bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes by Combined High Pressure and Temperature Using Weibull Model
Authors: Mishra Niharika , Puri Virendra M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractInactivation curves of Listeria monocytogenes by high pressure were obtained at three pressure levels (400, 500 and 600 MPa) and three temperature levels (27, 43 and 60C) in ultra‐high temperature (UHT) whole milk. The milk samples after treatment were plated on both nonselective and selective media to determine the log reduction value and to obtain the inactivation curve. The inactivation curves were fitted to the widely used two‐parameter Weibull model with parameters α (characteristic time) and β (shape factor) and a reduced one‐parameter Weibull model where the α value with the correct physical interpretation was predetermined. The log reduction value at the characteristic time from the regressed two‐parameter Weibull model and the experimental data must both be 0.434; however, in the literature, there is evidence that the regressed model and the experimental values do not match always. Accordingly, this study focuses on the two‐parameter and one‐parameter Weibull models to bring out this inconsistency. Although there was loss in goodness of fit by adapting the one‐parameter model, yet the model represented the correct physical interpretation of parameter α. Development of such mathematically consistent models may help industry to design, develop and optimize safe processing conditions that are based on reliable model parameters.Practical ApplicationIn previous studies, inactivation curves of microorganisms have been modeled using the widely used two‐parameter Weibull model. However, it was not verified or investigated whether the parameters obtained by nonlinear regression represent the correct experimental value, especially the scale factor/characteristic time. The log reduction value obtained at a treatment time equals 5 to the regressed scale characteristic time should be 1/0.434 depending on the form of Weibull model used. However, in the literature, there is evidence that the regressed model and the experimental values do not match always. In this study, it was shown that predetermining the scale factor/characteristic time from the experimental data addresses this self‐consistency issue. Development of such mathematically consistent models would help industry to design reliable and optimum safe processing conditions.
Elastic fibres are broadly distributed in tendon and highly localized around tenocytes
Authors: Grant Tyler M. , Thompson Mark S. , Urban Jill , Yu Jing 
Published: April 2013

AbstractElastic fibres have the unique ability to withstand large deformations and are found in numerous tissues, but their organization and structure have not been well defined in tendon. The objective of this study was to characterize the organization of elastic fibres in tendon to understand their function. Immunohistochemistry was used to visualize elastic fibres in bovine flexor tendon with fibrillin‐1, fibrillin‐2 and elastin antibodies. Elastic fibres were broadly distributed throughout tendon, and highly localized longitudinally around groups of cells and transversely between collagen fascicles. The close interaction of elastic fibres and cells suggests that elastic fibres are part of the pericellular matrix and therefore affect the mechanical environment of tenocytes. Fibres present between fascicles are likely part of the endotenon sheath, which enhances sliding between adjacent collagen bundles. These results demonstrate that elastic fibres are highly localized in tendon and may play an important role in cellular function and contribute to the tissue mechanics of the endotenon sheath.
Dating Violence Among Urban, Minority, Middle School Youth and Associated Sexual Risk Behaviors and Substance Use
Authors: Lormand Donna K. , Markham Christine M. , Peskin Melissa F. , Byrd Theresa L. , Addy Robert C. , Baumler Elizabeth , Tortolero Susan R. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDWhereas dating violence among high school students has been linked with sexual risk‐taking and substance use, this association has been understudied among early adolescents. We estimated the prevalence of physical and nonphysical dating violence in a sample of middle school students and examined associations between dating violence, sexual, and substance use behaviors.METHODSLogistic regression models for clustered data from 7th grade students attending 10 Texas urban middle schools were used to examine cross‐sectional associations between dating violence victimization and risk behaviors.RESULTSThe sample (N = 950) was 48.5% African American, 36.0% Hispanic, 55.7% female, mean age 13.1 years (SD 0.64). About 1 in 5 reported physical dating violence victimization, 48.1% reported nonphysical victimization, and 52.6% reported any victimization. Adjusted logistic regression analyses indicated that physical, nonphysical, and any victimization was associated with ever having sex, ever using alcohol, and ever using drugs.CONCLUSIONSOver 50% of sampled middle school students had experienced dating violence, which may be associated with early sexual initiation and substance use. Middle school interventions that prevent dating violence are needed.
Is It Bullying or Sexual Harassment? Knowledge, Attitudes, and Professional Development Experiences of Middle School Staff
Authors: Charmaraman Linda , Jones Ashleigh E. , Stein Nan , Espelage Dorothy L. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThis study fills a gap in the literature by examining how school staff members view bullying and sexual harassment and their role in preventing both. Given recent legislation, increasingly more attention is paid to bully prevention; however, student‐on‐student sexual harassment is less addressed.METHODSFour focus groups were conducted with 32 staff members from 4 midwestern public middle schools. Questions assessed professional development opportunities on bullying and sexual harassment prevention/intervention, personal definitions of these behaviors, and their perceptions of school norms regarding such behavior.RESULTSStaff members recalled receiving more professional development on bullying than sexual harassment. They tended to define sexual harassment as something that occurs between adults and/or adults and students and did perceive their role in enforcing a “sexual harassment‐free” peer‐to‐peer school zone.CONCLUSIONWhen school administrators fail to provide professional development on both bullying and sexual harassment, staff members do not understand that sexual harassment occurs between students. Thus, they are unaware of policies to protect students from harmful experiences in educational settings and are not likely to understand their own role in preventing them.
Relationships Among Cyberbullying, School Bullying, and Mental Health in Taiwanese Adolescents
Authors: Chang Fong‐Ching , Lee Ching‐Mei , Chiu Chiung‐Hui , Hsi Wen‐Yun , Huang Tzu‐Fu , Pan Yun‐Chieh 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThis study examined the relationships among cyberbullying, school bullying, and mental health in adolescents.METHODSIn 2010, a total of 2992 10th grade students recruited from 26 high schools in Taipei, Taiwan completed questionnaires.RESULTSMore than one third of students had either engaged in cyberbullying or had been the target (cybervictim) of it in the last year. About 18.4% had been cyberbullied (cybervictim); 5.8% had cyberbullied others (cyberbully); 11.2% had both cyberbullied others and been cyberbullied (cyberbully‐victim). About 8.2% had been bullied in school (victim); 10.6% had bullied others (bully); and, 5.1% had both bullied others and had been bullied in school (bully‐victim). Students with Internet risk behaviors were more likely to be involved in cyberbullying and/or cybervictimization; students who had cyberbullying or victimization experiences also tended to be involved in school bullying/victimization. After controlling for sex, academic performance, and household poverty, cyber/school victims and bully‐victims were more likely to have lower self‐esteem, and cyber/school victims, bullies and bully‐victims were at a greater risk for serious depression.CONCLUSIONSBoth cyberbullying and school bullying and/or victimization experiences were independently associated with increased depression.
Perception of Thickness, Mouth Coating and Mouth Drying of Dairy Beverages by Younger and Older Volunteers
Authors: Withers Caroline , Gosney Margot A. , Methven Lisa 
Published: April 2013

AbstractSensory perception has been found to change during ageing. The perception of mouthfeel by older adults, and the role of ageing on the sensory perception of texture attributes is uncertain. This study investigated perception of the textural attributes of thickness, mouth coating and mouth drying, in the context of dairy beverages, by older and younger adults. Just noticeable differences of a starch thickener and for cream concentration within milk were established for thickness and mouth‐coating perception, finding no age‐related differences between participant groups. Mouth drying was assessed through the directional paired comparison of a mouth‐drying milk beverage to a skimmed milk sample. The older adults were found to be more sensitive to mouth drying (P = 0.03) than the younger adults. This study found no age‐related decline in texture perception with older adults finding perception of some attributes such as mouth drying enhanced by ageing.Practical ApplicationsTexture is an important attribute of food and beverages at any age. The decline of olfaction, flavor and taste perception with age may force older adults to put more emphasis on texture attributes; therefore, understanding the perception of textural cues in the mouth is very important. This study found texture perception of thickness, mouth coating and mouth drying may not only be preserved but in the case of mouth drying enhanced during ageing. This may impact on the enjoyment and consumption of foods of older adults, especially during illness or when taking medication. This research study is essential in showing the impact of ageing on texture perception and highlight to the food industry, hospitals and care homes the importance of texture attributes when developing foods and meals for older adults and patients.
Lipopolysaccharide of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans up‐regulates inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandin E2 synthesis and osteoclast formation in interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist‐deficient mice
Authors: Mizutani H. , Ishihara Y. , Izawa A. , Fujihara Y. , Kobayashi S. , Gotou H. , Okabe E. , Takeda H. , Ozawa Y. , Kamiya Y. , Kamei H. , Kikuchi T. , Yamamoto G. , Mitani A. , Nishihara T. , Noguchi T. 
Published: April 2013

Background and ObjectiveThe interleukin (IL)‐1 receptor antagonist (Ra) binds to IL‐1 receptors and inhibits IL‐1 activity. However, it is unclear whether the IL‐1Ra plays a protective role in periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to compare IL‐1Ra knockout (KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice in regard to proinflammatory cytokine production, osteoclast formation and bone resorption in response to periodontal bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS).Material and MethodsPeritoneal macrophages (Mφs) were obtained from 13‐wk‐old IL‐1Ra KO and WT mice. Peritoneal Mφs were cultured with or without 10 μg/mL of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans LPS for 24 h. The levels of IL‐1alpha (IL‐1α), IL‐1beta (IL‐1β), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and IL‐6 were measured in periotoneal Mφs supernatant fluid (PM‐SF) using an ELISA. Bone marrow cells were obtained from the mice and stimulated with PM‐SF for 9 d, then stained with TRAP. The frequency of TRAP‐positive multinucleated giant cell formation was calculated based on a fusion index. PM‐SF‐stimulated calvarial bone resorption was analyzed using micro‐computed tomography, and calvarial histological analysis was performed using hematoxylin and eosin and TRAP staining. The expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (Cox2), prostanoid receptor EP4 (Ep4) and Rank mRNAs in bone marrow cells were measured using real‐time quantitative PCR, while prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production was determined by ELISA.ResultsThe levels of IL‐1α, IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IL‐6 in IL‐1Ra KO mice PM‐SF stimulated with A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS were significantly increased by approximately 4‐ (p < 0.05), 5‐ (p < 0.05), 1.3‐ (p < 0.05) and 6‐ (p < 0.05) fold, respectively, compared with the levels in WT mice. Moreover, osteoclast formation, expression of Rank, Ep4 and Cox2 mRNAs and production of PGE2 were significantly increased by approximately 2‐ (p < 0.05), 1.6‐ (p < 0.05), 2.5‐ (p < 0.05), 1.6‐ (p < 0.05) and 1.9‐ (p < 0.05) fold, respectively, in IL‐1Ra KO mice stimulated with A. actinomycetemcomitans LPS compared with WT mice.ConclusionIL‐1Ra regulates IL‐1 activity and appears to reduce the levels of other inflammatory cytokines, including TNF‐α and IL‐6, while it also reduces expression of the EP4 receptor related to prostanoid sensitivity and osteoclast formation. These results suggest that IL‐1Ra is an important molecule for inhibition of inflammatory periodontal bone resorption.
Is there a link between deep‐sea biodiversity and ecosystem function?
Authors: Leduc Daniel , Rowden Ashley A. , Pilditch Conrad A. , Maas Elizabeth W. , Probert P. Keith 
Published: April 2013

AbstractStudying the diversity‐ecosystem function relationship in the deep sea is of primary importance in the face of biodiversity loss and for our understanding of how the deep sea functions. Results from the first study of diversity‐ecosystem function relationships in the deep sea (Danovaroet al. 2008; Current Biology, 18, 1–8) are unexpected and show an exponential relationship between deep‐sea nematode diversity and ecosystem function and efficiency, although this relationship appears largely restricted to relatively low diversities [ES(51) <25]. Here, we investigate the relationship between nematode diversity and several independent measures/proxies of ecosystem function (sediment community oxygen consumption, bacterial biomass, bacterial extracellular enzyme activity) and efficiency (ratio of bacterial/nematode carbon to organic C content of the sediment) on the New Zealand continental slope. Nematode diversity at our study sites was relatively high [ES(51) = 30–42], and there was no relationship between species/functional diversity and ecosystem function/efficiency after accounting for the effects of water depth and food availability. Our results are consistent with a breakdown of the exponential diversity‐function relationship at high levels of diversity, which may be due to increased competition or greater functional redundancy. Future studies need to take into account as many environmental factors and as wide a range of diversities as possible to provide further insights into the diversity‐ecosystem function relationship in the largest ecosystem on Earth.
Copper speciation and isotopic fractionation in plants: uptake and translocation mechanisms
Authors: Ryan Brooke M. , Kirby Jason K. , Degryse Fien , Harris Hugh , McLaughlin Mike J. , Scheiderich Kathleen 
Published: April 2013

Summary

The fractionation of stable copper (Cu) isotopes during uptake into plant roots and translocation to shoots can provide information on Cu acquisition mechanisms.

Isotope fractionation (65Cu/63Cu) and intact tissue speciation techniques (X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, XAS) were used to examine the uptake, translocation and speciation of Cu in strategy I (tomato–Solanum lycopersicum) and strategy II (oat–Avena sativa) plant species. Plants were grown in controlled solution cultures, under varied iron (Fe) conditions, to test whether the stimulation of Fe‐acquiring mechanisms can affect Cu uptake in plants.

Isotopically light Cu was preferentially incorporated into tomatoes (Δ65Cuwhole plant‐solution = c. −1‰), whereas oats showed minimal isotopic fractionation, with no effect of Fe supply in either species. The heavier isotope was preferentially translocated to shoots in tomato, whereas oat plants showed no significant fractionation during translocation. The majority of Cu in the roots and leaves of both species existed as sulfur‐coordinated Cu(I) species resembling glutathione/cysteine‐rich proteins.

The presence of isotopically light Cu in tomatoes is attributed to a reductive uptake mechanism, and the isotopic shifts within various tissues are attributed to redox cycling during translocation. The lack of isotopic discrimination in oat plants suggests that Cu uptake and translocation are not redox selective.
Measurements of Personal UV Exposure on Different Parts of the Body During Various Activities
Authors: Weihs Philipp , Schmalwieser Alois , Reinisch Corinna , Meraner Elisabeth , Walisch Silvia , Harald Maier 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWithin this study, the erythemal ultraviolet (UV) exposure received by different parts of the body during four different activities is determined. Optoelectronic devices were used to measure the erythemal UV exposure at 10 different positions of the body. The measuring devices were fixed on the forehead, on the shoulders, on the arms, on the chest, on the thighs and on the lower legs. The measurements were performed during the following activities of the test persons: walking, sitting, lying and sitting up. The measurements were performed on four clear sky days in the early afternoon at 1 s interval. One measurement sequence was taking 30–40 min. For the analysis of the measured UV exposures, the ambient UV is taken as a reference to remove the atmospheric fluctuations on the measured UV exposure. The strong dependence of the UV exposure on the activity and on the orientation of the test person is shown. Most of the body parts receive the highest exposure, when the test subject is sitting up or lying. The shoulders are most at risk when the test person is walking, whereas during the activities sitting up and lying the legs are most at risk.
Lectin‐Binding Pattern in Ovarian Structures of Rats with Experimental Polycystic Ovaries
Authors: Barbeito CG , Ortega HH , Matiller V , Gimeno EJ , Salvetti NR 
Published: April 2013

ContentsNumerous experimental models in different species have been developed for the study of polycystic ovarian syndrome. In this study, we used a model of induction of polycystic ovaries (PO) in rats by exposure to constant light to study the distribution and variations of glycosylated residues present in the different ovarian structures. Seven biotinylated lectins were used (Con‐A, WGA, DBA, SBA, PNA, RCA and UEA‐I) on tissue sections, and detection was performed using the streptavidin/peroxidase method. In tissue sections was observed an increase in affinity for Con‐A in the granulosa and theca interna of growing follicles and cysts in animals with PO in relation to the control group. Follicular cysts showed higher affinity for WGA and RCA‐I which growing follicles in the same group, and there was a decrease in affinity for PNA in the cysts in relation to the growth of follicles in both groups. Atretic follicles in both groups showed greater labelling with lectins PNA, SBA and RCA‐I in relation to healthy follicles. It could also be noted that the zona pellucida of cystic follicles lost the affinity for the lectin Con‐A. There was no staining on follicles in any category with the lectins DBA and UEA‐I, although it was staining in the corpus luteum (control group) and in the mesothelium and interstitial glands of both groups with DBA. These observations probably reflect changes in the glycosaminoglycans present in the different ovarian compartments or in the glycosylation of cellular components essential for proper follicular dynamics.
Diagnostic yield of combined bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasonography, under LungPoint guidance for small peripheral pulmonary lesions
Authors: Tamiya Motohiro , Okamoto Norio , Sasada Shinji , Shiroyama Takayuki , Morishita Naoko , Suzuki Hidekazu , Yoshida Emi , Hirashima Tomonori , Kawahara Kunimitu , Kawase Ichiro 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveThe yield of biopsy performed during bronchoscopy is reduced if the lesion is smaller than 30 mm. We evaluated the performance of a new diagnostic technique combining endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath (EBUS‐GS) and a virtual bronchoscopic navigation system, LungPoint (Broncus Technologies, Inc., Mountain View, CA, USA), for the diagnosis of small (≤30 mm) peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPL).MethodsBetween May 2011 and December 2011, we recruited 68 consecutive patients presenting with a PPL 30 mm or less in diameter determined by chest computed tomography. We used the LungPoint system before bronchoscopy to identify the bronchus into which the bronchoscope should be advanced. We used a thin bronchoscope. EBUS‐GS was performed using an endoscope ultrasonography system equipped with a 20‐MHz mechanical radial‐type probe. We used a guide sheath with an external diameter of 1.95 mm, thin forceps and brushing.ResultsThe diagnostic yield of the 68 PPL was 77.9%; it was 83.7% and 68.0% for the malignant and benign lesions, respectively. Notably, three cases were diagnosed by transbronchial needle‐aspiration cytology alone. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the EBUS probe localization was the most significant contributor to successful diagnosis (diagnostic yield: within vs adjacent to the lesion = 92.1% vs 60.0%, respectively; P = 0.004 and P = 0.003, respectively).ConclusionsThe combination of EBUS‐GS and LungPoint was useful for diagnosing small PPL.
Modulation of PF10_0355 (MSPDBL2) Alters Plasmodium falciparum Response to Antimalarial Drugs
Authors: Van Tyne Daria , Uboldi Alessandro D. , Healer Julie , Cowman Alan F. , Wirth Dyann F. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Malaria's ability to rapidly adapt to new drugs has allowed it to remain one of the most devastating infectious diseases of humans. Understanding and tracking the genetic basis of these adaptations are critical to the success of treatment and intervention strategies. The novel antimalarial resistance locus
PF10
_
0355
(
Pfmspdbl2
) was previously associated with the parasite response to halofantrine, and functional validation confirmed that overexpression of this gene lowered parasite sensitivity to both halofantrine and the structurally related antimalarials mefloquine and lumefantrine, predominantly through copy number variation. Here we further characterize the role of
Pfmspdbl2
in mediating the antimalarial drug response of
Plasmodium falciparum
. Knockout of
Pfmspdbl2
increased parasite sensitivity to halofantrine, mefloquine, and lumefantrine but not to unrelated antimalarials, further suggesting that this gene mediates the parasite response to a specific class of antimalarial drugs. A single nucleotide polymorphism encoding a C591S mutation within
Pfmspdbl2
had the strongest association with halofantrine sensitivity and showed a high derived allele frequency among Senegalese parasites. Transgenic parasites expressing the ancestral
Pfmspdbl2
allele were more sensitive to halofantrine and structurally related antimalarials than were parasites expressing the derived allele, revealing an allele-specific effect on drug sensitivity in the absence of copy number effects. Finally, growth competition experiments showed that under drug pressure, parasites expressing the derived allele of
Pfmspdbl2
outcompeted parasites expressing the ancestral allele within a few generations. Together, these experiments demonstrate that modulation of
Pfmspdbl2
affects malaria parasite responses to antimalarial drugs.