bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International hotel revenue management
Authors: Maier Thomas A.
Published: July 2012

Purpose

In the hotel industry today, web site marketing and third party distribution metrics are of critical importance in understanding the effectiveness of hotel revenue management objectives. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new model which tests hotel web‐effectiveness using the following variables: reach, content, consistency and price parity (RCO2P).

Design/methodology/approach

For the current RCO2P study, the hotel sample was broken down into two segment groupings of five hotels: luxury; and upper‐upscale. The ten full‐service hotels were monitored over a 90‐day period using room rate quotations and ordinal values across 14 dimensions based on three pre‐selected arrival dates.

Findings

Results of the RCO2P study indicated preferential display sequencing emerged as a significant factor in the reach category among all hotel properties reviewed. Only six of ten properties were measured as having achieved optimal web‐effectiveness, while poor price‐parity competency reflected the most situation‐critical performance among sampled hotel properties.

Originality/value

International comparative research methodologies were examined and determined to be effective models of certain hotel web‐effectiveness dimensions; however, a comprehensive hotel web‐effectiveness measurement model is still lacking which can better inform hotel industry executives. Therefore, future research should incorporate a best practice research approach combining the current RCO2P study elements with other web‐effectiveness measurement criteria based on the collective best practices identified among the research studies reviewed.
Development of a Geographical Framework for Census Workplace Data
Authors: Martin David , Cockings Samantha , Harfoot Andrew
Published: July 2012

The paper addresses problems arising from the representation of workplace population data by using geographical areas based on residential locations. This widespread international practice detrimentally affects publication of census workplace data. A novel solution is proposed for the creation of new workplace zones by using automated zone design techniques and is applied to five prototype areas by using England and Wales 2001 census microdata. Particular workplace-based disclosure control challenges are addressed and the characteristics of the proposed workplace zones reviewed. This approach offers important benefits for the international reporting of workplace data and is currently being incorporated in England and Wales 2011 census output plans.
Biogenic Carbon and Temporary Storage Addressed with Dynamic Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Levasseur Annie , Lesage Pascal , Margni Manuele , Samson Réjean
Published: July 2012

A growing tendency in policy making and carbon footprint estimation gives value to temporary carbon storage in biomass products or to delayed greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Some life cycle‐based methods, such as the British publicly available specification (PAS) 2050 or the recently published European Commission's International Reference Life Cycle Data System (ILCD) Handbook, address this issue. This article shows the importance of consistent consideration of biogenic carbon and timing of GHG emissions in life cycle assessment (LCA) and carbon footprint analysis. We use a fictitious case study assessing the life cycle of a wooden chair for four end‐of‐life scenarios to compare different approaches: traditional LCA with and without consideration of biogenic carbon, the PAS 2050 and ILCD Handbook methods, and a dynamic LCA approach. Reliable results require accounting for the timing of every GHG emission, including biogenic carbon flows, as soon as a benefit is given for temporarily storing carbon or delaying GHG emissions. The conclusions of a comparative LCA can change depending on the time horizon chosen for the analysis. The dynamic LCA approach allows for a consistent assessment of the impact, through time, of all GHG emissions (positive) and sequestration (negative). The dynamic LCA is also a valuable approach for decision makers who have to understand the sensitivity of the conclusions to the chosen time horizon.
Electrical Isolation of the Superior Vena Cava Using Upstream Phrenic Pacing to Avoid Phrenic Nerve Injury
Authors: KIMURA TAKEHIRO , TAKATSUKI SEIJI , FUKUMOTO KOTARO , NISHIYAMA NOBUHIRO , SATO YURIKO , AIZAWA YOSHIYASU , FUKUDA YUKIKO , SATO TOSHIAKI , MIYOSHI SHUNICHIRO , FUKUDA KEIICHI
Published: July 2012

Background: Phrenic nerve (PN) injury is a potential complication that can occur during superior vena cava (SVC) isolation to cure atrial fibrillation (AF). Avoiding radiofrequency (RF) energy delivery is the safer alternative but may result in failed isolation. High‐output PN pacing above the ablation site (upstream PN pacing) to confirm whether the PN is intact is a promising technique to avoid PN injury. This study was conducted to elucidate the safety of delivering RF energy at the site of capture of the right PN using upstream high‐output pacing during electrical SVC isolation.

Methods: SVC isolation was conducted in 41 drug‐resistant AF patients. When high‐output pacing (25 mA) from the distal tip of the ablation catheter captured the PN at the right atrial‐SVC junction, upstream PN pacing (cycle length: 1000–1500 ms) was applied during RF delivery. The application of RF energy was stopped upon the failure or weakness of diaphragmatic twitching. The feasibility of SVC isolation using upstream PN pacing was investigated.

Results: In all 41 patients, SVC isolation was successfully achieved. RF energy was delivered at the PN capture site in 26 patients (154 ± 138 second, 18 ± 5 W), and upstream PN pacing was successfully applied in all of the patients. Out of 46 SVC isolations, including five repeated sessions, PN injury occurred in one patient, who recovered spontaneously within 2 weeks.

Conclusions: Upstream PN pacing may be effective for the safe completion of SVC isolation and to reduce the severity of PN injury. (PACE 2012; 35:1053–1060)
New Species of Insect Trypanosomatids from Costa Rica and the Proposal for a New Subfamily within the Trypanosomatidae
Authors: Jirků Milan , Yurchenko Vyacheslav Y. , Lukeš Julius , Maslov Dmitri A.
Published: July 2012

Several new species of trypanosomatids (Euglenozoa, Kinetoplastea, Trypanosomatidae), isolated from the intestines of Neotropical insects (Heteroptera), were genotyped on the basis of spliced leader RNA, and also defined phylogenetically using gene sequences of small subunit ribosomal RNA and glycosomal glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase. The taxonomic descriptions also included characterization using morphometry and electron microscopy. Our phylogenetic analyses placed the new species within the clade, previously designated “SE” for “Slowly Evolving” sequences of ribosomal RNA genes, a clade that also includes numerous monoxenous parasites of insects from the genera Crithidia, Leptomonas, and Wallaceina, as well as the dixenous genus Leishmania. Based on the high phylogenetic support for this clade, which is consistently recovered in all recent phylogenetic reconstructions, a proposal is put forward to recognize this natural taxon as a new subfamily, Leishmaniinae, within the family Trypanosomatidae.
Colored shading nets impede insect invasion and decrease the incidences of insect‐transmitted viral diseases in vegetable crops
Authors: Ben‐Yakir David , Antignus Yehezkel , Offir Yossi , Shahak Yosepha
Published: July 2012

Black shading nets are commonly used to protect agricultural crops from excessive solar radiation and wind, and for water saving. Recent studies have demonstrated that when black nets were replaced by either red, yellow, or pearl nets (ChromatiNets™) of equivalent shading capacity, it increased the fruit yield and improved the quality of bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) and tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) (both Solanaceae). We studied the effects of these colored shading nets on the infestation by aphids [Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and Aphis gossypii Glover (both Hemiptera: Aphididae)] and whiteflies [Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)], and the incidence of the viral diseases transmitted by these insects, for five consecutive years (2006–2010). These studies were conducted in the semi‐arid Besor region in southern Israel. The plants were grown in ‘walk‐in’ tunnels that were covered by several nets of 35% shading capacity in the range of photosynthetically active radiation. Although the shading nets permit free passage of these pests, the infestation levels of aphids and whiteflies in tunnels covered by either the yellow or pearl nets were consistently 2–3× lower than in tunnels covered by the black or red nets. In accordance with the pest results, when the incidences of Cucumber mosaic virus in pepper grown under the black or red nets ranged between 35 and 89%, they were 2–10× lower under the yellow or pearl nets. Similarly, when the incidences of necrotic Potato virus Y in tomato grown under black or red nets ranged between 42 and 50%, they were 2–3× lower under the yellow or pearl nets. Also, when the incidences of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus in tomato grown under the black or red nets ranged between 15 and 50%, but they were 2–4× lower under the yellow or pearl nets. Putative mechanisms of crop protection achieved by the yellow and pearl nets are discussed.
Regulation of self‐renewal in normal and cancer stem cells
Authors: Verga Falzacappa Maria V. , Ronchini Chiara , Reavie Linsey B. , Pelicci Pier G.
Published: July 2012

Mutations can confer a selective advantage on specific cells, enabling them to go through the multistep process that leads to malignant transformation. The cancer stem cell hypothesis postulates that only a small pool of low‐cycling stem‐like cells is necessary and sufficient to originate and develop the disease. Normal and cancer stem cells share important functional similarities such as ‘self‐renewal’ and differentiation potential. However, normal and cancer stem cells have different biological behaviours, mainly because of a profound deregulation of self‐renewal capability in cancer stem cells. Differences in mode of division, cell‐cycle properties, replicative potential and handling of DNA damage, in addition to the activation/inactivation of cancer‐specific molecular pathways confer on cancer stem cells a malignant phenotype. In the last decade, much effort has been devoted to unravel the complex dynamics underlying cancer stem cell‐specific characteristics. However, further studies are required to identify cancer stem cell‐specific markers and targets that can help to confirm the cancer stem cell hypothesis and develop novel cancer stem cell‐based therapeutic approaches.
An anionic synthetic sugar containing 6‐SO3‐NAcGlc mimics the sulfated cruzipain epitope that plays a central role in immune recognition
Authors: Couto Alicia S. , Soprano Luciana L. , Landoni Malena , Pourcelot Marilyne , Acosta Diana M. , Bultel Laurent , Parente Juliana , Ferrero Maximiliano R. , Barbier Maximilien , Dussouy Christophe , Esteva Mónica I. , Kovensky José , Duschak Vilma G.
Published: July 2012

Cruzipain (Cz), the major cysteine proteinase of Trypanosoma cruzi, is a glycoprotein that contains sulfated high‐mannose‐type oligosaccharides. We have previously determined that these sulfate groups are targets of specific immune responses. In order to evaluate the structural requirements for antibody recognition of Cz, a systematic structure–activity study of the chemical characteristics needed for antibody binding to the Cz sulfated epitope was performed by immunoassays. With this aim, different synthesized molecules were coupled to the proteins BSA and aprotinin and confronted with (a) mouse sera specific for Cz and its carboxy‐terminal (C‐T) domain, (b) antibodies raised in rabbits immunized with Cz and its C‐terminal domain and (c) IgGs purified from human Chagas disease sera. Our results indicate that a glucosamine containing an esterifying sulfate group in position O‐6 and an N‐acetyl group was the preferred epitope for the immune recognition of sera specific for Cz and its C‐T domain. Although to a minor extent, other anionic compounds bearing sulfate groups in different positions and number as well as different anionic charged groups including carboxylated or phosphorylated monosaccharides, disaccharides and oligosaccharides were recognized. In conclusion, we found that synthetic anionic sugar conjugates containing N‐acetyl d‐glucosamine‐6‐sulfate sodium salt (GlcNAc6S) competitively inhibit the binding of affinity purified rabbit anti‐C‐T IgG to the C‐T extension of Cz. Extending these findings to the context of natural infection, immune assays performed with Chagas disease serum confirmed that the structure of synthetic GlcNAc6S mimics the N‐glycan‐linked sulfated epitope displayed in the C‐T domain of Cz.
The PDZ protein discs‐large (DLG): the ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ of the epithelial polarity proteins
Authors: Roberts Sally , Delury Craig , Marsh Elizabeth
Published: July 2012

Discs‐large (DLG) is a multi‐PDZ domain‐containing protein that belongs to the family of molecular scaffolding proteins known as membrane guanylate kinases or MAGUKs. DLG is a component of the Scribble polarity complex and genetic analyses of DLG in Drosophila have identified a role for the protein in several key biological processes including the regulation of apico‐basal polarity of epithelial cells, as well as other polarity processes such as asymmetric cell division and cell invasion. Disturbance of DLG function leads to uncontrolled epithelial cell proliferation and neoplastic transformation, thereby defining DLG as a potential tumour suppressor. However, whether mammalian homologues of DLG (DLG1, DLG2, DLG3 and DLG4) also possess tumour suppressor functions is not known. In this minireview, we focus on the biological functions of DLG1 in human epithelial cells and on how the function of this MAGUK relates to its intracellular location. We examine some of the evidence that implies that DLG has both tumour suppressor and, paradoxically, oncogenic functions depending upon the precise cellular context.
Effect of Sea Buckthorn Berries and Pulp in a Liquid Emulsion on Gastric Ulcer Scores and Gastric JuicepHin Horses
Authors: Huff N.K. , Auer A.D. , Garza F. , Keowen M.L. , Kearney M.T. , McMullin R.B. , Andrews F.M.
Published: July 2012

Background

Sea buckthorn berries (Hippophae rhamnoides) are rich in vitaminCandE, carotenoids, flavonoids, fatty acids, plant sterols, lignans, and minerals. A feed supplement containing sea buckthorn berries might have efficacy in treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers in horses.

Objectives

To test the efficacy of a commercially available formulation of sea buckthorn berries and pulp (SeaBuckSBT Gastro‐Plus) for treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers in stall‐confined horses.

Animals

Eight Thoroughbred and Thoroughbred‐cross horses (3–10 years of age, 5 geldings and 3 mares, 380–600 kg body weight).

Methods

This study was a 2‐period crossover in which all horses received no treatment (untreated controls; n = 8) and treatment (SeaBuckSBT Gastro‐Plus, 4 ounces [35.6 g berries and pulp], twice daily; n = 8) mixed with a pelleted complete feed (18% crude fiber; 9% starch; 14% crude protein). Horses were treated for 4 weeks followed by a 1‐week (d28–d35) alternating feed‐deprivation period to induce or worsen existing ulcers. Gastroscopic examinations were performed on days 0, 28, and 35. Gastric juicepHwas measured and gastric ulcer number and severity scores were assigned by a masked investigator.

Results

Mean nonglandular gastric ulcer scores significantly (P < .05) increased in all horses after day 28, as a result of intermittent feed deprivation. Mean nonglandular gastric ulcer number (P = .84) and severity (P = .51) were not significantly different betweenSBT‐treated and untreated control horses. However, mean glandular ulcer number (P = .02) and glandular ulcer severity (P = .02) were significantly lower in theSBT‐treated horses compared with the untreated control at week 5.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

SeaBuckSBT Gastro‐Plus liquid fed to horses did not show efficacy in treatment or prevention of naturally occurring nonglandular ulcers in horses; however, glandular ulcer scores were significantly lower in SBT‐treated horses after feed deprivation. Thus,SBTmight have efficacy in prevention of glandular ulcers in horses housed in stalls and undergoing intermittent feeding.
Assessment of the Environmental Effects on the Performance of FRP Repaired Steel Pipes Subjected to Internal Pressure
Authors: Esmaeel Ramadan A. , Khan Mohamed A. , Taheri Farid
Published: July 2012

The use of composite materials for repair and rehabilitation of corroded steel pipes has been increasingly growing in the oil and gas industry. However, there exists a noticeable gap in the literature on the long term performance of composite repaired pipes, especially those subjected to large internal pressure magnitudes. This work is an attempt toward filing the gap by gaining a better understanding of the effects of environmental conditions on the long term performance of composite repaired pipes subjected to large internal pressures. Finite element method (FEM) is used to simulate typical composite warp-repaired gouged steel pipes, conditioned in various environments and subsequently subjected to internal pressure. The influence of the resulting degradation in composite’s mechanical properties on the performance of the system was evaluated. To validate the results, an experimental program was designed and carried out. Repaired specimens were conditioned in an environmental chamber under certain thermal and moisture conditions; then, the specimens were tested to failure subject to internal pressure. Good correlation was obtained after fine tuning of FEM model’s material data through the use of the experimentally obtained data.
An Investigation on Turbocharger Turbine Performance Parameters Under Inlet Pulsating Flow
Authors: Hamidreza Tabatabaei , Masoud Boroomand , Mohammad Taeibi Rahni
Published: July 2012

Three-dimensional steady and unsteady (pulsating) compressible flows in a vane-less turbocharger turbine of a 1.7 liter SI engine are simulated numerically, and the results are validated experimentally using a turbocharged on-engine test cell. Simulations are carried out for a 720° engine cycle at three engine speeds, and the complete forms of volute and rotor vanes are modeled. Two ways for modeling the rotating wheel, multiple reference frames (MRF), and sliding mesh (SM) techniques are also examined. Finally, the effects of pulsating flow on the turbocharger turbine performance parameters (TTPP) such as the inlet static pressure, reduced mass flow rate, and efficiency are obtained and compared with their values under steady flow. The results show that the accuracy of steady characteristic map to estimate the TTPPs has some source of ambiguity, which should be considered for detailed analysis. TTPP values under steady flow conditions are found to be significantly deviated from the unsteady results. These deviations are decreased as the engine speed increases.
The Effect of Low-Magnitude, High-Frequency Vibration Stimuli on the Bone Healing of Rat Incisor Extraction Socket
Authors: Kono Takashi , Ayukawa Yasunori , Moriyama Yasuko , Kurata Kosaku , Takamatsu Hiroshi , Koyano Kiyoshi
Published: July 2012

Effects of small vibration stimuli on bone formation have been reported. In the present study, we used morphological and morphometric procedures to elucidate whether low-magnitude, high-frequency (LMHF) vibration stimuli could enhance the bone healing of rat incisor extraction sockets. After extraction of incisors from six-week-old rats, animals were assigned into a control group and two experimental groups to receive 50 Hz stimuli at either 0.05 mm or 0.2 mm peak-to-peak for an hour/day. LMHF vibration stimuli were generated by placing the mandibles of the animals onto a vibration generator. All groups were subdivided into two, according to the study periods (1 and 3 weeks). After the study period, undecalcified ground sections were taken and morphological and morphometric analyses performed. At both 1 and 3 weeks, newly formed bone was observed mainly in the upper wall of the extraction socket in all groups. Morphometric analyses revealed that the trabecular thickness in both experimental groups at 1 week was significantly greater than that in the control. LMHF vibration stimuli had a positive effect on bone at the early stage of bone healing, particularly in trabecular thickness, at the incisor extraction socket.
Control of electromagnetic edge effects in electrically-small rectangular plasma reactors
Authors: Trampel Christopher P. , Stieler Daniel S.
Published: July 2012

Electromagnetic fields supported by rectangular reactors for plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition are studied theoretically. Expressions for the fields in an electrically-small rectangular reactor with plasma in the chamber are derived. Modal field decompositions are employed under the homogeneous plasma slab approximation. The amplitude of each mode is determined analytically. It is shown that the field can be represented by the standing wave, evanescent waves tied to the edges, and an evanescent wave tied to the corners of the reactor. The impact of boundary conditions at the plasma edge on nonuniformity is quantified. Uniformity may be improved by placing a lossy magnetic layer on the reactor sidewalls. It is demonstrated that nonuniformity is a decreasing function of layer thickness.
Stability of a Pseudomonas putida KT2440 Bacteriophage-Carried Genomic Island and Its Impact on Rhizosphere Fitness
Authors: Quesada Jose M. , Soriano Marï¿½a Isabel , Espinosa-Urgel Manuel
Published: July 2012

The stability of seven genomic islands of
Pseudomonas putida
KT2440 with predicted potential for mobilization was studied in bacterial populations associated with the rhizosphere of corn plants by multiplex PCR. DNA rearrangements were detected for only one of them (GI28), which was lost at high frequency. This genomic island of 39.4 kb, with 53 open reading frames, shows the characteristic organization of genes belonging to tailed phages. We present evidence indicating that it corresponds to the lysogenic state of a functional bacteriophage that we have designated Pspu28. Integrated and rarely excised forms of Pspu28 coexist in KT2440 populations. Pspu28 is self-transmissible, and an excisionase is essential for its removal from the bacterial chromosome. The excised Pspu28 forms a circular element that can integrate into the chromosome at a specific location,
att
sites containing a 17-bp direct repeat sequence. Excision/insertion of Pspu28 alters the promoter sequence and changes the expression level of PP_1531, which encodes a predicted arsenate reductase. Finally, we show that the presence of Pspu28 in the lysogenic state has a negative effect on bacterial fitness in the rhizosphere under conditions of intraspecific competition, thus explaining why clones having lost this mobile element are recovered from that environment.
Mutational Analysis of the Pentose Phosphate and Entner-Doudoroff Pathways in Gluconobacter oxydans Reveals Improved Growth of a Δ
edd
Δ
eda
Mutant on Mannitol
Authors: Richhardt Janine , Bringer Stephanie , Bott Michael
Published: July 2012

The obligatory aerobic acetic acid bacterium
Gluconobacter oxydans
621H oxidizes sugars and sugar alcohols primarily in the periplasm, and only a small fraction is metabolized in the cytoplasm. The latter can occur either via the Entner-Doudoroff pathway (EDP) or via the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). The Embden-Meyerhof pathway is nonfunctional, and a cyclic operation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle is prevented by the absence of succinate dehydrogenase. In this work, the cytoplasmic catabolism of fructose formed by oxidation of mannitol was analyzed with a Δ
gnd
mutant lacking the oxidative PPP and a Δ
edd
Δ
eda
mutant devoid of the EDP. The growth characteristics of the two mutants under controlled conditions with mannitol as the carbon source and enzyme activities showed that the PPP is the main route for cytoplasmic fructose catabolism, whereas the EDP is dispensable and even unfavorable. The Δ
edd
Δ
eda
mutant (lacking 6-phosphogluconate dehydratase and 2-keto-3-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate aldolase) formed 24% more cell mass than the reference strain. In contrast, deletion of
gnd
(6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase) severely inhibited growth and caused a strong selection pressure for secondary mutations inactivating glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, thus preventing fructose catabolism via the EDP also. These Δ
gnd zwf
* mutants (with a mutation in the
zwf
gene causing inactivation of the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) were almost totally disabled in fructose catabolism but still produced about 14% of the carbon dioxide of the reference strain, possibly by catabolizing substrates from the yeast extract. Overexpression of
gnd
in the reference strain improved biomass formation in a similar manner as deletion of
edd
and
eda
, further confirming the importance of the PPP for cytoplasmic fructose catabolism.
Genome Sequence of Blattabacterium sp. Strain BGIGA, Endosymbiont of the Blaberus giganteus Cockroach
Authors: Huang Charlie Y. , Sabree Zakee L. , Moran Nancy A.
Published: July 2012

Cockroaches harbor the obligate flavobacterial endosymbiont
Blattabacterium
sp., which resides within the host's bacteriocytes and can recycle ammonia and urea nitrogenous wastes into amino acids for the host. We report the complete genome sequence of the
Blattabacterium
sp. associated with the giant roach
Blaberus giganteus
.
Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus capitis QN1, Which Causes Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Qin Nan , Ding Wenchao , Yao Jian , Su Kunkai , Wu Lingjiao , Li Lanjuan
Published: July 2012

Staphylococcus capitis
is a subtype of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) which could emerge as a significant pathogen causing infective endocarditis, prosthetic valve endocarditis, and late-onset sepsis. We isolated
S. capitis
strain QN1 from the skin swab sample of a female. Here we prepared a genome sequence for this strain consisting of 30 contigs totaling 2,430,101 bases and a GC content of 32.76%.
Draft Genome Sequence of Gluconobacter oxydans WSH-003, a Strain That Is Extremely Tolerant of Saccharides and Alditols
Authors: Gao Lili , Zhou Jingwen , Liu Jie , Du Guocheng , Chen Jian
Published: July 2012

Gluconobacter oxydans
is known for its incomplete oxidation of a wide range of alcohols, sugars, and acids in a bioprocess. The corresponding oxidation products are secreted almost completely into the medium. Here, we present the high-quality draft genome sequence of
G. oxydans
WSH-003, an industrial strain with both high
l
-sorbose productivity and extreme tolerance to saccharides and alditols.
Draft Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli LCT-EC106
Authors: Li Tianzhi , Pu Fei , Yang Rentao , Fang Xiangqun , Wang Junfeng , Guo Yinghua , Chang De , Su Longxiang , Guo Na , Jiang Xuege , Zhao Jiao , Liu Changting
Published: July 2012

Escherichia coli
is a Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacterium that is commonly found in the intestine of warm-blooded organisms. Most
E. coli
strains are harmless, but some serotypes can cause serious food poisoning in humans. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of
Escherichia coli
LCT-EC106, which was isolated from CGMCC 1.2385.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium bolletii Strain M24, a Rapidly Growing Mycobacterium of Contentious Taxonomic Status
Authors: Wong Yan Ling , Choo Siew Woh , Tan Joon Liang , Ong Chia Sui , Ng Kee Peng , Ngeow Yun Fong
Published: July 2012

The whole-genome sequence of
Mycobacterium bolletii
M24, isolated from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of a Malaysian patient, is reported here. The circular chromosome of 5,507,730 bp helped to clarify the taxonomic position of this organism within the
M. abscessus
complex and revealed the presence of proteins potentially important for pathogenicity in a human host.
Complete Genomic Sequence of an H5N1 Influenza Virus from a Parrot in Southern China
Authors: Jiao Peirong , Song Yafen , Yuan Runyu , Wei Liangmeng , Cao Lan , Luo Kaijian , Liao Ming
Published: July 2012

An H5N1 avian influenza virus (AIV) designated A/Parrot/Guangdong/C99/2005 (H5N1) was first isolated from a sick parrot in Guangdong in southern China in 2005. The complete genome of this strain was analyzed. Genome sequence analysis showed that all 8 gene segments of the virus nucleotide had 99.0% homology to A/chicken/Henan/12/2004 (H5N1). Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that all 8 gene segments of the virus were derived from the Eurasian lineage. The availability of genome sequences is useful to investigate the host range and genetic evolution of the H5N1 avian influenza virus in Southern China.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Polyomavirus Isolated from Horses
Authors: Renshaw Randall W. , Wise Annabel G. , Maes Roger K. , Dubovi Edward J.
Published: July 2012

A polyomavirus was isolated from the eyes of horses, and the sequence was determined. A nearly identical VP1 sequence was amplified from the kidney of another animal. We report the complete genome sequence of the first polyomavirus to be isolated from a horse. Analysis shows it to be most closely related overall to human and nonhuman primate polyomaviruses.
Iteravirus-Like Genome Organization of a Densovirus from Sibine fusca Stoll
Authors: Yu Qian , Fédière Gilles , Abd-Alla Adly , Bergoin Max , Tijssen Peter
Published: July 2012

The complete genome of
Sibine fusca
densovirus was cloned and sequenced. The genome contained 5,012 nucleotides (nt), including inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) of 230 nt with terminal hairpins of 161 nt. Its DNA sequence and monosense organization with 3 open reading frames (ORFs) is typical of the genus
Iteravirus
in the subfamily
Densovirinae
of the
Parvoviridae
.
Roles of fibroblasts from the interface zone in invasion, migration, proliferation and apoptosis of gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shan Li-Hui , Sun Wen-Guang , Han Wei , Qi Lei , Yang Chun , Chai Cui-Cui , Yao Ke , Zhou Qiu-Feng , Wu Hong-Mei , Wang Li-Feng , Liu Jia-Ren
Published: July 2012

Aims

Interface zone fibroblasts (INFs) are very important in the progression and metastasis of tumours but their effect on the invasion and migration of gastric cancer cells is still unclear.

Methods

Primary fibroblasts were isolated from the distal normal zone (normal zone fibroblasts, NFs), interface zone (INFs) and tumour zone (cancer-associated fibroblasts, CAFs) of 60 human gastric carcinoma tissue samples. The crosstalk between these fibroblasts and human gastric cancer MGC-803 cells was evaluated using an indirect co-culture model in vitro.

Results

A high level of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in the invasion front of gastric cancer was found in the gastric cancer tissue samples and no FAP expression was found in 20 normal gastric tissue samples by immunohistochemistry. High FAP expression was associated with Lauren classification, degree of differentiation, tumour node metastasis stage and depth of tumour invasion (p<0.05 or p<0.01). INFs promoted invasion and migration of MGC-803 cells. The number of invasions in INFs, CAFs and NFs were 120.10±27.53 (95% CI 102.12 to 138.10), 63.00±14.80 (95% CI 53.33 to 72.67) and 14.22±6.20 (95% CI 10.17 to 18.27), respectively; the number of invasions in INFs were 8.45-fold and 1.89-fold higher than those in NFs and CAFs, respectively (p<0.05). The number of migrations in INFs, CAFs and NFs were 118.00±16.83 (95% CI 107.00 to 129.00), 61.00±16.36 (95% CI 50.31 to 71.69) and 24.00±11.52 (95% CI 16.47 to 31.53), respectively; the number of migration in INFs were 4.91-fold and 1.92-fold higher than those in NFs and CAFs, respectively (p<0.05). INFs also significantly promoted cell proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in MGC-803 cells compared with NFs and CAFs (p<0.05).

Conclusions

These findings indicate that INFs exhibit a more robust biological modulatory activity than CAFs and NFs. INFs may be a key factor leading to tumour progression and metastasis and may be of use as a tool for post-treatment surveillance.
Serotype distribution of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae in Canada during the introduction of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, 2010
Authors: Demczuk Walter H.B. , Martin Irene , Griffith Averil , Lefebvre Brigitte , McGeer Allison , Shane Amanda , Zhanel George G. , Tyrrell Gregory J. , Gilmour Matthew W. , Toronto Invasive Bacterial Diseases  , Canadian Public Health Laboratory N
Published: July 2012

A baseline serotype distribution was established by age and region for 2058 invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates collected during the implementation period of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) program in many parts of Canada in 2010. Serotypes 19A, 7F, and 3 were the most prevalent in all age groups, accounting for 57% in <2 year olds, 62% in 2–4 year olds, 45% in 5–14 year olds, 44% in 15–49 year olds, 41% in 50–64 year olds, and 36% in ≥65 year olds. Serotype 19A was most predominant in Western and Central Canada representing 15% and 22%, respectively, of the isolates from those regions, whereas 7F was most common in Eastern Canada with 20% of the isolates. Other prevalent serotypes include 15A, 23B, 12F, 22F, and 6C. PCV13 serotypes represented 65% of the pneumococci isolated from <2 year olds, 71% of 2–4 year olds, 61% of 5–14 year olds, 60% of 15–49 year olds, 53% of 50–64 year olds, and 49% of the ≥65 year olds. Continued monitoring of invasive pneumococcal serotypes in Canada is important to identify epidemiological trends and assess the impact of the newly introduced PCV13 vaccine on public health.
Kinetics of medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate production by a novel isolate of Pseudomonas putida LS46
Authors: Sharma Parveen K. , Fu Jilagamazhi , Cicek Nazim , Sparling Richard , Levin David B.
Published: July 2012

Six bacteria that synthesize medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHAs) were isolated from sewage sludge and hog barn wash and identified as strains of Pseudomonas and Comamonas by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. One isolate, Pseudomonas putida LS46, showed good PHA production (22% of cell dry mass) in glucose medium, and it was selected for further studies. While it is closely related to other P. putida strains (F1, KT2440, BIRD-1, GB-1, S16, and W619), P. putida LS46 was genetically distinct from these other strains on the basis of nucleotide sequence analysis of the cpn60 gene hypervariable region. PHA production was detected as early as 12 h in both nitrogen-limited and nitrogen-excess conditions. The increase in PHA production after 48 h was higher in nitrogen-limited cultures than in nitrogen-excess cultures. Pseudomonas putida LS46 produced mcl-PHAs when cultured with glucose, glycerol, or C6–C14 saturated fatty acids as carbon sources, and mcl-PHAs accounted for 56% of the cell dry mass when cells were batch cultured in medium containing 20 mmol/L octanoate. Although 3-hydroxydecanoate was the major mcl-PHA monomer (58.1–68.8 mol%) in P. putida LS46 cultured in glucose medium, 3-hydroxyoctanoate was the major monomer produced in octanoate medium (88 mol%).
Abundance and community composition of ammonia-oxidizing archaea and bacteria in two different zones of Lake Taihu
Authors: Zeng Jin , Zhao Da-Yong , Huang Rui , Wu Qinglong L.
Published: July 2012

The abundance and community composition of ammonia-oxidizing archaea and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in the surface sediments of 2 different zones (Meiliang Bay and Eastern Lake Taihu) of Lake Taihu were investigated using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and clone libraries. The amoA gene copy numbers in the surface sediment of Meiliang Bay ranged from 4.91 × 105 to 8.65 × 106 copies/g dry sediment for the archaeal amoA gene and from 3.74 × 104 to 3.86 × 105 copies/g dry sediment for the bacterial amoA gene, which were significantly higher than those of Eastern Lake Taihu (P < 0.05). Concentrations of ammonia (NH4+), total nitrogen, organic matter, and pH of the sediments exhibited significantly negative correlations with the abundance of ammonia-oxidizing archaea or ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01, respectively). The potential nitrification rates show remarkable correlations with the copy numbers of the archaeal amoA gene. Diversity of the archaeal amoA gene in Eastern Lake Taihu was significantly higher than that of Meiliang Bay, whereas the bacterial amoA gene diversity was comparable for the 2 lake zones. The data obtained in this study would be useful to elucidate the role of ammonia-oxidizing archaea and ammonia-oxidizing bacteria in the nitrogen cycle of freshwater ecosystems.
Computational modeling of the bHLH domain of the transcription factor TWIST1 and R118C, S144R and K145E mutants
Authors: Maia Amanda M , da Silva João HM , Mencalha André L , Caffarena Ernesto R , Abdelhay Eliana
Published: July 2012

Background

Human TWIST1 is a highly conserved member of the regulatory basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors. TWIST1 forms homo- or heterodimers with E-box proteins, such as E2A (isoforms E12 and E47), MYOD and HAND2. Haploinsufficiency germ-line mutations of the twist1 gene in humans are the main cause of Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (SCS), which is characterized by limb abnormalities and premature fusion of cranial sutures. Because of the importance of TWIST1 in the regulation of embryonic development and its relationship with SCS, along with the lack of an experimentally solved 3D structure, we performed comparative modeling for the TWIST1 bHLH region arranged into wild-type homodimers and heterodimers with E47. In addition, three mutations that promote DNA binding failure (R118C, S144R and K145E) were studied on the TWIST1 monomer. We also explored the behavior of the mutant forms in aqueous solution using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, focusing on the structural changes of the wild-type versus mutant dimers.

Results

The solvent-accessible surface area of the homodimers was smaller on wild-type dimers, which indicates that the cleft between the monomers remained more open on the mutant homodimers. RMSD and RMSF analyses indicated that mutated dimers presented values that were higher than those for the wild-type dimers. For a more careful investigation, the monomer was subdivided into four regions: basic, helix I, loop and helix II. The basic domain presented a higher flexibility in all of the parameters that were analyzed, and the mutant dimer basic domains presented values that were higher than the wild-type dimers. The essential dynamic analysis also indicated a higher collective motion for the basic domain.

Conclusions

Our results suggest the mutations studied turned the dimers into more unstable structures with a wider cleft, which may be a reason for the loss of DNA binding capacity observed for in vitro circumstances.
De novo sequencing and analysis of root transcriptome using 454 pyrosequencing to discover putative genes associated with drought tolerance in Ammopiptanthus mongolicus
Authors: Zhou Yijun , Gao Fei , Liu Ran , Feng Jinchao , Li Hongjie
Published: July 2012

Background

De novo assembly of transcript sequences produced by next-generation sequencing technologies offers a rapid approach to obtain expressed gene sequences for non-model organisms. Ammopiptanthus mongolicus, a super-xerophytic broadleaf evergreen wood, is an ecologically important foundation species in desert ecosystems and exhibits substantial drought tolerance in Mid-Asia desert. Root plays an important role in water absorption of plant. There are insufficient transcriptomic and genomic data in public databases for understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the drought tolerance of A. mongolicus. Thus, high throughput transcriptome sequencing from A. mongolicus root is helpful to generate a large amount of transcript sequences for gene discovery and molecular marker development.

Results

A total of 672,002 sequencing reads were obtained from a 454 GS XLR70 Titanium pyrosequencer with a mean length of 279 bp. These reads were assembled into 29,056 unique sequences including 15,173 contigs and 13,883 singlets. In our assembled sequences, 1,827 potential simple sequence repeats (SSR) molecular markers were discovered. Based on sequence similarity with known plant proteins, the assembled sequences represent approximately 9,771 proteins in PlantGDB. Based on the Gene ontology (GO) analysis, hundreds of drought stress-related genes were found. We further analyzed the gene expression profiles of 27 putative genes involved in drought tolerance using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) assay.

Conclusions

Our sequence collection represents a major transcriptomic resource for A. mongolicus, and the large number of genetic markers predicted should contribute to future research in Ammopiptanthus genus. The potential drought stress related transcripts identified in this study provide a good start for further investigation into the drought adaptation in Ammopiptanthus.
Laparoscopic versus open catheter placement in peritoneal dialysis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Haiying , Zhang Wei , Cheng Jun , He Qiang
Published: July 2012

Background

Peritoneal dialysis has been proven to be a safe and effective mode of renal replacement therapy for patients with end-stage renal disease. The usage of laparoscopic catheter placement technique was increased in recent years. But the advantages and disadvantages between the laparoscopic catheter placement technique and open laparotomy technique were still http://in controversy. The objective of this study is to access the operation-related data and complications of catheter placement for peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, Then to determine the better method for catheter insertion.

Methods

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on published studies identified by the databases PubMed, EMBASE, Highwire, and the Cochrane Library. Analysis was performed using the statistical software Review Manager Version 5.0.

Results

We assessed the operation-related data and complications of four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and ten observational studies. The available data showed that laparoscope prolonged the time for catheter insertion in PD patients, however, the two groups did not significantly differ in hospital stays, early and late complications, including infection, dialysate leaks, catheter migration, pericannular bleeding, blockage and hernia.

Conclusions

The data showed that Laparoscopic catheter placement had no superiority to open surgery. However, this treatment still needs to be confirmed in a large, multi-center, well-designed RCT.
The association between online gaming, social phobia, and depression: an internet survey
Authors: Wei Han-Ting , Chen Mu-Hong , Huang Po-Cheng , Bai Ya-Mei
Published: July 2012

Background

Online gaming technology has developed rapidly within the past decade, and its related problems have received increasing attention. However, there are few studies on the psychiatric symptoms associated with excessive use of online games. The aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics of online gamers, and the association between online gaming hours, social phobia, and depression using an internet survey.

Methods

An online questionnaire was designed and posted on a popular online game websites, inviting the online gamers to participate the survey. The content of the questionnaire included demographic data, profiles of internet usage and online gaming, and self-rating scales of Depression and Somatic Symptoms Scale (DSSS), Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN), and Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS).

Results

A total of 722 online gamers with a mean age of 21.8 ± 4.9 years completed the online survey within one month. 601 (83.2%) participants were male, and 121 (16.8%) were female. The mean weekly online gaming time was 28.2 ± 19.7 hours, which positively associated with history of online gaming (r = 0.245, p < 0.001), total DSSS (r = 0.210, p < 0.001), SPIN (r = 0.150, p < 0.001), and CIAS (r = 0.290, p < 0.001) scores. The female players had a shorter history of online gaming (6.0 ± 3.1 vs. 7.2 ± 3.6 years, p = 0.001) and shorter weekly online gaming hours (23.2 ± 17.0 vs. 29.2 ± 20.2 hours, p = 0.002), but had higher DSSS (13.0 ± 9.3 vs. 10.9 ± 9.7, p = 0.032) and SPIN (22.8 ± 14.3 vs. 19.6 ± 13.5, p = 0.019) scores than the male players. The linear regression model showed that higher DSSS scores were associated with female gender, higher SPIN scores, higher CIAS scores, and longer weekly online gaming hours, with controlling for age and years of education.

Conclusion

The online gamers with longer weekly gaming hours tended to have a longer history of online gaming, and more severe depressive, social phobic, and internet addiction symptoms. Female online gamers had fewer weekly online gaming hours and a shorter previous online gaming history, but tended to have more severe somatic, pain, and social phobic symptoms. The predictors for depression were higher social phobic symptom, higher internet addiction symptoms, longer online gaming hours, and female gender.
The Rift Valley Fever virus protein NSm and putative cellular protein interactions
Authors: Engdahl Cecilia , Näslund Jonas , Lindgren Lena , Ahlm Clas , Bucht Göran
Published: July 2012

Rift Valley Fever is an infectious viral disease and an emerging problem in many countries of Africa and on the Arabian Peninsula. The causative virus is predominantly transmitted by mosquitoes and high mortality and abortion rates characterize outbreaks in animals while symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening encephalitis and hemorrhagic fever are noticed among infected humans. For a better prevention and treatment of the infection, an increased knowledge of the infectious process of the virus is required.

The focus of this work was to identify protein-protein interactions between the non-structural protein (NSm), encoded by the M-segment of the virus, and host cell proteins. This study was initiated by screening approximately 26 million cDNA clones of a mouse embryonic cDNA library for interactions with the NSm protein using a yeast two-hybrid system.

We have identified nine murine proteins that interact with NSm protein of Rift Valley Fever virus, and the putative protein-protein interactions were confirmed by growth selection procedures and β-gal activity measurements. Our results suggest that the cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor subunit 2 (Cpsf2), the peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (cyclophilin)-like 2 protein (Ppil2), and the synaptosome-associated protein of 25 kDa (SNAP-25) are the most promising targets for the NSm protein of the virus during an infection.