bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Randomized Trial Testing a Contingency‐Based Weight Loss Intervention Involving Social Reinforcement
Authors: Leahey Tricia M. , Thomas John G. , LaRose Jessica Gokee , Wing Rena R.
Published: May 2011

Even though behavioral weight loss interventions are conducted in groups, a social contingency (SC) paradigm that capitalizes on the social reinforcement potential of the weight loss group has never been tested. We tested a weight loss intervention in which participation in the weight loss group was contingent upon meeting periodic weight goals. We hypothesized that making access to the group dependent upon weight loss would improve weight outcomes. Participants (N = 62; 84% female; 94% white; age = 51.9 ± 9.0; BMI = 34.7 ± 4.5) were randomized to 6‐months of standard behavioral weight loss (SBWL) or to a behavioral program that included a SC paradigm. Both groups engaged in social cohesion activities. Participants in SC who did not meet weight goals did not attend group meetings; instead, they received individual treatment with a new interventionist and returned to group once their weight goals were met. SC did not improve overall weight loss outcomes (SC: −10.0 ± 4.9 kg, SBWL: −10.8 ± 6.4 kg, P = 0.63). Similarly, overall weight loss was not significantly different in the subgroup of participants in the SC and SBWL conditions who did not meet periodic weight loss goals (−7.3 ± 4.1 kg vs. −7.1 ± 3.5 kg, P = 0.90). Surprisingly, “successful” SC participants (who met their weight goals) actually lost less weight than “successful” SBWL participants (−12.4 ± 3.2 kg vs. −14.5 ± 4.7 kg, P = 0.02). Whereas contingency‐based treatments have been tested for other health behaviors (e.g., substance abuse), this is the first study to test a SC intervention for weight loss. This approach did not improve overall weight loss outcomes. Our attempt to offer appropriate clinical care by providing individual treatment to SC participants when needed may have mitigated the effects of the SC paradigm.
Atomic resolution ultrafast scanning tunneling microscope with scan rate breaking the resonant frequency of a quartz tuning fork resonator
Authors: Li Quanfeng , Lu Qingyou
Published: May 2011

We present an ultra-fast scanning tunneling microscope with atomic resolution at 26 kHz scan rate which surpasses the resonant frequency of the quartz tuning fork resonator used as the fast scan actuator. The main improvements employed in achieving this new record are (1) fully low voltage design (2) independent scan control and data acquisition, where the tuning fork (carrying a tip) is blindly driven to scan by a function generator with the scan voltage and tunneling current (IT) being measured as image data (this is unlike the traditional point-by-point move and measure method where data acquisition and scan control are switched many times).
Image time-correlation, dynamic light scattering, and birefringence for the study of the response of anisometric colloids to external fields
Authors: Kang Kyongok
Published: May 2011

In this paper, a detailed description of equipment is given, specially designed to characterize the response of non-spherical colloids to external fields. To characterize slow structural changes on a large length scale we developed an image correlation method, fast dynamics on the colloidal-particle level is probed by means of a vertically mounted, small angle dynamic light scattering setup, while the orientational order (induced by the external field) is measured with a birefringence setup with off-normal incidence. The performance of this in situ set of instruments is illustrated by experiments on concentrated dispersions of very long and thin, charged colloidal rods (fd-virus particles) in external electric fields. Here, the frequency of the field is sufficiently low to polarize electrical double layers, leading to additional inter-colloidal interactions which are found to give rise to phase/state transitions and dynamical states (K. Kang and J. K. G. Dhont, Soft Matter 6, 273, 2010).
Squeezing out hydrated protons: low-frictional-energy triboelectric insulator charging on a microscopic scale
Authors: Knorr Nikolaus
Published: May 2011

Though triboelectric charging of insulators is common, neither its mechanism nor the nature of the charge is well known. Most research has focused on the integral amount of charge transferred between two materials upon contact, establishing, e.g., a triboelectric series. Here, the charge distribution of tracks on insulating polymer films rubbed by polymer-covered pointed swabs is investigated in high resolution by Kelvin probe force microscopy. Pronounced bipolar charging was observed for all nine rubbing combinations of three different polymers, with absolute surface potentials of up to several volts distributed in streaks along the rubbing direction and varying in polarity on μm-length scales perpendicular to the rubbing direction. Charge densities increased considerably for rubbing in higher relative humidity, for higher rubbing loads, and for more hydrophilic polymers. The ends of rubbed tracks had positively charged rims. Surface potential decay with time was strongly accelerated in increased humidity, particularly for polymers with high water permeability. Based on these observations, a mechanism is proposed of triboelectrification by extrusions of prevalently hydrated protons, stemming from adsorbed and dissociated water, along pressure gradients on the surface by the mechanical action of the swab. The validity of this mechanism is supported by explanations given recently in the literature for positive streaming currents of water at polymer surfaces and by reports of negative charging of insulators tapped by accelerated water droplets and of potential built up between the front and the back of a rubbing piece, observations already made in the 19th century. For more brittle polymers, strongly negatively charged microscopic abrasive particles were frequently observed on the rubbed tracks. The negative charge of those particles is presumably due in part to triboemission of electrons by polymer chain scission, forming radicals and negatively charged ions.
Indications of energetic consequences of decoherence at short times for scattering from open quantum systems
Authors: Chatzidimitriou-Dreismann C. A. , Gray E. MacA. , Blach T. P.
Published: May 2011

Decoherence of quantum entangled particles is observed in most systems, and is usually caused by system-environment interactions. Disentangling two subsystems A and B of a quantum system AB is tantamount to erasure of quantum phase relations between A and B. It is widely believed that this erasure is an innocuous process, which e.g. does not affect the energies of A and B. Surprisingly, recent theoretical investigations by different groups showed that disentangling two systems, i.e. their decoherence, can cause an increase of their energies. Applying this result to the context of neutron Compton scattering from H2 molecules, we provide for the first time experimental evidence which supports this prediction. The results reveal that the neutron-proton collision leading to the cleavage of the H-H bond in the sub-femtosecond timescale is accompanied by larger energy transfer (by about 3%) than conventional theory predicts. It is proposed to interpreted the results by considering the neutron-proton collisional system as an entangled open quantum system being subject to decoherence owing to the interactions with the “environment” (i.e., two electrons plus second proton of H2).
Neural correlates of illusory motion perception in
Drosophila
Authors: Tuthill John C. , Chiappe M. Eugenia , Reiser Michael B.
Published: May 2011

When the contrast of an image flickers as it moves, humans perceive an illusory reversal in the direction of motion. This classic illusion, called reverse-phi motion, has been well-characterized using psychophysics, and several models have been proposed to account for its effects. Here, we show that
Drosophila melanogaster
also respond behaviorally to the reverse-phi illusion and that the illusion is present in dendritic calcium signals of motion-sensitive neurons in the fly lobula plate. These results closely match the predictions of the predominant model of fly motion detection. However, high flicker rates cause an inversion of the reverse-phi behavioral response that is also present in calcium signals of lobula plate tangential cell dendrites but not predicted by the model. The fly's behavioral and neural responses to the reverse-phi illusion reveal unexpected interactions between motion and flicker signals in the fly visual system and suggest that a similar correlation-based mechanism underlies visual motion detection across the animal kingdom.
Genome-wide network model capturing seed germination reveals coordinated regulation of plant cellular phase transitions
Authors: Bassel George W. , Lan Hui , Glaab Enrico , Gibbs Daniel J. , Gerjets Tanja , Krasnogor Natalio , Bonner Anthony J. , Holdsworth Michael J. , Provart Nicholas J.
Published: May 2011

Seed germination is a complex trait of key ecological and agronomic significance. Few genetic factors regulating germination have been identified, and the means by which their concerted action controls this developmental process remains largely unknown. Using publicly available gene expression data from
Arabidopsis thaliana
, we generated a condition-dependent network model of global transcriptional interactions (SeedNet) that shows evidence of evolutionary conservation in flowering plants. The topology of the SeedNet graph reflects the biological process, including two state-dependent sets of interactions associated with dormancy or germination. SeedNet highlights interactions between known regulators of this process and predicts the germination-associated function of uncharacterized hub nodes connected to them with 50% accuracy. An intermediate transition region between the dormancy and germination subdomains is enriched with genes involved in cellular phase transitions. The phase transition regulators
SERRATE
and
EARLY FLOWERING IN SHORT DAYS
from this region affect seed germination, indicating that conserved mechanisms control transitions in cell identity in plants. The SeedNet dormancy region is strongly associated with vegetative abiotic stress response genes. These data suggest that seed dormancy, an adaptive trait that arose evolutionarily late, evolved by coopting existing genetic pathways regulating cellular phase transition and abiotic stress. SeedNet is available as a community resource (
http://vseed.nottingham.ac.uk
) to aid dissection of this complex trait and gene function in diverse processes.
Structural basis for immunization with postfusion respiratory syncytial virus fusion F glycoprotein (RSV F) to elicit high neutralizing antibody titers
Authors: Swanson Kurt A. , Settembre Ethan C. , Shaw Christine A. , Dey Antu K. , Rappuoli Rino , Mandl Christian W. , Dormitzer Philip R. , Carfi Andrea
Published: May 2011

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the main cause of infant bronchiolitis, remains a major unmet vaccine need despite more than 40 years of vaccine research. Vaccine candidates based on a chief RSV neutralization antigen, the fusion (F) glycoprotein, have foundered due to problems with stability, purity, reproducibility, and potency. Crystal structures of related parainfluenza F glycoproteins have revealed a large conformational change between the prefusion and postfusion states, suggesting that postfusion F antigens might not efficiently elicit neutralizing antibodies. We have generated a homogeneous, stable, and reproducible postfusion RSV F immunogen that elicits high titers of neutralizing antibodies in immunized animals. The 3.2-Å X-ray crystal structure of this substantially complete RSV F reveals important differences from homology-based structural models. Specifically, the RSV F crystal structure demonstrates the exposure of key neutralizing antibody binding sites on the surface of the postfusion RSV F trimer. This unanticipated structural feature explains the engineered RSV F antigen's efficiency as an immunogen. This work illustrates how structural-based antigen design can guide the rational optimization of candidate vaccine antigens.
Synthesis and optical limiting studies of Au-doped TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Rahulan K Mani , Ganesan S , Aruna P
Published: May 2011

A series of Au-doped TiO
2 nanoparticles with different Au concentrations were prepared by the sol–gel method using titanium (IV) isopropoxide and tetrachloroaurate (III) trihydrate as precursors. The framework substitution of Au in TiO
2 nanoparticles was established by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) techniques. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image results confirmed the anatase phase and nanocrystalline nature of TiO
2–Au. The optical properties revealed an extended tailing of the absorption edge toward the visible region upon Au doping. The incorporation of Au in TiO
2 was also confirmed by fluorescence quenching. The increase in Au doping enhanced the ‘red-shift’ in the UV-Vis absorption spectra. The spectral and nonlinear optical properties were studied using fluence-dependent transmittance measurements in order to reveal the optical limiting mechanism. The nonlinear optical response and optical limiting effects of TiO
2–Au nanocomposites dispersed in ethylene glycol were studied at 532 nm using 5 ns Nd:YAG laser pulses. Effective three-photon absorption mechanisms play a major role for good optical limiting characteristics in these nanoparticles and it is seen that the optical nonlinearity enhances with lower threshold as the volume fraction of the Au concentration increased.
Genome-wide association studies pipeline (GWASpi): a desktop application for genome-wide SNP analysis and management
Authors: Muñiz-Fernandez Fernando , Carreño−Torres Angel , Morcillo-Suarez Carlos , Navarro Arcadi
Published: May 2011

Motivation: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays are the most widely used approach to detect loci associated to human traits. Due to the complexity of the methods and software packages available, each with its particular format requiring intricate management workflows, the analysis of GWAS usually confronts scientists with steep learning curves. Indeed, the wide variety of tools makes the parsing and manipulation of data the most time consuming and error prone part of a study. To help resolve these issues, we present GWASpi, a user-friendly, multiplatform, desktop-able application for the management and analysis of GWAS data, with a novel approach on database technologies to leverage the most out of commonly available desktop hardware. GWASpi aims to be a start-to-finish GWAS management application, from raw data to results, containing the most common analysis tools. As a result, GWASpi is easy to use and reduces in up to two orders of magnitude the time needed to perform the fundamental steps of a GWAS.

Availability: Freely available on the web at http://www.gwaspi.org. Implemented in Java, Apache-Derby and NetCDF-3, with all major operating systems supported.

Contact:  gwaspi@upf.edu; arcadi.navarro@upf.edu
First Report of Turnip ringspot virus in Field Mustard (Brassica chinensis) in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Y.-K. , Chang Y.-S. , Bau H.-J.
Published: May 2011

Crucifer crops (Brassica spp.) are important winter vegetables in Taiwan. Five viruses, including Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Radish mosaic virus (RaMV), Beet western yellows virus (BWYV), and Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), have been detected in a range of domestic-grown crucifers during past decades (1). Field mustard plants (Brassica chinensis) showing mosaic in the leaves were collected in the ChiaYi area in December 2007. Spherical virus-like particles, approximately 30 nm in diameter, were readily observed in crude sap of symptomatic plants. Tests by ELISA failed to detect any of the aforementioned viruses. A spherical agent was isolated through mechanical inoculation onto Chenopodium quinoa, and a virus culture was established and inoculated mechanically back to the original host as well as other crucifers. Systemic mosaic appeared on inoculated B. campestris, B. chinensis, and B. juncea, whereas ringspots appeared on inoculated leaves of B. oleracea. Total RNA was extracted from symptomatic leaves and used for reverse transcription (RT)-PCR amplification using degenerate primers for comoviruses (2). Other successive fragments of RNAs 1 and 2 were amplified by specific or degenerate primers designed on the basis of sequences of published Turnip ringspot virus (TuRSV). The RNA 1 (GenBank Accession No. GU968732) and RNA 2 (No. GU968731) of the isolated virus consisted of 6,076 and 3,960 nucleotides, respectively. The number of nucleotides and the arrangement of open reading frames on both RNA 1 and RNA 2 were similar to those of comoviruses. Sequence analysis revealed that the nucleotide sequences of RNA 1 and RNA 2 shared 54.2 to 82.5% and 50.2 to 79.3% similarities, respectively, to those of comoviruses and were most similar to Turnip ringspot virus. The deduced peptides of large and small coat proteins (LCP and SCP) contain 375 amino acids (41.2 kDa) and 251 amino acids (28.5 kDa), respectively. The deduced amino acid sequences of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), LCP, and SCP share 92.0 to 94.5%, 93.1 to 93.3% and 87.3 to 89.6% similarity, respectively, to those of published TuRSV isolates, i.e., -B (GenBank Accession No. GQ222382), -M12 (No. FJ516746), and -Toledo (No. FJ712027) indicating that the newly isolated virus from field mustard in Taiwan is an isolate of TuRSV, hence TuRSV-TW. Comparison of LCP and SCP between current TuRSV-TW and Radish mosaic virus (RaMV; GenBank Accession No. AB295644) showed 74% similarity, which is below the species demarcation level of 75% (3), indicating its discrimination from RaMV. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of TuRSV in Taiwan and in the subtropics.

References: (1) T. H. Chen et al. Plant Pathol. Bull. 9:39, 2000. (2) V. Maliogka et al. J. Phytopathol. 152:404, 2004. (3) K. Petrzik and I. Koloniuk. Virus Genes 40:290, 2010.
Blood flow in the rabbit aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta
Authors: Vincent P. E. , Plata A. M. , Hunt A. A. E. , Weinberg P. D. , Sherwin S. J.
Published: May 2011

The distribution of atherosclerotic lesions within the rabbit vasculature, particularly within the descending thoracic aorta, has been mapped in numerous studies. The patchy nature of such lesions has been attributed to local variation in the pattern of blood flow. However, there have been few attempts to model and characterize the flow. In this study, a high-order continuous Galerkin finite-element method was used to simulate blood flow within a realistic representation of the rabbit aortic arch and descending thoracic aorta. The geometry, which was obtained from computed tomography of a resin corrosion cast, included all vessels originating from the aortic arch (followed to at least their second generation) and five pairs of intercostal arteries originating from the proximal descending thoracic aorta. The simulations showed that small geometrical undulations associated with the ductus arteriosus scar cause significant deviations in wall shear stress (WSS). This finding highlights the importance of geometrical accuracy when analysing WSS or related metrics. It was also observed that two Dean-type vortices form in the aortic arch and propagate down the descending thoracic aorta (along with an associated skewed axial velocity profile). This leads to the occurrence of axial streaks in WSS, similar in nature to the axial streaks of lipid deposition found in the descending aorta of cholesterol-fed rabbits. Finally, it was observed that WSS patterns within the vicinity of intercostal branch ostia depend not only on local flow features caused by the branches themselves, but also on larger-scale flow features within the descending aorta, which vary between branches at different locations. This result implies that disease and WSS patterns in the vicinity of intercostal ostia are best compared on a branch-by-branch basis.
Health safety nets can break cycles of poverty and disease: a stochastic ecological model
Authors: Pluciński Mateusz M. , Ngonghala Calistus N. , Bonds Matthew H.
Published: May 2011

The persistence of extreme poverty is increasingly attributed to dynamic interactions between biophysical processes and economics, though there remains a dearth of integrated theoretical frameworks that can inform policy. Here, we present a stochastic model of disease-driven poverty traps. Whereas deterministic models can result in poverty traps that can only be broken by substantial external changes to the initial conditions, in the stochastic model there is always some probability that a population will leave or enter a poverty trap. We show that a ‘safety net’, defined as an externally enforced minimum level of health or economic conditions, can guarantee ultimate escape from a poverty trap, even if the safety net is set within the basin of attraction of the poverty trap, and even if the safety net is only in the form of a public health measure. Whereas the deterministic model implies that small improvements in initial conditions near the poverty-trap equilibrium are futile, the stochastic model suggests that the impact of changes in the location of the safety net on the rate of development may be strongest near the poverty-trap equilibrium.
Propagation of elastic waves through a lattice of cylindrical cavities
Authors: Guo S. , McIver P.
Published: May 2011

We consider wave propagation through a doubly periodic array of cavity cylinders in an isotropic elastic medium using the method of matched asymptotic expansions based on the assumptions that the scatterer size is much smaller than both the wavelength and the array periodicity. There is no restriction on the wavelength relative to the periodicity, and hence the method yields explicit approximations that describe the phenomena associated with periodic media. This is illustrated with square and hexagonal lattices.
Addendum. Laplacian image contrast in mirror electron microscopy
Authors: Kennedy S. M. , Zheng C. X. , Tang W. X. , Paganin D. M. , Jesson D. E.
Published: May 2011

We extend the theory of Laplacian image contrast in mirror electron microscopy (MEM) to the case where the sample is illuminated by a parallel, collimated beam. This popular imaging geometry corresponds to a modern low energy electron microscope equipped with a magnetic objective lens. We show that within the constraints of the relevant approximations; the results for parallel illumination differ only negligibly from diverging MEM specimen illumination conditions.
Reservoirs of richness: least disturbed tropical forests are centres of undescribed species diversity
Authors: Giam Xingli , Scheffers Brett R. , Sodhi Navjot S. , Wilcove David S. , Ceballos Gerardo , Ehrlich Paul R.
Published: May 2011

In the last few decades, there has been a remarkable discovery of new species of plants, invertebrates and vertebrates, in what have been called the new age of discovery. However, owing to anthropogenic impacts such as habitat conversion, many of the still unknown species may go extinct before being scientifically documented (i.e. ‘crypto-extinctions’). Here, by applying a mathematical model of species descriptions which accounts for taxonomic effort, we show that even after 250 years of taxonomic classification, about 3050 amphibians and at least 160 land mammal species remain to be discovered and described. These values represent, respectively, 33 and 3 per cent of the current species total for amphibians and land mammals. We found that tropical moist forests of the Neotropics, Afrotropics and Indomalaya probably harbour the greatest numbers of undescribed species. Tropical forests with minimal anthropogenic disturbance are predicted to have larger proportions of undescribed species. However, the protected area coverage is low in many of these key biomes. Moreover, undescribed species are likely to be at a greater risk of extinction compared with known species because of small geographical ranges among other factors. By highlighting the key areas of undescribed species diversity, our study provides a starting template to rapidly document these species and protect them through better habitat management.
The influence of humidity on the attachment ability of the spiderPhilodromus dispar(Araneae, Philodromidae)
Authors: Wolff Jonas O. , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: May 2011

Hairy attachment devices that are not supplemented with fluid secretion have evolved independently in lizards and spiders. van der Waals forces have previously been shown to be responsible for excellent adhesive properties of these structures, but it has recently been reported that wetting phenomena also play an important role in such ‘dry adhesives’. To investigate the effect of ambient humidity on the attachment of the living spiderPhilodromus dispar, traction force was measured on a smooth epoxy resin surface at relative humidities (RHs) of 15, 50, 70, 80 and 99 per cent. The results show that attachment ability is significantly higher at an intermediate humidity compared with that in a dry atmosphere and at high humidity. Water condensation on the substrate surface almost completely abolishes adhesion. Experimental results obtained may be explained by an increase in capillarity or changes in mechanical properties of setae and spatulae owing to water absorption by the cuticle at an intermediate RH. The results obtained show dry adhesion limits under different environmental conditions and are important for understanding spider biology.
Population genetic structure and connectivity of the harmful dinoflagellateAlexandrium minutumin the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Casabianca Silvia , Penna Antonella , Pecchioli Elena , Jordi Antoni , Basterretxea Gotzon , Vernesi Cristiano
Published: May 2011

The toxin-producing microbial speciesAlexandrium minutumhas a wide distribution in the Mediterranean Sea and causes high biomass blooms with consequences on the environment, human health and coastal-related economic activities. Comprehension of algal genetic differences and associated connectivity is fundamental to understand the geographical scale of adaptation and dispersal pathways of harmful microalgal species. In the present study, we combineA. minutumpopulation genetic analyses based on microsatellites with indirect connectivity (Ci) estimations derived from a general circulation model of the Mediterranean sea. Our results show that four major clusters of genetically homogeneous groups can be identified, loosely corresponding to four regional seas: Adriatic, Ionian, Tyrrhenian and Catalan. Each of the four clusters included a small fraction of mixed and allochthonous genotypes from other Mediterranean areas, but the assignment to one of the four clusters was sufficiently robust as proved by the high ancestry coefficient values displayed by most of the individuals (>84%). The population structure ofA. minutumon this scale can be explained by microalgal dispersion following the main regional circulation patterns over successive generations. We hypothesize that limited connectivity among theA. minutumpopulations results in low gene flow but not in the erosion of variability within the population, as indicated by the high gene diversity values. This study represents a first and new integrated approach, combining both genetic and numerical methods, to characterize and interpret the population structure of a toxic microalgal species. This approach of characterizing genetic population structure and connectivity at a regional scale holds promise for the control and management of the harmful algal bloom events in the Mediterranean Sea.
Candidate genes for carotenoid coloration in vertebrates and their expression profiles in the carotenoid-containing plumage and bill of a wild bird
Authors: Walsh N. , Dale J. , McGraw K. J. , Pointer M. A. , Mundy N. I.
Published: May 2011

Carotenoid-based coloration has attracted much attention in evolutionary biology owing to its role in honest, condition-dependent signalling. Knowledge of the genetic pathways that regulate carotenoid coloration is crucial for an understanding of any trade-offs involved. We identified genes with potential roles in carotenoid coloration in vertebrates via (i) carotenoid uptake (SR-BI,CD36), (ii) binding and deposition (StAR1,MLN64,StAR4,StAR5,APOD,PLIN,GSTA2), and (iii) breakdown (BCO2,BCMO1). We examined the expression of these candidate loci in carotenoid-coloured tissues and several control tissues of the red-billed quelea (Quelea quelea), a species that exhibits a male breeding plumage colour polymorphism and sexually dimorphic variation in bill colour. All of the candidate genes exceptStAR1were expressed in both the plumage and bill of queleas, indicating a potential role in carotenoid coloration in the quelea. However, no differences in the relative expression of any of the genes were found among the quelea carotenoid phenotypes, suggesting that other genes control the polymorphic and sexually dimorphic variation in carotenoid coloration observed in this species. Our identification of a number of potential carotenoid genes in different functional categories provides a critical starting point for future work on carotenoid colour regulation in vertebrate taxa.
Interaction between the bHLH Transcription Factor FIT and ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3/ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3-LIKE1 Reveals Molecular Linkage between the Regulation of Iron Acquisition and Ethylene Signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lingam Sivasenkar , Mohrbacher Julia , Brumbarova Tzvetina , Potuschak Thomas , Fink-Straube Claudia , Blondet Eddy , Genschik Pascal , Bauer Petra
Published: May 2011

Understanding the regulation of key genes involved in plant iron acquisition is of crucial importance for breeding of micronutrient-enriched crops. The basic helix-loop-helix protein FER-LIKE FE DEFICIENCY-INDUCED TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR (FIT), a central regulator of Fe acquisition in roots, is regulated by environmental cues and internal requirements for iron at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels. The plant stress hormone ethylene promotes iron acquisition, but the molecular basis for this remained unknown. Here, we demonstrate a direct molecular link between ethylene signaling and FIT. We identified ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3) and ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3-LIKE1 (EIL1) in a screen for direct FIT interaction partners and validated their physical interaction in planta. We demonstrate that the ein3 eil1 transcriptome was affected to a greater extent upon iron deficiency than normal iron compared with the wild type. Ethylene signaling by way of EIN3/EIL1 was required for full-level FIT accumulation. FIT levels were reduced upon application of aminoethoxyvinylglycine and in the ein3 eil1 background. MG132 could restore FIT levels. We propose that upon ethylene signaling, FIT is less susceptible to proteasomal degradation, presumably due to a physical interaction between FIT and EIN3/EIL1. Increased FIT abundance then leads to the high level of expression of genes required for Fe acquisition. This way, ethylene is one of the signals that triggers Fe deficiency responses at the transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels.
A differential pumping system to deliver windowless VUV photons at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Giuliani Alexandre , Yao Isabelle , Lagarde Bruno , Rey Solenne , Duval Jean-Pierre , Rommeluere Patrick , Jamme Frederic , Rouam Valerie , Wein Frank , De Oliveira Carlos , Ros Manuel , Lestrade Alain , Desjardins Kewin , Giorgetta Jean-Luc , Laprevote Olivier , Herbaux Christian , Refregiers Matthieu
Published: May 2011

In order to deliver VUV (vacuum ultraviolet) photons under atmospheric pressure conditions, a differential pumping system has been built on the DISCO beamline at the SOLEIL synchrotron radiation facility. The system is made of four stages and is 840 mm long. The conductance-limiting body has been designed to allow practicable optical alignment. VUV transmission of the system was tested under air, nitrogen, argon and neon, and photons could be delivered down to 60 nm (20 eV).
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by gum rosin and wood rosin in Tako‐no‐Suidashi ointment
Authors: TSURUTA Daisuke , SOWA Junko , TSURUTA Kyoko , ISHII Masamitsu , KOBAYASHI Hiromi
Published: May 2011

Tako‐no‐Suidashi ointment (TSO) is an old Japanese over‐the‐counter drug, used for the drainage of infectious pustular disease, such as furuncles, carbuncles and infectious atheroma, although whether it works well or not is unknown. The ingredients of the TSO compound commonly include rapeseed oil, gum rosin, wood rosin, Japanese wax, paraffin, petrolatum, copper sulfate, Peru balsam, acetic acid, salicylic acid and trace amounts of Guinea green B. We report a case of contact dermatitis in a 38‐year‐old Japanese woman caused by TSO. The patient presented to our hospital with pruritic erythema on her left cheek. In order to remove a subcutaneous tumor, she had applied TSO 4 days prior to presentation. Clinical examination showed a well‐demarcated exudative erythematous macule with yellowish crusts and scales on her left cheek. Patch testing showed a positive reaction to TSO (++), gum rosin (++) and wood rosin (++) at 72 h. As TSO includes highly allergenic material, caution should be made in applying this topical therapy.
Prognostic significance of tumor/stromal caveolin‐1 expression in breast cancer patients
Authors: Qian Niansong , Ueno Takayuki , Kawaguchi‐Sakita Nobuko , Kawashima Masahiro , Yoshida Noriyuki , Mikami Yoshiki , Wakasa Tomoko , Shintaku Masayuki , Tsuyuki Shigeru , Inamoto Takashi , Toi Masakazu
Published: May 2011

Caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1) has been extensively characterized in cancer biological research. However, the role of Cav‐1 in the interaction between tumor and stromal cells remains unclear. In the present study, we examined Cav‐1 expression in tumor cells and stromal cells in breast cancer tissue by immunohistochemical analysis and evaluated its prognostic value in a training cohort. Immunohistochemical analysis of Cav‐1 expression was scored as (++), (+) or (−) according to the proportion of positively stained tumor cells (T) and stromal cells (S). Correlation analysis between tumor/stromal Cav‐1 expression and clinicopathological parameters revealed that only T(++) Cav‐1 status was positively associated with tumor size and histological nodal status (P = 0.019 and 0.021, respectively). Univariate analysis revealed that combined T(++)/S(−) status was significantly correlated with unfavorable prognostic outcomes (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that this combined status is an independent prognostic factor for primary breast cancer (P = 0.002). Clinical outcomes in different subgroups of breast cancer patients were also strictly dependent on this combined status (P < 0.05). The prognostic value of T(++)/S(−) Cav‐1 status was also validated in the testing cohort. Collectively, our data indicate that high Cav‐1 expression in tumor cells and lack of this expression in stromal cells could help identify a particular subgroup of breast cancer patients with potentially poor survival. Further studies are required to understand the regulatory mechanism of Cav‐1 in the tumor microenvironment. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1590–1596)
Reorganization of a deeply incised drainage: role of deformation, sedimentation and groundwater flow
Authors: Brocard Gilles , Teyssier Christian , Dunlap Walker James , Authemayou Christine , Simon‐Labric Thibaud , Cacao‐Chiquín Eric Noé , Gutiérrez‐Orrego Axel , Morán‐Ical Sergio
Published: May 2011

Deeply incised drainage networks are thought to be robust and not easily modified, and are commonly used as passive markers of horizontal strain. Yet, reorganizations (rearrangements) appear in the geologic record. We provide field evidence of the reorganization of a Miocene drainage network in response to strike–slip and vertical displacements in Guatemala. The drainage was deeply incised into a 50‐km‐wide orogen located along the North America–Caribbean plate boundary. It rearranged twice, first during the Late Miocene in response to transpressional uplift along the Polochic fault, and again in the Quaternary in response to transtensional uplift along secondary faults. The pattern of reorganization resembles that produced by the tectonic defeat of rivers that cross growing tectonic structures. Compilation of remote sensing data, field mapping, sediment provenance study, grain‐size analysis and Ar40/Ar39 dating from paleovalleys and their fill reveals that the classic mechanisms of river diversion, such as river avulsion over bedrock, or capture driven by surface runoff, are not sufficient to produce the observed diversions. The sites of diversion coincide spatially with limestone belts and reactivated fault zones, suggesting that solution‐triggered or deformation‐triggered permeability have helped breaching of interfluves. The diversions are also related temporally and spatially to the accumulation of sediment fills in the valleys, upstream of the rising structures. We infer that the breaching of the interfluves was achieved by headward erosion along tributaries fed by groundwater flow tracking from the valleys soon to be captured. Fault zones and limestone belts provided the pathways, and the aquifers occupying the valley fills provided the head pressure that enhanced groundwater circulation. The defeat of rivers crossing the rising structures results essentially from the tectonically enhanced activation of groundwater flow between catchments.
Blocking the immunosuppressive axis with small interfering RNA targeting interleukin (IL)-10 receptor enhances dendritic cell-based vaccine potency
Authors: Kim J H , Kang T H , Noh K H , Bae H C , Ahn Y-H , Lee Y-H , Choi E Y , Chun K-H , Lee S-J , Kim T W
Published: May 2011

Improving dendritic cell (DC) functions is highly promising for therapeutic intervention of diverse diseases, including cancer. Immunosuppressive cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-10 produced by DCs themselves (autocrine) and other regulatory immune cells (paracrine) down-regulate functional profiles of DCs through specific cell surface receptors such as IL-10R. Here, we tried to improve DC functions using small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology to block an IL-10R-mediated immunosuppressive axis. DCs modified with siRNA targeting against IL-10R or IL-10 (DC/siIL-10R or DC/siIL-10) led to up-regulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, CD40 co-stimulatory molecule, and IL-12 proinflammatory cytokine after lipopolysacharide (LPS) stimulation compared to DC/siGFP. Notably, the LPS-induced functional profiles of DC/siIL-10R were strongly resistant to the addition of recombinant IL-10, which mimicked paracrine IL-10. In contrast, those of DC/siIL-10 were reversed by adding exogenous IL-10. Consistently, DC/siIL-10R generated more human papilloma virus (HPV) E7-specific CD8+ T cells and stronger anti-tumour effects against E7-expressing TC-1 tumour cells in vaccinated mice than DC/siGFP, as well as DC/siIL-10. Taken together, these results provide the groundwork for future clinical translation of siRNA-mediated strategy targeting IL-10R to enhance DC-based vaccine potency.
Processing of mungbean products and its nutritional and organoleptic evaluation
Authors: Raghuvanshi Rita Singh , Singh Shipra , Bisht Kavita , Singh D. P.
Published: May 2011

Four mungbean products namely, whole fried namkeen, dehusked fried namkeen, roasted namkeen and salad were formulated using three different cultivars of mungbean viz. UPM 98‐1, Pant Mung‐5 and Pant Mung‐2 and the effect of different processing methods on texture and nutrient composition were studied. All the products were found to be acceptable by the panel. Salad was found to be the most acceptable product with overall acceptability of 8.31 out of 10 followed by dehusked fried namkeen (7.80), whole fried namkeen (7.61) and roasted namkeen (7.02). Moisture and protein content increased significantly after germination for 24 h. Fat content increased significantly for deep fried products. Total ash, crude fibre and mineral content decreased significantly after processing whereas in‐vitro iron bioavailability and in‐vitro protein digestibility increased significantly after processing. Texture analysis revealed that dehusked fried namkeen of Pant Mung‐5 and roasted namkeen of Pant Mung‐2 had maximum crispness and hardness, respectively, which are preferred attributes.
Evaluation of various salt levels and different dairy proteins in combination with microbial transglutaminase on the quality characteristics of restructured pork ham
Authors: Lee Hong C. , Chin Koo B.
Published: May 2011

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality characteristics of restructured pork hams (RH) manufactured with various salt levels (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) and different dairy proteins (sodium caseinate, SC and whey protein isolate, WPI; 1.0%) in combination with microbial transglutaminase (MTGase; 0.3%). Reduced‐salt (0.5% and 1.0%) RH resulted in reductions of moisture contents (%), textural springiness, cooking yield and most sensory preferences (P < 0.05). When dairy proteins in combination with MTGase were incorporated into the manufacture of RH, SC with MTGase was shown to reduce cooking loss (CL, %) and to increase the textural springiness and chewiness of RH, whereas WPI with MTGase increased textural springiness and chewiness, as well as the shear value of RH (P < 0.05). On the contrary, MTGase with dairy proteins improved the sensory preferences of reduced‐salt (1.0%) RH to give it similar sensory properties to those of the regular‐salt (1.5%) RH controls (CTL) (P > 0.05). The findings of this study demonstrated that the combination of 1.0% dairy proteins and 0.3% MTGase could affect improvements in the functional, textural and sensory properties of reduced‐salt (1.0%) RH.
Commitment to health: a predictor of dietary change
Authors: Kelly Cynthia W
Published: May 2011

Aims and objectives.  To determine the predictive validity of three behavioural variables on changes in diet: commitment to health (commitment), confidence in ability to change dietary behaviours (confidence) and belief about the importance of changing dietary behaviours (importance).

Background.  Literature supports the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change as a framework for understanding dietary behaviour change. Less certain are behavioural variables associated with stage movement for action to maintenance stage for dietary behaviour change. This research considered three variables: self‐efficacy (‘confidence’), decisional balance scale (‘importance’) and ‘commitment’. Published literature supports the importance of each of these behavioural variables, but not their predictive abilities.

Design.  A cross‐sectional survey was used for 499 manufacturing workers from multiple work‐sites.

Methods.  Subjects’ dietary health behaviours were measured by determining how long they consistently ate a low‐fat diet, with analysis of variance addressing the stages‐of‐change model: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance.

Results.  Commitment best predicted change from action to maintenance stage (p < 0·05). Importance (p < 0·05) was somewhat significant, but confidence (p > 0·05) was not.

Conclusions.  Commitment was the best predictor of dietary change, from the action to the maintenance stage of change.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Clinicians working with patients in the action stage of dietary change can use a stage‐based approach and should evaluate commitment to health as part of an overall assessment. Those with high‐level commitment will successfully change from action to maintenance with minimal professional assistance. Those with middle‐level commitment risk relapse to a pre‐action stage will benefit most from professional intervention. Those in the lower level of commitment are most likely to revert to a pre‐action stage of change and may be not be ready for dietary change.
Using multiple data sources to answer patient safety‐related research questions in hospital inpatient settings: a discursive paper using inpatient falls as an example
Authors: Tzeng Huey‐Ming
Published: May 2011

Aim and objectives.  This education‐focused paper presents a discussion of possible data sources used in patient safety issues specific to fall reduction in hospital inpatient care settings.

Background.  Although hospitals and clinicians in the USA have been implored to improve care and reduce events that harm patients (falls), studies to date have failed to clearly address the facility system‐level factors for falls. Making meaningful approaches to modify risk factors is clearly overdue.

Design.  Discursive paper.

Method.  Possible data sources for answering patient fall‐related research questions in hospital settings are categorised as: (1) archived hospital data, (2) surveys of patients/families/clinicians, (3) interviews and focus groups of patients/families/clinicians, (4) publicly available data sets and (5) published legal cases. The complexities of research in fall prevention are illustrated using the conceptual models. Examples were included to illustrate the use of these data sources.

Discussion.  Data‐related issues include: (1) unit of analysis, (2) computer data processing capabilities, (3) merging data sets from different sources and (4) data abstraction, aggregation and data analytic techniques.

Conclusions.  The trend to use multiple data sources to answer research questions is gradually emerging. To demonstrate effective fall prevention efforts across hospitals, publicly available data sets can be reliable sources for analyses to inform policymakers about meaningful fall prevention programmes that result in positive outcomes.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Challenges to develop and evaluate any interventions to eliminate risk factors for falls often relate to selecting feasible interventions and whether staff members accept the interventions and adhere to adopting the intervention. Using multiple data sources with time factors to cross‐validate the sufficiency of nurses’ knowledge with their practice patterns may be more productive. This need further supports the importance of this paper about possible data sources used in the research on patient safety specific to fall reduction for adults in hospital inpatient care settings.