bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeted transgene insertion into the AAVS1 locus driven by baculoviral vector‐mediated zinc finger nuclease expression in human‐induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Tay Felix Chang , Tan Wee Kiat , Goh Sal‐Lee , Ramachandra Chrishan J. A. , Lau Cia‐Hin , Zhu Haibao , Chen Can , Du Shouhui , Phang Rui Zhe , Shahbazi Mohammad , Fan Weimin , Wang Shu 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe AAVS1 locus is viewed as a ‘safe harbor’ for transgene insertion into human genome. In the present study, we report a new method for AAVS1 targeting in human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs).MethodsWe have developed two baculoviral transduction systems: one to deliver zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) and a DNA donor template for site‐specific gene insertion and another to mediate Cre recombinase‐mediated cassette exchange system to replace the inserted transgene with a new transgene.ResultsOur ZFN system provided the targeted integration efficiency of a Neo‐EGFP cassette of 93.8% in G418‐selected, stable hiPSC colonies. Southern blotting analysis of 20 AASV1 targeted colonies revealed no random integration events. Among 24 colonies examined for mono‐ or biallelic AASV1 targeting, 25% of them were biallelically modified. The selected hiPSCs displayed persistent enhanced green fluorescent protein expression and continued the expression of stem cell pluripotency markers. The hiPSCs maintained the ability to differentiate into three germ lineages in derived embryoid bodies and transgene expression was retained in the differentiated cells. After pre‐including the loxP‐docking sites into the Neo‐EGFP cassette, we demonstrated that a baculovirus‐Cre/loxP system could be used to facilitate the replacement of the Neo‐EGFP cassette with another transgene cassette at the AAVS1 locus.ConclusionsGiven high targeting efficiency, stability in expression of inserted transgene and flexibility in transgene exchange, the approach reported in the present study holds potential for generating genetically‐modified human pluripotent stem cells suitable for developmental biology research, drug development, regenerative medicine and gene therapy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent global dust trend and connections to climate forcing
Authors: Shao Yaping , Klose Martina , Wyrwoll Karl‐Heinz 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDust is an important indicator of climate change. In paleoclimate research, sediments bearing signals of dust deposition offer a rich archive for climate change history. However, the dust‐climate link is very complex due to the various direct and indirect feedbacks in the Earth system. In this study, we examine two issues: (1) given the recent global warming, what are the dust variations, both globally and in key dust regions, and (2) what are the climate drivers behind the variations? Using synoptic data for the period 1974–2012, we analyzed the global trend of dust frequency and visibility‐derived dust concentrations and their characteristics in key dust regions, including North Africa, the Middle East, Southwest Asia, Northeast Asia, South America, and Australia. We also examined the likely climate drivers for dust variations in the different regions by computing the correlations between the time series of dust and of major climate indices—the Multivariate El Niño/Southern Oscillation Index, North Atlantic Oscillation, and Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). It was found that over the period 1984–2012, the global mean (excluding North America and Europe) near‐surface dust concentration decreased at 1.2% yr−1. This decrease is mainly due to reduced dust activities in North Africa, accompanied by reduced activities in Northeast Asia, South America, and South Africa. A significant negative correlation between Saharan dust and AMO was detected, and it seems reasonable to suggest that under present climate, the global dust trend is determined by the climate systems governing the Atlantic and North African regimes.
The South Pacific Convergence Zone in three decades of satellite images
Authors: Haffke Colene , Magnusdottir Gudrun 
Published: October 2013

AbstractInterannual variability, seasonal evolution, and intraseasonal variability of the South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) are quantified using a new data set of 3‐hourly SPCZ labels, available from 1980 to 2012 Nov–Apr. The SPCZ label is a binary field indicating presence (1) or absence (0) of the SPCZ at each grid point (½° longitude by ½° latitude) as a function of time and is the output of a Bayesian spatiotemporal statistical model that takes in instantaneous data from geostationary satellites. The statistical model is designed to emulate the way human observers identify the SPCZ. Results show two distinct parts to the SPCZ: the western tropical part and the eastern subtropical part. At times, the two parts do not connect. When they do connect, they are oriented quite differently, such that the subtropical part has a steeper meridional slope. The SPCZ is present 50–70% of the time in the tropics from Jan to Mar and is usually anchored to the warm sea surface temperature (SST) distribution of the equatorial west Pacific. The subtropical part does not have the same sensitivity to the underlying SST distribution and is present more often in Nov–Dec and Apr than in Jan–Mar when the SST is highest. Interannual variability in SPCZ location is strongly associated with El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO); however, no change in overall SPCZ area is detected in association with ENSO. On the intraseasonal time scale, composite analysis shows the distinct spatial patterns in SPCZ presence associated with each phase of the Madden Julian Oscillation.
Genetic drift of influenza A(H3N2) viruses during two consecutive seasons in 2011–2013 in Corsica, France
Authors: Fantoni Anais , Arena Christophe , Corrias Laura , Salez Nicolas , de Lamballerie Xavier Nicolas , Amoros Jean Pierre , Blanchon Thierry , Varesi Laurent , Falchi Alessandra 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe 2011–2012 and 2012–2013 post‐pandemic influenza outbreaks were characterized by variability in the A(H3N2) influenza viruses, resulting in low to moderate vaccine effectiveness (VE). The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular evolution and vaccine strain match of the A(H3N2) influenza viruses, having been circulated throughout the population of the French Corsica Island in 2011–2012 and again in 2012–2013. Clinical samples from 31 patients with confirmed A(H3N2) influenza viruses were collected by general practitioners (GPs) over these two consecutive seasons. An analysis of genetic distance and antigenic drift was conducted. Based on a hemagglutinin (HA) aminoacid sequence analysis, the Corsican A(H3N2) viruses fell into the A/Victoria/208/2009 genetic clade, group 3. All influenza viruses were characterized by at least four fixed amino acid mutations which were: N145S (epitope A); Q156H and V186G (epitope B) Y219S (epitope D), with respect to the A/Perth/16/2009 (reference vaccine strain for the 2011–2012) and the A/Victoria/361/2011 (reference vaccine strain for the 2012–2013). Using the pepitope model, the percentages of the perfect match VE estimated against circulated strains declined within and between seasons, with estimations of <50%. Overall, these results seem to indicate an antigenic drift of the A(H3N2) influenza viruses which were circulated in Corsica. These findings highlight the importance of the continuous and careful surveillance of genetic changes in the HA domain during seasonal influenza epidemics, in order to provide information on newly emerging genetic variants. J. Med. Virol. 86:585–591, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Viral etiology of influenza‐like illnesses during the influenza season between December 2011 and April 2012
Authors: Karadag‐Oncel Eda , Ciblak Meral Akcay , Ozsurekci Yasemin , Badur Selim , Ceyhan Mehmet 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the frequency of respiratory viruses responsible for respiratory tract infections in Turkish children during the 2011–2012 influenza season. Nasal swabs were obtained from patients with symptoms suggestive of an influenza‐like illness between December 2011 and April 2012. Samples were analyzed with multiplex real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) to help identify the causative viral pathogen. A total of 200 patients were enrolled in the study. A respiratory virus was detected successfully in 102 (51%) children; influenza A (H3N2) in 39.2%, influenza B in 23.5%, RSV in 15.6%, rhinovirus in 13.7%, bocavirus in 2.9%, coronavirus in 2.9%, and metapneumovirus in 0.9% of patients. Only one patient was co‐infected with bocavirus and influenza A virus. A statistically significant difference in the mean age of presentation was observed between the various viral pathogens (P < 0.001). Patients with RSV were significantly younger whereas children infected with the influenza viruses were significantly older. Comparison of symptoms revealed that fever and headache occurred more frequently with the influenza viruses than the other viruses combined (P < 0.001, <0.05). Durations of symptoms such as fever, cough, nasal congestion, and rhinorrhea were also significantly longer in the influenza group (P < 0.001, <0.005, <0.001, <0.005, respectively). Demographic analyses revealed that the school/daycare attendance was the only parameter associated with a significantly increased risk for influenza infection. With an overall viral pathogen detection rate of 51%, findings of the present study suggest other respiratory pathogens, whether viral or bacterial, may also lead to hospital visits due to influenza‐like illnesses in children. J. Med. Virol. 86:865–871, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the major shifts in the IOD during the last century, the role of the Mascarene High displacements
Authors: Manatsa Desmond , Behera Swadhin K. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTIn this observational research, the seasonally stratified (October to December) Indian Ocean Dipole mode (IOD) behaviour in the tropical Indian Ocean since 1870 is investigated. Three significant climate shifts manifested themselves in the Indian Ocean during the years 1918, 1961 and 1997. Each shift is preceded by a 3‐year sequence of IOD events that are unique in the entire time series. The order is such that a relatively moderate negative sea surface temperature (SST) anomaly gradient intensifies to an extreme negative IOD event which then reverses in the shift year to an extreme positive event. The last two extreme IOD events reach record‐breaking magnitudes during each shift implying intensification of the shift process with time. During the year before the shift, the Mascarene High (MH) is anomalously displaced poleward and westward, while it intensifies as it anomalously moves equatorward during the shift year. Therefore the maximum contrast of south Indian Ocean pressure pattern and hence the intensity of the MH, from one year to the other within an epoch, is achieved during the shift years. The intensity of this process has been escalating during each of the three successive shifts. Despite involving to a greater extent the IOD dynamics, these IOD shifts may primarily be an expression of the south Indian Ocean basinwide dynamics rather than a direct response to internal tropical influences.
Characterization of recombinant Zea mays transglutaminase expressed in Pichia pastoris and its impact on full and non‐fat yoghurts
Authors: Li Hongbo , Zhang Lanwei , Cui Yanhua , Luo Xue , Xue Chaohui , Wang Shumei , Jiao Yuehua , Zhang Shuang , Liu Wenli , Fan Rongbo , Du Ming , Yi Huaxi , Han Xue 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDTransglutaminases catalyze post‐translational modification of proteins by ε‐(γ‐glutamyl) links and covalent amide bonds. Research on properties and applications of plant transglutaminases is less developed than in animals and micro‐organisms. In a previous study, optimized Zea mays transglutaminase was purified from recombinant Pichia pastoris strain. The main objective of the present study was to characterize this enzyme and assess its effect on the properties of yoghurt.RESULTSThe purified recombinant transglutaminase presented a Km of 3.98 µmol L−1 and a Vmax of 2711 min−1 by the fluorometric method. The enzyme was stable after incubation for 30 min below 50 °C and over a broad pH range of 5–8 at −20 °C for 12 h. The results showed that the crosslinking reaction catalyzed by this enzyme could effectively improve the properties of full and non‐fat yoghurts. Also, the properties of non‐fat yoghurt could be improved similar to the full‐fat product by recombinant transglutaminase.CONCLUSIONThe application of recombinant transglutaminase in yoghurt indicated that this enzyme could be used as a substitute for microbial transglutaminase in the production of yoghurt, thus providing experimental evidence for the future application of plant transglutaminases in the food industry. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Epstein‐barr DNA serology and positron‐emission tomography imaging of the head and neck in pediatric transplant recipients
Authors: Sidell Douglas , Venick Robert S. , Shapiro Nina L. 
Published: October 2013

Objectives/HypothesisEpstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection is a potential precursor of post‐transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in the pediatric transplant patient. Positron‐emission tomography (PET) imaging is increasingly utilized in this population to monitor for neoplasia and PTLD. We assess the association between EBV serum titers and Waldeyer's ring and cervical lymph node PET positivity in the pediatric transplant recipient.Study DesignRetrospective analysis of EBV serology and PET imaging results in pediatric orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) recipients.MethodsImaging results and laboratory data were reviewed for all pediatric OLT recipients from January 2005 to July 2011 at a single institution. Charts were evaluated for PET positivity at Waldeyer's ring or cervical lymphatics, and for EBV serology results. Demographic data extracted include patient sex and age at transplantation.ResultsA total of 122 pediatric OLT recipients were reviewed. Twelve patients (10%) underwent PET imaging. Overall, four patients (33%) had evidence of PET positivity at Waldeyer's ring or cervical lymphatics. Five patients (42%) had positive EBV serology. There was a significant association between PET imaging results and EBV DNA serology results (P = .01).ConclusionsPTLD surveillance in the pediatric transplant recipient is an important component of long‐term care in this population. Although PET imaging is a new modality in monitoring pediatric transplant recipients for early signs of PTLD, an association between EBV serology and PET imaging results appears to exist. With increased implementation, PET imaging will likely prove valuable in its ability to monitor the transplant recipient at risk for PTLD.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 124:1236–1241, 2014
Anatomical and computed tomographic analysis of the transcochlear and endoscopic transclival approaches to the petroclival region
Authors: Mason Eric , Van Rompaey Jason , Carrau Ricardo , Panizza Benedict , Solares C. Arturo 
Published: October 2013

Objectives/HypothesisAdvances in the field of skull base surgery aim to maximize anatomical exposure while minimizing patient morbidity. The petroclival region of the skull base presents numerous challenges for surgical access due to the complex anatomy. The transcochlear approach to the region provides adequate access; however, the resection involved sacrifices hearing and results in at least a grade 3 facial palsy. An endoscopic endonasal approach could potentially avoid negative patient outcomes while providing a desirable surgical window in a select patient population.Study DesignCadaveric study.MethodsEndoscopic access to the petroclival region was achieved through an endonasal approach. For comparison, a transcochlear approach to the clivus was performed. Different facets of the dissections, such as bone removal volume and exposed surface area, were computed using computed tomography analysis.ResultsThe endoscopic endonasal approach provided a sufficient corridor to the petroclival region with significantly less bone removal and nearly equivalent exposure of the surgical target, thus facilitating the identification of the relevant anatomy. The lateral approach allowed for better exposure from a posterolateral direction until the inferior petrosal sinus; however, the endonasal approach avoided labyrinthine/cochlear destruction and facial nerve manipulation while providing an anteromedial viewpoint. The endonasal approach also avoided external incisions and cosmetic deficits. The endonasal approach required significant sinonasal resection.ConclusionsEndoscopic access to the petroclival region is a feasible approach. It potentially avoids hearing loss, facial nerve manipulation, and cosmetic damage.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 124:628–636, 2014
A resorbable shape‐memory starch‐based stent for the treatment of salivary ducts under sialendoscopic surgery
Authors: Beilvert Anne , Faure Frédéric , Meddahi‐Pellé Anne , Chaunier Laurent , Guilois Sophie , Chaubet Frédéric , Lourdin Denis , Bizeau Alain 
Published: October 2013

Objectives/HypothesisIn sialendoscopy, stents are often used to keep the salivary duct open after surgery. These stents need to be removed. Recently, our group developed a new starch‐based shape‐memory material that is a widespread degradable polymer. Such a device could be manufactured into a deployable resorbable stent to keep the salivary duct open before in situ degradation. An experimental test was performed to establish a methodology and to evaluate the feasibility of the starch stent implantation in an animal model with clinical equipment.Study DesignEvaluation of different formulations—potato and high amylose content maize starch without and with plasticizer—with laboratory bench‐top testing and in vivo evaluation in a large‐animal model.MethodsStarch‐based stents were manufactured. They were evaluated for their shape‐memory properties (water, 37°C) and their degradability in simulated saliva in both static and flow conditions mimicking salivary flow in the submandibular duct. A pilot study of stent implantation was then performed in vivo in a large‐animal model to assess that the stent dimensions were consistent for implantation in the submandibular duct.ResultsStents made from plasticized starch had the required shape‐memory properties to be used as self‐deploying stents. However, starch‐based stents were rapidly hydrolyzed in simulated saliva. Stents could be directly inserted in the dilated salivary duct in a pig model without harming the epithelium.ConclusionsShape‐memory stents with suitable geometry for sialendoscopic surgical procedure can be fabricated and inserted in the submandibular duct. Starch‐based stents can be used in other pathologies with less α‐amylase content in the surrounding medium.Level of EvidenceNA. Laryngoscope, 124:875–881, 2014
Otolith organ function according to subtype of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Lee Sun K. , Kim Su J. , Park Moon S. , Byun Jae Y. 
Published: October 2013

Objectives/HypothesisThe clinical features and treatment outcomes of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) are known to be different depending on the type of and involved canal. This difference could be due to differences in the functional change of the otolith organ.Study DesignCase series.MethodsForty‐nine patients were diagnosed to primary BPPV; 18 were categorized as posterior canal canalolithiasis (PC canalolithiasis), and 31 were categorized as horizontal canal (HC) BPPV with canalolithiasis or cupulolithiasis (HC canalolithiasis or HC cupulolithiasis). Diagnostic interventions to measure vestibular functions were performed such as electronystagmography (ENG), videonystagmography (VNG), and static and dynamic subjective visual vertical (SVV). BPPV was confirmed with nystagmus during positioning/positional test under ENG and VNG. Static SVV was recorded with a light‐emitting diode (LED) bar located in front of the patients before eccentric rotation and dynamic SVV was recorded during eccentric rotation with the LED bar. SVV angles were read by the examiner and analyzed. The measured values were compared to those of normal controls and each other.ResultsDynamic SVV toward the lesion side in all subtypes of BPPV were significantly different from those of the controls; HC cupulolithiasis showed significantly lower values than those of PC canalolithiasis and HC canalolithiasis.ConclusionsHC cupulolithiasis shows a lesser degree of utricular dysfunction compared with other subtypes. It could postulate the difference of pathophysiology between canalolithiasis and cupulolithiasis.Level of Evidence4.Laryngoscope, 124:984–988, 2014
Tuning the Fluorescent Response of a Novel Electroactive Polymer with Multiple Stimuli
Authors: Wang Shutao , Berda Erik B. , Lu Xiaofeng , Li Xiaofeng , Wang Ce , Chao Danming 
Published: October 2013

A novel polymer featuring oligoaniline pendants that exhibits reversible electroactivity and good electrochromic properties with high contrast value, acceptable switching times, and excellent coloration efficiency is presented. This polymer can undergo reversible changes in fluorescence in response to reductive and oxidative chemical stimulus, pH, and electrical potential. The fluorescence switching operation shows reasonable reversibility and reproducibility when subjected to multiple stimuli. In this elegant fluorescence switching system, the oligoaniline pendants are used as fluorophore and regulatory units simultaneously.
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Chemical approaches to detect and analyze protein sulfenic acids
Authors: Furdui Cristina M. , Poole Leslie B. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractOrchestration of many processes relying on intracellular signal transduction is recognized to require the generation of hydrogen peroxide as a second messenger, yet relatively few molecular details of how this oxidant acts to regulate protein function are currently understood. This review describes emerging chemical tools and approaches that can be applied to study protein oxidation in biological systems, with a particular emphasis on a key player in protein redox regulation, cysteine sulfenic acid. While sulfenic acids (within purified proteins or simple mixtures) are detectable by physical approaches like X‐ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry, the propensity of these moieties to undergo further modification in complex biological systems has necessitated the development of chemical probes, reporter groups and analytical approaches to allow for their selective detection and quantification. Provided is an overview of techniques that are currently available for the study of sulfenic acids, and some of the biologically meaningful data that have been collected using such approaches. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Rapid Commun. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev 33: 126–146, 2014.
Interactive Behaviors of American Indian Mothers and Their Premature Infants
Authors: Brooks Jada L. , Holditch‐Davis Diane , Landerman Lawrence R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe interactive behaviors of 17 American Indian mothers and their premature infants and selected maternal and infant factors affecting those behaviors were measured using naturalistic observation and the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME) Inventory at 3, 6, and 12 months corrected infant age. The frequency of some maternal behaviors changed over the first 12 months. Mothers spent less time holding, looking at, touching, and interacting with their premature infants and more time uninvolved as the infant aged. Maternal education and infant illness severity were associated with mother–infant interactive behaviors and HOME Inventory scores. These findings emphasize the importance of maternal and infant factors affecting the interactions between American Indian premature infants and their mothers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 36: 591–602, 2013