bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantitative assessment of the impact of the gut microbiota on lysine ε-acetylation of host proteins using gnotobiotic mice
Authors: Simon Gabriel M. , Cheng Jiye , Gordon Jeffrey I.
Published: June 2012

The gut microbiota influences numerous aspects of human biology. One facet that has not been thoroughly explored is its impact on the host proteome. We hypothesized that the microbiota may produce certain of its effects through covalent modification of host proteins. We focused on protein lysine ε-acetylation because of its recently discovered roles in regulation of cell metabolism, and the potential for products of microbial fermentation to interact with the lysine acetylation machinery of host cells. Germ-free mice, fed a
15
N-labeled diet for two generations, were colonized as adults with a microbiota harvested from conventionally raised mouse donors. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, we quantified 3,891 liver and proximal colonic proteins, 558 of which contained 1,602 sites of lysine acetylation, 43% not previously described. Multiple proteins from multiple subcellular compartments underwent microbiota-associated increases in their levels of lysine acetylation at one or more residues, in one or both tissues. Acetylated proteins were enriched in functions related to energy production, respiration, and primary metabolism. A number of the acetylation events affect lysine residues at or near the active sites of enzymes, whereas others occur at locations that may affect other facets of protein function. One of these modifications, affecting Lys292 in mouse α-1-antitrypsin, was detected in the corresponding lysine of the human serum protein. Methods described in this report can be applied to other co- or posttranslational modifications, and add quantitation of protein expression and covalent modification to the arsenal of techniques for characterizing the dynamic, important interactions between gut symbionts and their hosts.
Evidence of Recent Climate Change within the Historic Range of Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout: Implications for Management and Future Persistence
Authors: Zeigler Matthew P. , Todd Andrew S. , Caldwell Colleen A.
Published: June 2012

Evidence of anthropogenically influenced climate change has motivated natural resource managers to incorporate adaptive measures to minimize risks to sensitive and threatened species. Detecting trends in climate variables (i.e., air temperature and hydrology) can serve as a valuable management tool for protecting vulnerable species by increasing our understanding of localized conditions and trends. The Rio Grande cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii virginalis has suffered a severe decline in its historical distribution, with the majority of current populations persisting in isolated headwater streams. To evaluate recent climate change within the subspecies’ historical range, we examined trends in average air temperatures, biologically important hydrological variables (timing of snowmelt and seasonal flows), and the April 1 snow water equivalent over the last 45 years (1963–2007). While rates of change in all three metrics were variable across sites, rangewide patterns were evident. Across the subspecies’ historical range, average annual air temperatures increased (0.29°C per decade) and the timing of snowmelt shifted 10.6 d earlier in the year (2.3 d/decade). Flows increased during biologically important periods, including winter (January 1–March 31; 6.6% increase per decade), prespawning (April 1–May 14; 6.9% increase per decade), and spawning (May 15–June 15; 4.2% increase per decade) and decreased in summer (June 16–September 15; 1.9% decrease per decade). Evidence of decreasing April 1 snow water equivalent (5.3% per decade) was also observed. While the impacts of these changes at the population level are equivocal, it is likely that negative effects would influence the subspecies by altering its distribution, decreasing available habitat, and altering the timing of important life history components. Continued monitoring and proactive management will be required to increase the resiliency of remaining populations to ensure long‐term persistence and protection in a changing climate.
Digital repositories ten years on: what do scientific researchers think of them and how do they use them?
Authors: NICHOLAS David , ROWLANDS Ian , WATKINSON Anthony , BROWN David , JAMALI Hamid R.
Published: June 2012

Digital repositories have been with us for more than a decade, and despite the considerable media and conference attention they engender, we know very little about their use by academics. This paper sets out to address this by reporting on how well they are used, what they are used for, what researchers' think of them, and where they thought they were going. Nearly 1,700 scientific researchers, mostly physical scientists, responded to an international survey of digital repositories, making it the largest survey of its kind. High deposit rates were found and mandates appear to be working, especially with younger researchers. Repositories have made significant inroads in terms of impact and use despite, in the case of institutional repositories, the very limited resources deployed. Subject repositories, like arXiv and PubMed Central, have certainly come of age but institutional repositories probably have not come of age yet although there are drivers in place which, in theory anyway, are moving them towards early adulthood.
Selling to the BRIC: the background to the scholarly publishing market in India
Authors: MALIK Rakesh
Published: June 2012

This article provides an overview of the Indian scholarly publishing market in terms of the demographics, market verticals, research institutions, sources and patterns of funding, and the burgeoning potential of the globalised Indian economy. It explores the feasibility for entry of international publishers and tried and tested business models. The analysis covers the nuances of the growth drivers and inhibitors, the current success and status of existing players, and the key challenges.
Editorial processing: to outsource or not?
Authors: SELLWOOD Sally
Published: June 2012

In recent years, a number of publishers have successfully outsourced all or part of their editorial assistant function to a specialist company. This article examines the reasons why outsourcing the editorial assistant function might be of benefit to a journal and considers what should be looked for in a partner company and what can be expected from such a relationship.
The importance of whether atrial fibrillation or heart failure develops first
Authors: Smit Marcelle D. , Moes Marjolein L. , Maass Alexander H. , Achekar Ismaël D. , Van Geel Peter P. , Hillege Hans L. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Van Gelder Isabelle C.
Published: June 2012

Aims

Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure often co‐exist. It is unknown whether the sequence in which AF and heart failure develop is of significance regarding prognosis. We assessed the prognosis of AF patients hospitalized for heart failure based on the timing of AF and heart failure development.

Methods and results

Consecutive AF patients hospitalized for heart failure were included. Patients who had developed AF before or consecutively with heart failure (‘AF first’) were compared with patients who had developed heart failure before AF (‘heart failure first’). The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular hospitalization or all‐cause mortality. The majority of patients hospitalized for AF and heart failure consisted of patients who had developed AF first (137 of 182 patients, 75%, vs. 45 of 182 patients, 25%). The two groups were similar regarding age and gender, but patients with AF first less often had coronary artery disease and had higher ejection fractions than patients with heart failure first (39 ±14% vs. 32 ±13%, P =0.004). During 16 ±11 months follow‐up, the primary composite endpoint occurred less often in patients with AF first than in patients with heart failure first (49.6% vs. 77.7% of patients, P =0.001). Development of AF first remained beneficial regarding the primary endpoint on multivariable analysis (adjusted hazard ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.29–0.86, P =0.01).

Conclusion

The majority of patients hospitalized for AF and heart failure consisted of patients who had developed AF first. Prognosis in these patients was relatively benign as compared with those who had developed heart failure first.
A review of the Sea of Okhotsk ecosystem response to the climate with special emphasis on fish populations
Authors: Kim Sen Tok
Published: June 2012

Kim, S. T. 2012. A review of the Sea of Okhotsk ecosystem response to the climate with special emphasis on fish populations. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: . This article provides a brief review of climatic, oceanographic, and biological changes in the Sea of Okhotsk in recent decades. The Sea of Okhotsk is distinguished by its high biological productivity and its significant impact on the Pacific Ocean through water exchanges. Long-term temperature data have shown periodic cooling and warming of the Sea that in turn have resulted in changes to its biological communities. In the 1980s, a generally warm period, the Sea of Okhotsk had abundant fish, primarily large stocks of gadoids, especially walleye pollock. The second half of the 1990s was a transitional period when the marine ecosystem was being restructured. In particular, by the mid-1990s, the total biomass of fish in the Sea of Okhotsk had decreased significantly. In the early 2000s, the situation reached a critical level, but by the end of that decade, there was a renewed warming and an increase in the abundance of walleye pollock.
First Report of Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne arenaria on Atractylodis macrocephalae in China
Authors: Wang X. Z. , Wang L. F. , Piao C. G. , Guo M. W. , Li Y.
Published: June 2012

Atractylodis macrocephalae is an important Chinese herbal medicine plant and its rhizome is of high medicinal value. In recent years, a severe decline in yield has been observed in Bozhou City (China's largest A. macrocephalae producing area), Anhui Province, China. A survey for plant-parasitic nematodes was conducted in this area from June to September 2011. Stunted plants displayed chlorotic or necrotic lower leaves near the ground part by the growth reduction; examination of the roots of stunted plants revealed the presence of galls typical of infestation by root knot nematode. Root nodules were found on the tap and lateral roots caused the fleshy tap root deformity. The incidence of diseased plants was estimated to be 45%, and yield loss was quantified as 43.5%. Nematodes were extracted from the root samples as previously described (4) and identified by morphology, enzyme analysis, and molecular characterization. Morphology of the female perineal patterns and measurements of the second-stage juveniles (J2s) matched those of the original description of Meloidogyne arenaria. Enzyme analysis of the esterase (Est) phenotype was also typical of the AII phenotype in M. arenaria (2). DNA was extracted according to a modified protocol (1), and the rDNA-internal transcribed spacer (ITS1_5.8S_ITS2) region was amplified with universal primers V5367 (5′-TTGATTACGTCCCTGCCCTTT-3′) and 26S (5′-TTTCACTCGCCGTTACTAAGG-3′). PCR yielded a fragment of 764 bp and the purified product was sequenced by Sanger's dideoxy chain termination method (ABI3730). Sequences were identical to that of M. arenaria in GenBank (Accession No. AF387092) (3). Amplification of the D2/D3 fragments of the 28S RNA with universal primers D2A (5′-ACAAGTACCGTGAGGGAAAGTTG-3′) and D3B (5′-TCGGAAGGAACCAGCTACTA-3′) yielded a PCR fragment of 758 bp. These sequences were also identical to that of M. arenaria in GenBank (Accession No. AF435803). For further confirmation, amplification of the IGS region with universal primers 5S (5′-TTAACTTGCCAGATCGGACG-3′) and 18S (5′-TCTAATGAGGGAACCAGCTACTA-3′) yielded a PCR fragment of 713 bp. These sequences were 99.64% homologous to that of M. arenaria (GenBank Accession No. MAU42342). To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. arenaria species on A. macrocephalae in China. The fleshy tap root of A. macrocephalae is the main edible part of the plant, and the damage caused by root knot nematode will potentially reduce the yield and quality of this herb.

References: (1) J. L. Cenis et al. Phytopathology 83:76, 1993. (2) P. R. Esbenshade and A. C. Triantaphyllou. J. Nematol. 17:6, 1985. (3) T. C. Vrain et al. Appl Nematol. 15:563, 1992. (4) L. F. Wang et al. Forest Res. 14:484, 2001.
Modelling the influence of antifreeze proteins on three-dimensional ice crystal melt shapes using a geometric approach
Authors: Liu Jun Jie , Qin Yangzong , Dolev Maya Bar , Celik Yeliz , Wettlaufer J. S. , Braslavsky Ido
Published: June 2012

The melting of pure axisymmetric ice crystals has been described previously by us within the framework of so-called
geometric crystal growth
. Non-equilibrium ice crystal shapes evolving in the presence of hyperactive antifreeze proteins (hypAFPs) are experimentally observed to assume ellipsoidal geometries (‘lemon’ or ‘rice’ shapes). To analyse such shapes, we harness the underlying symmetry of hexagonal ice
I
h
and extend two-dimensional geometric models to three-dimensions to reproduce the experimental dissolution process. The geometrical model developed will be useful as a quantitative test of the mechanisms of interaction between hypAFPs and ice.
Upscaled phase-field models for interfacial dynamics in strongly heterogeneous domains
Authors: Schmuck Markus , Pradas Marc , Pavliotis Grigorios A. , Kalliadasis Serafim
Published: June 2012

We derive a new, effective macroscopic Cahn–Hilliard equation whose homogeneous free energy is represented by fourth-order polynomials, which form the frequently applied double-well potential. This upscaling is done for perforated/strongly heterogeneous domains. To the best knowledge of the authors, this seems to be the first attempt of upscaling the Cahn–Hilliard equation in such domains. The new homogenized equation should have a broad range of applicability owing to the well-known versatility of phase-field models. The additionally introduced feature of systematically and reliably accounting for confined geometries by homogenization allows for new modelling and numerical perspectives in both science and engineering. Our results are applied to wetting dynamics in porous media and to a single channel with strongly heterogeneous walls.
The mode of host–parasite interaction shapes coevolutionary dynamics and the fate of host cooperation
Authors: Quigley Benjamin J. Z. , García López Diana , Buckling Angus , McKane Alan J. , Brown Sam P.
Published: June 2012

Antagonistic coevolution between hosts and parasites can have a major impact on host population structures, and hence on the evolution of social traits. Using stochastic modelling techniques in the context of bacteria–virus interactions, we investigate the impact of coevolution across a continuum of host–parasite genetic specificity (specifically, where genotypes have the same infectivity/resistance ranges (matching alleles, MA) to highly variable ranges (gene-for-gene, GFG)) on population genetic structure, and on the social behaviour of the host. We find that host cooperation is more likely to be maintained towards the MA end of the continuum, as the more frequent bottlenecks associated with an MA-like interaction can prevent defector invasion, and can even allow migrant cooperators to invade populations of defectors.
Crystallization and X-ray diffraction studies of arginine kinase from the white Pacific shrimpLitopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Lopez-Zavala Alonso A. , Sotelo-Mundo Rogerio R. , Garcia-Orozco Karina D. , Isac-Martinez Felipe , Brieba Luis G. , Rudiño-Piñera Enrique
Published: June 2012

Crystals of an unligated monomeric arginine kinase from the Pacific whiteleg shrimpLitopenaeus vannamei(LvAK) were successfully obtained using the microbatch method. Crystallization conditions and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis to 1.25 Å resolution are reported. Data were collected at 100 K on NSLS beamline X6A. The crystals belonged to space groupP212121, with unit-cell parametersa= 56.5,b= 70.2,c= 81.7 Å. One monomer per asymmetric unit was found, with a Matthews coefficient (VM) of 2.05 Å3 Da−1and 40% solvent content. Initial phases were determined by molecular replacement using a homology model ofLvAK as the search model. Refinement was performed withPHENIX, with finalRworkandRfreevalues of 0.15 and 0.19, respectively. Biological analysis of the structure is currently in progress.
Purification and crystallization of yeast Ent1 ENTH domain
Authors: Tanner Neta , Prag Gali
Published: June 2012

Members of the Epsin protein family regulate the ubiquitin/clathrin-dependent trafficking of transmembrane proteins. The yeast Epsin-1 (ent1) gene was cloned and expressed inEscherichia coli. The protein product of a construct containing the ENTH-UIM modules was purified to homogeneity and subjected to crystallization screening using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method. Refined conditions containing polyethylene glycol 3350 and Tacsimate yielded thin rod-like crystals. X-ray analysis revealed that the crystallographic symmetry is primitive orthorhombic, space groupP222, with unit-cell parametersa= 32.7,b= 35.5,c= 110.6 Å and a diffraction limit of 2.3 Å. Matthews coefficient calculations suggested that the crystal contained only the ENTH domain. This was corroborated by Coomassie Blue-stained SDS–PAGE analysis of dissolved crystals.
Two crystal forms of a helix-rich fatty acid- and retinol-binding protein, Na-FAR-1, from the parasitic nematodeNecator americanus
Authors: Gabrielsen Mads , Rey-Burusco M. Florencia , Griffiths Kate , Roe Andrew J. , Cooper Alan , Smith Brian O. , Kennedy Malcolm W. , Corsico Betina
Published: June 2012

Na-FAR-1 is an unusual α-helix-rich fatty acid- and retinol-binding protein fromNecator americanus, a blood-feeding intestinal parasitic nematode of humans. It belongs to the FAR protein family, which is unique to nematodes; no structural information is available to date for FAR proteins from parasites. Crystals were obtained with two different morphologies that corresponded to different space groups. Crystal form 1 exhibited space groupP432 (unit-cell parametersa = b = c = 120.80 Å, α = β = γ = 90°) and diffracted to 2.5 Å resolution, whereas crystal form 2 exhibited space groupF23 (unit-cell parametersa = b = c = 240.38 Å, α = β = γ = 90°) and diffracted to 3.2 Å resolution. Crystal form 2 showed signs of significant twinning.
Expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of Deg5 fromArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Fan Haitian , Sun Wei , Sun Zhe , Gao Feng , Gong Weimin
Published: June 2012

Arabidopsis thalianaDeg5 is an ATP-independent serine protease which resides on the luminal side of the thylakoid in chloroplasts. Deg5 and another Deg/HtrA-family protease, Deg8, have a synergistic function in the turnover of the D1 protein of photosystem II (PSII), which is prone to damage arising from high light exposure. An inactive mutant of the protein, Deg5S266A, was overexpressed inEscherichia coli. After purification and crystallization, crystals that diffracted to 2.6 Å resolution were obtained. The crystals belonged to the monoclinic space groupC2, with unit-cell parametersa= 109.1,b= 126.0,c= 83.3 Å, β = 102.9°, and contained three molecules in the asymmetric unit. The calculated Matthews coefficient and solvent content were 3.0 Å3 Da−1and 59.0%, respectively.
Ecstacy‐induced delayed rhabdomyolysis and neuroleptic malignant syndrome in a patient with a novel variant in the ryanodine receptor type 1 gene
Authors: Russell T. , Riazi S. , Kraeva N. , Steel A. C. , Hawryluck L. A.
Published: June 2012

We present the case of a 20‐year‐old woman who developed rhabdomyolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy and multi‐organ failure induced by ecstasy. Following initial improvement, she developed delayed rhabdomyolysis then haloperidol‐induced neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which was treated with a total of 50 mg.kg−1 dantrolene. Subsequent genetic testing revealed a novel potentially pathogenic variant in the ryanodine receptor type 1 gene. However, caffeine‐halothane contracture testing of the patient's mother who carried the same gene variant was negative for malignant hyperthermia.
Quantitative analysis of changes in blood concentrations and ‘presumed effect‐site concentration’ of sevoflurane during one‐lung ventilation
Authors: Matsuse S. , Hara Y. , Ohkura T. , Yahagi N.
Published: June 2012

During one‐lung ventilation, ventilation‐perfusion mismatch decreases the arterial concentration of inhaled anaesthetics due to the arterial‐to‐venous concentration difference. This study tested the hypothesis that in humans, the ‘presumed effect‐site concentration’ (taken as the mid‐point between the arterial and superior jugular venous concentrations) of inhaled anaesthetic falls during one‐lung (vs two‐lung) ventilation. Four patients scheduled for elective prostatectomy (two‐lung ventilation) and four patients for elective thoracotomy (one‐lung ventilation) were randomly selected and assigned to receive sevoflurane (vaporiser‐dial setting, 1.5%). Sevoflurane concentrations were measured periodically from radial artery and superior jugular vein (via a catheter advanced cephalad from the jugular vein). During one‐lung ventilation, the end‐expiratory sevoflurane concentration was stable at ∼1.3% but the mean (SD) presumed effect‐site concentration declined initially from 58 (6.7) to 43 (4.7) μg.ml−1 (p = 0.011) before slowly recovering. A period of insufficient depth of anaesthesia is thus a risk during one‐lung ventilation.
Duration of anticoagulant therapy for venous thromboembolism: balancing benefits and harms on the long term
Authors: de Jong Paulien G. , Coppens Michiel , Middeldorp Saskia
Published: June 2012

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is effectively treated with anticoagulant therapy. After an initial treatment phase, extended treatment is effective to prevent recurrence after a first event but this is at the expense of a continued risk of bleeding. Ideally, patients at a high risk of recurrence and low risk of bleeding continue anticoagulant therapy, and for those at low risk of recurrence the duration of treatment can be limited. Identifying these patients, however, is difficult. Duration of treatment after a first VTE provoked by a transient risk factor should be limited to 3 months. Although guidelines suggest extended treatment for all patients after unprovoked VTE unless bleeding risk is high, we emphasize that the long‐term risks of recurrent VTE off anticoagulation are uncertain whereas the risk of bleeding associated with anticoagulant therapy increases with age. In the absence of evidence of replaced mortality or improved quality of life with extended anticoagulant treatment, we suggest a limited duration for most patients after a first VTE. Extended treatment can be considered, based mainly on patient preference.
Developments in the prevention of transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease
Authors: Fast Loren D.
Published: June 2012

The transfusion of blood products can result in a variety of consequences, including transfer of pathogens and the induction of immune responses, such as the almost invariably fatal transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease (TA‐GVHD). Exposure of blood products to γ‐irradiation is currently the standard of care for the prevention of TA‐GVHD. Regulatory, technical and clinical challenges associated with the use of γ‐irradiators are driving efforts to develop alternatives. Initially, pathogen reduction methods were developed to reduce the risk of microbial transmission by blood components. Through modifications of nucleic acids, these technologies interfere with the replication of both pathogens and leucocytes. These methods have been found to be as effective as γ‐irradiation in preventing T lymphocyte proliferation and TA‐GVHD responses. Additional benefits of pathogen reduction protocols potentially include inhibition of antigen presentation, cytokine production and activation of lymphocytes.
Outcome of children with refractory anaemia with excess of blast (RAEB) and RAEB in Transformation (RAEB‐T) in the Japanese MDS99 study
Authors: Kikuchi Akira , Hasegawa Daisuke , Ohtsuka Yoshitoshi , Hamamoto Kazuko , Kojima Seiji , Okamura Jun , Nakahata Tatsutoshi , Manabe Atsushi ,   On behalf of the Japanese Paediatric Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) Study Group
Published: June 2012

We report the outcome of 16 children with refractory anaemia with excess of blasts (RAEB; n = 4) and RAEB in transformation (RAEB‐T; n = 12) following induction therapy with etoposide, cytarabine and mitoxantrone (ECM) prior to haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The median observation period was 77 months (range 5–123). Complete remission rate was 81% following induction; no toxic deaths occurred. Eight‐year event‐free survival and overall survival was 50% and 56%, respectively. None of the three patients with a complex karyotype survived, suggesting karyotype is a crucial prognostic factor for survival. This study indicates the safety and high remission rate of ECM and high survival rates after HSCT for paediatric RAEB and RAEB‐T.
Turned on by danger: activation of CD1d‐restricted invariant natural killer T cells
Authors: Lawson Victoria
Published: June 2012

CD1d‐restricted invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells bear characteristics of innate and adaptive lymphocytes, which allow them to bridge the two halves of the immune response and play roles in many disease settings. Recent work has characterized precisely how their activation is initiated and regulated. Novel antigens from important pathogens have been identified, as has an abundant self‐antigen, β‐glucopyranosylcaramide, capable of mediating an iNKT‐cell response. Studies of the iNKT T‐cell receptor (TCR)–antigen–CD1d complex show how docking between CD1d–antigen and iNKT TCR is highly conserved, and how small sequence differences in the TCR establish intrinsic variation in iNKT TCR affinity. The sequence of the TCR CDR3β loop determines iNKT TCR affinity for ligand–CD1d, independent of ligand identity. CD1d ligands can promote T helper type 1 (Th1) or Th2 biased cytokine responses, depending on the composition of their lipid tails. Ligands loaded into CD1d on the cell surface promote Th2 responses, whereas ligands with long hydrophobic tails are loaded endosomally and promote Th1 responses. This information is informing the design of synthetic iNKT‐cell antigens. The iNKT cells may be activated by exogenous antigen, or by a combination of dendritic cell‐derived interleukin‐12 and iNKT TCR–self‐antigen–CD1d engagement. The iNKT‐cell activation is further modulated by recent foreign or self‐antigen encounter. Activation of dendritic cells through pattern recognition receptors alters their antigen presentation and cytokine production, strongly influencing iNKT‐cell activation. In a range of bacterial infections, dendritic cell‐dependent innate activation of iNKT cells through interleukin‐12 is the dominant influence on their activity.
Activation of Anorexigenic Pro‐Opiomelanocortin Neurones during Refeeding is Independent of Vagal and Brainstem Inputs
Authors: Fekete C. , Zséli G. , Singru P. S. , Kádár A. , Wittmann G. , Füzesi T. , El‐Bermani W. , Lechan R. M.
Published: June 2012

After fasting, satiety is observed within 2 h after reintroducing food, accompanied by activation of anorexigenic, pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC)‐synthesising neurones in the arcuate nucleus (ARC), indicative of the critical role that α‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone has in the regulation of meal size during refeeding. To determine whether refeeding‐induced activation of POMC neurones in the arcuate is dependent upon the vagus nerve and/or ascending brainstem pathways, bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy or transection of the afferent brainstem input to one side of the ARC was performed. One day after vagotomy or 2 weeks after brain surgery, animals were fasted and then refed for 2 h. Sections containing the ARC from vagotomised animals or animals with effective transection were immunostained for c‐Fos and POMC to detect refeeding‐induced activation of POMC neurones. Quantitative analyses of double‐labelled preparations demonstrated that sham‐operated and vagotomised animals markedly increased the number of c‐Fos‐immunoreactive (‐IR) POMC neurones with refeeding. Furthermore, transection of the ascending brainstem pathway had no effect on diminishing c‐Fos‐immunoreactivity in POMC neurones on either side of the ARC, although it did diminish activation in a separate, subpopulation of neurones in the dorsomedial posterior ARC (dmpARC) on the transected side. We conclude that inputs mediated via the vagus nerve and/or arising from the brainstem do not have a primary role in refeeding‐induced activation of POMC neurones in the ARC, and propose that these neurones may be activated solely by direct effects of circulating hormones/metabolites during refeeding. Activation of the dmpARC by refeeding indicates a previously unrecognised role for these neurones in appetite regulation in the rat.
Modeling the direction of causation between cross‐sectional measures of disrupted sleep, anxiety and depression in a sample of male and female Australian twins
Authors: GILLESPIE NATHAN A. , GEHRMAN PHILIP , BYRNE ENDA M. , KENDLER KENNETH S. , HEATH ANDREW C. , MARTIN NICHOLAS G.
Published: June 2012

The direction of causation between measures of disrupted sleep, anxiety and depression is not well understood. Under certain conditions, cross‐sectional analysis based on genetically informative data can provide important information about the direction of causation between variables. Two community‐based samples of 7235 Australian twins aged 18–87 years were mailed an extensive questionnaire that covered a wide range of personality and behavioral measures. Included were self‐report measures of disrupted sleep, as well as symptoms of anxiety and depression. Among all females, modeling the direction of causation did not support the hypothesis of sleep having a direct causal impact on risk of anxiety or depression. Among older females, we found evidence that both anxiety and depression interact reciprocally with disrupted sleep, whereas among younger women both anxiety and depression appear to have a causal impact on sleep. Results for males were equivocal. The nosological implications of our findings are discussed.
The biogeography of mitochondrial and nuclear discordance in animals
Authors: TOEWS DAVID P. L. , BRELSFORD ALAN
Published: June 2012

Combining nuclear (nuDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) markers has improved the power of molecular data to test phylogenetic and phylogeographic hypotheses and has highlighted the limitations of studies using only mtDNA markers. In fact, in the past decade, many conflicting geographic patterns between mitochondrial and nuclear genetic markers have been identified (i.e. mito‐nuclear discordance). Our goals in this synthesis are to: (i) review known cases of mito‐nuclear discordance in animal systems, (ii) to summarize the biogeographic patterns in each instance and (iii) to identify common drivers of discordance in various groups. In total, we identified 126 cases in animal systems with strong evidence of discordance between the biogeographic patterns obtained from mitochondrial DNA and those observed in the nuclear genome. In most cases, these patterns are attributed to adaptive introgression of mtDNA, demographic disparities and sex‐biased asymmetries, with some studies also implicating hybrid zone movement, human introductions and Wolbachia infection in insects. We also discuss situations where divergent mtDNA clades seem to have arisen in the absence of geographic isolation. For those cases where foreign mtDNA haplotypes are found deep within the range of a second taxon, data suggest that those mtDNA haplotypes are more likely to be at a high frequency and are commonly driven by sex‐biased asymmetries and/or adaptive introgression. In addition, we discuss the problems with inferring the processes causing discordance from biogeographic patterns that are common in many studies. In many cases, authors presented more than one explanation for discordant patterns in a given system, which indicates that likely more data are required. Ideally, to resolve this issue, we see important future work shifting focus from documenting the prevalence of mito‐nuclear discordance towards testing hypotheses regarding the drivers of discordance. Indeed, there is great potential for certain cases of mitochondrial introgression to become important natural systems within which to test the effect of different mitochondrial genotypes on whole‐animal phenotypes.
Social Determinants of Infant Mortality in a Historical Swedish Cohort
Authors: Sovio Ulla , Dibden Amanda , Koupil Ilona
Published: June 2012

Background:  Infant mortality rates have fallen considerably in the past decades. However, because of sparseness of historical data, it is unclear how social differences in infant mortality have changed over time.

Methods:  The aim of this study was to assess the association between prenatal social determinants and infant mortality in a Swedish cohort of 13 741 singletons born between 1915 and 1929. Associations and potential mediation of these determinants through other maternal and birth factors were studied using Cox regression. Analyses were repeated for deaths within the neonatal and post‐neonatal periods.

Results:  Mother's single marital status, high parity, low birthweight (LBW), low gestational age and male sex were associated with infant mortality in fully adjusted models, whereas the associations of maternal social class, region of residence and maternal age appeared to be largely mediated through other variables. Contrary to studies reporting a ‘LBW paradox’, no interactions between gestational age or birthweight and maternal social characteristics on infant mortality were observed in this study. High maternal age, LBW and low/high gestational age were associated with neonatal mortality, whereas single marital status, high parity, LBW, low gestational age and male sex were associated with post‐neonatal mortality. An association of family social class with post‐neonatal mortality was largely mediated by other maternal variables.

Conclusions:  Our findings of determinants of neonatal and post‐neonatal mortality in 1915–1929 are strikingly consistent with results from contemporary cohorts. On the other hand, contrary to most recent findings, there is no evidence of a LBW paradox in this historical cohort.
Error processing and response inhibition in excessive computer game players: an event‐related potential study
Authors: Littel Marianne , van den Berg Ivo , Luijten Maartje , van Rooij Antonius J. , Keemink Lianne , Franken Ingmar H. A.
Published: June 2012

Excessive computer gaming has recently been proposed as a possible pathological illness. However, research on this topic is still in its infancy and underlying neurobiological mechanisms have not yet been identified. The determination of underlying mechanisms of excessive gaming might be useful for the identification of those at risk, a better understanding of the behavior and the development of interventions. Excessive gaming has been often compared with pathological gambling and substance use disorder. Both disorders are characterized by high levels of impulsivity, which incorporates deficits in error processing and response inhibition. The present study aimed to investigate error processing and response inhibition in excessive gamers and controls using a Go/NoGo paradigm combined with event‐related potential recordings. Results indicated that excessive gamers show reduced error‐related negativity amplitudes in response to incorrect trials relative to correct trials, implying poor error processing in this population. Furthermore, excessive gamers display higher levels of self‐reported impulsivity as well as more impulsive responding as reflected by less behavioral inhibition on the Go/NoGo task. The present study indicates that excessive gaming partly parallels impulse control and substance use disorders regarding impulsivity measured on the self‐reported, behavioral and electrophysiological level. Although the present study does not allow drawing firm conclusions on causality, it might be that trait impulsivity, poor error processing and diminished behavioral response inhibition underlie the excessive gaming patterns observed in certain individuals. They might be less sensitive to negative consequences of gaming and therefore continue their behavior despite adverse consequences.
Volatile induction of infected and neighbouring uninfected plants potentially influence attraction/repellence of a cereal herbivore
Authors: Piesik D. , Pańka D. , Jeske M. , Wenda‐Piesik A. , Delaney K. J. , Weaver D. K.
Published: June 2012

Pathogen infection can induce plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs). We infected ‘McNeal’ wheat and ‘Harrington’ barley with aFusariumspp. blend (F. graminearum,F. avenaceumandF. culmorum). Both cereals had the greatestVOCinduction 14 days after pathogen innoculation, only slightly lower induction occurred at 7 days, but displayed no induction at 1 days. The inducedVOCbouquet for both cereals included six green leaf volatiles (GLVs; e.g. (Z)‐3‐hexenol and (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate), four terpenes (linalool, linalool oxide, (Z)‐β‐ocimene and (E)‐β‐caryophyllene) and benzyl acetate. Neighbouring, uninfected individuals of both cereals had significantVOCinduction when exposed to an infected, conspecific plant. The temporal pattern andVOCblend were qualitatively similar to infected plants but with quantitative reductions for all inducedVOCs. The degree of neighbouring, uninfected plant induction was negatively related to distance from an infected plant. PlantVOCinduction in response to pathogen infection potentially influences herbivore attraction or repellency. Y‐tube tests showed that herbivorous female and maleOulema cyanellaVoet. (Chrysomelidae:Coleoptera) were significantly attracted to (Z)‐3‐hexenal and (Z)‐3‐hexenyl acetate at 300 and 1500 ng/h but were repelled by bothGLVs as well as (Z)‐β‐ocimene and linalool at 7500 ng/h. TheseO. cyanellabehavioural responses were significantly at higher concentrations than those emitted by single plants with pathogen‐inducedVOCs, so adults might only be able to respond to a dense group of infected plants. Also,O. cyanelladose responses differ from the previously tested congenericO. melanopus(cereal leaf beetle), which was attracted to threeVOCs induced byFusariuminfection of maize, barley and wheat. Future behavioural tests may indicate whether different herbivore dose responses measured with eachVOCsingly can help to predict attraction or repellency to injured and uninjuredVOCbouquets from different host plant species.
Algivory in hawksbill turtles: Eretmochelys imbricata food selection within a foraging area on the Northern Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Bell Ian
Published: June 2012

This paper describes the food selection of hawksbill turtles, Eretmochelys imbricata, using reefs of the Far Northern Section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (nGBR) during 2006 and 2007. A total of 467 gastric lavage and 71 buccal cavity ingesta items were collected from 120 individual E. imbricata, comprising adult female and immature turtles of both sexes. Nineteen E. imbricata that were captured in 2006 were recaptured and sampled again in 2007. Within the total pooled buccal and lavage sample (n = 538), the occurrence of food items was dominated (72.7%) by only three algal taxonomic divisions: Rhodophyta (red algae; 53.7%, n = 289); Chlorophyta (green algae; 11.0%, n = 59) and algae from the division of Phaeophyceae (brown algae; 8.0%, n = 43). The remaining total (buccal and lavage) ingesta sample comprised sponges (10.4%, n = 56), soft corals and a wide variety of possibly nutritionally important invertebrate species (12.6%, n = 68), and a small percentage (5.4%, n = 22) of inorganic material. Generally, E. imbricata were considered to be primarily a sponge‐feeding specialist and secondarily an omnivorous species; within coral reef habitats and in various parts of the world this is the case. However, this study has shown that E. imbricata found foraging on reefs of the nGBR are primarily algivorous and secondarily omnivorous. A feeding strategy that relies on a predominantly algal diet may infer important benefits to the species if the impacts of climate change and ocean acidification inhibit coral growth, while promoting algal density and distribution within the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem.
Psychosocial functioning of children with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Louthrenoo Orawan , Krairojananan Jomkwan , Chartapisak Wattana , Opastirakul Sauwalak
Published: June 2012

Aims:  Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic illness in children. Involvement of multiple systems; the chronicity, as well as the treatment, has had great impact on children and their families. The objective of this study was to assess emotional and behavioural problems in childhood lupus during disease remission.

Methods:  Children with SLE and healthy controls, aged 8–15 years, were studied. Disease remission was confirmed by using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). The Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) and Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC) were rated by the children themselves. The Child Behaviour Checklist was completed by their parents.

Results:  The sample included 40 children with SLE and 40 controls. Their mean age was 12.9 ± 2.1 and 12.1 ± 1.8 years in the SLE and control groups, respectively. The average duration of the disease was 2.6 years. The SLEDAI in the SLE group ranged from 0–1, indicating inactive disease. The mean CDI scores were 8.9 and 10.9 in lupus children and controls, respectively. The mean MASC score was 44.7 in children with SLE and 48.4 in controls. The internalizing, externalizing and total behavioural scores were not significantly different in both groups (9.0 vs. 10.6; 6.6 vs. 8.1; 27.3 vs. 32.5). Only the social competence score was lower in children with SLE (P= 0.03).

Conclusions:  SLE is a multi‐system involvement disease with wide ranging effects on children's physical and psychosocial functioning. However, children with SLE, during inactive disease, were not found to be at increased risk of psychosocial dysfunctions.
Anesthetic care and perioperative complications of children with Morquio syndrome
Authors: Theroux Mary C. , Nerker Tanvi , Ditro Colleen , Mackenzie William G.
Published: June 2012

Objectives:  Our objective was to make recommendations based on our experience and findings from this study regarding the anesthetic care of children with Morquio syndrome (MS). We emphasize information not readily available in the Anesthesiology literature.

Aim:  To describe the unique nature of difficulties, especially the relationship of the head and neck to airway patency. In addition, we aim to examine 83 intubations performed in 28 patients and report on observed preferences.

Background:  Much of the available literature in Anesthesiology consists of case reports of single or small groups of cases, many describing a nonhomogenous population inclusive of many mucopolysaccharidoses.

Methods/Materials:  We retrospectively studied 28 children with MS who underwent 108 surgical procedures at our pediatric hospital, which provides multidisciplinary, comprehensive care to children with skeletal dysplasia.

Results:  Cervical fusion was performed in 22 of 28 patients in our study. Eight children after cervical fusion became difficult to intubate for subsequent surgical procedures. In addition, we found airway abnormalities including tortuous appearance of the trachea and bronchi, evident on chest radiograph, as a result of the abnormalities in the hyaline cartilage and deposits of glycosaminoglycans.

Conclusion:  Morquio syndrome results in abnormalities of not only upper airway but also of large airways. Information from 83 intubations of 108 anesthetics (in 28 patients) shows a preference for Glidescope when intubating children with MS. Displacing the tongue anteriorly prior to intubation by manual retraction using a ring forceps or a piece of gauze helps to access the larynx in children with MS.
Prior abdominal open surgery does not impair outcomes of laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a case–control study in 367 patients
Authors: Maggiori L. , Cook M. C. , Bretagnol F. , Ferron M. , Alves A. , Panis Y.
Published: June 2012

Aim  This prospective case‐matched study was conducted to compare the outcome of laparoscopic colorectal surgery in patients with and without prior abdominal open surgery (PAOS).

Method  From June 1997 to December 2010, 167 patients with PAOS (including midline, Pfannenstiel, subcostal, right upper quadrant or transverse incision) were manually matched to all identical patients without PAOS from our prospective laparoscopic colorectal surgery database. Matching criteria included age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score, body mass index, diagnosis and surgical procedure performed. Primary end‐points were postoperative 30‐day mortality and morbidity. Secondary end‐points included operating time, conversion rate and length of stay.

Results  A total of 367 patients (167 with PAOS and 200 without PAOS) were included in this study. PAOS was associated with a significantly increased mean operating time (229 ± 66 min vs 216 ± 71 min, P = 0.044). The conversion rate was significantly higher in patients with PAOS, compared with patients without PAOS (22%vs 13%, P = 0.017). There was one (0.3%) postoperative death. The overall postoperative morbidity rate was similar in both groups (22%vs 19%, P = 0.658), including Grade 3 or Grade 4 morbidity, according to Dindo’s classification (5%vs 5%, P = 0.694). Mean hospital stay showed no difference between both groups (10 ± 7 days vs 9 ± 5 days, P = 0.849).

Conclusion  This large case–control study suggests that PAOS does not affect postoperative outcomes. For this reason, a systematic laparoscopic approach in patients with PAOS, even with midline incision, should be considered in colorectal surgery.
FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT AND COUNTRY‐SPECIFIC HUMAN CAPITAL
Authors: KIM JINYOUNG , PARK JUNGSOO
Published: June 2012

This paper exploits an international bilateral data set over the period 1963–1998 to investigate the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign‐educated labor in an FDI host country. Workers educated abroad acquire country‐specific human capital that is more productive in the host country of study. A foreign subsidiary sharing a parent firm's technology will invest more if it has more foreign‐educated labor, since it can utilize this labor more productively because of the country‐specific human capital. Consistent with our predictions, our empirical findings show that foreign‐educated labor accounted for a sizable portion of growth in FDI flows. (JEL F21, F10)