bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic damage effects of vacuum ultraviolet photons and O2 in SiCOH ultra-low-k dielectric films
Authors: Lee J , Graves D B
Published: October 2010

Damage incurred during plasma processing, leading to increases in dielectric constant k, is a persistent problem with porous ultra-low-k dielectric films, such as SiCOH. Although most of the proposed mechanisms of plasma-induced damage focus on the role of ion bombardment and radical attack, we show that plasma-generated vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photons can play a role in creating damage leading to increases in the dielectric constant of this material. Using a vacuum beam apparatus with a calibrated VUV lamp, we show that 147 nm VUV photons impacting SiCOH results in post-exposure adsorption and reaction with water vapour from the atmosphere to form silanol bonds, thereby raising the dielectric constant. Furthermore, the level of damage increases synergistically under simultaneous exposure to VUV photons and O2. The vacuum beam photon fluences are representative of typical plasma processes, as measured in a separate plasma tool. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy (ex situ) and mass spectrometry (in situ) imply that O2 reacts with methyl radicals formed from scissioned Si–C bonds to create CO2 and H2O, the latter combining with Si dangling bonds to generate more SiOH groups than with photon exposure alone. In addition, sample near-surface diffusivity, manipulated through ion bombardment and sample heating, can be seen to affect this process. These results demonstrate that VUV photo-generated surface reactions can be potent contributors to ultra-low-k dielectric SiCOH film plasma-induced damage, and suggest that they could play analogous roles in other plasma–surface interactions.
Low-pressure gas breakdown in longitudinal combined electric fields
Authors: Lisovskiy V A , Kharchenko N D , Yegorenkov V D
Published: October 2010

This paper contains the complete experimental and analytical picture of gas breakdown in combined electric fields for arbitrary values of rf and dc fields. To obtain it, we continued the study of the discharge ignition modes in nitrogen with simultaneous application of dc and rf electric fields presented in Lisovskiy et al (2008 J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys.
41 125207). To this end, we studied the effect of rf voltage on dc discharge ignition. When we applied an rf voltage exceeding the one corresponding to the minimum breakdown voltage of a self-sustained rf discharge, the curve of dependence of the dc breakdown voltage of a combined discharge on gas pressure was found to consist of two sections. We got the generalized gas breakdown criterion in the combined field valid for arbitrary values of rf and dc electric fields. The calculation results agree with experimental data satisfactorily.
Characteristics of an all gas-phase iodine laser using molecular iodine as atomic iodine donor
Authors: Masuda Taizo , Nakamura Tomonari , Endo Masamori
Published: October 2010

The laser action of an all gas-phase iodine laser (AGIL), which uses molecular iodine as a source of iodine atoms, has been demonstrated. The laser is based on the energy transfer reaction between metastable NCl(a 
1Δ) and ground state I(2P3/2) atoms, which are produced by the electric discharge of a mixture of I2 and He. At fixed flow rates of the chemical species, the laser output powers are measured at three different positions in a flow reactor. The output power is characterized by a function of the optical axis position and is in reasonable agreement with the numerical simulation. A repetitive pulse of laser output at 50 Hz with a duty factor of 40% is observed. The highest output power is 40 mW at 210 mm downstream from the mixing point of I/H/He and NCl3. This is 80% of the output power generated from the conventional system using HI as an iodine donor. The measured results of the time-resolved laser output power suggest that the output power of the I2-AGIL is more sensitive to the electric discharge plasma intensity as compared with that of the HI-AGIL. An AGIL operated using I2 could potentially have the same output power as that of an AGIL operated using HI if a continuous-wave electric discharge generator is used.
Effects of radiative transfer modelling on the dynamics of a propagating electrical discharge
Authors: Kahhali Nicolas , Rivière Philippe , Perrin Marie-Yvonne , Gonnet Jean-Paul , Soufiani Anouar
Published: October 2010

A radiative transfer methodology is developed for the modelling of coupled radiation, hydrodynamic and electromagnetic phenomena in unsteady air plasma flows. Absorption spectra are discretized according to the distribution functions of the absorption coefficients resulting from different types of radiative transitions, and this spectral model is combined with the differential P1 approximation which is shown to predict quite accurately radiative source terms. The study of a propagating electrical arc in a 2D channel shows that radiative transfer modelling significantly affects the shape of the plasma and its dynamics. In particular, when compared with the results from the net emission coefficient method, the arc velocity is found to increase due to radiation absorption in the arc boundaries.
Removal of Wet Deposited Phakopsora pachyrhizi Urediniospores from Soybean Leaves by Subsequent Rainfall
Authors: Dufault N. S. , Isard S. A. , Marois J. J. , Wright D. L.
Published: October 2010

Urediniospores of Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the soybean rust fungus, have a high probability of being removed from a soybean leaf by water runoff associated with subsequent rainfall after wet deposition. The effects of rainfall intensity, subsequent spore-free rainfall duration, and soybean leaf sample height on uredinia density were used to evaluate the retention of urediniospores on soybean leaf tissue. Rainfall simulations of 45 and 85 mm/h were conducted on potted soybean plants that were inoculated with 2 min of urediniospore-injected simulated rainfall and exposed to 0, 1, and 30 min of subsequent spore-free rainfall. Urediniospore retention was estimated using uredinia density values obtained from a detached leaf bioassay for the sample heights of soil level, mid-canopy, and upper-canopy. Soil level leaflets inoculated with the 45 mm/h rainfall intensity treatment had a higher (P < 0.01) mean number of uredinia/cm2 than the 85 mm/h treatment, even though they were inoculated with approximately 40% fewer urediniospores. Subsequent spore-free rainfall reduced (P < 0.01) uredinia density by as much as 38 and 91% for the 1- and 30-min durations, respectively. The relationship between uredinia density proportion and depth of rainfall was best fit using an inverse power empirical model. Our results indicate that a majority of the wet deposited P. pachyrhizi urediniospores would be removed from soybean leaf surfaces by subsequent rainfall, but sufficient percentages of spores (10 to 25%) will likely remain on the leaf tissue long enough to germinate and infect during heavy summer rains lasting ≥30 min.
Detection of Elm Yellows Phytoplasma in Elms and Insects Using Real-Time PCR
Authors: Herath Padmini , Hoover Gregory A. , Angelini Elisa , Moorman Gary W.
Published: October 2010

A rapid and accurate method to detect the common strain of elm yellows (EY) phytoplasma in elm and insect samples was developed using a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure based on the TaqMan minor-groove-binder probe. Primers and probe were designed based on the EY phytoplasma-specific translocation protein secY gene DNA sequence. Success of the DNA extraction procedure was evaluated by amplifying the chloroplast trnL gene of Ulmus americana. The real-time PCR assay reacted positively with EY and EY phytoplasma strain ULW DNA, an isolate which occurs in Europe. It did not cross-react with Illinois EY or aster yellows phytoplasma DNA, both of which are known to occur in elm trees in the United States, nor did it amplify several other phytoplasmas belonging to the 16SrV and other phylogenetic groups. The real-time PCR protocol was used to identify 30 EY-positive elm trees on The Pennsylvania State University, University Park campus. Threshold cycle (CT) values obtained from the EY phytoplasma-infected elm trees ranged from 15 to 37. EY phytoplasma was detected in several leafhopper taxa. This real-time PCR method can be used for the diagnostic screening of elm trees and for the identification of possible insect vectors of EY phytoplasma.
Teaching community program clinicians motivational interviewing using expert and train‐the‐trainer strategies
Authors: Martino Steve , Ball Samuel A. , Nich Charla , Canning‐Ball Monica , Rounsaville Bruce J. , Carroll Kathleen M.
Published: October 2010

Aims  The effectiveness of expert‐led (EX) and train‐the‐trainer (TT) strategies was compared to a self‐study approach (SS) for teaching clinicians motivational interviewing (MI).

Design  Twelve community treatment programs were assigned randomly to the three conditions. EX and TT conditions used skill‐building workshops and three monthly supervision sessions guided by treatment integrity ratings, performance feedback and coaching techniques. Trainers in TT were first trained and certified in MI and then prepared carefully to deliver the workshops and supervise MI at their programs. Clinicians in SS only received the training materials.

Setting  Licensed out‐patient and residential addiction and mental health treatment programs in the US state of Connecticut were involved in the study.

Participants  Ninety‐two clinicians who provided addiction treatment within these programs and had limited experience with MI participated in the study.

Measurements  Primary outcomes were the clinicians' MI adherence and competence and the percentage of clinicians meeting clinical trial standards of MI performance. Assessments occurred at baseline, post‐workshop, post‐supervision and at 12‐week follow‐up.

Findings  The study found EX and TT, in comparison to SS, improved clinicians' adherence and competence significantly, with higher percentages of clinicians reaching clinical trial standards of MI performance and few differences between EX and TT.

Conclusions  This study supports the combined use of workshops and supervision to teach community program clinicians MI and suggests the train‐the‐trainer approach may be a feasible and effective strategy for disseminating empirically supported treatments.
Addiction and dependence in DSM‐V
Authors: O'Brien Charles
Published: October 2010

As preparations for the fifth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) are under way, this paper focuses upon changes proposed for the substance use disorders section. It briefly outlines the history behind the current nomenclature, and the selection of the term ‘dependence’ over ‘addiction’ in earlier versions of the DSM. The term ‘dependence’, while used in past decades to refer to uncontrolled drug‐seeking behavior, has an alternative meaning—the physiological adaptation that occurs when medications acting on the central nervous system are ingested with rebound when the medication is abruptly discontinued. These dual meanings have led to confusion and may have propagated current clinical practices related to under‐treatment of pain, as physicians fear creating an ‘addiction’ by prescribing opioids. In part to address this problem, a change proposed for DSM‐V is to alter the chapter name to ‘Addiction and Related Disorders’, which will include disordered gambling. The specific substance use disorders may be referred to as ‘alcohol use’ or ‘opioid use’ disorders. The criteria for the disorders are likely to remain similar, with the exception of removal of the ‘committing illegal acts’ criterion and addition of a ‘craving’ criterion. The other major change relates to the elimination of the abuse/dependence dichotomy, given the lack of data supporting an intermediate stage. These changes are anticipated to improve clarification and diagnosis and treatment of substance use and related disorders.
Gamma‐butyrolactone (GBL) dependence and withdrawal
Authors: Bell James , Collins Rodney
Published: October 2010

Aim  To describe morbidity associated with gamma‐butyrolactone (GBL) dependence, and outcomes of withdrawal.

Design  Case series.

Setting  Specialist out‐patient clinic and affiliated in‐patient detoxification unit. Patients with home support were offered the option of out‐patient withdrawal management, based on high‐dose diazepam and baclofen, titrated against withdrawal severity in an initial session lasting approximately 4 hours. Patients were then reviewed daily during the first 3 days of treatment, offered weekly follow‐up for 4 weeks, and telephoned 2–4 months later.

Participants  People dependent on GBL seeking detoxification.

Measurements  Drug history and social functioning were obtained by self‐report in clinical interviews with a single clinician. Treatment completion, outcomes and adverse events associated with withdrawal are reported.

Findings  Patients reported impaired social functioning associated with GBL dependence and difficulty in accessing treatment. Nineteen patients commenced detoxification; 17 initially declined admission and were treated as out‐patients. Mean diazepam dose in the first 24 hours was 75 mg (range 40–110 mg). Sixteen patients completed withdrawal, although several had lapses to GBL use during treatment. One patient developed delirium and required transfer to the in‐patient detoxification unit. Most patients had persisting insomnia, anxiety and depression for weeks after withdrawal.

Conclusions  GBL withdrawal can be managed in ambulatory settings, but needs to be backed up with seamless access to in‐patient treatment if required.
Effects of alcohol portrayals in movies on actual alcohol consumption: an observational experimental study
Authors: Koordeman Renske , Anschutz Doeschka J. , van Baaren Rick B. , Engels Rutger C. M. E.
Published: October 2010

Aims  This study uses an experimental design to assess the effects of movie alcohol portrayal on alcohol consumption of young adults while watching a movie. Gender, weekly alcohol use and identification with the movie actor/character were assessed as moderators.

Design  A two (sex) × two (movie: alcohol or no portrayal of alcohol) between‐subject design was used.

Setting  Participants watched a contemporary movie in a semi‐naturalistic living room setting.

Participants  A total of 122 same‐sex, young adult dyads (ages 18–29 years) participated in the experiment.

Measurements  Their actual alcohol consumption while watching was examined. A multivariate regression analysis was used to examine the effects of the movie condition on alcohol consumption.

Findings  Assignment to movie alcohol increased alcohol consumption during the movie for men but not women. Identification and weekly alcohol consumption did not moderate the relation between movie condition and alcohol consumption.

Conclusions  Viewing a movie with alcohol portrayal can lead to higher alcohol consumption in young men while watching the movie.
The price of a drink: levels of consumption and price paid per unit of alcohol by Edinburgh's ill drinkers with a comparison to wider alcohol sales in Scotland
Authors: Black Heather , Gill Jan , Chick Jonathan
Published: October 2010

Aim  To compare alcohol purchasing and consumption by ill drinkers in Edinburgh with wider alcohol sales in Scotland.

Design  Cross‐sectional.

Setting  Two hospitals in Edinburgh in 2008/09.

Participants  A total of 377 patients with serious alcohol problems; two‐thirds were in‐patients with medical, surgical or psychiatric problems due to alcohol; one‐third were out‐patients.

Measurements  Last week's or typical weekly consumption of alcohol: type, brand, units (1 UK unit 8 g ethanol), purchase place and price.

Findings  Patients consumed mean 197.7 UK units/week. The mean price paid per unit was £0.43 (lowest £0.09/unit) (£1 = 1.6 US$ or 1.2€), which is below the mean unit price, £0.71 paid in Scotland in 2008. Of units consumed, 70.3% were sold at or below £0.40/unit (mid‐range of price models proposed for minimum pricing legislation by the Scottish Government), and 83% at or below £0.50/unit proposed by the Chief Medical Officer of England. The lower the price paid per unit, the more units a patient consumed. A continuous increase in unit price from lower to higher social status, ranked according to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (based on postcode), was not seen; patients residing in postcodes in the mid‐quintile paid the highest price per unit. Cheapness was quoted commonly as a reason for beverage choice; ciders, especially ‘white’ cider, and vodka were, at off‐sales, cheapest per unit. Stealing alcohol or drinking alcohol substitutes was only very rarely reported.

Conclusions  Because patients with serious alcohol problems tend to purchase very cheap alcohol, elimination of the cheapest sales by minimum price or other legislation might reduce their consumption. It is unknown whether proposed price legislation in Scotland will encourage patients with serious alcohol problems to start stealing alcohol or drinking substitutes or will reduce the recruitment of new drinkers with serious alcohol problems and produce predicted longer‐term gains in health and social wellbeing.
Strength of urges to smoke as a measure of severity of cigarette dependence: comparison with the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence and its components
Authors: Fidler Jennifer A , Shahab Lion , West Robert
Published: October 2010

Aims  Measuring the strength of urges to smoke during a normal smoking day among smokers in a culture where smoking is restricted could provide a good measure of the severity of cigarette dependence. An important criterion for a measure of cigarette dependence is how well it predicts failure of attempts to stop smoking. This study compared ratings of Strength of Urges to Smoke (SUTS) with the Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and its components, including the Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI).

Design  A longitudinal study involving a household survey of a representative sample of adult smokers at baseline and 6‐month follow‐up by postal questionnaire.

Setting  England.

Participants  A total of 15 740 smokers aged 16 and over underwent the baseline interview; 2593 were followed‐up 6 months later, of whom 513 reported having made a quit attempt following the baseline survey but at least 1 month prior to the follow‐up.

Measurements  SUTS, FTND, HSI, cigarettes per day, time to first cigarette, age, social grade and gender were measured at baseline. Quit attempts since the baseline assessment and self‐reported abstinence were measured at 6‐month follow‐up.

Findings  In logistic regressions, all dependence measures predicted success of subsequent quit attempts, but SUTS had the strongest association (beta for SUTS, FTND and HSI: 0.41: P < 0.001, 0.13: P = 0.005, and 0.19: P = 0.003, respectively). In multiple logistic regressions when SUTS was entered as a predictor of abstinence, together with other dependence measures, it remained as the only predictive dependence measure.

Conclusions  A simple rating of strength of urges on a normal smoking day appears to be a good predictor of at least short‐term quit success in English smokers and as such may be a useful measure of cigarette addiction.
The spectrum of haemostatic characteristics of women with unexplained menorrhagia
Authors: MILLER C. H. , PHILIPP C. S. , STEIN S. F. , KOUIDES P. A. , LUKES A. S. , HEIT J. A. , BYAMS V. R. , DOWLING N. F. , KULKARNI R.
Published: October 2010

Summary.  While an estimated 13% of women with unexplained menorrhagia have von Willebrand disease (VWD), the frequency of other potential bleeding disorders has been uncertain. This study describes the relatively wide range of laboratory characteristics of women with unexplained menorrhagia and presents issues affecting diagnosis in this population. Women with pictorial blood assessment chart (PBAC) score >100 were identified at six U.S. sites and asked to remain drug free for 10 days prior to testing. Blood was collected on one of the first four menstrual cycle days and tested at a central laboratory for procoagulant factors, VWD and fibrinolytic factors. Platelet function testing by PFA‐100® (PFA) and platelet aggregation with ATP release (PAGG/ATPR) were performed locally using standardized methods. Among 232 subjects, a laboratory abnormality was found in 170 (73.3%), including 124 of 182 White (68.1%) and 34 of 37 Black (91.9%) subjects; 6.0% had VWD, 56.0% had abnormal PAGG/ATPR, 4.7% had a non‐VWD coagulation defect (NVCD) and 6.5% had an abnormal PFA only. AGG/ATPR was reduced in 58.9% of subjects, with multiple agonists in 28.6%, a single agonist in 6.1% and ristocetin alone in 24.2%. Frequencies of PAGG/ATPR defects varied by study site and race; frequencies of VWD and NVCD were similar. Laboratory abnormalities of haemostasis, especially platelet function defects, were common among women with unexplained menorrhagia across multiple U.S. sites. To what degree these abnormalities are clinically significant requires further study.
Models to enhance research capacity and capability in clinical nurses: a narrative review
Authors: O’Byrne Louise , Smith Sheree
Published: October 2010

Aim.  To identify models used as local initiatives to build capability and capacity in clinical nurses.

Background.  The National Health Service, Nursing and Midwifery Council and the United Kingdom Clinical Research Collaboration all support the development of the building of research capability and capacity in clinical nurses in the UK.

Design.  Narrative review.

Methods.  A literature search of databases (including Medline and Pubmed) using the search terms nursing research, research capacity and research capability combined with building, development, model and collaboration. Publications which included a description or methodological study of a structured initiative to tackle research capacity and capability development in clinical nurses were selected.

Results.  Three models were found to be dominant in the literature. These comprised evidence‐based practice, facilitative and experiential learning models. Strong leadership, organisational need and support management were elements found in all three models. Methodological issues were evident and pertain to small sample sizes, inconsistent and poorly defined outcomes along with a lack of data.

Conclusions.  Whilst the vision of a research ready and active National Health Service is to be applauded to date, there appears to be limited research on the best approach to support local initiatives for nurses that build research capability and capacity. Future studies will need to focus on well‐defined objectives and outcomes to enable robust evidence to support local initiatives.

Relevance to clinical practice.  To build research capability and capacity in clinical nurses, there is a need to evaluate models and determine the best approach that will provide clinical nurses with research opportunities.
Improving student support using Placement Development Teams: staff and student perceptions
Authors: Williamson Graham R , Callaghan Lynne , Whittlesea Emma , Heath Val
Published: October 2010

Aims and objectives.  To explore the experience of student support prior to the implementation of a new structure for supporting students and mentors in practice placements (Placement Development Teams) for health care professionals. This study reports findings relating to acute sector adult nursing students and staff.

Background.  Clinical practice is essential in pre‐registration health care professional education programmes. The English Model National Partnership Agreement for health care education gives a new impetus to Strategic Health Authorities, Higher Education Institutions and National Health Service Trusts to evaluate and redesign their strategies for student support.

Design.  This study was phase one of a large longitudinal qualitative evaluation of Placement Development Teams’ introduction. The design for this phase was cross‐sectional.

Methods.  Data were collected using telephone interviews with key educational stakeholders in trusts and Strategic Health Authorities and focus groups with third‐year adult nursing students working in six acute sector trusts.

Results.  Five themes emerged from the nursing students’ focus group data. These were (1) Supportive and unsupportive behaviour of staff. (2) Mentor allocation. (3) Placement allocation. (4) Benefits of students to the placement area. (5) Perceived control over the learning experience. Four themes emerged from data analysis of the staff telephone interview data. These were (1) Vision of support services. (2) Proactive versus reactive support. (3) Barriers to achieving proactive support. (4) Bridging the gap between education and the trusts.

Conclusion.  Supporting students in practice is multifaceted and interpersonal and structural factors are important. This study illustrates how student support activity can be redesigned to meet the needs of the Model National Partnership Agreement.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Good mentoring is particularly important for student support. Where there are high student numbers in placement, this can adversely affect students’ placement learning.
Potassium mediates Escherichia coli enzyme IIANtr‐dependent regulation of sigma factor selectivity
Authors: Lee Chang‐Ro , Cho Seung‐Hyon , Kim Hyun‐Jin , Kim Miri , Peterkofsky Alan , Seok Yeong‐Jae
Published: October 2010

An Escherichia coli mutant devoid of enzyme IIANtr (EIIANtr) of the nitrogen PTS is extremely sensitive to leucine‐containing peptides due to decreased expression of acetohydroxy acid synthase. This decreased expression is due to defective potassium homeostasis. We further elucidate here the mechanism for regulation of gene expression by the intracellular level of K+. The leucine hypersensitivity of a ptsN (encoding EIIANtr) mutant was suppressed by deleting rpoS, encoding the stationary phase σ factor. Despite intracellular levels of sigma factors comparable to the wild‐type strain, most of the genes downregulated in a ptsN mutant are controlled by σ70, while all the upregulated genes are controlled by σS, implying that the balance of sigma activities is modified by ptsN deletion. This change of sigma factor activities in the deletion mutant was found to be due to increased levels of K+. In vitro transcription assays demonstrated that a σ70 controlled gene and a σS controlled gene were differentially affected by potassium concentration. Biochemical studies revealed that K+ is responsible for sigma factor competition by differentially influencing the binding of σ70 and σS to core RNA polymerase. Taken together, the data suggest that EIIANtr controls sigma factor selectivity by regulating the intracellular K+ level.
Short spacing between the Shine–Dalgarno sequence and P codon destabilizes codon–anticodon pairing in the P site to promote +1 programmed frameshifting
Authors: Devaraj Aishwarya , Fredrick Kurt
Published: October 2010

Programmed frameshifting in the RF2 gene (prfB) involves an intragenic Shine–Dalgarno (SD) sequence. To investigate the role of SD–ASD pairing in the mechanism of frameshifting, we have analysed the effect of spacing between the SD sequence and P codon on P‐site tRNA binding and RF2‐dependent termination. When the spacing between an extended SD sequence and the P codon is decreased from 4 to 1 nucleotide (nt), the dissociation rate (koff) for P‐site tRNA increases by > 100‐fold. Toeprinting analysis shows that pre‐translocation complexes cannot be formed when the spacer sequence is ≤ 2 nt. Instead, the tRNA added secondarily to fill the A site and its corresponding codon move spontaneously into the P site, resulting in a complex with a 3 nt longer spacer between the SD–ASD helix and the P codon. While close proximity of the SD clearly destabilizes P‐site tRNA, RF2‐dependent termination and EF‐Tu‐dependent decoding are largely unaffected in analogous complexes. These data support a model in which formation of the SD–ASD helix in ribosomes stalled at the in‐frame UGA codon of prfB generates tension on the mRNA that destabilizes codon–anticodon pairing in the P site and promotes slippage of the mRNA in the 5′ direction.
An integrated genome research network for studying the genetics of alcohol addiction
Authors: Spanagel Rainer , Bartsch Dusan , Brors Bendikt , Dahmen Norbert , Deussing Jan , Eils Roland , Ende Gabriele , Gallinat Jürgen , Gebicke‐Haerter Peter , Heinz Andreas , Kiefer Falk , Jäger Willi , Mann Karl , Matthäus Franziska , Nöthen Markus , Rietschel Marcella , Sartorius Alexander , Schütz Günther , Sommer Wolfgang H. , Sprengel Rolf , Walter Henrik , Wichmann Erich , Wienker Thomas , Wurst Wolfgang , Zimmer Andreas
Published: October 2010

Alcohol drinking is highly prevalent in many cultures and contributes to the global burden of disease. In fact, it was shown that alcohol constitutes 3.2% of all worldwide deaths in the year 2006 and is linked to more than 60 diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular diseases, liver cirrhosis, neuropsychiatric disorders, injuries and foetal alcohol syndrome. Alcoholism, which has been proven to have a high genetic load, is one potentially fatal consequence of chronic heavy alcohol consumption, and may be regarded as one of the most prevalent neuropsychiatric diseases afflicting our society today. The aim of the integrated genome research network ‘Genetics of Alcohol Addiction’—which is a German inter‐/trans‐disciplinary life science consortium consisting of molecular biologists, behavioural pharmacologists, system biologists with mathematicians, human geneticists and clinicians—is to better understand the genetics of alcohol addiction by identifying and validating candidate genes and molecular networks involved in the aetiology of this pathology. For comparison, addictive behaviour to other drugs of abuse (e.g. cocaine) is studied as well. Here, we present an overview of our research consortium, the current state of the art on genetic research in the alcohol field, and list finally several of our recently published research highlights. As a result of our scientific efforts, better insights into the molecular and physiological processes underlying addictive behaviour will be obtained, new targets and target networks in the addicted brain will be defined, and subsequently, novel and individualized treatment strategies for our patients will be delivered.
Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography for the accurate diagnosis of biliary complications after liver transplantation: comparison with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography – long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Katz L. H. , Benjaminov O. , Belinki A. , Geler A. , Braun M. , Knizhnik M. , Aizner S. , Shaharabani E. , Sulkes J. , Shabtai E. , Pappo O. , Atar E. , Tur‐Kaspa R. , Mor E. , Ben‐Ari Z.
Published: October 2010

Katz LH, Benjaminov O, Belinki A, Geler A, Braun M, Knizhnik M, Aizner S, Shaharabani E, Sulkes J, Shabtai E, Pappo O, Atar E, Tur‐Kaspa R, Mor E, Ben‐Ari Z. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography for the accurate diagnosis of biliary complications after liver transplantation: comparison with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography – long‐term follow‐up. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: E163–E169. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Biliary complications after liver transplantation remain a serious cause of morbidity and mortality. Direct invasive cholangiographic techniques, endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERCP) or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC), have procedure‐related complications. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is non‐invasive, safe, and accurate. The aim of this study was to evaluate MRCP in detecting biliary complications following liver transplantation and comparing findings with ERCP and PTC. Twenty‐seven consecutive liver transplant recipients who presented with clinical and biochemical, ultrasonographic, or histological evidence of biliary complications were evaluated with MRCP. Patients were followed up for a median period of 36 months. The presence of a biliary complication was confirmed in 18 patients (66.6%): anastomotic biliary stricture in 12 (66.6%); diffuse intrahepatic biliary stricture in 5 (27.7%): ischemic (n = 3), recurrence of primary sclerosing cholangitis (n = 2), and choledocholithiasis in one. In nine patients (33.3%), MRCP was normal. Six patients underwent ERCP, and eight PTC. There was a statistically significant correlation between the MRCP and both ERCP and PTC (p = 0.01) findings. The sensitivity and specificity of the MRCP were 94.4% and 88.9%, respectively, and the positive and negative predictive values, 94.4% and 89.9%, respectively. MRCP is an accurate imaging tool for the assessment of biliary complications after liver transplantation. We recommend that MRCP be the diagnostic imaging modality of choice in this setting, reserving direct cholangiography for therapeutic procedures.
Molecular genetic diversity and population structure of a selected core set in garlic and its relatives using novel SSR markers
Authors: Zhao W.‐G. , Chung J.‐W. , Lee G.‐A. , Ma K.‐H. , Kim H.‐H. , Kim K.‐T. , Chung I.‐M. , Lee J.‐K. , Kim N.‐S. , Kim S.‐M. , Park Y.‐J.
Published: October 2010

With 7 figures and 6 tables

Garlic is widely consumed for its culinary and medical benefits. Six hundred and thirteen accessions of garlic and its relatives with diverse origin were evaluated for genetic diversity at eight recently novel simple sequence repeat loci in this study. A total of 113 alleles were detected, the average allelic richness was 14.1 alleles per locus. Using a heuristic approach, a core set of 95 accessions was successfully developed, which showed 100% coverage of alleles with minimum redundancy. The model‐based structure analysis here revealed the presence of four subpopulations in the selected core set, which was basically consistent with clustering based on the genetic distance. The analysis of molecular variance based on this core set showed that between‐population component of genetic variance is <15.6% in contrast to 84.4% for the within population component. Overall FST value was 0.1560, indicating a moderate differentiation among the four groups. These results will provide an effective aid for future allele mining, association genetics, mapping and cloning gene(s), germplasm conservation, and improvement programs.
Plum pox virus (sharka) sensitivity in Prunus salicina and Prunus cerasifera cultivars against a Dideron‐type isolate
Authors: Rubio M. , García‐Ibarra A. , Dicenta F. , Martínez‐Gómez P.
Published: October 2010

With 1 table

The behaviour of 31 plum cultivars (Prunus salicina, Prunus cerasifera, P. domestica, P. cerasifera × P. salicina and P. salicina × P. armeniaca) against a Dideron‐type isolate of Plum pox virus (PPV) (sharka) was evaluated in an insect‐proof greenhouse, grafted onto ‘Adesoto’ diseased rootstocks, during three growing cycles. All plum cultivars showed the symptoms of sharka or were ELISA positive in at least one of the replications evaluated. However, the behaviour of cultivars was different. Most of the Japanese plums were very sensitive or sensitive, showing strong sharka symptoms and being ELISA positive. Only the Japanese plums ‘Black Star’, ‘Calita’, and ‘Laroda’ showed tolerance to PPV, with mild sharka symptoms and a very low percentage of infected plants. In addition, among the four P. cerasifera studied, ‘J9’ was very sensitive, ‘Kometa’ was sensitive, and ‘P16’and ‘P2980’ were tolerant to sharka. Finally, the inter‐specific hybrids ‘J300’ and ‘Flavor Supreme’ were sensitive, and ‘Obilnaya’ was tolerant to the disease.
Interspecific gene flow and the origin of semi‐wild soybean revealed by capturing the natural occurrence of introgression between wild and cultivated soybean populations
Authors: Wang K‐J. , Li X‐H.
Published: October 2010

With 6 figures and 4 tables

The cultivated soybean is domesticated from the wild soybean. Nevertheless, the origin of a semi‐wild‐type (Glycine gracilis) intermediate in morphology between the wild and cultivated species has not been very clearly established. The current hypothesis is that it is formed by hybridization between wild and cultivated soybeans. However, this theory is based on molecular data and lacks undisputed evidence, owing to no actual insight into the morphological behaviour of the occurrence of natural introgression. Phenotypic evidence is required in addition to molecular analyses. We investigated wild and cultivated soybean populations and captured the process of natural introgression between wild and cultivated soybeans as the direct and crucial evidence for the interspecific gene flow. Normal wild and cultivated soybean seeds from natural and cultivated populations generated G. gracilis‐type plants, which revealed the speciation of G. gracilis type. Our results demonstrated that the semi‐wild soybean type originated from reciprocal hybridizations between wild and cultivated soybeans. Phenotypically different cytoplasmic impacts between the wild and cultivated cytoplasmic genomes occurred in G. gracilis.
Use of measures of socioeconomic deprivation in planning primary health care workforce and defining health care need in Australia
Authors: Butler Danielle C. , Petterson Stephen , Bazemore Andrew , Douglas Kirsty A.
Published: October 2010

Objective:  To examine whether measures of remoteness areas adequately reveal high need populations, measured against socioeconomic disadvantage and physician to population ratios.

Design:  Exploratory spatial analysis of relationships between remoteness areas, medical workforce supply and the index of relative socioeconomic disadvantage (IRSD). Bivariate analyses examined associations between remoteness areas and IRSD. From this analysis, a composite score of deprivation was constructed combining measures of remoteness areas, physician to population ratios and IRSD, and validated against health outcome measures. These measures included avoidable mortality per 100 000, risk behaviour rate per 1000, diabetes rate per 1000. All analyses were conducted at the statistical local area level and weighted to be population representative.

Results:  The percentage of small areas and populations within the most socioeconomically disadvantaged quintile rose with increasing remoteness. However, 12.8% of small areas within major cities and 40.7% of outer regional areas were also within the lowest socioeconomic quintile. There was a strong relationship between our composite score of deprivation and avoidable mortality, risk rate, diabetes rate and per cent Indigenous. Regression analysis examined the relationship between each element of the composite score and health outcomes. This revealed that the association between avoidable mortality and remoteness was lost after controlling for per cent Indigenous.

Conclusions:  Using remoteness areas alone to prioritise workforce incentive programs and training requirements has significant limitations. Including measures of socioeconomic disadvantage and workforce supply would better target health inequities and improve resource allocation in Australia.
From ‘problem‐describing’ to ‘problem‐solving’: Challenging the ‘deficit’ view of remote and rural health
Authors: Bourke Lisa , Humphreys John S. , Wakerman John , Taylor Judy
Published: October 2010

Objective:  Rural and remote health research has highlighted the many problems experienced in the bush. While attention to problems has raised awareness of the needs of rural and remote health, embedding a deficit perspective in research has stereotyped rural and remote health as poor environments to work in and as inherently problematic. The objectives of this paper are to challenge this thinking and suggest that a more balanced approach, acknowledging strengths, is beneficial.

Design:  This discussion identifies why the deficit approach is problematic, proposes a strengths‐based approach and identifies some key strengths of rural and remote health.

Results:  This study suggests alternative ways of thinking about rural and remote practice, including the rewards of rural and remote practice, that rural and remote communities can act as change agents, that these disciplines actively address the social determinants of health, that rural and remote areas have many innovative primary health care services and activities and that rural and remote contexts provide opportunities for evaluation and research. It is proposed that rural and remote health can be viewed as problem‐solving, thus dynamic and improving rather than as inherently problematic.

Conclusion:  Critical of a deficit approach to rural and remote health, this paper provides alternatives ways of thinking about these disciplines and recommends a problem‐solving perspective of rural and remote health.
Knockdown of orexin type 1 receptor in rat locus coeruleus increases REM sleep during the dark period
Authors: Chen Lichao , McKenna James T. , Bolortuya Yunren , Winston Stuart , Thakkar Mahesh M. , Basheer Radhika , Brown Ritchie E. , McCarley Robert W.
Published: October 2010

The locus coeruleus (LC) regulates sleep/wakefulness and is densely innervated by orexinergic neurons in the lateral hypothalamus. Here we used small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to test the role of LC orexin type 1 receptor (OxR1) in sleep–wake control. In sleep studies, bilateral OxR1 siRNA injections led to an increase of time spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which was selective for the dark (active) period, peaked at approximately 30% of control during the second dark period after injection and then disappeared after 4 days. Cataplexy‐like episodes were not observed. The percentage time spent in wakefulness and non‐REM (NREM) sleep and the power spectral profile of NREM and REM sleep were unaffected. Control animals, injected with scrambled siRNA, had no sleep changes after injection. Quantification of the knockdown revealed that unilateral microinjection of siRNAs targeting OxR1 into the rat LC on two consecutive days induced a 45.5% reduction of OxR1 mRNA in the LC 2 days following the injections when compared with the contralateral side receiving injections of control (scrambled) siRNAs. This reduction disappeared 4 days after injection. Similarly, unilateral injection of OxR1 siRNA into the LC revealed a marked (33.5%) reduction of OxR1 staining 2 days following injections. In contrast, both the mRNA level and immunohistochemical staining for tyrosine hydroxylase were unaffected. The results indicate that a modest knockdown of OxR1 is sufficient to induce observable sleep changes. Moreover, orexin neurons, by acting on OxR1 in the LC, play a role in the diurnal gating of REM sleep.
Deep brain stimulation for the treatment of vegetative state
Authors: Yamamoto Takamitsu , Katayama Yoichi , Kobayashi Kazutaka , Oshima Hideki , Fukaya Chikashi , Tsubokawa Takashi
Published: October 2010

One hundred and seven patients in vegetative state (VS) were evaluated neurologically and electrophysiologically over 3 months (90 days) after the onset of brain injury. Among these patients, 21 were treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS). The stimulation sites were the mesencephalic reticular formation (two patients) and centromedian–parafascicularis nucleus complex (19 cases). Eight of the patients recovered from VS and were able to obey verbal commands at 13 and 10 months in the case of head trauma and at 19, 14, 13, 12, 12 and 8 months in the case of vascular disease after comatose brain injury, and no patients without DBS recovered from VS spontaneously within 24 months after brain injury. The eight patients who recovered from VS showed desynchronization on continuous EEG frequency analysis. The Vth wave of the auditory brainstem response and N20 of the somatosensory evoked potential could be recorded, although with a prolonged latency, and the pain‐related P250 was recorded with an amplitude of > 7 μV. Sixteen (14.9%) of the 107 VS patients satisfied these criteria in our electrophysiological evaluation, 10 of whom were treated with DBS and six of whom were not treated with DBS. In these 16 patients, the recovery rate from VS was different between the DBS therapy group and the no DBS therapy group (P < 0.01, Fisher’s exact probability test) These findings indicate that DBS may be useful for the recovery of patients from VS if the candidates are selected on the basis of electrophysiological criteria.
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome and deep brain stimulation
Authors: Hariz Marwan I. , Robertson Mary M.
Published: October 2010

Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (GTS) is characterized by multiple motor and one or more vocal/phonic tics. Psychopathology and co‐morbidity occur in approximately 80–90% of clinical cohorts. The most common psychopathologies are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive‐compulsive behaviours, obsessive‐compulsive disorder, depression, anxiety and certain behavioural disorders. In severe GTS patients who are refractory to medication and other therapies, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is investigated. To date there have been some 50–55 patients who have received DBS in 19 centres worldwide. Nine different brain targets in the thalamus, the pallidum, and the ventral caudate and anterior internal capsule have been stimulated. This paper reviews critically and in detail all studies published to date. Only two studies on just a few patients fulfil some of the evidence‐based criteria. DBS for GTS is therefore still highly experimental.
Central thalamic deep brain stimulation for cognitive neuromodulation – a review of proposed mechanisms and investigational studies
Authors: Shah Sudhin A. , Schiff Nicholas D.
Published: October 2010

We review the history of efforts to apply central thalamic deep brain stimulation (CT/DBS) to restore consciousness in patients in a coma or vegetative state by changing the arousal state. Early experimental and clinical studies, and the results of a recent single‐subject human study that demonstrated both immediate behavioral facilitation and carry‐over effects of CT/DBS are reviewed. We consider possible mechanisms underlying CT/DBS effects on cognitively‐mediated behaviors in conscious patients in light of the anatomical connectivity and physiological specializations of the central thalamus. Immediate and carry‐over effects of CT/DBS are discussed within the context of possible effects on neuronal plasticity and gene expression. We conclude that CT/DBS should be studied as a therapeutic intervention to improve impaired cognitive function in severely brain‐injured patients who, in addition to demonstrating clinical evidence of consciousness and goal‐directed behavior, retain sufficient preservation of large‐scale cerebral networks within the anterior forebrain. Although available data provide evidence for proof‐of‐concept, very significant challenges for study design and development of CT/DBS for clinical use are identified.
Tell me what you eat and I’ll tell you when you fly: diet can predict phenological changes in response to climate change
Authors: Altermatt Florian
Published: October 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 1475–1484

Changes in phenology are correlated with climate change. However, we still struggle to understand the traits making species susceptible to climate change, and the implications of species’ reactions for communities and food webs. Butterflies and moths are an ecologically important group that have shown pronounced phenological changes over the last decades. Tests using a > 150‐year dataset from 566 European butterfly and moth species demonstrated that variation in phenological change was strongly related to traits describing plant–herbivore interactions (larval diet breadth, diet composition), and the life cycle. The results indicate that climate change related shifts in phenology are correlated with the seasonal availability and palatability of food plants. Lepidopterans feeding on herbaceous plants showed smaller shifts in flight periods but larger increases in voltinism than lepidopterans feeding on woody plants. Consequently, the effect of herbivorous lepidopterans may increase in herb‐rich grassland ecosystems under warmer conditions, and not in forest ecosystems.