bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐resolution transcriptional analysis of the regulatory influence of cell‐to‐cell signalling reveals novel genes that contribute to Xanthomonas phytopathogenesis
Authors: An Shi‐Qi , Febrer Melanie , McCarthy Yvonne , Tang Dong‐Jie , Clissold Leah , Kaithakottil Gemy , Swarbreck David , Tang Ji‐Liang , Rogers Jane , Dow J. Maxwell , Ryan Robert P.
Published: April 2013

The bacterium Xanthomonas campestris is an economically important pathogen of many crop species and a model for the study of bacterial phytopathogenesis. In X. campestris, a regulatory system mediated by the signal molecule DSF controls virulence to plants. The synthesis and recognition of the DSF signal depends upon different Rpf proteins. DSF signal generation requires RpfF whereas signal perception and transduction depends upon a system comprising the sensor RpfC and regulator RpfG. Here we have addressed the action and role of Rpf/DSF signalling in phytopathogenesis by high‐resolution transcriptional analysis coupled to functional genomics. We detected transcripts for many genes that were unidentified by previous computational analysis of the genome sequence. Novel transcribed regions included intergenic transcripts predicted as coding or non‐coding as well as those that were antisense to coding sequences. In total, mutation of rpfF, rpfG and rpfC led to alteration in transcript levels (more than fourfold) of approximately 480 genes. The regulatory influence of RpfF and RpfC demonstrated considerable overlap. Contrary to expectation, the regulatory influence of RpfC and RpfG had limited overlap, indicating complexities of the Rpf signalling system. Importantly, functional analysis revealed over 160 new virulence factors within the group of Rpf‐regulated genes.
Th2‐type innate immune responses mediated by natural helper cells
Authors: Koyasu Shigeo , Moro Kazuyo
Published: April 2013

Natural helper (NH) cells are a newly identified innate lymphocyte population that responds to a combination of interleukin (IL)‐2 and either IL‐25 or IL‐33 to produce large amounts of T helper cell type 2 (Th2) cytokines. NH cells have been identified in fat‐associated lymphoid clusters (FALCs), produce Th2 cytokines constitutively without any stimulation, and support the self‐renewal of B1 cells and IgA production by B cells. Large amounts of IL‐5 and IL‐13 produced upon helminth infection or in response to IL‐33 can induce eosinophilia and goblet cell hyperplasia in the lung and intestine; these cytokines, which activate NH cells, play important roles in antihelminth immunity and allergic diseases such as asthma.
Aggravation of inflammatory bowel diseases by oral streptococci
Authors: Kojima A , Nomura R , Naka S , Okawa R , Ooshima T , Nakano K
Published: April 2013

Objectives

Streptococcus mutans can aggravate colitis in mice. We evaluated the virulence of colitis using type strains as well as blood isolates of several oral streptococcal species.

Materials and Methods

We investigated the susceptibility of blood isolates of several oral streptococci to phagocytosis, adhesion to and invasion of hepatic cells and interferon‐γ secretion. A mouse model of dextran sodium sulphate‐induced colitis was used to evaluate bacterial aggravation of colitis. In addition, interferon‐γ antibody was administered to mice with prominent aggravation of colitis.

Results

In vitro analyses showed that Streptococcus sanguinis ATCC 10556 was a possible virulent strain among type strains of several oral streptococci, and that analysis of blood isolates of S. sanguinis TW289 revealed a potential virulent strain. Intravenous administration of ATCC 10556 and TW289 caused prominent aggravation of dextran sodium sulphate‐induced colitis, and histopathological examinations showed that interferon‐γ secretion due to infection of hepatic cells caused colitis aggravation. Administration of interferon‐γ antibody suppressed TW289‐induced colitis.

Conclusion

These results suggest that some virulent oral streptococcal strains are associated with the aggravation of colitis induced by enhanced secretion of interferon‐γ when they invade the bloodstream.
FISCAL TRANSPARENCY AT THE CHINESE PROVINCIAL LEVEL
Authors: DENG SHULIAN , PENG JUN , WANG CONG
Published: April 2013

There is a global movement towards more budgetary transparency, in both developed and developing countries, as this lies at the heart of responsible governance. Since the promulgation of the Regulation on Open Government Information in China in 2008, China has witnessed an external demand and internal push for more budgetary transparency. Using annual survey data collected between 2009 and 2012, we found that budgetary transparency at the Chinese provincial government level, although showing slight improvement over this period, was still very low, and there was significant volatility in the amount of information disclosed by individual provinces from year to year. These findings are mostly due to a contradiction between the central government's stated desire for more transparency and deep‐rooted institutional and legal barriers against transparency. Recommendations are made as to how transparency can be further improved in China and other parts of the world.
Converting restriction fragment length polymorphism to single‐strand conformation polymorphism markers and its application in the fine mapping of a trichome gene in cotton
Authors: He Shae , Zheng Yunna , Chen Aiqun , Ding Mingquan , Lin Lifeng , Cao Yuefen , Zhou Wei , Rong Junkang
Published: April 2013

A well‐characterized and systematically organized collection of genetic markers is crucial in the study of any crop species. It is the basis of map‐based gene cloning and crop improvements through marker‐assisted selections. Single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) has been a robust way of discovering new polymorphisms in marker development without the requirement of sequencing. Here, we report the first approach of applying SSCP marker discovery methods in the genetic map construction and gene mapping of cotton species. A total of 80 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers were selected from a region on published cotton genetic maps around the T1 gene related to cotton trichome. Among the 80 RFLPs, 28 showed polymorphisms through SSCP, showing a polymorphic rate of approximately 35%, which is much higher than that of simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in the same region (7.8%). By integrating these newly generated SSCP markers, a detailed genetic map was reconstructed around this region using an F2 population derived from a cross between Gossypium arboreum and G. herboceum. The reconstructed region comprises 22 SSCP markers, eight SSR markers and the T1 gene, spanning 21.6 cM. The marker order of the new map agrees well with published reference RFLP maps. The above results suggest that SSCP method can be applied very efficiently and reliably to the marker development of cotton genomes. It will prove to be even more valuable and robust after the public release of cotton whole‐genome sequences.
REGIONAL INCOME DISPARITY IN CHINA USING VALUE‐ADDED DATA: DECOMPOSITION AND DISTRIBUTION DYNAMICS
Authors: Sakamoto Hiroshi , Fan Jin
Published: April 2013

Using value‐added data, we examine regional income disparity in China's provinces during the period 1987–2008. We decompose the Gross Regional Product (GRP) of China's provinces into four value‐added components: compensation of employees, operating surplus, depreciation of fixed assets, and net tax on production. We measure income disparity by the coefficient of variation (CV) and measure the contribution of these four components to disparity in GRP. The disparity in operating surplus and net tax on production shows decreasing tendencies, while the disparity in compensation of employees and depreciation of fixed assets increases. The CV for all components is thus almost identical. In addition, compensation of employees contributes increasingly to disparity in GRP and replaces the operating surplus as the primary source of income disparity among China's provinces. These results have arisen through improvements among low‐income, predominantly rural, workers, and higher‐income workers employed by direct foreign investors or business owners.
GRAVITY MATTERS: INTERNATIONAL TRADE OF BANGLADESH
Authors: Oh Jinhwan , Rahman Sardar Rashedur
Published: April 2013

Using a gravity approach, this study primarily explores Bangladesh's trade pattern. It is found that Bangladesh's trade patterns are basically consistent with the prediction of the gravity model across decades. Additionally, the comparison between actual and predicted trade volumes indicates that Bangladesh's exports are heavily dependent on the US market. Policy implications follow.
ENDOWMENTS VERSUS RETURNS: COUNTERFACTUAL QUANTILE DECOMPOSITION OF URBAN–RURAL INEQUALITY IN SRI LANKA
Authors: De Silva Indunil
Published: April 2013

The main objective of this article is to investigate whether observed urban–rural inequalities in Sri Lanka are due to locational concentration of households with similar endowments that are likely to place them at the bottom of the welfare distribution, or whether it is due to the geographical disparities in the return to these endowments. The study firstly sketches a poverty and inequality profile for Sri Lanka and then identifies the degree to which different levels of endowments and returns effect account for regional welfare differences by applying the Oaxaca–Blinder and Machado–Mata quantile decomposition methods. The study finds in general that, when comparing the urban and rural sectors at the mean, the expenditure differentials are primarily due to differences in returns to endowments. Decomposition results suggest that identical households do not have the same growth prospects independent of where they live, and for geography to play a vital role in explaining the level of household living standards. Quantile regression decomposition estimates suggests that the endowments effect is increasing and dominant for households at the bottom of the welfare distribution, while the returns effect is dominant for wealthier households.
Spatiotemporal variations of Jurassic–Cretaceous magmatism in easternAsia (Tan‐Lu Fault toSW Japan): evidence for flat‐slab subduction and slab rollback
Authors: Kiminami Kazuo , Imaoka Teruyoshi
Published: April 2013

Here, we examine spatiotemporal variations of Jurassic–Cretaceous magmatism along ac. 1000‐km transect across eastern Asia, includingSW Japan, the Korean,Jiaodong and Liaodong peninsulas, and easternJilin Province. Integration of tectonic regime data with age data from igneous rocks in easternAsia (from the Tan‐Lu Fault toSW Japan) suggests a shallowing of the subduction angle and subsequent flat‐slab subduction during the Jurassic, and slab rollback during the Early Cretaceous. The combination of a subducting plateau and root‐enhanced suction provides the best explanation for the flat‐slab subduction. In the final stage (Albian) of slab rollback, the geotectonic setting changed from subduction–accretion to a continental arc in the area close to the ancient trench (i.e. the Inner Zone ofSW Japan).
Spatiotemporal patterns ofAedes aegyptipopulations in Cairns, Australia: assessing drivers of dengue transmission
Authors: Duncombe Jennifer , Clements Archie , Davis Joe , Hu Wenbiao , Weinstein Philip , Ritchie Scott
Published: April 2013

Objectives

To identify the meteorological drivers of dengue vector density and determine high‐ and low‐risk transmission zones for dengue prevention and control in Cairns, Australia.

Methods

Weekly adult femaleAe. aegyptidata were obtained from 79 double sticky ovitraps (SOs) located in Cairns for the period September 2007–May 2012. Maximum temperature, total rainfall and average relative humidity data were obtained from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology for the study period. Time series–distributed lag nonlinear models were used to assess the relationship between meteorological variables and vector density. Spatial autocorrelation was assessed via semivariography, and ordinary kriging was undertaken to predict vector density in Cairns.

Results

Ae. aegyptidensity was associated with temperature and rainfall. However, these relationships differed between short (0–6 weeks) and long (0–30 weeks) lag periods. Semivariograms showed that vector distributions were spatially autocorrelated in September 2007–May 2008 and January 2009–May 2009, and vector density maps identified high transmission zones in the most populated parts of Cairns city, as well as Machans Beach.

Conclusion

Spatiotemporal patterns ofAe. aegyptiin Cairns are complex, showing spatial autocorrelation and associations with temperature and rainfall. Sticky ovitraps should be placed no more than 1.2 km apart to ensure entomological coverage and efficient use of resources. Vector density maps provide evidence for the targeting of prevention and control activities. Further research is needed to explore the possibility of developing an early warning system of dengue based on meteorological and environmental factors.
Class III Phosphoinositide 3‐Kinase/VPS34 and Dynamin are Critical for Apical Endocytic Recycling
Authors: Carpentier Sarah , N'Kuli Francisca , Grieco Giuseppina , Van Der Smissen Patrick , Janssens Virginie , Emonard Hervé , Bilanges Benoît , Vanhaesebroeck Bart , Gaide Chevronnay Héloïse P. , Pierreux Christophe E. , Tyteca Donatienne , Courtoy Pierre J.
Published: April 2013

Recycling is a limiting step for receptor‐mediated endocytosis. We first report three in vitro or in vivo evidences that class III PI3K/VPS34 is the key PI3K isoform regulating apical recycling. A substractive approach, comparing in Opossum Kidney (OK) cells a pan‐class I/II/III PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) with a class I/II PI3K inhibitor (ZSTK474), suggested that class III PI3K/VPS34 inhibition induced selective apical endosome swelling and sequestration of the endocytic receptor, megalin/LRP‐2, causing surface down‐regulation. GFP‐(FYVE)x2 overexpression to sequester PI(3)P caused undistinguishable apical endosome swelling. In mouse kidney proximal tubular cells, conditional Vps34 inactivation also led to vacuolation and intracellular megalin redistribution. We next report that removal of LY294002 from LY294002‐treated OK cells induced a spectacular burst of recycling tubules and restoration of megalin surface pool. Acute triggering of recycling tubules revealed recruitment of dynamin‐GFP and dependence of dynamin‐GTPase, guidance directionality by microtubules, and suggested that a microfilamentous net constrained endosomal swelling. We conclude that (i) besides its role in endosome fusion, PI3K‐III is essential for endosome fission/recycling; and (ii) besides its role in endocytic entry, dynamin also supports tubulation of recycling endosomes. The unleashing of recycling upon acute reversal of PI3K inhibition may help study its dynamics and associated machineries.
Impact of static magnetic fields on the radial line slot antenna plasma source
Authors: Yoshikawa Jun , Ventzek Peter L. G.
Published: April 2013

The radial line slot antenna plasma source is used in semiconductor device fabrication. As is the case for all plasma sources, ever more strict uniformity control requirements are driven by the precision demands of new device technologies. Large volume diffusion plasmas, of which the radial line slot antenna source is one type, must overcome transport effects or diffusion modes that tend to “center peak” the plasma density near the wafer being processed. One way to resolve problematic transport effects is the insertion of magnetic fields into the plasma region. In this paper, the impact of the magnetic field on plasma properties is parameterized as a function of slot configuration. The magnetic field orientation and the magnitude of magnetic field are varied in a computational study in which the source is modeled as a two-dimensional axisymmetric quasineutral plasma. This work employs a finite element model simulation. The magnitude of magnetic fields considered is 50 Gauss maximum with a microwave power of 3000 W at a pressure of 20 mTorr. 20 mTorr is chosen as this is a condition where diffusion effects are challenging to counteract. The study showed that there are specific conditions for slot configuration and magnetic field that improve the plasma controllability and some that do not. Plasma property modulation is most effective when the plasma source region is placed at large radius with axial magnetic fields. There are synergistic effects between the slot location and magnetic field that are important and placing large magnetic fields at the chamber edge alone does not result in improved uniformity. Electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) heating and the impact of pulsing the magnetic fields are presented. ECR heating is not important for the conditions relevant to this paper and pulsing is shown to have benefit.
Topology of Feather Melanocyte Progenitor Niche Allows Complex Pigment Patterns to Emerge
Authors: Lin S. J. , Foley J. , Jiang T. X. , Yeh C. Y. , Wu P. , Foley A. , Yen C. M. , Huang Y. C. , Cheng H. C. , Chen C. F. , Reeder B. , Jee S. H. , Widelitz R. B. , Chuong C. M.
Published: April 2013

Feather Features

Diversification of feather pigment patterns is essential for avian speciation and adaptation. Yet the identity of feather pigment progenitor cells and the cellular and molecular basis for feather pigment pattern formation is poorly understood.

Lin
et al.

(p.
1442
, published online 25 April) report that, compared to the localized pigment cell niche in hair, a more dispersed circular topology of the feather pigment progenitor niche loosens spatial constraints and allows for more freedom in patterning possibilities. Multiple cellular mechanisms are co-opted and choreographed in this multidimensional space to create patterns.
Taxel-Addressable Matrix of Vertical-Nanowire Piezotronic Transistors for Active and Adaptive Tactile Imaging
Authors: Wu Wenzhuo , Wen Xiaonan , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: April 2013

A Touchy Subject

The ability to hold a glass being filled with water without dropping it depends on our ability to touch objects and to know the correct pressure to exert. Thus, for robotics or artificial skin design, methods are needed for sensitive pressure detection.

Wu
et al.

(p.
952
, published online 25 April) designed a device based on an array of zinc oxide nanowires that generate a small voltage when flexed that could be translated into a pressure signal. The device has a pressure-sensing range of up to 30 kPa, comparable to the 10 to 40 kPa range of a human finger.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Efficient Bioflocculant-Producing Bacterium
Paenibacillus
sp. Strain A9
Authors: Jiang Bin-hui , Liu Jin-liang , Hu Xiao-min
Published: April 2013

Paenibacillus
sp. strain A9 is an important bioflocculant-producing bacterium, isolated from a soil sample, and is pale pink-pigmented, aerobic, and Gram-positive. Here, we report the draft genome sequence and the initial findings from a preliminary analysis of strain A9, which is a novel species of
Paenibacillus
.
α1-Antitrypsin deficiency in a patient diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Inaty Hanine , Arabelovic Senada
Published: April 2013

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis is a rare type of vasculitis that affects small-sized and medium-sized vessels. Any organ system can become affected, but it most commonly affects the upper airways, lungs and kidneys. The α1-antitrypsin deficiency is another rare disease that involves a genetic deficiency in the enzyme antitrypsin, which is produced in the liver and protects the lung against proteinases. The simultaneous occurrence of these two diseases is very rare and has been described. We present a case of granulomatosis with polyangiitis limited to the upper airways, and α1-antitrypsin deficiency occurring in the same patient. The patient presented with recurrent upper airway infections. The patient was treated with steroids and azathioprine which prevented recurrence of symptoms. High clinical suspicion of the concomitant occurrence of α1-antitrypsin deficiency in patients with vasculitis is essential to provide patients with adequate screening and treatment.
Clinical utility of corpus callosum measurements in head sonograms of preterm infants: a cohort study
Authors: Perenyi Agnes , Amodio John , Katz Joanne S , Stefanov Dimitre G
Published: April 2013

Objective

To assess the clinical usefulness of measurement of corpus callosum (CC) size in head ultrasound (HUS) to predict short-term neurodevelopmental (ND) outcomes in preterm infants. We hypothesised that including CC measurements in routine HUS will be an additional tool for early identification of infants at risk of adverse short-term ND outcome, over and above the predictive power of perinatal morbidities.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and outpatient NICU follow-up clinic of an academic medical centre in New York City.

Participants

929 HUS of 502 infants with gestational age of 23–36 weeks in African-American infants were initially studied. Exclusion criteria included those who died, had gross abnormalities in HUS, infants with race other than African-American, infants with suboptimal quality of HUS, late preterm infants and infants who did not participate in ND follow-up. A total of 173 infants completed the study.

Interventions

CC size (length and thickness) was measured in a subset of 87 infants who had routine HUS between 23 and 29 weeks (0–6 postnatal weeks). Relevant clinical variables were collected from chart reviews. ND assessments were completed in outpatient follow-up clinics. A statistical model was developed to assess the clinical utility and possible predictive value of CC measurements for adverse short-term ND outcome, while adjusting for perinatal morbidities.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

CC size and ND status.

Results

Measurements of CC size did not add substantial predictive power to predict short-term ND outcome beyond the information provided by the presence of morbidities related to prematurity.

Conclusions

No association was found between morbidities related to prematurity and short-term ND outcome and CC size in preterm infants. CC measurements in HUS early in life did not have an additional value in predicting short-term ND outcome, therefore did not seem to provide further clinical utility.
Parental modelling, media equipment and screen-viewing among young children: cross-sectional study
Authors: Jago Russell , Sebire Simon J , Lucas Patricia J , Turner Katrina M , Bentley Georgina F , Goodred Joanna K , Stewart-Brown Sarah , Fox Kenneth R
Published: April 2013

Objective

To examine whether parental screen-viewing, parental attitudes or access to media equipment were associated with the screen-viewing of 6-year-old to 8-year-old children.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Online survey.

Main outcome

Parental report of the number of hours per weekday that they and, separately, their 6-year-old to 8-year-old child spent watching TV, using a games console, a smart-phone and multiscreen viewing. Parental screen-viewing, parental attitudes and pieces of media equipment were exposures.

Results

Over 75% of the parents and 62% of the children spent more than 2 h/weekday watching TV. Over two-thirds of the parents and almost 40% of the children spent more than an hour per day multiscreen viewing. The mean number of pieces of media equipment in the home was 5.9 items, with 1.3 items in the child's bedroom. Children who had parents who spent more than 2 h/day watching TV were over 7.8 times more likely to exceed the 2 h threshold. Girls and boys who had a parent who spent an hour or more multiscreen viewing were 34 times more likely to also spend more than an hour per day multiscreen viewing. Media equipment in the child's bedroom was associated with higher TV viewing, computer time and multiscreen viewing. Each increment in the parental agreement that watching TV was relaxing for their child was associated with a 49% increase in the likelihood that the child spent more than 2 h/day watching TV.

Conclusions

Children who have parents who engage in high levels of screen-viewing are more likely to engage in high levels of screen-viewing. Access to media equipment, particularly in the child's bedroom, was associated with higher levels of screen-viewing. Family-based strategies to reduce screen-viewing and limit media equipment access may be important ways to reduce child screen-viewing.
High risk of ‘failure’ among emergency physicians compared with other specialists: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Lee Yi-Kung , Lee Ching-Chih , Chen Chien-Chih , Wong Chun-Hing , Su Yung-Cheng
Published: April 2013

Background

The intensive physical and psychological stress of emergency medicine has evoked concerns about whether emergency physicians could work in the emergency department for their entire careers. Results of previous studies of the attrition rates of emergency physicians are conflicting, but the study samples and designs were limited.

Objective

To use National Health Insurance claims data to track the work status and work places of emergency physicians compared with other specialists. To examine the hypothesis that emergency physicians leave their specialty more frequently than other hospital-based specialists.

Methods

Three types of specialists who work in hospitals were enrolled: emergency physicians, surgeons and radiologists/pathologists. Every physician was followed up until they left the hospital, did not work anymore or were censored. A Kaplan–Meier curve was plotted to show the trend. A multivariate Cox regression model was then applied to evaluate the adjusted HRs of emergency physicians compared with other specialists.

Results

A total of 16 666 physicians (1584 emergency physicians, 12 103 surgeons and 2979 radiologists/pathologists) were identified between 1997 and 2010. For emergency physicians, the Kaplan–Meier curve showed a significantly decreased survival after 10 years. The log-rank test was statistically significant (p value <0.001). In the Cox regression model, after adjusting for age and sex, the HRs of emergency physicians compared with surgeons and radiologists/pathologists were 5.84 (95% CI 2.98 to 11.47) and 21.34 (95% CI 8.00 to 56.89), respectively.

Conclusion

Emergency physicians have a higher probability of leaving their specialties than surgeons and radiologists/pathologists, possibly owing to the high stress of emergency medicine. Further strategies should be planned to retain experienced emergency physicians in their specialties.
D H HULL and BRIG P J BEALE, L/RAMC
Authors: Hull D H , Beale P J.
Published: April 2013

Eight patients suffering from cutaneous leishmaniasis acquired in Belize were treated with 800 mg oral ketoconazole daily for 28 days . Four were infected withLeishmania mexicana mexicanaand four withLeishmania braziliensis braziliensis. On complelion of therapy, all cases ofLeishmania mexicalla mexicanainfection and one ofLeishmania braziliensis braziliensisinfection showed significant clinical improvement. No side-effects were observed during this study which suggests that ketoconazole might be a safe and effective form of therapy for cutaneous leishmaniasis caused byLeishmania mexicona mexicana.
HIV, syphilis and sexual risk behaviours among men who have sex with men in Agadir and Marrakesh, Morocco
Authors: Johnston Lisa Grazina , Alami Kamal , El Rhilani M Houssine , Karkouri Mehdi , Mellouk Othoman , Abadie Alise , Rafif Nadia , Ouarsas Lahoucine , Bennani Aziza , Omari Boutaina El
Published: April 2013

Objective

To collect baseline measurements of HIV and syphilis prevalence and sexual risk behaviours among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Agadir and Marrakech, Morocco, and provide strategic information to improve outreach programmes.

Methods and Design

Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit men who reported having anal sex with another man in the last 6 months, aged 18 years and older and living in either Agadir or Marrakech for the past 6 months, regardless of nationality. Data were analysed with the multiplicity estimator using respondent-driven sampling analysis tool V.6.0.

Results

323 MSM in Agadir and 346 in Marrakech were recruited into the survey. Most MSM in both cities reported being < 25 years, being unemployed, bisexual and in a couple with both a man and a woman. Most reported selling sex and having sex with women. HIV prevalence was 5.6% in Agadir and 2.8% in Marrakesh; syphilis was 7.0% in Agadir and 10.8% in Marrakesh. Among MSM who tested positive for HIV, 31.6% in Agadir and 56.4% in Marrakesh were co-infected with syphilis.

Conclusions

HIV and syphilis findings coupled with high risk activities indicate the need for expanding programmes targeting MSM throughout Morocco. Selling sex and sex with women may be a strategy to cope with extreme stigma towards MSM. Criminalisation and discrimination of MSM in Morocco underscores the urgent need for long-term and sustainable risk reduction through legal reforms and promotion and protection of human rights.
Striatal cholinergic functional alterations in hypoxic neonatal rats: Role of glucose, oxygen, and epinephrine resuscitation
Authors: Anju T.R. , Paulose C.S.
Published: April 2013

Molecular processes regulating cholinergic functions play an important role in the control of respiration under hypoxia. Cholinergic alterations and its further complications in respiration due to hypoxic insult in neonatal rats and the effect of glucose, oxygen, and epinephrine resuscitation was evaluated in the present study. Receptor binding and gene expression studies were done in the corpus striatum to analyse the changes in total muscarinic receptors, muscarinic M1, M2, M3receptors, and the enzymes involved in acetylcholine metabolism, choline acetyltransferase and acetylcholinesterase. Neonatal hypoxia decreased total muscarinic receptors with reduced expression of muscarinic M1, M2, and M3receptor genes. The reduction in acetylcholine metabolism is indicated by the downregulated choline acetyltransferase and upregulated acetyl cholinesterase expression. These cholinergic disturbances were reversed to near control in glucose-resuscitated hypoxic neonates. The adverse effects of immediate oxygenation and epinephrine administration are also reported. The present findings points to the cholinergic alterations due to neonatal hypoxic shock and suggests a proper resuscitation method to ameliorate these striatal changes.
Effects of dehydration and rehydration on the leaf lipids and lipid metabolism in Parkinsonia aculeata (Caesalpiniaceae)
Authors: Benadjaoud Ali , Benhassaine-Kesri Ghouziel , Zachowski Alain , Aïd Fatiha
Published: April 2013

Plants of Parkinsonia aculeata L. were dehydrated by withholding water for 13 days and then rehydrated. The leaves of control plants and stressed plants were analyzed every four days from the beginning of stress and 6, 24, and 48 h after stress relief. Analysis of leaf water status showed a decrease in relative water content of nearly 16% during dehydration and a return to its control value after 48 h of rehydration. The contents of chlorophylls, chloroplast lipids (monogalactosyldiacylglycerol and digalactosyldiacylglycerol), and neutral lipids increased by 38%, 20%, and 125% (in μg·mg dry mass−1), respectively, when the daily decrease of relative water content reached 1.4%, while the mass of extra-plastidial lipids (phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine) increased by 25% (in μg·mg dry mass−1) only when the daily water loss was 2.6%. In addition, incorporation of radioactive acetate in lipids showed a preferential synthesis of digalactosyldiacylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylcholine. The unsaturation degree of galactolipids remained stable, while a slight increase of unsaturation of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine was observed. After rehydration, the mass of chlorophylls fell sharply, while the amount of total lipids decreased slowly as the level remained 17% higher than in the control 6 h after stress relief. Our results show that Parkinsonia plants are sensitive to a slight variation of the water potential and respond with an increased synthesis of membrane lipids during stress and after rehydration.
CONTINUOUS SLICE FUNCTIONAL CALCULUS IN QUATERNIONIC HILBERT SPACES
Authors: GHILONI RICCARDO , MORETTI VALTER , PEROTTI ALESSANDRO
Published: April 2013

The aim of this work is to define a continuous functional calculus in quaternionic Hilbert spaces, starting from basic issues regarding the notion of spherical spectrum of a normal operator. As properties of the spherical spectrum suggest, the class of continuous functions to consider in this setting is the one of slice quaternionic functions. Slice functions generalize the concept of slice regular function, which comprises power series with quaternionic coefficients on one side and that can be seen as an effective generalization to quaternions of holomorphic functions of one complex variable. The notion of slice function allows to introduce suitable classes of real, complex and quaternionic C*-algebras and to define, on each of these C*-algebras, a functional calculus for quaternionic normal operators. In particular, we establish several versions of the spectral map theorem. Some of the results are proved also for unbounded operators. However, the mentioned continuous functional calculi are defined only for bounded normal operators. Some comments on the physical significance of our work are included.
Global Milankovitch cycles recorded in rock magnetism of the shallow marine lower Cretaceous Cupido Formation, northeastern Mexico
Authors: Hinnov Linda A. , Kodama Kenneth P. , Anastasio David J. , Elrick Maya , Latta Diana K.
Published: April 2013

Rock magnetic cyclostratigraphy was measured in the Barremian–Aptian Cupido (‘Cupidito’) Formation, northeastern Mexico. The goal was to develop an objective evaluation of palaeo-environmental variability recorded in the formation that is independent of facies analysis and interpretation. Anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM) was used to estimate magnetic mineral concentration variations for the upper 143 m of the formation, which is characterized by metre-scale carbonate cycles representative of inner- and middle-shelf marine environments. Isothermal remanent magnetization acquisition experiments and scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination indicate that micron-sized detrital magnetite from eolian dust carries the ARM signal. At the sampled sections from Garcia and Chico canyons, 25 km apart, ARM records a synchronous 30–35 m oscillation with maxima coinciding with fourth-order sequence boundaries, superimposed with prominent high-frequency variability. Calibrating the 30–35 m oscillation to a 405 kyr period (long eccentricity cycle) focuses the high frequencies into short eccentricity, obliquity and precession index bands; the precession-band signal modulates with an eccentricity signature. The ARM signal is correlated between sections, but decoupled from the interpreted fifth-order depositional cycles. ARM amplitudes diminish up-section with facies suggesting deepening conditions that diluted magnetite concentration. This probably signals a warming, increasingly humid climate, changing global circulation and/or greater dispersal of magnetite grains.
Phase Behavior and Solvation of Lithium Trifluoromethanesulfonate in Propylene Carbonate
Authors: Foley Matthew P , Worosz Christopher , Sweely Kurt , Henderson Wesley , De Long Hugh , Trulove Paul C.
Published: April 2013

Presented here are data describing the phase behavior and solvation of lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate (LiCF3SO3) in propylene carbonate (PC). Data obtained from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Raman spectroscopy of sample mixtures are correlated to enhance understanding of solvent-salt associations. A phase diagram will display the behavior of the solvent-salt interactions. The binary phase diagram constructed from thermal data acquired by DSC analyses indicated only glass transition temperatures for all mixtures of PC-LiCF3SO3 tested. Raman spectroscopy is applied to probe the liquid electrolyte and discover solvent-salt associations in solution. Results indicate that mixtures of PC-LiCF3SO3 do not readily form solvent-separated ion pairs but rather tend toward contact ion pair and more aggregated solvates. Overall, this study provided some insight into electrolyte solvation of these model battery electrolyte species.
Spinel NixCo2-xO4 as a Bifunctional Air Electrode for Zinc Air Batteries
Authors: Yuan Xiao Zi , Qu Wei , Zhang Xinge , Yao Peter , Fahlman Jason
Published: April 2013

Spinel NixCo2-xO4 powder was prepared through a sol-gel method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrocatalytic properties of NixCo2-xO4/C composites towards the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) were studied using rotating ring-disk electrode (RDE) technique and Koutecky-Levich theory in 1 M, 3M, and 6 M KOH electrolytes. The results show that the synthesized spinel NixCo2-xO4 exhibits activities for both ORR and OER. The OER Tafel slope is around 60mVdec-1 at a low overpotential, and the ORR process is dominated by a 4-electron transfer pathway. Cell test demonstrates that the ORR activity of non-carbon NixCo2-xO4 air electrode reached 56mA cm-2 at a potential of 0.9V and the OER activity reached 62mA cm-2 at a potential of 2.2V for the first cycle However, the ORR cycling property is not satisfying due to flooding issues. This can probably be solved by an advanced air electrode design.
Long Term Stability Study of a Solid Oxide Metal-Air Battery
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Xu Nansheng , Li Xue , Gong Yunhui , Huang Kevin
Published: April 2013

A new high temperature rechargeable “metal-air” battery has recently been proposed as a new mechanism for grid energy storage. This new battery consists of a regenerative solid oxide fuel cell (RSOFC) and a metal/metal oxide redox couple. In this paper we present the working principle, thermodynamic and kinetic perspectives, and key features of the new battery. Iron is selected as the redox-couple material to store the energy. The long-term test of the battery over 100 cycles at a high rate shows a gradual decline of performance that eventually stabilizes. Post-test analysis indicates that the origin of the degradation is associated with the anode of RSOFC.
Enhanced Optical Contrast of the Electrochromic Window based on Anodic Electrochromic Polymesitylenes Containing 9H-Carbazole-9-Ethanol Moieties
Authors: Kim Sooyeun , Kong Xiangxing , Taya Minoru
Published: April 2013

The anodic monomer 1,3,5-tris(2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)methyl)benzene, CzE3B, was successfully synthesized by the nucleophilic substitution reaction of 2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethanol with 1,3,5-tris(bromomethyl)benzene, and electropolymerized on the indium tin oxide coated glass. The poly-CzE3B coating functioned as an anodic coloring counter electrode in the electrochromic window (ECW) based on the cathodic coloring working electrode, PProDOT-Me2 coating. It intensified coloration of the ECW throughout the visible region. Hence, the ECW exhibited high optical contrasts, 62 % with Tmin= 0.5% at 585 nm and 57 % with Tmin = 1.3 % at 628 nm, with excellent reversibility and stability.
Subcellular fractionation reveals HSP72 does not associate with SERCA in human skeletal muscle following damaging eccentric and concentric exercise
Authors: Frankenberg Noni T. , Lamb Graham D. , Vissing Kristian , Murphy Robyn M.
Published: April 2013

Through its upregulation and/or translocation, heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) is involved in protection and repair of key proteins after physiological stress. In human skeletal muscle we investigated HSP72 protein after eccentric (ECC1) and concentric (CONC) exercise and repeated eccentric exercise (ECC2; 8 wk later) and whether it translocated from its normal cytosolic location to membranes/myofibrils. HSP72 protein increased ∼2-fold 24 h after ECC1, with no apparent change after CONC or ECC2. In resting (nonstressed) human skeletal muscle the total pool of HSP72 protein was present almost exclusively in the cytosolic fraction, and after each exercise protocol the distribution of HSP72 protein remained unaltered. Overall, the amount of HSP72 protein in the cytosol increased 24 h after ECC1, matching the fold increase that was measured in total HSP72 protein. To better ascertain the capabilities and limitations of HSP72, using quantitative Western blotting we determined the HSP72 protein content to be 11.4 μmol/kg wet weight in resting human vastus lateralis muscle, which is comprised of Type I (slow-twitch) and Type II (fast-twitch) fibers. HSP72 protein content was similar in individual Type I or II fiber segments. After physiological stress, HSP72 content can increase and, although the functional consequences of increased amounts of HSP72 protein are poorly understood, it has been shown to bind to and protect protein pumps like SERCA and Na+-K+-ATPase. Given no translocation of cytosolic HSP72, these findings suggest eccentric contractions, unlike other forms of stress such as heat, do not trigger tight binding of HSP72 to its primary membrane-bound target proteins, in particular SERCA.
SOCS3 Transactivation by PPARγ Prevents IL-17–Driven Cancer Growth
Authors: Berger Hélène , Végran Frédérique , Chikh Madijd , Gilardi Federica , Ladoire Sylvain , Bugaut Hélène , Mignot Grégoire , Chalmin Fanny , Bruchard Mélanie , Derangère Valentin , Chevriaux Angélique , Rébé Cédric , Ryffel Bernhard , Pot Caroline , Hichami Aziz , Desvergne Béatrice , Ghiringhelli François , Apetoh Lionel
Published: April 2013

Activation of the transcription factor PPARγ by the n-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is implicated in controlling proinflammatory cytokine secretion, but the intracellular signaling pathways engaged by PPARγ are incompletely characterized. Here, we identify the adapter-encoding gene SOCS3 as a critical transcriptional target of PPARγ. SOCS3 promoter binding and gene transactivation by PPARγ was associated with a repression in differentiation of proinflammatory T-helper (TH)17 cells. Accordingly, TH17 cells induced in vitro displayed increased SOCS3 expression and diminished capacity to produce interleukin (IL)-17 following activation of PPARγ by DHA. Furthermore, naïve CD4 T cells derived from mice fed a DHA-enriched diet displayed less capability to differentiate into TH17 cells. In two different mouse models of cancer, DHA prevented tumor outgrowth and angiogenesis in an IL-17–dependent manner. Altogether, our results uncover a novel molecular pathway by which PPARγ-induced SOCS3 expression prevents IL-17–mediated cancer growth. Cancer Res; 73(12); 3578–90. ©2013 AACR.
A Review of Study Designs and Outcomes of Phase I Clinical Studies of Nanoparticle Agents Compared with Small-Molecule Anticancer Agents
Authors: Caron Whitney P. , Morgan Katherine P. , Zamboni Beth A. , Zamboni William C.
Published: April 2013

Purpose: Nanoparticles or carrier-mediated agents have been designed to prolong drug circulation time, increase tumor delivery, and improve therapeutic index compared to their small-molecule counterparts. The starting dose for phase I studies of small molecules and nanoparticles anticancer agents is based on the toxicity profile of the most sensitive species (e.g., rat or canine), but the optimal animal model for these studies of nanoparticles is unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the design, progression, and outcomes of phase I studies of nanoparticles compared with small-molecule anticancer agents.

Experimental design: In preclinical studies, the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in rats and dogs was evaluated for nanoparticles and their respective small molecules. In phase I clinical trials in patients with advanced solid tumors, the basis for starting dose, the number of dose escalations, number of patients enrolled, and the ratio of MTD to starting dose was determined for nanoparticles and small molecules.

Results: The mean ratio of MTD to starting dose in clinical phase I studies was significantly greater for nanoparticles (13.9 ± 10.8) compared with small molecules (2.1 ± 1.1; P = 0.005). The number of dose levels in a clinical phase I study was also significantly greater for nanoparticles (7.3 ± 2.9) compared with small molecules (4.1 ± 1.5; P = 0.008).

Conclusions: The degree of dose escalation from starting dose to MTD was significantly greater for nanoparticles as compared with small-molecule anticancer drugs. These findings necessitate the need to identify the most appropriate preclinical animal model to use when evaluating nanoparticles toxicity. Clin Cancer Res; 19(12); 3309–15. ©2013 AACR.
Toward Prediction of Efficacy of Chemotherapy: A Proof of Concept Study in Lung Cancer Patients Using [11C]docetaxel and Positron Emission Tomography
Authors: van der Veldt Astrid A.M. , Lubberink Mark , Mathijssen Ron H.J. , Loos Walter J. , Herder Gerarda J.M. , Greuter Henri N. , Comans Emile F.I. , Rutten Hugo B. , Eriksson Jonas , Windhorst Albert D. , Hendrikse N. Harry , Postmus Pieter E. , Smit Egbert F. , Lammertsma Adriaan A.
Published: April 2013

Purpose: Pharmacokinetics of docetaxel can be measured in vivo using positron emission tomography (PET) and a microdose of radiolabeled docetaxel ([11C]docetaxel). The objective of this study was to investigate whether a [11C]docetaxel PET microdosing study could predict tumor uptake of therapeutic doses of docetaxel.

Experimental Design: Docetaxel-naïve lung cancer patients underwent 2 [11C]docetaxel PET scans; one after bolus injection of [11C]docetaxel and another during combined infusion of [11C]docetaxel and a therapeutic dose of docetaxel (75 mg·m−2). Compartmental and spectral analyses were used to quantify [11C]docetaxel tumor kinetics. [11C]docetaxel PET measurements were used to estimate the area under the curve (AUC) of docetaxel in tumors. Tumor response was evaluated using computed tomography scans.

Results: Net rates of influx (Ki) of [11C]docetaxel in tumors were comparable during microdosing and therapeutic scans. [11C]docetaxel AUCTumor during the therapeutic scan could be predicted reliably using an impulse response function derived from the microdosing scan together with the plasma curve of [11C]docetaxel during the therapeutic scan. At 90 minutes, the accumulated amount of docetaxel in tumors was less than 1% of the total infused dose of docetaxel. [11C]docetaxel Ki derived from the microdosing scan correlated with AUCTumor of docetaxel (Spearman ρ = 0.715; P = 0.004) during the therapeutic scan and with tumor response to docetaxel therapy (Spearman ρ = −0.800; P = 0.010).

Conclusions: Microdosing data of [11C]docetaxel PET can be used to predict tumor uptake of docetaxel during chemotherapy. The present study provides a framework for investigating the PET microdosing concept for radiolabeled anticancer drugs in patients. Clin Cancer Res; 19(15); 4163–73. ©2013 AACR.