bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Annealing of ion implanted CdZnO
Authors: Azarov A Yu , Hallén A , Svensson B G , Kuznetsov A Yu
Published: May 2012

We have studied the effect of the Cd content on the recovery of ion-induced damage in wurtzite Cd
x
Zn1−x
O (x ⩽ 0.05) films and compared with that in pure wurtzite ZnO and rock-salt CdO. 200 keV Au+ and 55 keV Ar+ ion implants were performed at room temperature in the dose range of 5 × 1014–6.5 × 1015 cm−2. Rutherford backscattering/channelling spectrometry was used to characterize the damage evolution in the course of annealing (600–900 °C in air). A complex defect annealing behaviour is revealed in CdZnO as a function of annealing temperature, Cd content and ion dose. In particular, defects in the low dose implanted CdZnO films can be effectively removed at 800 °C, while the high dose implantation results in the formation of defects stable at least up to 900 °C. Moreover, annealing of the CdZnO films is accompanied by Cd loss at the surface for temperatures exceeding 800 °C. In contrast, CdO exhibits a typical damage accumulation behaviour for metals and semiconductors with high degree of ionicity, resulting in saturation and extended defect formation at high ion doses. These extended defects in pure ZnO and CdO, formed either directly during implantation or by reconstruction during post-implant annealing, are substantially more stable compared with small defects which can be efficiently removed at 700 °C and 600 °C for ZnO and CdO, respectively.
Identification of Two Mutations (F758W and F758Y) in the N -methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Glycine-binding Site that Selectively Prevent Competitive Inhibition by Xenon without Affecting Glycine Binding
Authors: Armstrong Scott P. , Banks Paul J. , McKitrick Thomas J. W. , Geldart Catharine H. , Edge Christopher J. , Babla Rohan , Simillis Constantinos , Franks Nicholas P. , Dickinson Robert
Published: May 2012

Background

Xenon is a general anesthetic with neuroprotective properties. Xenon inhibition at the glycine-binding site of the N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor mediates xenon neuroprotection against ischemic injury in vitro. Here we identify specific amino acids important for xenon binding to the NMDA receptor, with the aim of finding silent mutations that eliminate xenon binding but leave normal receptor function intact.

Methods

Site-directed mutagenesis was used to mutate specific amino-acids in the GluN1 subunit of rat NMDA receptors. Mutant GluN1/GluN2A receptors were expressed in HEK 293 cells and were assessed functionally using patch-clamp electrophysiology. The responses of the mutant receptors to glycine and anesthetics were determined.

Results

Mutation of phenylalanine 758 to an aromatic tryptophan or tyrosine left glycine affinity unchanged, but eliminated xenon binding without affecting the binding of sevoflurane or isoflurane.

Conclusions

These findings confirm xenon binds to the glycine site of the GluN1 subunit of the NMDA receptor and indicate that interactions between xenon and the aromatic ring of the phenylalanine 758 residue are important for xenon binding. Our most important finding is that we have identified two mutations, F758W and F758Y, that eliminate xenon binding to the NMDA receptor glycine site without changing the glycine affinity of the receptor or the binding of volatile anesthetics. The identification of these selective mutations will allow knock-in animals to be used to dissect the mechanism(s) of xenon's neuroprotective and anesthetic properties in vivo.
Age-dependent Role of Microvascular Endothelial and Polymorphonuclear Cells in Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Wulfert Francis M. , van Meurs Matijs , Kurniati Neng F. , Jongman Rianne M. , Houwertjes Martin C. , Heeringa Peter , Struys Michel M.R.F. , Zijlstra Jan G. , Molema Grietje
Published: May 2012

Background

The incidence of acute kidney injury following severe sepsis is higher in the elderly. We hypothesized that microvascular endothelium is "primed" by aging and that sepsis represents a "second hit," resulting in more severe microvascular complications.

Methods

Three- and 18-months-old mice were intraperitoneally injected with 1,500 EU/g body weight lipopolysaccharide and sacrificed after 8 h. Flow cytometry and myeloperoxidase ELISA determined neutrophils in plasma. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze messenger ribonucleic acid levels of cell adhesion molecules P-selectin and E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion protein-1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, angiopoietin receptor TIE-2, and angiopoietins Ang1 and Ang2. In kidney tissue we assessed neutrophil influx and E-selectin protein expression. Neutrophils were depleted with the monoclonal antibody NIMP.

Results

At basal conditions, microvascular endothelial cell activation status was similar in both groups, except for a higher Ang-2 expression (P < 0.05) in the kidney of aged mice. Lipopolysaccharide-induced increase in neutrophil count was higher in old (3.3-fold change) compared with young mice (2.2-fold change). Messenger ribonucleic acid analysis showed higher upregulation of P- and E-selectin (P = 0.0004, P = 0.0007) after lipopolysaccharide administration in kidneys of elderly mice, which was confirmed at the protein level for E-selectin. Renal neutrophil influx in lipopolysaccharide-treated aged mice was increased (2.5-fold induction in aged and 2.1-fold in young, P < 0.0001). Polymorphonuclear cell depletion exaggerated the lipopolysaccharide-induced kidney injury.

Conclusion

Ang-2 is increased in older mice, which might cause priming of the endothelial cells. Endothelium responded by a more extensive increase in expression of P- and E-selectin in older mice and increased polymorphonuclear cell influx.
The solar dynamo
Authors: Miesch Mark S.
Published: May 2012

The origins of solar magnetism lie below the visible surface of the Sun, in the highly turbulent convection zone. Turbulent convection operates in conjunction with rotational shear, global circulations and intricate boundary layers to produce the rich diversity of magnetic activity we observe. Here, we review recent insights into the operation of the solar dynamo obtained from solar and stellar observations and numerical models.
Astrophysical processes on the Sun
Authors: Parnell Clare E.
Published: May 2012

Over the past two decades, there have been a series of major solar space missions, namely Yohkoh, SOHO, TRACE, and in the past 5 years, STEREO, Hinode and SDO, studying various aspects of the Sun and providing images and spectroscopic data with amazing temporal, spatial and spectral resolution. Over the same period, the type and nature of numerical models in solar physics have been completely revolutionized as a result of widespread accessibility to parallel computers. These unprecedented advances on both observational and theoretical fronts have led to significant improvements in our understanding of many aspects of the Sun's behaviour and furthered our knowledge of plasma physics processes that govern solar and other astrophysical phenomena. In this Theme Issue, the current perspectives on the main astrophysical processes that shape our Sun are reviewed. In this Introduction, they are discussed briefly to help set the scene.
Derived vocalizations of geladas (Theropithecus gelada) and the evolution of vocal complexity in primates
Authors: Gustison Morgan L. , le Roux Aliza , Bergman Thore J.
Published: May 2012

Primates are intensely social and exhibit extreme variation in social structure, making them particularly well suited for uncovering evolutionary connections between sociality and vocal complexity. Although comparative studies find a correlation between social and vocal complexity, the function of large vocal repertoires in more complex societies remains unclear. We compared the vocal complexity found in primates to both mammals in general and human language in particular and found that non-human primates are not unusual in the complexity of their vocal repertoires. To better understand the function of vocal complexity within primates, we compared two closely related primates (chacma baboons and geladas) that differ in their ecology and social structures. A key difference is that gelada males form long-term bonds with the 2–12 females in their harem-like reproductive unit, while chacma males primarily form temporary consortships with females. We identified homologous and non-homologous calls and related the use of the derived non-homologous calls to specific social situations. We found that the socially complex (but ecologically simple) geladas have larger vocal repertoires. Derived vocalizations of geladas were primarily used by leader males in affiliative interactions with ‘their’ females. The derived calls were frequently used following fights within the unit suggesting that maintaining cross-sex bonds within a reproductive unit contributed to this instance of evolved vocal complexity. Thus, our comparison highlights the utility of using closely related species to better understand the function of vocal complexity.
Social drive and the evolution of primate hearing
Authors: Ramsier Marissa A. , Cunningham Andrew J. , Finneran James J. , Dominy Nathaniel J.
Published: May 2012

The structure and function of primate communication have attracted much attention, and vocal signals, in particular, have been studied in detail. As a general rule, larger social groups emit more types of vocal signals, including those conveying the presence of specific types of predators. The adaptive advantages of receiving and responding to alarm calls are expected to exert a selective pressure on the auditory system. Yet, the comparative biology of primate hearing is limited to select species, and little attention has been paid to the effects of social and vocal complexity on hearing. Here, we use the auditory brainstem response method to generate the largest number of standardized audiograms available for any primate radiation. We compared the auditory sensitivities of 11 strepsirrhine species with and without independent contrasts and show that social complexity explains a significant amount of variation in two audiometric parameters—overall sensitivity and high-frequency limit. We verified the generality of this latter result by augmenting our analysis with published data from nine species spanning the primate order. To account for these findings, we develop and test a model of social drive. We hypothesize that social complexity has favoured enhanced hearing sensitivities, especially at higher frequencies.
Linking social complexity and vocal complexity: a parid perspective
Authors: Krams Indrikis , Krama Tatjana , Freeberg Todd M. , Kullberg Cecilia , Lucas Jeffrey R.
Published: May 2012

The Paridae family (chickadees, tits and titmice) is an interesting avian group in that species vary in important aspects of their social structure and many species have large and complex vocal repertoires. For this reason, parids represent an important set of species for testing the social complexity hypothesis for vocal communication—the notion that as groups increase in social complexity, there is a need for increased vocal complexity. Here, we describe the hypothesis and some of the early evidence that supported the hypothesis. Next, we review literature on social complexity and on vocal complexity in parids, and describe some of the studies that have made explicit tests of the social complexity hypothesis in one parid—Carolina chickadees,Poecile carolinensis. We conclude with a discussion, primarily from a parid perspective, of the benefits and costs of grouping and of physiological factors that might mediate the relationship between social complexity and changes in signalling behaviour.
Eulemur
, me lemur: the evolution of scent-signal complexity in a primate clade
Authors: delBarco-Trillo Javier , Sacha Caitlin R. , Dubay George R. , Drea Christine M.
Published: May 2012

Signal complexity has been linked to social complexity in vocal, but not chemical, communication. To address this gap, we examined the chemical complexity of male and female glandular secretions in eight species of
Eulemur.
In this diverse clade of macrosmatic primates, species differ by social or mating system and dominance structure. We applied principal component and linear discriminate analyses to data obtained by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Beyond the significant effects on chemical signals of gland type, sex, season and species, we found effects of social variables and phylogeny. Notably, female odours were more chemically complex in multimale–multifemale species than pair-bonded species, whereas male odours were more chemically complex in codominant species than female-dominant species. Also, the traditional sexual dimorphism, whereby male signal complexity exceeds that of females, was present in codominant species, but reversed in female-dominant species. Lastly, a positive relationship between the species' pairwise chemical distances and their pairwise phylogenetic distances supported a gradual, but relatively fast mode of signal evolution. We suggest that the comparative method can be a powerful tool in olfactory research, revealing species differences relevant to the understanding of current signal utility and evolutionary processes. In particular, social complexity in lemurs may have selected for olfactory complexity.
2-Amino-4,6-dimethoxypyrimidin-1-ium 2,2-dichloroacetate
Authors: Lin Cui-Hua , Liu Nai-Sheng
Published: May 2012

In the title salt, C6H10N3O2
+·C2HCl2O2
−, two cations and two anions are linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along the c axis.
[(Pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylato)copper(II)]-μ-(pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylato)-[bis(ethylenediamine)copper(II)]-μ-(pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylato)-[(pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylato)copper(II)] ethylenediamine monosolvate tetrahydrate
Authors: Shokooh Saljooghi Amir , Amiri Rudbari Hadi , Nicolò Francesco , Zahmati Maliheh , Delavar Mendi Fatemeh
Published: May 2012

The title compound, [Cu3(C7H3NO4)4(C2H8N2)2]·C2H8N2·4H2O, was obtained by the reaction of copper(II) acetate dihydrate with pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (H2dipic) and ethylenediamine (en) in an aqueous solution. All of the CuII atoms in the trinuclear centrosymmetric title complex are six-coordinated in a distorted octahedral geometry with N2O4 and N4O2 environments for the outer and central CuII atoms, respectively. Various interactions, including numerous O—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds and C—O...π stacking of the pyridine and carboxylate groups [O...centroid distances = 3.669 (2) and 3.668 (2) Å] are observed in the crystal structure.
[4-(Dimethylamino)pyridine-κN
1]trimethyl(thiocyanato-κN)tin(IV)
Authors: Najafi Ezzatollah , Amini Mostafa M. , Ng Seik Weng
Published: May 2012

In the title monomeric trimethyltin(IV) isothiocyanate–4,4-dimethylpyridine adduct, [Sn(CH3)3(NCS)(C7H10N2)], the SnIV atom shows a trans-C3SnN2 trigonal bipyramidal coordination. The SnIV atom lies out of the equatorial plane by 0.033 (4) Å in the direction of the donor N atom of the N-heterocycle. The crystal studied was a non-merohedral twin with a minor component of 48.8 (2)%.
{5,10,15,20-Tetrakis[4-(hexyloxy)phenyl]porphyrinato}nickel(II)
Authors: Wang Yu-Fang , Zhao Hong-Bin , Chen Liang , Yang De-Liang , Wang Bang-Ying
Published: May 2012

The molecule of the title compound, [Ni(C68H76N4O4)], is located on a crystallographic inversion center. The Ni—N distances within the square-shaped coordination environment are 1.951 (2) and 1.954 (2) Å. Three terminal C atoms in one of the hexyl groups are disordered over two sets of sites, with site-occupancy factors of 0.615 (13) and 0.385 (13).
(R)-2-[(Dimethylamino)methyl]-1,1′-bis(diphenylphosphinothioyl)ferrocene dichloromethane monsolvate
Authors: Philippe Elisabeth , Manoury Eric , Daran Jean-Claude
Published: May 2012

In the title compound, [Fe(C20H21NPS)(C17H14PS)]·CH2Cl2, both cyclopentadienyl (Cp) rings constituting the ferrocene unit are substituted by a sulfur-protected diphenylphosphine. One of the Cp ligands is additionally substituted by a dimethylaminomethyl group causing the chirality of the molecule. Surprisingly, although the synthetic procedure yielded the title compound as a racemic mixture, the reported crystal is enantiomerically pure with the R absolute configuration. The dimethylamino group is exo with respect to the Cp ring. Both diphenylthiophosphine groups are trans with respect to the centroid–Fe–centroid direction. Weak intramolecular C—H...S and C—H...π interactions between symmetry-related molecules are observed. The contribution of the disordered solvent was removed from the refinement using SQUEEZE in PLATON [Spek (2009). Acta Cryst. D65, 148–155].
2-[2-(2-Bromophenyl)-2-oxoethyl]-1λ6,2-benzothiazole-1,1,3-trione
Authors: Sattar Nazia , Siddiqui Hamid Latif , Siddiqui Waseeq Ahmad , Akram Muhammad , Parvez Masood
Published: May 2012

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C15H10BrNO4S, contains two different conformers in which the benzisothiazole rings are essentially planar, with r.m.s. deviations of 0.012 and 0.017 Å. The mean planes of the benzene rings form dihedral angles 70.49 (13) and 72.79 (11)° with the benzisothiazole rings. The orientation of the Br atoms in the two conformers exhibit the most pronounced difference, with opposing orientations in the two molecules. The crystal structure is stabilized by π–π interactions between the benzene rings of the benzisothiazole moieties of one molecule and bromobenzene rings of the other molecule, with distances between the ring centroids of 3.599 (3) and 3.620 (3) Å, respectively. The crystal packing is further consolidated by pairs of weak intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds, which form inversion dimers.
Nickel alendronate
Authors: Sikorska Małgorzata , Gazda Maria , Chojnacki Jaroslaw
Published: May 2012

The title compound {systematic name: bis(μ2-dihydrogen 4-azaniumyl-1-hydroxybutane-1,1-diphosphonato)bis[aqua(dihydrogen 4-azaniumyl-1-hydroxybutane-1,1-diphosphonato)nickel(II)] dihydrate}, [Ni2(C4H12NO7P2)4(H2O)2]·2H2O, was synthesiized under hydrothermal conditions. Its structure is isotypic with the CoII analogue. The crystal structure is built up from centrosymmetric dinuclear complex molecules and the structure is reinforced by a net of intermolecular O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds. One water molecule is bound to the NiII atom in the octahedral coordination sphere, while the second is part of the intermolecular hydrogen-bond system.
9,9-Dibutyl-9H-fluorene-2-carbonitrile
Authors: Zhao Dong-dong , Jiang Peng , Zhu Hong-Jun
Published: May 2012

The fluorene fragment of the title compound, C22H25N, is essentially planar, with an r.m.s deviation of the five-membered ring of 0.005 (2) Å. The dihedral angle between this ring and the outer benzene rings are 1.5 (2) and 0.7 (2)° while that between the benzene rings is 2.1 (2)°. The cyano group makes an angle of 0.3 (2)° with the attached benzene ring.
2-(4-Bromophenyl)-2-oxoethyl anthracene-9-carboxylate
Authors: Fun Hoong-Kun , Asik Safra Izuani Jama , Garudachari B. , Isloor Arun M. , Satyanarayan M. N
Published: May 2012

In the title compound, C23H15BrO3, the anthracene ring system is essentially planar [maximum deviation = 0.29 (2) Å] and makes a dihedral angle of 5.74 (8)° with the mean plane of the bromo-substituted benzene ring. An intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond generates an S(9) ring motif. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O interactions, forming a two-dimensional network parallel to the ac plane. π–π stacking interactions are observed between benzene rings [centroid–centroid distances = 3.5949 (14) and 3.5960 (13) Å].
9,10-Dihydro-7H-benzo[de]imidazo[2,1-a]isoquinolin-7-one
Authors: Chen Yu Mei , Shi Jian Chao
Published: May 2012

In the title compound, C14H10N2O, all non-H atoms are essentially coplanar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.013 Å). The crystal structure is stabilized by π–π stacking interactions [centroid–centroid distance = 3.506 (3) Å].
Hexakis(dimethylformamide-κO)manganese(II) (dimethylformamide-κO)pentakis(thiocyanato-κN)chromate(III)
Authors: Semenaka Valentyna V. , Nesterova Oksana V. , Kokozay Vladimir N. , Omelchenko Irina V. , Shishkin Oleg V.
Published: May 2012

The title compound, [Mn(C3H7NO)6][Cr(NCS)5(C3H7NO)], was obtained unintentionally as a product of an attempted synthesis of heterometallic complexes based on Reineckes anion using manganese powder, Reineckes salt and 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)tetrazole as starting materials. The crystal structure of the complex consists of an [Mn(dmf)6]2+ cation and a [Cr(NCS)5(dmf)]2− anion (dmf = dimethylformamide). The MnII and CrIII atoms show a slightly distorted octahedral MnO6 and CrN5O coordination geometries with adjacent angles in the range 85.29 (13)–95.96 (14)°.
Di-μ-acetato-κ4
O:O-bis({2-[(piperidin-2-ylmethyl)iminomethyl]phenolato-κ3
N,N′,O}copper(II)) monohydrate
Authors: Wang Xiao-qin
Published: May 2012

In the binuclear centrosymmetric title compound, [Cu2(C13H17N2O)2(C2H3O2)2]·H2O, the CuII atom is coordinated by two N atoms and one O atom from the Schiff base ligand and an acetate O atom in a distorted suare-planar geometry. The water O atom is invoved in three different hydrogen-bonding interactions, as donor to the acetate O atom and to the the ligand O atom and as acceptor to a ligand N atom.
1H-Pyrazol-2-ium hydrogen oxalate
Authors: Yu Chun-Hua , Zhu Run-Qiang
Published: May 2012

In the title compound, C3H5N2
+·C2HO4
−, the anions form centrosymmetric dimers through cyclic O—H...O hydrogen-bonding associations [graph set R
2
2(10)]. These dimers are then linked through a cyclic R
4
2(10) N—H...O hydrogen-bonding association involving two cations and the carboxyl O-atom acceptors of separate anions, giving chain structures extending across the (111) plane.
8-Bromo-3-(cyclopropanylcarbonyl)-5-methylindolizine-1-carbonitrile
Authors: Fan Dahe , Tang Fan , Wang Wei
Published: May 2012

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C14H11BrN2O, contains three independent molecules with very similar geometries. The dihedral angles between the side chain of the cyclopropyl plane and the five-membered ring to which it is attached are 55.0 (2), 58.1 (2) and 60.2 (3)° for the three molecules. Each molecule forms an intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond.
N-(4-Methylphenylsulfonyl)succinamic acid
Authors: Purandara H. , Foro Sabine , Gowda B. Thimme
Published: May 2012

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C11H13NO5S, the amide C=O and the carboxyl C=O groups of the acid segment orient themselves away from each other. The dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the amide group is 69.0 (2)°. In the crystal, N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into layers parallel to the bc plane.
2-Amino-5-chloropyridinium cis-diaquadioxalatochromate(III) sesquihydrate
Authors: Chérif Ichraf , Abdelhak Jawher , Zid Mohamed Faouzi , Driss Ahmed
Published: May 2012

In the crystal structure of the title compound, (C5H6ClN2)[Cr(C2O4)2(H2O)2]·1.5H2O, the CrIII atom adopts a distorted octahedral geometry being coordinated by two O atoms of two cis water molecules and four O atoms from two chelating oxalate dianions. The cis-diaquadioxalatochromate(III) anions, 2-amino-5-chloropyridinium cations and uncoordinated water molecules are linked into a three-dimensional supramolecular array by O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions. One of the two independent lattice water molecules is situated on a twofold rotation axis.
2-({4-[4-(1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl)phenyl]-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl}methoxy)ethanol
Authors: Ouahrouch Abdelaaziz , Taourirte Moha , Lazrek Hassan B. , Bats Jan W. , Engels Joachim W.
Published: May 2012

In the title molecule, C18H17N5O2, the dihedral angle between the benzene plane and the benzimidazole plane is 19.8 (1)° and the angle between the benzene plane and the triazole plane is 16.7 (1)°. In the crystal, molecules are connected by O—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming zigzag chains along the c-axis direction. The chains are connected by bifurcated N—H...(N,N) hydrogen bonds into layers parallel to (100). These layers are connected along the a-axis direction by weak C—H...O contacts, forming a three-dimensional network.
Performing Child(hood)
Authors: Barron Ian , Jones Liz
Published: May 2012

Taking an example of play as our point of departure, we consider what it means to be a child and to perform (Butler, Feminism/Postmodernism, 1990; Gender, 1990. Routledge: New York) childhood. By drawing on poststructuralist accounts of subjectivity, language and meaning (Foucault, Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison, 1979. Penguin: Harmondsworth; Derrida, Dissemination, 1974. Athlone: London), we argue that despite powerful discourses that seek to contain childhood, children manage to exceed or interrupt sites of containment. We then go on to suggest that if children themselves are moving beyond some of the discourses in which they are enwrapped, how might we seek to further destabilise what ‘becoming’ (Deleuze,1990: http://www.generation-online.org/p/fpdeleuze3.htm) child might mean and what might be the implications for our practice(s) with children.
The functional significance of E277K and V295A HFE mutations
Authors: Silva Bruno , Martins Rute , Proença Daniela , Fleming Rita , Faustino Paula
Published: May 2012

Hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by excessive intestinal iron absorption resulting in increased pathological body iron stores. It is typically associated with homozygosity for the c.845G>A (p.C282Y) mutation in the
HFE
gene. However, other
HFE
alterations have been reported in affected individuals but their association with the disease is unclear. This study analysed the functional consequences of two
HFE
mutations, c.829G>A (p.E277K) and c.884T>C (p.V295A). Firstly, it was shown that c.829G>A affects the
HFE
splicing by diminishing the full length HFE and ivs4_66bp inclusion transcript levels, while increasing the amount of exon 4 skipping transcript. Immunofluorescent techniques showed that the HFE_E277K protein had a diffuse distribution (similar to HFE_C282Y) while HFE_V295A presented at the cell surface and perinuclear compartments (resembling HFE_wt). Immunoprecipitation assays revealed a decreased association of HFE_E277K and HFE_V295A with both β2‐microglobulin (B2M; 38 ± 7% and 66 ± 8%, respectively) and transferrin receptor (TFRC, also termed TFR1) (58 ± 2% and 49 ± 16%, respectively). Herein, we prove that both mutations partially abrogate HFE association with B2M and TFRC, crucial for its correct processing and cell surface presentation. Although E277K has a more deleterious effect than V295A, we propose that both mutations may play a role in the development of hereditary haemochromatosis.
Local and landscape‐scale effects of an ant nest construction in an open dry forest of Uruguay
Authors: SOSA BEATRIZ , BRAZEIRO ALEJANDRO
Published: May 2012

1. Ants modify soil properties via nest construction and by doing this modulate soil resources for other organisms. In this sense ants are recognised as ecosystem engineers.

2. In this framework, two less well‐studied issues are focused on: (i) the permanence of the effects of ant nests on plant communities after colonies have died, and (ii) the scaling up from patch to landscape‐scale effects.

3. The aim of the present study was to address these issues in the open dry forests of Uruguay, inhabited by the ant Atta vollenweideri Forel. The active and abandoned nests of this ant represent different and conspicuous patches (30–60 m2) in the landscape.

4. The soil concentration of sodium, a key element in the system, was substantially higher among active nests, and remains high during the early stages of abandoned nests. Woody species abundance, richness, and composition were affected at the patch scale, and simulation models suggested an increase in species richness at the landscape scale.

5. The present study highlights the importance of abandoned nests for plant‐species richness in the ecosystem engineer framework and the need to advance in an integrative approach to study both local and landscape effects of ant's nests.
Larval experience induces adult aversion to rearing host plants: a novel behaviour contrary to Hopkins' host selection principle
Authors: MADER BRIAN J. , DAOUST SIMON P. , CARDINAL‐AUCOIN MICHAEL , BAUCE ERIC , DESPLAND EMMA
Published: May 2012

1. Hopkins' host selection principle (HSP) states that insects should prefer foliage from their rearing host plant over that of an alternative host.

2. The current study tested whether eastern spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clem.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), that were laid and developed on, respectively, resistant and susceptible white spruce Picea glauca (Moench) Voss, showed differences in their feeding and oviposition preferences for these two hosts.

3. The data revealed that previous experience of spruce budworm on a host tree type does not influence the host acceptance and feeding behaviour of later larval stages. However, adult budworm reared on resistant white spruce needles preferentially selected susceptible white spruce needles as the host for their progeny, whereas those reared on susceptible needles showed no preference.

4. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of an insect showing an oviposition preference for the non‐rearing host plant. This would tend to increase mixing between insects from susceptible and resistant trees. The present results thus argue against Hopkins' HSP and suggest that learned aversion to resistant foliage experienced by larvae is carried into the adult stage.
Freshwater food webs: towards a more fundamental understanding of biodiversity and community dynamics
Authors: THOMPSON ROSS M. , DUNNE JENNIFER A. , WOODWARD GUY
Published: May 2012

1. Food webs are a powerful whole‐system way to represent the patterns of biodiversity and energy flow in a readily quantifiable framework amenable to comparative analyses. Integrated theory and data on complex trophic interactions provide useful and novel ways to study ecosystem structure, dynamics, function and stability.

2. Freshwater ecology has contributed considerably to the advancement of food‐web ecology. This has occurred through early application of methodological advances such as stable isotope analysis and description of some of the most detailed food webs, including Little Rock Lake and the Broadstone Stream food webs.

3. Freshwater food webs are often highly resolved, although the inclusion of components such as bacteria continues to be challenging. Characteristics of stream food webs appear to include high rates of omnivory and a strong role for body size as a structuring influence.

4. While freshwater ecology has often included landscape factors, food webs from freshwaters have most often been collected at small spatial scales. There is a need to take a landscape approach to the study of food‐web dynamics in freshwater ecosystems.

5. Studies of food webs that take an experimental approach or utilise natural gradients remain rare but will be vital to untangling causative relationships between changing environmental conditions and food‐web structure and dynamics.

6. Emerging directions in freshwater food‐web research involve integrating individual‐level variation and information on traits into food‐web studies. This is allowing a growing understanding of the ways in which food webs can be used to integrate community, evolutionary and population processes into studies of biodiversity.

7. A Virtual Issue of Freshwater Biology entitled ‘Advances in food‐web research: a compendium of Freshwater Biology papers’ brings together papers included in this review that have been published in the journal since 1985. The Virtual Issue can be located at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1365‐2427/homepage/virtual_issue_advances_in_food‐web_research.htm.
The early bird gets the shrimp: confronting assumptions of isotopic equilibrium and homogeneity in a wild bird population
Authors: Wunder Michael B. , Jehl Joseph R. , Stricker Craig A.
Published: May 2012

1. Because stable isotope distributions in organic material vary systematically across energy gradients that exist in ecosystems, community and population structures, and in individual physiological systems, isotope values in animal tissues have helped address a broad range of questions in animal ecology. It follows that every tissue sample provides an isotopic profile that can be used to study dietary or movement histories of individual animals. Interpretations of these profiles depend on the assumption that metabolic pools are isotopically well mixed and in equilibrium with dietary resources prior to tissue synthesis, and they extend to the population level by assuming isotope profiles are identically distributed for animals using the same proximal dietary resource. As these assumptions are never fully met, studying structure in the variance of tissue isotope values from wild populations is informative.

2. We studied variation in δ13C, δ15N, δ2H and δ18O data for feathers from a population of eared grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) that migrate to Great Salt Lake each fall to moult feathers. During this time, they cannot fly and feed almost exclusively on superabundant brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana). The ecological simplicity of this situation minimized the usual spatial and trophic complexities often present in natural studies of feather isotope values.

3. Ranges and variances of isotope values for the feathers were larger than those from previously published studies that report feather isotopic variance, but they were bimodally distributed in all isotope dimensions. Isotope values for proximal dietary resources and local surface water show that some of the feathers we assumed to have been grown locally must have been grown before birds reached isotopic equilibrium with local diet or immediately prior to arrival at Great Salt Lake.

4. Our study provides novel insights about resource use strategies in eared grebes during migration. More generally, it demonstrates the utility of studying variance structures and questioning assumptions implicit in the interpretation of stable isotope data from wild animals.
Development and testing of an instrument to assess nurses’ knowledge, risk perception, health beliefs and behaviours related to influenza vaccination
Authors: Zhang Jing , While Alison E , Norman Ian J
Published: May 2012

Aims and objectives.  To develop an instrument to measure nurses’ knowledge, risk perception and health beliefs towards influenza and influenza vaccination and their vaccination behaviours and evaluate its construct validity and internal consistency reliability.

Background.  Although instruments to assess predictors of nurses’ vaccination behaviours have been developed, their validity and reliability have not been reported.

Design.  Instrument development and initial validity and reliability testing.

Methods.  The instrument was developed drawing on a literature review and expert consultation and was refined through pilot work. A cross‐sectional survey using a revised version of the instrument was conducted among a convenience sample of 520 registered nurses (response rate 77·4%). Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was calculated to determine internal consistency of the sub‐scale in the instrument. Principal components analysis with varimax rotation was carried out to evaluate the instrument’s construct validity and examine its internal structure.

Results.  Cronbach’s alpha coefficients for the three newly developed scales ranged from 0·70–0·76. Principal components analysis produced a good fit and confirmed the internal design of the instrument. In the seasonal influenza knowledge sub‐scale four factors explained 44·8% of the total variance; in the H1N1 knowledge sub‐scale two factors explained 44·7% of the total variance. Three factors in the risk perception scale contributed 50·5% of the total variance and two factors in the vaccination behaviours scale contributed 62·1% of the total variance.

Conclusions.  An instrument has been developed to assess nurses’ knowledge, risk perception and health beliefs towards influenza and influenza vaccination and their vaccination behaviours. The instrument was valid and reliable for the setting where it was used.

Relevance to clinical practice.  This instrument could be used to assess nurses’ knowledge, risk perception, health beliefs towards influenza and influenza vaccination and their vaccination behaviours. The three newly developed scales could also be used independently to measure variables influencing nurses’ vaccination practices.
Diseases of north European wrasse (Labridae) and possible interactions with cohabited farmed salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Treasurer J W
Published: May 2012

There have been several reported studies of wrasse health but none of these has shown transmission of wrasse diseases when stocked with farmed Atlantic salmon. Most of the studies have focussed on bacterial and parasite issues, including treatment of bacterial diseases with antibiotics and vaccination of wrasse. Classical and atypical furunculosis have been reported in wrasse following stress, and wrasse have been susceptible to vibrio infection. Further study is required on the vaccination of wrasse for furunculosis with latent carrier status to maximize survival. There are studies on viral diseases such as infectious pancreatic necrosis, infectious salmon anaemia and pancreas disease and although these did not give any undue concern for salmon health, there is also scope for further study in this area. Resident parasite communities of wrasse are largely host‐specific and do not appear to be a threat to salmon. Given that wrasse have not, to date, been a vector of disease in salmon, attention should be placed on maintaining best practice in cohabiting wrasse with salmon. Other issues that should be addressed are good welfare of wrasse in pens and identifying measures of this, the identification of losses of wrasse in pens, being alert to potential emerging diseases through health screening of mortalities and assessing the risks associated with carrying forward wrasse from one salmon production cycle to the next. Issues of exploitation by fishing on wild wrasse stocks and improved biosecurity may be addressed by the increased movement by the industry to the stocking of farmed wrasse.
Superresolution imaging of ribosomes and RNA polymerase in live Escherichia coli cells
Authors: Bakshi Somenath , Siryaporn Albert , Goulian Mark , Weisshaar James C.
Published: May 2012

Quantitative spatial distributions of ribosomes (S2‐YFP) and RNA polymerase (RNAP; β′‐yGFP) in live Escherichia coli are measured by superresolution fluorescence microscopy. In moderate growth conditions, nucleoid–ribosome segregation is strong, and RNAP localizes to the nucleoid lobes. The mean copy numbers per cell are 4600 RNAPs and 55 000 ribosomes. Only 10–15% of the ribosomes lie within the densest part of the nucleoid lobes, and at most 4% of the RNAPs lie in the two ribosome‐rich endcaps. The predominant observed diffusion coefficient of ribosomes is Dribo = 0.04 µm2 s−1, attributed to free mRNA being translated by one or more 70S ribosomes. We find no clear evidence of subdiffusion, as would arise from tethering of ribosomes to the DNA. The degree of DNA–ribosome segregation strongly suggests that in E. coli most translation occurs on free mRNA transcripts that have diffused into the ribosome‐rich regions. Both RNAP and ribosome radial distributions extend to the cytoplasmic membrane, consistent with the transertion hypothesis. However, few if any RNAP copies lie near the membrane of the endcaps. This suggests that if transertion occurs, it exerts a direct radially expanding force on the nucleoid, but not a direct axially expanding force.
Pichia pastoris 14‐3‐3 regulates transcriptional activity of the methanol inducible transcription factor Mxr1 by direct interaction
Authors: Parua Pabitra K. , Ryan Paul M. , Trang Kayla , Young Elton T.
Published: May 2012

The zinc‐finger transcription factor, Mxr1 activates methanol utilization and peroxisome biogenesis genes in the methylotrophic yeast, Pichia pastoris. Expression of Mxr1‐dependent genes is regulated in response to various carbon sources by an unknown mechanism. We show here that this mechanism involves the highly conserved 14‐3‐3 proteins. 14‐3‐3 proteins participate in many biological processes in different eukaryotes. We have characterized a putative 14‐3‐3 binding region at Mxr1 residues 212–225 and mapped the major activation domain of Mxr1 to residues 246–280, and showed that phenylalanine residues in this region are critical for its function. Furthermore, we report that a unique and previously uncharacterized 14‐3‐3 family protein in P. pastoris complements Saccharomyces cerevisiae 14‐3‐3 functions and interacts with Mxr1 through its 14‐3‐3 binding region via phosphorylation of Ser215 in a carbon source‐dependent manner. Indeed, our in vivo results suggest a carbon source‐dependent regulation of expression of Mxr1‐activated genes by 14‐3‐3 in P. pastoris. Interestingly, we observed 14‐3‐3‐independent binding of Mxr1 to the promoters, suggesting a post‐DNA binding function of 14‐3‐3 in regulating transcription. We provide the first molecular explanation of carbon source‐mediated regulation of Mxr1 activity, whose mechanism involves a post‐DNA binding role of 14‐3‐3.
What are the important subsets of gastroparesis?
Authors: Camilleri M. , Grover M. , Farrugia G.
Published: May 2012

Gastroparesis is often divided into subsets based on etiology and pathophysiology; however, the utility of these subsets in the diagnosis and treatment of gastro‐paresis is not well defined. The objectives are to consider the subsets of gastroparesis from the perspectives of etiology and pathogenesis, pathophysiology, histopathology, and clinical associations, with particular focus on similarities and differences between diabetic and idiopathic gastroparesis and consideration of the potential subset of painful gastroparesis. We conclude that idiopathic and diabetic gastroparesis has similar initial presentations and manifestations, except that idiopathic gastroparesis tends to be associated more frequently with pain. Myopathic disorders are uncommon. Extrinsic denervation was considered the most common etiology; however, with the decline in surgery for peptic ulceration and in‐depth study of full‐thickness gastric biopsies, the most common intrinsic defects are being recognized in the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC‐opathy) and with immune infiltration and neuronal changes (intrinsic neuropathic gastroparesis). Histomorphological differences at the microscopic level between diabetic and idiopathic gastroparesis are still of unclear significance. Two gastroparesis subsets worthy of special mention, because they are potentially reversible with identification of the cause, are postviral gastroparesis, which has a generally good prognosis, and iatrogenic gastroparesis, especially in patients with non‐surgical gastroparesis, such as diabetics exposed to incretins such as pramlintide and exenatide.
Carbon trading for phosphorus gain: the balance between rhizosphere carboxylates and arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in plant phosphorus acquisition
Authors: RYAN M. H. , TIBBETT M. , EDMONDS‐TIBBETT T. , SURIYAGODA L. D. B. , LAMBERS H. , CAWTHRAY G. R. , PANG J.
Published: May 2012

Two key plant adaptations for phosphorus (P) acquisition are carboxylate exudation into the rhizosphere and mycorrhizal symbioses. These target different soil P resources, presumably with different plant carbon costs. We examined the effect of inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on amount of rhizosphere carboxylates and plant P uptake for 10 species of low‐P adapted Kennedia grown for 23 weeks in low‐P sand. Inoculation decreased carboxylates in some species (up to 50%), decreased plant dry weight (21%) and increased plant P content (23%). There was a positive logarithmic relationship between plant P content and the amount of rhizosphere citric acid for inoculated and uninoculated plants. Causality was indicated by experiments using sand where little citric acid was lost from the soil solution over 2 h and citric acid at low concentrations desorbed P into the soil solution. Senesced leaf P concentration was often low and P‐resorption efficiencies reached >90%. In conclusion, we propose that mycorrhizally mediated resource partitioning occurred because inoculation reduced rhizosphere carboxylates, but increased plant P uptake. Hence, presumably, the proportion of plant P acquired from strongly sorbed sources decreased with inoculation, while the proportion from labile inorganic P increased. Implications for plant fitness under field conditions now require investigation.
A survey study of index food‐related allergic reactions and anaphylaxis management
Authors: Jacobs Tammy S. , Greenhawt Matthew J. , Hauswirth David , Mitchell Lynda , Green Todd D.
Published: May 2012

To cite this article: Jacobs TS, Greenhawt MJ, Hauswirth D, Mitchell L, Green TD. A survey study of index food‐related allergic reactions and anaphylaxis management. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012: 23: 582–589.

Background:  Initial food‐allergic reactions are often poorly recognized and under‐treated.

Methods:  Parents of food‐allergic children were invited to complete an online questionnaire, designed with Kids with Food Allergies Foundation, about their children’s first food‐allergic reactions resulting in urgent medical evaluation.

Results:  Among 1361 reactions, 76% (95% CI 74–79%) were highly likely to represent anaphylaxis based on NIAID/FAAN criteria. Only 34% (95% CI 31–37%) of these were administered epinephrine. In 56% of these, epinephrine was administered by emergency departments; 20% by parents; 9% by paramedics; 8% by primary care physicians; and 6% by urgent care centers. In 26% of these, epinephrine was given within 15 min of the onset of symptoms; 54% within 30 min; 82% within 1 h; and 93% within 2 h. Factors associated with a decreased likelihood of receiving epinephrine for anaphylaxis included age <12 months, milk and egg triggers, and symptoms of abdominal pain and/or diarrhea. Epinephrine was more likely to be given to asthmatic children and children with peanut or tree nut ingestion prior to event. Post‐treatment, 42% of reactions likely to represent anaphylaxis were referred to allergists, 34% prescribed and/or given epinephrine auto‐injectors, 17% trained to use epinephrine auto‐injectors, and 19% given emergency action plans. Of patients treated with epinephrine, only half (47%) were prescribed epinephrine auto‐injectors.

Conclusions:  Only one‐third of initial food‐allergic reactions with symptoms of anaphylaxis were recognized and treated with epinephrine. Fewer than half of patients were referred to allergists. There is still a need to increase education and awareness about food‐induced anaphylaxis.
Normal mind‐reading capacity but higher response confidence in borderline personality disorder patients
Authors: Schilling Lisa , Wingenfeld Katja , Löwe Bernd , Moritz Steffen , Terfehr Kirsten , Köther Ulf , Spitzer Carsten
Published: May 2012

Aim:  Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by a pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships. Therefore, the investigation of social cognition is of compelling interest for the understanding of BPD. One important aspect of social cognition is theory of mind (ToM), which describes the ability to understand others' mental states, such as beliefs, desires and intentions. The aim of the present study was to further investigate ToM in BPD patients.

Methods:  The Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test was assessed in 31 BPD patients and 27 healthy controls. In addition, the test was complemented by a response confidence rating.

Results:  BPD patients and healthy controls did not differ in their mind‐reading ability with respect to accuracy, but patients were significantly more often highly confident in their decisions than controls.

Conclusions:  Overconfidence might contribute to the severe difficulties in interpersonal relationships often observed in BPD patients.