bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of pumpkin fibre on quality and storage stability of reduced‐fat set‐type yogurt
Authors: Bakirci Sümeyra , Dagdemir Elif , Boran Osman Seracettin , Hayaloglu Ali Adnan
Published: November 2016

In this study, the effect of pumpkin fibre (PF) on physicochemical, microbiological, rheological and microstructural characteristics of reduced‐fat yogurt samples was investigated during storage. PF was added at three different concentrations (0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5%) to standardised (1.55% fat ratio) cow's milk. Plain yogurt (PF‐free) was used for comparison. The addition of PF significantly affected total solid content, synaeresis, water‐holding capacity, apparent viscosity and colour parameters (L*, a*, b*) of yogurt samples for all sampling time. The addition of PF caused a reduction in L* values (from 94.89 to 88.67), but caused an increase in a* (from −2.10 to +4.22) and b* (from 10.79 to 25.88) values. Yogurts with PF exhibited lower synaeresis and more viscous structure than PF‐free sample during storage. SEM images showed that distinctive microstructure profile was present between samples with or without PF. More filamentous structures and denser network were observed in the SEM images and these increased with increasing level of PF. Yogurt containing 1.0% PF showed a higher storage (G′) (3687.87 at 21 day) and loss (G″) (543.10 at 21 day) moduli in comparison with other samples. In conclusion, the results revealed that PF improved the physical quality and contributed textural properties of half‐fat yogurt.
Effects of state/phase transitions on the quality attributes of mango (Mangifera indica L.) during frozen storage
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhao Jin‐Hong , Ding Yang , Nie Ying , Xiao Hong‐Wei , Zhu Zhen , Tang Xuan‐Ming
Published: November 2016

Effects of different state/phase transitions (temperature fluctuations) on quality attributes of mango cubes during frozen storage were investigated. Temperature of frozen mango was modulated from −65 °C to different states, namely, rubbery state , partially freeze‐concentrated state () and glassy states ( and ). Results revealed that frozen samples after 4 weeks of storage in a glassy state showed higher quality in hardness, drip loss, colour and ascorbic acid. Quality of mango still continued to change during frozen storage even in the glassy state without temperature fluctuations. Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in quality attributes of frozen mango subjected to temperature fluctuations above and . Current work indicates glassy state storage can improve retention of quality attributes in frozen mango and glassy state without temperature fluctuation was proposed as the most favourable frozen storage condition.
Serum ferritin level is a prognostic marker in patients with peripheral T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Koyama S. , Fujisawa S. , Watanabe R. , Itabashi M. , Ishibashi D. , Ishii Y. , Hattori Y. , Nakajima Y. , Motohashi K. , Takasaki H. , Kawasaki R. , Hashimoto C. , Yamazaki E. , Koharazawa H. , Takemura S. , Tomita N. , Sakai R. , Motomura S. , Nakajima H.
Published: November 2016

Introduction

The prognostic value of serum ferritin level in patients with peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL) remains unknown.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 78 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed PTCL that were treated with anthracycline‐containing regimens between 1998 and 2011.

Results

The patients consisted of 50 males and 28 females with a median age of 64 years (range, 16–83 years). The subtypes of PTCL were 39 PTCL, not otherwise specified and 39 angioimmunoblastic T‐cell lymphoma (AITL). The median observation period for the surviving patients was 50 months. The overall survival (OS) was poorer in patients with serum ferritin level above the upper normal limit (n = 28), compared with patients with serum ferritin level within normal range (n = 50; 4‐year OS: 23% vs. 72%; P < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, poor performance status (P = 0.006) and elevated serum ferritin level (P = 0.018) were independent risk factors for poor OS.

Conclusion

Serum ferritin level is a useful prognostic marker for PTCL.
School absenteeism among school‐aged children with medically attended acute viral respiratory illness during three influenza seasons, 2012‐2013 through 2014‐2015
Authors: McLean Huong Q. , Peterson Siri H. , King Jennifer P. , Meece Jennifer K. , Belongia Edward A.
Published: November 2016

Background

Acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) are common in school‐aged children, but few studies have assessed school absenteeism due to specific respiratory viruses.

Objective

To evaluate school absenteeism among children with medically attended ARI due to common viruses.

Methods

We analyzed follow‐up surveys from children seeking care for acute respiratory illness who were enrolled in the influenza vaccine effectiveness study at Marshfield Clinic during the 2012‐2013 through 2014‐2015 influenza seasons. Archived influenza‐negative respiratory swabs were retested using multiplex RT‐PCR to detect 16 respiratory virus targets. Negative binomial and logistic regression models were used to examine the association between school absence and type of respiratory viruses; endpoints included mean days absent from school and prolonged (>2 days) absence. We examined the association between influenza vaccination and school absence among children with RT‐PCR‐confirmed influenza.

Results

Among 1027 children, 2295 days of school were missed due to medically attended ARIs; influenza accounted for 39% of illness episodes and 47% of days missed. Mean days absent were highest for influenza (0.96‐1.19) and lowest for coronavirus (0.62). Children with B/Yamagata infection were more likely to report prolonged absence than children with A/H1N1 or A/H3N2 infection [OR (95% CI): 2.1 (1.0, 4.5) and 1.7 (1.0, 2.9), respectively]. Among children with influenza, vaccination status was not associated with prolonged absence.

Conclusions

School absenteeism due to medically attended ARIs varies by viral infection. Influenza B infections accounted for the greatest burden of absenteeism.
Validation of photo‐identification as a mark–recapture method in the spotted eagle ray Aetobatus narinari
Authors: González‐Ramos M. S. , Santos‐Moreno A. , Rosas‐Alquicira E. F. , Fuentes‐Mascorro G.
Published: November 2016

The spotted eagle ray Aetobatus narinari is characterized by pigmentation patterns that are retained for up to 3·5 years. These pigmentations can be used to identify individuals through photo‐identification. Only one study has validated this technique, but no study has estimated the percentage of correct identification of the rays using this technique. In order to carry out demographic research, a reliable photographic identification technique is needed. To achieve this validation for A. narinari, a double‐mark system was established over 11 months and photographs of the dorsal surface of 191 rays were taken. Three body parts with distinctive natural patterns were analysed (dorsal surface of the cephalic region, dorsal surface of the pectoral fins and dorsal surface of the pelvic fins) in order to determine the body part that could be used to give the highest percentage of correct identification. The dorsal surface of the pectoral fins of A. narinari provides the most accurate photo‐identification to distinguish individuals (88·2%).
Differential expression of foxl2 and cyp19a1amRNA during gonad developmental stages in great sturgeon Huso huso
Authors: Yarmohammadi M. , Pourkazemi M. , Kazemi R.
Published: November 2016

This study aimed to determine the sex specificity and expression pattern of foxl2 and cyp19a1a genes in great sturgeon Huso huso gonads during gonadal sex differentiation and development. The results revealed that foxl2 and cyp19a1a mainly expressed in female gonads and during gonad development the foxl2 and cyp19a1a mRNA expression is required for ovarian development.
Effects of processing factors on the quality of mechanically expressed Moringa (Moringa oleifera) oil: A response surface approach
Authors: Fakayode Olugbenga Abiola , Ajav Emmanuel Atoo , Akinoso Rahman
Published: November 2016

Edible unrefined oils produced by expellers need to possess high quality attributes; therefore, the effects of processing factors on the quality of mechanically expressed moringa oil were investigated. A 4 × 5 Central Composite Rotatable Design was adopted for the experiments. Processing factors were moisture content, heating temperature, heating time and applied pressure. Oil quality criteria such as FFA, oil impurity and colour were determined. Data analyses were done using multiple linear regression at p = .05. The FFA, impurity and colour intensity ranged from 2.42–7.40 mg/KOH/g, 5.70–7.60 LU and 2.12–3.20% respectively and fell majorly within acceptable limits. Mathematical models were developed relating processing factors to oil quality. Coefficients of determination (R2) for the FFA, impurity and colour intensity were .94, .98 and .99 respectively. Deviations between experimental and predicted values were low and ranged from 0.01–0.68, 0.01–0.12 and 0.01–0.12 for the FFA, colour intensity and impurity respectively.

Practical applications

Edible unrefined oils being produced by expellers need to possess high quality attributes. Applied pressure, heating temperature, heating duration, and moisture content affect the quality of vegetable oil expression and these factors need to be controlled during expression process. Free fatty acid (FFA), color intensity, and oil impurity are some of the most important oil quality parameters. FFA is responsible for rancidity; color is the most obvious product characteristic evaluated by any consumer of vegetable oil; while oil impurity affects the sensory characteristics of the oil. As the mechanical method of oil expression has gained high importance in modern vegetable oil industry, it is necessary to determine the effects of processing factors on the quality of the expressed oil. In this study, mathematical models were developed to predict the physico‐chemical properties of mechanically expressed moringa oil at various processing conditions. This would serve as useful data to moringa oil processors.
Performance characterization and optimization of a synchronized medium‐scale oil palm fruit processing mill
Authors: Morakinyo T. Afolabi , Bamgboye A. Isaac
Published: November 2016

Previous studies revealed that sterilization, digestion, and mechanical oil extraction have not been fully mechanized in Nigeria. A synchronized medium‐scale oil palm fruits processing mill consisting of a boiler, sterilizer, inclined screw conveyor, digester and screw‐press was developed. Prominent cultivars of Dura and Tenera fruitlets of 20, 30, and 50 years of age were selected for the evaluation of this mill. In this study, the performance evaluation of the unit operations of this mill was characterized. Surface response methodology was employed using STATISTICA Release 7 model: STA862D175437Q to optimize the mill throughput, efficiency and oil yield. The result showed that, the performance efficiency and throughput of boiler, sterilizer, inclined screw conveyor, vertical digester and twin‐cam screw‐press were 71.3% and 55.0 L/h, 70% and 75.4 kg/h, 72.7% and 70.2 kg/h, 85.4% and 152.4 kg/h, 83.0% and 190.0 kg/h, respectively. The synchronized medium‐scale oil palm processing mill had the optimum throughput, efficiency and oil yield of 80.35 kg/h, 84.70% and 29.28%, respectively.

Practical applications

About 90% of annual palm oil production in Nigeria is still being processed with traditional and small‐scale methods across twenty four oil palm producing states. Over 40 million of rural women and small‐scale oil palm processors were grossly burdensome with lack of appropriate indigenous technology. It has been reported that about 140 of indigenous fabricators were involved in producing machines for small‐scale processors both in Nigeria and Ghana including palm oil research institutes, without developing a synchronized mill that can enhance productivity, timeliness and oil yield (Elekwachi, Fadare, & Owolarafe, ; PIND, ).

The unit operations of small‐scale mills were usually separately installed without instrumentation devices to regulate their processing parameters for optimum oil yield. In this synchronized medium‐scale oil palm fruits processing mill, fresh oil palm fruits were fully sterilized using the superheated steam generated from biomass fire‐tube vertical boiler which was synchronized with sterilizer. The sterilized fruits were conveyed through inclined screw‐conveyor to the steam jacketed digester, which was connected to the twin‐cam screw press for the hot extraction processing operation. It is a continuous and full sterilization mill, which has increased oil yield tremendously from 17.8% to 29.3% for Tenera cultivar fruitlets. This study presented technical information in term of mill equipment efficiency and throughput; likewise, the type of cultivar and age of palm fruit that enhances overall optimum mill efficiency and oil yield.
Multilingualism in the Andes and Amazonia: A View from In‐between
Authors: Emlen Nicholas Q.
Published: November 2016

Muchos pueblos indígenas de Sudamérica son actualmente multilingües. Además, se puede identificar en idiomas sudamericanos la presencia de efectos de contacto histórico que demuestran que el multilingüismo ha sido una parte importante de las sociedades del continente desde hace mucho tiempo. Sin embargo, el multilingüismo y el contacto lingüístico en los Andes y la Amazonía se han tratado mayormente por separado en la literatura académica. Este artículo examina dos aspectos de multilingüismo identificado por los especialistas de cada región—acerca del rol de formaciones políticas jerárquicas y la importancia de los idiomas coloniales. Los analiza en relación a un caso contemporáneo de multilingüismo entre el quechua, el matsigenka, y el castellano en una zona de transición andina–amazónica en el sur del Perú. Este caso se puede describir como una red multilingüe que integra ambas regiones. De esta forma podemos demostrar que las situaciones andinas y amazónicas son más similares de lo que se ha considerado hasta ahora. Al poner atención a tales vínculos andino–amazónicos, proponemos ampliar nuestro conocimiento de la riqueza y la variabilidad del multilingüismo en Sudamérica.
Characterization of Gambierdiscus lapillus sp. nov. (Gonyaulacales, Dinophyceae): a new toxic dinoflagellate from the Great Barrier Reef (Australia)
Authors: Kretzschmar Anna Liza , Verma Arjun , Harwood Tim , Hoppenrath Mona , Murray Shauna
Published: November 2016

Gambierdiscus is a genus of benthic dinoflagellates found worldwide. Some species produce neurotoxins (maitotoxins and ciguatoxins) that bioaccumulate and cause ciguatera fish poisoning (CFP), a potentially fatal food‐borne illness that is common worldwide in tropical regions. The investigation of toxigenic species of Gambierdiscus in CFP endemic regions in Australia is necessary as a first step to determine which species of Gambierdiscus are related to CFP cases occurring in this region. In this study, we characterized five strains of Gambierdiscus collected from Heron Island, Australia, a region in which ciguatera is endemic. Clonal cultures were assessed using (i) light microscopy; (ii) scanning electron microscopy; (iii) DNA sequencing based on the nuclear encoded ribosomal 18S and D8‐D10 28S regions; (iv) toxicity via mouse bioassay; and (v) toxin profile as determined by Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry. Both the morphological and phylogenetic data indicated that these strains represent a new species of Gambierdiscus, G. lapillus sp. nov. (plate formula Po, 3′, 0a, 7″, 6c, 7‐8s, 5‴, 0p, 2″″ and distinctive by size and hatchet‐shaped 2′ plate). Culture extracts were found to be toxic using the mouse bioassay. Using chemical analysis, it was determined that they did not contain maitotoxin (MTX1) or known algal‐derived ciguatoxin analogs (CTX3B, 3C, CTX4A, 4B), but that they contained putative MTX3, and likely other unknown compounds.
Intercellular translocation of molecules via plasmodesmata in the multiseriate filamentous brown alga, Halopteris congesta (Sphacelariales, Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Nagasato Chikako , Tanaka Atsuko , Ito Toshiaki , Katsaros Christos , Motomura Taizo
Published: November 2016

Despite the high number of studies on the fine structure of brown algal cells, only limited information is available on the intercelluar transportation of molecules via plasmodesmata in brown algae. In this study, plasmodesmatal permeability of Halopteris congesta was examined by observing the translocation of microinjected fluorescent tracers of different molecular sizes. The tip region of H. congesta consists of a cylindrical apical cell, while the basal region is multiseriate. Fluorescein isothiocyanate‐dextran (FD; 3, 10, and 20 kDa) and recombinant green fluorescent protein (27 kDa) were injected into the apical cell and were observed to diffuse into the neighboring cells. FD of 40 kDa was detected only in the injected apical cell. The plasmodesmatal size exclusion limit was considered to be more than 20 kDa and less than 40 kDa. The extent of translocation of 3 and 10 kDa FD from the apical to neighboring cells 2 h postinjection was estimated based on the fluorescence intensity. It was suggested that the diffusing capacity of plasmodesmata varied according to molecular size. In order to examine acropetal and/or basipetal direction of molecular movement, 3 and 10 kDa FD were injected into the third cell from the apical cell. Successive observations indicated that the diffusion of fluorescence in the acropetal direction took longer than that in the basipetal direction. No ultrastructural difference in plasmodesmata was noted among the cross walls.
Pasta quality as impacted by the type of flour and starch and the level of egg addition
Authors: Saleh Mohammed , Al‐Ismail Khalid , Ajo Radwan
Published: November 2016

This study investigated the effects of substituting wheat flour with fractions of different starch types and egg levels on pasta quality. First order mixture response surface model was used where the effects of various starch types and egg levels on pasta quality were evaluated. Coefficients of estimation were determined and fractional contribution of wheat, starch type and egg levels were evaluated. Egg levels negatively (p < .05) impacted treatments pasting viscosities, except in potato starch and rice flour. Stabilized rice bran peak viscosity increased from 215.0 to 3420.0 cP with decrease in egg level from 33 to 0%. Flow behavior index of treatments solution with various fractions of starch types and egg level ranged from 0.34 to 1.42 and was significantly (p < .05) lower than control (i.e., 2.15) indicating a better fit as a shear thinning model. Water holding capacity values of acorn starch and lupine flour were the greatest among treatment ranging from 86.8% to 176.0% and from 83.3% to 152.0%, respectively. Results also showed a possible modification of cooked pasta quality including firmness, stickiness, cooking loss, and water uptake, keeping with consumer acceptability through varying starch type and egg level.

Practical applications

Results show that flour and starch type and egg level interaction play significant role in pasta blends formulation. Moreover, substitution of wheat flour with acorn, native or modified corn and potato starches fractions, as well as with lupine, rice, tapioca, and stabilized rice bran flours would have significant effects on the physical properties and acceptability of various cereal products. For instance, the use of rice bran in potentially developed products would enhance the consumption of whole grain foods, resulting in improved intake of fiber and other healthy components.
Comparison of Survival Times for Dogs with Pituitary‐Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism in a Primary‐Care Hospital: Treated with Trilostane versus Untreated
Authors: Nagata N. , Kojima K. , Yuki M.
Published: December 2016

Background

Although pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) is one of the most common endocrinopathies in dogs, the effects of withholding treatment on survival time in dogs withPDHremain unclear.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of treatment in dogs withPDHby comparing survival times between dogs treated with trilostane and untreated dogs.

Animals

Forty‐three dogs diagnosed withPDHat a primary‐care hospital in Japan between June 2009 and January 2014.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study. The medical records of dogs withPDHtreated with trilostane (n = 17) or left untreated (n = 26) were reviewed retrospectively. Survival analysis at 2 years after diagnosis ofPDHwas performed.

Results

Median survival time for the trilostane group was not reached (95% confidence interval [CI], 443 days–not applicable) and was significantly longer than the 506 days (95%CI, 292–564 days;P= .016) for the untreated group. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis (including age at diagnosis, basal cortisol concentration at diagnosis, and treatment group) only identified assignment to the untreated group (hazard ratio, 5.01; 95%CI, 1.63–15.44) as associated with increased mortality.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The results of this retrospective cohort study suggest that withholding treatment for dogs withPDHmight be associated with a higher risk of death. This represents the largest study to date to report survival times of untreated dogs withPDH.
Vaccination mitigates the impact of PRRSv infection on the pharmacokinetics of ceftiofur crystalline‐free acid in pigs
Authors: Sparks J. W. , Karriker L. A. , Day D. N. , Wulf L. W. , Zhang J. , Stock M. L. , Bates J. L. , Gehring R. , Coetzee J. F.
Published: November 2016

The pharmacokinetics of intramuscularly administered ceftiofur crystalline‐free acid (CCFA) were determined in pigs that were clinically healthy (n = 8), vaccinated with a Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome modified live virus (PRRS MLV) (n = 10), challenged with wild‐type porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) VR‐2385 (n = 10), or vaccinated with PRRS MLV and later challenged with wild‐type PRRSv VR‐2385 (n = 10). Animals were given a single dose of CCFA intramuscularly at 5 mg/kg body weight. Blood was collected at 0 (pretreatment), 0.25, 0.5, 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 144, 192, and 240 h postinjection. Plasma was analyzed using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Plasma concentration–time curves for each group were evaluated with noncompartmental modeling. When compared to control animals, those receiving the PRRSv wild‐type challenge only had a lower AUC0‐last, higher Cl/F, and higher Vz/F. The PRRSv wild‐type challenge only group had the longest T1/2λ. The Cmax did not differ among all four treatments. Control animals had no statistically significant differences from animals vaccinated with PRRS MLV alone or animals vaccinated with PRRS MLV and later challenged with wild‐type PRRSv. Our results suggest that PRRSv wild‐type infection has the potential to alter CCFA pharmacokinetics and PRRS MLV vaccination may attenuate those changes.
Legal Aid, Social Workers, and the Redefinition of the Legal Profession in Chile, 1925–1960
Authors: González Le Saux Marianne
Published: November 2016

This article examines the history of the Chilean Legal Aid Service (Servicio de Asistencia Judicial) from the 1920s until the 1960s. It argues that with the emergence of the “social question”—the concern for improving the lower classes' working and living conditions to promote the nation's modernization and prevent political radicalization—the Chilean legal profession committed to legal aid reform to escape a professional identity crisis. Legal aid allowed lawyers to claim they had a new “social function” advocating on behalf of the poor. However, within legal aid offices, lawyers interacted with female social workers who acted as gatekeepers, mediators, and translators between the lawyers and the poor. This gendered professional complementarity in legal aid offices helped lawyers to put limits on their new “social function”: it allowed them to maintain legal aid as a part-time activity that did not challenge the structure of the legal system as a whole.
Constructing Hysteria: Legal Signals as Producers of Siting Conflicts Over Sexually Violent Predator Placements
Authors: Williams Monica
Published: November 2016

Sexually violent predator (SVP) statutes define some sex offenders as dangerous enough to be segregated from society, but then require their release into local communities. This article examines how decision makers and community members interpret and respond to this inherent contradiction during disputes over SVP placements. The article departs from traditional moral panic explanations of reactions to sex offenders by linking literature on local siting conflicts to insights from legal mobilization studies in order to understand the origins and features of community opposition to sex offenders. Data from three case studies of SVP placements in California suggest that interpretations of what I call legal signals, or implicit messages embedded in state laws, produced these conflicts. The findings shed new light on the role of law in siting conflicts and collective action by explaining how state laws facilitate communities’ exclusion from siting decisions, encourage local opposition, and disempower already marginalized communities.
The coffee leaf rust pathogen Hemileia vastatrix: one and a half centuries around the tropics
Authors: Talhinhas Pedro , Batista Dora , Diniz Inês , Vieira Ana , Silva Diogo N. , Loureiro Andreia , Tavares Sílvia , Pereira Ana Paula , Azinheira Helena G. , Guerra‐Guimarães Leonor , Várzea Vítor , Silva Maria do Céu
Published: November 2016

Taxonomy and History

Hemileia vastatrix Berk. and Broome (Basidiomycota, Pucciniales) was described in 1869 in eastern Africa and Ceylon as the agent of coffee leaf rust and has spread to all coffee cultivation areas worldwide. Major disease outbreaks in Asia, Africa and America caused and continue to cause severe yield losses, making this the most important disease of Arabica coffee, a cash crop for many tropical and sub‐tropical countries.

Life cycle and Disease symptoms

Hemileia vastatrix is a hemicyclic fungus with the urediniosporic life cycle as its most important (if not only) source of inoculum. Chlorotic spots are the first macroscopic symptoms, preceding the differentiation of suprastomatal, bouquet‐shaped, orange‐coloured uredinia. The disease can cause yield losses of up to 35% and have a polyetic epidemiological impact on subsequent years.

Disease control

Although the use of fungicides is one of the preferred immediate control measures, the use of resistant cultivars is considered to be the most effective and durable disease control strategy. The discovery of ‘Híbrido de Timor’ provided sources of resistance that have been used in several breeding programmes and that have been proven to be effective and durable, as some have been in use for more than 30 years.

Genetic diversity and Molecular pathogenicity

Although exhibiting limited genetic polymorphism, the very large genome of H. vastatrix (c. 797 Mbp) conceals great pathological diversity, with more than 50 physiological races. Gene expression studies have revealed a very precocious activation of signalling pathways and production of putative effectors, suggesting that the plant–fungus dialogue starts as early as at the germ tube stage, and have provided clues for the identification of avr genes.
Development of rubber‐enriched dandelion varieties by metabolic engineering of the inulin pathway
Authors: Stolze Anna , Wanke Alan , van Deenen Nicole , Geyer Roland , Prüfer Dirk , Schulze Gronover Christian
Published: November 2016

Natural rubber (NR) is an important raw material for a large number of industrial products. The primary source of NR is the rubber tree Hevea brasiliensis, but increased worldwide demand means that alternative sustainable sources are urgently required. The Russian dandelion (Taraxacum koksaghyz Rodin) is such an alternative because large amounts of NR are produced in its root system. However, rubber biosynthesis must be improved to develop T. koksaghyz into a commercially feasible crop. In addition to NR, T. koksaghyz also produces large amounts of the reserve carbohydrate inulin, which is stored in parenchymal root cell vacuoles near the phloem, adjacent to apoplastically separated laticifers. In contrast to NR, which accumulates throughout the year even during dormancy, inulin is synthesized during the summer and is degraded from the autumn onwards when root tissues undergo a sink‐to‐source transition. We carried out a comprehensive analysis of inulin and NR metabolism in T. koksaghyz and its close relative T. brevicorniculatum and functionally characterized the key enzyme fructan 1‐exohydrolase (1‐FEH), which catalyses the degradation of inulin to fructose and sucrose. The constitutive overexpression of Tk1‐FEH almost doubled the rubber content in the roots of two dandelion species without any trade‐offs in terms of plant fitness. To our knowledge, this is the first study showing that energy supplied by the reserve carbohydrate inulin can be used to promote the synthesis of NR in dandelions, providing a basis for the breeding of rubber‐enriched varieties for industrial rubber production.
Barriers to live donor kidney transplants in the pediatric population: A single‐center experience
Authors: Taormina Shibany P. , Galloway Matthew P. , Jain Amrish
Published: November 2016

A decrease in live donor pediatric kidney transplants has occurred in the United States. This study investigates barriers that may influence access to live donor kidney transplants in children. Retrospective chart review was conducted for 91 children (69% male, mean age 11.9 years) who underwent pretransplant workup from 2005 to 2015 at an urban pediatric hospital. Fifty‐four percent were African American, 32% Caucasian, 8% Arabic, 3% Hispanic, and 3% Others. Government‐sponsored insurance (Medicaid/Medicare) was utilized by 73%, and 54% had dual caregivers. Only nine of 68 kidney transplants were live donor transplants. Live donor transplants (11%) were significantly (P=.008) lower than deceased donor transplants (59%) in African Americans. Private insurance was reported by 56% of live donor recipients and 25% of deceased donor recipients. Among live donor recipients, 78% were from dual caregiver families. Caregiver, health‐related, financial, and religious/cultural barriers to live donor transplants were reported, several of which may be amenable to positive intervention.
Haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for a case with X‐linked chronic granulomatous disease
Authors: Zhou Ling , Dong Lu‐Jia , Gao Zhi‐Yong , Yu Xin‐Jian , Lu Dao‐Pei
Published: November 2016

CGD is a rare primary immunodeficiency with high mortality rates when treated conventionally, especially for the X‐chromosome‐linked form. HSCT is the only curative therapy for CGD; however, haploidentical transplantation in CGD is rare. Here, we report a case of X‐linked CGD treated successfully by haploidentical HSCT. The patient showed a positive result with full donor chimerism, good quality of life, and the absence of recurrent infectious diseases at follow‐up (68 months). Thus, haploidentical HSCT may serve as an acceptable treatment approach for patients who have CGD, but no HLA‐matched related or unrelated donor.
A retrospective clinical study of endoscopic‐assisted transcervical insemination in the bitch with frozen–thawed dog semen
Authors: Mason SJ
Published: November 2016

Contents

Since the conclusion of data collation from previously published work, a further 352 inseminations using frozen–thawed dog semen by endoscopic‐assisted transcervical insemination (EIU) have been performed by the author. Insemination was performed on the second day in which crenulation of the anterior vagina was detected in conjunction with a progesterone concentration of >10 ng/ml. All semen samples were analysed for total number of sperm, total motility and progressive motility using computer‐assisted semen analysis (CASA). The insemination dose was based on the progressively motile normal spermatozoa (PMNS). Insemination was performed on all bitches as previously described using a ureterorenoscope. Additional extender was inseminated subsequent to the semen to expand and fill the uterus. The semen and additional extender were inseminated slowly over a period of 15–20 min. Pregnancy was determined by B‐mode ultrasound equipped with a 7.5‐MHz probe whilst standing and/or via the whelping rate. The number of sperm inseminated ranged from 9 × 106 PMNS to 519 × 106 PMNS, with progressive motility values ranging between 20% and 80%. The overall pregnancy rate was 68% (238/352). When stratified by PMNS, pregnancy rates were as follows: >150 × 106 PMNS ‐ 76% (110/145), 100–150 × 106 ‐ 68% (87/128) and <100 × 106 PMNS ‐ 52% (41/79). Pregnancy rate was significantly higher when >150 × 106 PMNS (p = .003) or 100–150 ×106 PMNS (p = .027) were inseminated compared to <100 × 106 PMNS. These data are concordant with previous reports recommending the insemination of >150 × 106 PMNS to maximize pregnancy rate. These results indicate that one optimally timed EIU insemination results in similar pregnancy rates to previous publications of one optimally timed, or two or more non‐optimally timed inseminations using the Norwegian catheter.
Immunological Tolerance. Part I of a Report of a Workshop on Foundational Concepts of Immune Regulation
Authors: Anderson C. C. , Bretscher P. , Corthay A. , Dembic Z. , Havele C. , Nagy Z. A. , Øynebråten I.
Published: November 2016

This report, the first of two, arose from a one‐week workshop directed at discussing concepts of immune regulation, and focuses on immunological tolerance. We first outline the major ideas we thought sufficiently plausible to provide a context for discussing more controversial issues around tolerance. We then report on our discussion of different experiments that appear paradoxical in terms of the different, contemporary models of CD4 T cell inactivation/activation, and how such observations might be resolved in terms of insights provided by these contemporary models. These discussions bear on the plausibility of the Pathogen‐Associated Molecular Pattern (PAMP), Danger and Two Step, Two Signal Models for the activation of naïve CD4 T cells. Some of the observations considered appear paradoxical in terms of the PAMP and Danger Models, but not with the Two Step, Two Signal Model. For example, genetically immunodeficient mice have been given foreign, sterile ectopic grafts, and the immune system allowed to develop once these grafts were well‐healed in, and so in the absence of PAMPs or danger. The grafts were rejected, unexpected on the PAMP or Danger Models. We also discussed considerations and observations bearing on the widely held idea that antigen must crosslink the membrane Ig receptors of a B cell to initiate the generation of signal 1, or the alternative possibility that monovalent binding by antigen can do so. We favored the latter possibility, and discussed a particular model, “the Elbow Model,” for how this might be achieved.
Meaningful coping with chronic pain: Exploring the interplay between goal violation, meaningful coping strategies and life satisfaction in chronic pain patients
Authors: Dezutter Jessie , Dewitte Laura , Thauvoye Evalyne , Vanhooren Siebrecht
Published: November 2016

Trying to cope with chronic pain is a highly demanding and challenging task and pain patients often need to reformulate goals or aspirations due to their pain condition. This goal violation is often related with experienced distress and requires coping processes in order to decrease the distress and stimulate a healthy adaptation. Some scholars, however, argued that in so‐called unsolvable or irreparable stressors such as chronic pain, conventional coping strategies like problem‐focused coping might not be the most adaptive option. In these situations, meaningful coping strategies attempting to transform the meaning of the stressful experience would be more accurate. In this study, we aim to test if goal violation triggers meaningful coping strategies over time and whether engagement in these meaningful coping strategies result in improved life satisfaction, as an indicator of adaptation. A longitudinal three wave study in a sample of paint patients (n = 125) tests whether goal violation triggers positive reappraisal and downward comparison, two possible meaningful coping strategies. The study furthermore tests if engagement in these strategies results in a better adaptation to the pain condition, reflected in higher life satisfaction. Results partially supported our hypotheses by pointing to the benevolent role of downward comparison on life satisfaction via decreased goal violation of pain patients. Our findings however did also show that positive reappraisal predicted lower life satisfaction via increased levels of appraised goal violation which questions the role of positive reappraisal as a genuine meaningful coping strategy. Implications and limitations are discussed.
Esophageal tuberculosis with coexisting opportunistic infections in a renal allograft transplant recipient
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Minz Mukut , Sinha Saroj K. , Vaiphei Kim , Sharma Ashish , Singh Sarbpreet , Kenwar Deepesh B.
Published: November 2016

We report a renal allograft transplant recipient with esophageal tuberculosis (TB) coinfected with herpes simplex virus (HSV) and Candida. The patient presented with oropharyngeal candidiasis and was started on fluconazole. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed whitish patches with mucosal ulcers in the esophagus. Histopathological examination confirmed TB and HSV infection. The patient recovered after antiviral, antifungal, and anti‐tubercular therapy with reduction in immunosuppression. In a TB‐endemic zone, TB can coexist with opportunistic infections in an immunocompromised host.
Factors that hinder or enable maternal health strategies to reduce delays in rural and pastoralist areas in Ethiopia
Authors: Jackson Ruth , Tesfay Fisaha Haile , Gebrehiwot Tesfay Gebregzabher , Godefay Hagos
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To document factors that hinder or enable strategies to reduce the first and second delays of the Three Delays in rural and pastoralist areas in Ethiopia.

Methods

A key informant study was conducted with 44 Health Extension Workers in Afar Region, Kafa Zone (Southern Nation, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region), and Adwa Woreda (Tigray Region). Health Extension Workers were trained to interview women and ask for stories about their recent experiences of birth. We interviewed the Health Extension Workers about their experiences referring women for Skilled Birth Attendance and Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Themes related to reducing the first delay, such as the tradition of home birth, decision‐making, distance and unavailability of transport, did not differ between the three locations. Themes related to reducing the second delay differed substantially. Health Extension Workers in Adwa Woreda were more likely to call ambulances due to support from the Health Development Army and a functioning referral system. In Kafa Zone, some Health Extension Workers were discouraged from calling ambulances as they were used for other purposes. In Afar Region, few Health Extension Workers were called to assist women as most women give birth at home with Traditional Birth Attendants unless they need to travel to health facilities for Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care.

Conclusions

Initiatives to reduce delays can improve access to maternal health services, especially when Health Extension Workers are supported by the Health Development Army and a functioning referral system, but district (woreda) health offices should ensure that ambulances are used as intended.
Assessing healthcare quality using routine data: evaluating the performance of the national tuberculosis programme in South Africa
Authors: McLaren Zoë M. , Sharp Alana R. , Zhou Jifang , Wasserman Sean , Nanoo Ananta
Published: November 2016

Objective

To assess the performance of healthcare facilities by means of indicators based on guidelines for clinical care of TB, which is likely a good measure of overall facility quality.

Methods

We assessed quality of care in all public health facilities in South Africa using graphical, correlation and locally weighted kernel regression analysis of routine TB test data.

Results

Facility performance falls short of national standards of care. Only 74% of patients with TB provided a second specimen for testing, 18% received follow‐up testing and 14% received drug resistance testing. Only resistance testing rates improved over time, tripling between 2004 and 2011. National awareness campaigns and changes in clinical guidelines had only a transient impact on testing rates. The poorest performing facilities remained at the bottom of the rankings over the period of study.

Conclusion

The optimal policy strategy requires both broad‐based policies and targeted resources to poor performers. This approach to assessing facility quality of care can be adapted to other contexts and also provides a low‐cost method for evaluating the effectiveness of proposed interventions. Devising targeted policies based on routine data is a cost‐effective way to improve the quality of public health care provided.
Small acidic protein 1 and SCFTIR1 ubiquitin proteasome pathway act in concert to induce 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid‐mediated alteration of actin in Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Takahashi Maho , Umetsu Kana , Oono Yutaka , Higaki Takumi , Blancaflor Elison B. , Rahman Abidur
Published: November 2016

2,4‐Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4‐D), a functional analogue of auxin, is used as an exogenous source of auxin as it evokes physiological responses like the endogenous auxin, indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA). Previous molecular analyses of the auxin response pathway revealed that IAA and 2,4‐D share a common mode of action to elicit downstream physiological responses. However, recent findings with 2,4‐D‐specific mutants suggested that 2,4‐D and IAA might also use distinct pathways to modulate root growth in Arabidopsis. Using genetic and cellular approaches, we demonstrate that the distinct effects of 2,4‐D and IAA on actin filament organization partly dictate the differential responses of roots to these two auxin analogues. 2,4‐D but not IAA altered the actin structure in long‐term and short‐term assays. Analysis of the 2,4‐D‐specific mutant aar1‐1 revealed that small acidic protein 1 (SMAP1) functions positively to facilitate the 2,4‐D‐induced depolymerization of actin. The ubiquitin proteasome mutants tir1‐1 and axr1‐12, which show enhanced resistance to 2,4‐D compared with IAA for inhibition of root growth, were also found to have less disrupted actin filament networks after 2,4‐D exposure. Consistently, a chemical inhibitor of the ubiquitin proteasome pathway mitigated the disrupting effects of 2,4‐D on the organization of actin filaments. Roots of the double mutant aar1‐1 tir1‐1 also showed enhanced resistance to 2,4‐D‐induced inhibition of root growth and actin degradation compared with their respective parental lines. Collectively, these results suggest that the effects of 2,4‐D on actin filament organization and root growth are mediated through synergistic interactions between SMAP1 and SCFTIR1 ubiquitin proteasome components.
Applicability of Miniature-C(T) Specimen for the Master Curve Evaluation of RPV Weld Metal and Heat Affected Zone
Authors: Yamamoto Masato , Miura Naoki
Published: December 2016

The Master Curve approach is a powerful tool to evaluate material-specific fracture toughness of ferritic steels, such as RPV steels, using a limited number of specimens. However, preparing a sufficient number of standard fracture toughness test specimens is difficult for irradiated RPV steels of existing surveillance programs. Utilization of miniature specimens that can be machined from broken halves of standard Charpy specimens is a possible solution to address this issue. CRIEPI has been working on the test technique utilizing a miniature C(T) (Mini-C(T)) specimens, whose dimensions are 4 × 10 × 9.6 mm (0.16 inch thickness specimen). The basic applicability of the Mini-C(T) Master Curve approach has been confirmed [1] for the base metals of typical Japanese RPV steels. International round robin tests confirmed the reproducibility of fracture toughness data obtained by Mini-C(T) specimens [2–4]. Ensuring the applicability of the Mini-C(T) Master Curve approach to weld metals and heat affected zone materials is of great importance to meet the future demand from the RPV surveillance programs for over 40 or 60 years’ reactor operation. For a weld metal deposit, we verified that valid reference temperature, To, can be estimated using the Mini-C(T) specimens and the statistics of the fracture toughness data [5] show good conformity to the assumption of the Master Curve method [6].

In the present paper, fracture toughness of a weld joint, which consists of two different heats of RPV plate material was examined. Five sets of Mini-C(T) specimens taken from two base metals, their heat affected zones (HAZ) and weld metal deposit, were subjected to the fracture toughness test. 0.5T-C(T) specimens taken from similar locations were also subjected to the fracture toughness tests to investigate specimen size effect. All the Mini-C(T) data sets taken from base metal, HAZ and weld metal were eligible for the determination of valid To with each 12 to 16 Mini-C(T) specimens. The relevance of the specimen size correction in the Master Curve method was confirmed for two base metals and a weld metal. The fracture toughness data for HAZ materials gave a reasonable agreement with the specific Weibull distribution assumed in the Master Curve method. Nevertheless, To values of four data sets of HAZ materials, including two Mini-C(T) datasets and two 0.5T-C(T) datasets, showed larger variation than that of the base metals or the weld metal. The crack initiation sites of HAZ specimens were all within so-called fine grain HAZ. However the HAZ width near the crack initiation site was dependent on the individual specimens. Higher fracture toughness tended to be gained from the specimens with narrower HAZ width. The resulting To values for HAZ material were close to or lower than that for base metals. The results suggest that the HAZ material gives equivalent or higher fracture toughness than in base metals.
Noise control zone for a periodic ducted Helmholtz resonator system
Authors: Cai Chenzhi , Mak Cheuk Ming
Published: December 2016

This paper presents a theoretical study of the dispersion characteristics of sound wave propagation in a periodic ducted Helmholtz resonator (HR) system. The predicted result fits well with a numerical simulation using a finite element method. This study indicates that for the same system, no matter how many HRs are connected or what the periodic distance is, the area under average transmission loss T L¯ curves is always the same. The broader the noise attenuation band, the lower the peak attenuation amplitude. A noise control zone compromising the attenuation bandwidth or peak amplitude is proposed for noise control optimization.
Regulation of sugar transporter activity for antibacterial defense in
Arabidopsis
Authors: Yamada Kohji , Saijo Yusuke , Nakagami Hirofumi , Takano Yoshitaka
Published: November 2016

Dueling for sugars

Bacteria thrive on sugar. So do plant cells. Yamada
et al.
now show how the fight for sugar plays out in the extracellular spaces around plant cells when pathogenic bacteria are invading the plant (see the Perspective by Dodds and Lagudah). In the model plant
Arabidopsis
, part of the defense response incited by the presence of pathogenic bacteria includes transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of sugar transporters. The resulting uptake of monosaccharides from the extracellular space makes life a little bit more difficult for the invading bacteria.

Science
, this issue p.
1427
; see also p.
1377