bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac vagal tone is correlated with selective attention to neutral distractors under load
Authors: Park Gewnhi , Vasey Michael W. , Van Bavel Jay J. , Thayer Julian F. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe examined whether cardiac vagal tone (indexed by heart rate variability, HRV) was associated with the functioning of selective attention under load. Participants were instructed to detect a target letter among letter strings superimposed on either fearful or neutral distractor faces. Under low load, when letter strings consisted of six target letters, there was no difference between people with high and low HRV on task performance. Under high load, when letter strings consisted of one target letter and five nontarget letters, people with high HRV were faster in trials with neutral distractors, but not with fearful distractors. However, people with low HRV were slower in trials with both fearful and neutral distractors. The current research suggests cardiac vagal tone is associated with successful control of selective attention critical for goal‐directed behavior, and its impact is greater when fewer cognitive resources are available.
IL‐17 Induces Expression of Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule Through Signalling Pathway of NF‐κB, but not Akt1 and TAK1 in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Zhang H. , Chen J. , Liu X. , Awar L. , McMickle A. , Bai F. , Nagarajan S. , Yu S. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractInterleukin‐17 (IL‐17) plays an important role in several autoimmune diseases. IL‐17 can induce the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM‐1) in aortic vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs), which is important for the development of atherosclerosis. However, the signalling pathway of IL‐17‐induced VCAM‐1 expression remains unclear. In this study, we reported that IL‐17‐induced expression of VCAM‐1 in SMCs is dependent on NF‐κB, but independent of Akt1 and TAK1. This is because knocking down Akt1 or TAK1 by siRNA did not reduce IL‐17‐induced activation of NF‐κB and expression of VCAM‐1, whereas knocking down NF‐κB by siRNA markedly inhibited IL‐17‐mediated upregulation of VCAM‐1 expression. In addition, IL‐17‐induced expression of VCAM‐1 is partially dependent on activation of ERK1/2. Therefore, these signalling pathways of IL‐17‐mediated upregulation of VCAM‐1 expression might be therapeutic targets for treatment of IL‐17‐mediated inflammation.
Validation of columnar CsI x‐ray detector responses obtained with hybridMANTIS, a CPU‐GPU Monte Carlo code for coupled x‐ray, electron, and optical transport
Authors: Sharma Diksha , Badano Aldo 
Published: February 2013

Purpose:hybridMANTIS is a Monte Carlo package for modeling indirect x‐ray imagers using columnar geometry based on a hybrid concept that maximizes the utilization of available CPU and graphics processing unit processors in a workstation.Methods:The authors compare hybridMANTIS x‐ray response simulations to previously published MANTIS and experimental data for four cesium iodide scintillator screens. These screens have a variety of reflective and absorptive surfaces with different thicknesses. The authors analyze hybridMANTIS results in terms of modulation transfer function and calculate the root mean square difference and Swank factors from simulated and experimental results.Results:The comparison suggests that hybridMANTIS better matches the experimental data as compared to MANTIS, especially at high spatial frequencies and for the thicker screens. hybridMANTIS simulations are much faster than MANTIS with speed‐ups up to 5260.Conclusions:hybridMANTIS is a useful tool for improved description and optimization of image acquisition stages in medical imaging systems and for modeling the forward problem in iterative reconstruction algorithms.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Propionibacterium acnes Isolate from a Sarcoidosis Patient
Authors: Minegishi Kana , Aikawa Chihiro , Furukawa Asuka , Watanabe Takayasu , Nakano Tsubasa , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Kurokawa Ken , Hayashi Tetsuya , Maruyama Fumito , Nakagawa Ichiro , Eishi Yoshinobu 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Propionibacterium acnes
is a human skin commensal that resides preferentially within sebaceous follicles and is the only microorganism that has been isolated from sarcoid lesions. We report the complete genome sequence of
P. acnes
, which was isolated from a Japanese patient with sarcoidosis.
Genome Sequence of Sphingomonas xenophaga QYY, an Anthraquinone-Degrading Strain
Authors: Qu Yuanyuan , Zhang Xuwang , Yu Hao , Tang Hongzhi , Shen E , Zhou Hao , Ma Qiao , Cao Xiangyu , Zhou Jiti , Xu Ping 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Sphingomonas xenophaga
QYY is an efficient anthraquinone-degrading strain. Here, we present a 4.2-Mb assembly of the first genome sequence of
S. xenophaga
. We have annotated 36 coding sequences (CDSs) encoding aromatic catabolism and 216 CDSs responsible for toxic resistance and stress response, which may provide insights into the degradation of complex aromatics.
Genome Sequence of Rhizobium lupini HPC(L) Isolated from Saline Desert Soil, Kutch (Gujarat)
Authors: Agarwal Leena , Purohit Hemant J. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

The
Rhizobium lupini
strain HPC(L) was isolated from saline desert soil. It grows on minimal media supplemented with CaCO
3
as a carbon source. It can also grow under both oligotrophic and heteroptrophic conditions. We report the annotated genome sequence of this strain in a 5.27-Mb scaffold.
Genome Sequence of Naphthalene-Degrading Soil Bacterium Pseudomonas putida CSV86
Authors: Phale Prashant S. , Paliwal Vasundhara , Raju Sajan C. , Modak Arnab , Purohit Hemant J. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas putida
CSV86, a soil isolate, preferentially utilizes naphthalene over glucose as a source of carbon and energy. We present the draft genome sequence, which is 6.4 Mb in size; analysis suggests the chromosomal localization of genes coding for naphthalene utilization. The operons coding for glucose and other aromatic compounds might also be annotated in another study.
Propagating Atmospheric Patterns Associated with Sea Ice Motion through the Fram Strait
Authors: Liptak Jessica , Strong Courtenay 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
A novel analysis method involving phase-shifted complex Hilbert empirical orthogonal functions (HEOFs) was used to examine how variations in predominant propagating patterns of Arctic surface wind influence daily Fram Strait sea ice export F during extended winter (October–April), a primary control on Arctic sea ice volume. Northwesterly winds favorable to F were provided by poleward-moving anticyclones upstream over the Canadian Arctic associated with the leading HEOF of wind and also by eastward-moving cyclones downstream over the Barents Sea associated with the second HEOF of wind. A suite of spatial and statistical analyses indicated that the aggregate of the two propagating patterns largely explains a sea level pressure pattern analyzed in several prior studies as a standing wave oriented east–west across the strait.
Playing Mum
Authors: Little Susan 
Published: February 2013

Practical relevance: Orphaned kittens are common and veterinary team members should be prepared to assist owners in providing appropriate care. If a foster queen is not available, the physiologic needs normally provided by the queen, such as warmth, nutrition, elimination, sanitation and social stimulation, must be replaced. Specialized knowledge of physiology and nutritional requirements is necessary for successful management in this age group. Clinical challenges: The condition of neonatal kittens can deteriorate rapidly and orphans may have an even higher risk of illness than kittens cared for by a healthy queen. Thus an increased level of veterinary care and monitoring is required. Rapid recognition and correction of problems can only be accomplished through detailed observation and knowledge of developmental milestones. Survival may be dependent on treatment that compensates for the failure of passive transfer of immunity. Audience: This review is addressed at veterinarians and all veterinary team members, as well as care-givers such as rescuers and shelter workers. Evidence base: The guidance contained in this article is based on a combination of published literature, the author’s personal experience and the experience of colleagues.
Assessment of clinical analytical sensitivity and specificity of next-generation sequencing for detection of simple and complex mutations
Authors: Chin Ephrem LH , da Silva Cristina , Hegde Madhuri 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Detecting mutations in disease genes by full gene sequence analysis is common in clinical diagnostic laboratories. Sanger dideoxy terminator sequencing allows for rapid development and implementation of sequencing assays in the clinical laboratory, but it has limited throughput, and due to cost constraints, only allows analysis of one or at most a few genes in a patient. Next-generation sequencing (NGS), on the other hand, has evolved rapidly, although to date it has mainly been used for large-scale genome sequencing projects and is beginning to be used in the clinical diagnostic testing. One advantage of NGS is that many genes can be analyzed easily at the same time, allowing for mutation detection when there are many possible causative genes for a specific phenotype. In addition, regions of a gene typically not tested for mutations, like deep intronic and promoter mutations, can also be detected.

Results
Here we use 20 previously characterized Sanger-sequenced positive controls in disease-causing genes to demonstrate the utility of NGS in a clinical setting using standard PCR based amplification to assess the analytical sensitivity and specificity of the technology for detecting all previously characterized changes (mutations and benign SNPs). The positive controls chosen for validation range from simple substitution mutations to complex deletion and insertion mutations occurring in autosomal dominant and recessive disorders. The NGS data was 100% concordant with the Sanger sequencing data identifying all 119 previously identified changes in the 20 samples.

Conclusions
We have demonstrated that NGS technology is ready to be deployed in clinical laboratories. However, NGS and associated technologies are evolving, and clinical laboratories will need to invest significantly in staff and infrastructure to build the necessary foundation for success.
Improved production of secreted heterologous enzyme in Bacillus subtilisstrain MGB874 via modification of glutamate metabolism and growth conditions
Authors: Manabe Kenji , Kageyama Yasushi , Morimoto Takuya , Shimizu Eri , Takahashi Hiroki , Kanaya Shigehiko , Ara Katsutoshi , Ozaki Katsuya , Ogasawara Naotake 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundTheBacillus subtilisgenome-reduced strain MGB874 exhibits enhanced production of exogenous extracellular enzymes under batch fermentation conditions. We predicted that deletion of the gene for RocG, a bi-functional protein that acts as a glutamate dehydrogenase and an indirect repressor of glutamate synthesis, would improve glutamate metabolism, leading to further increased enzyme production. However, deletion ofrocGdramatically decreased production of the alkaline cellulase Egl-237 in strain MGB874 (strain 874∆rocG).ResultsTranscriptome analysis and cultivation profiles suggest that this phenomenon is attributable to impaired secretion of alkaline cellulase Egl-237 and nitrogen starvation, caused by decreased external pH and ammonium depletion, respectively. With NH3-pH auxostat fermentation, production of alkaline cellulase Egl-237 in strain 874∆rocG was increased, exceeding that in the wild-type-background strain 168∆rocG. Notably, in strain 874∆rocG, high enzyme productivity was observed throughout cultivation, possibly due to enhancement of metabolic flux from 2-oxoglutarate to glutamate and generation of metabolic energy through activation of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. The level of alkaline cellulase Egl-237 obtained corresponded to about 5.5 g l-1, the highest level reported so far.ConclusionsWe found the highest levels of production of alkaline cellulase Egl-237 with the reduced-genome strain 874∆rocG and using the NH3-pH auxostat. Deletion of the glutamate dehydrogenase generocGenhanced enzyme production via a prolonged auxostat fermentation, possibly due to improved glutamate synthesis and enhanced generation of metabolism energy.
School nutritional capacity, resources and practices are associated with availability of food/beverage items in schools
Authors: Mâsse Louise C , de Niet Judith E 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
The school food environment is important to target as less healthful food and beverages are widely available at schools. This study examined whether the availability of specific food/beverage items was associated with a number of school environmental factors.

Methods
Principals from elementary (n = 369) and middle/high schools (n = 118) in British Columbia (BC), Canada completed a survey measuring characteristics of the school environment. Our measurement framework integrated constructs from the Theories of Organizational Change and elements from Stillman’s Tobacco Policy Framework adapted for obesity prevention. Our measurement framework included assessment of policy institutionalization of nutritional guidelines at the district and school levels, climate, nutritional capacity and resources (nutritional resources and participation in nutritional programs), nutritional practices, and school community support for enacting stricter nutritional guidelines. We used hierarchical mixed-effects logistic regression analyses to examine associations with the availability of fruit, vegetables, pizza/hamburgers/hot dogs, chocolate candy, sugar-sweetened beverages, and french fried potatoes.

Results
In elementary schools, fruit and vegetable availability was more likely among schools that have more nutritional resources (OR = 6.74 and 5.23, respectively). In addition, fruit availability in elementary schools was highest in schools that participated in the BC School Fruit and Vegetable Nutritional Program and the BC Milk program (OR = 4.54 and OR = 3.05, respectively). In middle/high schools, having more nutritional resources was associated with vegetable availability only (OR = 5.78). Finally, middle/high schools that have healthier nutritional practices (i.e., which align with upcoming provincial/state guidelines) were less likely to have the following food/beverage items available at school: chocolate candy (OR = .80) and sugar-sweetened beverages (OR = .76).

Conclusions
School nutritional capacity, resources, and practices were associated with the availability of specific food/beverage items in BC public schools. Policies targeting the school environment are increasingly being considered as one of the strategies used to address childhood obesity, as a result it is important to further understand the factors associated with the availability of specific food/beverage items at school.
Annealing effect on Sb2S3-TiO2 nanostructures for solar cell applications
Authors: Li Yitan , Wei Lin , Zhang Ruizi , Chen Yanxue , Mei Liangmo , Jiao Jun 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Nanostructures composited of vertical rutile TiO2 nanorod arrays and Sb2S3 nanoparticles were prepared on an F:SnO2 conductive glass by hydrothermal method and successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method at low temperature. Sb2S3-sensitized TiO2 nanorod solar cells were assembled using the Sb2S3-TiO2 nanostructure as the photoanode and a polysulfide solution as an electrolyte. Annealing effects on the optical and photovoltaic properties of Sb2S3-TiO2 nanostructure were studied systematically. As the annealing temperatures increased, a regular red shift of the bandgap of Sb2S3 nanoparticles was observed, where the bandgap decreased from 2.25 to 1.73 eV. At the same time, the photovoltaic conversion efficiency for the nanostructured solar cells increased from 0.46% up to 1.47% as a consequence of the annealing effect. This improvement can be explained by considering the changes in the morphology, the crystalline quality, and the optical properties caused by the annealing treatment.
Two types of permanence of a stochastic mutualism model
Authors: Qiu Hong , Lv Jingliang , Wang Ke 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
A stochastic mutualism model is proposed and investigated in this paper. We show that there is a unique solution to the model for any positive initial value. Moreover, we show that the solution is stochastically bounded, uniformly continuous and globally attractive. Under some conditions, we conclude that the stochastic model is stochastically permanent and persistent in mean. Finally, we introduce some figures to illustrate our main results.
Age matters:  Young T lymphocytes offer better protection from myeloma proliferation
Authors: Glick Alexander F , Song Yan S , Hwang Brian , Lillvis John , Zanzonico Pat , Fuchs Camil , Pearse Roger N , Szabo Paul , Weksler Marc E 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence and growth of cancer has been reported to increase with age and/or impaired T lymphocyte function.ResultsConsistent with these observations, we found that a monoclonal serum immunoglobulin (mIgG2b), rarely detectable after the injection of 5T33 murine multiple myeloma (MMM) cells into 3–4 month old wild-type C57BL/6 mice was seen more frequently in 18–20 month old wild-type C57BL/6 mice and in 3–4 month old Rag1-deficient C57BL/6 mice. These observations were confirmed and extended using more sensitive assays such as quantitation of splenic mRNA specific for the canonical 5T33 monoclonal IgG2b produced by 5T33 myeloma cells and the most sensitive assay, photon-imaging of mice injected with 5T33 cells, stably transfected with fire-fly luciferase gene (5T33L cells), which emit photons after the injection of luciferin. Furthermore, the proliferation of 5T33L myeloma cells in Rag1-deficient C57BL/6 mice was greater in mice which also received spleen T cells from 18–20 month old C57BL/6 wild-type mice compared to mice which received splenic T cells from 3–4 month old C57BL/6 wild-type mice. Thus, immune reconstitution of C57BL/6 mice with splenic T cells from young wild-type mice offered greater protection from progressive growth of 5T33L myeloma cells than did reconstitution with splenic T cells from old mice.ConclusionsOur findings support the hypothesis that age-associated changes in splenic T cell function contribute to the increased growth of 5T33 MMM cells in old compared to young C57BL/6 mice. Should similar processes occur in humans, increasing the anti-myeloma activity of T cells in old patients with multiple myeloma or transferring cryopreserved, young, autologous, T cells might benefit elderly patients with multiple myeloma.
A novel highly thermostable xylanase stimulated by Ca2+ from Thermotoga thermarum: cloning, expression and characterization
Authors: Shi Hao , Zhang Yu , Li Xun , Huang Yingjuan , Wang Liangliang , Wang Ye , Ding Huaihai , Wang Fei 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Xylanase is an important component of hemicellulase enzyme system. Since it plays an important role in the hydrolysis of hemicellulose into xylooligosaccharides (XOs), high thermostable xylanase has been the focus of much recent attention as powerful enzyme as well as in the field of biomass utilization.

Results
A xylanase gene (xyn10A) with 3,474 bp was cloned from the extremely thermophilic bacterium Thermotoga thermarum that encodes a protein containing 1,158 amino acid residues. Based on amino acid sequence homology, hydrophobic cluster and three dimensional structure analyses, it was attested that the xylanase belongs to the glycoside hydrolase (GH) families 10 with five carbohydrate binding domains. When the xylanase gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), the specific enzyme activity of xylanase produced by the recombinant strain was up to 145.8 U mg-1. The xylanase was optimally active at 95°C, pH 7.0. In addition, it exhibited high thermostability over broad range of pH 4.0-8.5 and temperature 55-90°C upon the addition of 5 mM Ca2+. Confirmed by Ion Chromatography System (ICS) analysis, the end products of the hydrolysis of beechwood xylan were xylose, xylobiose, xylotriose, xylotetraose, xylopentaose and xylohexaose.

Conclusions
The xylanase from T. thermarum is one of the hyperthermophilic xylanases that exhibits high thermostability, and thus, is a suitable candidate for generating XOs from cellulosic materials such as agricultural and forestry residues for the uses as prebiotics and precursors for further preparation of furfural and other chemicals.
Assessment of disease control in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Demoly Pascal , Calderon Moises A , Casale Thomas , Scadding Glenis , Annesi‐Maesano Isabella , Braun Jean‐Jacques , Delaisi Bertrand , Haddad Thierry , Malard Olivier , Trébuchon Florence , Serrano Elie 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) initiative has had a significant impact, by raising awareness of allergic rhinitis (AR) and improving the diagnosis and treatment of AR sufferers. ARIA classifies the severity of AR as “mild” or “moderate/severe” on the basis of “yes”/“no” answers to four questions. This two‐point classification has been criticized as providing little guidance on patient management; patients with “mild” AR are unlikely to consult a physician, whereas the group of patients with “moderate/severe” seen by specialists is heterogeneous. These perceived shortcomings have prompted attempts to improve the ARIA classification or, by analogy with the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), adopt approaches based on “disease control” in AR. Even though “disease severity”, “disease control” and “responsiveness to treatment” are different (albeit related) metrics, they are not mutually exclusive. Currently, there is no single, accepted definition, but we propose that “disease control” in AR can combine (i) measurements of the severity and/or frequency of daily or nocturnal symptoms, (ii) impairments in social, physical, professional and educational activities, (iii) respiratory function monitoring and (iv) exacerbations (e.g. unscheduled medical consultations and rescue medication use). Although control‐based classifications have a number of limitations (e.g. their dependence on treatment compliance and the patient's psychological status), these instruments could be used as an adjunct to the ARIA severity classification and regional practice parameters. Here, we assess the strengths and weaknesses of the current two‐level ARIA classification, analyze published proposals for its modification and review the literature on instruments that measure AR control. We conclude that there is a need for research in which severity is compared with control in terms of their effects on patient management.
Poplitealer Reflux bei Insuffizienz der Vena saphena parva
Authors: Mendoza E. 
Published: February 2013

ZusammenfassungEinleitung: Insuffiziente Stammvenen füllen sich in der Regel über ihre Mündung aus der tiefen Beinvene. Bei Reflux in der V. saphena parva beobachtet man dabei ebenso einen Reflux in der V. poplitea, aus der sich die V. saphena parva in der muskulären Diastole füllt.Fallbeispiel: Bei einer Patientin wurde der Fluss in der refluxiven V. saphena parva vor und nach Unterbrechung eines Seitenastes nach CHIVA mit dem Ergebnis der Flussumkehr im Saphena-Stamm mit Duplex dargestellt.Ergebnis: Unmittelbar nach Ligatur des Seitenastes stellt sich in der V. saphena parva eine Flussumkehr ein mit orthogradem Fluss. Ebenso in der V. poplitea, in der postoperativ kein Reflux mehr zu finden ist.Conclusio: Die V. poplitea ist das Reservoire, aus dem sich die insuffiziente V. saphena parva füllt, daher ist proximal der Mündung der V. saphena parva in der V. poplitea ein Reflux darstellbar – und nach Korrektur der Insuffizienz der V. saphena parva ist dieser nicht mehr nachweisbar.