bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What a Coincidence! It's Not as Unlikely as You Think
Authors: Jones Byron , Muirhead Robb
Published: February 2012

Evelyn Evans of New Jersey won the lottery – twice. A stranger at a party may have something unlikely in common with us. It is human nature to believe such coincidences are rare. However, Byron Jones and Robb Muirhead explain that they are common, and that we should be much more surprised if we never heard about them. People are not good at assessing probabilities, and we often do not ask the right or appropriate questions.
Potentially antigenic RBC membrane proteins in dogs with primary immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia
Authors: Tan Emmeline , Bienzle Dorothee , Shewen Patricia , Kruth Stephen , Wood Darren
Published: February 2012

Background

Primary immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs. The mechanisms underlying autoimmune reactivity remain poorly understood.

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify membrane proteins of RBCs that could be antigenic in dogs with primary IMHA.

Methods

Antibodies were eluted with xylene from RBCs of 12 dogs with IMHA, 4 dogs with anemia due to causes other than IMHA, and 2 healthy dogs. Pooled RBC membrane proteins were prepared from blood of 17 healthy dogs. The eluted antibodies were then analyzed by immunoblotting for interactions with the pooled membrane proteins and autologous plasma. Bands present in the 12 dogs with IMHA but not in the 6 other dogs were considered potential autoantigens and were identified by liquid chromatography followed by tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

RBC eluates from all 18 dogs had reactivity against band 3 protein. Antibodies to 6 additional proteins were uniquely identified in dogs with IMHA. Reactivity to calpain, complement component 3, and peroxiredoxin 2 was identified in 8, 8, and 4 of the 12 samples, respectively, from dogs with IMHA, but in none of the samples from the 6 dogs without IMHA.

Conclusions

Detection of universal immune reactivity against band 3 protein probably indicates recognition of senescent RBC. Proteins uniquely recognized by antibodies in dogs with IMHA are involved in oxidative stress and apoptosis (calpain), inflammation (complement), and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (peroxiredoxin 2). It remains to be determined if these proteins are important in initiating autoimmunity or if immunoglobulins targeting these proteins develop during IMHA.
Uterine haemodynamics in young and aged pregnant mares measured using Doppler ultrasonography
Authors: OUSEY J. C. , KÖLLING M. , NEWTON R. , WRIGHT M. , ALLEN W. R.
Published: February 2012

Reason for performing study:Aged mares with endometrosis suffer higher rates of pregnancy loss than young mares, due to poor placental development. Reduced uterine blood supply may be one contributory factor.

Objectives:To measure uterine artery (UA) blood flow and other Doppler indices throughout pregnancy and compare placental and foal development in young mares and aged mares.

Methods:Thoroughbred mares were grouped according to age and endometrial biopsy score: 1) 6 young mares (mean age 7.3 years,Category I); 2) 6 aged mares (mean age 18.3 years,Category II). Vascular pathology was nil or mild except in one aged mare with moderate perivasculitis. Both UA were scanned fortnightly throughout pregnancy. Total blood flow volume (BFV, ml/min/kg bwt), peak systolic velocity (PSV, cm/s) and resistance index (RI) were determined by pulsed wave, Doppler ultrasound and UA diameter using B‐mode. Mixed‐effects regression analyses were used to relate vascular parameters with different predictive variables, whilst accounting for the multiple repeated measurements taken from individual horses through the duration of their pregnancies.

Results:PSV, RI and total BFV were best predicted by stage of pregnancy (P<0.001; r2>78%). The UA diameter was also associated with stage of pregnancy (P<0.001; r2= 87%) and was significantly greater in the gravid horn (P<0.001). There was a tendency for lower total BFV in older mares (P<0.05) and they delivered lighter foals than young mares (P<0.05). Gross placental morphometry was similar, but microscopic surface density of the microvilli was lower (P<0.02), in aged than young mares.

Conclusions and potential relevance:Increased uterine blood flow and decreased vascular resistance reflect fetal growth and development of the placental microcirculation. Older mares have poorer placental microvillus development and lighter foals with reduced UA blood flow. Poor uterine blood flow may be an important contributory factor for pregnancy loss in aged mares.
Presumptive nonthyroidal illness syndrome in critically ill foals
Authors: HIMLER M. , HURCOMBE S. D. A. , GRIFFIN A. , BARSNICK R. J. , RATHGEBER R. A. , MACGILLIVRAY K. C. , TORIBIO R. E.
Published: February 2012

Reasons for performing the study:Hypothalamic‐pituitary‐thyroid (HPT) axis dysfunction is associated with morbidity and mortality in critically ill people. To date, investigations of HPT axis in critically ill foals are limited.

Objectives:To document the occurrence of low thyroid hormone concentrations (presumptive nonthyroidal illness syndrome; NTIS) in critically ill newborn foals and investigate whether NTIS is associated with severity of disease and outcome.

Hypothesis:NTIS occurs frequently in foals with sepsis and is associated with sepsis score and outcome. Reverse T3 (rT3) concentrations will be increased in septic foals and highest in nonsurvivors.

Methods:Thyroid hormones (total and free thyroxine [TT4 and fT4], total and free tri‐iodothyronine [TT3 and fT3], reverse T3 [rT3]) were prospectively measured in healthy, sick nonseptic and septic foals. Clinical and laboratory information was retrieved from the medical records. Hormones were measured by validated radioimmunoassays.

Results:Concentrations of all thyroid hormones except rT3 (P = 0.69) were decreased in septic and sick nonseptic foals (P<0.01). Reductions in hormone concentrations were associated with an increased sepsis score (P<0.01). Nonsurviving septic foals had lower TT4, fT4, TT3 and fT3 concentrations than surviving septic foals (P<0.01). rT3 concentrations were higher in nonsurviving septic premature foals than surviving septic premature foals (P<0.05).

Conclusions:NTIS (euthyroid sick syndrome) is frequently observed in critically ill and premature foals, and associated with severity of disease and mortality.

Potential relevance:More research is needed to better understand the mechanism of this finding and determine whether manipulation of the HPT axis or thyroid replacement therapy could be beneficial.
Necrosis of the femoral condyles in a four‐week‐old foal: Clinical, imaging and histopathological features
Authors: HAGGETT E. F. , FOOTE A. K. , HEAD M. J. , McGLADDERY A. J. , POWELL S. E.
Published: February 2012

A 4‐week‐old Thoroughbred filly foal with a history of sepsis was evaluated for right hindlimb lameness. Bilateral femoropatellar and femorotibial joint effusions were detected. Ultrasonography and radiography of the right stifle revealed signs of joint collapse and periarticular swelling. Computed tomography revealed abnormalities in the bone density of the medial femoral condyle of the right hindlimb and lateral femoral condyle of the left hindlimb. Euthanasia was recommended based on the severity of the lesions. Gross and microscopic examinations revealed extensive separation of the articular‐epiphyseal cartilage complex from the subchondral bone of the femoral condyles. The histological features suggest an ischaemic aetiology; comparisons are made with lesions of osteochondrosis and avascular necrosis of bone.
A racing start in life? The hurdles of equine feto‐placental pathology
Authors: FOOTE A. K. , RICKETTS S. W. , WHITWELL K. E.
Published: February 2012

Significant progress has been made in understanding and monitoring the causes of equine abortion over past decades. However, not allin uteropathology results in abortion. It has long been recognised that somein uteropathology, such as twinning or chronic placentitis, can result in the birth of live but growth‐retarded foals and there is historical evidence that birth weight may influence future athletic performance. Clinical experience (e.g. from twins) and experimental studies (pony‐Thoroughbred embryo transfer) have highlighted the importance of reduced functional placental area in limiting growthin uteroin horses. Many other nonfatalin uteropathologies (e.g. umbilical cord‐related circulatory compromise) can potentially affect either placental function or other organ systems. Their influence on the short‐ and long‐term health of the foal and its future athletic performance is in many cases poorly documented or understood. This review summarises the main causes ofin uteropathology and reflects on how these may potentially affect the foal if born alive, highlighting the need for long‐term studies on this important subject.
Clinical findings in 10 foals with bacterial meningoencephalitis
Authors: VIU J. , MONREAL L. , JOSE‐CUNILLERAS E. , CESARINI C. , AÑOR S. , ARMENGOU L.
Published: February 2012

Reasons for performing the study: Bacterial meningoencephalitis is a severe complication in septic foals and there is scarce and often unclear information in the equine literature.

Objectives: To report the most frequent clinical signs, clinicopathological findings, causative agents, treatments given and outcome of a group of foals with confirmed bacterial meningoencephalitis.

Methods: Foals aged <6 months of age admitted to the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (2004–2009) with confirmed bacterial meningoencephalitis were retrospectively included in the study. Diagnosis of bacterial meningoencephalitis was made by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture, CSF analysis consistent with bacterial infection, observation of bacteria in CSF cytology or post mortem confirmation.

Results: Nine neonates and one 5‐month‐old foal were included. The most frequently observed clinical signs were alterations in mental status (10/10), recumbency (8/10), weakness (8/10), abnormal pupillary light reflexes (6/10), decreased suckling‐reflex (6/9), seizures and/or nystagmus (4/10). Common clinicopathological alterations included hyperfibrinogenaemia (8/9), hyperlactataemia (7/7), and neutropenia (5/10) or neutrophilia (5/10). Most neonates (8/9) developed bacterial meningoencephalitis despite having a sepsis score near the cut‐off value (median = 12). On CSF analysis, pleocytosis (9/9), increased total protein concentration (5/6) and intracellular bacteria (6/9) were detected. The most frequently isolated bacterium was Escherichia coli. Once bacterial meningoencephalitis was diagnosed, antimicrobial therapy was switched to third and fourth generation cephalosporins.

Conclusions: The diagnosis of bacterial meningoencephalitis is established based on CSF analysis and culture. Clinical recognition of bacterial meningoencephalitis is difficult and can be easily overlooked. Moreover, severe sepsis is not necessary to develop bacterial meningoencephalitis.

Potential relevance: CSF analysis should be considered more often in sick newborn foals with signs indicative of central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology and culture would help to confirm or rule out unnoticed bacterial meningoencephalitis, and to choose appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Growth of GaNxAsyP1−x−y alloys on GaP(100) by gas-source molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Kuang Yan-Jin , Chen San-Wen , Li Hua , Sinha Sunil K. , Tu Charles Wuching
Published: February 2012

The authors report epitaxial growth of dilute nitride GaNxAsyP1−x−y on GaP(100) via a linearly graded GaAsxP1−x metamorphic buffer. The As content is in situ determined by group-V-induced reflection high energy electron diffraction intensity oscillation, while the N content is determined by x-ray diffraction. Room-temperature photoluminescence (PL) is observed for the top GaNxAsyP1−x−y layer and in temperature dependent PL, the peak position shows S-shape curve, indicative of defect states in the bandgap. Room-temperature PL intensity is drastically increased after rapid thermal annealing (RTA) and the results suggest GaNxAsyP1−x−y with different N content requires different optimal RTA temperature for optical performance.
Porous antimony-doped tin oxide cathodes formed by supercritical CO2 treatment at low temperature for silver electro-deposition
Authors: Tien W. C. , Chu A. K. , Wen H. Y. , Chang M. Y. , Huang W. Y.
Published: February 2012

Porous antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) cathodes for silver electrodeposition devices are proposed. The porous structure of the cathodes is obtained by applying supercritical CO2 (SCCO2) treatment at 60 °C on spin-coated ATO nanoparticles. The morphological, structural, and electrical properties of the ATO cathodes with the SCCO2 treatment are investigated. The 0.5 μm thick ATO cathode grown on ITO glass substrates is transparent. However, black state of the device is observed when silver molecules are anchored onto the surface of the ATO cathode during reduction. The average transmission contrast ratio of 12 is obtained in visible spectrum at a driving voltage of 1.5 V and a saturation current density of 5.8 mA/cm2. In addition, the electrochromic switching time is 4.5 s for a 0.5 × 0.5 cm device with 65 μm cell gap and 0.08 M electrolyte concentration, and its transmission contrast ratio is better than 9.0 at λ = 633 nm.
Twin structures of epitaxial SnO2 films grown on a-cut sapphire by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Zhu Zhen , Ma Jin , Luan Caina , Mi Wei , Lv Yu
Published: February 2012

SnO2 films have been grown on a-cut (112¯0) sapphire substrates by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were employed to characterize the epitaxial relationship and film structure. The films were (101) oriented with pure rutile structure. The in-plane relationship was determined to be SnO2 [010]//Al2O3 [0001] and SnO2 [101¯]//Al2O3 [11¯00]. There are three kinds of {101} twins in the SnO2 film. These twins caused high density of planar defects in the film and slight misorientation of the growth plane. The film/substrate interface was flat, while the film surface was rough with steps and inclinations.
Acoustically-observable properties of adult gait
Authors: Bradley Marshall , Sabatier James M.
Published: February 2012

An approach has been developed for extracting human gait parameters from micro Doppler sonar grams. Key parameters include average speed of walking, torso velocity, walk cycle time, and peak leg velocity. The approach is a modification of a technique previously used in radar data analysis. It has been adapted because of differences between sonar and radar micro Doppler grams. The approach has been applied to an acoustic data set of 16 female and 60 male walkers. Statistics have been tabulated that illustrate the similarities and dissimilarities between female and male gait. Males tend to walk with larger walk cycle times and peak leg velocities than females.
AAV2 Gene Therapy Readministration in Three Adults with Congenital Blindness
Authors: Bennett Jean , Ashtari Manzar , Wellman Jennifer , Marshall Kathleen A. , Cyckowski Laura L. , Chung Daniel C. , McCague Sarah , Pierce Eric A. , Chen Yifeng , Bennicelli Jeannette L. , Zhu Xiaosong , Ying Gui-shuang , Sun Junwei , Wright J. Fraser , Auricchio Alberto , Simonelli Francesca , Shindler Kenneth S. , Mingozzi Federico , High Katherine A. , Maguire Albert M.
Published: February 2012

Repeat administration of gene therapy to the contralateral retina of three congenitally blind patients was safe and resulted in improved vision.
Escaping ALK Inhibition: Mechanisms of and Strategies to Overcome Resistance
Authors: Lovly Christine M. , Pao William
Published: February 2012

Two recent studies offer insights on how cancer cells develop resistance to targeted therapies and possible ways to battle this therapeutic bottleneck.
Role of Complement in Dengue Virus Infection: Protection or Pathogenesis?
Authors: Shresta Sujan
Published: February 2012

Dengue viruses (DENV) cause a spectrum of disease in humans, ranging from dengue fever (DF) to a severe, life-threatening syndrome called dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS). Despite the global morbidity and mortality associated with DENV infection, mechanisms of immune control and viral pathogenesis are poorly understood. In a recent article, Avirutnan et al. [mBio 2(6):e00276-11, 2011] demonstrated that DENV can be directly neutralized via the mannose binding lectin (MBL) pathway of the complement system and that deficiency in MBL level or activity due to host polymorphisms in theMBL2gene correlates with reduced levels of DENV neutralization. These findings implicate a role for the MBL pathway in controlling DENV infections and modulating DHF/DSS manifestations.
A Critical Phenylalanine Residue in the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Protein Cytoplasmic Tail Mediates Assembly of Internal Viral Proteins into Viral Filaments and Particles
Authors: Shaikh Fyza Y. , Cox Reagan G. , Lifland Aaron W. , Hotard Anne L. , Williams John V. , Moore Martin L. , Santangelo Philip J. , Crowe James E.
Published: February 2012

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a single-stranded RNA virus in the
Paramyxoviridae
family that assembles into filamentous structures at the apical surface of polarized epithelial cells. These filaments contain viral genomic RNA and structural proteins, including the fusion (F) protein, matrix (M) protein, nucleoprotein (N), and phosphoprotein (P), while excluding F-actin. It is known that the F protein cytoplasmic tail (FCT) is necessary for filament formation, but the mechanism by which the FCT mediates assembly into filaments is not clear. We hypothesized that the FCT is necessary for interactions with other viral proteins in order to form filaments. In order to test this idea, we expressed the F protein with cytoplasmic tail (CT) truncations or specific point mutations and determined the abilities of these variant F proteins to form filaments independent of viral infection when coexpressed with M, N, and P. Deletion of the terminal three FCT residues (amino acids Phe-Ser-Asn) or mutation of the Phe residue resulted in a loss of filament formation but did not affect F-protein expression or trafficking to the cell surface. Filament formation could be restored by addition of residues Phe-Ser-Asn to an FCT deletion mutant and was unaffected by mutations to Ser or Asn residues. Second, deletion of residues Phe-Ser-Asn or mutation of the Phe residue resulted in a loss of M, N, and P incorporation into virus-like particles. These data suggest that a C-terminal Phe residue in the FCT mediates assembly through incorporation of internal virion proteins into virus filaments at the cell surface.

IMPORTANCE
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants and the elderly worldwide. There is no licensed RSV vaccine and only limited therapeutics for use in infected patients. Many aspects of the RSV life cycle have been studied, but the mechanisms that drive RSV assembly at the cell surface are not well understood. This study provides evidence that a specific residue in the RSV fusion protein cytoplasmic tail coordinates assembly into viral filaments by mediating the incorporation of internal virion proteins. Understanding the mechanisms that drive RSV assembly could lead to targeted development of novel antiviral drugs. Moreover, since RSV exits infected cells in an ESCRT (endosomal sorting complexes required for transport)-independent manner, these studies may contribute new knowledge about a general strategy by which ESCRT-independent viruses mediate outward bud formation using viral protein-mediated mechanisms during assembly and budding.
Host Cell Nucleolin Is Required To Maintain the Architecture of Human Cytomegalovirus Replication Compartments
Authors: Strang Blair L. , Boulant Steeve , Kirchhausen Tomas , Coen Donald M.
Published: February 2012

Drastic reorganization of the nucleus is a hallmark of herpesvirus replication. This reorganization includes the formation of viral replication compartments, the subnuclear structures in which the viral DNA genome is replicated. The architecture of replication compartments is poorly understood. However, recent work with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) showed that the viral DNA polymerase subunit UL44 concentrates and viral DNA synthesis occurs at the periphery of these compartments. Any cellular factors involved in replication compartment architecture are largely unknown. Previously, we found that nucleolin, a major protein component of nucleoli, associates with HCMV UL44 in infected cells and is required for efficient viral DNA synthesis. Here, we show that nucleolin binds to purified UL44. Confocal immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated colocalization of nucleolin with UL44 at the periphery of replication compartments. Pharmacological inhibition of viral DNA synthesis prevented the formation of replication compartments but did not abrogate association of UL44 and nucleolin. Thus, association of UL44 and nucleolin is unlikely to be a nonspecific effect related to development of replication compartments. No detectable colocalization of 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU)-labeled viral DNA with nucleolin was observed, suggesting that nucleolin is not directly involved in viral DNA synthesis. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of nucleolin caused improper localization of UL44 and a defect in EdU incorporation into viral DNA. We propose a model in which nucleolin anchors UL44 at the periphery of replication compartments to maintain their architecture and promote viral DNA synthesis.

IMPORTANCE
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an important human pathogen. HCMV infection causes considerable rearrangement of the structure of the nucleus, largely due to the formation of viral replication compartments within the nucleus. Within these compartments, the virus replicates its DNA genome. We previously demonstrated that nucleolin is required for efficient viral DNA synthesis and now find that the nucleolar protein nucleolin interacts with a subunit of the viral DNA polymerase, UL44, specifically at the periphery of replication compartments. Moreover, we find that nucleolin is required to properly localize UL44 at this region. Nucleolin is, therefore, involved in the organization of proteins within replication compartments. This, to our knowledge, is the first report identifying a cellular protein required for maintaining replication compartment architecture.
Improved radiological assessment of neonatal feeding tubes
Authors: Quandt Daniel , Brøns Egil , Schiffer Philipp Meyer , Schraner Thomas , Bucher Hans Ulrich , Mieth Romaine Arlettaz
Published: February 2012

Background

In about one-fifth of radiographs performed in neonates, no exact gastric feeding tube position can be defined.

Objectives

To determine whether injection of air via feeding tube before taking radiographs improves radiological assessment of its position.

Methods

In the study group (n=153), air was injected via gastric feeding tube before taking a radiograph. The tube position on radiographs was compared with a blinded control group (n=381) with no injection of air.

Results

The definition of exact gastric tube position was possible in 95% of the study group compared with 78% in the control group (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Injection of air before taking a radiograph significantly improves the definition of exact gastric feeding tube position in neonates.
A fisheries risk-assessment framework to evaluate trade-offs among management options in the presence of time-varying productivity
Authors: Collie Jeremy S. , Peterman Randall M. , Zuehlke Brett M.
Published: February 2012

Empirically based simulation models can help fisheries managers make difficult decisions involving trade-offs between harvests and maintaining spawner abundance, especially when data contain uncertainties. We developed such a general risk-assessment framework and applied it to chum salmon ( Oncorhynchus keta ) stocks in the Arctic–Yukon–Kuskokwim region of Alaska, USA. These stocks experienced low abundance in the 1990s, which led to declarations of economic disaster and calls for changes in harvest strategies. Our stochastic model provides decision makers with quantitative information about trade-offs among commercial harvest, subsistence harvest, and spawner abundance. The model included outcome uncertainty (the difference between target and realized spawner abundances) in the subsistence and commercial catch modules. We also used closed-loop simulations to investigate the utility of time-varying management policies in which target spawner abundance changed in response to changes in the Ricker productivity parameter (a), as estimated with a Kalman filter. Time-varying policies resulted in higher escapements and catches and reduced risk across a range of harvest rates. The resulting generic risk-assessment framework can be used to evaluate harvest guidelines for most salmon stocks.
Growth response of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) to catch-and-release angling: a 27-year mark–recapture study
Authors: Cline Timothy J. , Weidel Brian C. , Kitchell James F. , Hodgson James R.
Published: February 2012

Catch-and-release angling is gaining popularity worldwide and plays an increasingly important role in both fisheries management and conservation. Mortality from catch-and-release angling is well documented across species, but the sublethal effects have not been evaluated in a natural setting. Laboratory studies have yielded mixed results regarding catch-and-release impacts on fish growth. These studies do not adequately capture the scales of stress and variability of a natural system. We used a 27-year mark–recapture study of 1050 individually tagged largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) to determine the effects of catch-and-release angling on the growth in a natural setting. Individual bass were angled one to six times per season. Recapture intervals ranged from 1 to 98 days. Largemouth bass exhibited a post-release period (~6 days) of weight loss. Following this weight loss, we observed a subsequent period of compensatory growth facilitating recovery to normal weight. We found that catch-and-release angling had little impact on the overall seasonal growth patterns of largemouth bass and therefore should have limited adverse effects on growth-dependent ecological functions.
Evidence for sea lice-induced marine mortality of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in western Ireland from experimental releases of ranched smolts treated with emamectin benzoate
Authors: Gargan P.G. , Forde G. , Hazon N. , Russell D.J.F. , Todd C.D.
Published: February 2012

Sea trout ( Salmo trutta ) stock collapses in coastal areas of western Ireland subject to salmon aquaculture were contemporaneous with high abundances of larval sea lice ( Lepeophtheirus salmonis ) on juvenile sea trout. Whereas sea trout remain in near-shore waters throughout their marine migration, Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) smolts typically move quickly offshore into oceanic waters. It might therefore be predicted that salmon smolts would be less vulnerable to coastal stressors and less likely to be negatively affected by infestations of sea lice early in their marine phase. Groups of microtagged, hatchery-reared Atlantic salmon smolts were fed either untreated pellets or pellets incorporating the in-feed sea louse treatment SLICE (emamectin benzoate) prior to eight experimental releases in three marine locations over a 3-year period. In total, 74 324 smolts were released and analysis of tag recaptures from returning adult salmon showed that emamectin-treated smolts experienced increased survivorship and were 1.8 times more likely to return compared with control fish. These results suggest that sea lice-induced mortality on adult Atlantic salmon returns in Ireland can be significant, and that sea lice larvae emanating from farmed salmon may influence individual survivorship and population conservation status of wild salmon in these river systems.
Iron plays a role in nitrate drawdown by phytoplankton in Lake Erie surface waters as observed in lake-wide assessments
Authors: Havens Sonya M. , Hassler Christel S. , North Rebecca L. , Guildford Stephanie J. , Silsbe Greg , Wilhelm Steven W. , Twiss Michael R.
Published: February 2012

Phytoplankton interactions with iron (Fe) were examined in surface waters of Lake Erie during summer thermal stratification. Lake-wide sampling in June and September 2005 was conducted using a continuous surface water sampler (1 m sampling depth) and in July at 18 hydrographic stations (5 m sampling depth). In situ measurements of photosynthetic efficiency (maximum quantum yield of photosystem II) and phytoplankton community composition were measured using fast repetition rate fluorometry and a phytoplankton pigment-specific fluorometer, respectively, during June and September. High ratios (73%–85%) of intracellular Fe to particulate Fe coincident with increases in chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentrations in the western and central basins in June and July imply that the majority of Fe in these regions was associated with intracellular pools. Correlations between intracellular Fe and Chl a were frequently observed when Heterokontophyta and Pyrrophyta dominated the phytoplankton community. Assimilation of Fe by the phytoplankton strongly influenced its partitioning between the dissolved and particulate phase. Dissolved iron (<0.45 µm) concentrations were proportional to Chl a concentrations and both dissolved iron and Chl a were inversely proportional to nitrate concentrations in July and September, suggesting that dissolved iron influenced both nitrate drawdown and Chl a concentrations in Lake Erie surface waters in summer.
Complex littoral habitat influences the response of native minnows to stocked trout: evidence from whole-lake comparisons and experimental predator enclosures
Authors: Hanisch J.R. , Tonn W.M. , Paszkowski C.A. , Scrimgeour G.J.
Published: February 2012

Strong negative effects of introduced predatory fishes on native species are frequently reported but may not be universal. Recent research from productive lakes, for example, has documented few serious negative effects. Our objective was to determine how complex littoral habitat mediates the response of adult and young-of-year (YOY) native dace (Chrosomus spp.) and fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) to the introduction of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in productive lakes in Alberta, Canada. We first quantified inshore–offshore habitat use of native fish in stocked and unstocked lakes with heavily vegetated littoral zones. We then manipulated the presence or absence of trout and densities of macrophytes within enclosures in an unstocked lake and assessed the behavioral response of native fish. Our whole-lake comparisons revealed that adult and YOY fishes occurred in vegetated inshore areas to a greater extent in stocked relative to unstocked lakes. In the enclosure experiment, native fishes did not respond to the introduction of trout at natural macrophyte densities, but dace significantly reduced their occupation of enclosures with reduced macrophytes once trout were added. Our results suggest that complex littoral macrophyte beds provide important refuge habitat for native fishes, which can potentially mitigate negative effects associated with introductions of a piscivorous predator.
Short-term effects of commercial fishing on the distribution and abundance of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma)
Authors: Walline Paul D. , Wilson Christopher D. , Hollowed Anne B. , Stienessen Sarah C.
Published: February 2012

Replicate acoustic surveys conducted near Kodiak Island, Alaska, USA, during summers 2001, 2004, and 2006 showed that the short-term effect of commercial fishing activities on walleye pollock ( Theragra chalcogramma ) during this period was small, in most cases too small to detect. An area with commercial fishing and a nearby comparison area where commercial fishing was prohibited were surveyed before and during the fishery. Acoustic data were used to assess changes in the abundance, geographical and vertical distributions, and small-scale spatial patterns of walleye pollock, which may have occurred after the fishery commenced. A decrease in biomass after fishing began was detected only in 2004. No changes were detected in geographical or vertical distributions that could be attributed to the fishery in any year. Adults did not appear to aggregate or disperse in response to the fishery. Juvenile aggregations did differ between the prefishery and fishery surveys in 1 of the 2 years when juveniles were present. These data suggest that changes in walleye pollock abundance and distribution caused by the fishery are likely quite small compared with natural fluctuations.
A new transgenic rat model overexpressing the angiotensin II type 2 receptor provides evidence for inhibition of cell proliferation in the outer adrenal cortex
Authors: Peters Barbara , Podlich Dirk , Ritter Michael , Müller Anja , Wanka Heike , Maser-Gluth Christiane , Seitz Claudia , de Boni Laura , Maier Elena , Gretz Norbert , Peters Jörg , Hoffmann Sigrid C.
Published: February 2012

This study aimed to elucidate the role of the AT2 receptor (AT2R), which is expressed and upregulated in the adrenal zona glomerulosa (ZG) under conditions of increased aldosterone production. We developed a novel transgenic rat (TGR; TGRCXmAT2R) that overexpresses the AT2R in the adrenal gland, heart, kidney, brain, skeletal muscle, testes, lung, spleen, aorta, and vein. As a consequence the total angiotensin II (Ang II) binding sites increased 7.8-fold in the kidney, 25-fold in the heart, and twofold in the adrenals. The AT2R number amounted to 82–98% of total Ang II binding sites. In the ZG of TGRCXmAT2R, the AT2R density was elevated threefold relative to wild-type (WT) littermates, whereas AT1R density remained unchanged. TGRCXmAT2R rats were viable and exhibited normal reproduction, blood pressure, and kidney function. Notably, a slightly but significantly reduced body weight and a moderate increase in plasma urea were observed. With respect to adrenal function, 24-h urinary and plasma aldosterone concentrations were unaffected in TGRCXmAT2R at baseline. Three and 14 days of Ang II infusion (300 ng·min−1·kg−1) increased plasma aldosterone levels in WT and in TGR. These changes were completely abolished by the AT1R blocker losartan. Of note, glomerulosa cell proliferation, as indicated by the number of Ki-67-positive glomerulosa cells, was stimulated by Ang II in TGR and WT rats; however, this increase was significantly attenuated in TGR overexpressing the AT2R. In conclusion, AT2R in the adrenal ZG inhibits Ang II-induced cell proliferation but has no obvious lasting effect on the regulation of the aldosterone production at the investigated stages.
Thr649Ala-AS160 knock-in mutation does not impair contraction/AICAR-induced glucose transport in mouse muscle
Authors: Ducommun Serge , Wang Hong Yu , Sakamoto Kei , MacKintosh Carol , Chen Shuai
Published: February 2012

AS160 and its closely related protein TBC1D1 have emerged as key mediators for both insulin- and contraction-stimulated muscle glucose uptake through regulating GLUT4 trafficking. Insulin increases AS160 phosphorylation at multiple Akt/PKB consensus sites, including Thr649, and promotes its binding to 14-3-3 proteins through phospho-Thr649. We recently provided genetic evidence that AS160-Thr649 phosphorylation/14-3-3 binding plays a key role in mediating insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in muscle. Contraction has also been proposed to increase phosphorylation of AS160 and TBC1D1 via AMPK, which could be detected by a generic phospho-Akt substrate (PAS) antibody. Here, analysis of AS160 immunoprecipitates from muscle extracts with site-specific phospho-antibodies revealed that contraction and AICAR caused no increase but rather a slight decrease in phosphorylation of the major PAS recognition site AS160-Thr649. In line with this, contraction failed to enhance 14-3-3 binding to AS160. Consistent with previous reports, we also observed that in situ contraction stimulated the signal intensity of PAS antibody immunoreactive protein of ∼150–160 kDa in muscle extracts. Using a TBC1D1 deletion mutant mouse, we showed that TBC1D1 protein accounted for the majority of the PAS antibody immunoreactive signals of ∼150–160 kDa in extracts of contracted muscles. Consistent with the proposed role of AS160-Thr649 phosphorylation/14-3-3 binding in mediating glucose uptake, AS160-Thr649Ala knock-in mice displayed normal glucose uptake upon contraction and AICAR in isolated muscles. We conclude that the previously reported PAS antibody immunoreactive band ∼150–160 kDa, which were increased upon contraction, does not represent AS160 but TBC1D1, and that AS160-Thr649Ala substitution impairs insulin- but neither contraction- nor AICAR-stimulated glucose uptake in mouse skeletal muscle.
Hypothalamic Fkbp51 is induced by fasting, and elevated hypothalamic expression promotes obese phenotypes
Authors: Yang Linda , Isoda Fumiko , Yen Kelvin , Kleopoulos Steven P. , Janssen William , Fan Xiaoning , Mastaitis Jason , Dunn-Meynell Ambrose , Levin Barry , McCrimmon Rory , Sherwin Robert , Musatov Sergei , Mobbs Charles V.
Published: February 2012

To discover hypothalamic genes that might play a role in regulating energy balance, we carried out a microarray screen for genes induced by a 48-h fast in male C57Bl/6J mouse hypothalamus. One such gene was Fkbp51 (FK506 binding protein 5; Locus NP_034350). The product of this gene is of interest because it blocks glucocorticoid action, suggesting that fasting-induced elevation of this gene in the hypothalamus may reduce glucocorticoid negative feedback, leading to elevated glucocorticoid levels, thus promoting obese phenotypes. Subsequent analysis demonstrated that a 48-h fast induces Fkbp51 in ventromedial, paraventricular, and arcuate hypothalamic nuclei of mice and rats. To assess if hypothalamic Fkbp51 promotes obesity, the gene was transferred to the hypothalamus via an adeno-associated virus vector. Within 2 wk following Fkbp51 overexpression, mice on a high-fat diet exhibited elevated body weight, without hyperphagia, relative to mice receiving the control mCherry vector. Body weight remained elevated for more than 8 wk and was associated with elevated corticosterone and impaired glucose tolerance. These studies suggest that elevated hypothalamic Fkbp51 promotes obese phenotypes.
The phosphodiesterases type 5 inhibitor tadalafil reduces the activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in men during cycle ergometric exercise
Authors: Di Luigi Luigi , Sgrò Paolo , Baldari Carlo , Gallotta Maria Chiara , Emerenziani Gian Pietro , Crescioli Clara , Bianchini Serena , Romanelli Francesco , Lenzi Andrea , Guidetti Laura
Published: February 2012

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors may influence human physiology, health, and performance by also modulating endocrine pathways. We evaluated the effects of a 2-day tadalafil administration on adenohypophyseal and adrenal hormone adaptation to exercise in humans. Fourteen healthy males were included in a double-blind crossover trial. Each volunteer randomly received two tablets of placebo or tadalafil (20 mg/day with a 36-h interval) before a maximal exercise was performed. After a 2-wk washout, the volunteers were crossed over. Blood samples were collected at −30 and −15 min and immediately before exercise, immediately after, and during recovery (+15, +30, +60, and +90 min) for adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), β-endorphin, growth hormone (GH), prolactin, cortisol (C), corticosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS), and cortisol binding globulin (CBG) assays. C-to-CBG (free cortisol index, FCI) and DHEAS-to-C ratios were calculated. Exercise intensity, perceived exertion rate, O2consumption, and CO2and blood lactate concentration were evaluated. ACTH, GH, C, corticosterone, and CBG absolute concentrations and/or areas under the curve (AUC) increased after exercise after both placebo and tadalafil. Exercise increased DHEAS only after placebo. Compared with placebo, tadalafil administration reduced the ACTH, C, corticosterone, and FCI responses to exercise and was associated with higher β-endorphin AUC and DHEAS-to-C ratio during recovery, without influencing cardiorespiratory and performance parameters. Tadalafil reduced the activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis during exercise by probably influencing the brain's nitric oxide- and cGMP-mediated pathways. Further studies are necessary to confirm our results and to identify the involved mechanisms, possible health risks, and potential clinical uses.
Enhanced effect of daytime restricted feeding on the circadian rhythm of streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Wu Tao , ZhuGe Fen , Sun Lu , Ni Yinhua , Fu Ou , Gao Guangang , Chen Junjie , Kato Hisanori , Fu Zhengwei
Published: February 2012

There is increasing awareness of the link between impaired circadian clocks and multiple metabolic diseases. However, the impairment of the circadian clock by type 2 diabetes has not been fully elucidated. To understand whether and how the function of circadian clock is impaired under the diabetic condition, we examined not only the expression of circadian genes in the heart and pineal gland but also the behavioral rhythm of type 2 diabetic and control rats in both the nighttime restricted feeding (NRF) and daytime restricted feeding (DRF) conditions. In the NRF condition, the circadian expression of clock genes in the heart and pineal gland was conserved in the diabetic rats, being similar to that in the control rats. DRF shifted the circadian phases of peripheral clock genes more efficiently in the diabetic rats than those in the control rats. Moreover, the activity rhythm of rats in the diabetic group was completely shifted from the dark phase to the light phase after 5 days of DRF treatment, whereas the activity rhythm of rats in the control group was still under the control of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) after the same DRF treatment. Furthermore, the serum glucose rhythm of type 2 diabetic rats was also shifted and controlled by the external feeding schedule, ignoring the SCN rhythm. Therefore, DRF shows stronger effect on the reentrainment of circadian rhythm in the type 2 diabetic rats, suggesting that the circadian system in diabetes is unstable and more easily shifted by feeding stimuli.
Attentional selection of location and modality in vision and touch modulates low-frequency activity in associated sensory cortices
Authors: Bauer Markus , Kennett Steffan , Driver Jon
Published: February 2012

Selective attention allows us to focus on particular sensory modalities and locations. Relatively little is known about how attention to a sensory modality may relate to selection of other features, such as spatial location, in terms of brain oscillations, although it has been proposed that low-frequency modulation (α- and β-bands) may be key. Here, we investigated how attention to space (left or right) and attention to modality (vision or touch) affect ongoing low-frequency oscillatory brain activity over human sensory cortex. Magnetoencephalography was recorded while participants performed a visual or tactile task. In different blocks, touch or vision was task-relevant, whereas spatial attention was cued to the left or right on each trial. Attending to one or other modality suppressed α-oscillations over the corresponding sensory cortex. Spatial attention led to reduced α-oscillations over both sensorimotor and occipital cortex contralateral to the attended location in the cue-target interval, when either modality was task-relevant. Even modality-selective sensors also showed spatial-attention effects for both modalities. The visual and sensorimotor results were generally highly convergent, yet, although attention effects in occipital cortex were dominant in the α-band, in sensorimotor cortex, these were also clearly present in the β-band. These results extend previous findings that spatial attention can operate in a multimodal fashion and indicate that attention to space and modality both rely on similar mechanisms that modulate low-frequency oscillations.
Multiscale Modeling of Au‐Island Ripening on Au(100)
Authors: Kleiner Karin , Comas-Vives Aleix , Naderian Maryam , Mueller Jonathan E. , Fantauzzi Donato , Mesgar Mostafa , Keith John A. , Anton Josef , Jacob Timo
Published: February 2012

We describe a multiscale modeling hierarchy for the particular case of Au‐island ripening on Au(100). Starting at the microscopic scale, density functional theory was used to investigate a limited number of self‐diffusion processes on perfect and imperfect Au(100) surfaces. The obtained structural and energetic information served as basis for optimizing a reactive forcefield (here ReaxFF), which afterwards was used to address the mesoscopic scale. Reactive force field simulations were performed to investigate more diffusion possibilities at a lower computational cost but with similar accuracy. Finally, we reached the macroscale by means of kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulations. The reaction rates for the reaction process database used in the kMC simulations were generated using the reactive force field. Using this strategy, we simulated nucleation, aggregation, and fluctuation processes for monoatomic high islands on Au(100) and modeled their equilibrium shape structures. Finally, by calculating the step line tension at different temperatures, we were able to make a direct comparison with available experimental data.
Production of Oxidants by Ion Bombardment of Icy Moons in the Outer Solar System
Authors: Boduch Philippe , da Silveira Enio Frota , Domaracka Alicja , Gomis Oscar , Lv Xue Yang , Palumbo Maria Elisabetta , Pilling Sergio , Rothard Hermann , Seperuelo Duarte Eduardo , Strazzulla Giovanni
Published: February 2012

Our groups in Brazil, France and Italy have been active, among others in the world, in performing experiments on physical-chemical effects induced by fast ions colliding with solids (frozen gases, carbonaceous and organic materials, silicates, etc.) of astrophysical interest. The used ions span a very large range of energies, from a few keV to hundreds MeV. Here we present a summary of the results obtained so far on the formation of oxidants (hydrogen peroxide and ozone) after ion irradiation of frozen water, carbon dioxide and their mixtures. Irradiation of pure water ice produces hydrogen peroxide whatever is the used ion and at different temperatures. Irradiation of carbon dioxide and water frozen mixtures result in the production of molecules among which hydrogen peroxide and ozone. The experimental results are discussed in the light of the relevance they have to support the presence of an energy source for biosphere on Europa and other icy moons in the outer Solar System.
Short-Period Internal Waves under an Ice Cover in Van Mijen Fjord, Svalbard
Authors: Morozov E. G. , Muzylev S. V. , Shestov A. S. , Marchenko A. V.
Published: February 2012

Temperature and velocity fluctuations measured in Van Mijen Fjord in Svalbard and interpreted as the fluctuations induced by internal waves revealed the existence of short-period internal waves with an amplitude of approximately 1 m and a period of approximately 5–10 min that correlate with the ice cover fluctuations of the same period with an amplitude of a few millimeters.