bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Streptobacillus felis sp. nov., isolated from a cat with pneumonia, and emended descriptions of the genus Streptobacillus and of Streptobacillus moniliformis
Authors: Eisenberg Tobias , Glaeser Stefanie P. , Nicklas Werner , Mauder Norman , Contzen Matthias , Aledelbi Khayrieh , Kämpfer Peter
Published: April 2015

A pleomorphic, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, indole-, oxidase- and catalase-negative, non-spore-forming, non-motile bacterium (strain 131000547T) was isolated from the lungs of a cat with pneumonia. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses the strain was assigned to the genusStreptobacilluswith 97.6  % sequence similarity to the type strain ofStreptobacillus moniliformisand 94.6  % to that ofStreptobacillus hongkongensis. The clear differentiation of strain 131000547TfromStreptobacillus moniliformisandStreptobacillus hongkongensiswas also supported bygyrB, groEL,andrecAnucleotide and amino acid sequence analysis. DNA–DNA hybridization demonstrated ≤ 19.9  % (reciprocal 28.7  %) DNA–DNA relatedness between strain 131000547TandStreptobacillus moniliformisDSM 12112T. Physiological data confirmed the allocation of strain 131000547Tto the familyLeptotrichiaceae. Strain 131000547Thas a unique profile of enzyme activities allowing differentiation from the most closely related species. Within the genusStreptobacillus, isolate 131000547Tcould also unambiguously be separated fromStreptobacillus moniliformisandStreptobacillus hongkongensisby both matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. On the basis of these data, a novel species of the genusStreptobacillus,Streptobacillus felissp. nov., is proposed with the type strain 131000547T( = DSM 29248T = CCUG 66203T = CCM 8542T). Emended descriptions of the genusStreptobacillusand ofStreptobacillus moniliformisare also given.
Flaviaesturariibacter amylovorans gen. nov., sp. nov., a starch-hydrolysing bacterium, isolated from estuarine water
Authors: Kang Ji Young , Chun Jeesun , Seo Jeong-Woo , Kim Chul Ho , Jahng Kwang Yeop
Published: April 2015

A novel bacterial strain, designated GCR0105T, was isolated from a water sample of the Mangyung estuary enclosed by the Saemangeum Embankment, located in JEOLlabuk-do, South Korea. Cells of strain GCR0105T were Gram-stain-negative, non-motile and rod-shaped. Colonies of strain GCR0105T were pale yellow-pigmented on R2A agar and nutrient agar media, and were able to grow at 15–30 °C (optimum 25 °C) and pH 6.5–8.5 (optimum pH 7.5). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain GCR0105T was related most closely to Flavisolibacter ginsengisoli Gsoil 643T (93.14 % similarity). The polar lipid profile of strain GCR0105T comprised phosphatidylethanolamine, two unknown aminolipids, an unknown aminophospholipid and four unknown lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain GCR0105T was 42.9 mol% and the respiratory quinone was MK-7.On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic properties, strain GCR0105T represents a novel species in a new genus within the family Chitinophagaceae, for which the name Flaviaesturariibacter amylovorans gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Flaviaesturariibacter amylovorans is GCR0105T ( = KACC 16454T = JCM 17919T).
Multiple new species ofOphiocordycepsfungus on ants
Authors: Araújo João P. M. , Hughes David P.
Published: April 2015

In tropical forests, one of the most common relationships between parasites and insects is that between the fungusOphiocordyceps(Ophiocordycipitaceae, Hypocreales, Ascomycota) and ants, especially within the tribe Camponotini. These fungi have the ability to penetrate the exoskeleton of the ant and to manipulate the behavior of the host, making it leave the nest and ascend understorey shrubs, to die biting onto the vegetation: hence, the term zombie-ant fungi to describe this behavioral changes on the host. It is posited that this behavioral change aids spore dispersal and thus increases the chances of infection. Despite their undoubted importance for ecosystem functioning, these fungal pathogens are still poorly documented, especially regarding their diversity, ecology and evolutionary relationships. Here, we describe multiple new and host-specific species of the genusOphiocordycepsonCamponotusandPolyrhachisants from the central Amazonian region of Brazil, USA, Australia and Japan, which can readily be separated using classic taxonomic criteria, in particular ascospore morphology.
Cis-regulatory changes associated with a recent mating system shift and floral adaptation in Capsella
Authors: Steige Kim A , Reimegård Johan , Koenig Daniel , Scofield Douglas G , Slotte Tanja
Published: April 2015

The selfing syndrome constitutes a suite of floral and reproductive trait changes that have evolved repeatedly across many evolutionary lineages in response to the shift to selfing. Convergent evolution of the selfing syndrome suggests that these changes are adaptive, yet our understanding of the detailed molecular genetic basis of the selfing syndrome remains limited. Here, we investigate the role of cis-regulatory changes during the recent evolution of the selfing syndrome in Capsella rubella, which split from the outcrosser Capsella grandiflora less than 200 kya. We assess allele-specific expression (ASE) in leaves and flower buds at a total of 18,452 genes in three interspecific F1 C. grandiflora x C. rubella hybrids. Using a hierarchical Bayesian approach that accounts for technical variation using genomic reads, we find evidence for extensive cis-regulatory changes. On average, 44% of the assayed genes show evidence of ASE, however only 6% show strong allelic expression biases. Flower buds, but not leaves, show an enrichment of cis-regulatory changes in genomic regions responsible for floral and reproductive trait divergence between C. rubella and C. grandiflora. We further detected an excess of heterozygous transposable element (TE) insertions near genes with ASE, and TE insertions targeted by uniquely mapping 24-nt small RNAs were associated with reduced expression of nearby genes. Our results suggest that cis-regulatory changes have been important during the recent adaptive floral evolution in Capsella and that differences in TE dynamics between selfing and outcrossing species could be important for rapid regulatory divergence in association with mating system shifts.
In vivo characterization of the connectivity and subcomponents of the human globus pallidus
Authors: Beukema Patrick , Yeh Fang-Cheng , Verstynen Timothy
Published: April 2015

Projections from the substantia nigra and striatum traverse through the pallidum on the way to their targets. To date, in vivo characterization of these pathways remains elusive. Here we used high angular resolution diffusion imaging (N=138) to study the characteristics and structural subcompartments of the human pallidum. Our results show that the diffusion orientation distribution at the pallidum is asymmetrically oriented in a dorsolateral direction, consistent with the orientation of underlying fiber systems. Furthermore, compared to the outer pallidal segment, the internal segment has more peaks in the orientation distribution function and stronger anisotropy in the primary fiber direction, consistent with known cellular differences between the underlying nuclei. These differences in orientation, complexity, and degree of anisotropy are sufficiently robust to automatically segment the pallidal nuclei using diffusion properties. Thus the gray matter diffusion signal can be useful as an in vivo measure of the collective nigrostriatal and striatonigral pathways.
Choosing subsamples for sequencing studies by minimizing the average distance to the closest leaf
Authors: Kang Jonathan T. L. , Zhang Peng , Zöllner Sebastian , Rosenberg Noah A.
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACT

Imputation of genotypes in a study sample can make use of sequenced or densely genotyped external reference panels consisting of individuals that are not from the study sample. It can also employ internal reference panels, incorporating a subset of individuals from the study sample itself. Internal panels offer an advantage over external panels, as they can reduce imputation errors arising from genetic dissimilarity between a population of interest and a second, distinct population from which the external reference panel has been constructed. As the cost of next-generation sequencing decreases, internal reference panel selection is becoming increasingly feasible. However, it is not clear how best to select individuals to include in such panels. We introduce a new method for selecting an internal reference panel—minimizing the average distance to the closest leaf (ADCL)—and compare its performance relative to an earlier algorithm: maximizing phylogenetic diversity (PD). Employing both simulated data and sequences from the 1000 Genomes Project, we show that ADCL provides a significant improvement in imputation accuracy, especially for imputation of sites with low-frequency alleles. This improvement in imputation accuracy is robust to changes in reference panel size, marker density, and length of the imputation target region.
Crystal structure of dimethylammonium hydrogen oxalate hemi(oxalic acid)
Authors: Diallo Waly , Gueye Ndongo , Crochet Aurélien , Plasseraud Laurent , Cattey Hélène
Published: April 2015

Single crystals of the title salt, Me2NH2+·HC2O4−·0.5H2C2O4, were isolated as a side product from the reaction involving Me2NH, H2C2O4and Sn(n-Bu)3Cl in a 1:2 ratio in methanol or by the reaction of the (Me2NH2)2C2O4salt and Sn(CH3)3Cl in a 2:1 ratio in ethanol. The asymmetric unit comprises a dimethylammonium cation (Me2NH2+), an hydrogenoxalate anion (HC2O4−), and half a molecule of oxalic acid (H2C2O4) situated about an inversion center. From a supramolecular point of view, the three components interact togetherviahydrogen bonding. The Me2NH2+cations and the HC2O4−anions are in close proximity through bifurcated N—H...(O,O) hydrogen bonds, while the HC2O4−anions are organized into infinite chainsviaO—H...O hydrogen bonds, propagating along thea-axis direction. In addition, the oxalic acid (H2C2O4) molecules play the role of connectors between these chains. Both the carbonyl and hydroxyl groups of each diacid are involved in four intermolecular interactions with two Me2NH2+and two HC2O4−ions of four distinct polymeric chains,viatwo N—H...O and two O—H...O hydrogen bonds, respectively. The resulting molecular assembly can be viewed as a two-dimensional bilayer-like arrangement lying parallel to (010), and reinforced by a C—H...O hydrogen bond.
Crystal structure of 2,4-diamino-6-oxo-3,6-dihydropyrimidin-1-iump-toluenesulfonate
Authors: Mamallan Krishnasamy , Tagore Sadasivam Sharmila , Gomathi Sundaramoorthy , Sethuraman Velusamy
Published: April 2015

In the title salt, C4H7N4O+·C7H7O3S−, the 2,6-diamino-4-oxo-1,3-dihydropyrimidin-1-ium cation interacts with the sulfonate group of thep-toluenesulfonate anionviaa pair of N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a hetero-synthonR22(8) that mimics the role of a carboxylate. The self-assembled cations form a homo-synthonR21(6) motif which is further linked with the sulfonate anionviaN—H...O hydrogen bonds to generate anR32(10) ring motif. The three motifs are fused together and extended as supramolecular ribbons along theb-axis direction. Adjacent ribbons are further linkedviaN—H...O hydrogen bonds to form an annulus, with anR44(20) ring motif, resulting in a tunnel-like arrangement propagating along [010]. There are slipped parallel π–π stacking interactions [inter-centroid distance = 3.6539 (7) Å], between the tunnel-like polymer chains, forming slabs parallel to (100).
National early warning score (NEWS) – evaluation in surgery
Authors: Neary Peter M , Regan Mark , Joyce Myles J , McAnena Oliver J , Callanan Ian
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate staff opinion on the impact of the National Early Warning Score (NEWS) system on surgical wards. In 2012, the NEWS system was introduced to Irish hospitals on a phased basis as part of a national clinical programme in acute care.

Design/methodology/approach

– A modified established questionnaire was given to surgical nursing staff, surgical registrars, surgical senior house officers and surgical interns for completion six months following the introduction of the NEWS system into an Irish university hospital.

Findings

– Amongst the registrars, 89 per cent were unsure if the NEWS system would improve patient care. Less than half of staff felt consultants and surgical registrars supported the NEWS system. Staff felt the NEWS did not correlate well clinically with patients within the first 24 hours (Day zero) post-operatively. Furthermore, 78-85 per cent of nurses and registrars felt a rapid response team should be part of the escalation protocol.

Research limitations/implications

– Senior medical staff were not convinced that the NEWS system may improve patient care. Appropriate audit proving a beneficial impact of the NEWS system on patient outcome may be essential in gaining support from senior doctors. Deficiencies with the system were also observed including the absence of a rapid response team as part of the escalation protocol and a lack of concordance of the NEWS in patients Day zero post-operatively. These issues should be addressed moving forward.

Originality/value

– Appropriate audit of the impact of the NEWS system on patient outcome may be pertinent to obtain the support from senior doctors. Deficiencies with the system were also observed including the absence of a rapid response team as part of the escalation protocol and a lack of concordance of the NEWS in patients Day zero post-operatively. These issues should be addressed moving forward.
Can patients detect hazardous dental practice? A patient complaint study
Authors: Hiivala Nora , Mussalo-Rauhamaa Helena , Murtomaa Heikki
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to: determine the prevalence and distribution of patient/family-generated, dentistry-related complaints to Regional State Administrative Agencies (AVIs) and the National Supervisory Authority for Welfare and Health (Valvira) in Finland from 2000 to 2011, study patient/family safety incident experiences and other reasons for complaints, assess complaint validity and evaluate factors associated with disciplinary processes against dentists.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data included closed cases handled by AVIs and Valvira (2000-2011) against dental practitioners or dental practice units (n=782). The authors analysed the complaints distribution and examined the antecedent factors and circumstances.

Findings

– This study demonstrated that patients/families can detect many dental treatment hazards, substandard processes and even serious safety risks rather well. The investigation processes revealed some physical harm or potential patient safety (PS) risks in more than half the alleged cases. Many complaints accumulated against certain individuals and statistically significant positive correlations were found between some patient/family complaints, dentist-specific variables and disciplinary actions.

Practical implications

– Patient/family-generated complaints must be taken seriously and seen as relatively good safety risk indicators. However, more knowledge on how patients might cooperate with dental care providers to prevent errors is needed.

Originality/value

– This work provides a unique opportunity to learn from several dentistry-related patient complaints. Despite some limitations, patient complaints appear to be useful as a complementary source together with other PS study methods.
Perceived service quality’s effect on patient satisfaction and behavioural compliance
Authors: Mohamed Bahari , Azizan Noor Azlinna
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to advance healthcare service quality research using hierarchical component models.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study used a quantitative approach with cross-sectional design as a survey method, combining cluster and convenience sampling and partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to validate the research model and test the hypotheses.

Findings

– The study extends health service quality literature by showing that: patient satisfaction (PS) is dominant, significant and indirect determinant of behavioural compliance (BC); perceived service quality has the strongest effect on BC via PS.

Research limitations/implications

– Only one hospital was evaluated.

Practical implications

– The study provides managers with a service quality model for conducting integrated service delivery systems analysis and design.

Originality/value

– Overall, the study makes a significant contribution to healthcare organizations, better health outcomes for patients and better quality of life for the community.
Dynamic capabilities as patterns of organizational change
Authors: Sune Albert , Gibb Jenny
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– In this paper the authors explore the managerial processes involved in deep, purposeful organizational change. The authors investigate change towards a goal-directed end state and the managerial actions involved in reaching it. The purpose of this paper is to identify patterns of organizational change by analysing how variations occurred in a firm’s resources and capabilities at a time of high internal and external uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use a longitudinal in-depth case study on the airline Spanair. The authors analyse the change process this airline engaged in between 2007 and 2012, which was considered the most turbulent period in aviation history. The authors followed the grounded theory approach to induce a strategic capability pattern model from secondary data.

Findings

– The authors identify a capability pattern with four dynamic capabilities: adding, transferring, integrating and shedding; and two higher-order capabilities: goal development and change orchestration. The authors show how the higher-order capability processes are performed by two levels of decision makers, where one creates a goal-directed path, and the other performs a central role in orchestrating change.

Originality/value

– Using the teleological approach the authors identify how top management orchestrate change arising from the dynamic capability process outcomes in a top-down and bottom-up manner. As such the authors show how the role of management becomes fundamental in adjusting the capabilities required to meet the goals set, particularly in times of heightened internal and external environmental turbulence. The authors also emphasize the importance of providing bottom-up advice to goal directors.
Causes of stress before, during and after organizational change: a qualitative study
Authors: Smollan Roy K
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Since prior empirical research has seldom compared causes of stress before, during and after organizational change the purpose of this paper is to identify stressors as change unfolded over time and to identify what led to variations in stress levels.

Design/methodology/approach

– Semi-structured interviews were conducted in 2012 with 31 staff in clinical and non-clinical positions in a New Zealand public health organization that had experienced considerable change.

Findings

– For most respondents the transition phase was the most stressful as it created job insecurity and was handled with insufficient information, consultation and support. For the balance stress increased after the change, which created additional demands that usually needed to be met with fewer resources. The stress of others emerged as a new category of stressor during the transition stage.

Research limitations/implications

– Memories fade and the lines between stages of change are often blurred with one change sometimes occurring simultaneously with another or following it. Further studies could explore stressors at different points in time, in different national contexts and in private and public organizations.

Practical implications

– Leaders of public sector organizations need to be mindful of the deleterious effects of stress from organizational change and create cultures, strategies and practices that mitigate the stress.

Originality/value

– This is apparently the first qualitative study that traces the causes of stress as organizational change moves through various phases.
Held back and pushed forward: leading change in a complex public sector environment
Authors: van der Voet Joris , Kuipers Ben , Groeneveld Sandra
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Public organizations often need to implement organizational change. Several authors have argued that the specific characteristics of public organizations make the implementation of organizational change in public organizations distinct or even more difficult. However, this issue has received little empirical investigation in both public management and change management research. Public organizations typically operate in an environment characterized by checks and balances, shared power, divergent interests and the political primate. The purpose of this paper is to advance knowledge about how the implementation of change and its leadership is affected by the complex environment in which public organizations operate.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study approach is adopted. A merger of three government departments in a Dutch city is selected as a case. This merger took place in an environment that became increasingly complex as the implementation process advanced. The main method of data collection was interviewing the managers that were involved in the organizational change. In all, 23 interviews were conducted and fully transcribed. The interviews were then coded using Atlas.ti software.

Findings

– The analysis indicates that a high degree of environmental complexity forces public organizations to adopt a planned, top-down approach to change, while the effectiveness of such an approach to change is simultaneously limited by a complex environment. In addition, typical change leadership activities, such as defining the need for change, role modeling and motivating employees to implement the change, are not sufficient to implement change in a complex environment. In order to overcome environmental dependencies and maintain momentum in the change process, public managers must engage in more externally oriented leadership activities.

Originality/value

– The paper provides empirical evidence about the relevant and rapidly growing research topic of organizational change in public organizations. The paper concludes with hypotheses that can be tested in follow-up research, and as such provides a starting point for future research concerning change management in public organizations.
Industry professionalisation of strata title managers: what are the implications for governance?
Authors: Altmann Erika
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the rise of strata manager as a newly emergent profession and note their impact on the governance within medium and high density, strata titled housing such as flats, apartments, town-houses and CIDs.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research presents finding from a small scale, qualitative research project focused on the interaction between the owner committee of management and strata managers.

Findings

– The introduction mandatory certification is championed by industry bodies. The strata managers considered they already demonstrated valuable attributes desired by committees of management. These differed to the attributes targeted by the new training regime, and the attributes valued by the committees of management.

Research limitations/implications

– This is a small scale pilot study. A larger study will need to be undertaken to confirm these results.

Practical implications

– There is a disjunct between the training and what strata managers consider relevant to undertaking their duties. This has significance for the ongoing governance of these properties and industry professionalisation. The resilience of Australia’s densification policies will depend on how learning will translate into better governance outcomes for owners.

Social implications

– One in three people within Australia’s eastern states lives or owns property within strata titled complex (apartments, flats and townhouse developments). The increasing number of strata managers and professionalisation within their industry has the ability to impact an increasing number of people.

Originality/value

– The impact of this new profession, and their requirements in terms of expertise has not been fully considered within existing academic literature.
Daily Business and External Condition Indices for the Australian Economy
Authors: Sheen Jeffrey , Trück Stefan , Wang Ben Zhe
Published: April 2015

We estimate an unobservable domestic business conditions index for Australia using a variety of observable macroeconomic and financial variables, relating it to an unobservable external index involving external variables relevant to Australia. Our small open economy, dynamic factor model uses stock and flow variables arriving at mixed frequencies. We find important links between the domestic and external indices, consistent with the small open economy assumption.
Introduction the Logic of Social Cooperation for Mutual Advantage – The Democratic Contract
Authors: Castiglione Dario
Published: April 2015

This article offers a brief summary of Albert Weale's (2013) book on democratic justice and the social contract and discusses in more detail its central argument about the democratic social contract, which rests on mutual advantage, deliberative rationality and rough bargaining equality. The article contextualises Weale's argument, showing how it emerged from his own scepticism towards previous social contract theories. It explores the distinctiveness of Weale's own social contract theory, discussing its main aspects: its logic, its rationality and its legitimacy. The piece concludes by offering two brief critical arguments about issues of method (the ‘empirical’ approach) and substance (the philosophical anthropology of the social contract).
Protective effects of quercetin against chronic mixed reflux esophagitis in rats by inhibiting the nuclear factor‐κB p65 and interleukin‐8 signaling pathways
Authors: Wu Ping , Zhou Lu , Li Ying Jie , Luo Bin , Yi Li Sha , Chen Sheng Fang , Sun Hui Hui , Chen Ying , Cao Zhi Jun , Xu Shu Chang
Published: April 2015

Objective

To observe the effects of quercetin on chronic mixed reflux esophagitis (RE) in rats by inhibiting the nuclear factor‐κB p65 (NF‐κBp65) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) signaling pathways.

Methods

Forty‐eight healthy male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups, with 8 rats in each group: the normal intact group, the sham operation group, the RE control group, the RE group treated with omeprazole or 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg quercetin. The animals were sacrificed after 6 weeks of different interventions. The pathological characteristics of esophageal mucosa were observed according to the diagnostic criteria and the expressions of NF‐κBp65 and IL‐8 were assessed by immunohistochemistry and real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Compared with the RE control group, esophageal mucosal injury was improved and the expressions of NF‐κBp65 and IL‐8 were significantly decreased in the RE group treated with omeprazole or quercetin (P < 0.05). Compared with the omeprazole group, the gross and microscopic scores of esophageal mucosal injury and the expressions of NF‐κBp65 and IL‐8 in the 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg quercetin groups were not increased (P > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the RE groups treated with 100 mg/kg quercetin and 200 mg/kg quercetin.

Conclusion

Quercetin can prevent esophageal mucosal injury in RE rats by suppressing the NF‐κBp65 and IL‐ 8 signaling pathways.
Computer‐based measurements of joint space analysis using metacarpal morphometry in hand radiograph for evaluation of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Snekhalatha U. , Anburajan M.
Published: April 2015

Aim and objectives

The aim and objectives are as follows: (i) to perform an automated segmentation of the hand from radiographs using a dual tree complex wavelet‐based watershed algorithm; ii) to compare the measured statistical features of the joint space of the hand using gray level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) method with standard diagnostic parameters of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Fifty‐three patients withRAand 17 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were included in the study. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein, rheumatoid factor, health assessment questionnaire score (HAQ), disease activity score (DAS) and hand radiographs of all the subjects were obtained. Joint space width and cortical thickness were measured in metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP) and metacarpal bone semi‐automatically usingMIMICSsoftware. Dual tree complex wavelet transform‐based watershed algorithm was applied for automated segmentation, and feature extraction was performed using theGLCMmethod in hand radiographs of the total population.

Results

In theRAgroup (n = 53), the joint space width measured in theMCP1,MCP3,MCP5 of the hand were reduced significantly (P < 0.01) by 16.4%, 15.6%, and 17.5%, respectively compared to the normal group (n = 17). The measured combined cortical thickness at the second, third and fourth metacarpal bones of the hand were reduced significantly (P < 0.01) by 9.5%, 12% and 8%, respectively in theRAgroup compared to the normal group.

Conclusion

The dual tree complex wavelet transform‐based watershed algorithm provided effective segmentation in the digitized hand radiographs. The standard diagnostic parameters forRAwere highly correlated with measured statistical features atMCP3 hand joint in the total population studied.
Oxalic acid: a signal molecule for fungus‐feeding bacteria of the genus Collimonas?
Authors: Rudnick M. B. , van Veen J. A. , de Boer W.
Published: April 2015

Mycophagous (=fungus feeding) soil bacteria of the genus Collimonas have been shown to colonize and grow on hyphae of different fungal hosts as the only source of energy and carbon. The ability to exploit fungal nutrient resources might require a strategy for collimonads to sense fungi in the soil matrix. Oxalic acid is ubiquitously secreted by soil fungi, serving different purposes. In this study, we investigated the possibility that collimonads might use oxalic acid secretion to localize a fungal host and move towards it. We first confirmed earlier indications that collimonads have a very limited ability to use oxalic acid as growth substrate. In a second step, with using different assays, we show that oxalic acid triggers bacterial movement in such a way that accumulation of cells can be expected at micro‐sites with high free oxalic acid concentrations.

Based on these observations we propose that oxalic acid functions as a signal molecule to guide collimonads to hyphal tips, the mycelial zones that are most sensitive for mycophagous bacterial attack.
Comparative assessment of the sensitivity of oilseed rape and wheat to limited water supply
Authors: Hess Linde , Meir Patrick , Bingham Ian J.
Published: April 2015

The drought‐sensitivity of oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus cv. SW Landmark) was investigated, using the more widely studied crop species wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Tybalt) as a benchmark. The water relations of OSR and wheat were compared in lysimeter and controlled environment experiments to test the hypothesis that the growth of OSR is restricted to a greater extent by soil drying than wheat and to determine whether the greater sensitivity results from differences in root or shoot traits. Plants were grown, with or without irrigation, in 1.2 m tall lysimeters packed with a sandy clay loam soil. The experiment was conducted in an open‐sided glasshouse to encourage air flow and to resemble a field environment as far as possible; plant population densities were equivalent to commercial crops. Irrigated OSR (evapo)transpired more water than wheat (498 vs. 355 mm), but had a comparable water use efficiency (WUE; 4.1 vs. 4.4 g DW mm−1 H2O). Oilseed rape showed a greater reduction in above‐ground growth (52% vs. 21%) and a smaller increase in WUE (27% vs. 45%) when water was withheld. Oilseed rape also responded to soil drying at a lower soil moisture deficit than wheat; transpiration rates fell below the potential of irrigated plants when plant available water remaining in the soil profile declined from 54 to 23% compared to 38 to 9% for wheat. The root hydraulic conductivity of young OSR plants, measured on root surface area basis, was about twice that of wheat, and was comparable on a root length basis. The results show that OSR was more sensitive to a restricted water supply than the benchmark species wheat and that the greater sensitivity resulted from differences in shoot, rather than root, characteristics. The root system of OSR was at least as efficient as wheat at extracting water from soil.
Determining Ethyl Glucuronide Cutoffs When Detecting Self‐Reported Alcohol Use in Addiction Treatment Patients
Authors: Lowe Jessica M. , McDonell Michael G. , Leickly Emily , Angelo Frank A. , Vilardaga Roger , McPherson Sterling , Srebnik Debra , Roll John , Ries Richard K.
Published: April 2015

Background

Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) is an alcohol biomarker with potential utility as a clinical research and alcohol treatment outcome. Debate exists regarding the appropriate cutoff level for determining alcohol use, particularly with the EtG immunoassay. This study determined the EtG immunoassay cutoff levels that most closely correspond to self‐reported drinking in alcohol‐dependent outpatients.

Methods

Eighty adults with alcohol dependence and mental illness, taking part in an alcohol treatment study, provided urine samples 3 times per week for up to 16 weeks (1,589 samples). Self‐reported drinking during 120 hours prior to each sample collection was assessed. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were conducted to assess the ability of the EtG immunoassay to detect self‐reported alcohol use across 24‐ to 120‐hour time periods. Sensitivity and specificity of EtG immunoassay cutoff levels was compared in 100 ng/ml increments (100 to 500 ng/ml) across 24 to 120 hours.

Results

Over half (57%) of the 1,589 samples indicated recent alcohol consumption. The EtG immunoassay closely corresponded to self‐reported drinking from 24 (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88, 0.92) to 120 hours (AUC = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.87, 0.90). When cutoff levels were compared across 24 to 120 hours, 100 ng/ml had the highest sensitivity (0.93 to 0.78) and lowest specificity (0.67 to 0.85). Relative to 100 ng/ml, the 200 ng/ml cutoff demonstrated a reduction in sensitivity (0.89 to 0.67), but improved specificity (0.78 to 0.94). The 300, 400, and 500 ng/ml cutoffs demonstrated the lowest sensitivity (0.86 to 0.33) and highest specificity (0.86 to 0.97) over 24 to 120 hours.

Conclusions

For detecting alcohol use for >24 hours, the 200 ng/ml cutoff level is recommended for use as a research and clinical outcome.
Enhanced Suppression of Fertility Can be Achieved by Priming with FSHR and Eppin and Further Boosting with Their B‐cell Epitope Peptides
Authors: Yan Ping , He Wei , Wu Yuzhang , Chen Zhengqiong , He Haiyang , Ni Bing , Zhang Ji , Yang Xia , Shen Zigang , Fu Xiaolan , Liang Zhiqing , Li Jintao
Published: April 2015

Problem

In our previous study on adult male mice, we had identified one immunodominant epitope in hEppin and three epitopes in hFSHR that caused fertility inhibition. But it only demonstrated a moderate inhibitory effect on fertility, and the antifertility effect was unsatisfactory.

Method of study

Based on the protein prime–peptide boost inoculation modalities, we further investigated whether the antifertility capacity could be enhanced by a combined immunization with the two antigens.

Results

The results displayed a enhanced suppressed fertility (F2EP2C 6.67%) in male mice similar to that seen after four separate administrations of the two proteins (F12E‐4 5%). The most likely mechanism by which this antifertility efficacy was achieved was probably through the production of antibodies that led not only to impairment of spermatogenesis but also to inhibition of sperm motility. Moreover, this treatment also induced high concentrations of neutralizing antibodies which were secreted into the lumen of the epididymis.

Conclusion

Thus, a combination immunization with hFSHR and hEppin enhanced the contraceptive effects and may provide a better means of immunocontraception.
Bed sharing is more common in sudden infant death syndrome than in explained sudden unexpected deaths in infancy
Authors: Möllborg Per , Wennergren Göran , Almqvist Petra , Alm Bernt
Published: April 2015

Aim

Despite its declining incidence, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is still an important cause of death in infancy. This study investigated the environmental circumstances associated with SIDS, by analysing data from all sudden unexpected deaths in infancy (SUDI) in Sweden from 2005 to 2011.

Methods

All Swedish infants forensically autopsied up to the age of 365 days from 2005 to 2011 were included. Medical records were obtained from the hospitals and supplementary data from the Swedish Medical Birth Register.

Results

Of the 261 infants, 136 were defined as SIDS and 125 as explained SUDI. The documentation in the medical records was poor when it came to issues such as bed sharing, sleep position, smoking, breastfeeding and pacifier use. The main findings were a significantly higher prevalence of bed sharing in SIDS than in explained deaths (odds ratio 7.77, 95% confidence interval 2.36–25.57) and that prone sleeping was still overrepresented. Bronchopneumonia, other infections and congenital anomalies were the most common causes of explained SUDI.

Conclusion

Bed sharing and prone sleeping were more common in SIDS than in explained SUDI. Sparse data in medical records were a problem, and the authors are now working with the National Board of Health and Welfare on a project to establish new routines.
Interdependence of depressive symptoms, school involvement, and academic performance between adolescent friends: A dyadic analysis
Authors: Chow Chong Man , Tan Cin Cin , Buhrmester Duane
Published: April 2015

Background

Friendships play an important role in the development of school involvement and academic performance during adolescence. This study examined the interdependence of depressive symptoms, school involvement, and academic performance between adolescent same‐sex friends.

Aims

Using cross‐sectional data, we examined whether the link between depressive symptoms and academic performance would be mediated by school involvement at the intrapersonal (actor) and interpersonal (partner) levels.

Sample

Data came from 155 pairs of same‐sex adolescent friends (80 boys; Mage = 16.17, SD = 0.44). The actor–partner interdependence model was used to examine the dyadic data and mediation hypotheses.

Results

Mediated actor effects showed that adolescents who had more depressive symptoms reported lower academic performance, and such an association was mediated by their own and their friend's lower school involvement. Mediated partner effects showed that adolescents who had more depressive symptoms also had a friend with lower academic performance, and such an association was mediated by both individuals' lower school involvement.

Conclusions

This study provided evidence to support the broader interpersonal framework for understanding school involvement and academic performance. The current findings also have potential practical implications, especially for programmes targeted at addressing adolescents' school problems.
Plasma levels of glucagon‐like peptide 1 and markers of obesity among young and healthy adults
Authors: van der Stouwe Jan Gerrit , Aeschbacher Stefanie , Krisai Philipp , Schoen Tobias , Meyre Pascal , Todd John , Estis Joel , Risch Martin , Risch Lorenz , Conen David
Published: April 2015

Objective

Glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1)‐related pathways may partially explain the strong relationship between obesity and type 2 diabetes. We therefore aimed to evaluate the relationships between fasting GLP‐1 levels, body fat mass and other obesity markers in a large sample of young and healthy adults.

Design and Patients

Our population‐based study included 2096 individuals aged 24–44. Exclusion criteria were prevalent cardiovascular disease, diabetes or a body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m2. Body fat mass was obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Multivariable linear regression models were constructed to assess the relationships of GLP‐1 with various measures of body composition.

Results

Median age of our population was 37 years, median BMI 24·1 kg/m2 and median body fat 25·1%. A strong positive correlation was observed in age‐adjusted models between GLP‐1 and fat mass in men (β (95% confidence interval) 1·38 (0·69; 2·07), P < 0·001) and women (1·27 (0·65; 1·89), P < 0·001) as well as fully adjusted models including BMI in men [0·87 (0·27; 1·46), P < 0·01] but not women [0·29 (−0·07; 0·64), P = 0·11]. The relationships of GLP‐1 with BMI for men and women [0·00 (−0·34; 0·34), P = 0·99] [−0·02 (−0·28; 0·25), P = 0·91] and waist circumference [0·43 (−0·45; 1·30), P = 0·34] [0·37 (−0·44; 1·18), P = 0·37], respectively, were not significant after multivariable adjustment including fat mass.

Conclusion

Among young and healthy adults, GLP‐1 levels are strongly and independently related to body fat mass especially in men but not BMI or waist circumference. These results raise the hypothesis that GLP‐1 may be implicated in body fat mass regulation.
Marginal bone‐level alterations of loaded zirconia and titanium dental implants: an experimental study in the dog mandible
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Benic Goran I. , Muñoz Fernando , Kohal Ralf , Sanz Martin Ignacio , Cantalapiedra Antonio G. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Jung Ronald E.
Published: April 2015

Objectives

The aim was to test whether or not the marginal bone‐level alterations of loaded zirconia implants are similar to the bone‐level alterations of a grade 4 titanium one‐piece dental implant.

Materials and methods

In six dogs, all premolars and the first molars were extracted in the mandible. Four months later, three zirconia implants (BPI, VC, ZD) and a control titanium one‐piece (STM) implant were randomly placed in each hemimandible and left for transmucosal healing (baseline). Six months later, CAD/CAM crowns were cemented. Sacrifice was scheduled at 6‐month postloading. Digital X‐rays were taken at implant placement, crowns insertion, and sacrifice. Marginal bone‐level alterations were calculated, and intra‐ and intergroup comparisons performed adjusted by confounding factors.

Results

Implants were successfully placed. Until crown insertion, two implants were fractured (one VC, one ZD). At sacrifice, 5 more implants were (partly) fractured (one BPI, four ZD), and one lost osseointegration (VC). No decementation of crowns occurred. All implant systems demonstrated a statistically significant (except VC) loss of marginal bone between baseline and crown insertion ranging from 0.29 mm (VC; P = 0.116) to 0.80 mm (ZD; P = 0.013). The estimated marginal bone loss between baseline and 6 months of loading ranged between 0.19 mm (BPI) and 1.11 mm (VC), being statistically significant for STM and VC only (P < 0.05). The changes in marginal bone levels were statistically significantly different between zirconia implants and control implants (STM vs. BPI P = 0.007; vs. VC P = 0.001; vs. ZD P = 0.011).

Conclusions

Zirconia implants were more prone to fracture prior to and after loading with implant‐supported crowns compared to titanium implants. Individual differences and variability in the extent of the bone‐level changes during the 12‐month study period were found between the different implant types and materials.
Reprogramming of human somatic cells by bacteria
Authors: Ito Naofumi , Ohta Kunimasa
Published: April 2015

In general, it had been believed that the cell fate restriction of terminally differentiated somatic cells was irreversible. In 1952, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) was introduced to study early embryonic development in frogs. So far, various mammalian species have been successfully cloned using the SCNT technique, though its efficiency is very low. Embryonic stem (ES) cells were the first pluripotent cells to be isolated from an embryo and have a powerful potential to differentiate into more than 260 types of cells. The generation of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells was a breakthrough in stem cell research, and the use of these iPS cells has solved problems such as low efficiency and cell fate restriction. These cells have since been used for clinical application, disease investigation, and drug selection. As it is widely accepted that the endosymbiosis of Archaea into eukaryotic ancestors resulted in the generation of eukaryotic cells, we examined whether bacterial infection could alter host cell fate. We previously showed that when human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells were incorporated with lactic acid bacteria (LAB), the LAB‐incorporated HDF cells formed clusters and expressed a subset of common pluripotent markers. Moreover, LAB‐incorporated cell clusters could differentiate into cells derived from each of the three germinal layers both in vivo and in vitro, indicating successful reprogramming of host HDF cells by LAB. In the current review, we introduce the existing examples of cellular reprogramming by bacteria and discuss their nuclear reprogramming mechanisms.
Looking back and moving forward: Recent advances in understanding of cardiovascular development by imaging of zebrafish
Authors: Fukuhara Shigetomo , Fukui Hajime , Wakayama Yuki , Ando Koji , Nakajima Hiroyuki , Mochizuki Naoki
Published: April 2015

Development requires cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, apoptosis, and many kinds of cell responses. Cells prepare intracellular conditions to respond to extracellular cues from neighboring cells. We have studied the development of the cardiovascular system (CVS) by visualizing morphology and signaling simultaneously using zebrafish, which express probes for both. Endodermal sheet is required for the bilateral cardiac precursor cell (CPC) migration toward the midline. Endothelial cells (ECs) proliferate specifically in the certain regions of blood vessels. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) induce the remodeling of the caudal vein plexus (CVP) to form the caudal vein (CV). Our findings point to the pre‐existing neighboring cells as the cells exhibiting certain responses during the development of CVS. In this review, we introduce recent results of our research on angiogenesis and cardiogenesis by spotlighting the mechanism by which ECs and CPCs are regulated by the cells next to themselves. In addition, we discuss the unanswered questions that should be clarified in the future in the field of CVS development.
Evolution of germline segregation processes in animal development
Authors: Kumano Gaku
Published: April 2015

Germline segregation is a complex process by which germline cells are separated from somatic tissues during development. Recent animal studies on germline segregation allow for comparisons of the mechanisms used by different species and to propose evolutionary scenarios underlying the diversification of these processes. In this review, several proposed models of germline segregation are presented, and in addition, recent findings from the increasing number of studies are discussed, particularly concerning the need to reconsider these models based on available data.