bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial heterogeneity of climate change in an Afromontane centre of endemism
Authors: Platts Philip J. , Gereau Roy E. , Burgess Neil D. , Marchant Rob
Published: November 2012

Broad‐scale assessments of how climate change might impact mountain ecosystems, especially in areas of high biodiversity and endemism, are compromised by the lack of localised climate feedback in global circulation models. Here, we use regionally downscaled climate models to highlight how spatial variation in forecast change could impact rare plant distributions differentially across the Eastern Arc Mountains of Tanzania and Kenya, part of the Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspot. Concordant with the theory that climatic stability facilitates the accumulation of rare species, we find significant positive correlations between endemic plant richness and future climatic persistence within the dispersal‐limiting sky islands of this mountain archipelago. Further, we explore the hypothesis that mountain plants will move upslope in response to climate change and find that, conversely, some species are predicted to tend downslope, despite warmer annual conditions, driven by changes in seasonality and water availability. Importantly, two thirds of the modelled plant species are predicted to respond in different directions in different parts of their ranges, exemplifying the potential for individualistic responses of species and disjunct populations to environmental change, and the need for regional focus in climate change impact assessment. Conservation planners, and more broadly those charged with developing climate adaption policy, are advised to take caution in inferring local patterns of change from zoomed perspectives of broad‐scale models. Moreover, a preoccupation with mean annual temperature as the principal driver of ecosystem change is misguided and could compromise efforts to make conservation plans resilient to future climate change. Faced with spatially complex and inherently uncertain future conditions, sensible priorities are to restore forest connectivity and to underpin adaption strategies with knowledge of how ecosystems and people have adapted to previous episodes of rapid change.
GENETIC POLYMORPHISM OF THE FOURTH COMPONENT OF HUMAN COMPLEMENT: POPULATION STUDY AND PROPOSAL FOR A REVISED NOMENCLATURE BASED ON GENOMIC PCR TYPING OF RODGERS AND CHIDO DETERMINANTS
Authors: Schneider P. M. , Stradmann‐Bellinghausen B. , Rittner C.
Published: November 2012

The fourth component of human complement (C4) is coded for by two homologous genes, C4A and C4B, located in the class III region of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Genetic typing of C4A and B alleles is routinely carried out by high‐voltage agarose gel electrophoresis. The electrophoretic C4 polymorphism can be further subdivided by the Rodgers (Rg) and Chido (Ch) blood groups, which are antigenic determinants of the C4A and B alpha‐chains, respectively. We have used a recently described direct PCR typing method using sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP) in combination with electrophoretic C4 typing as well as genomic RFLP analysis to determine the frequency of C4 allotypes, Rg/Ch subtypes and C4A‐B haplotypes in a family study of the German population. As the current C4 allele designation does not provide any information about the presence or absence of Rodgers and Chido antigens, we have developed an extension to the existing C4 nomenclature. This revised allele designation combines the exisiting numerical allotypes defined by electrophoretic mobility with eight subtypes (01–08) based on Rg/Ch PCR genotyping results. Using this approach, most electrophoretic allotypes could be subdivided. Among the C4A allotypes, the most common allele was A*0301 (59.9%), and the most common subtype among all electrophoretic allotypes was 01 (85.1%; = Rg1,2‐positive, Ch‐negative). For C4B, the most common allele was B*0101 (64.3%), and the most common subtype was 01 (79.6%; = Ch1,2,3,4,5,6‐positive, Rg‐negative). The subtypes 03, 04, 07 and 08 of the C4A allotypes, and the subtypes 03, 07 and 08 of the C4B allotypes, were not detected in this study. The analysis of duplicated C4 alleles revealed considerable heterogeneity of their subtypes. The results demonstrate that all known C4 allotypes can now be assigned unambiguously, which facilitates the identification of MHC haplotypes relevant for transplantation and disease association studies.
NO LINKAGE OR ASSOCIATION OF TELOMERIC AND CENTROMERIC T‐CELL RECEPTOR β‐CHAIN MARKERS WITH SUSCEPTIBILITY TO TYPE 1 INSULIN‐DEPENDENT DIABETES IN HLA‐DR4 MULTIPLEX FAMILIES
Authors: McDermott M. F. , Schmidt‐Wolf G. , Sinha A. A. , Koo M. , Porter M. A. , Briant L. , Cambon‐Thomsen A. , Maclaren N. K. , Fiske D. , Bertera S. , Trucco M. , Amos C. I. , McDevitt H. O. , Kastner D. L.
Published: November 2012

The T‐cell receptor β locus (TCRB) on chromosome 7q35 was studied as a candidate region for genetic susceptibility to type 1 insulin‐dependent diabetes (IDDM). A highly polymorphic microsatellite marker mapping to the TCRBV6.7 gene and a TCRB C‐region RFLP were used to genotype the members of a total of 21 multiplex IDDM families from two different geographical areas. There was no evidence to support linkage to either of these markers with IDDM, and conventional two‐point analysis excluded linkage to the telomeric end of the TCRB complex, in the region of the highly informative TCRBV6.7 marker. There was significant linkage of IDDM to the class II HLA‐D locus with significant lod scores >3.0 obtained for the HLA‐DRB1 and HLA‐DQB1 genes. Affected sib‐pair (ASP) and transmission disequilibrium (TDT) association tests confirmed these findings.
Overview of: “Young Adult Offenders: The Need for More Effective Legislative Options and Justice Processing”
Authors: Farrington David P. , Loeber Rolf , Howell James C.
Published: November 2012

Research Summary

Empirical evidence shows that no sharp change in cognitive functioning or in offending careers occurs on the 18th birthday. Many aspects of higher executive functioning, including impulse control, planning ahead, reasoning, thinking before acting, emotion regulation, delay of gratification, abstract thinking, and verbal memory, as well as resistance to peer influence, continue to mature through the mid‐20s. Most young offenders naturally “grow out” of offending in the early 20s, which is the peak period for desistance. Adult court processing makes offenders worse; convictions are followed by an increase in offending, juveniles who are dealt with in adult court are more likely to reoffend than other juveniles, and sending young people to adult prisons leads to an increase in recidivism. The evidence suggests that the rehabilitative approach of the juvenile court is more successful than the punitive approach of the adult criminal court.

Policy Implications

Many justifications for the more rehabilitative treatment of juvenile offenders (immature, poor executive functioning, poor emotion regulation and self‐regulation, poor planning, more influenced by immediate gratification, low adjudicative competence, more susceptible to peer influence, more redeemable, less set in their offending habits, and less culpable) apply to young adult offenders. As in some other countries, there could be special legal provisions in the United States for young adult offenders  18–24 years of age. One possibility is that these offenders should not be dealt with in the adult criminal court but in special courts for young adult offenders that are more focused on rehabilitation. Alternatively, all young adult offenders could be assessed for their risks, needs, maturity, culpability, and adjudicative competence, and in appropriate cases, they should be given a “maturity discount.” Special efforts should be made to help young adult offenders with low intelligence and/or mental health problems. Young adult offenders should be housed in special correctional facilities and should be assisted with problems of reentry.
Learning To Use Their Senses: Visitors to Voluntary Hospitals in Eighteenth‐Century England
Authors: REINARZ JONATHAN
Published: November 2012

This article examines the way in which the senses were articulated in eighteenth‐century hospital records. Touring these charities weekly, hospital governors assessed buildings using all of their senses in a way that was novel in this period. Examination of the minute books of the General Hospital in Birmingham tells us much about the way members of the eighteenth‐century public experienced their world, established sensory hierarchies and refused to touch elements in their environment, among a number of other under‐explored issues. Finally, it considers how historians might read for evidence of the senses in such contexts.
Inscribing on the Mind: Anna Letitia Barbauld's ‘Sensible Objects’
Authors: WHARTON JOANNA
Published: November 2012

This article discusses the significance of the sensory object in the work of Anna Letitia Barbauld. It focuses on two strands of her writing – her pedagogic texts and her object poems – drawing links between the two through the associationist schema of impression and inscription. I argue that Barbauld shapes the text as a sensible object in order to forge lasting connections in the mind of the child, as well as to strengthen and maintain social associations. I suggest that a consideration of the materiality of these texts can shed light on their integration into the sensory lives of their readers.
Making Sense of Rome
Authors: WRIGLEY RICHARD
Published: November 2012

This text explores how encounters with Rome relied on different senses, primarily smell and touch. Grand Tour studies usually prioritise literary and scholarly matters, and Rome as a place where sight takes precedence. Interactions based on smell and touch are in fact highly charged avenues for defining and expressing aspects of the city's experience (usually left out of modern accounts of earlier expectations of Rome), and what it amounted to once confronted as a physical site. Topics include: responses to St Peter's huge scale; perfume and odour; and walking in and touching Rome.
Gegen und mit dem Strom schwimmen: Informationen für eine Lehreinheit zur Europäischen Union aus Schweizer Sicht
Authors: Zinggeler Margrit
Published: November 2012

The European Union (EU) is generally taught in the German classroom from the perspective of Brussels or from Germany's leading role in the EU. Although Switzerland was a founding member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and a member of the Council of Europe since 1963, the Swiss people voted twice against a full EU membership. The country has worked out a series of bilateral agreements with the EU that allows this fiercely independent country to participate in the European market and in European scientific, social, and cultural programs. Teaching Switzerland's stance on Europe highlights diplomacy and policy making and opens an array of controversial topics that help students understand the processes of state and nation, self and community, and extends their knowledge of Europe and Switzerland.
More Than a Culture Capsule: Teaching Switzerland and Austria in the German Curriculum
Authors: Pabisch Peter Karl
Published: November 2012

This essay offers some direction for greater integration of Austria and Switzerland into every level of the German language and culture curriculum. By excavating a number of now nearly forgotten intercultural connections between these alpine countries and the U.S., it is possible to present a more complete and complex picture of German‐speaking Europe and to activate students’ interests for the relevance of German/Swiss/Austrian Studies in a much broader interdisciplinary context. This intent is achieved by presenting Switzerland and Austria as part of a global curriculum. Not only does it correct for the troubling trend toward an over‐simplified Germanization of Austrian and Swiss cultural figures, but this approach helps students forge connections and draw comparisons that illuminate these countries’ continuing significance in the new Europe, and on the global stage of international affairs.
Design Education in the UK: The Students Speak
Authors: Sun Qian
Published: November 2012

Is design education in the UK out of touch with what industry needs? And vice versa?
Educating Designers to a T
Authors: Peters Jay
Published: November 2012

In fact, there are two roads a new designer can travel. One leads toward a career as a specialist, one toward a career as a generalist. Why not a two‐track system of design education?
Stretch Current‐Induced Abnormal Impulses in CaMKIIδ Knockout Mouse Ventricular Myocytes
Authors: LAI DONGWU , XU LIN , CHENG JUN , GUILBERT ARNAUD B. , LIM HYUN JOUNG , FU GUOSHENG , WANG YANGGAN
Published: November 2012

CaMKII and Arrhythmias. Background: CaMKII activation is proarrhythmic in heart failure where myocardium is stretched. However, the arrhythmogenic role of CaMKII in stretched ventricle has not been well understood.

Objective:
We tested abnormal impulse inducibility by stretch current in myocytes isolated from CaMKIIδ knockout (KO) mouse left ventricle (LV) where CaMKII activity is reduced by ≈ 62%.

Methods and Results:
Action potentials were recorded by whole‐cell patch clamp, and abnormal impulses were induced in LV myocytes by a simulation of stretch‐activated channel (SAC) current. SAC activation failed to induce abnormal impulses in wild type (WT) myocytes but steadily produced early after‐depolarizations and automaticity in KO myocytes in which an increase in L‐type calcium channel (LTCC) current (ICa) and a reduction of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ leak and action potential duration (APD) were observed. The abnormal impulses were not suppressed by CaMKII inhibitor AIP whereas a low concentration of nifedipine eliminated abnormal impulses without shortening APD, implicating ICa in promoting stretch‐induced abnormal impulses. In addition, APD prolongation by LTCC opener S(‐)Bay K 8644 or isoproterenol facilitated abnormal impulse induction in WT ventricular myocytes even in the presence of CaMKII inhibitor AIP, whereas APD prolongation by K+ channel blocker 4‐aminopyridine promoted abnormal impulses in KO myocytes but not in WT myocytes.

Conclusion:
ICa activation plays a central role in stretch‐induced abnormal impulses and APD prolongation is arrhythmogenic only when ICa is highly activated. At increased ICa activation, CaMKII inhibition cannot suppress abnormal impulse induction. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 24, pp. 457‐463, April 2013)
Does maternal depression predict young children’s executive function? – a 4‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Hughes Claire , Roman Gabriela , Hart Martha J. , Ensor Rosie
Published: November 2012

Background:  Building on reports that parental maltreatment and neglect adversely affect young children’s executive function (EF), this longitudinal study examined whether exposure to a more common risk factor, mothers’ depressive symptoms, predicted individual differences in EF at school‐age.

Methods:  We followed up at age 6 a socially diverse sample of 126 children (78 boys, 48 girls) for whom direct observations of mother–child interactions have been shown to predict gains in EF between the ages of 2 and 4. We used an EF latent factor based on scores from three tasks (Beads, Day/Night, Tower of London) that tapped working memory, inhibitory control and planning, as well as a latent growth model of mothers’ Beck Depression Inventory factor scores at four time‐points, and included age 6 verbal ability as a covariate in all analyses.

Results:  The intercept and slope for mothers’ depressive symptoms each predicted unique variance in EF at age 6; these predictive effects remained significant when we also included: (a) age 2 working memory, (b) maternal education and (c) direct observations of maternal positive control at ages 2 and 6.

Conclusion:  Our findings suggest that early exposure to mothers’ depressive symptoms adversely affects children’s developing EF, and that the chronicity of this exposure may matter.
Lead‐in treatment with interferon‐β/ribavirin may modify the early hepatitis C virus dynamics in pegylated interferon alpha‐2b/ribavirin combination for chronic hepatitis C patients with the IL28B minor genotype
Authors: Itokawa Norio , Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Kondo Chisa , Hashimoto Satomi , Fukuda Takeshi , Matsushita Yoko , Kidokoro Hideko , Kobayashi Tamaki , Narahara Yoshiyuki , Nakatsuka Katsuhisa , Kanazawa Hidenori , Iwakiri Katsuhiko , Sakamoto Choitsu
Published: November 2012

Background and Aim

The most important factor influencing the effect of pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN)/ribavirin therapy (PEG) for chronic hepatitis C genotype 1b with high viral load is the interleukin 28B (IL28B) genotype. We investigated the usefulness of lead‐in twice‐daily interferon (IFN)‐β/ribavirin therapy (IFN‐β), and the early hepatitis C virus RNA (HCV‐RNA) dynamics was compared between PEG and IFN‐β groups according to the IL28B genotype.

Methods

Forty‐six patients were randomly allocated to PEG and IFN‐β groups, and HCV‐RNA dynamics in an early phase of treatment were analyzed.

Results

The patients with minor IL28B genotype was 6/23 and 8/23 in IFN‐β and PEG groups, respectively. In the patients with IL28B major genotype, viral load reduction was marginally greater in IFN‐β group than in PEG group. In contrast, in the patients with the IL28B minor genotype, viral load reduction was significantly and numerically greater in IFN‐β group than in PEG group at 1 week (2.07 vs 0.76 log IU/mL, P = 0.038), 2 weeks (2.73 vs 1.01, P = 0.009), 4 weeks (2.72 vs 1.55, P = 0.059), and 12 weeks (4.56 vs 3.24, P = 0.104). The sustained virological response rates in the IL28B major genotype were similar between IFN‐β group (47.1%, 8/17) and PEG group (53.3%, 8/15). In contrast, the sustained virological response rates in the IL28B minor genotype were numerically higher in IFN‐β group (50.0%, 3/6) than in PEG group (12.5%, 1/8), although not statistically significant.

Conclusion

It was suggested that lead‐in twice‐daily IFN‐β/ribavirin treatment followed by PEG‐IFN/ribavirin combination therapy may modify the HCV‐RNA dynamics compared with that by PEG‐IFN/ribavirin therapy, and it is particularly useful for the IL28B minor genotype.
Methyl‐isobutyl amiloride reduces brain Lac/NAA, cell death and microglial activation in a perinatal asphyxia model
Authors: Robertson Nicola J. , Kato Takenori , Bainbridge Alan , Chandrasekaran Manigandan , Iwata Osuke , Kapetanakis Andrew , Faulkner Stuart , Cheong Jeanie , Iwata Sachiko , Hristova Mariya , Cady Ernest , Raivich Gennadij
Published: November 2012

Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) blockade attenuates the detrimental consequences of ischaemia and reperfusion in myocardium and brain in adult and neonatal animal studies. Our aim was to use magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) biomarkers and immunohistochemistry to investigate the cerebral effects of the NHE inhibitor, methyl isobutyl amiloride (MIA) given after severe perinatal asphyxia in the piglet. Eighteen male piglets (aged < 24 h) underwent transient global cerebral hypoxia‐ischaemia and were randomized to (i) saline placebo; or (ii) 3 mg/kg intravenous MIA administered 10 min post‐insult and 8 hourly thereafter. Serial phosphorus‐31 (31P) and proton (1H) MRS data were acquired before, during and up to 48 h after hypoxia‐ischaemia and metabolite‐ratio time‐series Area under the Curve (AUC) calculated. At 48 h, histological and immunohistochemical assessments quantified regional tissue injury. MIA decreased thalamic lactate/N‐acetylaspartate and lactate/creatine AUCs (both p < 0.05) compared with placebo. Correlating with improved cerebral energy metabolism, transferase mediated biotinylated d‐UTP nick end‐labelling (TUNEL) positive cell density was reduced in the MIA group in cerebral cortex, thalamus and white matter (all p < 0.05) and caspase 3 immunoreactive cells were reduced in pyriform cortex and caudate nucleus (both p < 0.05). Microglial activation was reduced in pyriform and midtemporal cortex (both p < 0.05). Treatment with MIA starting 10 min after hypoxia‐ischaemia was neuroprotective in this perinatal asphyxia model.
The functional role of the ischiopubic membrane for the mechanical loading of the pubis in the domestic fowl (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Fechner Regina , Stratmann Matthias , Gößling Rainer , Sverdlova Nina
Published: November 2012

Soft tissues other than muscles are supposed to be of mechanical importance, yet they are rarely integrated into finite element models. Here, we investigate the functional role of the ischiopubic membrane for the loading of the pubis of the domestic fowl using 2D finite element analysis. For this purpose, a specimen of the domestic fowl was dissected and soft tissues attaching to the pubis were studied in great detail. Muscles were removed and measurements taken. For the 2D finite element model, the outline was taken from the dissected specimen. Two 2D finite element models were generated: one without and one with ischiopubic membrane. The same muscular loading based on own measurements and electromyographic data was applied to both models. The model without ischiopubic membrane shows anteroventral bending deformation of the scapus pubis, resulting in high compressive and tensile principal stresses at the level of ultimate bone stress values. The model with ischiopubic membrane shows low compressive principal stresses in the pubis consistent with the levels of steady state remodelling of bone. Based on these results, the ischiopubic membrane of the domestic fowl potentially establishes a physiological loading of the pubis and therefore might be of great mechanical significance for the loading of the bone.
Effects of cumulative sleep restriction on self‐perceptions while multitasking
Authors: Sallinen Mikael , Onninen Jussi , Tirkkonen Katriina , Haavisto Marja‐Leena , Härmä Mikko , Kubo Tomohide , Mutanen Pertti , Virkkala Jussi , Tolvanen Asko , Porkka‐Heiskanen Tarja
Published: November 2012

This study addressed a rarely studied question of self‐perceptions of performance and overall functional state during cumulative sleep restriction and the ensuing recovery period. Twenty healthy male volunteers, aged 19–29 years, were divided into a sleep restriction group (n = 13) and a control group (n = 7). On the first 2 nights, the sleep restriction group had an 8‐h sleep opportunity that was restricted to 4 h for the next 5 nights, and then restored to 8 h for the last 2 nights. The control group had an 8‐h sleep opportunity each night. Each day participants accomplished 50‐min multitask sessions and gave self‐ratings in their connection. Similar to our previous findings on multitasking performance, self‐perceived task performance, sleepiness and mental fatigue impaired during the sleep restriction and returned to baseline during the recovery phase. Self‐perceived mental effort, tension, task difficulty and task pace showed no sensitivity to the sleep restriction. We concluded that sleep‐restricted individuals can probably make use of some self‐perceptions when assessing their ‘fitness for duty’. However, at the individual level these measures seem to be inaccurate in revealing actual performance impairments.
Unusual presentations of BK virus infections in pediatric renal transplant recipients
Authors: Drake Keri A. , Najera Lydia , Reed Robyn C. , Verghese Priya S.
Published: November 2012

BKV has emerged as a significant pathogen in the field of transplantation, predominantly causing BKV nephropathy in renal transplant recipients and hemorrhagic cystitis in HSCT recipients. However, case reports describe more diverse complications, and we too present three unusual cases of BKV infections in pediatric renal transplant recipients. First, we describe a case of biopsy‐proven renal damage secondary to BKV prior to the onset of viremia, demonstrating that BKV nephropathy can occur without preceding viremia. We also present two renal transplant recipients with persistent BK viruria, one with BKV‐associated hemorrhagic cystitis and the other with microscopic hematuria. Therefore, we conclude that BKV manifestations may be more diverse than previously thought and suggest clinical utility in urine BKV qPCR testing in specific transplant recipients.
Policy Diffusion and Policy Transfer in Comparative Welfare State Research
Authors: Obinger Herbert , Schmitt Carina , Starke Peter
Published: November 2012

For many years, comparative welfare state research has followed a ‘methodological nationalism’ in the sense that countries were treated as independent units. Yet the recent ‘spatial turn’ in comparative politics has also influenced welfare state research. For some years now, the field has been witnessing a growing interest in questions about interdependencies and policy diffusion between countries. In this article, we provide a structured overview of the state of the art in the policy diffusion and transfer literature that deals specifically with social policy. We present and critically evaluate existing theoretical concepts and quantitative and qualitative methodological approaches that enable the analysis of interdependencies between countries. Moreover, we summarize the empirical findings of quantitative and qualitative studies on the diffusion and transfer of social policy, from some pioneering studies to the latest findings. Against this background we point out what we believe to be promising avenues for future research. We focus on five areas: theoretical work on the mechanisms underlying diffusion and transfer; methodological approaches; the impact of domestic institutions and policy characteristics on social policy diffusion and transfer; programme‐specific dynamics; and the systematic combination of horizontal and vertical interdependencies.
KINEROS2 application for land use/cover change impact analysis at the Hulu Langat Basin, Malaysia
Authors: Memarian Hadi , Balasundram Siva K. , Talib Jamal B. , Teh Boon Sung Christopher , Mohd Sood Alias , Abbaspour Karim C.
Published: November 2012

The impacts of land use/cover changes (LUCC) on a developed basin in Malaysia were evaluated. Three storm events in different intensities and durations were required for KINEROS2 (K2) calibration and LUCC impact analysis. K2 validation was performed using three other rainfall events. Calibration results showed excellent and very good fittings for runoff and sediment simulations based on the aggregated measure. Validation results demonstrated that the K2 is reliable for runoff modelling, while K2 application for sediment simulation was only valid for the period 1984–1997. LUCC impacts analysis revealed that direct runoff and sediment discharge increased with the progress of urban development and unmanaged agricultural activities. These observations were supported by the NDVI, landscape and hydrological trend analyses.
Substitution between Foreign Capital in China, India, the Rest of the World, and Latin America: Much Ado about Nothing?
Authors: Cravino Javier , Lederman Daniel , Olarreaga Marcelo
Published: November 2012

This paper explores the impact of the emergence of China and India on Foreign Capital Stocks (FCS) in other economies. Using bilateral FCS data from 1990-2003 and drawing from the Knowledge-Capital Model of multinational enterprises to control for fundamental determinants of FCS across countries, the evidence suggests that the impact of foreign capital in China and India on other countries' FCS has been positive. This finding is robust across different specifications and estimation techniques. There is surprisingly weak evidence of substitution in manufacturing FCS away from Central America/Mexico in favor of China, and from Southern Cone countries to India, but these findings are not robust to the use of alternative estimation techniques. In sum, fears of a global competition for FDI seem misplaced, and policymakers concerned about attracting foreign investors should focus their efforts on the fundamentals determinants of FDI.• JEL Classification: F21, F22, O57
Lateral Buckling of Interconnects in a Noncoplanar Mesh Design for Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Chen Chi , Tao Weiming , Su Yewang , Wu Jian , Song Jizhou
Published: November 2012

Analytical models have been established to study the lateral buckling of interconnects under shear in a noncoplanar mesh design for stretchable electronics. Analytical expressions are obtained for the critical load and buckling shape at the onset of buckling by solving the equilibrium equations. The postbuckling behavior is studied by energy minimization of the potential energy, including up to fourth power of the displacement. A simple expression of the amplitude characterizing the deformation after buckling is obtained. These results agree well with the finite element simulations without any parameter fitting. The models in this paper may provide a route to study complex buckling modes of interconnects, such as diagonal compression/stretching involving both compression and shear.
The Protein-Folding Problem, 50 Years On
Authors: Dill Ken A. , MacCallum Justin L.
Published: November 2012

Protein Folding: Past and Future

Fifty years ago the Nobel Prize in chemistry was awarded to Max Perutz and John Kendrew for determining the structure of globular proteins. Since first viewing their structure of myoglobin, scientists have sought to understand protein folding.
Dill and MacCallum
(p.
1042
) review the progress that has been made on three central questions: What is the code that relates sequence to structure? How do proteins fold so fast? Can protein structure be computationally predicted? While we have come some way toward answering these questions, new questions have been gene rated. It is no longer useful to talk about “solving the protein-folding problem”—protein folding has grown into a field of research where the next 50 years promise to be as exciting as the last.
Egg Cell–Secreted EC1 Triggers Sperm Cell Activation During Double Fertilization
Authors: Sprunck Stefanie , Rademacher Svenja , Vogler Frank , Gheyselinck Jacqueline , Grossniklaus Ueli , Dresselhaus Thomas
Published: November 2012

Double Delivery During Plant Fertilization

Double fertilization is a defining feature of flowering plants and involves two nonmotile male gametes (sperm cells) and two female gametes (egg cell and central cell). Both fertilization events are necessary for reproductive success. It is not clear how flowering plants ensure the reliable and on-time fusion of the two pairs of gametes, while preventing polyspermy.

Sprunck
et al.

(p.
1093
; see the Perspective by

Snell

) now show that gamete interactions in
Arabidopsis
depend on small cysteine-rich EGG CELL 1 (EC1) proteins that accumulate in storage vesicles of the egg cell and that are released during sperm-egg interaction. EC1 peptides trigger the delivery of a fusogen to the sperm cell surface. An intercellular link connects the two sperm cells throughout the gamete fusion process and could play a role in preventing the spontaneous fusion of activated sperm cells.
In Search of the Wild Chicken
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: November 2012

Researchers are melding genetics and archaeology to close in on the origin of the world's most common bird—and potentially help protect a major source of animal protein.
From Farmyard to the Lab
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: November 2012

Chinese biologist Jianlin Han is attempting to breed better red jungle fowl to benefit the rural poor and gather a massive data set to understand the genetic underpinnings of the domestic chicken.
Lamellar ichthyosis with genu valgum: unfolding the link
Authors: Deka Nilakshi , Sarma Dipti , Saikia Uma Kaimal
Published: November 2012

We describe a case of lamellar ichthyosis with bilateral genu valgum. The association of genu valgum with congenital ichthyosis is rare. Our patient, a 22-year-old girl, had lamellar ichthyosis and was born with a collodion membrane. She developed progressive valgus deformity of the knees of 5 years duration associated with difficulty in walking. On evaluation, she had generalised scaly skin lesions along with bilateral genu valgum and biochemical evidence of vitamin D deficiency. Skin serves as an important site for vitamin D synthesis and thus skeletal deformities secondary to vitamin D deficiency may occur in cases of congenital ichthyosis, causing a diagnostic dilemma due to the unusual association. This case serves as a reminder that clinicians need to be aware of such an association in order to prevent, appropriately diagnose and adequately treat the rare case of congenital ichthyosis with rickets and osteomalacia.
EGFRmutation testing in lung cancer: a review of available methods and their use for analysis of tumour tissue and cytology samples
Authors: Ellison Gillian , Zhu Guanshan , Moulis Alexandros , Dearden Simon , Speake Georgina , McCormack Rose
Published: November 2012

Aims

Activating mutations in the gene encoding epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) can confer sensitivity to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as gefitinib in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Testing for mutations inEGFRis therefore an important step in the treatment-decision pathway. We reviewed reported methods forEGFRmutation testing in patients with lung cancer, initially focusing on studies involving standard tumour tissue samples. We also evaluated data on the use of cytology samples in order to determine their suitability forEGFRmutation analysis.

Methods

We searched the MEDLINE database for studies reporting onEGFRmutation testing methods in patients with lung cancer.

Results

Various methods have been investigated as potential alternatives to the historical standard forEGFRmutation testing, direct DNA sequencing. Many of these are targeted methods that specifically detect the most commonEGFRmutations. The development of targeted mutation testing methods and commercially available test kits has enabled sensitive, rapid and robust analysis of clinical samples. The use of screening methods, subsequent to sample micro dissection, has also ensured that identification of more rare, uncommon mutations is now feasible. Cytology samples including fine needle aspirate and pleural effusion can be used successfully to determineEGFRmutation status provided that sensitive testing methods are employed.

Conclusions

Several different testing methods offer a more sensitive alternative to direct sequencing for the detection of commonEGFRmutations. Evidence published to date suggests cytology samples are viable alternatives for mutation testing when tumour tissue samples are not available.
Increasing the quality of life from womb to grave: the importance of pregnancy and birth cohorts
Authors: Kaplan Bonnie J. , Leung Brenda M. , Giesbrecht Gerald F. , Field Catherine J. , Bernier Francois P. , Tough Suzanne , Cui Xinjie , Dewey Deborah ,   the APrON Study Team
Published: November 2012

Epigenetics is revealing how “nature is nurtured”, with environmental factors such as nutrition, environmental neurotoxicants, and psychological stress influencing DNA expression. In this current opinion paper, we argue that understanding the dynamic interplay between the genome acquired at conception and environmental exposures throughout life requires pregnancy and birth cohorts, and that greater Canadian national commitment to the infrastructure needed for sustaining such cohorts is warranted. We present a framework that is now being implemented in Alberta.
Chronic Administration of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Leaves Extract Attenuates Hyperglycaemic-Induced Oxidative Stress and Improves Renal Histopathology and Function in Experimental Diabetes
Authors: Rajavel Varatharajan , Abdul Sattar Munavvar Zubaid , Abdulla Mahmood Ameen , Kassim Normadiah M. , Abdullah Nor Azizan
Published: November 2012

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) leaves extract (OPLE) has antioxidant properties and because oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN), we tested the hypothesis that OPLE prevents diabetes renal oxidative stress, attenuating injury. Sprague-Dawley rats received OPLE (200 and 500 mg kg−1) for 4 and 12 weeks after diabetes induction (streptozotocin 60 mg kg−1). Blood glucose level, body and kidney weights, urine flow rate (UFR), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and proteinuria were assessed. Oxidative stress variables such as 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), glutathione (GSH), and lipid peroxides (LPO) were quantified. Renal morphology was analysed, and plasma transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) was measured. Diabetic rats demonstrated increase in blood glucose and decreased body and increased kidney weights. Renal dysfunction (proteinuria, elevations in UFR and GFR) was observed in association with increases in LPO, 8-OHdG, and TGF-β1 and a decrease in GSH. Histological evaluation of diabetic kidney demonstrated glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. OPLE attenuated renal dysfunction, improved oxidative stress markers, and reduced renal pathology in diabetic animals. These results suggest OPLE improves renal dysfunction and pathology in diabetes by reducing oxidative stress; furthermore, the protective effect of OPLE against renal damage in diabetes depends on the dose of OPLE as well as progression of DN.
Social Processes That Can Facilitate and Sustain Individual Self-Management for People with Chronic Conditions
Authors: Kendall Elizabeth , Foster Michele M. , Ehrlich Carolyn , Chaboyer Wendy
Published: November 2012

Recent shifts in health policy direction in several countries have, on the whole, translated into self-management initiatives in the hope that this approach will address the growing impact of chronic disease. Dominant approaches to self-management tend to reinforce the current medical model of chronic disease and fail to adequately address the social factors that impact on the lives of people with chronic conditions. As part of a larger study focused on outcomes following a chronic disease, this paper explores the processes by which a chronic disease self-management (CDSM) course impacted on participants. Five focus groups were conducted with participants and peer leaders of the course in both urban and rural regions of Queensland, Australia. The findings suggested that outcomes following CDSM courses depended on the complex interplay of four social factors, namely, social engagement, the development of a collective identity, the process of building collaborative coping capacity, and the establishment of exchange relationships. This study highlights the need for an approach to self-management that actively engages consumers in social relationships and addresses the context within which their lives (and diseases) are enacted. This approach extends beyond the psychoeducational skills-based approach to self-management into a more ecological model for disease prevention.
CMV Serostatus of Donor-Recipient Pairs Influences the Risk of CMV Infection/Reactivation in HSCT Patients
Authors: Jaskula Emilia , Bochenska Jolanta , Kocwin Edyta , Tarnowska Agnieszka , Lange Andrzej
Published: November 2012

CMV donor/recipient serostatus was analyzed in 200 patients allografted in our institution from unrelated (122 patients) donors and 78 sibling donors in the years 2002–2011 in relation to posttransplant complications. On a group basis independently of the CMV serostatus of donor-recipient pairs sibling transplantations and those from unrelated donors that matched 10/10 at allele level had a similar rate of CMV reactivation (17/78 versus 19/71, P=ns). The rate of CMV reactivation/infection was higher in patients grafted from donors accepted at the lower level of matching than 10/10 (18/38 versus 36/149, P=0.008). The incidence of aGvHD followed frequencies of CMV reactivation in the tested groups, being 40/156 and 25/44 in patients grafted from sibling or unrelated donors that 10/10 matched and in those grafted from donors taht HLA mismatched, respectively (P=0.001). Regarding the rate of reactivation in both groups seropositive patients receiving a transplant from seronegative donors had more frequently CMV reactivation as compared to those with another donor-recipient matching CMV serostatus constellation (22/43 versus 32/143, P=0<0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that seropositivity of recipients with concomitant seronegativity of donors plays an independent role in the CMV reactivation/infection (OR=2.669, P=0.037; OR=5.322, P=0.078; OR=23.034, P=0.023 for optimally matched and mismatched patients and the whole group of patients, resp.).
Free Education in Rwanda: Just One Step towards Reducing Gender and Sibling Inequalities
Authors: Nkurunziza Joseph , Broekhuis Annelet , Hooimeijer Pieter
Published: November 2012

In 2003, Rwanda introduced free education as part of government policy to improve school enrolment in general and the attendance of deprived children in particular. However, in addition to school fees, other factors hamper school careers of children. Shifts in attendance were analysed using binary logistic regression on data from the 2000 and 2005 Integrated Household Living Conditions Surveys. The results show that although the policy has been very successful, the objective has not been achieved. We find a strong effect of the sibling position of the child in the household and its relation to the household head. Substantial numbers of orphans/foster children in Rwanda do not profit from the free education policy and part of the children leave before completing school, in particular girls. Free education is only one step towards a more equitable distribution of educational opportunities.
Diagnosis of Distal Cholangiocarcinoma after the Removal of Choledocholithiasis
Authors: Ito Yasuhiro , Kenmochi Takeshi , Egawa Tomohisa , Hayashi Shinobu , Nagashima Atsushi , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: November 2012

Background and Aim. Distal cholangiocarcinoma associated with choledocholithiasis has not been reported, and the causal relationship remains to be established. We evaluated diagnosis of distal cholangiocarcinoma diagnosed after the removal of choledocholithiasis.Patients and Methods. We assigned 9 cases of cholangiocarcinoma with choledocholithiasis to Group A. As a control group, 37 patients with cholangiocarcinoma without choledocholithiasis were assigned to Group B.Results. Abdominal pain at admission is the only significant difference between Group A and Group B(P=0.001). All patients in Group A had gall bladder stones, compared with 7 patients (19%) in Group B(P<0.01). Of the 9 patients in Group A, endoscopic retrade cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) detected normality in 2 patients (22%) and abnormalities in 7 patients (78%). Of the 32 patients in Group B, ERCP detected normality in 4 patients (13%) and abnormalities in 28 patients (88%)(P=0.597). Intraductal ultrasonography (IDUS) detected a tumor in 8 patients in Group A, while in Group B, IDUS detected normality in 1 patient (3%) and tumors in 29 patients (97%)(P=1.000).Conclusions. IDUS after stone removal may potentially help in the detection of unexpected tumors. Therefore, we believe that IDUS after stone removal will lead to improve outcome and prognosis.
Impact of Maternal Diabetes on Epigenetic Modifications Leading to Diseases in the Offspring
Authors: Vrachnis Nikolaos , Antonakopoulos Nikolaos , Iliodromiti Zoe , Dafopoulos Konstantinos , Siristatidis Charalambos , Pappa Kalliopi I. , Deligeoroglou Efthymios , Vitoratos Nicolaos
Published: November 2012

Gestational diabetes, occurring during the hyperglycemic period of pregnancy in maternal life, is a pathologic state that increases the incidence of complications in both mother and fetus. Offspring thus exposed to an adverse fetal and early postnatal environment may manifest increased susceptibility to a number of chronic diseases later in life. Compelling evidence for the role of epigenetic transmission in these complications has come from comparison of siblings born before and after the development of maternal diabetes, exposure to this intrauterine diabetic environment being shown to cause alterations in fetal growth patterns which predispose these infants to developing overweight and obesity later in life. Diabetes of the offspring is also mainly the consequence of exposure to the diabetic intrauterine environment, in addition to genetic susceptibility. Since obesity and diabetes are known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular sequelae in the offspring of diabetic mothers are virtually inevitable. Research data also suggest that exposure to a diabetic intrauterine environment during pregnancy is associated with an increase in dyslipidemia, subclinical vascular inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction processes in the offspring, all of which are linked with development of cardiovascular disease later in life. The main underlying mechanisms involve persistent hyperglycemia hyperinsulinemia and leptin resistance.
Mind-Body Medicine for Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Senders Angela , Wahbeh Helané , Spain Rebecca , Shinto Lynne
Published: November 2012

Background. Mind-body therapies are used to manage physical and psychological symptoms in many chronic health conditions.Objective. To assess the published evidence for using mind-body techniques for symptom management of multiple sclerosis.Methods. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Clinical Trials Register were searched from inception to March 24, 2012. Eleven mind-body studies were reviewed (meditation, yoga, biofeedback, hypnosis, relaxation, and imagery).Results. Four high quality trials (yoga, mindfulness, relaxation, and biofeedback) were found helpful for a variety of MS symptoms.Conclusions. The evidence for mind-body medicine in MS is limited, yet mind-body therapies are relatively safe and may provide a nonpharmacological benefit for MS symptoms.
Thermal Hydraulic Analysis Using GIS on Application of HTR to Thermal Recovery of Heavy Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Zhou Yangping , Li Fu , Zhou Zhiwei , Ma Yuanle
Published: November 2012

At present, large water demand and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have emerged as challenges of steam injection for oil thermal recovery. This paper proposed a strategy of superheated steam injection by the high-temperature gas-cooled reactor (HTR) for thermal recovery of heavy oil, which has less demand of water and emission of CO2. The paper outlines the problems of conventional steam injection and addresses the advantages of superheated steam injection by HTR from the aspects of technology, economy, and environment. A Geographic Information System (GIS) embedded with a thermal hydraulic analysis function is designed and developed to analyze the strategy, which can make the analysis work more practical and credible. Thermal hydraulic analysis using this GIS is carried out by applying this strategy to a reference heavy oil field. Two kinds of injection are considered and compared: wet steam injection by conventional boilers and superheated steam injection by HTR. The heat loss, pressure drop, and possible phase transformation are calculated and analyzed when the steam flows through the pipeline and well tube and is finally injected into the oil reservoir. The result shows that the superheated steam injection from HTR is applicable and promising for thermal recovery of heavy oil reservoirs.