bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of seawater tolerance and subsequent downstream migration in wild and stocked young‐of‐the‐year derived Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts
Authors: Urke H. A. , Arnekleiv J. V. , Nilsen T. O. , Nilssen K. J.
Published: January 2014

This study investigated the development of hypo‐osmoregulatory capacity and timing of downstream migration in wild Atlantic salmon Salmo salar smolts from the River Stjørdalselva and stocked young‐of‐the‐year (YOY), derived S. salar smolts from the tributary River Dalåa. Both wild and stocked S. salar smolts developed seawater (SW) tolerance in early May, persisting through June, measured as their ability to regulate plasma osmolality and chloride following 24 h SW (salinity = 35) exposure. Although the majority of downstream migration among the stocked S. salar smolts occurred later than observed in their wild counterparts, the development of SW tolerance occurred concurrently. The wild S. salar from Stjørdalselva and stocked YOY smolts from the River Dalåa started to migrate on the same cumulative day‐degrees (D°). The study revealed no downstream migration before development of SW tolerance. This emphasizes the importance of incorporating physiological status when studying environmental triggers for downstream migration of S. salar smolts. Overall, these findings suggest that the onset of smolt migration in stocked S. salar smolts was within the smolt window from an osmoregulatory point of view.
Hepatitis B surface antigen level complements viral load in predicting viral reactivation in spontaneous HBeAg seroconverters
Authors: Tseng Tai‐Chung , Liu Chun‐Jen , Yang Wan‐Ting , Chen Chi‐Ling , Yang Hung‐Chih , Su Tung‐Hung , Wang Chia‐Chi , Kuo Stephanie Fang‐Tzu , Liu Chen‐Hua , Chen Pei‐Jer , Chen Ding‐Shinn , Kao Jia‐Horng
Published: January 2014

Background and Aims

The level of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) has been shown to complement hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐DNA level in predicting disease progression in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative patients, especially those with low viral loads. Whether this finding could be seen in spontaneous HBeAg seroconverters remains unclear.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of 390 Taiwanese spontaneous HBeAg seroconverters with a mean follow‐up period of 7.4 years was enrolled. The relationships between HBV‐DNA/HBsAg levels and HBeAg‐negative hepatitis/active viral replication (HBV‐DNA level ≥ 2000 IU/mL) were investigated.

Results

In the overall cohort, serum HBV‐DNA level served as a better predictor for HBeAg‐negative hepatitis compared with HBsAg level. However, in those with HBV‐DNA level < 2000 IU/mL, a higher HBsAg level was associated with a higher risk of HBeAg‐negative hepatitis (P = 0.015). Multivariate analysis showed the hazard ratio of HBsAg level ≥ 1000 IU/mL versus < 1000 IU/mL was 4.1 (95% confidence interval: 1.3–13.6). When using the end‐point of active viral replication, HBsAg ≥ 1000 IU/mL remained as an independent risk factor, with a hazard ratio of 2.5 (95% confidence interval: 1.1–5.9).

Conclusions

In spontaneous HBeAg seroconverters with HBV‐DNA level < 2000 IU/mL, HBsAg level ≥ 1000 IU/mL is associated with increased risks of HBeAg‐negative hepatitis and active viral replication. Combining HBV‐DNA < 2000 IU/mL and HBsAg level < 1000 IU/mL may be used to define minimal viral activity.
Petrogenesis of metatexite and diatexite migmatites determined using zircon U–Pb age, trace element and Hf isotope data, Higo metamorphic terrane, central Kyushu, Japan
Authors: Maki K. , Yui T‐F. , Miyazaki K. , Fukuyama M. , Wang K‐L. , Martens U. , Grove M. , Liou J. G.
Published: January 2014

Metatexite and diatexite migmatites are widely distributed within the upper amphibolite and granulite facies zones of the Higo low‐P/high‐Tmetamorphic terrane. Here, we report data from an outcrop in the highest grade part of the granulite facies zone, in which diatexite occurs as a 3 m thick layer between 2 m thick layers of stromatic‐structured metatexite within pelitic gneiss. The migmatites and gneiss contain the same peak mineral assemblage of biotite + plagioclase + quartz + garnet + K‐feldspar with retrograde chlorite ± muscovite and some accessory minerals of ilmenite ± rutile ± titanite + apatite + zircon + monazite ± pyrite ± zinc sulphide ± calcite. Calculated metamorphicP–Tconditions are 800–900 °C and 9–12 kbar. Zircon in the diatexite forms elongate euhedral crystals with oscillatory zoning, but no core–rim structure. Zircon from the gneiss and metatexite forms euhedral–subhedral grains comprising inherited cores overgrown by thin rims. The overgrowth rims in the metatexite have lower Th/U ratios than zircon in the diatexite and yield a206Pb/238U age of 116.0 ± 1.6 Ma, which is older than the 110.1 ± 0.6 Ma206Pb/238U age derived from zircon in the diatexite. Zircon from the diatexite has variableREEcontents with convex upward patterns and flat normalizedHREE, whereas the overgrowth rims in the metatexite and gneiss have steepHREE‐enriched patterns; however, both types have similar positive Ce and negative Eu anomalies.176Hf/177Hf ratios in the overgrowth rims from the metatexite are more variable and generally lower than values from zircon in the diatexite. Based on U–Pb ages, trace element and Hf isotope data, the zircon rims in the metatexite are interpreted to have crystallized from a locally derived melt, following partial dissolution of inherited protolith zircon during anatexis, whereas the zircon in the diatexite is interpreted to have crystallized from a melt that included an externally derived component. By integrating zircon and petrographic data for the migmatites and pelitic gneiss, the metatexite migmatite is interpreted to have formed byin situpartial melting in which the melt did not migrate from the source, whereas the diatexite migmatite included an externally derived juvenile component. The Cretaceous high‐temperature metamorphism of the Higo metamorphic terrane is interpreted to reflect emplacement of mantle‐derived basalts under a volcanic arc along the eastern margin of the Eurasian continent and advection of heat via hybrid silicic melts from the lower crust. Post‐peak crystallization of anatectic melts in a high‐Tregion at mid‐crustal depths occurred in the intervalc. 116–110 Ma, as indicated by the difference in zircon ages from the metatexite and diatexite migmatites.
The ketogenic diet component decanoic acid increases mitochondrial citrate synthase and complex I activity in neuronal cells
Authors: Hughes Sean David , Kanabus Marta , Anderson Glenn , Hargreaves Iain P. , Rutherford Tricia , Donnell Maura O’ , Cross J. Helen , Rahman Shamima , Eaton Simon , Heales Simon J. R.
Published: January 2014

The Ketogenic diet (KD) is an effective treatment with regards to treating pharmaco‐resistant epilepsy. However, there are difficulties around compliance and tolerability. Consequently, there is a need for refined/simpler formulations that could replicate the efficacy of theKD. One of the proposed hypotheses is that theKDincreases cellular mitochondrial content which results in elevation of the seizure threshold. Here, we have focussed on the medium‐chain triglyceride form of the diet and the observation that plasma octanoic acid (C8) and decanoic acid (C10) levels are elevated in patients on the medium‐chain triglycerideKD. Using a neuronal cell line (SH‐SY5Y), we demonstrated that 250‐μM C10, but not C8, caused, over a 6‐day period, a marked increase in the mitochondrial enzyme, citrate synthase along with complex I activity and catalase activity. Increased mitochondrial number was also indicated by electron microscopy. C10 is a reported peroxisome proliferator activator receptor γ agonist, and the use of a peroxisome proliferator activator receptor γ antagonist was shown to prevent the C10‐mediated increase in mitochondrial content and catalase. C10 may mimic the mitochondrial proliferation associated with theKDand raises the possibility that formulations based on this fatty acid could replace a more complex diet.

image

We propose that decanoic acid (C10) results in increased mitochondrial number. Our data suggest that this may occur via the activation of the PPARγ receptor and its target genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis. This finding could be of significant benefit to epilepsy patients who are currently on a strict ketogenic diet. Evidence that C10 on its own can modulate mitochondrial number raises the possibility that a simplified and less stringent C10‐based diet could be developed.
Effects of the selective sigma‐1 receptor antagonist S1RA on formalin‐induced pain behavior and neurotransmitter release in the spinal cord in rats
Authors: Vidal‐Torres Alba , Fernández‐Pastor Begoña , Carceller Alicia , Vela José Miguel , Merlos Manuel , Zamanillo Daniel
Published: January 2014

We have previously shown that the selective sigma‐1 receptor (σ1R) antagonist S1RA (E‐52862) inhibits neuropathic pain and activity‐induced spinal sensitization in various pre‐clinical pain models. In this study we characterized both the behavioral and the spinal neurochemical effects of S1RA in the rat formalin test. Systemic administration of S1RA produced a dose‐related attenuation of flinching and lifting/licking behaviors in the formalin test. Neurochemical studies using concentric microdialysis in the ipsilateral dorsal horn of awake, freely moving rats revealed that the systemic S1RA‐induced antinociceptive effect occurs concomitantly with an enhancement of noradrenaline levels and an attenuation of formalin‐evoked glutamate release in the spinal dorsal horn. Intrathecal pre‐treatment with idazoxan prevented the systemic S1RA antinociceptive effect, suggesting that the S1RA antinociception depends on the activation of spinal α2‐adrenoceptors which, in turn, could induce an inhibition of formalin‐evoked glutamate release. When administered locally, intrathecal S1RA inhibited only the flinching behavior, whereas intracerebroventricularly or intraplantarly injected also attenuated the lifting/licking behavior. These results suggest that S1RA supraspinally activates the descending noradrenergic pain inhibitory system, which may explain part of its antinociceptive properties in the formalin test; however, effects at other central and peripheral sites also account for the overall effect.

image

Formalin‐induced nociceptive effect occurs concomitantly with an enhancement of glutamate (Glu) level in the dorsal horn spinal cord. The selective σ1 receptor antagonist S1RA results in inhibition of formalin‐evoked Glu release, no modification of GABA levels, and enhancement of noradrenaline (NA) levels. This increased spinal NA activates spinal α2‐adrenoceptors producing the attenuation of the formalin‐induced pain behaviour
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor–Bound Stents:Application of In Situ Capture Technology of Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Porcine Coronary Model
Authors: TAKABATAKE SHU , HAYASHI KENSHI , NAKANISHI CHIAKI , HAO HIROYUKI , SAKATA KENJI , KAWASHIRI MASA‐AKI , MATSUDA TAKEHISA , YAMAGISHI MASAKAZU
Published: January 2014

Objectives

We evaluated the in vivo performance of a newly devised vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐bound stent in a porcine coronary model.

Background

An anti‐CD34 antibody‐bound stent, which captures endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to accelerate tissue formation, did not reduce intimal hyperplasia. By targeting the VEGF receptor, which is expressed on endothelial‐lineage cells, we developed VEGF‐bound stents that may enable selective capture of EPCs followed by rapid endothelialization.

Methods

Metallic stents were first coated with poly‐(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol), and then chemically bound with either VEGF or anti‐CD34 antibody. These stents were placed in porcine coronary arteries for up to 14 days. Stent surface was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and by scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Results

After 2‐day stenting with VEGF‐bound stents, small populations of KDR (VEGF receptor‐2)‐positive cells adhered to the stent struts. After 7‐ and 14‐day stenting, struts were fully covered with newly regenerated tissue. SEM images showed that the uniform tissue formed on struts was morphologically similar to native endothelium and was continuously connected with adjacent native endothelium. On the other hand, for the anti‐CD34 antibody‐bound stents, stent struts were rapidly covered by newly generated tissue that consisted of multicellular aggregates.

Conclusions

Compared with anti‐CD34 antibody‐bound stents, VEGF‐bound stents provide highly selective capture of EPCs, followed by rapid formation of intact endothelium tissue at an early period of stenting. These results suggest that VEGF‐bound stents could represent a promising therapeutic option for cardiovascular stenting, although further long‐term follow‐up experiment with double‐blinded fashion is needed prior to clinical application. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:63–72)
Evolving biomarkers improve prediction of long‐term mortality in patients with stable coronary artery disease: the BIO‐VILCAD score
Authors: Kleber M. E. , Goliasch G. , Grammer T. B. , Pilz S. , Tomaschitz A. , Silbernagel G. , Maurer G. , März W. , Niessner A.
Published: January 2014

Objective

Algorithms to predict the future long‐term risk of patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) are rare. The VIenna and Ludwigshafen CAD (VILCAD) risk score was one of the first scores specifically tailored for this clinically important patient population. The aim of this study was to refine risk prediction in stable CAD creating a new prediction model encompassing various pathophysiological pathways. Therefore, we assessed the predictive power of 135 novel biomarkers for long‐term mortality in patients with stable CAD.

Design, setting and subjects

We included 1275 patients with stable CAD from the LUdwigshafen RIsk and Cardiovascular health study with a median follow‐up of 9.8 years to investigate whether the predictive power of the VILCAD score could be improved by the addition of novel biomarkers. Additional biomarkers were selected in a bootstrapping procedure based on Cox regression to determine the most informative predictors of mortality.

Results

The final multivariable model encompassed nine clinical and biochemical markers: age, sex, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), heart rate, N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide, cystatin C, renin, 25OH‐vitamin D3 and haemoglobin A1c. The extended VILCAD biomarker score achieved a significantly improved C‐statistic (0.78 vs. 0.73; P = 0.035) and net reclassification index (14.9%; P < 0.001) compared to the original VILCAD score. Omitting LVEF, which might not be readily measureable in clinical practice, slightly reduced the accuracy of the new BIO‐VILCAD score but still significantly improved risk classification (net reclassification improvement 12.5%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The VILCAD biomarker score based on routine parameters complemented by novel biomarkers outperforms previous risk algorithms and allows more accurate classification of patients with stable CAD, enabling physicians to choose more personalized treatment regimens for their patients.
Autism in context 1: Classification, counting and causes
Authors: Williams Katrina , Woolfenden Susan , Roberts Jacqueline , Rodger Sylvia , Bartak Lawrence , Prior Margot
Published: January 2014

This review paper describes our current perspective of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), taking into account past, current and future classification systems and the evolving definitions of ASD. International prevalence rates from 1965 to 2012 are presented and key issues, including whether there is an epidemic of autism and what this means in terms of thinking about possible causes of autism, are discussed. Also discussed is the need for high quality national data collection in Australia and the evidence, and lack of evidence, for the many theoretical causes of ASD. The lack of robust classification of autism along with limited high quality evidence base about its prevalence and possible causes leaves ample space for future discoveries.
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Zucchini Squash Lethal Chlorosis and its Relationship with the Frankliniella zucchini Population
Authors: Moreira Alécio S. , Cônsoli Renata C. M. , Barbosa Júlio Cesar , Filho Armando Bergamin , Rezende Jorge Alberto M.
Published: January 2014

Lethal chlorosis of cucurbits, caused by the tospovirus Zucchini lethal chlorosis virus (ZLCV), is an important disease in the Brazilian zucchini squash crop. The virus is transmitted by the thrips Frankliniella zucchini. Progress of the disease in time and space was studied in zucchini squash experimental fields to better understand disease epidemiology. Nine independent experiments were carried out between December 2006 and September 2010. The effects of the disease were assessed every 2–7 days, depending on the experiment. The thrips population was monitored in five of these experiments. For disease progress over time, four models (exponential, monomolecular, logistic and Gompertz) were tested. Disease progress in space analysis included both the index of dispersion and Taylor's power law. The monomolecular model was the best fit to the disease incidence data, and spatial analysis indicated aggregated diseased plants at the end of the season in most experiments. A correlation was detected between the number of collected thrips and the incidence of zucchini squash lethal chlorosis. The results indicate that the thrips population significantly contributed to the primary spread of disease incidence. We propose that disease management should focus mainly on the elimination of the source of the inoculum.
Systematic analysis of a wasp parasitism arsenal
Authors: Burke Gaelen R. , Strand Michael R.
Published: January 2014

Parasitoid wasps are among the most diverse insects on earth with many species causing major mortality in host populations. Parasitoids introduce a variety of factors into hosts to promote parasitism, including symbiotic viruses, venom, teratocytes and wasp larvae. Polydnavirus‐carrying wasps use viruses to globally suppress host immunity and prevent rejection of developing parasites. Although prior results provide detailed insights into the genes viruses deliver to hosts, little is known about other products. RNAseq and proteomics were used to characterize the proteins secreted by venom glands, teratocytes and larvae from Microplitis demolitor, which carries M. demolitor bracovirus (MdBV). These data revealed that venom glands and teratocytes secrete large amounts of a small number of products relative to ovaries and larvae. Venom and teratocyte products exhibited almost no overlap with one another or MdBV genes, which suggested that M. demolitor effector molecules are functionally partitioned according to their source. This finding was well illustrated in the case of MdBV and teratocytes. Many viral proteins have immunosuppressive functions that include disruption of antimicrobial peptide production, yet this study showed that teratocytes express high levels of the antimicrobial peptide hymenoptaecin, which likely compensates for MdBV‐mediated immunosuppression. A second key finding was the prevalence of duplications among genes encoding venom and teratocyte molecules. Several of these gene families share similarities with proteins from other species, while also showing specificity of expression in venom glands or teratocytes. Overall, these results provide the first comprehensive analysis of the proteins a polydnavirus‐carrying wasp introduces into its host.
Habitat‐driven population structure of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, in the North‐East Atlantic
Authors: Louis Marie , Viricel Amélia , Lucas Tamara , Peltier Hélène , Alfonsi Eric , Berrow Simon , Brownlow Andrew , Covelo Pablo , Dabin Willy , Deaville Rob , de Stephanis Renaud , Gally François , Gauffier Pauline , Penrose Rod , Silva Monica A. , Guinet Christophe , Simon‐Bouhet Benoit
Published: January 2014

Despite no obvious barrier to gene flow, historical environmental processes and ecological specializations can lead to genetic differentiation in highly mobile animals. Ecotypes emerged in several large mammal species as a result of niche specializations and/or social organization. In the North‐West Atlantic, two distinct bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) ecotypes (i.e. ‘coastal’ and ‘pelagic’) have been identified. Here, we investigated the genetic population structure of North‐East Atlantic (NEA) bottlenose dolphins on a large scale through the analysis of 381 biopsy‐sampled or stranded animals using 25 microsatellites and a 682‐bp portion of the mitochondrial control region. We shed light on the likely origin of stranded animals using a carcass drift prediction model. We showed, for the first time, that coastal and pelagic bottlenose dolphins were highly differentiated in the NEA. Finer‐scale population structure was found within the two groups. We suggest that distinct founding events followed by parallel adaptation may have occurred independently from a large Atlantic pelagic population in the two sides of the basin. Divergence could be maintained by philopatry possibly as a result of foraging specializations and social organization. As coastal environments are under increasing anthropogenic pressures, small and isolated populations might be at risk and require appropriate conservation policies to preserve their habitats. While genetics can be a powerful first step to delineate ecotypes in protected and difficult to access taxa, ecotype distinction should be further documented through diet studies and the examination of cranial skull features associated with feeding.
Diversity and abundance of phyllosphere bacteria are linked to insect herbivory
Authors: Humphrey Parris T. , Nguyen Trang T. , Villalobos Martha M. , Whiteman Noah K.
Published: January 2014

Simultaneous or sequential attack by herbivores and microbes is common in plants. Many seed plants exhibit a defence trade‐off against chewing herbivorous insects and leaf‐colonizing (‘phyllosphere’) bacteria, which arises from cross‐talk between the phytohormones jasmonic acid (JA, induced by many herbivores) and salicylic acid (SA, induced by many bacteria). This cross‐talk may promote reciprocal susceptibility in plants between phyllosphere bacteria and insect herbivores. In a population of native bittercress (Cardamine cordifolia, Brassicaceae), we tested whether simulating prior damage with JA or SA treatment induced resistance or susceptibility (respectively) to chewing herbivores. In parallel, we conducted culture‐dependent surveys of phyllosphere bacteria to test the hypothesis that damage by chewing herbivores correlates positively with bacterial abundance in leaves. Finally, we tested whether bacterial infection induced susceptibility to herbivory by a major chewing herbivore of bittercress, Scaptomyza nigrita (Drosophilidae). Overall, our results suggest that reciprocal susceptibility to herbivory and microbial attack occurs in bittercress. We found that JA treatment reduced and SA treatment increased S. nigrita herbivory in bittercress in the field. Bacterial abundance was higher in herbivore‐damaged vs. undamaged leaves (especially Pseudomonas syringae). However, Pedobacter spp. and Pseudomonas fluorescens infections were negatively associated with herbivory. Experimental Pseudomonas spp. infections increased S. nigrita herbivory in bittercress. Thus, plant defence signalling trade‐offs can have important ecological consequences in nature that may be reflected in a positive correlation between herbivory and phyllosphere bacterial abundance and diversity. Importantly, the strength and direction of this association varies within and among prevalent bacterial groups.
Trend and Initial Condition in Stationarity Tests: The Asymptotic Analysis
Authors: Skrobotov Anton
Published: January 2014

In this article, we investigate the behaviour of stationarity tests proposed by Müller [Journal of Econometrics (2005) Vol. 128, pp. 195–213] and Harris et al. [Econometric Theory (2007) Vol. 23, pp. 355–363] with uncertainty over the trend and/or initial condition. As different tests are efficient for different magnitudes of local trend and initial condition, following Harvey et al. [Journal of Econometrics (2012) Vol. 169, pp. 188–195], we propose decision rule based on the rejection of null hypothesis for multiple tests. Additionally, we propose a modification of this decision rule, relying on additional information about the magnitudes of the local trend and/or the initial condition that is obtained through pre‐testing. The resulting modification has satisfactory size properties under both uncertainty types.
Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation and Risk of Asymptomatic Cerebral Embolism
Authors: MERCHANT FAISAL M. , DELURGIO DAVID B.
Published: January 2014

Recent studies have suggested that a significant minority of patients undergoing atrial fibrillation catheter ablation (AFCA) develop evidence of acute, asymptomatic cerebral emboli (ACE) detected by brain magnetic resonance imaging. Although the prognostic significance of ACE associated with AFCA remains unclear, given the heightened risk of dementia associated with asymptomatic chronic infarcts on brain imaging, it is imperative to understand the pathogenesis of ACE and identify methods to mitigate the risk of emboli associated with AF ablation. In this paper, we review the incidence of ACE associated with AFCA and discuss patient‐ and procedure‐specific markers of risk for asymptomatic embolism. We also review the data to support strategies, which have been proposed to reduce the incidence of ACE.
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with diagnosis and severity of childhood atopic dermatitis
Authors: Wang Susan Shuxin , Hon Kam Lun , Kong Alice Pik‐shan , Pong Henry Nga‐hin , Wong Gary Wing‐kin , Leung Ting Fan
Published: January 2014

Background

Recent studies implicated the importance of vitamin D in innate immune defense and pathogenesis of allergic diseases. However, the impact of vitamin D deficiency on atopic dermatitis (AD) diagnosis and severity remains unclear. This case–control study investigated such relationship in Hong Kong Chinese children.

Methods

Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels of 498 AD children and 328 non‐allergic controls were measured by immunoassay. Subjects were categorized into deficient (<25 nm), insufficient (25–49.9 nm), and sufficient (≥50 nm) groups. Short‐term and long‐term AD severity was evaluated by physician‐diagnosed SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) and Nottingham Eczema Severity Score (NESS), respectively. Atopy biomarkers were also measured for analysis.

Results

The mean (s.d.) serum 25(OH)D levels in AD patients and controls were 28.9 (15.3) and 34.2 (14.5) nm, respectively (p < 0.001). More patients had serum 25(OH)D levels <25 nm than controls (47.8% vs. 26.6%). AD severity as indicated by both SCORAD and NESS showed inverse associations with serum 25(OH)D levels (respective p = 3.6 × 10−4 and 0.004 when adjusted for age, sex, month of assessment, and immunoassay batch as covariates). Vitamin D‐deficient patients (3.08 ± 0.76) had higher logarithm‐transformed total IgE than those with insufficient (2.74 ± 0.69) and sufficient (2.72 ± 0.72) serum 25(OH)D levels (p < 0.001). The proportion of subjects with elevated IgE was higher in vitamin D‐deficient (43.2%) than vitamin D‐sufficient (20.0%) groups.

Conclusions

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are prevalent in Hong Kong Chinese children. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with childhood AD and high total IgE. Serum 25(OH)D levels correlate inversely with both long‐ and short‐term AD severity.
Modern management of primary T‐cell immunodeficiencies
Authors: Pachlopnik Schmid Jana , Güngör Tayfun , Seger Reinhard
Published: January 2014

The study of human T‐cell PIDs with Mendelian inheritance has enabled the molecular characterization of important key functions and pathways in T‐cell biology. In most cases, T‐cell PIDs become apparent as combined T‐ and B‐cell deficiencies. Severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCIDs) are characterized by a complete lack of T‐cell development and, in some cases, a developmental block in other lymphoid lineages and manifest within the first year of life. Combined immunodeficiency syndromes (CIDs) result from hypomorphic mutations in typical SCID associated genes or from partial defects of T‐cell development and manifest later in childhood by increased susceptibility to infection often combined with disturbances in immune homeostasis, e.g., autoimmunity and increased incidence in lymphoproliferation. The discovery of mutations and characterization of the cellular changes that underlie lymphocyte defects and immune dysregulation have led to novel, specific, successful therapies for severe diseases which are often fatal if left untreated. Over the last few years, impressive progress has been made in understanding the disease mechanisms of T‐cell immunodeficiencies and in improving the long‐term outcomes of potentially curative treatments, including gene therapy.
The ERF transcription factor TaERF3 promotes tolerance to salt and drought stresses in wheat
Authors: Rong Wei , Qi Lin , Wang Aiyun , Ye Xingguo , Du Lipu , Liang Hongxia , Xin Zhiyong , Zhang Zengyan
Published: January 2014

Salinity and drought are major limiting factors of wheat (Triticum aestivum) productivity worldwide. Here, we report the function of a wheat ERF transcription factor TaERF3 in salt and drought responses and the underlying mechanism of TaERF3 function. Upon treatment with 250 mm NaCl or 20% polyethylene glycol (PEG), transcript levels of TaERF3 were rapidly induced in wheat. Using wheat cultivar Yangmai 12 as the transformation recipient, four TaERF3‐overexpressing transgenic lines were generated and functionally characterized. The seedlings of the TaERF3‐overexpressing transgenic lines exhibited significantly enhanced tolerance to both salt and drought stresses as compared to untransformed wheat. In the leaves of TaERF3‐overexpressing lines, accumulation levels of both proline and chlorophyll were significantly increased, whereas H2O2 content and stomatal conductance were significantly reduced. Conversely, TaERF3‐silencing wheat plants that were generated through virus‐induced gene silencing method displayed more sensitivity to salt and drought stresses compared with the control plants. Real‐time quantitative RT‐PCR analyses showed that transcript levels of ten stress‐related genes were increased in TaERF3‐overexpressing lines, but compromised in TaERF3‐silencing wheat plants. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that the TaERF3 protein could interact with the GCC‐box cis‐element present in the promoters of seven TaERF3‐activated stress‐related genes. These results indicate that TaERF3 positively regulates wheat adaptation responses to salt and drought stresses through the activation of stress‐related genes and that TaERF3 is an attractive engineering target in applied efforts to improve abiotic stress tolerances in wheat and other cereals.
Conversion of the genic male sterility (GMS) system of bell pepper (Capsicum annuumL.) to cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS)
Authors: Mulyantoro  , Ou Shang‐Ling , Chen Shu‐Yun , Liu Szu‐Chien , Lo Tzu‐Chuan , Wahyono Andi , Chen Sz‐Yun , Ku Hsin‐Mei
Published: January 2014

Non‐pungent bell pepper (Capsicum annuumL.) lacks the cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) nuclear restorer allele,Rf, andCMScannot be employed in its F1hybrid seed production. To demonstrate that the genic male sterility (GMS) system in non‐pungent bell pepper can be converted to theCMSmale sterility system, the conversion ofGMStoCMSfor non‐pungent bell pepper lineGC3 was conducted by introgression of S‐type cytoplasm and theRfallele from tropical pungent donors. After morphological traits were evaluated, two lines fromBC1F1containing S‐type cytoplasm and four lines fromBC2F2containingRfallele, phenotypically similar toGC3, were obtained and could be employed asCMSmale sterile lines and restorer lines for non‐pungent bell pepper. Four molecular markers potentially linked to traits of interest were also evaluated inBC1F1andBC1F2populations. This is the first time thatGMShas been successfully converted toCMSin bell pepper, a significant contribution for bell pepper hybrid seed production.
Occurrence of a new recombinant begomovirus species infecting tomato in theAl‐Batinah region ofOman
Authors: Al‐Shihi A. A. M. , Khan A. J. , Akhtar S. , Lima A. T. M. , Zerbini F. M. , Briddon R. W.
Published: January 2014

Whitefly‐transmitted begomoviruses are the most important limiting factor for tomato cultivation inOman, particularly in theAl‐Batinah region, the major agricultural area of the country. Commercial farms in theAl‐Batinah region were surveyed duringJanuary–March 2013. Samples of tomato showing leaf curl disease symptoms typical of begomoviruses were collected and analysed. Full‐length sequences of five clones were shown to have relatively low percentage identity values to known begomoviruses, with the highest (88·6%) to isolates ofTomato leaf curlOman virus(ToLCOMV), a begomovirus previously reported inOman, indicating that these represent a newly identified species, for which the nameTomato leaf curlBarka virus (ToLCBrV) is proposed. Four isolates of ToLCBrV were found associated with Tomato leaf curl betasatellite (ToLCB). The five isolates ofToLCBrV characterized in this study were shown to be recombinants, withToLCOMVas the major parent, and a fragment ofCroton yellow vein virus (CrYVV) spanning the 3′ half of the replication‐associated protein. The significance of these findings is discussed.
Triggers of Spontaneous Preterm Delivery – Why Today?
Authors: Hernández‐Díaz Sonia , Boeke Caroline E. , Romans Anna Thornton , Young Brett , Margulis Andrea V. , McElrath Thomas F. , Ecker Jeffrey L. , Bateman Brian T.
Published: January 2014

Background

Our goal is to study the triggers of spontaneous preterm delivery using a case‐crossover design.

Methods

In a pilot study, we enrolled 50 women with spontaneous preterm labour (PTL) and 50 with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) between 2011 and 2012. To assess non‐transient risk factors, we also enrolled a control group of 158 pregnant women at their regular prenatal care visits matched to cases by gestational age and calendar time. The index time was defined as the onset of PTL/PPROM (for cases) or interview (for controls). Detailed data were collected through structured interviews regarding factors of interest during the 72 h that preceded the index time. Within case subjects, we compared the frequency of transient factors from 0 to 24 h before index time with that from 48 to 72 h before index time, and estimated matched odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Previously hypothesised chronic risk factors for spontaneous preterm delivery, including mood disorders and stressful events, were more common among cases than among controls. Within cases, skipped meals [OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.2, 15.2], disturbed sleep [OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.5, 13.3], sexual activity [OR 6.0, 95% CI 0.7, 69.8], and intake of spicy foods [OR 7.0, 95% CI 1.6, 30.8] were associated with an increased risk for PTL/PPROM within the subsequent 24 h. For physical exertion and other potential risk factors evaluated, the OR was close to the null.

Conclusion

Skipping meals and disturbed sleep may be associated with imminent PTL/PPROM; sexual activity and spicy food may trigger PTL/PPROM in susceptible women. Larger case‐crossover studies will be able to evaluate the impact of modifiable risk factors and acute predictors of PTL/PPROM, and might help guide obstetrical management.
International Reserves and the Composition of Foreign Equity Investment
Authors: Qian Xingwang , Steiner Andreas
Published: January 2014

This paper studies the effect of central banks' international reserve hoardings on the composition of foreign equity investment. Specifically, it examines whether reserves affect the share of foreign portfolio equity investment (PEI) in total foreign equity investment, which includes both PEI and foreign direct investment (FDI). Foreign investors' decisions regarding the location and the type of equity capital investment might be influenced by a country's level of international reserves. In a simple theoretical model, it is shown that higher reserves, thanks to their ability to lower exchange rate risk, reduce the risk premium of PEI. Hence, higher reserves are expected to increase the inflow of PEI relative to FDI. This hypothesis is tested for a sample of 76 developing countries during the period 1980–2010 using different estimation methods, model specifications and data samples. The results suggest that higher levels of reserves are associated with a larger share of PEI relative to FDI. This result points to a collateral benefit of reserves that has been neglected so far. Reserves may contribute to develop domestic financial markets and facilitate domestic firms' access to foreign portfolio equity financing. In addition, this paper finds a strong negative effect of the global financial crisis beginning in 2008 on the share of PEI, which confirms the hypothesis that PEI is more crisis‐dependent than FDI.
Maize germinal cell initials accommodate hypoxia and precociously express meiotic genes
Authors: Kelliher Timothy , Walbot Virginia
Published: January 2014

In flowering plants, anthers are the site of de novo germinal cell specification, male meiosis, and pollen development. Atypically, anthers lack a meristem. Instead, both germinal and somatic cell types differentiate from floral stem cells packed into anther lobes. To better understand anther cell fate specification and to provide a resource for the reproductive biology community, we isolated cohorts of germinal and somatic initials from maize anthers within 36 h of fate acquisition, identifying 815 specific and 1714 significantly enriched germinal transcripts, plus 2439 specific and 2112 significantly enriched somatic transcripts. To clarify transcripts involved in cell differentiation, we contrasted these profiles to anther primordia prior to fate specification and to msca1 anthers arrested in the first step of fate specification and hence lacking normal cell types. The refined cell‐specific profiles demonstrated that both germinal and somatic cell populations differentiate quickly and express unique transcription factor sets; a subset of transcript localizations was validated by in situ hybridization. Surprisingly, germinal initials starting 5 days of mitotic divisions were enriched significantly in >100 transcripts classified in meiotic processes that included recombination and synapsis, along with gene sets involved in RNA metabolism, redox homeostasis, and cytoplasmic ATP generation. Enrichment of meiotic‐specific genes in germinal initials challenges current dogma that the mitotic to meiotic transition occurs later in development during pre‐meiotic S phase. Expression of cytoplasmic energy generation genes suggests that male germinal cells accommodate hypoxia by diverting carbon away from mitochondrial respiration into alternative pathways that avoid producing reactive oxygen species (ROS).
A dynamic mathematical model of red blood cell clinical demand to assess the impact of prolonged blood shortages and transfusion restriction policies
Authors: McQuilten Zoe K. , Mercer Geoff , Phillips Louise , Luangwilai Thiansiri , Brown Richard , Ozolins Ieva , Cheng Allen C. , Wood Erica M.
Published: January 2014

Background

Estimating change in clinical demand for red blood cells (RBCs) from a disaster, as well as triaging introduced in response, is essential to plan effectively for a major blood shortage. We aimed to develop a RBC demand model to assess the impact of restriction policies on RBC use and patient outcomes.

Study Design and Methods

A compartmental dynamic model was developed in which patients require RBCs acutely (within 1 hr), urgently (24 hr), semiurgently (1‐7 days), or nonurgently; outcomes included death or remaining at or transitioning to more or less urgent categories. A mathematical model was developed with transitions governed by differential equations and calibrated to a baseline scenario of adequate blood supply (using population‐based hospital data sets, registries, and RBC issues). Distribution into urgency categories was based on a prospective study of 5132 randomly selected RBC units. Scenarios when the blood supply is limited compared to baseline were investigated. Transition rates between urgency categories under these scenarios were established by clinician survey.

Results

In the baseline 21‐day scenario, patients requiring the most RBCs were other surgery (2162, 22%), medical anemia (1916, 12%), malignant hematology (1092, 16%), and gastrointestinal hemorrhage (1115, 8%). A policy of withholding RBCs for all nonurgent indications results in an estimated reduction of only 1007 (11.2%) RBC units and, if extended to semiurgent, a reduction of 2567 (28.5%) RBC units.

Conclusions

Based on this model, restrictions that withhold transfusion from nonurgent patients have minimal impact on RBC demand and may not be sufficient to address changed demand and/or decreased supply during a prolonged disaster.
A new blood group antigen is defined by anti‐CD59, detected in a CD59‐deficient patient
Authors: Anliker Markus , von Zabern Inge , Höchsmann Britta , Kyrieleis Henriette , Dohna‐Schwake Christian , Flegel Willy A. , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Weinstock Christof
Published: January 2014

Background

CD59 is a cell surface glycoprotein of approximately 20 kDa limiting the lytic activity of the terminal complement complex C5b‐9. Although CD59 is known as a red blood cell (RBC) antigen defined by monoclonal antibodies, it so far has not been identified as a blood group antigen, since the description of a human alloantibody was missing. In this study we show the presence of an anti‐CD59 in a patient affected by a homozygous CD59 deficiency.

Study Design and Methods

RBC CD59 and CD55 were determined by flow cytometry or by the column agglutination technique using monoclonal antisera. Commercially available His‐tagged recombinant soluble CD59 protein was used to inhibit anti‐CD59.

Results

Seven cases of an isolated CD59 deficiency due to three distinct null alleles of the CD59 gene have been published so far. Recently we described the CD59‐null allele c.146delA in a young child of heterozygous parents. Her plasma contained an alloantibody directed against the high‐prevalence RBC antigen CD59. The antibody specificity was identified using soluble recombinant human CD59 protein, which blocked the reactivity of the patient's antibody and of monoclonal anti‐CD59 but not of monoclonal anti‐CD55. In addition, RBC alloantibodies such as anti‐K, anti‐C, anti‐c, or anti‐Fya remained unaffected. Therefore, inhibition by recombinant CD59 is a useful diagnostic tool to detect alloantibodies in the presence of anti‐CD59.

Conclusion

This is the first demonstration of a human anti‐CD59 alloantibody, which defines CD59 as an RBC blood group antigen. CD59 represents a candidate for a new blood group system.
Evaluation of peripheral blood stem cell quality in products transported by traditional courier or commercial overnight shipping services
Authors: Howard Alan , Chitphakdithai Pintip , Waller Edmund K. , Harris Wayne , Rosenthal Hilary , Nelson Wanda , Majhail Navneet , Navarro Willis , Waldvogel Stephanie , Lisy Joel , Uecker Jeff , Miller John , Spellman Stephen R.
Published: January 2014

Background

Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) products have traditionally been transported from the collection center to a transplant center using validated volunteer courier–based procedures. Evolving airline service strategies and security policies have complicated this model of product transport. This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of transporting PBSC products using commercial overnight shipping services, while maintaining product quality, compared to courier‐transported products.

Study Design and Methods

Five PBSC products were collected from healthy volunteer donors and divided to evaluate product quality when transported either by volunteer courier or by commercial overnight shipping service. Products were evaluated on the day of collection and at 24, 48, and 72 hours postcollection for total nucleated cell (TNC) count, cell viability, progenitor cell numbers, and progenitor cell lineage growth potential (colony‐forming units [CFUs]) to assess product composition and quality associated with each cohort.

Results

No delivery delays were encountered and all products were received intact. Measurements of product composition and quality demonstrated no differences in TNC count (p = 0.893), cell viability (p = 0.409), CD34+ progenitor cell content (p = 0.509), or CFU–granulocyte‐macrophage growth potential (p = 0.827).

Conclusions

We found no difference in product viability, progenitor cell content, or product potency in PBSC products transported either by volunteer courier or by commercial overnight shipping.
Application of Bayesian Inference to Milling Force Modeling
Authors: Karandikar Jaydeep M. , Schmitz Tony L. , Abbas Ali E.
Published: January 2014

This paper describes the application of Bayesian inference to the identification of force coefficients in milling. Mechanistic cutting force coefficients have been traditionally determined by performing a linear regression to the mean force values measured over a range of feed per tooth values. This linear regression method, however, yields a deterministic result for each coefficient and requires testing at several feed per tooth values to obtain a high level of confidence in the regression analysis. Bayesian inference, on the other hand, provides a systematic and formal way of updating beliefs when new information is available while incorporating uncertainty. In this work, mean force data is used to update the prior probability distributions (initial beliefs) of force coefficients using the Metropolis-Hastings (MH) algorithm Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach. Experiments are performed at different radial depths of cut to determine the corresponding force coefficients using both methods and the results are compared.
Modal Analysis of Inclined Film Cooling Jet Flow
Authors: Kalghatgi Prasad , Acharya Sumanta
Published: January 2014

Thermal and hydrodynamic flow field over a flat surface cooled with a single round inclined film cooling jet and fed by a plenum chamber is numerically investigated using large eddy simulation (LES) and validated with published measurements. The calculations are done for a freestream Reynolds number Re = 16,000, density ratio of coolant to freestream fluid ρj/ρ∞=2.0, and blowing ratio BR=ρjV/ρ∞V=1.0. A short delivery tube with aspect ratio l/D=1.75 and 35 deg inclination is considered. The evolution of the Kelvin–Helmholtz (K-H), hairpin and counterrotating vortex pair (CVP) vortical structures are discussed to identify their origins. Modal analysis of the complete 3D flow and temperature field is carried out using a dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) technique. The modal frequencies are identified, and the specific modal contribution toward the cooling wall temperature fluctuation is estimated on the film cooling wall. The low and intermediate frequency modes associated with streamwise and hairpin flow structures are found to have the largest contribution (in-excess of 28%) toward the wall temperature (or cooling effectiveness) fluctuations. The high frequency Kelvin–Helmholtz mode contributes toward initial mixing in the region of film cooling hole away from the wall. The individual modal temperature fluctuations on the wall and their corresponding hydrodynamic flow structures are presented and discussed.