bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Illiteracy on Neuropsychological Tests and Glucose Metabolism of Brain in Later Life
Authors: Kwon Oh Dae , Cho Sang Soo , Seo Sang Won , Na Duk L.
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The acquisition of literacy during childhood may affect the functional organization of the brain. We studied the effects of illiteracy on neuropsychological tests and brain glucose metabolism in later life.

METHODS

We recruited 12 illiterate elderly farmers who never attended school and acquired no knowledge of reading or writing. These illiterate subjects were compared with literate subjects in terms of neuropsychological performance and brain glucose metabolism. All subjects were over 65 years and had same socioeconomic environment and normal activities of daily living.

RESULTS

Neuropsychological tests indicated that the performance of illiterate subjects was worse than that of literate subjects in all cognitive domains with the exception of forward digit span, tool‐use and tool‐free gestures, and verbal generation of grocery items. The SPM analysis showed that illiterate subjects had reduced FDG‐uptake relative to literate subjects, predominantly in the rostral part of the left superior frontal gyrus and less strikingly in the left rectal gyrus, right cerebellar declive, and right cerebellar tonsil. In contrast, hypermetabolism was found only in the left precuneus.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that reading and writing during childhood is associated with activation of the frontal pole that may play a critical role in complex aspects of human cognition.
Deregulation and Risk
Authors: Semaan Elias , Drake Pamela Peterson
Published: June 2011

The recent market turmoil has brought attention to how deregulation of the financial sector may affect risk. The purpose of our study is to examine the market's perception of risk associated with deregulation. We accomplish this by decomposing security risk around deregulation into systematic and unsystematic risk. We examine deregulation of several industries and find a consistent pattern of risk adjustment to deregulation, whereby the increase in security risk is temporary and largely unsystematic.
Resolving the Presidential Puzzle
Authors: Sy Oumar , Al Zaman Ashraf
Published: June 2011

Many financial economists are puzzled by the fact that stock returns are higher under Democratic than Republican presidencies. In this paper, we test whether this return differential is explained by risk using a conditional version of the Fama and French (1993) model that allows risk to vary across political cycles. We find that the presidential puzzle can be explained when risk is properly taken into account. Much of the return differential can be attributed to the fact that Democratic presidencies are associated with higher market and default risk premiums than their Republican counterparts.
Understanding Investor Sentiment: The Case of Soccer
Authors: Bernile Gennaro , Lyandres Evgeny
Published: June 2011

We examine the extent to which the stock market's inefficient responses to resolutions of uncertainty depend on investors’ biased ex ante beliefs regarding the probability distribution of future event outcomes or their ex post irrational reactions to these outcomes. We use a sample of publicly traded European soccer clubs and analyze their returns around important matches. Using a novel proxy for investors’ expectations based on contracts traded on betting exchanges (prediction markets), we find that within our sample, investor sentiment is attributable, in part, to a systematic bias in investors’ ex ante expectations. Investors are overly optimistic about their teams’ prospects ex ante and, on average, end up disappointed ex post, leading to negative postgame abnormal returns. Our evidence may have important implications for firms’ investment decisions and corporate control transactions.
Fear and the Fama‐French Factors
Authors: Durand Robert B. , Lim Dominic , Zumwalt J. Kenton
Published: June 2011

Investors’ expectations of market volatility, captured by the VIX (the Chicago Board Options Exchange's volatility index, also known as the “investor fear gauge”), affects the expected returns of US equities. Changes in the VIX drive variations in the expected returns of the factors included in the Fama and French three‐factor model augmented with a momentum factor. The market risk premium (Rm– Rf) and the value premium (HML) are especially sensitive to changes in the VIX. An increase in expected volatility is associated with flights to quality and increases in estimated required returns.
Job Market Signaling: What Drives the Productivity of Finance Ph.D.s?
Authors: Flagg Donald , Gilley Otis W. , Park Jung Chul
Published: June 2011

We study the research productivity of new finance Ph.D.s as measured by the number of quality publications. A commonly accepted notion is that the highest ranked schools produce the candidates with the greatest potential for high‐quality publications. Our results, however, find publications or revisions in top‐tier journals during the doctoral program are a stronger measure of potential research productivity than the school attended. Our findings demonstrate how candidates outside of the top schools can signal their future research productivity. Even though we examine the specialized labor market, our results have broader implications for markets outside academics.
Modeling and Measurement of Residual Stresses in a Steel Vessel Containing Glass
Authors: Nakhodchi S. , Thomas B. G. , Smith D. J.
Published: June 2011

Residual stresses in a stainless steel vessel containing glass have been evaluated using measurements and numerical simulation. High-level nuclear wastes are often vitrified in glass cast in cylindrical stainless steel containers. Knowledge of the internal stresses generated in both the glass and container during this process is critical to structural integrity and public safety. In this research, residual stresses were measured near the surface of a High Level Waste container using an Incremental Center Hole Drilling technique. Residual stress magnitudes were found to be at or near to the yield stress in the container wall. A transient finite-element thermal-stress model has been developed to simulate temperature, distortion, and stress during casting and cooling in a simple slice domain of both the glass and the container. Contact thermal-stress elements were employed to prevent penetration at the glass–container interface. Roughness of these contact surfaces was modeled as an equivalent air gap with temperature-dependent conductivity in the thermal model. The stress model features elastic-viscoplastic constitutive equations developed based on the temperature-dependent viscosity of the glass and elastic-plastic constitutive equations for the stainless steel. The simulation was performed using the commercial ABAQUS program with a user material subroutine. The model predictions are consistent with the residual stress measurements, and the complete thermal–mechanical behavior of the system is evaluated.
Mathematics Teachers' Subtle, Complex Disciplinary Knowledge
Authors: Davis Brent
Published: June 2011

Development of tacit skills, such as use of analogies and metaphors, should receive more attention in preparing math teachers.
Net Oxidative Addition of C(sp
3
)-F Bonds to Iridium via Initial C-H Bond Activation
Authors: Choi Jongwook , Wang David Y. , Kundu Sabuj , Choliy Yuriy , Emge Thomas J. , Krogh-Jespersen Karsten , Goldman Alan S.
Published: June 2011

An unusual mechanism to cleave carbon-fluorine bonds may facilitate more efficient transformations of fluorocarbons.
Lévy Walks Evolve Through Interaction Between Movement and Environmental Complexity
Authors: de Jager Monique , Weissing Franz J. , Herman Peter M. J. , Nolet Bart A. , van de Koppel Johan
Published: June 2011

Animals’ movements may not only respond to the environment, but may also shape it, and thus affect fitness.
A Synthetic Optogenetic Transcription Device Enhances Blood-Glucose Homeostasis in Mice
Authors: Ye Haifeng , Baba Marie Daoud-El , Peng Ren-Wang , Fussenegger Martin
Published: June 2011

An implanted device using blue-light–triggered expression of the glucagon-like peptide 1 attenuates diabetes in mice.
16-Month-Olds Rationally Infer Causes of Failed Actions
Authors: Gweon Hyowon , Schulz Laura
Published: June 2011

Infants use statistical inference to decide what went wrong.
Let's Be Fysiksists Again
How the Hippies Saved Physics
Science, Counterculture, and the Quantum Revival

by David Kaiser

Norton, New York, 2011. 400 pp. $26.95, C$31. ISBN 9780393076363.
Authors: Wisnioski Matthew
Published: June 2011

Examining the exploits and influences of Berkeley's "Fundamental Fysiks Group" from the 1970s, Kaiser argues that its members' work helped lay the grounds for recent advances in quantum information.
Why Did You Lévy?
Authors: Grünbaum Daniel
Published: June 2011

Mussels in intertidal beds use random movement behaviors to optimize formation of patches to balance feeding and mortality.
A New Twist for Topoisomerase
Authors: Cerritelli Susana M. , Chon Hyongi , Crouch Robert J.
Published: June 2011

Topoisomerase 1 attacks on ribonucleotides in DNA leads to 2– to 5–base pair deletions.
Battery FAQs
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: June 2011

Science
answers some frequently asked questions about batteries.
Lab-on-a-Chip Maker Looks to Put Hong Kong on Biotech Map
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: June 2011

Better known for business acumen than scientific smarts, Hong Kong is betting on biotech as a new "pillar industry"; a novel biochip suggests it's on the right track.
Mali Researcher Shows How to Reverse Brain Drain
Authors: Taylor David A.
Published: June 2011

Relying mainly on homegrown talent, Doumbo leads a network in Mali that does state-of-the-art studies of mosquito genetics, tracks drug resistance, and tests new vaccines.
Bovine Bacillus anthracis in Cameroon
Authors: Pilo Paola , Rossano Alexandra , Bamamga Hamadou , Abdoulkadiri Souley , Perreten Vincent , Frey Joachim
Published: June 2011

Bovine
Bacillus anthracis
isolates from Cameroon were genetically characterized. They showed a strong homogeneity, and they belong, together with strains from Chad, to cluster Aβ, which appears to be predominant in western Africa. However, one strain that belongs to a newly defined clade (D) and cluster (D1) is penicillin resistant and shows certain phenotypes typical of
Bacillus cereus
.
Isolation and Characterization of Methanothermobacter crinale sp. nov., a Novel Hydrogenotrophic Methanogen from the Shengli Oil Field
Authors: Cheng Lei , Dai Lirong , Li Xia , Zhang Hui , Lu Yahai
Published: June 2011

Syntrophic acetate oxidation coupled with hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis is an alternative methanogenic pathway in certain thermophilic anaerobic environments such as high-temperature oil reservoirs and thermophilic biogas reactors. In these environments, the dominant thermophilic methanogens were generally related to uncultured organisms of the genusMethanothermobacter. Here we isolated two representative strains, Tm2Tand HMD, from the oil sands and oil production water in the Shengli oil field in the People's Republic of China. The type strain, Tm2T, was nonmotile and stained Gram positive. The cells were straight to slightly curved rods (0.3 μm in width and 2.2 to 5.9 μm in length), but some of them possessed a coccal shape connecting with the rods at the ends. Strain Tm2Tgrew with H2-CO2, but acetate is required. Optimum growth of strain Tm2Toccurred in the presence of 0.025 g/liter NaCl at pH 6.9 and a temperature of 65°C. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 40.1 mol% ± 1.3 mol% (by the thermal denaturation method) or 41.1 mol% (by high-performance liquid chromatography). Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that Tm2Twas most closely related toMethanothermobacter thermautotrophicusΔHTandMethanothermobacter wolfeiiVKM B-1829T(both with a sequence similarity of 96.4%). Based on these phenotypic and phylogenic characteristics, a novel species was proposed and namedMethanothermobacter crinalesp. nov. The type strain is Tm2T(ACCC 00699T= JCM 17393T).
Biochemical and Mutational Studies of the Bacillus cereus CECT 5050T Formamidase Support the Existence of a C-E-E-K Tetrad in Several Members of the Nitrilase Superfamily
Authors: Soriano-Maldonado Pablo , Martínez-Gómez Ana Isabel , Andújar-Sánchez Montserrat , Neira José L. , Clemente-Jiménez Josefa María , Las Heras-Vázquez Francisco Javier , Rodríguez-Vico Felipe , Martínez-Rodríguez Sergio
Published: June 2011

Formamidases (EC 3.5.1.49) are poorly characterized proteins. In spite of this scarce knowledge, ammonia has been described as playing a central role in the pathogenesis of human pathogens such as
Helicobacter pylori
, for which formamidase has been shown to participate in the nitrogen metabolic pathway. Sequence analysis has revealed that at least two different groups of formamidases are classified as EC 3.5.1.49: on the one hand, the derivatives of the FmdA-AmdA superfamily, which are the best studied to date, and on the other hand, the derivatives of
Helicobacter pylori
AmiF. Here we present the cloning, purification, and characterization of a recombinant formamidase from
Bacillus cereus
CECT 5050T (BceAmiF), the second member of the AmiF subfamily to be characterized, showing new features of the enzyme further supporting its relationship with aliphatic amidases. We also present homology modeling-based mutational studies confirming the importance of the Glu140 and Tyr191 residues in the enzymatic activities of the AmiF family. Moreover, we can conclude that a second glutamate residue is critical in several members of the nitrilase superfamily, meaning that what has consistently been identified as a C-E-K triad is in fact a C-E-E-K tetrad.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Determinants in European Salmonella Genomic Island 1-Positive Salmonella enterica Isolates from Different Origins
Authors: Beutlich Janine , Jahn Silke , Malorny Burkhard , Hauser Elisabeth , Hühn Stephan , Schroeter Andreas , Rodicio Maria Rosario , Appel Bernd , Threlfall John , Mevius Dik , Helmuth Reiner , Guerra Beatriz
Published: June 2011

Salmonellagenomic island 1 (SGI1) contains a multidrug resistance region conferring the ampicillin-chloramphenicol-streptomycin-sulfamethoxazole-tetracycline resistance phenotype encoded byblaPSE-1,floR,aadA2,sul1, andtet(G). Its increasing spread via interbacterial transfer and the emergence of new variants are important public health concerns. We investigated the molecular properties of SGI1-carryingSalmonella entericaserovars selected from a European strain collection. A total of 38 strains belonging toS. entericaserovar Agona,S. entericaserovar Albany,S. entericaserovar Derby,S. entericaserovar Kentucky,S. entericaserovar Newport,S. entericaserovar Paratyphi B dT+, andS. entericaserovar Typhimurium, isolated between 2002 and 2006 in eight European countries from humans, animals, and food, were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular typing methods (XbaI pulsed-field gel electrophoresis [PFGE], plasmid analysis, and multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis [MLVA]), as well as detection of resistance and virulence determinants (PCR/sequencing and DNA microarray analysis). Typing experiments revealed wide heterogeneity inside the strain collection and even within serovars. PFGE analysis distinguished a total of 26 different patterns. In contrast, the characterization of the phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance revealed serovar-specific features. Apart from the classical SGI1 organization found in 61% of the strains, seven different variants were identified with antimicrobial resistance properties associated with SGI1-A (S. Derby), SGI1-C (S. Derby), SGI1-F (S. Albany), SGI1-L (S. Newport), SGI1-K (S. Kentucky), SGI1-M (S.Typhimurium), and, eventually, a novel variant similar to SGI1-C with additional gentamicin resistance encoded byaadB. Only minor serovar-specific differences among virulence patterns were detected. In conclusion, the SGI1 carriers exhibited pathogenetic backgrounds comparable to the ones published for susceptible isolates. However, because of their multidrug resistance, they may be more relevant in clinical settings.
Diversity and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Sphingomonadaceae Isolates from Drinking Water
Authors: Vaz-Moreira Ivone , Nunes Olga C. , Manaia Célia M.
Published: June 2011

Sphingomonadaceae(n= 86) were isolated from a drinking water treatment plant (n= 6), tap water (n= 55), cup fillers for dental chairs (n= 21), and a water demineralization filter (n= 4). The bacterial isolates were identified based on analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, and intraspecies variation was assessed on the basis ofatpDgene sequence analysis. The isolates were identified as members of the generaSphingomonas(n= 27),Sphingobium(n= 28),Novosphingobium(n= 12),Sphingopyxis(n= 7), andBlastomonas(n= 12). The patterns of susceptibility to five classes of antibiotics were analyzed and compared for the different sites of isolation and taxonomic groups. Colistin resistance was observed to be intrinsic (92%). The highest antibiotic resistance prevalence values were observed in members of the generaSphingomonasandSphingobiumand for beta-lactams, ciprofloxacin, and cotrimoxazole. In tap water and in water from dental chairs, antibiotic resistance was more prevalent than in the other samples, mainly due to the predominance of isolates of the generaSphingomonasandSphingobium. These two genera presented distinct patterns of association with antibiotic resistance, suggesting different paths of resistance development. Antibiotic resistance patterns were often related to the species rather than to the site or strain, suggesting the importance of vertical resistance transmission in these bacteria. This is the first study demonstrating that members of the familySphingomonadaceaeare potential reservoirs of antibiotic resistance in drinking water.
Comparing Nonsynergy Gamma Models and Interaction Models To Predict Growth of Emetic Bacillus cereus for Combinations of pH and Water Activity Values
Authors: Biesta-Peters Elisabeth G. , Reij Martine W. , Zwietering Marcel H. , Gorris Leon G. M.
Published: June 2011

This research aims to test the absence (gamma hypothesis) or occurrence of synergy between two growth-limiting factors, i.e., pH and water activity (aw), using a systematic approach for model selection. In this approach, preset criteria were used to evaluate the performance of models. Such a systematic approach is required to be confident in the correctness of the individual components of the combined (synergy) models. WithBacillus cereusF4810/72 as the test organism, estimated growth boundaries for the aw-lowering solutes NaCl, KCl, and glucose were 1.13 M, 1.13 M, and 1.68 M, respectively. The accompanying awvalues were 0.954, 0.956, and 0.961, respectively, indicating that equal awvalues result in similar effects on growth. Out of the 12 models evaluated using the preset criteria, the model of J. H. T. Luong (Biotechnol. Bioeng. 27:280–285, 1985) was the best model to describe the effect of awon growth. This awmodel and the previously selected pH model were combined into a gamma model and into two synergy models. None of the three models was able to describe the combined pH and awconditions sufficiently well to satisfy the preset criteria. The best matches between predicted and experimental data were obtained with the gamma model, followed by the synergy model of Y. Le Marc et al. (Int. J. Food Microbiol. 73:219–237, 2002). No combination of models that was able to predict the impact of both individual and combined hurdles correctly could be found. Consequently, in this case we could not prove the existence of synergy nor falsify the gamma hypothesis.
Evidence of an American Origin for Symbiosis-Related Genes in Rhizobium lusitanum
Authors: Valverde Angel , Velázquez Encarna , Cervantes Emilio , Igual José M. , van Berkum Peter
Published: June 2011

Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was used to investigate the diversity of 179 bean isolates recovered from six field sites in the Arcos de Valdevez region of northwestern Portugal. The isolates were divided into 6 groups based on the fingerprint patterns that were obtained. Representatives for each group were selected for sequence analysis of 4 chromosomal DNA regions. Five of the groups were placed within
Rhizobium lusitanum
, and the other group was placed within
R. tropici
type IIA. Therefore, the collection of Portuguese bean isolates was shown to include the two species
R. lusitanum
and
R. tropici
. In plant tests, the strains P1-7, P1-1, P1-2, and P1-16 of
R. lusitanum
nodulated and formed nitrogen-fixing symbioses both with
Phaseolus vulgaris
and
Leucaena leucocephala
. A methyltransferase-encoding
nodS
gene identical with the
R. tropici
locus that confers wide host range was detected in the strain P1-7 as well as 24 others identified as
R. lusitanum
. A methyltransferase-encoding
nodS
gene also was detected in the remaining isolates of
R. lusitanum
, but in this case the locus was that identified with the narrow-host-range
R. etli
. Representatives of isolates with the
nodS
of
R. etli
formed effective nitrogen-fixing symbioses with
P. vulgaris
and did not nodulate
L. leucocephala
. From sequence data of
nodS
, the
R. lusitanum
genes for symbiosis were placed within those of either
R. tropici
or
R. etli
. These results would support the suggestion that
R. lusitanum
was the recipient of the genes for symbiosis with beans from both
R. tropici
and
R. etli
.
Molecular Tracking, through Processing, of Campylobacter Strains Colonizing Broiler Flocks
Authors: Elvers Karen T. , Morris Victoria K. , Newell Diane G. , Allen Vivien M.
Published: June 2011

Many of the poultry flocks produced in the United Kingdom are colonized with
Campylobacter
, and the intensive nature of poultry processing usually results in contaminated carcasses. In this study, a previously reported molecular oligonucleotide probe method was used to track a specific flock-colonizing strain(s) on broiler carcasses during processing in two United Kingdom commercial poultry processing plants. Five
Campylobacter
-positive flocks were sampled at four points along the processing line, postbleed, postpluck, prechill, and postchill, and two
Campylobacter
-negative flocks processed immediately after positive flocks were sampled prechill.
flaA
was sequenced from
Campylobacter
strains isolated from these flocks, and strain-specific probes were synthesized. Skin and cecal samples were plated onto selective agar to give individual colonies, which were transferred onto membranes. These were then hybridized with the strain- and genus-specific probes. For all the 5 positive flocks, there was a significant reduction in campylobacters postbleed compared to postpluck but no subsequent fall on sampling pre- and postchill, and the strain(s) predominating on the carcasses throughout processing came from the flock being processed. This indicates that strains from the abattoir environment were not a significant cause of carcass contamination in flocks with well-established campylobacter colonization. However, negative flocks that were preceded by positive flocks were contaminated by strains that did not generally originate from the predominating strains recovered from the ceca of the previous positive flocks. This suggests that the abattoir environment has a significant role in the contamination of carcasses from negative but not fully colonized flocks.
Spatial and Temporal Analysis of the Microbial Community in the Tailings of a Pb-Zn Mine Generating Acidic Drainage
Authors: Huang Li-Nan , Zhou Wen-Hua , Hallberg Kevin B. , Wan Cai-Yun , Li Jie , Shu Wen-Sheng
Published: June 2011

Analysis of spatial and temporal variations in the microbial community in the abandoned tailings impoundment of a Pb-Zn mine revealed distinct microbial populations associated with the different oxidation stages of the tailings. Although
Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
and
Leptospirillum
spp. were consistently present in the acidic tailings, acidophilic archaea, mostly
Ferroplasma acidiphilum
, were predominant in the oxidized zones and the oxidation front, indicating their importance to generation of acid mine drainage.
Potential Pathogenicity and Host Range of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Isolates from Healthy Poultry
Authors: Bortolaia Valeria , Larsen Jesper , Damborg Peter , Guardabassi Luca
Published: June 2011

Thirty of 33 epidemiologically unrelated extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
Escherichia coli
isolates from healthy poultry lacked the virulence genes commonly associated with human-pathogenic strains. The main zoonotic risk is associated with the broad host range of avian
E. coli
belonging to sequence type complex 10 and of IncN and IncI1 plasmids carrying
bla
CTX-M
or
bla
SHV
.
Detection of New Francisella-Like Tick Endosymbionts in Hyalomma spp. and Rhipicephalus spp. (Acari: Ixodidae) from Bulgaria
Authors: Ivanov Ivan N. , Mitkova Nadia , Reye Anna L. , Hübschen Judith M. , Vatcheva-Dobrevska Rossitza S. , Dobreva Elina G. , Kantardjiev Todor V. , Muller Claude P.
Published: June 2011

We report on the identification of two new
Francisella
-like endosymbionts (FLEs) found in three different tick species from Bulgaria. The FLEs were characterized by 16S rRNA and
tul4
gene sequencing and seem to lack the molecular marker RD1. These two new taxa seem to be facultative secondary endosymbionts of ticks.
Role of the Five RNA Helicases in the Adaptive Response of Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579 Cells to Temperature, pH, and Oxidative Stresses
Authors: Pandiani Franck , Chamot Stéphanie , Brillard Julien , Carlin Frédéric , Nguyen-the Christophe , Broussolle Véronique
Published: June 2011

In this study, growth rates and lag times of the five RNA helicase-deleted mutants of
Bacillus cereus
ATCC 14579 were compared to those of the wild-type strain under thermal, oxidative, and pH stresses. Deletion of
cshD
and
cshE
had no impact under any of the tested conditions. Deletion of
cshA
,
cshB
, and
cshC
abolished growth at 12°C, confirming previous results. In addition, we found that each RNA helicase had a role in a specific temperature range: deletion of
cshA
reduced growth at all the tested temperatures up to 45°C, deletion of
cshB
had impact below 30°C and over 37°C, and deletion of
cshC
led mainly to a cold-sensitive phenotype. Under oxidative conditions, deletion of
cshB
and
cshC
reduced growth rate and increased lag time, while deletion of
cshA
increased lag time only with H
2
O
2
and reduced growth rate at a high diamide concentration. Growth of the Δ
cshA
strain was affected at a basic pH independently of the temperature, while these conditions had a limited effect on
ΔcshB
and
ΔcshC
strain growth. The RNA helicases CshA, CshB, and CshC could participate in a general adaptation pathway to stressful conditions, with a stronger impact at low temperature and a wider role of CshA.
Annotated Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus pentosusMP-10, Which Has Probiotic Potential, from Naturally Fermented Aloreña Green Table Olives
Authors: Abriouel Hikmate , Benomar Nabil , Pérez Pulido Rubén , Cañamero Magdalena Martínez , Gálvez Antonio
Published: June 2011

Lactobacillus pentosus
MP-10 was isolated from brines of naturally fermented Aloreña green table olives. MP-10 has potential probiotic traits, including inhibition of human pathogenic bacteria, survival at low pH (1.5), and bile salt tolerance (3%). Here, we report for the first time the annotated genome sequence of
L. pentosus
.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Obligate Piezophilic Hyperthermophilic Archaeon Pyrococcus yayanosii CH1
Authors: Jun Xu , Lupeng Liu , Minjuan Xu , Oger Philippe , Fengping Wang , Jebbar Mohamed , Xiang Xiao
Published: June 2011

Pyrococcus yayanosii
CH1 is the first obligate piezophilic hyperthermophilic archaeon isolated from the deep-sea hydrothermal site Ashadze on the mid-Atlantic ridge at a depth of 4,100 m. This organism grows within a temperature range of 80 to 108°C and a hydrostatic pressure range of 20 to 120 MPa, with optima at 98°C and 52 MPa, respectively. Here, we report the complete genome sequence (1,716,817 bp, with a G+C content of 51.6%) of the type strain
P. yayanosii
CH1
T
(= JCM 16557). This genomic information reveals a systematic view of the piezoadaptation strategy and evolution scenario of metabolic pathways in
Thermococcales
.
Draft Genome of the Psychrotolerant Acidophile Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans SS3
Authors: Liljeqvist Maria , Valdes Jorge , Holmes David S. , Dopson Mark
Published: June 2011

Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans
SS3 is a psychrotolerant acidophile capable of growth in the range of 5° to 30°C (optimum, ≈25°C). It gains energy from the oxidation of ferrous iron and inorganic sulfur compounds and obtains organic carbon from carbon dioxide. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of
A. ferrivorans
SS3 that will permit investigation of genes involved in growth in acidic environments at low temperatures.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates with Different Antibiotic Susceptibilities
Authors: Soares-Castro P. , Marques D. , Demyanchuk S. , Faustino A. , Santos P. M.
Published: June 2011

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a primary cause of opportunistic infections. We have sequenced and annotated the genomes of two
P. aeruginosa
clinical isolates evidencing different antibiotic susceptibilities. Registered differences in the composition of their accessory genomes may provide clues on
P. aeruginosa
strategies to thrive in different environments like infection loci.
Whole-Genome Shotgun Sequencing of an Indian-Origin Lactobacillus helveticus Strain, MTCC 5463, with Probiotic Potential
Authors: Prajapati J. B. , Khedkar C. D. , Chitra J. , Suja Senan , Mishra V. , Sreeja V. , Patel R. K. , Ahir V. B. , Bhatt V. D. , Sajnani M. R. , Jakhesara S. J. , Koringa P. G. , Joshi C. G.
Published: June 2011

Lactobacillus helveticus
MTCC 5463 was isolated from a vaginal swab from a healthy adult female. The strain exhibited potential probiotic properties, with their beneficial role in the gastrointestinal tract and their ability to reduce cholesterol and stimulate immunity. We sequenced the whole genome and compared it with the published genome sequence of
Lactobacillus helveticus
DPC4571.
Genome Sequence of Haloplasma contractile, an Unusual Contractile Bacterium from a Deep-Sea Anoxic Brine Lake
Authors: Antunes André , Alam Intikhab , El Dorry Hamza , Siam Rania , Robertson Anthony , Bajic Vladimir B. , Stingl Ulrich
Published: June 2011

We present the draft genome of
Haloplasma contractile
, isolated from a deep-sea brine and representing a new order between
Firmicutes
and
Mollicutes
. Its complex morphology with contractile protrusions might be strongly influenced by the presence of seven MreB/Mbl homologs, which appears to be the highest copy number ever reported.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Marine Cellulose- and Xylan-Degrading Bacterium Glaciecolasp. Strain 4H-3-7+YE-5
Authors: Klippel Barbara , Lochner Adriane , Bruce David C. , Walston Davenport Karen , Detter Chris , Goodwin Lynne A. , Han James , Han Shunsheng , Land Miriam L. , Mikhailova Natalia , Nolan Matt , Pennacchio Len , Pitluck Sam , Tapia Roxanne , Woyke Tanja , Wiebusch Sigrid , Basner Alexander , Abe Fumiyoshi , Horikoshi Koki , Keller Martin , Antranikian Garabed
Published: June 2011

Glaciecola
sp. strain 4H-3-7+YE-5 was isolated from subseafloor sediments at Suruga Bay in Japan and is capable of efficiently hydrolyzing cellulose and xylan. The complete genome sequence of
Glaciecola
sp. 4H-3-7+YE-5 revealed several genes encoding putatively novel glycoside hydrolases, offering a high potential for plant biomass degradation.
Compliance with return-to-play regulations following concussion in Australian schoolboy and community rugby union players
Authors: Hollis Stephanie J , Stevenson Mark R , McIntosh Andrew S , Shores E Arthur , Finch Caroline F
Published: June 2011

Background

There is a risk of concussion when playing rugby union. Appropriate management of concussion includes compliance with the return-to-play regulations of the sports body for reducing the likelihood of premature return-to-play by injured players.

Purpose

To describe the proportion of rugby union players who comply with the sports body's regulations on returning to play postconcussion.

Study design

Prospective cohort study.

Methods

1958 community rugby union players (aged 15–48 years) in Sydney (Australia) were recruited from schoolboy, grade and suburban competitions and followed over ≥1 playing seasons. Club doctors/physiotherapists/coaches or trained injury recorders who attended the game reported players who sustained a concussion. Concussed players were followed up over a 3-month period and the dates when they returned to play (including either a game or training session) were recorded, as well as any return-to-play advice they received.

Results

187 players sustained ≥1 concussion throughout the follow-up. The median number of days before players returned to play (competition game play or training) following concussion was 3 (range 1–84). Most players (78%) did not receive return-to-play advice postconcussion, and of those who received correct advice, all failed to comply with the 3-week stand-down regulation.

Conclusions

The paucity of return-to-play advice received by community rugby union players postconcussion and the high level of non-compliance with return-to-play regulations highlight the need for better dissemination and implementation of the return-to-play regulations and improved understanding of the underlying causes of why players do not adhere to return-to-play practices.
Mortality among Swedish chimney sweeps (1952–2006): an extended cohort study
Authors: Jansson Catarina , Alderling Magnus , Hogstedt Christer , Gustavsson Per
Published: June 2011

Objectives

We extended a cohort study of Swedish chimney sweeps and prolonged follow-up in order to increase power and study those first employed after 1950 when oil began to replace wood as a main fuel for heating in Sweden.

Methods

Male Swedish chimney sweeps who were members of the national trade union in 1981–2006 were identified (n=1087) and included to a previous cohort of those employed in 1918–1980 (n=5287). All employment histories were updated, and the total extended cohort (n=6374) was linked to the registers of Causes of Death and Total Population and followed for mortality from 1952 through 2006. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) were estimated using the Swedish male population as reference.

Results

1841 observed deaths resulted in an SMR for all causes of deaths of 1.29 (95% CI 1.24 to 1.36). Mortality was significantly increased for all malignant tumours, oesophageal cancer, bowel cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, alcoholism, ischaemic heart disease, non-malignant respiratory diseases, liver cirrhosis, external causes and suicides. The lung cancer SMR remained increased, although attenuated, after adjustment for group-level smoking data, SMR of 1.52 (95% CI 1.26 to 1.89). Duration of employment showed no consistent evidence of dose–response associations. Alcohol-related deaths (liver cirrhosis and alcoholism) were not increased among those employed >30 years. Mortality among those employed after 1950 was similar to that of the entire cohort.

Conclusions

Chimney sweeps are exposed to high levels of toxic substances in the occupation, but excess alcohol and smoking habits were also observed, and the results must be interpreted cautiously. However, group-level data on tobacco smoking indicated that the lung cancer excess only to some extent could be explained by smoking habits, and the increased mortality from oesophageal cancer and ischaemic heart disease among chimney sweeps employed >30 years is less likely to be caused by excess alcohol habits.
Republished review: Ocular manifestations of the antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Utz Virginia Miraldi , Tang Johnny
Published: June 2011

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disease characterised by a heterogenous group of antibodies directed against negatively charged phospholipids including antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL), anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) and β-2 glycoprotein I (aβ-2-GP1). The major features of this disorder include arterial and venous thrombosis and recurrent fetal loss. The vasculature of the eye is frequently involved and may be the presenting manifestation. A diagnosis of APS should be considered in a young patients without traditional thromboembolic risk factors presenting with ocular vaso-occlusive disease. Management of these patients involves a team-approach with a haematologist/oncologist or rheumatologist to manage the coagulation status of these patients to prevent further systemic vascular occlusions.
Older partner selection, sexual risk behaviour and unrecognised HIV infection among black and Latino men who have sex with men
Authors: Joseph Heather A , Marks Gary , Belcher Lisa , Millett Gregorio A , Stueve Ann , Bingham Trista A , Lauby Jennifer
Published: June 2011

Objectives

The authors examine whether young black and Latino men who have sex with men (MSM) who have older sex partners are more likely than those who do not have older sex partners to have unrecognised HIV infection. The authors examine whether the association stems from (1) increased sexual risk behaviour with male partners of any age, (2) heightened risk of being exposed to HIV infection by older partners or (3) a combination of these two factors.

Methods

The analytical sample consisted of 723 black and Latino MSM, aged 18–35 years, who were HIV negative or of unknown serostatus at study entry. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire and were tested for HIV infection. Men who reported having a male sex partner who was at least 4 years older than themselves were compared with those who did not. Outcomes included unprotected receptive anal intercourse (URAI) with male partners of any age (past 3 months) and having unrecognised HIV infection.

Results

Men with older partners reported a higher prevalence of URAI (AOR=1.50, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.21). A second model found that men with older partners had increased odds of having unrecognised HIV infection (AOR=2.51, 95% CI 1.18 to 5.34) after controlling for the number of URAI partners of any age, which remained an independent predictor.

Conclusions

Young black and Latino MSM who had older male sex partners were at increased risk of having unrecognised HIV infection. This heightened risk was associated with sexual risk behaviour with partners of any age as well as possible increased exposure to HIV infection from older partners.
(Invited) Short Channel Effects and Drain Field Relief Architectures in Polysilicon TFTs
Authors: Fortunato Guglielmo , Cuscunà Massimo , Maiolo Luca , Mariucci Luigi , Rapisarda Matteo , Pecora Alessandro , Valletta Antonio , Brotherton Stan D.
Published: June 2011

Applications of polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon) thin film transistors (TFTs) to active matrix organic light emitting displays require further performance improvement. The biggest leverage in circuit performance can be obtained by reducing channel length from the typical current values of 3-6μm to 1μm, or less. However, short channel effects and hot-carrier induced instability in scaled down conventional self-aligned polysilicon TFTs can substantially degrade the device characteristics. To reduce these effects and allow proper operation of the circuits, drain field relief architectures have to be introduced. In this work we show that a fully self-aligned gate overlapped lightly doped drain (LDD) structure, with submicron LDD regions, can provide an excellent solution, allowing effective short channel effect control and improved electrical stability.
(Invited) Self-Heating Issue of Poly-Si TFT on Glass Substrate
Authors: Asano Tanemasa , Nakagawa Gou
Published: June 2011

One of critical issues of TFT for large scale integration is temperature rise of TFT due to self-heating. In this paper, we report temperature rise of poly-Si TFT during operation. The temperature was evaluated by determining the thermal resistance from the temperature-dependent negative-drain conductance. TFTs are fabricated using a laterally-grown poly-Si film. By aligning TFT channel direction with the grain growth direction, effects of grain boundary on carrier transport becomes less significant so that direct evaluation of self-heating from drain characteristic becomes possible. SOI MOSFET is also investigated. Results indicate that the thermal resistance of TFT is 40 times as large as that of SOI MOSFET. As a consequence, temperature rise of TFT reaches to 150 K even under normal operation condition. Heat dissipation path is also investigated by determining the thermal resistance of TFTs having various dimensions. Effect of stripe channel on TFT performance and temperature rise is also discussed. Results clearly indicate that design of thermal path through the gate becomes of importance for TFTs.
Comparative Analysis of Organic Thin Film Transistor Structures for Flexible E-Paper and AMOLED Displays
Authors: Feng Linrun , Xu Xiaoli , Guo Xiaojun
Published: June 2011

Organic thin-film transistors (OTFTs) have attracted considerable attention in applications for driving flexible e-paper and active matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED) displays. In the systems, the pixel electrode, which connects the bottom electrode of the display media to the drain or source of the switch OTFT in the e-paper display, and the driving OTFT in the AMOLED display, will form parasitic effects with the OTFTs. Through numerical device simulations, it is found that, in the bottom-contact bottom-gate (BCBG) structure OTFT backplane, the presence of the pixel electrode may result in a shift of the transfer characteristics and a significant decrease of the output impedance. Although the DC electrical characteristics of the bottom-contact top-gate (BCTG) OTFTs are not affected by the presence of the pixel electrode, the BCTG structure has a larger parasitic capacitance, which can cause a higher feed-through voltage for performing switching in the e-paper displays.
Manipulation of Graphene Properties by Interface Engineering
Authors: Wang Xiaomu , Xu Jian-Bin , Wang Chengliang , Du Jun , Xie Weiguang
Published: June 2011

Graphene is generally regarded as an ideal candidate material for post-CMOS nanoelectronics. In contrast to traditional semiconductors, the unique two dimensional structure of graphene offers the necessity and possibility of studying the interface characteristics for its sensitivity to the top surface and interface between graphene and the substrate. In this paper, we provide preliminary studies in understanding graphene surface and interface issues in electronic structure, carrier transport and related phenomena down to nano-scale.
(Invited) In-plane Silicon Nanowires for Field Effect Transistor Application
Authors: Yu Linwei , Roca i Cabarrocas Pere
Published: June 2011

Silicon nanowires (SiNW) are important building blocks for a new generation of transistor and sensor applications. Integration and up-scaling of these functionalities rely on a critical ability to position and assemble these nanoscale 1D channels over large scale. We have proposed and demonstrated an in-plane solid-liquid-solid (IPSLS) growth mode of SiNWs, which enables unprecedented morphology control of the in-plane SiNWs and precise deployment of large-scale SiNWs array. Notably, all the fabrication process can be accomplished in a CMOS compatible all-in-situ plasma deposition environment. We will present here the recent progress in this field and address particularly their related aspects for field effect transistor application.
(Invited) Nonvolatile Memories for Nano and Giga Electronics
Authors: Kuo Yue
Published: June 2011

Memory devices are critical elements in ULSIC. It is also desirable to include memory functions in a-Si:H TFTs for new and novel applications. In this paper, the author reviews and discusses recent developments on two types of nonvolatile memories in his laboratory, i.e., the nanocrystals embedded high-k MOS capacitor and the floating-gate a-Si:H TFT. For the former, the structure, device performance, and reliability are examined. For the latter, charge trapping and detrapping mechanisms and memory functions are investigated. Challenges of these devices toward nano and giga electronics are analyzed.
(Invited) Atomically Controlled CVD Processing for Doping in Future Si-Based Devices
Authors: Murota Junichi , Sakuraba Masao , Tillack Bernd
Published: June 2011

By atomic layer formation of B or P on Si1-xGex (100) surface and subsequent Si capping layer deposition, heavy atomic-layer doping is achieved at temperatures below 500 oC. B doping dose of about 7x1014 cm-2 is confined within an about 1 nm thick region, but the sheet carrier concentration is as low as 1.7 x1013 cm-2. The in-situ B doping in tensile-strained Si epitaxial growth suggests that the low electrical activity is caused by B clustering as well as the increase of interstitial B atoms. For unstrained Si cap layer grown on top of the P atomic layer formed on Si1-xGex(100) with P atom amount below about 4x1014 cm-2 using Si2H6 instead of SiH4, it is found that tensile-strain in the Si cap layer growth enhances P surface segregation and reduces the incorporated P amount around the heterointerface. The electrical inactive P atoms are generated by tensile-strain ...
Endothelin-mediated in vivo pressor responses following TRPV1 activation
Authors: Ohanyan Vahagn A. , Guarini Giacinta , Thodeti Charles K. , Talasila Phani K. , Raman Priya , Haney Rebecca M. , Meszaros J. Gary , Damron Derek S. , Bratz Ian N.
Published: June 2011

Transient receptor potential vanilliod 1 (TRPV1) channels have recently been postulated to play a role in the vascular complications/consequences associated with diabetes despite the fact that the mechanisms through which TRPV1 regulates vascular function are not fully known. Accordingly, our goal was to define the mechanisms by which TRPV1 channels modulate vascular function and contribute to vascular dysfunction in diabetes. We subjected mice lacking TRPV1 [TRPV1(−/−)], db/ db, and control C57BLKS/J mice to in vivo infusion of the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin or the α-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine (PE) to examine the integrated circulatory actions of TRPV1. Capsaicin (1, 10, 20, and 100 μg/kg) dose dependently increased MAP in control mice (5.7 ± 1.6, 11.7 ± 2.1, 25.4 ± 3.4, and 51.6 ± 3.9%), which was attenuated in db/db mice (3.4 ± 2.1, 3.9 ± 2.1, 7.0 ± 3.3, and 17.9 ± 6.2%). TRPV1(−/−)mice exhibited no changes in MAP in response to capsaicin, suggesting the actions of this agonist are specific to TRPV1 activation. Immunoblot analysis revealed decreased aortic TRPV1 protein expression in db/db compared with control mice. Capsaicin-induced responses were recorded following inhibition of endothelin A and B receptors (ETA/ETB). Inhibition of ETAreceptors abolished the capsaicin-mediated increases in MAP. Combined antagonism of ETAand ETBreceptors did not further inhibit the capsaicin response. Cultured endothelial cell exposure to capsaicin increased endothelin production as shown by an endothelin ELISA assay, which was attenuated by inhibition of TRPV1 or endothelin-converting enzyme. TRPV1 channels contribute to the regulation of vascular reactivity and MAP via production of endothelin and subsequent activation of vascular ETAreceptors. Impairment of TRPV1 channel function may contribute to vascular dysfunction in diabetes.