was associated with overweight in older owners ( ≥ 60 years) and was correlated with poorer health in both the dog and the owner. Younger dog owners were more likely to have an overweight dog if they themselves were obese. Similarities were found in owner's and pet's diet and lifestyle issues with ageing. Overweight was associated with ageing, dietary, lifestyle and health issues in this sample. Older owners who were overweight had overweight pets. Strategies should be targeted towards decreasing both owner's and pet's overweight. The use of exercise and dietary interventions should be encouraged.
Effect of short-chain fructooligosaccharide-enriched energy-restricted diet on weight loss and serum haptoglobin concentration in Beagle dogs
Authors: Ricci Rebecca , Jeusette Isabelle , Godeau Jean-Marie , Contiero Barbara , Diez Marianne
Published: October 2011

The effects of the dietary inclusion of two levels of short-chain fructooligosaccharides (sc-FOS) on weight loss, biochemical parameters and serum haptoglobin concentration were investigated in twelve experimental obese Beagle dogs. Dogs were randomised into two groups and submitted to a weight loss program (WLP): the control group (C) received a commercial energy-restricted high-protein diet containing 1 % DM sc-FOS, whereas the test group (T) received the same diet enriched with sc-FOS to attain a 3 % DM content. Body weight (BW) and body condition score were weekly assessed in each dog and blood was collected before and after WLP to measure total plasma cholesterol (CHOL), TAG, NEFA, glucose (GLUC), insulin, serum leptin and haptoglobin. Groups showed similar BW and blood parameters before treatment. When values before and after treatment of the dogs were compared, significant reductions were observed for all parameters, with the exception of NEFA and GLUC. However, when these reductions were compared between C and T groups, significant differences were detected only for haptoglobin (T beforev.T after: 1545v.605 mg/l,P = 0·03; C beforev.C after: 1635v.1400 mg/l,P = NS). Positive correlations between haptoglobin and CHOL and between haptoglobin and TAG were observed before but not after WLP. In conclusion, feeding obese dogs with the energy-restricted diet caused significant weight loss and reduction of blood parameters, irrespective of the sc-FOS content included. However, serum haptoglobin level, and the subclinical inflammatory condition associated with it, was significantly lowered in the T but not in the C group.
Effects of two commercially available feline diets on glucose and insulin concentrations, insulin sensitivity and energetic efficiency of weight gain
Authors: Coradini M. , Rand J. S. , Morton J. M. , Rawlings J. M.
Published: October 2011

A low-carbohydrate, high-protein (LCHP) diet is often recommended for the prevention and management of diabetes in cats; however, the effect of macronutrient composition on insulin sensitivity and energetic efficiency for weight gain is not known. The present study compared the effect in adult cats (n32) of feeding a LCHP (23 and 47 % metabolisable energy (ME)) and a high-carbohydrate, low-protein (HCLP) diet (51 and 21 % ME) on fasting and postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations, and on insulin sensitivity. Tests were done in the 4th week of maintenance feeding and after 8 weeks ofad libitumfeeding, when weight gain and energetic efficiency of each diet were also measured. When fed at maintenance energy, the HCLP diet resulted in higher postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations. When fedad libitum, the LCHP diet resulted in greater weight gain (P < 0·01), and was associated with higher energetic efficiency. Overweight cats eating the LCHP diet had similar postprandial glucose concentrations to lean cats eating the HCLP diet. Insulin sensitivity was not different between the diets when cats were lean or overweight, but glucose effectiveness was higher after weight gain in cats fed the HCLP diet. According to the present results, LCHP diets fed at maintenance requirements might benefit cats with multiple risk factors for developing diabetes. However,ad libitumfeeding of LCHP diets is not recommended as they have higher energetic efficiency and result in greater weight gain.
Turán Numbers of Multiple Paths and Equibipartite Forests
Authors: BUSHAW NEAL , KETTLE NATHAN
Published: October 2011

The Turán number of a graph H, ex(n, H), is the maximum number of edges in any graph on n vertices which does not contain H as a subgraph. Let Pl denote a path on l vertices, and let k ⋅ Pl denote k vertex-disjoint copies of Pl. We determine ex(n, k ⋅ P3) for n appropriately large, answering in the positive a conjecture of Gorgol. Further, we determine ex(n, k ⋅ Pl) for arbitrary l, and n appropriately large relative to k and l. We provide some background on the famous Erdős–Sós conjecture, and conditional on its truth we determine ex(n, H) when H is an equibipartite forest, for appropriately large n.
A Bayesian hierarchical approach to regional frequency analysis
Authors: Renard B.
Published: October 2011

Regional frequency analysis (RFA) has a long history in hydrology, and numerous distinct approaches have been proposed over the years to perform the estimation of some hydrologic quantity at a regional level. However, most of these approaches still rely on strong hypotheses that may limit their application and complicate the quantification of predictive uncertainty. The objective of this paper is to propose a general Bayesian hierarchical framework to implement RFA schemes that avoid these difficulties. The proposed framework is based on a two‐level hierarchical model. The first level of the hierarchy describes the joint distribution of observations. An arbitrary marginal distribution, whose parameters may vary in space, is assumed for at‐site series. The joint distribution is then derived by means of an elliptical copula, therefore providing an explicit description of the spatial dependence between data. The second level of the hierarchy describes the spatial variability of parameters using a regression model that links the parameter values with covariates describing site characteristics. Regression errors are modeled with a Gaussian spatial field, which may exhibit spatial dependence. This framework enables performing prediction at both gaged and ungaged sites and, importantly, rigorously quantifying the associated predictive uncertainty. A case study based on the annual maxima of daily rainfall demonstrates the applicability of this hierarchical approach. Although numerous avenues for improvement can already be identified (among which is the inclusion of temporal covariates to model time variability), the proposed model constitutes a general framework for implementing flexible RFA schemes and quantifying the associated predictive uncertainty.
Shallow marine carbon and oxygen isotope and elemental records indicate icehouse‐greenhouse cycles during the Early Jurassic
Authors: Korte Christoph , Hesselbo Stephen P.
Published: October 2011

For much of the Mesozoic record there has been an inconclusive debate on the possible global significance of isotopic proxies for environmental change and of sequence stratigraphic depositional sequences. We present a carbon and oxygen isotope and elemental record for part of the Early Jurassic based on marine benthic and nektobenthic molluscs and brachiopods from the shallow marine succession of the Cleveland Basin, UK. The invertebrate isotope record is supplemented with carbon isotope data from fossil wood, which samples atmospheric carbon. New data elucidate two major global carbon isotope events, a negative excursion of ∼2‰ at the Sinemurian–Pliensbachian boundary, and a positive excursion of ∼2‰ in the Late Pliensbachian. The Sinemurian–Pliensbachian boundary event is similar to the slightly younger Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event and is characterized by deposition of relatively deepwater organic‐rich shale. The Late Pliensbachian strata by contrast are characterized by shallow marine deposition. Oxygen isotope data imply cooling locally for both events. However, because deeper water conditions characterize the Sinemurian–Pliensbachian boundary in the Cleveland Basin the temperature drop is likely of local significance; in contrast a cool Late Pliensbachian shallow seafloor agrees with previous inference of partial icehouse conditions. Both the large‐scale, long‐term and small‐scale, short‐duration isotopic cycles occurred in concert with relative sea level changes documented previously from sequence stratigraphy. Isotope events and the sea level cycles are concluded to reflect processes of global significance, supporting the idea of an Early Jurassic in which cyclic swings from icehouse to greenhouse and super greenhouse conditions occurred at timescales from 1 to 10 Ma.
CloVR-Metagenomics: Functional and taxonomic microbial community characterization from metagenomic whole-genome shotgun (WGS) sequences – standard operating procedure, version 1.0
Authors: Fricke W. Florian , White James , Arze Cesar , Matalka Malcom , Team The CloVR , White Owen , Angiuoli Samuel
Published: October 2011

The CloVR-Metagenomics pipeline employs several well-known tools and protocols for the analysis of metagenomic whole-genome shotgun (WGS) sequence datasets:A) UCLUST – a C++-based software package for clustering redundant DNA sequences and removing artificial 454 replicates;B) BLASTX and BLASTN for functional and taxonomic assignment of sequences, respectively;C) Metastats and custom R scripts to generate additional statistical and graphical evaluation.The CloVR-Metagenomics pipeline accepts as input multiple fasta files (1 sample per file) and a corresponding tab-delimited metadata file that specifies features associated with the samples, which are used for comparative analysis. This protocol is available in CloVR beta version 0.5 and 0.6.
CloVR-Microbe: Assembly, gene finding and functional annotation of raw sequence data from single microbial genome projects – standard operating procedure, version 1.0
Authors: White Owen , Angiuoli Samuel , Fricke W. Florian , Galens Kevin , White James , Arze Cesar , Matalka Malcolm , Gwinn Giglio Michelle , Team The CloVR
Published: October 2011

The CloVR-Microbe pipeline performs the basic processing and analysis steps required for standard microbial single-genome sequencing projects: A) Whole-genome shotgun sequence assembly; B) Identification of protein and RNA-coding genes; and C) Functional gene annotation. B) and C) are based on the IGS Annotation Engine (http://ae.igs.umaryland.edu/), which is described elsewhere (K Galens et al. submitted). The assembly component of CloVR- Microbe can be executed independently from the gene identification and annotation components. Alternatively, pre-assembled sequence contigs can be used to perform gene identifications and annotations. The pipeline input may consist of unassembled raw sequence reads from the Sanger, Roche/454 GS FLX or Illumina GAII or HiSeq sequencing platforms or of combinations of Sanger and Roche/454 sequence data. The pipeline output consists of results and summary files generated during the different pipeline steps. Annotated sequence files are generated that are compatible with common genome browser tools and can be submitted to the GenBank repository at NCBI. This protocol is available in CloVR beta versions 0.5 and 0.6.
CloVR-16S: Phylogenetic microbial community composition analysis based on 16S ribosomal RNA amplicon sequencing – standard operating procedure, version 1.1
Authors: Fricke W. Florian , White James , Arze Cesar , Matalka Malcolm ,   The CloVR Team, White Owen , Angiuoli Samuel
Published: October 2011

The CloVR-16S pipeline employs several well-known phylogenetic tools and protocols for the analysis of 16S rRNA sequence datasets:A) Qiime – a Python-based workflow package, allowing for sequence processing and phylogenetic analysis using different methods including the phylogenetic distance metric UniFrac, UCLUST, PyNAST and the RDP Bayesian classifier;B) UCHIME – a tool for rapid identification of chimeric 16S sequence fragments;C) Mothur – a C++-based software package for 16S analysis;D) Metastats and custom R scripts used to generate additional statistical and graphical evaluations.CloVR-16S accepts as input raw multiplex 454-pyrosequencer output (i.e. pooled pyrotagged sequences from multiple samples), or alternatively, pre-processed sequences from multiple samples in separate files. This protocol became first available in CloVR beta version 0.7.
Administration: Promotion and Clinical Faculty in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Authors: Simpson Jennifer , Subramanian Anu
Published: October 2011

The use of clinical faculty in place of professional or administrative staff is gaining ground in many universities. The authors used survey techniques to gather information from 23 different universities regarding the roles of clinical faculty and opportunities and requirements for promotion. Results indicate that the primary role of clinical faculty members continues to be clinical education, followed by classroom education. In keeping with this finding, most important for promotion in the clinical ladder was performance in clinical education and classroom education. All universities identified a variety of other tasks that were also important to be considered for promotion, including service at university, state- and national-level presentations, publications, and administration. Large ranges in these requirements indicated that the clinical faculty member can develop his/her area of expertise or interest in one of multiple categories to ensure success in promotion.
Model for the fast estimation of basis set superposition error in biomolecular systems
Authors: Faver John C. , Zheng Zheng , Merz Kenneth M.
Published: October 2011

Basis set superposition error (BSSE) is a significant contributor to errors in quantum-based energy functions, especially for large chemical systems with many molecular contacts such as folded proteins and protein-ligand complexes. While the counterpoise method has become a standard procedure for correcting intermolecular BSSE, most current approaches to correcting intramolecular BSSE are simply fragment-based analogues of the counterpoise method which require many (two times the number of fragments) additional quantum calculations in their application. We propose that magnitudes of both forms of BSSE can be quickly estimated by dividing a system into interacting fragments, estimating each fragment's contribution to the overall BSSE with a simple statistical model, and then propagating these errors throughout the entire system. Such a method requires no additional quantum calculations, but rather only an analysis of the system's interacting fragments. The method is described herein and is applied to a protein-ligand system, a small helical protein, and a set of native and decoy protein folds.
Synthesis and magnetic characterization of Co-NiO-Ni core-shell nanotube arrays
Authors: Chen J. Y. , Ahmad N. , Shi D. W. , Zhou W. P. , Han X. F.
Published: October 2011

Well-aligned Ni and Co-NiO-Ni core-shell nanotube arrays with an average outer diameter of about 200 nm have been synthesized in a porous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template by the direct electro-deposition method. The result shows that the nanotubes were polycrystalline phase. Angular dependent coercivity Hc(θ) indicates that the magnetization reversal mechanisms are mainly dominated by the “curling mode” for Ni nanotubes, while a transition from curling to transverse is observed in Co-NiO-Ni core-shell nanotubes at a large angle. A sharp increase in saturated magnetization (Ms) of Ni and Co-NiO-Ni core-shell nanotubes at 5 K was observed, due to dominance of the surface effect. Besides, the existed superparamagnetic nanoparticles also resulted in the increase of Ms for both cases. These structures have potential applications in the novel spintronics device, ultrasmall magnetic media, and other nanodevices.
Structure and magnetic properties of MnZn nanoferrites synthesized under a high magnetic field
Authors: Liu Yongsheng , Zhong Yunbo , Zhang Jincang , Ren Zhongming , Cao Shixun , Yang Zhenglong , Gao Tian
Published: October 2011

Mn0.6Zn0.4Fe2O4 nanoparticles are fabricated by a phase transformation method in a high dc magnetic field of 60 kOe, and their structural and magnetic properties are investigated. For the 60 kOe sample, the average particle size increases and the particle size becomes uniform. Magnetic investigation displays the magnetic field enhances its saturation magnetization and decreases its magnetic loss. Results of a.c. magnetic properties reveal that the MnZn nanoferrite system is a spin-glass one. The magnetic field has effects on grain size and ion distribution, which causes high magnetization and low loss in MnZn nanoferrites.