bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The LAP1 MYB transcription factor orchestrates anthocyanidin biosynthesis and glycosylation in Medicago
Authors: Peel Gregory J. , Pang Yongzhen , Modolo Luzia V. , Dixon Richard A.
Published: April 2009

MYB transcription factors help to control anthocyanin biosynthesis in plants, and ectopic expression of the Arabidopsis Production of Anthocyanin Pigment 1 (PAP1) transcription factor activates the anthocyanin pathway in tobacco, suggesting the general utility of such factors for metabolic engineering of anthocyanins and anthocyanin‐derived compounds such as proanthocyanidins (condensed tannins). However, PAP1 does not activate anthocyanin biosynthesis in the model legume Medicago truncatula or in alfalfa (Medicago sativa). A related Legume Anthocyanin Production 1 (LAP1) gene was identified from the genome of M. truncatula. When constitutively expressed in transgenic alfalfa, M. truncatula or white clover, LAP1 induced massive accumulation of anthocyanin pigments comprising multiple glycosidic conjugates of cyanidin. Oligomeric/polymeric compounds with some diagnostic characteristics of proanthocyanidins also accumulated in LAP1‐expressing plants, but these compounds were not composed of (epi)catechin units. Over 260 and 70 genes were up‐regulated in leaves of alfalfa or M. truncatula, respectively, in response to constitutive expression of LAP1, many of which are involved in anthocyanin biosynthesis. In particular, the glucosyltransferase UGT78G1, previously identified as showing preference for isoflavonoid substrates in vitro, was strongly up‐regulated by LAP1, and appears to function as an anthocyanin glycosyltransferase in vivo. Over‐expression of UGT78G1 in transgenic alfalfa resulted in increased anthocyanin accumulation when plants were exposed to abiotic stress.
Realist Visions of the End of the Cold War: Morgenthau, Aron and Waltz
Authors: Cesa Marco
Published: April 2009

Although realist theory did not predict the end of the cold war, prominent realist scholars such as Hans Morgenthau, Raymond Aron and Kenneth Waltz did give some thought to the conditions under which the cold war might be settled. Both Aron and Morgenthau characterised the cold war as a combination of traditional power politics and ideological competition, but they differed on the relative weight of each component. For Morgenthau, a diplomatic settlement would deactivate the unsettling potential of the ideological conflict; for Aron, only the disappearance of the ideological conflict could pave the way to some lasting diplomatic settlement. For Waltz, ideology had little impact; the bipolar structure of the international system was the main variable on which both the cold war and its end depended.
The Better Regulation Initiative at the Judicial Gate: A Trojan Horse within the Commission's Walls or the Way Forward?
Authors: Alemanno Alberto
Published: April 2009

While most academic attention is currently being paid to the goals and to the merits of the Better Regulation initiative (BR), this article examines the most immediate legal implications stemming from reliance on the main tools of BR (such as systematic impact analysis and consultation procedures on proposed legislation) within the European legal order. Since the BR package boils down into a set of regulatory requirements, enforcement issues are likely to arise. For instance, what if the Commission omits to undertake (or badly performs) an impact assessment of a legislative proposal? Who is currently in charge of ensuring the Commission's compliance with these requirements? After illustrating the existing administrative oversight mechanisms designed to ensure effective compliance with BR requirements, by focusing notably on the recently established Impact Assessment Board, the article examines to what extent the European courts may be called upon to review the respect paid to the requirements of BR by the Commission services. To prevent the BR initiative from turning into a Trojan Horse within its own walls, the Commission is likely to comply with these regulatory requirements, thereby paving the way for the initiative's success.
Adjunctive dexamethasone therapy for bacterial meningitis in adults: a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Vardakas K. Z. , Matthaiou D. K. , Falagas M. E.
Published: April 2009

The objective of this review was to study the effectiveness of dexamethasone for the treatment of adult patients with bacterial meningitis. Data was extracted from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing dexamethasone with placebo or no treatment and pooled using meta‐analysis techniques. Treatment with dexamethasone was associated with a non‐significant lower mortality than placebo or no treatment [odds ratio (OR) = 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45–1.04]. If a RCT conducted in Malawi was excluded from the analysis, dexamethasone was associated with lower mortality than placebo or no treatment (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.40–0.83). Dexamethasone was associated with lower mortality in patients with definite meningitis (OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.31–0.96), short duration of symptoms (OR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.38–1.00), Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis (OR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.08–0.78), patients in countries with high (OR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.23–0.87) and medium Human Development Index (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.42–1.00). No benefit was seen in patients with longer duration of symptoms (OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.47–1.36) or no antibiotic use (OR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.36–1.28). Dexamethasone was associated with fewer episodes of hearing impairment in high quality RCTs (OR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.43–0.94). The currently available evidence suggests that dexamethasone should be administered to all adult patients with bacterial meningitis. Large studies are needed to clarify the role of the duration of symptoms, disease severity, and antibiotic administration before the initiation of treatment with dexamethasone on modifying the outcomes.
Local Field Potentials Reveal a Distinctive Neural Signature of Cluster Headache in the Hypothalamus
Authors: Brittain J-S , Green AL , Jenkinson N , Ray NJ , Holland P , Stein JF , Aziz TZ , Davies P
Published: April 2009

Cluster headache (CH) is a debilitating neurovascular condition characterized by severe unilateral periorbital head pain. Deep brain stimulation of the posterior hypothalamus has shown potential in alleviating CH in its most severe, chronic form. During surgical implantation of stimulating macroelectrodes for cluster head pain, one of our patients suffered a CH attack. During the attack local field potentials displayed a significant increase in power of approximately 20 Hz. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first recorded account of neuronal activity observed during a cluster attack. Our results both support and extend the current literature, which has long implicated hypothalamic activation as key to CH generation, predominantly through indirect haemodynamic neuroimaging techniques. Our findings reveal a potential locus in CH neurogenesis and a potential rationale for efficacious stimulator titration.
PETROGRAPHY AND PROVENANCE INTERPRETATION OF THE STONE MOULDS FOR BRONZE DAGGERS FROM THE GALDONG PREHISTORIC SITE, REPUBLIC OF KOREA*
Authors: LEE C. H. , KIM J. , LEE M. S.
Published: April 2009

This paper presents material characteristics and raw material provenance of the stone moulds for bronze slender daggers from Galdong. This type of bronze dagger is uniquely distributed in the Korean Peninsula and these stone moulds were the first to be found by excavation. The stone moulds were made of igneous hornblendite with course‐grained holocrystalline textures. Based on petrological, mineralogical and geochemical characteristics, the original rock materials of the moulds were inferred to be derived from the Jangsu or Namwon areas which are about 50 km away from the excavation site. It is a notable achievement that this provenance study confirmed the domestic production of Korean‐styled daggers.
Update on Dedicated Bifurcation Stents
Authors: SHEIBAN IMAD , OMEDÉ PIERLUIGI , BIONDI‐ZOCCAI GIUSEPPE , MORETTI CLAUDIO , SCIUTO FILIPPO , TREVI GIAN PAOLO
Published: April 2009

Coronary bifurcation lesions represent an area of ongoing challenge in interventional cardiology. Contemporary studies using drug‐eluting stents report a reduction in main vessel (MV) restenosis; however, residual stenosis and restenosis at side‐branch ostium remain an issue. Multiple two‐stent bifurcation strategies exist, including T‐stenting, V‐stenting, simultaneous kissing stenting, culotte stenting, and crush stenting technique. Each strategy has its own advantages and disadvantages, but on the basis of results of numerous randomized trials, the provisional approach of implanting one stent on the main branch has became the default approach to most bifurcation lesions. Dedicated bifurcation stents have been designed to specifically address some of the shortcomings of the conventional percutaneous approach to bifurcation intervention. The majority of the devices are aimed at facilitating the provisional approach. Dedicated bifurcation stents should enable all operators to treat the side‐branch ostium simultaneously with the main branch, preserving a safe, permanent access to side branch during the procedure. In the future, the use of these new devices will probably enhance the interaction between adequate mechanical scaffolding and accurate delivery of the appropriate dosage of any new antirestenosis drugs. There are currently 11 devices available that either have completed or are undergoing first‐in‐man trials. The development of further drug‐eluting platforms and larger controlled studies should demonstrate their clinical applicability, efficacy, and safety before they are widely incorporated into daily practice.
Structure and dynamics of pollination networks: the role of alien plants
Authors: Valdovinos Fernanda S. , Ramos‐Jiliberto Rodrigo , Flores José D. , Espinoza Claudia , López Gioconda
Published: April 2009

Research on ecological communities, and plant–pollinator mutualistic networks in particular, has increasingly benefited from the theory and tools of complexity science. Nevertheless, up to now there have been few attempts to investigate the interplay between the structure of real pollination networks and their dynamics. This study is one of the first contributions to explore this issue. Biological invasions, of major concern for conservation, are also poorly understood from the perspective of complex ecological networks. In this paper we assess the role that established alien species play within a host community by analyzing the temporal changes in structural network properties driven by the removal of non‐native plants. Three topological measures have been used to represent the most relevant structural properties for the stability of ecological networks: degree distribution, nestedness, and modularity. Therefore, we investigate for a detailed pollination network, 1) how its dynamics, represented as changes in species abundances, affect the evolution of its structure, 2) how topology relates to dynamics focusing on long‐term species persistence; and 3) how both structure and dynamics are affected by the removal of alien plant species. Network dynamics were simulated by means of a stochastic metacommunity model. Our results showed that established alien plants are important for the persistence of the pollination network and for the maintenance of its structure. Removal of alien plants decreased the likelihood of species persistence. On the other hand, both the full network and the subset native network tended to lose their structure through time. Nevertheless, the structure of the full network was better preserved than the structure of the network without alien plants. Temporal topological shifts were evident in terms of degree distribution, nestedness, and modularity. However the effects of removing alien plants were more pronounced for degree distribution and modularity of the network. Therefore, elimination of alien plants affected the evolution of the architecture of the interaction web, which was closely related to the higher species loss found in the network where alien plants were removed.
IMPROVEMENT OF THE WHEAT AND CORN BRAN BREAD QUALITY BY USING GLUCOSE OXIDASE AND HEXOSE OXIDASE
Authors: GÜL HÜLYA , ÖZER M. SERTAÇ , DİZLEK HALEF
Published: April 2009

The effects of addition of wheat (10, 20 and 30%) and corn bran (10 and 20%) on rheological and bread making properties of flour were examined. To improve dough and bread properties, glucose oxidase (GO) and hexose oxidase (HO) (15–30 and 45 mg/kg) were used separately in each bran‐wheat flour formula with L‐ascorbic acid at 75 mg/kg, glucose at 0.5% and vital gluten at 9.2%. Water absorption and development time increased as the amount of wheat and corn bran increased, while dough stability, maximum resistance to extension, extensibility, energy and loaf volume decreased. Corn bran was found to be more detrimental to dough rheology and bread characteristics than wheat bran. Corn bran and wheat bran could be used at bread making up to levels of 10 and 20%, respectively. Addition of 30 mg/kg of HO in combination with constant additives was most effective in improving dough and bread characteristics and GO with its 15 mg/kg usage level followed it. Further increasing of enzyme levels led to over oxidizing of doughs and breads.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Corn bran up to 10% and wheat bran up to 20% levels can be used in bread making. To improve dough and bread quality, besides L‐ascorbic acid (75 mg/kg) and vital gluten (as a percentage of added bran weight), GO (15 mg/kg) or HO (30 mg/kg) could be incorporated into wheat flour‐bran mixtures. However, the amount of enzyme should be carefully chosen because when they are used above the mentioned levels, they cause overoxidation of doughs and small loaf volumes are obtained. As a conclusion; by using the corn bran, which is a by‐product of the starch industry, not only could it be possible to offer healthy alternative breads which contain high amounts of dietary fiber to consumers, but it could also be possible to obtain economical value by evaluating such a by‐product in the bread industry.
Computationalism in the Philosophy of Mind
Authors: Piccinini Gualtiero
Published: April 2009

Computationalism has been the mainstream view of cognition for decades. There are periodic reports of its demise, but they are greatly exaggerated. This essay surveys some recent literature on computationalism and reaches the following conclusions. Computationalism is a family of theories about the mechanisms of cognition. The main relevant evidence for testing computational theories comes from neuroscience, though psychology and AI are relevant too. Computationalism comes in many versions, which continue to guide competing research programs in philosophy of mind as well as psychology and neuroscience. Although our understanding of computationalism has deepened in recent years, much work in this area remains to be done.
British Society for Haematology, slide session, annual scientific meeting, Glasgow, 2008
Authors: HUTCHINSON C. V. , BURTHEM J. , BISLAND M. , CAREY P. , CROTTY G. , DEVALIA V. , JANDA B. , GORDON W. , HARRISON C. N. , MURRAY J. , SHLEBAK A. , THOMAS A. , WILKINS B. , McMULLIN M. F.
Published: April 2009

A morphology session is held each year at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Society of Haematology. Prior to the meeting this year, eight morphology cases were made available to BSH members as glass slides and also digitally as ‘virtual slides’. A panel of invited commentators who had no prior knowledge of the diagnosis discussed the eight cases. An initial limited history and blood count are given with representative images from the case material; this is followed by the discussants’ comments and suggested diagnosis. The actual clinical diagnosis is then given with other relevant information.
Oyamel fir forest trunks provide thermal advantages for overwintering monarch butterflies in Mexico
Authors: BROWER LINCOLN P. , WILLIAMS ERNEST H. , SLAYBACK DANIEL A , FINK LINDA S. , RAMÍREZ M. ISABEL , ZUBIETA RAÚL R. , IVAN LIMON GARCIA M. , GIER PAUL , LEAR JENNIFER A. , VAN HOOK TONYA
Published: April 2009

Abstract.  1. Survival of overwintering monarch butterflies following severe wet winter storms in Mexico is substantially higher for butterflies that form clusters on the oyamel fir tree trunks than for those that form clusters on the fir boughs.

2. Thermal measurements taken at similar elevations with a weather station on the Sierra Chincua and within a Cerro Pelon and a Sierra Chincua overwintering area indicated that clustering on the fir trunks provides dual microclimatic benefits for the butterflies.

a. At night, the minimum surface temperatures of all firs combined averaged 1.4 °C warmer than ambient forest temperatures, thereby enhancing protection against freezing for monarchs that are either wet or dry. We term this the ‘hot water bottle effect.’

b. During the day, the maximum surface temperatures of all firs combined averaged 1.2 °C cooler than ambient, a difference sufficient to lower the loss of the butterflies’ lipid stores over the 154‐day wintering season.

3. Larger diameter trees increase both microclimate benefits.

4. The results add a new dimension to improving the conservation management guidelines for the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Strict enforcement against culling of larger trees and in favour of promoting old‐growth oyamel forests will enhance two microclimatic benefits: butterfly mortality during severe winter weather will be reduced, and the butterflies’ lipid savings over the winter will be enhanced.
Pollen morphology of the genus Cornukaempferia (Zingiberaceae) in Thailand
Authors: SAENSOUK Piyaporn , CHANTARANOTHAI Pranom , THEERAKULPISUT Piyada
Published: April 2009

Cornukaempferia is a recently described genus of Zingiberaceae which only occurs in Thailand as a rare genus with limited geographical distribution. Only three species have been described so far, including a recently described new species, C. larsenii. These three species are morphologically very similar and additional data on other biological aspects are useful for the elucidation of their relationship. Pollen morphology of all three species of genus Cornukaempferia has been studied by light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The pollen grains are monad, spherical, inaperturate. The exine sculpture is echinate with psilate between the spines for C. aurantiflora and C. longipetiolata, or echinate with regulate between the spines for C. larsenii. This observation helps support the taxonomic status of C. larsenii.
Glycosmis longipetala F. J. Mou & D. X. Zhang, a new species of Rutaceae from China
Authors: MOU Feng‐Juan , ZHANG Dian‐Xiang
Published: April 2009

Glycosmis longipetala F. J. Mou & D. X. Zhang is described from Guangxi and Yunnan provinces in southwestern China. The new species is similar to G. cochinchinensis (Lour.) Pierre ex Engl. by its simple leaves, but distinguishable in having long‐elliptic or oblanceolate (vs. ovate) leaves, long‐ovoid to ellipsoid (vs. ovoid) floral buds, ovaries with many tubercles (vs. smooth) and glabrous (vs. pubescent) stamens. The pollen grains of the new species are 23.9±3.09 (20.8–27.0)×22.0±1.80 (20.4–24.4) μm in size with reticulate exine ornamentation in equatorial area and foveolate in polar area. The chromosome number of the new species is 2n=72.
p
H
-dependent conductance behaviors of layer-by-layer self-assembled carboxylated carbon nanotube multilayer thin-film sensors
Authors: Lee Dongjin , Cui Tianhong
Published: April 2009

The authors report pH-dependent conductance behaviors of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) multilayer thin-film sensors. SWCNTs are functionalized with carboxylic groups, and layer-by-layer assembled alternatively with polycation, polydiallyldimethyammonium chloride on the microfabricated metal electrodes. Current-voltage (I-V) characteristics show that the conductance of SWCNT multilayer thin-film sensors decreases with increase of pH values. On the other hand, the multilayer resistors with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) as a passivation layer demonstrate the increasing conductance with pH, opposite to the case of the absence of PMMA layer. The conductance change in the absence of PMMA attributes to doping/undoping of holes as charge carriers by molecular protonation/deprotonation of p-type semiconducting SWCNTs. With PMMA layer, concentration gradient of hydrogen ions on the dielectric forms the gate bias voltage, which changes the conductance of underlying semiconducting SWCNT layer. Each pH-dependent behavior has versatile applications for chemical and biological detections.
Photothermal excitation of a single-crystalline silicon cantilever for higher vibration modes in liquid
Authors: Nishida Shuhei , Kobayashi Dai , Kawakatsu Hideki , Nishimori Yuki
Published: April 2009

The authors analyze photothermal excitation of a single-crystalline silicon cantilever for higher vibration modes in liquid. The cantilever is bent by thermal stress generated by thermal diffusion in the direction perpendicular to the cantilever surface. Because the cantilever is made of a homogeneous material, thermal diffusion in the longitudinal direction does not generate thermal stress. Therefore, the higher vibration modes having small spatially periodic mode shapes are easily and effectively excited. The authors compared the excitation efficiency of two optical wavelengths, 405 and 780 nm. The 405 nm laser-diode beam was found to be 2.3–4.2 times more effective in exciting the second flexural mode compared with the 780 nm beam. These differences in excitation efficiency are attributed to the absorbance characteristics of silicon and were confirmed by measuring the transmitted light power (lost power) against the incident light power. Vibration amplitude of each mode was sufficient to operate dynamic-mode atomic force microscopy in liquid.
Impact of slip and contact angle on imprinting pressure in nanoimprint lithography
Authors: Lee Young Hoon , Sin Hyo-Chol , Kim Nam Woong
Published: April 2009

Slip is well known to take place in micrometer- and nanometer-scale flows. In this study, slip and wall adhesion effects on the imprinting pressure of thermal nanoimprint lithography (NIL) were investigated using computational fluid dynamics. The influence of the mold pattern shape on the imprinting pressure was also analyzed. In thermal NIL, the importance of time in the filling process is relatively high. Reducing the imprinting pressure induces process speed increases, raising productivity a little. Full-slip and no-slip conditions were compared, and various contact angles were applied to survey the influence of the slip condition and wall adhesion, respectively. The full-slip cases required imprinting pressures less than the half values of the no-slip cases. The minimum imprinting pressure was required when the contact angle between the mold and polymer resist was 120°. It was confirmed that the residual thickness decreased as the amount of slip increased, leading to a diminution in the postprocessing time.
Improved performance of pentacene field-effect transistors using a nanocomposite gate dielectric
Authors: Lee Wen-Hsi , Wang C. C. , Ho J. C.
Published: April 2009

In this study, the authors used a double-layer gate dielectric with the same solution processable polyimide to form a gate insulator gate layer after hard curing at 200°C to improve the roughness of surface of the nanocomposite gate dielectric with high dielectric constant. The bottom layer is a nanocomposite with polyimide and nanoparticle TiO2 blending, which is responsible for enhancing the dielectric constant of the gate insulator. The upper layer is the neat polyimide, which is responsible for smoothing the roughness of the gate insulator and contacting with semiconductor (pentacene) in this work. An organic thin-film transistor device made from the double-layer nanocomposite gate dielectric exhibits very promising performance, including high current on-to-off ratio of about 6×105, threshold voltage of −10V, and moderately high field mobility of 0.15cm2V−1s−1.
Novel Approach for Detection of Enteric Viruses To Enable Syndrome Surveillance of Acute Viral Gastroenteritis
Authors: Svraka Sanela , van der Veer Bas , Duizer Erwin , Dekkers Jojanneke , Koopmans Marion , Vennema Harry
Published: April 2009

Acute gastroenteritis is one of the most common diseases worldwide, with viruses, particularly noroviruses, being the leading cause in developed countries. In The Netherlands, systematic surveillance of gastroenteritis outbreaks of suspected viral etiology was established by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in 1994. Since 2002, the total number of outbreaks reported has been increasing, and with that comes the need for sensitive assays that can be performed quickly. In addition, the diagnostic demand changed so that now the proportion of samples from hospitals is higher and there is a need for patient-based test results. In order to target the diagnosis of acute gastroenteritis, we reviewed our data on outbreaks of gastroenteritis and the prevalence of individual viruses to provide a priority list of viruses for which samples should be evaluated. Random primers were used to replace the separate specific primers for each virus used in the reverse transcription steps. The individual PCR assays were replaced by multiplex PCR assays. We employed a two-step method in which in the first step we screened for the most common causes of viral gastroenteritis, noroviruses of genogroup II and rotaviruses of group A, with equine arteritis virus used as the internal control. Subsequently, in the second step, two parallel PCR assays were developed for the detection of noroviruses of genogroup I and equine arteritis virus in one run and adenoviruses, sapoviruses, and astroviruses in the other run. The specificities of the assays were calculated to be 92.5% for the assay for noroviruses of genogroup I and 100% for the assays for all other viruses, the detection limits were equal for all viruses, and the turnaround time was reduced to 1 day compared to the at least 3 days required for the methods used previously. This approach allows the targeted, rapid, and cost-effective elucidation of the causes of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks.
Methicillin-Resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
in Spain: Molecular Epidemiology and Utility of Different Typing Methods
Authors: Vindel Ana , Cuevas Oscar , Cercenado Emilia , Marcos Carmen , Bautista Verónica , Castellares Carol , Trincado Pilar , Boquete Teresa , Pérez-Vázquez Maria , Marín Mercedes , Bouza Emilio
Published: April 2009

In a point-prevalence study performed in 145 Spanish hospitals in 2006, we collected 463 isolates of
Staphylococcus aureus
in a single day. Of these, 135 (29.2%) were methicillin (meticillin)-resistant
S. aureus
(MRSA) isolates. Susceptibility testing was performed by a microdilution method, and
mecA
was detected by PCR. The isolates were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) after SmaI digestion, staphylococcal chromosomal cassette
mec
(SCC
mec
) typing,
agr
typing,
spa
typing with BURP (based-upon-repeat-pattern) analysis, and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The 135 MRSA isolates showed resistance to ciprofloxacin (93.3%), tobramycin (72.6%), gentamicin (20.0%), erythromycin (66.7%), and clindamycin (39.3%). Among the isolates resistant to erythromycin, 27.4% showed the M phenotype. All of the isolates were susceptible to glycopeptides. Twelve resistance patterns were found, of which four accounted for 65% of the isolates. PFGE revealed 36 different patterns, with 13 major clones (including 2 predominant clones with various antibiotypes that accounted for 52.5% of the MRSA isolates) and 23 sporadic profiles. Two genotypes were observed for the first time in Spain. SCC
mec
type IV accounted for 6.7% of the isolates (70.1% were type IVa, 23.9% were type IVc, 0.9% were type IVd, and 5.1% were type IVh), and SCC
mec
type I and SCC
mec
type II accounted for 7.4% and 5.2% of the isolates, respectively. One isolate was nontypeable. Only one of the isolates produced the Panton-Valentine leukocidin. The isolates presented
agr
type 2 (82.2%), type 1 (14.8%), and type 3 (3.0%).
spa
typing revealed 32 different types, the predominant ones being t067 (48.9%) and t002 (14.8%), as well as clonal complex 067 (78%) by BURP analysis. The MRSA clone of sequence type 125 and SCC
mec
type IV was the most prevalent throughout Spain. In our experience, PFGE,
spa
typing, SCC
mec
typing, and MLST presented good correlations for the majority of the MRSA strains; we suggest the use of
spa
typing and PFGE typing for epidemiological surveillance, since this combination is useful for both long-term and short-term studies.
Molecular Characterization of Syphilis in Patients in Canada: Azithromycin Resistance and Detection ofTreponema pallidumDNA in Whole-Blood Samples versus Ulcerative Swabs
Authors: Martin Irene E. , Tsang Raymond S. W. , Sutherland Karen , Tilley Peter , Read Ron , Anderson Barbara , Roy Colleen , Singh Ameeta E.
Published: April 2009

Although detection ofTreponema pallidumDNA in whole-blood specimens of syphilis patients has been reported, it is uncertain at what stage of the disease such specimens are most suitable for the molecular diagnosis of syphilis. Also, few studies have directly compared the different gene targets for routine laboratory diagnostic usage in PCR assays. We examined 87 specimens from 68 patients attending two urban sexually transmitted disease clinics in Alberta, Canada. PCR was used to amplify theT. pallidumtpp47,bmp, andpolAgenes as well as a specific region of the 23S rRNA gene linked to macrolide antibiotic susceptibility. In primary syphilis cases, PCR was positive exclusively (75% sensitivity rate) in ulcerative swabs but not in blood specimens, while in secondary syphilis cases, 50% of the blood specimens were positive by PCR. Four out of 14 (28.6%) of our PCR-positive syphilis cases were found to be caused by an azithromycin-resistant strain(s). Our results confirmed that swabs from primary ulcers are the specimens of choice for laboratory diagnostic purposes. However, further research is required to determine what specimen(s) would be most appropriate for molecular investigation of syphilis in secondary and latent syphilis.
Replication-Defective Adenovirus Vectors with Multiple Deletions Do Not Induce Measurable Vector-Specific T Cells in Human Trials
Authors: Koup Richard A. , Lamoreaux Laurie , Zarkowsky David , Bailer Robert T. , King C. Richter , Gall Jason G. D. , Brough Douglas E. , Graham Barney S. , Roederer Mario
Published: April 2009

The magnitude and character of adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5)-specific T cells were determined in volunteers with and without preexisting neutralizing antibodies (NAs) to Ad5 who received replication-defective Ad5 (rAd5)-based human immunodeficiency virus vaccines. There was no correlation between T-cell responses and NAs to Ad5. There was no increase in magnitude or activation state of Ad5-specific CD4
+
T cells at time points where antibodies to Ad5 and T-cell responses to the recombinant gene products could be measured. These data indicate that rAd5-based vaccines containing deletions in the E1, E3, and E4 regions do not induce appreciable expansion of vector-specific CD4
+
T cells.
Potential Role of Interleukin-18 in the Immunopathogenesis of AIDS: Involvement in Fratricidal Killing of NK Cells
Authors: Iannello Alexandre , Samarani Suzanne , Debbeche Olfa , Ahmad Rasheed , Boulassel Mohamed-Rachid , Tremblay Cécile , Toma Emil , Routy Jean-Pierre , Ahmad Ali
Published: April 2009

We had shown earlier that the concentrations of circulating interleukin-18 (IL-18) are increased significantly in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons compared to HIV-seronegative healthy subjects. In the present study, we investigated the consequences of these elevated levels of IL-18 on natural killer (NK) cells and the immunopathogenesis of AIDS. We show here an inverse correlation between IL-18 concentrations and absolute numbers of various subsets of NK cells in infected persons. Recombinant human IL-18 caused increased death of a human NK cell line, as well as of primary human NK cells in vitro. The IL-18-mediated cell death was dependent upon Fas-FasL interactions and tumor necrosis factor alpha. IL-18 induced the expression of FasL on NK cells, increased the transcription from the human FasL promoter, reduced the expression of Bcl-XLin NK cells, and increased their sensitivity to FasL-mediated cell death. These results suggest that increased IL-18 concentrations present in the circulation of HIV-infected persons contribute to the immunopathogenesis of AIDS by altering NK cell homeostasis.
Genetics and Social Inquiry
Authors: Freese Jeremy , Shostak Sara
Published: April 2009

Social science and genetic science still have fairly little engagement with one another, but the continued swift development of genetic science has certainly gained social scientists’ attention. First, some social scientists are incorporating techniques from quantitative and molecular genetics into their work. Genetic data are increasingly recognized as providing valuable leverage even for research animated by strict interest in social environmental causes. Second, social scientists have been interested in understanding aspects of genetic science as a social phenomenon. This literature identifies possible noxious effects of uncritical public acceptance of genetic science, although how consistent these speculations are with public opinion and other available data is less clear. Because public understanding of genetics can influence behavior and social policies in ways that affect the ultimate causal potency of genes themselves, adequately theorizing genes as causes requires integration of these two lines of inquiry.
FXYD1 phosphorylation in vitro and in adult rat cardiac myocytes: threonine 69 is a novel substrate for protein kinase C
Authors: Fuller William , Howie Jacqueline , McLatchie Linda M. , Weber Roberta J. , Hastie C. James , Burness Kerry , Pavlovic Davor , Shattock Michael J.
Published: April 2009

FXYD1 (phospholemman), the primary sarcolemmal kinase substrate in the heart, is a regulator of the cardiac sodium pump. We investigated phosphorylation of FXYD1 peptides by purified kinases using HPLC, mass spectrometry, and Edman sequencing, and FXYD1 phosphorylation in cultured adult rat ventricular myocytes treated with PKA and PKC agonists by phosphospecific immunoblotting. PKA phosphorylates serines 63 and 68 (S63 and S68) and PKC phosphorylates S63, S68, and a new site, threonine 69 (T69). In unstimulated myocytes, FXYD1 is ∼30% phosphorylated at S63 and S68, but barely phosphorylated at T69. S63 and S68 are rapidly dephosphorylated following acute inhibition of PKC in unstimulated cells. Receptor-mediated PKC activation causes sustained phosphorylation of S63 and S68, but transient phosphorylation of T69. To characterize the effect of T69 phosphorylation on sodium pump function, we measured pump currents using whole cell voltage clamping of cultured adult rat ventricular myocytes with 50 mM sodium in the patch pipette. Activation of PKA or PKC increased pump currents (from 2.1 ± 0.2 pA/pF in unstimulated cells to 2.9 ± 0.1 pA/pF for PKA and 3.4 ± 0.2 pA/pF for PKC). Following kinase activation, phosphorylated FXYD1 was coimmunoprecipitated with sodium pump α1-subunit. We conclude that T69 is a previously undescribed phosphorylation site in FXYD1. Acute T69 phosphorylation elicits stimulation of the sodium pump additional to that induced by S63 and S68 phosphorylation.
Additional Recursion Relations, Factorizations, and Diophantine Properties Associated with the Polynomials of the Askey Scheme
Authors: Bruschi M. , Calogero F. , Droghei R.
Published: April 2009

In this paper, we apply to (almost) all the “named”
polynomials of the Askey scheme, as defined by their standard
three‐term recursion relations, the machinery developed in
previous papers. For each of these polynomials we identify at
least one additional recursion relation involving a shift in some
of the parameters they feature, and for several of these
polynomials characterized by special values of their parameters,
factorizations are identified yielding some or all of their
zeros—generally given by simple expressions in terms of
integers (Diophantine
relations). The factorization findings generally are applicable
for values of the Askey polynomials that extend beyond those for
which the standard orthogonality relations hold. Most of these
results are not (yet) reported in the standard compilations.
Hyperglycaemia in Acute Stroke – To Treat or Not to Treat
Authors: Quinn T.J. , Lees K.R.
Published: April 2009

Diabetes is common amongst patients with stroke and is associated with poorer outcome. Post-stroke hyperglycaemia is also recognised in up to half of the patients, and is independently associated with adverse sequelae: both increased mortality and poorer functional outcomes. Neither the aetiology nor the pathophysiology of such hyperglycaemia is fully understood. Both direct neurological toxicity and systemic consequences are postulated to occur. A distinction between occult diabetes and non-diabetic hyperglycaemia seems important as prognosis and effect of intervention differ in these two groups. The optimal management of the milder forms of hyperglycaemia associated with acute stroke is unknown. Randomised trial data remain limited but presently offer no strong support for aggressive intervention in stroke, though in other critical illness settings tight control of blood sugar appears beneficial. Studies based in coronary care and high dependency units have shown a possible beneficial effect of insulin, but evidence for intervention in acute stroke is at best limited. However, if glucose management is to be undertaken, this should be instituted while there is still salvageable tissue and the glucose reduction must be substantial. Intravenous insulin may be more effective than glucose-potassium-insulin infusion. Both interventions carry a risk of hypoglycaemia and any proposed intervention must balance safety, convenience and glycaemic control. Until further trial data are available, consensus guidelines may be followed, which are generally conservative for blood glucose levels below 10 mM (180 mg/dl).
Effects of N-Acetylcysteine on Intestinal Reoxygenation Injury in Hypoxic Newborn Piglets Resuscitated with 100% Oxygen
Authors: Johnson Scott T. , Bigam David L. , Emara Marwan , Slack Graham , Jewell Laurence D. , Obaid Laila , Korbutt Gregory , Van Aerde John , Cheung Po-Yin
Published: April 2009

Background: Neonatal asphyxia may lead to the development of ischemia-reperfusion induced intestinal injury, which is related to oxygen-derived free radical production. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is a thiol-containing antioxidant which increases intracellular stores of glutathione. Objectives: Using a swine model of neonatal hypoxia-reoxygenation, we examined whether administration of NAC after resuscitation improved intestinal perfusion and reduced intestinal damage. Methods: Twenty-four piglets (1–4 days old, 1.4–2.2 kg) were anesthetized and acutely instrumented for continuous monitoring of superior mesenteric arterial flow and oxygen delivery. Alveolar hypoxia was induced for 2 h, followed by resuscitation with 100% oxygen for 1 h and 21% oxygen for 3 h. Animals were randomized to sham-operated, hypoxic control and NAC treatment (150 mg/kg i.v. at 0 or 10 min of reoxygenation followed by infusion 100 mg/kg/h) groups. During hypoxia-reoxygenation, intestinal tissue glutathione content, caspase-3 activity and reoxygenation injury were examined. Results: After 2 h of hypoxia, piglets were acidotic and hypotensive, with significantly depressed blood flow and oxygen delivery to the small intestine. Upon reoxygenation, hemodynamics recovered as did oxygen supply to the small intestine. After 4 h of reoxygenation, the NAC treatment improved mesenteric flow and oxygen delivery. Despite reducing the increase in caspase-3 activities after hypoxia-reoxygenation by NAC treatment, no significant differences in the glutathione content and histological grading of ileal injury were found among the experimental groups. Conclusions: In newborn piglets with hypoxia-reoxygenation, NAC may improve mesenteric blood flow and oxygen delivery without significant effect on tissue glutathione content. The protective role of NAC in the reoxygenated intestine after severe hypoxia warrants further investigation.
Fundus Autofluorescence before and after Photodynamic Therapy for Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Özmert Emin , Batıoğlu Figen
Published: April 2009

Background: To determine the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) and to describe fundus autofluorescence (AF) patterns before and after PDT. Methods: Seven eyes of 7 patients with chronic CSCR were included. Patients underwent complete ophthalmic examination and macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans were taken. Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiographies and fundus AF images were obtained by Heidelberg Retinal Angiography 2 (HRA2). PDT was performed according to the standard TAP protocol on the site of leakage area and submacular fluid. The mean follow-up period was 5.4 months. Results: Submacular fluid disappeared in all eyes 1 month after PDT and there was no recurrence during the follow-up. Visual acuity increased two or more lines in 5 eyes. Hyperautofluorescence in the area of previous retinal detachment significantly increased in the first month of PDT compared to preoperative findings. After the first month during the follow-up, increased AF in the area of previous retinal elevation returned to the baseline intensity. Conclusion: PDT of CSCR may result with resolution of subretinal fluid and visual improvement. Fundus AF may be an additional tool for monitoring the functional status of retinal pigment epithelium.
Association between Mean Arterial Pressure and Mortality in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Wang Shu-Ming , Cheng Shi-Yann , Chou Che-Yi , Liu Jiung-Hsiun , Lin Hsin-Hung , Tseng Yu-Hsiang , Liu Yao-Lung , Chen Walter , Huang Chiu-Ching
Published: April 2009

Background/Aims: Low mean arterial pressure (MAP) is associated with poor outcome in patients with cardiovascular disease; however, the prognostic role of MAP for chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients is unknown. This study was conducted to determine the association between MAP and mortality in chronic HD patients. Methods: We prospectively analyzed all chronic HD patients between February 2001 and February 2006. The averages of blood pressure measurements from the beginning of HD treatment or February 2001 were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank tests and stepwise forward Cox regression with adjustments for age, gender, and diabetes. Results: In an average of 36.3 ± 20.2 months, 834 patients (414 men and 420 women) were analyzed and 205 (24.6%) patients died. Patients with predialytic MAP <90 mm Hg and patients with an increase of MAP >15 mm Hg during HD sessions were associated with increasing mortality in Kaplan-Meier analysis (p = 0.033 and p = 0.012). In adjusted Cox regression, predialytic MAP <90 mm Hg and MAP rose with HD was associated with an increase hazard of death (p = 0.044 and p = 0.002). Conclusion: We found that lower predialytic mean arterial pressure and mean arterial pressure rose with HD treatment is associated with increasing mortality in Asia HD patients. More interventional studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment for hypertensive HD patients.
Effect of Advice to Increase Carbohydrate and Reduce Fat Intake on Dietary Profile and Plasma Lipid Concentrations in Healthy Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Arefhosseini S.R. , Edwards C.A. , Malkova D. , Higgins S.
Published: April 2009

Background: The current dietary guidelines advise an increase in carbohydrate intake. However, there is concern regarding the effect this may have on coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, in particular in postmenopausal women, in light of the knowledge that raised triacylglycerol (TAG) may pose a stronger risk for CHD in this group. Aim: To evaluate the effect of advice to increase carbohydrate intake to 50% of energy intake as part of advice to follow current dietary guidelines on the dietary profile, including dietary glycaemic index (GI) and plasma lipids in healthy postmenopausal women. Methods: Twelve healthy postmenopausal women (56 ± 6.5 years) took part in the study. Habitual diet was assessed by a 7-day weighed intake. On the basis of the results, subjects were advised to increase their carbohydrate intake to comply with the current dietary guidelines. Subjects were asked to follow this diet for 4 weeks, in a free-living situation. Fasting blood samples were obtained at baseline and after 1 and 4 weeks. Results: There was a significant decrease in body mass index (BMI; p < 0.05) after 4 weeks. There was a significant increase in fasting TAG concentrations after 1 week (p < 0.05), and the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after 1 and 4 weeks. The subjects significantly increased their percentage of energy from carbohydrates and starch (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) after 1 week, and their percentage of energy from starch after 4 weeks (p < 0.05). Dietary GI was significantly increased (p < 0.05) after 1 and 4 weeks. Fruit and vegetable intake was significantly increased after 1 week (p < 0.01), as was fruit intake alone (p < 0.05), and there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the ‘antioxidant power’ as measured by the ferric reducing ability of plasma assay. Conclusion: In postmenopausal women, following the UK dietary guidelines resulted in changes in the lipid profile that were more likely to favour an increased risk of CHD, as TAG concentrations were increased and HDL cholesterol concentrations were reduced. However, in addition, we found a significant reduction in BMI and a significant increase in the ‘antioxidant power’ of plasma, which should benefit health.
Seasonal Variation of Retinal Detachment in Lebanon
Authors: Mansour Ahmad M. , Hamam Rola N. , Sibai Tarek A. , Farah Toufic I. , Mehio-Sibai Abla , Kanaan Mona
Published: April 2009

Background: The literature remains controversial regarding seasonal variation of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Methods: In this retrospective chart review, seasonal variation of RRD was examined based on the records of 211 consecutive patients operated for idiopathic RRD in one referral medical center over a 13-year period. Results: The number of eyes with RRD recorded per season was 46 in autumn, 46 in winter, 62 in spring and 57 in summer. There was a significant seasonal variation (p < 0.05) with an increase in RRD in the warm seasons (spring and summer) compared to the cold seasons (winter and autumn; 56 vs. 44%). Right eyes were more likely to be affected than left eyes (54 vs. 46%), and cases presented with a significantly younger age at onset in the warm than in the cold seasons (47 vs. 54 years, p = 0.007). A literature review of 8,533 cases including the present case series established further the seasonal variation of RRD (p < 0.001). Conclusion: There is convincing evidence for a seasonal variation of RRD in Lebanon and in the literature. This is likely to be related to sun exposure and outdoor activities in the warm seasons.