bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular and lipid biomarker analysis of a gypsum‐hosted endoevaporitic microbial community
Authors: Jahnke L. L. , Turk‐Kubo K. A. , N. Parenteau M. , Green S. J. , Kubo M. D.Y. , Vogel M. , Summons R. E. , Des Marais D. J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractModern evaporitic microbial ecosystems are important analogs for understanding the record of earliest life on Earth. Although mineral‐depositing shallow‐marine environments were prevalent during the Precambrian, few such environments are now available today for study. We investigated the molecular and lipid biomarker composition of an endoevaporitic gypsarenite microbial mat community in Guerrero Negro, Mexico. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene‐based phylogenetic analyses of this mat corroborate prior observations indicating that characteristic layered microbial communities colonize gypsum deposits world‐wide despite considerable textural and morphological variability. Membrane fatty acid analysis of the surface tan/orange and lower green mat crust layers indicated cell densities of 1.6 × 109 and 4.2 × 109 cells cm−3, respectively. Several biomarker fatty acids, ∆7,10‐hexadecadienoic, iso‐heptadecenoic, 10‐methylhexadecanoic, and a ∆12‐methyloctadecenoic, correlated well with distributions of Euhalothece, Stenotrophomonas, Desulfohalobium, and Rhodobacterales, respectively, revealed by the phylogenetic analyses. Chlorophyll (Chl) a and cyanobacterial phylotypes were present at all depths in the mat. Bacteriochlorophyl (Bchl) a and Bchl c were first detected in the oxic‐anoxic transition zone and increased with depth. A series of monomethylalkanes (MMA), 8‐methylhexadecane, 8‐methylheptadecane, and 9‐methyloctadecane were present in the surface crust but increased in abundance in the lower anoxic layers. The MMA structures are similar to those identified previously in cultures of the marine Chloroflexus‐like organism ‘Candidatus Chlorothrix halophila’ gen. nov., sp. nov., and may represent the Bchl c community. Novel 3‐methylhopanoids were identified in cultures of marine purple non‐sulfur bacteria and serve as a probable biomarker for this group in the lower anoxic purple and olive‐black layers. Together microbial culture and environmental analyses support novel sources for lipid biomarkers in gypsum crust mats.
Values associated with public involvement in health and social care research: a narrative review
Authors: Gradinger Felix , Britten Nicky , Wyatt Katrina , Froggatt Katherine , Gibson Andy , Jacoby Ann , Lobban Fiona , Mayes Debbie , Snape Dee , Rawcliffe Tim , Popay Jennie 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundMuch has been written about public involvement (PI) in health and social care research, but underpinning values are rarely made explicit despite the potential for these to have significant influence on the practice and assessment of PI.ObjectiveThe narrative review reported here is part of a larger MRC‐funded study which is producing a framework and related guidance on assessing the impact of PI in health and social care research. The review aimed to identify and characterize the range of values associated with PI that are central elements of the framework.MethodsWe undertook a review and narrative synthesis of diverse literatures of PI in health and social care research, including twenty existing reviews and twenty‐four chapters in sixteen textbooks.ResultsThree overarching value systems were identified, each containing five value clusters. (i) A system concerned with ethical and/or political issues including value clusters associated with empowerment; change/action; accountability/transparency; rights; and ethics (normative values). (ii). A system concerned with the consequences of public involvement in research including value clusters associated with effectiveness; quality/relevance; validity/reliability; representativeness/objectivity/generalizability; and evidence (substantive values). (iii) A system concerned with the conduct of public involvement in including value clusters associated with Partnership/equality; respect/trust; openness and honesty; independence; and clarity (process values).ConclusionOur review identified three systems associated with PI in health and social care research focused on normative, substantive and process values. The findings suggest that research teams should consider and make explicit the values they attach to PI in research and discuss ways in which potential tensions may be managed in order to maximize the benefits of PI for researchers, lay experts and the research.
Pro‐inflammatory cytokine release and cell growth inhibition in primary human oral cells after exposure to endodontic sealer
Authors: Diomede F. , Caputi S. , Merciaro I. , Frisone S. , D'Arcangelo C. , Piattelli A. , Trubiani O. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimTo assay the toxicity of the single‐methacrylate‐based sealer urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) (EndoRez) in terms of cell growth and pro‐inflammatory cytokines release, in expanded ex vivo human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs), human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs), human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) and human osteoblasts (hOSTs).MethodologyDental pulp and periodontal ligament stem cells, osteoblasts and fibroblasts were derived from five young donors. After in vitro isolation, hDPSCs, hPDLSCs, hGFs and hOSTs were seeded to resin‐based sealers for 24, 48, 72 h up to 1 week. The morphological features and the cell growth and the release of pro‐inflammatory interleukin (IL)6, IL8, IL12 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α were analysed. Differences in cell growth and in interleukin secretion were analysed for statistical significance with two‐way anova tests for multiple comparisons.ResultsExposure to endodontic sealer based on UDMA resulted in a 50% decrease in survival oral cells at 24 h of incubation. No evident morphological changes were present in cell cultures examined. After 48 h, 72 h and 1‐week culture time, a progressive cell growth was evident. A significant up‐regulation of IL6, IL8, IL12 and TNFα cytokines in cells in contact with the dental sealer compared to the control was observed.ConclusionIn vitro, EndoRez interacted with primary human hDPSCs, hPDLSCs, hGFs and hOSTs causing damage to biological system evidenced through cell growth inhibition and up‐regulation of IL6, IL8, IL12 and TNFα proinflammatory mediators.
Effect of previous frozen storage on quality changes of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) fillets during short‐term chilled storage
Authors: Yin Xiaofei , Luo Yongkang , Fan Hongbing , Wu Hua , Feng Ligeng 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe effect of chilled, frozen and freeze‐chilled storage on quality of grass carp fillets and soups was evaluated by sensory score, total aerobic counts and biochemical quality. Fish fillets were stored at 4 °C for 6 days (T1), −40 °C for 12 h and then at −20 °C for 5 days (T2), −40 °C for 12 h and then at −20 °C for 5 days, followed by at 4 °C for 4 days (T3). T1 showed higher sensory score, salt‐soluble protein content, better colour and texture qualities than T2 and T3 within 3 days. All fillets kept good quality based on the acceptable limit of sensory score, total volatile basic nitrogen and total aerobic count during storage time. According to the transportation and retail time, chilled storage is appropriate when it is within 3 days. If it extends for 5 days, freeze‐chilling treatment keeps better quality, but later chilled fillets should be retailed within 4 days.
Blood group discrepancies at a tertiary care centre – analysis and resolution
Authors: Kaur G. , Kaur P. , Basu S. , Kaur R. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryIntroductionThe ABO system is the most important of all blood group systems in transfusion practice. ABO grouping is a simple, accurate, and precise procedure and to be considered valid, the results of cell grouping and serum grouping should agree. The aim of this study was to assess the cause of discrepancies and its implication in transfusion practice.MethodsThis study was performed between January 2010 and May 2013. We analyzed ABO discrepancies which were detected serologically in blood donors, where a result of cell grouping and serum grouping was discordant. Confirmation of subgroups was carried out by adsorption and elution technique. Saliva of these donors was also tested for A, B, and H antigens by inhibition tests.ResultsTwenty‐eight blood group discrepancies were observed in 44 425 blood groups tested during the study period, thus giving an overall frequency of 0.06%. Technical errors leading to blood group ABO discrepancy were noticed in five cases. Sample‐related problems that affect red‐cell testing were observed in twenty cases, and the most common cause of ABO discrepancies in this category was subgroups of A and B. ABO discrepancies that affect the serum testing included the presence of additional antibodies other than anti‐A and anti‐B.ConclusionIt is imperative to recognize discrepant results and resolve them. Correct blood typing and labeling of an individual are essential to prevent ABO incompatibility.
Transinfection: a method to investigate Wolbachia–host interactions and control arthropod‐borne disease
Authors: Hughes G. L. , Rasgon J. L. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe bacterial endosymbiont Wolbachia manipulates arthropod host biology in numerous ways, including sex ratio distortion and differential offspring survival. These bacteria infect a vast array of arthropods, some of which pose serious agricultural and human health threats. Wolbachia‐mediated phenotypes such as cytoplasmic incompatibility and/or pathogen interference can be used for vector and disease control; however, many medically important vectors and important agricultural species are uninfected or are infected with strains of Wolbachia that do not elicit phenotypes desirable for disease or pest control. The ability to transfer strains of Wolbachia into new hosts (transinfection) can create novel Wolbachia–host associations. Transinfection has two primary benefits. First, Wolbachia–host interactions can be examined to tease apart the influence of the host and bacteria on phenotypes. Second, desirable phenotypes induced by Wolbachia in a particular insect can be transferred to another recipient host. This can allow the manipulation of insect populations that transmit pathogens or detrimentally affect agriculture. As such, transinfection is a valuable tool to explore Wolbachia biology and control arthropod‐borne disease. The present review summarizes what is currently known about Wolbachia transinfection methods and applications. We also provide a comprehensive list of published successful and unsuccessful Wolbachia transinfection attempts.
Sperm nuclear proteome and its epigenetic potential
Authors: Castillo J. , Amaral A. , Oliva R. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThe main function of the sperm cell is to transmit the paternal genetic message and epigenetic information to the embryo. Importantly, the majority of the genes in the sperm chromatin are highly condensed by protamines, whereas genes potentially needed in the initial stages of development are associated with histones, representing a form of epigenetic marking. However, so far little attention has been devoted to other sperm chromatin‐associated proteins that, in addition to histones and protamines, may also have an epigenetic role. Therefore, with the goal of contributing to cover this subject we have compiled, reviewed and report a list of 581 chromatin or nuclear proteins described in the human sperm cell. Furthermore, we have analysed their Gene Ontology Biological Process enriched terms and have grouped them into different functional categories. Remarkably, we show that 56% of the sperm nuclear proteins have a potential epigenetic activity, being involved in at least one of the following functions: chromosome organization, chromatin organization, protein‐DNA complex assembly, DNA packaging, gene expression, transcription, chromatin modification and histone modification. In addition, we have also included and compared the sperm cell proteomes of different model species, demonstrating the existence of common trends in the chromatin composition in the mammalian mature male gamete. Taken together, our analyses suggest that the mammalian sperm cell delivers to the offspring a rich combination of histone variants, transcription factors, chromatin‐associated and chromatin‐modifying proteins which have the potential to encode and transmit an extremely complex epigenetic information.
The Genus Cyclidiopsis: An Obituary
Authors: Bennett Matthew S. , Triemer Richard E. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSince its creation in 1917 the genus Cyclidiopsis, and its validity, has been a source of debate among euglenid taxonomists. While many authors have supported its legitimacy, various other authors have considered it to be a subgenus of Astasia or even promoted its complete dissolution. In this study, we have sequenced the small subunit and large subunit ribosomal DNA of Cyclidiopsis acus, the type species for the genus. Subsequent phylogenetic analyses showed that C. acus grouped with taxa from the genus Lepocinclis, which necessitated the removal of this taxon from Cyclidiopsis and into Lepocinclis as Lepocinclis cyclidiopsis nom. nov. After an extensive literature search it was determined that only two other previously described Cyclidiopsis taxa were morphologically distinct, and the rest were reassigned as synonyms of L. cyclidiopsis. These findings prompted a re‐examination of the initial description of Cyclidiopsis, and it was determined that the morphological characters establishing the genus as a distinct group were no longer valid in light of current phylogenetic analyses and the emended generic description for Lepocinclis. Therefore, the remaining two taxa were formally moved to the genus Lepocinclis as L. crescentia comb. nov. and L. pseudomermis comb. nov.
DEBT IPO WAVES, INVESTOR SENTIMENT, MARKET CONDITIONS, AND ISSUE QUALITY
Authors: Cai Kelly Nianyun , Jiang Xiaoquan , Lee Hei Wai 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe examine the aggregate volume of straight debt initial public offerings (DIPOs) from 1970 to 2010. We find that aggregate DIPO activities display wave patterns. Both the number and total proceeds of DIPOs vary substantially over time. DIPO volume is significantly associated with yield spread, aggregate book‐to‐market ratio, stock return volatility, lagged equity IPO volume, and term spread, suggesting that investor sentiment and capital market conditions play significant roles in explaining time variations in DIPO volume. We also find that speculative‐grade DIPO issues synchronize with the business cycles, while investment‐grade issues display a steady or countercyclical pattern.
PERFORMANCE AND NEW MONEY CASH FLOWS IN REAL ESTATE MUTUAL FUNDS
Authors: Kaushik Abhay , Pennathur Anita K. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractEmpirical evidence on the performance of real estate mutual funds is mixed. Moreover, despite the growth of new money cash flows into the funds, research on investor rationales for the same is limited. Recent research in diversified mutual funds suggests that conventional statistics give misleading results and wrongly attribute fund performance to “skill” rather than to “luck.” Using cross‐sectional bootstrap methodology for 1990–2009, our estimates show evidence of underperformance. Moreover, it appears that ordinary least squares regressions understate the number of underperforming funds. Our analysis of new money cash flows shows evidence of momentum in fund flows and returns‐chasing behavior.
RECONSIDERING PRICE LIMIT EFFECTIVENESS
Authors: Kim Kenneth A. , Liu Haixiao , Yang J. Jimmy 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe study China's experience with price limits by comparing a period with price limits to a period without price limits. Although many prior studies document costs of price limits, we show benefits of price limits. We find that price limits can facilitate price discovery, moderate transitory volatility, and mitigate abnormal trading activity. A tighter price limit for poorly performing stocks can also moderate volatility. We do not find evidence of a magnet effect, which suggests that prices gravitate to limit prices. Finally, we find evidence that price limits can facilitate market recovery following crashes.
Senescence‐related genes possibly responsible for poor liver regeneration after hepatectomy in elderly patients
Authors: Zhu Chengzhan , Ikemoto Tetsuya , Utsunomiya Tohru , Yamada Shinichiro , Morine Yuji , Imura Satoru , Arakawa Yusuke , Takasu Chie , Ishikawa Daichi , Shimada Mitsuo 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimLiver regeneration likely decreases with age by an, as yet, incompletely understood mechanism, restricting the extent of hepatectomy. We therefore analyzed the effect of aging on liver regeneration and investigated mechanisms associate with poor regeneration of human liver.MethodsWe assessed 130 patients who underwent hepatectomy at our institute between 2005 and 2012. The patients were divided into two groups, a younger (age < 65 years, n = 59) and an older (age > 65 years, n = 71) group. The expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), its ligand Met, and the senescence‐related genes p16, SIRT1 and SMP30 were assessed by qRT‐PCR. Simulated preoperative and 1 week and 6 month postoperative liver volumes were evaluated in 11 younger and 11 older patients using a 3D simulation imaging system. Regenerated liver volumes were calculated and compared with clinicopathological factors, and correlations between liver regeneration and gene expression were calculated.ResultsHGF and Met expression was significantly lower, and p16 expression significantly higher in older than in younger patients (P < 0.05 each). Mean increases in liver volume after 6 months were significantly greater in younger than in older patients (396.5 mL, 45.6% vs 159.4 mL, 23.3%, P < 0.05) but did not differ significantly at 1 week. Furthermore, p16 expression was negatively correlated with liver regeneration in older patients (R = −0.67, P < 0.05).ConclusionPoor liver regeneration in older patients may be associated with the upregulation of senescence‐related genes, such as p16, and the downregulation of regeneration‐promoting genes, such as HGF and Met.
Endoscopic and clinical analysis of primary T‐cell lymphoma of the gastrointestinal tract according to pathological subtype
Authors: Kim Do Hoon , Lee Danbi , Kim Jeong Won , Huh Jooryung , Park Seong Ho , Ha Hyun Kwon , Suh Cheolwon , Yoon Soon Man , Kim Kyung‐Jo , Choi Kee Don , Ye Byong Duk , Byeon Jeong‐Sik , Song Ho June , Jung Hwoon Yong , Yang Suk‐Kyun , Kim Jin‐Ho , Myung Seung‐Jae 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimLittle is known about the clinicopathological characteristics of primary gastrointestinal T‐cell lymphomas (PGITL). This study evaluated the clinical and endoscopic features of the pathological subtypes of PGITL.MethodsForty‐two lesions in 36 patients with PGITL were assessed, including 15 enteropathy‐associated T‐cell lymphomas (EATL), 13 peripheral T‐cell lymphomas (PTCL), 10 NK/T‐cell lymphomas (NK/TL), and four anaplastic large cell lymphomas (ALCL).ResultsPTCL occurred more frequently in the stomach and duodenum and NK/TL more frequently in the small and large intestines (P = 0.009). The endoscopic features of the four subtypes were similar (P = 0.124). Fifteen of 41 lesions (36.6%) were Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) positive, with NK/TL more likely to be EBV positive than the other types (P < 0.001). First endoscopy and first computed tomography (CT) scan indicated that 65.4% and 51.4% of the lesions, respectively, were malignant, and that 43.2% and 42.3%, respectively, were GI lymphomas. The two modalities together correctly diagnosed about half of the lesions before biopsy. Intestinal perforation was associated with small bowel location (P < 0.001) and infiltrative type (P = 0.009), and was more common in NK/TL than in the other subtypes (P = 0.015). Multivariate analysis showed that higher international prognosis index (P = 0.008) and the presence of complications (P = 0.006) were associated with poor prognosis. Survival was poorer in patients with small bowel lesions than with lesions at other locations (P = 0.048).ConclusionsThe four main pathological types of PGITL differed in clinical characteristics. As PGITL was often not diagnosed by initial endoscopic or radiological examination, a high index of suspicion is necessary to ensure its early diagnosis.
Monoclonal antibodies to various epitopes of hepatitis B surface antigen inhibit hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Golsaz Shirazi Forough , Mohammadi Hamed , Amiri Mohammad Mehdi , Singethan Katrin , Xia Yuchen , Bayat Ali Ahmad , Bahadori Motahareh , Rabbani Hodjatallah , Jeddi‐Tehrani Mahmood , Protzer Ulrike , Shokri Fazel 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and AimAntibodies against the “a” determinant of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) are able to neutralize circulating hepatitis B virus (HBV) particles and prevent HBV infection. It has been proposed that a single amino acid exchange may allow the virus to escape the immune response. We used a set of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) to investigate whether a single mutation may account for virus escape from humoral immunity.MethodsNine murine HBsAg‐specific MAbs were raised. Reactivity of all antibodies with 14 recombinant mutants of HBsAg was assessed by ELISA. HBV infection of HepaRG cells was used to evaluate viral neutralization capacity of MAbs in vitro.ResultsAll MAbs were able to inhibit the establishment of HBV infection in a dose‐dependent fashion, but recognition of HBsAg variants varied. The MAbs were classified into three subgroups based on their pattern of reactivity to the HBsAg variants. Accordingly, three MAbs showed weak reactivity (< 40%) to variants with mutations within the first loop of “a” determinant, five MAbs displayed negligible binding to variants with mutations within the second loop, and one MAb lost its binding to variants having mutations in both loops of the “a” determinant.ConclusionsOur results indicate that antibodies against different epitopes of the “a” determinant of HBsAg are able to neutralize HBV. It seems that mutations within a single or a limited number of amino acids within this determinant can hardly result in viral escape. These results have important implications for the development of antibody‐based therapies against HBV.