bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct antimicrobial peptide expression determines host species-specific bacterial associations
Authors: Franzenburg Sören , Walter Jonas , Künzel Sven , Wang Jun , Baines John F. , Bosch Thomas C. G. , Fraune Sebastian
Published: September 2013

Significance

Animals form functional unities with communities of microbes. Often, these bacterial communities are highly specific to host species and resemble host phylogeny. But which factors determine community membership? Which host-factors are capable of selecting suitable bacteria by inhibiting colonization by potential foreign colonizers? In this study, we show that animals express a species-specific repertoire of antimicrobial peptides, which supports and maintains a species-specific bacterial community. Loss-of-function experiments showed that antimicrobial peptide composition is a predictor for bacterial colonization.
Live cell imaging shows reversible assembly of the TatA component of the twin-arginine protein transport system
Authors: Alcock Felicity , Baker Matthew A. B. , Greene Nicholas P. , Palmer Tracy , Wallace Mark I. , Berks Ben C.
Published: September 2013

Significance

The twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway transports folded proteins across a membrane without significant ion leakage. The mechanism by which Tat is able to carry out this challenging feat is unclear. We used direct imaging of fluorescent protein-tagged Tat components in bacterial cells to show that the TatA element of the Tat system undergoes substrate- and proton motive force-dependent oligomerization. Thus the Tat transporter element is assembled on demand, avoiding the need to seal the transporter between translocation events.
Octopamine-mediated circuit mechanism underlying controlled appetite for palatable food in
Drosophila
Authors: Zhang Ting , Branch Audrey , Shen Ping
Published: September 2013

Significance

Proper control of appetite for palatable food is crucial for the prevention of overeating and development of obesity. A major factor that hinders the study of appetite control mechanisms is the complexity of the central nervous system of the traditional mammalian models. Genetically tractable
Drosophila
larvae have a relatively simple brain. Like humans, they display diverse adaptive feeding strategies in response to appetizing stimuli, changes of motivational state, and variations of food quality. In this work, we describe a unique neural circuit, defined by conserved norepinephrine-like octopamine and VEGF2-like receptor pathways, that exerts both positive and negative controls of larval appetite under fed and food-deprived conditions. Our findings provide fresh insight for the neurobiology and evolution of appetitive motivation.
Postreward delays and systematic biases in measures of animal temporal discounting
Authors: Blanchard Tommy C. , Pearson John M. , Hayden Benjamin Y.
Published: September 2013

Significance

Psychologists often measure impulsivity and self-control in animals using the intertemporal choice task. This task pits a delayed reward against an immediate smaller one and is repeated several times. To ensure that animals do not choose the immediate reward to progress to the next trial more quickly, an adjusting postreward buffer is usually added after the reward to equalize trial lengths. Our study suggests that monkeys (and thus possibly other animals) do not understand this element of the task, and raises the possibility that the task does not, in fact, measure temporal discounting. We propose an alternative model, which includes an explicit bounded rationality term, that fits preferences as well as traditional hyperbolic discounting models.
Self-assembly and sorting of acentrosomal microtubules by TACC3 facilitate kinetochore capture during the mitotic spindle assembly
Authors: Fu Wenxiang , Chen Hao , Wang Gang , Luo Jia , Deng Zhaoxuan , Xin Guangwei , Xu Nan , Guo Xiao , Lei Jun , Jiang Qing , Zhang Chuanmao
Published: September 2013

Significance

Mitosis is a highly regulated cell division process in eukaryotes. Assembly of the spindle and segregation of chromosomes in mitosis enable the mother cells to distribute the genetic materials equally to their daughter cells. Before chromosome segregation, the kinetochores at the chromosomes must be correctly captured by the microtubules. The mechanisms underlying the initiation of this process and the proper formation of the kinetochore fibers remain largely unknown. This study shows that transforming acidic coiled-coil–containing protein 3 (TACC3) is essential for proper kinetochore capture and kinetochore fiber formation. Our findings reveal a critical TACC3-dependent acentrosomal microtubule nucleation and sorting process to regulate kinetochore–microtubule connections.
Inhibition of pancreatic carcinoma by homo- and heterocombinations of antibodies against EGF-receptor and its kin HER2/ErbB-2
Authors: Maron Ruth , Schechter Bilha , Mancini Maicol , Mahlknecht Georg , Yarden Yosef , Sela Michael
Published: September 2013

Significance

Prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains very poor, with 5-y survival less than 10%. Unfortunately, adjuvant therapies are only weakly effective, and only one molecular targeted drug, a kinase inhibitor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), has been clinically approved. Hence, we examined antibodies to EGFR and to its sibling, HER2. While single antibodies to these receptors only weakly retarded growth of human PDAC in animals, significantly stronger inhibition was observed when we combined two antibodies to EGFR or two antibodies to HER2. Similarly, simultaneous inhibition of both EGFR and HER2, using a pair of antibodies, resulted in enhanced efficacy. These observations predict that targeting EGFR and HER2, by using pairs of monoclonal antibodies, might translate to better treatment of PDAC patients.
Speaker or listener or speaker and listener
Authors: Stadler Stefanie Alexa
Published: September 2013

Communication requires a considerable effort in order to facilitate and indeed reach shared understanding between interlocutors. This is even more important in intercultural communication, where our normal cues fail to function and shared background may be incomplete or altogether absent. Seeing as we can no longer rely on our usual meaning construction tools, we have to work harder than in intracultural communication to derive and deliver meaning. As a consequence, it is not sufficient to carry out the usual speaker and listener roles, in which the speaker holds a more active and the listener a more receptive participative role. Instead, both speaker and listener have to work together in a joint, collaborative and contemporaneous effort to create mutual understanding. This paper explores why there is a need in intercultural communication to fulfil a dual role relationship in the meaning creation process, how this can be achieved in intercultural discourse and how it can benefit interlocutors.
Multiple voices in ironic discourse
Authors: Shilikhina Ksenia
Published: September 2013

This article brings together the concept of dialogue in the Bakhtinian sense and the concept of irony with the aim to show how irony emerges in texts as a result of the dialogic interaction of voices. Two issues are discussed: first, evaluation as a regular and ubiquitous component of discourse. The polyphonic structure of a text or an utterance can signal evaluative meaning; multivoicedness functions as a marker of the narrator’s stance, especially if the voices juxtapose or incohere with each other. Second, incoherence as the trigger of ironic interpretation. Incoherence can emerge as a result of the confrontation of voices in the texts. To create a misaligned polyphonic structure, writers employ various techniques, from direct quotation to free indirect discourse. My intention is to show that ironic evaluation can be a reasonable explanation for the cacophonic interaction of voices in the polyphonic structure of the text.
The role of adversarial discourse in political opposition
Authors: Bull Peter
Published: September 2013

The focus of this study is on the role played by adversarial questioning in political opposition. As an illustrative example, a detailed analysis is presented of two sessions of Prime Minister’s Questions in the UK House of Commons (6 and13 July, 2011), in which the Leader of the Opposition (Ed Miliband) challenged the Prime Minister (David Cameron) regarding his handling of the British phone-hacking scandal. The study is conceptualized in terms of theories of politeness (Brown and Levinson 1978, 1987) and impoliteness (Culpeper 1996), also in terms of the concept of follow-ups (Sinclair and Coulthard 1975). It is argued that this analysis has implications for all three linguistic conceptualizations, furthermore that PMQs, despite its many detractors and deficiencies, can play an important role in sustaining political dialogue and political accountability through adversarial questioning.
Effects of the Content and Language Integrated Learning approach to EFL teaching
Authors: Goris Jose , Denessen Eddie , Verhoeven Ludo
Published: September 2013

This study investigates the effects of English-medium CLIL on EFL proficiency in three European countries. Seven mainstream grammar schools spread across The Netherlands, Germany, and Italy participated with a total of 263 pupils aged 12 to 16. Several language skills were measured by means of written tests in a pre/post- test design. The first test was held when the experimental classes were all at the start of the CLIL intervention in secondary education; the second test two years later. Each of the three countries participated with two CLIL classes and two mainstream classes as control groups. The results show that CLIL classes had better EFL skills from the start: they outperformed the mainstream groups at both test rounds. However, gain scores varied per country and the apparent head start of CLIL pupils makes it difficult to interpret EFL results.
The influences of gender, reading ability, independent reading, and context on reading attitude
Authors: Tse Shek Kam , Xiao Xiao-yun , Lam Wai-yip
Published: September 2013

The reading scores of 4712 Hong Kong primary Grade 4 students in the 2006 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study were analyzed alongside (a) information about their gender, reading ability, independent reading practices, and attitudes towards reading; (b) parental reading attitudes and home educational resources; and (c) the way the students were taught to read in school and the school’s overall reading achievement index. Multilevel analyses were carried out to model the relationship between the student characteristics and home and school contextual factors and reading attitude. It was found that the students’ reading attitudes reflected the influence of the student’s gender, reading ability, and independent reading practices and that parental reading attitudes and home educational resources made significant contributions to the students’ reading attitudes. Moreover, teaching the students reading skills explicitly and the school’s overall reading attainment were positively related to the students’ reading attitudes. The significance of the findings is examined and the educational implications are explored and discussed.
Volume growth and stochastic completeness of graphs
Authors: Folz Matthew
Published: September 2013

Given the variable-speed random walk on a weighted graph and a metric adapted to the structure of the random walk, we construct a Brownian motion on a closely related metric graph which behaves similarly to the VSRW and for which the associated intrinsic metric has certain desirable properties. Jump probabilities and moments of jump times for Brownian motion on metric graphs with varying edge lengths, jump conductances, and edge densities are computed. We use these results together with a theorem of Sturm for stochastic completeness, or non-explosiveness, on local Dirichlet spaces to prove sharp volume growth criteria in adapted metrics for stochastic completeness of graphs.
Targeted inactivation of β1 integrin induces β3 integrin switching, which drives breast cancer metastasis by TGF-β
Authors: Parvani Jenny G. , Galliher-Beckley Amy J. , Schiemann Barbara J. , Schiemann William P.
Published: September 2013

Mammary tumorigenesis and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) programs cooperate in converting transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) from a suppressor to a promoter of breast cancer metastasis. Although previous reports associated β1 and β3 integrins with TGF-β stimulation of EMT and metastasis, the functional interplay and plasticity exhibited by these adhesion molecules in shaping the oncogenic activities of TGF-β remain unknown. We demonstrate that inactivation of β1 integrin impairs TGF-β from stimulating the motility of normal and malignant mammary epithelial cells (MECs) and elicits robust compensatory expression of β3 integrin solely in malignant MECs, but not in their normal counterparts. Compensatory β3 integrin expression also 1) enhances the growth of malignant MECs in rigid and compliant three-dimensional organotypic cultures and 2) restores the induction of the EMT phenotypes by TGF-β. Of importance, compensatory expression of β3 integrin rescues the growth and pulmonary metastasis of β1 integrin–deficient 4T1 tumors in mice, a process that is prevented by genetic depletion or functional inactivation of β3 integrin. Collectively our findings demonstrate that inactivation of β1 integrin elicits metastatic progression via a β3 integrin–specific mechanism, indicating that dual β1 and β3 integrin targeting is necessary to alleviate metastatic disease in breast cancer patients.
Combining Hi-C data with phylogenetic correlation to predict the target genes of distal regulatory elements in human genome
Authors: Lu Yulan , Zhou Yuanpeng , Tian Weidong
Published: September 2013

Defining the target genes of distal regulatory elements (DREs), such as enhancer, repressors and insulators, is a challenging task. The recently developed Hi-C technology is designed to capture chromosome conformation structure by high-throughput sequencing, and can be potentially used to determine the target genes of DREs. However, Hi-C data are noisy, making it difficult to directly use Hi-C data to identify DRE–target gene relationships. In this study, we show that DREs–gene pairs that are confirmed by Hi-C data are strongly phylogenetic correlated, and have thus developed a method that combines Hi-C read counts with phylogenetic correlation to predict long-range DRE–target gene relationships. Analysis of predicted DRE–target gene pairs shows that genes regulated by large number of DREs tend to have essential functions, and genes regulated by the same DREs tend to be functionally related and co-expressed. In addition, we show with a couple of examples that the predicted target genes of DREs can help explain the causal roles of disease-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms located in the DREs. As such, these predictions will be of importance not only for our understanding of the function of DREs but also for elucidating the causal roles of disease-associated noncoding single-nucleotide polymorphisms.
Structure and properties of the esterase from non-LTR retrotransposons suggest a role for lipids in retrotransposition
Authors: Schneider Anna M. , Schmidt Steffen , Jonas Stefanie , Vollmer Benjamin , Khazina Elena , Weichenrieder Oliver
Published: September 2013

Non-LTR retrotransposons are mobile genetic elements and play a major role in eukaryotic genome evolution and disease. Similar to retroviruses they encode a reverse transcriptase, but their genomic integration mechanism is fundamentally different, and they lack homologs of the retroviral nucleocapsid-forming protein Gag. Instead, their first open reading frames encode distinct multi-domain proteins (ORF1ps) presumed to package the retrotransposon-encoded RNA into ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs). The mechanistic roles of ORF1ps are poorly understood, particularly of ORF1ps that appear to harbor an enzymatic function in the form of an SGNH-type lipolytic acetylesterase. We determined the crystal structures of the coiled coil and esterase domains of the ORF1p from the Danio rerio ZfL2-1 element. We demonstrate a dimerization of the coiled coil and a hydrolytic activity of the esterase. Furthermore, the esterase binds negatively charged phospholipids and liposomes, but not oligo-(A) RNA. Unexpectedly, the esterase can split into two dynamic half-domains, suited to engulf long fatty acid substrates extending from the active site. These properties indicate a role for lipids and membranes in non-LTR retrotransposition. We speculate that Gag-like membrane targeting properties of ORF1ps could play a role in RNP assembly and in membrane-dependent transport or localization processes.
Survey Criteria for Fibromyalgia Independently Predict Increased Postoperative Opioid Consumption after Lower-extremity Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Brummett Chad M. , Janda Allison M. , Schueller Christa M. , Tsodikov Alex , Morris Michelle , Williams David A. , Clauw Daniel J.
Published: September 2013

Background:

Variance in pain after total knee and hip arthroplasty may be due to a number of procedural and peripheral factors but also, in some individuals, to aberrant central pain processing as is described in conditions like fibromyalgia. To test this hypothesis, the authors conducted a prospective, observational cohort study of patients undergoing lower-extremity joint arthroplasty.

Methods:

Five hundred nineteen patients were preoperatively phenotyped using validated self-reported pain questionnaires, psychological measures, and health information. In addition to being assessed for factors previously found to be associated with poor outcomes in arthroplasty, participants also completed the American College of Rheumatology survey criteria for fibromyalgia. Previous studies have suggested that rather than being “present” or “absent,” features of fibromyalgia as measured by this instrument, occur over a wide continuum. Postoperative pain control was assessed by total postoperative opioid consumption.

Results:

Preoperatively, patients with higher fibromyalgia survey scores were younger, more likely to be female, taking more opioids, reported higher pain severity, and had a more negative psychological profile. In the multivariate analysis, the fibromyalgia survey score, younger age, preoperative opioid use, knee (vs. hip), pain severity at baseline, and the anesthetic technique were all predictive of increased postoperative opioid consumption.

Conclusions:

The use of the survey criteria for fibromyalgia led to the finding of distinct phenotypic differences, and the measure was independently predictive of opioid consumption. This self-report measure may provide an additional simple means of predicting postoperative pain outcomes and analgesic requirements. Future studies are needed to determine whether tailored therapies can improve postoperative pain control in this population.
Impact of Cement Placement and Leakage in Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures Followed by Percutaneous Vertebroplasty
Authors: Chen Xiaobin , Ren Jixin , Zhang Jianzheng , Li Shaoguang , Liu Zhi
Published: September 2013

Study Design:

Retrospective study.

Objectives:

Assessment of the impact of cement placement and leakage in osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) followed by percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) on patient pain relief and new vertebral fracture occurrence.

Summary of Background Data:

Previous studies have not specifically addressed cement placement in the context of pain outcomes and subsequent vertebral fracture.

Methods:

We included a total of 192 patients who underwent PVP for OVCFs. We assessed imaging data, and patients rated their pain over a 24-month period. The patients were divided into 3 groups based on image analysis: group 1 [31 cases: 5 thoracic, 15 thoracolumbar (TL) junction, 11 lumbar] included patients with no cement extension to the endplate(s), group 2 (121 cases: 19 thoracic, 64 TL junction, 38 lumbar) was comprised of patients with cement extension to the endplate(s) but no leakage into the disk space, and group 3 (40 cases: 8 thoracic, 21 TL junction, 11 lumbar) included patients with cement extension to the endplate(s) and leakage into the disk space(s). We assessed the correlation between cement location and pain ratings and changes in pain scores, as well as the proportions of new fracture.

Results:

Postprocedure pain numeric scores and changes in pain scores were similar among the 3 groups (P>0.05). Cement location did not significantly correlate with pain ratings or changes in pain scores for any follow-up points. There was no significant difference in new adjacent fracture rate among the groups (P>0.05).

Conclusions:

Neither extension of cement to the endplate nor cement leakage into the disk space had a significant impact on postprocedural pain. Furthermore, intradisk cement leakage was not a risk factor for new fracture after PVP in patients with OVCF. However, lower fill volumes should be used to lessen the risk of leakage.
Enhancing High Alert Medication Knowledge Among Pharmacy, Nursing, and Medical Staff
Authors: Sullivan Karyn M. , Le Phuoc Lynsey , Ditoro Michael J. , Andree Jason T. , Charest Diane J. , Tuiskula Kristin A.
Published: September 2013

Objectives

Limited data exist regarding staff’s knowledge and perceptions of high alert medications (HAMs) and associated procedures. Objectives of this study were to conduct an initial assessment of institution-specific HAM knowledge among pharmacy, nursing, and medical staff; implement interventions to enhance staff knowledge of HAMs; and conduct a similar assessment 1 year later to determine if interventions successfully enhanced HAM knowledge.

Methods

A 6-question electronic survey was distributed to 1006 pharmacy staff, nurses, and physicians in June 2009. In response to results achieved, HAM-related interventions were implemented over a 6-month period. A similar electronic survey was distributed to hospital staff 1 year later to determine any change in HAM knowledge.

Results

A total of 203 staff completed the presurvey (20% response rate), whereas 170 completed the postsurvey (17% response rate). Before the HAM interventions, 42.9% of respondents expressed confidence in their knowledge of HAMs and the procedures defined by the institution. This increased to 73.5% after the interventions (P < 0.001). More respondents correctly identified HAMs and safety procedures on postsurveys: insulin IV bolus (83.3% vs. 92.4%; P < 0.01), neonatal medications (79.3% vs. 88.2%; P < 0.05), total parenteral nutrition (57.1% vs. 73.5%; P = 0.001), and “documentation of 2 independent registered nurse checks for HAM IV infusion rate changes” (76.4% vs. 92.9%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

An assessment of staff HAM knowledge and handling procedures allows for customized interventions for institution-specific HAM improvements. Hospital staff knowledge of HAMs increased 1 year after implementing interventions.
Sir Gabriel Horn. 9 December 1927 — 2 August 2012
Authors: Brown Malcolm W.
Published: September 2013

Gabriel Horn was one of the outstanding neuroscientists of his generation, making major contributions in many different areas, most notably the neural basis of memory. He was a gifted teacher, outstanding departmental head, and a most generous and warm-hearted human being.
Function suggests nano-structure: towards a unified theory for secretion rate, a statistical mechanics approach
Authors: Hammel Ilan , Meilijson Isaac
Published: September 2013

The inventory of secretory granules along the plasma membrane can be viewed as maintained in two restricted compartments. The release-ready pool represents docked granules available for an initial stage of fast, immediate secretion, followed by a second stage of granule set-aside secretion pool, with significantly slower rate. Transmission electron microscopy ultra-structural investigations correlated with electrophysiological techniques and mathematical modelling have allowed the categorization of these secretory vesicle compartments, in which vesicles can be in various states of secretory competence. Using the above-mentioned approaches, the kinetics of single vesicle exocytosis can be worked out. The ultra-fast kinetics, explored in this study, represents the immediately available release-ready pool, in which granules bound to the plasma membrane are exocytosed upon Ca
2+
influx at the SNARE rosette at the base of porosomes. Formalizing Dodge and Rahamimoff findings on the effect of calcium concentration and incorporating the effect of SNARE transient rosette size, we postulate that secretion rate (rate), the number (
X
) of intracellular calcium ions available for fusion, calcium capacity (0 ≤
M
≤ 5) and the fusion nano-machine size (as measured by the SNARE rosette size
K
) satisfy the parsimonious
M
–
K
relation rate ≈
C ×
[Ca
2+
]

min(
X,M
)

e

−
K
/2

.
Analytical solutions for determining residual stresses in two-dimensional domains using the contour method
Authors: Kartal Mehmet E.
Published: September 2013

The contour method is one of the most prevalent destructive techniques for residual stress measurement. Up to now, the method has involved the use of the finite-element (FE) method to determine the residual stresses from the experimental measurements. This paper presents analytical solutions, obtained for a semi-infinite strip and a finite rectangle, which can be used to calculate the residual stresses directly from the measured data; thereby, eliminating the need for an FE approach. The technique is then used to determine the residual stresses in a variable-polarity plasma-arc welded plate and the results show good agreement with independent neutron diffraction measurements.
An absolute chronology for early Egypt using radiocarbon dating and Bayesian statistical modelling
Authors: Dee Michael , Wengrow David , Shortland Andrew , Stevenson Alice , Brock Fiona , Girdland Flink Linus , Bronk Ramsey Christopher
Published: September 2013

The Egyptian state was formed prior to the existence of verifiable historical records. Conventional dates for its formation are based on the relative ordering of artefacts. This approach is no longer considered sufficient for cogent historical analysis. Here, we produce an absolute chronology for Early Egypt by combining radiocarbon and archaeological evidence within a Bayesian paradigm. Our data cover the full trajectory of Egyptian state formation and indicate that the process occurred more rapidly than previously thought. We provide a timeline for the First Dynasty of Egypt of generational-scale resolution that concurs with prevailing archaeological analysis and produce a chronometric date for the foundation of Egypt that distinguishes between historical estimates.
Plasticicumulans lactativorans sp. nov., a polyhydroxybutyrate-accumulating gammaproteobacterium from a sequencing-batch bioreactor fed with lactate
Authors: Jiang Yang , Sorokin Dimitry Y. , Junicke Helena , Kleerebezem Robbert , van Loosdrecht Mark C. M.
Published: September 2013

A bacterial consortium that accumulated more than 90 % (w/w) polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) from lactate was selected in a laboratory-scale bioreactor with a ‘feast–famine’ regime. Bacterial strain YDT, representing a dominant species in this enrichment, was isolated and characterized. Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the isolate is a member of the class

Gammaproteobacteria

, forming an independent phylogenetic lineage. The closest relative of the isolate was

Plasticicumulans acidivorans

TUD-YJ37T, with 94 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Strain YDT was an obligate aerobe with large, ovoid, Gram-negative cells, motile by means of a polar flagellum. It utilized a relatively broad spectrum of substrates (e.g. carbohydrates, fatty acids) as carbon and energy sources. The temperature range for growth was 20–45 °C, with an optimum at 40 °C; the pH range was pH 6.0–8.0, with an optimum at pH 7.0. The major respiratory lipoquinones were Q-8 (91 %) and Q-7 (9 %). The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and an unidentified aminolipid. The predominant fatty acids in the membrane polar lipids were C16 : 1ω7c, C16 : 0 and C18 : 1ω7c. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 68.5 mol%. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, the isolate is proposed to represent a novel species in the genus

Plasticicumulans

, for which the name Plasticicumulans lactativorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YDT ( = DSM 25287T = NCCB 100398T).
Lacibacterium aquatile gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family Rhodospirillaceae isolated from a freshwater lake
Authors: Sheu Shih-Yi , Chen Yi-Ling , Young Chiu-Chung , Chen Wen-Ming
Published: September 2013

A bacterial strain designated LTC-2T was isolated from a freshwater lake in Taiwan and characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells of strain LTC-2T were Gram-reaction-negative, facultatively anaerobic, poly-β-hydroxybutyrate-accumulating, motile by means of a monopolar flagellum, non-spore-forming, slightly curved rods surrounded by a thick capsule and formed creamy white colonies. Growth occurred at 10–37 °C (optimum, 20–30 °C), at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0–8.0) and with 0–1.0 % NaCl (optimum, 0 %). The predominant fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c, summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and C16 : 0. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-10 and the DNA G+C content was 58.5 mol%. The polar lipid profile consisted of a mixture of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, two uncharacterized phospholipids and two uncharacterized aminophospholipids. The major polyamines were putrescine, homospermidine and spermidine. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain LTC-2T forms a distinct lineage with respect to closely related genera in the family
Rhodospirillaceae
, most closely related to the genera
Elstera
and
Dongia
, and the levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with respect to the type species of related genera were less than 94 %. On the basis of the genotypic and phenotypic data, strain LTC-2T represents a novel genus and species of the family
Rhodospirillaceae
, for which the name Lacibacterium aquatile gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is LTC-2T ( = BCRC 80445T = LMG 26999T = KCTC 32017T).
Algoriphagus taeanensis sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat, and emended description of Algoriphagus hitonicola
Authors: Kim Haneul , Joung Yochan , Joh Kiseong
Published: September 2013

A Gram-staining-negative, aerobic and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated HMC4223T, was isolated from a tidal flat in Taean, Republic of Korea. A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain HMC4223T formed a lineage within the genus

Algoriphagus

and exhibited highest sequence similarity to

Algoriphagus hitonicola

7-UAHT (96.3 %). The major fatty acids of strain HMC4223T were iso-C15 : 0 and summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c). The major respiratory quinone was MK-7. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and five unidentified polar lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain HMC4223T was 48.4 mol%. On the basis of the evidence presented in this study, strain HMC4223T represents a novel species of the genus

Algoriphagus

, for which the name

Algoriphagus

taeanensis sp. nov. is proposed, with the type strain HMC4223T ( = KCTC 22709T = NBRC 105728T). An emended description of

Algoriphagus hitonicola

is also presented.
High‐temperature adapted primitive Protochlamydia found in Acanthamoeba isolated from a hot spring can grow in immortalized human epithelial HEp‐2 cells
Authors: Sampo Aya , Matsuo Junji , Yamane Chikayo , Yagita Kenji , Nakamura Shinji , Shouji Natsumi , Hayashi Yasuhiro , Yamazaki Tomohiro , Yoshida Mitsutaka , Kobayashi Miho , Ishida Kasumi , Yamaguchi Hiroyuki
Published: September 2013

To elucidate how ancient pathogenic chlamydiae could overcome temperature barriers to adapt to human cells, we characterized a primitive chlamydia found in HS‐T3 amoebae (Acanthamoeba) isolated from a hot spring. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the primitive species to be Protochlamydia. In situ hybridization staining showed broad distribution into the amoebal cytoplasm, which was supported by transmission electron microscopic analysis showing typical chlamydial features, with inclusion bodies including both elementary and reticular bodies. Interestingly, although most amoebae isolated from natural environments show reduced growth at 37°C, the HS‐T3 amoebae harbouring the Protochlamydia grew well at body temperature. Although infection with Protochlamydia did not confer temperature tolerance to the C3 amoebae, the number of infectious progenies rapidly increased at 37°C with amoebal lysis. In immortalized human epithelial HEp‐2 cells, fluorescence microscopic study revealed atypical inclusion of the Protochlamydia, and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analyses also showed an increase in 16S ribosomal RNA DNA amounts. Together, these results showed that the Protochlamydia found in HS‐T3 amoebae isolated from a hot spring successfully adapted to immortalized human HEp‐2 cells at 37°C, providing further information on the evolution of ancient Protochlamydia to the present pathogenic chlamydiae.
Response of the methanogenic microbial communities in Amazonian oxbow lake sediments to desiccation stress
Authors: Conrad Ralf , Ji Yang , Noll Matthias , Klose Melanie , Claus Peter , Enrich‐Prast Alex
Published: September 2013

Methanogenic microbial communities in soil and sediment function only when the environment is inundated and anoxic. In contrast to submerged soils, desiccation of lake sediments happens only rarely. However, some predictions suggest that extreme events of drying will become more common in the Amazon region, and this will promote an increase in sediments drying and exposure. We asked whether and how such methanogenic communities can withstand desiccation stress. Therefore, we determined the rates and pathways of CH4 production (analysis of CH4 and δ13C of CH4, CO2 and acetate), the copy numbers of bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA genes and mcrA genes (quantitative PCR), and the community composition of Archaea and Bacteria (T‐RFLP and pyrosequencing) in oxbow lake sediments of rivers in the Brazilian Amazon region. The rivers were of white water, black water and clear water type. The measurements were done with sediment in fresh state and after drying and rewetting. After desiccation and rewetting the composition of both, the archaeal and bacterial community changed. Since lake sediments from white water rivers exhibited only negligible methanogenic activity, probably because of relatively high iron and low organic matter content, they were not further analysed. The other sediments produced CH4, with hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis usually accounting for > 50% of total activity. After desiccation and rewetting, archaeal and bacterial gene copy numbers decreased. The bacterial community showed a remarkable increase of Clostridiales from about 10% to > 30% of all Bacteria, partially caused by proliferation of specific taxa as the numbers of OTU shared with fresh sediment decreased from about 9% to 3%. Among the Archaea, desiccation specifically enhanced the relative abundance of either Methanocellales (black water) and/or Methanosarcinaceae (clear water). Despite the changes in gene copy numbers and composition of the microbial community, rates of CH4 production even increased after desiccation‐rewetting, demonstrating that the function of the methanogenic microbial community had not been impaired. This result indicates that the increase in extreme events of drying may increase methane production in flooded sediments.
Supporting children with genetic syndromes in the classroom: the example of 22q deletion syndrome
Authors: Reilly Colin , Stedman Lindsey
Published: September 2013

An increasing number of children are likely to have a known genetic cause for their special educational needs. One such genetic condition is 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22qDS), a genetic syndrome associated with early speech and language difficulties, global and specific cognitive impairments, difficulties with attention and difficulties with social‐emotional functioning. In this article the learning and behavioural strengths and needs of this genetic syndrome are described along with recommendations for classroom‐based interventions. Suggested recommendations in the learning and emotional‐behavioural domains for the syndrome draw on a number of approaches that have been found to be useful for children with a range of conditions including ADHD, ASD and dyscalculia. While teachers cannot be expected to know about all potential genetic causes for special educational needs, knowing that a genetic condition is likely to be associated with a pattern of relative cognitive and behavioural strengths and needs is important.
Wool and cloth production in late medieval and earlyTudorEngland
Authors: Oldland John
Published: September 2013

Estimates of wool production based on the exports of wool and cloth, and an assumption that domestic cloth consumption was, optimistically, constant, suggest that wool production fell by almost a third from the early fourteenth to the mid‐fifteenth century, and had not fully recovered even by the mid‐sixteenth century. However, after theBlackDeath, much ofEngland's arable was converted to pasture, mainly for sheep, and this process accelerated after 1470. These two observations are contradictory. This article provides new numbers of adult sheep based on estimates of domestic cloth consumption, cloth exports, the changing weight of cloth, and fleece yields. The conclusion is that the adult sheep population only declined by around 13 per cent from 1310 to 1440, and had risen dramatically by the mid‐sixteenth century.
Characterization of heat shock protein 90, 70 and their transcriptional expression patterns on high temperature in adult of Grapholita molesta (Busck)
Authors: Chen Hao , Xu Xiang‐Li , Li Yi‐Ping , Wu Jun‐Xiang
Published: September 2013

Grapholita molesta (Busck) is a worldwide insect pest damaging stone and pome fruits. High temperature can significantly affect insect survival, development and fecundity. Heat shock protein (Hsp) genes were speculated to possess a pivotal function in response to high temperature stress. In this study, two full‐length Hsp genes, Gmhsp90 and Gmhsp70, were cloned from G. molesta using rapid amplification of complementary DNA ends (RACE). The open reading frames of Gmhsp90 and Gmhsp70 obtained were 2 148 bp and 1 998 bp in length, respectively. Their deduced amino acids showed high homology to Hsp genes of other species. Subsequently, the transcriptional expression of Gmhsp90 and Gmhsp70 in G. molesta adults exposed at various temperatures (26, 29, 32, 35, 38, 41 and 44°C) for 1 h and at 41°C for various time duration (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 and 105 min) were investigated via real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The relative expression levels of Gmhsp90 and Gmhsp70 in G. molesta adults were both up‐regulated with the rise of temperature and time duration. In addition, the Gmhsp70 usually showed a higher transcription accumulation than Gmhsp90. Interestingly, Gmhsp90 and Gmhsp70 in female adults could be induced much earlier than that in males, and the effective induction temperature in females was also lower than that in males. The distinct expression profiles of Gmhsp90 and Gmhsp70 indicated that Gmhsp90 and Gmhsp70 may play important roles in G. molesta adults responding to a thermal threat, and there is difference on induction between sexes.
Arterial Vascularization and Morphological Characteristics of Adrenal Glands in the Pampas Deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus, Linnaeus 1758)
Authors: Erdoğan S. , Pérez W.
Published: September 2013

This research presents morphological characteristics of adrenal glands and a demonstration of arterial vascularization in the Pampas deer, which is considered to be in extreme danger of extinction. A total of ten deer constituted the material of the study. Vascularization of organs was investigated by using latex injection technique. Left adrenal glands were basically supplied by coeliac, cranial mesenteric, renal and lumbal arteries. The arterial vascularization of the left adrenal glands was very complex in comparison with right adrenal glands. In two examples, branch of the lumbal artery was divided into phrenic caudal artery and cranial adrenal artery. In six examples, it was observed that the caudomedial and ventral regions of the left adrenal glands were also supplied by thinner branches that stemmed from second left lumbal artery. Besides, coeliac and cranial mesenteric arteries also gave off shorter branches supplying the cranial region of the left adrenal glands in five examples. It was determined that two branches originated from abdominal aorta directly for supplying left adrenal glands in only two examples. In four examples, two caudal adrenal arteries stemmed separately from left renal artery in a short distance. Arterial vascularization of right adrenal glands was more constant and supplied by lumbal and renal arteries. The adrenal glands were generally oval or round shaped. In only two examples, left adrenal glands were ‘V‐’ or heart‐shaped. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in sizes between right and left adrenal glands.
Serum allergen‐specific IgA is not associated with natural or induced tolerance to egg in children
Authors: Vazquez‐Ortiz M. , Pascal M. , Juan M. , Alsina L. , Martín‐Mateos M. A. , Plaza A. M.
Published: September 2013

The role of specific IgA (sIgA) in oral immunotherapy (OIT) and natural tolerance to foods is poorly understood. We aimed to study serum sIgA in induced and natural tolerance to egg. Children aged 5–16 years diagnosed with IgE‐mediated egg allergy were recruited. After egg challenge, patients were classified as transient (TEA) or persistent (PEA) egg‐allergic. PEA children were further divided into oral immunotherapy (PEA‐OIT) or egg avoidance (PEA‐EA). Allergy/tolerance was reassessed 9–12 months later (T1) in PEA‐EA. Serum sIgA to ovalbumin and ovomucoid were determined at inclusion in all patients and repeated in PEA at T1. 21 TEA and 52 PEA children were recruited (28 PEA‐OIT, 24 PEA‐EA). Serum sIgA remained unchanged after OIT. TEA and PEA had similar serum sIgA. No specific trend on serum sIgA was observed in five PEA‐EA who developed natural tolerance over follow‐up. Thus, serum sIgA seems not to be associated with induced or natural egg tolerance.
Ovarian granulosa cell tumor and increased risk of breast cancer
Authors: Hammer Anne , Lauszus Finn F. , Petersen Astrid C.
Published: September 2013

Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary (GCT) is a rare neoplasm. The tumor often secretes estrogens and then presents at an earlier stage due to hormone‐related symptoms. GCT women are at increased risk of endometrial carcinoma, but there is only limited information about GCTs and potential association to other hormone‐related neoplasms such as breast cancer. We conducted a retrospective follow‐up study on 163 women with GCT. Medical records and histological sections were reviewed and a search in the pathology registry performed. Eight [95% confidence interval (CI); 3.4–15.8] GCT women were diagnosed with a breast neoplasm; one with Paget's disease of the nipple and seven with breast carcinoma. Based on calculations using incidence rates on breast cancer among Danish women, we would have expected 2.5 cases of breast cancer. The odds ratio was 3.3 (95% CI, 1.6–6.6), suggesting an increased risk of breast cancer in GCT women.
Who Uses Free Trade Agreements?
Authors: Hayakawa Kazunobu , Hiratsuka Daisuke , Shiino Kohei , Sukegawa Seiya
Published: September 2013

The utilization ofASEANfree trade agreements (FTA) is low by international standards. To clarify the reasons for such low utilization, this paper uses unique affiliate‐level data to investigate what kinds ofJapanese affiliates inASEANare more likely to use anFTAscheme in their exporting. Our findings are as follows. First, the larger the affiliate is, or the more diversified the origins of its procurements, the more likely it is to utilize anFTAscheme in its exporting. Second, affiliates that export actively to countries with higher general tariffs are more likely to useFTA. Third, there are clear differences inFTAutilization depending on affiliates' locations and sectors.
Effect of the size of zona pellucida opening on hatching in the common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus) embryo
Authors: Ishibashi Hidetoshi , Motohashi Hideyuki H. , Kumon Mami , Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Okada Hironori , Okada Takashi , Seki Kazuhiko
Published: September 2013

The use of the common marmoset monkey in biomedical research has increased recently, and further attention has been devoted to this model after the successful production of transgenic marmosets. To extend genetic engineering approaches to widespread biomedical research fields, efficient prolonged in vitro culturing of embryo development is necessary. We aimed to evaluate the effects of the size of the zona pellucida opening on promoting the hatching process in the marmoset embryo. Piezo‐microdrilling of a 6‐μm opening in eight embryos resulted in four partially hatched embryos and one hatched embryo after 5 days of culture. Piezo‐microdrilling a 20‐μm opening in 11 embryos resulted in nine partial hatchings and no hatched embryos. Piezo‐scraping an 80‐μm opening in six embryos resulted in no partially hatched embryos and five hatched embryos. These results suggest that an 80‐μm opening, rather than 6‐μm or 20‐μm openings, is suitable to complete the hatching process in the marmoset embryo.
The Problem Is Fraud: Is the Solution Government Bounties?
Authors: Hargrove Dan , Raiborn Cecily
Published: September 2013

Whistle‐blowing is the disclosure of organizational wrongdoing by internal or external parties either within the organization or publicly to outsiders who may be able to effect a positive change in action or activities. Organizations have been encouraged, especially since the passage in 2002 of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act, to establish a culture in which whistle‐blowing is seen as a positive mechanism to correct misconduct rather than a negative attack.

This article addresses (1) whistle‐blowing in relationship fraud and (2) governmental “bounties” paid to persons who are willing to provide knowledge of organizational transgressions. The fraud could occur through a variety of mechanisms but, regardless of the fraud's cause, the long‐run result will be harmful to the organization, its employees, its customers, and the society in which the organization operates. The question is whether bounties are the most effective means by which to reduce the harm created by fraud.
CSR and Accounting: Drawing on Weber and Aristotle to Rethink Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Authors: Christie Nancy , Dyck Bruno , Morrill Janet , Stewart Ross
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this article is to discuss and provide an alternative, less materialist–individualist approach to interpret the four assumptions of generally accepted accounting principles: economic entity, unit measure, periodic reporting, and going concern. The article draws from and builds on arguments first developed by Weber and Aristotle to demonstrate how a materialist–individualist moral point of view influences the conventional interpretation of the four basic assumptions for generally accepted accounting principles. We then propose an ideal‐type conceptual framework upon which to critique mainstream accounting theory and to develop alternative accounting theory that balances multiple forms of well‐being (including financial, but also social, physical, spiritual, and ecological well‐being) for multiple stakeholders (including owners, employees, customers, suppliers, competitors, neighbors, future generations, and so forth).