bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Balamuthia mandrillaris: In Vitro Interactions with Selected Protozoa and Algae
Authors: Tapia José L. , Torres Benjamin Nogueda , Visvesvara Govinda S.
Published: May 2013

Although Balamuthia mandrillaris was identified more than two decades ago as an agent of fatal granulomatous encephalitis in humans and other animals, little is known about its ecological niche, biological behavior in the environment, food preferences and predators, if any. When infecting humans or other animals, Balamuthia feeds on tissues; and in vitro culture, it feeds on mammalian cells (monkey kidney cells, human lung fibroblasts, and human microvascular endothelial cells). According to recent reports, it is believed that Balamuthia feeds on small amebae, for example, Acanthamoeba that are present in its ecological niche. To test this hypothesis, we associated Balamuthia on a one‐on‐one basis with selected protozoa and algae. We videotaped the behavior of Balamuthia in the presence of a potential prey, its ability to hunt and attack its food, and the time required to eat and cause damage to the target cell by direct contact. We found that B. mandrillaris ingested trophozoites of Naegleria fowleri, Naegleria gruberi, Acanthamoeba spp., Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes, Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites, and Giardia. However, it did not feed on Acanthamoeba cysts or algae. Balamuthia caused cytolysis of T. cruzi epimastigotes and T. gondii tachyzoites by direct contact. Balamuthia trophozoites and cysts were, however, eaten by Paramecium sp.
Morphogenesis and Molecular Phylogeny of a New Freshwater Ciliate, Notohymena apoaustralis n. sp. (Ciliophora, Oxytrichidae)
Authors: Lv Zhao , Chen Lan , Chen Lingyun , Shao Chen , Miao Miao , Warren Alan
Published: May 2013

The live morphology, infraciliature, and morphogenesis of a new oxytrichid ciliate, Notohymena apoaustralis n. sp. collected from a freshwater pond in Qingdao (Tsingtao), China, were studied in vivo and after protargol impregnation. Notohymena apoaustralis n. sp. is characterized as follows: undulating membranes in Notohymena‐pattern; cortical granules yellow‐green, grouped around the marginal cirri and dorsal bristles, and in short irregular rows elsewhere in the cell; single contractile vacuole positioned at anterior 1/3 of the body length; two macronuclear nodules and one micronucleus; about 39 adoral membranelles; 18 frontoventral transverse cirri in typical Oxytricha‐pattern; one right and one left marginal row, almost confluent posteriorly; dorsal ciliature in typical Oxytricha‐pattern; 8–10 caudal cirri arranged in three rows, one each at the posterior end of dorsal kineties 1, 2, and 4, indistinguishable from marginal cirri in life. The morphogenetic process in N. apoaustralis n. sp. is consistent with that of the type species, Notohymena rubescens Blatterer and Foissner, 1988. Phylogenetic analyses based on small subunit rDNA sequence data suggest a sister relationship between N. apoaustralis n. sp. and Paraurostyla weissei, which cluster in a clade with Rubrioxytricha ferruginea.
Phagotrophic Protist Diversity in the Groundwater of a Karstified Aquifer – Morphological and Molecular Analysis
Authors: Risse‐Buhl Ute , Herrmann Martina , Lange Patricia , Akob Denise M. , Pizani Natalia , Schönborn Wilfried , Totsche Kai Uwe , Küsel Kirsten
Published: May 2013

To clarify the structure of microbial food webs in groundwater, knowledge about the protist diversity and feeding strategies is essential. We applied cultivation‐dependent approaches and molecular methods for further understanding of protist diversity in groundwater. Groundwater was sampled from a karstified aquifer located in the Thuringian Basin (Thuringia, Germany). Cultivable protist abundance estimated up to 8,000 cells/L. Eleven flagellates, 10 naked amoebae, and one ciliate morpho‐species were detected in groundwater enrichment cultures. Most of the flagellates morpho‐species, typically < 10 μm, were sessile or free swimming suspension feeders, e.g., Spumella spp., Monosiga spp., and mobile, surface‐associated forms that grasp biofilms, e.g., Bodo spp. Naked amoebae, typically < 35 μm, that grasp biofilms were represented by, e.g., Vahlkampfia spp., Vannella spp., and Hartmanella spp. The largest fraction of the 18S rRNA gene sequences was affiliated with Spumella‐like Stramenopiles. Besides, also sequences affiliated with fungi and metazoan grazers were detected in clone libraries of the groundwater. We hypothesize that small sized protist species take refuge in the structured surface of the fractures and fissures of the karstified aquifer and mainly feed on biofilm‐associated or suspended bacteria.
An Optimized EMA‐RAPD‐PCR for a Reliable Detection of Viable Salmonella spp. in Chicken Products
Authors: Saiyudthong Soithong , Trevanich Sudsai
Published: May 2013

This study aimed to develop the reliable technique called ethidium bromide monoazide‐random amplified polymorphic DNA‐PCR (EMA‐RAPD‐PCR) for detection of only viable Salmonella cells due to PCR cannot distinguish DNA from viable and dead cells. In EMA‐RAPD‐PCR, EMA was used to intercalate the DNA obtained from 1.2 × 106 cells of viable and heat‐killed Salmonella Typhimurium and Salmonella Enteritidis. The optimized conditions of EMA treatment for an effective prevention of DNA amplification from dead cells by RAPD‐PCR were as follows: the minimum amount of 3 μg/mL EMA; the suitable light exposure time of at least 5 min; and the optimum light exposure distance of 20 cm. To improve a reliability in specific detection of viable Salmonella cells in food samples, use of an optimized 20‐h preenrichment in nutrient broth followed by EMA‐RAPD‐PCR could inhibit the DNA amplification of the dead cells in all artificially and naturally Salmonella‐contaminated chicken products tested.

Practical Applications

The developed Ethidium Bromide Monoazide‐Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA‐Polymerase Chain Reaction (EMA‐RAPD‐PCR) involving 20‐h culturing in preenrichment medium is an efficient, reliable and economical procedure to detect only viable Salmonella spp. in food samples. This technique has demonstrated effectiveness in preventing the DNA amplification of dead Salmonella cells. Moreover, the EMA‐RAPD‐PCR has the potential for use as a rapid, simple and reliable monitoring tool of Salmonella spp. prevalence along the food production chain.
First clinical trial of a newly developed capsule endoscope with panoramic side view for small bowel: A pilot study
Authors: Friedrich Kilian , Gehrke Sven , Stremmel Wolfgang , Sieg Andreas
Published: May 2013

Background and Study Aims

Capsule endoscopy is the first‐line diagnostic technique for the small bowel. However, the inability to visualize the duodenal papilla is an inherent limitation of this method. In the present study, we evaluated feasibility of a newly developed CapsoCam SV1 capsule.

Patients and Methods

This is a prospective dual center study of a newly developed video capsule CapsoCam SV1 from Capsovision, CA, providing panoramic 360° imaging. A high frequency of 20 frames occurs per second for the first 2 h and thereafter 12 frames/s, with a battery life of 15 h. We evaluated feasibility and completeness of small bowel examination together with secondary endpoints of duodenal papilla detection in 33 patients. Patients swallowed the capsules following colonoscopy or were prepared with 2 L of polyethylene glycol solution prior to the examination. All patients swallowed 20 mg of metoclopramide and 160 mg of simethicone 30 min before ingestion of the capsule.

Results

Thirty‐one of the 33 patients' data could be evaluated. Small bowel examination was complete in all procedures. Mean time to pass the small bowel was 258 ± 136 min. Average small bowel cleanliness was 3.3 ± 0.5. In 71% of the patients, we identified the duodenal papilla. No adverse reaction in relation to the capsule examination was observed.

Conclusions

CapsoCam SV1 is a safe and efficient tool in small bowel examination. The duodenal papilla as the only landmark in small bowel is detected in more than 70% of the patients.
Identification and Characterization of Cotton Genes Involved in Fuzz‐Fiber Development
Authors: Wang Gaskin , Zhao Guo‐Hong , Jia Yin‐Hua , Du Xiong‐Ming
Published: May 2013

Cotton fuzz fibers, like Arabidopsis trichomes, are elongated unicells. It is postulated that a transcriptional complex of GLABRA1 (GL1), GLABRA3 (GL3), and TRANSPARENT TESTAGLABRA1 (TTG1) might be in existence in Arabidopsis as evidenced by their physical interaction in yeast, and the complex regulates expression of GLABRA2 (GL2) controlling trichome cell differentiation; it is also assumed that TRIPTYCHON (TRY) and CAPRICE (CPC) counteract the complex formation in neighboring cells. Here, the homologs GaMYB23 (a homolog of GL1), GaDEL65 (a homolog of GL3), GaTTG1, GaCPC and GaTRY were identified in Gossypium arboreum. We show that GaMYB23 can bind to and activate the promoters of GaCPC, GaGL2 and GaTRY, and that GaMYB23, GaTRY and GaTTG1 could interact with GaDEL65 in yeast and in planta. In situ analysis showed that GaMYB23, GaGL2, GaDEL65, and GaTRY were predominantly expressed in fuzz fiber, but GaTRY proteins were primarily found in undeveloped epidermal cells. A G. arboreum fuzzless mutant with consistently high level GaMYB23 transcript has lost the detectable GaMYB23‐promoter of GaGL2 complex, corresponding to sharply reduced transcription of GaGL2. Our results support that cotton homologs to the genetic molecules regulating Arabidopsis trichome differentiation interacted in the epidermis of ovules and the redundant GaMYB23 serves as a negative regulator in fuzz‐fiber patterning.
Cost information of chemotherapy for cervical and endometrial cancer in Japan
Authors: Kamijo Yuko , Ichikawa Motoki
Published: May 2013

Aim

Treatment cost is one of the biggest concerns for cancer patients. Providing information to cancer patients about treatment cost and available financial support contributes to high‐quality care. The aim of this study was to determine chemotherapy costs and other medical care expenditures for patients with cervical and endometrial cancer.

Methods

Data from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination system, which is the Japanese version of the Diagnosis‐related Group system, were used to identify 179 patients with cervical cancer and 244 patients with endometrial cancer who received chemotherapy from 2008–2010 at a specialized cancer hospital. The costs of chemotherapy per bolus, various protocols, and other medical care expenditures were investigated.

Results

The cost per bolus of chemotherapeutic agents varied from ¥13,804–258,906 ($US 173–3236). The total medical cost for each course, including supportive care and treatment for chemotoxic symptoms, ranged ¥22,230–590,140 ($US 278–7377). Fourteen protocols were used in this population. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the factors related to the total medical care cost for cervical cancer were cost of chemotherapeutic agents, laboratory tests, oral medications, number of complications, and age. For endometrial cancer, cost of chemotherapeutic agents, laboratory tests, and oral medications were the factors related to the total medical care costs.

Conclusion

The cost of various chemotherapy protocols and the total medical care was determined using the Diagnosis Procedure Combination system. Nurses should give the information about treatment cost and discuss the cost with patients to facilitate high‐quality care.
Prevalence of sleep bruxism in children: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Manfredini D. , Restrepo C. , Diaz‐Serrano K. , Winocur E. , Lobbezoo F.
Published: May 2013

The aim of the present investigation was to perform a systematic review of the literature dealing with the issue of sleep bruxism prevalence in children at the general population level. Quality assessment of the reviewed papers was performed to identify flaws in the external and internal validity. Cut‐off criteria for an acceptable external validity were established to select studies for the discussion of prevalence data. A total of 22 publications were included in the review, most of which had methodological problems limiting their external validity. Prevalence data extraction was performed only on eight papers that were consistent as for the sampling strategy and showed only minor external validity problems, but they had some common internal validity flaws related with the definition of sleep bruxism measures. All the selected papers based sleep bruxism diagnosis on proxy reports by the parents, and no epidemiological data were available from studies adopting other diagnostic strategies (e.g. polysomnography or electromyography). The reported prevalence was highly variable between the studies (3·5–40·6%), with a commonly described decrease with age and no gender differences. A very high variability in sleep bruxism prevalence in children was found, due to the different age groups under investigation and the different frequencies of self‐reported sleep bruxism. This prevented from supporting any reliable estimates of the prevalence of sleep bruxism in children.
Preparation, optimization, and in-vitro/in-vivo/ex-vivo characterization of chitosan-heparin nanoparticles: drug-induced gelation
Authors: Shahbazi Mohammad-Ali , Hamidi Mehrdad , Mohammadi-Samani Soliman
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Management of blood coagulation-related diseases is currently limited by the inability to provide an adequate drug concentration in blood circulation for a long term. As a promising way to overcome this problem, the long-acting forms of these drugs have attracted many interests in recent years.

Methods

In this study, chitosan-heparin nanoparticles were prepared as a polymeric delivery system intended for the prolonged intravenous delivery of heparin where the drug was used as both the therapeutic agent and a gel-forming counter-ion. The nanoparticle preparation method was optimized using a Taguchi orthogonal array. Critical formulation variables were optimized in this study in terms of their corresponding effects on the target response of particle size. Nanoparticles were characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and zeta potential.

Key findings

The size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency for the optimized formulation were found to be 61.33 ± 1.53 nm, 0.06, +15.7 mv and 74.16 ± 1.27%, respectively. The sizes of the prepared drug-loaded nanoparticles were stable at least 1 week at room temperature and 3 months in refrigerator.

Conclusions

The ex-vivo and in-vivo tests on the heparin-chitosan nanoparticles using activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) as the biological index were indicative of a smoother and longer elevation in aPTT in the presence of nanoparticulate drug.
Nursing home care: exploring the role of religiousness in the mental health, quality of life and stress of formal caregivers
Authors: Lucchetti G. , Lucchetti A. L. G. , Oliveira G. R. , Crispim D. , Pires S. L. , Gorzoni M. L. , Panicio C. R. G. , Koenig H. G.
Published: May 2013

Accessible summary

Religion and spirituality have been associated with the caregiver's sense of well‐being and ability to cope, quality of life, and feelings of burden. Despite the large number of studies on family/informal caregivers, there are only few studies that have focused on the impact of religiosity on formal caregivers.

Paid caregivers (NA) have a strong sense of religiousness, which plays an important role in many ways, including the type of care they provide, their mental health and their quality of life.

Most NA have prayed for their patients, demonstrating the strong interface between religion (and religious beliefs) and health care.

Medical and nursing managers might consider these relationships in order to optimize the support they provide to NA staff and patients.

Despite the high number of studies on family caregivers, there is little research on the impact of religiosity on formal caregiving (paid providers). We examine the role of religiousness in the mental health, quality of life and stress of nurse aides (NA) who provide care for patients in a nursing home. NA in a Brazilian nursing home were invited to participate. Because of its coping function, we hypothesized that religiousness was related to better mental health and quality of life. Linear regression was used to test this hypothesis and control for confounders. Compared with the Brazilian general population, NA scored higher on measures of religious involvement. Intrinsic religiosity was associated with better mental health and quality of life. Organizational religiosity was associated with better social functioning, better general mental health and fewer anxiety symptoms. Non‐organizational religiosity (prayer), however, was associated with negative outcomes, such as higher stress, poorer general health perceptions and more anxiety symptoms. Most NA indicated that they had prayed for and with their patients. In conclusion, paid caregivers (NA) have a strong sense of religiousness, which plays an important role in many ways, including the type of care they provide, their mental health and their quality of life.
Predictors of Depressive Symptoms in Older Rural Couples: The Impact of Work, Stress and Health
Authors: Rayens Mary Kay , Reed Deborah B.
Published: May 2013

Purpose

Older farmers experience a high rate of suicide, and depression is closely aligned with suicide among agricultural workers. Depressive symptoms may be influenced by work patterns, work satisfaction, stress, and health status. In addition, members of a couple may affect each other's depressive symptoms. The purpose was to determine whether depressive symptoms score is predicted by hours worked on the farm, satisfaction with work, number of health conditions, perceived stress, and demographics in a sample of older farm couples, and to assess the degree of influence on depressive symptoms spouses have on each other.

Methods

A total of 494 couples participated in the initial interview for a longitudinal study of farmers aged 50 and above. Data from husbands and wives were used together in a multilevel, dyad‐based regression model to determine predictors of depressive symptoms.

Findings

Men's depressive symptoms scores were predicted by their own number of health conditions and stress and by their wives’ stress and health conditions. Women's depressive symptoms scores were predicted by their own work satisfaction, stress, and number of health conditions and their husbands’ time spent working on the farm and stress.

Conclusions

Stress management may be particularly important in older farm couples, since perceived duress of 1 member of the dyad impacts both. Work factors and health conditions also affect depressive symptoms in older rural couples, but these may be less easily modified.
Protogyny and delayed autonomous self‐pollination in the desert herb Zygophyllum macropterum (Zygophyllaceae)
Authors: MAMUT Jannathan , LI Bing , TAN Dun‐Yan
Published: May 2013

Protogyny and delayed selfing are two mechanisms in facilitating outcrossing and increasing female and male function in self‐compatible plant species. However, both mechanisms are rarely reported within a species. Here, we investigated pistil and stamen development, breeding system, and pollination biology of the desert herb Zygophyllum macropterum C. A. Mey. by use of field observations and manipulation experiments. Our primary aim was to assess whether protogyny and delayed autonomous self‐pollination occurred in this species. Zygophyllum macropterum is a spring flowering species with a floral longevity of approximately 3 days, including the female stage and the bisexual stage. Movement herkogamy occurred during both stages. The stigma was receptive when it was exposed from the corolla. The time of first anther dehiscence was approximately 12 h after stigma exposure. These results indicated that Z. macropterum is protogynous. Different pollination treatments showed that this species is self‐compatible and can self‐pollinate autonomously. Time of first dehiscence of anther overtopping the stigma was approximately 16 h after stigma exposure, suggesting that autonomous self‐pollination can occur in middle‐late anthesis, and thus can be defined as delayed autonomous self‐pollination. Anthophora plumipes Pallas. was the only pollinator of Z. macropterum. The unfavorable spring desert environment and the small corolla mouth diameter at the female stage would limit pollinator activity and thus lead to failure of outcrossing and occurrence of delayed self‐pollination. Therefore, both protogyny and delayed selfing play an important role in enhancing the opportunity for outcrossing and reproductive assurance of Z. macropterum in the spring desert environment.
Comparison between the rhythmic jaw contractions occurring during sleep and while chewing
Authors: Po Jessica M. C. , Gallo Luigi M. , Michelotti Ambra , Farella Mauro
Published: May 2013

The masticatory central pattern generator (CPG) may be implicated in the pathophysiology of sleep bruxism (SB). The aim of this study was to compare rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA) occurring during sleep related to SB with that of natural voluntary chewing in a sample of sleep bruxers. It was hypothesized that the pace of RMMA during sleep is correlated with the chewing pace. Electromyographic (EMG) surface activity was recorded unilaterally from the masseter muscle of 13 participants diagnosed with SB (mean age ± standard deviation =26.1 ± 9.0 years) by means of portable recorders. For each participant, recordings were carried out in the natural environment setting, always including the dinner time and the entire sleeping period. The time–frequency features of RMMA episodes were extracted automatically offline using a previously validated algorithm. Comparisons between chewing and SB activity indicated that chewing RMMA episodes almost doubled sleep RMMA in duration and power. The mean frequency of SB episodes was 1.0 ± 0.3 Hz, whereas the mean frequency of chewing episodes was 1.5 ± 0.4 Hz. The pace of SB and that of chewing were not correlated significantly (R = −0.13; P = 0.96). We conclude that sleep RMMA is not related to that of chewing. Despite both activities being accompanied by rhythmic jaw contractions, the pace‐generating mechanism of SB may be independent from that of chewing.
Adaptive evolution during an ongoing range expansion: the invasive bank vole (Myodes glareolus) in Ireland
Authors: White Thomas A. , Perkins Sarah E. , Heckel Gerald , Searle Jeremy B.
Published: May 2013

Range expansions are extremely common, but have only recently begun to attract attention in terms of their genetic consequences. As populations expand, demes at the wave front experience strong genetic drift, which is expected to reduce genetic diversity and potentially cause ‘allele surfing’, where alleles may become fixed over a wide geographical area even if their effects are deleterious. Previous simulation models show that range expansions can generate very strong selective gradients on dispersal, reproduction, competition and immunity. To investigate the effects of range expansion on genetic diversity and adaptation, we studied the population genomics of the bank vole (Myodes glareolus) in Ireland. The bank vole was likely introduced in the late 1920s and is expanding its range at a rate of ~2.5 km/year. Using genotyping‐by‐sequencing, we genotyped 281 bank voles at 5979 SNP loci. Fourteen sample sites were arranged in three transects running from the introduction site to the wave front of the expansion. We found significant declines in genetic diversity along all three transects. However, there was no evidence that sites at the wave front had accumulated more deleterious mutations. We looked for outlier loci with strong correlations between allele frequency and distance from the introduction site, where the direction of correlation was the same in all three transects. Amongst these outliers, we found significant enrichment for genic SNPs, suggesting the action of selection. Candidates for selection included several genes with immunological functions and several genes that could influence behaviour.
A flexible C‐terminal linker is required for proper FtsZ assembly in vitro and cytokinetic ring formation in vivo
Authors: Buske P. J. , Levin Petra Anne
Published: May 2013

Assembly of the cytoskeletal protein FtsZ into a ring‐like structure is required for bacterial cell division. Structurally, FtsZ consists of four domains: the globular N‐terminal core, a flexible linker, 8–9 conserved residues implicated in interactions with modulatory proteins, and a highly variable set of 4–10 residues at its very C terminus. Largely ignored and distinguished by lack of primary sequence conservation, the linker is presumed to be intrinsically disordered. Here we employ genetics, biochemistry and cytology to dissect the role of the linker in FtsZ function. Data from chimeric FtsZs substituting the native linker with sequences from unrelated FtsZs as well as a helical sequence from human beta‐catenin indicate that while variations in the primary sequence are well tolerated, an intrinsically disordered linker is essential for Bacillus subtilis FtsZ assembly. Linker lengths ranging from 25 to 100 residues supported FtsZ assembly, but replacing the B. subtilis FtsZ linker with a 249‐residue linker from Agrobacterium tumefaciens FtsZ interfered with cell division. Overall, our results support a model in which the linker acts as a flexible tether allowing FtsZ to associate with the membrane through a conserved C‐terminal domain while simultaneously interacting with itself and modulatory proteins in the cytoplasm.
Report of a Preliminary Discontinued Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of the Anti‐TNF‐α Chimeric Monoclonal Antibody Infliximab in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: Dirckx Maaike , Groeneweg George , Wesseldijk Feikje , Stronks Dirk L. , Huygen Frank J.P.M.
Published: May 2013

Objective

Inflammation appears to play a role in CRPS as, for example, cytokines (like TNF‐α) are involved in the affected limb. The ongoing inflammation is probably responsible for the central sensitization that sometimes occurs in CRPS. Thus, early start of a TNF‐α antagonist may counteract inflammation, thereby preventing rest damage and leading to recovery of the disease.

Design

Patients (n = 13) were randomly assigned to infliximab 5 mg/kg or placebo, both administered at week 0, 2, and 6. Outcome measures: The aim was to confirm a reduction in clinical signs of regional inflammation (based on total impairment level sumscore: ISS) after systemic administration of infliximab. Also, levels of mediators in the fluid of induced blisters were examined in relation to normalization and improvement in quality of life.

Results

Six patients received infliximab and 7, placebo. There was no significant change in total ISS score between the two groups. Similarly, no significant difference in change in cytokine levels was found between infliximab compared with placebo. However, there was a trend toward a greater reduction of TNF‐α in the intervention group compared with the placebo group. A subscale of the EuroQol (ie EuroQol VAS) revealed significant decrease in health status in the intervention group compared with the placebo group.

Conclusions

This study was terminated before the required number of participants had been reached for sufficient statistical power. Nevertheless, a trend was found toward an effect of infliximab on the initially high TNF‐α concentration.
Expression in Arabidopsis and cellular localization reveal involvement of rice NRAMP, OsNRAMP1, in arsenic transport and tolerance
Authors: TIWARI MANISH , SHARMA DEEPIKA , DWIVEDI SANJAY , SINGH MUNNA , TRIPATHI RUDRA DEO , TRIVEDI PRABODH KUMAR
Published: May 2013

Irrigation of paddy fields to arsenic (As) containing groundwater leads to As accumulation in rice grains and causes serious health risk to the people worldwide. To reduce As intake via consumption of contaminated rice grain, identification of the mechanisms for As accumulation and detoxification in rice is a prerequisite. Herein, we report involvement of a member of rice NRAMP (Natural Resistance‐Associated Macrophage Protein) transporter, OsNRAMP1, in As, in addition to cadmium (Cd), accumulation through expression in yeast and Arabidopsis. Expression of OsNRAMP1 in yeast mutant (fet3fet4) rescued iron (Fe) uptake and exhibited enhanced accumulation of As and Cd. Expression of OsNRAMP1 in Arabidopsis provided tolerance with enhanced As and Cd accumulation in root and shoot. Cellular localization revealed that OsNRAMP1 resides on plasma membrane of endodermis and pericycle cells and may assist in xylem loading for root to shoot mobilization. This is the first report demonstrating role of NRAMP in xylem mediated loading and enhanced accumulation of As and Cd in plants. We propose that genetic modification of OsNRAMP1 in rice might be helpful in developing rice with low As and Cd content in grain and minimize the risk of food chain contamination to these toxic metals.
Efficiency of Electron Transfer Initiated Chemiluminescence
Authors: Augusto Felipe A. , de Souza Glalci A. , de Souza Júnior Sergio P. , Khalid Muhammad , Baader Wilhelm J.
Published: May 2013

Although the mechanisms of many chemiluminescence (CL) reactions have been intensively studied, no general model has been suggested to rationalize the efficiency of these transformations. To contribute to this task, we report here quantum yields for some well‐characterized CL reactions, concentrating on recent reports of efficient transformations. Initially, a short review on the most important general CL mechanisms is given, including unimolecular peroxide decomposition, electrogenerated CL, as well as the intermolecular and intramolecular catalyzed decomposition of peroxides. Thereafter, quantum yield values for several CL transformations are compiled, including the unimolecular decomposition of 1,2‐dioxetanes and 1,2‐dioxetanones, the catalyzed decomposition of appropriate peroxides and the induced decomposition of properly substituted 1,2‐dioxetane derivatives. Finally, some representative examples of quantum yields for complex CL transformations, like luminol oxidation and the peroxyoxalate reaction, in different experimental conditions are given. This quantum yield compilation indicates that CL transformations involving electron transfer steps can occur with high efficiency in general only if the electron transfer is of intramolecular nature, with the intermolecular processes being commonly inefficient. A notable exception to this general rule is the peroxyoxalate reaction which, also constituting an example of an intermolecular electron transfer system, possesses very high quantum yields.
Nematicidal activity of Ochradenus baccatus against the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica
Authors: Oka Y. , Shuker S. , Tkachi N. , Trabelcy B. , Gerchman Y.
Published: May 2013

Ochradenus baccatus is a widely distributed shrub in desert regions of the Middle East and North Africa. This plant's nematicidal activity against the root‐knot nematode Meloidogyne javanica was evaluated because it has been found to contain exceptionally high levels of glucosinolates. In in vitro assays with aqueous extracts of the plant, 100% of second‐stage juveniles were immobilized after exposure to 4% root‐core extract for 48 h; 8% root‐core extract suppressed their hatching by 87%, whereas stem, flower and root bark showed lower activity. Incorporation of root core or bark into the soil, as fresh or dry powder at 1 and 0·5% (w/w), respectively, reduced the number of nematodes recovered from the soil by 95–100%, whereas the flower and stem were much less effective. Results from further pot experiments indicated that only the root bark consistently contains nematicidal compounds which are effective in soil, whereas the nematicidal activity of the root core in soil was inconsistent. The presence of non‐volatile lipophilic and lipophobic nematicidal compounds in the root bark was suggested by extraction with different polar solvents, but these compounds do not seem to be isothiocyanates – glucosinolate‐hydrolysed compounds with nematicidal activity. Very poor host status of Ochradenus baccatus to M. javanica, M. incognita and M. hapla, but with root‐penetration rates of juveniles similar to those in tomato roots, suggest that this plant may be used as a cover plant or trap plant to reduce nematode populations in the soil.
Experimental and molecular evidence of Reptalus panzeri as a natural vector of bois noir
Authors: Cvrković T. , Jović J. , Mitrović M. , Krstić O. , Toševski I.
Published: May 2013

Bois noir (BN) is an economically important grapevine yellows disease induced by the stolbur phytoplasma and principally vectored by the cixiid Hyalesthes obsoletus. This study addresses the involvement of other planthoppers and/or leafhoppers in BN epidemics in the South Banat district of northeastern Serbia, by performing transmission experiments and multilocus typing of stolbur phytoplasma isolates to determine the vector‐related characteristics of the disease. Transmission trials were conducted with adults of two cixiid congeners, Reptalus panzeri and R. quinquecostatus, which were found to harbour stolbur phytoplasma in the vineyards under study. A molecular characterization of stolbur phytoplasma isolates was performed by sequence analysis and/or RFLP typing of the two housekeeping genes tuf and secY and the two membrane proteins stamp and vmp1. Transmission trials with naturally infected R. panzeri adults from either the BN‐infected vineyards or maize redness (MR)‐affected maize fields revealed a high stolbur phytoplasma transmission efficiency to grapevines. In contrast, experiments conducted with stolbur‐positive R. quinquecostatus originating from BN‐infected vineyards, provided no evidence for a vector role of this species. Seven stolbur phytoplasma genotypes, all of which were tuf‐b types, were detected among the grapevine‐ and insect‐associated field samples according to the tuf/secY/vmp1/stamp typing. STOLg was the genotype most frequently found in naturally infected grapevine (42%), as well as R. panzeri originating from the vineyards (85%) and maize fields (98%). The same genotype was found in all experimental plants inoculated by R. panzeri, confirming its vectorship of the disease.
First Application of FISK, the Freshwater Fish Invasiveness Screening Kit, in Northern Europe: Example of Southern Finland
Authors: Puntila Riikka , Vilizzi Lorenzo , Lehtiniemi Maiju , Copp Gordon H.
Published: May 2013

The climatic conditions of north temperate countries pose unique influences on the rates of invasion and the potential adverse impacts of non‐native species. Methods are needed to evaluate these risks, beginning with the pre‐screening of non‐native species for potential invasives. Recent improvements to the Fish Invasiveness Scoring Kit (FISK) have provided a means (i.e., FISK v2) of identifying potentially invasive non‐native freshwater fishes in virtually all climate zones. In this study, FISK is applied for the first time in a north temperate country, southern Finland, and calibrated to determine the appropriate threshold score for fish species that are likely to pose a high risk of being invasive in this risk assessment area. The threshold between “medium” and “high” risk was determined to be 22.5, which is slightly higher than the original threshold for the United Kingdom (i.e., 19) and that determined for a FISK application in southern Japan (19.8). This underlines the need to calibrate such decision‐support tools for the different areas where they are employed. The results are evaluated in the context of current management strategies in Finland regarding non‐native fishes.
Control of soil‐transmitted helminthiasis in Myanmar: results of 7 years of deworming
Authors: Tun Aung , Myat Su Mon , Gabrielli Albis Francesco , Montresor Antonio
Published: May 2013

After a baseline survey in 2003 which showed an overall parasitological prevalence of soil‐transmitted helminths of 69.7% in school children (prevalence of ascariasis 48.5%, prevalence of trichuriasis 57.5% and prevalence of hookworm infection 6.5), a national deworming programme was established. After 7 years of implementation, it had resulted in a significant reduction of STH prevalence (prevalence of any STH 21%, prevalence of ascariasis 5.8%, prevalence of trichuriasis 18.6% and prevalence of hookworm infection 0.3%) as well as a reduction of the infections of moderate‐heavy intensity from 18.5% at baseline to less than 7%. The results are encouraging and a reduction of the frequency of deworming can be envisaged in two of four ecological areas of Myanmar.
Minimal solvable nonic fields
Authors: Jones John W.
Published: May 2013

For each solvable Galois group which appears in degree $9$ and each allowable signature, we find polynomials which define the fields of minimum absolute discriminant.
Detailed Kinetic Modeling of Soot-Particle and Key-Precursor Formation in Laminar Premixed and Counterflow Diffusion Flames of Fossil Fuel Surrogates
Authors: Salavati-Zadeh Ali , Esfahanian Vahid , Afshari Asghar
Published: May 2013

This study reports a chemical kinetics soot model for combustion of engine-relevant fuels. The scheme accounts for both low- and high-temperature oxidation, considering their crucial role in engine combustion process. The mechanism is validated against several ignition delay times and laminar burning velocities data sets for single and mixtures of hydrocarbons. To assess the mechanism ability to predict soot precursors, formation of aromatic and aliphatic species with critical effects on soot formation is investigated for several laminar premixed and diffusion flames. The model includes soot particle inception, surface growth, coagulation, and aggregation based on the method of moments. The performance of the model is evaluated by predicting the amount of produced soot during heavy alkanes and aromatic species mixtures pyrolysis. The results are encouraging, proving this methodology to be a suitable tool to simulate the all-round combustion features of engine fuel surrogates by a single reaction model.
Failure of Pressurized Corroded Pipeline Subject to Axial Compression: A Parametric Study
Authors: Dewanbabee Halima , Das Sreekanta
Published: May 2013

Onshore buried steel pipelines are used for transporting oil and gas to various cities and locations. These pipelines can be subjected to various loading, such as axial, bending, shear, and other complex loading from the geotechnical movements and temperature variations. For example, a buried pipeline situated on an unstable slope can be subjected to axial load and axial deformation. In addition, this pipe experiences pressure loading from the fluids that it transports. The buried pipelines also need to endure corrosive environmental and as a result, corrosion occurs in these pipelines. Corrosion is the primary cause for structural failure of buried oil and gas pipelines and corrosion may lead to a catastrophic rupture failure causing environmental damage, injuries to human and animals, and loss of production and revenue. Hence, understanding the structural behavior and failure conditions of corroded pipelines is important for the pipeline operators. Therefore, this project was undertaken to determine the conditions required for failures of corroded steel pipes when subjected to axial deformation and internal pressures. Then the effect of internal pressure, dimensions of the corrosion, and depth of corrosion on the failure condition and failure mode was studied. It was found that the increasing value of these parameters is beneficial for achieving a favorable failure mode, however it can reduce the axial load carrying capacity significantly.
Analysis of Droplet Spreading on a Rotating Surface and the Prediction of Cooling and Lubrication Performance of an Atomization-Based Cutting Fluid System
Authors: Ghai Isha , Samuel Johnson , DeVor Richard E. , Kapoor Shiv G.
Published: May 2013

Droplet spreading on a rotating surface has been modeled with an aim to design an efficient atomization-based cutting fluid (ACF) system for micromachining processes. To this end, single-droplet impingement experiments are conducted on a rotating surface to capture the 3D shape of a droplet upon impingement. A parameterization scheme is then developed to mathematically define the 3D shape of droplet upon impingement. The shape information is used to develop an energy-based model for droplet spreading. The droplet spreading model captures the experimental results within 10% accuracy. The spreading model is then used to predict the cooling and lubrication for an ACF-based microturning process. The model captures the cooling and lubrication trends observed in microturning experiments. A parametric study is conducted to identify the significant factors affecting the performance of an ACF system. Droplet speed is found to have a dominant effect on both cooling and lubrication performance, particularly, with a low surface tension fluid for cooling and a low surface tension and high viscosity fluid for lubrication.
Quantification of dose perturbations induced by external and internal accessories in ocular proton therapy and evaluation of their dosimetric impact
Authors: Carnicer A. , Angellier G. , Thariat J. , Sauerwein W. , Caujolle J. P. , Hérault J.
Published: May 2013

Purpose:

Proton scattering on beam shaping devices and protons slowing down on media with different densities within the treatment volume may produce dose perturbations and range variations that are not predicted by treatment planning systems. The aim of this work was to assess the dosimetric impact of elements present in ocular proton therapy treatments that may disturb the prescribed treatment plan. Both distal beam shaping devices and intraocular elements were considered.

Methods:

A wedge filter, tantalum fiducial marker, hemispherical compensator, two intraocular endotamponades (densities 0.97 and 1.92 g cm−3) and an intraocular eye lens (IOL) were considered in the study. For these elements, longitudinal dose distributions were measured and/or calculated in water in beam alignment for a clinical spread‐out Bragg peak. Under the same conditions, the unperturbed dose distributions were similarly measured and/or calculated in the absence of the element. The dosimetric impact was assessed by comparison of unperturbed and perturbed dose distributions. Measurements and calculations were carried out with two methods. Measurements are based on EBT3 films with dedicated software, which makes use of a calibration curve and correction for the quenching effect. Calculations are based on the Monte Carlo (MC) code MCNPX and reproduce the experimental conditions. Both dose maps are obtained with a resolution of 300 dpi.

Results:

The degree of disturbance of distal beam shaping devices is low for the wedge filter (2% overdose ripple all along the central axis) and moderate for the hemispherical compensator (two bands of variable overdose of up to 10% downstream the compensator lateral edges and −5% underdose on the plateau at off‐axis distance of 5 cm). Tantalum clips produce important dose shadows (−20% behind the clip parallel to the beam and range reduction of 1.1 mm) and bands of overdose (15%). The presence of endotamponades modifies the dose distribution very significantly (−5% underdose on the plateau and 3 mm range prolongation for the tamponade with density 0.97 g cm−3 and −15% underdose on plateau and 8 mm range reduction for that with density 1.92 g cm−3). No dose perturbations were found for the IOL. The high performance of EBT3 film and MC tools used was confirmed and good agreement was found between them (percentage of pixels passing the gamma test >87%).

Conclusions:

The degree of disturbance by external beam shaping devices remains low in ocular proton therapy and can be reduced by bringing accessories closer to the eye. Tantalum fiducial markers must be located in such a way that dose perturbation is not projected on the tumor. The treatment of patients with intraocular endotamponades must be carefully managed. It is fundamental that radiation oncologists and medical physicists are informed about the presence of such substances prior to the treatment.
Short-Range Quantum Magnetism of Ultracold Fermions in an Optical Lattice
Authors: Greif Daniel , Uehlinger Thomas , Jotzu Gregor , Tarruell Leticia , Esslinger Tilman
Published: May 2013

Fermionic Quantum Magnetism

Optical lattices loaded with cold atoms have been used successfully as quantum simulators of condensed matter systems; however, in the case of fermionic quantum magnetism, achieving low enough temperatures has been a major obstacle.

Greif
et al.

(p.
1307
, published online 23 May; see the Perspective by

Porto

) selectively tuned the exchange interactions in an optical lattice of fermions, forcing a redistribution of entropy such that in the low-entropy subsystem the effective temperature was sufficiently low enough to lead to magnetic correlations.
Inhibition of RNA Helicase Brr2 by the C-Terminal Tail of the Spliceosomal Protein Prp8
Authors: Mozaffari-Jovin Sina , Wandersleben Traudy , Santos Karine F. , Will Cindy L. , Lührmann Reinhard , Wahl Markus C.
Published: May 2013

Spliceosome Helicase

Introns are removed from eukaryotic premessenger RNA by the spliceosome. The spliceosome is assembled and disassembled during the course of each splicing reaction, and the RNA-protein remodeling involved is carried out by RNA helicases, whose activities must be closely regulated.

Mozaffari-Jovin
et al.

(p.
80
, published online 23 May) determined the crystal structure of the human Brr helicase in complex with the Jab1 domain of the Prp1 spliceosomal protein. The C-terminal tail of the Prp8 Jab1 domain inserts into the RNA-binding tunnel of Brr2, disrupting interaction of the RNA with the conserved helicase motifs inside tunnel. The temporal regulation of Brr2 RNA-binding and adenosine triphosphatase activity likely avoids premature disassembly of structures required during the splicing reaction.
Turner Syndrome Reveals That X Marks the Spot for Imprinting
Authors: Gregg Christopher
Published: May 2013

Turner syndrome patients have sexually dimorphic and brain region–specific effects of genomic imprinting on the X chromosome.
From Bird to Mammal
Authors: Sheth Anandi N.
Published: May 2013

Hybrid avian H5N1 influenza viruses created in the laboratory can transmit through respiratory droplets in guinea pigs.
Genome Sequence of Burkholderia pseudomallei NCTC 13392
Authors: Sahl Jason W. , Stone Joshua K. , Gelhaus H. Carl , Warren Richard L. , Cruttwell Caroline J. , Funnell Simon G. , Keim Paul , Tuanyok Apichai
Published: May 2013

Here, we describe the draft genome sequence of
Burkholderia pseudomallei
NCTC 13392. This isolate has been distributed as K96243, but distinct genomic differences have been identified. The genomic sequence of this isolate will provide the genomic context for previously conducted functional studies.
Draft Genome Sequence of Haemophilus parasuis gx033, a Serotype 4 Strain Isolated from the Swine Lower Respiratory Tract
Authors: Li Jun , Peng Hao , Xu Li-gan , Xie Yu-zhou , Xuan Xiong-biao , Ma Chun-xia , Hu Shuai , Chen Ze-xiang , Yang Wei , Xie Yong-ping , Pan Yan , Tao Li
Published: May 2013

Haemophilus parasuis
serotype 4 is a Gram-negative pathogen that is the most prevalent
H. parasuis
serovar in the world, but its genome sequence information has not yet been reported. Thus, we determined the genome of
H. parasuis
strain gx033, a serovar 4 strain isolated from a lung specimen of a diseased piglet in southwestern China. Here, we present the first draft genome sequence of this species.
Draft Genome Sequence of Desulfotignum phosphitoxidans DSM 13687 Strain FiPS-3
Authors: Poehlein Anja , Daniel Rolf , Simeonova Diliana D.
Published: May 2013

We report the 5.008-Mbp assembled draft genome sequence of
Desulfotignum phosphitoxidans
strain FiPS-3 (DSM 13687), which gains metabolic energy from the oxidation of phosphite to phosphate. Its genome provides insights into the composition and architecture of the phosphite-utilizing and energy-transducing systems required to live with phosphite as electron donor.