bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fusion activation by a headless parainfluenza virus 5 hemagglutinin-neuraminidase stalk suggests a modular mechanism for triggering
Authors: Bose Sayantan , Zokarkar Aarohi , Welch Brett D. , Leser George P. , Jardetzky Theodore S. , Lamb Robert A.
Published: September 2012

The Paramyxoviridae family of enveloped viruses enters cells through the concerted action of two viral glycoproteins. The receptor-binding protein, hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN), H, or G, binds its cellular receptor and activates the fusion protein, F, which, through an extensive refolding event, brings viral and cellular membranes together, mediating virus–cell fusion. However, the underlying mechanism of F activation on receptor engagement remains unclear. Current hypotheses propose conformational changes in HN, H, or G propagating from the receptor-binding site in the HN, H, or G globular head to the F-interacting stalk region. We provide evidence that the receptor-binding globular head domain of the paramyxovirus parainfluenza virus 5 HN protein is entirely dispensable for F activation. Considering together the crystal structures of HN from different paramyxoviruses, varying energy requirements for fusion activation, F activation involving the parainfluenza virus 5 HN stalk domain, and properties of a chimeric paramyxovirus HN protein, we propose a simple model for the activation of paramyxovirus fusion.
Role of SystemicAgrobacterium tumefaciensPopulations in Crown Gall Incidence on the Walnut Hybrid Rootstock ‘Paradox’
Authors: Yakabe L. E. , Parker S. R. , Kluepfel D. A.
Published: September 2012

Greater than 75% of English walnut production in the United States occurs on the walnut rootstock Juglans hindsii × J. regia ‘Paradox’, which is highly susceptible to infection by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. When seed were germinated and grown in the presence of A. tumefaciens, in the absence of wounding, 94% of the seedlings exhibited tumors while 89% contained systemic A. tumefaciens populations. When seedlings were wound inoculated, A. tumefaciens established endophytic populations in stem tissue and often migrated from the site of infection. Distribution of A. tumefaciens in the stem was random and may exhibit seasonal variation. A. tumefaciens populations in root tissue were more readily detected than in stem tissue and may serve as a reservoir for subsequent infection of the aerial portions of the tree. Importantly, 7% of inoculated, asymptomatic seedlings contained endophytic populations of A. tumefaciens. In all, 17% of seedlings inoculated as seeds developed galls at secondary stem-wound sites. These results provide an ecological and epidemiological foundation upon which to modify existing tree-handling practices in both nursery and orchard production environments to manage crown gall incidence.
Mathematical modelling of elastoplasticity at high stress
Authors: Howell P. D. , Ockendon H. , Ockendon J.R.
Published: September 2012

This study describes a simple mathematical model for one-dimensional elastoplastic wave propagation in a metal in the regime where the applied stress greatly exceeds the yield stress. Attention is focused on the increasing ductility that occurs in the over-driven limit when the plastic wave speed approaches the elastic wave speed. Our model predicts that a plastic compression wave is unable to travel faster than the elastic wave speed, and instead splits into a compressive elastoplastic shock followed by a plastic expansion wave.
Rapid evolution ofWolbachiaincompatibility types
Authors: Duron Olivier , Bernard Jennifer , Atyame Célestine M. , Dumas Emilie , Weill Mylène
Published: September 2012

In most insects, the endosymbiontWolbachiainduces cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), an embryonic mortality observed when infected males mate either with uninfected females or with females infected by an incompatibleWolbachiastrain. Although the molecular mechanism of CI remains elusive, it is classically viewed as a modification–rescue model, in which aWolbachia modfunction disables the reproductive success of the sperm of infected males, unless eggs are infected and express a compatiblerescfunction. The extent to which the modification–rescue model can predict highly complex CI pattern remains a challenging issue. Here, we show the rapid evolution of themod–rescsystem in theCulex pipiensmosquito. We have surveyed four incompatible laboratory isofemale lines over 50 generations and observed in two of them that CI has evolved from complete to partial incompatibility (i.e. the production of a mixture of compatible and incompatible clutches). Emergence of the new CI types depends only onWolbachiadeterminants and can be simply explained by the gain of newrescfunctions. Evolution of CI types inCx. pipiensthus appears as a gradual process, in which one or severalrescfunctions can coexist in the same individual host in addition to the ones involved in the self-compatibility. Our data identified CI as a very dynamic process. We suggest that ancestral and mutantWolbachiaexpressing distinctrescfunctions can co-infect individual hosts, opening the possibility for themodfunctions to evolve subsequently. This gives a first clue towards the understanding of howWolbachiareached highly complex CI pattern in host populations.
Copy number variation leads to considerable diversity for B but not A haplotypes of the human KIR genes encoding NK cell receptors
Authors: Jiang Wei , Johnson Chris , Jayaraman Jyothi , Simecek Nikol , Noble Janelle , Moffatt Miriam F. , Cookson William O. , Trowsdale John , Traherne James A.
Published: September 2012

The KIR complex appears to be evolving rapidly in humans, and more than 50 different haplotypes have been described, ranging from four to 14 KIR loci. Previously it has been suggested that most KIR haplotypes consist of framework genes, present in all individuals, which bracket a variable number of other genes. We used a new technique to type 793 families from the United Kingdom and United States for both the presence/absence of all individual KIR genes as well as copy number and found that KIR haplotypes are even more complex. It is striking that all KIR loci are subject to copy number variation (CNV), including the so-called framework genes, but CNV is much more frequent in KIR B haplotypes than KIR A haplotypes. These two basic KIR haplotype groups, A and B, appear to be following different evolutionary trajectories. Despite the great diversity, there are 11 common haplotypes, derived by reciprocal recombination near KIR2DL4, which collectively account for 94% of KIR haplotypes determined in Caucasian samples. These haplotypes could be derived from combinations of just three centromeic and two telomeric motifs, simplifying disease analysis for these haplotypes. The remaining 6% of haplotypes displayed novel examples of expansion and contraction of numbers of loci. Conventional KIR typing misses much of this additional complexity, with important implications for studying the genetics of disease association with KIR that can now be explored by CNV analysis.
Transcutaneous immunotherapy via laser‐generated micropores efficiently alleviates allergic asthma in Phl p 5–sensitized mice
Authors: Bach D. , Weiss R. , Hessenberger M. , Kitzmueller S. , Weinberger E. E. , Krautgartner W. D. , Hauser‐Kronberger C. , Boehler C. , Thalhamer J. , Scheiblhofer S.
Published: September 2012

Background

Specific immunotherapy via the subcutaneous or oral route is associated with local and, in some cases, systemic side effects and suffers from low patient compliance. Due to its unique immunological features, the skin represents a promising target tissue for effective and painless treatment of type I allergy. The current study was performed to compare the efficacy of transcutaneous immunotherapy via laser‐generated micropores to subcutaneous injection.

Methods

BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of recombinant grass pollen allergen Phl p 5 together with alum. Subsequently, lung inflammation was induced by repeated intranasal challenge. During the treatment phase, adjuvant‐free Phl p 5 was applied in solution to microporated skin or was subcutaneously injected. Lung function and cellular infiltration; Phl p 5–specific serum levels of IgG1, IgG2a, and IgE; and cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids as well as in supernatants of splenocyte cultures were assessed.

Results

Both therapeutic approaches reduced airway hyperresponsiveness and leukocyte infiltration into the lungs. Whereas subcutaneous immunotherapy induced a systemic increase in Th2‐associated cytokine secretion, transcutaneous application revealed a general downregulation of Th1/Th2/Th17 responses. Successful therapy was associated with induction of IgG2a and an increase in FOXP3+ CD4+ T cells.

Conclusions

Transcutaneous immunotherapy via laser microporation is equally efficient compared with conventional subcutaneous treatment but avoids therapy‐associated boosting of systemic Th2 immunity. Immunotherapy via laser‐microporated skin combines a painless application route with the high efficacy known from subcutaneous injections and therefore represents a promising alternative to established forms of immunotherapy.
Immunohistochemical analysis of the monoclonal antibody 4B5 in breast tissue expressing human epidermal growth factor receptor 4 (HER4)
Authors: Jay Julie I , Brunhoeber Patrick S , Smith Margie H , Williams Ryan R , Sugarman Michael C , Free Heather L , Tast David E
Published: September 2012

Aims

A recent study examining the specificity of human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) 2 pharmacodiagnostic antibodies demonstrated that CB11 and 4B5 stain both HER2‐transfected and HER4‐transfected cell lines. However, there has been no evidence showing that 4B5 has affinity for HER4 in clinically obtained tissues, and, if so, whether this has any impact on the assessment of HER2. We therefore sought to determine the expression of membrane‐bound HER4 in clinical breast carcinomas, and evaluate its impact on the clinical utility of 4B5 in determining HER2 status.

Methods and results

Breast carcinomas were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for membrane‐bound HER4 using anti‐HER4 clone E200. HER2 expression in these cases was then assessed using anti‐HER2 clone 4B5, and a reference clone, SP3. In all 117 membrane HER4‐positive cases (out of 241), 4B5 scored equal to or less than the reference anti‐HER2 clone SP3. Eighteen cases were positive for membrane‐bound HER4 by E200 and negative by 4B5, including a membrane HER4 level 3+ case.

Conclusions

No cross‐reactivity of 4B5 with membrane‐bound HER4 was identified in the clinical IHC analysis of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded breast carcinoma cases as evidenced by the HER4 antibody clone E200.
Identification of stock components using morphological markers
Authors: McAdam B. J. , Grabowski T. B. , Marteinsdóttir G.
Published: September 2012

This study investigated the development of a quantitative method for distinguishing stock components of Icelandic cod Gadus morhua based on visual examination of morphology. The stock is known to be structured into genetically distinct geographic components (north and south of Iceland) and behavioural types that spawn sympatrically. Differences in morphology were tested between locations, genotypes (a proxy for behaviour) and sexes. Results show morphological markers on the head, fins and body of G. morhua that are correlated with the sex, genotype of the fish at the pantophysin (pan‐I) locus and the location at which the fish were caught. Females were found to have relatively deep bodies, and the pan‐IBB genotype (associated with deep‐water feeding behaviour) have greater gaps between their fins. Overall, morphology is more useful for distinguishing sympatric genotypes but less powerful at identifying genetically distinct geographic sub‐populations, perhaps because counter‐gradient evolution reduces phenotypic differences even with an underlying genetic cause.
TALE1 from Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis acts as a transcriptional activator in plant cells and is important for pathogenicity in cassava plants
Authors: Castiblanco Luisa F. , Gil Juliana , Rojas Alejandro , Osorio Daniela , Gutiérrez Sonia , Muñoz‐Bodnar Alejandra , Perez‐Quintero Alvaro L. , Koebnik Ralf , Szurek Boris , López Camilo , Restrepo Silvia , Verdier Valérie , Bernal Adriana J.
Published: September 2012

Many plant‐pathogenic bacteria suppress pathogen‐associated molecular pattern (PAMP)‐triggered immunity by injecting effector proteins into the host cytoplasm during infection through the type III secretion system (TTSS). This type III secretome plays an important role in bacterial pathogenicity in susceptible hosts. Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis (Xam), the causal agent of cassava bacterial blight, injects several effector proteins into the host cell, including TALE1Xam. This protein is a member of the Transcriptional Activator‐Like effector (TALE) protein family, formerly known as the AvrBs3/PthA family. TALE1Xam has 13.5 tandem repeats of 34 amino acids each, as well as two nuclear localization signals and an acidic activation domain at the C‐terminus. In this work, we demonstrate the importance of TALE1Xam in the pathogenicity of Xam. We use versions of the gene that lack different domains in the protein in structure–function studies to show that the eukaryotic domains at the 3′ end are critical for pathogenicity. In addition, we demonstrate that, similar to the characterized TALE proteins from other Xanthomonas species, TALE1Xam acts as a transcriptional activator in plant cells. This is the first report of the identification of a TALE in Xam, and contributes to our understanding of the pathogenicity mechanisms employed by this bacterium to colonize and cause disease in cassava.
Improving clinical outcomes for naltrexone as a management of problem alcohol use
Authors: Hulse Gary K.
Published: September 2012

Despite being a relatively effective and safe treatment, the clinical management of alcohol abuse/dependence by oral naltrexone can be compromised due to the patient's non‐compliance with daily use of this medication. Over the past decade an increasing body of research has suggested that the use of sustained release depot naltrexone preparations can overcome this issue and deliver improved clinical outcomes. However, at the same time, research findings from diverse areas of pharmacogenetics, neurobiology and behavioural psychology have also been converging to identify variables including genetic markers, patient psychosocial characteristics and drug use history differences, or clusters of these variables that play a major role in mediating the response of alcohol abuse/dependent persons to treatment by naltrexone. While this article does not attempt to review all available data pertaining to an individual alcohol dependent patient's response to treatment by naltrexone, it does identify relevant research areas and highlights the importance of data arising from them. The characterization of clinical markers, to identify those patients who are most likely to benefit from naltrexone and to tailor a more individual naltrexone treatment, will ultimately provide significant benefit to both patients and clinicians by optimizing treatment outcome.
Ultraviolet irradiation is an effective alternative to ozonation as a sea water treatment to prevent Kudoa neurophila (Myxozoa: Myxosporea) infection of striped trumpeter, Latris lineata (Forster)
Authors: Cobcroft J M , Battaglene S C
Published: September 2012

Myxozoan parasites are known pathogens of cultured finfish. Kudoa neurophila n. comb. (Grossel, Dyková, Handlinger & Munday) has historically infected hatchery‐produced striped trumpeter, Latris lineata (Forster in Bloch and Schneider), a candidate species for seacage aquaculture in Australia. We examined the efficacy of four water treatment methods to prevent K. neurophila infection in post‐larval (paperfish) and juvenile striped trumpeter. Treatments included dose‐controlled ultraviolet irradiation [hydro‐optic disinfection (HOD)], ozone with conventional UV (ozone), mechanical filtration at 25 μm and then foam fractionation (primary filtration), and 50‐μm‐filtered sea water (control). In post‐larvae (initially 10.3 ± 2.7 g, mean ± SD, 259 days post‐hatching, dph), the infection prevalence (PCR test) after 51 days was 93 ± 12% in the control, 100 ± 0% in primary filtration and 0 ± 0% in both ozone and HOD. Likewise, in juveniles (initially 114 ± 18 g, 428 dph), prevalence was 100 ± 0% in the control and primary filtration treatments with no infection detected in ozone and HOD. Concurrently, there was a 50–100% reduction in heterotrophic bacteria and 100% reduction in presumptive Vibrio sp. in sea water HOD and ozone treatments. HOD with a dose of ≥44 mJ cm−2 UV was as effective as ozonation at >700 mV ORP for 10 min, in preventing K. neurophila infection.
New HBV subgenotype D9, a novel D/C recombinant, identified in patients with chronic HBeAg‐negative infection in Eastern India
Authors: Ghosh S. , Banerjee P. , Deny P. , Mondal R. K. , Nandi M. , RoyChoudhury A. , Das K. , Banerjee S. , Santra A. , Zoulim F. , Chowdhury A. , Datta S.
Published: September 2012

Genome diversity is a hallmark of hepatitis B virus (HBV), which allowed its classification into 10 genotypes (A–J) and numerous subgenotypes. Among them, Genotype D is currently segregated into eight subgenotypes (D1–D8). Here, we report the identification and characterization of a novel subgenotype within genotype D of HBV from chronic hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative patients of Eastern India. Phylogenetic tree analysis based on complete genome sequences revealed that six of 39 HBV/D isolates formed a distinct cluster supported by high bootstrap value and had nucleotide divergence >4% relative to the known D subgenotypes (D1–D8), justifying their assignment into a new subgenotype (D9). By comparing the amino acid sequences of the four ORFs of HBV/D9 with D1–D8, 36 specific residues, including a unique one (E112 in the core region), were identified that could be considered as a signature of D9. Further analysis by Simplot, BootScan and jpHMM demonstrated that D9 resulted from a discrete recombination with genotype C over the precore–core region. This type of recombination has not been described previously as all C/D recombinants reported so far possessed genotype C backbones with mosaic fragments derived from HBV/D. Interestingly, compared to other subgenotypes of HBV/D, D9 isolates had a higher frequency of mutations (A1762T and G1764A) in the basal core promoter region that had been implicated in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Further investigations are needed to determine the overall prevalence and clinical significance of these newly characterized D9 strains and to assess the impact of inter‐genotypic recombination on viral properties.
Extensive Endoscopic Image‐Guided Sinus Surgery Decreases BPI‐ANCA in Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Aanaes K. , Rasmussen N. , Pressler T. , Segelmark M. , Johansen H. K. , Lindberg U. , Høiby N. , Carlsson M. , Wieslander J. , Buchwald C.
Published: September 2012

Antineutrophil cytoplasm autoantibodies (ANCA) directed against bactericidal/permeability‐increasing protein (BPI) are common in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and serum levels are correlated with lung colonization by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the severity of lung damage. The production of BPI‐ANCA may be due to the costimulation of BPI when mounting an immune response against P. aeruginosa. The effect of surgery aiming to eradicate bacteria and infected tissue on BPI‐ANCA levels is sparsely described. A cohort of patients with CF were included: 53 patients having extensive image‐guided sinus surgery (EIGSS) with topical postoperative antibiotic treatment, 131 non‐operated controls and 36 who had double lung transplantation (LTX). In all 219 patients, serum samples before and after surgery or at similar intervals were analysed for IgG and IgA BPI‐ANCA. The EIGSS group showed a highly significant decrease in both IgA and IgG BPI‐ANCA levels compared with their own preoperative values and control group values (P < 0.001–0.02). The LTX patients also showed a highly significant decrease in both IgA and IgG BPI‐ANCA levels (P < 0.001). EIGSS and LTX decrease IgA and IgG BPI‐ANCA levels in patients with CF, indicating that extensive removal of infected tissue influences the pathogenic process of autoantibody production. The results shown herein are in favour of applying EIGSS in selected patients with CF and for using BPI‐ANCA as a surrogate marker for guiding further therapeutic interventions.
One‐year audit of complaints made against a University Hospital Surgical Department
Authors: Mann Chris D. , Howes Jennifer A. , Buchanan Alex , Bowrey David J.
Published: September 2012

Background

There is relatively little in the medical literature relating to complaints about the healthcare process. The aim of this study was to report the frequency and content of patient complaints against a University Hospital Surgical Department. In particular, the study aimed to relate the number of complaints to the number of health‐care episodes and to determine the frequency of patient safety incidents and subsequent medico‐legal action.

Methods

Retrospective interrogation of a prospectively maintained Complaints Department database at a University Hospital for the calendar year 2009.

Results

Complaints relating to 360 aspects of the health‐care journey in 113 patients were made. This translated into one complaint per 400 health‐care episodes. Concerns about clinical care were cited in 31%, delays in the health‐care process in 30%, communication issues in 19%, the institutional environment in 8% and poor discharge planning in 6%. Overall, 16 complaints (4%) were raised as patient safety incidents. Eighty‐three per cent of complaints were addressed by a telephone conversation or a single letter response, 13% by a face‐to‐face meeting. Two per cent resulted in subsequent medico‐legal action.

Conclusions

Although perceived in a negative way by health‐care professionals, only 1 in 400 health‐care episodes resulted in a complaint. Only a small number related to patient safety incidents or resulted in medico‐legal instructions. Attention should focus on developing effective strategies to improve patient satisfaction with all aspects of the patient journey.
Amelα8 subunit knockdown in the mushroom body vertical lobes impairs olfactory retrieval in the honeybee, Apis mellifera
Authors: Louis Thierry , Musso Pierre‐Yves , de Oliveira Sabrina Barbosa , Garreau Lucile , Giurfa Martin , Raymond Valérie , Gauthier Monique
Published: September 2012

We studied the involvement of the α8 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) in olfactory learning and memory in Apis mellifera. We have previously shown, by injecting different nicotinic antagonists into the bee brain, that pharmacologically different subtypes of nAChRs are important for honeybee memory –α‐bungarotoxin‐sensitive receptors are necessary for memory consolidation and mecamylamine‐sensitive receptors are involved in retrieval processes. Here, we took advantage of the honeybee genome sequencing and the development of a small interfering RNA (siRNA) tool to focus on the role of the α8 subunit, which has been shown to be expressed in brain areas important for olfactory learning, such as the antennal lobes and mushroom bodies. We first demonstrated the efficacy of the siRNA tool by showing a decrease of the α8 protein level at 6 h after brain injection of α8 siRNA. We then tested the general role of this subunit in olfactory conditioning, using brain systemic or localized siRNA injections in the antennal lobes or the calyces and vertical lobes of the mushroom bodies. These injections were performed at either 6 h before the learning acquisition or 6 h before the memory test. The most prominent result was that 6‐h pre‐test injection of siRNA in the mushroom body vertical lobes impaired memory retrieval at 24 and 48 h post‐training. This indicated the importance of cholinergic extrinsic neurons and nAChRs containing the α8 subunit for this process.
The excesses of care: a matter of understanding the asymmetry of power
Authors: Delmar Charlotte
Published: September 2012

The aim of the article is to illustrate concrete problems in the asymmetrical nurse–patient power relationship. It is an ethical demand that the nurse is faced with the challenges that the power in the relation is administered so that the patient's room for action is expanded and trust maintained. It is an essential message in care philosophy, but in clinical practice, success is not always achievable. A hidden and more or less unconscious restriction of the patient's room for action may result in the excesses of care. Three selected aspects: dependence, trust, and power described by the Danish philosopher K.E. Løgstrup and the Norwegian nursing philosopher Kari Martinsen's care philosophy has inspired this empirically based examination of some current barriers in the asymmetrical nurse–patient relationship. On the basis of qualitative interviews with six patients and six nurses, the research thus provides an identifying and problem‐exploratory examination of some current obstacles in which the handling of trust and power reflects the excesses of care. The findings develop three themes. ‘Being a burden’ acknowledges that the balance of power will always tip to the nurse's advantage. The second theme, ‘Doing only what's absolutely necessary’, shows how a fixation with ‘technicalism’ creates a distance between people that may constrain the patient's room for action. The last theme is concerning the nurse's ability to navigate between closeness and distance is essential in avoiding ‘the excesses of care’, paternalism, and overprotectiveness. A situation in which distance takes the upper hand and care turns into paternalism. A different situation would arise if the nurse's emotions became sentimental or intimate with the result that closeness gets the upper hand. To avoid a harmful exercise of power and the excesses of care, the findings have demonstrated that a relationship‐based caring is a demand for situation‐specific sensitive attention skills.
Furthering the sceptical case against virtue ethics in nursing ethics
Authors: Holland Stephen
Published: September 2012

In a recent article in this journal I presented a sceptical argument about the current prominence of virtue ethics in nursing ethics. Daniel Putman has responded with a defence of the relevance of virtue in nursing. The present article continues this discussion by clarifying, defending, and expanding the sceptical argument. I start by emphasizing some features of the sceptical case, including assumptions about the nature of sceptical arguments, and about the character of both virtue ethics and nursing ethics. Then I respond to objections of Putman's such as that, according to virtue ethics, virtue is relevant to the whole of a human life, including one's behaviour in a professional context; and that eudaimonia should be central in explaining and motivating a nurse's decision to enter the profession. Having argued that these objections are not compelling, I go on to discuss an interesting recent attempt to reassert the role of virtue ethics in the ethics of professions, including nursing. This centres on whether role‐specific obligations – e.g. the obligations that arise for a moral agent qua lawyer or mother – can be accommodated in a virtue ethics approach. Sean Cordell has argued that the difficulty of accommodating role‐specific obligations results in an ‘institution‐shaped gap’ in virtue ethics. He suggests a way of meeting this difficulty that appeals to the ergon of institutions. I endorse the negative point that role‐specific obligations elude virtue ethics, but argue that the appeal to the ergon of institutions is unsuccessful. The upshot is further support for scepticism about the virtue ethics approach to nursing ethics. I end by gesturing to some of the advantages of a sceptical view of virtue ethics in nursing ethics.
Painlevé IV with both Parameters Zero: A Numerical Study
Authors: Reeger Jonah A. , Fornberg Bengt
Published: September 2012

The six Painlevé equations were introduced over a century ago, motivated by rather theoretical considerations. Over the last several decades, these equations and their solutions, known as the Painlevé transcendents, have been found to play an increasingly central role in numerous areas of mathematical physics. Due to extensive dense pole fields in the complex plane, their numerical evaluation remained challenging until the recent introduction of a fast “pole field solver” [1]. The fourth Painlevé equation has two free parameters in its coefficients, as well as two free initial conditions. The present study applies this new computational tool to the special case when both of its parameters are zero. We confirm existing analytic and asymptotic knowledge about the equation, and also explore solution regimes which have not been described in the previous literature.
Upper‐Semicontinuity of Global Attractors for Reversible Schnackenberg Equations
Authors: You Y.
Published: September 2012

Global asymptotic dynamics of a cubic‐autocatalytic reaction‐diffusion system, the reversible Schnackenberg equations, is investigated in this paper. A global attractor is shown to exist unconditionally for the semiflow of weak solutions with the Dirichlet boundary condition on a bounded domain of dimension . The upper semicontinuity (robustness) of the global attractors for the family of solution semiflows with respect to the reverse reaction rate as it converges to zero is proved by showing the uniform dissipativity and the uniformly bounded evolution of the union of global attractors under the bundle of reversible and nonreversible semiflows to overcome the hurdle of semisingular perturbation.
3D geometric morphometric analysis of the proximal epiphysis of the hominoid humerus
Authors: Arias‐Martorell Julia , Potau Josep Maria , Bello‐Hellegouarch Gaëlle , Pastor Juan Francisco , Pérez‐Pérez Alejandro
Published: September 2012

In this study we perform a three‐dimensional geometric morphometric (3D GM) analysis of the proximal epiphysis of the humerus in extant great apes, including humans, in order to accurately describe the functional anatomical differences between these taxa. In addition, a fossil hominin specimen of Australopithecus afarensis was included in a multivariate GM analysis in order to test the potential of this methodological approach for making locomotor inferences from fossil remains. The results obtained show significant differences in proximal humeral morphology among the taxa studied, which had thus far largely remained unnoticed. Based on morphofunctional considerations, these anatomical differences can be correlated to differences in the locomotor repertoires of the taxa, thus confirming that the proximal humerus is suitable for constructing paleobiological inferences about locomotion. Modern humans display markedly divergent features, which set them apart from both the extant great apes and the fossil hominin A. afarensis. The morphology of the proximal epiphysis of the humerus of the latter more closely resembles that of the orangutans, thus suggesting that despite hindlimb adaptations to bipedalism, the forelimb of this taxon was still functionally involved in arboreal behaviors, such as climbing or suspension.
Seasonal reproduction in the eastern rock elephant‐shrew: influenced by rainfall and ambient temperature?
Authors: Medger K. , Chimimba C. T. , Bennett N. C.
Published: September 2012

Because environmental conditions vary seasonally in most regions, many small mammals reproduce at a specific time of the year to maximize their reproductive success. In the tropics and subtropics, the breeding season is usually determined by the extent of the dry and rainy seasons. We investigated the seasonality of reproduction in the eastern rock elephant‐shrew (Elephantulus myurus), over a 12‐month period and attempted to elucidate the factors that may influence seasonal reproduction in this endemic African mammal. E. myurus breeds seasonally during the warm and wet spring and summer months and cessation of breeding occurs during the cold and dry winter months of the southern hemisphere. Pregnant females were only collected from August through to January. Ovarian size and plasma progesterone started to increase a few months prior to the first rains, were highest in October and decreased thereafter. Follicular growth and corpora body numbers corresponded to this seasonal reproductive pattern. Testes and seminiferous tubule size and plasma testosterone concentration has already started to increase during the coldest months, 2 months prior to reproductive onset in females. We propose that seasonal reproduction evolved in E. myurus because of seasonally changing food availability brought about by severe seasonal changes in rainfall and ambient temperature. The direct effects of rainfall and ambient temperature on reproduction of E. myurus are ambiguous, and we discuss other environmental factors that may trigger reproductive onset in this species.
The non‐consumptive effects of a predator on spider mites depend on predator density
Authors: Bowler D. E. , Yano S. , Amano H.
Published: September 2012

Predators can have non‐consumptive effects on their prey by causing anti‐predator responses such as changes in behaviour. These effects may vary with the number of predators, which determines per capita predation risk. Predator density and cue concentration have been shown to affect prey responses in aquatic predator–prey systems; however, there are fewer tests in terrestrial systems. Here, we test the effects of predator density on prey dispersal and body growth in a system of predatory mites and their spider mite prey reared on leaf patches. Groups of prey were exposed to a low or high predator density level, or no predators. Prey dispersed in the presence of a predator and higher predator density led to greater prey dispersal. Growth in adult body size after maturation was reduced in the presence of a predator, and this effect was greater with a higher predator density, most likely related to a reduction in time spent feeding. Experiments were also conducted to test the effects of predator density mediated by predatory cues alone (previous presence of predators on the leaf patch). Spider mites were more likely to disperse when the patch had previously contained a higher density of predators; however, there was no effect of previous density level on body growth. These findings show that the non‐consumptive effects of a predator on spider mites can depend on predator density and provide some evidence that chemical cues play a role in this density dependence. As these changes are likely to affect the predation rate and prey population growth rate, they are also likely to have consequences for the predator–prey dynamics.
Receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) interact with the VPAC2 receptor and CRF1 receptors and modulate their function
Authors: Wootten D , Lindmark H , Kadmiel M , Willcockson H , Caron KM , Barwell J , Drmota T , Poyner DR
Published: September 2012

Background and Purpose

Although it is established that the receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) can interact with a number of GPCRs, little is known about the consequences of these interactions. Here the interaction of RAMPs with the glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor (GLP‐1 receptor), the human vasoactive intestinal polypeptide/pituitary AC‐activating peptide 2 receptor (VPAC2) and the type 1 corticotrophin releasing factor receptor (CRF1) has been examined.

Experimental Approach

GPCRs were co‐transfected with RAMPs in HEK 293S and CHO‐K1 cells. Cell surface expression of RAMPs and GPCRs was examined by elisa. Where there was evidence for interactions, agonist‐stimulated cAMP production, Ca2+ mobilization and GTPγS binding to Gs, Gi, G12 and Gq were examined. The ability of CRF to stimulate adrenal corticotrophic hormone release in Ramp2+/– mice was assessed.

Key Results

The GLP‐1 receptor failed to enhance the cell surface expression of any RAMP. VPAC2 enhanced the cell surface expression of all three RAMPs. CRF1 enhanced the cell surface expression of RAMP2; the cell surface expression of CRF1 was also increased. There was no effect on agonist‐stimulated cAMP production. However, there was enhanced G‐protein coupling in a receptor and agonist‐dependent manner. The CRF1 : RAMP2 complex resulted in enhanced elevation of intracellular calcium to CRF and urocortin 1 but not sauvagine. In Ramp2+/– mice, there was a loss of responsiveness to CRF.

Conclusions and Implications

The VPAC2 and CRF1 receptors interact with RAMPs. This modulates G‐protein coupling in an agonist‐specific manner. For CRF1, coupling to RAMP2 may be of physiological significance.
A merciful death for the “earliest bilaterian,” Vernanimalcula
Authors: Bengtson Stefan , Cunningham John A. , Yin Chongyu , Donoghue Philip C.J.
Published: September 2012

Fossils described as Vernanimalcula guizhouena, from the nearly 600 million‐year‐old Doushantuo Formation in South China, have been interpreted as the remains of bilaterian animals. As such they would represent the oldest putative record of bilaterian animals in Earth history, and they have been invoked in debate over this formative episode of early animal evolution. However, this interpretation is fallacious. We review the evidential basis of the biological interpretation of Vernanimalcula, concluding that the structures key to animal identity are effects of mineralization that do not represent biological tissues, and, furthermore, that it is not possible to derive its anatomical reconstruction on the basis of the available evidence. There is no evidential basis for interpreting Vernanimalcula as an animal, let alone a bilaterian. The conclusions of evolutionary studies that have relied upon the bilaterian interpretation of Vernanimalcula must be called into question.
A rapid course through the five electrographic stages of status epilepticus
Authors: Pender Ross A. , Losey Travis E.
Published: September 2012

A 54‐year‐old woman was transferred to a university hospital for severe sepsis and multiorgan failure. A complex partial seizure was noted and she was placed on continuous electroencephalography (EEG). During EEG monitoring she developed generalized convulsive status epilepticus. After consultation with family it was decided not to escalate treatment due to her overall medical condition. She proceeded sequentially through the five stages of status epilepticus, described by Treiman et al. (1990) over 22 h and 30 min and then developed electrocerebral silence. This case is significant in that it is the first report of a single individual experiencing all five stages of status epilepticus displayed on a continuous EEG. The case further demonstrates the rapid progression of status epilepticus and exemplifies the need for prompt treatment.
Genetic structure and origin of Busseola fusca populations in Cameroon
Authors: Sezonlin Michel , Ndemah Rose , Goergen Georg , Le Rü Bruno , Dupas Stéphane , Silvain Jean‐François
Published: September 2012

The cereal stem borer Busseola fusca Fuller (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a species endemic to sub‐Saharan Africa. It is a major pest of maize and cultivated sorghum, the main cereal crops on the African mainland. Previous studies using mitochondrial markers revealed the presence of three clades of haplotypes (W, KI, KII) among B. fusca populations. Previous preliminary studies based on a few B. fusca individuals collected from three localities within the Guineo‐Congolian rain forest in Cameroon demonstrated a matching with clade KII, a fairly surprising result because the putative centre of origin of that clade is located 3 000 km away in East Africa. To check this finding, 120 individuals of B. fusca covering several Cameroonian sites belonging to both Guineo‐Congolian rain forest and Afromontane vegetation mosaics were collected. Comparison of cytochrome b sequences using the same marker revealed low mitochondrial diversity (h = 0.483 ± 0.054, π = 0.073 ± 0.061%). Moreover, molecular diversity in the Guineo‐Congolian rain forest zone was lower than that in Afromontane vegetation, which is therefore thought to be the likely starting point for the colonization of other zones in Cameroon. The study showed a moderate but significant structuring between populations (ΦST = 0.034, P<0.001) as well as within and among the two Cameroonian phytogeographical groups considered (ΦSC = 0.000 and ΦCT = 0.051, respectively, both P<0.001). Nested clade phylogeographic analysis indicated that all Cameroonian clades with significant geographical associations were interpreted as a phenomenon of contiguous range expansion. All results suggest that the Cameroonian population of B. fusca is relatively recent and originates from the recent geographical expansion of clade KII.
The potential of trehalose to replace insect hemolymph in artificial media for Trichogramma dendrolimi (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)
Authors: Lü Xin , Han Shi‐Chou , Li Li‐Ying , Grenier Simon , De Clercq Patrick
Published: September 2012

Insect additives have been shown to improve the value of artificial media for Trichogramma species, but at the same time maintain dependence on parallel cultures of host insects. In the present study, Trichogramma dendrolimi Matsumura was reared in vitro from egg to adult on artificial media with different contents of pupal hemolymph of Chinese oak silkmoth Antheraea pernyi (Guérin‐Méneville) and with supplements of distilled water, or of trehalose dissolved in water or in Grace's insect medium. The results indicated insect hemolymph was the key component of artificial medium. Developmental parameters, including rates of parasitism, pupation, adult emergence and normal adults, and numbers of produced adults, were increased on media supplemented with trehalose even when the proportion of pupal hemolymph was reduced. Two artificial media, the first containing 30% hemolymph and 10% trehalose in water with 98.9% parasitism rate, 77.7.0% pupation rate, 77.2% emergence rate, 80.0% normal adult rate and 333 produced adults, and the second containing 25% hemolymph and 15% trehalose in Grace's insect medium with 97.8% parasitism rate, 91.0% pupation rate, 85.2% emergence rate, 76.1% normal adult rate and 757 produced adults, were believed to hold potential to mass produce T. dendrolimi. The use of trehalose to partially replace pupal hemolymph in artificial medium of this and other Trichogramma species may contribute to a significant reduction in their production cost and may as such help to evade problems related to short supplies of lepidopteran eggs, which currently constitute the main factitious host for the mass rearing of the parasitoids.
Comparison of abundance and habitat usage for common bottlenose dolphins between sites exposed to differential anthropogenic stressors within the estuaries of southern Georgia, U.S.A
Authors: Balmer Brian C. , Schwacke Lori H. , Wells Randall S. , Adams Jeffrey D. , Clay George R. , Lane Suzanne M. , McLellan William A. , Rosel Patricia E. , Sparks Kate , Speakman Todd , Zolman Eric S. , Ann Pabst D.
Published: September 2012

The health of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) within southern Georgia estuaries is of particular concern due to high levels of anthropogenic contaminants in their tissues. Dolphins in this region have the highest polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations recorded for any marine mammal and these concentrations correlate to distance from a Superfund point‐source in the Turtle/Brunswick River Estuary (TBRE). Currently, little is known about the population structure of dolphins in this region. This study identifies and compares baseline data on abundance, habitat use, site‐fidelity, and ranging patterns of dolphins across two adjacent field sites; Brunswick, including the TBRE, and Sapelo, including the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve. Sapelo is relatively undeveloped and was selected for comparison to the more contaminated TBRE. Dolphin densities increased with tributary size in both sites but dolphin density and total abundance were significantly higher in Sapelo than in Brunswick. Anthropogenic stressors within the TBRE may be an important factor contributing to the differences in abundance, density, and habitat use observed in this study.
Fatty Acid Composition Including Trans‐Fatty Acids in Edible Oils and Fats: Probable Intake in Indian Population
Authors: Dixit Sumita , Das Mukul
Published: September 2012

Abstract:  The susceptibility of trans‐fat to the human health risk prompted the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO) to prepare regulations or compulsory claims for trans‐fatty acids (TFA) in edible oils and fats. In this study, analysis of fatty acid composition and TFA content in edible oils and fats along with the possible intake of trans‐fat in Indian population was carried out. The analysis was carried out as per the Assn. of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methodology and the results were statistically analyzed. The average TFA content in nonrefined mustard and refined soybean oils exceeded by 1.16‐ to 1.64‐fold as compared to the Denmark limit of 2% TFA in fats and oils destined for human consumption. In branded/nonbranded butter and butter oil samples, average TFA limit exceeded by 4.2‐ to 9.5‐fold whereas hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) samples exceeded the limit by 9.8‐fold, when compared to Denmark standards. The probable TFA intake per day through different oils in Indian population were found to be less than WHO recommendation. However Punjab having highest consumption of HVO (–15 g/d) showed 1.09‐fold higher TFA intake than the WHO recommendation, which is alarming and may be one of the factors for high cardiovascular disease mortality rate that needs further elucidation. Thus there is a need to prescribe TFA limit for edible oil, butter, and butter oil in India and to reduce the already proposed TFA levels in HVO to safeguard the health of consumers.

Practical Application:  The probable daily intake of trans‐fatty acid (TFA) especially through hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) was assessed. In absence of any specification for TFA and fatty acid composition for edible oils, butter, and butter samples, a pressing need was felt to prescribe TFA limit in India. The study indicates that TFA intake through HVO consumption is higher in States like Punjab than the recommended daily intake prescribed by WHO. Hence, strategies should be adopted to either decrease the consumption of HVO or to modify the industrial processing method of HVO with less content of TFA to safeguard the health of consumers.