bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dinuclear Lanthanide–Carboxylate Compounds: Field-Induced Slow Relaxation of Magnetization for Dysprosium(III) Analogue
Authors: Li Yi-Lei , Liu Qing-Yan , Liu Cai-Ming , Wang Yu-Ling , Chen Ling
Published: September 2014

Three chiral dinuclear lanthanide compounds, Ln2(µ2-L)4(L)2(phen)2 (Ln = Dy (1), Gd (2), and Er (3); phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), have been synthesized using the (S)-(+)-2-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)propionic acid (HL) ligand. The two lanthanide centres in compound Ln2(µ2-L)4(L)2(phen)2 are bridged by four carboxylate groups to give a dinuclear Ln2(µ2-L)4 core. The square antiprismatic coordination environment for each lanthanide centre is further completed by a chelating carboxylate group from another L– ligand and two nitrogen atoms from the phen ligand. A weak antiferromagnetic interaction between the two GdIII ions is observed in compound 2. The Dy analogue displays field-induced slow magnetic relaxation behaviour with an effective energy barrier Ueff/k of 17.24(2) K and a pre-exponential factor τ0 of 2.7(1) × 10–6 s. However, no slow relaxation phenomenon was observed for the Er derivative even in the presence of 2 kOe applied field.
Single-Crystal Neutron Diffraction Study of Superstructure Ordering and Domain Behaviour in Brownmillerite-Type Ca2Fe2O5
Authors: Auckett Josie E. , Studer Andrew J. , Ling Chris D.
Published: September 2014

We show that large single crystals of brownmillerite-type Ca2Fe2O5 can be grown using the floating-zone method under ambient pressure conditions, provided that the feed rods are pre-annealed to a very high density. Neutron diffraction data collected from these crystals show the emergence of a long-range ordered incommensurate phase at high temperature. The observation of this phase for the first time using neutrons proves that the incommensurate ordering of tetrahedral chains upon heating Ca2Fe2O5 is a truly long-range and bulk phenomenon. The results are used to compare and contrast the structures of Ca2Fe2O5 and Sr2Fe2O5, and are consistent with experimental observations of significantly higher oxide ionic conduction in the latter material.
“Maybe, but probably not”
Authors: Smith Sara W. , Jucker Andreas H.
Published: September 2014

The goal of our paper is to explore one of the functions of everyday expressions of likelihood; more specifically, to propose that they play an important role in negotiating not only likelihood but also perspective. We will examine examples of such expressions in the context of conversational interactions, identifying the roles of such expressions along with partner responses to them. Our analyses will be integrated with previous models from laboratory research on the production and comprehension of expressions of quantity and frequency (e.g., Moxey and Sanford 2000). Findings will also be interpreted in the context of ongoing discussions on the nature and role of perspective-taking (e.g., Duran, Dale, and Kreuz 2011).
Synthetic Cannabinoids: Use and Predictors in a Community Sample of Young Adults
Authors: Caviness Celeste M. , Tzilos Golfo , Anderson Bradley J. , Stein Michael D.
Published: September 2014

Background

Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are a class of drugs of abuse with deleterious consequences. Despite governmental regulations related to distribution and sale, SC variants are still available online. More research is needed to determine SC use prevalence and factors associated with SC use, especially among young adults.

Methods

One thousand eighty individuals, 18–25 years old, were surveyed, between January 2012 and July 2013, during recruitment for a randomized controlled trial investigating health behaviors in young adults. Advertisements were placed online and in community locations seeking individuals “who had recently used marijuana or alcohol.” Respondents were queried about their use of alcohol and drugs, including SCs, in the last month.

Results

Participants averaged 21.4 years old and were 53.4% male. Nearly 59% were non-Hispanic white, 15% were African American, 15% were Hispanic, and 11% identified as other. Approximately 9% reported SC use in the last month, a level higher than the reported use of opioids, cocaine, or hallucinogens. SC use was significantly associated with male gender, not being enrolled in school, and with use of cigarettes, binge alcohol drinking, daily and weekly marijuana use, and other drugs of abuse. There was a significant decrease in SC use after the federal ban in July 2012.

Conclusions

SC use was common in the past month and often overlaps with other drug use, particularly marijuana use, and should be asked about during clinical encounters with young adults.
Comorbid Addiction and Major Mental Illness in Europe: A Narrative Review
Authors: Carrà Giuseppe , Bartoli Francesco , Brambilla Giulia , Crocamo Cristina , Clerici Massimo
Published: September 2014

Background

Most evidence about comorbid addiction and major mental illness comes from the USA, since this literature remains relatively limited in many European countries. The purpose of this review was to examine prevalence, policies, and treatment systems of comorbid substance misuse and psychotic illness in Europe, illustrating differences and similarities with US findings.

Methods

Based on computerized main databases searches, a narrative review was performed.

Results

The availability of substances but also the social contexts in terms of individual and local issues are factors likely to explain different dual diagnosis prevalence rates in Europe as compared with the USA.

Conclusions

Integrated models implemented following US example might perform differently within the context of well-established European Union (EU) community mental health services. Such programs would require additional resources and radical redesign of service delivery systems.
A contribution to the validation of the Wii Balance Board for the assessment of standing balance
Authors: Pavan Piero , Cardaioli Matteo , Ferri Ilaria , Gobbi Erica , Carraro Attilio
Published: September 2014

Valid and reliable accessible measures of balance are required in a health‐related fitness test battery, both in the general population and in groups with special needs. For this purpose, the capability of the Wii Balance Board (WBB) in evaluating standing balance was analysed and compared with a laboratory‐graded force platform (FP). A 30‐s double limb standing test with open and closed eyes was performed by 28 individuals (12 male and 16 female, mean age = 23.8, SD = ±2.7 years). A simple method of acquisition of the centre of pressure (CoP) over time was applied to compare WBB and FP simultaneously on the same signal. User‐defined software was developed to obtain the CoP from WBB over time and the resulting related measures and graphical representations. The comparison of measures, such as sway path and maximum oscillations along the anterior–posterior and medial–lateral direction, obtained with the FP and the WBB shows that the latter, in conjunction with the user‐defined developed software, can be appropriate, considering prescribed limits, and an easy‐to‐use tool for evaluating standing balance.
Using statistical reasoning performance to reveal information parsing preferences in the mind
Authors: Brase Gary L.
Published: September 2014

Many cognitive tasks require the parsing of information into smaller, discrete units in order to enable effective information processing. This parsing can, broadly speaking, be done along either situationally ad hoc dimensions or done preferentially along ecologically and evolutionarily relevant dimensions. The present research systematically evaluates these two possibilities within a statistical reasoning context. While replicating results that appear to support the partition-edit-count hypothesis (that item parsing is equipotential, based on subtle linguistic cues), this result was found to be in large part due to confounds in the nature of the tasks rather than the partitioning manipulations (Experiment 1). Additionally, a frequency presentation of the same task not only eliminated the earlier confounds but also improved performance directly and as predicted by the alternative hypothesis (Experiment 2). Attempts to reintroduce a biasing partition frame (Experiment 3) and a process study of participants’ task representation (Experiment 4) also both failed to support the partition-edit-count hypothesis. These results favour an ecological rationality perspective and the associated frequency and individuation hypotheses regarding statistical reasoning (i.e., a privileged status for frequency representations to guide parsing of objects, events, and locations into easily countable units).
A mega recognition memory study of 2897 disyllabic words
Authors: Cortese Michael J. , McCarty Daniel P. , Schock Jocelyn
Published: September 2014

Following the studies by Cortese, Khanna, and Hacker (2010) on recognition memory for monosyllabic words, recognition memory estimates (e.g., hits, false alarms, hits minus false alarms) for 3000 disyllabic words were obtained from 120 subjects and 2897 of these words were analysed via multiple regression. Participants studied 30 lists of 50 words and were tested on 30 lists of 100 words. Of the subjects, 60 received a constant study time of 2000 ms per item and 60 studied items at their own pace. Specific predictor variables included log word frequency, word length, imageability, age of acquisition, orthographic similarity, and phonological similarity. The results were similar to those of Cortese et al. (2010). Specifically, in the analysis of hits minus false alarms, the entire set of predictor variables accounted for 34.9% of the variance. All predictor variables except phonological similarity were related to performance, with imageability, length, orthographic similarity and frequency all being strong predictors. These results are mostly compatible with the predictions made by single- and dual-process theories. However, across items hit rates were not correlated with false alarms. Given that most variables produced the standard mirror pattern, this latter outcome poses a major challenge for recognition memory theories.
Influence of biological kinematics on abstract concept processing
Authors: Badets Arnaud , Bidet-Ildei Christel , Pesenti Mauro
Published: September 2014

During a random number generation task, human beings tend to produce more small numbers than large numbers. However, this small number bias is modulated when motor behaviour, such as a turn of the head, is performed during the random number generation task. This result fits with the finding that number representation is linked to laterally oriented actions, with small- and large-magnitude numbers generally linked to movement towards the left or the right side of space, respectively. To test whether this number–space association is specific to human motor behaviours or extends to any type of laterally oriented movements, we assessed whether the presentation of biological or nonbiological leftward or rightward movement affected a subsequent random number generation task. Biological and nonbiological movements were obtained by varying the kinematic parameters of the movements. Biological kinematics represented the tangential velocity actually observed in a human pointing movement; nonbiological kinematics represented equivalent movements but with an inverse tangential velocity along the path. The results show that only the observation of biological movements induces a space–number bias whereas observing nonbiological movements does not. This finding is the first evidence of a link between a biological marker and the semantic representation of a concept as abstract as number.
Social event segmentation
Authors: Boggia Julia , Ristic Jelena
Published: September 2014

Humans are experts in understanding social environments. What perceptual and cognitive processes enable such competent evaluation of social information? Here we show that environmental content is grouped into units of “social perception”, which are formed automatically based on the attentional priority given to social information conveyed by eyes and faces. When asked to segment a clip showing a typical daily scenario, participants were remarkably consistent in identifying the boundaries of social events. Moreover, at those social event boundaries, participants' eye movements were reliably directed to actors' eyes and faces. Participants' indices of attention measured during the initial passive viewing, reflecting natural social behaviour, also showed a remarkable correspondence with overt social segmentation behaviour, reflecting the underlying perceptual organization. Together, these data show that dynamic information is automatically organized into meaningful social events on an ongoing basis, strongly suggesting that the natural comprehension of social content in daily life might fundamentally depend on this underlying grouping process.
Disease mutations in desmoplakin inhibit Cx43 membrane targeting mediated by desmoplakin–EB1 interactions
Authors: Patel Dipal M. , Dubash Adi D. , Kreitzer Geri , Green Kathleen J.
Published: September 2014

Mechanisms by which microtubule plus ends interact with regions of cell–cell contact during tissue development and morphogenesis are not fully understood. We characterize a previously unreported interaction between the microtubule binding protein end-binding 1 (EB1) and the desmosomal protein desmoplakin (DP), and demonstrate that DP–EB1 interactions enable DP to modify microtubule organization and dynamics near sites of cell–cell contact. EB1 interacts with a region of the DP N terminus containing a hotspot for pathogenic mutations associated with arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC). We show that a subset of AC mutations, in addition to a mutation associated with skin fragility/woolly hair syndrome, impair gap junction localization and function by misregulating DP–EB1 interactions and altering microtubule dynamics. This work identifies a novel function for a desmosomal protein in regulating microtubules that affect membrane targeting of gap junction components, and elucidates a mechanism by which DP mutations may contribute to the development of cardiac and cutaneous diseases.
Chromosome length and perinuclear attachment constrain resolution of DNA intertwines
Authors: Titos Iris , Ivanova Tsvetomira , Mendoza Manuel
Published: September 2014

To allow chromosome segregation, topoisomerase II (topo II) must resolve sister chromatid intertwines (SCI) formed during deoxynucleic acid (DNA) replication. How this process extends to the full genome is not well understood. In budding yeast, the unique structure of the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) array is thought to cause late SCI resolution of this genomic region during anaphase. In this paper, we show that chromosome length, and not the presence of rDNA repeats, is the critical feature determining the time of topo II–dependent segregation. Segregation of chromosomes lacking rDNA also requires the function of topo II in anaphase, and increasing chromosome length aggravates missegregation in topo II mutant cells. Furthermore, anaphase Stu2-dependent microtubule dynamics are critical for separation of long chromosomes. Finally, defects caused by topo II or Stu2 impairment depend on attachment of telomeres to the nuclear envelope. We propose that topological constraints imposed by chromosome length and perinuclear attachment determine the amount of SCI that topo II and dynamic microtubules resolve during anaphase.
Variation of Seed Mineral Concentrations in Seven Quinoa Cultivars Grown in Two Agroecological Sites
Authors: Prado Fernando E. , Fernández‐Turiel José L. , Tsarouchi Martha , Psaras George K. , González Juan A.
Published: September 2014

Variations in concentration and tissue distribution of mineral elements in seeds of seven quinoa cultivars from both a “natural” habitat (Patacamaya, Bolivia, 3,960 m above sea level) and a “nonnatural” habitat (Encalilla, Argentina, 1,980 m above sea level) were analyzed. Data clearly showed inter‐ and intravarietal differences in seed mineral concentrations between the two sites. Correlation analysis revealed that concentrations of major and minor dietary minerals as well as essential ultratrace elements of Encalilla seeds showed, in general, higher correlations with both seed protein and seed yield than did element concentrations of Patacamaya seeds. Results of scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy showed clearly differences in the contents of major mineral elements (calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur) in the pericarp and embryonic axis (cotyledon + radicle). Obtained data could indicate that genotype × environment interactions are responsible for mineral variations occurring in quinoa cultivars. Results can also be useful for developing mineral biofortification strategies for the world's poorest regions.
Suitability of Ontario‐Grown Hard and Soft Wheat Flour Blends for Noodle Making
Authors: Lu Zhanhui , Seetharaman Koushik
Published: September 2014

This study evaluated the blending of flours made from an Ontario hard red winter wheat (HWF) and an Ontario soft red winter wheat (SWF) and compared it with a commercial standard noodle flour (control) made from Canadian Western Hard Red Spring wheat to assess the impact on white salted noodle‐making performance and texture of cooked noodles. Flour characteristics, gluten aggregation, and starch pasting properties were assessed with a farinograph, GlutoPeak tester, and Rapid Visco Analyzer, respectively. The machinability of dough was evaluated with an SMS/Kieffer rig attached to a TA.XT Plus texture analyzer. Tensile and bite tests of cooked noodles were also conducted. Blending HWF with standard noodle flour decreased gluten strength and dough extensibility linearly proportional to the blend ratio, whereas a curvilinear response from blending SWF with standard noodle flour was observed. HWF demonstrated more favorable pasting properties except for lower peak viscosity for noodle making than standard noodle flour. Below a 20% blend ratio with HWF, no significant changes were seen on dough extensibility, cooking loss, tensile properties, and bite testing parameters of cooked noodles. It can be concluded that blending HWF up to a 20% level caused no significant change in the processing properties of dough and cooked noodle quality. The results also showed that the GlutoPeak tester is a sensitive tool for evaluating gluten strength in wheat flour.
The Genome of the Saprophytic Fungus Verticillium tricorpus Reveals a Complex Effector Repertoire Resembling That of Its Pathogenic Relatives
Authors: Seidl Michael F. , Faino Luigi , Shi-Kunne Xiaoqian , van den Berg Grardy C. M. , Bolton Melvin D. , Thomma Bart P. H. J.
Published: September 2014

Vascular wilts caused by Verticillium spp. are destructive plant diseases affecting hundreds of hosts. Only a few Verticillium spp. are causal agents of vascular wilt diseases, of which V. dahliae is the most notorious pathogen, and several V. dahliae genomes are available. In contrast, V. tricorpus is mainly known as a saprophyte and causal agent of opportunistic infections. Based on a hybrid approach that combines second and third generation sequencing, a near-gapless V. tricorpus genome assembly was obtained. With comparative genomics, we sought to identify genomic features in V. dahliae that confer the ability to cause vascular wilt disease. Unexpectedly, both species encode similar effector repertoires and share a genomic structure with genes encoding secreted proteins clustered in genomic islands. Intriguingly, V. tricorpus contains significantly fewer repetitive elements and an extended spectrum of secreted carbohydrate- active enzymes when compared with V. dahliae. In conclusion, we highlight the technical advances of a hybrid sequencing and assembly approach and show that the saprophyte V. tricorpus shares many hallmark features with the pathogen V. dahliae.
Emergence of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’-Infected Seed Potato in Relation to the Time of Infection
Authors: Rashed Arash , Workneh Fekede , Paetzold Li , Rush Charles M.
Published: September 2014

Zebra chip (ZC) is a disease of potato, putatively caused by the vectorborne bacterium ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’. Although ZC has been a major concern due its significant negative impact on both potato yield and quality, its effect on seed potato sprouting has been the subject of recent evaluations. The present study was conducted to determine whether variation in emergence is affected by the infection duration of ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’-infected seed potato prior to harvest. Furthermore, changes in pathogen detectability and titer levels in late-season-infected plants also were evaluated during and after cold storage. The rate of ZC-affected seed potato emergence following cold storage was not affected by the time of infection in the field, and the majority of ZC-infected tubers failed to sprout. Time to “seedling” emergence also was significantly longer in seed potato from plants infected ≥2 weeks before harvest. The small percentage of plants that emerged from ZC-affected seed potato produced stunted, nonvigorous plants that often died after a few weeks. The rate of successful ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ detection increased during cold storage, suggesting a continued ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’–tuber interaction postharvest. After tubers were removed from cold storage and held at room temperature, ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ titer started to increase. Although none of the tubers from plants infected 1 week before harvest exhibited any disease symptoms or tested positive for ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ at harvest, up to 38% of these tubers tested positive following placement at room temperature after cold storage. Results of this study suggest that the role of seedborne ZC in disease epidemiology is likely to be insignificant. Furthermore, the findings of this study emphasized the importance of continued control measures until at least a week before harvest, and highlighted the need for improved methods of ‘Ca. L. solanacearum’ detection at harvest, especially in tubers infected late in the season.
First Report of Cladosporium Leaf Spot of Spinach Caused by Cladosporium variabile in North Carolina
Authors: Scruggs A. C. , Butler S. C. , Quesada-Ocampo L. M.
Published: September 2014

Cladosporium leaf spot of spinach, caused by Cladosporium variabile, can result in significant economic losses in the United States (2). In March 2014, symptoms consistent with Cladosporium leaf spot (4) appeared on the spinach cultivar Tyee in a greenhouse located in Rowan County, NC. Of 1,080 spinach plants, 90 to 100% were infected. Symptoms consisted of small (1 to 3 mm in diameter), circular, tan lesions each outlined with a dark margin on the adaxial surface of the leaf. On severely infected foliage, lesions coalesced to produce relatively large necrotic regions. Profuse fungal sporulation was observed on the lesion surface with a dissecting microscope at 40× magnification. Using a dissecting microscope, conidia were collected with a sterile needle and transferred to petri plates containing potato dextrose agar. Plates were then incubated at 23 ± 2°C under continuous fluorescent light, and fungal growth was apparent after 24 h. Isolations from leaves of six infected plants produced slow-growing, dark green to brown fungal colonies that reached only 31 mm in diameter after 14 days, which is characteristic of C. variabile (4). Colonies contained dense masses of dematiaceous, septate, unbranched conidiophores with conidial chains, each containing up to five conidia. Conidia were ovate to elongate, with some being septate. The length of individual conidia ranged from 10 to 19 μm. Conidial septa were distinctly dark when observed at 100× magnification, which is a defining feature of C. variabile vs. the conidia of C. macrocarpum (4). The surface of the conidia appeared verrucose at 100× magnification, and conidia were each distinctly darkened toward the base. A single isolate obtained through single-spore transfer was used for DNA extraction, and the histone 3 (H3) gene sequence was amplified using the primers CYLH3F and CYLH3R (1). Sequence analysis of the amplified product using BLAST analysis indicated that the H3 sequences had 100% identity to that of a C. variabile isolate (GenBank Accession No. EF679710.1), and 99% identity to a C. macrocarpum isolate (EF679687.1). The H3 sequence from a representative isolate was deposited in GenBank (KJ769146). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Cladosporium leaf spot on spinach in North Carolina based on morphological evaluation and H3 sequencing results. C. variabile is a seedborne pathogen, so it is possible inoculum was introduced into the greenhouses in North Carolina on infected seed (3). Seeds can be treated with hot water or chlorine to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks caused by infected seed (2). Furthermore, Cladosporium leaf spot may be controlled with the use of fungicides (3).

References: (1) P. Crous et al. Stud. Mycol. 50:415, 2004. (2) L. J. du Toit and P. Hernandez-Perez. Plant Dis. 89:1305, 2005. (3) L. J. du Toit et al. Fung. Nemat. Tests 59:V115, 2004. (4) Schubert et al. Stud. Mycol. 58:105, 2007.
Characterizing the Genetic Diversity of the Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis Population in New York
Authors: Tancos Matthew A. , Lange Holly W. , Smart Christine D.
Published: September 2014

New York Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis isolates, collected from disparate bacterial canker of tomato outbreaks over the past 11 years, were characterized with a multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) scheme that differentiated the 51 isolates into 21 haplotypes with a discriminatory power of 0.944. The MLSA scheme consisted of five housekeeping genes (kdpA, sdhA, dnaA, ligA, and gyrB) and three putative pathogenicity genes (celA, tomA, and nagA). Repetitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR), with the BOX-A1R primer, confirmed the high diversity of C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis isolates in New York by demonstrating that all six PCR patterns (A, B, 13C, 65C, 81C, and D) were present, with PCR patterns C and A being the most common. The MLSA scheme provided higher resolving power than the current repetitive-PCR approach. The plasmid profiles of New York isolates were diverse and differed from reference strain NCPPB382. PCR analysis indicated that the presence of putative pathogenicity genes varied between isolates and highlighted the ephemeral nature of pathogenicity genes in field populations of C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis. Analysis of molecular variance between Serbian and New York C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis isolates demonstrated that the two populations were not significantly different, with 98% genetic variation within each population and only 2% genetic variation between populations.
Evolving mutation rate advances invasion speed of sexual species
Authors: Cobben Marleen M. P. , Kubisch Alexander
Published: September 2014

Many species are shifting their ranges in response to global climate change. The evolution of dispersal during range expansion increases invasion speed, provided that a species can adapt sufficiently fast to novel local conditions. Mutation rates can evolve too, under conditions that favor an increased rate of adaptation. However, evolution at the mutator gene has thus far been deemed of minor importance in sexual populations due to its dependence on genetic hitchhiking with a beneficial mutation at a gene under selection, and thus its sensitivity to recombination. Here we use an individual-based model to show that the mutator gene and the gene under selection can be effectively linked at the population level during invasion. This causes the evolutionary increase of mutation rates in sexual populations, even if they are not linked at the individual level. The observed evolution of mutation rate is adaptive and clearly advances range expansion both through its effect on the evolution of dispersal rate, and the evolution of local adaptation. In addition, we observe the evolution of mutation rates in a spatially stable population under strong directional selection, but not when we add variance to the mean selection pressure. By this we extend the existing theory on the evolution of mutation rates, which is generally thought to be limited to asexual populations, with possibly far-reaching consequences concerning invasiveness and the rate at which species can adapt to novel environmental conditions as experienced under global climate change.
General markers of conscious visual perception and their timing
Authors: Rutiku Renate , Aru Jaan , Tallinn Annika , Bachmann Talis
Published: September 2014

The goal of the present investigation was to identify reliable markers of conscious visual perception and to characterize their onset latency and its variability. To that end many visual stimuli from different categories were presented at near-threshold contrast and contrastive analyses were carried out on 100 balanced subsets of the data. N200 and P300 were the two reliable markers of conscious perception common to all perceived stimuli and absent for all non-perceived stimuli. The estimated mean onset latency for both markers was shortly after 200 ms. However, the onset latency of both of these markers of conscious perception showed considerable variability depending on which subsets of the data were considered. Some of this variability could be attributed to noise, but it was first and foremost the amplitude fluctuation in the condition without conscious perception that explained the variability in onset latencies of the markers of conscious perception. The present results help to understand why different studies have observed different onset times for the neural correlates of conscious perception. Moreover, the consciousness markers explored here have more generality as stimulus specificity was reduced.
Average genome size estimation enables accurate quantification of gene family abundance and sheds light on the functional ecology of the human microbiome
Authors: Nayfach Stephen , Pollard Katherine S.
Published: September 2014

Average genome size (AGS) is an important, yet often overlooked property of microbial communities. We developed MicrobeCensus to rapidly and accurately estimate AGS from short-read metagenomics data and applied our tool to over 1,300 human microbiome samples. We found that AGS differs significantly within and between body sites and tracks with major functional and taxonomic differences. For example, in the gut, AGS ranges from 2.5 to 5.8 megabases and is positively correlated with the abundance of Bacteroides and polysaccharide metabolism. Furthermore, we found that AGS variation can bias comparative analyses, and that normalization improves detection of differentially abundant genes.
Circulating CD36 and fractalkine levels are associated with vulnerable plaque progression in patients with unstable angina pectoris
Authors: Li Rui Jian , Yang Ming , Li Ji Fu , Xue Li , Chen Yu Guo , Chen Wen Qiang
Published: September 2014

The chemokine, fractalkine, independently enhances the vulnerability of coronary atherosclerotic plaques. The present study investigated the combined effects of CD36 and fractalkine on coronary plaque progression in patients with unstable angina pectoris. In the present study, 120 unstable angina pectoris patients undergoing coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound were divided into two groups: an intermediate lesion group (lumen diameter stenosis 50–70%, 80 patients) and a severe lesion group (at least one lesion with lumen diameter stenosis > 70%, 40 patients). The control group consisted of 40 healthy age‐ and sex‐matched subjects. Concentrations of CD36 and fractalkine were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Major adverse cardiovascular events were monitored over a 2‐year follow up. Intravascular ultrasound showed that patients with severe lesions had more calcified and mixed plaques, and a larger plaque area and plaque burden than patients with intermediate lesions (P < 0.05–0.01). More patients with severe lesions underwent stent deployment (P < 0.05) than those with intermediate lesions. CD36 and fractalkine concentrations were significantly higher in the severe lesion patients (P < 0.05), and both had significant positive correlations (P < 0.05) with the plaque burden of atherosclerotic lesions. Using the matched nested case–control study, we found that CD36 and fractalkine levels were higher in patients with recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events than controls (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CD36 and fractalkine both promote, and might synergistically enhance, the progression of coronary atherosclerotic plaques.
The impact of socioeconomic position on severe maternal morbidity outcomes among women in Australia: a national case–control study
Authors: Lindquist A , Noor N , Sullivan E , Knight M
Published: September 2014

Objective

Studies in other developed countries have suggested that socioeconomic position may be a risk factor for poorer pregnancy outcomes. This analysis aimed to explore the independent impact of socioeconomic position on selected severe maternal morbidities among women in Australia.

Design

A case–control study using data on severe maternal morbidities associated with direct maternal death collected through the Australasian Maternity Outcomes Surveillance System.

Setting

Australia.

Population

623 cases, 820 controls.

Methods

Logistic regression analysis to investigate differences in outcomes among different socioeconomic groups, classified by Socio‐Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) quintile.

Main outcome measures

Severe maternal morbidity (amniotic fluid embolism, placenta accreta, peripartum hysterectomy, eclampsia or pulmonary embolism).

Results

SEIFA quintile was statistically significantly associated with maternal morbidity, with cases being twice as likely as controls to reside in the most disadvantaged areas (adjusted OR 2.00, 95%CI 1.29–3.10). Maternal age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.20 for women aged 35 or over compared with women aged 25–29, 95%CI 1.64–3.15] and previous pregnancy complications (aOR 1.30, 95%CI 1.21–1.87) were significantly associated with morbidity. A parity of 1 or 2 was protective (aOR 0.58, 95%CI 0.43–0.79), whereas previous caesarean delivery was associated with maternal morbidity (aOR 2.20 for women with one caesarean delivery, 95%CI 1.44–2.85, compared with women with no caesareans).

Conclusion

The risk of severe maternal morbidity among women in Australia is significantly increased by social disadvantage. This study suggests that future efforts in improving maternity care provision and maternal outcomes in Australia should include socioeconomic position as an independent risk factor for adverse outcome.
Experiences, utilisation and outcomes of maternity care in England among women from different socio‐economic groups: findings from the 2010 National Maternity Survey
Authors: Lindquist A , Kurinczuk JJ , Redshaw M , Knight M
Published: September 2014

Objective

The objective of this analysis was to explore the healthcare‐seeking behaviours and experiences of maternity care among women from different socio‐economic groups in order to improve understanding of why socially disadvantaged women have poorer maternal health outcomes in the UK.

Design

Secondary analysis of a national survey of women conducted 3 months after they had given birth.

Setting

England.

Sample

A total of 5332 women.

Methods

Logistic regression analysis to investigate differences in outcomes among different socio‐economic groups, classified by the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD).

Main outcome measures

Healthcare‐seeking behaviours, outcomes and experiences of maternity care.

Results

With each increase in IMD quintile (decrease in socio‐economic position), women were shown to be 25% (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.75; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.63–0.90) less likely to have had any antenatal care and 15% (aOR 0.85; 95% CI 0.80–0.90) less likely to have had a routine postnatal check‐up. They were 4% (aOR 1.04; 95% CI 0.99–1.10) more likely to have had an antenatal hospital admission, 7% (aOR 1.07; 95% CI 0.99–1.16) more likely to have been transferred during labour and 4% (aOR 1.04; 95% CI 0.99–1.09) more likely to have had a caesarean birth, although these results were not statistically significant. With decreasing socio‐economic position women were more likely to report that they were not treated respectfully or spoken to in a way they could understand by doctors and midwives.

Conclusions

This analysis suggests the need for a focusing of professionals and services towards pregnant women from lower socio‐economic groups and more targeted maternal public health education towards socially disadvantaged women.
The Journey through Grief: Insights from a Qualitative Study of Electronic Health Record Implementation
Authors: McAlearney Ann Scheck , Hefner Jennifer L. , Sieck Cynthia J. , Huerta Timothy R.
Published: September 2014

Objective

To improve understanding of facilitators of EHR system implementation, paying particular attention to opportunities to maximize physician adoption and effective deployment.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Primary data collected from 47 physician and 35 administrative key informants from six U.S. health care organizations identified because of purported success with EHR implementation.

Study Design

We conducted interviews and focus groups in an extensive qualitative study.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Verbatim transcripts were analyzed both deductively and inductively using the constant comparative method.

Principal Findings

Conceptualizing EHR adoption as loss through the lens of Kübler‐Ross's five stages of grief model may help individuals and organizations more effectively orient to the challenge of change. Coupled with Kotter's eight‐step change management framework, we offer a structure to facilitate organizations' movement through the EHR implementation journey. Combining insights from these frameworks, we identify 10 EHR strategies that can help address EHR implementation barriers.

Conclusions

Loss is one part of change often overlooked. Addressing it directly and compassionately can potentially facilitate the EHR implementation journey. We offer a summarized list of deployment strategies that are sensitive to these issues to support physician transition to new technologies that will bring value to clinical practice.
Chemical Acylation of Water‐Soluble Antioxidant of Bamboo Leaves (AOB‐w) and Functional Evaluation of Oil‐Soluble AOB (cAOB‐o)
Authors: Liu Lingyi , Xia Boneng , Jin Cheng , Zhang Yu , Zhang Ying
Published: September 2014

Antioxidant of bamboo leaves (AOB) is a novel natural food antioxidant approved in China since 2004. Natural phenolics contained in the current AOB are usually polyhydroxy derivatives exhibiting hydrophilic character, which has been marked as water‐soluble AOB (AOB‐w). In order to broaden the application fields, oil‐soluble AOB (cAOB‐o) was obtained by chemical acylation of AOB‐w with different chain‐length fatty acids varying from C8 to C18. Results indicated that the yield and solubility of cAOB‐o in 1‐octanol solvent depended on the carbon chain length of acyl donor, and cAOB‐o derived from C12 fatty acid exhibited the more powerful antioxidant activity evaluated by β‐carotene/linoleic acid bleaching assay. Total phenolic content decreased by Folin–Ciocalteu assay. Fourier transform infrared spectra showed the increase of a carbonyl (C = O) peak at 1701 cm−1 and a decrease in the intensity of the absorption at 3400 cm−1 (O‐H stretching) in cAOB‐o. Acylation was inferred to mainly occur on the hydroxyl groups of flavones C‐glycosides according to the change of high‐performance liquid chromatography spectra and the contents of total flavonoids and phenolic acids. cAOB‐o with the addition of 0.02% significantly increased oxidative stability of palm oil 1.59 times, lard 3.74 times, and fried potato chips 2.08 times, which was better than the effect of oil‐soluble tea polyphenol (P < 0.01). Moreover, cAOB‐o was identified to be actually nontoxicity by an acute oral toxicity test. All the above results indicated that cAOB‐o could be used as a novel and effective oil‐soluble antioxidant in the food industry.
Influence of Aging Process on the Bioactive Components and Antioxidant Activity of Ginseng (Panax ginseng L.)
Authors: Bae Hyun Jung , Chung Soo Im , Lee Sang Chul , Kang Mi Young
Published: September 2014

The effects of aging process on the ginsenosides and antioxidant activity of ginseng was investigated. Fresh ginseng roots were aged in oven at 70 or 80 °C for 7, 14, 21, or 28 d. Their ginsenosides, phenolics, and antioxidant activity were analyzed. Ginseng aged at 80 °C for 14 d exhibited the highest amounts of total saponins and phenolics. It also showed markedly higher free radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and ferrous ion chelating ability than the other aged ginsengs. The ginsenosides Rb1, Rb3, Rg3, Re, Rg1, and Rg2 were generated during aging. The Rg2 was the most abundant ginsenoside in aged ginseng, with samples treated at 80 °C for 14 d having the highest amount. These findings provide the first evidence that aging, particularly at 80 °C for 14 d, could increase the bioactive compounds, indicating that this heating process may be useful in enhancing the biological activity of ginseng.
Characterization of Gram‐Negative Psychrotrophic Bacteria isolated from Italian Bulk Tank Milk
Authors: Decimo Marilù , Morandi Stefano , Silvetti Tiziana , Brasca Milena
Published: September 2014

Eighty psychrotrophic bacterial strains, isolated from different northwest Italian bulk tank milks destined for Grana Padano cheese production, were identified by 16S rRNA gene amplification and partial sequence analysis of the rpoB gene. Pseudomonas spp. were the most commonly occurring contaminants, P. fluorescens being the predominant isolated species, along with Enterobacteriaceae, primarily Serratia marcescens. RAPD‐PCR was used to study genetic variability and distinguish closely related strains; a high degree of genetic heterogeneity among the strains was highlighted. All the strains were characterized for their ability to produce proteases, lipases and lecithinases at different temperatures (7, 22, and 30 °C). Forty‐one of the psychrotrophic strains were positive for all the enzymatic activities. The highest number of positive strains for all the incubation temperatures was found for lipolytic activity (59), followed by proteolytic (31) and lecithinase (28) activities, and the enzymatic traits varied among the Pseudomonas and Enterobacteriaceae strains. The proteolytic psychrotrophic strains were screened for the presence of the aprX gene, coding for a heat‐resistant metalloprotease in Pseudomonas spp. The aprX gene was detected in 19 of 63 Pseudomonas strains, and was widespread in the P. fluorescens strains (14/19).
Stability of Cardamom (Elettaria Cardamomum) Essential Oil in Microcapsules Made of Whey Protein Isolate, Guar Gum, and Carrageenan
Authors: Mehyar Ghadeer F. , Al‐Isamil Khalid M. , Al‐Ghizzawi Hana'a M. , Holley Richard A.
Published: September 2014

The effects of microencapsulating cardamom essential oil (CEO) in whey protein isolate (WPI) alone and combined with guar gum (GG) and carrageen (CG) on microencapsulation efficiency, oil chemical stability, and microcapsule structure were investigated. Freeze‐dried microcapsules were prepared from emulsions containing (w/w): 15% and 30% WPI; 0.1% GG, and 0.2% CG as wall materials with CEO (at 10% of polymer concentration) as core material, and physical properties and chemical stability were compared. Bulk density of microcapsules was highest in WPI without GG or CG and in 30% WPI + GG microcapsules, and was more affected by moisture content (r = −0.6) than by mean particle diameter (d43; r = −0.2) and span (r = 0.1). Microcapsules containing only WPI had the highest entrapped oil (7.5%) and microencapsulation efficiency (98.5%). The concentrations of 1,8‐cineole and d‐limonene were used as indicators for microcapsule chemical stability since they were the main components of CEO. Microcapsules retained higher (P ≤ 0.05) concentrations of both components than non‐microencapsulated CEO during 16 wk storage at 20 ºC, but higher loss of both components was noted at 35 ºC. Microencapsulated d‐limonene was reduced faster than 1,8‐cineole regardless of temperature. The 30% WPI and 30% WPI + GG microcapsules retained CEO best throughout storage at both storage temperatures. Scanning electron micrographs revealed that WPI microcapsules had smooth surfaces, were relatively homogenous and regular in shape, whereas GG and CG addition increased visual surface porosity and reduced shape regularity. It was concluded that the best formulation for encapsulating CEO was 30% WPI.
Construction of a chimeric lysin Ply187N‐V12C with extended lytic activity against staphylococci and streptococci
Authors: Dong Qiuhua , Wang Jing , Yang Hang , Wei Cuihua , Yu Junping , Zhang Yun , Huang Yanling , Zhang Xian‐En , Wei Hongping
Published: September 2014

Developing chimeric lysins with a wide lytic spectrum would be important for treating some infections caused by multiple pathogenic bacteria. In the present work, a novel chimeric lysin (Ply187N‐V12C) was constructed by fusing the catalytic domain (Ply187N) of the bacteriophage lysin Ply187 with the cell binding domain (146‐314aa, V12C) of the lysin PlyV12. The results showed that the chimeric lysin Ply187N‐V12C had not only lytic activity similar to Ply187N against staphylococcal strains but also extended its lytic activity to streptococci and enterococci, such as Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis, which Ply187N could not lyse. Our work demonstrated that generating novel chimeric lysins with an extended lytic spectrum was feasible through fusing a catalytic domain with a cell‐binding domain from lysins with lytic spectra across multiple genera.
Effects of anxiety sensitivity on alcohol problems: evaluating chained mediation through generalized anxiety, depression and drinking motives
Authors: Allan Nicholas P. , Albanese Brian J. , Norr Aaron M. , Zvolensky Michael J. , Schmidt Norman B.
Published: September 2014

Aims

To test whether the relations between anxiety sensitivity (AS), a transdiagnostic risk factor, and alcohol problems are explained by chained mediation models, from AS through anxiety or depressive symptoms then drinking motives in an at‐risk sample. It was hypothesized that AS would influence alcohol problems through generalized anxiety or depression symptoms and then through negatively reinforced drinking motives (i.e. drinking to cope with negative affect and drinking to conform).

Design

Cross‐sectional single‐ and chained‐mediation models were tested.

Setting

Self‐report measures were completed in clinics at Florida State University and the University of Vermont, USA.

Participants

Participants consisted of 523 adult daily cigarette smokers [mean age = 37.23, standard deviation (SD) = 13.53; 48.6% female].

Measurements

As part of a larger battery of self‐report measures, participants completed self‐report measures of AS, generalized anxiety, depression, drinking motives and alcohol problems.

Findings

Chained mediation was found from AS to alcohol problems through generalized anxiety then through drinking to cope with negative affect [B = 0.04, 90% confidence interval (CI) = 0.004, 0.10)]. Chained mediation was also found from AS to alcohol problems through depression then through drinking to cope with negative affect (B = 0.11, 90% CI = 0.05, 0.21) and, separately, through socially motivated drinking (B = 0.05, 90% CI = 0.003, 0.11).

Conclusions

Anxiety sensitivity and alcohol problems are indirectly related through several intervening variables, such as through generalized anxiety or depression and then through drinking to cope with negative affect.