bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Progenitor constraints on the Type-Ia supernova SN2011fe from pre-explosion Hubble Space Telescope He ii narrow-band observations
Authors: Graur Or , Maoz Dan , Shara Michael M. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
We present Hubble Space Telescope (HST) imaging observations of the site of the Type-Ia supernova SN2011fe in the nearby galaxy M101, obtained about 1 yr prior to the event, in a narrow band centred on the He ii λ4686 Å emission line. In a ‘single-degenerate’ progenitor scenario, the hard photon flux from an accreting white dwarf (WD), burning hydrogen on its surface over ∼1 Myr should, in principle, create a He iii Strömgren sphere or shell surrounding the WD. Depending on the WD luminosity, the interstellar density, and the velocity of an outflow from the WD, the He iii region could appear unresolved, extended, or as a ring, with a range of possible surface brightnesses. We find no trace of He ii λ4686 Å line emission in the HST data. Using simulations, we set 2σ upper limits on the He ii λ4686 Å luminosity of LHeii &lt; 3.4 × 1034 erg s−1 for a point source, corresponding to an emission region of radius r &lt; 1.8 pc. The upper limit for an extended source is LHeii &lt; 1.7 × 1035 erg s−1, corresponding to an extended region with r ∼ 11 pc. The largest detectable shell, given an interstellar-medium density of 1 cm−3, has a radius of ∼6 pc. Our results argue against the presence, within the ∼105 yr prior to the explosion, of a supersoft X-ray source of luminosity Lbol ≳ 3 × 1037 erg s−1, or of a super-Eddington accreting WD that produces an outflowing wind capable of producing cavities with radii of 2–6 pc.
Evaluation of Potassium‐Clavulanate‐Supplemented Modified Charcoal‐Cefoperazone‐Deoxycholate Agar for Enumeration of Campylobacter in Chicken Carcass Rinse
Authors: Chon Jung‐Whan , Kim Hong‐Seok , Kim Hyunsook , Oh Deog‐Hwan , Seo Kun‐Ho 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPotassium‐clavulanate‐supplemented modified charcoal‐cefoperazone‐deoxycholate agar (C‐mCCDA) that was described in our previous study was compared with original mCCDA for the enumeration of Campylobacter in pure culture and chicken carcass rinse. The quantitative detection of viable Campylobacter cells from a pure culture, plated on C‐mCCDA, is statistically similar (P > 0.05) to mCCDA. In total, 120 chickens were rinsed using 400 mL buffered peptone water. The rinses were inoculated onto C‐mCCDA and mCCDA followed by incubation at 42 °C for 48 h. There was no statistical difference between C‐mCCDA (45 of 120 plates; mean count, 145.5 CFU/mL) and normal mCCDA (46 of 120 plates; mean count, 160.8 CFU/mL) in the isolation rate and recovery of Campylobacter (P > 0.05) from chicken carcass rinse. The Pearson correlation coefficient value for the number of Campylobacter cells recovered in the 2 media was 0.942. However, the selectivity was much better on C‐mCCDA than on mCCDA plates (P < 0.05). Significantly fewer C‐mCCDA plates (33 out of 120 plates; mean count, 1.9 CFU/mL) were contaminated with non‐Campylobacter cells than the normal mCCDA plates (67 out of 120 plates; mean count, 27.1 CFU/mL). The C‐mCCDA may provide improved results for enumeration of Campylobacter in chicken meat alternative to mCCDA with its increased selectivity the modified agar possess.
Viability of the Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 Probiotic Strain in Swiss‐ and Dutch‐Type Cheese and Cheese‐Like Products
Authors: Cichosz Grażyna , Aljewicz Marek , Nalepa Beata 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine the viability of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 in Swiss‐type and Dutch‐type cheese and cheese‐like products (milk fat is substituted by stearin fraction of palm fat) during manufacture, ripening, and storage. The use of the probiotic L. rhamnosus HN001 in Dutch‐type cheese and cheese‐like products significantly (P = 0.1) changed their chemical composition (protein and fat content) and an insignificant increase (approximately 1.6% in cheese‐like products and approximately 0.3% in cheese) in yield. L. rhamnosus HN001 did not affect the rate of changes in the pH of ripened cheese and cheese‐like products. A minor increase in probiotic counts was observed in initial stages of production and were partially removed with whey. Ripened cheese and cheese‐like products were characterized by high survival rates of probiotic bacteria which exceeded 8 log CFU/g after ripening. An insignificant reduction in the number of viable probiotic cells was noted during storage of Swiss‐type and Dutch‐type cheese, whereas a significant increase in probiotic cell counts was observed in cheese‐like products during storage.
Population‐level effects of fitness costs associated with repressible female‐lethal transgene insertions in two pest insects
Authors: Harvey‐Samuel Tim , Ant Thomas , Gong Hongfei , Morrison Neil I. , Alphey Luke 
Published: May 2014

AbstractGenetic control strategies offer great potential for the sustainable and effective control of insect pests. These strategies involve the field release of transgenic insects with the aim of introducing engineered alleles into wild populations, either permanently or transiently. Their efficacy can therefore be reduced if transgene‐associated fitness costs reduce the relative performance of released insects. We describe a method of measuring the fitness costs associated with transgenes by analyzing their evolutionary trajectories when placed in competition with wild‐type alleles in replicated cage populations. Using this method, we estimated lifetime fitness costs associated with two repressible female‐lethal transgenes in the diamondback moth and olive fly as being acceptable for field suppression programs. Furthermore, using these estimates of genotype‐level fitness costs, we were able to project longer‐term evolutionary trajectories for the transgenes investigated. Results from these projections demonstrate that although transgene‐associated fitness costs will ultimately cause these transgenes to become extinct, even when engineered lethality is repressed, they may persist for varying periods of time before doing so. This implies that tetracycline‐mediated transgene field persistence in these strains is unlikely and suggests that realistic estimates of transgene‐associated fitness costs may be useful in trialing ‘uncoupled’ gene drive system components in the field.
New Method for Continuous Transmissivity Profiling in Fractured Rock
Authors: Keller Carl E. , Cherry John A. , Parker Beth L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA new method is presented to search for hydraulically transmissive features in open boreholes in bedrock. A flexible borehole liner made of a watertight, nylon fabric is filled with water to create a constant driving head to evert (reverse of invert) the liner down the hole so that the liner pushes the borehole water out into transmissive fractures or other permeable features. The descent rate is governed by the bulk transmissivity of the remaining permeable features below the liner. Initially, the liner descent rate or velocity is a measure of transmissivity (T) of the entire hole. As the everting liner passes and seals each permeable feature, changes in the liner velocity indicate the position of each feature and an estimate of T using the Thiem equation for steady radial flow. This method has been performed in boreholes with diameters ranging from 96 to 330 mm. Profiling commonly takes a few hours in holes 200‐ to 300‐m long. After arrival of the liner at the bottom of the hole, the liner acts as a seal preventing borehole cross connection between transmissive features at different depths. Liner removal allows the hole to be used for other purposes. The T values determined using this method in a dolostone aquifer were found to be similar to the values from injection tests using conventional straddle packers. This method is not a replacement for straddle‐packer hydraulic testing of specific zones where greater accuracy is desired; however, it is effective and efficient for scanning entire holes for transmissive features.
The safety and effectiveness of Da Vinci surgical system compared with open surgery and laparoscopic surgery: a rapid assessment
Authors: Yu Jiajie , Wang Yingqiang , Li Youping , Li Xianglian , Li Cuicui , Shen Jiantong 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe primary objectives of this rapid assessment were to assess the clinical evidence of Da Vinci surgical system (DVSS) comparing with open procedures and laparoscopic procedures, and in order to provide the evidence for health decision makers and clinician.MethodsA comprehensive search of electronic databases (EMbase, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, CBM and Wanfang) and HTA websites were completed up to 9 October, 2013. Two reviews (Jiajie Yu and Yingqiang Wang) independently extracted data of the manuscripts, and assessed quality of included studies using AMSTAR tools. Qualitative description and GRADE were used to report the outcomes and evidence quality.OutcomesA total of 17 studies were included: 3 were HTA and 14 were SR/meta‐analysis. The included studies focused on prostatectomy, nephrectomy, hysterectomy colorectal surgery, and cardiac surgery. DVSS was shown to be associated with statistically significant reduction in length of hospital stay, blood loss, and transfusion rate compared with open and laparoscopic surgery, but increase in operative time when compared with open surgery.ConclusionBased on the evidence included in this rapid assessment, DVSS has a limited impact on several clinical outcomes. Considering no available data from randomized controlled trials and much higher cost, decisions will be complex and need to be made carefully. Decision makers should cut down the quantity of purchasing and reasonable allocate them.
Genome‐wide identification, evolution, and expression analysis of RNA‐binding glycine‐rich protein family in maize
Authors: Zhang Jianhua , Zhao Yanxin , Xiao Hailin , Zheng Yonglian , Yue Bing 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe RNA‐binding glycine‐rich protein (RB‐GRP) family is characterized by the presence of a glycine‐rich domain arranged in (Gly)n‐X repeats and an RNA‐recognition motif (RRM).RB‐GRPsparticipate in varied physiological and biochemical processes especially in the stress response of plants. In this study, a total of 23RB‐GRPsdistributed on 10 chromosomes were identified in maize (Zea maysL.), and they were divided into four subgroups according to their conserved domain architecture. Five pairs of paralogs were identified, while none of them was located on the same chromosomal region, suggesting that segmental duplication is predominant in the duplication events of theRB‐GRPsin maize. Comparative analysis ofRB‐GRPsin maize,Arabidopsis(Arabidopsis thalianaL.), rice (Oryza sativaL.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum) revealed that two exclusive subgroups were only identified in maize. Expression of eightZmRB‐GRPswas significantly regulated by at least two kinds of stresses. In addition,cis‐elements predicted in the promoter regions of theZmRB‐GRPsalso indicated that theseZmRB‐GRPswould be involved in stress response of maize. The preliminary genome‐wide analysis of theRB‐GRPsin maize would provide useful information for further study on the function of theZmRB‐GRPs.
Bottle and sippy cup use is associated with diet and energy intake in toddlers
Authors: Ben‐Avraham Sivan , Hyden Christel J. , Fletcher Jason , Bonuck Karen A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe second year of life incorporates a continued shift from a liquid‐ to solid‐based diet. Little is known about the prevalence and dietary impact of bottle and sippy cup use. This paper describes associations between percent of energy consumed via drinking containers (bottles and sippy cups combined) and dietary outcomes, between 1 and 2 years of age. This observational study recruited n = 299 low‐income, nutrition programme clients from the Bronx, NY, whose 12 month olds consumed ≥ 2 non‐water bottles per day. The main exposure variable was percent of energy intake via drinking containers (PEDC), dichotomized at the median into low‐percent–energy‐from‐drinking‐containers (LOW‐C) and high‐percent–energy‐from‐drinking‐containers (HIGH‐C) groups, assessed quarterly, for 1 year. We report 24‐hour dietary recall nutrient and food serving data by LOW‐C vs. HIGH‐C. We employed linear mixed models to study associations between PEDC and nutrient intake. PEDC decreased from 52% to 33% between 1 and 2 years of age in both groups. The LOW‐C group had higher intake of energy, dietary fibre, iron and sodium, grains, protein‐rich foods and sweets. Conversely, LOW‐C group had lower intake of Vitamin D and calcium vs. the HIGH‐C group. PEDC was inversely associated with total energy intake in a model controlling for baseline age, baseline‐weight‐for‐length and gender (β = −5.8, P = 0.029, 95% confidence interval (−10.96, −0.6). Lower bottle and sippy cup use had significant, albeit mixed association with diet quality in the second year of life, and was associated with higher energy intake. Evidence‐based guidelines are needed to determine the appropriate use of those feeding methods.
Association between maternal depressive symptoms in the early post‐natal period and responsiveness in feeding at child age 2 years
Authors: Mallan Kimberley M. , Daniels Lynne A. , Wilson Jacinda L. , Jansen Elena , Nicholson Jan M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractMaternal depression is a known risk factor for poor outcomes for children. Pathways to these poor outcomes relate to reduced maternal responsiveness or sensitivity to the child. Impaired responsiveness potentially impacts the feeding relationship and thus may be a risk factor for inappropriate feeding practices. The aim of this study was to examine the longitudinal relationships between self‐reported maternal post‐natal depressive symptoms at child age 4 months and feeding practices at child age 2 years in a community sample. Participants were Australian first‐time mothers allocated to the control group of the NOURISH randomized controlled trial when infants were 4 months old. Complete data from 211 mothers (of 346 allocated) followed up when their children were 2 years of age (51% girls) were available for analysis. The relationship between Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score (child age 4 months) and child feeding practices (child age 2 years) was tested using hierarchical linear regression analysis adjusted for maternal and child characteristics. Higher EPDS score was associated with less responsive feeding practices at child age 2 years: greater pressure [β = 0.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.04–0.32, P = 0.01], restriction (β = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.001–0.28, P = 0.05), instrumental (β = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.005–0.27, P = 0.04) and emotional (β = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.01–0.29, P = 0.03) feeding practices (ΔR2 values: 0.02–0.03, P < 0.05). This study provides evidence for the proposed link between maternal post‐natal depressive symptoms and lower responsiveness in child feeding. These findings suggest that the provision of support to mothers experiencing some levels of depressive symptomatology in the early post‐natal period may improve responsiveness in the child feeding relationship.
Pica during pregnancy among Mexican‐born women: a formative study
Authors: Lin Janice W. , Temple Luisa , Trujillo Celina , Mejia‐Rodriquez Fabiola , Rosas Lisa Goldman , Fernald Lia , Young Sera L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAlthough pica, the craving and purposive consumption of non‐food substances, is common among many populations, especially during pregnancy, the health consequences are not well understood. Further, very little is known about pica among Mexican populations in the United States and Mexico. Therefore, we conducted formative research to understand pica in this understudied population. Our objectives were to identify the frequency and types of pica behaviours, to understand perceived aetiologies and consequences of pica and to ascertain if the behaviour was common enough to warrant a larger study. We held nine focus group discussions (three in the Salinas Valley, California; six in Xoxocotla, Morelos, Mexico) with 76 Mexican‐born women who were currently pregnant or had delivered within the past 2 years. Earth, adobe, bean stones and ice were the most commonly reported pica substances. Twenty‐eight of the 76 participants (37%) reported ever engaging in pica; 22 participants (29%) reported doing so during pregnancy. The proportion of women reporting pica in the United States and Mexico was 43% and 34%, respectively. Women attributed pica to the overwhelming organoleptic appeal of pica substances (especially smell and texture) and to micronutrient deficiencies. Perceived consequences of unfulfilled pica cravings were birthmarks or fetal loss; fulfilled pica cravings were also thought to be generally harmful to the mother or child, with several women specifying toxic lead, pesticides or ‘worms’. In sum, pica among Mexican women is common enough to warrant a larger epidemiologic study of its sociodemographic correlates and physiological consequences.
The reliability of weight‐for‐length/height Z scores in children
Authors: Mwangome Martha K. , Berkley James A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends weight‐for‐length/height (WFL/H), represented as a Z score for diagnosing acute malnutrition among children aged 0 to 60 months. Under controlled conditions, weight, height and length measurements have high degree of reliability. However, the reliability when combined into a WFL/H Z score, in all settings is unclear. We conducted a systematic review of published studies assessing the reliability of WFL/Hz on PubMed and Google scholar. Studies were included if they presented reliability scores for the derived index of WFL/Hz, for children under 5 years. Meta‐analysis was conducted for a pooled estimate of reliability overall, and for children above and below 24 months old. Twenty six studies on reliability of anthropometry were identified but only three, all community‐based studies, reported reliability scores for WFL/Hz. The overall pooled intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) estimate for WFL/Hz among children aged 0 to 60 months was 0.81 (95% CI 0.64 to 0.99). Among children aged less than 24 months the pooled ICC estimate from two studies was 0.72 (95% CI 0.67 to 0.77) while the estimate reported for children above 24 months from one study was 0.97 (95% CI 0.97 to 0.99). Although WFL/Hz is recommended for diagnosis of acute under nutrition among children below 5 years, information on its reliability in all settings is sparse. In community settings, reliability of WFL/Hz is considerably lower than for absolute measures of weight and length/height, especially in younger children. The reliability of WFL/Hz needs further evaluation.
Evaluation of Immune Responses in Mice after DNA Immunization with Putative Toxoplasma gondii Calcium-Dependent Protein Kinase 5
Authors: Zhang Nian-Zhang , Huang Si-Yang , Xu Ying , Chen Jia , Wang Jin-Lei , Tian Wei-Peng , Zhu Xing-Quan 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTToxoplasma gondiican cause serious public health problems and economic losses worldwide. Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are key mediators ofT. gondiisignaling pathways and are implicated as important virulence factors. In the present study, we cloned a novelT. gondiiCDPK gene, named TgCDPK5, and constructed the eukaryotic expression vector pVAX-CDPK5. Then, we evaluated the immune protection induced by pVAX-CDPK5 in Kunming mice. After injection of pVAX-CDPK5 intramuscularly, immune responses, determined with lymphoproliferative assays and cytokine and antibody measurements, were monitored, and mouse survival times and brain cyst formation were evaluated following challenges with theT. gondiiRH strain (genotype I) and the PRU strain (genotype II). pVAX-CDPK5 effectively induced immune responses with increased specific antibodies, a predominance of IgG2a production, and a strong lymphocyte proliferative response. The levels of gamma interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin 2 (IL-2), and IL-12(p70) and the percentages of CD3+CD4+and CD3+CD8+cells in mice vaccinated with pVAX-CDPK5 were significantly increased. However, IL-4 and IL-10 were not produced in the vaccinated mice. These results demonstrate that pVAX-CDPK5 can elicit strong humoral and cellular Th1 immune responses. The survival time of immunized mice challenged with theT. gondiiRH strain (8.67 ± 4.34 days) was slightly, but not significantly, longer than that in the control groups within 7 days (P> 0.05). The numbers of brain cysts in the mice in the pVAX-CDPK5 group were reduced by ∼40% compared with those in the control groups (P< 0.05), which provides a foundation for the further development of effective subunit vaccines againstT. gondii.
Antibodies for Treatment of Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Humphreys David P. , Wilcox Mark H. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTAntibodies for the treatment ofClostridium difficileinfection (CDI) have been demonstrated to be effective in the research and clinical environments. Early uncertainties about molecular and treatment modalities now appear to have converged upon the systemic dosing of mixtures of human IgG1. Although multiple examples of high-potency monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) exist, significant difficulties were initially encountered in their discovery. This minireview describes historical and contemporary MAbs and highlights differences between the most potent MAbs, which may offer insight into the pathogenesis and treatment of CDI.
Production and Preclinical Evaluation of Plasmodium falciparum MSP-1
19
and MSP-3
11
Chimeric Protein, PfMSP-Fu
24
Authors: Gupta Puneet K. , Mukherjee Paushali , Dhawan Shikha , Pandey Alok K. , Mazumdar Suman , Gaur Deepak , Jain S. K. , Chauhan Virander S. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACT

A
Plasmodium falciparum
chimeric protein, PfMSP-Fu
24
, was constructed by genetically coupling immunodominant, conserved regions of two merozoite surface proteins, the 19-kDa region C-terminal region of merozoite surface protein 1 (PfMSP-1
19
) and an 11-kDa conserved region of merozoite surface protein 3 (PfMSP-3
11
), to augment the immunogenicity potential of these blood-stage malaria vaccine candidates. Here we describe an improved, efficient, and scalable process to produce high-quality PfMSP-Fu
24
. The chimeric protein was produced in
Escherichia coli
SHuffle T7 Express
lysY
cells that express disulfide isomerase DsbC. A two-step purification process comprising metal affinity followed by cation exchange chromatography was developed, and we were able to obtain PfMSP-Fu
24
with purity above 99% and with a considerable yield of 23 mg/liter. Immunogenicity of PfMSP-Fu
24
formulated with several adjuvants, including Adjuplex, Alhydrogel, Adjuphos, Alhydrogel plus glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant, aqueous (GLA-AF), Adjuphos+GLA-AF, glucopyranosyl lipid adjuvant-stable emulsion (GLA-SE), and Freund's adjuvant, was evaluated. PfMSP-Fu
24
formulated with GLA-SE and Freund's adjuvant in mice and with Alhydrogel and Freund's adjuvant in rabbits produced high titers of PfMSP-1
19
and PfMSP-3
11
-specific functional antibodies. Some of the adjuvant formulations induced inhibitory antibody responses and inhibited
in vitro
growth of
P. falciparum
parasites in the presence as well as in the absence of human monocytes. These results suggest that PfMSP-Fu
24
can form a constituent of a multistage malaria vaccine.