bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the inscrutable role of Inscuteable: structural basis and functional implications for the competitive binding of NuMA and Inscuteable to LGN
Authors: Mapelli Marina , Gonzalez Cayetano
Published: August 2012

Alignment of the mitotic spindle to the cellular polarity axis is a prerequisite for asymmetric cell divisions. The protein network coordinating the spindle position with cortical polarity includes the molecular machinery pulling on astral microtubules, which is assembled on conserved NuMA:LGN:Gαi complexes, the polarity proteins Par3:Par6:aPKC and an adaptor molecule known as Inscuteable (Insc). To date, all these components were assumed to enter a macromolecular complex localized at polarity sites in mitosis. However, recent structural studies revealed the Insc and NuMA are mutually exclusive interactors of LGN, implying that the molecular mechanism of spindle coupling to polarity is more sophisticated than has been believed to date.
Genome sequence of a waterfowl aviadenovirus, goose adenovirus 4
Authors: Kaján Győző L. , Davison Andrew J. , Palya Vilmos , Harrach Balázs , Benkő Mária
Published: August 2012

We present, to our knowledge, the first complete genome sequence of a waterfowl aviadenovirus, goose adenovirus (GoAdV) strain P29, and an analysis of its genetic content in comparison with five published aviadenovirus genome sequences. Of the 35 genes predicted to encode functional proteins, the central region of the genome contains 19 (IVa2 to fiber-2) that were inherited from the ancestor of all known adenoviruses. Of the remaining genes, nine have orthologues only in aviadenoviruses and seven lack orthologues in any adenovirus. We also obtained limited sequence data for a pathogenic GoAdV strain D1036/08. Phylogenetic analyses placed the two GoAdV strains monophyletically in the genus Aviadenovirus. We propose designating strains P29 and D1036/08 as GoAdV-4 and GoAdV-5, respectively.
Novel serotypes 105 and 116 are members of distinct subgroups of Human enterovirus C
Authors: Lukashev Alexander N. , Drexler Jan Felix , Kotova Valeria O. , Amjaga Elena N. , Reznik Vadim I. , Gmyl Anatoly P. , Grard Gilda , Taty Taty Raphael , Trotsenko Olga E. , Leroy Eric M. , Drosten Christian
Published: August 2012

The full coding sequences of two novel human enterovirus (HEV)-C serotypes 105 and 116, sampled in the Republic of the Congo in 2010 and in Russia in 2011, were identified in this study. Enterovirus (EV)-105 was closest to EV-104 in the 5′ NTR and to EV-109 in the coding genome region. It had the same unconventional 5′ NTR as EV-104 and EV-109. The non-cytopathogenic EV-116 was phylogenetically close to coxsackievirus (CV)-A1, CV-A19 and CV-A22, which also cannot be propagated in routinely used cell cultures. There were signs of recombination within this subgroup of HEV-C; however, recombination with conventional HEV-C was restricted, implying partial reproductive isolation. As there is also evidence of different permissive replication systems and distinct genetic properties of these subgroups, they may represent subspecies of the HEV-C species or different stages of speciation.
Interaction of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Vif with APOBEC3G is not dependent on serine/threonine phosphorylation status
Authors: Kopietz Ferdinand , Jaguva Vasudevan Ananda Ayyappan , Krämer Melanie , Muckenfuss Heide , Sanzenbacher Ralf , Cichutek Klaus , Flory Egbert , Münk Carsten
Published: August 2012

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 accessory protein Vif is important for viral infectivity because it counteracts the antiviral protein APOBEC3G (A3G). 32P metabolic labelling of stimulated cells revealed in vivo phosphorylation of the control protein, whereas no serine/threonine phosphorylation was detected for Vif or the A3G protein. These data were confirmed by in vitro kinase assays using active recombinant kinase. Mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 efficiently phosphorylated its target ELK, but failed to phosphorylate Vif. Putative serine/threonine phosphorylation point mutations in Vif (T96, S144, S165, T188) using single-round infection assays demonstrated that these mutations did not alter Vif activity, with the exception of Vif.T96E. Interestingly, T96E and not T96A was functionally impaired, indicating that this residue is critical for Vif–A3G physical interaction and activity. Our data suggest that Vif and A3G are not serine/threonine phosphorylated in human cells and phosphorylation is not linked to their functional activities.
Respiratory syncytial virus modifies microRNAs regulating host genes that affect virus replication
Authors: Bakre Abhijeet , Mitchell Patricia , Coleman Jonathan K. , Jones Les P. , Saavedra Geraldine , Teng Michael , Tompkins S. Mark , Tripp Ralph A.
Published: August 2012

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes substantial morbidity and life-threatening lower respiratory tract disease in infants, young children and the elderly. Understanding the host response to RSV infection is critical for developing disease-intervention approaches. The role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in post-transcriptional regulation of host genes responding to RSV infection is not well understood. In this study, it was shown that RSV infection of a human alveolar epithelial cell line (A549) induced five miRNAs (let-7f, miR-24, miR-337-3p, miR-26b and miR-520a-5p) and repressed two miRNAs (miR-198 and miR-595), and showed that RSV G protein triggered let-7f expression. Luciferase–untranslated region reporters and miRNA mimics and inhibitors validated the predicted targets, which included cell-cycle genes (CCND1, DYRK2 and ELF4), a chemokine gene (CCL7) and the suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 gene (SOCS3). Modulating let-7 family miRNA levels with miRNA mimics and inhibitors affected RSV replication, indicating that RSV modulates host miRNA expression to affect the outcome of the antiviral host response, and this was mediated in part through RSV G protein expression.
The fate of influenza A virus after infection of human macrophages and dendritic cells
Authors: Short Kirsty R. , Brooks Andrew G. , Reading Patrick C. , Londrigan Sarah L.
Published: August 2012

Airway macrophages (MΦ) and dendritic cells (DC) are important components of the innate host defence. Historically, these immune cells have been considered to play a critical role in controlling the severity of influenza A virus (IAV) infection by limiting virus release, initiating local inflammatory responses and by priming subsequent adaptive immune responses. However, some IAV strains have been reported to replicate productively in human immune cells. Potential amplification and dissemination of IAV from immune cells may therefore be an important virulence determinant. Herein, we will review findings in relation to the fate of IAV following infection of MΦ and DC. Insights regarding the consequences and outcomes of IAV infection of airway MΦ and DC are discussed in order to gain a better understanding of the pathogenesis of influenza virus.
Topological studies of three related metal-organic frameworks of GdIII and 5-nitroisophthalate
Authors: Davies Kate , Bourne Susan A. , Öhrström Lars , Oliver Clive L.
Published: August 2012

The reaction of 5-nitroisophthalic acid (H2NIA) with Gd(NO3)3·6H2O in DMF afforded three new metal-organic frameworks: [Gd(NIA)1.5(DMF)2]·DMF (I), [Gd2(NIA)3(DMF)4]·xH2O (II) and [Gd4(NIA)6(DMF)5.5(H2O)3]·4DMF·H2O (III). These compounds can be prepared through a variety of methods. Compounds (I) and (II) are more reproducibly formed than compound (III). Network analysis revealed (I) to have a (412.63)-pcu topology, while (II) displays a (42.84)(42.84)-pts topology. Compound (III) was found to present the uncommon 4,5,6T11 topological net, which combines aspects of both the pcu and pts topologies. The short symbol of this net is (44.62)(46.64)2(48.66.8).
Theoretical hardness calculated from crystallo-chemical data for MoS2 and WS2 crystals and nanostructures
Authors: Petrescu M. I.
Published: August 2012

The calculation of the hardness of Mo and W disulfides using a crystallo-chemical model provides a unique opportunity to obtain separate quantitative information on the maximum hardness H
max governed by strong intra-layer covalent bonds acting within the (0001) plane versus the minimum hardness H
min governed by weak inter-layer van der Waals bonds acting along the c-axis of the hexagonal lattice. The penetration hardness derived from fundamental crystallo-chemical data (confirmed by experimental determinations) proved to be far lower in MS2 (M = Mo, W) than in graphite and hexagonal BN, both for H
max (H
graph/H
MoS2 = 3.85; H
graph/H
WS2 = 3.60; H
hBN/H
MoS2 = 2.54; H
hBN/HWS2 = 2.37) as well as for H
min (H
graph/H
MoS2 = 6.22; H
graph/H
WS2 = 5.87; H
hBN/H
MoS2 = 4.72; H
hBN/H
WS2 = 4.46). However, the gap between H
max and H
min is considerably larger in MS2 (M = Mo,W), as indicated by H
max/H
min being 279 in 2H-MoS2, 282 in 2H-WS2, 173 in graphite and 150 in hBN. The gap was found to be even larger in MS2 (M = Mo, W) nanostructures. These findings help to explain the excellent properties of MS2 (M = Mo, W) as solid lubricants in high tech fields, either as bulk 2H crystals (inter-layer shear and peeling off lubricating mechanisms), or especially as onion-like fullerene nanoparticles (rolling/sliding mechanisms).
Density‐dependent mortality in adults, but not juveniles, of stream‐resident brown trout (Salmo trutta)
Authors: LOBÓN‐CERVIÁ JAVIER
Published: August 2012

1. This study investigates when and where density dependence operates on the mortality rates of stream‐resident brown troutSalmo trutta. To this aim, I explored populations in habitats of different quality containing high, low or intermediate densities over broad scales of space and time. The study is based on census data of 170 cohorts quantified from recruitment to the total disappearance at 12 sites in four contrasting tributaries of the Rio Esva drainage (north‐western Spain), over the years 1986–2007.

2. Log10‐transformed survivor density over time highlighted a consistent pattern for the 170 cohorts characterised by the occurrence of only two life stages. An early stage starts at recruitment, lasts about half the lifetime and shows no or negligible mortality. A threshold time at 425–620 days after emergence preceded a second stage of continuous and constant mortality until the final disappearance of the cohorts. Consequently, in all scenarios, mortality only occurred in the adult component and no effect of season, year, age‐class and/or reproductive stage was detected.

3. Substantial spatial and temporal variations typified both recruitment (rangeR = 0.01–1.62 ind m−2) and adults’ mortality rates (rangeZ = 0.03–0.38 day−1). Nestedanovas revealed strong effects of site and year on both recruitment and mortality with sites interspersed along the stream gradients where recruitment and mortality were typically high relative to other sites located either nearby in the same stream or distant in another stream, where both recruitment and mortality rates were typically low or intermediate.

4. Adult mortality rates plotted against recruitment for the 170 cohorts pooled revealed a continuous, positive power relationship that explained 45.3% of variation in mortality rates over the whole range of recruitment values. Similarly, highly significant power relationships were elucidated for site‐specific mortality rates averaged across years and for annual‐specific mortality rates averaged across sites against the corresponding mean recruitment averaged across years and sites, respectively. These relationships support the hypothesis that the operation of density dependence is scale independent and context independent but operates in a continuous manner across all scenarios examined.

5. A chronic effect of density dependence on adult losses induces temporally persistent populations maintained by a low number of spawners. Apparently, the operation of density dependence adjusts the number of spawners to the availability of rearing and spawning habitat. This dynamic process may also help to explain the small effective population size (Ne) recently documented by genetic studies of stream‐living brown trout and other salmonids.
Does flooding affect spatiotemporal variation of fish assemblages in temperate floodplain wetlands?
Authors: BEESLEY LEAH , KING ALISON J. , AMTSTAETTER FRANK , KOEHN JOHN D. , GAWNE BEN , PRICE AMINA , NIELSEN DARYL L. , VILIZZI LORENZO , MEREDITH SHAUN N.
Published: August 2012

1. Floodplain wetlands are productive components of lowland rivers and are thought to be important habitat and nurseries for many fish species. Fish assemblages inhabiting floodplain wetlands vary considerably through space and time and are largely shaped by wetting/drying cycles, although there is little understanding how many aspects of flooding (e.g. magnitude, timing, duration, frequency) influence the fish assemblages. As a consequence, decisions on flooding of wetlands by managers aimed at restoring native fish assemblages are often based on limited knowledge.

2. This study examined the importance of total duration of flooding on the temporal and spatial dynamics of wetland fish assemblages in the Murray River, in south‐eastern Australia. The study examined: (i) how the abundance of 0+ and 1+ fish varied with wetland, season and the duration of wetland filling; (ii) how environmental parameters, including food production changed in relation to the duration of wetland filling; (iii) changes in condition indices for the most abundant species and (iv) changes in species richness and total abundance over time.

3. The 0+ fish assemblage varied more through space and time than the 1+ assemblage. Longer cumulative river–wetland filling was associated with greater total abundances of newly recruited (0+) fish; this was particularly true for common carp (Cyprinus carpio, alien) and carp gudgeon (Hypseleotris spp., native). The body condition of carp gudgeon also increased with the duration of filling, even though static measures of food production declined. The small flooding events that occurred as part of this study did not translate into measurable improvements in the fish assemblage over the longer term (3 years), but did prevent wetlands from drying and thus maintained these habitats as refuges.
Impacts of dormancy‐regulating chemicals on innate and salinity‐induced dormancy of four forage grasses native to Arabian deserts
Authors: El‐Keblawy A.
Published: August 2012

The effects of dormancy‐regulating chemicals (DRCs) on alleviating innate and salinity‐induced dormancy (SID) were assessed in seeds of four perennial forage grasses (Pennisetum divisum, Sporobolus spicatus, Coelachyrum brevifolium and Centropodia forsskalii). These grasses have the potential to be used for restoration or rehabilitation of degraded rangelands of the Arabian Gulf deserts. The four species showed various levels of innate dormancy. Germination of seeds stored for 2 months was not enhanced by any of the five studied DRCs in both C. brevifolium and P. divisum, but significantly improved by thiourea, fusicoccin and gibberellic acid (GA) in C. forsskalii and by thiourea, fusicoccin and nitrate in S. spicatus. Salinity had a significant negative effect on all the studied grasses. Sporobolus spicatus was more tolerant to salinity, compared with the other species. The effect of DRCs on alleviating SID depended on species. Whereas DRCs had little effect on alleviating SID in C. forsskalii and P. divisum, they greatly alleviated it in S. spicatus and C. brevifolium. Partial alleviation was observed by fusicoccin in C. brevifolium and by GA, kinetin and thiourea in C. forsskalii. Nitrate, fusicoccin and GA resulted in a complete alleviation in S. spicatus seeds in 200 mm NaCl.
Tissue distribution and phenobarbital induction of target SLC‐ and ABC‐ transporters in cattle
Authors: Zancanella V. , Giantin M. , Lopparelli R. M. , Nebbia C. , Dacasto M.
Published: August 2012

In veterinary pharmaco‐toxicological sciences, few data about uptake and efflux drug transporters (DTs) expression and regulation phenomena have been published. In this study, the tissue distribution and transcriptional modulation of solute carrier (SLC) and ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) DTs were investigated in cattle orally administered with phenobarbital (PB) by using a quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR approach. The criterion for target gene selection was the PB‐responsiveness in human and rodent model species. All target DTs were expressed in the liver. Only two of the seven PB‐responsive target DTs (SLCO1B3 and SLC10A1) were not constitutively expressed in cattle extra‐hepatic tissues. The greatest number of DTs (SLCO2B1, ABCB1, ABCC2, ABCG2) were expressed in intestine and testis, followed by, adrenal gland (SLCO2B1, ABCB1, ABCG2), lung (ABCB1, ABCG2), kidney, and skeletal muscle (ABCG2). PB administration never altered DTs mRNA levels, except for an increase in hepatic ABCC2 mRNA and a down‐regulation of renal ABCG2. Altogether, these results confirm only to some extent data obtained in humans and laboratory species; clearly, they should be considered a preliminary step for further molecular investigations about species‐differences in DT gene expression and regulation as well as in DT expression and function.
Cytokine gene polymorphisms are associated with irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Bashashati M. , Rezaei N. , Bashashati H. , Shafieyoun A. , Daryani N. E. , Sharkey K. A. , Storr M.
Published: August 2012

Background  Low‐grade inflammation has been increasingly implicated in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Imbalances of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines and polymorphisms in cytokine genes have been reported in IBS; however, these findings have not been consistently observed. This may be due to small sample sizes and differences in ethnicities. Therefore, we performed a meta‐analysis on the studies that investigated cytokine gene polymorphisms in IBS patients compared to healthy controls.

Methods  A PubMed and EMBASE search was performed, and cytokine gene polymorphisms, which had been investigated in at least two case‐control studies, were evaluated. Pooled odds ratios (OR) for the genotypes were calculated using random‐ or fixed‐effects models.

Key Results  Five studies that investigated interleukin‐10 (IL‐10; −1082 G/A), transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1; +869 T/C and +915 G/C) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF; −308 G/A) polymorphisms in IBS patients and controls were included. High producer IL‐10 (−1082 G/G; OR: 0.64 [95% CI: 0.48–0.87]) was significantly associated with a decreased risk of IBS. The intermediate producer TGF‐β1 (+915 G/C) genotype showed a tendency toward decreasing the risk of IBS. No associations were found between TNF (−308 G/A) genotypes and IBS in the whole meta‐analysis although an analysis of Asian studies revealed an association between TNF (−308 G/A and G/G) genotypes and IBS (OR: 0.50 [95% CI: 0.29–0.85]), and 1.82 [95% CI: 1.08–3.07], respectively).

Conclusions & Inferences  This meta‐analysis indicates a role for IL‐10 polymorphisms in IBS in general and TNF in Asian populations. Whether or not gene polymorphisms are associated with alterations in cytokine levels leading to functional effects at the level of the gut needs further investigation.
Gastric emptying in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis: the impact of autonomic neuropathy
Authors: Wixner J. , Karling P. , Rydh A. , Hörnsten R. , Wiklund U. , Anan I. , Suhr O. B.
Published: August 2012

Background  Gastrointestinal (GI) complications are common in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis and an autonomic dysfunction has been considered to explain these symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of autonomic neuropathy on gastric emptying in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis and to relate these findings to nutritional status, GI symptoms, gender, and age at disease onset.

Methods  Gastric emptying was evaluated with gastric emptying scintigraphy. Spectral analysis of the heart rate variability and cardiovascular responses after tilt test were used to assess the autonomic function. The nutritional status was evaluated with the modified body mass index (s‐albumine × BMI).

Key Results  Gastric retention was found in about one‐third of the patients. A weak correlation was found between the scintigraphic gastric emptying rate and both the sympathetic (rs = −0.397, P < 0.001) and parasympathetic function (rs = −0.282, P = 0.002). The gastric emptying rate was slower in those with lower or both upper and lower GI symptoms compared with those without symptoms (median T50 123 vs 113 min, P = 0.042 and 192 vs 113 min, P = 0.003, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age of onset (OR 0.10, CI 0.02–0.52) and sympathetic dysfunction (OR 0.23, CI 0.10–0.51), but not gender (OR 0.76, CI 0.31–1.84) and parasympathetic dysfunction (OR 1.81, CI 0.72–4.56), contributed to gastric retention.

Conclusions and Inferences  Gastric retention is common in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis early after onset. Autonomic neuropathy only weakly correlates with gastric retention and therefore additional factors must be involved.
The 2012 world health report ‘no health without research’: the endpoint needs to go beyond publication outputs
Authors: Zachariah Rony , Reid Tony , Ford Nathan , Van den Bergh Rafael , Dahmane Amine , Khogali Mohammed , Delaunois Paul , Harries Anthony D.
Published: August 2012

Le thème du Rapport de la Santé Mondiale 2012 est «pas de santé sans recherche» et est un appel à l’action pour combler les lacunes mondiales dans la recherche en santé. Combler l’écart entre les «nanti »et les «démunis» est vital si nous voulons être à la hauteur de l’appel de ce thème et utiliser la recherche pour apporter des améliorations sur le terrain. Les nombres absolus de publications scientifiques et des publications par habitant ont été utilisés comme les principaux indicateurs pour évaluer la capacité mondiale de la recherche et identifier les zones à lacunes. A l’échelle des pays, nous estimons que cela reflète un seul côté de la médaille. Bien que l’absence de stratégies nationales de recherche en santé empêche une allocation optimale des ressources, une réalité toute aussi importante sur le terrain est la transcription inadéquate des résultats de la recherche dans la politique et la pratique, l’autre côté de la médaille.
Reproductive and toxicological impacts of herbicides used in Eucalyptus culture in Brazil on the parasitoid Palmistichus elaeisis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)
Authors: MENEZES C W G , SOARES M A , SANTOS J B , ASSIS JÚNIOR S L , FONSECA A J , ZANUNCIO J C
Published: August 2012

Menezes CWG, Soares MA, Santos JB, Assis Júnior SL, Fonseca AJ & Zanuncio JC (2012). Reproductive and toxicological impacts of herbicides used in Eucalyptus culture in Brazil on the parasitoid Palmistichus elaeisis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae). Weed Research52, 520–525.

The expansion of eucalyptus tree plantations in Brazil has raised concerns that the use of herbicides may reach non‐target organisms and compromise the environment where parasitoids are used to control Lepidoptera defoliators. So, the effect of herbicides used in eucalyptus crops on the parasitoid Palmistichus elaeisis Delvare and LaSalle, 1993 (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) was evaluated in terms of the impact on reproduction and survival. Treatments consisted of commercial doses of the herbicides sulfentrazone, oxyfluorfen, glyphosate and isoxaflutole with a water‐only control. The herbicides were sprayed on the pupae of the alternative host Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), which were exposed to parasitism by six females of P. elaeisis per pupa. Glufosinate and oxyfluorfen reduced parasitism and emergence of this parasitoid and were considered more harmful to the P. elaeisis females. Glyphosate and isoxaflutole resulted in higher numbers of individuals and females produced per female; thus these herbicides were less harmful to P. elaeisis and maybe used in IPM programmes in eucalyptus plantations.
Trait‐based approaches to unravelling the assembly of weed communities and their impact on agro‐ecosystem functioning
Authors: NAVAS M‐L
Published: August 2012

Navas M‐L (2012). Trait‐based approaches to unravelling the assembly of weed communities and their impact on agro‐ecosystem functioning. Weed Research52, 479–488.

The trait‐based approach to plant functional ecology has gained considerable attention over the last two decades, allowing ecologists to address questions relating to species distribution, community assembly and ecosystem functioning. We show here how this approach can be used to address these issues for weed ecology in a new way, allowing research to shift from purely weed control issues to a more global understanding of the impact of weed communities on the agro‐ecosystem. We review how weed species are sorted by environmental factors and management according to the value of traits and the role thereof in the assembly of weed communities. How weed trait values and their distribution within communities affect agro‐ecosystem processes is discussed in relation to loss of crop production. We also introduce the question of the impact of weed functional structure on ecosystem services and suggest some directions for research at species, community and agro‐ecosystem levels.
Identification of the novel HLA‐A allele, HLA‐A*24:96, in a Chinese individual
Authors: Wang L. , Zhixin Z. , Xiaoyan S. , Zhao B. , Gong Z.
Published: August 2012

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐A*24:96 allele differs from the closest matching allele A*24:01:01:01 by three nucleotide substitutions in exon 3 at nt 411(C‐>T), nt 412(C‐>A) and nt 419(A‐>T).
Gender differences in Salix myrsinifolia at the pre‐reproductive stage are little affected by simulated climatic change
Authors: Nybakken Line , Julkunen‐Tiitto Riitta
Published: August 2012

Females of dioecious species are known often to prioritize defense, while males grow faster. As climatic change is known to influence both growth and defense in plants, it would be important to know whether it affects the sexes of dioecious species differently. This could have impacts on future sex ratios in nature. We grew four clones of each sex of Salix myrsinifolia in greenhouse chambers under ambient conditions, enhanced temperature, enhanced CO2 or enhanced temperature  +  enhanced CO2. The females had the greatest growth and also the highest levels of phenolic compounds in twigs, while in leaves some compounds were higher in males, some in females. Enhanced CO2 increased growth equally in both sexes, while growth was not affected by elevated temperature. Phenolic compounds in twigs were, however, lowered under elevated temperature. The gender differences were not strongly affected by the simulated climatic changes, but the effects seen on some highly concentrated compounds may be important. We interpret the intensive growth at pre‐reproductive phase as a strategy in females to get an initial advantage before later periods with fewer resources available for growth.
Sex‐specific responses of Populus yunnanensis exposed to elevated CO2 and salinity
Authors: Li Ling , Zhang Yuanbin , Luo Jianxun , Korpelainen Helena , Li Chunyang
Published: August 2012

Populus yunnanensis Dode., a native dioecious woody plant in southwestern China, was employed as a model species to study sex‐specific morphological, physiological and biochemical responses to elevated CO2 and salinity. To investigate the effects of elevated CO2, salinity and their combination, the cuttings were exposed to two CO2 regimes (ambient CO2 and double ambient CO2) and two salt treatments in growth chambers. Males exhibited greater downregulation of net photosynthesis rate (Anet) and carboxylation efficiency (CE) than females at elevated CO2, whereas these sexual differences were lessened under salt stress. On the other hand, salinity induced a higher decrease in Anet and CE, more growth inhibition and leaf Cl− accumulation and more damage to cell organelles in females than in males, whereas the sexual differences in photosynthesis and growth were lessened at elevated CO2. Moreover, elevated CO2 exacerbated membrane lipid peroxidation and organelle damage in females but not in males under salt stress. Our results indicated that: (1) females are more sensitive and suffer from greater negative effects than do males under salt stress, and elevated CO2 lessens the sexual differences in photosynthesis and growth under salt stress; (2) elevated CO2 tends to aggravate the negative effects of salinity in females; and (3) sex‐specific reactions under the combination of elevated CO2 and salinity are distinct from single‐stress responses. Therefore, these results provide evidence for different adaptive responses between plants of different sexes exposed to elevated CO2 and salinity.
Frequency and risk factors of fetal malnutrition among liveborn singleton term neonates using a computerised perinatal database, 2000–2006
Authors: Salihoğlu Özgül , Karatekin Güner , Baksu Başak , Uslu Sinan , Baksu Alparslan , Can Günay , Nuhoğlu Asiye
Published: August 2012

Aim:  The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, risk factors and anthropometric measurements of fetally malnourished, liveborn singleton term neonates.

Methods:  The computed delivery room data of 11.741 liveborn singleton term neonates was used to compare malnourished and nourished newborns.

Results:  Of the total subjects, 577 (4.9%) were malnourished. There were no differences between the groups with regard to gender distribution, Apgar scores, maternal parity, smoking during pregnancy and type of delivery. Maternal age and neonatal gestational age (GA) were significantly lower in malnourished newborns (P < 0.001). Birthweight (BW), birth length (BL) and head circumference (HC) were significantly lower in the malnourished group compared with well‐nourished group (P < 0.001). Mean BW (g) was 2724.7 ± 17.0 in the malnourished group versus 3234.3 ± 3.8 in the well‐nourished group; BL (cm) was 47.8 ± 0.1 in malnourished versus 49.5 ± 0.0 in well‐nourished neonates; HC (cm) was 33.25 ± 0.1 in the malnourished versus 34.3 ± 0.0 in the well‐nourished group. Between the groups, there were significant differences in the ratio of small, appropriate and large for GA (P < 0.001). Of the malnourished newborns, 35.5% were small for GA, 63.3% were appropriate for GA and 1.2% were large for GA.

Conclusion:  Fetal malnutrition (FM) still exists despite the advances in current obstetric care. Neonates of adolescent mothers and of low GA are particularly at risk for FM. The BW, BL and HC of fetally malnourished neonates are lower than that of well‐nourished neonates. Like term singleton appropriate and small for GA neonates, term singleton large for GA neonates could also have been fetally malnourished.
Diabetic mastopathy, a clinicopathological correlation of 34 cases
Authors: Dorokhova Olena , Fineberg Susan , Koenigsberg Tova , Wang Yihong
Published: August 2012

Diabetic mastopathy (DM) is an unusual fibrous disease of the breast. We report 34 cases with clinicopathological correlation and follow‐ups. Patients mean age was 57 years and 24 had histories of diabetes mellitus. The DM presented as a palpable breast mass in 85.3% of the cases clinically. Image findings were often as an irregular hypoechoic mass (44.4%) on ultrasound and negative or non‐specific density (67.6%) on mammogram. Histologically, we found that the majority of DM occurred in the upper outer/central part of the breast (76%) and the size ranged from 0.5 to 3.7 cm. All cases showed lymphocytic lobulitis and vasculitis, keloidal fibrosis, lobular atrophy and varying degree of epithelioid fibroblasts. Examining the surrounding normal tissue of the excision specimens revealed that the margins of DM were often poorly circumscribed and irregularly demarcated from the sounding breast tissue. Vascular calcifications were identified in 10 of 24 excisional specimens, suggesting a hypothesis that vascular damage and scar/wounding healing process could contribute to the pathogenesis of DM. Twenty‐one cases had repeated procedures for uncertain descriptive diagnosis. This is the largest study of diabetic mastopathy to date with clinical and imagining correlation. Recognition of this benign entity is important to better understanding the pathogenesis and to avoid unnecessary procedures.
Role of C‐reactive protein in urological cancers: A useful biomarker for predicting outcomes
Authors: Saito Kazutaka , Kihara Kazunori
Published: August 2012

Based on increasing evidence of the association between cancer‐related inflammation and the progression of cancer, the external symptoms of systemic inflammatory response has been shown to be an indicator for the prognosis of many malignancies, including urological cancers. C‐reactive protein, a representative acute‐phase reactant, is a significant and sensitive inflammatory marker that can be objectively measured using reliable assays in clinical practice worldwide. C‐reactive protein has been shown to be significant in the prediction of outcomes of urological cancers. The elevation of C‐reactive protein levels, which indicate the presence of cancer‐associated systemic inflammatory response, is linked to poorer survival in patients with urological cancers, including renal cell carcinoma, upper urinary tract and bladder cancers, and prostate cancer. With this strong prognostic ability, C‐reactive protein can be incorporated into prognostic models and will make them simpler and improve their predictive accuracy. Furthermore, the longitudinal change of C‐reactive protein level, C‐reactive protein kinetics, provides additional information on patient survival outcomes. As such, C‐reactive protein can be used to monitor treatment efficacy and disease course using serial measurements. In testicular cancer, C‐reactive protein is associated with a risk of late complications, such as cardiovascular disease, and with the development of second non‐germ‐cell cancer. Taken together, these findings show that C‐reactive protein can act as an important biomarker for urological cancers. This review discusses the importance of C‐reactive protein as a prognostic biomarker in urological cancers on the basis of the currently available evidence.
‘Art Lift’ intervention to improve mental well‐being: An observational study from UK general practice
Authors: Crone Diane M. , O'Connell Elaine E. , Tyson Phillip J. , Clark‐Stone Frances , Opher Simon , James David V. B.
Published: August 2012

Arts for health interventions are emerging as an alternative option to medical management of mental health problems and well‐being. This study investigated process and outcomes of an art intervention on patients referred by primary care professionals, including associations between patient characteristics (e.g. sex), progress through the intervention (e.g. attendance), and changes in mental well‐being. Referral criteria included people with anxiety, depression, or stress; low self‐esteem, confidence, or overall well‐being; and chronic illness or pain. The study took place in UK‐based general practitioner practices, with a total of 202 patients referred to a 10‐week intervention. Patient sociodemographic information was recorded at baseline, and patient progress assessed throughout the intervention. Significant improvement in well‐being was revealed for the 7‐item (t = −6.049, d.f. = 83, P < 0.001, two‐tailed) and 14‐item (t = −6.961, d.f. = 83, P < 0.001, two‐tailed) scales. Of referred patients, 77.7% attended and 49.5% completed. Most patients were female, and from a range of socioeconomic groups, and those who completed were significantly older (t = −2.258, d.f. = 145, P = 0.025, two‐tailed). Findings reveal that this art intervention was effective in the promotion of well‐being and in targeting women, older people, and people from lower socioeconomic groups.
Greek‐Cypriot mental health nurses' professional satisfaction and association with mild psychiatric symptoms
Authors: Karanikola Maria N. K. , Kaite Charis
Published: August 2012

The present descriptive correlational study aims to explore among Greek‐Cypriot mental health nurses (MHNs) the level of professional satisfaction, potential differences with regard to vocational characteristics, and associations with anxiety and depressive symptoms. A random sample of 225 Greek‐Cypriot MHNs employed in hospital and community settings completed Hamilton's Anxiety Scale, Beck's Depression Inventory, and Stamps's Index of Work Satisfaction. Moderate levels of overall professional satisfaction of 4.38 (±0.58) were detected. Work experience was positively correlated with satisfaction from payment (τ = 0.230, P < 0.0001). Men seemed to be more satisfied with organizational policies (P = 0.0043) and performed tasks (P = 0.027) than women. Nurses working in psychiatric clinics of general hospitals experienced higher levels of professional satisfaction in general, and more satisfaction from organizational policies, autonomy, and task requirements than nurses working in community settings, substance misuse programs, and community mental health centres (P = 0.001). Nurses working in acute/admission settings were the less satisfied, compared to nurses working in rehabilitation wards (P = 0.017). Professional satisfaction was associated with anxiety (τ = 0.280, P < 0.0001) and depressive (τ = 0.246, P < 0.0001) symptoms. Greek‐Cypriot MHNs seem to get moderate satisfaction from their work, whilst professional satisfaction is associated with their psychological well‐being. Targeted managerial interventions and longitudinal research are warranted.
Mental health nurses' beliefs about smoking by mental health facility inpatients
Authors: Connolly Michael , Floyd Sue , Forrest Rachel , Marshall Bob
Published: August 2012

This study examined beliefs of mental health nurses about smoking by clients, nurses, and visitors in inpatient facilities and identified the influence of years of experience, smoke‐free status, and workplace on these beliefs. Data were collected by a survey, distributed via a nursing newsletter with approximately 600 members. Descriptive statistics and cross‐tabulations explored the data. A total of 104 responses were received. Smoke‐free status made significant differences to nurses' beliefs relating to prohibition of smoking for clients, staff, and visitors; concern about the effects of passive smoking; the role of smoking in the development of therapeutic relationships; smoking as a source of patient pleasure; and the role of smoking in symptom management. That half of the nurses who responded believe that smoking is helpful in the creation of therapeutic relationships is of concern. The nurse plays an important role model in promoting smoke‐free lifestyles amongst clients, and the effects of positive role modelling could be lost if nurses continue to smoke with clients. The negative impacts of smoking on the physical health of mental health inpatients is considerable and well documented, and the creation of smoke‐free inpatient mental health services can help to address these.
Effects of extrusion and equal channel angular pressing on the microstructure, tensile and fatigue behaviour of the wrought magnesium alloy AZ80
Authors: FERESHTEH‐SANIEE F. , AKBARIPANAH F. , KIM H.K. , MAHMUDI R.
Published: August 2012

The microstructure, mechanical properties, fatigue life and fatigue crack propagation rate of Mg‐8Al‐0.5Zn‐0.3Mn (AZ80) magnesium alloy were investigated after extrusion and equal channel angular pressing (ECAP). The highest ultimate and yield strengths and a large enhancement in the fatigue lifetime were obtained after two passes of ECAP. These were decreased with further pressing, although the grain size became finer. There was a correlation between the fatigue and ultimate strengths of AZ80 alloy. The transition from twinning to dislocation slip has also occurred at an average grain size of 7.9 μm. Simultaneous influences of the grain size and the yield strength caused an almost the same threshold of the stress intensity ratio for different process conditions. Moreover, the enhanced ductility of the ECAPed alloy resulted in an increase in the crack growth resistance because of its better ability to accommodate plastic strains during cycling.
An evolutionary ecology of individual differences
Authors: Dall Sasha R. X. , Bell Alison M. , Bolnick Daniel I. , Ratnieks Francis L. W.
Published: August 2012

Individuals often differ in what they do. This has been recognised since antiquity. Nevertheless, the ecological and evolutionary significance of such variation is attracting widespread interest, which is burgeoning to an extent that is fragmenting the literature. As a first attempt at synthesis, we focus on individual differences in behaviour within populations that exceed the day‐to‐day variation in individual behaviour (i.e. behavioural specialisation). Indeed, the factors promoting ecologically relevant behavioural specialisation within natural populations are likely to have far‐reaching ecological and evolutionary consequences. We discuss such individual differences from three distinct perspectives: individual niche specialisations, the division of labour within insect societies and animal personality variation. In the process, while recognising that each area has its own unique motivations, we identify a number of opportunities for productive ‘cross‐fertilisation’ among the (largely independent) bodies of work. We conclude that a complete understanding of evolutionarily and ecologically relevant individual differences must specify how ecological interactions impact the basic biological process (e.g. Darwinian selection, development and information processing) that underpin the organismal features determining behavioural specialisations. Moreover, there is likely to be co‐variation amongst behavioural specialisations. Thus, we sketch the key elements of a general framework for studying the evolutionary ecology of individual differences.
The source of microbial C has little impact on soil organic matter stabilisation in forest ecosystems
Authors: Throckmorton Heather M. , Bird Jeffrey A. , Dane Laura , Firestone Mary K. , Horwath William R.
Published: August 2012

The source of microbial C is thought to impact its stability in soil due to variations in cellular biochemistry. It has been hypothesised that a fungal‐dominated community stabilises more C than a bacterial‐dominated community, in part due to chemical recalcitrance of their non‐living biomass, particularly cell wall components and pigments. We compared the turnover of 13C‐labelled (99.9 atom %) temperate and tropical microbial isolates [i.e. fungi, Gram‐positive bacteria (including actinobacteria) and Gram‐negative bacteria] in temperate (California) and tropical (Puerto Rico) forest soils. While significant differences in 13C recovery and mean residence times occurred among some microbial additions, similar turnover rates were observed, and in general, results do not support the view that microbial biochemistry affects soil C maintenance. Different effects by microbial necromass additions in California and Puerto Rico suggest that ecosystem‐specific effects may be as important to microbial C stabilisation as its macromolecular composition and recalcitrance.
Does androgen‐ablation therapy (AAT) associated autophagy have a pro‐survival effect in LNCaP human prostate cancer cells?
Authors: Bennett Haley L. , Stockley Jacqueline , Fleming Janis T. , Mandal Ranadip , O'Prey Jim , Ryan Kevin M. , Robson Craig N. , Leung Hing Y.
Published: August 2012

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Androgen‐ablation therapy (AAT) and chemotherapy are commonly used to treat incurable prostate cancer. To improve outcome, there is major on‐going research to develop more effective treatments with less toxicity. Autophagy has been suggested from previous studies to play a potential role in cell survival and may be associated with resistance to chemotherapy.

Autophagy is known to be upregulated by nutrient starvation or AAT in prostate cancer. However, its functional impact is not fully known. The present study describes the potential synergism between the blockade of autophagy and AAT alone or AAT combined with taxane chemotherapy. Hence, future combined treatment options are warranted to further investigate the clinical impact of autophagy suppression as a treatment strategy.

Objective

To study the cellular effects of the anti‐androgen bicalutamide on autophagy and its potential impact on response to androgen‐ablation therapy (AAT) alone or combined with docetaxel chemotherapy in human prostate cancer LNCaP cells.

Materials and Methods

LNCaP cells were treated with bicalutamide ± docetaxel, and cellular effects were assayed: lipidated LC3 (a microtubule‐associated protein) for autophagy and its trafficking to fuse with lysosome; flow cytometry using propidium iodide or caspase 3 for cell death; and sulforhodamine B assay for cell growth.

Results

Bicalutamide treatment enhanced autophagy in LNCaP cells with increased level of autophagosome coupled with an altered cellular morphology reminiscent of neuroendocrine differentiation.

Consistent with the literature on the interaction between androgen receptor activation and taxane chemotherapy, bicalutamide diminished docetaxel mediated cytotoxicity.

Significantly, pharmacological inhibition of autophagy with 3‐methyladenine significantly enhanced the efficacy cell kill mediated by AAT ± docetaxel.

Conclusion

Autophagy associated with bicalutamide treatment in LNCaP cells may have a pro‐survival effect and strategy to modulate autophagy may have a potential therapeutic value.
LIMIT THEOREMS FOR PROPORTIONS OF OBSERVATIONS FALLING INTO RANDOM REGIONS DETERMINED BY ORDER STATISTICS
Authors: Dembińska Anna
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we study asymptotic behavior of proportions of sample observations that fall into random regions determined by a given Borel set and an order statistic. We show that these proportions converge almost surely to some population quantities as the sample size increases to infinity. We derive our results for independent and identically distributed observations from an arbitrary cumulative distribution function, in particular, we allow samples drawn from discontinuous laws. We also give extensions of these results to the case of randomly indexed samples with some dependence between observations.
The Effect of Social Networks on the Quality of Political Thinking
Authors: Erisen Elif , Erisen Cengiz
Published: August 2012

In this article we investigate the effect of social networks on the quality of political thinking. First, the article introduces new social network concepts into the literature and develops the corresponding measures. Second, the article explores the quality of political thinking as a concept and develops its measures based on the volume and the causality of thoughts, and their integrative complexity. We make use of a survey to collect information on social networks and the experimental manipulation controls for the effect of policy frames. Our findings consistently show the significant negative impact of cohesive social networks on the quality of policy‐relevant thinking. We conclude that close‐knit social networks could create “social bubbles” that would limit how one communicates with others and reasons about politics.