bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge of Health Insurance Terminology and Details Among the Uninsured
Authors: Politi Mary C. , Kaphingst Kimberly A. , Kreuter Matthew , Shacham Enbal , Lovell Melissa C. , McBride Timothy
Published: October 2013

By 2014, uninsured adults will be eligible for health insurance through exchanges with multiple plan options. Choosing health insurance is challenging even for those who have engaged in the process previously. We examined 51 uninsured adults’ health insurance knowledge and preferences through semistructured qualitative interviews. Our sample was predominantly low-income and African American. Most had little or no experience with health insurance terminology. Those with limited health literacy skills understood less than those with higher health literacy. Many confused related insurance concepts. Non-health contexts (e.g., car insurance) aided understanding. Premiums, fixed costs, and specific coverage were rated very important to insurance decisions. Our study was one of the first to examine uninsured individuals’ health insurance knowledge and preferences. Uninsured individuals may have different information needs and preferences than those studied in previous research. Clear information and familiar non-health contexts can be important strategies when communicating about the exchanges.
Do Claims-Based Continuity of Care Measures Reflect the Patient Perspective?
Authors: Bentler Suzanne E. , Morgan Robert O. , Virnig Beth A. , Wolinsky Fredric D.
Published: October 2013

Continuity of care (CoC) is a cornerstone of the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) and one of the primary means for achieving health care quality. Despite decades of study, however, CoC remains difficult to define and quantify. To incorporate patient experiences into health reform evaluations, it is critical to determine if and how well CoC measures traditionally derived from administrative claims capture patient experiences. In this study, we used claims data and self-reported continuity experiences of 2,620 Medicare beneficiaries who completed the National Health and Health Services Use Questionnaire to compare 16 claims-based CoC indices to a multidimensional patient-reported CoC measure. Our results show that most claims-based CoC measures do not reflect older adults’ perceptions of continuous patient–provider relationships, indicating that claims-based assessments should be used in tandem with patient reports for defining, quantifying, and evaluating CoC in health care delivery models.
Attenuated Readiness Potential in the Absence of Executive Dysfunction in Adults With ADHD
Authors: Seo Bo-Kyung , Sartory Gudrun , Kis Bernhard , Scherbaum Norbert , Müller Bernhard W.
Published: October 2013

Objective: Patients with ADHD display a decreased contingent negative variation in Go/NoGo tasks. It is unclear whether the attenuation is due to deficits of executive function or to disorder of motor planning. The readiness potential (RP) recorded during self-initiated movements could cast light on this question. Method: RP was recorded in 25 stably medicated adult ADHD patients and 21 healthy controls matched for age, education, and verbal IQ. Participants also completed neuropsychological tests of executive function. Results: Compared with healthy controls, ADHD patients showed significantly diminished RP peaks and also decreased negativity in preparation of the movement at frontal locations. There were no significant group differences with regard to tests of executive function. Conclusion: In adults with ADHD, deficits of motor organization are also manifest in situations not involving external stimulus processing. The attenuated RP occurred in the absence of executive dysfunction. Results are consistent with partial independence between motor and executive dysfunction in ADHD.
Soluble TNF and IL-6 receptors: Indicators of vascular health in women without cardiovascular disease
Authors: Cortez-Cooper Miriam , Meaders Eric , Stallings Judith , Haddow Sara , Kraj Barbara , Sloan Gloria , McCully Kevin K , Cannon Joseph G
Published: October 2013

Cytokine receptor subunits are released from cells in a regulated manner and circulate in soluble forms at concentrations that are orders of magnitude greater than the concentrations of the cytokines themselves. The purpose of this study was to determine if the circulating concentrations of soluble receptor subunits for interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) might serve as early indicators of vascular dysfunction independent of the traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in women. Healthy women, aged 20–50 years ( n = 36), were assessed for circulating concentrations of the cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα and the soluble cytokine receptor subunits interleukin-1 receptor type I (sIL-1RI), sIL-1RII, sIL-6Rα, glycoprotein 130 (s-gp130), soluble TNF receptor type 1 (sTNFR1), and sTNFR2, along with traditional CVD risk factors. Cytokine receptor subunit expression on mononuclear cells and the release of these subunits in vitro were also determined. Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) were assessed by ultrasonography and Doppler probes. Circulating sIL-6Rα correlated negatively with FMD ( r = −0.56, p = 0.007) independent of age and other CVD risk factors. Circulating sTNFR1 correlated positively with cfPWV ( r = 0.60, p = 0.002). TNFR1 receptor expression on monocytes correlated positively with cIMT ( r = 0.51, p = 0.004). Plasma concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα were not significantly associated with FMD, cIMT or cfPWV. These data suggest that the receptors for IL-6 and TNFα, rather than the cytokines themselves, may be better indicators of early vascular changes that are associated with CVD.
‘It is a Pokémon world’: The Pokémon franchise and the environment
Authors: Bainbridge Jason
Published: October 2013

Originating in 1996, Pokémon has become the second most successful game-based franchise in the world and arguably one of the best-known examples of transmedia storytelling in youth media today. Based around creator Satoshi Tajiri’s love of insect collecting, Pokémon imagines a world where wild creatures exist to be collected, trained and battle with one another. Such an ideology, simultaneously embracing both the conservation and consumption of nature, is emblematic of the larger challenges Japan has had to negotiate as a nation trying to balance economic development and environmental protection. In this way, this article argues that, when subjected to textual analysis, the Pokémon franchise can function as vernacular theory, interrogating the relationship between environmentalism, materialism and sustainable development, a series of popular youth media texts engaging with issues and subjects that are usually reserved for academia.
Simultaneous zinc-finger nuclease editing of the HIV coreceptors ccr5 and cxcr4 protects CD4+ T cells from HIV-1 infection
Authors: Didigu Chuka A. , Wilen Craig B. , Wang Jianbin , Duong Jennifer , Secreto Anthony J. , Danet-Desnoyers Gwenn A. , Riley James L. , Gregory Phillip D. , June Carl H. , Holmes Michael C. , Doms Robert W.
Published: October 2013

Key Points

Zinc-finger nucleases simultaneously and permanently inactivate HIV coreceptors ccr5 and cxcr4 resulting in HIV-resistant CD4+ T cells. These HIV-resistant cells may be used to achieve a functional cure for HIV in humans.
The mid-term outcome of total ankle arthroplasty and ankle fusion in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review
Authors: van Heiningen Jacqueline , Vliet Vlieland Thea PM , van der Heide Huub JL
Published: October 2013

Background

While arthrodesis is the standard treatment of a severely arthritic ankle joint, total ankle arthroplasty has become a popular alternative. This review provides clinical outcomes and complications of both interventions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

Studies were obtained from Pubmed, Embase and Web of Science (January 1980 – June 2011) and additional manual search. Inclusion criteria: original clinical study, > 5 rheumatoid arthritis (population), internal fixation arthrodesis or three-component mobile bearing prosthesis (intervention), ankle scoring system (outcome). The clinical outcome score, complication- and failure rates were extracted and the methodological quality of the studies was analysed.

Results

17 observational studies of 868 citations were included. The effect size concerning total ankle arthroplasty ranged between 1.9 and 6.0, for arthrodesis the effect sizes were 4.0 and 4.7. Reoperation due to implant failure or reoperation due to non-union, was 11% and 12% for respectively total ankle arthroplasty and arthrodesis. The methodological quality of the studies was low (mean 6.4 out of a maximum of 14 points) and was lower for arthrodesis (mean 4.8) as compared to arthroplasty (mean 7.8) (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

17 observational and no (randomized) controlled clinical trials are published on the effectiveness of arthroplasty or arthrodesis of the ankle in rheumatoid arthritis. Regardless of the methodological limitations it can be concluded that both interventions show clinical improvement and in line with current literature neither procedure is superior to the other.
CpG oligodeoxynucleotides enhance chemosensitivity of 5-fluorouracil in HepG2 human hepatoma cells via downregulation of the antiapoptotic factors survivin and livin
Authors: Liang Sheng-ran , Hu Guang-rui , Fang Li-juan , Huang Su-jing , Li Jin-song , Zhao Ming-yi , Meng Min-jie
Published: October 2013

Background

Recent studies indicated that a synthetic oligonucleotide containing un-methylated CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) has a potential function for cancer therapy. In this study, we evaluated the chemosensitizing effects of CpG-ODN in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-treated HepG2 human hepatoma cells.

Methods

Cell viability assay were utilized to evaluate the direct cytotoxicity of CpG-ODN in the presence or absence of 5-FU in HepG2 cells, and apoptosis as well as cell-cycle was examined by flow cytometry analysis. The mRNA expression of Bcl-2, Livin and Survivin within HepG2 cells treated with CpG-ODN and/or 5-FU were analyzed by Real Time PCR assay in vitro.

Results

CpG-ODN in combination with 5-FU could decrease cell viability, increase apoptosis and further induce HepG2 cells cycle arrest at S phase when compared with CpG-ODN or 5-FU. CpG-ODN or 5-FU could down-regulate the mRNA expression of Bcl-2 within HepG2 cells. The mRNA expression of Livin and Survivin decreased in cells treated with CpG-ODN alone but increased in cells treated with 5-FU alone. However, CpG-ODN in combination with 5-FU could down-regulate the mRNA expression of Livin and Survivin within HepG2 cells.

Conclusions

Our finding demonstrated that CpG-ODN enhanced the chemosentivity of 5-FU in HepG2 human hepatoma cells at least in part by down-regulating the expression of Livin and Survivin, leading to apoptosis and further inducing cell cycle arrest at S phase. Therefore, CpG-ODN may be a potential candidate as chemosensitizer for human hepatocellular carcinoma.
Building a national direction for research in the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV: results from a national prioritization initiative in Malawi
Authors: Landes Megan , Lettow Monique van , Cataldo Fabian , Chan Adrienne K , Barr Beth Tippett , Harries Anthony D , Bedell Richard
Published: October 2013

Background

In 2011, Malawi initiated an ambitious program for the prevention of maternal to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, called 'Option B+,’ which employs a universal test and life-long treatment strategy for all pregnant women. Priority setting should take place in defining a national research agenda for evaluating Option B + rollout in Malawi.

Methods

In April 2011, a three-day workshop took place for all major stakeholders in PMTCT aiming to provide an update on current PMTCT operational research in Malawi, find consensus on key questions not yet being addressed, identify opportunities for collaboration, and develop multi-partner research proposals.

Results

Overall, 24 participants attended the workshop including representatives from the Ministry of Health, the National AIDS Commission and 12 multilateral, non-governmental organizations and academic partners.

Three interrelated clusters emerged as priorities for research: i) pregnancy intentions and family planning needs; ii) evaluation of models of care; and iii) determinants of uptake, adherence, and retention of women for Option B+. In addition, two cross-cutting themes arose: partner involvement in PMTCT services and cost-effectiveness as a guide to priority setting.

Within each cluster a coordinator was designated and a proposed plan for research and potential collaborators were discussed. The results of the workshop were presented to the national technical working groups and the National AIDS Commission. Several large-scale, collaborative proposals have been developed and funded to address the research areas defined.

Conclusions

Option B + represents a significant change in PMTCT policy in Malawi and the process for evaluation of the Malawi PMTCT strategy is outlined. This workshop contributed to defining and coordinating the national agenda for research priorities.
Single dose of Glycoprotein K (gK)-deleted HSV-1 live-attenuated virus protects mice against lethal vaginal challenge with HSV-1 and HSV-2 and induces lasting T cell memory immune responses
Authors: Iyer Arun V , Pahar Bapi , Chouljenko Vladimir N , Walker Jason D , Stanfield Brent , Kousoulas Konstantin G
Published: October 2013

Background

Herpes simplex virus type-1(HSV-1) and HSV-2 are important human pathogens that cause significant ocular and urogenital complications, respectively. We have previously shown that HSV-1 virions lacking glycoprotein K (gK) are unable to enter into neurons via synaptic axonal membranes and be transported in either retrograde or anterograde manner. Here, we tested the ability of HSV-1 (F) gK-null to protect against lethal challenge with either highly virulent ocular HSV-1 (McKrae strain), or genital HSV-2 (G strain). The gK-null virus vaccine efficiently protected mice against lethal vaginal infection with either HSV-1(McKrae) or HSV-2 (G).

Results

Female mice were immunized via a single intramuscular injection with 106 PFU of the gK-null virus. Immunized mice were treated with Depo-Provera fourteen days after vaccination and were challenged via the vaginal route one week later. Ninety percent of mice vaccinated with the gK-null virus survived HSV-1 (McKrae) challenge, while 70% of these mice survived after HSV-2 (G) challenge. Moreover, all vaccinated mice exhibited substantially reduced disease symptoms irrespective of HSV-1 or HSV-2 challenge as compared to the mock vaccinated challenge group. T-cell memory immune responses to specific glycoprotein B (gB) and glycoprotein D (gD) peptide epitopes were detectable at 7 months post vaccination.

Conclusions

These results suggest that the highly attenuated, non-neurotropic gK-null virus may be used as an effective vaccine to protect against both virulent HSV-1 and HSV-2 genital infections and induce lasting immune responses.
Detection of lamivudine-resistant variants and mutations related to reduced antigenicity of HBsAg in individuals from the cities of Santos and São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Mantovani Nathalia , Cicero Maira , Santana Luiz Claudio , Silveira Carla , do Carmo Eliane Pereira , Abrão Paulo Roberto Ferreira , Diaz Ricardo Sobhie , Caseiro Marcos Montani , Komninakis Shirley Vasconcelos
Published: October 2013

Background

Continuous long-term treatment is recommended to reduce the hepatitis B virus (HBV) viral load. However, as a consequence, resistance mutations can emerge and be transmitted to other individuals. The polymerase (POL) gene overlaps the surface (S) gene. Thus, during treatment, mutations in the POL gene may lead to changes in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of lamivudine and vaccine escape mutations in HBsAg-positive blood donors from the city of Santos and in untreated HBV mono-infected patients from the city of São Paulo, Brazil.

Methods

HBV DNA was extracted from 80 serum samples, of which 61 were from volunteer blood donors and 19 were from untreated HBV patients. A fragment of the POL/S genes containing 593 base pairs was amplified using nested PCR. Thirty four were PCR-positive and sequencing was performed using an ABI Prism 3130 Genetic Analyzer. Alignments and mutation mapping were performed using BioEdit software.

Results

HBV DNA from 21 blood donors and 13 untreated patient samples were characterized using nucleotide sequencing PCR products from the POL/S genes. We were able to detect one sample with the resistance mutation to lamivudine rtM204V + rtL180M (2.94%), which was found in a volunteer blood donor that has never used antiviral drugs. The other samples showed only compensatory mutations, such as rtL80F (5.88%), rtL80V (2.94%), rtL82V + rtV207L (2.94%), rtT128P (5.88%), rtT128N/S (2.94%) and rtS219A (5.88%). We found modifications in the S gene in 14 of the 34 samples (41.16%). The mutations detected were as follows: sM133L + sI195T (2.94%), sI195M (2.94%), sP120T (2.94%), sY100S/F (2.94%), sY100C (17.64%), sI/T126P + sQ129P (2.94%), sM198I + sF183C (2.94%) and sS210R (5.88%).

Conclusions

Our results suggest the transmission of lamivudine-resistant forms. Thus, the evaluation of HBV-infected subjects for lamivudine resistance would improve treatment regime. Moreover, the mutations in the S gene may impair HBsAg antigenicity and contribute to HBsAg failure detection and vaccine escape.
High-dose stereotactic body radiotherapy correlates increased local control and overall survival in patients with inoperable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Jang Won Il , Kim Mi-Sook , Bae Sun Hyun , Cho Chul Koo , Yoo Hyung Jun , Seo Young Seok , Kang Jin-Kyu , Kim So Young , Lee Dong Han , Han Chul Ju , Kim Jin , Park Su Cheol , Kim Sang Bum , Cho Eung-Ho , Kim Young Han
Published: October 2013

Background

Recent studies using stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have reported high tumor response and local control. However, the optimal SBRT dose remains unknown, and it is still not clear whether a dose response relationship for local control (LC) and overall survival (OS) exist or not. We performed this study to determine whether a dose response relationship for LC and OS is observed in SBRT for inoperable HCC.

Methods

Between 2003 and 2011, 108 patients with HCC were treated with SBRT. All patients were unsuitable for surgery or local ablation and had incomplete response to transarterial chemoembolization. Eighty-two patients with a longest tumor diameter (LD) less than or equal to 7.0 cm who were treated with 3-fraction SBRT and were analyzed. This cohort comprised 74 Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class A patients and 8 CTP class B7 patients. The median LD was 3.0 cm (range, 1.0–7.0 cm), and the median dose was 51 Gy (range, 33–60 Gy).

Results

LC and OS rates at 2 years after SBRT were 87% and 63%, respectively, with a median follow-up duration of 30 months for all patients. The 2-year LC/OS rates for patients treated with doses of > 54, 45–54, and < 45 Gy were 100/71, 78/64, and 64%/30%, respectively (p = .009/p < .001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the SBRT dose (p = .005) and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage (p = .015) were significant prognostic factors for OS. Correlation analysis revealed a positive linear relationship between the SBRT dose and LC (p = .006, R = .899)/OS (p = .002, R = .940) at 2 years. Based on the tumor-control probability model, a dose of 54.8 Gy provides 2-year LC with a 90% probability. Five patients experienced grade 3 or higher gastrointestinal toxicity, and 6 had deteriorating of CTP score by greater than or equal to 2 within 3 months of SBRT.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated a dose response relationship for LC and OS with SBRT for HCC. Higher LC rates resulting from an increased dose may translate into survival benefits for patients with HCC.
Evaluation of the content variation of anthraquinone glycosides in rhubarb by UPLC-PDA
Authors: Wang Zhe , Ma Pei , Xu Lijia , He Chunnian , Peng Yong , Xiao Peigen
Published: October 2013

Background

Rhubarb is an important Chinese medicinal herb with a long history of over 2000 years and has been commonly used as a laxative. It is the radix and rhizome of Rheum officinale Baill., R. palmatum L. and R. tanguticum Maxim, all of which are mainly distributed in a broad region in the Tibetan plateau. Anthraquinone glycosides are a series of major active ingredients found in all three species. They are key intermediates in the anthraquinone secondary metabolism and the sennnoside biosynthesis. The variation of the anthraquinone glycoside content in rhubarb in response to specific factors remains an attractive topic.

Results

A simple and sensitive Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography with Photo-Diode Array (UPLC-PDA) detector was developed for the simultaneous determination of six anthraquinone glycosides in rhubarb, i.e., aloeemodin-8-O-glucoside, rhein-8-O-glucoside, chrysophanol-1-O-glucoside, emodin-1-O-glucoside, chrysophanol-8-O-glucoside, emodin-8-O-glucoside. Twenty-seven batches from three species were submitted to the multi-component analysis. The results showed that the anthraquinone glycoside content varied significantly even within the same species. The results showed that the anthraquinone glycoside content varied significantly within the same species but not between different species. The PCA and content analysis results confirmed that the plant species has no obvious effect on the content variation. Neither was any significant correlation observed between the anthraquinone glycoside content and the geographic distribution of the rhubarb. Through correlational analysis, altitude was found to be the main factor that affects the anthraquinone glycoside content in rhubarb. Rhubarb grown at higher altitude has higher anthraquinone glycoside content.

Conclusions

This work provides a rapid, sensitive and accurate UPLC-PDA method for the simultaneous determination of six anthraquinone glycosides in rhubarb. The anthraquinone glycoside content varied significantly within the same species. The relationship of the anthraquinone glycoside content with plant species, geographic distribution and altitude were studied using correlational analysis, principal component analysis and spatial autocorrelation analysis through SPSS and ArcGIS. Plant species and geographic distribution were found not to affect the content of the six anthraquinone glycosides in rhubarb. The variations in the anthraquinone glycoside content were primarily due to the different altitude where the plant was grown.
Vectorial secretion of interleukin-8 mediates autocrine signalling in intestinal epithelial cells via apically located CXCR1
Authors: Rossi Oriana , Karczewski Jurgen , Stolte Ellen H , Brummer Robert J M , van Nieuwenhoven Michiel A , Meijerink Marjolein , van Neerven Joost R J , van Ijzendoorn Sven C D , van Baarlen Peter , Wells Jerry M
Published: October 2013

Background

In the intestinal mucosa, several adaptations of TLR signalling have evolved to avoid chronic inflammatory responses to the presence of commensal microbes. Here we investigated whether polarized monolayers of intestinal epithelial cells might regulate inflammatory responses by secreting IL-8 in a vectorial fashion (i.e. apical versus basolateral) depending on the location of the TLR stimulus.

Results

In the Caco-2 BBE model of polarized villus-like epithelium, apical stimulation with TLR2 and TLR5 ligands resulted in the apical secretion of IL-8. The CXCR1 receptor for IL-8 was expressed only on the apical membrane of Caco-2 BBE cells and differentiated epithelial cells in the human small intestine and colon. Transcriptome analyses revealed that Caco-2 BBE cells respond to stimulation with IL-8 supporting the hypothesis that IL-8 induces G protein-coupled receptor signalling.

Conclusions

These results show that IL-8 induces autocrine signalling via an apical CXCR1 in Caco-2 BBE intestinal epithelial cells and that this receptor is also expressed on the apical surface of differentiated human intestinal epithelial cells in vivo, suggesting an autocrine function for IL-8 secreted in the lumen.
Temporal and micro-spatial heterogeneity in the distribution of Anopheles vectors of malaria along the Kenyan coast
Authors: Walker Martin , Winskill Peter , Basáñez María-Gloria , Mwangangi Joseph M , Mbogo Charles , Beier John C , Midega Janet T
Published: October 2013

Background

The distribution of anopheline mosquitoes is determined by temporally dynamic environmental and human-associated variables, operating over a range of spatial scales. Macro-spatial short-term trends are driven predominantly by prior (lagged) seasonal changes in climate, which regulate the abundance of suitable aquatic larval habitats. Micro-spatial distribution is determined by the location of these habitats, proximity and abundance of available human bloodmeals and prevailing micro-climatic conditions. The challenge of analysing—in a single coherent statistical framework—the lagged and distributed effect of seasonal climate changes simultaneously with the effects of an underlying hierarchy of spatial factors has hitherto not been addressed.

Methods

Data onAnopheles gambiaesensu stricto andA. funestuscollected from households in Kilifi district, Kenya, were analysed using polynomial distributed lag generalized linear mixed models (PDL GLMMs).

Results

Anopheline density was positively and significantly associated with amount of rainfall between 4 to 47 days, negatively and significantly associated with maximum daily temperature between 5 and 35 days, and positively and significantly associated with maximum daily temperature between 29 and 48 days in the past (depending onAnophelesspecies). Multiple-occupancy households harboured greater mosquito numbers than single-occupancy households. A significant degree of mosquito clustering within households was identified.

Conclusions

The PDL GLMMs developed here represent a generalizable framework for analysing hierarchically-structured data in combination with explanatory variables which elicit lagged effects. The framework is a valuable tool for facilitating detailed understanding of determinants of the spatio-temporal distribution ofAnopheles. Such understanding facilitates delivery of targeted, cost-effective and, in certain circumstances, preventative antivectorial interventions against malaria.
Molecular relationships between Australian annual wild rice, Oryza meridionalis, and two related perennial forms
Authors: Sotowa Masahiro , Ootsuka Kenta , Kobayashi Yuu , Hao Yin , Tanaka Katsunori , Ichitani Katsuyuki , Flowers Jonathan M , Purugganan Michael D , Nakamura Ikuo , Sato Yo-Ichiro , Sato Tadashi , Crayn Darren , Simon Bryan , Waters Daniel LE , Henry Robert J , Ishikawa Ryuji
Published: October 2013

Background

The perennial, Oryza rufipogon distributed from Asia to Australia and the annual O. meridionalis indigenous to Australia are AA genome species in the Oryza. However, recent research has demonstrated that the Australian AA genome perennial populations have maternal genomes more closely related to those of O. meridionalis than to those found in Asian populations of O. rufipogon suggesting that the Australian perennials may represent a new distinct gene pool for rice.

Results

Analysis of an Oryza core collection covering AA genome species from Asia to Oceania revealed that some Oceania perennials had organellar genomes closely related to that of O meridionalis (meridionalis-type). O. rufipogon accessions from New Guinea carried either the meridionalis-type or rufirpogon-type (like O. rufipogon) organellar genomes. Australian perennials carried only the meridionalis-type organellar genomes when accompanied by the rufipogon-type nuclear genome. New accessions were collected to better characterize the Australian perennials, and their life histories (annual or perennial) were confirmed by field observations. All of the material collected carried only meridionalis-type organellar genomes. However, there were two distinct perennial groups. One of them carried an rufipogon-type nuclear genome similar to the Australian O. rufipogon in the core collection and the other carried an meridionalis-type nuclear genome not represented in the existing collection. Morphologically the rufipogon-type shared similarity with Asian O. rufipogon. The meridionalis-type showed some similarities to O. meridionalis such as the short anthers usually characteristic of annual populations. However, the meridionalis-type perennial was readily distinguished from O. meridionalis by the presence of a larger lemma and higher number of spikelets.

Conclusion

Analysis of current accessions clearly indicated that there are two distinct types of Australian perennials. Both of them differed genetically from Asian O. rufipogon. One lineage is closely related to O. meridionalis and another to Asian O. rufipogon. The first was presumed to have evolved by divergence from O. meridionalis becoming differentiated as a perennial species in Australia indicating that it represents a new gene pool. The second, apparently derived from Asian O. rufipogon, possibly arrived in Australia later.
Biodiversity research in the “big data” era: GigaScience and Pensoft work together to publish the most data-rich species description
Authors: Edmunds Scott C , Hunter Chris I , Smith Vincent , Stoev Pavel , Penev Lyubomir
Published: October 2013

With the publication of the first eukaryotic species description, combining transcriptomic, DNA barcoding, and micro-CT imaging data, GigaScience and Pensoft demonstrate how classical taxonomic description of a new species can be enhanced by applying new generation molecular methods, and novel computing and imaging technologies. This ‘holistic' approach in taxonomic description of a new species of cave-dwelling centipede is published in the Biodiversity Data Journal (BDJ), with coordinated data release in the GigaScience GigaDB database.
Complete genome analysis of a rare human G3P[9] rotavirus posing as an AU-1 like strain
Authors: Theamboonlers Apiradee , Maiklang Ornwalan , Thongmee Thanunrat , Chieochansin Thaweesak , Vuthitanachot Viboonsuk , Poovorawan Yong
Published: October 2013

Background

We performed phylogenetic and sequence analysis by Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) of a complete Human Rotavirus (HRV) genome isolated from a hospitalized child with acute gastroenteritis in Thailand.

Findings

The results indicated an uncommon strain characterized by multiple re-assortments in the VP3, VP4, VP6, NSP1, NSP4 and NSP5 genes. The uncommon strain is genotype G3-P[9]-I3-R3-C3-M3-A3-N3-T3-E3-H6, which displays aspects of the AU-1, FRV-1 and corresponds to the feline/canine prototype G3P[9] strain.

Conclusions

The results suggested that nearly all the eleven gene segments of G3P[9] RVA strain CU365 might have originated from feline/canine RVAs (Rotavirus A).
Statistically optimized biotransformation protocol for continuous production of L-DOPA using Mucuna monosperma callus culture
Authors: Inamdar Shrirang Appasaheb , Surwase Shripad Nagnath , Jadhav Shekhar Bhagwan , Bapat Vishwas Anant , Jadhav Jyoti Prafull
Published: October 2013

L-DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine), a modified amino acid, is an expansively used drug for the Parkinson’s disease treatment. In the present study, optimization of nutritional parameters influencing L-DOPA production was attempted using the response surface methodology (RSM) from Mucuna monosperma callus. Optimization of the four factors was carried out using the Box–Behnken design. The optimized levels of factors predicted by the model include tyrosine 0.894 g l-1, pH 4.99, ascorbic acid 31.62 mg l-1and copper sulphate 23.92 mg l-1, which resulted in highest L-DOPA yield of 0.309 g l-1. The optimization of medium using RSM resulted in a 3.45-fold increase in the yield of L-DOPA. The ANOVA analysis showed a significant R
2 value (0.9912), model F-value (112.465) and probability (0.0001), with insignificant lack of fit. Optimized medium was used in the laboratory scale column reactor for continuous production of L-DOPA. Uninterrupted flow column exhibited maximum L-DOPA production rate of 200 mg L-1 h-1 which is one of the highest values ever reported using plant as a biotransformation source. L-DOPA production was confirmed by HPTLC and HPLC analysis. This study demonstrates the synthesis of L- DOPA using Mucuna monosperma callus using a laboratory scale column reactor.
The armadillo protein p0071 is involved in Rab11-dependent recycling
Authors: Keil René , Hatzfeld Mechthild
Published: October 2013

p0071 is an intercellular junction protein of the p120-catenin family. Here we have identified Rab11a as a novel interaction partner of p0071. p0071 interacted preferentially with active Rab11a. Knockdown experiments revealed an interdependent regulation of both proteins. On the one hand, p0071 depletion induced a perinuclear accumulation of Rab11 suggesting a role of p0071 in the anterograde transport of Rab11 from the pericentrosomal region to the plasma membrane but not in retrograde transport. p0071 as well as Rab11 depletion increased transferrin receptor recycling indicating that p0071-induced Rab11 mislocalization interfered with Rab11 function and shifted recycling from the slow Rab11-dependent pathway to the fast Rab4-dependent pathway. When p0071 or Rab11 depletion was combined with a Rab4 knockdown the effect was reversed. On the other hand, Rab11a depletion increased p0071 recycling to cell contacts thereby identifying p0071 as a Rab11 cargo protein. This correlated with increased intercellular adhesion. Thus, we propose that p0071 has a key role in regulating recycling through the Rab11-dependent perinuclear recycling compartment and links the regulation of adherens junctions to recycling to allow dynamic modulation of intercellular adhesion.
14-3-3θ Facilitates plasma membrane delivery and function of mechanosensitive connexin 43 hemichannels
Authors: Batra Nidhi , Riquelme Manuel A. , Burra Sirisha , Jiang Jean X.
Published: October 2013

Intracellular signaling in osteocytes activated by mechanical loading is important for bone formation and remodeling. These signaling events are mediated by small modulators released from Cx43 hemichannels (HC). We have recently shown that integrin α5 senses the mechanical stimulation and induces the opening of Cx43 HC; however, the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here, we show that both Cx43 and integrin α5 interact with 14-3-3θ, and this interaction is required for the opening of Cx43 HC upon mechanical stress. Ablation of 14-3-3θ prevented the interaction between Cx43 and integrin α5, and blocked HC opening. It further decreased the transport of Cx43 and integrin α5 from the Golgi to the plasma membrane. Moreover, mechanical loading promoted the movement of Cx43 to the surface which was associated not only with an increase in 14-3-3θ levels but also its interaction with Cx43 and integrin α5. This stimulatory effect on forward transport by mechanical loading was attenuated in the absence of 14-3-3θ and majority of the Cx43 was accumulated in the Golgi. Disruption of Golgi apparatus by brefeldin A reduced the association of Cx43 and integrin α5 with 14-3-3θ, further suggesting that the interaction is likely to occur in the Golgi. Together, these results define a novel, scaffolding role of 14-3-3θ in assisting the delivery of Cx43 and integrin α5 to the plasma membrane for the formation of mechanosensitive HC in osteocytes.
Flagellar adhesion inTrypanosoma bruceirelies on interactions between different skeletal structures present in the flagellum and in the cell body
Authors: Rotureau Brice , Blisnick Thierry , Subota Ines , Julkowska Daria , Cayet Nadège , Perrot Sylvie , Bastin Philippe
Published: October 2013

The Trypanosoma brucei flagellum is an essential organelle anchored along the surface of the cell body via a specialized structure called the flagellum attachment zone (FAZ). Adhesion relies on the interaction of the extracellular portion of two transmembrane proteins termed FLA1 and FLA1BP. Analysis of the flagellum proteome identified FLAM3, a novel large protein associated to the flagellum skeleton whose ablation inhibits flagellum attachment. FLAM3 does not contain transmembrane domains and its flagellar localization matches closely but not exactly with that of the paraflagellar rod, an extra-axonemal structure present in the flagellum. Knockdown of FLA1 or FLAM3 triggers similar motility and morphogenesis defects, characterized by the assembly of a drastically reduced FAZ filament. FLAM3 remains associated to the flagellum skeleton even in the absence of adhesion or of a normal paraflagellar rod. However, the protein is dispersed in the cytoplasm when flagellum formation is inhibited. By contrast, FLA1 remains tightly associated to the FAZ filament even in the absence of a flagellum. In these conditions, the extracellular domain of FLA1 points to the cell surface. FLAM3 turns out to be essential for proper distribution of FLA1BP that is restricted to the very proximal portion of the flagellum upon FLAM3 knockdown. We propose that FLAM3 is a key component of the FAZ connectors that appear to link the axoneme to the adhesion zone, hence acting in an equivalent manner to the FAZ filament complex, but on the flagellum side.
Relationship Organization and Price Delegation: An Experimental Study
Authors: Lim Noah , Ham Sung H.
Published: October 2013

Price delegation to the salesforce is a practice widely adopted by firms. This paper examines the relationship between price delegation and managerial profits using a laboratory economics experiment. A novel feature of our experiment is that we study how varying the relationship organization of the sales manager and salesperson to allow for (1) requests by the salesperson for the manager to choose price delegation, and for (2) the manager to award a small bonus after observing the salesperson's decisions, can affect behavior. The results show that, contrary to the theoretical prediction, managers choose price delegation frequently and salespeople respond reciprocally, leading to higher manager profits under price delegation. Moreover, this behavior increases when requests and bonuses are allowed. We show that a behavioral economics model that incorporates positive reciprocity can explain these results well.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2013.1778 .

This paper was accepted by Pradeep Chintagunta, marketing.
Optimal Substitution of Cotton Burr and Linters in Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Bajwa Sreekala G. , Bajwa Dilpreet S. , Holt Greg
Published: October 2013

A study was conducted to evaluate various substitutions of cotton burr and linters from cotton gin waste (CGW) as natural fiber reinforcements in ligno-cellulosic polymer composites (LCPC). Samples were fabricated with approximately 50 percent natural fiber, 40 percent high-density polyethylene, 4 percent mineral filler, and 6 percent lubricant, by weight. The experiment included substituting wood fiber in LCPC with 25, 50, 75, and 100 percent (by weight) cotton burr (CB) and cotton burr mixed with 2 percent (by weight) second-cut linters (CBL), respectively, with the remaining fraction as wood fiber and comparing it against the control (100% wood). Samples were extruded into rectangular profiles and tested for physical and mechanical properties such as specific gravity (SG), water absorption, thickness swelling, coefficients of linear thermal expansion (CLTE), flexural strength and modulus, compressive strength, hardness, and nail withdrawal force (NWF). The CB and CBL treatments exhibited SG, CLTE, hardness, and NWF comparable to the control. However, the water absorption and thickness swelling, flexural strength and modulus, and compressive strength all deteriorated at high substitution rates of CB and CBL. The favorable properties of cotton burr included its tendency to decrease CLTE and increase hardness of LCPC.
Properties of Sandwich-Type Panels Made from Bamboo and Rice Straw
Authors: Jarusombuti Songklod , Hiziroglu Salim , Bauchongkol Piyawade , Fueangvivat Vallayuth
Published: October 2013

This study presents the evaluation of some important properties of sandwich-type panels made from bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) and rice straw (Oryza sativa). A total of 32 experimental panels with an average target density ranging from 0.65 to 0.80 g/cm3 were produced. The sandwich-type experimental panels were made from a mix of 95 percent bamboo and 5 percent rice straw particles as the core layers and a mix of 95 percent bamboo and 5 percent rice straw fibers as the face layers. Mechanical properties of the specimens, including modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, internal bond strength, hardness, face screw holding strength, formaldehyde emission, thickness swelling, and surface roughness, were determined. Experimental results showed that both physical and mechanical properties of the samples were favorable. Panel type D, with 50 percent fiber and 50 percent particle and a density of 0.80 g/cm3, had the highest strength characteristics. Mechanical properties of the panel satisfied the minimum requirements for interior particleboard panels for general use based on Japanese Industrial Standard A-5908 of 1995. It appears that using only 5 percent rice straw did not adversely influence overall properties of the samples. This study indicates that bamboo and rice straw furnish can be used as a viable alternative to wood in the form of three-layer, sandwich-type panels with enhanced surface quality as substrate for thin overlays to manufacture panels products for furniture and cabinet units.
An Innovative Wood-Fiber Composite Incorporating Nonwoven Textile Technologies
Authors: van Dyk Herman , Peralta Perry , Peszlen Ilona , Banks-Lee Pam
Published: October 2013

This article is the first to describe a process of manufacturing engineered wood composites that combine two nonwoven textile technologies: bicomponent fiber and needle punching. Hardwood fiber was blended with 10 percent urea formaldehyde and formed into mats. The mats were sandwiched with polypropylene/polyester bicomponent fibers and then needle punched. Needle punching was done by means of barbed needles that oscillated in a vertical direction with regard to the surface of the fiber mat. The barbed needles mechanically interlaced the bicomponent web to the wood-fiber mat and pulled some of the polymer fibers through the thickness direction of the mat. During hot pressing, the polypropylene sheath of the bicomponent fiber flowed, bonded with adjacent wood fibers, and coalesced with the sheath of the adjacent bicomponent fibers. The mats were pressed until the urea formaldehyde was fully cured. Bending and tensile properties of the needle-punched wood composite were assessed and compared with medium-density fiberboard (MDF). An average increase in storage modulus of 40 percent was observed for the 640-kg/m3 panels and 48 percent for the 550-kg/m3 panels. A mean longitudinal tensile modulus of 923 MPa was measured for the laminate panels. This is an improvement in tensile modulus of elasticity of almost 34 percent over the wood-fiber core material.
The Cumulative Sum Chart for Moisture Control in Lumber Drying
Authors: Milota Michael R.
Published: October 2013

Monitoring the moisture content of lumber is an important part of the manufacturing process. Lumber that is too wet or too dry will have a lower value than properly dried lumber. The cumulative sum (CUSUM) chart is proposed as an alternative to traditional control charts for detecting small sustained changes in the mean charge moisture content of kiln-dried lumber. Charts are presented and interpreted for two kilns. The CUSUM chart readily detected changes in the mean moisture content that were not detected with an X-chart. For the CUSUM chart to work well, the process must be in a good state of control with the mill’s average moisture content near the target moisture content.
Measuring the Effect of Internal Log Defect Scanning on the Value of Lumber Produced
Authors: Chang Sun Joseph , Gazo Rado
Published: October 2013

In this article, we report on the effect of internal log defect scanning on the gain in lumber value recovery for five hardwood species, consisting of black cherry, hard maple, yellow poplar, red oak, and white oak logs. A total of 29 logs, 6 logs per species and 2 logs each for log Grades 1, 2, and 3, were scanned with a medical X-ray computed tomography scanner to acquire their cross-sectional images. The one exception being for red oak logs, for which we scanned two Grade 1 logs, one Grade 2 log, and two Grade 3 logs. These logs were then sawn in the sawmill to determine the actual value recovered from each log. Virtual logs constructed with the scanning images of these logs were then sawn on the computer using the TOPSAW software. Based on simple live sawing simulations, overall the average value gain for all species and grades was 46%, while the gains for black cherry, hard maple, yellow poplar, red oak, and white oak were 42, 33, 83, 24, and 60 percent, respectively. The average gains for Grades 1, 2, and 3 logs were 27, 47, and 97 percent, respectively. Regression analysis of the gains indicated that while there are no significant differences among the species, the gain for Grade 3 logs was significantly different from other log grades.
Determining the Economics of New Moulder Configurations
Authors: Morales Lucía , Lemaster Richard L. , Jackson Steven D. , Hodgson Thom J.
Published: October 2013

The moulder is one of the most widely used machines in the wood industry. Its function is to cut stock with rough dimensions to a finished width, thickness, and cross-sectional shape in one pass, making it cost effective to produce mouldings, floors, window and furniture components, etc. Today’s moulders are fast, safe, flexible, versatile, precise, and productive. Many different configurations can be selected when specifying the purchase of a moulder. The Moulder Economic Calculator (MEC) was developed to determine the economic impact of choosing different moulder configurations. The calculator uses input data on machine price and purchase method, machine configuration, production parameters, and production costs. The MEC program gives three types of outputs: surface quality, productivity, and costs. The MEC program is a flexible tool that allows the user to estimate the cost of machining one linear foot of wood. Some capabilities of the MEC program include determining the effect of machine price on machining cost, the effect of setup time on production time, and the effect of machine configuration on machining cost. In this way, the MEC program allows the user to compare between different machine configurations and determine which best meets the user’s cost, production, or flexibility requirements. The model was taken to Weinig USA, where their experts reviewed the model and offered their input.