bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of malignant cells in serous body fluids by counting high‐fluorescent cells on the Sysmex XN‐2000 hematology analyzer
Authors: Labaere D. , Boeckx N. , Geerts I. , Moens M. , Van den Driessche M.
Published: June 2015

Introduction

The body fluid mode of the Sysmex XN‐2000 hematology analyzer differentiates cells into mononuclear and polymorphonuclear white blood cells (WBC) and high‐fluorescent cells (HFC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the HFC count for detecting malignant cells in serous body fluids.

Methods

Two‐hundred and thirty serous fluids were analyzed on the Sysmex XN body fluid mode. HFC were measured as relative count (HFC/100 WBC) and absolute count (HFC/μL). All samples were microscopically screened on cytospin slides for the presence of malignant cells.

Results

Malignant cells were found by microscopic examination in 49 of 230 samples (21.3%). Malignant samples contained significantly higher percentages (10.2 vs. 2.6/100 WBC) and absolute numbers (65 vs. 10/μL) of HFC than nonmalignant samples (P < 0.001). Areas under the ROC curve for relative and absolute HFC count were 0.69 and 0.77, respectively.

A cutoff level of ≥17 HFC/μL showed the best performance to predict malignancy, with 88% sensitivity and 61% specificity.

Conclusion

As serous body fluids will be more analyzed on automated analyzers in the future, HFC count can be a useful tool to select samples for microscopic review. Microscopic evaluation should be performed if HFC values are above a certain threshold (e.g. ≥17 HFC/μL) or in case of clinical suspicion of malignancy.
Micro–Macro Analysis of Capacitor Discharge Sintering in Copper–Diamond Bead
Authors: Di Napoli Paolo , Cagliero Roberto , Maizza Giovanni
Published: June 2015

Capacitor Discharge Sintering (CDS) is an ultrafast electric current assisted sintering method (ECAS) suited for electrically conductive metallic and metal‐ceramic composite powders. The technique is a solid state near net shape sintering process which is in general characterized by a very short discharge time (tens of milliseconds), very high current intensity peak (up to 350 kA) and relatively high pressure (up to 1 GPa) with minimum shrinkage. Computer modeling comes to aid in the setup of industrial processes to produce enhanced sintered products such as copper–diamond beads for stone cutting applications. The simulation of the CDS process introduces a new class of nonlinear problems, involving a complex bulk and contact multiphysics with an intricate coupling of micro–macro phenomena. The work presents a micro–macro CDS model along with the solution strategy developed to assess the densification behavior of a copper–diamond bead for stone cutting applications. The overall CDS model implements a four‐way coupling strategy which combines the relevant partial differential equations governing the electrical, thermal, and stress–strain fields over the macroscopic scale of the CDS system, with the densification kinetic model governing the particle scale phenomena. The results are presented in terms of field and shrinkage variables as a function of space and time.
Influence of Crystallization Temperature on Ferroelectric Properties of Na0.9K0.1NbO3 Glass‐Ceramics
Authors: Pu Yongping , Liu Xiaoyan , Dong Zijing , Wang Peikui , Hu Yao , Sun Zixiong
Published: June 2015

The correlation between the crystallization temperature and ferroelectric properties is studied by the measurements of impedance spectroscopy, activation energy, dielectric breakdown strength and dielectric constant in Na0.9K0.1NbO3 glass‐ceramics, while different nucleating agents are added to optimize performance. It is found that the glass‐ceramics crystallized at the temperatures of the second exothermic peak (about 900°C) have higher crystal degree, lager interface numbers and larger amount of bulk charges accumulated at the interfaces. However, the higher crystal degree of ferroelectric phase results in a lower value of resistivity and Ea which represent better charge spreading behavior. The better charge spreading behavior and drastic increase in the accumulation of bulk charge also result in low breakdown strength. The results show that the glass‐ceramics heated at the temperature of first exothermic peak (about 700°C) with a reasonable crystal degree obtain higher energy storage density which is 1.94 J/cm3.
High‐Temperature Aging of Plasma Sprayed Quasi‐Eutectoid LaYbZr2O7–Part II: Microstructure & Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Ren Xiaorui , Zhao Meng , Wan Chunlei , Zheng Yixin , Pan Wei
Published: June 2015

LaYbZr2O7 ceramic thermal barrier coatings (TBC) of meta‐stable structure were prepared by an air plasma spraying process. Their microstructure and associated thermal transport properties evolution during high‐temperature annealing at 1300°C were characterized. The as‐sprayed LaYbZr2O7 TBCs underwent a fast crystallization and a quasi‐eutectoid transformation during annealing, resulting in a biphase composite consisting of La‐rich pyrochlore phase and Yb2Zr2O7 fluorite phase with coherent phase boundaries. Due to the diffusion barriers between the two phases as well as the low interface energy of the coherent boundaries, sintering and grain growth of materials was significantly refrained. Therefore, a final thermal dynamically stable microstructure with a grain size of ~300 nm and a total porosity about 5% could be maintained even after long‐term aging at a high temperature of 1300°C. Resulting from this stable microstructure, an ultralow thermal conductivity of 1.3 W·(m·K)−1 could be obtained even after 216 h high‐temperature aging, which is much lower than that of the state‐of‐art 7 wt% yttria‐stabilized zirconia TBCs. Both the high phase and microstructure stability and the extremely low thermal conductivities could be particularly beneficial for TBC material in gas turbine applications.
Rehydration and Rehydroxylation in Ancient Ceramics: New Constraints from Mass Gain Analyses Versus Annealing Temperatures
Authors: Gallet Yves , Le Goff Maxime
Published: June 2015

We present a series of new mass‐gain data acquired on ancient pottery following heating at increasing temperatures from 60°C to 590°C to further constrain our understanding of the rehydration and rehydroxylation (RHX) processes acting within archeological fired‐clay artifacts. The ancient pottery, deliberately chosen for its low‐porosity, is second century ad Samian ware fragments originating from Lezoux in central France. The mass‐gain data, after each temperature step, adequately define a (time)1/N power law. We demonstrate that values of the 1/N exponent vary systematically with heating temperature. These results suggest that the sorption of chemisorbed and rehydroxylated water into the clay matrix occurs simultaneously. The 1/N exponent values obtained are consistent with power law kinetics resulting from the combination of both one‐dimensional and Brownian diffusion processes. The balance between these two end‐member processes, in particular after heating at 500°C, may depend on the nature of the clay and on the manufacturing conditions of the studied ceramics. The results presented herein confirm previous claims that major complexities vitiate the RHX dating method proposed by Wilson et al.
Infrared‐Transparent Y2O3–MgO Nanocomposites Fabricated by the Glucose Sol–Gel Combustion and Hot‐Pressing Technique
Authors: Xu Shengquan , Li Jiang , Li Chaoyu , Pan Yubai , Guo Jingkun
Published: June 2015

A glucose sol–gel combustion method has been developed to synthesize composite nanopowders with equal volume fractions of Y2O3 and MgO. The synthesis involves the generation of precursor foam containing Y3+ and Mg2+ cations via the chemical and thermal degradation of glucose molecules in aqueous solutions. Subsequent calcination of the foam gave the composite nanopowders uniform composition and surface areas of 44–62 m2/g depending on the relative amount of glucose. Then the nanopowder with an average particle size of 19 nm was consolidated by the hot‐pressing technique with different sintering temperatures. The fabricated nanocomposite is mid‐infrared transparent as the result of fine grains, narrow grain size distribution, and uniform phase domains. The transmittance increases with increase in the sintering temperature and reaches 83.5% at 3–5 μm mid‐infrared wave range once the temperature reaches 1350°C, which is close to the theoretical value of 85%. And it is noteworthy that the cutoff wavelength reaches 9.6 μm, which is superior to those of spinel, AlON, and sapphire. And the Vickers hardness of the sample reaches 10.0 ± 0.1 GPa, which is significantly higher than those of the coarse grained single‐phase MgO and Y2O3. The results indicate that the glucose sol–gel combustion and hot‐pressing technique is an effective method to fabricate infrared transparent Y2O3–MgO nanocomposites.
Sintering Simulation of Periodic Macro Porous Alumina
Authors: Besler Robert , Rossetti da Silva Marcel , do Rosario Jefferson J. , Dosta Maksym , Heinrich Stefan , Janssen Rolf
Published: June 2015

Three‐dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) ceramic materials are considered for a variety of applications. One of its many subclasses, inverse opals, is constituted by the ordered arrangement of the pores, resulting in the functionality of a photonic crystal and leading to strong reflection of incident electromagnetic radiation. Exposing these porous structures to high temperatures, however, can lead to sintering of the desired structure and loss of functionality. Therefore, discrete element method (DEM) simulations are performed on inverse opal structures with random homogenous distributed alumina particles forming the struts and nodes. Grain‐boundary diffusion as well as surface diffusion are modeled via respective parameters of a contact model applied inMUSEN‐DEM. Furthermore, the void to particle size ratio is varied to simulate fine and coarse grained 3DOMceramics. Results indicate that nodes densify at higher rates and to a larger extent when compared to struts. An increase in the void to particle size ratio results in similar trends but with lower densification rates. This behavior is observed regardless whether surface or grain‐boundary diffusion is considered as the dominant transport mechanism, with the latter giving higher densification rates. Variations in particle coordination due to the initial random packing favor local desintering, thereby causing the formation of defects/crack nuclei.
Characterizations of TiO2/SiO2/Ni–Cu–Zn Ferrite Composite for Magnetic Photocatalysts
Authors: Chen Ching‐Cheng , Fu Yen‐Pei , Hu Shao‐Hua
Published: June 2015

The TiO2/SiO2/Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite composite for magnetic photocatalysts with high photocatalytic activity is successfully prepared in this study. The composite are composed of spherical or elliptical Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite nanoparticles about 20–60 nm as magnetic cores, silica as barrier layers with thickness of 15 nm between the magnetic cores and titania shells with thickness approximately 1.5 nm. Photodegradation examination of TiO2/SiO2/ Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite composite was carried out in methylene blue (MB) solutions illuminated under a Xe arc lamp with 35 W and color temperature of 6000 K. The results indicated that about 47.1% of MB molecules adsorbed on the TiO2/SiO2/Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite composite within 30 min mixing due to it higher pore volume of 0.034 cm3/g, and after 6 h Xe lamp irradiation, 83.9% of MB 16.1% was photodegraded. Compared with the TiO2 /Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite composite, the TiO2/SiO2/Ni–Cu–Zn ferrite composite with silica barrier layer prohibited the photodissolution and enhanced the photocatalytic ability. The magnetic photocatalyst shows high photocatalytic efficiency that the apparent first‐order rate constant kobs is 0.18427 h−1, and good magnetic property that the saturation magnetization (Ms) of is 37.45 emu/g, suggesting the magnetic photocatalyst can be easily recovered by the application of an external magnetic field.
Structural and Piezoelectric Properties of (1−x)Pb(Zr1−yTiy)O3–xPb(Zn0.4Ni0.6)1/3Nb2/3O3 Ceramics Near Triple Point
Authors: Hur Joon , Kim Jong‐Hyun , Lee Tae‐Gon , Seo In‐Tae , Kim Dae‐Hyeon , Nahm Sahn , Kang Chong‐Yun
Published: June 2015

The crystal structure and piezoelectric properties of (1−x)Pb(Zr1−yTiy)O3‐xPb(Zn0.4Ni0.6)1/3Nb2/3O3 [(1−x)PZ1−yTy‐xPZNN] ceramics were investigated. The 0.665PZ0.45T0.55‐0.335PZNN ceramic has the triple point composition, where the rhombohedral, pseudocubic, and tetragonal structures coexist. Maximum d33 and kp values of 770 pC/N and 0.69, respectively, were observed from this specimen; it also exhibited a large εT33/εo value of 3250. Although the maximum d33 value was obtained from the triple point composition specimen, its g33 and d33 × g33 values were relatively small because of its large εT33/εo value. However, the 0.665PZ0.46T0.54‐0.335PZNN ceramic, which has a rhombohedral structure, exhibited a large g33 value of 43 × 10−3 Vm/N and a d33 × g33 value of 27 000 × 10−15 m2/N. Therefore, this ceramic is a good candidate for multilayer actuators and piezoelectric energy harvesters.
Correlation of Cardiac Markers and Biomarkers With Blood Pressure of Middle‐Aged Marathon Runners
Authors: Kim Young‐Joo , Ahn Jae Ki , Shin Kyung‐A , Kim Chul‐Hyun , Lee Yoon‐Hee , Park Kyoung‐Min
Published: June 2015

Runners with exercise‐induced high blood pressure have recently been reported to exhibit higher levels of cardiac markers, vasoconstrictors, and inflammation. The authors attempted to identify correlations between exercise‐related personal characteristics and the levels of biochemical/cardiac markers in marathon runners in this study. Forty healthy runners were enrolled. Blood samples were taken both before and after finishing a full marathon. The change in each cardiac/biochemical marker over the course of the marathon was determined. All markers were significantly (P<.001) increased immediately after the marathon (creatine kinase‐MB [CK‐MB]: 7.9±2.7 ng/mL, cardiac troponin I (cTnI): 0.06±0.10ng/mL, N‐terminal pro–B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP): 95.7±76.4, endothelin‐1: 2.7±1.16, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein [hs‐CRP]: 0.1±0.09, creatine kinase [CK]: 315.7±94.0, lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]: 552.8±130.3) compared with their premarathon values (CK‐MB: 4.3±1.3, cTnI: 0.01±0.003, NT‐proBNP: 27.6±31.1, endothelin‐1: 1.11±0.5, hs‐CRP: 0.06±0.07, CK: 149.2±66.0, LDH: 399±75.1). In middle‐aged marathon runners, factors related to increased blood pressure were correlated with marathon‐induced increases in cTnI, NT‐proBNP, endothelin‐1, and hs‐CRP. These correlations were observed independent of running history, records of finishing, and peak oxygen uptake.
Differential Diagnosis and Treatment Rates Between Systolic and Diastolic Hypertension in Young Adults: A Multidisciplinary Observational Study
Authors: Johnson Heather M. , Bartels Christie M. , Thorpe Carolyn T. , Schumacher Jessica R. , Pandhi Nancy , Smith Maureen A.
Published: June 2015

Differential rates of diagnosis and treatment by hypertension (HTN) type may contribute to poor HTN control in young adults. The objective of this study was to compare rates of receiving a hypertension diagnosis and antihypertensive agent among young adults with (1) isolated systolic, (2) isolated diastolic, and (3) combined systolic/diastolic HTN. A retrospective analysis was conducted in patients aged 18 to 39 years (n=3003) with incident HTN. Kaplan–Meier survival and Cox proportional hazards analyses were performed. Only 56% with isolated systolic HTN received a diagnosis compared with 63% (systolic/diastolic); 32% with isolated systolic HTN received an initial antihypertensive compared with 52% (systolic/diastolic). Compared with patients with systolic/diastolic HTN, those with isolated systolic HTN had a 50% slower diagnosis rate (hazard ratio [HR], 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41–0.60) and those with isolated diastolic HTN had a 26% slower rate (HR, 0.74; CI, 0.60–0.92). Patients with isolated systolic HTN had 58% slower medication initiation (HR, 0.42; CI, 0.34–0.51) and those with isolated diastolic HTN had 31% slower rates (HR, 0.69; CI, 0.55–0.86). Young adults with isolated systolic HTN have lower diagnosis and treatment rates.
A proprietary herbal medicine (5‐Ling Granule) for Tourette syndrome: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zheng Yi , Zhang Zhang‐Jin , Han Xin‐Min , Ding Ying , Chen Yu‐Yan , Wang Xue‐Feng , Wei Xiao‐Wei , Wang Min‐Jie , Cheng Yan , Nie Zhao‐Hong , Zhao Min , Zheng Xi‐Xi
Published: June 2015

Background

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a common tic disorder in children and adolescents. There is preliminary evidence that herbal medicine may possess the potential to treat tics. The purpose of this study was to formally evaluate the efficacy and safety of 5‐Ling Granule (5‐LGr), a proprietary polyherbal product, for the treatment of patients with TS in comparison with tiapride and placebo.

Methods

In this multisite, double‐blind, double‐dummy, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial, 603 patients with TS aged 5–18 years were randomly assigned to treatment with placebo (n = 117), tiapride (n = 123, 200–400 mg/day) or 5‐LGr (n = 363, 15–22.5 g/day) for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was measured using the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) and its subscales, total tic Score (TTS) and tic‐related impairment. Incidence of adverse events was compared among the three groups.

Results

While tics of all patients were reduced over time, 5‐LGr and tiapride treatment produced significantly greater improvement on the YGTSS overall scale and subscale for TTS and impairment at endpoint than the placebo. Seventy‐four percentage of patients in the 5‐LGr arm and 68.3% in the tiapride arm had clinical response and these rates of response were significantly higher than those on placebo (44.0%, p < .001). The incidence of overall adverse events was significantly fewer for patients on placebo and 5‐LGr compared to tiapride (11.2% and 13.8% vs. 26.0%, p = .002); in particular physical tiredness, dizziness and sleep disturbance.

Conclusions

The clinical efficacy of 5‐LGr is comparable to tiapride in reducing tics. Its safety profile is better than tiapride. 5‐LGr can be considered a safe and effective therapy for TS (Trial registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01501695).
Preschool hyperactivity is associated with long‐term economic burden: evidence from a longitudinal health economic analysis of costs incurred across childhood, adolescence and young adulthood
Authors: Chorozoglou Maria , Smith Elizabeth , Koerting Johanna , Thompson Margaret J. , Sayal Kapil , Sonuga‐Barke Edmund J.S.
Published: June 2015

Background

Preschool hyperactivity is an early risk factor for adult mental health problems and criminality. Little is known about; (a) the patterns of long‐term service costs associated with this behavioural marker in the general population and (b) the specific factors predicting hyperactivity‐related costs. We undertook a prospective study investigating associations between preschool hyperactivity and average individual annual service costs up to late adolescent and young adulthood.

Methods

One‐hundred and seventy individuals rated as hyperactive by their parents and 88 nonhyperactive controls were identified from a community sample of 4,215 three years olds. Baseline information about behaviour/emotional problems and background characteristics were collected. At follow‐up (when individuals were aged between 14 and 25 years) information was obtained on service use, and associated costs since the age of three. Based on this information we calculated the average cost per annum incurred by each individual.

Results

Compared to controls, preschoolers with hyperactivity had 17.6 times higher average costs per annum across domains (apart from nonmental health costs). These were £562 for each hyperactive individual compared with £30 for controls. Average annual costs decreased as a function of age, with higher costs incurred at younger ages. The effects of hyperactivity remained significant when other baseline factors were added to the model. Effects were fully mediated by later psychiatric morbidity. When the hyperactive group were examined separately, costs were consistently predicted by male gender and, for some cost codes, by conduct problems.

Conclusions

Preventative approaches targeting early hyperactivity may be of value. Services should be targeted towards high‐risk individuals with careful consideration given to the cost‐to‐benefit trade‐off of early intervention strategies.
Does Marriage Moderate Genetic Effects on Delinquency and Violence?
Authors: Li Yi , Liu Hexuan , Guo Guang
Published: June 2015

Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N = 1,254), the authors investigated whether marriage can foster desistance from delinquency and violence by moderating genetic effects. In contrast to existing gene–environment research that typically focuses on one or a few genetic polymorphisms, they extended a recently developed mixed linear model to consider the collective influence of 580 single nucleotide polymorphisms in 64 genes related to aggression and risky behavior. The mixed linear model estimates the proportion of variance in the phenotype that is explained by the single nucleotide polymorphisms. The authors found that the proportion of variance in delinquency/violence explained was smaller among married individuals than unmarried individuals. Because selection, confounding, and heterogeneity may bias the estimate of the Gene × Marriage interaction, they conducted a series of analyses to address these issues. The findings suggest that the Gene × Marriage interaction results were not seriously affected by these issues.
Linking habitat specialization with species' traits in European birds
Authors: Reif Jiří , Hořák David , Krištín Anton , Kopsová Lenka , Devictor Vincent
Published: June 2015

Ecological specialization provides information about adaptations of species to their environment. However, identification of traits representing the relevant dimensions of ecological space remains challenging. Here we endeavoured to explain how complex habitat specializations relate to various ecological traits of European birds. We employed phylogenetic generalized least squares and information theoretic approach statistically controlling for differences in geographic range size among species. Habitat specialists had narrower diet niche, wider climatic niche, higher wing length/tail length ratio and migrated on shorter distances than habitat generalists. Our results support an expected positive link between habitat and diet niche breadth estimates, however a negative relationship between habitat and climate niche breadths is surprising. It implies that habitat specialists occur mostly in spatially restricted environments with high climatic variability such as mountain areas. This, however, complicates our understanding of predicted impacts of climatic changes on avian geographical distributions. Our results further corroborate that habitat specialization reflects occupation of morphological space, when specialists depend more on manoeuvrability of the flight and are thus more closely associated to open habitats than habitat generalists. Finally, our results indicate that long distance movements might hamper narrow habitat preferences. In conclusion, we have shown that species’ distributions across habitats are informative about their positions along other axes of ecological space and can explain states of particular functional traits, however, our results also reveal that the links between different niche estimates cannot be always straightforwardly predicted.
When plant virology met Agrobacterium: the rise of the deconstructed clones
Authors: Peyret Hadrien , Lomonossoff George P.
Published: June 2015

In the early days of molecular farming, Agrobacterium‐mediated stable genetic transformation and the use of plant virus‐based vectors were considered separate and competing technologies with complementary strengths and weaknesses. The demonstration that ‘agroinfection’ was the most efficient way of delivering virus‐based vectors to their target plants blurred the distinction between the two technologies and permitted the development of ‘deconstructed’ vectors based on a number of plant viruses. The tobamoviruses, potexviruses, tobraviruses, geminiviruses and comoviruses have all been shown to be particularly well suited to the development of such vectors in dicotyledonous plants, while the development of equivalent vectors for use in monocotyledonous plants has lagged behind. Deconstructed viral vectors have proved extremely effective at the rapid, high‐level production of a number of pharmaceutical proteins, some of which are currently undergoing clinical evaluation.
Arterial hypertension in children with hemolytic uremic syndrome after kidney transplantation
Authors: Hoenecke Johannes , Hartmann Hans , Melk Anette
Published: June 2015

The development of arterial hypertension after KTX is a well‐known complication. HUS is a systemic disease associated with arterial hypertension during long‐term follow‐up. Our goal was to report on the severity of arterial hypertension after KTX in patients with typical and atypical HUS. We analyzed the course of 197 patients with HUS, of which 22 (n = 10 with typical HUS; n = 12 with atypical HUS) developed ESRF and received KTX as renal replacement therapy. We analyzed data from 1766 casual BP and 85 24‐h ABPM measurements. In addition, we evaluated the used antihypertensive strategy. Comparison between the two patient groups revealed that patients with atypical HUS had significantly higher casual SBP‐SDS and DBP‐SDS values after KTX despite similar intensity of antihypertensive treatment. These data were supported by analysis of ABPM profiles showing comparable results for the interval 1–5 yr after KTX. Patients with atypical HUS had a greater severity of arterial hypertension despite similar treatment strategies and intensity of treatment. Our observation, even though in a small cohort, supports recent genetic studies showing arterial hypertension closely associated with HUS‐causing mutations in patients with atypical HUS.
Host defences against Giardia lamblia
Authors: Lopez‐Romero G. , Quintero J. , Astiazarán‐García H. , Velazquez C.
Published: June 2015

Giardia spp. is a protozoan parasite that inhabits the upper small intestine of mammals and other species and is the aetiological agent of giardiasis. It has been demonstrated that nitric oxide, mast cells and dendritic cells are the first line of defence against Giardia. IL‐6 and IL‐17 play an important role during infection. Several cytokines possess overlapping functions in regulating innate and adaptive immune responses. IgA and CD4+ T cells are fundamental to the process of Giardia clearance. It has been suggested that CD4+ T cells play a double role during the anti‐Giardia immune response. First, they activate and stimulate the differentiation of B cells to generate Giardia‐specific antibodies. Second, they act through a B‐cell‐independent mechanism that is probably mediated by Th17 cells. Several Giardia proteins that stimulate humoral and cellular immune responses have been described. Variant surface proteins, α‐1 giardin, and cyst wall protein 2 can induce host protective responses to future Giardia challenges. The characterization and evaluation of the protective potential of the immunogenic proteins that are associated with Giardia will offer new insights into host–parasite interactions and may aid in the development of an effective vaccine against the parasite.
A tetratricopeptide repeat domain‐containing protein SSR1 located in mitochondria is involved in root development and auxin polar transport in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Min , Wang Cuiping , Lin Qingfang , Liu Aihua , Wang Ting , Feng Xuanjun , Liu Jie , Han Huiling , Ma Yan , Bonea Diana , Zhao Rongmin , Hua Xuejun
Published: June 2015

Auxin polar transport mediated by a group of Pin‐formed (PIN) transporters plays important roles in plant root development. However, the mechanism underlying the PIN expression and targeting in response to different developmental and environmental stimuli is still not fully understood. Here, we report a previously uncharacterized gene SSR1, which encodes a mitochondrial protein with tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domains, and show its function in root development in Arabidopsis thaliana. In ssr1‐2, a SSR1 knock‐out mutant, the primary root growth was dramatically inhibited due to severely impaired cell proliferation and cell elongation. Significantly lowered level of auxin was found in ssr1‐2 roots by auxin measurement and was further supported by reduced expression of DR5‐driven reporter gene. As a result, the maintenance of the root stem cell niche is compromised in ssr1‐2. It is further revealed that the expression level of several PIN proteins, namely, PIN1, PIN2, PIN3, PIN4 and PIN7, were markedly reduced in ssr1‐2 roots. In particular, we showed that the reduced protein level of PIN2 on cell membrane in ssr1‐2 is due to impaired retrograde trafficking, possibly resulting from a defect in retromer sorting system, which destines PIN2 for degradation in vacuoles. In conclusion, our results indicated that SSR1 is functioning in root development in Arabidopsis, possibly by affecting PIN protein expression and subcellular targeting.
A host plant genome (Zizania latifolia) after a century‐long endophyte infection
Authors: Guo Longbiao , Qiu Jie , Han Zujing , Ye Zihong , Chen Chao , Liu Chuanjun , Xin Xiufang , Ye Chu‐Yu , Wang Ying‐Ying , Xie Hongqing , Wang Yu , Bao Jiandong , Tang She , Xu Jie , Gui Yijie , Fu Fei , Wang Weidi , Zhang Xingchen , Zhu Qianhua , Guang Xuanmin , Wang Chongzhi , Cui Haifeng , Cai Daguang , Ge Song , Tuskan Gerald A. , Yang Xiaohan , Qian Qian , He Sheng Yang , Wang Jun , Zhou Xue‐Ping , Fan Longjiang
Published: June 2015

Despite the importance of host–microbe interactions in natural ecosystems, agriculture and medicine, the impact of long‐term (especially decades or longer) microbial colonization on the dynamics of host genomes is not well understood. The vegetable crop ‘Jiaobai’ with enlarged edible stems was domesticated from wild Zizania latifolia (Oryzeae) approximately 2000 years ago as a result of persistent infection by a fungal endophyte, Ustilago esculenta. Asexual propagation via infected rhizomes is the only means of Jiaobai production, and the Z. latifolia–endophyte complex has been maintained continuously for two centuries. Here, genomic analysis revealed that cultivated Z. latifolia has a significantly smaller repertoire of immune receptors compared with wild Z. latifolia. There are widespread gene losses/mutations and expression changes in the plant–pathogen interaction pathway in Jiaobai. These results show that continuous long‐standing endophyte association can have a major effect on the evolution of the structural and transcriptomic components of the host genome.
Quality of life in Greek family members living with leg ulcer patients
Authors: Kouris Anargyros , Christodoulou Christos , Efstathiou Vasiliki , Chatzimichail Iakovoula , Zakopoulou Nikoletta , Zouridaki Eftychia
Published: June 2015

Leg ulcers have been shown to have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life (QoL). Little is known, however, about the secondary impact of the disease on the QoL of the relatives and partners of patients with leg ulcers. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of chronic leg ulcers on the lives of both patients and their family members. Two hundred sixteen patients with leg ulcers and their family members were recruited. All patients entered were evaluated for QoL using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scale, and family members were similarly evaluated using the Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI).The study included 56 female and 52 male patients, and 50 female and 58 male family members. The FDLQI score for the latter group was 14.37 ± 2.46 with over 96% of family members reporting a large effect on their QoL due to their relative's disease. The DLQI score in patients with leg ulcers was 13.18 ± 2.88. A significant positive and high correlation between DLQI and FDLQI scores (r = 0.71, p < 0.001) was documented, while DLQI contributed significantly to the prediction of FDLQI (standardized β = 0.71, p < 0.001). Our study results indicate that the QoL of the family was also affected by the patient's condition of chronic leg ulcers and clearly associated with that of the patients.
Membrane pore architecture of the CslF6 protein controls (1-3,1-4)-β-glucan structure
Authors: Jobling Stephen A.
Published: June 2015

The architecture of the pore membrane can control translocation of a growing polysaccharide across the membrane and alter the final polymer structure.
Isolation of bis(copper) key intermediates in Cu-catalyzed azide-alkyne “click reaction”
Authors: Jin Liqun , Tolentino Daniel R. , Melaimi Mohand , Bertrand Guy
Published: June 2015

Isolation of bis(copper) complexes that are kinetically more active than their mononuclear counterparts in the most popular “click chemistry” reaction.
Transplantability of a circadian clock to a noncircadian organism
Authors: Chen Anna H. , Lubkowicz David , Yeong Vivian , Chang Roger L. , Silver Pamela A.
Published: June 2015

Researchers have reconstructed a circadian clock that can function by itself in a living, non-circadian bacteria.
Diversity of O Antigens within the Genus Cronobacter: from Disorder to Order
Authors: Blažková Martina , Javůrková Barbora , Vlach Jiří , Göselová Sandra , Karamonová Ludmila , Ogrodzki Pauline , Forsythe Stephen , Fukal Ladislav
Published: June 2015

Cronobacter
species are Gram-negative opportunistic pathogens that can cause serious infections in neonates. The lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) that form part of the outer membrane of such bacteria are possibly related to the virulence of particular bacterial strains. However, currently there is no clear overview of O-antigen diversity within the various
Cronobacter
strains and links with virulence. In this study, we tested a total of 82 strains, covering each of the
Cronobacter
species. The nucleotide variability of the O-antigen gene cluster was determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. As a result, the 82 strains were distributed into 11 previously published serotypes and 6 new serotypes, each defined by its characteristic restriction profile. These new serotypes were confirmed using genomic analysis of strains available in public databases: GenBank and PubMLST
Cronobacter
. Laboratory strains were then tested using the current serotype-specific PCR probes. The results show that the current PCR probes did not always correspond to genomic O-antigen gene cluster variation. In addition, we analyzed the LPS phenotype of the reference strains of all distinguishable serotypes. The identified serotypes were compared with data from the literature and the MLST database (
www.pubmlst.org/cronobacter/
). Based on the findings, we systematically classified a total of 24 serotypes for the
Cronobacter
genus. Moreover, we evaluated the clinical history of these strains and show that
Cronobacter sakazakii
O2, O1, and O4,
C. turicensis
O1, and
C. malonaticus
O2 serotypes are particularly predominant in clinical cases.
Community-Level and Species-Specific Associations between Phytoplankton and Particle-Associated Vibrio Species in Delaware's Inland Bays
Authors: Main Christopher R. , Salvitti Lauren R. , Whereat Edward B. , Coyne Kathryn J.
Published: June 2015

Vibrio
species are an abundant and diverse group of bacteria that form associations with phytoplankton. Correlations between
Vibrio
and phytoplankton abundance have been noted, suggesting that growth is enhanced during algal blooms or that association with phytoplankton provides a refuge from predation. Here, we investigated relationships between particle-associated
Vibrio
spp. and phytoplankton in Delaware's inland bays (DIB). The relative abundances of particle-associated
Vibrio
spp. and algal classes that form blooms in DIB (dinoflagellates, diatoms, and raphidophytes) were determined using quantitative PCR. The results demonstrated a significant correlation between particle-associated
Vibrio
abundance and phytoplankton, with higher correlations to diatoms and raphidophytes than to dinoflagellates. Species-specific associations were examined during a mixed bloom of
Heterosigma akashiwo
and
Fibrocapsa japonica
(Raphidophyceae) and indicated a significant positive correlation for particle-associated
Vibrio
abundance with
H. akashiwo
but a negative correlation with
F. japonica
. Changes in
Vibrio
assemblages during the bloom were evaluated using automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA), which revealed significant differences between each size fraction but no significant change in
Vibrio
assemblages over the course of the bloom. Microzooplankton grazing experiments showed that losses of particle-associated
Vibrio
spp. may be offset by increased growth in the
Vibrio
population. Moreover, analysis of
Vibrio
assemblages by ARISA also indicated an increase in the relative abundance for specific members of the
Vibrio
community despite higher grazing pressure on the particle-associated population as a whole. The results of this investigation demonstrate links between phytoplankton and
Vibrio
that may lead to predictions of potential health risks and inform future management practices in this region.
Mesaconase Activity of Class I Fumarase Contributes to Mesaconate Utilization by Burkholderia xenovorans
Authors: Kronen Miriam , Sasikaran Jahminy , Berg Ivan A.
Published: June 2015

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
,
Yersinia pestis
, and many other bacteria are able to utilize the C
5
-dicarboxylic acid itaconate (methylenesuccinate). Itaconate degradation starts with its activation to itaconyl coenzyme A (itaconyl-CoA), which is further hydrated to (
S
)-citramalyl-CoA, and citramalyl-CoA is finally cleaved into acetyl-CoA and pyruvate. The xenobiotic-degrading betaproteobacterium
Burkholderia xenovorans
possesses a
P. aeruginosa
-like itaconate degradation gene cluster and is able to grow on itaconate and its isomer mesaconate (methylfumarate). Although itaconate degradation proceeds in
B. xenovorans
in the same way as in
P. aeruginosa
, the pathway of mesaconate utilization is not known. Here, we show that mesaconate is metabolized through its hydration to (
S
)-citramalate. The latter compound is then metabolized to acetyl-CoA and pyruvate with the participation of two enzymes of the itaconate degradation pathway, a promiscuous itaconate-CoA transferase able to activate (
S
)-citramalate in addition to itaconate and (
S
)-citramalyl-CoA lyase. The first reaction of the pathway, the mesaconate hydratase (mesaconase) reaction, is catalyzed by a class I fumarase. As this enzyme (Bxe_A3136) has similar efficiencies (
k
cat
/

K
m

) for both fumarate and mesaconate hydration, we conclude that
B. xenovorans
class I fumarase is in fact a promiscuous fumarase/mesaconase. This promiscuity is physiologically relevant, as it allows the growth of this bacterium on mesaconate as a sole carbon and energy source.
Within-Farm Changes in Dairy Farm-Associated Salmonella Subtypes and Comparison to Human Clinical Isolates in Michigan, 2000-2001 and 2009
Authors: Habing Greg G. , Manning Shannon , Bolin Carole , Cui Yuehua , Rudrik James , Dietrich Stephen , Kaneene John B.
Published: June 2015

Temporal changes in the distribution of
Salmonella
subtypes in livestock populations may have important impacts on human health. The first objective of this research was to determine the within-farm changes in the population of subtypes of
Salmonella
on Michigan dairy farms that were sampled longitudinally in 2000-2001 and again in 2009. The second objective was to determine the yearly frequency (2001 through 2012) of reported human illnesses in Michigan associated with the same subtypes. Comparable sampling techniques were used to collect fecal and environmental samples from the same 18 Michigan dairy farms in 2000-2001 and 2009. Serotypes, multilocus sequence types (STs), and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) banding patterns were identified for isolates from 6 farms where >1
Salmonella
isolate was recovered in both 2000-2001 and 2009. The distribution of STs was significantly different between time frames (
P
< 0.05); only two of 31 PFGE patterns were identified in both time frames, and each was recovered from the same farm in each time frame. Previously reported within-farm decreases in the frequency of multidrug-resistant (MDR)
Salmonella
were due to recovery of MDR subtypes of
S. enterica
serotypes Senftenberg and Typhimurium in 2000-2001 and genetically distinct, pansusceptible subtypes of the same serotypes in 2009. The annual frequency of human illnesses between 2001 and 2012 with a PFGE pattern matching a bovine strain decreased for patterns recovered from dairy farms in 2000-2001 and increased for patterns recovered in 2009. These data suggest important changes in the population of
Salmonella
on dairy farms and in the frequency of human illnesses associated with cattle-derived subtypes.
Identification of a Specific Maleate Hydratase in the Direct Hydrolysis Route of the Gentisate Pathway
Authors: Liu Kun , Xu Ying , Zhou Ning-Yi
Published: June 2015

In contrast to the well-characterized and more common maleylpyruvate isomerization route of the gentisate pathway, the direct hydrolysis route occurs rarely and remains unsolved. In
Pseudomonas alcaligenes
NCIMB 9867, two gene clusters,
xln
and
hbz
, were previously proposed to be involved in gentisate catabolism, and HbzF was characterized as a maleylpyruvate hydrolase converting maleylpyruvate to maleate and pyruvate. However, the complete degradation pathway of gentisate through direct hydrolysis has not been characterized. In this study, we obtained from the NCIMB culture collection a
Pseudomonas alcaligenes
spontaneous mutant strain that lacked the
xln
cluster and designated the mutant strain SponMu. The
hbz
cluster in strain SponMu was resequenced, revealing the correct location of the stop codon for
hbzI
and identifying a new gene,
hbzG
. HbzIJ was demonstrated to be a maleate hydratase consisting of large and small subunits, stoichiometrically converting maleate to enantiomerically pure
d
-malate. HbzG is a glutathione-dependent maleylpyruvate isomerase, indicating the possible presence of two alternative pathways of maleylpyruvate catabolism. However, the
hbzF
-disrupted mutant could still grow on gentisate, while disruption of
hbzG
prevented this ability, indicating that the direct hydrolysis route was not a complete pathway in strain SponMu. Subsequently, a
d
-malate dehydrogenase gene was introduced into the
hbzG
-disrupted mutant, and the engineered strain was able to grow on gentisate via the direct hydrolysis route. This fills a gap in our understanding of the direct hydrolysis route of the gentisate pathway and provides an explanation for the high yield of
d
-malate from maleate by this
d
-malate dehydrogenase-deficient natural mutant.
Directed Evolution and Structural Analysis of Alkaline Pectate Lyase from the Alkaliphilic Bacterium Bacillus sp. Strain N16-5 To Improve Its Thermostability for Efficient Ramie Degumming
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Ye Jintong , Xue Yanfen , Ma Yanhe
Published: June 2015

Thermostable alkaline pectate lyases have potential applications in the textile industry as an alternative to chemical-based ramie degumming processes. In particular, the alkaline pectate lyase from
Bacillus
sp. strain N16-5 (BspPelA) has potential for enzymatic ramie degumming because of its high specific activity under extremely alkaline conditions without the requirement for additional Ca
2+
. However, BspPelA displays poor thermostability and is inactive after incubation at 50°C for only 30 min. Here, directed evolution was used to improve the thermostability of BspPelA for efficient and stable degumming. After two rounds of error-prone PCR and screening of >12,000 mutants, 10 mutants with improved thermostability were obtained. Sequence analysis and site-directed mutagenesis revealed that single E124I, T178A, and S271G substitutions were responsible for improving thermostability. Structural and molecular dynamic simulation analysis indicated that the formation of a hydrophobic cluster and new H-bond networks was the key factor contributing to the improvement in thermostability with these three substitutions. The most thermostable combined mutant, EAET, exhibited a 140-fold increase in the
t
50
(time at which the enzyme loses 50% of its initial activity) value at 50°C, accompanied by an 84.3% decrease in activity compared with that of wild-type BspPelA, while the most advantageous combined mutant, EA, exhibited a 24-fold increase in the
t
50
value at 50°C, with a 23.3% increase in activity. Ramie degumming with the EA mutant was more efficient than that with wild-type BspPelA. Collectively, our results suggest that the EA mutant, exhibiting remarkable improvements in thermostability and activity, has the potential for applications in ramie degumming in the textile industry.
Phenolic Amides Are Potent Inhibitors ofDe NovoNucleotide Biosynthesis
Authors: Pisithkul Tippapha , Jacobson Tyler B. , O'Brien Thomas J. , Stevenson David M. , Amador-Noguez Daniel
Published: June 2015

An outstanding challenge toward efficient production of biofuels and value-added chemicals from plant biomass is the impact that lignocellulose-derived inhibitors have on microbial fermentations. Elucidating the mechanisms that underlie their toxicity is critical for developing strategies to overcome them. Here, usingEscherichia colias a model system, we investigated the metabolic effects and toxicity mechanisms of feruloyl amide and coumaroyl amide, the predominant phenolic compounds in ammonia-pretreated biomass hydrolysates. Using metabolomics, isotope tracers, and biochemical assays, we showed that these two phenolic amides act as potent and fast-acting inhibitors of purine and pyrimidine biosynthetic pathways. Feruloyl or coumaroyl amide exposure leads to (i) a rapid buildup of 5-phosphoribosyl-1-pyrophosphate (PRPP), a key precursor in nucleotide biosynthesis, (ii) a rapid decrease in the levels of pyrimidine biosynthetic intermediates, and (iii) a long-term generalized decrease in nucleotide and deoxynucleotide levels. Tracer experiments using13C-labeled sugars and [15N]ammonia demonstrated that carbon and nitrogen fluxes into nucleotides and deoxynucleotides are inhibited by these phenolic amides. We found that these effects are mediated via direct inhibition of glutamine amidotransferases that participate in nucleotide biosynthetic pathways. In particular, feruloyl amide is a competitive inhibitor of glutamine PRPP amidotransferase (PurF), which catalyzes the first committed step inde novopurine biosynthesis. Finally, external nucleoside supplementation prevents phenolic amide-mediated growth inhibition by allowing nucleotide biosynthesis via salvage pathways. The results presented here will help in the development of strategies to overcome toxicity of phenolic compounds and facilitate engineering of more efficient microbial producers of biofuels and chemicals.