bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
20-hydroxyecdysone accumulation and regulation in Ajuga lobata D. Don suspension culture
Authors: Qian Jingjing , Yang Yueyue , Li Xin , Chi Defu 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Suspension culture of Ajuga lobata D. Don cells provides a method of synthesis of the phytoecdysteroid 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) which can regulate the molting process of larvae. We characterized the culture conditions to optimize 20E production. Growth of A. lobata D. Don cells fits the logistic equation curve with a growth cycle of 19 days. Medium conductivity was negatively correlated with dry cell weight and 20E accumulation, thus could be used to determine the optimal time for cell harvest. Continuous subculture reduced 20E synthesis, but supplementing medium with 20E precursors mevalonic (MVA), α-Pinene, and nitric oxide (NO) can significantly promote cell growth and influence 20E accumulation. Combination of α-Pinene, MVA, and SNP significantly elevated 20E accumulation, thus may synergistically enhance 20E synthesis in A. lobata D. Don. The optimal concentrations of α-Pinene, MVA, and NO donor SNP in suspension culture were 50 μL L−1, 10 mg L−1, and 80 μmol L−1.
Key comparison BIPM.RI(I)-K7 of the air-kerma standards of the ENEA-INMRI, Italy and the BIPM in mammography x-rays
Authors: Kessler C , Burns D , Roger P , Toni M P , Pinto M , Bovi M , Cappadozzi G , Silvestri C 
Published: November 2015

A first key comparison has been made between the air-kerma standards of the ENEA-INMRI, Italy and the BIPM in mammography x-ray beams. The results show the standards to be in agreement at the level of the standard uncertainty for the comparison of 4.8 parts in 103. The results are analysed and presented in terms of degrees of equivalence, suitable for entry in the BIPM key comparison database.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Temporal and spatial variation in size at maturity of the common whelk (Buccinum undatum)
Authors: Haig Jodie A. , Pantin Julia R. , Salomonsen Harriet , Murray Lee G. , Kaiser Michel J. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
There is little common rationale for the 45 to 75 mm total shell length (TSL) minimum landing sizes (MLS) for Buccinum undatum among countries in the Northeast Atlantic. Size at maturity and length frequency of B. undatum populations vary over small spatial scales; however, the driving mechanism for this is unknown. Size at maturity research for B. undatum dates back to the late 1980s; since then, there has been little consensus on laboratory methods or in which season to undertake the research. Here, we assess small-scale spatial variation in size at maturity over a year to identify the seasons that increase error in visual maturity estimates. We compare and contrast results from methods used in the literature to estimate maturity for B. undatum. Monthly, B. undatum samples were obtained from Welsh fishers between May 2013 and May 2014 from eight sites at four locations (n = 5080). All whelks were sexed, weighed, and measured, and up to 60 whelks from each location were assessed for maturity (n = 1659). Mature whelks were found in all months, with a peak in reproductive activity through summer and early autumn, followed by the onset of spawning in November. Size at maturity varied between sexes and sites, and ranged from 51 to 76 mm TSL. Whelks caught in shallow waters (0–10 m) matured at a smaller size than those from deeper waters (up to 60 m). Length frequency varied at each site suggesting that a single increase in MLS would impact fishers disproportionately. No methodology trialled was found without inherent errors when used in isolation, though a combination of methods proved ideal. The seasonal variation in maturity estimates suggested that assigning maturity is increasingly difficult outside annual reproductive periods and that prespawning is the ideal time to undertake visual gonad assessments for whelks.
Interaction of the hepatitis B virus X protein with the lysine methyltransferase SET and MYND domain‐containing 3 induces activator protein 1 activation
Authors: Hayashi Miwako , Deng Lin , Chen Ming , Gan Xiang , Shinozaki Kenta , Shoji Ikuo , Hotta Hak 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTHepatitis B virus (HBV) is a widespread human pathogen that often causes chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The detailed mechanisms underlying HBV pathogenesis remain poorly understood. The HBV X protein (HBx) is a multifunctional regulator that modulates viral replication and host cell functions, such as cell cycle progression, apoptosis and protein degradation through interaction with a variety of host factors. Recently, the nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) of hepatitis C virus has been reported to interact with methyltransferase SET and MYND domain‐containing 3 (SMYD3), which is implicated in chromatin modification and development of cancer. Because HBx shares fundamental regulatory functions concerning viral replication and pathogenesis with NS5A, it was decided to examine whether HBx interacts with SMYD3. In the present study, it was demonstrated by co‐immunoprecipitation analysis that HBx interacts with both ectopically and endogenously expressed SMYD3 in Huh‐7.5 cells. Deletion mutation analysis revealed that the C‐terminal region of HBx (amino acids [aa] 131–154) and an internal region of SMYD3 (aa 269–288) are responsible for their interaction. Immunofluorescence and proximity ligation assays showed that HBx and SMYD3 co‐localize predominantly in the cytoplasm. Luciferase reporter assay demonstrated that the interaction between HBx and SMYD3 activates activator protein 1 (AP‐1) signaling, but not that of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB). On the other hand, neither overexpression nor knockdown of SMYD3 altered production of HBV transcripts and HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). In conclusion, a novel HBx‐interacting protein, SMYD3, was identified, leading to proposal of a novel mechanism of AP‐1 activation in HBV‐infected cells.
Elective induction of labour and maternal request: a national population‐based study
Authors: Coulm B , Blondel B , Alexander S , Boulvain M , Le Ray C 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveTo estimate the rate of elective inductions in France and the proportion of them that were maternally requested, and to study the factors associated with elective inductions that were or were not requested by women.DesignCross‐sectional population‐based study.SettingAll maternity units in France.PopulationAbout 14 681 women from the 2010 French National Perinatal Survey of a representative sample of births.MethodsInductions were classified as elective based on their indications and maternal and fetal characteristics, collected from medical records. Elective inductions requested by women were identified from the mother's postpartum interviews. Polytomous logistic regression analysis was used to study the determinants of inductions that were or were not maternally requested. Women with spontaneous labour served as the comparison group.Main outcome measureRate of elective inductions.ResultsThe induction rate was 22.6, 13.9% elective. Among elective inductions, 47.3% were requested by women. The characteristics of mothers, pregnancies, and maternity units were similar in both groups of elective inductions. The main associated factors were parity 2 or more [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 4.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.1–7.2 for maternally requested inductions and aOR of 1.8 (95% CI1.2–2.7) for unrequested inductions, compared with parity 0] and private hospital status [aOR 4.5 95% (CI 3.3–6.0) for maternally requested inductions and aOR 3.7 (95% CI 2.8–4.9) for inductions not requested by the mother]. We found no association between maternal social characteristics and type of elective induction.ConclusionParity and organisational factors appear to influence the decision about elective inductions. It would be interesting to determine how obstetricians and women make this decision and for what reasons.Tweetable abstractAbout 13.9% of inductions of labour were elective in France, 47.3% of these requested by women.
Comparison of differential gene expression to water stress among bacteria with relevant pollutant‐degradation properties
Authors: Moreno‐Forero Silvia K. , Rojas Edward , Beggah Siham , van der Meer Jan R. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryResistance to semi‐dry environments has been considered a crucial trait for superior growth and survival of strains used for bioaugmentation in contaminated soils. In order to compare water stress programmes, we analyse differential gene expression among three phylogenetically different strains capable of aromatic compound degradation: Arthrobacter chlorophenolicus A6, Sphingomonas wittichii RW1 and Pseudomonas veronii 1YdBTEX2. Standardized laboratory‐induced water stress was imposed by shock exposure of liquid cultures to water potential decrease, induced either by addition of solutes (NaCl, solute stress) or by addition of polyethylene glycol (matric stress), both at absolute similar stress magnitudes and at those causing approximately similar decrease of growth rates. Genome‐wide differential gene expression was recorded by micro‐array hybridizations. Growth of P. veronii 1YdBTEX2 was the most sensitive to water potential decrease, followed by S. wittichii RW1 and A. chlorophenolicus A6. The number of genes differentially expressed under decreasing water potential was lowest for A. chlorophenolicus A6, increasing with increasing magnitude of the stress, followed by S. wittichii RW1 and P. veronii 1YdBTEX2. Gene inspection and gene ontology analysis under stress conditions causing similar growth rate reduction indicated that common reactions among the three strains included diminished expression of flagellar motility and increased expression of compatible solutes (which were strain‐specific). Furthermore, a set of common genes with ill‐defined function was found between all strains, including ABC transporters and aldehyde dehydrogenases, which may constitute a core conserved response to water stress. The data further suggest that stronger reduction of growth rate of P. veronii 1YdBTEX2 under water stress may be an indirect result of the response demanding heavy NADPH investment, rather than the presence or absence of a suitable stress defence mechanism per se.
A temperate river estuary is a sink for methanotrophs adapted to extremes of pH, temperature and salinity
Authors: Sherry Angela , Osborne Kate A. , Sidgwick Frances R. , Gray Neil D. , Talbot Helen M. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryRiver Tyne (UK) estuarine sediments harbour a genetically and functionally diverse community of methane‐oxidizing bacteria (methanotrophs), the composition and activity of which were directly influenced by imposed environmental conditions (pH, salinity, temperature) that extended far beyond those found in situ. In aerobic sediment slurries methane oxidation rates were monitored together with the diversity of a functional gene marker for methanotrophs (pmoA). Under near in situ conditions (4–30°C, pH 6–8, 1–15 g l−1 NaCl), communities were enriched by sequences affiliated with Methylobacter and Methylomonas spp. and specifically a Methylobacter psychrophilus‐related species at 4–21°C. More extreme conditions, namely high temperatures ≥ 40°C, high ≥ 9 and low ≤ 5 pH, and high salinities ≥ 35 g l−1 selected for putative thermophiles (Methylocaldum), acidophiles (Methylosoma) and haloalkaliphiles (Methylomicrobium). The presence of these extreme methanotrophs (unlikely to be part of the active community in situ) indicates passive dispersal from surrounding environments into the estuary.
A simple approach for maximizing the overlap of phylogenetic and comparative data
Authors: Pennell Matthew W. , FitzJohn Richard G. , Cornwell William K. 
Published: November 2015

Summary

Biologists are increasingly using curated, public data sets to conduct phylogenetic comparative analyses. Unfortunately, there is often a mismatch between species for which there is phylogenetic data and those for which other data are available. As a result, researchers are commonly forced to either drop species from analyses entirely or else impute the missing data.

A simple strategy to improve the overlap of phylogenetic and comparative data is to swap species in the tree that lack data with ‘phylogenetically equivalent’ species that have data. While this procedure is logically straightforward, it quickly becomes very challenging to do by hand. Here, we present algorithms that use topological and taxonomic information to maximize the number of swaps without altering the structure of the phylogeny.

We have implemented our method in a new R package phyndr, which will allow researchers to apply our algorithm to empirical data sets. It is relatively efficient such that taxon swaps can be quickly computed, even for large trees. To facilitate the use of taxonomic knowledge, we created a separate data package taxonlookup; it contains a curated, versioned taxonomic lookup for land plants and is interoperable with phyndr.

Emerging online data bases and statistical advances are making it possible for researchers to investigate evolutionary questions at unprecedented scales. However, in this effort species mismatch among data sources will increasingly be a problem; evolutionary informatics tools, such as phyndr and taxonlookup, can help alleviate this issue.
Herding behaviour in the Australian loan market and its impact on bank loan quality
Authors: Tran Vuong Thao , Nguyen Hoa , Lin Chien Ting 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe examine the effect of herding behaviour on the credit quality of bank loans in Australia. We find that bank herding varies with different types of loans. It tends to be more prevalent in owner‐occupied housing loans and credit cards than other types of loans. During the global financial crisis period, herding in owner‐occupied housing loans was most pronounced due to the flight‐to‐quality phenomenon in the housing sector. Furthermore, we find that the big four banks tend to herd more than smaller and regional banks. Bank herding behaviour is countercyclical, as it is negatively related to real GDP growth and the cost of funding but is positively related to market risk. Regulatory capital requirements may also encourage herding as banks are required to hold less risk‐weighted capital for residential loans. Most importantly, bank herding is related to higher impaired assets and therefore lower loan quality. Our findings may have implications for policymakers and bank regulators.
Lessons from Praxis: Autonomy and Spatiality in Contemporary Latin American Social Movements
Authors: Lopes de Souza Marcelo 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn the course of the 20th century, left‐libertarian thought and praxis never ceased to be present in Latin America, even during the most difficult years of competition with Marxism‐Leninism and of military repression. But it was above all from the 1990s onwards that particularly original kinds of libertarian thought and praxis began to flourish there. Alongside more or less renewed versions of classical anarchism, new forms of praxis and analysis emerged at the end of the 20th and beginning of the 21st century; from Mexican neo‐Zapatism to a part of Argentina's piqueteros to some expressions of Brazil's sem‐teto movement, many new movements and ideas have developed in the last two decades. These new movements are at the same time remarkably libertarian and by no means reducible to the very honourable but somewhat too restrictive label “anarchism”. In fact, many of them are clearly “hybrid”, in the sense that they are products of both left‐libertarian and Marxist influences.Typically, these Latin American movements share a commitment to principles such as horizontality, self‐management and decentralism (which have never been part of Marxism's typical repertoire of practices and principles); moreover, autonomy is a key notion for most of them. Furthermore, spatial practices, territorialisation among them, are proving decisive for many movements and protest actions.The concept of territory is one of those “geographical” concepts that have been intensely subjected, in recent decades, to strong attempts of redefinition and debugging. In this paper, the territory is fundamentally seen (as a first approximation) as a space defined and delimited by and through power relations, and it is important to see that power (both heteronomous and autonomous power) is exerted only with reference to a territory and, very often, by means of a territory. The kind of power exerted by emancipatory social movements does not constitute an exception to this rule.
The effect of antenatal dietary and lifestyle advice for women who are overweight or obese on emotional well‐being: the LIMIT randomized trial
Authors: Dodd Jodie M. , Newman Angela , Moran Lisa J. , Deussen Andrea R. , Grivell Rosalie M. , Yelland Lisa N. , Crowther Caroline A. , McPhee Andrew J. , Wittert Gary , Owens Julie A. , Turnbull Deborah , Robinson Jeffrey S. ,   the LIMIT Randomised Trial Group
Published: November 2015

AbstractIntroductionOur aim was to evaluate the effect of dietary and lifestyle advice given to women who were overweight or obese during pregnancy on maternal quality of life, anxiety and risk of depression, and satisfaction with care.Material and methodsWe conducted a randomized trial, involving pregnant women with body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, recruited from maternity units in South Australia. Women were randomized to Lifestyle Advice or Standard Care, and completed questionnaires assessing risk of depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), anxiety (Spielberger State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory), and quality of life (SF‐36) at trial entry, 28 and 36 weeks' gestation, and 4 months postpartum. Secondary trial outcomes assessed for this analysis were risk of depression, anxiety, maternal quality of life, and satisfaction with care.ResultsOne or more questionnaires were completed by 976 of 1108 (90.8%) women receiving Lifestyle Advice and 957 of 1104 (89.7%) women receiving Standard Care. The risk of depression [adjusted risk ratio 1.01; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.82–1.24; p = 0.95], anxiety (adjusted risk ratio 1.09; 95% CI 0.93–1.27; p = 0.31), and health‐related quality of life were similar between the two groups. Women receiving Lifestyle Advice reported improved healthy food choice [Lifestyle Advice 404 (68.9%) vs. Standard Care 323 (51.8%); p < 0.0001], and exercise knowledge [Lifestyle Advice 444 (75.8%) vs. Standard Care 367 (58.8%); p < 0.0001], and reassurance about their health [Lifestyle Advice 499 (85.3%) vs. Standard Care 485 (77.9%); p = 0.0112], and health of their baby [Lifestyle Advice 527 (90.2%) vs. Standard Care 545 (87.6%); p = 0.0143].ConclusionLifestyle advice in pregnancy improved knowledge and provided reassurance without negatively impacting well‐being.
Review article: the antimicrobial effects of rifaximin on the gut microbiota
Authors: DuPont H. L. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryBackgroundDisruption of the gut microbiota through use of systemic antimicrobials or activation of the mucosal inflammatory response by pathogens can cause dysregulation of the intestinal mucosa.AimTo explore the mechanisms of action of rifaximin that may underlie its clinical benefits in travellers’ diarrhoea (TD).MethodsA literature search was performed using the terms ‘rifaximin’ and ‘L/105’ in combination with the terms ‘in vitro activity’, ‘diarrhea’, ‘microbiota’ and ‘gut flora’.ResultsRifaximin has been traditionally identified as a nonsystemic, broad‐spectrum, bactericidal antibiotic. Evidence shows that the activity of rifaximin against enteropathogens in this setting is likely enhanced by its increased solubility in the presence of bile acids in the small intestine. Results of clinical studies show that although rifaximin is efficacious in TD, a clinical cure often occurs without apparent bacterial eradication and with minimal effect on the gut microbiota, suggesting an effect of rifaximin other than direct antibiotic activity.ConclusionsAlthough definitive studies on the effect of rifaximin on the gut microbiota in large cohorts of healthy volunteers or patients have not been published, pre‐clinical studies provide some insight. These studies have shown that rifaximin may have effects on both the pathogen and host, including direct effects on pathogenic bacteria (such as reducing the expression of bacterial virulence factors) and indirect effects on the host (such as inhibiting bacterial attachment and internalisation at the intestinal mucosa and reducing mucosal inflammation).
Review article: the potential mechanisms of action of rifaximin in the management of inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Sartor R. B. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryBackgroundGut microbiota dysbiosis contributes to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Although the microbiota's role in IBD pathogenesis, specifically Crohn's disease (CD), provides a rationale for antibiotic treatment, antibiotic use in CD remains controversial. Rifaximin, traditionally identified as a nonsystemic bactericidal antibiotic, may be therapeutically beneficial for inducing CD remission.AimTo examine the role of rifaximin in the management of IBD and its potential mechanisms of action.MethodsA literature search using the following strategy: (‘inflammatory bowel disease’ OR ‘Crohn's’ OR ‘ulcerative’), ‘rifaximin’ AND (‘barrier’ OR ‘translocation’ OR ‘adhesion’ OR ‘internalization’ OR ‘pregnane X’), AND ‘pregnane X’ AND (‘Crohn's’ OR ‘ulcerative colitis’ OR ‘inflammatory bowel disease’).ResultsIn vitro data suggest rifaximin mediates changes in epithelial cell physiology and reduces bacterial attachment and internalisation. In experimental colitis models, rifaximin antagonised the effects of tumour necrosis factor‐α on intestinal epithelial cells by activating pregnane X receptor, which inhibits nuclear factor‐κB–mediated proinflammatory mediators and induces detoxification genes (e.g. multidrug resistance 1 and cytochrome P450 3A4). Rifaximin also inhibits bacterial translocation into the mesenteric lymph nodes.ConclusionAccumulating evidence suggests that mechanisms of action of rifaximin in IBD may not be limited to direct bactericidal activity; therefore, rifaximin could potentially be redefined as a gut environment modulator.
Effect of Statin Treatment on Plasma 4β‐Hydroxycholesterol Concentrations
Authors: Björkhem‐Bergman Linda , Nylén Hanna , Eriksson Mats , Parini Paolo , Diczfalusy Ulf 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe endogenous oxysterol 4β‐hydroxycholesterol may be used as a marker for the drug‐metabolizing enzymes cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A). The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effect of statin treatment on plasma 4β‐hydroxycholesterol concentrations. Plasma samples from a previously performed clinical study where gallstone patients had been treated with placebo (n = 6), 20 mg fluvastatin (n = 9) or 80 mg atorvastatin (n = 9) daily for 4 weeks were analysed. Hepatic CYP3A mRNA levels had previously been shown to be unchanged in all three treatment groups. Plasma 4β‐hydroxycholesterol did not change significantly (p = 0.92) in the placebo group, but treatment with low‐dose fluvastatin or high‐dose atorvastatin resulted in reductions in plasma concentration of 10.7% (p < 0.05) and 36.5% (p < 0.01), respectively. However, the 4β‐hydroxycholesterol/cholesterol ratio did not change significantly for the patients receiving placebo or patients receiving low‐dose fluvastatin. The ratio for patients receiving high‐dose atorvastatin increased by 12% (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the total plasma cholesterol level is an important determinant for the plasma 4β‐hydroxycholesterol level.