bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in morphological and behavioral traits among isofemale strains of Drosophila prolongata (Diptera: Drosophilidae)
Authors: Kudo Ayumi , Takamori Hisaki , Watabe Hideaki , Ishikawa Yukio , Matsuo Takashi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractDrosophila prolongata, a member of the rhopaloa subgroup of the melanogaster species group, occurs in Southeast Asia. Drosophila prolongata is known to have unique and prominent sexual dimorphism, with extraordinarily thick and elongated forelegs only in males. Mating behavior of D. prolongata is also characteristic: males perform “leg vibration” in their courtship toward females, in which the elongated forelegs play an important role. Comparisons with closely related species suggest that these morphological and behavioral traits have evolved rapidly after the divergence of D. prolongata. In the present study, variation in morphological and behavioral traits was examined among D. prolongata strains derived from single females collected in their natural habitats. Significant variations were detected in the size of various body parts, aggressiveness of interactions between males, and mating behavior. However, no obvious relationship was observed between morphological and behavioral traits. These results suggested that genetic factors contribute to the variation in morphological and behavioral traits in D. prolongata. The strains characterized in this study are useful for studies on the genetic mechanisms underlying the evolution of characteristic traits in D. prolongata.
Skin mast cells develop non‐synchronized changes in typical lineage characteristics upon culture
Authors: Guhl Sven , Neou Angelos , Artuc Metin , Zuberbier Torsten , Babina Magda 
Published: October 2014

AbstractDespite their hematopoietic origin, mast cells (MCs) develop exclusively in tissues, hampering their ample use in research. To circumvent this problem, tissue‐derived MCs are typically first expanded in culture, but the changes MCs may undergo in the novel micromilieu are poorly defined. Here, we monitor skin MCs from a number of donors over time, revealing profound yet non‐synchronized modulations in culture. While tryptase and chymase, the most specific markers, strongly decline, FcεRI surface expression, and FcεRI‐mediated histamine release steeply increase (from ≈15.5% to ≈60%), replicated by similar increments in TNF‐α secretion. Interestingly, the modulations are independent of cell cycle progression, as they are comparable in the growth and postgrowth phase, implying they primarily result from microenvironmental conditioning. The data highlight a high degree of MC versatility, but also advise that results based on cultured MCs should be viewed with some caution, as they may not accurately reflect their counterparts in situ.
Amyloids, melanins and oxidative stress in melanomagenesis
Authors: Liu‐Smith Feng , Poe Carrie , Farmer Patrick J. , Meyskens Frank L. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractMelanoma has traditionally been viewed as an ultraviolet (UV) radiation‐induced malignancy. While UV is a common inducing factor, other endogenous stresses such as metal ion accumulation or the melanin pigment itself may provide alternative pathways to melanoma progression. Eumelanosomes within melanoma often exhibit disrupted membranes and fragmented pigment which may be due to alterations in their amyloid‐based striated matrix. The melanosomal amyloid can itself be toxic, especially in combination with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) generated by endogenous NADPH oxidase (NOX) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes, a toxic mix that may initiate melanomagenesis. Further understanding of the loss of the melanosomal organization, the behaviour of the exposed melanin and the induction of ROS/RNS in melanomas may provide critical insights into this deadly disease.
Could the acid–base status of Antarctic sea urchins indicate a better‐than‐expected resilience to near‐future ocean acidification?
Authors: Collard Marie , De Ridder Chantal , David Bruno , Dehairs Frank , Dubois Philippe 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIncreasing atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration alters the chemistry of the oceans towards more acidic conditions. Polar oceans are particularly affected due to their low temperature, low carbonate content and mixing patterns, for instance upwellings. Calcifying organisms are expected to be highly impacted by the decrease in the oceans'pHand carbonate ions concentration. In particular, sea urchins, members of the phylum Echinodermata, are hypothesized to be at risk due to their high‐magnesium calcite skeleton. However, tolerance to ocean acidification in metazoans is first linked to acid–base regulation capacities of the extracellular fluids. No information on this is available to date for Antarctic echinoderms and inference from temperate and tropical studies needs support. In this study, we investigated the acid–base status of 9 species of sea urchins (3 cidaroids, 2 regular euechinoids and 4 irregular echinoids). It appears that Antarctic regular euechinoids seem equipped with similar acid–base regulation systems as tropical and temperate regular euechinoids but could rely on more passive ion transfer systems, minimizing energy requirements. Cidaroids have an acid–base status similar to that of tropical cidaroids. Therefore Antarctic cidaroids will most probably not be affected by decreasing seawaterpH, thepHdrop linked to ocean acidification being negligible in comparison of the naturally lowpHof the coelomic fluid. Irregular echinoids might not suffer from reduced seawaterpHif acidosis of the coelomic fluidpHdoes not occur but more data on their acid–base regulation are needed. Combining these results with the resilience of Antarctic sea urchin larvae strongly suggests that these organisms might not be the expected victims of ocean acidification. However, data on the impact of other global stressors such as temperature and of the combination of the different stressors needs to be acquired to assess the sensitivity of these organisms to global change.
How well can we predict permeability in sedimentary basins? Deriving and evaluating porosity–permeability equations for noncemented sand and clay mixtures
Authors: Luijendijk E. , Gleeson T. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe permeability of sediments is a major control on groundwater flow and the associated redistribution of heat and solutes in sedimentary basins. While porosity–permeability relationships of pure clays and pure sands have been relatively well established at the laboratory scale, the permeability of natural sediments remains highly uncertain. Here we quantify how well existing and new porosity–permeability equations can explain the permeability of noncemented siliciclastic sediments. We have compiled grain size, clay mineralogy, porosity, and permeability data on pure sand and silt (n = 126), pure clay (n = 148), and natural mixtures of sand, silt and clay (n = 92). The permeability of pure sand and clay can be predicted with high confidence (R2 ≥ 0.9) using the Kozeny–Carman equation and empirical power law equations, respectively. The permeability of natural sediments is much higher than predicted by experimental binary mixtures and ideal packing models. Permeability can be predicted with moderate confidence (R2 = 0.26– 0.48) and a mean error of 0.6 orders of magnitude as either the geometric mean or arithmetic mean of the permeability of the pure clay and sand components, with the geometric mean providing the best measure of the variability of permeability. We test the new set of equations on detailed well‐log and permeability data from deltaic sediments in the southern Netherlands, showing that permeability can be predicted with a mean error of 0.7 orders of magnitude using clay content and porosity derived from neutron and density logs.
Disseminated tuberculosis: A neglected entity in immunocompromised hemodialysis patients
Authors: Gavriilaki Eleni , Sabanis Nikos , Paschou Eleni , Kalaitzoglou Asterios , Michalaki Katerina , Zarampoukas Thomas 
Published: October 2014

AbstractEnd‐stage renal disease is considered a factor predisposing to increased risk of tuberculosis with frequent extrapulmonary localization. Although extrapulmonary tuberculosis has been observed for decades, disseminated tuberculosis, a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts, remains rather neglected. We report an unusual case of an immunocompromised patient with a late diagnosis and delayed treatment of genitourinary tuberculosis that subsequently led to the diagnosis of vertebral and miliary tuberculosis (disseminating tuberculosis). Therefore, increased awareness is warranted from physicians dealing with hemodialysis patients in order to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment initiation.
Y‐box binding protein 1 is correlated with lymph node metastasis in intestinal‐type gastric cancer
Authors: Guo TianTian , Yu YingNan , Yip George Wai‐Cheong , Baeg Gyeong Hun , Thike Aye Aye , Lim Tony Kiat‐Hon , Tan Puay Hoon , Matsumoto Ken , Bay Boon Huat 
Published: October 2014

AimsY‐box binding protein‐1 (YB‐1) is known to modulate gene transcription and protein translation, as well as cellular response to drug treatment. The aim of this study is to correlate YB‐1 protein expression levels with clinicopathological parameters in intestinal‐type gastric cancer tissue samples (as categorized by the Lauren classification) and substantiate the findings with in vitro experimentation.Methods and resultsParaffin‐embedded samples from 167 patients with intestinal‐type gastric cancer were used for the construction of tissue microarrays (TMAs). TMA slides were immunostained and YB‐1 immunoreactivity score was based on the weighted average intensity score. Univariate analysis revealed that YB‐1 immunohistochemical expression was correlated significantly with lymph node status (P = 0.054, borderline significance) and perforation (P = 0.043). YB‐1 expression was also found to be an independent predictor of lymph node spread by multivariate analysis. Furthermore, siRNA‐mediated YB‐1 gene knockdown in MKN7 gastric cancer cells (which is known to originate from an intestinal‐type gastric cancer tissue) inhibited cell migration (P = 0.0002) and invasion in vitro (P = 0.0129) significantly.ConclusionYB‐1 expression is associated with lymph node spread in intestinal‐type gastric cancer and is a potential prognostic biomarker in this subtype of gastric cancer.
Lycaena dispar on its northern distribution limit: an expansive generalist
Authors: Lindman Ly , Remm Jaanus , Saksing Kristiina , Sõber Virve , Õunap Erki , Tammaru Toomas 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate host plant and habitat preferences of Lycaena dispar, an oligophagous butterfly species endangered in some parts of its European range.

In laboratory trials, the females of Estonian populations accepted various species of Rumex as oviposition substrates. Growth performance of the larvae did not differ between the hosts offered (only R. acetosa proved to be unsuitable).

In the field, extensive use of the two most common host species – R. crispus and R. obtusifolius – by the Estonian populations of L. dispar was confirmed. Unlike in the laboratory, larval performance in the field was better on R. obtusifolius than R. crispus. A likely explanation is the more ephemeral character of the aboveground parts of R. crispus plants: these tend to wilt before the larvae of L. dispar have reached the stage adapted to hibernation.

A countrywide analysis of landscape occupancy revealed a positive association of the occurrence of L. dispar with ditches and human settlement. We conclude that moderate anthropogenic pressure maintains suitable habitats for L. dispar through creating favourable conditions for R. obtusifolius, the primary host of the butterfly in the region.

Due to its generalism in both host and habitat use, L. dispar is not in the need of active conservation measures on the current northern limit of its distribution. The favourable status of the species in Estonia is corroborated by its recent range expansion which parallels similar trends elsewhere in Eastern Europe.
Physical, proximate, functional and pasting properties of four non‐ and γ‐irradiated bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranean) cultivars
Authors: Falade Kolawole O. , Nwajei Chinyere P. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryEffect of γ‐irradiation (2–30 kGy) on physical, proximate, functional and pasting properties of four bambara groundnut cultivars was investigated. Packed (0.74–0.75 g mL−1) and loose (0.71–0.76 g mL−1) density varied significantly among cultivars. Generally, CIE L and hue angle decreased, while CIE a, b, deltachroma and colour intensity increased with increased dose. Protein (21.23–23.77 g/100 g), fat (6.38–7.69 g/100 g), crude fibre (1.28–3.54 g/100 g), ash (1.50–4.50 g/100 g) and moisture (10.67–12.92 g/100 g) of non‐ and γ‐irradiated bambara varied with cultivars and dose. Loose (0.41–0.49 g mL−1) and packed (0.54–0.74 g mL−1) densities, water absorption (1.62–2.38 g/g) and swelling (10.50–18.00 g/g) increased marginally, while oil absorption (1.93–2.82 g/g), alkaline water retention (0.66–1.23 g/g), emulsion capacity (40.31–58.23%) and stability (31.67–46.49%) decreased with increased dose. Foam capacity (6.85–22.37%) and stability (1.80–22.37%) of γ‐irradiated flours were higher than their nonirradiated (2.03–18.26%) counterparts. Nonirradiated flours showed significantly higher viscosities than their γ‐irradiated counterparts. Flours showed slightly shear‐thinning behaviours.
Detection of Different Interfaces in Percolated Networks of Antimony Tin Oxide: Borosilicate Glass Composites by Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Pruyn Timothy L. , Gerhardt Rosario A. 
Published: October 2014

Glass composites containing percolated segregated networks of conducting antimony tin oxide (ATO) nanoparticles were fabricated through the use of a hot‐pressing technique, which resulted in glass microspheres deforming into faceted polyhedra with the ATO located at the edges. Once the ATO percolated, it was shown that minor changes in the processing parameters could cause drastic differences in the electrical properties (as much as 4–5 orders of magnitude in some cases). This study aims to investigate how the hot‐pressing processing conditions, that is, temperature and pressure, can influence the electrical properties of percolated glass/ATO composites. Glass composites containing 4.8 wt% ATO, which is a concentration higher than the percolation threshold, were hot pressed at several different temperatures (550°C–675°C) and pressures (5.8–23.4 MPa) and were examined using impedance spectroscopy. A comprehensive equivalent circuit model was developed based on the microstructure of the composites and the individual impedance behavior of the materials involved. It was found that the physical arrangement as well as the individual properties of the glass, the ATO nanoparticles, and the different interfaces between ATO (point contact vs partially sintered vs glass coated) all contributed to the measured response in a quantitative way. The equivalent circuit model was successful in fitting all of the impedance behaviors at different temperature and pressures thus revealing the influence of the processing conditions on the electrical properties of percolated ATO/glass composites.
‘We Just Call Them People’: Positive Regard as a Dimension of Culture in Group Homes for People with Severe Intellectual Disability
Authors: Bigby Christine , Knox Marie , Beadle‐Brown Julie , Clement Tim 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundA dimension of the culture in group homes is staff regard for residents. In underperforming group homes, staff regard residents as being not ‘like us’ (Bigby, Knox, Beadle‐Brown, Clement & Mansell, 2012). We hypothesized the opposite pole of this dimension, in higher performing group homes, would be that staff regard residents positively.MethodThree in‐depth qualitative case studies were conducted in higher performing group homes using participant observation, interviews and document review.ResultsConsistent pattern of staff practices and talk, as well as artefacts, demonstrated staff had a positive regard for residents, who were seen as being ‘like us’. Explicit and continuing attention was given to sustaining positive regard for residents in everyday staff practices and to turning abstract values into concrete realities.ConclusionsThis positive cultural norm was established, operationalized and embedded through structures, such as a formal policy about language, and processes such as peer monitoring and practice leadership.
Effectiveness of an in‐office arginine‐calcium carbonate paste on dentine hypersensitivity in periodontitis patients: a double‐blind, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pepelassi Eudoxie , Rahiotis Christos , Peponi Eleni , Kakaboura Afrodite , Vrotsos Ioannis 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of this single‐centre, two‐cell, double‐blind, randomized controlled clinical study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an in‐office desensitizing paste containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate in providing relief on dentine hypersensitivity immediately after scaling and root planing and its sustained relief over a 6‐week period.Materials and MethodsFifty periodontitis subjects presenting hypersensitivity were subjected to scaling and root planing and in‐office application of either 8% arginine and calcium carbonate desensitizing paste (25 subjects, test group) or fluoride‐free prophylaxis paste (25 subjects, control group). Air‐blast hypersensitivity was assessed using Schiff and Visual Analogue (VAS) scales at baseline, post‐scaling, post‐application, 2, 4 and 6 weeks.ResultsAt all evaluation times, the test group presented significant % reduction in hypersensitivity relative to post‐scaling (t‐test, p < 0.05) (Schiff – Test: 57, 58.6, 60.2, 68; Control: 28.6, 22.2, 23, 23) (VAS – Test: 60, 55.6, 60.1, 68.4; Control: 25.9, 18.2, 20.6, 22.7) and significant % hypersensitivity difference relative to control (ancova, p < 0.05) (Schiff: 38.9, 45.9, 47.4, 57.7; VAS: 49.1, 48.9, 52.6, 61).ConclusionThe single in‐office application of the 8% arginine–calcium carbonate desensitizing paste after scaling and root planing provided significant immediate reduction in dentine hypersensitivity, which sustained over a 6‐week period.
Profile of skin barrier proteins (filaggrin, claudins 1 and 4) and Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines in adults with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Batista D.I.S. , Perez L. , Orfali R.L. , Zaniboni M.C. , Samorano L.P. , Pereira N.V. , Sotto M.N. , Ishizaki A.S. , Oliveira L.M.S. , Sato M.N. , Aoki V. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundAtopic dermatitis (AD) in adults and profile of skin barrier proteins and inflammatory cytokines.ObjectiveEvaluation of the expression of skin barrier proteins such as filaggrin, claudins 1 and 4 and of circulating inflammatory cytokines (Th1/Th2/Th17) in adults with AD.MethodsThirty‐three adult patients with AD diagnosed according to the Hanifin & Rajkacriteria, and 25 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. AD severity was measured by Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI). Laboratory assays included immunohistochemistry analysis of skin barrier proteins, such as filaggrin, claudins 1 and 4 and interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) from skin samples and determination of circulating cytokine levels (IL‐2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 17A, TNF and IFN‐γ) by flow cytometry (Cytometric Bead Array).ResultsWe observed a reduced expression of filaggrin and claudin 1 in lesional skin of AD patients, when compared to controls. There was an inverse correlation of filaggrin expression and disease severity. In addition, IL‐17 expression was enhanced in AD patients. Similarly, higher levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL‐2, 5, 6, 10, 17A and IFN‐γ) were found in AD patients.ConclusionOur data reinforce the role of an altered skin barrier in the pathogenesis of AD. Our results show not only reduced expression of filaggrin and claudin 1 in lesional atopic skin but also inverse correlation of filaggrin expression and disease severity. Moreover, elevation of in situ IL‐17 and of circulating interleukin levels in AD emphasize the systemic, inflammatory profile of this defective skin barrier dermatosis.
Identification and characterization of a late gene encoded by grouper iridovirus 2L (GIV‐2L)
Authors: Lin H‐Y , Cheng C‐F , Chiou P P , Liou C‐J , Yiu J‐C , Lai Y‐S 
Published: October 2014

AbstractGrouper iridovirus (GIV) belongs to the Ranavirus genus and is one of the most important viral pathogens in grouper, particularly at the fry and fingerling stages. In this study, we identified and characterized the GIV‐2L gene, which encodes a protein of unknown function. GIV‐2L is 1242 bp in length, with a predicted protein mass of 46.2 kDa. It displayed significant identity only with members of the Ranavirus and Iridovirus genera. We produced mouse monoclonal antibodies against the GIV‐2L protein by immunizing mice with GIV‐2L‐His‐tag recombinant protein. By inhibiting de novo protein and DNA synthesis in GIV‐infected cells, we showed that GIV‐2L was a late gene during the viral replication. Finally, immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that GIV‐2L protein accumulated in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of infected cells. These results offer important insights into the pathogenesis of GIV.
Construction of Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. achromogenes AsaP1‐toxoid strains and study of their ability to induce immunity in Arctic char, Salvelinus alpinus L.
Authors: Schwenteit J M , Weber B , Milton D L , Bornscheuer U T , Gudmundsdottir B K 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe metalloendopeptidase AsaP1 is one of the major extracellular virulence factors of A. salmonicida subsp. achromogenes, expressed as a 37‐kDa pre‐pro‐peptide and processed to a 19‐kDa active peptide. The aim of this study was to construct mutant strains secreting an AsaP1‐toxoid instead of AsaP1‐wt, to study virulence of these strains and to test the potency of the AsaP1‐toxoid bacterin and the recombinant AsaP1‐toxoids to induce protective immunity in Arctic char. Two A. salmonicida mutants were constructed that secrete either AsaP1E294A or AsaP1Y309F. The secreted AsaP1Y309F‐toxoid had weak caseinolytic activity and was processed to the 19‐kDa peptide, whereas the AsaP1E294A‐toxoid was found as a 37‐kDa pre‐pro‐peptide suggesting that AsaP1 is auto‐catalytically processed. The LD50 of the AsaP1Y309F‐toxoid mutant in Arctic char was significantly higher than that of the corresponding wt strain, and LD50 of the AsaP1E294A‐toxoid mutant was comparable with that of an AsaP1‐deficient strain. Bacterin based on AsaP1Y309F‐toxoid mutant provided significant protection, comparable with that induced by a commercial polyvalent furunculosis vaccine. Detoxification of AsaP1 is very hard, expensive and time consuming. Therefore, an AsaP1‐toxoid‐secreting mutant is more suitable than the respective wt strain for production of fish bacterins aimed to protect against atypical furunculosis.