bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic effects of Cl− and Cu2+ ions on corrosion of pure Al and Al alloys in aqueous solutions at 363 K
Authors: Chiba M. , Nakayama Y. , Hiraga T. , Takahashi H. , Shibata Y.
Published: March 2013

Pipes of 3003/4043 clad aluminum alloys are used in air conditioning systems and are exposed to flowing relatively high‐temperature solutions (353 – 373 K). In the present investigation, the corrosion behavior of pure aluminum and 1050‐, 3003‐, and 4043‐aluminum alloys was examined by immersing in 1.57 × 10−3 kmolm−3‐CuSO4 and 0.57 kmolm−3‐KCl solutions at 363 K for 1 week. Mass losses of the specimens during the immersion were measured after removing corrosion products, and the specimen surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (EDS). Mass losses of all specimens examined were 0.1 – 0.7 % in the Cl− solution and 2–3 % in the Cu2+ solution. The mass losses in a solution including both Cl− and Cu2+ ions at the same concentrations were 4 – 8 %, showing a synergistic effect of Cl− and Cu2+ ions. This effect was more with higher concentrations of Si in the Al alloys. The SEM and EDS analysis showed that Cu particles are deposited on Al phases and Fe‐enriched areas of the specimen surfaces in the Cu2+ solution, while deposited on Si‐enriched areas as well as on Al phases and Fe‐enriched areas in the Cl−/Cu2+ solution. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
College Student Suicide
Authors: Taub Deborah J. , Thompson Jalonda
Published: March 2013

Suicide is the second‐leading cause of death among college students. College student suicide and suicide prevention are best understood within the larger context of contemporary concerns about college student mental health.
The Public Health Approach to Campus Suicide Prevention
Authors: Jodoin Elizabeth C. , Robertson Jason
Published: March 2013

This chapter explores public health theories and approaches to suicide prevention on campus. Implications for student affairs and higher education personnel regarding suicide prevention programming are discussed.
Gatekeeper Training in Campus Suicide Prevention
Authors: Wallack Cory , Servaty‐Seib Heather L. , Taub Deborah J.
Published: March 2013

This chapter reviews factors in effective gatekeeper training as part of a comprehensive suicide prevention program. A case example is provided to illustrate the application of these factors.
Peer Education in Campus Suicide Prevention
Authors: Catanzarite Julie A. , Robinson Myles D.
Published: March 2013

This chapter explores the need and effectiveness of using peer educators to help address mental health issues on college campuses. The implementation process of a mental health peer education program at a large research institution, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, is discussed.
Suicide Prevention for LGBT Students
Authors: Johnson R. Bradley , Oxendine Symphony , Taub Deborah J. , Robertson Jason
Published: March 2013

This chapter explores the intersection of mental health concerns and suicide of LGBT college students on campus, including bullying and cyberbullying. One campus's approach to providing support for these students is discussed.
Suicide Prevention in a Diverse Campus Community
Authors: Shadick Richard , Akhter Sarah
Published: March 2013

This chapter presents a brief overview of suicide rates among college students of differing racial, ethnic, ability, and sexual orientation backgrounds in the United States, followed by factors that affect mental health negatively. The chapter concludes with a description of the development of a novel approach to suicide prevention, as implemented at Pace University in New York City.
Postsuicide Intervention as a Prevention Tool: Developing a Comprehensive Campus Response to Suicide and Related Risk
Authors: Cimini M. Dolores , Rivero Estela M.
Published: March 2013

This chapter explores activities and processes typically used after a suicide event as a prevention strategy to address suicide on campus. Special issues in postsuicide intervention and suggestions for development of appropriate protocols are highlighted.
Wind Energy literature survey no. 28
Authors: Henriksen Lars Christian
Published: March 2013

As a service to readers, Wind Energy regularly conducts literature surveys and publishes lists of relevant articles drawn from recent issues of a large number of periodicals including Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics, International Journal of Energy Research, Renewable Energy, Energy Sources, Journal of Solar Energy Engineering, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Journal, and Electric Power Components and Systems along with a number of periodicals published by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and so forth. The list is limited exclusively to journals not specifically devoted to wind energy and its applications. To assist the reader, the list is separated into broad categories. Although many papers fit several categories, each paper is listed only once under the category thought most appropriate. Please note that the inclusion in the list is not an endorsement of a paper's quality. Compiled by Lars Christian Henriksen, Department of Wind Energy, Technical University of Denmark, PO Box 49, DK‐4000 Roskilde, Denmark. Please e‐mail any suggestions to larh@ dtu.dk. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The toroidal block and the genus expansion
Authors: Kashani-Poor Amir-Kian , Troost Jan
Published: March 2013

Abstract

We study the correspondence between four-dimensional supersymmetric gauge theories and two-dimensional conformal field theories in the case of
$ \mathcal{N}={2^{*}} $
gauge theory. We emphasize the genus expansion on the gauge theory side, as obtained via geometric engineering from the topological string. This point of view uncovers modular properties of the one-point conformal block on a torus with complexified intermediate momenta: in the large intermediate weight limit, it is a power series whose coefficients are quasimodular forms. The all-genus viewpoint that the conformal field theory approach lends to the topological string yields insight into the analytic structure of the topological string partition function in the field theory limit.
Humidity‐driven changes in growth rate, photosynthetic capacity, hydraulic properties and other functional traits in silver birch (Betula pendula)
Authors: Sellin Arne , Tullus Arvo , Niglas Aigar , Õunapuu Eele , Karusion Annika , Lõhmus Krista
Published: March 2013

A study was performed on saplings of silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) growing at the free air humidity manipulation site, which was established to investigate the effect of increased air humidity on tree performance and canopy functioning. The aim of the experiment was to simulate the impact of the increasing atmospheric humidity on forest ecosystems predicted for northern Europe. Artificially elevated relative humidity (RH), which causes transpirational flux to decrease, diminished nutrient supply to the foliage; leaf nitrogen content, phosphorus content and P:N ratio decreased. The changes in leaf nutritional status brought about a considerable decline in both photosynthetic capacity (Amax, Vcmax, Jmax) and tree growth rate. The manipulation induced diverse changes in tree hydraulic architecture and other functional traits. Different segments of the soil‐to‐leaf water transport pathway responded differently: leaf hydraulic conductance (KL) decreased, while hydraulic conductance of root systems (KR) and leaf‐specific conductivity of stem‐wood increased in response to elevated RH. Humidification caused the Huber values of stems to increase, thus reflecting changes in allocation patterns; relatively more resources were allocated to vascular tissue and less to foliage. The elevated RH induced substantial changes in specific leaf area (increased), branch‐ (decreased) and stem‐wood density (decreased). The observed responses suggest that the expected climate‐change‐induced increase in the growth rate of trees at northern latitudes (boreal areas) due to the earlier start of the growing season in spring or higher carbon assimilation rate could be smaller or null if temperature rise is accompanied by a rise in atmospheric absolute humidity.
The effect of guideline variations on the implementation of active management of the third stage of labor
Authors: Miranda Jezid E. , Rojas‐Suarez Jose , Paternina Angel , Mendoza Ray , Bello Camilo , Tolosa Jorge E.
Published: March 2013

Objective

To determine whether healthcare providers performed active management of the third stage of labor (AMTSL) as defined by FIGO/ICM and WHO, and as described by the Cochrane Collaboration.

Methods

In a prospective observational study, a questionnaire regarding knowledge of AMTSL was administered to healthcare providers in the largest maternity teaching center in Colombia. It was subsequently observed whether and how the healthcare providers performed AMTSL in practice. The percentage of correct use of AMTSL was calculated.

Results

Healthcare providers indicated they knew what AMTSL was but disagreed on the timing of prophylactic oxytocin use. In total, 241 deliveries were observed. Oxytocin at varying doses and routes was used in 239 (99.2%) deliveries. In all deliveries, the umbilical cord was clamped early. In 49 (20.3%) deliveries, controlled cord traction was performed. Uterine massage was carried out in 213 (88.4%) deliveries. According to the FIGO/ICM and WHO definitions, and the Cochrane Collaboration description, correct use of AMTSL occurred in 0.8%, 0.0%, and 8.3%, of cases, respectively.

Conclusion

Correct use of AMTSL is low at the largest maternity teaching center in Colombia. There is an urgent need for a single definition of AMTSL, which could be used globally for research, training, and scaling‐up the performance of AMTSL.
Comparison of brachial artery vascular responses among postmenopausal women receiving different doses of tibolone
Authors: Carranza‐Lira Sebastián , Cirigo‐Hernández Berenice , Sandoval‐Barragán Martha P. , Ramos‐León Julio César
Published: March 2013

Objective

To compare the effects of low and conventional doses of tibolone in brachial artery flux parameters among postmenopausal women.

Methods

Between March 2011 and September 2012, 24 postmenopausal women attending Gynecology and Obstetrics Hospital Luis Castelazo Ayala, Mexico City, for hormone replacement therapy were consecutively recruited. The women were alternately assigned to receive a daily dose of either 2.5 mg (n = 11) or 1.25 mg (n = 13) of oral tibolone. Before and after treatment, all women underwent a brachial artery Doppler ultrasound. The arterial diameter was measured, and the pulsatility index (PI) and the resistance index (RI) were calculated. A hyperemic stimulus was then induced and these parameters were measured again.

Results

Among the 24 women, the time since menopause ranged from 16 to 24 months, and the median treatment duration was 3 months. Both groups showed a significant increase in arterial diameter after treatment. There was no significant difference between the groups in arterial diameter, PI, and RI. The arterial diameter after hyperemic stimulus was significantly lower after treatment than before treatment in both groups.

Conclusion

Low and conventional doses of tibolone induced similar changes in brachial artery flux parameters among postmenopausal women.
Global trends in population, energy use and climate: implications for policy development, rangeland management and rangeland users
Authors: Holechek Jerry L.
Published: March 2013

Increasing world human population, declining reserves of cheaply extracted fossil fuels, scarcity of supplies of fresh water and climatic instability will put tremendous pressure on world rangelands as the 21st century progresses. It is expected that the human population of the world will increase by 40% by 2050 but fossil fuel and reserves of fresh water will be drastically reduced. Avoiding food shortages and famine could be a major world challenge within the next 10 years. Under these conditions, major changes in policies relating to economic growth and use of natural resources seem essential. Stabilisation of the human population, development of clean and renewable energy, enhanced supplies of water and its quality, increased livestock production, and changed land-use policies, that minimise agricultural land losses to development and fragmentation, will all be needed to avoid declining living conditions at the global level. The health and productivity of rangelands will need to receive much more emphasis as they are a primary source of vital ecosystem services and products essential to human life. Changes in tax policies by developed, affluent countries, such as the United States, Australia and Canada, are needed that emphasise saving and conservation as opposed to excessive material consumption and land development. Extreme levels of debt and chronic deficits in trade by the United States and European Union countries need to be moderated to avoid a devastating collision of debt, depletion of natural resources, and environmental degradation. Over the next 10 years, livestock producers of the rangelands will benefit from a major increase in demand and prices for meat. Rapidly increasing demand for meat in China and other Asian countries is driving this trend. Rangeland managers, however, will also likely encounter greater climatic, financial, biological and political risks. Higher interest rates, higher production costs and higher annual variability in forage resources are major challenges that will confront rangeland managers in the years ahead. Under these conditions, a low risk approach to livestock production from rangelands is recommended that involves conservative stocking, use of highly adapted livestock, and application of behavioural knowledge of livestock to efficiently use forage resources.
Structural basis for HIV-1 gp120 recognition by a germ-line version of a broadly neutralizing antibody
Authors: Scharf Louise , West Anthony P. , Gao Han , Lee Terri , Scheid Johannes F. , Nussenzweig Michel C. , Bjorkman Pamela J. , Diskin Ron
Published: March 2013

Efforts to design an effective antibody-based vaccine against HIV-1 would benefit from understanding how germ-line B-cell receptors (BCRs) recognize the HIV-1 gp120/gp41 envelope spike. Potent VRC01-like (PVL) HIV-1 antibodies derived from the VH1-2*02 germ-line allele target the conserved CD4 binding site on gp120. A bottleneck for design of immunogens capable of eliciting PVL antibodies is that VH1-2*02 germ-line BCR interactions with gp120 are uncharacterized. Here, we report the structure of a VH1-2*02 germ-line antibody alone and a germ-line heavy-chain/mature light-chain chimeric antibody complexed with HIV-1 gp120. VH1-2*02 residues make extensive contacts with the gp120 outer domain, including all PVL signature and CD4 mimicry interactions, but not critical CDRH3 contacts with the gp120 inner domain and bridging sheet that are responsible for the improved potency of NIH45-46 over closely related clonal variants, such as VRC01. Our results provide insight into initial recognition of HIV-1 by VH1-2*02 germ-line BCRs and may facilitate the design of immunogens tailored to engage and stimulate broad and potent CD4 binding site antibodies.
Robust data-driven incorporation of prior knowledge into the inference of dynamic regulatory networks
Authors: Greenfield Alex , Hafemeister Christoph , Bonneau Richard
Published: March 2013

Motivation: Inferring global regulatory networks (GRNs) from genome-wide data is a computational challenge central to the field of systems biology. Although the primary data currently used to infer GRNs consist of gene expression and proteomics measurements, there is a growing abundance of alternate data types that can reveal regulatory interactions, e.g. ChIP-Chip, literature-derived interactions, protein–protein interactions. GRN inference requires the development of integrative methods capable of using these alternate data as priors on the GRN structure. Each source of structure priors has its unique biases and inherent potential errors; thus, GRN methods using these data must be robust to noisy inputs.

Results: We developed two methods for incorporating structure priors into GRN inference. Both methods [Modified Elastic Net (MEN) and Bayesian Best Subset Regression (BBSR)] extend the previously described Inferelator framework, enabling the use of prior information. We test our methods on one synthetic and two bacterial datasets, and show that both MEN and BBSR infer accurate GRNs even when the structure prior used has significant amounts of error (>90% erroneous interactions). We find that BBSR outperforms MEN at inferring GRNs from expression data and noisy structure priors.

Availability and implementation: Code, datasets and networks presented in this article are available at http://bonneaulab.bio.nyu.edu/software.html.

Contact:  bonneau@nyu.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
CD4+ T cells recognize unique and conserved 2009 H1N1 influenza hemagglutinin epitopes after natural infection and vaccination
Authors: Yang Junbao , James Eddie , Gates Theresa J. , DeLong Jonathan H. , LaFond Rebecca E. , Malhotra Uma , Kwok William W.
Published: March 2013

Influenza A/California/4/2009 (H1N1/09) is a recently emerged influenza virus capable of causing serious illness or death in otherwise healthy individuals. Serious outcomes were most common in young adults and children, suggesting that pre-existing heterologous immunity may influence the severity of infection. Using tetramers, we identified CD4+ T-cell epitopes within H1N1/09 hemagglutinin (HA) that share extensive homology with seasonal influenza and epitopes that are unique to H1N1/09 HA. Ex vivo tetramer staining revealed that T cells specific for conserved epitopes were detectable within the memory compartment, whereas T cells specific for unique epitopes were naive and infrequent prior to infection or vaccination. Following infection, the frequencies of T cells specific for unique epitopes were 11-fold higher, reaching levels comparable to those of T cells specific for immunodominant epitopes. In contrast, the frequencies of T cells specific for conserved epitopes were only 2- to 3-fold higher following infection. In general, H1HA-reactive T cells exhibited a memory phenotype, expressed CXCR3 and secreted IFN-γ, indicating a predominantly Th1-polarized response. A similar Th1 response was seen in vaccinated subjects, but the expansion of T cells specific for HA epitopes was comparatively modest after vaccination. Our findings indicate that CD4+ T cells recognize both strain-specific and conserved epitopes within the influenza HA protein and suggest that naive T cells specific for HA epitopes undergo significant expansion, whereas memory T cells specific for the conserved epitopes undergo more restrained expansion.
Incidence and Prevalence of Eosinophilic Esophagitis in Children
Authors: Soon Ing S. , Butzner J. Decker , Kaplan Gilaad G. , de Bruyn Jennifer C.C.
Published: March 2013

Objectives:

The aim of the present study was to conduct a systematic review with meta‐analysis on the epidemiology of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in children.

Methods:

Studies investigating incidence and prevalence of EoE in children (≤18 years) were identified in a systematic review of MEDLINE (1950–2011) and Embase (1980–2011). Meta‐analyses were performed for incidence and subgroups with ≥5 studies: esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for any indication, histologic esophageal disease, and celiac disease, and EGD for abdominal pain. We used a random effects model, Q statistic to assess heterogeneity, and joinpoint analysis to assess time trends.

Results:

We included 25 studies. The incidence of EoE varied from 0.7 to 10/100,000 per person‐year and the prevalence ranged from 0.2 to 43/100,000. The incidence and prevalence increased over time. Prevalence was highest in children with food impaction or dysphagia (63%–88%). The pooled prevalence was 3.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4–5.1) in EGD for any indication, 24% (95% CI 19–28) in histologic esophageal disease, 2.3% (95% CI 1.0–3.6) in celiac disease, and 2.6% (95% CI 1.2–4.1) in EGD for abdominal pain.

Conclusions:

During the last 2 decades, the incidence and prevalence of EoE in children have increased significantly; however, the population‐based incidence and prevalence of EoE vary widely across geographic variations, potentially because of variations in case of ascertainment between centers. Because EoE is common among children with food impaction and dysphagia, children with this presenting complaint should be rapidly identified at triage for timely endoscopic assessment.
Transient Benign Hyperphophatasemia
Authors: Gualco Gianluca , Lava Sebastiano A.G. , Garzoni Luca , Simonetti Giacomo D. , Bettinelli Alberto , Milani Gregorio P. , Provero Maria Cristina , Bianchetti Mario G.
Published: March 2013

Background and Aim:

Sometimes, a temporary increase in alkaline phosphatase level is found in healthy infants and toddlers without evidence of liver or bone disease. The condition is customarily termed transient benign hyperphosphatasemia of infancy and early childhood. Most textbooks do not refer to the condition. The aim of the study was to promote broader awareness of transient benign hyperphosphatasemia.

Methods:

We completed a systematic review of the literature using the principles underlying the UK Economic and Social Research Council guidance on the conduct of narrative synthesis and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses statement.

Results:

The 142 reports retained for analysis included 813 cases (male:female ratio 1.1:1.0): 80 in subjects older than 18 years and 733 in subjects 18 years or younger. The alkaline phosphatase ratio, calculated by dividing the measured level by the upper limit of normal, was ≥5.0 in ≈70% and the duration of the elevation was ≤4 months in 80% of the cases. Transient benign hyperphosphatasemia often followed a benign infection, but available data fail to demonstrate a causal link. The prevalence of transient benign hyperphosphatasemia ranged from 1.1% to 3.5% in infants 2 to 24 months of age.

Conclusions:

Transient benign hyperphosphatasemia is likely the most common cause of hyperphosphatasemia among healthy infants and toddlers. Sometimes it also occurs in older children and adults, indicating that the traditional term transient benign hyperphosphatasemia of infancy and early childhood may not be correct. The elevation in alkaline phosphatase persists for >4 months in ≈20% of the cases. Recognition of this benign condition is crucial to avoid unnecessary investigations.
Kribbella

shirazensis sp. nov., isolated from Iranian soil
Authors: Mohammadipanah Fatemeh , Hamedi Javad , Göker Markus , Fiebig Anne , Pukall Rüdiger , Spröer Cathrin , Klenk Hans-Peter
Published: March 2013

The taxonomic position of a strain isolated from soil in Shiraz, Fars province, Iran, was investigated. Strain UTMC 693T produced an extensively branched substrate mycelium and aerial hyphae consisting of hyphae that fragment into short to elongated rod-like elements. The chemotaxonomic characteristics of the isolate matched those described for the genus

Kribbella

. Strain UTMC 693T showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to

Kribbella karoonensis

DSM 17344T (98.3 %),

K. swartbergensis

DSM 17345T (98.2 %),

K. hippodromi

S1.4T (98.0 %),

K. aluminosa

HKI 0478T (98.0 %) and

K. jejuensis

HD9T (98.0 %). DNA–DNA hybridization studies with closely related type strains showed 56.3 % relatedness to

K. karoonensis

, 21.3 % to

K. swartbergensis

, 39.0 % to

K. jejuensis

and 42.0 % to

K. aluminosa

. Thus, strain UTMC 693T can be considered to represent a novel

Kribbella

species. Strain UTMC 693T showed the typical morphology found among members of

Kribbella

, but can be differentiated easily from closely related species by genotypic characteristics, chemotaxonomic results and other phenotypic markers. Based on these results, strain UTMC 693T ( = DSM 45490T = CCUG 61792T) is considered the type strain of a novel species of the genus

Kribbella

, for which the name

Kribbella

shirazensis sp. nov. is proposed.
Mycetocola

zhadangensis sp. nov., isolated from snow
Authors: Shen Liang , Liu Yongqin , Yao Tandong , Kang Shichang , Wang Yanan , Jiao Nianzhi , Liu Hongcan , Zhou Yuguang , Xu Baiqing , Liu Xiaobo
Published: March 2013

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, short rod-shaped bacterium, strain ZD1-4T, was isolated from the Zhadang Glacier snow pit. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the isolate showed highest similarity (98.8 %) to that of

Mycetocola manganoxydans

MB1-14T. The major fatty acids of strain ZD1-4T were anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0, C18 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. It possessed diphosphatidylglycerol as one of the major polar lipids, and MK-10 and MK-11 as the predominant isoprenoid quinones. The DNA G+C content of strain ZD1-4T was 63.8±0.2 mol% (T
m). A number of phenotypic characteristics distinguished this bacterium from the type strains of other species of the genus

Mycetocola

. Moreover, the novel isolate showed only approximately 50 % DNA–DNA relatedness with

M. manganoxydans

MB1-14T. According to these genotypic and phenotypic data, it is evident that strain ZD1-4T represents a novel species of the genus

Mycetocola

, for which the name

Mycetocola

zhadangensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ZD1-4T ( = KACC 16570T = CGMCC 1.12042T).
Proposal of Zygosaccharomyces parabailii sp. nov. and Zygosaccharomyces pseudobailii sp. nov., novel species closely related to Zygosaccharomyces bailii
Authors: Suh Sung-Oui , Gujjari Pushpa , Beres Carolyn , Beck Brian , Zhou Jianlong
Published: March 2013

Twenty-three yeast strains traditionally identified asZygosaccharomyces bailiiwere studied in order to clarify their taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships. The molecular phylogeny from rRNA gene sequences showed that these yeasts were well divided into three major groups, and two of the groups could be clearly distinguished from the type strain ofZ. bailiiat the species level. Therefore, we proposeZygosaccharomyces parabailiisp. nov. (type strain ATCC 56075T = NBRC 1047T = NCYC 128T = CBS 12809T) andZygosaccharomyces pseudobailiisp. nov. (type strain ATCC 56074T = NBRC 0488T = CBS 2856T) to accommodate the yeasts belonging to the two groups. By conventional physiological tests,Z. bailiiand the two novel species are not clearly distinguished from one another, as variations exist more frequently between individual strains and are not species-specific. However, the conclusions from rRNA gene sequence analyses are well supported by genome fingerprinting patterns as well as other protein-coding gene sequence comparisons.
Actinotalea

ferrariae sp. nov., isolated from an iron mine, and emended description of the genus

Actinotalea
Authors: Li Yanzhi , Chen Fang , Dong Kun , Wang Gejiao
Published: March 2013

A Gram-stain-positive, aerobic, non-motile, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain CF5-4T, was isolated from iron mining powder. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis grouped strain CF5-4T in a single cluster with

Actinotalea fermentans

DSM 3133T (97.6 % similarity). The major fatty acids (>5 %) of strain CF5-4T were anteiso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 1 A, C16 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-10(H4) and the genomic DNA G+C content was 74.7 mol%. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol and one unidentified phosphoglycolipid. The peptidoglycan type of strain CF5-4T was A4β, containing l-Orn–d-Ser–d-Asp. The cell-wall sugars were rhamnose, fucose, mannose and galactose. The results of DNA–DNA hybridization in combination with the comparison of phenotypic and phylogenetic characteristics among strain CF5-4T and related micro-organisms revealed that the isolate represents a novel species of the genus

Actinotalea

, for which the name

Actinotalea

ferrariae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CF5-4T ( = KCTC 29134T = CCTCC AB2012198T).
Genome sequencing identifies Listeria fleischmannii subsp. coloradonensis subsp. nov., isolated from a ranch
Authors: den Bakker Henk C. , Manuel Clyde S. , Fortes Esther D. , Wiedmann Martin , Nightingale Kendra K.
Published: March 2013

TwentyListeria-like isolates were obtained from environmental samples collected on a cattle ranch in northern Colorado; all of these isolates were found to share an identical partialsigBsequence, suggesting close relatedness. The isolates were similar to members of the genusListeriain that they were Gram-stain-positive, short rods, oxidase-negative and catalase-positive; the isolates were similar toListeria fleischmanniibecause they were non-motile at 25 °C. 16S rRNA gene sequencing for representative isolates and whole genome sequencing for one isolate was performed. The genome of the type strain ofListeria fleischmannii(strain LU2006-1T) was also sequenced. The draft genomes were very similar in size and the average MUMmer nucleotide identity across 91 % of the genomes was 95.16 %. Genome sequence data were used to design primers for a six-gene multi-locus sequence analysis (MLSA) scheme. Phylogenies based on (i) the near-complete 16S rRNA gene, (ii) 31 core genes and (iii) six housekeeping genes illustrated the close relationship of theseListeria-like isolates toListeria fleischmanniiLU2006-1T. Sufficient genetic divergence of theListeria-like isolates from the type strain ofListeria fleischmanniiand differing phenotypic characteristics warrant these isolates to be classified as members of a distinct infraspecific taxon, for which the nameListeria fleischmanniisubsp.coloradonensissubsp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TTU M1-001T( = BAA-2414T = DSM 25391T). The isolates ofListeria fleischmanniisubsp.coloradonensissubsp. nov. differ from the nominate subspecies by the inability to utilize melezitose, turanose and sucrose, and the ability to utilize inositol. The results also demonstrate the utility of whole genome sequencing to facilitate identification of novel taxa within a well-described genus. The genomes of both subspecies ofListeria fleischmanniicontained putative enhancin genes; theListeria fleischmanniisubsp.coloradonensissubsp. nov. genome also encoded a putative mosquitocidal toxin. The presence of these genes suggests possible adaptation to an insect host, and further studies are needed to probe niche adaptation ofListeria fleischmannii.
Maribacter

aestuarii sp. nov., isolated from tidal flat sediment, and an emended description of the genus

Maribacter
Authors: Lo Naysim , Jin Hyun Mi , Jeon Che Ok
Published: March 2013

A Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic bacterial strain, motile by gliding, designated GY20T, was isolated from a tidal flat at Gwangyang Bay, South Korea. Cells were moderately halophilic, catalase- and oxidase-positive rods. Growth of strain GY20T was observed at 10–30 °C (optimum, 25 °C), at pH 6.5–11.0 (optimum, pH 7.0–8.0) and in the presence of 1–5 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2–3 %). MK-6 was detected as the sole isoprenoid quinone, and iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G, summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), summed feature 9 (iso-C17 : 1ω9c and/or 10-methyl C16 : 0), iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH as major fatty acids. Strain GY20T contained phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified glycolipid and one unidentified lipid as major polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 39.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain GY20T formed a tight phyletic lineage with members of the genus

Maribacter

. Strain GY20T was most closely related to

Maribacter dokdonensis

DSW-8T, with sequence similarity of 96.2 %. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and molecular properties, strain GY20T was shown to represent a novel species within the genus

Maribacter

, for which the name

Maribacter

aestuarii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is GY20T ( = KACC 16440T = JCM 18631T). An emended description of the genus

Maribacter

is also proposed.
Whole-genome sequences ofChlamydia trachomatisdirectly from clinical samples without culture
Authors: Seth-Smith Helena M.B. , Harris Simon R. , Skilton Rachel J. , Radebe Frans M. , Golparian Daniel , Shipitsyna Elena , Duy Pham Thanh , Scott Paul , Cutcliffe Lesley T. , O’Neill Colette , Parmar Surendra , Pitt Rachel , Baker Stephen , Ison Catherine A. , Marsh Peter , Jalal Hamid , Lewis David A. , Unemo Magnus , Clarke Ian N. , Parkhill Julian , Thomson Nicholas R.
Published: March 2013

The use of whole-genome sequencing as a tool for the study of infectious bacteria is of growing clinical interest.Chlamydia trachomatisis responsible for sexually transmitted infections and the blinding disease trachoma, which affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Recombination is widespread within the genome ofC. trachomatis, thus whole-genome sequencing is necessary to understand the evolution, diversity, and epidemiology of this pathogen. Culture ofC. trachomatishas, until now, been a prerequisite to obtain DNA for whole-genome sequencing; however, asC. trachomatisis an obligate intracellular pathogen, this procedure is technically demanding and time consuming. Discarded clinical samples represent a large resource for sequencing the genomes of pathogens, yet clinical swabs frequently contain very low levels ofC. trachomatisDNA and large amounts of contaminating microbial and human DNA. To determine whether it is possible to obtain whole-genome sequences from bacteria without the need for culture, we have devised an approach that combines immunomagnetic separation (IMS) for targeted bacterial enrichment with multiple displacement amplification (MDA) for whole-genome amplification. Using IMS-MDA in conjunction with high-throughput multiplexed Illumina sequencing, we have produced the first whole bacterial genome sequences direct from clinical samples. We also show that this method can be used to generate genome data from nonviable archived samples. This method will prove a useful tool in answering questions relating to the biology of many difficult-to-culture or fastidious bacteria of clinical concern.
BRANCHED1Promotes Axillary Bud Dormancy in Response to Shade inArabidopsis
Authors: González-Grandío Eduardo , Poza-Carrión César , Sorzano Carlos Oscar S. , Cubas Pilar
Published: March 2013

Plants interpret a decrease in the red to far-red light ratio (R:FR) as a sign of impending shading by neighboring vegetation. This triggers a set of developmental responses known as shade avoidance syndrome. One of these responses is reduced branching through suppression of axillary bud outgrowth. The Arabidopsis thaliana gene BRANCHED1 (BRC1), expressed in axillary buds, is required for branch suppression in response to shade. Unlike wild-type plants, brc1 mutants develop several branches after a shade treatment. BRC1 transcription is positively regulated 4 h after exposure to low R:FR. Consistently, BRC1 is negatively regulated by phytochrome B. Transcriptional profiling of wild-type and brc1 buds of plants treated with simulated shade has revealed groups of genes whose mRNA levels are dependent on BRC1, among them a set of upregulated abscisic acid response genes and two networks of cell cycle– and ribosome-related downregulated genes. The downregulated genes have promoters enriched in TEOSINTE BRANCHED1, CYCLOIDEA, and PCF (TCP) binding sites, suggesting that they could be transcriptionally regulated by TCP factors. Some of these genes respond to BRC1 in seedlings and buds, supporting their close relationship with BRC1 activity. This response may allow the rapid adaptation of plants to fluctuations in the ratio of R:FR light.
Phosphorylation of an ERF Transcription Factor by Arabidopsis MPK3/MPK6 Regulates Plant Defense Gene Induction and Fungal Resistance
Authors: Meng Xiangzong , Xu Juan , He Yunxia , Yang Kwang-Yeol , Mordorski Breanne , Liu Yidong , Zhang Shuqun
Published: March 2013

Arabidopsis thaliana MPK3 and MPK6, two mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs or MPKs), play critical roles in plant disease resistance by regulating multiple defense responses. Previously, we characterized the regulation of phytoalexin biosynthesis by Arabidopsis MPK3/MPK6 cascade and its downstream WRKY33 transcription factor. Here, we report another substrate of MPK3/MPK6, ETHYLENE RESPONSE FACTOR6 (ERF6), in regulating Arabidopsis defense gene expression and resistance to the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea. Phosphorylation of ERF6 by MPK3/MPK6 in either the gain-of-function transgenic plants or in response to B. cinerea infection increases ERF6 protein stability in vivo. Phospho-mimicking ERF6 is able to constitutively activate defense-related genes, especially those related to fungal resistance, including PDF1.1 and PDF1.2, and confers enhanced resistance to B. cinerea. By contrast, expression of ERF6-EAR, in which ERF6 was fused to the ERF-associated amphiphilic repression (EAR) motif, strongly suppresses B. cinerea–induced defense gene expression, leading to hypersusceptibility of the ERF6-EAR transgenic plants to B. cinerea. Different from ERF1, the regulation and function of ERF6 in defensin gene activation is independent of ethylene. Based on these data, we conclude that ERF6, another substrate of MPK3 and MPK6, plays important roles downstream of the MPK3/MPK6 cascade in regulating plant defense against fungal pathogens.
A Major Facilitator Superfamily Transporter Plays a Dual Role in Polar Auxin Transport and Drought Stress Tolerance inArabidopsis
Authors: Remy Estelle , Cabrito Tânia R. , Baster Pawel , Batista Rita A. , Teixeira Miguel C. , Friml Jiri , Sá-Correia Isabel , Duque Paula
Published: March 2013

Many key aspects of plant development are regulated by the polarized transport of the phytohormone auxin. Cellular auxin efflux, the rate-limiting step in this process, has been shown to rely on the coordinated action of PIN-formed (PIN) and B-type ATP binding cassette (ABCB) carriers. Here, we report that polar auxin transport in the Arabidopsis thaliana root also requires the action of a Major Facilitator Superfamily (MFS) transporter, Zinc-Induced Facilitator-Like 1 (ZIFL1). Sequencing, promoter-reporter, and fluorescent protein fusion experiments indicate that the full-length ZIFL1.1 protein and a truncated splice isoform, ZIFL1.3, localize to the tonoplast of root cells and the plasma membrane of leaf stomatal guard cells, respectively. Using reverse genetics, we show that the ZIFL1.1 transporter regulates various root auxin-related processes, while the ZIFL1.3 isoform mediates drought tolerance by regulating stomatal closure. Auxin transport and immunolocalization assays demonstrate that ZIFL1.1 indirectly modulates cellular auxin efflux during shootward auxin transport at the root tip, likely by regulating plasma membrane PIN2 abundance. Finally, heterologous expression in yeast revealed that ZIFL1.1 and ZIFL1.3 share H+-coupled K+ transport activity. Thus, by determining the subcellular and tissue distribution of two isoforms, alternative splicing dictates a dual function for the ZIFL1 transporter. We propose that this MFS carrier regulates stomatal movements and polar auxin transport by modulating potassium and proton fluxes in Arabidopsis cells.
Genotypic and technological diversity of Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei strains for use as adjunct starter cultures in Pecorino di Filiano cheese
Authors: Bonomo Maria G , Salzano Giovanni
Published: March 2013

Seventeen Leuconostoc mesenteroides and 33 Lactobacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei from traditional Pecorino di Filiano cheese were tested for their potential use as adjunct starters, and a study of their genetic variability was carried out. Forty one per cent (41%) of Leu. mesenteroides and 46% of Lb. paracasei subsp. paracasei showed medium–high proteolytic activity, while high lipolytic activity was detected in 18% of Lb. paracasei subsp. paracasei. The aminopeptidase activity of Lb. paracasei subsp. paracasei was higher than that of Leu. mesenteroides. Strain diversity by RAPD analysis showed a high degree of heterogeneity. This study identified strains with unusual properties that could be good candidates as adjuncts in a starter to manufacture PF cheese.
How parties compete for votes: A test of saliency theory
Authors: Dolezal Martin , Ennser‐Jedenastik Laurenz , Müller Wolfgang C. , Winkler Anna Katharina
Published: March 2013

Saliency theory is among the most influential accounts of party competition, not least in providing the theoretical framework for theComparativeManifestoProject – one of the most widely used data collections in comparative politics. Despite its prominence, not all empirical implications of the saliency theory of party competition have yet been systematically tested. This article addresses five predictions of saliency theory, the central claim of which is that parties compete by selective issue emphasis rather than by direct confrontation. Since a fair test of the theory's assumptions needs to rely on data that measures party issue saliency and party positions independently, this article draws on new manifesto data from theAustrianNationalElectionStudy (AUTNES). Analysing all manifestos issued for the 2002, 2006 and 2008 general elections, it shows that saliency theory correctly identifies some features of party competition. For instance, parties disproportionally emphasise issues they ‘own’. Yet, the core assumption of saliency theory that parties compete via selective issue emphasis rather than direct confrontation over the same issues fails to materialise in the majority of cases.
Gamson rule not for all: Patterns of portfolio allocation among Italian party factions
Authors: Ceron Andrea
Published: March 2013

This article investigates the dynamics of portfolio allocation within political parties to shed light on the patterns of conflict and cooperation between rival party factions. It provides a game‐theoretic model that helps in explaining differences in portfolio allocation due to alternative modes of party organisation or party system competitiveness. Focusing on party congresses to estimate the number, strength and policy positions of party factions, the Italian case is analysed by testing some hypotheses generated by the theoretical model. The results shown that, overall, spoils are shared in proportion to the strength of each faction, in line with the prediction of Gamson's Law. However, there are also some important deviations from this path. Rules that foster party leaders' autonomy in fact provide them with a higher degree of discretion that will be used to reward their followers and to ward off any credible and harmful threat to party unity. Indeed, strategic portfolio allocation might balance out a lower amount of policy payoffs and becomes a strategy to restrain minorities from breaking away, thus contributing to the preservation of party unity in highly competitive political systems.
Medicaid Bed‐Hold Policies and Hospitalization of Long‐Stay Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Unruh Mark Aaron , Grabowski David C. , Trivedi Amal N. , Mor Vincent
Published: March 2013

Objective

To evaluate the effect of Medicaid bed‐hold policies on hospitalization of long‐stay nursing home residents.

Data Sources

A nationwide random sample of long‐stay nursing home residents with data elements from Medicare claims and enrollment files, the Minimum Data Set, the Online Survey Certification and Reporting System, and Area Resource File. The sample consisted of 22,200,089 person‐quarters from 754,592 individuals who became long‐stay residents in 17,149 nursing homes over the period beginning January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2005.

Study Design

Linear regression models using a pre/post design adjusted for resident, nursing home, market, and state characteristics. Nursing home and year‐quarter fixed effects were included to control for time‐invariant facility influences and temporal trends associated with hospitalization of long‐stay residents.

Principal Findings

Adoption of a Medicaid bed‐hold policy was associated with an absolute increase of 0.493 percentage points (95% CI: 0.039–0.946) in hospitalizations of long‐stay nursing home residents, representing a 3.883 percent relative increase over the baseline mean.

Conclusions

Medicaid bed‐hold policies may increase the likelihood of hospitalization of long‐stay nursing home residents and increase costs for the federal Medicare program.
Beta‐Binomial Regression and Bimodal Utilization
Authors: Liu Chuan‐Fen , Burgess James F. , Manning Willard G. , Maciejewski Matthew L.
Published: March 2013

Objective

To illustrate how the analysis of bimodal U‐shaped distributed utilization can be modeled with beta‐binomial regression, which is rarely used in health services research.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Veterans Affairs (VA) administrative data and Medicare claims in 2001–2004 for 11,123 Medicare‐eligible VA primary care users in 2000.

Study Design

We compared means and distributions of VA reliance (the proportion of all VA/Medicare primary care visits occurring in VA) predicted from beta‐binomial, binomial, and ordinary least‐squares (OLS) models.

Principal Findings

Beta‐binomial model fits the bimodal distribution of VA reliance better than binomial and OLS models due to the nondependence on normality and the greater flexibility in shape parameters.

Conclusions

Increased awareness of beta‐binomial regression may help analysts apply appropriate methods to outcomes with bimodal or U‐shaped distributions.
Humidity and seasonality drives body size patterns in males of the bush cricket Isophya rizeensis Sevgili, 2003 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae)
Authors: Çağlar Selim S. , Karacaoğlu Çağaşan , Kuyucu A. Cem , Sağlam İsmail K.
Published: March 2013

Two primary patterns of body size variation have been recorded in ectotherms in relation to latitudinal/altitudinal shifts. In some, body size increases with increasing latitude/altitude whereas, in others, body size decreases with increasing latitude/altitude. This clinal variation is generally assumed to be caused by local adaptation to environmental conditions however the selective variable(s) (temperature, humidity, diet quality, etc.) is still heavily debated. Here we investigate geographic variation in body size of dark and pale color morphs of males of the bush‐cricket Isophya rizeensis collected from 15 locations along an elevation gradient ranging from 350 to 2 500 m. Using an information theoretical approach we evaluate the relative support of four different hypotheses (the temperature size rule, the moisture gradient hypothesis, the seasonal constraint hypothesis, and the primary productivity hypothesis) explaining body size variation along the altitudinal gradient. Body size variation in pale color morphs showed a curvilinear relationship with altitude while dark color morphs showed no variation in body size. Body size variation in pale color morphs was highly correlated with precipitation and temperature seasonality values thus giving strong support for the moisture gradient and seasonal constraint hypothesis. Our results reinforce the importance of gradients in humidity and seasonality over temperature in the creation of altitudinal body size clines and the role of selection for resistance to stress factors in the establishment of these clines. Whether a body size cline is observed or not might also depend on the phenotypic properties of the individuals, like coloration.