bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grassmannian connection between three- and four-qubit observables, Mermin’s contextuality and black holes
Authors: Lévay Péter , Planat Michel , Saniga Metod
Published: September 2013

Abstract

We invoke some ideas from finite geometry to map bijectively 135 heptads of mutually commuting three-qubit observables into 135 symmetric four -qubit ones. After labeling the elements of the former set in terms of a seven-dimensional Clifford algebra, we present the bijective map and most pronounced actions of the associated symplectic group on both sets in explicit forms. This formalism is then employed to shed novel light on recently-discovered structural and cardinality properties of an aggregate of three-qubit Mermin’s “magic” pentagrams. Moreover, some intriguing connections with the so-called black-hole-qubit correspondence are also pointed out.
γH2AX foci formation in the absence of DNA damage: Mitotic H2AX phosphorylation is mediated by the DNA‐PKcs/CHK2 pathway
Authors: Tu Wen-Zhi , Li Bing , Huang Bo , Wang Yu , Liu Xiao-Dan , Guan Hua , Zhang Shi-Meng , Tang Yan , Rang Wei-Qing , Zhou Ping-Kun
Published: September 2013

Phosphorylated H2AX is considered to be a biomarker for DNA double‐strand breaks (DSB), but recent evidence suggests that γH2AX does not always indicate the presence of DSB. Here we demonstrate the bimodal dynamic of H2AX phosphorylation induced by ionizing radiation, with the second peak appearing when G2/M arrest is induced. An increased level of γH2AX occurred in mitotic cells, and this increase was attenuated by DNA‐PKcs inactivation or Chk2 depletion, but not by ATM inhibition. The phosphorylation‐mimic CHK2‐T68D abrogated the attenuation of mitotic γH2AX induced by DNA‐PKcs inactivation. Thus, the DNA‐PKcs/CHK2 pathway mediates the mitotic phosphorylation of H2AX in the absence of DNA damage.
Phylogenetic analysis and substrate specificity of GH2 β‐mannosidases from Aspergillus species
Authors: Reddy Sumitha K. , Rosengren Anna , Klaubauf Sylvia , Kulkarni Tejas , Karlsson Eva Nordberg , de Vries Ronald P. , Stålbrand Henrik
Published: September 2013

Phylogenetic analysis of glycoside hydrolase family 2 including Aspergillus sequences and characterised β‐mannosidases from other organisms, clusters putative Aspergillus β‐mannosidases in two distinct clades (A and B). Aspergillus species have at least one paralog in each of the two clades. It appears that clade A members are extracellular and clade B members intracellular. Substrate specificity analysis of MndA of Aspergillus niger (clade A) and MndB of Aspergillus nidulans (clade B) show that MndB, in contrast to MndA, does not hydrolyse polymeric mannan and has probably evolved to hydrolyse small unbranched β‐mannosides like mannobiose. A 3D‐model of MndB provides further insight.
ER stress suppresses DNA double‐strand break repair and sensitizes tumor cells to ionizing radiation by stimulating proteasomal degradation of Rad51
Authors: Yamamori Tohru , Meike Shunsuke , Nagane Masaki , Yasui Hironobu , Inanami Osamu
Published: September 2013

In this study, we provide evidence that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress suppresses DNA double‐strand break (DSB) repair and increases radiosensitivity of tumor cells by altering Rad51 levels. We show that the ER stress inducer tunicamycin stimulates selective degradation of Rad51 via the 26S proteasome, impairing DSB repair and enhancing radiosensitivity in human lung cancer A549 cells. We also found that glucose deprivation, which is a physiological inducer of ER stress, triggered similar events. These findings suggest that ER stress caused by the intratumoral environment influences tumor radiosensitivity, and that it has potential as a novel target to improve cancer radiotherapy.
Nuclear‐encoded chloroplast RNA polymerase sigma factor SIG2 activates chloroplast‐encoded phycobilisome genes in a red alga, Cyanidioschyzon merolae
Authors: Fujii Gaku , Imamura Sousuke , Hanaoka Mitsumasa , Tanaka Kan
Published: September 2013

The phycobilisome (PBS) is a photosynthetic light‐harvesting complex in red algae, whose structural genes are separately encoded by both the nuclear and chloroplast genomes. While the expression of PBS genes in both genomes is responsive to environmental changes to modulate light‐harvesting efficiency, little is known about how gene expression of the two genomes is coordinated. In this study, we focused on the four nuclear‐encoded chloroplast sigma factors to understand aspects of this coordination, and found that SIG2 directs the expression of chloroplast PBS genes in the red alga Cyanidioschyzon merolae.
Overexpression, purification, and functional analysis of recombinant human tubulin dimer
Authors: Minoura Itsushi , Hachikubo You , Yamakita Yoshihiko , Takazaki Hiroko , Ayukawa Rie , Uchimura Seiichi , Muto Etsuko
Published: September 2013

Microtubules consisting of tubulin dimers play essential roles in various cellular functions. Investigating the structure–function relationship of tubulin dimers requires a method to prepare sufficient quantities of recombinant tubulin. To this end, we simultaneously expressed human α1‐ and β3‐tubulin using a baculovirus‐insect cell expression system that enabled the purification of 5 mg recombinant tubulin per litre of cell culture. The purified recombinant human tubulin could be polymerized into microtubules that glide on a kinesin‐coated glass surface. The method provides a powerful tool for in vitro functional analyses of microtubules.
UXT plays dual opposing roles on SARM‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Sethurathinam Shalini , Singh Laishram Pradeepkumar , Panneerselvam Porkodi , Byrne Bernadette , Ding Jeak Ling
Published: September 2013

Apoptosis is a vital defense mechanism for the clearance of infected cells. Ubiquitously expressed transcript (UXT), which exists in two isoforms (V1 and V2), interact with both apoptotic and cellular proteins. By yeast two‐hybrid analysis, we found that UXT interacts with SARM (sterile α and HEAT armadillo motif‐containing protein). Since SARM is a TLR adaptor which induces intrinsic apoptosis following immune activation, we were prompted to query whether UXT and SARM might co‐regulate apoptosis. We found that the UXT isoforms elicit dual opposing regulatory effects on SARM‐induced apoptosis; while UXT V1, co‐expressed with SARM, caused a reduction in caspase 8 activity, UXT V2 strongly increased caspase 8 activity and enhanced SARM‐induced apoptosis by activating the extrinsic pathway and depolarizing the mitochondria.
Differential expression of miR‐195 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and miR‐195 expression inhibits tumor cell proliferation and invasion by targeting of Cdc42
Authors: Fu Min-gen , Li Shuo , Yu Ting-ting , Qian Li-juan , Cao Ri-sheng , Zhu Hong , Xiao Bin , Jiao Chun-hua , Tang Na-na , Ma Jing-jing , Hua Jie , Zhang Wei-feng , Zhang Hong-jie , Shi Rui-hua
Published: September 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNA) have played an important role in carcinogenesis. In this study, Agilent miRNA microarray was used to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) tissues and miR‐195 was downregulated in ESCC compared with normal esophageal tissues. Moreover, Cdc42 was confirmed as target gene of miR‐195. Ectopic expression of miR‐195 in ESCC cells significantly downregulated Cdc42 by directly binding its 3′ untranslated regions, and induced G1 cell cycle arrest, leading to a significant decrease in cell growth, migration, and invasion in vitro. Therefore, our findings demonstrated that miR‐195 may act as a tumor suppressor in ESCC by targeting Cdc42.
Potassium ion‐dependent trehalose phosphorylase from halophilic Bacillus selenitireducens MLS10
Authors: Nihira Takanori , Saito Yuka , Chiku Kazuhiro , Kitaoka Motomitsu , Ohtsubo Ken‧ichi , Nakai Hiroyuki
Published: September 2013

We discovered a potassium ion‐dependent trehalose phosphorylase (Bsel_1207) belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 65 from halophilic Bacillus selenitireducens MLS10. Under high potassium ion concentrations, the recombinant Bsel_1207 produced in Escherichia coli existed as an active dimeric form that catalyzed the reversible phosphorolysis of trehalose in a typical sequential bi bi mechanism releasing β‐d‐glucose 1‐phosphate and d‐glucose. Decreasing potassium ion concentrations significantly reduced thermal and pH stabilities, leading to formation of inactive monomeric Bsel_1207.
Structural differences between the closed and open states of channelrhodopsin‐2 as observed by EPR spectroscopy
Authors: Krause Nils , Engelhard Christopher , Heberle Joachim , Schlesinger Ramona , Bittl Robert
Published: September 2013

Channelrhodopsin is a cation channel with the unique property of being activated by light. To address structural changes of the open state of the channel, two variants, which contain either 1 or 2 wild‐type cysteines, were derivatised with nitroxide spin label and subjected to electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Both variants contained the C128T mutation to trap the long‐lived

urn:x-wiley:00145793:media:feb2s0014579313006753:feb2s0014579313006753-math-si1
state by illumination. Comparison of spin–spin distances in the dark state and after illumination reflect conformational changes in the conductive

urn:x-wiley:00145793:media:feb2s0014579313006753:feb2s0014579313006753-math-si2
state involving helices B and F. Spin distance measurements reveal that channelrhodopsin forms a dimer even in the absence of intermolecular N‐terminal cysteines.
Hepatitis B virus core protein interacts with CD59 to promote complement‐mediated liver inflammation during chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Liu Dong , Ni Bing , Wang Li , Zhang Mengjun , Liu Wei , Wu Yuzhang
Published: September 2013

The inflammatory response mediated by the immune system is the major cause of hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐associated liver injury. Here, we identified CD59, as a novel HBc‐interacting protein in hepatocytes by tandem affinity purification (TAP) screening. The expression of CD59 was markedly down‐regulated in HBc‐transfected HepG2 or HepG2.215 cells, which resulted in an upshift of hepatocyte sensitivity to membrane attack complex (MAC)‐induced cell lysis. These results were consistent with the accumulation of MACs in the liver of HBV‐infected patients. Additional analyses using laser confocal microscopy, quantitative PCR and flow cytometry revealed that CD59 was specifically translocated to the nucleus upon binding to HBc, which induced the down‐regulation of CD59 on both the mRNA and protein levels.
Functional conservation between mammalian MGRN1 and plant LOG2 ubiquitin ligases
Authors: Guerra Damian D. , Pratelli Réjane , Kraft Edward , Callis Judy , Pilot Guillaume
Published: September 2013

Plant LOSS OF GDU 2 (LOG2) and Mammalian Mahogunin Ring Finger 1 (MGRN1) proteins are RING‐type E3 ligases sharing similarity N‐terminal to the RING domain. Deletion of this region disrupts the interaction of LOG2 with the plant membrane protein GLUTAMINE DUMPER1 (GDU1). Phylogenetic analysis identified two clades of LOG2/MGRN1‐like proteins in vertebrates and plants. The ability of MGRN1 to functionally replace LOG2 was tested. MGRN1 ubiquitylates GDU1 in vitro and can partially substitute for LOG2 in the plant, partially restoring amino acid resistance to a GDU1‐myc over‐expression, log2‐2 background. Altogether, these results suggest a conserved function for the N‐terminal domain in evolution.
Conformational change of a unique sequence in a fungal galectin from Agrocybe cylindracea controls glycan ligand‐binding specificity
Authors: Kuwabara Naoyuki , Hu Dan , Tateno Hiroaki , Makyio Hisayoshi , Hirabayashi Jun , Kato Ryuichi
Published: September 2013

A fungal galectin from Agrocybe cylindracea (ACG) exhibits broad binding specificity for β‐galactose–containing glycans. We determined the crystal structures of wild‐type ACG and the N46A mutant, with and without glycan ligands. From these structures and a saccharide‐binding analysis of the N46A mutant, we revealed that a conformational change of a unique insertion sequence containing Asn46 provides two binding modes for ACG, and thereby confers broad binding specificity. We propose that the unique sequence provides these two distinct glycan‐binding modes by an induced‐fit mechanism.
Mitochondrial G protein coupled receptor kinase 2 regulates proinflammatory responses in macrophages
Authors: Sorriento D. , Fusco A. , Ciccarelli M. , Rungi A. , Anastasio A. , Carillo A. , Dorn G.W. , Trimarco B. , Iaccarino G.
Published: September 2013

G‐protein‐coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) levels are elevated in inflammation but its role is not clear yet. Here we show that GRK2 expression is dependent on NFκB transcriptional activity. In macrophages, LPS induces GRK2 accumulation in mitochondria increasing biogenesis. The overexpression of the carboxy‐terminal domain of GRK2 (βARK‐ct), known to displace GRK2 from plasma membranes, induces earlier localization of GRK2 to mitochondria in response to LPS leading to increased mt‐DNA transcription and reduced ROS production and cytokine expression. Our study shows the relevance of GRK2 subcellular localization in macrophage biology and its potential therapeutic properties in inflammation.
A regulatory domain controls the transport activity of a twin‐arginine signal peptide
Authors: Bowman Lisa , Palmer Tracy , Sargent Frank
Published: September 2013

The twin‐arginine translocation (Tat) pathway is used by bacteria for the transmembrane transport of folded proteins. Proteins are targeted to the Tat translocase by signal peptides that have common tripartite structures consisting of polar n‐regions, hydrophobic h‐regions, and polar c‐regions. In this work, the signal peptide of [NiFe] hydrogenase‐1 from Escherichia coli has been studied. The hydrogenase‐1 signal peptide contains an extended n‐region that has a conserved primary structure. Genetic and biochemical approaches reveal that the signal peptide n‐region is essential for hydrogenase assembly and acts as a regulatory domain controlling transport activity of the signal peptide.
The effect of midwifery care on rates of cesarean delivery
Authors: Lawton Beverley A. , Koch Abby , Stanley James , Geller Stacie E.
Published: September 2013

Objective

To examine whether changing to a midwifery‐led maternity service model was associated with a lower national rate of cesarean delivery.

Methods

We analyzed trends in the rate of cesarean delivery per 1000 live births between 1996 and 2010 in New Zealand. Estimates of relative increases in rate were calculated via Poisson regression for several maternal age groups over the study period.

Results

Rates of cesarean delivery increased over the study period, from 156.9 per 1000 live births in 1996 to 235 per 1000 in 2010: a crude increase of 49.8%. Increasing trends were apparent in each age group, with the largest increases occurring before 2003 and relatively stable rates in the subsequent period. The smoothed estimate showed that the increase in cesarean rate across all age groups was 43.7% (95% confidence interval, 41.6–45.8) over the 15‐year period.

Conclusion

A national midwifery‐led care model was not associated with a decreased rate of cesarean delivery but, instead, with an increase similar to that in other high‐resource countries. This indicates that other factors may account for the increase. Further research is needed to examine maternity outcomes associated with different models of maternity care.
Prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes of HIV‐positive women diagnosed with invasive cancer of the cervix in Kenya
Authors: Mungo Chemtai , Cohen Craig R. , Maloba May , Bukusi Elizabeth A. , Huchko Megan J.
Published: September 2013

Objective

To determine the prevalence of invasive cervical cancer (ICC) and assess access to, and outcomes of, treatment for ICC among HIV‐infected women in Kisumu, Kenya.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review to identify women diagnosed with ICC between October 2007 and June 2012, and to examine the impact of a change in the referral protocol. Prior to June 2009, all women with ICC were referred to a regional hospital. After this date, women with stage IA1 disease were offered treatment with loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) in‐clinic.

Results

Of 4308 women screened, 58 (1.3%) were diagnosed with ICC. The mean age at diagnosis was 34 years (range, 22–50 years). Fifty‐four (93.1%) women had stage IA1 disease, of whom 36 (66.7%) underwent LEEP, 7 (12.9%) had a total abdominal hysterectomy, and 11 (20.4%) had unknown or no treatment. At 6, 12, and 24 months after LEEP, 8.0% (2/25), 25.0% (6/24), and 41.2% (7/17) of women had a recurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or worse, respectively.

Conclusion

Most HIV‐positive women diagnosed with ICC through screening had early‐stage disease. The introduction of LEEP in‐clinic increased access to treatment; however, recurrence was high, indicating the need for continued surveillance.
Design of a comprehensive Alzheimer's disease clinic and research center in Spain to meet critical patient and family needs
Authors: Boada Mercè , Tárraga Lluís , Hernández Isabel , Valero Sergi , Alegret Montserrat , Ruiz Agustín , Lopez Oscar L. , Becker James T. ,   Fundació ACE Alzheimer Research Center and Memory Clinic
Published: September 2013

Objectives

Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects people worldwide, and the prevalence is increasing as the population ages. There is an international effort to understand the biology of AD to develop primary and secondary prevention strategies, and to develop effective therapeutic interventions for individuals who are already symptomatic. One of the critically important pieces of all national plans to address AD is the call for the development of service models to deliver quality, effective care based on the best evidence available.

Methods

We describe one type of care model developed by the Fundacio ACE, Institut Catala de Neurociencies Aplicades (Fundacio ACE, Barcelona, Spain) that integrates diagnosis, therapy, follow‐up care, daycare, and a day hospital, and does so in the context of an active clinical research and educational program.

Results

There were 13,048 individuals newly evaluated and diagnosed in Fundacio ACE between 1996 and 2011. Of these, 6132 had AD (47.0%), 3871 had mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (29.7%), and 1958 had no cognitive impairment (15.0%). Follow‐up information is available on 4735 (47.3%) AD and MCI patients, and these data indicate that MCI develops into dementia at a rate of 222.6/1000 person‐years. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotyping was available in 22.4% of the patients. The ε4 allele occurred in 45.7% of the AD patients, in 37.8% of the MCI subjects, and in 31.6% of those without cognitive impairment.

Conclusions

Fundació ACE can serve as a model system that can be adapted to other settings within their specific cultural, governmental, and legal constraints.
Low testosterone and the risk of dementia in elderly men: Impact of age and education
Authors: Carcaillon Laure , Brailly‐Tabard Sylvie , Ancelin Marie‐Laure , Tzourio Christophe , Foubert‐Samier Alexandra , Dartigues Jean‐François , Guiochon‐Mantel Anne , Scarabin Pierre‐Yves
Published: September 2013

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine the association of plasma estradiol and testosterone with risk for dementia in elderly men.

Methods

Within the population based Three‐City study, including 3650 men age 65 years and older, a case–cohort design was set up after 4‐years of follow‐up. Baseline plasma levels of total 17‐β estradiol (Total‐E2), total testosterone (total‐T) and bioavailable testosterone (bio‐T) were measured for all cases of incident dementia (n = 105) and for a random sample of the cohort (n = 413). Cox regression models were used to estimate multivariate steroid sex hormone‐associated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals of dementia.

Results

There was a reverse J‐shaped relationship between total‐T and risk for dementia (P = .007). Compared with the median tertile, the HRs associated with total‐T in the lower and upper tertile were increased (HR, 2.33; P = .026; HR, 1.9, P = .126; respectively). Low bio‐T was associated with a greater risk for dementia (HR for one standard deviation of decreasing log(bio‐T), 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–1.62). An interaction was found between bio‐T and age (P < .0001), and bio‐T and education (P = .044). Risk for dementia associated with low bio‐T was greater in older men (80 years or older) than in younger men (younger than 80 years; HR, 3.11; P = .011 vs. HR, 1.07, P = .715, respectively) and in men with high level of education compared with those with low level of education (HR, 2.32; P = .0002 vs. HR, 0.95; P = .790, respectively). No significant association was found between Total‐E2 and dementia.

Conclusions

Low levels of testosterone are associated with a risk for dementia in elderly men. The association between low bio‐T and dementia may be more relevant to men 80 years or older and men with a high level of education.
Comparison between laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomy: Surgical, oncologic, and functional outcomes
Authors: Liu Zhuo , Wang Ping , Xia Dan , Lou Yang‐Feng , Pan Hua‐Feng , Wang Shuo
Published: September 2013

The surgical, oncologic, and functional outcomes were retrospectively compared of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and open partial nephrectomy (OPN) for the treatment of renal masses. Between January 2006 and November 2011, 115 LPNs and 97 OPNs were performed. The patients' demographics were matched. Their intraoperative and postoperative data, oncologic and renal function outcomes were compared. Surgical time, renal arterial occlusion time, estimated blood loss, and postoperative hospitalization days were shorter in the LPN group (p < 0.01). The total complications were comparable; however, LPN had a higher intraoperative complication due to 12 subcutaneous emphysemas. The LPN group was followed up with a mean time of 29.3 ± 14.4 months and the OPN group with a mean time of 31.2 ± 12.6 months. All patients survived and no distant relapse or metastasis were observed. Kaplan–Meier estimates of 60‐month local recurrence‐free survival were comparable with 92.4% after LPN and 93.8% after OPN, respectively (p = 0.57). The reduction of glomerular filtration rate was more obvious after LPN at the 3‐month follow‐up (p < 0.01), but similar between the two groups at the 30.2‐month follow‐up. LPN provides similar results in oncologic and functional outcomes when compared to OPN. Long‐term observations are still required to the oncologic and function outcomes.
A case of acromegaly complicated with diabetic ketoacidosis, pituitary apoplexy, and lymphoma
Authors: Jiang He‐Jiun , Hung Wei‐Wen , Hsiao Pi‐Jung
Published: September 2013

Acromegaly is always complicated with comorbidities and increased mortality. The disease activity and mortality outcomes are highly correlated to the level of growth hormone and insulin‐like growth factor 1. A variety of clinical manifestations of acromegaly have been reported. We present a unique case where a 49‐year‐old male was diagnosed with acromegaly with a first manifestation as an episode of diabetic ketoacidosis. Because he refused any suggestion of treatment, a recurrent episode of diabetic ketoacidosis with pituitary apoplexy occurred. A huge B‐cell lymphoma displaying as a huge facial mass followed within 1 year of the diagnosis of acromegaly. Death from advanced cancer ensued 3 years later. This clinical experience strongly reinforces the urgency of controlling growth hormone and insulin‐like growth factor 1 as soon as possible once acromegaly is diagnosed.
Relationship between anthropometric indicators and cognitive performance in Southeast Asian school-aged children
Authors: Sandjaja  , Poh Bee Koon , Rojroonwasinkul Nipa , Le Nyugen Bao Khanh , Budiman Basuki , Ng Lai Oon , Soonthorndhada Kusol , Xuyen Hoang Thi , Deurenberg Paul , Parikh Panam
Published: September 2013

Nutrition is an important factor in mental development and, as a consequence, in cognitive performance. Malnutrition is reflected in children's weight, height and BMI curves. The present cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between anthropometric indices and cognitive performance in 6746 school-aged children (aged 6–12 years) of four Southeast Asian countries: Indonesia; Malaysia; Thailand; Vietnam. Cognitive performance (non-verbal intelligence quotient (IQ)) was measured using Raven's Progressive Matrices test or Test of Non-Verbal Intelligence, third edition (TONI-3). Height-for-age z-scores (HAZ), weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ) and BMI-for-age z-scores (BAZ) were used as anthropometric nutritional status indices. Data were weighted using age, sex and urban/rural weight factors to resemble the total primary school-aged population per country. Overall, 21 % of the children in the four countries were underweight and 19 % were stunted. Children with low WAZ were 3·5 times more likely to have a non-verbal IQ < 89 (OR 3·53 and 95 % CI 3·52, 3·54). The chance of having a non-verbal IQ < 89 was also doubled with low BAZ and HAZ. In contrast, except for severe obesity, the relationship between high BAZ and IQ was less clear and differed per country. The odds of having non-verbal IQ levels < 89 also increased with severe obesity. In conclusion, undernourishment and non-verbal IQ are significantly associated in 6–12-year-old children. Effective strategies to improve nutrition in preschoolers and school-aged children can have a pronounced effect on cognition and, in the longer term, help in positively contributing to individual and national development.
Belgian substages as a basis for an international chronostratigraphic division of the Tournaisian and Viséan
Authors: POTY EDOUARD , ARETZ MARKUS , HANCE LUC
Published: September 2013

The Tournaisian and Viséan were formerly considered as series and in Belgium were divided into two (Hastarian and Ivorian) and three stages (Moliniacian, Livian and Warnantian), which are now considered as substages. The Belgian substages are based on conodonts and foraminifers, and incidentally on rugose corals, and are described here. Their boundaries, biostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy are well detailed and clearly defined. The base of the Hastarian (lower Tournaisian) corresponds to the base of the Tournaisian (base of Carboniferous); the base of the Ivorian (upper Tournaisian) corresponds to the appearance of the conodontPolygnathus communis carina, a little above the lastSiphonodella; the base of the Moliniacian (lower Viséan) corresponds to the base of the Viséan stage defined by the first occurrence of the foraminiferEoparastaffella simplex; the Livian (middle Viséan) corresponds to the foraminiferal MFZ12 Zone and is marked by the appearance ofKoskinotextulariaandPojarkovella nibelis; the base of the Warnantian (upper Viséan) is marked by the appearance ofNeoarchaediscus,Vissariotaxis,Planospirodiscus, andPalaeotextulariawith a bilaminar wall, the index taxa of the MFZ13-NeoarchaediscusZone. The up-to-date chronostratigraphic subdivision of the Tournaisian and Viséan is not limited to Belgium and the surrounding areas. It can be applied through Eurasia as far as South China. The Belgian units could therefore be the basis for a future international division of the Tournaisian into two parts (Hastarian and Ivorian) and of the Viséan into three parts (Moliniacian, Livian and Warnantian), corresponding to time intervals ofc.5–8 Ma.
Behavioural changes in the flour beetleTribolium confusuminfected with the spirurid nematodeProtospirura muricola
Authors: Schutgens M. , Cook B. , Gilbert F. , Behnke J.M.
Published: September 2013

We examined changes to the behaviour of flour beetles,Tribolium confusum, infected with the rodent stomach worm, the spiruridProtospirura muricola, in the context of the ‘Behavioural Manipulation Hypothesis’.Trobolium confusuminfected with the third-stage infective larvae ofP. muricolashowed consistently altered patterns of behaviour. Relative to uninfected beetles, over a measured time period, beetles infected withP. muricolawere likely to move over a shorter distance, when moving their speed of movement was slower, they were more likely to stay in the illuminated area of their environment, more likely to emerge from darkened areas into the illuminated areas, and their longevity was significantly shortened. The changes in behaviour, as reflected in effects on speed of movement, were only evident among beetles that actually harboured infective cysts and not among those carrying younger infections when the larvae within their haemocoels would have been at an earlier stage of development and not yet capable of infecting the definitive murine hosts. We discuss whether these changes would have made the beetles more susceptible to predation by rodents, and specifically by the omnivorous eastern spiny mouse,Acomys dimidiatus, the natural definitive host of this parasite in Egypt, from where theP. muricolaisolate originated, and whether they support the Behavioural Manipulation Hypothesis or reflect parasite-induced pathology.
Parasites of the grouper fishEpinephelus coioides(Serranidae) as potential environmental indicators in Indonesian coastal ecosystems
Authors: Kleinertz S. , Palm H.W.
Published: September 2013

A total of 195Epinephelus coioides(Hamilton, 1822) were studied for fish parasites from Javanese (Segara Anakan lagoon) and Balinese waters. Up to 25 different parasite species belonging to the following taxa: one Ciliata, one Microsporea, five Digenea, one Monogenea, four Cestoda, four Nematoda, one Acanthocephala, one Hirudinea and seven Crustacea were identified with four new host and locality records. The dominant parasites included the monogeneanPseudorhabdosynochus lantauensis(53.3–97.1%), the nematodeSpirophilometra endangae(23.3–42.9%), the digeneanDidymodiclinussp. (2.9–40.0%), the nematodesPhilometrasp. (22.6–34.3%) andRaphidascarissp. (2.9–28.6%), and the isopodAlcironasp. (6.7–31.4%). Regional differences forE. coioideswere found in terms of endoparasite diversity, total diversity according to Shannon–Wiener, Simpson index and Evenness. A comparison with published data from Sumatera revealed highest endoparasite diversity (Shannon–Wiener: 1.86/1.67–2.04) and lowest ectoparasite/endoparasite ratio (0.73/0.57–0.88) off the Balinese coast, followed by Lampung Bay, Sumatera (1.84; 0.67), off the coast of Segara Anakan lagoon (1.71; 0.71), and in the lagoon (0.30/0.19–0.66; 0.85/0.67–1.00). The presented data demonstrate the natural range of these parameters and parasite prevalences according to habitat and region, allowing adjustment of the scale that has been used in the visual integration of the parasite parameters into a star graph. The parasite fauna ofE. coioidesin Segara Anakan lagoon ‘improved’ from 2004 until 2008/09, possibly related to earlier oil spill events in 2002 and 2004. The use of grouper fish parasites as an early warning system for environmental change in Indonesian coastal ecosystems is discussed.
Distribution, diversity and abundance of coral communities in the coastal waters of Pakistan
Authors: Ali Amjad , Ormond Rupert , Leujak Wera , Siddiqui Pirzada Jamal A.
Published: September 2013

We assessed the distribution, diversity and abundance of corals in Pakistani waters. A total of 29 hard coral species (eight families and 14 genera), one black coral species and eight soft coral species (three families and seven genera) were recorded from 18 dive sites at nine locations along the coastline. Distribution of hard corals was extremely poor at Mubarak Village and Sandspit, and corals were not found at Goth Abdul Rehman, Gadani (Kuchiani) and Buleji. Moderately rich coral communities were recorded at Churna Island and at more exposed sites around Astola Island. By contrast highly diverse hard coral communities, with up to 80% cover, were found only at the northern sheltered side of Astola Island where Favites complanata, Favites pentagona, Coscinaraea monile and Porites nodifera were the most abundant species. Favites complanata was recorded from most dive sites at Astola Island. Porites nodifera and Pocillopora damicornis, and to a lesser extent Porites harrisoni, Leptastrea pruinosa and Psammocora obtusangulata formed large single species stands. No ‘true’ coral reef was found at any dive site; however, the formation of proto-reefs was evident around Astola Island. Soft corals were dominant at most exposed sites, particularly at Ormara (Roadrigues Shoals) and Jiwani. By comparing diversity with other locations in the region, corals distribution and growth appear to be fairly poor in Pakistan.
Laser irradiation of thin films: Effect of energy transformation
Authors: Povarnitsyn Mikhail E. , Andreev Nikolay E. , Levashov Pavel R. , Khishchenko Konstantin V. , Kim Dmitry A. , Novikov Vladimir G. , Rosmej Olga N.
Published: September 2013

The irradiation of thin films by intensive subpicosecond laser pulses with nanosecond prepulse is accompanied by a number of various physical processes. The laser beam transmissions through the film as well as the re-emission flux on both sides of the film plasma have been evaluated by simulation for Al and CH2 materials. It has been demonstrated that the thickness of the film can be chosen to cut off the long nanosecond prepulse whereas the main pulse is transmitted through the plasma. Thus, thin films can be useful for the laser contrast improvement in experiments with different targets.

Nevertheless, the laser energy transformation into the soft X-ray radiation on the back side of the shielding film plasma can reach up to 7% of the incident intensity for the Al film and result in strong preheating of the target. At the same time the re-emission flux produced by a CH2 film is an order lower than that in the case of Al film. The shielding of an Ag bulk target by Al and CH2 films is simulated and discussed.
Synthesis and X-ray powder diffraction data of cis-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-methyl-6-nitro-2-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline
Authors: Macías M.A. , Henao J.A. , Bohórquez Arnold R. Romero , Kouznetsov Vladimir V.
Published: September 2013

The 2,4-diaryl 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline derivative (1), described in the title (Chemical formula: C23H22N2O3), was synthesized via the “one-pot” three-component imino Diels–Alder reaction catalyzed by Cu(OTf)2. Molecular characterization was performed by 1H and 13C NMR, Fourier transform-infrared, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The X-ray powder diffraction pattern for the title compound was analyzed and found to be crystallized in an orthorhombic system with space group P212121 (No. 19) and refined unit-cell parameters a = 8.6415(8) Å, b = 12.679(2) Å, c = 17.601(2) Å, and V = 1928.4(2) Å3.
Nuclear and charge density distributions in ferroelectric PbTiO3: maximum entropy method analysis of neutron and X-ray diffraction data
Authors: Zhu Jinlong , Han Wei , Zhang Jianzhong , Xu Hongwu , Vogel Sven C. , Jin Changqing , Izumi Fujio , Momma Koichi , Kawamura Yukihiko , Zhao Yusheng
Published: September 2013

We conducted in-situ high-temperature neutron and X-ray diffraction studies on tetragonal PbTiO3. Using a combination of Rietveld analysis and Maximum Entropy Method, the nuclear and charge density distributions were determined as a function of temperature up to 460 °C. The ionic states obtained from charge density distributions reveal that the covalency of Pb–O2 bonds gradually weakens with increasing temperature. The spontaneous polarizations calculated from the contributions of ionic state, ionic displacement, and nuclear polarization, are in good agreement with the experimental measurements. This method provides an effective approach to determine spontaneous polarizations in multiferroics with high-current leakage and low resistance.
A model of a spring-mass-damper system with temperature-dependent friction
Authors: MIGORSKI S. , OCHAL A. , SHILLOR M. , SOFONEA M.
Published: September 2013

This work models and analyses the dynamics of a general spring-mass-damper system that is in frictional contact with its support, taking into account frictional heat generation and a reactive obstacle. Friction, heat generation and contact are modelled with subdifferentials of, possibly non-convex, potential functions. The model consists of a non-linear system of first-order differential inclusions for the position, velocity and temperature of the mass. The existence of a global solution is established and additional assumptions yield its uniqueness. Nine examples of conditions arising in applications, for which the analysis results are valid, are presented.
Barcelona's water supply, 1867–1967: the transition to a modern system
Authors: GUARDIA MANEL , ROSSELLÓ MARIBEL , GARRIGA SERGI
Published: September 2013

The development of modern water supply systems has varied widely in terms of speed, paths and results, and each supply system has been strongly conditioned by its spatial, socio-economic and cultural context. Barcelona provides a useful illustration of how such a modern system came into being in a particularly dynamic southern European setting. Despite being Spain's leading industrial centre, the driving force behind the introduction of its new water supply system did not come from an industrial imperative but rather from the city's expansion plan, approved in 1859, which gave rise to a proliferation of private initiatives. Later, decisive changes around the turn of the twentieth century led to a concentration of water companies, sewer renewal projects and the entry of water into the domestic sphere, and the extension of the water supply to people's homes. The development of a modern water supply system in Barcelona, however, required a period of a hundred years – from 1867, when the first steam-powered pumping station was built, to 1967, when the water from the Ter River transfer reached the city, allowing new consumption patterns to spread rapidly.
Cardiovascular health among Philadelphia adolescents: analysis of youth risk behaviour data, 2011
Authors: Lenhart Clare M. , Manjelievskaia Janna , Echeverri Andrea , Patterson Freda
Published: September 2013

Improving population-level cardiovascular health is a public health priority. Guided by the American Heart Association's metrics for ideal heart health, we examined the prevalence of behavioural heart health indicators using a representative sample of urban adolescents. Less than 1% (0.6%) of the sample had ideal heart health. The alarmingly low percentage of ideal behavioural heart health suggests that primary prevention approaches to address cardiovascular health in youth are warranted.
Catheter ablation of idiopathic ventricular tachycardia in children using the EnSite NavX system with/without fluoroscopy
Authors: Ozyilmaz Isa , Ergul Yakup , Akdeniz Celal , Ozturk Erkut , Tanidir Ibrahim C. , Tuzcu Volkan
Published: September 2013

Objectives

Curative therapy of idiopathic ventricular tachycardia remains a challenge in interventional electrophysiology. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the utility of an EnSite NavX system in the catheter ablation of idiopathic ventricular tachycardia in children.

Patients and methods

In all, 17 children with idiopathic ventricular tachycardia underwent electrophysiological studies using the EnSite NavX system guidance.

Results

The mean patient age was 13 ± 2.4 years (range: 7.8–17.9) and the mean patient weight was 52.3 ± 11.9 kg (range: 32–75). The origin of ventricular tachycardia was in the right ventricular outflow tract in nine patients, in the left ventricle in six, near the bundle of His/right bundle branch in one, and in the left aortic cusp in one. The mean procedure and fluoroscopy times were 169.3 ± 43.2 minutes and 8 ± 10.8 minutes, respectively. No fluoroscopy was used in six patients. The mean radiation exposure was 33.1 ± 56.4 mGy. Acute success was achieved in 14 patients (82%). The focus of ventricular tachycardia was epicardial in two failed procedures. During a mean follow-up of 8.5 ± 7.6 months, ventricular tachycardia recurred in three patients, two of whom underwent a second procedure. Except for one patient who developed transient right bundle branch block, no complications were seen.

Conclusion

Catheter ablation of idiopathic ventricular tachycardia in children can be performed safely and effectively with low fluoroscopy exposure using the EnSite NavX system.
Nanolithography on Graphene by Using Scanning Tunneling Microscopy in a Methanol Environment
Authors: Kim Chulsu , Park Joonkyu , Seo Yongho , Ahn Jinho , Park In-Sung
Published: September 2013

Since it was discovered in 2004, graphene has attracted enormous attention as an emerging material for future devices, but it has been found that conventional lithographic processes based on polymer resist degrade its intrinsic performance. Recently, our group studied a resist-free scanning tunneling microscopy-based lithography in various atmospheres by injecting volatile liquids into a chamber. In this study, multilayer graphene was scanned and etched by controlling bias voltage under methanol pressure. We focused on improving patterning results in terms of depth and line width, while the previous study was performed to find an optimum gas environment for patterning on a graphite surface. Specifically, we report patterning outputs depending on conditions of voltage, current, and pressure. The optimum conditions for methanol environment etching were a gas pressure in the range of 41–50 torr, a −4 V tip bias, and a 2 nA tunneling current.
The role of the keyworker in breaking down professional culture barriers to providing high-quality palliative care: a literature review
Authors: Feuz Carina
Published: September 2013

Background

Palliative cancer care is by definition multi-professional in nature. An interdisciplinary approach to disease management emphasising continuity of care results in increased quality of life for patients and families. Complex disease management demands the provision of a full spectrum of high-quality care; requiring both specialist and generalist services. Appointed keyworkers are knowledgeable about patient preferences enabling effective coordination of care and promotes collaborative team-working. The need for diversity in the provision of palliative care is recommended but can challenge effective interdisciplinary collaboration by creating tension and limiting the interdisciplinary team (IDT) from reaching its full potential resulting in adverse outcomes.

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature available regarding how IDTs and keyworkers influence high-quality palliative care; evaluate how professional culture barriers can influence team collaboration; discuss the keyworker role in minimising these barriers and clinical implications.

Methodology

A review of the English literature from 2003 to 2013 was performed using the databases PubMed (NML), OVID Medline and Google Scholar.

Results and conclusion

Keyworkers can help overcome professional culture barriers that result from ineffective team communication. Facilitating improved communication regarding professional roles fosters mutual understanding among team members. The dissemination of relevant and timely information minimises fragmentation, prompting team decision-making and promotes continuity of high-quality palliative care.
Recognition, feelings of injustice and claim justification: a case study of deaf people's storytelling on the internet
Authors: Maia Rousiley C. M. , Garcêz Regiane L. O.
Published: September 2013

This paper argues that Honneth's theory of recognition opens promising venues for exploring the role of emotion in politics, particularly when issues of injustice are at stake. While endorsing Honneth's view that ‘feelings of injustice’ are an important source for intelligibility of injustice, and that disadvantaged individuals need to build a ‘shared interpretative framework’ in struggles for recognition, this article contends that a more nuanced account of discursive justification is required to deal with dissent and moral disagreement. As a response to this problem, we suggest that Honneth's approach of subjective reaction to injury as violation of conditions to practical identity can be brought together with notions of discursive justification in the Habermasian fashion. Through an empirically based analysis – using storytelling of deaf people gathered in two virtual environments: (a) the website of the main Brazilian organization for deaf persons (FENEIS), and (b) Orkut, an online social network – this paper evinces that subjects not only articulate feelings of injustice or claims for recognition in everyday experience, but also usually engage in interpretation, judgment and justification of such claims. Results show that Honneth's theory of recognition, when articulated with a notion of discursive justification, can better equip scholars concerned with practices that aim to overcome injustice.
Automated extraction of device noise parameters based on multi-frequency, source-pull data
Authors: Colangeli Sergio , Ciccognani Walter , Palomba Mirko , Limiti Ernesto
Published: September 2013

In this paper a novel approach for determining the four noise parameters of FET devices over frequency is presented. Such methodology is made of two parts: the first one allows to straightforwardly extract single-frequency noise parameters from source-pull data; the second one extends this capability to multi-frequency, source-pull data to obtain a full description of device noise behavior over frequency by means of at most 10 constant parameters (depending on the required accuracy). The whole process is automated via a software routine and does not need a previous knowledge of the FET equivalent circuit's topology, or the values of its elements. This peculiarity makes the proposed method very well suited to quick characterization campaigns of active devices, avoiding the burden of a whole set of prior, different measurements and the relevant, critical extraction procedures, which are strongly dependent on the device.
The deSUMOylase SENP7 promotes chromatin relaxation for homologous recombination DNA repair
Authors: Garvin Alexander J , Densham Ruth M , Blair‐Reid Sarah A , Pratt Kenny M , Stone Helen R , Weekes Daniel , Lawrence Kirsty J , Morris Joanna R
Published: September 2013

SUMO conjugation is known to occur in response to double‐stranded DNA breaks in mammalian cells, but whether SUMO deconjugation has a role remains unclear. Here, we show that the SUMO/Sentrin/Smt3‐specific peptidase, SENP7, interacts with the chromatin repressive KRAB‐associated protein 1 (KAP1) through heterochromatin protein 1 alpha (HP1α). SENP7 promotes the removal of SUMO2/3 from KAP1 and regulates the interaction of the chromatin remodeler CHD3 with chromatin. Consequently, in the presence of CHD3, SENP7 is required for chromatin relaxation in response to DNA damage, for homologous recombination repair and for cellular resistance to DNA‐damaging agents. Thus, deSUMOylation by SENP7 is required to promote a permissive chromatin environment for DNA repair.