bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of exercise training on arterial wall thickness in humans
Authors: Thijssen Dick H. J. , Cable N. Timothy , Green Daniel J.
Published: December 2011

Thickening of the carotid artery wall has been adopted as a surrogate marker of pre-clinical atherosclerosis, which is strongly related to increased cardiovascular risk. The cardioprotective effects of exercise training, including direct effects on vascular function and lumen dimension, have been consistently reported in asymptomatic subjects and those with cardiovascular risk factors and diseases. In the present review, we summarize evidence pertaining to the impact of exercise and physical activity on arterial wall remodelling of the carotid artery and peripheral arteries in the upper and lower limbs. We consider the potential role of exercise intensity, duration and modality in the context of putative mechanisms involved in wall remodelling, including haemodynamic forces. Finally, we discuss the impact of exercise training in terms of primary prevention of wall thickening in healthy subjects and remodelling of arteries in subjects with existing cardiovascular disease and risk factors.
Communication Connections: Service Learning and American Sign Language
Authors: Reading Suzanne , Padgett Robert J.
Published: December 2011

Purpose

This article describes a connection between service learning and American Sign Language (ASL) instruction. The Deaf community served as communication partners for university students, enabling them to use language skills in a natural setting.

Method

The rationale and implementation of pairing ASL with service learning are presented. A review of one study provides information about student perceptions of service learning, and a second study presents evidence about the development of ASL skills through a service learning experience.

Results

Service learning proved to be a valuable teaching method for ASL instruction, facilitating an increase in cultural awareness and ASL skills. Students’ anecdotal evidence about service learning experiences indicated that they gained insights beyond just the improvement in language skills.

Conclusions

The connection between service learning and ASL instruction is advantageous because students gained cultural understanding as well as language skills. This course design could be used at other institutions where a Deaf community is accessible.
Survey of Audiologic Service Provision to Older Adults With Cochlear Implants
Authors: Rossi-Katz Jessica , Arehart Kathryn Hoberg
Published: December 2011

Purpose

This study examined whether audiologists modify practice patterns in their provision of cochlear implant (CI) services to older adults and, if so, whether the nature of such modifications is consistent across clinical sites.

Method

An online survey was sent to audiologists at CI centers across the United States. Questions addressed demographics, candidacy, programming, outcomes assessment, rehabilitation, and professional development.

Results

Responses were obtained from 47 audiologists who provided CI services to older adults. The majority of these audiologists did not report modifying CI practice patterns on the basis of age. Counseling appeared to be an exception: Audiologists reported that both the content and delivery of information were modified for older adults. Specific to CI candidacy with older adults, under half of the respondents indicated that assessing an older adult’s cognitive status was part of their clinical protocol.

Conclusion

The audiologists who responded to the survey acknowledged issues related to aging when providing CI services to older adults. Despite this acknowledgment, the results of the survey suggest a gap in how age-related issues are incorporated into CI service provision. Continued discussion as to how CI services can be optimized for older adults is needed.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.6170165
Early Hearing Detection and Intervention: Diagnostic Hearing Assessment Practices
Authors: Muñoz Karen , Nelson Lauri , Goldgewicht Natalie , Odell Dennis
Published: December 2011

Purpose

To gain an understanding of practice patterns for infant diagnostic hearing services at pediatric audiology facilities.

Method

The authors used a cross-sectional survey design. From August to November of 2009, surveys were mailed to 1,091 facilities in 28 states and the District of Columbia. One survey was completed per facility, and responses were anonymous.

Results

The return rate was 33% (356 surveys). The results revealed that the comprehensiveness of the test batteries used varied among facilities. Over half of the respondents, 146 (55%), reported using a limited test battery, 94 facilities reported using a comprehensive test battery but lacked at least 1 component recommended by the Joint Committee on Infant Hearing, and 25 facilities reported using a test battery that met Joint Committee on Infant Hearing recommendations. The wait time for an appointment varied between facilities (range = 3 days–5 months) and was affected by the test condition (i.e., natural sleep, sedation, or operating room).

Conclusions

The results suggest that it is difficult for stakeholders to identify pediatric audiology facilities that serve infants less than 6 months of age and that there is variability among facilities in test batteries and wait times for an appointment. Implications exist for diagnostic accuracy and timeliness of diagnosis.
Service Learning in Auditory Rehabilitation Courses: The University of Texas at Dallas
Authors: Cokely Carol G. , Thibodeau Linda M.
Published: December 2011

Purpose

The aim of this work was to review service learning (SL) principles and its implementation into the auditory rehabilitation (AR) curriculum at the University of Texas at Dallas and to evaluate the courses to determine whether potential benefits of SL are worth the substantial time commitment and course restructuring.

Method

Via retrospective review, student outcomes for 25 students from 3 cohorts who completed the adult AR course prior to implementation of SL curriculum (pre-SL) were compared with those of 28 students from 3 SL cohorts. Data included final examination grades, ratings for overall course content, amount learned, clarity of responsibility, workload, relevance, and course comments. Student journals from the SL group and mentor surveys also were reviewed.

Results

The majority of student outcomes were comparable for pre-SL and SL cohorts. Clarity of responsibility and workload were rated lower for SL courses than for pre-SL classes, with medium and small to medium effect sizes, respectively. Mentors rated the projects and process of high value and benefit, and several projects remain in use beyond the end of the course.

Conclusion

Continued use of an SL approach is supported, but additional guidance for students is needed for reflection and project analysis.
Critical Review of rate constants for reactions of hydrated electrons, hydrogen atoms and hydroxyl radicals (⋅OH/⋅O− in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Buxton George V. , Greenstock Clive L. , Helman W. Phillips , Ross Alberta B.
Published: December 2011

Kinetic data for the radicals H⋅ and ⋅OH in aqueous solution,and the corresponding radical anions, ⋅O− and eaq−, have been critically pulse radiolysis, flash photolysis and other methods. Rate constants for over 3500 reaction are tabulated, including reaction with molecules, ions and other radicals derived from inorganic and organic solutes.
Feeding management and feeds on dairy farms in New South Wales and Victoria
Authors: Bramley E. , Lean I. J. , Fulkerson W. J. , Costa N. D.
Published: December 2011

Feeding practices in Australian dairy herds were recorded in 100 dairy herds in five districts of two states. A questionnaire about the feeding practices was completed and pasture samples were also collected, where applicable, for analysis. Data and pasture samples were collected once from each farm with visits to regions occurring at different times of the year. Diets were evaluated for nutritional adequacy using the CPM Dairy program. Average milk yield on the day of sampling was 22.8 L/day. The combination of grazed pasture with grain fed during milking was the most prevalent feeding system (54%) in all areas. This was followed by combination of pelleted grain/by-products combined with pasture grazing (25%). Only one herd in the study was not feeding any form of concentrates at the time of sampling. The estimated percentage of concentrate in the diet ranged from 25% ± 11.6 to 44% ± 12.0. Wheat, which was fed at up to 9.8 kg/cow.day DM was the most prevalent grain in all areas, except for Gippsland. The predominant sources of protein in all areas were canola meal, cottonseed meal and lupins. By-products were prevalent, with brewers grain and wheat millrun the most commonly used, fed at 2.8 and 1.6 kg/cow.day DM, respectively. Most farms (81/100) incorporated at least one type of ‘buffer’ in the ration, and limestone (67%) was the most prevalent mineral additive. Monensin and virginiamycin were fed in all areas, with a varying prevalence. Feeding or dose rates used for minerals and rumen modifiers were not always appropriate to those recommended for mineral needs or control of rumen function. This paper demonstrated that a wide variety of feeding systems are used in Australian dairy herds and provides information on nutritive characteristics of pastures.
Effects of Hypoxia on Consumption, Growth, and RNA:DNA Ratios of Young Yellow Perch
Authors: Roberts James J. , Brandt Stephen B. , Fanslow David , Ludsin Stuart A. , Pothoven Steven A. , Scavia Donald , Höök Tomas O.
Published: December 2011

As in various freshwater and coastal marine ecosystems worldwide, seasonal bottom water hypoxia is a recurring phenomenon in Lake Erie's central basin. While bottom hypoxia can strongly affect sessile benthic animals, its effects on mobile organisms such as fish are less understood. We evaluated the potential for bottom hypoxia to affect the growth rates of yellow perch Perca flavescens, a species of ecological and economic importance in the lake. To this end, we (1) conducted laboratory experiments to quantify the effects of reduced dissolved oxygen on consumption, somatic growth, and RNA : DNA ratios (an index of short‐term growth) of young yellow perch and (2) explored the effects of bottom hypoxia on young yellow perch growth in Lake Erie's central basin by collecting individuals in hypoxicand normoxic regions of the lake and quantifying their RNA : DNA ratios. Yellow perch consumption and growth in our experiments declined under hypoxic conditions (≤2 mg O2/L). While yellow perch RNA : DNA ratios responded strongly to experimental temperature, nucleic acid ratios were not significantly affected by dissolved oxygen or feeding ration. We did, however, observe a positive correlation between yellow perch growth and RNA : DNA ratios at low temperatures (11°C). The nucleic acid ratios of yellow perch collected in Lake Erie varied spatiotemporally, but their patterns were not consistent with hypoxia. In short, while yellow perch consumption and growth rates respond directly and negatively to low oxygen conditions, these responses are not necessarily reflected in RNA : DNA ratios. Moreover, in central Lake Erie, where yellow perch can behaviorally avoid hypoxic areas, the RNA : DNA ratios of yellow perch do not respond strongly to bottom hypoxia. Thus, this study suggests that there is no strong negative effect of bottom hypoxia on the growth of young yellow perch in Lake Erie.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT AND CORRUPTION IN 20 EUROPEAN DEMOCRACIES
Authors: Griesshaber Nicolas , Geys Benny
Published: December 2011

This paper analyzes the relation between different forms of civic engagement and corruption. This first of all extends earlier analyses linking generalized trust to corruption by incorporating another element from the social capital complex (namely formal forms of civic engagement). Second, based on the idea that social networks’ beneficial or harmful impact may depend on their characteristics, it investigates how the structure of social networks (i.e., inclusive vs. exclusive and isolated vs. connected) matters. Evaluating the engagement –corruption nexus for a cross-section of 20 European democracies in 2002/2003, we confirm that social networks are linked to corruption even when controlling for the effect of generalized trust, and that their relation to corruption is type-specific. These findings survive under various model specifications and robustness checks.
The Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START): A Prospective Study of Inpatient Behavior
Authors: Gray NicolaS. , Benson Richard , Craig Rebecca , Davies Huw , Fitzgerald Suzanne , Huckle Phillip , Maggs Richard , Taylor John , Trueman Marianne , Williams Tegwyn , Snowden RobertJ.
Published: December 2011

Structured professional judgment guides (SPJs) have gained acceptance for the prediction of future violence. We conducted a prospective study of 44 psychiatric inpatients with a variety of mental health problems to test whether the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START; Webster, Martin, Brink, Nicholls, & Middleton, 2004) was able to predict a range of problem behaviors. We obtained outcome behaviors from the nursing record for a period of up to 6 months after the assessment. For all types of behavior tested (violence to others, self-harm, self-neglect, and being victimized), the clinical judgment of risk based on the START was a good predictor. However, the actuarial scores on the Strength and Risk scales of the START were only useful for the prediction of violence. The results provide a strong evidence base for the use of START to predict a range of problem behaviors, and confirms that the START should be used as an adjunct to clinical decision making and not with a blind adherence to the actuarial scores. The difference in efficacy between START used in an actuarial manner and as a SPJ suggests that schemes using other items may prove more effective in guiding the clinician to assess and managing these risks.
Acidovorax citrulli Seed Inoculum Load Affects Seedling Transmission and Spread of Bacterial Fruit Blotch of Watermelon Under Greenhouse Conditions
Authors: Dutta B. , Scherm H. , Gitaitis R. D. , Walcott R. R.
Published: December 2011

Infested seed are typically the primary source of inoculum for bacterial fruit blotch (BFB) of cucurbits. An inoculum threshold of 1 infested seed per 10,000 seeds is widely used in seed health testing for Acidovorax citrulli. However, the influence of seed inoculum load on BFB seedling transmission has not been elucidated. In this study, watermelon seedlots (128 seeds/lot) containing one seed inoculated with A. citrulli at levels ranging from 1 × 101 to 1 × 107 CFU were used to investigate the effect of seed inoculum load on seedling transmission and spatiotemporal spread of BFB under greenhouse conditions. The relationship between A. citrulli seed inoculum load and frequency of BFB seedling transmission followed a sigmoidal pattern (R2 = 0.986, P = 0.0047). In all, 100 and 96.6% of seedlots containing one seed with 1 × 107 and 1 × 105 CFU of A. citrulli, respectively, transmitted the pathogen to seedlings; in contrast, the proportion of seedlots that yielded BFB-infected seedlings was lower for lots with one seed infested with 1 × 103 (46.6%) and 1 × 101 (16.7%) CFU of A. citrulli. The relationship between A. citrulli seed inoculum load and frequency of pathogen detection in seedlots using immunomagnetic separation combined with a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay also followed a sigmoidal pattern (R2 = 0.997, P = 0.0034). Whereas 100% of samples from seedlots (10,000 seeds/lot) with one seed containing ≥1 × 105 CFU tested positive for A. citrulli, 75% of samples from lots with one seed containing 1 × 103 CFU tested positive for the pathogen, and only 16.7% of samples with one seed containing 10 CFU tested positive. Because disease transmission was observed for lots with just one seed containing 10 A. citrulli CFU, zero tolerance for seedborne A. citrulli is recommended for effective BFB management. The seedling transmission experiments also revealed that temporal spread of BFB in 128-cell seedling trays increased linearly with A. citrulli inoculum load (r2 = 0.976, P = 0.0037). Additionally, the frequency of spatial spread of BFB from an inoculated seedling in the center of a planting tray to adjacent healthy seedlings over one-, two-, or three-cell distances was greater for lots with one seed infested with at least 1 × 105 CFU than for lots with one seed infested at lower inoculum loads (1 × 101 and 1 × 103 CFU/seed).
Lack of Evidence for Recombination or Spatial Structure in Phoma ligulicola var. inoxydabilis Populations from Australian Pyrethrum Fields
Authors: Pethybridge Sarah J. , Scott Jason B. , Hay Frank S.
Published: December 2011

Ray blight, caused by Phoma ligulicola var. inoxydabilis, causes substantial annual losses in Australian pyrethrum fields. Fifty-nine P. ligulicola var. inoxydabilis isolates were randomly selected from fields in three distinct geographical regions in Tasmania, Australia. Genetic diversity was characterized using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP). Based on genetic similarities of less than 99%, 56 distinct genotypes (putative clones) were observed. Mean haploid gene diversity of clone-corrected populations ranged between 0.05 and 0.31, and 0.11 and 0.32, for the RAPD and AFLP data sets, respectively. Cluster analysis indicated two distinct groups of isolates supported by all bootstrap replicates. The first cluster contained all but four isolates with representatives from all three populations. The second cluster contained two isolates from the Western and Central populations, respectively, while the remaining isolates were not able to be grouped with any distinct cluster. Analysis of the population structure suggested no evidence for spatial autocorrelation at the smallest distance classes. The presence of linkage disequilibrium was indicated regardless of population scale. Collectively, these findings provided further evidence for the absence or minor role of the teleomorph in the epidemiology of ray blight in Australian pyrethrum fields.
The thickness of the falling film of liquid around a Taylor bubble
Authors: Llewellin E. W. , Del Bello E. , Taddeucci J. , Scarlato P. , Lane S. J.
Published: December 2011

We present the results of laboratory experiments that quantify the physical controls on the thickness of the falling film of liquid around a Taylor bubble, when liquid–gas interfacial tension can be neglected. We find that the dimensionless film thickness
λ
′ (the ratio of the film thickness to the pipe radius) is a function only of the dimensionless parameter

, where
ρ
is the liquid density,
g
the gravitational acceleration,
D
the pipe diameter and
μ
the dynamic viscosity of the liquid. For

, the dimensionless film thickness is independent of
N
f
with value
λ
′≈0.33; in the interval

,
λ
′ decreases with increasing
N
f
; for

film thickness is, again, independent of
N
f
with value
λ
′≈0.08. We synthesize existing models for films falling down a plane surface and around a Taylor bubble, and develop a theoretical model for film thickness that encompasses the viscous, inertial and turbulent regimes. Based on our data, we also propose a single empirical correlation for
λ
′(
N
f
), which is valid in the range 10
−1
<
N
f
<10
5
. Finally, we consider the thickness of the falling film when interfacial tension cannot be neglected, and find that film thickness decreases as interfacial tension becomes more important.
Art and science in the design of physically large and complex systems
Authors: Andrews D. J.
Published: December 2011

Designs of physically large and complex (PL&C) systems, nowadays, are achieved through the use of evermore capable digital computer-based techniques. Thus, the process of such designs might be characterized as the practice of science rather than that of an art. The article commences with a consideration of art and science in design. It then addresses the particular nature of the design of such systems and how this is not just an issue of complexity, but also a consequence of large physical size. How computer-aided design is applied early in the designing of such systems, the crucial aspect of the choice of style by the initial designer and the advent of computer-based simulation techniques, applied early in design, are all considered pertinent to the role of art and science in design. A series of high-level fundamental issues are discussed in the belief that they are changing the nature of the design of PL&C systems and ought to be considered by practitioners of such designs. In this way, the power of computer-based techniques, both numerical and graphical, can then enhance the scope of design innovation, given designers' increasing dependency on digitally based practice.
Division of labour and the evolution of multicellularity
Authors: Ispolatov Iaroslav , Ackermann Martin , Doebeli Michael
Published: December 2011

Understanding the emergence and evolution of multicellularity and cellular differentiation is a core problem in biology. We develop a quantitative model that shows that a multicellular form emerges from genetically identical unicellular ancestors when the compartmentalization of poorly compatible physiological processes into component cells of an aggregate produces a fitness advantage. This division of labour between the cells in the aggregate occurs spontaneously at the regulatory level owing to mechanisms present in unicellular ancestors and does not require any genetic predisposition for a particular role in the aggregate or any orchestrated cooperative behaviour of aggregate cells. Mathematically, aggregation implies an increase in the dimensionality of phenotype space that generates a fitness landscape with new fitness maxima, in which the unicellular states of optimized metabolism become fitness saddle points. Evolution of multicellularity is modelled as evolution of a hereditary parameter: the propensity of cells to stick together, which determines the fraction of time a cell spends in the aggregate form. Stickiness can increase evolutionarily owing to the fitness advantage generated by the division of labour between cells in an aggregate.
Probability of successful larval dispersal declines fivefold over 1 km in a coral reef fish
Authors: Buston Peter M. , Jones Geoffrey P. , Planes Serge , Thorrold Simon R.
Published: December 2011

A central question of marine ecology is, how far do larvae disperse? Coupled biophysical models predict that the probability of successful dispersal declines as a function of distance between populations. Estimates of genetic isolation-by-distance and self-recruitment provide indirect support for this prediction. Here, we conduct the first direct test of this prediction, using data from the well-studied system of clown anemonefish (
Amphiprion percula
) at Kimbe Island, in Papua New Guinea.
Amphiprion percula
live in small breeding groups that inhabit sea anemones. These groups can be thought of as populations within a metapopulation. We use the
x-
and
y
-coordinates of each anemone to determine the expected distribution of dispersal distances (the distribution of distances between each and every population in the metapopulation). We use parentage analyses to trace recruits back to parents and determine the observed distribution of dispersal distances. Then, we employ a logistic model to (i) compare the observed and expected dispersal distance distributions and (ii) determine the relationship between the probability of successful dispersal and the distance between populations. The observed and expected dispersal distance distributions are significantly different (
p
< 0.0001). Remarkably, the probability of successful dispersal between populations decreases fivefold over 1 km. This study provides a framework for quantitative investigations of larval dispersal that can be applied to other species. Further, the approach facilitates testing biological and physical hypotheses for the factors influencing larval dispersal in unison, which will advance our understanding of marine population connectivity.
Social preferences based on sexual attractiveness: a female strategy to reduce male sexual attention
Authors: Brask Josefine B. , Croft Darren P. , Thompson Katharine , Dabelsteen Torben , Darden Safi K.
Published: December 2011

Male sexual harassment of females is common across sexually reproducing species and can result in fitness costs to females. We hypothesized that females can reduce unwanted male attention by constructing a social niche where their female associates are more sexually attractive than themselves, thus influencing the decision-making of males to their advantage. We tested this hypothesis in the Trinidadian guppy (Poecilia reticulata), a species with high levels of male sexual harassment. First, we confirmed that non-receptive females were harassed less when they were paired with a more sexually attractive (receptive) female than with another non-receptive female. We then found that, indeed, females exploit this as a strategy to reduce sexual harassment; non-receptive females actively preferred to associate with receptive over non-receptive females. Importantly, when given access only to chemosensory cues, non-receptive females still showed this preference, suggesting that they use information from chemical cues to assess the sexual attractiveness of potential female partners. Receptive females in contrast showed no such preferences. Our results demonstrate that females can decrease male harassment by associating with females that are more sexually attractive than themselves and that they perform active partner choices based on this relative attractiveness. We propose that this strategy is likely to represent an important pathway by which females can construct social niches that influence the decision-making of others to their advantage; in this case, to reduce the sexual harassment they experience.
Shields up: the Tup1–Cyc8 repressor complex blocks coactivator recruitment: Figure 1.
Authors: Parnell Emily J. , Stillman David J.
Published: December 2011

The Tup1–Cyc8 complex is responsible for repression of a large and diverse collection of genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The predominant view has been that Tup1–Cyc8 functions as a corepressor, actively associating with regulatory proteins and organizing chromatin to block transcription. A new study by Wong and Struhl in this issue of Genes & Development (pp. 2525–2539) challenges nearly 20 years of models by demonstrating that Tup1–Cyc8 functions primarily as a shield to block DNA-binding proteins from recruiting transcriptional coactivators.
Disclosing pathogenic genetic variants to research participants: Quantifying an emerging ethical responsibility
Authors: Cassa Christopher A. , Savage Sarah K. , Taylor Patrick L. , Green Robert C. , McGuire Amy L. , Mandl Kenneth D.
Published: December 2011

There is an emerging consensus that when investigators obtain genomic data from research participants, they may incur an ethical responsibility to inform at-risk individuals about clinically significant variants discovered during the course of their research. With whole-exome sequencing becoming commonplace and the falling costs of full-genome sequencing, there will be an increasingly large number of variants identified in research participants that may be of sufficient clinical relevance to share. An explicit approach to triaging and communicating these results has yet to be developed, and even the magnitude of the task is uncertain. To develop an estimate of the number of variants that might qualify for disclosure, we apply recently published recommendations for the return of results to a defined and representative set of variants and then extrapolate these estimates to genome scale. We find that the total number of variants meeting the threshold for recommended disclosure ranges from 3955–12,579 (3.79%–12.06%, 95% CI) in the most conservative estimate to 6998–17,189 (6.69%–16.48%, 95% CI) in an estimate including variants with variable disease expressivity. Additionally, if the growth rate from the previous 4 yr continues, we estimate that the total number of disease-associated variants will grow 37% over the next 4 yr.
GAGE: A critical evaluation of genome assemblies and assembly algorithms
Authors: Salzberg Steven L. , Phillippy Adam M. , Zimin Aleksey , Puiu Daniela , Magoc Tanja , Koren Sergey , Treangen Todd J. , Schatz Michael C. , Delcher Arthur L. , Roberts Michael , Marçais Guillaume , Pop Mihai , Yorke James A.
Published: December 2011

New sequencing technology has dramatically altered the landscape of whole-genome sequencing, allowing scientists to initiate numerous projects to decode the genomes of previously unsequenced organisms. The lowest-cost technology can generate deep coverage of most species, including mammals, in just a few days. The sequence data generated by one of these projects consist of millions or billions of short DNA sequences (reads) that range from 50 to 150 nt in length. These sequences must then be assembled de novo before most genome analyses can begin. Unfortunately, genome assembly remains a very difficult problem, made more difficult by shorter reads and unreliable long-range linking information. In this study, we evaluated several of the leading de novo assembly algorithms on four different short-read data sets, all generated by Illumina sequencers. Our results describe the relative performance of the different assemblers as well as other significant differences in assembly difficulty that appear to be inherent in the genomes themselves. Three overarching conclusions are apparent: first, that data quality, rather than the assembler itself, has a dramatic effect on the quality of an assembled genome; second, that the degree of contiguity of an assembly varies enormously among different assemblers and different genomes; and third, that the correctness of an assembly also varies widely and is not well correlated with statistics on contiguity. To enable others to replicate our results, all of our data and methods are freely available, as are all assemblers used in this study.
The Arabidopsis Tail-Anchored Protein PEROXISOMAL AND MITOCHONDRIAL DIVISION FACTOR1 Is Involved in the Morphogenesis and Proliferation of Peroxisomes and Mitochondria
Authors: Aung Kyaw , Hu Jianping
Published: December 2011

Peroxisomes and mitochondria are multifunctional eukaryotic organelles that are not only interconnected metabolically but also share proteins in division. Two evolutionarily conserved division factors, dynamin-related protein (DRP) and its organelle anchor FISSION1 (FIS1), mediate the fission of both peroxisomes and mitochondria. Here, we identified and characterized a plant-specific protein shared by these two types of organelles. The Arabidopsis thaliana PEROXISOMAL and MITOCHONDRIAL DIVISION FACTOR1 (PMD1) is a coiled-coil protein tethered to the membranes of peroxisomes and mitochondria by its C terminus. Null mutants of PMD1 contain enlarged peroxisomes and elongated mitochondria, and plants overexpressing PMD1 have an increased number of these organelles that are smaller in size and often aggregated. PMD1 lacks physical interaction with the known division proteins DRP3 and FIS1; it is also not required for DRP3's organelle targeting. Affinity purifications pulled down PMD1's homolog, PMD2, which exclusively targets to mitochondria and plays a specific role in mitochondrial morphogenesis. PMD1 and PMD2 can form homo- and heterocomplexes. Organelle targeting signals reside in the C termini of these proteins. Our results suggest that PMD1 facilitates peroxisomal and mitochondrial proliferation in a FIS1/DRP3-independent manner and that the homologous proteins PMD1 and PMD2 perform nonredundant functions in organelle morphogenesis.
NK1.1+ cells regulate neutrophil migration in mice with Acinetobacter baumannii pneumonia
Authors: Tsuchiya Takahiro , Nakao Norifumi , Yamamoto Shigeo , Hirai Yoshikazu , Miyamoto Katsushiro , Tsujibo Hiroshi
Published: December 2011

Acinetobacter baumannii is a major cause of both community‐associated and nosocomial infections worldwide. These infections are difficult to treat because the bacterium rapidly develops resistance to multiple antibiotics. However, little is known about the nature of the innate cellular response to A. baumannii infection. In the present study, we identified the cells infiltrating the lungs of mice with Acinetobacter pneumonia and analyzed their response to infection. Normal mice eradicated the A. baumannii infection within 3 days of inoculation. Neutrophils were rapidly recruited to the lungs, followed by macrophages and NK1.1+ cells. Neutrophil‐depleted mice showed acute and severe symptoms, and all of the mice died within 3 days of inoculation. The majority of macrophage‐depleted mice responded in a similar manner to the control mice. These results indicate that neutrophils are essential for the elimination of A. baumannii. Half of NK1.1+ cell‐depleted mice died within 1 day of inoculation and the number of infiltrating neutrophils was lower than that in control mice up until 3 days post‐inoculation. Moreover, the expression levels of keratinocyte chemoattractant protein (KC) decreased in NK1.1+ cell‐depleted mice. These results indicate that NK1.1+ cells recruit neutrophils during the early phase of Acinetobacter infection by increasing KC expression.
In vitro models for analysis of the hepatitis C virus life cycle
Authors: Aly Hussein H. , Shimotohno Kunitada , Hijikata Makoto , Seya Tsukasa
Published: December 2011

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects approximately 170 million people worldwide. HCV infection is a major global health problem as it can be complicated with liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. So far, there is no vaccine available and the non‐specific, interferon (IFN)‐based treatments now in use have significant side‐effects and are frequently ineffective, as only approximately 50% of treated patients with genotypes 1 and 4 demonstrate HCV clearance. The lack of suitable in vitro and in vivo models for the analysis of HCV infection has hampered elucidation of the HCV life cycle and the development of both protective and therapeutic strategies against HCV infection. The present review focuses on the progress made towards the establishment of such models.
An increased risk of motor vehicle accidents after prescription of methadone
Authors: Bramness Jørgen G. , Skurtveit Svetlana , Mørland Jørg , Engeland Anders
Published: December 2011

Aims  To investigate whether exposure to methadone affects the risk of motor vehicle accident with personal injury.

Design  Cohort study linking three Norwegian administrative registries using unique person identifiers.

Setting   Information was retrieved from the Norwegian Prescription Database on any prescriptions ever received by the individuals for methadone and all prescriptions for benzodiazepines. The Norwegian Road Accident Registry provided information about motor vehicle accidents involving personal injuries on Norwegian roads. The Central Population Registry provided demographic information on all residents in Norway.

Participants  All Norwegian adults aged 18–69 years were observed for 2.5 years.

Measurements  Standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was calculated by comparing the incidence of traffic accidents with personal injuries in patients exposed to methadone with the incidence in those not exposed.

Findings  During the 4626 person‐years observed in patients exposed to methadone, there were 26 motor vehicle accidents. There were very few accidents among the females who received methadone and they had no increased risk of being involved in motor vehicle accidents (SIR 1.1; 95% CI 0.2–3.1). We observed an increased risk of involvement in accidents among males (SIR 2.4; 95% CI 1.5–3.6). This figure did not change significantly when exposure to benzodiazepines was excluded.

Conclusions  Men exposed to methadone appear to have an increased risk of being involved in motor vehicle accidents involving personal injuries. This increased risk could not be explained by exposure of benzodiazepines.
The impact of intestinal resection on serum levels of anti‐Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) in patients with Crohn’s disease
Authors: Eser A. , Papay P. , Primas C. , Pernicka E. , Harrer M. , Dejaco C. , Novacek G. , Lichtenberger C. , Angelberger S. , Kazemi L. , Mikulits A. , Vogelsang H. , Reinisch W.
Published: December 2011

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2012; 35: 292–299

Background  Antibodies to Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ASCA) are highly prevalent in sera of patients with Crohn’s disease and have been proposed to identify subgroups of patients with a disabling disease course.

Aim  To investigate the impact of intestinal resection on serum levels of ASCA in patients with Crohn’s disease and the predictive value of ASCA levels on surgical recurrence.

Methods  Sera from 60 patients who underwent ‘curative’ intestinal resection due to stricturing and/or penetrating complications were collected preoperatively and during post‐operative follow‐up (week 2, months 4, 8 and 11 ± 1). Measurement of ASCA IgG and IgA isotypes were performed using ELISA. Re‐operation rate was associated with ASCA status and serum levels.

Results  At baseline 44/60 (73%) of patients were rated as positive for ASCA IgG, 45/60 (75%) for ASCA IgA and 52/60 (87%) as positive for at least one of both. ASCA serum levels remained stable during first year from resection. After a median of 106 months 10 of 40 (25%) patients with long‐term follow‐up underwent one or more intestinal re‐operations. Neither ASCA positivity nor absolute ASCA serum levels were predictive of surgical recurrence.

Conclusions  Serum ASCA levels remain stable after curative intestinal resection in Crohn’s disease. This indicates the persistence of both stimulus and immunological mechanism operative in the production of ASCA even after complete surgical resection of macroscopically inflamed intestinal tissue. After intestinal resection, neither ASCA positivity nor ASCA serum levels predict the risk of surgical recurrence during long‐term follow‐up.
Genetic variation in PLAG1 associates with early life body weight and peripubertal weight and growth in Bos taurus
Authors: Littlejohn M. , Grala T. , Sanders K. , Walker C. , Waghorn G. , Macdonald K. , Coppieters W. , Georges M. , Spelman R. , Hillerton E. , Davis S. , Snell R.
Published: December 2011

Variation at the pleiomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) locus has recently been implicated in the regulation of stature and weight in Bos taurus. Using a population of 942 outbred Holstein–Friesian dairy calves, we report confirmation of this effect, demonstrating strong association of early life body weight with PLAG1 genotype. Peripubertal body weight and growth rate were also significantly associated with PLAG1 genotype. Growth rate per kilogram of body weight, daily feed intake, gross feed efficiency and residual feed intake were not significantly associated with PLAG1 genotype. This study supports the status of PLAG1 as a key regulator of mammalian growth. Further, the data indicate the utility of PLAG1 polymorphisms for the selection of animals to achieve enhanced weight gain or conversely to aid the selection of animals with lower mature body weight and thus lower maintenance energy requirements.
Risk of first venous thromboembolism in and around pregnancy: a population‐based cohort study
Authors: Sultan Alyshah Abdul , West Joe , Tata Laila J. , Fleming Kate M. , Nelson‐Piercy Catherine , Grainge Matthew J.
Published: December 2011

Knowledge of the absolute and relative risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in and around pregnancy would be crucial in identifying when to commence and cease thromboprophylaxis in women who would benefit from such intervention. We addressed this hypothesis using a large prospective primary care database from the United Kingdom, containing details on 972 683 women aged 15–44 years between 1987 and 2004. Risks of a first VTE during antepartum, postpartum and outside of pregnancy were compared using Poisson regression. The rate of VTE during the third trimester antepartum was six times higher than time outside pregnancy [Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) = 6·1; 95% confidence interval, 4·7–7·9]. In contrast, both the first (IRR = 1·6) and second (IRR = 2·1) trimesters conferred little increase in risk. The first 6 weeks postpartum was associated with a 22‐fold increase in risk, with the peak occurring in the first 3 weeks. Increased age was found to be associated with VTE during postpartum and outside of pregnancy, but not during antepartum. Our findings of a notably raised risk of VTE persisting for 3 weeks postpartum and of a raised antepartum risk constrained to the third trimester have implications for modifying the current recommendations for VTE prophylaxis in pregnancy and the puerperium.
Inter‐agency joint protocols for safeguarding children in social care and adult mental‐health agencies: a cross‐sectional survey of practitioner experiences
Authors: Webber Martin , McCree Chris , Angeli Paul
Published: December 2011

Parental mental illness, substance misuse and domestic violence are common risk factors for the maltreatment and neglect of children. Safeguarding children is everyone's responsibility, including professionals working primarily with adults. In the UK, Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs) were established to ensure that all agencies work together to safeguard children. Many LSCBs developed multi‐agency joint protocols to enhance collaboration, but there is limited evidence of their effectiveness.

This paper reports findings from a cross‐sectional survey of practitioner self‐reported experiences of joint protocols, which was conducted in one inner London borough, to evaluate their impact on professional practice. A self‐complete questionnaire administered to all professionals in adult mental‐health and children's social care services in the borough yielded a response from 119 practitioners.

The survey found that the protocols had been widely disseminated and provided clear guidance to practitioners. Practitioners perceived that they had increased awareness of the risk factors for safeguarding children and some had used the protocols to help them gain access to services for their clients. Practitioners also perceived that they had improved inter‐agency working between children's social care and adult mental‐health services. However, respondents indicated that positive interpersonal contact with practitioners from other agencies was equally important in promoting joint working and inter‐agency collaboration.
Diagnosing adult attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder: the importance of establishing daily life contexts for symptoms and impairments
Authors: PRIMICH C. , IENNACO J.
Published: December 2011

Accessible summary

Although the prevalence of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the adult population is significant, similar to that of common mood and anxiety disorders, only a fraction of those affected receive treatment.

The adult patient with ADHD is at risk for misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment because of the presence of symptoms and impairments held in common with mood and anxiety disorders as well as high comorbidity.

This review examines the importance of establishing the context of symptom presentation and impairment to yield diagnostic clarity across the lifespan.

This integrative literature review examines the complexity of diagnosing attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults with regard to the presence of symptoms and comorbidities common to mood, anxiety and other disorders. In adults, symptoms are often masked by the patient's learned compensatory mechanisms. Misdiagnosis, and subsequent treatment, can moderate common symptoms without relieving the core difficulties of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. This review was conducted to identify methods of improving diagnostic clarity. The literature reveals the importance of evaluating both retrospective and current symptoms and impairments in the context of the individual's life. Careful, nuanced assessment of the relationship between symptom expression and impairment in daily living offers diagnostic clarity. Symptoms common to multiple disorders will be distinguished by illuminating the context in which they arise and are experienced. Well‐supported assessments, sensitive to the context in which symptoms and impairments present, will result in greater diagnostic accuracy, better treatment outcomes and enhanced quality of life. Accurate diagnoses will contribute to the understanding of adult ADHD and remind both clinicians and the public that this disorder is often present in adults as well as children.
No evidence of inbreeding avoidance despite demonstrated survival costs in a polygynous rodent
Authors: OLSON L. E. , BLUMSTEIN D. T. , POLLINGER J. R. , WAYNE R. K.
Published: December 2011

Individuals are generally predicted to avoid inbreeding because of detrimental fitness effects. However, several recent studies have shown that limited inbreeding is tolerated by some vertebrate species. Here, we examine the costs and benefits of inbreeding in a largely polygynous rodent, the yellow‐bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris). We use a pedigree constructed from 8 years of genetic data to determine the relatedness of all marmots in our study population and examine offspring survival, annual male reproductive success, relatedness between breeding pairs and the effects of group composition on likelihood of male reproduction to assess inbreeding in this species. We found decreased survival in inbred offspring, but equal net reproductive success among males that inbred and those that avoided it. Relatedness between breeding pairs was greater than that expected by chance, indicating that marmots do not appear to avoid breeding with relatives. Further, male marmots do not avoid inbreeding: males mate with equal frequency in groups composed of both related and unrelated females and in groups composed of only female relatives. Our results demonstrate that inbreeding can be tolerated in a polygynous species if the reproductive costs of inbreeding are low and individuals that mate indiscriminately do not suffer decreased reproductive success.
Effects of rearing and induction temperature on the temporal dynamics of heat shock protein 70 expression in a butterfly
Authors: KARL ISABELL , MICHALOWSKY CHRISTIN , SØRENSEN JESPER G. , LOESCHCKE VOLKER , FISCHER KLAUS
Published: December 2011

The temporal dynamics of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression in response to longer‐term acclimation and rapid hardening in the butterfly Lycaena tityrus is investigated. After a 1‐h exposure to 1 °C or 37 °C, HSP70 is quickly up‐regulated within 1 h and down‐regulated within 2 h. The fast dynamic of HSP70 expression is in contrast to the patterns found in organisms inhabiting more stable thermal environments, and is interpreted as an adaptation to the large and rapid temperature variation experienced by flying ectotherms. HSP70 expression is higher in males than in females, as well as in animals reared at 27 °C than at 20 °C, although it is very similar across the high and low induction temperatures. Animals reared at the higher temperature, however, respond less strongly to high‐temperature stress.