bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The rulB gene of plasmid pWW0 is a hotspot for the site‐specific insertion of integron‐like elements found in the chromosomes of environmental Pseudomonas fluorescens group bacteria
Authors: Rhodes Glenn , Bosma Hester , Studholme David , Arnold Dawn L. , Jackson Robert W. , Pickup Roger W.
Published: November 2013

The rulAB operon of Pseudomonas spp. confers fitness traits on the host and has been suggested to be a hotspot for insertion of mobile elements that carry avirulence genes. Here, for the first time, we show that rulB on plasmid pWW0 is a hotspot for the active site‐specific integration of related integron‐like elements (ILEs) found in six environmental pseudomonads (strains FH1–FH6). Integration into rulB on pWW0 occurred at position 6488 generating a 3 bp direct repeat. ILEs from FH1 and FH5 were 9403 bp in length and contained eight open reading frames (ORFs), while the ILE from FH4 was 16 233 bp in length and contained 16 ORFs. In all three ILEs, the first 5.1 kb (containing ORFs 1–4) were structurally conserved and contained three predicted site‐specific recombinases/integrases and a tetR homologue. Downstream of these resided ORFs of the ‘variable side’ with structural and sequence similarity to those encoding survival traits on the fitness enhancing plasmid pGRT1 (ILEFH1 and ILEFH5) and the NR‐II virulence region of genomic island PAGI‐5 (ILEFH4). Collectively, these ILEs share features with the previously described type III protein secretion system effector ILEs and are considered important to host survival and transfer of fitness enhancing and (a)virulence genes between bacteria.
Supporting families in genetic counselling services: a psychoeducational multifamily discussion group for at‐risk colorectal cancer families
Authors: Mendes Álvaro , Chiquelho Raquel , Santos Teresa A. , Sousa Liliana
Published: November 2013

A non‐experimental exploratory study examining a multifamily discussion group for colorectal at‐risk individuals and their families is described. Four families attended a 90‐minute four‐session psychoeducational programme at a genetics centre of a Portuguese public hospital. A post‐programme focus group interview was performed to assess practical and psychosocial impact, and collect participants' views. Participants reported that the programme responds to the patients' and families' needs, enhancing their adaptation and coping to genetic illness. Results reinforce the need to integrate family‐centred interventions in genetic counselling services and address the holistic experience of hereditary disease. We conclude that the programme provides an integrated healthcare setting to help at‐risk individuals and their families cope with the specific biopsychosocial demands of their increased genetic susceptibility.

Practitioner points

Multifamily psychoeducational groups have a useful role in genetic counselling services.

Family‐based approaches to genetic susceptibility to cancer need to be based on a family life‐cycle model incorporating the stage the cancer is diagnosed.

Because of the reproductive implications of susceptibility, wider family members (and possibly adolescents) should be involved in the intervention.
Systemic sclerosis, birth order and parity
Authors: Russo Paul A. J. , Lester Susan , Roberts‐Thomson Peter J.
Published: November 2013

Aim

A recent study identified increasing birth order to be a risk factor for the development of systemic sclerosis (SSc). This finding supports the theory that transplacental microchimerism may be a key pathological event in the initiation of SSc. We investigated the relationship between birth order and parity and the age of onset of SSc in South Australia.

Method

A retrospective analysis of patient data in the South Australian Scleroderma Register was performed. Data were obtained from a mailed questionnaire. Control data was collected prospectively using a similar questionnaire. The relationship between birth order, family size or parity and risk of subsequent development of SSc was analyzed by mixed effects logistic regression analysis.

Results

Three hundred and eighty‐seven index probands were identified and compared with 457 controls. Controls were well matched for gender, but not for age. No statistically significant relationship was identified between SSc and birth order, parity in females, family size, age at first pregnancy in females or gender of first child in parous females.

Conclusion

Our data suggests that parity, age at first pregnancy and the gender of the first child are not relevant factors in our understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of SSc. Birth order and family size in both genders also appears irrelevant. These results argue against microchimerism as being relevant in the pathogenesis of SSc and add further support to the theory that stochastic events may be important in the etiopathogenesis of SSc.
Choriodecidual Cells From Term Human Pregnancies Show Distinctive Functional Properties Related to the Induction of Labor
Authors: Castillo‐Castrejon Marisol , Meraz‐Cruz Noemí , Gomez‐Lopez Nardhy , Flores‐Pliego Arturo , Beltrán‐Montoya Jorge , Viveros‐Alcaráz Martín , Vadillo‐Ortega Felipe
Published: November 2013

Problem

Human parturition is associated with an intrauterine pro‐inflammatory environment in the choriodecidua. Evidence that some mediators of this signaling cascade also elicit responses leading to labor prompted us to characterize the cellular sources of these mediators in the human choriodecidua.

Method of study

Leukocyte‐enriched preparations from human choriodecidua (ChL) and intervillous placental blood leukocytes (PL) were maintained in culture. Secretions of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and MMP‐9 were documented. Leukocyte phenotype of ChL and PL was determined by flow cytometry using specific fluorochrome‐conjugated antibodies.

Results and Conclusions

ChL showed a distinct pro‐inflammatory secretion pattern of cytokines and chemokines when compared with PL, including higher amounts of TNF‐α and IL‐6, and decreased secretions of IL‐4 and IL‐1ra. ChL also secreted more MIP‐1α and MCP‐1 and MMP‐9 than PL. No significant differences were found in leukocytes subsets between compartments. Based on our findings, we propose that ChL isolated from fetal membranes at term are functionally different from PL and may collaborate to modulate the microenvironment linked to induction and progression of human labor.
Impact of clinical factors and personality on the decision to have a second child. Longitudinal cohort‐study of first‐time mothers
Authors: Klint Carlander Anna‐Karin , Andolf Ellika , Edman Gunnar , Wiklund Ingela
Published: November 2013

Objective

To investigate which factors related to the first birth influence subsequent reproduction within 5 years after the birth.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

University hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

Sample

Cohort of 547 first‐time singleton mothers with a normal pregnancy recruited prospectively of whom 451 women consented to follow‐up 5 years later.

Methods

Data were collected by several questionnaires on sexual, reproductive and childbirth‐related factors as well as on personality, postnatal depression, fear of childbirth and contact between mother/child. Medical records were also used. Associations between these factors and having a second child were analyzed using logistic regression.

Main outcome measures

Women's subsequent reproduction.

Results

Planning a second child at 9 months postpartum was most important in determining to have a second child. Women who had restored their sex life 9 months after birth and women who had a high score in the personality monotony avoidance scale, were less likely to give birth to a second child. No differences were observed regarding mode of delivery, factors related to birth and having a second child, nor was there an association between postnatal depression, fear of childbirth, a negative birth experience and self‐estimated contact with the child and subsequent reproduction.

Conclusions

Circumstances in relation to the first birth, such as mode of delivery and a negative birth experience, did not affect subsequent reproduction. Planning another child by 9 months after birth was the strongest factor correlated with having a second child.
Pharmacokinetics of oral vs. intravenous dexamethasone in patients hospitalized with community‐acquired pneumonia
Authors: Spoorenberg Simone M. C. , Deneer Vera H. M. , Grutters Jan C. , Pulles Astrid E. , Voorn G. P. (Paul) , Rijkers Ger T. , Bos Willem Jan W. , van de Garde Ewoudt M. W.
Published: November 2013

Aim

The use of corticosteroids as adjunctive therapy might be effective in patients with community‐acquired pneumonia (CAP). Oral administration of dexamethasone is a practical and safer alternative to the intravenous route. Since patients hospitalized with pneumonia might have delayed gastric emptying, this study explored systemic exposure in terms of area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) of oral dexamethasone in patients hospitalized with CAP.

Methods

In this randomized, open label study, 30 patients admitted with CAP were randomized to receive either 4 mg intravenous or 6 mg oral dexamethasone for 4 consecutive days. Serial blood samples were obtained before and after drug administration.

Results

Median AUC to infinity was 626 μg l−1 h (IQR 401–1161) for the intravenous group and 774 μg l−1 h (IQR 618–1146) for the oral group. The AUC ratio of 6 mg oral and 4 mg intravenous dexamethasone was 1.22 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.81, 1.82), which represents a bioavailability of 81% (95% CI 54, 121) after correction for differences in dexamethasone dose.

Conclusions

Bioavailability of oral dexamethasone in patients hospitalized with pneumonia is sufficient. This makes oral dexamethasone an appropriate alternative for intravenous administration in these patients.
Could comorbid bipolar disorder account for a significant share of executive function deficits in adults with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder?
Authors: Silva Katiane L , Rovaris Diego L , Guimarães‐da‐Silva Paula O , Victor Marcelo M , Salgado Carlos AI , Vitola Eduardo S , Contini Verônica , Bertuzzi Guilherme , Picon Felipe A , Karam Rafael G , Belmonte‐de‐Abreu Paulo , Rohde Luis A , Grevet Eugenio H , Bau Claiton HD
Published: November 2013

Objective

The frequent comorbidity between attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and bipolar disorder (BD) represents a challenge for disentangling specific impairments of each disorder in adulthood. Their functional impairments seem to be mediated by executive function deficits. However, little is known about the extent to which each executive function deficit might be disorder specific or explained by the comorbidity. The aim of the present study was to determine if comorbid BD could account for a significant share of executive function deficits when measured by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) in adults with ADHD.

Methods

Adult patients with ADHD and healthy subjects were evaluated in the ADHD outpatient Program at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre. Psychiatric diagnoses were based on DSM‐IV criteria. WCST scores were compared by multivariate analysis of covariance among three groups: ADHD with BD (n = 51), ADHD without BD (n = 278), and healthy subjects (n = 91).

Results

When compared to patients without BD and healthy subjects, patients with ADHD and comorbid BD showed lower scores in total correct answers (p = 0.003); higher scores in total errors (p = 0.004) and non‐perseverative errors (p = 0.002); and completed fewer categories (p = 0.009). Patients with ADHD without BD did not differ from healthy subjects.

Conclusions

WCST impairments among patients with ADHD seem to be to a large extent attributable to comorbid BD. Although other executive function deficits (e.g., in the inhibitory control domain) have been demonstrated to accompany ADHD, the present findings suggest that set‐shifting deficits are strongly related to comorbid BD.
Subjective social status and intergroup attitudes among ethnic majority and minority children in Portugal
Authors: Feddes Allard R. , Monteiro Maria‐Benedicta , Justo Mariline G.
Published: November 2013

A measure of subjective social status (SSS) was examined among high (White), and low (Black and Roma) ethnic status children in Portugal within a developmental design including 6–8‐year‐old and 9–12‐year‐old children. White children favoured their in‐group over the Black and Roma out‐groups on the SSS measure, social preferences and positive as well as negative trait attributions. Generally, the Black and Roma showed equal SSS, preferences and trait attribution for their in‐group and the high status White out‐group, but not the other low‐status out‐group. With age White children generally demonstrated higher SSS for Black and Roma, preferred them more and attributed more positive traits. For low‐status groups, an age effect was found only for Black children who preferred the Roma more with age and attributed more positive traits. Changes on preferences and trait attribution depending on age‐group were mediated by SSS. It is concluded that minority group's SSS does not parallel the objective status hierarchy but, rather, is a dynamic reorganisation of group's relative positions serving strategies to cope with their minority condition.
4‐Hydroxy‐α‐Tetralone and its Derivative as Drug Resistance Reversal Agents in Multi Drug Resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Dwivedi Gaurav R. , Upadhyay Harish C. , Yadav Dharmendra K. , Singh Vigyasa , Srivastava Santosh K. , Khan Feroz , Darmwal Nandan S. , Darokar Mahendra P.
Published: November 2013

The purpose of present investigation was to understand the drug resistance reversal mechanism of 4‐hydroxy‐α‐tetralone (1) isolated from Ammannia spp. along with its semi‐synthetic derivatives (1a–1e) using multidrug resistant Escherichia coli (MDREC). The test compounds did not show significant antibacterial activity of their own, but in combination, they reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of tetracycline (TET). In time kill assay, compound 1 and its derivative 1e in combination with TET reduced the cell viability in concentration dependent manner. Compounds 1 and 1e were also able to reduce the mutation prevention concentration of TET. Both compounds showed inhibition of ATP dependent efflux pumps. In real time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) study, compounds 1 and 1e alone and in combination with TET showed significant down expression of efflux pump gene (yojI) encoding multidrug ATP binding cassettes (ABC) transporter protein. Molecular mechanism was also supported by the in silico docking studies, which revealed significant binding affinity of compounds 1 and 1e with YojI. This study confirms that compound 1 and its derivative 1e are ABC efflux pump inhibitors which may be the basis for development of antibacterial combinations for the management of MDR infections from inexpensive natural product.
Children Use Gesture to Interpret Novel Verb Meanings
Authors: Mumford Katherine H. , Kita Sotaro
Published: November 2013

Children often find it difficult to map verbs to specific referents within complex scenes, often believing that additional features are part of the referents. This study investigated whether 3‐year‐olds could use iconic gestures to map novel verbs to specific referents. One hundred and twenty children were taught verbs that could be interpreted as change‐of‐state or manner verbs while presented with manner, end‐state, or no iconic gestures. Children were then presented with a choice that forced them to generalize either on the basis of manner or end state. Results showed that children who saw manner gestures showed a stronger manner bias compared to the other groups. Thus, the specific feature of an event encoded in gestures guides children's interpretations of novel words.
From Interactions to Conversations: The Development of Joint Engagement During Early Childhood
Authors: Adamson Lauren B. , Bakeman Roger , Deckner Deborah F. , Nelson P. Brooke
Published: November 2013

This research traces the development of symbol‐infused joint engagement during mother–child interactions into the preschool years. Forty‐nine children, who had been previously observed as toddlers (L. B. Adamson, R. Bakeman, & D. F. Deckner,), were systematically observed during interactions with their mothers at ages 3½, 4½, and 5½ during activities related to the past and future, internal states, and graphic systems. Although the amount of symbol‐infused joint engagement reached a ceiling by 3½, its focus continued to become more complex and its form more balanced. Individual differences in children's symbol‐infused joint engagement were stable across 4 years. These findings highlight both how joint engagement is transformed as conversational skills develop and how it remains rooted in earlier interactions and supported by caregiver's actions.
The English National Low Rectal Cancer Development Programme: key messages and future perspectives
Authors: Moran B. J. , Holm T. , Brannagan G. , Chave H. , Quirke P. , West N. , Brown G. , Glynne‐Jones R. , Sebag‐Montefiore D. , Cunningham C. , Janjua A. Z. , Battersby N. J. , Crane S. , McMeeking A.
Published: November 2013

Aim

Adenocarcinoma of the lower rectum is clinically challenging because of the need to choose between a wide excision to achieve oncological clearance, on the one hand, and sphincter conservation to maintain anal function, on the other. The English National Low Rectal Cancer Development Programme (LOREC) was developed under the auspices of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland and the English National Cancer Action Team to improve the outcome of low rectal cancer in England.

Method

LOREC was initiated focusing on preoperative imaging, selective neoadjuvant therapy, optimal surgical treatment and detailed pathological assessment of the excised specimen. Its key elements were 1‐day multidisciplinary team (MDT) workshops, cadaveric surgical training, surgical mentoring, pathological audit and radiological workshops.

Results

Overall, 147 (89.6%) of 164 MDTs from 151 National Health Service (NHS) Trusts (some with two MDTs) in England participated in 15 workshops in Basingstoke or Leeds. In addition, 112 surgeons attended a 1‐day cadaveric training programme in Bristol, Newcastle or Nottingham, with the main focus on extralevator abdominoperineal excision and pelvic reconstruction, with input from anatomists and from colorectal and plastic surgeons.

Conclusion

Optimal staging, selective preoperative chemoradiotherapy and precise surgery were considered as crucial to improve the outcome for patients with low rectal cancer.
Expression pattern of Ngn3 in dairy goat testis and its function in promoting meiosis by upregulating Stra8
Authors: Tang F. , Yao X. , Zhu H. , Mu H. , Niu Z. , Yu M. , Yang C. , Peng S. , Li G. , Hua J.
Published: November 2013

Objectives

Ngn3 is a typical transcription factor and marker of differentiating spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in mouse, belonging to the basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) family. Its gene is specifically expressed in A type spermatogonia in mouse testis, thus plays a critical role in controlling differentiation of SSCs. However, roles of Ngn3 and its protein in dairy goat testis remain unknown.

Materials and methods

Testis development and expression patterns of Ngn3 were analysed by immunofluorescence and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (QRT‐PCR) in the dairy goat. Furthermore, effects of its overexpression on male germline stem cells (mGSCs) were evaluated by QRT‐PCR, immunofluorescence, luciferase reporter assay and western blotting.

Results

Revealed that Ngn3 was expressed more highly during puberty and in the adult than in testis of other ages. Overexpression of Ngn3 promoted expression of meiosis‐related gene Stra8 and stem‐cell differentiation marker CD117, but suppressed expression of Plzf, a classical marker of SSCs. Furthermore, Ngn3 did not promote expression of Stra8 directly as shown in transcription and translation levels detected by luciferase reporter assay and western blotting.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results suggest that Ngn3 plays an important role in spermatogenesis and that overexpression of Ngn3 can promote meiosis in testis of the dairy goat.
Cortical response variability as a developmental index of selective auditory attention
Authors: Strait Dana L. , Slater Jessica , Abecassis Victor , Kraus Nina
Published: November 2013

Attention induces synchronicity in neuronal firing for the encoding of a given stimulus at the exclusion of others. Recently, we reported decreased variability in scalp‐recorded cortical evoked potentials to attended compared with ignored speech in adults. Here we aimed to determine the developmental time course for this neural index of auditory attention. We compared cortical auditory‐evoked variability with attention across three age groups: preschoolers, school‐aged children and young adults. Results reveal an increased impact of selective auditory attention on cortical response variability with development. Although all three age groups have equivalent response variability to attended speech, only school‐aged children and adults have a distinction between attend and ignore conditions. Preschoolers, on the other hand, demonstrate no impact of attention on cortical responses, which we argue reflects the gradual emergence of attention within this age range. Outcomes are interpreted in the context of the behavioral relevance of cortical response variability and its potential to serve as a developmental index of cognitive skill.
Involvement of Nax sodium channel in peripheral nerve regeneration via lactate signaling
Authors: Unezaki Sawako , Katano Tayo , Hiyama Takeshi Y. , Tu Nguyen H. , Yoshii Satoru , Noda Masaharu , Ito Seiji
Published: November 2013

Nax, a sodium concentration‐sensitive sodium channel, is expressed in non‐myelinating Schwann cells of the adult peripheral nervous system, but the pathophysiological role remains unclear. We found that functional recovery of the hind paw responses from the sciatic nerve transection was delayed in Nax knockout ( ) mice. Histological analyses showed a decrease in the number of regenerated myelinated axons in sciatic nerves. The delay in the recovery in mice was improved by lactate and inhibited by a monocarboxylate transporter inhibitor. In vitro experiments using cultured Schwann cells showed that lactate release was enhanced by endothelin (ET)‐1 and blocked by an ET receptor type B antagonist. Here, it is conceivable that Nax was activated by ET‐1. The amount of lactate release by ET‐1 was lower in mice than in wild‐type mice. These results indicated that Nax is functionally coupled to ET for lactate release via ET receptor type B and is involved in peripheral nerve regeneration.
Effects of mechanical instrumentation and chemical irrigation on the root canal dentin and surrounding tissues
Authors: Hülsmann Michael
Published: November 2013

Preparation and disinfection of the root canal aims to remove organic and inorganic tissue from within the root canal, reduce the number of microorganisms, neutralize endotoxins inside the dentin, and prepare the root canal for proper obturation. These aims can be achieved in many cases to a degree that promises a high chance of success through a combination of mechanical preparation and chemical disinfection—in other words, irrigation and medication. Preparation and disinfection both physically and chemically act on the lumen of the root canal itself, trying to remove as much infected material as possible, but also act on the surrounding dentin and all of its components including the dentinal tubules. The chemomechanical process attempts to remove the adhering biofilm as well as microorganisms and their by‐products. It is important to investigate the effect of various treatment options on root canal dentin, the periodontal ligament, and the surrounding alveolar bone. When mechanical processes and chemical agents are applied to a substrate such as dentin, this implies that the dentin will be altered or modified in structure, composition, and/or physical properties. This review aims to summarize the present knowledge on the effects of mechanical instrumentation and chemical irrigation on the root canal dentin and surrounding tissues.
SCR: simulated concept recurrence – a non‐supervised tool for dealing with shifting concept
Authors: Sobolewski Piotr , Woźniak Michał
Published: November 2013

Most of the approaches coping with concept drift described in the machine learning literature are focused solely on detecting the concept changes or adapting the classification system, and hardly any works exist, which try to also describe the changes in concept. Nowadays, we desire methods, which are able to detect the concept drift in the absence of information about class labels. In this article, we present a semi‐supervised method and analyze the possibilities of using the simulated concept recurrence against concept drift and also expanding the previously presented functionality of the algorithm from the sole concept characterization to both concept drift detection and concept characterization. The supervision is limited to the system setup phase, and during the evaluation of the algorithm, we assume no support from the experts. Further comparing this work to our previous publication, the scope of experiments has been extended from the single concept drift problems to the multi‐concept scenarios, and also, the new method is evaluated on three different levels of the prior knowledge presented to the system beforehand.
Genome‐wide expressional and functional analysis of calcium transport elements during abiotic stress and development in rice
Authors: Singh Amarjeet , Kanwar Poonam , Yadav Akhilesh K. , Mishra Manali , Jha Saroj K. , Baranwal Vinay , Pandey Amita , Kapoor Sanjay , Tyagi Akhilesh K. , Pandey Girdhar K.
Published: November 2013

Ca2+ homeostasis is required to maintain a delicate balance of cytosolic Ca2+ during normal and adverse growth conditions. Various Ca2+ transporters actively participate to maintain this delicate balance especially during abiotic stresses and developmental events in plants. In this study, we present a genome‐wide account, detailing expression profiles, subcellular localization and functional analysis of rice Ca2+ transport elements. Exhaustive in silico data mining and analysis resulted in the identification of 81 Ca2+ transport element genes, which belong to various groups such as Ca2+‐ATPases (pumps), exchangers, channels, glutamate receptor homologs and annexins. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that different Ca2+ transporters are evolutionarily conserved across different plant species. Comprehensive expression analysis by gene chip microarray and quantitative RT‐PCR revealed that a substantial proportion of Ca2+ transporter genes were expressed differentially under abiotic stresses (salt, cold and drought) and reproductive developmental stages (panicle and seed) in rice. These findings suggest a possible role of rice Ca2+ transporters in abiotic stress and development triggered signaling pathways. Subcellular localization of Ca2+ transporters from different groups in Nicotiana benthamiana revealed their variable localization to different compartments, which could be their possible sites of action. Complementation of Ca2+ transport activity of K616 yeast mutant by Ca2+‐ATPase OsACA7 and involvement in salt tolerance verified its functional behavior. This study will encourage detailed characterization of potential candidate Ca2+ transporters for their functional role in planta.
Hyperoxia increases the elastic modulus of alveolar epithelial cells through Rho kinase
Authors: Wilhelm Kristina R. , Roan Esra , Ghosh Manik C. , Parthasarathi Kaushik , Waters Christopher M.
Published: November 2013

Patients with acute lung injury are administered high concentrations of oxygen during mechanical ventilation, and while both hyperoxia and mechanical ventilation are necessary, each can independently cause additional injury. However, the precise mechanisms that lead to injury are not well understood. We hypothesized that alveolar epithelial cells may be more susceptible to injury caused by mechanical ventilation because hyperoxia causes cells to be stiffer due to increased filamentous actin (f‐actin) formation via the GTPase RhoA and its effecter Rho kinase (ROCK). We examined cytoskeletal structures in cultured murine lung alveolar epithelial cells (MLE‐12) under normoxic and hyperoxic (48 h) conditions. We also measured cell elasticity (E) using an atomic force microscope in the indenter mode. Hyperoxia caused increased f‐actin stress fibers and bundle formation, an increase in g‐ and f‐actin, an increase in nuclear area and a decrease in nuclear height, and cells became stiffer (higher E). Treatment with an inhibitor (Y‐27632) of ROCK significantly decreased E and prevented the cytoskeletal changes, while it did not influence the nuclear height and area. Pre‐exposure of cells to hyperoxia promoted detachment when cells were subsequently stretched cyclically, but the ROCK inhibitor prevented this effect. Hyperoxia caused thickening of vinculin focal adhesion plaques, and inhibition of ROCK reduced the formation of distinct focal adhesion plaques. Phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase was significantly reduced by both hyperoxia and treatment with Y‐27632. Hyperoxia caused increased cell stiffness and promoted cell detachment during stretch. These effects were ameliorated by inhibition of ROCK.
Investigation of cold expansion of short edge margin holes with pre‐existing cracks in 2024‐T351 aluminium alloy
Authors: Andrew D. L. , Clark P. N. , Hoeppner D. W.
Published: November 2013

The United States Air Force has requirements to inspect and cold expand potentially thousands of fastener holes for an aircraft fleet, and the presence of existing cracks at those fastener holes is expected. Fatigue experiments were performed to investigate the resulting fatigue crack growth life of a fastener hole that contained a representative ‘unknown’ crack at the time of inspection (approximately 0.050 in. in length) at a short edge margin hole that was then cold expanded and compare that to a non‐cold expanded hole and a cold expanded hole with no pre‐existing cracks. The United States Air Force analytical approach used to account for the benefit due to cold expansion was compared to the experimental data and does not consistently provide conservative predictions.
Climate‐driven uncertainties in modeling terrestrial gross primary production: a site level to global‐scale analysis
Authors: Barman Rahul , Jain Atul K. , Liang Miaoling
Published: November 2013

We used a land surface model to quantify the causes and extents of biases in terrestrial gross primary production (GPP) due to the use of meteorological reanalysis datasets. We first calibrated the model using meteorology and eddy covariance data from 25 flux tower sites ranging from the tropics to the northern high latitudes and subsequently repeated the site simulations using two reanalysis datasets: NCEP/NCAR and CRUNCEP. The results show that at most sites, the reanalysis‐driven GPP bias was significantly positive with respect to the observed meteorology‐driven simulations. Notably, the absolute GPP bias was highest at the tropical evergreen tree sites, averaging up to ca. 0.45 kg C m−2 yr−1 across sites (ca. 15% of site level GPP). At the northern mid‐/high‐latitude broadleaf deciduous and the needleleaf evergreen tree sites, the corresponding annual GPP biases were up to 20%. For the nontree sites, average annual biases of up to ca. 20–30% were simulated within savanna, grassland, and shrubland vegetation types. At the tree sites, the biases in short‐wave radiation and humidity strongly influenced the GPP biases, while the nontree sites were more affected by biases in factors controlling water stress (precipitation, humidity, and air temperature). In this study, we also discuss the influence of seasonal patterns of meteorological biases on GPP. Finally, using model simulations for the global land surface, we discuss the potential impacts of site‐level reanalysis‐driven biases on the global estimates of GPP. In a broader context, our results can have important consequences on other terrestrial ecosystem fluxes (e.g., net primary production, net ecosystem production, energy/water fluxes) and reservoirs (e.g., soil carbon stocks). In a complementary study (Barman et al., ), we extend the present analysis for latent and sensible heat fluxes, thus consistently integrating the analysis of climate‐driven uncertainties in carbon, energy, and water fluxes using a single modeling framework.
Soil C and N availability determine the priming effect: microbial N mining and stoichiometric decomposition theories
Authors: Chen Ruirui , Senbayram Mehmet , Blagodatsky Sergey , Myachina Olga , Dittert Klaus , Lin Xiangui , Blagodatskaya Evgenia , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: November 2013

The increasing input of anthropogenically derived nitrogen (N) to ecosystems raises a crucial question: how does available N modify the decomposer community and thus affects the mineralization of soil organic matter (SOM). Moreover, N input modifies the priming effect (PE), that is, the effect of fresh organics on the microbial decomposition of SOM. We studied the interactive effects of C and N on SOM mineralization (by natural 13C labelling adding C4‐sucrose or C4‐maize straw to C3‐soil) in relation to microbial growth kinetics and to the activities of five hydrolytic enzymes. This encompasses the groups of parameters governing two mechanisms of priming effects – microbial N mining and stoichiometric decomposition theories. In sole C treatments, positive PE was accompanied by a decrease in specific microbial growth rates, confirming a greater contribution of K‐strategists to the decomposition of native SOM. Sucrose addition with N significantly accelerated mineralization of native SOM, whereas mineral N added with plant residues accelerated decomposition of plant residues. This supports the microbial mining theory in terms of N limitation. Sucrose addition with N was accompanied by accelerated microbial growth, increased activities of β‐glucosidase and cellobiohydrolase, and decreased activities of xylanase and leucine amino peptidase. This indicated an increased contribution of r‐strategists to the PE and to decomposition of cellulose but the decreased hemicellulolytic and proteolytic activities. Thus, the acceleration of the C cycle was primed by exogenous organic C and was controlled by N. This confirms the stoichiometric decomposition theory. Both K‐ and r‐strategists were beneficial for priming effects, with an increasing contribution of K‐selected species under N limitation. Thus, the priming phenomenon described in ‘microbial N mining’ theory can be ascribed to K‐strategists. In contrast, ‘stoichiometric decomposition’ theory, that is, accelerated OM mineralization due to balanced microbial growth, is explained by domination of r‐strategists.
Cost and potential of carbon abatement from the UK perennial energy crop market
Authors: Alexander Peter , Moran Dominic , Rounsevell Mark D. A. , Hillier Jonathan , Smith Pete
Published: November 2013

Biomass produced from perennial energy crops is expected to contribute to UK renewable energy targets, reducing the carbon intensity of energy production. The UK government has had incentive policies in place targeting both farmers and power plant investors to develop this market, but growth has been slower than anticipated. Market expansion requires the interaction of farmers growing these crops, with the construction of biomass power plants or other facilities to consume them. This study uses an agent‐based model to investigate behaviour of the UK energy crop market and examines the cost of emission abatement that the market might provide. The model is run for various policy scenarios attempting to answer the following questions: Do existing policies for perennial energy crops provide a cost‐effective mechanism in stimulating the market to achieve emissions abatement? What are the relative benefits of providing incentives to farmers or energy producers? What are the trade‐offs between increased or decreased subsidy levels and the rate and level of market uptake, and hence carbon abatement? The results suggest that maintaining the energy crop scheme, which provides farmers' establishment grants, can increase both the emissions abatement potential and cost‐effectiveness. A minimum carbon equivalent abatement cost is seen at intermediate subsidy levels for energy generation. This suggests that there is an optimum level that cost‐effectively stimulates the market to achieve emissions reduction.
“Now, How You Sound”: Considering a Different Philosophical Praxis
Authors: Havis Devonya N.
Published: November 2013

This paper is a tentative attempt to set out some of the basic points for articulating an alternative philosophical praxis derived from some Black women's lives and experiences. It begins with an explanation of delegitimating processes and the importance of not dividing theory from practice. The essay offers six practices that outline the unique critical attitude that constitutes philosophical practices rooted in Black women's lived experience and asks “How we sound” when doing academic philosophy.
Middle region of FancM interacts with Mhf and Rmi1 in silkworms, a species lacking the Fanconi anaemia (FA) core complex
Authors: Sugahara R. , Mon H. , Lee J. M. , Kusakabe T.
Published: November 2013

The Fanconi anaemia (FA) pathway is responsible for interstrand crosslink (ICL) repair. Among the FA core complex components, FANCM is believed to act as a damage sensor for the ICL‐blocked replication fork and also as a molecular platform for FA core complex assembly and interaction with Bloom's syndrome (BS) complex that is thought to play an important role in the processing of DNA structures such as stalled replication forks. In the present study, we found that in silkworms, Bombyx mori, a species lacking the major FA core complex components (FANCA, B, C, E, F, and G), FancM is required for FancD2 monoubiquitination and cell proliferation in the presence of mitomycin C (MMC). Silkworm FancM (BmFancM) was phosphorylated in the middle regions, and the modification was associated with its subcellular localization. In addition, BmFancM interacted with Mhf1, a histone‐fold protein, and Rmi1, a subunit of the BS complex, in the different regions. The interaction region containing at least these two protein‐binding domains played an essential role in FancM‐dependent resistance to MMC. Our results suggest that BmFancM also acts as a platform for recruitment of both the FA protein and the BS protein, although the silkworm genome seems to lose FAAP24, a FancM‐binding partner protein in mammals.
Socle de protection sociale et gouvernance sociale mondiale: vers des synergies politiques et une coopération entre les organisations internationales
Authors: Deacon Bob
Published: November 2013

Le présent article examine l'influence exercée par l’Organisation internationale du Travail (OIT) sur les autres organisations internationales et les institutions mondiales afin qu'elles soutiennent le concept de socle de protection sociale (SPS). Il a été approuvé en 2012 par les Nations Unies sous la forme de l'initiative SPS adoptée par le Conseil des chefs de secrétariat des organismes des Nations Unies, par la Banque mondiale, qui l'a intégré à sa nouvelle stratégie pour la protection sociale et l'emploi, et par le G20 lors du Sommet de Cannes. Le Fonds monétaire international a par ailleurs accepté de collaborer avec l’OIT sur les différentes possibilités de créer un espace budgétaire permettant de financer les SPS. En 2012 également, les Rapporteurs spéciaux du Conseil des droits de l'homme des Nations Unies ont demandé la constitution d'un fonds mondial de protection sociale pour permettre aux pays les plus pauvres de créer leurs propres socles. Enfin, une nouvelle autorité de coordination, le Conseil de coopération interinstitutions pour la protection sociale (SPIAC‐B), a vu le jour en 2012 pour faciliter la coopération entre les institutions internationales. Le présent article décrit et explique ces différents événements. Il examine si le renforcement apparent de la coopération entre les instances de gouvernance sociale mondiales dans le domaine de la protection sociale est réel ou s’il existe des contradictions, un chevauchement des activités ou une concurrence entre les différents mandats, ou des désaccords politiques à l'échelle internationale.
La société civile et les socles de protection sociale
Authors: van Ginneken Wouter
Published: November 2013

La société civile soutient pleinement le concept de socle de protection sociale et, en particulier, l'adoption de la recommandation (no 202) sur les socles de protection sociale, 2012, de l'Organisation internationale du Travail. La mise en œuvre des socles de protection sociale permettra de réaliser de formidables progrès au niveau mondial, tant pour réduire la pauvreté et les inégalités que pour favoriser la capacité d'action des individus. Le mouvement de la société civile est convaincu qu'une approche fondée sur les droits humains constitue la façon la plus efficace de concevoir et de mettre en œuvre des socles de protection sociale mobilisateurs et durables. En ce qui concerne la mise en œuvre, fondée sur les droits humains, des garanties de sécurité sociale, elle est principalement axée sur les quatre objectifs suivants: 1) le respect des droits et de la dignité des personnes détenant des droits en matière de sécurité sociale; 2) la pleine participation de la société civile; 3) la couverture universelle à l'échelon local, national et international; et 4) la prise en compte des besoins spécifiques des groupes vulnérables. Dans le sillage de la 101e session de la Conférence internationale du Travail, tenue en 2012, 59 organisations de la société civile ont cré
é la Coalition pour les socles de protection sociale, qui a deux principales missions: 1) surveiller la mise en œuvre universelle des socles de protection sociale, aux niveaux local et national, et y contribuer; et 2) promouvoir le concept de socle de protection sociale dans le cadre des processus d'élaboration des politiques mondiales, tels que les discussions sur le Programme de développement des Nations Unies pour l'après‐2015.
La recommandation (no 202) sur les socles de protection sociale, 2012: compléter les normes de sécurité sociale pour combler le déficit de couverture
Authors: Kulke Ursula , Guilbault Emmanuelle Saint‐Pierre
Published: November 2013

En juin 2012, la 101e Conférence internationale du Travail a adopté la recommandation (no 202) sur les socles de protection sociale, 2012. Le présent article étudie les liens et la complémentarité existant entre cette recommandation et les normes de sécurité sociale déjà définies par l'Organisation internationale du Travail (OIT). Après avoir examiné si ces normes ont perdu de leur pertinence et si la nouvelle recommandation a été précisément adoptée afin de les remplacer, l'article conclut que cette recommandation complète, élargit et renforce le code international de la sécurité sociale existant déjà. La recommandation no 202 et les conventions de la sécurité sociale de l’OIT constituent un cadre normatif adapté et complet permettant de créer et de pérenniser des systèmes globaux de sécurité sociale.
Révision des politiques pour une avancée vers une couverture universelle en soins de santé dans les pays à faible revenu: garantir les résultats positifs des socles nationaux de protection sociale
Authors: Scheil‐Adlung Xenia
Published: November 2013

Malgré les progrès réalisés en matière d'extension de la couverture des soins de santé, la plupart des pays à faible revenu sont encore loin d'atteindre la couverture médicale universelle et, par conséquent, les améliorations dans le domaine, telles que celles établies par les objectifs du Millénaire pour le développement, ne seront très probablement pas réalisées d'ici à 2015. Les premiers touchés par ce retard sont les plus vulnérables: les pauvres des zones urbaines et rurales, ainsi que les travailleurs de l'économie informelle et leur famille. La situation est réellement préoccupante dans la mesure où non seulement le progrès risque d'être limité, mais on pourrait même connaître un recul si les politiques continuent de ne pas traiter les causes profondes des brèches et des lacunes de la couverture sanitaire. Nous montrons dans cet article que les causes sont
à la fois internes et externes au secteur de la santé, et qu'elles sont intimement liées à la pauvreté et à d'autres formes de vulnérabilité. Nous expliquons que les progrès durables vers la couverture médicale universelle ne pourront être réalisés dans un laps de temps raisonnable que si l'on concentre les efforts à la fois sur a) l'extension de la couverture médicale et l'amélioration de l'accès aux soins de santé nécessaires; b) la garantie d'une sécurité des revenus grâce à une aide au revenu accordée aux personnes dans le besoin; c) l'élimination des limites à générer des revenus par le travail ou l'incapacité à le faire; et d) la mise en œuvre de politiques cohérentes autant au sein de chacun des secteurs qui a pour priorité la réduction de la pauvreté, comme les secteurs économique et sanitaire, qu'entre eux. La meilleure façon de mettre en œuvre ces politiques est de le faire dans le cadre de socles nationaux de protection sociale qui portent sur l'accès au moins aux soins de santé essentiels et sur la garantie d'une sécurité des revenus de base au cours du cycle de vie des personnes dans le besoin. La mise en place des socles de protection sociale permettra peut‐être de rompre les liens entre la mauvaise santé, la pauvreté et d'autres vulnérabilités, et de réaliser des progrès durables dans le sens d'une couverture universelle des soins de santé et d'autres objectifs de protection sociale.
Curcuma gulinqingensis sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae) from Yunnan, China
Authors: Chen Juan , Xia Nian‐He
Published: November 2013

A new species of Curcuma L. is described and illustrated, viz. Curcuma gulinqingensis N. H. Xia & Juan Chen. The new species is similar to C. amarissima Roscoe, but differs in the following characters: rhizomes lemon yellow inside; blades with a ca 2 cm broad purple cloud along the midrib above the middle, glabrous; coma bracts pale red, purple except the white base, elliptic, obtuse at apex; fertile bracts pale green with purple around the margin and the top, elliptic, obtuse at apex.
Malleola tibetica sp. nov. (Aeridinae, Orchidaceae) from Tibet, China
Authors: Huang Wei‐Chang , Jin Xiao‐Hua , Xiang Xiao‐Guo
Published: November 2013

Malleola tibetica, a new species from southeastern tropical Tibet, China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, the new species is closely related to M. dentifera, but differs from it by having uniformly green leaves, flowers with entire lateral lobes of the lip and a basally thickened mid‐lobe, and a column that is densely cristaline‐papillose adaxially.
Ardisia banaensis and A. sadirioides spp. nov. (Myrsinaceae) from Vietnam
Authors: Phan Ke Loc , The Pham Van , Hu Chi‐Ming
Published: November 2013

Two new species of Ardisia (Myrsinaceae), A. banaensis C. M. Hu & L. K. Phan and A. sadirioides C. M. Hu & L. K. Phan, from Vietnam are described and illustrated. Their distribution, habitat, phenology and closely related species are discussed.
Pternopetalum arunachalense sp. nov. (Apiaceae) from India
Authors: Bhaumik M. , Satyanarayana P.
Published: November 2013

Pternopetalum arunachalense M. Bhaumik & P. Satyanar. is a new species from Arunachal Pradesh in India and is described and illustrated here. This new species is similar to P. trichomanifolium (Franch.) Hand.‐Mazz. by highly dissected, ternate 2–4‐pinnate leaves, ultimate segments linear and erect elongate styles but differs by generally smaller habit and scabrid mericarps with 1–2 vittae in each furrow and commissure.