bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RNA recognition by a human antibody against brain cytoplasmic 200 RNA
Authors: Jung Euihan , Lee Jungmin , Hong Hyo Jeong , Park Insoo , Lee Younghoon
Published: April 2014

Diverse functional RNAs participate in a wide range of cellular processes. The RNA structure is critical for function, either on its own or as a complex form with proteins and other ligands. Therefore, analysis of the RNA conformation in cells is essential for understanding their functional mechanisms. However, no appropriate methods have been established as yet. Here, we developed an efficient strategy for panning and affinity maturation of anti-RNA human monoclonal antibodies from a naïve antigen binding fragment (Fab) combinatorial phage library. Brain cytoplasmic 200 (BC200) RNA, which is also highly expressed in some tumors, was used as an RNA antigen. We identified MabBC200-A3 as the optimal binding antibody. Mutagenesis and SELEX experiments showed that the antibody recognized a domain of BC200 in a structure- and sequence-dependent manner. Various breast cancer cell lines were further examined for BC200 RNA expression using conventional hybridization and immunoanalysis with MabBC200-A3 to see whether the antibody specifically recognizes BC200 RNA among the total purified RNAs. The amounts of antibody-recognizable BC200 RNA were consistent with hybridization signals among the cell lines. Furthermore, the antibody was able to discriminate BC200 RNA from other RNAs, supporting the utility of this antibody as a specific RNA structure-recognizing probe. Intriguingly, however, when permeabilized cells were subjected to immunoanalysis instead of purified total RNA, the amount of antibody-recognizable RNA was not correlated with the cellular level of BC200 RNA, indicating that BC200 RNA exists as two distinct forms (antibody-recognizable and nonrecognizable) in breast cancer cells and that their distribution depends on the cell type. Our results clearly demonstrate that anti-RNA antibodies provide an effective novel tool for detecting and analyzing RNA conformation.
Kyd and Marlowe’s Revolution: from Surrey’s Aeneid to Marlowe’s Tamburlaine
Authors: Tarlinskaja Marina
Published: April 2014

The Early New English iambic pentameter was re-created by Wyatt and Surrey in the first half of the 16th c. Surrey introduced blank iambic pentameter into English poetry, and the first English tragedy, Gorboduc, was written in this versification form. Early New English playwrights were feeling their way into the iambic meter, and wrote “by the foot”: the mean stressing on even syllables reached 90 percent, while on the odd syllables it fell to 5 percent. The authors of first new English tragedies were members of the parliament or the gentlemen of the City Inns, and they wrote for the aristocratic audience and the Court. Their subject matter and their characters matched the verse form: they were stiff and stilted.Marlowe and Kyd represented a new generation of playwrights who wrote for the commercial stage patronized by commoners. Marlowe and Kyd created different sets of plots and personages and a different versification style. Marlowe’s Tamburlaine and Kyd’s The Spanish Tragedy had a powerful impact on generations of English playwrights, from Shakespeare to Shirley. The particulars of the Earlier New English versification style compared to later Elizabethan dramaturgy are discussed in the presentation.
Mythological Names and dróttkvætt Formulae I: When is a Valkyrie Like a Spear?
Authors: Frog -
Published: April 2014

This article explores patterns of language use in oral poetry within a variety of semantic formula. Such a formula may vary its surface texture in relation to phonic demands of the metrical environment in which it is realized. Metrically entangled kennings in Old Norse dróttkvætt poetry provide material for a series of case studies focusing on variation in realizing formulae of this type. Old Norse kennings present a semantic formula of a particular type which is valuable as an example owing to the extremes of textural variation that it enables. Focus will be on variation between two broad semantic categories in expressing the formula’s consistent unit of meaning that are otherwise unambiguously distinct: proper names for mythological beings and poetic terms for weapons and armour. This article introduces an approach to kennings as semantic formulae and includes an illustrative case study on kennings meaning ‘battle’ in the last three metrical positions of a dróttkvætt line. The case study is simultaneously used to demonstrate the degree of integration of mythological proper names in the poetic register. This article contains only the first case study of a series. It provides foundations for examining variation in the associative links exhibited by names of mythic beings as a category according to the metrical positions in which a battle-kenning is realized.
Data Governance and Data Sharing Agreements for Community-Wide Health Information
Exchange: Lessons from the Beacon Communities
Authors: Allen Claudia , Des Jardins Terrisca R. , Heider Arvela , Lyman Kristin A. , McWilliams Lee , Rein Alison L. , Schachter Abigail A. , Singh Ranjit , Sorondo Barbara , Topper Joan , Turske Scott A.
Published: April 2014

Purpose: Unprecedented efforts are underway across the United States to
electronically capture and exchange health information to improve health care and
population health, and reduce costs. This increased collection and sharing of electronic
patient data raises several governance issues, including privacy, security, liability,
and market competition. Those engaged in such efforts have had to develop data sharing
agreements (DSAs) among entities involved in information exchange, many of whom are
“nontraditional” health care entities and/or new partners. This paper shares lessons
learned based on the experiences of six federally funded communities participating in
the Beacon Community Cooperative Agreement Program, and offers guidance for navigating
data governance issues and developing DSAs to facilitate community-wide health
information exchange.Innovation: While all entities involved in electronic data sharing
must address governance issues and create DSAs accordingly, until recently little formal
guidance existed for doing so – particularly for community-based initiatives. Despite
this lack of guidance, together the Beacon Communities’ experiences highlight promising
strategies for navigating complex governance issues, which may be useful to other
entities or communities initiating information exchange efforts to support delivery
system transformation.Credibility: For the past three years, AcademyHealth has provided
technical assistance to most of the 17 Beacon Communities, 6 of whom contributed to this
collaborative writing effort. Though these communities varied widely in terms of their
demographics, resources, and Beacon-driven priorities, common themes emerged as they
described their approaches to data governance and DSA development.Conclusions: The 6
Beacon Communities confirmed that DSAs are necessary to satisfy legal and market-based
concerns, and they identified several specific issues, many of which have been noted by
others involved in network data sharing initiatives. More importantly, these communities
identified several promising approaches to timely and effective DSA development,
including: stakeholder engagement; identification and effective communication of value;
adoption of a parsimonious approach; attention to market-based concerns; flexibility in
adapting and expanding existing agreements and partnerships; and anticipation of
required time and investment.
A nine-year review of medicolegal claims in neurosurgery
Authors: Mukherjee S , Pringle C , Crocker M
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Neurosurgery remains among the highest malpractice risk specialties. This study aimed to identify areas in neurosurgery associated with litigation, attendant causes and costs.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was conducted of 42 closed litigation cases treated by neurosurgeons at one hospital between March 2004 and March 2013. Data included clinical event, timing and reason for claim, operative course and legal outcome.

Results

Twenty-nine claims were defended out of court and twelve were settled out of court. One case required court attendance and was defended. Of the 42 claims, 28, 13 and 1 related to spinal (0.3% of caseload), cranial (0.1% of caseload) and peripheral nerve (0.07% of caseload) surgery respectively. The most common causes of claims were faulty surgical technique (43%), delayed diagnosis/misdiagnosis (17%), lack of information (14%) and delayed treatment (12%), with a likelihood of success of 39%, 29%, 17% and 20% respectively. The highest median payouts were for claims against faulty surgical technique (£230,000) and delayed diagnosis/misdiagnosis (£212,650). The mean delay between clinical event and claim was 664 days.

Conclusions

Spinal surgery carries the highest litigation risk versus cranial and peripheral nerve surgery. Claims are most commonly against faulty surgical technique and delayed diagnosis/misdiagnosis, which have the highest success rates and payouts. In spinal surgery, the most common cause of claims is faulty surgical technique. In cranial surgery, the most common cause is lack of information. Claims may occur years after the clinical event, necessitating thorough contemporaneous documentation for adequate future defence. We emphasise thorough patient consultation and meticulous surgical technique to minimise litigation in neurosurgical practice.
Postoperative pain following primary lower limb arthroplasty and enhanced recovery pathway
Authors: Robinson KP , Wagstaff KJ , Sanghera S , Kerry RM
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Enhanced recovery is a concept that has become increasingly popular for arthroplasty surgery over the last ten years. This study was designed to assess the analgesia requirements, pain levels and time to discharge for patients having primary arthroplasty in the enhanced recovery pathway.

Methods

A multidisciplinary prospective cohort study was carried out between January 2012 and March 2012. Data were collected for patients undergoing primary arthroplasty in one hospital during this time. Details of anaesthesia, local infiltration, additional medications and analgesia were recorded. A visual analogue scale pain score was obtained from each patient at time of mobilisation on days 0, 1, 2 and 3 postoperatively.

Results

Ninety-six patients were included in the study. Of these, 34 underwent total hip arthroplasty and 62 total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Pain was the greatest contributor for delayed discharge in TKA patients. The patients who had TKA and did not receive non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) had significantly higher pain scores (day 0, p<0.01; day 1, p<0.001; day 2, p<0.01) and significantly increased opiate demands compared with those patients who did receive NSAIDs.

Conclusions

There are unacceptably high pain scores in patients undergoing TKA without the use of NSAIDs. There should be focused intervention with this group of patients to improve their pain scores and reduce their length of stay.
Introducing Jacques Ellul to English education
Authors: Forsberg Geraldine E.
Published: April 2014

Jacques Ellul’s sociological perspective on technological society has had a wide-ranging influence. His sociological and philosophical ideas provided a foundation for studies in media ecology. However, many English educators are unaware of Ellul’s ideas. This article aims to introduce Ellul to English education. As a seminal thinker in the media ecology tradition, Ellul’s writings greatly influenced Neil Postman. Postman is known for his work in English education. This article argues that English education would benefit from the perspectives of Ellul. After a brief introduction to Ellul, the article identifies some of Ellul’s main ideas, which can inform English education.
Reflections on Intimacy and Narcissism in Ontroerend Goed’s Personal Trilogy
Authors: Alston Adam
Published: April 2014

This article looks at the functioning of intimate experience in three one-on-one performances by the Belgian theatre company Ontroerend Goed, grouped together as the Personal Trilogy: The Smile off Your Face (2003), Internal (2007) and A Game of You (2010). It will be argued that ‘the experience’ is rendered a site of aesthetic engagement in these performances and that this rendering encourages the participant to reflect on the terms of intimate interaction. Some potentially productive discrepancies in these performances will be discussed in addressing the production of experience, such as belief and belief under false pretences, control and being controlled, and a desire for self-fulfilment in relation to its being undermined. These discrepancies will be theorized with reference to Ovid’s myth of Narcissus and Echo and Richard Sennett’s comments on narcissism in The Fall of Public Man (1974), where a provocative model of ‘narcissistic participation’ will be proposed as being relevant to this kind of work. Perhaps the deliberate undermining of intimate experience may open up space to formulate a politics of participation premised not on a balance of power between performer and participant, but, rather, on an affective revealing of its elusiveness.
Letting Wood Rot: A Case Study on Local Perceptions of Global Conservation Initiatives (Boumba, Niger)
Authors: Müller Jocelyn , Guimbo Iro Dan
Published: April 2014

Although there is a pressing need for conservation in Africa and a push for such actions to be directed by the community, there is still much conflict both in academia and on the ground regarding the success and methods of community-based conservation. Employing key-informant interviews, focus group discussions and participant observation, we look at how one community has perceived the conservation actions in their village, Boumba, Niger, and the neighbouring national park, Park-W. This study examines local perceptions of the goals, priorities and methods of conservation in Park-W and the Boumba region. We demonstrate that while participants expressed positive alignment with perceived conservation goals, they did not agree with conservation priorities and felt strongly against the methods.  Reframing conservation discourse in the terms of sustainable-use or adaptive management may serve to help translate much of the conservation ethic to local realities. We argue that for local conservation to be culturally sustainable, programmers of conservation must engage the community on their own terms, and recognize the value of local perceptions.
Kinship and Beyond: The Genealogical Model Reconsidered
Authors: Schram Ryan
Published: April 2014

Review of Kinship and Beyond: The Genealogical Model Reconsidered. Sandra Bamford and James Leach, eds. 2009. Berghahn Books, New York. 292 pp., 21 illustrations, bibliography, index. $95.00 (hardback). ISBN 9781845454227.
Integrating Zooarchaeology and Paleoethnobotany: A Consideration of Issues, Methods, and Cases
Authors: Butler Virginia L.
Published: April 2014

Review of Integrating Zooarchaeology and Paleoethnobotany: A Consideration of Issues, Methods, and Cases. Amber M. VanDerwarker and Tanya M. Peres, eds. 2010. Springer, New York. Pp. 317, 13 color illustrations, 13 black-and-white illustrations. $129.00 (hardback). ISBN 9781441909343.
Traditional Knowledge, Agave Inaequidens (Koch) Conservation, and the Charro Lariat Artisans of San Miguel Cuyutlán, Mexico
Authors: Valenzuela-Zapata Ana G. , Lopez-Muraira Irma , Gaytán Marie Sarita
Published: April 2014

The Mexican sport of charrería, or Mexican rodeo, developed in post-conquest Mexico as a way of preserving and celebrating traditional cowboy riding and livestock handling skills. Today, charrería is considered the national sport of Mexico and the charro (cowboy) is also a celebrated icon of Mexicanness. Special handcrafted ropes used in charrería, known as sogas finas, or charro lariats, are made from the fibers of the Agave inaequidens. The manufacture of charro ropes is an artisinal practice that requires both cultural and botanical knowlege. In the last ten years, there has been a significant decline in the A. inaequidens population in the Cerro Viejo mountain range of the central-western Mexican state of Jalisco, putting the financial wellbeing of local lariat artisans at risk. Drawing on fieldwork and laboratory analysis conducted from 2002 through 2010, we discuss the socio-cultural significance of charro lariats, detail the harvesting of A. inaequidens in relation to lariat craftsmanship, document the physical characteristics of the A. inaequidens from this region, and describe the relationship between traditional knowledge and the local economy. The goal of this research is two-fold: 1) to stimulate feedback between producers and consumers in an attempt to leverage the existing business cluster based on traditional knowledge and 2) to initiate dialogue concerning conservation, domestication, and sustainable management of the wild A. inadequidens population.
Palaeoethnobotanical Data from the High Mountainous Early Bronze Age Settlement of Tsaghkasar-1 (Mt. Aragats, Armenia)
Authors: Hovsepyan Roman
Published: April 2014

Palaeoethnobotanical investigations suggest that at least part of the Early Bronze Age population of Tsaghkasar was settled and practiced agriculture in the high mountainous zone. People there appear to have cultivated hexa‐ and tetraploid wheats (probably bread wheat and emmer) and barley (possibly hulled). Bronze Age agriculture in the Southern Caucasus differs from earlier and later period when cultivation of pulses, oil‐producing plants, and other plants was common. This emphasis on the cultivation and use of certain cereal grains at Early Bronze sites such as Tsaghkasar can tentatively be added to a constellation of practices associated with the Kura‐Araxes culture in the South Caucasus.
Sustainable Science? Reducing the Carbon Impact of Scientific Mega-Meetings
Authors: Ponette-González Alexandra G. , Byrnes Jarrett E.
Published: April 2014

Scientists across the globe recognize the importance of reducing carbon emissions to combat climate change.  At the same time, we have increased our carbon footprint through air travel to the growing number of scientific society “mega-meetings” that host thousands of attendees.  Although alternative solutions have been proposed to reduce the environmental impact of annual conferences, these have yet to be evaluated against the business-as-usual scenario.  Here, we use 9 years of annual meeting attendance data from the Ecological Society of America and the Association of American Geographers to assess the efficacy of two additional solutions: 1) alternate large national meetings that require significant air travel with smaller regional meetings that do not; and 2) incorporate geography into the meeting location selection process.  The carbon footprint of annual mega-meetings ranged 3-fold, from 1196-4062 metric tons of CO2.  Results indicate that an alternating schedule of national and regional meetings can reduce conference-related CO2 emissions up to 73%, while improved spatial planning may result in further reductions.  We discuss the benefits and tradeoffs of proposals to green scientific meetings, with a view to spark further debate on how to increase the sustainability of scientific conferences.
Identification, Classification and Zooarchaeology
Authors: Driver Jonathan C.
Published: April 2014

Identification of preserved biological materials is often regarded as a skill which has little to do with analysis and interpretation. This paper argues that in zooarchaeological studies―here with particular reference to vertebrate remains―identification procedures deserve more detailed consideration, because these procedures have a significant effect on the results of faunal studies. It is suggested that most identifications are made within a system of usually unspecified rules which vary from one analyst to another. Improvements in comparability between faunal studies will result if these rules are considered before beginning an analysis, and if the rules are made explicit in publications.
Mammalian Diversity and Matses Ethnomammalogy in Amazonian Peru. Part 1: Primates
Authors: Pazhoohi Farid
Published: April 2014

Review of Mammalian Diversity and Matses Ethnomammalogy in Amazonian Peru. Part 1: Primates. Robert S. Voss and David W. Fleck. 2011. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History, Number 351. Pp.81, 3 figures, 25 tables. Free at AMNH Digital Library ISSN 0003‐0090.
The Banana Tree at the Gate: A History of Marginal Peoples and Global Markets in Borneo
Authors: Anderson E. N.
Published: April 2014

Review of The Banana Tree at the Gate: A History of Marginal Peoples and Global Markets in Borneo. Michael R. Dove. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2011. Xix, 332 pp. Illus. Bibliography, indexes. ISBN 978‐0‐300‐15321‐7 (hardcover). $55.00.
Wild Cultures: A Comparison between Chimpanzee and Human Cultures
Authors: Contreras Diana Rocío Carvajal
Published: April 2014

Review of Wild Cultures: A Comparison between Chimpanzee and Human Cultures. Christophe Boesch. 2012. Cambridge University Press. Pp. 276, 68 b & w illustrations, 11 tables. £60 (hardback). ISBN 9781109025370.
Cactus Nurseries and Conservation in a Biosphere Reserve in Mexico
Authors: Pulido María T. , Cuevas-Cardona Consuelo
Published: April 2014

Documenting how socio-ecosystem conservation knowledge and practice arise and are modified are issues of ethnobiological interest. In the Barranca de Metztitlán Biosphere Reserve (RBBM), plant nurseries, some of which were created as Environmental Management Units (UMAs), have been established to grow and conserve cacti. This paper describes these nurseries, their role in cactus conservation, and the benefits and limitations for the people managing them. The nurseries have helped decrease illegal traffic in cacti and have enabled ex situ conservation of 22 cacti species. Cactus management has changed from extraction to cultivation, as a result of the knowledge and actions of multiple actors. The main limitation is marketing, a recurring problem for non-timber forest products (NTFP). Greater coordination among stakeholders is recommended, such as involvement by non-governmental organizations to improve their probability of success, as well as learning from the experience of other cactus UMAs. Improving the market for cacti is an issue that needs an immediate solution; otherwise conservation efforts could relapse.
Indigenous Knowledge of the Edible Weaver Ant Oecophylla smaragdina Fabricius Hymenoptera: Formicidae from the Vientiane Plain, Lao PDR
Authors: Van Itterbeeck Joost , Sivongxay Niane , Praxaysombath Bounthob , Van Huis Arnold
Published: April 2014

Of major importance in realizing the potential of edible insects as a core element in improving food security, sustainable food production, and biodiversity conservation, are developments in sustainable exploitation of wild edible insect populations and in (semi-)cultivating and farming edible insects. Such developments can draw on both western science and indigenous knowledge. Oecophylla smaragdina Fabricius Hymenoptera: Formicidae, of which particularly the queen brood is commonly consumed in Thailand and the Lao PDR, is believed to have the potential to act as flagship/umbrella species in forest conservation and management, to be incorporated simultaneously as biological control agent and direct source of human food in agroforestry practices, and to be (semi-)cultivated. We provide a detailed account of indigenous knowledge of O. smaragdina and ant brood collection practices from the Vientiane Plain, Lao PDR, through focus group discussions and participant observations, and then reflect on sustainability and conservation issues, and on semi-cultivating constraints and possibilities embedded in indigenous knowledge and ant brood collection practices.
Animal Certifié Conforme: Déchiffrer nos Relations avec le Vivant
Authors: Gade Daniel W.
Published: April 2014

Review of Animal Certifié Conforme: Déchiffrer nos Relations avec le Vivant. Bernadette Lizet and Jacqueline Milliet, eds. 2012. Dunod/Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris. Pp 256. €22 (paperback). ISBN 9782100582853.
Effect of testosterone on markers of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and lipid metabolism in muscle of aging men with subnormal bioavailable testosterone
Authors: Petersson Stine J , Christensen Louise L , Kristensen Jonas M , Kruse Rikke , Andersen Marianne , Højlund Kurt
Published: April 2014

Objective

Recent studies have indicated that serum testosterone in aging men is associated with insulin sensitivity and expression of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos), and that testosterone treatment increases lipid oxidation. Herein, we investigated the effect of testosterone therapy on regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis and markers of OxPhos and lipid metabolism in the skeletal muscle of aging men with subnormal bioavailable testosterone levels.

Methods

Skeletal muscle biopsies were obtained before and after treatment with either testosterone gel (n=12) or placebo (n=13) for 6 months. Insulin sensitivity and substrate oxidation were assessed by euglycemic–hyperinsulinemic clamp and indirect calorimetry. Muscle mRNA levels and protein abundance and phosphorylation of enzymes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, OxPhos, and lipid metabolism were examined by quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting.

Results

Despite an increase in lipid oxidation (P<0.05), testosterone therapy had no effect on insulin sensitivity or mRNA levels of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis (PPARGC1A,PRKAA2, andPRKAG3), OxPhos (NDUFS1,ETFA,SDHA,UQCRC1, andCOX5B), or lipid metabolism (ACADVL,CD36,CPT1B,HADH, andPDK4). Consistently, protein abundance of OxPhos subunits encoded by both nuclear (SDHAandUQCRC1) and mitochondrial DNA (ND6) and protein abundance and phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase and p38 MAPK were unaffected by testosterone therapy.

Conclusion

The beneficial effect of testosterone treatment on lipid oxidation is not explained by increased abundance or phosphorylation-dependent activity of enzymes known to regulate mitochondrial biogenesis or markers of OxPhos and lipid metabolism in the skeletal muscle of aging men with subnormal bioavailable testosterone levels.
Association of HDL-C and apolipoprotein A-I with the risk of type 2 diabetes in subjects with impaired fasting glucose
Authors: Hwang You-Cheol , Ahn Hong-Yup , Park Sung-Woo , Park Cheol-Young
Published: April 2014

Objectives

HDLs have many diverse functions. The goal of this study was to determine the association of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) with the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). In particular, this study determined the association between the ratio of HDL-C to apoA-I (HA) and incident T2D.

Design and methods

A total of 27 988 subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) (18 266 men and 9722 women) aged 21–91 years (mean age 40.7 years) were followed for a mean duration of 2.81 years.

Results

Study subjects were divided into quartiles according to the baseline HA ratio. Age, male sex, current smoking, BMI, waist circumference, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein decreased across the quartiles, and all metabolic profiles, including blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin resistance as determined by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, and lipid measurements such as total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, non-HDL-C, and apoB, improved as the HA ratio increased. In addition, incident cases of T2D decreased as the HA ratio increased, independent of age, sex, BMI, current smoking, systolic blood pressure, HbA1c, fasting serum insulin, family history of diabetes, and serum triglyceride concentrations (HR (95% CI) of fourth quartile vs first quartile; 0.76 (0.67–0.86), P<0.0001).

Conclusions

A higher HA ratio was associated with favorable metabolic profiles and a lower risk of T2D development in subjects with IFG.
Lipids and oocyte developmental competence: the role of fatty acids and β-oxidation
Authors: Dunning Kylie R , Russell Darryl L , Robker Rebecca L
Published: April 2014

Metabolism and ATP levels within the oocyte and adjacent cumulus cells are associated with quality of oocyte and optimal development of a healthy embryo. Lipid metabolism provides a potent source of energy and its importance during oocyte maturation is being increasingly recognised. The triglyceride and fatty acid composition of ovarian follicular fluid has been characterised for many species and is influenced by nutritional status (i.e. dietary fat, fasting, obesity and season) as well as lactation in cows. Lipid in oocytes is a primarily triglyceride of specific fatty acids which differ by species, stored in distinct droplet organelles that re-localise during oocyte maturation. The presence of lipids, particularly saturated vs unsaturated fatty acids, inin vitromaturation systems affects oocyte lipid content as well as developmental competence. Triglycerides are metabolised by lipases that have been localised to cumulus cells as well as oocytes. Fatty acids generated by lipolysis are further metabolised by β-oxidation in mitochondria for the production of ATP. β-oxidation is induced in cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) by the LH surge, and pharmacological inhibition of β-oxidation impairs oocyte maturation and embryo development. Promoting β-oxidation withl-carnitine improves embryo development in many species. Thus, fatty acid metabolism in the mammalian COC is regulated by maternal physiological andin vitroenvironmental conditions; and is important for oocyte developmental competence.
Two Genomic Regions Contribute Disproportionately to Geographic Differentiation in Wild Barley
Authors: Fang Zhou , Gonzales Ana M , Clegg Michael T , Smith Kevin P , Muehlbauer Gary J , Steffenson Brian J , Morrell Peter L
Published: April 2014

Genetic differentiation in natural populations is driven by geographic distance and by ecological or physical features within and between natural habitats that reduce migration. The primary population structure in wild barley differentiates populations east and west of the Zagros Mountains. Genetic differentiation between eastern and western populations is uneven across the genome and is greatest on linkage groups 2H and 5H. Genetic markers in these two regions demonstrate the largest difference in frequency between the primary populations and have the highest informativeness for assignment to each population. Previous cytological and genetic studies suggest there are chromosomal structural rearrangements (inversions or translocations) in these genomic regions. Environmental association analyses identified an association with both temperature and precipitation variables on 2H and with precipitation variables on 5H.
Genomic Organization and Evolution of the Trace Amine-Associated Receptor (TAAR) Repertoire in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Tessarolo Jordan A , Tabesh Mohammad J , Nesbitt Michael , Davidson William S
Published: April 2014

There is strong evidence that olfaction plays a key role in the homing of salmonids to their natal spawning grounds, particularly in the freshwater phase. However, the physiological and genetic mechanisms behind this biological phenomenon are largely unknown. It has been shown that Pacific salmon respond to dissolved free amino acids from their natal streams. This indicates that amino acids comprise part of the olfcatory cues for imprinting and homing in salmonids. As trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs), a class of olfactory receptors that are close relatives of the G protein-coupled aminergic neurotransmitter receptors, recognize amino acid metabolites, we hypothesize that TAARs play an important role in salmon homing by recognizing olfactory cues. Therefore, to better understand homing in Atlantic salmon, we set out to characterize the TAAR genes in this species. We searched the first assembly of the Atlantic salmon genome for sequences resembling TAARs previously characterized in other teleosts. We identified 27 putatively functional TAAR genes and 25 putative TAAR pseudogenes, which cluster primarily on chromosome 21 (Ssa21). Phylogenetic analysis of TAAR amino acid sequences from 15 vertebrate species revealed the TAAR gene family arose after the divergence of jawed and jawless vertebrates. The TAARs group into three classes with salmon possessing class I and class III TAARs. Within each class, evolution is characterized by species-specific gene expansions, which is in contrast to what is observed in other olfactory receptor families (e.g., OlfCs and oras).
Isocitrate Dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) Mutation in Breast Adenocarcinoma Is Associated With Elevated Levels of Serum and Urine 2-Hydroxyglutarate
Authors: Fathi Amir T. , Sadrzadeh Hossein , Comander Amy H. , Higgins Michaela J. , Bardia Aditya , Perry Ashley , Burke Meghan , Silver Regina , Matulis Christina R. , Straley Kimberly S. , Yen Katharine E. , Agresta Sam , Kim Hyeryun , Schenkein David P. , Borger Darrell R.
Published: April 2014

Mutations in the IDH1 and IDH2 (isocitrate dehydrogenase) genes have been discovered across a range of solid-organ and hematologic malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia, glioma, chondrosarcoma, and cholangiocarcinoma. An intriguing aspect of IDH-mutant tumors is the aberrant production and accumulation of the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), which may play a pivotal oncogenic role in these malignancies. We describe the first reported case of an IDH1 p.R132L mutation in a patient with hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast adenocarcinoma. This patient was initially treated for locally advanced disease, but then suffered a relapse and metastasis, at which point an IDH1-R132 mutation was discovered in an affected lymph node. The mutation was subsequently found in the primary tumor tissue and all metastatic sites, but not in an uninvolved lymph node. In addition, the patient's serum and urine displayed marked elevations in the concentration of 2-HG, significantly higher than that measured in six other patients with metastatic HR+ breast carcinoma whose tumors were found to harbor wild-type IDH1. In summary, IDH1 mutations may impact a rare subgroup of patients with breast adenocarcinoma. This may suggest future avenues for disease monitoring through noninvasive measurement of 2-HG, as well as for the development and study of targeted therapies against the aberrant IDH1 enzyme.
Coupling of dietary phosphorus and growth across diverse fish taxa: a meta‐analysis of experimental aquaculture studies
Authors: Benstead Jonathan P. , Hood James M. , Whelan Nathan V. , Kendrick Michael R. , Nelson Daniel , Hanninen Amanda F. , Demi Lee M.
Published: April 2014

Imbalances in phosphorus (P) intake relative to demand negatively affect animal growth, but their consequences are less understood for vertebrates, in which bone represents a significant and potentially flexible pool of P. Flexibility in body‐P content could buffer vertebrates from the effects of imbalances between P intake and demand, reducing the likelihood of a sharp stoichiometric “knife‐edge” in the relationship between growth rate and diet‐P level. We conducted a meta‐analysis of published aquaculture experiments that tested effects of diet %P on fish growth rate (49 studies, 28 species) and body‐P content (27 of the studies in the main data set, 20 species). Our meta‐analysis revealed significant P limitation of growth, as well as significant negative effects of excess P on growth rate. Diet‐P thresholds for these effects occurred at ecologically relevant levels (optimal diet‐P of 1.2% ± 0.45%, mean ± SD, under experimental conditions of high ration). Finally, the analysis also suggested a pattern of relatively shallow relationships between growth rate and diet‐P level, coupled with surprisingly flexible body‐P content in fishes. This result is consistent with fish using flexible body‐P content (presumably mediated through bone P) to buffer imbalances between P intake and demand. Together, our results provide evidence for a relatively “dull” stoichiometric “knife‐edge” in fishes, driven in part by flexible body‐P content.
Dairy wastewater treatment using an activated sludge–microalgae system at different light intensities
Authors: Tricolici O. , Bumbac C. , Patroescu V. , Postolache C.
Published: April 2014

A microalgae–bacteria system was used for dairy industry wastewater treatment in sequenced batch mode in a photobioreactor. The research investigated the influence of two light intensities: 360 and 820 μmol m−2s−1 on treatment performances, microalgal cell recovery and dynamics of the protozoan community. Results showed that the light intensity of 360 μmol m−2s−1 was found to be insufficient to support photosynthetic activity after the increase of bacterial biomass leading to the decrease of organic matter and ammonium removal efficiencies from 95 to 78% and 95 to 41%, respectively. Maximum microalgal cells recovery was about 63%. Continuous modification in the protozoan community was also noticed during this test. Increasing the light intensity to 820 μmol m−2s−1 led to better microalgal cells recovery (up to 88%) and improved treatment performances. However, the decrease of protozoan richness to small flagellates and free-swimming ciliates was noticed. Moreover, the developed protozoan trophic network was found to be different from that identified in the conventional activated sludge system. The study emphasized that high increase of bacterial biomass promoted in nutrient- and organic matter-rich wastewater can strongly affect the treatment performances as a result of the shadow effect produced on the photoautotrophic microalgae aggregates.
Coagulation–flocculation for lignin removal from wastewater – a review
Authors: Nawaz Arfa , Ahmed Zaki , Shahbaz Ali , Khan Zahra , Javed Mohsin
Published: April 2014

Industrial discharge has tremendously increased inorganic pollutants in water bodies all over the world. Paper and pulp effluent is included in one of the most pollution generating discharges containing complex chemical compounds such as lignin. For clean and healthy water resources, the recovery of lignin from wastewater from the paper and pulp industry is of high importance. Available chemical and biological technologies for removal of lignin have certain drawbacks. Coagulation and flocculation is not only the economic but also the effective method for removal of lignin. The present review highlights available coagulants employed for removal of lignin from paper and pulp wastewater. Each coagulant is pH dependent and shows varied results with change in effluent characteristics. The hydrolysis products of aluminium-based coagulants, iron-based coagulants and copper sulphate have positive charges. These positive charges promote formation of flocs through charged neutralisation or sweep flocculation. In the case of titanium-based coagulants, hydrolysis product is negatively charged and mode is heterocoagulation. Ninety percent recovery of lignin is achieved by using a mixture of oxotitanium sulphate and aluminium sulphate and 80% with aluminium sulphate. Virtually complete recovery of lignin is observed with oxotitanium sulphate.
Performance and metabolic aspects of a novel enhanced biological phosphorus removal system with intermittent feeding and alternate aeration
Authors: Melidis Paraschos , Kapagiannidis Anastasios G. , Ntougias Spyridon , Davididou Konstantina , Aivasidis Alexander
Published: April 2014

A novel enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) system, which combined the intermittent feeding design with an anaerobic selector, was examined using on-line oxidation reduction potential (ORP), nitrate and ammonium probes. Two experimental periods were investigated: the aerobic and anoxic phases were set at 40 and 20 minutes respectively for period I, and set at 30 and 30 minutes for period II. Chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and P removal were measured as high as 87%, 96% and 93% respectively, while total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) and NH4+ removal averaged 85% and 91%. Two specific denitrification rates (SDNRs), which corresponded to the consumption of the readily biodegradable and slowly biodegradable COD, were determined. SDNR-1 and SDNR-2 during period I were 0.235 and 0.059 g N g−1 volatile suspended solids (VSS) d−1 respectively, while the respective rates during period II were 0.105 and 0.042 g N g−1 VSS d−1. The specific nitrate formation and ammonium oxidizing rates were 0.076 and 0.064 g N g−1 VSS d−1 for period I and 0.065 and 0.081 g N g−1 VSS d−1 for period II respectively. The specific P release rates were 2.79 and 4.02 mg P g−1 VSS h−1 during period I and II, while the respective anoxic/aerobic uptake rates were 0.42 and 0.55 mg P g−1 VSS h−1. This is the first report on an EBPR scheme using the intermittent feeding strategy.
Ecological characteristics of plankton and aquatic vegetation in Lake Qiluhu
Authors: Mingming Hu , Huaidong Zhou , Yuchun Wang , Yingcai Wang , Zhen Wang , Weiju Wu , Gaofeng Zhao , Yao Cheng , Yongding Liu
Published: April 2014

Investigations of the phytoplankton, zooplankton, zoobenthos and aquatic vegetation in Lake Qiluhu were carried out in February, 2009. Over the whole lake, 13 sampling sites were set up for the analysis of phytoplankton and zooplankton, and 22 profiles for the collection of macrophytes and zoobenthos. In the survey, 7 phyla, 65 algae species were identified. The average abundance of phytoplankton was 7.16 × 108 cells/L, and the dominant specie was Limnothrix redekei. No obvious surface accumulation of algae was detected. The concentration of Chlorophyll a ranged from 85 to 101 μg/L, and the average value was 93 μg/L. Nineteen species of zooplankton were observed, including 4 species of rotifers, 6 species of cladocerans and 9 species of copepods. Copepods were the dominant species, their abundance reaching 68%, whilst Cladocerans took second place with an abundance proportion of 28%. Six species of submerged vegetation were identified: Potamogeton Pectinatus, Myriophyllum, Elodea Canadensis, Ceratophyllum demersum and Potamogeton crispus. Amongst them, the dominant vegetation was P. Pectinatus, the biomass of which was up to 63% of the total biomass. Emerged macrophytes were cluster distributed across the whole lake, mainly consisting of Scirpus tabernaemontani, phragmites communis and cane shoots. Unfortunately, no living zoobenthos were found at the sites. The results indicated that, in Lake Qiluhu, the abundance of phytoplankton was maintained at a high level. The ecological function of submerged vegetation was gradually being lost because of its low standing crop and coverage, and the benthic animal habitat was severely damaged.
Distillery fusel oil as an alternative carbon source for denitrification – from laboratory experiments to full-scale applications
Authors: Makinia J. , Czerwionka K. , Kaszubowska M. , Majtacz J.
Published: April 2014

Industrial waste products may be a viable alternative to commercial external carbon sources. In this study, the properties of fusel oil (distillery waste product) were investigated in terms of temperature dependency of denitrification and acclimation period. Furthermore, results obtained during three different full-scale trials were used to verify similarities with and differences from the results obtained under laboratory-scale conditions. Batch experiments with non-acclimated biomass revealed a very strong temperature dependency of the denitrification process (θ = 1.15, R2 = 0.92) in the range of examined process temperatures (13–22 °C). Fusel oil had minor (or no) effects on the behaviour of NO2-N and PO4-P. Significantly lower nitrate utilization rates were observed during acclimation to fusel oil in the full-scale bioreactors compared to a bench-scale reactor. This may primarily be attributed to lower doses of fusel oil, lower process temperatures and more complicated process configurations (resulting in non-optimal use of fusel oil for denitrification). Results obtained from both laboratory-scale experiments and full-scale trials suggested that an acclimation period of a few weeks would be required to reach the maximum denitrification capability of process biomass, even though positive effects of dosing can be observed almost immediately.
Biotransformation potential of phytosterols under anoxic and anaerobic conditions
Authors: Dykstra C. M. , Giles H. D. , Banerjee S. , Pavlostathis S. G.
Published: April 2014

The biotransformation potential of three phytosterols (campesterol, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol) under denitrifying, sulfate-reducing and fermentative/methanogenic conditions was assessed. Using a group contribution method, the standard Gibbs free energy of phytosterols was calculated and used to perform theoretical energetic calculations. The oxidation of phytosterols under aerobic, nitrate-reducing, sulfate-reducing and methanogenic conditions was determined to be energetically feasible. However, using semi-continuously fed cultures maintained at 20–22 °C over 16 weekly feeding cycles (112 days; retention time, 21 days), phytosterol removal was observed under nitrate-reducing and sulfate-reducing conditions, but not under fermentative/methanogenic conditions. Under sulfate-reducing conditions, stigmast-4-en-3-one was identified as an intermediate of phytosterol biotransformation, a reaction more likely carried out by dehydrogenases/isomerases, previously reported to act on cholesterol under both oxic and anoxic (denitrifying) conditions. Further study of the biotransformation of phytosterols under anoxic/anaerobic conditions is necessary to delineate the factors and conditions leading to enhanced phytosterol biodegradation and the development of effective biological treatment systems for the removal of phytosterols from pulp and paper wastewaters and other phytosterol-bearing waste streams.
Energy-efficient wastewater treatment via the air-based, hybrid membrane biofilm reactor (hybrid MfBR)
Authors: Aybar M. , Pizarro G. , Boltz J. P. , Downing L. , Nerenberg R.
Published: April 2014

We used modeling to predict the energy and cost savings associated with the air-based, hybrid membrane-biofilm reactor (hybrid MfBR). This process is obtained by replacing fine-bubble diffusers in conventional activated sludge with air-supplying, hollow-fiber membrane modules. Evaluated processes included removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), combined COD and total nitrogen (TN) removal, and hybrid growth (biofilm and suspended). Target concentrations of COD and TN were based on high-stringency water reuse scenarios. Results showed reductions in power requirements as high as 86%. The decrease mainly resulted from the dramatically lower air flows for the MBfR, resulting from its higher oxygen-transfer efficiencies. When the MBfR was used for COD and TN removal, savings up to US$200/1,000 m3 of treated water were predicted. Cost savings were highly sensitive to the costs of the membrane modules and electrical power. The costs were also very sensitive to membrane oxidation flux for ammonia, and the membrane life. These results suggest the hybrid MBfR may provide significant savings in energy and costs. Further research on the identified key parameters can help confirm these modeling predictions and facilitate scale-up.