bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microsatellite primers in the Chinese dove tree, Davidia involucrata (Cornaceae), a relic species of the Tertiary
Authors: Li Zuozhou , Wang Chuanhua , Liu Yanhong , Li Junqing 
Published: February 2012

• Premise of the study: The first microsatellite primers were developed for Davidia involucrata, an endangered relic species of the Tertiary in China, to further describe its genetic variability and population structure.• Methods and Results: Using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences Containing Repeats (FIASCO) protocol, 15 polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized in 20 individuals from the germplasm collections of D. involucrata at the Hunan Forest Botanical Garden. High levels of polymorphism were revealed, with the total number of alleles per locus and the number of alleles per locus per individual ranging from two to 13 and from one to six, respectively.• Conclusions: The multibanded patterns of microsatellite loci obtained in the current study confirmed that D. involucrata might be a polyploid species. The primers will be useful for studies of genetic diversity and for guiding conservation strategies for D. involucrata.
Development of novel low‐copy nuclear markers for Hieraciinae (Asteraceae) and their perspective for other tribes
Authors: Krak Karol , Álvarez Inés , Caklová Petra , Costa Andrea , Chrtek Jindrˇich , Fehrer Judith 
Published: February 2012

• Premise of the study: The development of three low‐copy nuclear markers for low taxonomic level phylogenies in Asteraceae with emphasis on the subtribe Hieraciinae is reported.• Methods and Results: Marker candidates were selected by comparing a Lactuca complementary DNA (cDNA) library with public DNA sequence databases. Interspecific variation and phylogenetic signal of the selected genes were investigated for diploid taxa from the subtribe Hieraciinae and compared to a reference phylogeny. Their ability to cross‐amplify was assessed for other Asteraceae tribes. All three markers had higher variation (2.1−4.5 times) than the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) in Hieraciinae. Cross‐amplification was successful in at least seven other tribes of the Asteraceae. Only three cases indicating the presence of paralogs or pseudogenes were detected.• Conclusions: The results demonstrate the potential of these markers for phylogeny reconstruction in the Hieraciinae as well as in other Asteraceae tribes, especially for very closely related species.
Phylogenomic analysis of transcriptome data elucidates co‐occurrence of a paleopolyploid event and the origin of bimodal karyotypes in Agavoideae (Asparagaceae)
Authors: McKain Michael R. , Wickett Norman , Zhang Yeting , Ayyampalayam Saravanaraj , McCombie W. Richard , Chase Mark W. , Pires J. Chris , de Pamphilis Claude W. , Leebens‐Mack Jim 
Published: February 2012

• Premise of the study: The stability of the bimodal karyotype found in Agave and closely related species has long interested botanists. The origin of the bimodal karyotype has been attributed to allopolyploidy, but this hypothesis has not been tested. Next‐generation transcriptome sequence data were used to test whether a paleopolyploid event occurred on the same branch of the Agavoideae phylogenetic tree as the origin of the Yucca–Agave bimodal karyotype.• Methods: Illumina RNA‐seq data were generated for phylogenetically strategic species in Agavoideae. Paleopolyploidy was inferred in analyses of frequency plots for synonymous substitutions per synonymous site (Ks) between Hosta, Agave, and Chlorophytum paralogous and orthologous gene pairs. Phylogenies of gene families including paralogous genes for these species and outgroup species were estimated to place inferred paleopolyploid events on a species tree.• Key results: Ks frequency plots suggested paleopolyploid events in the history of the genera Agave, Hosta, and Chlorophytum. Phylogenetic analyses of gene families estimated from transcriptome data revealed two polyploid events: one predating the last common ancestor of Agave and Hosta and one within the lineage leading to Chlorophytum.• Conclusions: We found that polyploidy and the origin of the Yucca–Agave bimodal karyotype co‐occur on the same lineage consistent with the hypothesis that the bimodal karyotype is a consequence of allopolyploidy. We discuss this and alternative mechanisms for the formation of the Yucca–Agave bimodal karyotype. More generally, we illustrate how the use of next‐generation sequencing technology is a cost‐efficient means for assessing genome evolution in nonmodel species.
In Vitro Microbiology Studies on a New Peritoneal Dialysis Connector
Authors: Di Bonaventura Giovanni , Cerasoli Paolo , Pompilio Arianna , Arrizza Fabio , Di Liberato Lorenzo , Stingone Antonio , Sirolli Vittorio , Arduini Arduino , Bonomini Mario 
Published: February 2012

Objective We evaluated the ability of a recently developed peritoneal dialysis (PD) connector to prevent the risk of bacterial transfer to the fluid path after simulated touch and airborne contamination. Methods Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC1228 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853 strains were used. For touch contamination, 2 μL of a standardized inoculum [1x108 colony-forming units (CFU) per milliliter] were deposited on top of the pin closing the fluid path of the patient connector. For airborne contamination, the patient connector was exposed for 15 seconds to a nebulized standardized inoculum. To simulate the patient peritoneum and effluent, the patient connector was pre-attached to a 2-L bag of sterile PD solution. After contamination, the patient connector was attached to the transfer set, the pin was captured, flow control was turned to simulate “patient drain” into the empty bag, and then “patient fill” using the bag pre-attached to the connector. Finally, a new pin was recaptured. The PD solution collected in the bag pre-attached to the connector was run through a 0.20-μm filter for colony counts. Results No infected connector transferred bacteria to the fluid path, regardless of the challenge procedure or the strain used. Conclusions Our results show that the new PD connector may fully obviate the risk of bacterial infection, even in the presence of heavy contamination. Further studies are in progress to test our PD connector in a clinical setting.
Construct and Criterion Validity of the Short Form-6D Utility Measure in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: HARRISON MARK J. , AHMAD YASMEEN , HAQUE SAHENA , DALE NICOLA , TEH LEE-SUAN , SNOWDEN NEIL , HO PAULINE , GORODKIN RACHEL , BRUCE IAN N. 
Published: February 2012

Objective.Preference-based measures, such as the Short Form-6D (SF-6D), allow quality-adjusted life-years, used in cost-utility evaluations, to be calculated. We investigated the construct and criterion validity of the SF-6D in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Methods.Female patients with SLE were recruited from outpatient clinics at 2 timepoints, 5 years apart. Cross-sectional correlation of the SF-6D with domains of the disease-specific LupusQol health-related quality of life (HRQOL) measure, the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index (SDI; for damage) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI; for activity) measures, and patient characteristics was tested. The ability to discriminate between groups defined by smoking status, presence/absence of carotid plaque, depression, and fatigue was tested using the t-test.Results.In total 181 patients were recruited at baseline. The SF-6D correlated moderately to strongly with all domains of the LupusQoL (0.6–0.8) apart from intimate relationships (0.42) and body image (0.34). Correlations of the SF-6D with the demographic and disease-specific measures at baseline were small for the SDI score (−0.23) and age (−0.19) and in the expected direction. The SF-6D did not correlate with disease activity (SLEDAI −0.08). The SF-6D could distinguish those who smoked, had carotid plaque, had depression, and reported fatigue from those who did not, with the largest effect size being for depression (0.75).Conclusion.The SF-6D displays construct and criterion validity for use in patients with SLE, but the low correlation with aspects of intimate relationships and body image represents a concern and reinforces the need to collect disease-specific measures of HRQOL alongside generic preference-based instruments.
Peripheral Versus Central Compartment Starting Point in Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement
Authors: Rupp Robert , Duggan Brian 
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this study was to compare the perioperative complications and traction times in femoroacetabular impingement hip arthroscopy with either a peripheral or central compartment starting point. Sixty patients with femoroacetabular impingement were treated with hip arthroscopy. Thirty patients had a peripheral compartment starting point and 30 had a central compartment starting point. Intra- and postoperative complications were documented along with traction times. The peripheral compartment starting group experienced 6 minor chondral injuries and 1 case of postoperative paresthesias. The central compartment starting group experienced 8 minor and 3 moderate chondral injuries, 2 labral penetrations, and 3 cases of postoperative paresthesias. Traction time averaged 46 minutes in the peripheral compartment starting group and 73 minutes in the central compartment starting group.
Iatrogenic injury and traction times are decreased with peripheral vs central compartment starting in hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement. Consideration should be given for peripheral compartment starting in hip arthroscopy for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement.
The MC159 Protein from the Molluscum Contagiosum Poxvirus Inhibits NF-κB Activation by Interacting with the IκB Kinase Complex
Authors: Randall Crystal M. H. , Jokela Janet A. , Shisler Joanna L. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV) causes persistent neoplasms in healthy and immunocompromised people. Its ability to persist likely is due to its arsenal of viral immunoevasion proteins. For example, the MCV MC159 protein inhibits TNF-R1–induced NF-κB activation and apoptosis. The MC159 protein is a viral FLIP and, as such, possesses two tandem death effector domains (DEDs). We show in this article that, in human embryonic kidney 293 T cells, the expression of wild-type MC159 or a mutant MC159 protein containing the first DED (MC159 A) inhibited TNF-induced NF-κB, or NF-κB activated by PMA or MyD88 overexpression, whereas a mutant protein lacking the first DED (MC159 B) did not. We hypothesized that the MC159 protein targeted the IκB kinase (IKK) complex to inhibit these diverse signaling events. Indeed, the MC159 protein, but not MC159 B, coimmunoprecipitated with IKKγ. MC159 coimmunoprecipitated with IKKγ when using mouse embryonic fibroblasts that lack either IKKα or IKKβ, suggesting that the MC159 protein interacted directly with IKKγ. MC159-IKKγ coimmunoprecipitations were detected during infection of cells with either MCV isolated from human lesions or with a recombinant MC159-expressing vaccinia virus. MC159 also interacts with TRAF2, a signaling molecule involved in NF-κB activation. However, mutational analysis of MC159 failed to reveal a correlation between MC159–TRAF2 interactions and MC159’s inhibitory function. We propose that MC159–IKK interactions, but not MC159–TRAF2 interactions, are responsible for inhibiting NF-κB activation.
Structural and Functional Characterization of a Novel Nonglycosidic Type I NKT Agonist with Immunomodulatory Properties
Authors: Kerzerho Jerome , Yu Esther D. , Barra Carolina M. , Alari-Pahisa Elisenda , Girardi Enrico , Harrak Youssef , Lauzurica Pilar , Llebaria Amadeu , Zajonc Dirk M. , Akbari Omid , Castaño A. Raúl 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Activation of type I NKT (iNKT) cells by CD1d-presented agonists is a potent immunotherapeutic tool. α-Galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) is the prototypic agonist, but its excessive potency with simultaneous production of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines hampers its potential therapeutic use. In search for novel agonists, we have analyzed the structure and function of HS44, a synthetic aminocyclitolic ceramide analog designed to avoid unrestrained iNKT cell activation. HS44 is a weaker agonist compared with α-GalCer in vitro, although in vivo it induces robust IFN-γ production, and highly reduced but still functional Th2 response. The characteristic cytokine storm produced upon α-GalCer activation was not induced. Consequently, HS44 induced a very efficient iNKT cell-dependent antitumoral response in B16 animal model. In addition, intranasal administration showed the capacity to induce lung inflammation and airway hyperreactivity, a cardinal asthma feature. Thus, HS44 is able to elicit functional Th1 or Th2 responses. Structural studies show that HS44 binds to CD1d with the same conformation as α-GalCer. The TCR binds to HS44 similarly as α-GalCer, but forms less contacts, thus explaining its weaker TCR affinity and, consequently, its weaker recognition by iNKT cells. The ability of this compound to activate an efficient, but not massive, tailored functional immune response makes it an attractive reagent for immune manipulation.
Immunological Responses to Gut Bacteria
Authors: Green-Johnson Julia M 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The integral nature of interactions between the gut microbiota and host is especially evident with respect to effects on the immune system and host defenses. Host-microbiota interactions are increasingly being revealed as complex and dynamic, with far-reaching effects on varied aspects of host health. This review focuses on adaptive and innate immune responses to the gut microbiota and the bidirectional nature of these host-microbe interactions.
Correlating Structure with Function in Thermally Annealed PCDTBT:PC70BM Photovoltaic Blends
Authors: Wang Tao , Pearson Andrew J. , Dunbar Alan D. F. , Staniec Paul A. , Watters Darren C. , Yi Hunan , Ryan Anthony J. , Jones Richard A. L. , Iraqi Ahmed , Lidzey David G. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA range of optical probes are used to study the nanoscale‐structure and electronic‐functionality of a photovoltaic‐applicable blend of the carbazole co‐polymer poly[N‐9′‐heptadecanyl‐2,7‐carbazole‐alt‐5,5‐(4′,7′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐2′,1′,3′‐benzothiadiazole) (PCDTBT) and the electronic accepting fullerene derivative (6,6)‐phenyl C70‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC70BM). In particular, it is shown that the glass transition temperature of a PCDTBT:PC70BM blend thin‐film is not sensitive to the relative blend‐ratio or film thickness (at 1:4 blending ratio), but is sensitive to casting solvent and the type of substrate on which it is deposited. It is found that the glass transition temperature of the blend reduces on annealing; an observation consistent with disruption of π–π stacking between PCDTBT molecules. Reduced π–π stacking is correlated with reduced hole‐mobility in thermally annealed films. It is suggested that this explains the failure of such annealing protocols to substantially improve device‐efficiency. The annealing studies demonstrate that the blend only undergoes coarse phase‐separation when annealed at or above 155 °C, suggesting a promising degree of morphological stability of PCDTBT:PC70BM blends.
CebusPhylogenetic Relationships: A Preliminary Reassessment of the Diversity of the Untufted Capuchin Monkeys
Authors: BOUBLI JEAN P. , RYLANDS ANTHONY B. , FARIAS IZENI P. , ALFARO MICHAEL E. , ALFARO JESSICA LYNCH 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe untufted, or gracile, capuchin monkeys are currently classified in four species,Cebus albifrons,C. capucinus,C. olivaceus, andC. kaapori, with all butC. kaaporihaving numerous described subspecies. The taxonomy is controversial and their geographic distributions are poorly known.Cebus albifronsis unusual in its disjunct distribution, with a western and centralAmazonian range, a separate range in the northernAndes inColombia, and isolated populations inTrinidad and west of theAndes inEcuador and northernPeru. Here we examine previous morphological and molecular hypotheses of the taxonomy and phylogeny ofCebus. We construct a time‐calibrated phylogeny based upon mitochondrialDNAsequences from 50Cebus samples from across their range. Our data indicate that untufted capuchins underwent a radiation at about 2 Ma, and quickly diversified in both theAndes and theAmazon. We provide a provisional reassessment for the taxonomy of untufted capuchins in theAmazon, theLlanos, theAndes,Trinidad, andCentralAmerica, splitting currently paraphyletic taxa into several species, including: at least twoAmazonian species (C. yuracusandC. unicolor); a species from theGuianaShield (most likely the same asHumboldt'sC. albifrons); two northernAndean species,C. versicolor,C. cesarae;C. brunneus(withtrinitatisa junior synonym) on theVenezuelan coast, andC. adustusin the region ofLakeMaracaibo;C. capucinusin northwesternEcuador andColombia, andPanama;C. imitatorinCentralAmerica;C. olivaceusandC. castaneusoccupying a large part of theGuianaShield; andC. kaaporiin the easternAmazon, south of theRioAmazonas. More intensive and extensive geographic sampling is needed, including that for some subspecies not represented here. Taxa from the southwesternAmazon (yuracus,cuscinus, andunicolor) and the phylogenetic position ofHumboldt'sSimia albifronsfrom theOrinoco remain particularly poorly defined. Am. J. Primatol. 74:381–393, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation and study of the electrochemical properties of magnesium phosphate membranes
Authors: Khan Mohammad Mujahid Ali , Rafiuddin  
Published: February 2012

AbstractPolystyrene‐based magnesium phosphate membranes were prepared by a sol–gel method with various 1 : 1 electrolytes at different pressures and concentrations. The prepared membranes were characterized for thickness, porosity, and moisture content and by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The FTIR spectra showed a negative shift from the normal polystyrene value due to interaction with metal ions. SEM images revealed nonpreferential orientation without any visible cracks. Teorell, Meyer, and Sievers's method was used to determine the transport number of ions, mobility, distribution coefficient, and charge density of the membrane. The order of surface charge density for a 1 : 1 electrolyte solution was found to be KCl > NaCl > LiCl. However, the membrane potential followed the reverse order. The membrane was found to be stable in acidic and basic environments. This study demonstrated the potential applications of inorganic precipitate membranes in the field of separation science. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Fabrication of syndiotactic polystyrene nanocomposites with exfoliated clay and their properties
Authors: Kim Mun Ho , Park O Ok 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe fabrication of syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS)/organophilic clay nanocomposite was conducted via melt intercalation process. To obtain sPS nanocomposites with exfoliated clay, the stepwise mixing process using RPS as amorphous styrenic polymer was adopted. Also, organophilic clay modified by cetyl pyridium chloride was used to overcome the thermal instability of commonly used clay and to enhance the compatibility of clay with sPS. We could obtain exfoliated sPS nanocomposites in all compositions without any collapsed clay layers. The microstructures of nanocomposites were confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The crystallization rate of nanocomposites investigated by differential scanning calorimetry increases with the content of clay, which may be due to the nucleating effect of the clay layer. Nanocomposites exhibited enhanced stiffness relative to the neat polymer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Comparison of polyanilines doped by lignosulfonates with three different ions
Authors: Dong Jin‐Qiao , Shen Qing 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPolyaniline (PANI) doped by three lignosulfonates (LGSs) with ions of sodium, calcium, and magnesium, respectively, was fabricated and compared. Results showed that the conductivity, solubility, and thermal stability of all these three LGSs‐doped PANIs were enhanced, especially the LGS‐Ca‐doped PANI, when compared with the pure PANI. XRD, UV, and FTIR spectra indicated that the PANI doped by LGS‐Ca facilitated electron delocalization, which enhances crystallization of PANI/LGS‐Ca with respect to the other two LGSs‐doped PANIs. The PANI/LGS‐Ca has the best thermal behavior with respect to the other two LGSs‐doped PANIs due probably to the hydrogen bonding between LGS‐Ca and PANI stable than that between the other two LGSs and PANI. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Unusual Photoreaction of Triquinacene within Self‐Assembled Hosts
Authors: Murase Takashi , Nishijima Yuki , Fujita Makoto 
Published: February 2012

AbstractTriquinacene is a concave tricyclic hydrocarbon with diverse photoreactivity. In the cavity of an electron‐accepting molecular host, triquinacene was specifically photooxidized at the peripheral allylic position into an alcohol, 1‐hydroxytriquinacene, via guest‐to‐host electron transfer. The unusual reactivity stems from the extremely electron‐deficient triazine panel ligand of the host cage, which allows the cage to function as a good electron acceptor. Thus, self‐assembled coordination cages can serve not only as molecular‐sized reaction vessels but also function electronically as redox media. Dissolved molecular oxygen is indispensable for the photoreaction and immediately traps a photogenerated radical.
Coenzyme Q10 concentration in plasma and blood cells of juvenile patients hospitalized for anorexia nervosa
Authors: Niklowitz Petra , Brosche‐Bockholt Birgit , Dieffenbach Ina , Dieffenbach Rainer , Andler Werner , Paulussen Michael , Menke Thomas 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe antioxidant status of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) was investigated in plasma, erythrocytes, and platelets of juvenile patients with anorexia nervosa. Blood for analysis of the CoQ10 status was taken from 16 juvenile patients suffering from anorexia nervosa (restricting form) at the time point of admission to the hospital and at discharge after about 12 weeks. Plasma and blood cells isolated by a density gradient were stored at −84 °C until analysis. CoQ10 concentration and redox status were measured by high pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection and internal standardization. The improvement of physical health during the hospital refeeding process was followed up by the body mass index (BMI). The antioxidant status of plasma CoQ10 in juvenile patients suffering from anorexia nervosa indicated no abnormalities in comparison to healthy controls. However, the decreased concentration of CoQ10 observed in platelets at the time point of hospital admission may represent mitochondrial CoQ10 depletion. This initial deficit improved during the hospital refeeding process. The platelet CoQ10 concentration showed a positive correlation to the BMI of the patients.