bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The chitinolytic machinery of Serratia marcescens – a model system for enzymatic degradation of recalcitrant polysaccharides
Authors: Vaaje‐Kolstad Gustav , Horn Svein J. , Sørlie Morten , Eijsink Vincent G. H. 
Published: February 2013

The chitinolytic machinery of Serratia marcescens is one of the best known enzyme systems for the conversion of insoluble polysaccharides. This machinery includes four chitin‐active enzymes: ChiC, an endo‐acting non‐processive chitinase; ChiA and ChiB, two processive chitinases moving along chitin chains in opposite directions; and CBP21, a surface‐active CBM33‐type lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase that introduces chain breaks by oxidative cleavage. Furthermore, an N‐acetylhexosaminidase or chitobiase converts the oligomeric products from the other enzymes to monomeric N‐acetylglucosamine. Here we discuss the catalytic mechanisms of these enzymes as well as the structural basis of each enzyme's specific role in the chitin degradation process. We also discuss how knowledge of this enzyme system may be extrapolated to other enzyme systems for conversion of insoluble polysaccharides, in particular conversion of cellulose by cellulases and GH61‐type lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases.
Evolution of variety‐specific regulatory schema for expression of osa‐miR408 in indica rice varieties under drought stress
Authors: Mutum Roseeta D. , Balyan Sonia C. , Kansal Shivani , Agarwal Preeti , Kumar Santosh , Kumar Mukesh , Raghuvanshi Saurabh 
Published: February 2013

Evolution of differential regulatory mechanisms can lead to quite distinct physiological attributes. In the present study, we have identified one such regulatory schema that regulates osa‐miR408 and responds differentially in drought‐sensitive and ‐tolerant indica rice varieties. A comparison of the drought stress response in drought‐sensitive (Pusa Basmati 1 and IR64) and drought‐tolerant (Nagina 22 and Vandana) indica rice varieties revealed that, during drought stress, levels of miR408 transcript decrease significantly in sensitive cultivars, whereas they remain elevated in the tolerant cultivars. The trend is reflected in young seedlings, as well as in flag leaf and spikelets of adult plants (heading stage). Members of the plastocyanin‐like protein family targeted by miR408 also show the inverse expression profile and thus accumulate at a lower level in tolerant cultivars during drought. Interestingly, some members of this family are implicated in maintaining the cellular redox state and spikelet fertility in Arabidopsis. An investigation of miR408 loci (including promoter) in all four cultivars did not reveal any significant sequence variation indicating an involvement of the upstream regulatory schema. Indeed, a similar variety‐specific stress response was found in the Oryza sativa squamosa promoter‐binding‐like 9 transcription factor that regulates miR408 expression. We further demonstrate that drought‐mediated induction of miR408 in Nagina 22 is regulated by [Ca2+]cyt levels. However, [Ca2+]cyt does not appear to regulate miR408 levels in Pusa Basmati 1, suggesting a variety‐specific evolution of regulatory schema in rice.
The Development of Speaking and Writing Proficiencies in the Spanish Language Classroom: A Case Study
Authors: Hubert Michael D. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAn important task for foreign language (FL) instructors and researchers is to understand how the development of each language skill affects other aspects of language acquisition. This case study seeks to determine if speaking and writing proficiencies develop at similar rates among FL learners. Seventeen students enrolled in beginning, intermediate, and advanced Spanish courses at a mid‐sized U.S. university were administered the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview and Writing Proficiency Test. Speaking and writing proficiency scores were then correlated. Results showed a fairly strong correlation between speaking and writing scores among experimental group participants, but much weaker correlations between proficiencies when each of the three groups was examined individually. Some students were more proficient writers than speakers, others better writers than speakers, and others equally proficient.
Artificial light pollution: are shifting spectral signatures changing the balance of species interactions?
Authors: Davies Thomas W. , Bennie Jonathan , Inger Richard , de Ibarra Natalie Hempel , Gaston Kevin J. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractTechnological developments in municipal lighting are altering the spectral characteristics of artificially lit habitats. Little is yet known of the biological consequences of such changes, although a variety of animal behaviours are dependent on detecting the spectral signature of light reflected from objects. Using previously published wavelengths of peak visual pigment absorbance, we compared how four alternative street lamp technologies affect the visual abilities of 213 species of arachnid, insect, bird, reptile and mammal by producing different wavelength ranges of light to which they are visually sensitive. The proportion of the visually detectable region of the light spectrum emitted by each lamp was compared to provide an indication of how different technologies are likely to facilitate visually guided behaviours such as detecting objects in the environment. Compared to narrow spectrum lamps, broad spectrum technologies enable animals to detect objects that reflect light over more of the spectrum to which they are sensitive and, importantly, create greater disparities in this ability between major taxonomic groups. The introduction of broad spectrum street lamps could therefore alter the balance of species interactions in the artificially lit environment.
Upward ant distribution shift corresponds with minimum, not maximum, temperature tolerance
Authors: Warren Robert J. , Chick Lacy 
Published: February 2013

AbstractRapid climate change may prompt species distribution shifts upward and poleward, but species movement in itself is not sufficient to establish climate causation. Other dynamics, such as disturbance history, may prompt species distribution shifts resembling those expected from rapid climate change. Links between species distributions, regional climate trends and physiological mechanism are needed to convincingly establish climate‐induced species shifts. We examine a 38‐year shift (1974–2012) in an elevation ecotone between two closely related ant species, Aphaenogaster picea and A. rudis. Even though A. picea and A. rudis are closely related with North American distributions that sometimes overlap, they also exhibit local‐ and regional‐scale differences in temperature requirements so that A. rudis is more southerly and inhabits lower elevations whereas A. picea is more northerly and inhabits high elevations. We find considerable movement by the warm‐habitat species upward in elevation between 1974 and 2012 with A. rudis, replacing the cold‐habitat species, A. picea, along the southern edge of the Appalachian Mountain chain in north Georgia, USA. Concomitant with the distribution shifts, regional mean and maximum temperatures remain steady (1974–2012), but minimum temperatures increase. We collect individuals from the study sites and subject them to thermal tolerance testing in a controlled setting and find that maximum and minimum temperature acclimatization occurs along the elevation gradient in both species, but A. rudis consistently becomes physiologically incapacitated at minimum and maximum temperatures 2 °C higher than A. picea. These results indicate that rising minimum temperatures allow A. rudis to move upward in elevation and displace A. picea. Given that Aphaenogaster ants are the dominant woodland seed dispersers in eastern deciduous forests, and that their thermal tolerances drive distinct differences in temperature‐cued synchrony with early blooming plants, these climate responses not only impact ant‐ant interactions, but might have wide implications for ant‐plant interactions.
Global simulation of bioenergy crop productivity: analytical framework and case study for switchgrass
Authors: Kang Shujiang , Nair Sujithkumar Surendran , Kline Keith L. , Nichols Jeffrey A. , Wang Dali , Post Wilfred M. , Brandt Craig C. , Wullschleger Stan D. , Singh Nagendra , Wei Yaxing 
Published: February 2013

AbstractA global energy crop productivity model that provides geospatially explicit quantitative details on biomass potential and factors affecting sustainability would be useful, but does not exist now. This study describes a modeling platform capable of meeting many challenges associated with global‐scale agro‐ecosystem modeling. We designed an analytical framework for bioenergy crops consisting of six major components: (i) standardized natural resources datasets, (ii) global field‐trial data and crop management practices, (iii) simulation units and management scenarios, (iv) model calibration and validation, (v) high‐performance computing (HPC) simulation, and (vi) simulation output processing and analysis. The HPC‐Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (HPC‐EPIC) model simulated a perennial bioenergy crop, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), estimating feedstock production potentials and effects across the globe. This modeling platform can assess soil C sequestration, net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, nonpoint source pollution (e.g., nutrient and pesticide loss), and energy exchange with the atmosphere. It can be expanded to include additional bioenergy crops (e.g., miscanthus, energy cane, and agave) and food crops under different management scenarios. The platform and switchgrass field‐trial dataset are available to support global analysis of biomass feedstock production potential and corresponding metrics of sustainability.
Immunohistochemical expression of core 2 β1,6‐N‐acetylglucosaminyl transferase 1 (C2GnT1) in endometrioid‐type endometrial carcinoma: a novel potential prognostic factor
Authors: Miyamoto Tsutomu , Suzuki Akihisa , Asaka Ryoichi , Ishikawa Kaori , Yamada Yasushi , Kobara Hisanori , Nakayama Jun , Shiozawa Tanri 
Published: February 2013

AimsIt has been reported that the expression of core 2 β1,6‐N‐acetylglucosaminyl transferase 1 (C2GnT1), which synthesizes the core 2 branching structure on O‐glycans, may be associated with the biological aggressiveness of tumour cells. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the expression of C2GnT1 and clinicopathological parameters of patients with endometrial carcinoma.Methods and resultsThe immunohistochemical expression of C2GnT1 was examined in 84 cases of endometrioid‐type endometrial carcinoma, 15 cases of endometrial hyperplasia, and 30 normal endometria. The staining intensity was reported according to a positivity index (PI, full score 100), calculated from the percentage of positive cells. The expression of C2GnT1 was significantly higher in endometrial carcinoma (PI = 8.31 ± 15.29) than in normal endometrium (PI = 0.52 ± 1.24) (P < 0.0005). In carcinomas, the PI was higher in high‐grade or advanced‐stage tumours, but not significantly. Topologically, C2GnT1 was strongly expressed at sites of deep myometrial invasion. In addition, patients with C2GnT1 overexpression (PI ≥ 10) had significantly shorter survival (P < 0.0005). Multivariable analysis also indicated that C2GnT1 overexpression was an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.017).ConclusionsC2GnT1 appears to be involved in the biological aggressiveness of endometrial carcinoma. C2GnT1 might become a novel prognostic factor for endometrial carcinoma.
Low‐dose oral interferon alpha as prophylaxis against viral respiratory illness: a double‐blind, parallel controlled trial during an influenza pandemic year
Authors: Bennett Alayne L. , Smith David W. , Cummins Martin J. , Jacoby Peter A. , Cummins Joseph M. , Beilharz Manfred W. 
Published: February 2013

Background and objectiveInterferon alpha (IFNα) is a known antiviral agent. A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial was conducted investigating the use of low‐dose oral interferon alpha for preventing acute viral respiratory illnesses.MethodsTwo hundred healthy adults aged 18–75 years were enrolled and completed weekly health data questionnaires to monitor for symptoms and impact of respiratory illness. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against influenza and other common respiratory viruses.ResultsLow‐dose oral IFNα prophylaxis did not reduce the incidence or impact of acute respiratory illness (ARI) or the impact of illness on daily activities. Post hoc analysis of participant subgroups, however, identified significant reductions in the incidence of ARI reported by males, those aged 50 years or more and those who received the 2009 seasonal influenza vaccine. Interferon alpha prophylaxis had a significant impact on the reporting of moderate‐to‐severe feverishness by the study population. Seropositive participants in the IFN group were more likely to report asymptomatic or mild symptoms compared with those in the placebo group who were more likely to report stronger symptoms.ConclusionsLow‐dose oral IFNα prophylaxis was not effective in limiting the overall incidence of ARI in our study population. However, there was evidence that prophylaxis reduced the severity of symptoms and had a beneficial effect in some subpopulations, including those who received the 2009 seasonal trivalent influenza vaccination.
Long‐term survival of children with cerebral palsy in Okinawa, Japan
Authors: TOUYAMA MAYUMI , TOUYAMA JUN , OCHIAI YASUO , TOYOKAWA SATOSHI , KOBAYASHI YASUKI 
Published: February 2013

Aim The aim of this study was to describe the survival prognosis of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Okinawa, Japan.Method A cohort study was conducted on all children with CP born between 1988 and 2005 in Okinawa, Japan. Survival proportions were determined with a life table and Kaplan–Meier survival curves were plotted. The effect of each predictor variable was estimated using Cox regression analysis.Results This study included 580 children with CP (332 males, 248 females). In the cohort, 119 (20.5%) children were classified in Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I, 65 (11.2%) were classified in level II, 40 (6.9%) in level III, 189 (32.6%) in level IV, 166 (28.6%) in level V and GMFCS level was unknown for one. Of the 34 children who died, 29 were classified in GMFCS level V and GMFCS level was unknown for one. Mean age at start of follow‐up was 24.5 months (SD 2.6mo); mean length of follow‐up was 8 years 8 months (standard error of the mean 0.214y). The 5 year‐ and 18‐year survival percentages of the entire cohort were 98% and 89% respectively. In children with CP, significantly lower survival rates were associated with multiple factors, including a birthweight of at least 2500g (p=0.009), a gestational age of at least 37 weeks (p=0.004), and the most severe gross motor limitation, GMFCS level V (p<0.001). However, multivariate analysis showed GMFCS level V was the only significant predictor variable (p<0.001) for survival of CP.Interpretation This study is the first to describe survival of children with CP in Japan. Our results are similar to those previously reported in other countries. These results are important in planning adequate provision of social and medical services for individuals with CP.
Effective nursing care of adolescents with anorexia nervosa: a consumer perspective
Authors: Zugai Joel , Stein‐Parbury Jane , Roche Michael 
Published: February 2013

Aims and objectivesTo establish how nurses ensure weight gain and a positive inpatient experience for the treatment of adolescents with anorexia nervosa by considering consumer perspectives.BackgroundConsumer perspective literature indicates approval and dissatisfaction with certain aspects of the inpatient experience, and there is a limited understanding of what consumers perceive to be effective nursing practice.DesignThe design of this study was qualitative, the data being interpreted with a thematic analysis.MethodsThis study sought the perspectives of eight (n = 8) recovered consumers through semi‐structured interviews.ResultsNurses were considered highly influential over the inpatient experience. The findings of this study are characterised by three overall themes regarding nursing practice: (1) ensuring weight gain, (2) maintaining a therapeutic milieu, and (3) the nursing relationship.ConclusionsConsumers have clear perspectives of how nurses effectively ensure weight gain and how nurses ensure a positive inpatient experience. The quality of relationships between consumers and nurses had implications for both weight gain and the perceived quality of the inpatient experience. By relying on the strength of positive, thoughtful and well‐timed interactions, nurses may contribute to productive physical outcomes and a positive inpatient experience. Consumers indicated that motivation to adhere to care was derived from strong relationships with nurses. Ensuring both weight gain and a positive experience involves achieving a productive ‘balance of restrictions’. Consumers also valued nurses that created a comfortable and productive environment.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study indicates that the process of weight gain may be enhanced when accompanied by a process of therapeutic engagement. Therapeutic alliance may be an effective way for nurses to ensure weight gain and an enhanced inpatient experience. Therapeutically beneficial relationships may enhance treatment and possibly enhance outcomes for consumers.
Purification of swine carbonic anhydrase isoenzymeIIIand measurement of its levels in tissues and plasma
Authors: Nishita T. , Harada T. , Sakanoue H. , Arai S. , Itoh S. , Orito K. , Arishima K. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryThe changes in the levels of carbonic anhydrase isozyme III (CA‐III) in swine plasma and urine have not been previously determined or reported.CA‐III is relatively specific to skeletal muscles, and should therefore be a useful diagnostic marker for muscle diseases. We isolatedCA‐III from swine muscle tissues and determinedCA‐III levels in the plasma and urine from both healthy and diseased pigs. The levels ofCA‐III in the tissues of female swine (age, 3 months) and plasma of young swine (age, 1–5 months) and adult female pigs (age, 2–3 years) were determined using theELISAsystem for swineCA‐III. The mean (± SD) levels ofCA‐III in the skeletal muscles were 3.8 ± 3.2 mg/g (wet tissue), and in the plasma, 230 ± 193 ng/ml at 1 month, 189 ± 208 ng/ml at 2 months, 141 ± 148 ng/ml at 3 months, 78 ± 142 ng/ml at 4 months and 53 ± 99 ng/ml at 5 months. The mean level of CA‐III in the plasma samples from 2‐ to 3‐year‐old pigs was 18 ± 60 ng/ml. CA‐III in the plasma samples was found to decrease from 1 month until 3 years of age (p < 0.01). We performed far‐western blotting to clarify the cause of the observed decrease in CA‐III in plasma. Our results demonstrated that CA‐III is bound to the transferrin and albumin. In addition, we determined that the levels of CA‐III in plasma and urine samples were higher in diseased swine compared with the healthy pigs.
Effects of pCO2 and iron on the elemental composition and cell geometry of the marine diatom Pseudo‐nitzschia pseudodelicatissima (Bacillariophyceae)1
Authors: Sugie Koji , Yoshimura Takeshi 
Published: February 2013

Partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) and iron availability in seawater show corresponding changes due to biological and anthropogenic activities. The simultaneous change in these factors precludes an understanding of their independent effects on the ecophysiology of phytoplankton. In addition, there is a lack of data regarding the interactive effects of these factors on phytoplankton cellular stoichiometry, which is a key driving factor for the biogeochemical cycling of oceanic nutrients. Here, we investigated the effects of pCO2 and iron availability on the elemental composition (C, N, P, and Si) of the diatom Pseudo‐nitzschia pseudodelicatissima (Hasle) Hasle by dilute batch cultures under 4 pCO2 (~200, ~380, ~600, and ~800 μatm) and five dissolved inorganic iron (Fe′; ~5, ~10, ~20, ~50, and ~100 pmol · L−1) conditions. Our experimental procedure successfully overcame the problems associated with simultaneous changes in pCO2 and Fe′ by independently manipulating carbonate chemistry and iron speciation, which allowed us to evaluate the individual effects of pCO2 and iron availability. We found that the C:N ratio decreased significantly only with an increase in Fe′, whereas the C:P ratio increased significantly only with an increase in pCO2. Both Si:C and Si:N ratios decreased with increasing pCO2 and Fe′. Our results indicate that changes in pCO2 and iron availability could influence the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients in future oceans with high‐ CO2 levels, and, similarly, during the time course of phytoplankton blooms. Moreover, pCO2 and iron availability may also have affected oceanic nutrient biogeochemistry in the past, as these conditions have changed markedly over the Earth's history.
Novel assessment of microvascular changes in idiopathic restless legs syndrome (Willis–Ekbom disease)
Authors: Anderson Kirstie N. , Di Maria Costanzo , Allen John 
Published: February 2013

SummaryMany patients with restless legs syndrome (Willis–Ekbom disease) complain of burning sensations in their feet associated with the desire to move, such that they seek cooler environments. This pilot study aimed to characterise the microvascular skin changes in 12 patients with restless legs syndrome compared with 12 age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Patients with moderate or severe restless legs syndrome and controls underwent detailed thermovascular assessment in a controlled temperature room at three different stages (normothermic phase 23 °C, hot phase 30 °C, cold phase 18 °C). Microvascular activity was recorded during all phases by bilateral great toe laser‐Doppler flowmetry and also by whole‐body thermography. Patient and control measurements were compared. The study protocol was well tolerated. Parameters extracted from the laser‐Doppler flowmetry measurements were used to model a logistic function using binary logistic regression. This demonstrated a statistically significant difference between patients with restless legs syndrome and healthy controls (P < 0.001). Visual inspection of the body thermography image sequences showed increased lower limb movement in patients with restless legs syndrome patients compared with controls. Thermography analysis also showed significant differences between foot temperatures in patients with restless legs syndrome compared with controls during the hot phase (P = 0.011). Notably, patients with restless legs syndrome had more uniform foot temperatures, whereas controls had a wider variability in surface temperature across the feet. This novel study demonstrates impaired microvascular circulation in patients with restless legs syndrome in comparison to matched controls and a potential mechanism for the sensation of burning feet. The protocol also provides an experimental paradigm to test therapeutic interventions for the future.