bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions of Gender Equality in Work–Life Balance, Salary, Promotion, and Harassment
Authors: Tomer Gitit , Xanthakos Stavra , Kim Sandra , Rao Meenakshi , Book Linda , Litman Heather J. , Fishman Laurie N.
Published: November 2014

Objectives:

Gender equality in the workplace has not been described in pediatric gastroenterology.

Methods:

An electronic survey that explored perceptions of career parity, work–life balance, and workplace harassment was sent to all members of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Reponses were anonymous.

Results:

Of the 303 respondents (21%), there was an even distribution across geographic region, age, and gender (54% men). Gender affected perception of salary and promotion; 46% of men but only 9% of women feel that “women earn the same as men” (P < 0.001). Similarly, 48% of men but only 12% of women feel that “women rise at the same rate as men” (P < 0.001). Both genders of academic practice respondents, compared with other practice models, perceived men were promoted more quickly than women (P = 0.008). Women had higher dissatisfaction with mentoring than men (29% vs 13%, P = 0.03). Significantly more men than women reported spouses with “flexible jobs” (35% vs 14%, P < 0.001). Having a spouse with “flexible job” or having children (preschool or school age), however, did not affect satisfaction with work–life balance for either gender. Overall, women are more likely to be dissatisfied with work–life balance than men (P = 0.046).

Conclusions:

Satisfaction with work–life balance is lower among women versus men pediatric gastroenterologists, but does not correlate with flexibility of spouse's job or caring for young children. Gender‐divergent perception of promotion, parity of compensation, and mentoring requires further investigation.
Structure and evolution of the spliceosomal peptidyl-prolylcis–transisomerase Cwc27
Authors: Ulrich Alexander , Wahl Markus C.
Published: November 2014

Cwc27 is a spliceosomal cyclophilin-type peptidyl-prolylcis–transisomerase (PPIase). Here, the crystal structure of a relatively protease-resistant N-terminal fragment of human Cwc27 containing the PPIase domain was determined at 2.0 Å resolution. The fragment exhibits a C-terminal appendix and resides in a reduced state compared with the previous oxidized structure of a similar fragment. By combining multiple sequence alignments spanning the eukaryotic tree of life and secondary-structure prediction, Cwc27 proteins across the entire eukaryotic kingdom were identified. This analysis revealed the specific loss of a crucial active-site residue in higher eukaryotic Cwc27 proteins, suggesting that the protein evolved from a prolyl isomerase to a pure proline binder. Noting a fungus-specific insertion in the PPIase domain, the 1.3 Å resolution crystal structure of the PPIase domain of Cwc27 fromChaetomium thermophilumwas also determined. Although structurally highly similar in the core domain, theC. thermophilumprotein displayed a higher thermal stability than its human counterpart, presumably owing to the combined effect of several amino-acid exchanges that reduce the number of long side chains with strained conformations and create new intramolecular interactions, in particular increased hydrogen-bond networks.
Neutron scattering from myelin revisited: bilayer asymmetry and water-exchange kinetics
Authors: Denninger Andrew R. , Demé Bruno , Cristiglio Viviana , LeDuc Géraldine , Feller W. Bruce , Kirschner Daniel A.
Published: November 2014

Rapid nerve conduction in the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS and PNS, respectively) of higher vertebrates is brought about by the ensheathment of axons with myelin, a lipid-rich, multilamellar assembly of membranes. The ability of myelin to electrically insulate depends on the regular stacking of these plasma membranes and on the presence of a number of specialized membrane-protein assemblies in the sheath, including the radial component, Schmidt–Lanterman incisures and the axo–glial junctions of the paranodal loops. The disruption of this fine-structure is the basis for many demyelinating neuropathies in the CNS and PNS. Understanding the processes that govern myelin biogenesis, maintenance and destabilization requires knowledge of myelin structure; however, the tight packing of internodal myelin and the complexity of its junctional specializations make myelin a challenging target for comprehensive structural analysis. This paper describes an examination of myelin from the CNS and PNS using neutron diffraction. This investigation revealed the dimensions of the bilayers and aqueous spaces of myelin, asymmetry between the cytoplasmic and extracellular leaflets of the membrane, and the distribution of water and exchangeable hydrogen in internodal multilamellar myelin. It also uncovered differences between CNS and PNS myelin in their water-exchange kinetics.
Structures of holo wild-type human cellular retinol-binding protein II (hCRBPII) bound to retinol and retinal
Authors: Nossoni Zahra , Assar Zahra , Yapici Ipek , Nosrati Meisam , Wang Wenjing , Berbasova Tetyana , Vasileiou Chrysoula , Borhan Babak , Geiger James
Published: November 2014

Cellular retinol-binding proteins (CRBPs) I and II, which are members of the intracellular lipid-binding protein (iLBP) family, are retinoid chaperones that are responsible for the intracellular transport and delivery of both retinol and retinal. Although structures of retinol-bound CRBPI and CRBPII are known, no structure of a retinal-bound CRBP has been reported. In addition, the retinol-bound human CRBPII (hCRBPII) structure shows partial occupancy of a noncanonical conformation of retinol in the binding pocket. Here, the structure of retinal-bound hCRBPII and the structure of retinol-bound hCRBPII with retinol fully occupying the binding pocket are reported. It is further shown that the retinoid derivative seen in both the zebrafish CRBP and the hCRBPII structures is likely to be the product of flux-dependent and wavelength-dependent X-ray damage during data collection. The structures of retinoid-bound CRBPs are compared and contrasted, and rationales for the differences in binding affinities for retinal and retinol are provided.
Crystal structure of 4,6-bis[(E)-4-bromostyryl]-2-(butylsulfanyl)pyrimidine
Authors: Yu Wang , Song Jingbao , Wang Aijian
Published: November 2014

In the title compound, C24H22Br2N2S, the dihedral angles between the central pyrimidine ring and the pendant bromobenzene rings are 11.02 (11) and 13.20 (12)°. The butyl side chain adopts agaucheconformation [C—C—C—C = −67.4 (4)°]. In the crystal, weak aromatic π–π stacking is observed between the pyrimidine ring and one of the benzene rings [centroid–centroid separation = 3.6718 (17) Å].
Crystal structure of tetraaqua(5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridyl-κ2N,N′)iron(II) sulfate
Authors: Belamri Yamine , Setifi Fatima , Francuski Bojana M. , Novaković Sladjana B. , Zouaoui Setifi
Published: November 2014

In the title compound, [Fe(C12H12N2)(H2O)4]SO4, the central FeIIion is coordinated by two N atoms from the 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine ligand and four water O atoms in a distorted octahedral geometry. The Fe—O coordination bond lengths vary from 2.080 (3) to 2.110 (3) Å, while the two Fe—N coordination bonds have practically identical lengths [2.175 (3) and 2.177 (3) Å]. The chelating N—Fe—N angle of 75.6 (1)° shows the largest deviation from an ideal octahedral geometry; the other coordination angles deviate from ideal values by 0.1 (1) to 9.1 (1)°. O—H...O hydrogen bonding between the four aqua ligands of the cationic complex and four O-atom acceptors of the anion leads to the formation of layers parallel to theabplane. Neighbouring layers further interact by means of C—H...O and π–π interactions involving the laterally positioned bipyridine rings. The perpendicular distance between π–π interacting rings is 3.365 (2) Å, with a centroid–centroid distance of 3.702 (3) Å.
Crystal structure of 2,2,3,3-tetramethyl-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexaphenyltetragermane
Authors: Zaitsev Kirill V. , Karlov Sergey S. , Zaitseva Galina S. , Alizade Ali , Slovokhotov Yuri L.
Published: November 2014

The molecule of the title compound, C40H42Ge4, lies with its central Ge—Ge bond on an inversion centre giving rise to a zigzag backbone of four tetrahedrally coordinated Ge atoms. The symmetrically independent Ge—Ge bonds are slightly shorter than in other organotetragermanes whereas the Ge—CPh(Ph = phenyl) and Ge—CMe(Me = methyl) distances have their usual values. In the crystal, (010) layers of Ph6Me4Ge4molecules with a parallel orientation of the Ge4backbone exist, held together by van der Waals forces only. Main bond lengths in organo-substituted oligogermanes are compared.
Crystal structure of 4-methoxyquinazoline
Authors: El-Hiti Gamal A. , Smith Keith , Hegazy Amany S. , Alshammari Mohammed B. , Kariuki Benson M.
Published: November 2014

The title compound, C9H8N2O, is almost planar, with the C atom of the methoxy group deviating from the mean plane of the quinazoline ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.011 Å) by 0.068 (4) Å. In the crystal, molecules form π–π stacks parallel to theb-axis direction [centroid–centroid separation = 3.5140 (18) Å], leading to a herringbone packing arrangement.
Crystal structure of 2-[(dichloromethane)sulfonyl]pyridine
Authors: Chen Zhiqiu , Bolat Hembat , Wan Xing , Li Ya
Published: November 2014

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C6H5Cl2NO2S, contains two molecules with similar conformations (r.m.s. overlay fit for the non-H atoms = 0.067 Å). Atoms attached to the pendent Csp3—S bond are arranged in a staggered conformation with one of the Cl atomsantito the C atom in the aromatic ring [C—S—C—Cl torsion angles = 178.41 (11) and −176.70 (13)°]. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, generating a three-dimensional network, and weak aromatic π–π stacking is also observed [centroid–centroid separation = 3.8902 (17) Å].
Crystal structure of 2-phenylethylaminium 4-nitrophenolate monohydrate
Authors: Sowmya N. Swarna , Sampathkrishnan S. , Sudhahar S. , Kumar R. Mohan , Chakkaravarthi G.
Published: November 2014

In the title hydrated molecular salt, C8H12N+·C6H4NO3−·H2O, the conformation of the side chain in the cation isanti[C—C—C—N = 179.62 (12)°] and the dihedral angle between the aromatic ring and the nitro group in the anion is 3.34 (11)°. In the crystal, the components are linked by O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds, generating (10-1) sheets, which featureR44(21) loops. The sheets interact by weak aromatic π–π stacking interactions [centroid–centroid distance = 3.896 (3) Å], forming a three-dimensional network.
Crystal structure of 9-butyl-3-(9-butyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl)-9H-carbazole
Authors: Stalindurai K. , Ramalingan C. , Sridhar B. , Selvanayagam S.
Published: November 2014

In the title carbazole derivative, C32H32N2, the molecule resides on a crystallographic twofold axis, which runs through the central C—C bond. The carbazole ring system is almost planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.041 (1) Å for one of the ring-junction C atoms. The crystal packing is stabilized by C—H...π interactions only, which form aC(7) chain-like arrangement along [110] in the unit cell.
Characterization of a next-generation piezo bimorph X-ray mirror for synchrotron beamlines
Authors: Alcock Simon G. , Nistea Ioana , Sutter John P. , Sawhney Kawal , Fermé Jean-Jacques , Thellièr Christophe , Peverini Luca
Published: November 2014

Piezo bimorph mirrors are versatile active optics used on many synchrotron beamlines. However, many bimorphs suffer from the `junction effect': a periodic deformation of the optical surface which causes major aberrations to the reflected X-ray beam. This effect is linked to the construction of such mirrors, where piezo ceramics are glued directly below the thin optical substrate. In order to address this problem, a next-generation bimorph with piezos bonded to the side faces of a monolithic substrate was developed at Thales-SESO and optimized at Diamond Light Source. Using metrology feedback from the Diamond-NOM, the optical slope error was reduced to ∼0.5 µrad r.m.s. for a range of ellipses. To maximize usability, a novel holder was built to accommodate the substrate in any orientation. When replacing a first-generation bimorph on a synchrotron beamline, the new mirror significantly improved the size and shape of the reflected X-ray beam. Most importantly, there was no evidence of the junction effect even after eight months of continuous beamline usage. It is hoped that this new design will reinvigorate the use of active bimorph optics at synchrotron and free-electron laser facilities to manipulate and correct X-ray wavefronts.
Investigation of damaged interior walls using synchrotron-based XPS and XANES
Authors: Poo-arporn Yingyot , Thachepan Surachai , Palangsuntikul Rungtiva
Published: November 2014

Evidence of internal sulfate attack in field exposure was demonstrated by the damaged interior wall of a three-year-old house situated in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. Partial distension of the mortar was clearly observed together with an expansion of a black substance. Removal of the black substance revealed a dense black layer. This layer was only found in the vicinity of the damaged area, suggesting that this black material is possibly involved in the wall cracking. By employing synchrotron-based X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) techniques, the unknown sample was chemically identified. The S 2pand O 1sXPS results mutually indicated the existence of sulfate species in the materials collected from the damaged area. The XANES results indicated the presence of ferrous (II) sulfate, confirming sulfate-induced expansion and cracking. The sulfate attack in the present case appeared to physically affect the structure whereas the chemical integrity at the molecular level of the calcium silicate hydrate phase was retained since there was a lack of spectroscopic evidence for calcium sulfate. It was speculated that internal sulfate probably originated from the contaminated aggregates used during the construction. The current findings would be beneficial for understanding the sulfate-attack mechanism as well as for future prevention against sulfate attack during construction.
Biological control in winter: novel evidence for the importance of generalist predators
Authors: Pekár Stano , Michalko Radek , Loverre Pamela , Líznarová Eva , Černecká Ľudmila
Published: November 2014

The role of generalist predators in pest control has been neglected because generalists are not able to track pest populations. Generalist predators are suggested to be important in spring before specialist predators become active.

Here, we show that some generalist predators are important even during winter, when the majority of arthropod pests and their enemies are dormant. We quantified the role of winter‐active generalist predators on the suppression of pear psylla during winter using a discrete nonlinear model of an intraguild predation system.

To parameterize our model, we conducted a series of experiments on (i) functional responses, (ii) prey preferences and (iii) ontogenetic development and made observations on the population densities of spiders and potential prey. We ran the model for different winter scenarios, that is, for very cold and very warm winters.

Synthesis and applications. We found that winter‐active predators considerably suppressed the pear psylla population. Predators exerted a stronger effect in a warmer winter than in a colder one. Orchard growers thus should avoid use of non‐selective pesticides during this period and instead aim to support the community of generalist predators. Our results suggest more attention should be given to encouraging generalist predator populations in other systems, even in periods when crops are not producing.
The politics of fiscal policy during economic downturns, 1981–2010
Authors: Raess Damian , Pontusson Jonas
Published: November 2014

This article investigates fiscal policy responses to the Great Recession in historical perspective. It explores general trends in the frequency, size and composition of fiscal stimulus as well as the impact of government partisanship on fiscal policy outputs during the four international recessions of 1980–1981, 1990–1991, 2001–2002 and 2008–2009. Encompassing 17–23 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, the analysis calls into question the idea of a general retreat from fiscal policy activism since the early 1980s. The propensity of governments to respond to economic downturns by engaging in fiscal stimulus has increased over time and no secular trend in the size of stimulus measures is observed. At the same time, OECD governments have relied more on tax cuts to stimulate demand in the two recessions of the 2000s than they did in the early 1980s or early 1990s. Regarding government partisanship, no significant direct partisan effects on either the size or the composition of fiscal stimulus is found for any of the four recession episodes. However, the size of the welfare state conditioned the impact of government partisanship in the two recessions of the 2000s, with left‐leaning governments distinctly more prone to engaging in discretionary fiscal stimulus and/or spending increases in large welfare states, but not in small welfare states.
Antiviral therapy improves post‐hepatectomy survival in patients with hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective‐retrospective study
Authors: Chong C. C. N. , Wong G. L. H. , Wong V. W. S. , Ip P. C. T. , Cheung Y. S. , Wong J. , Lee K. F. , Lai P. B. S. , Chan H. L. Y.
Published: November 2014

Background

The effect of antiviral therapy on the post‐hepatectomy long‐term survival in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains uncertain.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of antiviral therapy on post‐hepatectomy survival and recurrence in patients with HBV‐related HCC.

Methods

This was a prospective‐retrospective study of a total of 404 patients who underwent hepatectomy for HBV‐related HCC in a tertiary academic hospital. Data on patient and tumour characteristics, tumour recurrence, treatment for recurrence and survival were compared between antiviral and no antiviral groups.

Results

Patient's and tumour characteristics were comparable between the two groups, except a higher proportion of patients with cirrhosis in the antiviral group. With a mean follow‐up time of 52.4 months, antiviral group had a better 5‐year overall survival (66.7% vs. 56.0%, P = 0.001) while there was no significant difference in the 5‐year disease‐free survival (44.7% vs. 38.1%, P = 0.166). Use of antiviral therapy was associated with better liver function reserve at the time of recurrence and a greater proportion of patients could receive curative treatment for recurrence (38.5% vs. 24.3%, P = 0.041). There was no significant different in the hazard ratios of patients who started antiviral therapy before or after operation (P = 0.054).

Conclusions

Use of antiviral therapy improves the long‐term post‐hepatectomy survival in patients with HBV‐related HCC. With a better liver function reserve at the time of recurrence, a greater proportion of patients in antiviral group could receive curative treatment for recurrence.
Hypertrophic lichen sclerosus sine sclerosis: clues to histopathologic diagnosis when presenting as psoriasiform lichenoid dermatitis
Authors: Weyers Wolfgang
Published: November 2014

Background

The histopathologic diagnosis of lichen sclerosus (LS) is usually facilitated by a subepidermal zone of sclerosis. In the absence of sclerosis, LS mostly presents itself as a psoriasiform lichenoid dermatitis that may be difficult to distinguish from other diseases.

Objective

We sought to assess histopathologic findings that allow recognition of LS in the absence of sclerosis.

Methods

We studied 28 criteria in 100 biopsy specimens of LS from genital or perianal skin, including 55 cases with marked sclerosis, 16 cases with mild sclerosis confined to foci of the papillary dermis and 29 cases without sclerosis. Fifteen cases each of the early plaque stage of mycosis fungoides, lichen planus and lichen simplex chronicus were studied for comparison.

Results

Some histopathologic hallmarks of LS were seen chiefly in sclerotic lesions and, therefore, did not contribute to the diagnosis of difficult cases, such as dissolution of elastic fibers. Others were seen rarely in non‐sclerotic lesions but might be helpful in individual cases, including follicular hyperkeratosis and thickening of the basement membrane. Findings that were more common and may be utilized as clues to the histopathologic diagnosis of non‐sclerotic LS include tiny foci of homogenized tissue in dermal papillae, marked fibrosis with thickening of the papillary dermis, marked thickening of individual collagen fibers, lymphocytes aligned in rows between those fibers, necrotic keratinocytes, often with preserved pyknotic nuclei, in all reaches of the epidermis, including the cornified layer, clustering of necrotic keratinocytes above elongated dermal papillae and vertical columns of parakeratosis with distinct dyskeratotic parakeratotic cells.

Conclusion

In the absence of sclerosis, histopathologic diagnosis of LS depends on findings that are less distinctive. Nonetheless, a constellation of those findings allows a specific diagnosis to be made.
Bed rest does not induce hypercoagulability
Authors: Cvirn Gerhard , Waha James Elvis , Ledinski Gerhard , Schlagenhauf Axel , Leschnik Bettina , Koestenberger Martin , Tafeit Erwin , Hinghofer‐Szalkay Helmut , Goswami Nandu
Published: November 2014

Background

Although there is no direct evidence, it is generally believed that bed rest shifts the haemostatic system towards hypercoagulability; thus, immobilized patients are commonly treated with anticoagulants. We therefore aimed to investigate whether long‐term bed rest actually leads to an elevated risk for thromboembolic events.

Materials and methods

Eleven healthy men were enrolled in our study (bed rest campaign inMEDESClinique d'Investigation, Toulouse, France). Besides various standard laboratory methods, we used calibrated automated thrombography (CAT) and thrombelastometry (TEM). Activation of samples with minute amounts of relipidated tissue factor allowed sensitive detection of hyper‐ or hypocoagulable states.

Results

CATandTEMvalues were not indicative of bed rest‐induced hypercoagulability. On the contrary, several parameters were indicative of a tendency towards a hypocoagulable state. Peak and thrombin formation velocity (VELINDEX) were significantly decreased during bed rest compared to baseline. Coagulation times were significantly increased and alpha angles were significantly decreased, indicating attenuated clot formation. Moreover, F1 + 2 and thrombin/antithrombin complex (TAT) values were significantly decreased during bed rest, indicating suppressed coagulation activation.FVIIplasma levels were also significantly decreased during the first week of bed rest.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that the re‐ambulation period is associated with a tendency towards hypercoagulability: ttPeak and StartTail were significantly shorter, Peak andVELINDEXwere significantly higher compared to baseline. Moreover, plasma levels of F1 + 2,TAT,FVIIandFVIIIwere significantly higher compared to baseline. The results from our study suggest that bed rest by itself is not associated with hypercoagulable states in healthy subjects.
The Experience of Children in Perón's Argentina: Recent Interventions and Future Directions
Authors: Brinkerhoff Thomas J.
Published: November 2014

Peronism, a populist movement headed by Juan Domingo Perón that swept through Argentina in late 1940s and early 1950s, has emerged as one of the more heavily studied and contentious periods in both the English‐ and Spanish‐language historiography. Studies of the populist movement, the controversial president, and his First Lady Eva Duarte de Perón, began in the early 1950s while Perón was still in power. These earlier studies, however, focused almost exclusively on the agency of Juan Perón, and to a lesser extent Eva, and obscured many of the nation's more marginalized actors. Although more recent scholarship (since the 1980s) has incorporated more actors and groups into the historical spotlight, the experience of children in Perón's Argentina is a currently expanding historiography. Scholars have begun investigating the role of children during the Peronist era through a variety of individual case studies. It is the aim of this paper to underscore this emerging subfield within the study of Peronism, bring these case studies into conversation with one another, and place this emerging scholarship into a larger discussion regarding the experience of children across the 20th‐century world.
Enforcement and Escape in theAndean Community: Why theAndean Community of Nations is Not a Replica of theEuropean Union
Authors: Phelan William
Published: November 2014

Emphasizing the presence of similar ‘supranational’ doctrines and a ‘preliminary reference’ mechanism, recent scholarship has argued that the legal institutions of theAndean Community were designed as replicas or clones of those in theEuropean Union. From an alternative perspective, however, focused on the importance of inter‐state retaliation mechanisms, as well as trade remedies, in international trade regimes, the similarity is much less apparent. Rather, theAndean Community appears to be designed as, and in fact operates as, a treaty regime that continues to rely on enforcement and escape behaviours by states that are common to many international trade regimes, but have been persistently rejected by theEU.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Notifications to the Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies
Authors: Mutch Raewyn C , Watkins Rochelle , Bower Carol
Published: November 2014

Aim

There is increasing attention on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in Australia, but there are limited data on their birth prevalence. Our aim was to report on the birth prevalence of FASD in Western Australia.

Methods

Data on notified cases of FASD born in Western Australia 1980–2010 were identified from the Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies. Tabulated denominator data were obtained from the Midwives Notification System. Prevalence rates per 1000 births were calculated by demographic variables. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of Aboriginal compared with non‐Aboriginal prevalence rates were calculated. PRs were also calculated to compare rates for births 2000–2010 with 1980–1989.

Results

Two hundred ten cases of FASDs were identified: a birth prevalence of 0.26/1000 births (95% CI 0.23–0.30). The majority of cases reported were Aboriginal (89.5%), a rate of 4.08/1000, compared with 0.03/1000 in notified non‐Aboriginal cases, giving a PR of 139 (95% CI 89–215). The prevalence of FASD in 2000–2010 was over twice that in 1980–1989 for both Aboriginal (PR 2.37; CI 1.60–3.51) and non‐Aboriginal (PR 2.13; CI 0.68–6.69) children.

Conclusions

There has been a twofold increase in FASD notifications in Western Australia over the last 30 years. Population surveillance data such as these are valuable in advocating for and monitoring the effectiveness of preventive activities and diagnostic and management services.
Do water‐limiting conditions predispose Norway spruce to bark beetle attack?
Authors: Netherer Sigrid , Matthews Bradley , Katzensteiner Klaus , Blackwell Emma , Henschke Patrick , Hietz Peter , Pennerstorfer Josef , Rosner Sabine , Kikuta Silvia , Schume Helmut , Schopf Axel
Published: November 2014

Drought is considered to enhance susceptibility of Norway spruce (Picea abies) to infestations by the Eurasian spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus, Coleoptera: Curculionidae), although empirical evidence is scarce. We studied the impact of experimentally induced drought on tree water status and constitutive resin flow, and how physiological stress affects host acceptance and resistance.

We established rain‐out shelters to induce both severe (two full‐cover plots) and moderate (two semi‐cover plots) drought stress. In total, 18 sample trees, which were divided equally between the above treatment plots and two control plots, were investigated. Infestation was controlled experimentally using a novel ‘attack box’ method.

Treatments influenced the ratios of successful and defended attacks, but predisposition of trees to infestation appeared to be mainly driven by variations in stress status of the individual trees over time. With increasingly negative twig water potentials and decreasing resin exudation, the defence capability of the spruce trees decreased.

We provide empirical evidence that water‐limiting conditions impair Norway spruce resistance to bark beetle attack. Yet, at the same time our data point to reduced host acceptance by I. typographus with more extreme drought stress, indicated by strongly negative pre‐dawn twig water potentials.
Ferulic acid: a key component in grass lignocellulose recalcitrance to hydrolysis
Authors: de Oliveira Dyoni Matias , Finger‐Teixeira Aline , Rodrigues Mota Thatiane , Salvador Victor Hugo , Moreira‐Vilar Flávia Carolina , Correa Molinari Hugo Bruno , Craig Mitchell Rowan Andrew , Marchiosi Rogério , Ferrarese‐Filho Osvaldo , Dantas dos Santos Wanderley
Published: November 2014

In the near future, grasses must provide most of the biomass for the production of renewable fuels. However, grass cell walls are characterized by a large quantity of hydroxycinnamic acids such as ferulic and p‐coumaric acids, which are thought to reduce the biomass saccharification. Ferulic acid (FA) binds to lignin, polysaccharides and structural proteins of grass cell walls cross‐linking these components. A controlled reduction of FA level or of FA cross‐linkages in plants of industrial interest can improve the production of cellulosic ethanol. Here, we review the biosynthesis and roles of FA in cell wall architecture and in grass biomass recalcitrance to enzyme hydrolysis.
Building Virtual Bridges: How Rural Micro‐Enterprises Develop Social Capital in Online and Face‐to‐Face Settings
Authors: Townsend Leanne , Wallace Claire , Smart Alison , Norman Timothy
Published: November 2014

In rural UK, businesses are often isolated and have much to gain from healthy networks, yet studies show that many rural business owners fail to network effectively. Information communications technologies offer new ways to network that might benefit rural businesses by expanding their reach. This study looked at online and face‐to‐face networking behaviour among rural micro‐enterprises in Scotland in relation to the development of bonding and bridging social capital. Given the challenges of remoteness faced by many rural businesses, online networking is particularly useful in developing bridging capital, but is an unsuitable context for building the trust needed to gain tangible benefits. The article therefore highlights the importance of face‐to‐face interactions in developing trust and bonding social capital. Rural business owners face distinctive challenges with respect to online communications, which are explored in this article.
Bayesian regression with B‐splines under combinations of shape constraints and smoothness properties
Authors: Abraham Christophe , Khadraoui Khader
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we approach the problem of shape constrained regression from a Bayesian perspective. A B‐splines basis is used to model the regression function. The smoothness of the regression function is controlled by the order of the B‐splines, and the shape is controlled by the shape of an associated control polygon. Controlling the shape of the control polygon reduces to some inequality constraints on the spline coefficients. Our approach enables us to take into account combinations of shape constraints and to localize each shape constraint on a given interval. The performance of our method is investigated through a simulation study. Applications to a real data sets in food industry and Global Warming are provided.
HLA‐F polymorphisms in a Euro‐Brazilian population from Southern Brazil
Authors: Manvailer L. F. S. , Wowk P. F. , Mattar S. B. , da Siva J. S. , da Graça Bicalho M. , Roxo V. M. M. S.
Published: November 2014

HLA‐F is a non‐classical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene. It codes class Ib MHC molecules with restricted distribution and less nucleotide variations than MHC class Ia genes. Of the 22 alleles registered on the IMGT database only four alleles encode for proteins that differ in their primary structure. To estimate genotype and allele frequencies, this study targeted on known protein coding regions of the HLA‐F gene. Genotyping was performed by Sequence Base Typing (SBT). The sample was composed by 199‐unrelated bone marrow donors from the Brazilian Bone Marrow Donor Registry (REDOME), Euro‐Brazilians, from Southern Brazil. About 1673 bp were analyzed. The most frequent allele was HLA‐F*01:01 (87.19%), followed by HLA‐F*01:03 (12.31%), HLA‐F*01:02 (0.25%) and HLA‐F*01:04 (0.25%). Significant linkage disequilibrium (LD) was verified between HLA‐F and HLA classes I and II alleles. This is the first study regarding HLA‐F polymorphisms in a Euro‐Brazilian population contributing to the Southern Brazilian genetic characterization.
HLA‐DQ2/DQ8 and HLA‐DQB1*02 homozygosity typing by real‐time polymerase chain reaction for the assessment of celiac disease genetic risk: evaluation of a Spanish celiac population
Authors: Ruiz‐Ortiz E. , Montraveta M. , Cabré E. , Herrero‐Mata M. J. , Pujol‐Borrell R. , Palou E. , Faner R.
Published: November 2014

Celiac disease (CD) is a complex autoimmune disorder caused by ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. Different genetic risk factors have been identified, but virtually all patients are human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DQ2 and/or HLA‐DQ8 positive. We describe a new, fast, accurate and simple real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based assay for the genotyping and homozygosity analysis of the CD‐related HLA alleles. The assay overcomes the major limitations of protocols currently in use, allowing HLA‐DQ2/DQ8 genotyping by using only three real‐time PCR reactions. For the appraisal of DQ2 homozygosity, only one more reaction is needed. These reactions are easily automated and suitable for large screening studies in diagnostic procedures, as it is demonstrated by their successful application in our HLA diagnostic laboratory. Finally, we assessed the clinical relevance of this real‐time PCR‐based assay by studying a cohort of fully characterized patients. As expected, all CD patients had at least one of the CD‐associated alleles, and the highest CD risk was indicated by the presence of the HLA‐DQ2.5 heterodimer (HLA‐DQA1*05‐DQB1*02) with HLA‐DQB1*02 in homozygosity.
Detection and pharmacokinetics of a cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA plasmid in human plasma during a clinical trial of an intramuscular CMV vaccine in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Salimnia H. , Fairfax M.R. , Chandrasekar P.H.
Published: November 2014

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes significant morbidity and mortality in solid organ and bone marrow transplant recipients. DNA vaccines can provide both humoral and cellular immunity without exposing immune‐compromised persons to replication‐competent CMV.

Methods

We studied the kinetics of CMV vaccine DNA in plasma. The samples were obtained from vaccine recipients who were enrolled in a double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled clinical trial of an intramuscular, plasmid‐based, bivalent DNA vaccine for CMV in stem cell transplant recipients. Residual specimens on patients enrolled in the vaccine trial were saved until the trial was unblinded and published. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect and quantify CMV glycoprotein B (gB) DNA in plasma from 4 recipients of the vaccine. The melting temperature of the vaccine gB amplicon was 62.4°C, compared to 68.8°C, which is seen with the wild‐type virus.

Results

Sequence analysis revealed that there were 3 mismatches between the fluorescent resonance energy transfer probe and the vaccine DNA sequence.

Conclusion

Because preemptive treatment of CMV disease in stem cell transplant patients is based on quantitative PCR analysis of viral sequences in plasma, it is important that vaccine sequences not be confused with those in wild‐type virus. Confusion could lead to treatment with toxic medications, potentially compromising the transplant. Effects of PCR target choice and amplicon detection techniques on patient management and vaccine trials are discussed.
Absence of SUN1 and SUN2 proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana leads to a delay in meiotic progression and defects in synapsis and recombination
Authors: Varas Javier , Graumann Katja , Osman Kim , Pradillo Mónica , Evans David E. , Santos Juan L. , Armstrong Susan J.
Published: November 2014

The movement of chromosomes during meiosis involves location of their telomeres at the inner surface of the nuclear envelope. Sad1/UNC‐84 (SUN) domain proteins are inner nuclear envelope proteins that are part of complexes linking cytoskeletal elements with the nucleoskeleton, connecting telomeres to the force‐generating mechanism in the cytoplasm. These proteins play a conserved role in chromosome dynamics in eukaryotes. Homologues of SUN domain proteins have been identified in several plant species. In Arabidopsis thaliana, two proteins that interact with each other, named AtSUN1 and AtSUN2, have been identified. Immunolocalization using antibodies against AtSUN1 and AtSUN2 proteins revealed that they were associated with the nuclear envelope during meiotic prophase I. Analysis of the double mutant Atsun1‐1 Atsun2‐2 has revealed severe meiotic defects, namely a delay in the progression of meiosis, absence of full synapsis, the presence of unresolved interlock‐like structures, and a reduction in the mean cell chiasma frequency. We propose that in Arabidopsis thaliana, overlapping functions of SUN1 and SUN2 ensure normal meiotic recombination and synapsis.
Granulocyte collection using a novel apheresis system eases the procedure and provides concentrates of high quality
Authors: Leitner Gerda C. , Kolovratova Vera , Horvath Michaela , Worel Nina
Published: November 2014

Background

The latest technical innovation for granulocyte (PMN) collections is the fully automated Spectra Optia (Optia) device (TerumoBCT). In a retrospective investigation we evaluated the impact of the technical automation on the product quality in a routine working field.

Study Design and Methods

A total of 71 granulocyte collections (GCs) were collected from either routine random blood donors, mobilized with prednisolone (P; two females/23 males; median age, 42 years; range, 25‐63 years), or family donors (three females/12 males; median age, 29 years; range, 21‐59 years) who were mobilized with recombinant human granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor (rHuG‐CSF) at a dose of 5 μg/kg body weight. All collections were performed with the Optia device. Fifty‐nine concentrates (GTX) produced with the Cobe Spectra (Cobe; TerumoBCT) served as a historical control.

Results

In total a mean of 452 ± 60 mL with a mean purity of 83 ± 9.6% PMNs was collected with the Optia. Compared with the Cobe collections (298 ± 52 mL), the product volumes in general as well as the absolute PMN yield in P‐mobilized products were significantly higher with the Optia: PMN count, 1.9 × 1010 ± 0.49 × 1010 versus 1.5 × 1010 ± 0.85 × 1010, respectively (p < 0.05), due to higher white blood cell (WBC) yields. rHuG‐CSF–mobilized products showed no significant differences in the absolute WBC (7.2 ± 3.0/Optia vs. 7.0 ± 2.1/Cobe) and PMN (5.9 ± 2.6/Optia vs. 5.7 ± 1.9/Cobe) yield. The PMN purity was equal in both devices (mean, 83%) although it was slightly lower in the rHuG‐CSF group (82 ± 9.2%) than in the P group (84 ± 6.2%). In none of the procedures were side effects recorded.

Conclusion

GC with the fully automated Optia device is safe for donors, is not inferior to its forerunner Cobe Spectra, produces GTX of a high quality, and requires less manpower than the Cobe Spectra.
High-Precision Control for Magnetically Suspended Rotor of a DGMSCMG Based on Motion Separation
Authors: Xie Jinjin , Liu Gang , Liu Hu
Published: November 2014

The magnetically suspended rotor (MSR) in a double-gimbal magnetically suspended control moment gyro (DGMSCMG) is a complicated system with multivariable, nonlinearity, and strong coupling. Not only the torsional motion of the MSR is coupled depend on the rotating speed but also its translational and torsional motions at the same axis are coupled due to the asymmetric position stiffness of magnetic bearings. Besides, the MSR also encounters the nonlinear coupling torque due to gimbals' movements. These problems influence the control accuracy of the MSR. To resolve these issues, this work presents a high-precision control strategy. A compensation method for asymmetric position stiffness is proposed to realize separation between the translational and torsional motions. Then the integral sliding mode control based on motion separation (MSISMC) is employed to stabilize the translational and torsional dynamics. To suppress the coupling torque from gimbals' movements, a novel switching function considering the estimation of the coupling torque is designed in torsional controller, and the decoupling control for the torsional motion is implemented by pole assignments. The stability of the closed-loop MSR control system is analyzed by the Lyapunov and state space methods. Comparative simulations and experiments verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed control strategy.
Digital Pinhole Camera
Authors: Lancor Rachael , Lancor Brian
Published: November 2014

In this article we describe how the classic pinhole camera demonstration can be adapted for use with digital cameras. Students can easily explore the effects of the size of the pinhole and its distance from the sensor on exposure time, magnification, and image quality. Instructions for constructing a digital pinhole camera and our method for calculating the effective focal length of the “lens” are included.
Astronomy with the color blind
Authors: Smith Donald A. , Melrose Justyn
Published: November 2014

The standard method to create dramatic color images in astrophotography is to record multiple black and white images, each with a different color filter in the optical path, and then tint each frame with a color appropriate to the corresponding filter. When combined, the resulting image conveys information about the sources of emission in the field, although one should be cautious in assuming that such an image shows what the subject would “really look like” if a person could see it without the aid of a telescope. The details of how the eye processes light have a significant impact on how such images should be understood, and the step from perception to interpretation is even more problematic when the viewer is color blind. We report here on an approach to manipulating stacked tricolor images that, while abandoning attempts to portray the color distribution “realistically,” do result in enabling those suffering from deuteranomaly (the most common form of color blindness) to perceive color distinctions they would otherwise not be able to see.
Full-Genome Sequence Analysis of a Variant Strain of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus in South Korea
Authors: Lee Sunhee , Park Gun-Seok , Shin Jae-Ho , Lee Changhee
Published: November 2014

In March of 2014, a variant of novel porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) was first identified in South Korea and found to be most closely related to the U.S. variant strain OH851. The complete genome of the KOR/KNU-1406/2014 strain was sequenced and analyzed to investigate the U.S.-strain-like variant circulating in South Korea.
Draft Genome Sequence of an Obligately Methylotrophic Methanogen, Methanococcoides methylutens, Isolated from Marine Sediment
Authors: Guan Yue , Ngugi David K. , Blom Jochen , Ali Shahjahan , Ferry James G. , Stingl Ulrich
Published: November 2014

Methanococcoides methylutens
, the type species of the genus
Methanococcoides
, is a slightly halophilic methanogenic archaeon with a methylotrophic metabolism. Here, we present the annotated draft genome sequence of
M. methylutens
, which comprises 2,508,511 bp with 2,482 coding sequences, 51 tRNA genes, and a G+C content of 42.5%.
Complete Genome Sequence of Corynebacterium imitans DSM 44264, Isolated from a Five-Month-Old Boy with Suspected Pharyngeal Diphtheria
Authors: Möllmann Sabrina , Albersmeier Andreas , Rückert Christian , Tauch Andreas
Published: November 2014

The complete genome sequence of the type strain
Corynebacterium imitans
DSM 44264 comprises 2,565,321 bp with a mean G+C content of 64.26%. The detection of the antibiotic resistance genes
erm
(X),
aphA1-IAB
,
strA
-
strB
, and
cmx
is fully consistent with the previously observed multidrug-resistant pattern of
C. imitans
isolates.
Stochastic Volatility Models for Asset Returns with Leverage, Skewness and Heavy-Tails via Scale Mixture
Authors: Huang Jing-Zhi , Xu Li
Published: November 2014

We propose and estimate a new class of equity return models that incorporate scale mixtures of the skew-normal distribution for the error distribution into the standard stochastic volatility framework. The main advantage of our models is that they can simultaneously accommodate the skewness, heavy-tailedness, and leverage effect of equity index returns observed in the data. The proposed models are flexible and parsimonious, and include many asymmetrically heavy-tailed error distributions — such as skew-t and skew-slash distributions — as special cases. We estimate a variety of specifications of our models using the Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo method, with data on daily returns of the S&P 500 index over 1987–2009. We find that the proposed models outperform existing ones of index returns.
Krüppel-like factor 4 is a radioprotective factor for the intestine following γ-radiation-induced gut injury in mice
Authors: Talmasov Daniel , Zhang Xinjun , Yu Bing , Nandan Mandayam O. , Bialkowska Agnieszka B. , Elkarim Enas , Kuruvilla Jes , Yang Vincent W. , Ghaleb Amr M.
Published: November 2014

Gut radiation-induced injury is a concern during treatment of patients with cancer. Krüppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) is expressed in differentiated villous epithelial cells of the small intestine. We previously showed that KLF4 protects cells from apoptosis following γ-irradiation in vitro. We sought to determine whether KLF4 mediates the small intestinal response to γ-irradiation in vivo. Mice with intestinal epithelium-specific deletion of Klf4 ( Klf4ΔIS) and control ( Klf4fl/fl) mice were irradiated with total-body γ-radiation. Following irradiation, the Klf4ΔISmice had significantly increased mortality compared with irradiated Klf4fl/flmice. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were used to assess the morphological changes, levels of proliferation, and apoptosis in the intestinal epithelium. At 96 h following irradiation, there was a regenerative response manifested by an expansion of the proliferative zone in both mouse groups, with the control mice having a higher proliferative activity than the Klf4ΔISgroup. In addition, there was a significant increase in the number of Klf4/Ki67-copositive cells in the irradiated control mice compared with unirradiated mice. Also, the irradiated Klf4ΔISmice had a significantly higher number of crypt cells positive for apoptosis, p53, and p21 compared with irradiated Klf4fl/flmice. Taken together, our data suggest that Klf4 may function as a radioprotective factor against gastrointestinal syndrome in mice following γ-irradiation by inhibiting apoptosis in the acute response to irradiation and contributing to crypt regeneration.