bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of processing time on the quality of dry-cured ham obtained from a native pig breed (Chato Murciano)
Authors: Salazar Eva , Abellán Adela , Cayuela José M. , Poto Ángel , Girón Francisco , Zafrilla Pilar , Tejada Luis
Published: January 2014

The compositional and sensory parameters of Chato Murciano dry-cured ham at different ripening times (14, 18, 22 and 24 months of processing) were studied. A sensory consumer study of dry-cured ham with a short ripening stage (14 months of processing) and a similar ham with a long ripening stage (22 months of processing) was carried out. Dry-cured hams remained in the ripening stage at 18−20°C and 70–75% relative humidity. The different processing times studied had no effect on the ash, intramuscular fat, sodium chloride and protein contents of the final ham, but significantly affected the moisture (P < 0.05) and saturated (P < 0.01) and monounsaturated (P < 0.05) fatty acid contents. Sensory analysis showed that processing time enhanced redness, fat colour, all of the odour and flavour traits studied, and all the texture traits except juiciness. In the taste profile, only saltiness showed a significant increase. However, sensory changes were only significant up to 22 months of processing (for most of the parameters), the resulting ham showing higher level of consumer preference and acceptability than dry-cured ham with the shorter ripening. Based on these results, it is recommended that an appropriate processing time to obtain a high-quality Chato Murciano dry-cured ham is 22 months.
Exogenous γ-tocotrienol promotes preimplantation development and improves the quality of porcine embryos
Authors: Lee Enok , Min Sung-Hun , Song Bong-Seok , Yeon Ji-Yeong , Kim Jin-Woo , Bae Jung-Ho , Park Soo-Yong , Lee Yong-Hee , Kim Sun-Uk , Lee Dong-Seok , Chang Kyu-Tae , Koo Deog-Bon
Published: January 2014

γ-tocotrienol (GTT), an isomer of vitamin E, has been the subject of increasing interest due to its strong anti-oxidant effects. Therefore, in this study, the effects of GTT on blastocyst development, expression levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptotic index were investigated in preimplantation porcine embryos. After in vitro maturation and fertilisation, porcine embryos were cultured for 6 days in porcine zygote medium 3 supplemented with or without GTT (200 μM) under oxidative stress conditions (200 μM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)). Blastocyst development was significantly improved in the GTT-treated group when compared with the H2O2-treated group (P < 0.05). Subsequent evaluation of the intracellular levels of ROS and numbers of apoptotic nuclei in GTT-treated blastocysts revealed that ROS levels of GTT-treated porcine blastocysts were decreased (P < 0.05) and the numbers of apoptotic nuclei were reduced by GTT treatment in porcine embryos. Moreover, the total cell numbers of blastocysts were significantly increased in the GTT-treated group relative to the untreated group under H2O2-induced oxidative stress (P < 0.05). The expression levels of apoptosis-related genes (BCL-XL, BAX) in GTT-treated blastocysts were then investigated using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Expression of the anti-apoptotic BCL-XL gene was shown to be increased in the GTT-treated blastocyst group, whereas expression of the pro-apoptotic BAX gene was decreased. Taken together, these results suggest that GTT (200 μM) under H2O2-induced oxidative stress, thereby improving the developmental competence of porcine embryos via modulation of intracellular levels of ROS and the apoptotic index during the preimplantation stage.
Quantifying the woody component of savanna vegetation along a density gradient in the Kalahari Bushveld: a comparison of two adapted point-centered quarter methods
Authors: Dreber Niels , Harmse Christiaan J. , Götze Albie , Trollope Winston S. W. , Kellner Klaus
Published: January 2014

Bush encroachment is a serious problem in savanna rangelands of southern Africa. There is a strong interest in practical and reliable assessment methods to quantify related vegetation changes in the woody layer such as the widely applied point-centred quarter (PCQ) methods. Several variations of these distance methods exist but their results differ due to differences in sampling effort and methodological accuracy. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of two recently developed adapted PCQ methods. These methods were used to estimate density, productivity and diversity of the woody layer of a semiarid savanna along a degradation gradient in the Kalahari rangelands. It was found that both adapted PCQ methods (APCQ10 and APCQ20, with the APCQ20 method using less recording points but a larger sampling area and higher sampling intensity per recording point) provided similar results for density, phytomass, available browse and browsing capacity in open, dense and encroached savanna types. Significant differences between the methods were obtained in differentiating height classes, which were, however, largely restricted to the woody layer above 2 m in open savanna types. There, applying the APCQ20 method avoided an under-sampling of larger shrubs and trees and increased precision in data assessment. This was confirmed by a better representation of species frequency distributions, as well as the density, phytomass and diversity status of the woody layer. These differences disappeared as the woody vegetation became denser with the APCQ10 method providing similar results to that of the APCQ20 method in densely vegetated and encroached savanna types. From a practical point of view, the APCQ10 method has a range of advantages in dense vegetation, where restricted movement impedes effective data collection. It is concluded that the APCQ20 method should be used to quantify open savanna communities, whereas the APCQ10 method is more suitable in dense stands of >1200 tree equivalents ha–1. Overall, the two APCQ methods were effective for assessing and monitoring woody savanna layers for management purposes but, for research, their accuracy still needs to be investigated in comparison to other assessment methods.
Heavy Episodic Drinking is a Trait-State: A Cautionary Note
Authors: Mushquash Aislin R. , Sherry Simon B. , Mackinnon Sean P. , Mushquash Christopher J. , Stewart Sherry H.
Published: January 2014

Background

Heavy episodic (binge) drinking is common in and problematic for undergraduates. Researchers often assume that an individual's heavy episodic drinking is stable and trait-like. However, this fails to consider fluctuating, state-like variation in heavy episodic drinking. This study proposes and tests a novel conceptualization of heavy episodic drinking as a trait-state wherein the contribution of both trait-like stability and state-like fluctuations are quantified. It was hypothesized that heavy episodic drinking is a trait-state such that individuals have trait-like tendencies to engage in heavy episodic drinking, and state-like differences in the expression of this tendency over time.

Methods

A sample of 114 first-year undergraduates from a Canadian university completed self-report measures of heavy episodic drinking at 3 time points across 130 days. Hypotheses were tested with repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), test-retest correlations, and generalizability theory analyses.

Results

A substantial proportion of the variance in heavy episodic drinking is attributable to trait-like stability, with a smaller proportion attributable to state-like fluctuations.

Conclusions

The heavy episodic drinker seems characterized by a stable, trait-like tendency to drink in a risky manner, and this trait-like tendency seems to fluctuate in degree of expression over time. Findings complement research suggesting that people have trait-like predispositions that increase their risk for heavy episodic drinking. However, despite this stable tendency to drink heavily, the frequency of heavy episodic drinking appears to be at least partly sporadic or situation dependent. These findings serve as a caution to alcohol researchers and clinicians who often assume that a single assessment of heavy episodic drinking captures a person's usual drinking behavior.
Leg stiffness decreases during a run to exhaustion at the speed at O2max
Authors: Hayes Philip R. , Caplan Nicholas
Published: January 2014

Vertical and leg stiffness are related to running speed. In endurance running, the ability to maintain stiffness might be more important than the absolute stiffness magnitude. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in vertical and leg stiffness during an exhaustive. Six sub‐elite runners (24.2, s = 4.2 years; 1.81, s = 0.03 m; 73.4, s = 4.4 kg) participated in this study. They performed preliminary tests to determine lactate threshold, lactate turnpoint, O2max, sO2max and a series of isokinetic endurance tests. During the run to exhaustion runners were videoed (50 Hz) to determine contact and flight times, from which leg (Kleg) and vertical (Kvert) stiffness were calculated. During the run Kleg showed a significant decrease [P = 0.030, effect size statistics (ES) = 0.74], however, the decrease in Kvert was non‐significant and of a small magnitude (P = 0.051, ES = 0.32). The distance covered during the run was correlated with ΔKleg (r = −0.868) but not ΔKvert (r = 0.684). ΔKleg was very strongly related to Δ ground contact time (r = −0.937) and Δ step length (r = −0.957). The Δ ground contact time had a near perfect relationship with Δ step length (r = 0.995). Isokinetic measures were not significantly correlated with either ΔKleg. The ability to maintain a short ground contact time appears to be a key determinant of maintaining performance during a run to exhaustion. Minimising this is important for maintaining Kleg. Kleg was not significantly related to isokinetic measures.
Homological approach to the Hernandez-Leclerc construction and quiver varieties
Authors: Cerulli Irelli Giovanni , Feigin Evgeny , Reineke Markus
Published: January 2014

In a previous paper the authors have attached to each Dynkin quiver an associative algebra. The definition is categorical and the algebra is used to construct desingularizations of arbitrary quiver Grassmannians. In the present paper we prove that this algebra is isomorphic to an algebra constructed by Hernandez-Leclerc defined combinatorially and used to describe certain graded Nakajima quiver varieties. This approach is used to get an explicit realization of the orbit closures of representations of Dynkin quivers as affine quotients.
On the vanishing rate of smooth CR functions
Authors: Della Sala Giuseppe , Lamel Bernhard
Published: January 2014

Let

M
M

be a lineally convex hypersurface of

C

n

\mathbb C^n

of finite type,

0
∈
M

0\in M

. Then there exist non-trivial smooth CR functions on

M
M

that are flat at

0
0

, i.e. whose Taylor expansion about

0
0

vanishes identically. Our aim is to characterize the rate at which flat CR functions can decrease without vanishing identically. As it turns out, non-trivial CR functions cannot decay arbitrarily fast, and a possible way of expressing the critical rate is by comparison with a suitable exponential of the modulus of a local peak function.
Host Defenses Associated with Fruit Infection by Colletotrichum Species with an Emphasis on Anthracnose of Blueberries
Authors: Miles Timothy D. , Schilder Annemiek C.
Published: January 2014

Defense mechanisms in fruit against invasion by fungal pathogens fall into several categories, including fruit physiological factors, passive defense responses, and active defense responses. Colletotrichum spp. are common fruit rot pathogens on a variety of crops. The infection strategy of Colletotrichum pp. varies depending upon the host and the tissue type being colonized and range from hemibiotrophy to necrotrophy. Anthracnose fruit rot caused by C. acutatum is the most important postharvest disease of blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum). In order to better understand host resistance mechanisms in blueberry fruits, the resistant cultivar Elliott was compared with the susceptible cultivar Jersey. Higher levels of hydrogen peroxide and differentially expressed defense-related genes were found in ‘Elliott’ than in ‘Jersey’ fruit after inoculation. Furthermore, higher levels of anthocyanins and flavonols, including two distinctive compounds, were observed in Elliott fruits and two unique flavonols were present in Elliott. Additionally, pH and sugar content were implicated as being involved in host resistance in blueberry fruits. The results from these studies provide a significant contribution to the understanding of the multiple factors that contribute to anthracnose fruit rot resistance in blueberry.

Accepted for publication 15 August 2013. Published 25 November 2013.
On productivity differential of export composition: evidence from India
Authors: Debnath Avijit , Roy Niranjan , Dasgupta Priyanka , Mazumder Nazira
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to analyse the relationship between exports and non-export gross domestic product (GDP) in the context of Indian economy during 1988-2012. It considers export both at aggregate and disaggregated levels to examine whether export-led growth (ELG) hypothesis is sensitive to types of goods India exports.

Design/methodology/approach

– The OLS-based autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model has been employed to analyse the potential long-run equilibrium relationship. Further, the error correction model within the ARDL framework is applied to examine the short-run and long-run causal relationship between non-export GDP, export and other variables. The study is based on secondary data.

Findings

– The study indicates that at aggregate level, exports do not have any significant impact on output of non-export sector, and therefore, it is maintained that ELG hypothesis is not valid at aggregate level in India; when the authors disaggregate exports into merchandise and services exports, the latter has been found to have positive spillover effects on non-export sector of the economy. However, the association between merchandise export and non-export GDP is found to be statistically insignificant. When the authors further disaggregated merchandise exports, the authors observed that primary-product export has a negative association with non-export GDP, but export of manufacturing products found to have a significant positive impact on non-export GDP. Finally, export of petroleum product shows a negative long-run association with non-export GDP, but the association is statistically insignificant.

Originality/value

– It is not the case that India can simply increase its exportsper seand be sure of witnessing economic growth, but instead it is the composition and the concentration of these exports that matters.
The sustainability of trade accounts of the ASEAN-5 countries
Authors: Olaolu Richard Olayeni , Kumar Tiwari Aviral
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The present study aims to analyse the sustainability of the trade deficits in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-5 countries using panel framework during the period from 1965 to 2011.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper applied a battery of first- and second-generation panel unit root tests and Pedroni's, Kao and Chiang's, Westerlund, and Di Iorio and Fachin cointegration tests to achieve the objective.

Findings

– The paper found the evidence of sustainable trade deficit in ASEAN-5 countries while utilizing panel unit root tests as well as panel cointegration tests.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings have important macroeconomic policies implication for ASEAN-5 countries that these policies had been effective in leading exports and imports to long-run steady-state equilibrium relationship among the ASEAN-5 countries.

Originality/value

– The main contribution of the paper is to show that the macroeconomic policies of ASEAN-5 countries had been effective in leading exports and imports to long-run steady-state equilibrium relationship. To the authors' best knowledge, in this area, this is the first study in the panel framework for ASEAN countries.
Problematizing Goldman Sachs: indoctrination, paradigm shift and revolving doors
Authors: Bazin Yoann
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this article is to open a dialogue between several books written on Goldman Sachs and the academic literature.

Design/methodology/approach

– Greg Smith's “Why I Left Goldman Sachs” and the French investigation of Marc Roche entitled “THE Bank: How Goldman Sachs Rules the World” are closely studied to identify recurring topics regarding the investment bank.

Findings

– Three major dynamics are identified: the intense socialisation that every new employee encounters (almost an indoctrination), the cultural paradigm shift that Goldman Sachs underwent during the 1990s and 2000s and the intensity of the revolving doors between Goldman Sachs' managers and the public regulatory sector.

Originality/value

– Focusing on revolving door dynamics, this article opens a dialogue with the academic literature allowing for a problematization: the constant circulation of personnel between regulatory institutions and regulated organisations generates a convergence of actors' habitus that weakens regulation as a whole.
Carbon and phosphorus linkages in Daphnia growth are determined by growth rate, not species or diet
Authors: Hood James M. , Sterner Robert W.
Published: January 2014

Ecological stoichiometry provides a framework for understanding how fitness relates to acquisition and use of elements. This framework predicts a trade‐off between the ability to grow quickly under good food conditions and to minimize growth depression on low‐phosphorus (P) diets. These traits should both be related in some way to organism P content, a commonly used proxy of P demand.

Previous tests using Daphnia species did not consistently support this prediction, whereas comparisons made across genera or higher taxonomic groups did. One explanation could be that body P content measured at one point in time is a poor indicator of P demand for growth over an interval.

We measured the rate of both mass and phosphorus gain of seven Daphnia species under contrasting food conditions, including low‐ and high‐P algal diets.

Similar to other studies, we found no significant relationship between body P content and maximum growth rate or sensitivity to P limitation. On the other hand, Carbon (C) and P specific growth rates were linearly related (R2 = 0·83) to all treatments and species with a positive intercept and slope less than one. This relationship indicates that rapid growth does require high‐P accrual as predicted by the growth rate hypothesis. These results reveal a fundamental and unexpected relationship between growth and P demand that transcends species and diets.

C and P coupling in growth represents an alternative measure of P demand that confirms theoretical predictions concerning maximum growth rate, sensitivity to P limitation and P demand as well as revealing unpredicted linkages between P demand and the degree of stoichiometric homeostasis. The straight line coupling of C and P in growth represents a new framework for understanding C and P linkages that does not assume strict homeostasis, but does allow generalization across species and diets.
Chemical ecology of fruit defence: synergistic and antagonistic interactions among amides from Piper
Authors: Whitehead Susan R. , Bowers M. D.
Published: January 2014

Although ripe, fleshy fruits function primarily to attract seed dispersers, they must also be defended against diverse communities of seed predators and pathogens. For some plants, the concentration and diversity of secondary metabolites in fruits can exceed that of leaves and other plant parts, but little is known about the functional significance of the suites of compounds found in fruits. Fruit secondary metabolites may function in defence, or they may play a variety of other roles in seed development and dispersal.

In this study, we conducted a series of experiments to test the effects of amides, a highly diverse class of secondary metabolites found in Piper fruits, on a variety of antagonistic fruit pests, including an insect seed predator (Sibaria englemani, Pentatomidae) and three unidentified species of fungi isolated from ripe Piper reticulatum (Piperaceae) fruits. We tested the effects of amide‐rich extracts from unripe and ripe fruits of P. reticulatum and the effects of two pure compounds, piperine and piplartine, presented alone and in combination.

Amide‐rich extracts from unripe and ripe fruits had no effect on insect feeding preferences, but strong negative effects on fungal growth rates. A comparison of the relative bioactivity of unripe and ripe fruit extracts, controlling for concentration, showed that the specific composition of compounds in unripe fruits provides a more effective defence than that of ripe fruits against two of the three fungal species tested.

Pure amides had variable effects on insect feeding preferences and strong negative effects on fungal growth rates. Tests of the bioactivity of two pure amides, presented alone and in combination, showed that the same two compounds can interact either synergistically or antagonistically in mixtures depending on the particular consumer involved.

Together, these results suggest that the secondary metabolites in fruits may be a key characteristic contributing to fruit defence and plant reproductive success. Specifically, our results emphasize: (i) the potential for slight changes in the composition of mixtures to alter the efficacy of defence; and (ii) the potential for complex interactions among compounds in mixtures that can alter the bioactivity of secondary metabolites differentially among different consumers.
Landscape configuration of crops and hedgerows drives local syrphid fly abundance
Authors: Haenke Sebastian , Kovács‐Hostyánszki Anikó , Fründ Jochen , Batáry Péter , Jauker Birgit , Tscharntke Teja , Holzschuh Andrea
Published: January 2014

Human‐dominated landscapes are characterized by a mosaic of natural and managed ecosystems, affecting arthropod communities on different spatial scales. Effective landscape management for functionally important organisms suffers from little understanding of organism spillover between semi‐natural habitats and adjacent crops, and of how it is affected by the surrounding landscape.

We examined syrphid abundance (Diptera: Syrphidae) in three types of linear semi‐natural habitats, differing in connectedness to annual crops and forest [forest edges (n = 12), forest‐connected hedges (n = 11) and isolated hedges (n = 12)], as well as in the adjacent oilseed rape or winter wheat fields (i.e. altogethern = 70 sites in 35 landscapes). The landscape circles with 1 km radius around the study sites differed in the proportion of oilseed rape (ranging from 0% to 35% oilseed rape) enabling us to test landscape‐scale effects of oilseed rape.

Aphidophagous syrphids were more abundant in forest‐connected hedgerows than in forest edges (with isolated hedges being intermediate), and more abundant in crop fields adjacent to hedgerows than adjacent to forest edges, indicating spillover from semi‐natural habitats to the adjacent crop fields. Aphidophagous syrphid abundance was higher in semi‐natural habitats adjacent to oilseed rape fields than adjacent to wheat fields if the proportion of oilseed rape in the landscape was low (indicating local concentration).

Synthesis and applications. This study highlights the potential of hedgerows to enhance the abundances of beneficial syrphids and their spillover to adjacent crop fields, especially when they are connected with forests. We provide evidence that this local exchange is moderated by the extent of mass‐flowering crops in the surrounding landscapes due to local concentration. Therefore, measurements for the improvement in local biological functioning should be evaluated by simultaneously investigating local and regional aspects of crop configurations to allow for region‐specific management recommendations. Increasing the total amount of hedgerows in the agricultural matrix under moderate landscape‐scale proportions of mass‐flowering crops may serve best for the conservation of biodiversity and augmentation of important ecosystem services such as biological control and pollination in landscapes dominated by agricultural cultivations.
Evidence for a simplicity principle: teaching common complex grapheme‐to‐phonemes improves reading and motivation in at‐risk readers
Authors: Chen Victoria , S. Savage Robert
Published: January 2014

This study examines the effects of teaching common complex grapheme‐to‐phoneme correspondences (GPCs) on reading and reading motivation for at‐risk readers using a randomised control trial design with taught intervention and control conditions. One reading programme taught children complex GPCs ordered by their frequency of occurrence in children's texts (a ‘simplicity principle’). The other reading programme taught children word usage. Thirty‐eight students participated in the 9‐week programme of 30 supplemental small group sessions. Participants in the complex GPC group performed significantly better at post‐tests with generally large value‐added effect sizes (Cohen's d) at both by‐participant and by‐item for spelling, d = 1.85, d = 1.16; word recognition with words containing taught GPCs, d = 0.96, d = 0.95; word recognition, d = 0.79, d = 0.61, and reading motivation, d = 0.34, d = 0.56. These findings suggest that the simplicity principle aids in structuring maximally effective supplemental phonic interventions.
Marfan syndrome and pregnancy: maternal and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Curry RA , Gelson E , Swan L , Dob D , Babu‐Narayan SV , Gatzoulis MA , Steer PJ , Johnson MR
Published: January 2014

Objective

To report outcomes in a recent series of pregnancies in women with Marfan syndrome (MFS).

Design

Retrospective case note review.

Setting

Tertiary referral unit (Chelsea and Westminster and Royal Brompton Hospitals).

Sample

Twenty‐nine pregnancies in 21 women with MFS between 1995 and 2010.

Methods

Multidisciplinary review of case records.

Main outcome measures

Maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity of patients with MFS and healthy controls.

Results

There were no maternal deaths. Significant cardiac complications occurred in five pregnancies (17%): one woman experienced a type–A aortic dissection; two women required cardiac surgery within 6 months of delivery; and a further two women developed impaired left ventricular function during the pregnancy. Women with MFS were also more likely to have obstetric complications (OR 3.29, 95% CI 1.30–8.34), the most frequent of which was postpartum haemorrhage (OR 8.46, 95% CI 2.52–28.38). There were no perinatal deaths, although babies born to mothers with MFS were delivered significantly earlier than those born to the control group (median 39 versus 40 weeks of gestation, Mann–Whitney U–test, P = 0.04). These babies were also significantly more likely to be small for gestational age (24% in the MFS group versus 6% in the controls; OR 4.95, 95% CI 1.58–15.55).

Conclusions

Pregnancy in women with MFS continues to be associated with significant rates of maternal, fetal, and neonatal complications. Effective pre‐pregnancy counselling and meticulous surveillance during pregnancy, delivery, and the puerperium by an experienced multidisciplinary team are warranted for women with MFS.
The influence of occupational socialisation upon the teaching of pupils experiencing social and emotional behavioural difficulties (SEBD) in physical education
Authors: O'Leary Nick , Longmore Carl , Medcalf Richard
Published: January 2014

Research within physical education (PE) utilising the occupational socialisation framework indicates that the childhood phase of socialisation is the most powerful phase of socialisation. However, for most teachers working with pupils experiencing special educational needs (SEN), the childhood phase often lacks direct experience of SEN and thus ceases to exist as a socialising force. Consequently, the higher education and workplace phases form a ‘salvaged’ phase upon which to base pedagogical approaches (Pugach). In light of this dichotomy, the aims of this case study were to (1) examine how one PE head of department (HOD) in a specialist social and emotional behavioural difficulties (SEBD) school taught year 9 pupils games; (2) identify factors that led to such instruction and (3) consider the influence of the three phases of occupational socialisation on her pedagogical approaches. Data collection methods consisted of formal and informal interviews and lesson observations. The data were inductively analysed, and themes were drawn from this process. Using a systematic learning approach, lessons were game orientated based around pupil decision‐making and limited technical practice. Factors influencing this practice were her exploratory outdoor activity experiences and the nature of the pupils. In contrast to Pugach, this research indicates that the childhood phase of socialisation can provide an ‘apprenticeship of observation’ for those teaching PE to pupils experiencing SEBD. That such perceptions can be strongly held suggests that prior examination of the childhood biographies of those recruited to PE teacher training and/or PE teachers teaching pupils who experience SEBD appears warranted.
A Novel Molecular Microbiologic Technique for the Rapid Diagnosis of Microbial Invasion of the Amniotic Cavity and Intra‐Amniotic Infection in Preterm Labor with Intact Membranes
Authors: Romero Roberto , Miranda Jezid , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn , Chaemsaithong Piya , Gotsch Francesca , Dong Zhong , Ahmed Ahmed I. , Yoon Bo Hyun , Hassan Sonia S. , Kim Chong Jai , Korzeniewski Steven J. , Yeo Lami
Published: January 2014

Problem

The diagnosis of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) has been traditionally performed using traditional cultivation techniques, which require growth of microorganisms in the laboratory. Shortcomings of culture methods include the time required (days) for identification of microorganisms, and that many microbes involved in the genesis of human diseases are difficult to culture. A novel technique combines broad‐range real‐time polymerase chain reaction with electrospray ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (PCR/ESI‐MS) to identify and quantify genomic material from bacteria and viruses.

Method of study

AF samples obtained by transabdominal amniocentesis from 142 women with preterm labor and intact membranes (PTL) were analyzed using cultivation techniques (aerobic, anaerobic, and genital mycoplasmas) as well as PCR/ESI‐MS. The prevalence and relative magnitude of intra‐amniotic inflammation [AF interleukin 6 (IL‐6) concentration ≥ 2.6 ng/mL], acute histologic chorioamnionitis, spontaneous preterm delivery, and perinatal mortality were examined.

Results

(i) The prevalence of MIAC in patients with PTL was 7% using standard cultivation techniques and 12% using PCR/ESI‐MS; (ii) seven of ten patients with positive AF culture also had positive PCR/ESI‐MS [≥17 genome equivalents per PCR reaction well (GE/well)]; (iii) patients with positive PCR/ESI‐MS (≥17 GE/well) and negative AF cultures had significantly higher rates of intra‐amniotic inflammation and acute histologic chorioamnionitis, a shorter interval to delivery [median (interquartile range‐IQR)], and offspring at higher risk of perinatal mortality, than women with both tests negative [90% (9/10) versus 32% (39/122) OR: 5.6; 95% CI: 1.4–22; (P < 0.001); 70% (7/10) versus 35% (39/112); (P = 0.04); 1 (IQR: <1–2) days versus 25 (IQR: 5–51) days; (P = 0.002), respectively]; (iv) there were no significant differences in these outcomes between patients with positive PCR/ESI‐MS (≥17 GE/well) who had negative AF cultures and those with positive AF cultures; and (v) PCR/ESI‐MS detected genomic material from viruses in two patients (1.4%).

Conclusion

(i) Rapid diagnosis of intra‐amniotic infection is possible using PCR/ESI‐MS; (ii) the combined use of biomarkers of inflammation and PCR/ESI‐MS allows for the identification of specific bacteria and viruses in women with preterm labor and intra‐amniotic infection; and (iii) this approach may allow for administration of timely and specific interventions to reduce morbidity attributed to infection‐induced preterm birth.
“If He Wins, I'm Moving to Canada”: Ideological Migration Threats Following the 2012 U.S. Presidential Election
Authors: Motyl Matt
Published: January 2014

Every four years, partisan Americans threaten to migrate to Canada (or some other country) if their preferred candidate loses the Presidential election. This phenomenon has yet to undergo an empirical test. In the present experiment, 308 Obama voters and 142 Romney voters following the 2012 election responded to one of two writing prompts that led them to think about how the United States was becoming more liberal or conservative. Regardless of the writing prompt condition, Romney voters endorsed migration expressions more than Obama voters. Furthermore, Romney voters, compared to Obama voters, expressed a reduced sense of belonging in the United States. The relationship between voting for Romney and migration expressions was fully mediated by sense of belonging. Together, these findings support the ideological migration hypothesis and suggest that threatening to move to Canada following an undesirable election outcome may be driven by voters’ belonging needs.
Diazoxon Disrupts the Expression and Distribution of βIII‐Tubulin and MAP 1B in Differentiating N2a Cells
Authors: Sachana Magdalini , Sidiropoulou Erasmia , Flaskos John , Harris Wayne , Robinson Alex J. , Woldehiwet Zerai , Hargreaves Alan J.
Published: January 2014

This study aimed at assessing the effects of diazoxon (DZO), a major metabolite of the insecticide diazinon (DZ), on key cytoskeletal proteins in differentiating N2a neuroblastoma cells. Initial experiments established that sublethal concentrations of 1, 5 and 10 μM DZO produced profound inhibition of neurite outgrowth. Densitometric scanning of probed immunoblots of N2a cell lysates demonstrated that DZO had no effect on total β‐tubulin levels. However, probing with a monoclonal antibody that recognised specifically the βIII‐tubulin isotype revealed that 10 μM DZO induced a significant reduction in the levels of this particular form. Levels of polyglutamylated tubulin were not altered. Exposure to 10 μM DZO also decreased the expression of microtubule‐associated protein 1B (MAP 1B). However, DZO had no effect on the expression of MAP tau. DZO also failed to affect the levels neurofilament light (NFL) and neurofilament medium (NFM) chain levels. Indirect immunofluorescence demonstrated that the staining of neurites in treated cells was weaker than in the controls for βIII‐tubulin. In conclusion, DZO disrupts the microtubule (MT) network affecting the expression and distribution of two specific MT proteins known to be important in neuritogenesis. DZO may contribute to the developmental neurotoxicity seen following exposure to DZ.
The role of pattern recognition in children's exact enumeration of small numbers
Authors: Jansen Brenda R. J. , Hofman Abe D. , Straatemeier Marthe , van Bers Bianca M. C. W. , Raijmakers Maartje E. J. , van der Maas Han L. J.
Published: January 2014

Enumeration can be accomplished by subitizing, counting, estimation, and combinations of these processes. We investigated whether the dissociation between subitizing and counting can be observed in 4‐ to 6‐year‐olds and studied whether the maximum number of elements that can be subitized changes with age. To detect a dissociation between subitizing and counting, it is tested whether task manipulations have different effects in the subitizing than in the counting range. Task manipulations concerned duration of presentation of elements (limited, unlimited) and configuration of elements (random, line, dice). In Study 1, forty‐nine 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds were tested with a computerized enumeration task. Study 2 concerned data from 4‐, 5‐, and 6‐year‐olds, collected with Math Garden, a computer‐adaptive application to practice math. Both task manipulations affected performance in the counting, but not the subitizing range, supporting the conclusion that children use two distinct enumeration processes in the two ranges. In all age groups, the maximum number of elements that could be subitized was three. The strong effect of configuration of elements suggests that subitizing might be based on a general ability of pattern recognition.
Testing the effects of message framing, kernel state, and exercise guideline adherence on exercise intentions and resolve
Authors: de Bruijn Gert‐Jan , Out Kim , Rhodes Ryan E.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To study the effects of framed messages on exercise intention and resolve.

Design

Two (type of frame: gain or loss) × 2 (type of kernel state: desirable or undesirable outcome) post‐test study.

Methods

Participants were recruited online and questioned about their previous exercise behaviour and their exercise risk perception. After this, they were randomly allocated to one of four messages that were different in terms of positive or negative outcomes (type of frame) and in terms of attained or avoided outcomes (type of kernel state). After reading the message, participants indicated their intention and resolve to engage in sufficient exercise.

Results

No effects were found for intention. For resolve, there was a significant interaction between type of frame, type of kernel state, and exercise adherence. Those who did not adhere to the exercise guideline and read the loss‐framed message with attained outcomes reported significantly higher resolve than all other participants.

Conclusions

This study indicates the relevance of including attained outcomes in message framing exercise interventions as well as a focus on exercise resolve.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Message framing is commonly used to increase exercise intentions and behaviour.

Meta‐analyses do not provide consistent support for this theory.

Very little attention has been paid to resolve and message factors on framing effects.

What does this study add?

Framed messages have an effect on exercise resolve, but not on intention.

Loss‐framed messages with attained outcomes are most persuasive for those who do not adhere to exercise guidelines.

Exercise framing studies should include behavioural resolve next to intention.

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Looking ahead from age 6 to 13: A deeper insight into the development of planning ability
Authors: Unterrainer Josef M. , Kaller Christoph P. , Loosli Sandra V. , Heinze Katharina , Ruh Nina , Paschke‐Müller Mirjam , Rauh Reinhold , Biscaldi Monica , Rahm Benjamin
Published: January 2014

Planning ability gradually increases throughout childhood. However, it remains unknown whether this is attributable to global factors such as an increased ability and willingness to inhibit premature, impulsive responding, or due to the availability of specific planning operations, such as being able to mentally plan ahead more steps (‘search depth’) or to derive a clear temporal order of goals by the task layout (‘goal hierarchy’). Here, we studied the development of planning ability with respect to these global and problem‐specific aspects (search depth and goal hierarchy) of performance in 178 children from 6 to 13 years using the Tower of London task. As expected, global performance gradually developed with age. In accordance, planning durations increasingly reflected global problem demands with longer pre‐planning in harder problems. Furthermore, specific planning parameters revealed that children were increasingly capable of mentally searching ahead more steps. In contrast, the ability to derive a goal hierarchy did not show age‐related changes. While the global development of planning performance and adaptive planning durations were proposed to primarily reflect enhanced self‐monitoring, the specific increase in search depth across childhood that most likely proceeds until young adult age represents more directly planning‐related processes. Thus, development of planning ability is supported by multiple contributions.
Why do we still need a census? Views from the age of “truthiness” and the “death of evidence”
Authors: Walton‐Roberts Margaret , Beaujot Roderic , Hiebert Daniel , McDaniel Susan , Rose Damaris , Wright Richard
Published: January 2014

This viewpoint reports on a multidisciplinary panel held at the 2012 CAG/Congress meeting that brought together a number of researchers with important expertise on census‐related issues. They were asked to tackle the question: “Why do we still need a census?” Their presentations generated dialogue based on both Canadian and international experiences with recent changes in census data collection approaches. The article presents some cautionary observations regarding “the death of evidence” in an age of politicized “truthiness.”
Bis (histidine) with N2 Vehicle: An Important Skeleton for MR/Chelation Therapy
Authors: Srivastava Pooja , Tiwari Anjani K. , Thukral Dipti Kakkar , Kumar Vikas , Mishra Anil K.
Published: January 2014

Bis (histidine) ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, EDTA‐bis (amide) analog, has been synthesized starting from with EDTA bis‐anhydride and protected histidine and evaluated in vitro as an important agent for MR and chelation therapy. The kinetic inertness of compound was analyzed by the exchange reactions with the essential metals of human body. The stability and protonation constants of the complexes formed between the ligand and M3+ and M2+ have been determined by pH potentiometry and spectrophotometry at 25 °C and constant ionic strength maintained with 0.10 m KCl. The in vivo stability and metabolite profile were confirmed in plasma and serum.
The Discovery of a Novel and Selective Inhibitor of PTP1B Over TCPTP: 3D QSAR Pharmacophore Modeling, Virtual Screening, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Ma Ying , Jin Yuan‐Yuan , Wang Ye‐Liu , Wang Run‐Ling , Lu Xin‐Hua , Kong De‐Xin , Xu Wei‐Ren
Published: January 2014

Given the special role of insulin and leptin signaling in various biological responses, protein‐tyrosine phosphatase‐1B (PTP1B) was regarded as a novel therapeutic target for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, owing to the highly conserved (sequence identity of about 74%) in active pocket, targeting PTP1B for drug discovery is a great challenge. In this study, we employed the software package Discovery Studio to develop 3D QSAR pharmacophore models for PTP1B and TCPTP inhibitors. It was further validated by three methods (cost analysis, test set prediction, and Fisher's test) to show that the models can be used to predict the biological activities of compounds without costly and time‐consuming synthesis. The criteria for virtual screening were also validated by testing the selective PTP1B inhibitors. Virtual screening experiments and subsequent in vitro evaluation of promising hits revealed a novel and selective inhibitor of PTP1B over TCPTP. After that, a most likely binding mode was proposed. Thus, the findings reported here may provide a new strategy in discovering selective PTP1B inhibitors.
Single cell-derived clones from human adipose stem cells present different immunomodulatory properties
Authors: Sempere J M , Martinez-Peinado P , Arribas M I , Reig J A , De La Sen M L , Zubcoff J J , Fraga M F , Fernández A F , Santana A , Roche E
Published: January 2014

Human adipose mesenchymal stem cells are a heterogeneous population, where cell cultures derived from single-cell-expanded clones present varying degrees of differential plasticity. This work focuses on the immunomodulatory/anti-inflammatory properties of these cells. To this end, five single-cell clones were isolated (generally called 1.X and 3.X) from two volunteers. Regarding the expression level of the lineage-characteristic surface antigens, clones 1·10 and 1·22 expressed the lowest amounts, while clones 3·10 and 3·5 expressed more CD105 than the rest and clone 1·7 expressed higher amounts of CD73 and CD44. Regarding cytokine secretion, all clones were capable of spontaneously releasing high levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and low to moderate levels of IL-8. These differences can be explained in part by the distinct methylation profile exhibited by the clones. Furthermore, and after lipopolysaccharide stimulation, clone 3.X produced the highest amounts of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, while clones 1·10 and 1·22 highly expressed IL-4 and IL-5. In co-culture experiments, clones 1.X are, together, more potent inhibitors than clones 3.X for proliferation of total, CD3+T, CD4+T and CD8+T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. The results of this work indicate that the adipose stem cell population is heterogeneous in cytokine production profile, and that isolation, characterization and selection of the appropriate cell clone is a more exact method for the possible treatment of different patients or pathologies.
Neuromyelitis optica: clinical features, immunopathogenesis and treatment
Authors: Jarius S , Wildemann B , Paul F
Published: January 2014

The term ‘neuromyelitis optica’ (‘Devic's syndrome’, NMO) refers to a syndrome characterized by optic neuritis and myelitis. In recent years, the condition has raised enormous interest among scientists and clinical neurologists, fuelled by the detection of a specific serum immunoglobulin (Ig)G reactivity (NMO-IgG) in up to 80% of patients with NMO. These autoantibodies were later shown to target aquaporin-4 (AQP4), the most abundant water channel in the central nervous system (CNS). Here we give an up-to-date overview of the clinical and paraclinical features, immunopathogenesis and treatment of NMO. We discuss the widening clinical spectrum of AQP4-related autoimmunity, the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and new diagnostic means such as optical coherence tomography in the diagnosis of NMO, the role of NMO-IgG, T cells and granulocytes in the pathophysiology of NMO, and outline prospects for new and emerging therapies for this rare, but often devastating condition.
Circulating Apelin is increased in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and is associated with better glycaemic control
Authors: Habchi Marana , Duvillard Laurence , Cottet Vanessa , Brindisi Marie‐Claude , Bouillet Benjamin , Beacco Maud , Crevisy Elodie , Buffier Perrine , Baillot‐Rudoni Sabine , Verges Bruno , Petit Jean‐Michel
Published: January 2014

Context

Apelin is an adipokine expressed in several tissues and it appears to be involved in energy metabolism.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine serum apelin levels in a large cohort of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and control subjects and to correlate the results with glycaemic control.

Design and Participants

One hundred and thirty patients with type 1 diabetes, 98 patients with type 2 diabetes and 162 controls were enrolled in the study. Apelin levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Serum apelin levels were significantly higher in type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients than in controls (P < 0·0001). Serum apelin levels were higher in type 1 than in type 2 diabetic patients (P = 0·02). In multivariate analysis, serum apelin levels were higher in patients with type 1 diabetes and in patients with type 2 diabetes versus controls. We found a negative correlation between glycosylated haemoglobin and serum apelin levels in all diabetic patients (r = −0·17, P = 0·008) and in patients with type 2 diabetes (r = −0·24 P = 0·01). No correlation was found in type 1 diabetic patients.

Conclusion

Our study showed that apelin concentrations were increased in diabetic patients. This rise, which was greater in type 1 than in type 2 diabetic patients, suggests that obesity is not the main determinant of plasma apelin levels. The negative correlation with glycosylated haemoglobin in patients with type 2 diabetes could indicate that apelin plays a role in glycaemic balance and even insulin sensitivity.