bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determining minimum food intake amounts for diet diversity scores to maximize associations with nutrient adequacy: an analysis of schoolchildren’s diets in rural Kenya
Authors: Gewa Constance A , Murphy Suzanne P , Weiss Robert E , Neumann Charlotte G 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo explore multiple methods of calculating diet diversity scores (DDS) to maximize associations with predicted dietary micronutrient adequacy among schoolchildren in rural Kenya.DesignUp to three 24 h recall interviews were administered for each child for a total of 1544 d of intake from all schoolchildren. Daily amounts of food consumed were assigned to one of eight food groups. Five DDS were developed based on various minimum intake amounts from each food group: (i) 1 g; (ii) 15 g; (iii) a variable minimum based on the content of a target nutrient for each group; (iv) the median intake level for each group; and (v) the 90th percentile intake level for each group. A diet was assigned 1 point towards the daily DDS if the food group intake was above the defined minimum level. Five scores were calculated for each child, and bivariate longitudinal random-effects models were used to assess the correlation between each DDS and the mean probability of adequacy for fourteen nutrients.SettingEmbu District, Kenya.SubjectsSchoolchildren (n529), mean age 7·00 (sd1·41) years.ResultsOnly DDS based on a 15 g minimum and DDS based on nutrient content were significantly associated with mean probability of adequacy after adjusting for energy intake (0·21 and 0·41, respectively).ConclusionsA DDS using minimum intakes based on nutrients contributed by a food group best predicted nutrient adequacy in this population. These analyses contribute to the continued search for simpler and more valid dietary quality indicators among low-income nations.
The Vibrio cholerae type VI secretion system employs diverse effector modules for intraspecific competition
Authors: Unterweger Daniel , Miyata Sarah T. , Bachmann Verena , Brooks Teresa M. , Mullins Travis , Kostiuk Benjamin , Provenzano Daniele , Pukatzki Stefan 
Published: April 2014

AbstractVibrio cholerae is a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen that consists of over 200 serogroups with differing pathogenic potential. Only strains that express the virulence factors cholera toxin (CT) and toxin-coregulated pilus (TCP) are capable of pandemic spread of cholera diarrhoea. Regardless, all V. cholerae strains sequenced to date harbour genes for the type VI secretion system (T6SS) that translocates effectors into neighbouring eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Here we report that the effectors encoded within these conserved gene clusters differ widely among V. cholerae strains, and that immunity proteins encoded immediately downstream from the effector genes protect their host from neighbouring bacteria producing corresponding effectors. As a consequence, strains with matching effector-immunity gene sets can coexist, while strains with different sets compete against each other. Thus, the V. cholerae T6SS contributes to the competitive behaviour of this species.
Evaluating steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence as a tool to study the behavior of asphaltene in toluene
Authors: Zhang Hui Ting , Li Rui , Yang Zixin , Yin Cindy-Xing , Gray Murray R. , Bohne Cornelia 
Published: April 2014

AbstractA combination of steady-state fluorescence, fluorescence lifetime measurements and the determination of time-resolved emission spectra were employed to characterize asphaltene toluene solutions. Lifetime measurements were shown to be insensitive to the source of asphaltene or the alkane solvent from which asphaltene was precipitated. This insensitivity suggests that either the composition of Athabasca and Cold Lake asphaltene is very similar or that the fluorescence behavior is dominated by the same subset of fluorophores for the different samples. These results highlight the limitations in using fluorescence to characterize asphaltene solutions. Different dependencies were observed for the average lifetimes with the asphaltene concentration when measured at two different emission wavelengths (420 nm and 520 nm). This result suggests that different fluorophores underwent diverse interactions with other asphaltene molecules as the asphaltene concentration was raised, suggesting that models for asphaltene aggregation need to include molecular diversity.
Feasibility of GaAs‐based metal strip surface plasmon nano‐lasers
Authors: Lafone Lucas , Sidiropoulos Themistoklis P.H. , Hamm Joachim M. , Oulton Rupert F. 
Published: April 2014

The authors present a theoretical analysis of metallic strip surface plasmon nano‐lasers that are compatible with III–V semiconductor materials and fabrication technologies. The design mimics a ridge waveguide laser, where the ridge is a metallic strip that sits on top of a semiconductor slab waveguide. We discuss the formation and characteristics of a mode that is bound to the metallic strip and evaluate the possibility of compensating its propagation loss with the gain from the semiconductor slab. We find that the bound mode is a hybrid of the modes of the metallic strip and those of the semiconductor slab and that by varying the internal coupling, it is possible to engineer extremely strong lateral mode confinement while also mitigating the high propagation losses that are typically associated with surface plasmon modes. Using a realistic gain model for GaAs and a new analysis of the confinement factor, we find that carrier concentrations in the region of 3 × 1018 cm−3 can compensate for the bound mode's propagation losses, in the region of 1000 cm−1, at room temperature. This design has many desirable features including single lateral mode operation, a high confinement‐to‐loss figure of merit and the potential for relatively straightforward in‐situ fabrication.
Optical tracking of drug release from porous silicon delivery vectors
Authors: Tonkin James A. , Shamsudeen Sabeel , Brown Martyn Rowan , Serda Rita E. , Rees Paul , Summers Huw D. 
Published: April 2014

The controlled and sustained delivery of drugs to a specific location within the body is vitally important for effective treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer. One route in achieving this is to develop drug carrying systems from which release of the drug molecules can be controlled. In this study, the authors present characterisation measurements on such a system – porous silicon microparticles. The kinetic of release of the anti‐cancer agent, doxorubicin is tracked in live, endothelial cells over a period of 24 h. The results are consistent with a release process of molecular diffusion from a fixed supply reservoir, with a characteristic release lifetime of 2 h. Detailed stochastic modelling of the diffusion process, mimicking the random walk of drug molecules within a heterogeneous size distribution of pores, provides an excellent fit to the data and indicates a doxorubicin diffusion constant of 2 × 10−11 m2 s−1.
Wavelength-extended photovoltaic infrared photodetectors
Authors: Lao Yan-Feng , Pitigala P. K. D. D. P. , Unil Perera A. G. , Li L. H. , Khanna S. P. , Linfield E. H. 
Published: April 2014

We report the incorporation of a long-wavelength photovoltaic response (up to 8 μm) in a short-wavelength p-type GaAs heterojunction detector (with the activation energy of EA∼0.40 eV), operating at 80 K. This wavelength-extended photovoltaic response is enabled by employing a non-symmetrical band alignment. The specific detectivity at 5 μm is obtained to be 3.5 × 1012 cm Hz1∕2/W, an improvement by a factor of 105 over the detector without the wavelength extension.
Epidermal Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates adipocyte differentiation via secretion of adipogenic factors
Authors: Donati Giacomo , Proserpio Valentina , Lichtenberger Beate Maria , Natsuga Ken , Sinclair Rodney , Fujiwara Hironobu , Watt Fiona M. 
Published: April 2014

Significance
The synchronized patterns of hair follicle growth and expansion of the dermal adipocyte layer have long been recognized. Although factors secreted by adipocytes are known to regulate the hair growth cycle, it is unclear whether, conversely, the epidermis can regulate adipogenesis. Our study now demonstrates that activation of epidermal Wnt/β-catenin signaling stimulates adipocyte differentiation in vivo and in vitro. The effect can be mediated by secreted factors, including insulin-like growth factor 2 and bone morphogenetic proteins 2 and 6.
Crosstalk and the evolution of specificity in two-component signaling
Authors: Rowland Michael A. , Deeds Eric J. 
Published: April 2014

Significance
The global architectures of signaling networks in bacteria and eukaryotes are remarkably different: crosstalk between pathways is very common in eukaryotes but is very limited in bacteria. Bacteria use two-component signaling (TCS) to transduce information, relying on a single enzyme to act as both kinase and phosphatase for targets. We used mathematical models to show that introducing crosstalk in TCS always decreases system performance. This indicates that the large-scale differences between eukaryotic and bacterial networks likely derive from differences in the dynamics of the fundamental motifs from which the networks themselves are constructed. We further demonstrated that the pressure to avoid crosstalk has influenced the evolution of new TCS pairs, driving rapid sequence divergence in protein interaction interfaces immediately postduplication.
Uncoupling reproduction from metabolism extends chronological lifespan in yeast
Authors: Nagarajan Saisubramanian , Kruckeberg Arthur L. , Schmidt Karen H. , Kroll Evgueny , Hamilton Morgan , McInnerney Kate , Summers Ryan , Taylor Timothy , Rosenzweig Frank 
Published: April 2014

Significance
All cells age and do so in relation to how many times a cell divides (replicative aging) and how long a nondividing cell can live (chronological aging). Bakers’ yeast has been used to study both, but because yeast divides when nutrient levels permit, the genetics of its chronological lifespan has only been studied under calorie restriction, mimicked by starvation. Because many terminally differentiated animal cells are long-lived and rarely starve, we developed a model of cell lifespan under calorie-unrestricted conditions. When encapsulated and fed ad libitum, yeast goes into cell cycle arrest, continues to be metabolically active, and remains viable for weeks, offering a new experimental paradigm to study chronological lifespan in the absence of calorie restriction.
Cryptic MHC class I-binding peptides are revealed by aminoglycoside-induced stop codon read-through into the 3′ UTR
Authors: Goodenough Elliot , Robinson Tara M. , Zook Matthew B. , Flanigan Kevin M. , Atkins John F. , Howard Michael T. , Eisenlohr Laurence C. 
Published: April 2014

SignificanceMany genetic disorders, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis, are caused by a defective protein resulting from a premature termination codon (PTC) in the mutant gene. Aminoglycosides have been proposed as therapies for these disorders because they increase the frequency of translational read-through of PTCs, permitting expression of full-length protein. We consider the possibility that this approach may prompt an autoimmune response to HLA-presented epitopes encoded downstream of the PTC or other stop codons. We demonstrate that gentamicin induces immunologically relevant levels of an epitope derived from PTC read-through. Furthermore, we identify multiple HLA class I-binding peptides derived from read-through of conventional stop codons in gentamicin-treated cells. These results substantiate the possibility of immune autoreactivity from read-through therapies.
Novel Helicobacter pylori Sequencing Test Identifies High Rate of Clarithromycin Resistance
Authors: Mitui Midori , Patel Ashish , Leos N. Kristine , Doern Christopher D. , Park Jason Y. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTObjectives:Eradication therapy selection for Helicobacter pylori gastritis requires knowledge of the local resistance rate to clarithromycin. There is minimal population‐based or regional data in the United States on pediatric clarithromycin resistance. Although commercial methods such as fluorescence in situ hybridization and DNA probe assays are available in Europe for the evaluation of H pylori 23S rRNA mutations associated with resistance, clinical testing for 23S rRNA in the United States is not widely available. This study examined a single pediatric institution's clarithromycin resistance rate by a DNA polymerase chain reaction/sequencing assay applied to archived gastric biopsy specimens.Methods:From the period 2010 to 2012, 38 H pylori–infected gastric biopsies were examined from archived formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) material. The 23S rRNA gene of H pylori was polymerase chain reaction amplified and sequenced for the identification of point mutations that are associated with clarithromycin therapeutic resistance.Results:By 23S rRNA gene sequencing, 50% (n = 19) of the specimens contained H pylori with mutations significant for clarithromycin resistance.Conclusions:This study is consistent with other pediatric reports suggesting significant H pylori clarithromycin resistance in the United States. Furthermore, the method used in this study can be used by hospital‐based clinical laboratories to assess local clarithromycin resistance from archived biopsy material.
Lutein and Preterm Infants With Decreased Concentrations of Brain Carotenoids
Authors: Vishwanathan Rohini , Kuchan Matthew J. , Sen Sarbattama , Johnson Elizabeth J. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTObjectives:Lutein and zeaxanthin are dietary carotenoids that may influence visual and cognitive development. The objective of this study was to provide the first data on distribution of carotenoids in the infant brain and compare concentrations in preterm and term infants.Methods:Voluntarily donated brain tissues from 30 infants who died during the first 1.5 years of life were obtained from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Brain and Tissue Bank. Tissues (hippocampus and prefrontal, frontal, auditory, and occipital cortices) were extracted using standard lipid extraction procedures and analyzed using reverse‐phase high‐pressure liquid chromatography.Results:Lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin, and β‐carotene were the major carotenoids found in the infant brain tissues. Lutein was the predominant carotenoid accounting for 59% of total carotenoids. Preterm infants (n = 8) had significantly lower concentrations of lutein, zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin in their brain compared with term infants (n = 22) despite similarity in postmenstrual age. Among formula‐fed infants, preterm infants (n = 3) had lower concentrations of lutein and zeaxanthin compared with term infants (n = 5). Brain lutein concentrations were not different between breast milk–fed (n = 3) and formula‐fed (n = 5) term decedents. In contrast, term decedents with measurable brain cryptoxanthin, a carotenoid that is inherently low in formula, had higher brain lutein, suggesting that the type of feeding is an important determinant of brain lutein concentrations.Conclusions:These data reveal preferential accumulation and maintenance of lutein in the infant brain despite underrepresentation in the typical infant diet. Further investigation on the impact of lutein on neural development in preterm infants is warranted.
Synthesis of novel bioactive lactose‐derived oligosaccharides by microbial glycoside hydrolases
Authors: Díez‐Municio Marina , Herrero Miguel , Olano Agustín , Moreno F. Javier 
Published: April 2014

SummaryPrebiotic oligosaccharides are increasingly demanded within the Food Science domain because of the interesting healthy properties that these compounds may induce to the organism, thanks to their beneficial intestinal microbiota growth promotion ability. In this regard, the development of new efficient, convenient and affordable methods to obtain this class of compounds might expand even further their use as functional ingredients. This review presents an overview on the most recent interesting approaches to synthesize lactose‐derived oligosaccharides with potential prebiotic activity paying special focus on the microbial glycoside hydrolases that can be effectively employed to obtain these prebiotic compounds. The most notable advantages of using lactose‐derived carbohydrates such as lactosucrose, galactooligosaccharides from lactulose, lactulosucrose and 2‐α‐glucosyl‐lactose are also described and commented.
Using an Educational Electronic Documentation System to Help Nursing Students Accurately Identify Patient Data
Authors: Pobocik Tamara 
Published: April 2014

PurposeThis quantitative research study used a pretest/posttest design and reviewed how an educational electronic documentation system helped nursing students to identify the accurate “related to” statement of the nursing diagnosis for the patient in the case study.MethodsStudents in the sample population were senior nursing students in a bachelor of science nursing program in the northeastern United States. Two distinct groups were used for a control and intervention group. The intervention group used the educational electronic documentation system for three class assignments. Both groups were given a pretest and posttest case study. The Accuracy Tool was used to score the students' responses to the related to statement of a nursing diagnosis given at the end of the case study. The scores of the Accuracy Tool were analyzed, and then the numeric scores were placed in SPSS, and the paired t test scores were analyzed for statistical significance. The intervention group's scores were statistically different from the pretest scores to posttest scores, while the control group's scores remained the same from pretest to posttest.ImplicationsThe recommendation to nursing education is to use the educational electronic documentation system as a teaching pedagogy to help nursing students prepare for nursing practice.
Episodic Binge Ethanol Exposure Impairs Murine Macrophage Infiltration and Delays Wound Closure by Promoting Defects in Early Innate Immune Responses
Authors: Curtis Brenda J. , Hlavin Sara , Brubaker Aleah L. , Kovacs Elizabeth J. , Radek Katherine A. 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundExacerbation of cutaneous wound infections and delayed wound closure are frequent complications seen in alcohol exposed subjects who sustain injuries. We previously reported that acute alcohol exposure alters the early dermal inflammatory phase of wound healing and also several parameters of the proliferative wound healing phase in wounds from ethanol (EtOH)‐treated mice for several days or weeks after EtOH exposure. Hence, it is likely that the cumulative defects arising in the early phases of the wound healing process directly contribute to the increased complications observed in intoxicated patients at the time of injury.MethodsC57BL/6 mice were given intraperitoneal EtOH (2.2 g/kg body weight) or vehicle (saline) EtOH using our episodic binge EtOH exposure protocol (3 days EtOH, 4 days off, 3 days EtOH) to yield a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 300 mg/dl at the time of wounding. Mice were subjected to six 3 mm full‐thickness dorsal wounds and immediately treated topically with 10 μl of sterile saline (control) or diluted Staphylococcus aureus corresponding to 1 × 104 CFU/wound. Wounds were harvested at 24 hours post injury to evaluate wound area, neutrophil and macrophage accumulation, and the protein levels of cytokines, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), IL‐1β, and IL‐10, and chemokines, macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 (MIP‐2) and MIP‐1α, monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 (MCP‐1), and keratinocyte‐derived chemokine (KC). The abundance and localization of cathelicidin‐related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP) and the kallikrein epidermal proteases (KLK5 and KLK7) were also determined.ResultsCompared to control mice, EtOH‐treated mice exhibited delayed wound closure, decreased macrophage accumulation, and impaired production of MIP‐1α. Furthermore, skin from EtOH‐treated mice demonstrated a reduction in the abundance of epidermal CRAMP and KLK7.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that EtOH exposure hinders several distinct components of the innate immune response, including phagocyte recruitment and chemokine/cytokine and AMP production. Together, these effects likely contribute to delayed wound closure and enhanced infection severity observed in intoxicated patients.
Association between stricter alcohol advertising regulations and lower hazardous drinking across European countries
Authors: Bosque‐Prous Marina , Espelt Albert , Guitart Anna M. , Bartroli Montserrat , Villalbí Joan R. , Brugal M. Teresa 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimsTo analyse the association between alcohol advertising restrictions and the prevalence of hazardous drinking among people aged 50–64 years in 16 European countries, taking into account both individual and contextual‐level factors (alcohol taxation, availability, etc.).DesignCross‐sectional study based on SHARE project surveys.Setting and ParticipantsA total of 27 773 subjects, aged 50–64 years, from 16 European countries who participated in wave 4 of the SHARE (Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe) project.MeasurementsWe estimated the prevalence of hazardous drinking (through adaptation of the SHARE questions to the scheme used by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test Consumption (AUDIT‐C) for each country. To determine whether the degree of advertising restrictions was associated with prevalence of hazardous drinking, we fitted robust variance multi‐level Poisson models, adjusting for various individual and contextual variables. Prevalence ratios (PR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were obtained.FindingsThe observed prevalence of hazardous drinking was 24.1%, varying by sex and country. Countries with greater advertising restrictions had lower prevalence of hazardous drinking: 30.6% (95% CI = 29.3–31.8) in countries with no restrictions, 20.3% (95% CI = 19.3–21.2) in countries with some restrictions and 14.4% (95% CI = 11.9–16.8) in those with greatest restrictions. The PR found (with respect to countries with greatest restrictions) were 1.36 (95% CI = 0.90–2.06) for countries with some restrictions and 1.95 (95% CI = 1.31–2.91) for those with no advertising restrictions.ConclusionsThe extent of advertising restrictions in European countries is associated inversely with prevalence of hazardous drinking in people aged 50–64 years.