bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient −2 frameshifting by mammalian ribosomes to synthesize an additional arterivirus protein
Authors: Fang Ying , Treffers Emmely E. , Li Yanhua , Tas Ali , Sun Zhi , van der Meer Yvonne , de Ru Arnoud H. , van Veelen Peter A. , Atkins John F. , Snijder Eric J. , Firth Andrew E.
Published: October 2012

Programmed −1 ribosomal frameshifting (−1 PRF) is a gene-expression mechanism used to express many viral and some cellular genes. In contrast, efficient natural utilization of −2 PRF has not been demonstrated previously in eukaryotic systems. Like all nidoviruses, members of the
Arteriviridae
(a family of positive-stranded RNA viruses) express their replicase polyproteins pp1a and pp1ab from two long ORFs (1a and 1b), where synthesis of pp1ab depends on −1 PRF. These polyproteins are posttranslationally cleaved into at least 13 functional nonstructural proteins. Here we report that porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and apparently most other arteriviruses, use an additional PRF mechanism to access a conserved alternative ORF that overlaps the nsp2-encoding region of ORF1a in the +1 frame. We show here that this ORF is translated via −2 PRF at a conserved G_GUU_UUU sequence (underscores separate ORF1a codons) at an estimated efficiency of around 20%, yielding a transframe fusion (nsp2TF) with the N-terminal two thirds of nsp2. Expression of nsp2TF in PRRSV-infected cells was verified using specific Abs, and the site and direction of frameshifting were determined via mass spectrometric analysis of nsp2TF. Further, mutagenesis showed that the frameshift site and an unusual frameshift-stimulatory element (a conserved CCCANCUCC motif 11 nucleotides downstream) are required to direct efficient −2 PRF. Mutations preventing nsp2TF expression impair PRRSV replication and produce a small-plaque phenotype. Our findings demonstrate that −2 PRF is a functional gene-expression mechanism in eukaryotes and add another layer to the complexity of arterivirus genome expression.
A new loss mechanism in graphene nanoresonators due to the synthetic electric fields caused by inherent out-of-plane membrane corrugations
Authors: Firsova N E , Firsov Yu A
Published: October 2012

For the first time the influence of out-of-plane deformations, which always exist in graphene, on the non-stationary processes is considered for the case of a monolayer graphene nanoresonator. A new loss mechanism for this device caused by dissipative intra-valley currents stipulated by synthetic electric fields is studied. These fields are generated by time-dependent gauge fields arising in a graphene membrane due to its intrinsic out-of-plane distortions and the influence of the external periodic electromotive force. The corresponding formula for the quality factor has a quantum mechanical origin and includes quantum mechanical parameters. This loss mechanism accounts for an essential part (about 40%) of losses in a graphene nanoresonator and it is specific just for graphene. The ways of minimization of this kind of dissipation (an increase in the quality factor of the electromechanical system) are discussed. It is explained why one can enhance the quality factor by correctly choosing a combination of strains (by strain engineering). In addition, it is shown that the quality factor can be increased by switching on a magnetic field perpendicular to the graphene membrane.
It is getting hotter in here: determining and projecting the impacts of global environmental change on drylands
Authors: Maestre Fernando T. , Salguero-Gómez Roberto , Quero José L.
Published: October 2012

Drylands occupy large portions of the Earth, and are a key terrestrial biome from the socio-ecological point of view. In spite of their extent and importance, the impacts of global environmental change on them remain poorly understood. In this introduction, we review some of the main expected impacts of global change in drylands, quantify research efforts on the topic, and highlight how the articles included in this theme issue contribute to fill current gaps in our knowledge. Our literature analyses identify key under-studied areas that need more research (e.g. countries such as Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad and Somalia, and deserts such as the Thar, Kavir and Taklamakan), and indicate that most global change research carried out to date in drylands has been done on a unidisciplinary basis. The contributions included here use a wide array of organisms (from micro-organisms to humans), spatial scales (from local to global) and topics (from plant demography to poverty alleviation) to examine key issues to the socio-ecological impacts of global change in drylands. These papers highlight the complexities and difficulties associated with the prediction of such impacts. They also identify the increased use of long-term experiments and multidisciplinary approaches as priority areas for future dryland research. Major advances in our ability to predict and understand global change impacts on drylands can be achieved by explicitly considering how the responses of individuals, populations and communities will in turn affect ecosystem services. Future research should explore linkages between these responses and their effects on water and climate, as well as the provisioning of services for human development and well-being.
Lessons from community-based payment for ecosystem service schemes: from forests to rangelands
Authors: Dougill Andrew J. , Stringer Lindsay C. , Leventon Julia , Riddell Mike , Rueff Henri , Spracklen Dominick V. , Butt Edward
Published: October 2012

Climate finance investments and international policy are driving new community-based projects incorporating payments for ecosystem services (PES) to simultaneously store carbon and generate livelihood benefits. Most community-based PES (CB-PES) research focuses on forest areas. Rangelands, which store globally significant quantities of carbon and support many of the world's poor, have seen little CB-PES research attention, despite benefitting from several decades of community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) projects. Lessons from CBNRM suggest institutional considerations are vital in underpinning the design and implementation of successful community projects. This study uses documentary analysis to explore the institutional characteristics of three African community-based forest projects that seek to deliver carbon-storage and poverty-reduction benefits. Strong existing local institutions, clear land tenure, community control over land management decision-making and up-front, flexible payment schemes are found to be vital. Additionally, we undertake a global review of rangeland CBNRM literature and identify that alongside the lessons learned from forest projects, rangeland CB-PES project design requires specific consideration of project boundaries, benefit distribution, capacity building for community monitoring of carbon storage together with awareness-raising using decision-support tools to display the benefits of carbon-friendly land management. We highlight that institutional analyses must be undertaken alongside improved scientific studies of the carbon cycle to enable links to payment schemes, and for them to contribute to poverty alleviation in rangelands.
Pleomorphobacterium xiamenense gen. nov., sp. nov., a moderate thermophile isolated from a terrestrial hot spring
Authors: Yin Decui , Chen Liwei , Ao Jingqun , Ai Chunxiang , Chen Xinhua
Published: October 2012

An aerobic, motile, moderately thermophilic rod, designated strain CLWT, was isolated from a terrestrial hot spring in an exposition garden in Xiamen City, Fujian Province, the People’s Republic of China. Strain CLWT formed beige, dry colonies on solid 2216E medium and flocks in liquid medium. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, short rods (1.0–3.0 µm long and 0.4–0.6 µm wide) with six or more polar flagella. The temperature and pH for growth of strain CLWT were 28–65 °C (optimum, 50–58 °C) and pH 5.5–9.5 (optimum, pH 6.0–8.0). Growth occurred in the presence of 0.3–6.0 % NaCl (optimum 2.5–4.5 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the closest relative of the isolate was

Amaricoccus kaplicensis

Ben 101T (94.3 % sequence similarity). The DNA G+C content of strain CLWT was 72.2 mol%. The respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 10. The predominant polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. The major fatty acids (>10 %) were summed feature 8 (consisting of C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c), C18 : 1ω7c 11-methyl and C18 : 0. Based on phylogenetic, physiological and biochemical data and DNA G+C content, strain CLWT is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus in the family

Rhodobacteraceae

, for which the name Pleomorphobacterium xiamenense gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is CLWT ( = LMG 26245T = CGMCC 1.10808T = MCCC 1A06272T).
Melghirimyces thermohalophilus sp. nov., a thermoactinomycete isolated from an Algerian salt lake
Authors: Addou Ammara Nariman , Schumann Peter , Spröer Cathrin , Bouanane-Darenfed Amel , Amarouche-Yala Samia , Hacene Hocine , Cayol Jean-Luc , Fardeau Marie-Laure
Published: October 2012

A novel filamentous bacterium, designated Nari11AT, was isolated from soil collected from a salt lake named Chott Melghir, located in north-eastern Algeria. The strain is an aerobic, halophilic, thermotolerant, Gram-stain-positive bacterium, growing at NaCl concentrations between 5 and 20 % (w/v) and at 43–60 °C and pH 5.0–10.0. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 53.4 mol%. ll-Diaminopimelic acid was the diamino acid of the peptidoglycan. The major menaquinone was MK-7, but MK-6 and MK-8 were also present in trace amounts. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and three unidentified phospholipids. Results of molecular and phenotypic analyses led to the description of the strain as a novel member to the genus

Melghirimyces

, family

Thermoactinomycetaceae

. Strain Nari11AT shows 96.7 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to the type strain of

Melghirimyces algeriensis

. On the basis of phenotypic, physiological and phylogenetic data, strain Nari11AT ( = DSM 45514T  = CCUG 60050T) represents the type strain of a novel species, for which the name Melghirimyces thermohalophilus sp. nov. is proposed.
Sunflower genetic, genomic and ecological resources
Authors: Kane Nolan C. , Burke John M. , Marek Laura , Seiler Gerald , Vear Felicity , Baute Gregory , Knapp Steven J. , Vincourt Patrick , Rieseberg Loren H.
Published: October 2012

Long a major focus of genetic research and breeding, sunflowers (Helianthus) are emerging as an increasingly important experimental system for ecological and evolutionary studies. Here, we review the various attributes of wild and domesticated sunflowers that make them valuable for ecological experimentation and describe the numerous publicly available resources that have enabled rapid advances in ecological and evolutionary genetics. Resources include seed collections available from germplasm centres at the USDA and INRA, genomic and EST sequences, mapping populations, genetic markers, genetic and physical maps and other forward‐ and reverse‐genetic tools. We also discuss some of the key evolutionary, genetic and ecological questions being addressed in sunflowers, as well as gaps in our knowledge and promising areas for future research.
Barcoding of aphids (Hemiptera, Aphididae and Adelgidae): proper usage of the global data set
Authors: Rakauskas Rimantas , Bašilova Jekaterina
Published: October 2012

Basics of DNA barcoding suppose the creation and operation of an extensive library based on reliably (including possibility for validation) identified specimens. Therefore, information concerning morphological identification of the individual samples used for DNA barcoding, for example, identification keys and descriptions used, must be clearly explained. In addition, the maximum available data set of sequences must be used. Access to currently private data appears to be of special interest, especially when such possibility is provided by the database regulations, because it encourages the cooperation of research and saves both time and resources. The cryptic aphid species complexes Aphis oenotherae‐holoenotherae and A. pomi‐spiraecola are used to illustrate the above statements.
State‐related alterations of gene expression in bipolar disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Munkholm Klaus , Vinberg Maj , Berk Michael , Kessing Lars Vedel
Published: October 2012

Munkholm K, Vinberg M, Berk M, Kessing LV. State‐related alterations of gene expression in bipolar disorder: a systematic review. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 684–696. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objective:  Alterations in gene expression in bipolar disorder have been found in numerous studies. It is unclear whether such alterations are related to specific mood states. As a biphasic disorder, mood state‐related alterations in gene expression have the potential to point to markers of disease activity, and trait‐related alterations might indicate vulnerability pathways. This review therefore evaluated the evidence for whether gene expression in bipolar disorder is state or trait related.

Methods:  A systematic review, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) guideline for reporting systematic reviews, based on comprehensive database searches for studies on gene expression in patients with bipolar disorder in specific mood states, was conducted. We searched Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and The Cochrane Library, supplemented by manually searching reference lists from retrieved publications.

Results:  A total of 17 studies were included, comprising 565 patients and 418 control individuals. Six studies evaluated intraindividual alterations in gene expression across mood states. Two of five studies found evidence of intraindividual alterations in gene expression between a depressed state and a euthymic state. No studies evaluated intraindividual differences in gene expression between a manic state and a euthymic state, while only one case study evaluated differences between a manic state and a depressed state, finding altered expression in seven genes. No study investigated intraindividual variations in gene expression between a euthymic state and multiple states of various polarities (depressive, manic, hypomanic). Intraindividual alterations in expression of the same genes were not investigated across studies. Only one gene (the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor gene; BDNF) was investigated across multiple studies, showing no alteration between bipolar disorder patients and control individuals.

Conclusions:  There is evidence of some genes exhibiting state‐related alterations in expression in bipolar disorder; however, this finding is limited by the lack of replication across studies. Further prospective studies are warranted, measuring gene expression in various affective phases, allowing for assessment of intraindividual differences.
Bone tissue response to implant surfaces functionalized with phosphate‐containing polymers
Authors: Cardoso Marcio Vivan , Chaudhari Amol , Yoshida Yasuhiro , Van Meerbeek Bart , Naert Ignace , Duyck Joke
Published: October 2012

Objectives

Inorganic polyphosphates are said to stimulate the activity of osteoblast‐like cells in vitro. The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vivo bone regeneration around implants treated with polyphosphoric acid (PPA) and phosphorylated pullulan (PPL).

Material and Methods

Two types of implants with different surface roughness (R1: Sa ≈ 0.23 μm; R2: Sa ≈ 1.35 μm) were treated with three solutions (distilled water, 10%wt PPA, or 10%wt PPL) prior to implantation in both tibia of twelve female white rabbits. Each animal received six implants randomly positioned according to their surface roughness and treatment: R1 + water; R1 + PPA; R1 + PPL; R2 + water; R2 + PPA; R2 + PPL. Animals were sacrificed after 1 or 4 weeks, and samples were prepared for histological and histomorphometrical analysis. Bone regeneration areas were evaluated for bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) and bone fraction (BF) in areas 100 and 500 μm remote from the implant surface. Data were statistically analyzed by means of Friedman and Wilcoxon matched‐pair tests (P < 0.05).

Results

After 1 week, bone tissue was rarely formed in the regeneration areas. After 4 weeks, implants treated with PPA presented higher ratios of BIC (R1 = 52.3 ± 13.1; R2 = 54.6 ± 11.0) than the ones treated with water (R1 = 24.1 ± 15.1; R2 = 32.4 ± 13.0). On the other hand, around the implant surface (100 μm), PPL‐treated implants induced higher BF (R1 = 78.3 ± 34.1; R2 = 71.2 ± 21.8) as compared with the water‐treated ones (R1 = 46.1 ± 22.0; R2 = 49.6 ± 21.0). At 500 μm, however, no statistically significant differences in BF were found among the groups evaluated (P > 0.05). Surface roughness influenced neither BIC nor BF.

Conclusions

Implant surface treatment with phosphate‐containing polymers may positively influence osseointegration.
Coexistence of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, Rosai–Dorfman disease and splenic lymphoma with fatal outcome after rapid development of histiocytic sarcoma of the liver
Authors: Llamas‐Velasco Mar , Cannata Jimena , Dominguez Inmaculada , García‐Noblejas Ana , Aragües Maximiliano , Fraga Javier , Arranz Reyes
Published: October 2012

The coexistence of skin‐limited Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) and Rosai–Dorfman disease (RDD) is an exceptional finding. The association of lymphomas and histiocytosis is also infrequent. We report the case of a 68‐year‐old man which presented an exceptional association of cutaneousLCHandRDDand splenic marginal zone lymphoma. He was stable for few years. Suddenly, the patient was admitted into Hematology Department with a remarkable enlargement of spleen and liver without enlargement of lymphadenopathies or skin lesions flare. He died 24 h later despite treatment with systemic chemotherapy combined with prednisone. Pre‐mortem biopsy showed infiltration with histiocytic sarcoma. We think that a transdifferentiation phenomenon could explain our case, although we could not show a clonal relationship between the cutaneous and the liver diseases. We also want to pay attention to the fact that a fast transformation to a more aggressive disease can occur long time after the presentation of the first lesion, a problem that stresses the importance of performing a close and permanent follow‐up of these patients.
High‐polyphenol chocolate reduces endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress during acute transient hyperglycaemia in Type 2 diabetes: a pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mellor D. D. , Madden L. A. , Smith K. A. , Kilpatrick E. S. , Atkin S. L.
Published: October 2012

Aims

To investigate the effects of high‐polyphenol chocolate upon endothelial function and oxidative stress in Type 2 diabetes mellitus during acute transient hyperglycaemia induced following a 75‐g oral glucose challenge.

Methods

Ten subjects with Type 2 diabetes underwent a double‐blinded randomized controlled crossover study. A 75‐g oral glucose load was used to induce hyperglycaemia, which was administered to participants 60 min after they had ingested either low (control) or high‐polyphenol chocolate. Participants undertook testing at weekly intervals, following an initial cocoa‐free period. Endothelial function was assessed by both functional [reactive hyperaemia peripheral artery tonometry (EndoPAT‐2000) and serum markers (including intercellular adhesion molecule 1, P‐selectin and P‐selectin glycoprotein ligand 1]. Urinary 15‐F2t‐isoprostane adjusted for creatinine was used as an oxidative stress marker. Measurements were made at baseline and 2 h post‐ingestion of the glucose load.

Results

Prior consumption of high‐polyphenol chocolate before a glucose load improved endothelial function (1.7 ± 0.1 vs. 2.3 ± 0.1%, P = 0.01), whereas prior consumption of control chocolate resulted in a significant increase in intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (321.1 ± 7.6 vs. 373.6 ± 10.5 ng/ml, P = 0.04) and 15‐F2t‐isoprostane (116.8 ± 5.7 vs. 207.1 ± 5.7 mg/mol, P = 0.02). Analysis of percentage changes from baseline comparing control and high‐polyphenol chocolate showed a significant improvement for high‐polyphenol chocolate in both measures of endothelial function (P < 0.05) and for urinary 15‐F2t‐isoprostane (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

High‐polyphenol chocolate protected against acute hyperglycaemia‐induced endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress in individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Structure of RdxA – an oxygen‐insensitive nitroreductase essential for metronidazole activation in Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Martínez‐Júlvez Marta , Rojas Adriana L. , Olekhnovich Igor , Angarica Vladimir Espinosa , Hoffman Paul S. , Sancho Javier
Published: October 2012

The RdxA oxygen‐insensitive nitroreductase of the human gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori is responsible for the susceptibility of this organism to the redox active prodrug metronidazole [2‐(2‐methyl‐5‐nitro‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)ethanol]. Loss‐of‐function mutations in rdxA are primarily responsible for resistance to this therapeutic. RdxA exhibits potent NADPH oxidase activity under aerobic conditions and metronidazole reductase activity under strictly anaerobic conditions. In the present study, we report the crystal structure of RdxA, which is a homodimer exhibiting domain swapping and containing two molecules of FMN bound at the dimer interface. We have found a gap between the side chain of Tyr47 and the isoalloxazine ring of FMN that appears to be appropriate for substrate binding. The structure does not include residues 97–128, which correspond to a locally unstable part of the NTR from Escherichia coli, and might be involved in cofactor binding. Comparison of H. pylori RdxA with other oxidoreductases of known structure suggests that RdxA may belong to a new subgroup of oxidoreductases in which a cysteine side chain close to the FMN cofactor could be involved in the reductive activity. In this respect, the mutation of C159 to A or S (C159A/S) has resulted in a loss of metronidazole reductase activity but not NADPH oxidase activity. The RdxA structure enables the interpretation of the many loss‐of‐function mutations described previously, including those affecting C159, a residue whose interaction with FMN is required for the nitroreduction of metronidazole. The present studies provide unique insights into the redox behaviour of the flavin in this key enzyme for metronidazole activation, including a potential use in gene therapy.

Database

Structural data have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession number 3QDL.
Oestrogen treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis requires 17β‐oestradiol‐receptor‐positive B cells that up‐regulate PD‐1 on CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Bodhankar Sheetal , Vandenbark Arthur A. , Offner Halina
Published: October 2012

It is now well accepted that sex hormones have immunoregulatory activity and may prevent exacerbations in multiple sclerosis during pregnancy. Our previous studies demonstrated that oestrogen (17β‐oestradiol; E2) protection against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is mediated mainly through oestrogen receptor‐α (ERα) and the membrane receptor G‐protein‐coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) and is abrogated in the absence of B cells and the co‐inhibitory receptor, Programmed Death‐1 (PD‐1). To critically evaluate the cell source of the E2 and PD‐1 co‐inhibitory pathways in EAE regulation, we assessed the requirement for ERs on transferred B cells and downstream effects on expression of PD‐1/PD‐ligand on CD4+ Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells in B‐cell‐replenished, E2‐treated B‐cell‐deficient (μMT−/−) mice with EAE. The results clearly demonstrated involvement of ERα and GPR30 on transferred B cells that mediated the protective E2 treatment effect on EAE and further showed an E2‐mediated B‐cell‐dependent up‐regulation of PD‐1 on CD4+ Foxp3+ Treg cells. These findings identify regulatory B‐cell populations as key players in potentiating Treg‐cell activity during E2‐mediated protection against EAE.
Perception of Jordanian mothers to nursing support during their children hospitalisation
Authors: Al‐Akour Nemeh A , Gharaibeh Muntaha , Al‐Sallal Ranyah AK
Published: October 2012

Aims and objectives

To describe Jordanian mothers' perceptions of nursing support provided during hospitalisation of their children and identify socio‐demographic characteristic of mothers and children associated with mothers' perceptions of nursing support.

Background

Nursing support is crucial to mothers to ease and relieve pain and stress experience during hospitalisation of their children.

Design

A cross‐sectional design.

Method

A total of 235 mothers who stayed with their children during their hospitalisations for medical or surgical health problems were recruited for the purpose of the study. Mothers of children of one month to two years old from two governmental hospitals in Amman‐Jordan were interviewed over a period of two months. Data were collected using Nursing Parent Support Tool and demographic data questionnaire.

Results

This study showed that the perception of Jordanian mothers to nursing support was moderate (M = 3·23, SD = 0·95). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that mothers' satisfaction to nursing support and mothers' education explained (0·332) of the variance in the mother's perception of nursing support.

Conclusion

Satisfaction with nursing care and level of education are important factors in Jordanian mothers' perception of nursing support. Nurses need to understand the importance of these factors when providing support and holistic care.

Relevance to clinical practice

To enhance high level of satisfaction of nursing care, paediatric nurses in the practice settings should establish parent support groups and provide educational materials that are beneficial for educated and uneducated parents.
Dimensional stability in tissues dehydrated with 2,2‐dimethoxypropane for electron microscopy
Authors: Truter E. J. , Böhm L. , Williams E. D. F.
Published: October 2012

Dimensions of tissues fixed in glutaraldehyde‐osmium tetroxide mixture, osmium tetroxide and uranyl acetate and then dehydrated in 2,2‐dimethoxypropane (DMP) were measured using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Rat cardiac muscle, kidney and other tissues were examined in this study. The mean dimensions of characteristic ultrastructural features of material prepared by this method are similar or larger than those reported in the literature for conventionally processed samples. Critical point drying of specimens dehydrated with DMP does not produce abnormal shrinkage. Simultaneous primary fixation of lipids and proteins in a glutaraldehyde osmium tetroxide mixture and omission of the water wash after uranyl acetate appear to be important in stabilizing the tissue for rapid dehydration. The rapid reaction of DMP and water yielding the products acetone and methanol does not appear to denature tissue components to a greater extent than conventional solvent exchange dehydration.
Marking the origin of coordinates in high‐resolution light‐microscopy scanning
Authors: Bahr Gunter F. , Boccia Joseph A.
Published: October 2012

In high‐resolution image analysis, it is often desirable to return to a chosen cell after it has been restained or subjected to histochemical procedures. The reading of the vernier on the microscope stage is too coarse for relocating of non‐distinct single cells, because the accuracy, determined by visual interpolation, is limited, at best, to 1/20th of a millimetre, or 50 μm. When one works with haematologic samples, e.g. lymphocytes, the precision of relocating a cell has to be better than 50 μm; i.e. the cell should reappear near the centre of the visual field of a x 100 oil‐immersion objective.

We describe a simple device by means of which distinct marks can be made on a slide with specimen (but before coverslipping) and will provide suitable origins for a coordinate system that will cover the entire preparation.
Congenital lumbar hernia: 20 years' single centre experience
Authors: Sharma Anshuman , Pandey Anand , Rawat Jiledar , Ahmed Intezar , Wakhlu Ashish , Kureel Shiv Narain
Published: October 2012

Aim:  Congenital lumbar hernia is an uncommon anomaly with only few cases reported in the English literature. This study was done to study the incidence, associated conditions, management and complications of congenital lumbar hernia repair in paediatric patients.

Methods:  Retrospective study of all patients over a period of 20 years (January 1990 to January 2010) was analysed.

Results:  A total of 18 patients (two bilateral hernias) were encountered in this series. All were in the age group of 1 day to 6 years. All the patients were operated by open technique. Primary repair was done in 14 patients and prosthetic meshplasty in two. Two patients could not be operated. The average follow‐up period was 3 years. There was no follow‐up loss in our study. There was no evidence of recurrence in this series.

Conclusion:  Up until now, the total number of cases is 68. The large size of hernia defect (>10 cm) may determine the use of prosthetic mesh repair. Proper surgical treatment, either primary repair or hernioplasty, provides adequate management of this condition.
Second malignant neoplasms in childhood malignant brain tumour: A long‐term population‐based study
Authors: Cai Yubo , Cao Lanfang , Bao Xuhui , Xie Liyi
Published: October 2012

Aim:  To provide a profile of second malignant neoplasms (SMN) in patients with childhood primary malignant brain tumour originating from neuroepithelial tissues with latest data in a population‐based study.

Methods:  Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (1973–2007) was used to identify above‐stated patients. SMN patients were further identified, and standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) and excess absolute risks (EARs) for risk‐factor‐decided subgroups were calculated. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the association between cumulative incidence of SMN and the risk factors were performed in the whole population.

Results:  A total of 106 patients were identified as having SMNs. EARs peaked at age at primary diagnosis of 10–14. Males had higher SIRs and EARs than females. Both SIRs and EARs increased after 1990. Age was statistically significant in both univariable and multivariable analyses for cumulative incidence of SMN and RT was not significant in both the analyses, in the whole population of 9075 patients. After follow‐up recalculation, matched patients in the ≥1990 group had slightly shorter median interval between primary and secondary cancer than those in the <1990 group, but with no significance.

Conclusion:  The risk of SMN in children with primary malignant brain tumours in a more advanced treatment era might have changed. During making further advances in the treatment of these neoplasms, minimising toxicities while maintaining promising prognostic outcomes will keep being our goal.
Prospective clinical audit of chloral hydrate administration practices in a neonatal unit
Authors: Cruise Sharon , Tam‐Chan Dorothy , Harrison Denise , Johnston Linda
Published: October 2012

Aim:  Chloral hydrate is generally considered a safe and effective single dosing procedural sedative for neonates in the clinical setting. However, its safety profile as a repetitive dosing maintenance sedative is largely unknown. This study aimed to document current administration practices of chloral hydrate in the Neonatal Unit, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia, over a 6‐month period.

Methods:  Patients who had been prescribed chloral hydrate during the specified audit period were recruited into the study and prospectively followed for a period of 28 days, or until they were discharged from the unit. Demographic data were collected on recruitment, and daily documentation of chloral hydrate administration was recorded.

Results:  A total of 238 doses of chloral hydrate were administered to a cohort of 32 patients during the study period. The majority of the audited doses (84%) were ordered as repeating doses. Doses were more likely to be given at night than during the day, and the median dosage for repetitive dosing was found to be above the study site's recommended dosing range. Pre‐dose and/or post‐dose assessment of distress/agitation accompanied dosage approximately half of the time. The audit did not reveal any recognisable pattern of sedation maintenance or weaning process for patients who received multiple doses.

Conclusions:  Health‐care professionals caring for hospitalised infants should be made aware of the potential risks of chloral hydrate as a repetitive dosing sedative, and of the importance of systematically evaluating the appropriateness and effectiveness of utilising such pharmacological intervention for managing and treating distress.
Premedication for neonatal intubation in Australia and New Zealand: A survey of current practice
Authors: Wheeler Ben , Broadbent Roland , Reith David
Published: October 2012

Aim:  This study aims to describe the current approach to intubation premedication in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Australia and New Zealand

Methods:  A literature review regarding intubation premedication in the newborn was carried out to inform questionnaire design. A web‐based survey of 28 NICUs and two neonatal emergency transport services was conducted and supplemented by telephone contact to ensure completion.

Results:  All the tertiary NICUs and neonatal emergency transport services in Australia and New Zealand use premedication for elective intubation of neonates. Eighty per cent of units have a written policy. There were 28 of 30 units (93%) that use muscle relaxants, mostly suxamethonium. The choice of sedative medication is varied.

Conclusions:  Australian and New Zealand neonatal units have a high use of intubation premedication including muscle relaxants, but vary considerably in their choice of sedative medication.
Neonatal suppurative parotitis over the last 4 decades: Report of three new cases and review
Authors: Ismail Essam A , Seoudi Tarek M , Al‐Amir Mohamad , Al‐Esnawy Ahmad A
Published: October 2012

Background

Neonatal suppurative parotitis is a rare disease. Only 32 cases were reported in the English‐language literature between 1970 and 2004.

Methods

We searched Medline for acute, neonatal, bacterial, suppurative, parotitis, facial, preauricular swelling starting from 1970, limiting our search to the English‐language literature. We reviewed all the reported cases together with three more managed in our department.

Results

We identified nine new cases since 2004. The total number of patients reviewed was 44, including our patients. Most of them were male (77%). The majority developed unilateral inflamed parotid swelling (77%) and exuded pus from the ipsilateral Stensen duct. Fever was seen in fewer than half of them (47%). Premature babies constituted a third of the patients. Staphylococcus aureus was the leading causative agent (61%). Most patients responded well to conservative treatment with antibiotics (77%). The most frequently used combination of antibiotics was an anti‐staphylococcal agent with either an aminoglycoside or a third‐generation cephalosporin. A minority required surgical drainage. No deaths were reported in the group studied after 1970.

Conclusion

Neonatal suppurative parotitis is rare but easy to diagnose and if readily treated with appropriate antibiotics the outcome is excellent.
Organizing ‘Spaces of Hope’: Union Formation by Indian Garment Workers
Authors: Jenkins Jean
Published: October 2012

This article concerns union formation among female garment workers in Bangalore, in the southern state of Karnataka, India. It analyses a case where a category of workers dismissed by established national unions as impossible to organize came to form their own women's movement and thence their own union. The case highlights the crucial role of a sustained, flexible approach towards organizing at the micro level, in the mobilization of vulnerable workers employed in highly competitive labour markets.
One‐Dimensional Birth‐Death Process and Delbrück‐Gillespie Theory of Mesoscopic Nonlinear Chemical Reactions
Authors: Zhang Yunxin , Ge Hao , Qian Hong
Published: October 2012

As a mathematical theory for the stochastic, nonlinear dynamics of individuals within a population, Delbrück‐Gillespie process (DGP) is a birth–death system with state‐dependent rates which contain the system size V as a natural parameter. For large V, it is intimately related to an autonomous, nonlinear ODE as well as a diffusion process. For nonlinear dynamical systems with multiple attractors, the quasi‐stationary and stationary behavior of such a birth–death process can be understood in terms of a separation of time scales by a T*∼eαV (α > 0): a relatively fast, intra‐basin diffusion for t≪T* and a much slower inter‐basin Markov jump process for t≫T*. In this paper for one‐dimensional systems, we study both stationary behavior (t=∞) in terms of invariant distribution , and finite time dynamics in terms of the mean first passsage time (MFPT) . We obtain an asymptotic expression of MFPT in terms of the “stochastic potential”. We show in general no continuous diffusion process can provide asymptotically accurate representations for both the MFPT and the for a DGP. When n1 and n2 belong to two different basins of attraction, the MFPT yields the T*(V) in terms of Φ (x, V) ≈φ0(x) + (1/V)φ1(x). For systems with saddle‐node bifurcations and catastrophe, discontinuous “phase transition” emerges, which can be characterized by Φ (x, V) in the limit of . In terms of timescale separation, the relation between deterministic local nonlinear bifurcations, and stochastic global phase transition is discussed. The one‐dimensional theory is a pedagogic first step toward a general theory of DGP.
Living the Dream: Barack Obama and Blacks’ Changing Perceptions of the American Dream
Authors: Stout Christopher Timothy , Le Danvy
Published: October 2012

Objective

Our objective is to examine whether positive symbols of progress for the black community, such as Obama's election as president, increase black optimism in the American Dream.

Method

Logit regression and ordered logit regression with predicted probabilities and odds ratios.

Results

Using several surveys conducted between 1987 and 2010, we show that blacks are much more optimistic about the American Dream after Obama is elected to the White House, in spite of their worsening economic status.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that positive symbols of progress are a better gauge of the American Dream for blacks than objective economic indicators. Moreover, previous racial gaps in beliefs in the American Dream may be attributed to lack of black representation at high levels of government, rather than solely based on differences in socioeconomic standing.
Case of scrub typhus complicated by severe disseminated intravascular coagulation and death
Authors: Ono Yuko , Ikegami Yukihiro , Tasaki Kazuhiro , Abe Masahumi , Tase Choichiro
Published: October 2012

Scrub typhus is an infectious disease that is caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. The authors describe an autopsied case of scrub typhus complicated with severe disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). An 82‐year‐old man complained of fever 4 days after climbing a mountain. The patient was admitted to an urban hospital, and meropenem and ceftriaxone were administered. The patient's condition deteriorated and he was transferred to a second hospital. On physical examination, a black scab was found and scrub typhus was suspected. Despite intensive treatment, the patient died on the fifth day. High levels of O. tsutsugamushi IgM antibody were confirmed. An autopsy revealed systemic vasculitis and perivasculitis. The endothelial tissue of the white pulp of the spleen was markedly infiltrated by plasma cells. The authors speculated that a severe immune reaction against O. tsutsugamushi enhanced an inflammatory response, leading to DIC. This case is a warning to doctors who are not familiar with scrub typhus.
Effect of Seawater on the Activity of Antibiotics Against Vibrios Isolated from the Hemolymph of Cultured Pacific White Shrimp
Authors: Costa Renata Albuquerque , Colares Lorena Pontes , Lima Rayza Araújo , Fernandes Vieira Regine Helena Silva dos , de Sousa Oscarina Viana
Published: October 2012

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of seawater (SW) on the activity of antibiotics belonging to 10 families (aminoglycosides, aminopenicillins, carbapenems, β‐lactams, chloramphenicols, monobactams, nitrofurans, quinolones, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines) against Vibrio strains isolated from hemolymph of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, farmed in Northeastern Brazil and standard strain Vibrio cholera ATCC 19582. Susceptibility of the strains to antibiotics was determined by disk diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by macrodilution method. The media Mueller–Hinton agar and broth used in the above methods were diluted in distilled water (control, 1% NaCl, pH 7.5) and SW (2.5% NaCl, pH 7.5). The antibiotics most affected by dilution in SW were tetracycline, penicillin, cephalothin, aztreonam, ampicillin, and imipenem, as indicated by a considerable increase in the number of strains classified as intermediate or resistance. Thus, in this study, the efficiency of these antibiotics on Vibrio strains was found to be reduced by contact with SW.
The Influence of Stocking Density on the Swimming Behavior of Adult Atlantic Cod, Gadus morhua, in a Near Shore Net Pen
Authors: Ward Daniel , Føre Martin , Howell W. Huntting , Watson Winsor
Published: October 2012

Cage design and stocking density are important aspects of aquaculture farm design, therefore understanding how fish behave at different stocking densities is critical information for farm managers. In this study, high resolution acoustic telemetry was used to investigate the swimming behavior of adult Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua, that were stocked at four densities (5, 10, 25, and 45 kg/m3). Acoustic tags were placed into the abdominal cavity of five fish per density treatment so their swimming behavior could be continuously monitored throughout the study. An array of hydrophones made it possible to calculate the position of each fish in three dimensions, at ∼2–5 sec intervals, for 4–30 d. Three underwater cameras were used to obtain additional data about the distribution of fish in the cage during the daytime. At the lowest density, the cod spent the majority (64.3 ± 0.08%) of their time in the bottom third of the net pen. As density increased, the fish moved higher in the water column, and this behavior was most evident at night, at all densities. At no time throughout the entire study were there any obvious occurrences of schooling behavior, even at the highest density (45 kg/m3).
Are Investments in Groundwater Irrigation Profitable? A Case of Rice Farms from South India1
Authors: Varghese Shalet Korattukudy , Buysse Jeroen , Frija Aymen , Speelman Stijn , Van Huylenbroeck Guido
Published: October 2012

Varghese, Shalet Korattukudy, Jeroen Buysse, Aymen Frija, Stijn Speelman, and Guido Van Huylenbroeck, 2012. Are Investments in Groundwater Irrigation Profitable? A Case of Rice Farms from South India.Journal of the American Water Resources Association(JAWRA) 1‐15. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2012.00690.x

Abstract: This article examines the profitability of cultivating double rice under bore well irrigation, given the cumulative interference of and reduced life span of wells, and thus increases the cost of groundwater extraction and use. The overexploitation of groundwater is a common stock problem and the cultivation of water intensive crops, such as rice, further exacerbates the overdraft of groundwater. Under these circumstances, we quantify the marginal benefit of irrigation investments in rice farming by estimating the probability of having a double rice crop as a function of the investment made in wells. Using this information, we explore profit maximization behavior of farms with a mathematical programming model to derive individual economic optima of irrigation costs. The results demonstrate that the ongoing overexploitation of groundwater, and its use to cultivate an economically inefficient crop, such as rice, has resulted in low profitability at farm level. A sensitivity analysis found that even when the investment in irrigation wells is reduced by 70%, small farms are still not economically efficient, thereby confirming the Tragedy of the Commons. Raising awareness amongst farmers with regard to the economics of irrigation would facilitate the participatory implementation of control mechanisms to regulate groundwater extraction.
Debating the International Legitimacy of the G20: Global Policymaking and Contemporary International Society
Authors: Slaughter Steven
Published: October 2012

There have been growing debates about the legitimacy and the future of the G20 (the Group of Twenty) leaders forum despite this forum playing a prominent role in response to the 2008 Global Financial Crisis. While states within the G20 assert the legitimacy of the G20, states outside the G20 actively question this forum’s legitimacy. This article contends that while the G20 is important to contemporary global governance and efforts to create a common framework of rules for global capitalism, this ongoing debate demonstrates that the legitimacy of the G20 is fundamentally uncertain and problematic because the G20’s membership and connection to existing forms of multilateralism remain contentious. This article contends that G20 leaders need to consider these issues in light of the prevailing expectations of states in contemporary international society.

Policy Implications

 Given the scale and complexity of global problems and the large number of states and International Organisations (IOs), the G20 is going to be an important forum for timely global agenda setting and decision making at an executive level.

 However, the G20 faces a range of challenges in attempting to develop and sustain its legitimacy. Importantly, legitimacy is not an abstract concept, as it derives from the prevailing norms and institutions in international society.

 Since the emergence of the G20 there have been ongoing debates about the legitimacy of the G20 in international society, where it is clear that considering the views of nonmember states and the relationship of the G20 to existing forms of multilateralism are important.

 Consequently, consideration ought to be given to measures to strengthen the legitimacy of the G20, including stronger connections between the G20 and core multilateral bodies like the UN, as well as developing avenues of interaction between the G20 and the public in its member states, as well as transnational NGOs and business interests.