bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Private Label Imitation of a National Brand: Implications for Consumer Choice and Law
Authors: Aribarg Anocha , Arora Neeraj , Henderson Ty , Kim Youngju
Published: August 2014

In brand imitation lawsuits, the primary focus is on demonstrating harm as it relates to brand confusion. The authors' premise is that such a narrow focus does not capture the complete impact of brand imitation. They offer a broader, theory-based perspective of harm by proposing that brand imitation affects both brand consideration and preference in the consumer choice process. The authors establish a formal nexus between brand consideration and the legal doctrine “initial interest confusion.” Using choice experiments and statistical modeling, they show that brand imitation harms the imitated brand even after controlling for brand confusion. Moreover, brand imitation harms not only the imitated brand but also other national brands in the category that are not being imitated. To quantify brand consideration and preference harm in financial terms, the authors propose two metrics: choice share shift and share-equalizing price cut. The results show that brand imitation harms the national brand more when the imitating brand is not associated with a well-known retailer and that brand imitation harm extends beyond brand confusion. The proposed framework provides both legal and managerial guidance.
Re-thinking the Concept of Surplus: Embracing Co-creation Experiences in Economics
Authors: Chakrabarti Avik , Ramaswamy Venkat
Published: August 2014

Economics has traditionally split consumers from producers by assigning them fixed roles. In the Internetworked economy as it is becoming, this is no longer true as value is increasingly jointly created among individuals, as a function of their co-creation experiences. We construct a framework that reconnects economics with value creation that goes beyond artifacts as the central unit of analysis, toward platforms of engagements of which artifacts themselves are only a part. Engagement platforms are now both the means and ends of value creation, and economic theory must take into account both the potential value generated to individuals through “production” experiences of co-creating artifacts (through co-production engagement platforms), as well as co-creating
“consumption” experiences (through co-consumption engagement platforms). We show how starting with joint value creation re-shapes our thinking about the nature of “surplus,” expanding traditional economic thinking about supply and demand toward a more convergent space of markets shaped by co-creation experiences.
Physical Properties of Red Guava (Psidium guajava L.) Pulp as Affected by Soluble Solids Content and Temperature
Authors: Diniz Renata Silva , Coimbra Jane Sélia dos Reis , Martins Marcio Arêdes , de Oliveira dos Santos Michel , Diniz Mayra Darliane Martins Silva , de Souza Santos Emílio , Santánna Danielle Dias , da Rocha Roney Alves , de Oliveira Eduardo Basílio
Published: August 2014

Physical properties of fluid and semisolid foods, such as density and rheological behavior, must be carefully taken into account on designing unit operations for the processing of such kind of products. In this work, a rotational rheometer of concentric cylinders was used to evaluate the rheological behavior of red guava pulp (Psidium guajava L.), with different soluble solids content (5, 10, and 15°Brix), at four temperatures (10, 30, 50, and 70°C). Also density data were obtained using pycnometry. Models were fitted to the obtained experimental data, in order to mathematically represent the rheological parameters and the density as functions of temperature and soluble solids content. The rheological behavior of the red guava pulp was adequately described by the Ostwald-de-Waele model, with a pseudoplastic behavior. Models to describe the simultaneous effect of temperature and concentration on the density were also presented.
L’ ECL. 1 E L’ ECL. 10 DI VIRGILIO: CONSIDERAZIONI SU UN RAPPORTO COMPLESSO
Authors: Gagliardi Paola
Published: August 2014

A comparison between ecl. 1 and ecl. 10 shows not only the deep differences of the new Virgilian pastoral poetry from Theocritus’ bucolic, but confirms that even Virgil lacked confidence in the power of poetry to solace real sorrow, an idea maintained throughout the whole Bucolicon liber. Interesting analogies between the first and the last eclogue help furthermore to explain Virgil’s farewell to his bucolic production.
ON THE GEOMETRICAL TERM RADIUS IN ANCIENT LATIN
Authors: Bohlin Erik
Published: August 2014

According to major Latin dictionaries, the word radius is attested as a terminus technicus for the geometrical concept ‘radius’ in Cicero’s Timaeus 17. In this study, however, it is argued that there is good reason to believe that Cicero did not use the word in this sense, but in a metaphorical expression in which radius mainly carries the well-attested sense of ‘rod (for drawing diagrams, etc.)’: paribus radiis attingi literally = ‘to be touched by equal rods’, that is to say, ‘to be equidistant’. The first and only convincing attestation of radius in the sense of ‘radius (of a circle, sphere, etc.)’ in ancient Latin literature is found in Calcidius’ Commentary
on the Timaeus 59. It is suggested that Calcidius was influenced by Cicero’s translation and consequently adopted the word radius; however, its technical sense of ‘radius’ was coined, deliberately or not, by Calcidius himself. As there are no other convincing attestations of this sense of the word in ancient Latin, not even in geometrical texts, it is suggested that the word radius never became a commonly accepted terminus technicus for radius in antiquity.
Genetic Interactions BetweenPElements Involved in piRNA-Mediated Repression of Hybrid Dysgenesis inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Simmons Michael J , Meeks Marshall W , Jessen Erik , Becker Jordan R , Buschette Jared T , Thorp Michael W
Published: August 2014

Previous studies have shown that telomeric P elements inserted at the left end of the X chromosome are anchors of the P cytotype, the maternally inherited state that regulates P-element activity in the germ line of Drosophila melanogaster. This regulation is mediated by small RNAs that associate with the Piwi family of proteins (piRNAs). We extend the analysis of cytotype regulation by studying new combinations of telomeric and nontelomeric P elements (TPs and non-TPs). TPs interact with each other to enhance cytotype regulation. This synergism involves a strictly maternal effect, called presetting, which is apparently mediated by piRNAs transmitted through the egg. Presetting by a maternal TP can elicit regulation by an inactive paternally inherited TP, possibly by stimulating its production of primary piRNAs. When one TP has come from a stock heterozygous for a mutation in the aubergine, piwi, or Suppressor of variegation 205 genes, the synergism between two TPs is impaired. TPs also interact with non-TPs to enhance cytotype regulation, even though the non-TPs lack regulatory ability on their own. Non-TPs are not susceptible to presetting by a TP, nor is a TP susceptible to presetting by a non-TP. The synergism between TPs and non-TPs is stronger when the TP was inherited maternally. This synergism may be due to the accumulation of secondary piRNAs created by ping-pong cycling between primary piRNAs from the TPs and mRNAs from the non-TPs. Maternal transmission of P-element piRNAs plays an important role in the maintenance of strong cytotype regulation over generations.
Construction of a Microsatellites-Based Linkage Map for the White Grouper (Epinephelus aeneus)
Authors: Dor Lior , Shirak Andrey , Gorshkov Sergei , Band Mark R , Korol Abraham , Ronin Yefim , Curzon Arie , Hulata Gideon , Seroussi Eyal , Ron Micha
Published: August 2014

The white grouper (Epinephelus aeneus) is a promising candidate for domestication and aquaculture due to its fast growth, excellent taste, and high market price. A linkage map is an essential framework for mapping quantitative trait loci for economic traits and the study of genome evolution. DNA of a single individual was deep-sequenced, and microsatellite markers were identified in 177 of the largest scaffolds of the sequence assembly. The success rate of developing polymorphic homologous markers was 94.9% compared with 63.1% of heterologous markers from other grouper species. Of the 12 adult mature fish present in the broodstock tank, two males and two females were identified as parents of the assigned offspring by parenthood analysis using 34 heterologous markers. A single full-sib family of 48 individuals was established for the construction of first-generation linkage maps based on genotyping data of 222 microsatellites. The markers were assigned to 24 linkage groups in accordance to the 24 chromosomal pairs. The female and male maps consisting of 203 and 202 markers spanned 1053 and 886 cM, with an average intermarker distance of 5.8 and 5.0 cM, respectively. Mapping of markers to linkage groups ends was enriched by using markers originating from scaffolds harboring telomeric repeat-containing RNA. Comparative mapping showed high synteny relationships among the white grouper, kelp grouper (E. bruneus), orange-spotted grouper (E. coioides), and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Thus, it would be useful to integrate the markers that were developed for different groupers, depending on sharing of sequence data, into a comprehensive consensus map.
Distinct and Predictive Histone Lysine Acetylation Patterns at Promoters, Enhancers, and Gene Bodies
Authors: Rajagopal Nisha , Ernst Jason , Ray Pradipta , Wu Jie , Zhang Michael , Kellis Manolis , Ren Bing
Published: August 2014

In eukaryotic cells, histone lysines are frequently acetylated. However, unlike modifications such as methylations, histone acetylation modifications are often considered redundant. As such, the functional roles of distinct histone acetylations are largely unexplored. We previously developed an algorithm RFECS to discover the most informative modifications associated with the classification or prediction of mammalian enhancers. Here, we used this tool to identify the modifications most predictive of promoters, enhancers, and gene bodies. Unexpectedly, we found that histone acetylation alone performs well in distinguishing these unique genomic regions. Further, we found the association of characteristic acetylation patterns with genic regions and association of chromatin state with splicing. Taken together, our work underscores the diverse functional roles of histone acetylation in gene regulation and provides several testable hypotheses to dissect these roles.
Migratory connectivity of a Neotropical migratory songbird revealed by archival light‐level geolocators
Authors: Hallworth Michael T. , Sillett T. Scott , Van Wilgenburg Steven L. , Hobson Keith A. , Marra Peter P.
Published: August 2014

Understanding migratory connectivity is critical for interpreting population dynamics, seasonal interactions, and for the implementation of conservation strategies of migratory species. We evaluated the migratory connectivity of a Neotropical migratory songbird, the Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla) using archival light‐level geolocators deployed at two breeding and four nonbreeding locations while incorporating Ovenbird abundance as prior information using Bayes' Rule. We also included band recoveries submitted to the United States Geological Survey's Bird Banding Laboratory to assess connectivity of areas where geolocators were not deployed. We created a probabilistic map of origin for each capture site and mapped spring migration routes between nonbreeding and breeding locations. We found a complete separation of eastern and western populations of Ovenbirds throughout the annual cycle. Breeding Ovenbirds from western Canada spent the nonbreeding season throughout Central America and migrated through central North America during spring migration. Birds breeding in the northeastern United States were distributed throughout the central Greater Antilles in the Caribbean and migrated through eastern North America during spring migration. Fall migration routes were not included because the timing of migration coincided with fall equinox when latitudinal estimates are unreliable. However, longitudinal estimates suggest no overlap between eastern and western populations during fall migration. Ovenbirds with geolocators attached in Jamaica bred in the northeastern United States with the highest posterior probability of origin found in Massachusetts, while Ovenbirds captured in Florida and Puerto Rico bred primarily in the mid‐Atlantic. Incorporating Ovenbird abundance as a prior into geolocator estimates decreased the area of origin by 90.37% ± 1.05% (mean ± SE) for the breeding season and 62.30% ± 1.69% for the nonbreeding season, compared to geolocator estimates alone. Ovenbirds exhibited strong migratory connectivity between breeding and nonbreeding season, which has important implications for various aspects of the ecology, evolution, and conservation.
Effects of Scaling and Root Planing on Clinical Response and Serum Levels of Adipocytokines in Patients With Obesity and Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Dias Gonçalves Tiago Eduardo , Feres Magda , Zimmermann Glaucia Santos , Faveri Marcelo , Figueiredo Luciene Cristina , Braga Paloma Gralha , Duarte Poliana Mendes
Published: August 2014

Background: Despite several investigations suggesting that obesity is a risk indicator for periodontitis, little is known about the effect of obesity on periodontal treatment response. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of scaling and root planing (SRP) on clinical parameters and circulating levels of leptin and adiponectin in patients with obesity with chronic periodontitis (CP).

Methods: Twenty‐four patients with obesity and CP and 24 patients without obesity with CP were submitted to SRP. Clinical parameters were assessed at baseline and 3 and 6 months after therapy. Serum levels of leptin and adiponectin were evaluated at all time points, using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: SRP improved the clinical parameters of both groups at 3 and 6 months (P <0.05). Nonetheless, the patients without obesity presented a lower mean probing depth (PD) at 6 months after therapy and a greater reduction in PD from baseline to 6 months in the full‐mouth analysis (primary outcome variable) and in initially deep sites (P <0.05). Leptin serum levels were higher in patients with obesity than in patients without obesity at all time points (P <0.05). No changes in the serum levels of leptin and adiponectin were observed in groups with and without obesity after therapy (P >0.05).

Conclusions: Patients with obesity and CP presented lower reductions in PD than patients without obesity with CP at 6 months after SRP. Furthermore, the treatment did not affect the circulating levels of leptin and adiponectin in any group.
A Statewide Collaboration to Initiate Mental Health Screening and Assess Services for Detained Youths in Indiana
Authors: Aalsma Matthew C. , Schwartz Katherine , Perkins Anthony J.
Published: August 2014

Objectives. We describe a statewide effort to implement detention-based mental health screening and assess follow-up services offered to detained youths in Indiana.

Methods. A total of 25 265 detention stays (15 461 unique youths) occurred between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2011, across 16 detention centers participating in the Indiana Juvenile Mental Health Screening Project. We collected screening results and reports of detention-based follow-up mental health services and referrals from justice system records.

Results. Approximately 21% of youths screened positive for mental health issues requiring follow-up. A positive screen significantly predicted that youths would receive a follow-up mental health service or referral while detained or upon detention center discharge, compared with youths who did not screen positive (61% vs 39%). Logistic regression models indicated that a positive screen was associated with (1) contact with a mental health clinician within 24 hours of detention center intake and (2) a mental health referral upon discharge. White youths were more likely than minorities to receive both follow-up services.

Conclusions. Future statewide efforts to improve the mental health of detained youths should incorporate standards for providing appropriate follow-up services in detention centers.
Implementation of Tobacco Cessation Quitline Practices in the United States and Canada
Authors: Saul Jessie E. , Bonito Joseph A. , Provan Keith , Ruppel Erin , Leischow Scott J.
Published: August 2014

Objectives. We examined relationships between implementation of tobacco quitline practices, levels of evidence of practices, and quitline reach and spending.

Methods. In June and July 2009, a total of 176 quitline funders and providers in the United States and Canada completed a survey on quitline practices, in particular quitline-level implementation for the reported practices. From these data, we selected and categorized evidence-based and emerging quitline practices by the strength of the evidence for each practice to increase quitline efficacy and reach.

Results. The proportion of quitlines implementing each practice ranged from 3% (text messaging) to 92% (providing a multiple-call protocol). Implementation of practices showing higher levels of evidence for increasing either reach or efficacy showed moderate but significant positive correlations with both reach outcomes and spending levels. The strongest correlation was between reach outcomes and spending levels (r = 0.80; P < .01).

Conclusions. The strong relationship between quitline spending and reach reinforces the need to increase quitline funding to levels commensurate with national cessation goals.
Enhancing Diversity in the Public Health Research Workforce: The Research and Mentorship Program for Future HIV Vaccine Scientists
Authors: Sopher Carrie J. , Adamson Blythe Jane S. , Andrasik Michele P. , Flood Danna M. , Wakefield Steven F. , Stoff David M. , Cook Ryan S. , Kublin James G. , Fuchs Jonathan D.
Published: August 2014

Objectives. We developed and evaluated a novel National Institutes of Health–sponsored Research and Mentorship Program for African American and Hispanic medical students embedded within the international, multisite HIV Vaccine Trials Network, and explored its impact on scientific knowledge, acquired skills, and future career plans.

Methods. Scholars conducted social, behavioral, clinical, or laboratory-based research projects with HIV Vaccine Trials Network investigators over 8 to 16 weeks (track 1) or 9 to 12 months (track 2). We conducted an in-depth, mixed-methods evaluation of the first 2 cohorts (2011–2013) to identify program strengths, areas for improvement, and influence on professional development.

Results. A pre–post program assessment demonstrated increases in self-reported knowledge, professional skills, and interest in future HIV vaccine research. During in-depth interviews, scholars reported that a supportive, centrally administered program; available funding; and highly involved mentors and staff were keys to the program’s early success.

Conclusions. A multicomponent, mentored research experience that engages medical students from underrepresented communities and is organized within a clinical trials network may expand the pool of diverse public health scientists. Efforts to sustain scholar interest over time and track career trajectories are warranted.
An Education in Contrast: State-by-State Assessment of School Immunization Records Requirements
Authors: Hedden Erika M. , Jessop Amy B. , Field Robert I.
Published: August 2014

Objectives. We reviewed the complexities of school-related immunization policies, their relation to immunization information systems (IIS) and immunization registries, and the historical context to better understand this convoluted policy system.

Methods. We used legal databases (Lexis-Nexis and Westlaw) to identify school immunization records policies for 50 states, 5 cities, and the District of Columbia (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “grantees”). The original search took place from May to September 2010 (cross-referenced in July 2013 with the list on http://www.immunize.org/laws ). We describe the requirements, agreement with IIS policies, and penalties for policy violations.

Results. We found a complex web of public health, medical, and education-directed policies, which complicates immunization data sharing. Most (79%) require records of immunizations for children to attend school or for a child-care institution licensure, but only a few (11%) require coordination between IIS and schools or child-care facilities.

Conclusions. To realize the full benefit of IIS investment, including improved immunization and school health program efficiencies, IIS and school immunization records policies must be better coordinated. States with well-integrated policies may serve as models for effective harmonization.
Integrating Health Into Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies: Key Considerations for Success
Authors: Dar Osman , Buckley Emmeline J. , Rokadiya Sakib , Huda Qudsia , Abrahams Jonathan
Published: August 2014

The human and financial costs of disasters are vast. In 2011, disasters were estimated to have cost $378 billion worldwide; disasters have affected 64% of the world’s population since 1992. Consequently, disaster risk reduction strategies have become increasingly prominent on national and international policy agendas. However, the function of health in disaster risk reduction strategies often has been restricted to emergency response.

To mitigate the effect of disasters on social and health development goals (such as risk reduction Millennium Development Goals) and increase resilience among at-risk populations, disaster strategies should assign the health sector a more all-encompassing, proactive role.

We discuss proposed methods and concepts for mainstreaming health in disaster risk reduction and consider barriers faced by the health sector in this field.
The Tobacco Industry, Researchers, and Ethical Access to UK Biobank: Using the Public Interest and Public Good
Authors: Capps Benjamin James , van der Eijk Yvette
Published: August 2014

We have asked whether the strategic purpose of the tobacco industry is something that a public resource, such as UK Biobank, should support. Tobacco industry health research has been known to work irreconcilably with the purposes of such institutions, which can be surmised as for the public good and defined to improve the provision, diagnosis, and treatment of illness and the promotion of health throughout society.

We have isolated possible conflicts of interest that underlie vested research agendas of the tobacco industry and that may extend to tobacco industry–funded researchers.

With respect to research, we find that the tobacco industry is entirely at odds with the purposes of public biobanking.
Phenolic Composition and Sensory Properties of Ciders Produced from Latvian Apples
Authors: Riekstina-Dolge Rita , Kruma Zanda , Dimins Fredijs , Straumite Evita , Karklina Daina
Published: August 2014

Polyphenol compounds are very important components of cider – they are responsible for the colour and the bitterness and astringency balance of cider. The polyphenolic profile of apples and apple drinks is influenced by several factors: apple variety, climate, maturity, and technological processes applied. This research paper concerns the influence of apple variety on the phenolic compounds and sensory properties of cider. Fermentation of 12 varieties of apple juice with Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast ‘71B-1122’ (Lalvin, Canada) was performed in a laboratory of the Faculty of Food Technology of the Latvia University of Agriculture. The total phenol content (TPC) was determined according to the Folin-Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method. Individual phenolic compounds were analysed using HPLC. Sensory properties (clarity, the apple, fruit and yeast aroma, the apple and yeast taste, sourness, astringency, and bitterness) were evaluated by trained panelists using a line scale. Special attention was paid to the use of dessert apples for the production of cider. The most important sensory properties of cider are the aroma and taste of apples and fruit. All cider samples showed the intensity of apple aroma ranging from 5.3 to 7.6 points, and higher results were obtained for cider from the bvariety ‘Auksis’ apples. The TPC in cider samples varied from 792.68 to 3399.78 mg L-1: Among crab apples, the highest TPC was detected in ciders made from the ‘Hyslop’ and ’Riku’ varieties, whereas among dessert apples, the highest TPC was detected in ciders made from the ‘Antonovka’ variety. Among the twelve phenols identified in cider samples, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid were the dominating ones. Variation in the sensory properties of ciders was dependent on the physicochemical composition of the apples used.
Immunotoxic effect of Benzo[α]Pyrene and chrysene in juvenile white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Ren Xianyun , Pan Luqing , Wang Lin
Published: August 2014

The effects of benzo(a)pyrene (Bap) (0.03, 0.3 and 3 μg L−1) and chrysene (CHR) (0.3, 2.1 and 14.7 μg L−1) on the function of the immune system of juvenile white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei were determined under laboratory conditions. This included the total hemocyte count (THC) in the hemolymph, phagocytic activityand pro-phenoloxidase (pro-PO) activity of the hemocyte, phenoloxidase (PO) activity, α2-macroglobulin (α2-M) activity, bacteriolytic activity and antibacterial activity in the hemolymph. The results showed that BaP and CHR could inhibit the immune function of L. vannamei significantly under high concentration BaP and CHR exposure. The results of this study indicated that the immunotoxicity of PAHs in a descending order was BaP>CHR. Moreover, the results indicated the THC in hemolymph, pro-PO activity and phagocytic activity of hemocyte, and bacteriolytic activity in hemolymphcould be used as potentially suitable biomarkersfor early warning indication of PAHs toxicity, this could provide useful information for toxic risk assessment of environmental pollutants.
The study of hyaluronic acid compounds for neutron capture and photon activation therapies
Authors: Koryakin Sergey , Yadrovskaya Vera , Beketov Evgeny , Isaeva Elena , Ulyanenko Stepan , Uspenskiy Sergey , Khabarov Vladimir , Selyanin Mikhail
Published: August 2014

The therapy of radioresistant tumors remains an urgent problem in medicine. To solve this problem neutron capture therapy (NCT) and photon activation therapy (PAT) are used. The essential feature of this such technique is the uptake of tumor chemical elements, which interact with thermal neutrons (NCT) and X-rays (PAT). The aims of the investigation were to study a biodistribution of the complexes of hyaluronic acid with boron (3 mg B mL−1) and gold (20 mg Au mL−1) in mice with melanoma B-16 after intratumoral administration. An optimal time for NCT was 30 minutes after administration when boron concentration in the tumor was more than 30 μg g−1 and exceeded boron content in surrounding tissues. The maximal gold content in tumor (180–260 mg g−1) was obtained in 30 minutes after the preparation introduction. The highest ratios of gold in tumor and surrounding tissues (a necessary condition for forming of the local absorbed dose in tumor) was obtained in 0.5 and 1 h. On the basis of the data obtained, it is possible to assume the perspectives of the non-toxic boron compounds for use in NCT and the gold compounds for use primarily as contrast agents for diagnostic purposes.
Regulation of proline and ethylene levels in rape seedlings for freezing tolerance
Authors: Gavelienė V. , Pakalniškytė L. , Novickienė L.
Published: August 2014

This study was aimed to investigate the possibility of regulating free proline content and ethylene production in the resistant to abiotic stress cv. ‘Hornet H’ and the tolerant to stress cv. ‘Sunday’ of winter rapeseed seedlings by pretreatment with exogenous L-proline and L-glutamine in non-acclimated and cold-acclimated seedlings in relation to freezing tolerance. The ratio of proline content in acclimated (at 4°C) versus non-acclimated (18°C) ‘Hornet H’ seedlings increased 2.12-fold and in ‘Sunday’ seedlings 1.95-fold. Exogenously applied, proline and glutamine produced a positive effect on free proline content in both cold-acclimated and non-acclimated seedlings. At a temperature of -1°C the proline content significantly increased in non-acclimated and especially in cold-acclimated seedlings. At an intensified freezing temperature (−3°C, −5°C, −7°C), the proline content decreased in comparison with that at −1°C, but glutamine, especially proline, in cold-acclimated seedlings takes part in free proline level increase and in seedlings’ resistance to freezing. Ethylene production increased in cold-acclimated conditions and under the effect of exogenous proline and glutamine. In freezing conditions, ethylene production decreased, but in cold-acclimated seedlings and under pretreatment of proline and glutamine the ethylene synthesis was intensive. Thus, free proline content and ethylene production increase in cold-acclimated winter rapeseed seedlings and under pretreatment with glutamine and especially with proline. Free proline is involved in the response to cold stress, and its level may be an indicator of cold-hardening and freezing tolerance, but the role of ethylene in the regulation of cold tolerance remains not quite clear.
PGC-1α is associated with C2C12 Myoblast differentiation
Authors: Lin Yaqiu , Zhao Yanying , Li Ruiwen , Gong Jiaqi , Zheng Yucai , Wang Yong
Published: August 2014

PGC-1α has been implicated as an important mediator of functional capacity of skeletal muscle. However, the role of PGC-1α in myoblast differentiation remains unexplored. In the present study, we observed a significant up-regulation of PGC-1α expression during the differentiation of murine C2C12 myoblast. To understand the biological significance of PGC-1α up-regulation in myoblast differentiation, C2C12 cells were transfected with murine PGC-1α cDNA and siRNA targeting PGC-1α, respectively. PGC-1α over-expressing clones fused to form typical myotubes with higher mRNA level of myosin heavy chain isoform I (MyHCI) and lower MyHCIIX. No obvious differentiation was observed in PGC-1α-targeted siRNA-transfected cells with marked decrement of mRNA levels of MyHCI and MyHCIIX. Furthermore, PGC-1α increased the expression of MyoD and MyoG in C2C12 cells, which controlled the commitment of precursor cells to myotubes. These results indicate that PGC-1α is associated with myoblast differentiation and elevates MyoD and MyoG expression levels in C2C12 cells.
Larval helminths in the invasive American brine shrimp Artemia franciscana throughout its annual cycle
Authors: Georgiev Boyko , Angelov Aleksandar , Vasileva Gergana , Sánchez Marta , Hortas Francisco , Mutafchiev Yasen , Pankov Plamen , Green Andy
Published: August 2014

One of the best examples of rapid displacement of native species by an invader is the eradication of native Artemia salina and A. parthenogenetica in the Mediterranean by the introduced American A. franciscana. Previous studies based on sampling from limited time periods suggest that the success of the American species as a competitor may be due partly to different parasite burden, since native Artemia spp. have high cestode infection rates regulating their density. The aim of this study is to test the hypothesis that the helminth infection in A. franciscana in its invasive range is low throughout its annual life cycle. Samples of A. franciscana were collected every second month from La Tapa saltern (Andalusia) during one year. Five helminth species were recorded: cestodes Flamingolepis liguloides, F. flamingo, Gynandrotaenia stammeri (all flamingo parasites), Eurycestus avoceti (a shorebird parasite) and larval spirurids of the Acuariinae (the first record of nematodes in Artemia). The overall infection rate was low, with total prevalence 5.9% and prevalence of individual parasite species between 0.2 and 3.2%. The mean abundance of helminths was 0.005–0.155 (av. 0.068), 5–13 times lower than in native congeners. Waterbird counts indicate that the low infection rates cannot be explained by lack of definitive hosts. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that helminths have no regulating effect on the invasive brine shrimp in the Mediterranean. The replacement of the native populations by the invader can be partially explained by a competition mediated by parasites/predators through a differential impact on host fitness.
Differences in snail ecology lead to infection pattern variation of Echinostoma spp. larval stages
Authors: Zimmermann Michael , Luth Kyle , Esch Gerald
Published: August 2014

The infection patterns of parasites are often tied to host behavior. Although most studies have investigated definitive hosts and their parasites, intermediate host behavior may play a role in shaping the distribution and accumulation of parasites, particularly the larval stages. In an attempt to answer this question, more than 4,500 pulmonate snails were collected from 11 states in the mid-Atlantic and Midwestern United States in the summer of 2012. These snails were necropsied and echinostome metecercariae were commonly observed infecting the snails as 2nd intermediate hosts (20.0%). The snails included species of 3 genera with distinct differences in the infection patterns of Echinostoma spp. metacercariae among them. Physa spp. (comprising of P. acuta and P. gyrina) snails exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of infection (23.5%) than both Lymnaea columella (11.6%) and Helisoma spp. (comprising of H. anceps and H. trivolvis) (14.2%; P < 0.05), with no difference in prevalence observed between the latter 2 genera (P > 0.05). The intensity of metacercariae within the snail hosts was significantly different between the 3 genera (P < 0.05), with L. columella having the highest intensity (24.3 ± 5.6), followed by Physa spp. (15.2 ± 1.5) and Helisoma spp. (5.0 ± 0.9). Differences in prevalence and intensity were also observed when the different snail families co-habited the same body of water. The disparities in infection patterns are likely due to distinct differences in the behavioral and feeding ecology of the snail hosts.
Deregulated microRNA expression in biospecimens from patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder as a disease biomarker
Authors: Delalle Ivana , Kao Patricia , Choi Jason
Published: August 2014

The biological markers for schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) would represent a precious tool in evaluating the risk for the development of these common neuropsychiatric diseases and, possibly, in the prevention of either disease episodes and/or treatment efficiency monitoring. Since both SZ and BD are diseases with a significant genetic component, the research over the last decades has focused on the genes with altered function in the central nervous system (CNS) of individuals suffering from these illnesses. Recently, however, small non-coding RNA molecules (microRNAs, miRNAs, miRs) were shown to regulate the expression of human CNS genes involved in cell processes and functions negatively affected in neuropsychiatric disorders, including synaptic development and maturation, learning and memory. Differentially expressed sets of miRNAs have been reported in the tissues of SZ and BD patients in comparison to controls suggesting the emergence of a novel class of potential biomarkers. Here we review the reports on the changes in miRNA expression in postmortem brain tissue and peripheral blood in SZ and BD. We also evaluate the potential of miRNA packaged in exosomes, signaling vesicles released by neurons and glia, to contribute to the disaggregation of the molecular machinery underlying mental disorders and provide clinically useful biomarkers.
Neuroinflammation and Alzheimer’s disease: lessons learned from 5-lipoxygenase
Authors: Joshi Yash , Praticò Domenico
Published: August 2014

Aside from the well-known amyloid beta and tau pathologies found in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), neuroinflammation is a well-established aspect described in humans and animal models of the disease. Inflammatory perturbations are evident not only in neurons, but also in non-neuronal cells and cytokines in the AD brain. Although the amyloid hypothesis implicates amyloid beta (Aβ) as the prime initiator of the AD, brain inflammation in AD has a complex relationship between Aβ and tau. Using our work with the 5-lipoxygenase protein as an example, we suggest that at least in the case of AD, there is an interdependent and not necessarily hierarchical pathological relationship between Aβ, tau and inflammation.
Extrusion and Characterization of Soy Protein Film Incorporated with Soy Cellulose Microfibers
Authors: Chan R. , Lim L.-T. , Barbut S. , Marcone M. F.
Published: August 2014

A biodegradable alternative material to synthetic plastics was explored in this study through the extrusion of soy protein isolate (SPI) composite films containing soy cellulose microfibers (SMF). SMF were isolated from soy pods and stems using a chemo-mechanical method. The fibers produced through successive treatments were characterized by microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared analysis. SMF/SPI composite films (0.08 to 0.3 mm thick), containing different concentrations of cellulose fibers, were produced using a single-screw extruder (0.625″ screw; 24 : 1 L/D ratio; 100 – 120 min−1; 120 to 150 °C barrel temperature) and characterized. Homogenous films with uniform distribution of SMF were obtained with the highest concentration of 0.5 % w/w SMF/SPI. Increasing fiber content resulted in the formation of aggregates. As with other protein films, mechanical properties of the extruded pristine SPI and composite films were negatively affected by humidity. At the optimal concentration of 0.25 % w/w SMF/SPI, films exhibited improved mechanical performance at elevated relative humidity (84 %) when compared to the pristine SPI films.
Morphology Control and Stabilization in Immiscible Polypropylene and Polyamide 6 Blends with Organoclay
Authors: Huang J. , Zhu Y. , Jiang W. , Cardinaels R. , Moldenaers P. , Shi D.
Published: August 2014

In the current study, 70/30 (w/w) polypropylene (PP)/polyamide 6 (PA6)/organoclay ternary blends were prepared by melt mixing in three different blending sequences, i. e., organoclay premixed with PA6 and then mixed with PP (S1 blending sequence), organoclay premixed with PP and then mixed with PA6 (S2 blending sequence), and organoclay, PA6 and PP mixed simultaneously (S3 blending sequence). The effects of organoclay on the phase morphologies, rheological properties and mechanical properties of the blends are examined to reveal the role of organoclay in these immiscible blends. First of all, the dispersion and distribution of organoclay is investigated using XRD and TEM techniques. The organoclay is exfoliated and distributed in the dispersed PA6 phase as well as at the interface between PA6 and PP. Interestingly, more organoclay sheets are observed at the interface when the S2 or S3 blending sequences are utilized. From the SEM images, it is clear that the domain size of the PA6 phase decreases remarkably after introducing organoclay into the PP/PA6 blends. Two different rheological protocols are applied to probe the effect of organoclay on the morphology of the blend by in-situ monitoring the morphological evolution. The rheological results reveal that the phase morphology of the PP/PA6 blends remains relatively stable during shear for a wide range of shear rates when 1.0 wt% organoclay has been added. For the blends with a relatively high clay loading (5.0 wt%), a characteristic and pronounced “plateau” is observed in the low frequency range of the G′-ω curves, which indicates the presence of a percolating network of clay nanosheets. From the mechanical measurements, we find that the tensile strength of the blends increases slightly first and then declines dramatically with increasing organoclay content. Moreover, the elongation at break drops sharply as the organoclay content increases. In summary, it is clear that the organoclay can effectively reduce the domain size of the dispersed PA6 phase and stabilize the phase morphology in shear flow. However, the mechanical properties of the blends are not really improved by clay addition, even though a cocontinuous morphology with a percolated clay network was generated.
Oral Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection among Unvaccinated High-Risk Young Adults
Authors: D'Souza Gypsyamber , Kluz Nicole , Wentz Alicia , Youngfellow Renee , Griffioen Anne , Stammer Emily , Guo Yingshi , Xiao Weihong , Gillison Maura
Published: August 2014

Oral HPV infection, the cause of most oropharyngeal cancer in the U.S., is not well studied among high-risk young adults. Men (n = 340) and women (n = 270) aged 18–25 years attending Baltimore County STD clinics were recruited if they declined HPV vaccination. Each participant had a 30-second oral rinse and gargle sample tested for 37 types of HPV DNA, and a risk-factor survey. Factors associated with prevalent infection were explored using log binomial regression. Men had higher prevalence of any oral HPV (15.3% vs. 7.8%, p = 0.004) and vaccine-type oral HPV (i.e., HPV16/18/6/11: 5.0% vs. 1.1%, p = 0.007) infection than women. In multivariate analysis, male gender (aPR = 1.93, 95% CI = 1.10–3.39), number of recent oral sex partners (p-trend = 0.013) and having ever performed oral sex on a woman (aPR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.06–2.82) were associated with increased oral HPV prevalence. Performing oral sex on a woman may confer higher risk of oral HPV acquisition than performing oral sex on a man.
Nutritional Counseling in Survivors of Childhood Cancer: An Essential Component of Survivorship Care
Authors: Ladas Elena
Published: August 2014

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that nutritional status during treatment for cancer has a significant impact on treatment-related toxicities and outcomes among children and adolescents with cancer. The effects of nutritional status appear to extend into survivorship with a large proportion of survivors at risk for a variety of nutrition-related morbidities. The influence of dietary intake on overall treatment outcomes and long-term morbidities is largely unknown. In adults, evidence suggests that greater adherence to cancer prevention dietary guidelines improves long-term health outcomes among survivors of cancer. Surveys describing dietary intake among survivors of childhood cancer have found that most survivors are not meeting the recommended guidelines for many dietary nutrients and this may have an unfavorable effect on nutrition-related outcomes. However, more research is needed in this area so that well-designed clinical trials may be developed and tested. This review presents an overview of the existing literature describing dietary intake among survivors of childhood cancer, the clinical implications of reported dietary behaviors among survivors, and identifies areas for future research.
Epigenetic Control of the Genome—Lessons from Genomic Imprinting
Authors: Adalsteinsson Bjorn , Ferguson-Smith Anne
Published: August 2014

Epigenetic mechanisms modulate genome function by writing, reading and erasing chromatin structural features. These have an impact on gene expression, contributing to the establishment, maintenance and dynamic changes in cellular properties in normal and abnormal situations. Great effort has recently been undertaken to catalogue the genome-wide patterns of epigenetic marks—creating reference epigenomes—which will deepen our understanding of their contributions to genome regulation and function with the promise of revealing further insights into disease etiology. The foundation for these global studies is the smaller scale experimentally-derived observations and questions that have arisen through the study of epigenetic mechanisms in model systems. One such system is genomic imprinting, a process causing the mono-allelic expression of genes in a parental-origin specific manner controlled by a hierarchy of epigenetic events that have taught us much about the dynamic interplay between key regulators of epigenetic control. Here, we summarize some of the most noteworthy lessons that studies on imprinting have revealed about epigenetic control on a wider scale. Specifically, we will consider what these studies have revealed about: the variety of relationships between DNA methylation and transcriptional control; the regulation of important protein-DNA interactions by DNA methylation; the interplay between DNA methylation and histone modifications; and the regulation and functions of long non-coding RNAs.
Genetic Breeding and Diversity of the Genus Passiflora: Progress and Perspectives in Molecular and Genetic Studies
Authors: Cerqueira-Silva Carlos , Jesus Onildo , Santos Elisa , Corrêa Ronan , Souza Anete
Published: August 2014

Despite the ecological and economic importance of passion fruit (Passiflora spp.), molecular markers have only recently been utilized in genetic studies of this genus. In addition, both basic genetic researches related to population studies and pre-breeding programs of passion fruit remain scarce for most Passiflora species. Considering the number of Passiflora species and the increasing use of these species as a resource for ornamental, medicinal, and food purposes, the aims of this review are the following: (i) to present the current condition of the passion fruit crop; (ii) to quantify the applications and effects of using molecular markers in studies of Passiflora; (iii) to present the contributions of genetic engineering for passion fruit culture; and (iv) to discuss the progress and perspectives of this research. Thus, the present review aims to summarize and discuss the relationship between historical and current progress on the culture, breeding, and molecular genetics of passion fruit.
Fabrication and Mechanical Characterisation of Titanium Lattices with Graded Porosity
Authors: Van Grunsven William , Hernandez-Nava Everth , Reilly Gwendolen , Goodall Russell
Published: August 2014

Electron Beam Melting (EBM) is an Additive Manufacturing technique which can be used to fabricate complex structures from alloys such as Ti6Al4V, for example for orthopaedic applications. Here we describe the use of EBM for the fabrication of a novel Ti6Al4V structure of a regular diamond lattice incorporating graded porosity, achieved via changes in the strut cross section thickness. Scanning Electron Microscopy and micro computed tomography analysis confirmed that generally EBM reproduced the CAD design of the lattice well, although at smaller strut sizes the fabricated lattice produced thicker struts than the model. Mechanical characterisation of the lattice in uniaxial compression showed that its behaviour under compression along the direction of gradation can be predicted to good accuracy with a simple rule of mixtures approach, knowing the properties and the behaviour of its constituent layers.