bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic variation underlies temperature tolerance of embryos in the sea urchinHeliocidaris erythrogramma armigera
Authors: Lymbery R. A. , Evans J. P.
Published: August 2013

Ocean warming can alter natural selection on marine systems, and in many cases, the long‐term persistence of affected populations will depend on genetic adaptation. In this study, we assess the potential for adaptation in the sea urchinHeliocidaris erythrogramma armigera, anAustralian endemic, that is experiencing unprecedented increases in ocean temperatures. We used a factorial breeding design to assess the level of heritable variation in larval hatching success at two temperatures. Fertilized eggs from each full‐sibling family were tested at 22 °C (current spawning temperature) and 25 °C (upper limit of predicted warming this century). Hatching success was significantly lower at higher temperatures, confirming that ocean warming is likely to exert selection on this life‐history stage. Our analyses revealed significant additive genetic variance and genotype‐by‐environment interactions underlying hatching success. Consistent with prior work, we detected significant nonadditive (sire‐by‐dam) variance in hatching success, but additionally found that these interactions were modified by temperature. Although these findings suggest the potential for genetic adaptation, any evolutionary responses are likely to be influenced (and possibly constrained) by complex genotype‐by‐environment and sire‐by‐dam interactions and will additionally depend on patterns of genetic covariation with other fitness traits.
Alternative polyadenylation and miR‐34 family members regulate tau expression
Authors: Dickson John R. , Kruse Carla , Montagna Daniel R. , Finsen Bente , Wolfe Michael S.
Published: August 2013

Tau pathologically aggregates in Alzheimer's disease, and evidence suggests that reducing tau expression may be safe and beneficial for the prevention or treatment of this disease. We sought to examine the role of the 3′‐untranslated region (3′‐UTR) of human tau mRNA in regulating tau expression. Tau expresses two 3′‐UTR isoforms, long and short, as a result of alternative polyadenylation. Using luciferase reporter constructs, we found that expression from these isoforms is differentially controlled in human neuroblastoma cell lines M17D and SH‐SY5Y. Several microRNAs were computationally identified as candidates that might bind the long, but not short, tau 3′‐UTR isoform. A hit from a screen of candidates, miR‐34a, was subsequently shown to repress the expression of endogenous tau protein in M17D cells. Conversely, inhibition of endogenously expressed miR‐34 family members leads to increased endogenous tau expression. In addition, through an unbiased screen of fragments of the human tau 3′‐UTR using a luciferase reporter assay, we identified several other regions in the long tau 3′‐UTR isoform that contain regulatory cis‐elements. Improved understanding of the regulation of tau expression by its 3′‐UTR may ultimately lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other tauopathies.

image

mRNA 3'‐untranslated regions (3'‐UTR) often regulate transcript stability or translation. Despite the centrality of the tau protein in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases, the human tau 3'‐UTR has been little studied. This report identifies regions of the tau 3'‐UTR that influence expression and shows that microRNA (miR)‐34a targets this 3'‐UTR to lower expression, which is considered an important therapeutic goal.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: A MICROECONOMIC REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
Authors: Schmitz Jan , Schrader Jan
Published: August 2013

This paper provides a review of the theoretical and empirical literature on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Depending on whether an individual can be considered as selfish, or whether she has also social preferences, motives for CSR, can be explained in different ways. Furthermore, we explicitly highlight the influence of different Corporate Governance System on CSR as well as the relationship between firms' size and social commitment. Because it is difficult to distinguish between different theories in empirical studies, we argue that an experimental approach might be suitable to test theories of CSR.
Linking Childhood Maltreatment With Girls' Internalizing Symptoms: Early Puberty as a Tipping Point
Authors: Mendle Jane , Leve Leslie D. , Van Ryzin Mark , Natsuaki Misaki N.
Published: August 2013

Earlier physical maturation may often be preceded by a range of adversities and life stressors. This study investigates childhood maltreatment, internalizing symptoms, and pubertal timing in girls residing in foster care (N = 100, M = 11.54 years old at Time 1). Girls were assessed at two time points 2 years apart. There were no direct effects of maltreatment on internalizing symptoms; rather, childhood sexual abuse predicted earlier pubertal development which, in turn, was associated with higher levels of internalizing symptoms concurrently and longitudinally. This distinctive role for early pubertal timing suggests that the heightened sexual circumstances of puberty may be especially disturbing for girls whose lives have already been disrupted by inappropriate and unwanted sexual experiences.
Calvin's Reformation in Geneva: Self and Social Signalling
Authors: LEVY GILAT , RAZIN RONNY
Published: August 2013

As Weber () recognized, Calvinistic beliefs about predestination may constitute a powerful incentive for good works; an individual wishes to receive assurances about her future prospects of salvation, and good works may provide a positive signal about such prospects. These beliefs can in turn create a social pressure to behave well, as good works can also signal to others that individuals belong to the “elect” and are therefore likely to behave well in social interactions. Moreover, the Consistory, an institution created by Calvin to monitor and publicize individuals' behavior, can allow for such social signalling. We analyze these self and social signalling incentives, and show how religions affect levels of cooperation and coordination.
Estimating paleoenvironments using ecological niche models of nearest living relatives: A case study of Eocene Aesculus L.
Authors: HARRIS AJ , PAPEŞ Monica , GAO Yun‐Dong , WATSON Linda
Published: August 2013

Past climates experienced by fossil plant species have often been inferred based on the environmental requirements of their evolutionarily nearest living relatives (NLR). Here we have combined paleoclimatic estimation using NLRs with ecolological niche modeling (ENM) and have demonstrated the combined approach by inferring the Eocene environment of Aesculus L. (Hippocastanoideae, Sapindaceae), a genus of woody eudicots with extant species generally preferring temperate climates. Specifically, we applied ENM‐NLR to four Eocene floras in which Aesculus fossils are known to occur: McAbee and Princeton (British Columbia), Republic (Washington State), and Spitsbergen (European Arctic Circle). Additionally, we used ENM‐NLR to estimate whether paleoenvironmental conditions were suitable for Aesculus at a fifth flora, Copper Basin (Nevada), where the fossil record of the genus is less clear. We generated models for all NLRs in Genetic Algorithm for Rule Set Production using georeferenced data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and Bioclim environmental parameters. For each fossil flora, the best models of individual NLRs were summarized into composite community models, which were taken to represent climatically analogous modern communities and used to infer the paleoclimates of the fossil localities. Our results are generally consistent with previous studies that used other methods to estimate paleoclimates and suggest that McAbee, Princeton, Republic, and Spitsbergen had temperate environments. For the Copper Basin flora, our results show ranges of environmental variables that may be too broad for predicting whether Aesculus was present. Our study appears to be the first to combine the NLR approach and ENM to infer paleoclimates.
Association of Dilated Cardiomyopathy with the Striatin Mutation Genotype in Boxer Dogs
Authors: Meurs K.M. , Stern J.A. , Sisson D.D. , Kittleson M.D. , Cunningham S.M. , Ames M.K. , Atkins C.E. , DeFrancesco T. , Hodge T.E. , Keene B.W. , Reina Doreste Y. , Leuthy M. , Motsinger‐Reif A.A. , Tou S.P.
Published: August 2013

Background

Myocardial disease in the Boxer dog is characterized by 1 of 2 clinical presentations, dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) characterized by ventricular systolic dysfunction, dilatation and tachyarrhythmias, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) characterized by ventricular tachyarrhythmias, syncope, and sudden death. BoxerARVChas been associated with a deletion in the striatin gene in some families.

Hypothesis/Objectives

We hypothesized that both presentations represent a single disease, and the development ofDCMin the Boxer is associated with the striatin deletion.

Animals

Thirty‐three adult Boxer dogs withDCM, 29 adult Boxer dogs with the striatin deletion andARVC, and 16 Boxers without cardiac disease.

Methods

DNAsamples were evaluated for the striatin deletion. Association of the deletion with theDCMphenotype was tested by a Fisher's exact test.T‐tests were used to evaluate potential differences between the positive heterozygous and positive homozygous groups withDCMwith regard to age,LVIDD,LVIDS, andFS%.

Results

Thirty of 33 dogs withDCMwere positive for the striatin deletion. The striatin mutation and the homozygous genotype were strongly associated with theDCMphenotype (P < .001 andP = .005). There was no statistical difference between the heterozygous and homozygous groups with regard to age and echocardiographic measurements.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This study demonstrates an association betweenDCMin the Boxer dog and the striatin mutation, particularly with the homozygous genotype. The observation that 3/33 dogs developedDCMand lacked the striatin mutation suggests that there is at least 1 other cause ofDCMin the Boxer dog.
The Effect of an Oral Probiotic Containing Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacillus Species on the Vaginal Microbiota of Spayed Female Dogs
Authors: Hutchins R.G. , Bailey C.S. , Jacob M.E. , Harris T.L. , Wood M.W. , Saker K.E. , Vaden S.L.
Published: August 2013

Background

Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are often difficult to treat. Vaginal colonization with lactic acid‐producing bacteria (LAB) is associated with reduced frequency of recurrent UTIs in women. Oral probiotics might help increase the prevalence of vaginal LAB and decrease the frequency of recurrent UTIs in dogs.

Hypothesis

Administration of an oral probiotic supplement containing Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacillus species will increase the prevalence of LAB in the vagina of dogs.

Animals

Thirty‐five healthy, spayed female dogs without history of recurrent UTIs.

Methods

Prospective, controlled study. Enrolled dogs received an oral probiotic supplement for 14 or 28 days. A vaginal tract culture was obtained from each dog before and after oral probiotic administration. Twenty‐three dogs received the oral probiotic supplement daily for a period of 14 days and 12 dogs received the oral probiotic supplement daily for a period of 28 days.

Results

Lactic acid‐producing bacteria were isolated from 7 of 35 dogs prior to probiotic administration. After the treatment course, 6 of 35 dogs had LAB isolated. Only one of these dogs had LAB (Enterococcus canintestini) isolated for the first time. Enterococcus canintestini was the most common LAB isolated from all dogs in this study, although it was not included in the probiotic supplement.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Lactic acid‐producing bacteria are not a common isolate from the vaginal vault of dogs. Administration of this oral probiotic supplement for a 2‐ or 4‐week period did not increase the prevalence of vaginal LAB in dogs.
Diagnostic Utility of D‐Dimer Concentrations in Dogs with Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Epstein S.E. , Hopper K. , Mellema M.S. , Johnson L.R.
Published: August 2013

Background

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a complication of systemic disease in dogs. Antemortem diagnosis is challenging because of the lack of a confirmatory test.

Objectives

To retrospectively determine the diagnostic utility of D‐dimer concentrations in dogs with necropsy‐confirmed PE.

Animals

Ten dogs with PE confirmed at necropsy that had D‐dimer concentrations measured and 10 control dogs with D‐dimer concentrations available that lacked PE on necropsy.

Methods

The computerized medical record database was searched for dogs with necropsy‐confirmed PE that had D‐dimer concentrations measured at that visit. An age‐, sex‐, and breed‐matched control group was identified. Signalment, location of PE, and coagulation profiles were collected. Sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), and positive predictive value (PPV) were calculated using a D‐dimer concentration of 250 ng/mL.

Results

Coagulation profiles were not different between dogs with and without PE. Using 250 ng/mL as a cut‐off D‐dimer concentration, the sensitivity and specificity were 80 and 30%, respectively, for the diagnosis of PE. The NPV and PPV were 60 and 53.0%, respectively. D‐dimer concentration <103 ng/mL had 100% sensitivity for ruling out PE and no value was 100% specific.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

D‐dimer concentrations <250 ng/mL have a high sensitivity for the absence of PE, but PE still can occur in dogs with a normal D‐dimer concentration. Increased D‐dimer concentrations are not specific for PE.
Effects of eight vehicles on transdermal lidocaine penetration in sheep skinin vitro
Authors: Bayldon W. , Narishetty S. , De Rose G. , Rothwell J. , Mills P. C.
Published: August 2013

This study investigated the effects of vehicles on penetration and retention of lidocaine applied to sheep skinin vitro. Thoracic skin from two sheep was clipped of wool and stored at −20 °C, until used. Skin samples were defrosted and mounted in Franz‐type diffusion cells, and then one of the following formulations, each saturated with lidocaine, was added: sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) 0.5% in water,SLS1% in water, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) 50% in water (wt/wt),DMSO100%, isopropyl myristate 100% (IPM), water alone, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DGME) 50% in water (wt/wt) andDGME100%. The penetration of lidocaine in each skin sample was measured over 8 h. Significantly greater lidocaine skin concentrations and flux (JSS) were achieved with the nonaqueous vehicles,DMSO100% (P < 0.00001 andP < 0.01, respectively), followed byDGME100% andIPM(P < 0.00001 andP < 0.01, respectively). The lag time (tlag) for lidocaine penetration in theDMSO100% vehicle was significantly shorter (P < 0.01) compared with all other vehicles except water. Improved transdermal penetration of lidocaine in theDMSO100% vehicle was likely due to skin barrier disruption, as determined by differences in pre‐ and post‐treatment transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This study has shown that nonaqueous vehicles enhanced penetration of lidocaine in sheep skin to a greater extent than aqueous vehicles, which has implications for topically applied local anaesthesia in sheep.
Common and snow leopards share prey, but not habitats: competition avoidance by large predators?
Authors: Lovari S. , Minder I. , Ferretti F. , Mucci N. , Randi E. , Pellizzi B.
Published: August 2013

Resource exploitation and behavioural interference underlie competition among carnivores. Competition is reduced by specializing on different prey and/or spatio‐temporal separation, usually leading to different food habits. We predicted that two closely related species of large cats, the endangered snow leopard and the near‐threatened common leopard, living in sympatry, would coexist through habitat separation and exploitation of different prey species. In central Himalaya, we assessed (2006–2010) habitat and diet overlap between these carnivores. The snow leopard used grassland and shrubland, whereas the common leopard selected forest. Contrary to our prediction, snow leopard and common leopard preyed upon similar wild (Himalayan tahr, musk deer) and domestic species (Bos spp., dogs). Dietary overlap between snow leopard and common leopard was 69% (yearly), 76% (colder months) and 60% (warmer months). Thus, habitat separation should be the result of other factors, most likely avoidance of interspecific aggression. Habitat separation may not always lead to the use of different prey. Avoidance of interspecific aggression, rather than exploitation of different resources, could allow the coexistence of potentially competing large predators.
Responding to repetitive, non‐suicidal self‐harm in an English male prison: Staff experiences, reactions, and concerns
Authors: Marzano Lisa , Adler Joanna R. , Ciclitira Karen
Published: August 2013

Objectives

This study considers how those who work in prisons are affected by and respond to repetitive self‐harm of male prisoners. The perspectives of correctional staff are often overlooked in research that considers self‐harming prisoners. As prison staff have regular, potentially daily contact with prisoners who self‐harm, it is important to consider the ways in which they respond to this aspect of their job, both in terms of their own and prisoners' well‐being.

Design

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with prison staff and explored using techniques of thematic analysis.

Methods

Semi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with 30 correctional staff – 15 custodial officers and 15 health care staff – to explore their experiences, responses to, and ways of coping with non‐suicidal, repetitive self‐harm.

Result

Findings indicate high levels of frustration, tensions between health care and custodial staff, feelings of powerlessness, and low sense of job control.

Conclusion

We set the tasks of prison staff within the wider contexts of work‐stress literature and forensic practice. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of prisoner and officer well‐being, secure custody, and the potential limitations both of institutional resourcing and the methodology employed within this study.
Sphingosine kinase A is a pleiotropic and essential enzyme for Leishmania survival and virulence
Authors: Zhang Ou , Hsu Fong‐Fu , Xu Wei , Pawlowic Mattie , Zhang Kai
Published: August 2013

Sphingosine kinase is a key enzyme in sphingolipid metabolism, catalysing the conversion of sphingosine or dihydrosphingosine into sphingosine‐1‐phosphate or dihydrosphingosine‐1‐phosphate respectively. In mammals, sphingosine‐1‐phosphate is a powerful signalling molecule regulating cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis and immunity. Functions of sphingosine kinase or sphingosine‐1‐phosphate in pathogenic protozoans are virtually unknown. While most organisms possess two closely related sphingosine kinases, only one sphingosine kinase homologue (SKa) can be identified in Leishmania, which are vector‐borne protozoan parasites responsible for leishmaniasis. Leishmania SKa is a large, cytoplasmic enzyme capable of phosphorylating both sphingosine and dihydrosphingosine. Remarkably, deletion of SKa leads to catastrophic defects in both the insect stage and mammalian stage of Leishmania parasites. Genetic and biochemical analyses demonstrate that proper expression of SKa is essential for Leishmania parasites to remove toxic metabolites, to survive stressful conditions, and to cause disease in mice. Therefore, SKa is a pleiotropic enzyme with vital roles throughout the life cycle of Leishmania. The essentiality of SKa and its apparent divergence from mammalian counterparts suggests that this enzyme can be selectively targeted to reduce Leishmania infection.
A molecular switch in the efficiency of translation reinitiation controls expression of var2csa, a gene implicated in pregnancy‐associated malaria
Authors: Bancells Cristina , Deitsch Kirk W.
Published: August 2013

Plasmodium falciparum malaria parasites export the protein PfEMP1 to the surface of infected erythrocytes, enabling them to adhere to receptors in the microvasculature and thereby avoid clearance by the spleen. The gene var2csa encodes the form of PfEMP1 that binds specifically within the placenta, causing pregnancy‐associated malaria, and appears to not be expressed in the absence of a placenta. We previously described an upstream open reading frame (uORF) that is responsible for repression of translation of the downstream ORF (dORF) that encodes VAR2CSA, thus keeping the gene silent when parasites infect non‐pregnant individuals. To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which this repression is overcome during pregnancy, we stably transformed parasites with reporter gene constructs designed to detect switches in the efficiency of dORF translation. We found that proper regulation of switching relies on two separate components, (i) active translation of the uORF and (ii) sequence‐specific characteristics of the surrounding transcript, which together control the ability of the ribosome complex to reinitiate a second round of translation and thus express VAR2CSA. These results provide the first details of a molecular switch that allows parasites take advantage of the unique niche provided by the placenta.
Genome‐wide profiling of chromosome interactions in Plasmodium falciparum characterizes nuclear architecture and reconfigurations associated with antigenic variation
Authors: Lemieux Jacob E. , Kyes Sue A. , Otto Thomas D. , Feller Avi I. , Eastman Richard T. , Pinches Robert A. , Berriman Matthew , Su Xin‐zhuan , Newbold Chris I.
Published: August 2013

Spatial relationships within the eukaryotic nucleus are essential for proper nuclear function. In Plasmodium falciparum, the repositioning of chromosomes has been implicated in the regulation of the expression of genes responsible for antigenic variation, and the formation of a single, peri‐nuclear nucleolus results in the clustering of rDNA. Nevertheless, the precise spatial relationships between chromosomes remain poorly understood, because, until recently, techniques with sufficient resolution have been lacking. Here we have used chromosome conformation capture and second‐generation sequencing to study changes in chromosome folding and spatial positioning that occur during switches in var gene expression. We have generated maps of chromosomal spatial affinities within the P. falciparum nucleus at 25 Kb resolution, revealing a structured nucleolus, an absence of chromosome territories, and confirming previously identified clustering of heterochromatin foci. We show that switches in var gene expression do not appear to involve interaction with a distant enhancer, but do result in local changes at the active locus. These maps reveal the folding properties of malaria chromosomes, validate known physical associations, and characterize the global landscape of spatial interactions. Collectively, our data provide critical information for a better understanding of gene expression regulation and antigenic variation in malaria parasites.
Body slap: An innovative aggressive display by breeding male gray seals (Halichoerus grypus)
Authors: Bishop Amanda M. , Lidstone‐Scott Rob , Pomeroy Paddy , Twiss Sean D.
Published: August 2013

Aggression in male gray seals has been extensively studied; however it is often simplistically assumed that threat signals are mainly cephalic in nature for this species. We report on an undescribed and apparently new kind of threat signal used by male gray seals we term a Body Slap. The behavior has been observed at breeding sites in eastern England since 1993 but has not been studied ethologically or reported elsewhere. The aims of this study were to describe the behavior, test the influence of topographic variation on its frequency of occurrence, examine if it is used to signal dominance or submission, and to place it in intra‐ and interspecific contexts. Our results show Body Slaps were performed in 66.3% of interactions and by 57.2% of males; it was not performed by females. The Body Slap was positively associated with the Approach and Open‐Mouth Threat behaviors but was not related to dominance; nevertheless, display rates were greater for subsequent winners. These findings suggest that the Body Slap carries information about male resource holding potential and does not signal submission. This study furthers our understanding of geographic variants of male threat behaviors and of pinniped nonvocal communication.
The role of nesfatin‐1 in the regulation of food intake and body weight: recent developments and future endeavors
Authors: Stengel A. , Mori M. , Taché Y.
Published: August 2013

Nesfatin‐1 was discovered in 2006 and introduced as a potential novel anorexigenic modulator of food intake and body weight. The past years have witnessed increasing evidence establishing nesfatin‐1 as a potent physiological inhibitor of food intake and body weight and unravelled nesfatin‐1's interaction with other brain transmitters to exert its food consumption inhibitory effect. As observed for other anorexigenic brain neuropeptides, nesfatin‐1 is also likely to exert additional, if not pleiotropic, actions in the brain and periphery. Recent studies established the prominent expression of the nesfatin‐1 precursor, nucleobindin2 (NUCB2), in the stomach and pancreas, where nesfatin‐1 influences endocrine secretion. This review will highlight the current experimental state‐of‐knowledge on the effects of NUCB2/nesfatin‐1 on food intake, body weight and glucose homeostasis. Potential implications in human obesity will be discussed in relation to the evidence of changes in circulating levels of NUCB2/nesfatin‐1 in disease states, the occurrence of genetic NUCB2 polymorphisms and – in contrast to several other hormones – the independence of leptin signalling known to be blunted under conditions of chronically increased body weight.
Variation in the heritability of body mass index based on diverse twin studies: a systematic review
Authors: Min J. , Chiu D. T. , Wang Y.
Published: August 2013

Objectives

Over the past three decades, twin studies have shown variation in the heritability of obesity. This study examined the difference of body mass index (BMI) heritability (BMI‐H) by population characteristics, such as sex, age, time period of observation and average BMI, as well as by broad social‐environmental factors as indicated by country‐level gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and GDP growth rate.

Methods

Twin studies that reported BMI‐H and were published in English from January 1990 to February 2011 after excluding those with disease, special occupations or combined heritability estimates for country/ethnic groups were searched in PubMed. 32 studies were identified from Finland (7), the United Kingdom (6), the United States (3), Denmark (3), China (3), Netherlands (2), South Korea (2), Sweden (2) and four from other countries. Meta‐regression models with random effects were used to assess variation in BMI‐H.

Results

Heterogeneity of BMI‐H is significantly attributable to variations in age (<20, 20–55 and ≥56 years), time period of observation (i.e. year of data collection), average BMI and GDP (≤$20,000, $20,001–26,000 and >$26,000). BMI‐H was higher in adolescents (<20 years), in studies done in past years, and in populations with higher average BMIs or higher GDP per capita (≥$26,000) than their counterparts. Consistent lowering effects of high GDP growth rate (>median) on BMI‐H were shown through stratified analyses by GDP. BMI‐H was lower in countries of mid‐level GDP, particularly those experiencing rapid economic growth.

Conclusions

BMI‐H is sensitive to age, time period of observation, average BMI, GDP and rapid economic growth.
Functional textiles for atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lopes Cristina , Silva Diana , Delgado Luís , Correia Osvaldo , Moreira André
Published: August 2013

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a relapsing inflammatory skin disease with a considerable social and economic burden. Functional textiles may have antimicrobial and antipruritic properties and have been used as complementary treatment in AD. We aimed to assess their effectiveness and safety in this setting. We carried out a systematic review of three large biomedical databases. GRADE approach was used to rate the levels of evidence and grade of recommendation. Meta‐analyses of comparable studies were carried out. Thirteen studies (eight randomized controlled trials and five observational studies) met the eligibility criteria. Interventions were limited to silk (six studies), silver‐coated cotton (five studies), borage oil, and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) fiber (one study each). Silver textiles were associated with improvement in SCORAD (2 of 4), fewer symptoms, a lower need for rescue medication (1 of 2), no difference in quality of life, decreased Staphyloccosus aureus colonization (2 of 3), and improvement of trans‐epidermal water loss (1 of 2), with no safety concerns. Silk textile use was associated with improvement in SCORAD and symptoms (2 of 4), with no differences in quality of life or need for rescue medication. With borage oil use only skin erythema showed improvement, and with EVOH fiber, an improvement in eczema severity was reported. Recommendation for the use of functional textiles in AD treatment is weak, supported by low quality of evidence regarding effectiveness in AD symptoms and severity, with no evidence of hazardous consequences with their use. More studies with better methodology and longer follow‐up are needed.
Solid‐Surface Vitrification and In‐Straw Dilution After Warming of In Vitro‐Produced Bovine Embryos
Authors: Rodriguez‐Villamil P , Ongaratto FL , Fernandez Taranco M , Bó GA
Published: August 2013

Contents

Three experiments were designed to test a solid‐surface vitrification system for bovine in vitro‐produced embryos and to develop a simple method of in‐straw dilution after warming, which can be potentially used for direct transfer in the field. Experiment 1 evaluated embryo survival rates (i.e. re‐expansion and hatching) after vitrification and warming in three different solutions: VS1 (20% ethylene glycol (EG) + 20% propanediol (PROH) + 0.25 m trehalose (Tr)), VS2 (20% EG + 1M Tr) or VS3 (30% EG + 0.75 m Tr). Re‐expansion and hatching rates were higher (p < 0.05) for embryos vitrified in VS3 (72.2 ± 1.9 and 58.2 ± 0.8) than VS1 (64.4 ± 0.9 and 37.2 ± 2.5) or VS2 (68.5 ± 1.5 and 49.6 ± 1.0; p < 0.05). Experiment 2 was designed to compare two methods of vitrification: glass micropipettes or solid surface, using the VS1 or VS3 solutions. No significant differences were detected between the two methods; but re‐expansion and hatching rates were higher (p < 0.05) with VS3 (73.5 ± 3.1 and 47.1 ± 2.1) than VS1 (63.3 ± 3.3 and 39.7 ± 2.8). In experiment 3, embryos were vitrified by solid surface in VS1 or VS3 solutions and cryoprotectants were diluted in‐straw after warming in a TCM 199, 0.25 m sucrose solution or holding media. Survival rates of embryos vitrified in VS3 did not differ between those exposed to 0.25 m sucrose (74.7 ± 1.3 and 57.2 ± 2.2) or holding (77.3 ± 1.4 and 58.0 ± 2.5) medium after warming; however, survival rates of embryos vitrified in VS1 were higher (p < 0.05) in those exposed to 0.25 m sucrose (67.7 ± 2.3 and 47.0 ± 1.7) than holding medium (54.5 ± 1.0 and 27.7 ± 3.1). In conclusion, solid‐surface vitrification using simplified EG‐based solutions and in‐straw dilution with holding media may be a practical alternative for cryopreservation and direct transfer of in vitro‐produced bovine embryos.
The Impact of Exposure to Peer Suicidal Self‐Directed Violence on Youth Suicidal Behavior: A Critical Review of the Literature
Authors: Crepeau‐Hobson M. Franci , Leech Nancy L.
Published: August 2013

There is considerable evidence that being exposed to the suicide or suicidal behavior of another can increase the risk for suicide. Significant relationships between media coverage and youth suicide have been documented in the professional literature. Exposure to familial suicidal behavior has also been established as a risk factor for youth suicidal behavior; However, peer suicide exposure is not as clear cut as research results in this area have been mixed. In the current paper the empirical literature focused on the associations between exposure to peer suicides and suicide attempts and youth suicidal behavior is critically reviewed. Effect sizes were computed for each of the 23 studies included in the review to allow for cross‐study comparisons. The results demonstrate that having a friend or acquaintance attempt suicide is significantly related to risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior. However, the support for the relationship between the suicide of a peer and youth suicidal behavior was less consistent. Implications for clinical practice and suicide postvention as well as areas of future research are discussed.
“This Should Not Be Happening in This Country”: Private‐Life Violence and Immigration Intersections in a U.S. Gateway City
Authors: Pearce Susan C. , Sokoloff Natalie J.
Published: August 2013

In the United States, the rise in ethnic diversity due to immigration in recent decades has been most visible in new “gateway” cities and towns, such as the Baltimore–Washington, D.C. corridor, now the fourth‐largest gateway for new immigration. Among the more grave issues that immigrant women face in these gateways and elsewhere is the experience of intimate partner violence. This article reports on a study using qualitative methods to document the problem, approaches, and challenges in the rapidly diversifying city of Baltimore, Maryland. We report on individual and focus‐group interviews with professionals in 10 agencies who work directly with the Baltimore populations. Drawing on intersectionality theory, we propose a conceptual framework that disaggregates the location of “immigration” into four components: contexts of exit, contexts of reception, racial and class hierarchies, and culture. The study's results problematize cultural essentialist models and raise questions about current U.S. legal systems regarding immigration.
Co‐regulation in Practices: The Hygiene Package in French Slaughterhouses
Authors: Bonnaud Laure , Coppalle Jérôme
Published: August 2013

In Europe, the food safety policy combines the regulatory interventions of member states with private standards. The Hygiene Package, which came into force on the 1 January 2006, is characteristic of this model. The aim of our article is to show that whilst we can learn about co‐regulation by examining the standards and principles on which it is based, we will gain an even better understanding by examining its actual implementation. From a sociological standpoint, we look at how the Hygiene Package was received and implemented in French slaughterhouses. (1) After setting out the structure of slaughterhouses in France and the ways in which veterinary services are organised, (2) the article looks at how inspection services have been affected by the introduction of the Hygiene Package, particularly with regard to the changes in relationships within the inspection service, between veterinarians and official auxiliaries and (3) it then examines the evolution in roles and responsibilities between veterinary services and food business operators.
Real‐time, non‐invasive microscopic confirmation of clinical diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid using in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Ardigò M. , Agozzino M. , Amorosi B. , Moscarella E. , Cota C. , de Abreu L. , Berardesca E.
Published: August 2013

Background

Bullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune disease affecting prevalently the elder. In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy is a non‐invasive technique for real‐time imaging of the skin with cellular‐level resolution. No previous data has been reported about confocal microscopy of bullous pemphigoid. Aim of this preliminary study is the evaluation of the potential of in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy for real‐time, microscopical confirmation of clinical bullous pemphigoid diagnosis.

Methods

A total of nine lesions from patients affected by pemphigoid underwent in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy before histological examination.

Results

In our preliminary study, confocal microscopy showed high grade of correspondence to histopathology. In particular, presence of sub‐epidermal cleft and variable amount of oedema of the upper dermis associated with inflammatory cells infiltration were seen as prevalent confocal features in the bullous lesions considered. Differently, in urticarial lesions, no specific features could be appreciated at confocal analysis beside the presence of signs of spongiosis and perivascular inflammation.

Conclusion

Confocal microscopy seems to be useful for in vivo, microscopical confirmation of the clinical suspect of bullous pemphigoid and for biopsy site selection in urticarial lesions to obtain a more significant specimen for histopathological examination.
Linear independence of cluster monomials for skew-symmetric cluster algebras
Authors: Cerulli Irelli Giovanni , Keller Bernhard , Labardini-Fragoso Daniel , Plamondon Pierre-Guy
Published: August 2013

Fomin–Zelevinsky conjectured that in any cluster algebra, the cluster monomials are linearly independent and that the exchange graph and cluster complex are independent of the choice of coefficients. We confirm these conjectures for all skew-symmetric cluster algebras.
Influence of spiking activity on cortical local field potentials
Authors: Waldert Stephan , Lemon Roger N. , Kraskov Alexander
Published: August 2013

Key points

The intra‐cortical local field potential (LFP) reflects a variety of electrophysiological processes and is a fundamental signal used to enhance knowledge about neuroscience.

For most investigations, spike‐free LFPs are mandatory for valid conclusions, but spikes can contaminate LFPs and falsify findings despite low‐pass filtering or other attempts to remove spiking activity from LFPs. The extent of this fundamental problem remains unclear.

Using spikes recorded in the awake monkey, we revealed how spike amplitude, spike duration, firing rate and noise statistic influence the extent to which spikes contaminate LFPs.

Contamination varies with these parameters and can affect LFPs down to around 10 Hz; below this it is theoretically possible but unlikely. LFP frequencies up to the (high‐) gamma band can remain unaffected, but signals above must always be carefully analysed.

We propose a method to reveal modulations in spectrograms, which also allows the detection of spike contamination, and provide a systematic guide to assess spike contamination of intra‐cortical LFPs.

Abstract  The intra‐cortical local field potential (LFP) reflects a variety of electrophysiological processes including synaptic inputs to neurons and their spiking activity. It is still a common assumption that removing high frequencies, often above 300 Hz, is sufficient to exclude spiking activity from LFP activity prior to analysis. Conclusions based on such supposedly spike‐free LFPs can result in false interpretations of neurophysiological processes and erroneous correlations between LFPs and behaviour or spiking activity. Such findings might simply arise from spike contamination rather than from genuine changes in synaptic input activity. Although the subject of recent studies, the extent of LFP contamination by spikes is unclear, and the fundamental problem remains. Using spikes recorded in the motor cortex of the awake monkey, we investigated how different factors, including spike amplitude, duration and firing rate, together with the noise statistic, can determine the extent to which spikes contaminate intra‐cortical LFPs. We demonstrate that such contamination is realistic for LFPs with a frequency down to ∼10 Hz. For LFP activity below ∼10 Hz, such as movement‐related potential, contamination is theoretically possible but unlikely in real situations. Importantly, LFP frequencies up to the (high‐) gamma band can remain unaffected. This study shows that spike–LFP crosstalk in intra‐cortical recordings should be assessed for each individual dataset to ensure that conclusions based on LFP analysis are valid. To this end, we introduce a method to detect and to visualise spike contamination, and provide a systematic guide to assess spike contamination of intra‐cortical LFPs.
Activity‐dependent downregulation of D‐type K+ channel subunit Kv1.2 in rat hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons
Authors: Hyun Jung Ho , Eom Kisang , Lee Kyu‐Hee , Ho Won‐Kyung , Lee Suk‐Ho
Published: August 2013

Key points

The intrinsic excitability of a hippocampal CA3 pyramidal cell (CA3‐PC), but not CA1‐PC, is enhanced by repetitive somatic firing at a physiologically relevant frequency (10 Hz for 2 s).

Such an excitability change is mediated by the Ca2+‐ and Src family kinase‐dependent endocytosis of D‐type K+ channel subunit Kv1.2.

We provide evidence that the surface expression of D‐type K+ channels is higher in the distal apical dendrites than in the proximal apical dendrites in CA3‐PCs.

These results help us understand neuronal computational mechanisms underlying the cognitive functions of the hippocampal CA3 area.

Abstract  The intrinsic excitability of neurons plays a critical role in the encoding of memory at Hebbian synapses and in the coupling of synaptic inputs to spike generation. It has not been studied whether somatic firing at a physiologically relevant frequency can induce intrinsic plasticity in hippocampal CA3 pyramidal cells (CA3‐PCs). Here, we show that a conditioning train of 20 action potentials (APs) at 10 Hz causes a persistent reduction in the input conductance and an acceleration of the AP onset time in CA3‐PCs, but not in CA1‐PCs. Induction of such long‐term potentiation of intrinsic excitability (LTP‐IE) was accompanied by a reduction in the D‐type K+ current, and was abolished by the inhibition of endocytosis or protein tyrosine kinase (PTK). Consistently, the CA3‐PCs from Kv1.2 knock‐out mice displayed no LTP‐IE with the same conditioning. Furthermore, the induction of LTP‐IE depended on the back‐propagating APs (bAPs) and intact distal apical dendrites. These results indicate that LTP‐IE is mediated by the internalization of Kv1.2 channels from the distal regions of apical dendrites, which is triggered by bAP‐induced dendritic Ca2+ signalling and the consequent activation of PTK.
Tracking pulmonary gas exchange by breathing control during exercise: role of muscle blood flow
Authors: Haouzi Philippe
Published: August 2013

Populations of group III and IV muscle afferent fibres located in the adventitia of the small vessels appear to respond to the level of venular distension and to recruitment of the vascular bed within the skeletal muscles. The CNS could thus be informed on the level of muscle hyperaemia when the metabolic rate varies. As a result, the magnitude and kinetics of the change in peripheral gas exchange – which translates into pulmonary gas exchange – can be sensed. We present the view that the respiratory control system uses these sources of information of vascular origin, among the numerous inputs produced by exercise, as a marker of the metabolic strain imposed on the circulatory and the ventilatory systems, resulting in an apparent matching between pulmonary gas exchange and alveolar ventilation.
Added Mass and Aeroelastic Stability of a Flexible Plate Interacting With Mean Flow in a Confined Channel
Authors: Jaiman Rajeev K. , Parmar Manoj K. , Gurugubelli Pardha S.
Published: August 2013

This work presents a review and theoretical study of the added-mass and aeroelastic instability exhibited by a linear elastic plate immersed in a mean flow. We first present a combined added-mass result for the model problem with a mean incompressible and compressible flow interacting with an elastic plate. Using the Euler–Bernoulli model for the plate and a 2D viscous potential flow model, a generalized closed-form expression of added-mass force has been derived for a flexible plate oscillating in fluid. A new compressibility correction factor is introduced in the incompressible added-mass force to account for the compressibility effects. We present a formulation for predicting the critical velocity for the onset of flapping instability. Our proposed new formulation considers tension effects explicitly due to viscous shear stress along the fluid-structure interface. In general, the tension effects are stabilizing in nature and become critical in problems involving low mass ratios. We further study the effects of the mass ratio and channel height on the aeroelastic instability using the linear stability analysis. It is observed that the proximity of the wall parallel to the plate affects the growth rate of the instability, however, these effects are less significant in comparison to the mass ratio or the tension effects in defining the instability. Finally, we conclude this paper with the validation of the theoretical results with experimental data presented in the literature.
Mechanics of Interfacial Delamination in Epidermal Electronics Systems
Authors: Cheng Huanyu , Wang Shuodao
Published: August 2013

In order to provide continuous diagnostic and therapeutic options that exploit electrophysiological signals from the epidermis, this study discusses epidermal electronics systems (EES) that conform to the skin surface via van der Waals force alone, which is otherwise susceptible to artifacts associated with motion-induced changes. This paper not only establishes a criterion of conformal contact between the EES and the skin for both initial contact and the case where the skin is subject to external loading but also investigates the criterion to prevent any partial delamination between electronics and the skin. These results improve the performance of EES by maximizing intimate contact between the EES and skin, revealing important underlying physical insights for device optimization and future design.
Growth of one-dimensional vertically aligned carbon nanostructures on SiC—Catalyst effect
Authors: Büke Göknur (Cambaz)
Published: August 2013

Application of catalyst on SiC wafer resulted in the formation of one-dimensional (1D) vertically aligned carbon nanostructures at low temperature and vacuum values (compared to SiC decomposition) without extra carbon supply into the system. Resulting nanostructures were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The effect of catalyst amount is discussed and a mechanism for the 1D carbon nanostructure formation through SiC decomposition in the presence of catalyst is proposed.
Universal Flu Vaccines:
Primum non nocere
Authors: Crowe James E.
Published: August 2013

It’s exciting to envision universal flu vaccines, but first we need to better understand the balance of effects caused by neutralizing and nonneutralizing antibodies.
New MEK-anisms for Targeted Therapies
Authors: Callahan Margaret K.
Published: August 2013

Mechanistic differences in how MEK inhibitors work may explain differences in sensitivity to therapy between BRAF- and KRAS-mutant tumors.