bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kefir-isolatedLactococcus lactissubsp.lactisinhibits the cytotoxic effect ofClostridium difficile in vitro
Authors: Bolla Patricia Araceli , Carasi Paula , de los Angeles Serradell María , De Antoni Graciela Liliana 
Published: December 2012

Kefir is a dairy product obtained by fermentation of milk with a complex microbial population and several health-promoting properties have been attributed to its consumption. In this work, we tested the ability of different kefir-isolated bacterial and yeast strains (Lactobacillus kefir, Lb. plantarum, Lactococcus lactissubps.lactis, Saccharomyces cerevisiaeandKluyveromyces marxianus) or a mixture of them (MM) to antagonise the cytopathic effect of toxins fromClostridium difficile(TcdA and TcdB). Cell detachment assays and F-actin network staining using Vero cell line were performed. Although incubation with microbial cells did not reduce the damage induced byC. difficilespent culture supernatant (SCS),Lc. lactisCIDCA 8221 and MM supernatants were able to inhibit the cytotoxicity of SCS to Vero cells. Fraction ofLc. lactisCIDCA 8221 supernatant containing components higher than 10 kDa were responsible for the inhibitory activity and heating of this fraction for 15 min at 100 °C completely abrogated this ability. By dot-blot assay with anti-TcdA or anti-TcdB antibodies, concentration of both toxins seems to be reduced in SCS treated withLc. lactisCIDCA 8221 supernatant. However, protective effect was not affected by treatment with proteases or proteases-inhibitors tested. In conclusion, we demonstrated that kefir-isolatedLc. lactisCIDCA 8221 secreted heat-sensitive products able to protect eukaryotic cells from cytopathic effect ofC. difficiletoxinsin vitro. Our findings provide new insights into the probiotic action of microorganisms isolated from kefir against virulence factors from intestinal pathogens.
Direct skin involvement of cervical lymph node metastasis from mucosal squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Dragan A D , Nixon I J , Orabi A A , Manganaris A , Jeannon J-P , Guerrero-Urbano M T , Simo R 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIntroduction:Direct skin involvement of nodal metastasis from mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has traditionally been considered a poor prognostic indicator.Methods:This retrospective review identified eight patients (five with mucosal upper aerodigestive and three with occult primary squamous cell carcinoma) who presented between 2000 and 2007 with direct skin involvement of nodal metastasis.Results:Five patients were treated with extended radical and three with extended modified radical neck dissection. Closure was achieved directly (four cases), with local (two) or pedicled (two) flaps. Surgery was always followed by radiotherapy (pan-mucosal or to the primary site). The five-year recurrence-free and disease-specific survival rates were 100 per cent.Conclusion:It is exceptionally rare to encounter direct skin involvement of metastatic lymph nodes from mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma without evidence of involvement of other anatomical structures. Surgical intervention is possible and combined modality treatment with curative intent is essential, as most patients can have a favourable outcome.
Local and systemic effects of low-dose transtympanic methotrexate: in vivo animal study
Authors: Sozen E , Erol S B , Yildirim O , Coskun B U , Basak T , Kayhan F T , Dadas B 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjective:To evaluate the safety of low-dose transtympanic methotrexate in a rat model.Design:Experimental animal study.Setting:Tertiary training and research hospital.Methods:Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into three study groups. Diluted methotrexate solution was administered transtympanically to fill the middle-ear cavity, twice a week in group one and three times a week in group two. Ringer lactate solution was administered transtympanically three times a week in the control group.Main outcome measures: Local and systemic effects of low-dose transtympanic methotrexate.Results:In the methotrexate groups, middle-ear mucosal oedema was present in all animals. Auditory brainstem response thresholds indicated no inner-ear dysfunction in any group. Liver function and serum haemoglobin levels showed no statistically significant difference in any group. However, liver biopsies from groups one and two showed mild portal hyperaemia.Conclusion:These findings are encouraging, and support further investigation of the topical application of methotrexate in autoimmune hearing diseases, as an alternative or adjunct to transtympanic steroids.
Dual language profiles of Latino children of immigrants: Stability and change over the early school years
Authors: COLLINS BRIAN A. , O'CONNOR ERIN E. , SUÁREZ-OROZCO CAROLA , NIETO-CASTAÑON ALFONSO , TOPPELBERG CLAUDIO O. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTDual language children enter school with varying levels of proficiencies in their first and second language. This study of Latino children of immigrants (N= 163) analyzes their dual language profiles at kindergarten and second grade, derived from the direct assessment of Spanish and English proficiencies (Woodcock Language Proficiency Batteries—Revised). Children were grouped based on the similarity of language profiles (competent profiles, such as dual proficient, Spanish proficient, and English proficient; and low-performing profiles, including borderline proficient and limited proficient). At kindergarten, the majority of children (63%) demonstrated a low-performing profile; by second grade, however, the majority of children (64%) had competent profiles. Change and stability of language profiles over time of individual children were then analyzed. Of concern, are children who continued to demonstrate a low-performing, high-risk profile. Factors in the linguistic environments at school and home, as well as other family and child factors associated with dual language profiles and change/stability over time were examined, with a particular focus on the persistently low-performing profile groups.
Eliminating grammatical function assignment from hierarchical models of speech production: Evidence from the conceptual accessibility of referents
Authors: HAWKINS ROGER , ALTHOBAITI MONA , MA YI 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTThe assignment of grammatical functions has been a key feature of hierarchical (serial) models of speech production since their inception in the 1970s. This article argues that grammatical function assignment is neither sufficient nor necessary in such models. It reports a study of the effects of the conceptual accessibility of referents on the selection of English dative syntactic frames in production and shows that the effects relate to linear precedence rather than grammatical function assignment. A secondary topic addressed in the same study is whether second language speakers of English have difficulty integrating syntactic knowledge where it interfaces with conceptual accessibility in speech production. Findings suggest that advanced proficiency speakers do not and are qualitatively similar to native speakers. The implications of this for the interface hypothesis about second language acquisition are discussed.
The effect of language structure on linguistic strengths and weaknesses in children with cochlear implants: Evidence from Italian
Authors: GUASTI MARIA TERESA , PAPAGNO COSTANZA , VERNICE MIRTA , CECCHETTO CARLO , GIULIANI ANNA , BURDO SANDRO 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTPrevious studies have found that the early fitting of cochlear implants in children has beneficial effects on their expressive and receptive language. However, different ages are identified in different studies, and some studies present contradictory results. Starting from these observations, our study suggests that at least two additional factors play an important role in determining linguistic outcomes. The first is the area of language under investigation: lexicon, phonology, morphosyntax, semantics, and pragmatics. The second factor is the typological features of the child's target language. Our study, which involved 33 Italian-speaking children who received a cochlear implant and 33 age and gender matched controls, reveals that lexical, semantic, pragmatic, and phonological knowledge are not particularly vulnerable in these children. By contrast, one area of morphosyntax (production of clitic pronouns) is especially challenging. In addition, an effect of age of implantation was found only in this morphosyntactic area. This is the first study on language development in Italian-speaking children with cochlear implants.
The influence of termite-induced heterogeneity on savanna vegetation along a climatic gradient in West Africa
Authors: Erpenbach Arne , Bernhardt-Römermann Markus , Wittig Rüdiger , Thiombiano Adjima , Hahn Karen 
Published: December 2012

Abstract:Termites are renowned ecosystem engineers. Their mounds have been described as an important element of savanna vegetation dynamics, but little is known about their large-scale impact on vegetation composition. To investigate the influence of termite-induced heterogeneity in savannas along a climatic gradient in West Africa termite mound vegetation was compared with adjacent savanna vegetation using 256 paired plots (size of the termite mound and a corresponding savanna area) in five protected areas from northern Burkina Faso to northern Benin. On each plot vegetation and soil sampling was performed. Additionally bioclimatic variables from the WORLDCLIM database were used. The vegetation on the mounds and the surrounding savanna differed within all study sites (DCA length of gradient 3.85 SD) and showed complete turnover along the climatic gradient (DCA length of gradient 5.99 SD). Differences between mounds and savanna were significantly related to termite-induced changes in soil parameters, specifically clay enrichment and increased cation concentrations (base saturation). On a local scale, termite-induced differences in soil conditions were found to be the most important factor affecting mound vegetation, while on a regional scale, annual precipitation showed the strongest significant correlations. However, with increasing precipitation, differences between mounds and the surrounding matrix became more pronounced, and the contribution of mounds to local phytodiversity increased. Eleven plant species were identified as characteristic termite mound species. In the more humid parts of the gradient, more characteristic plant species were found that may benefit from favourable soil conditions, good water availability, and a low fire impact in the mound microhabitat.
The Rockall slope current and shelf-edge processes
Authors: Huthnance J. M. 
Published: December 2012

SynopsisRecent knowledge of physical-oceanographic processes is reviewed for the eastern shelf-edge boundary of the Rockall Channel.A year-round northward current flows along the steep continental slope. Mean currents vary from 3 to 30cm/s, generally increasing northwards, but estimates of transport inshore of the 2000 m depth contour are much more consistent, averaging about 1·5 × 106m3/s. The current is thought to be forced largely by a long-shelf pressure gradient, associated with large-scale N-S density variations in the upper ocean.Although cross-slope changes of temperature and salinity are much less than occur, for example, east of the U.S.A., cross-slope exchange velocities appear to be only around 2cm/s (1/5 of long-slope fluctuations). There is a sharp change between winter-cooled water on the shelf and adjacent slope water. Upwelling against the upper continental slope may occur following northerly long-slope winds. Tidal currents and surges depend strongly on continental shelf wave properties. At near-diurnal frequencies, and in response to winds of short scale (< 100 km), clockwise-rotating currents near the shelf break are expected, especially where the shelf is broadest. Tidal currents show this character.Internal tides are significant; any non-linearity is most likely when stratification is present but weak. Bottom stirring has been observed, and may be important at some depth (where the bottom slope becomes as steep as the semi-diurnal internal characteristics) almost everywhere around the Rockall Channel. The energetic internal waves should contribute significant internal mixing as they approach the shelf break, intensify and dissipate.
The chemical ecology of herbivory on willows
Authors: Pasteels J. M. , Rowell-Rahier M. 
Published: December 2012

SynopsisPhenolic secondary compounds and trichomes are instrumental in the regulation of herbivory on Salicaceae. The roles of phenolics in willows as toxins or deterrents, as phagostimulants or ovipository signals, and as precursors in insect chemical defence are briefly reviewed. The interactions between salicaceous plants, herbivores and their predators are discussed in the context of theories on the evolution of interactions among three trophic levels.
Factors influencing the structure, function and biota of the salmonid epidermis
Authors: Pickering A. D. , Richards R. H. 
Published: December 2012

SynopsisThe present contribution shows the extent and the limitations of our knowledge of the structure, functions and biota of the epidermis of just one family of teleost fish, the Salmonidae. Even within this group it is clear that the epidermis can respond, with remarkable rapidity in some cases, to changes in the environment and to internal stimuli, presumably mediated via the fish's endocrine system. Against this background of constantly changing structure it is believed that the emphasis of the multiple functions of the epidermis must also be changing. Thus, future studies on the skin offish must take into account the possibility of such variations and relate the biology of the skin and its inhabitants to broader aspects of the biology of the fish.
The impact of biotechnology and molecular biology on the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Hobden A. N. , Harris T. J. R. 
Published: December 2012

Synopsis:Biotechnology had its initial impact on the pharmaceutical industry well before the perceived time. The use of fermentation technology to produce antibiotics was a cornerstone for the development of the industry. This event was both before cloning (BC) and before DNA (rather than after DNA – AD). Even now the antibiotic market, which is worth over 10 billion U.S. dollars a year, is the most valuable segment of the total market, (c.200 billion dollars per year). Nevertheless the impact of biotechnology in drug discovery was until recently perceived solely to be the use of recombinant DNA techniques to produce therapeutic proteins and modified versions of them by protein engineering.There are several other places where genetic engineering is influencing drug discovery. The expression of recombinant proteins in surrogate systems (e.g. in E. coli, yeast or via baculovirus infection or in mammalian cells) provides materials for structure determination (e.g. HIV protease) and structure/function studies (e.g. various receptors). Recombinant DNA techniques are influencing assay technology by allowing access to proteins in sufficient quantity for high throughput screening.In addition, screening organisms can be constructed where a particular protein function can be measured in a microorganism by complementation or via reporter gene expression.Transgenic animals also illustrate the power of the technology for drug discovery. Not only will transgenic rats and mice be used as models of disease but also for efficacy and toxicological profiling. What is learned in transgenic rodents may well set the scene for somatic cell gene therapy in humans.
China's Economic Sanctions against Vietnam, 1975–1978
Authors: Path Kosal 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis article carries a two-fold argument. First, Beijing's economic sanctions against Vietnam during the period 1975–1978 were mainly motivated by its desire to punish Vietnam for an anti-China policy that smacked of ingratitude for the latter's past assistance, fuelled further by Hanoi's closer relations with Moscow. They were also designed to extract Hanoi's accommodation of China's demand for territorial boundary concessions and to halt the persecution of ethnic Chinese residents in Vietnam. Second, the resultant meltdown of Sino-Vietnamese relations, as well as the making of the Soviet-Vietnamese alliance between 1975 and 1978, was gradual and contentious rather than swift and decisive as most existing studies contend. Hanoi's reluctance to forge a formal military alliance with the faraway Soviet Union against China was largely driven by the importance of China's remaining aid and economic potential to Vietnam's post-war economic reconstruction and the uncertainty of the Soviet commitment to aid Vietnam.
9. The significance of pneumococcal types Griffith F. J Hyg 1928; 27: 113–159.
Authors: HAYES BILL 
Published: December 2012

(Reprinted from: Hayes W. The discovery of pneumococcal type transformation: an appreciation. J Hyg 1966; 64: 177–184.)Griffith F. The significance of pneumococcal types. J Hyg 1928; 27: 113–159.
Sugarbeet seed priming: effects of priming conditions on germination, solubilization of 11-S globulin and accumulation of LEA proteins
Authors: Capron Isabelle , Corbineau Françoise , Dacher François , Job Claudette , Côme Daniel , Job Dominique 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe relationship between initial mobilization of 11-S globulin storage protein (leading to solubilization of its B-subunit) and germination performance after priming was studied in sugarbeet (Beta vulgarisL.) seeds. Priming was conducted for 2 d either in water (hydropriming) or in –2.0 MPa polyethylene glycol-8000 (osmopriming), at various temperatures ranging from 5 to 40°C and oxygen concentrations in the atmosphere ranging from 0 to 21%. For both types of pre-treatments, the range of temperatures and the concentrations of oxygen which were effective in priming were very similar to those which allowed solubilization of the B-subunit of 11-S globulin, supporting the robustness of this protein marker for optimization of sugarbeet seed priming. Furthermore, the temperature and oxygen dependence of priming efficiency closely paralleled that for germination of the untreated seeds, reinforcing the finding that the beneficial effect of priming corresponded to the advancement of germinationsensu stricto(i.e. phase II of the germination process). For priming times longer than 2 d, particularly for osmopriming, there was a very dramatic decrease in germination of the treated seeds. For instance, following a 14 d osmopriming at 25°C as much as 60% of the pre-treated seed population failed to germinate when transferred to water. This loss in germination performance quite closely paralleled degradation of LEA (late embryogenesis abundant) proteins, notably a heat-stable seed-specific protein of about 60 kDa and a seed-specific biotinylated LEA protein.
Hospital Disaster Preparedness in Osaka, Japan
Authors: Kai Tatsuro , Ukai Takashi , Ohta Muneo , Pretto Ernesto 
Published: December 2012

AbstractPurpose:To investigate the adequacy of hospital disaster preparedness in the Osaka, Japan area.Methods:Questionnaires were constructed to elicit information from hospital administrators, pharmacists, and safety personnel about self-sufficiency in electrical, gas, water, food, and medical supplies in the event of a disaster. Questionnaires were mailed to 553 hospitals.Results:A total of 265 were completed and returned (Recovery rate; 48%). Of the respondents, 16% of hospitals that returned the completed surveys had an external disaster plan, 93% did not have back-up plans to accept casualties during a disaster if all beds were occupied, 8% had drugs and 6% had medical supplies stockpiled for disasters. In 78% of hospitals, independent electric power generating plants had been installed. However, despite a high proportion of power-plant equipment available, 57% of hospitals responding estimated that emergency power generation would not exceed six hours due to a shortage of reserve fuel. Of the hospitals responding, 71% had reserve water supply, 15% of hospitals responding had stockpiles of food for emergency use, and 83% reported that it would be impossible to provide meals for patients and staff with no main gas supply.Conclusions:No hospitals fulfilled the criteria for adequate disaster preparedness based on the categories queried. Areas of greatest concern requiring improvement were: 1) lack of an external disaster plan; and 2) self-sufficiency in back-up energy, water, and food supply. It is recommended that hospitals in Japan be required to develop plans for emergency operations in case of an external disaster. This should be linked with hospital accreditation as is done for internal disaster plans.
Using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) Effort Index to Predict Treatment Group Attendance in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Moore Raeanne C. , Davine Taylor , Harmell Alexandrea L. , Cardenas Veronica , Palmer Barton W. , Mausbach Brent T. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn a psychosocial treatment study, knowing which participants are likely to put forth adequate effort to maximize their treatment, such as attending group sessions and completing homework assignments, and knowing which participants need additional motivation before engagement in treatment is a crucial component to treatment success. This study examined the ability of the Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) Effort Index (EI), a newly developed measure of suboptimal effort that is embedded within the RBANS, to predict group attendance in a sample of 128 middle-aged and older adults with schizophrenia. This study was the first to evaluate the EI with a schizophrenia sample. While the EI literature recommends a cutoff score of >3 to be considered indicative of poor effort, a cutoff of >4 was identified as the optimal cutoff for this sample. Receiver Operating Characteristics curve analyses were conducted to determine if the EI could predict participants who had highversuslow attendance. Results indicated that the EI was successfully able to discriminate between group attendance, and this measure of effort appears to be most valuable as a tool to identify participants who will have high attendance. Of interest, overall cognitive functioning and symptoms of psychopathology were not predictive of group attendance. (JINS, 2013,19, 1–8)
Cathodoluminescence of Natural, Plastically Deformed Pink Diamonds
Authors: Gaillou E. , Post J.E. , Rose T. , Butler J.E. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe 49 type I natural pink diamonds examined exhibit color restricted to lamellae or bands oriented along {111} that are created by plastic deformation. Pink diamonds fall into two groups: (1) diamonds from Argyle in Australia and Santa Elena in Venezuela are heavily strained throughout and exhibit pink bands alternating with colorless areas, and (2) diamonds from other localities have strain localized near the discrete pink lamellae. Growth zones are highlighted by a blue cathodoluminescence (CL) and crosscut by the pink lamellae that emit yellowish-green CL that originates from the H3 center. This center probably forms by the recombination of nitrogen-related centers (A-aggregates) and vacancies mobilized by natural annealing in the Earth's mantle. Twinning is the most likely mechanism through which plastic deformation is accommodated for the two groups of diamonds. The plastic deformation creates new centers visible through spectroscopic methods, including the one responsible for the pink color, which remains unidentified. The differences in the plastic deformation features, and resulting CL properties, for the two groups might correlate to the particular geologic conditions under which the diamonds formed; those from Argyle and Santa Elena are deposits located within Proterozoic cratons, whereas most diamonds originate from Archean cratons.