bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Rab27a effector exophilin7 promotes fusion of secretory granules that have not been docked to the plasma membrane
Authors: Wang Hao , Ishizaki Ray , Xu Jun , Kasai Kazuo , Kobayashi Eri , Gomi Hiroshi , Izumi Tetsuro
Published: December 2012

Granuphilin, an effector of the small GTPase Rab27a, mediates the stable attachment (docking) of insulin granules to the plasma membrane and inhibits subsequent fusion of docked granules, possibly through interaction with a fusion-inhibitory Munc18-1/syntaxin complex. However, phenotypes of insulin exocytosis differ considerably between Rab27a- and granuphilin-deficient pancreatic β cells, suggesting that other Rab27a effectors function in those cells. We found that one of the putative Rab27a effector family proteins, exophilin7/JFC1/Slp1, is expressed in β cells; however, unlike granuphilin, exophilin7 overexpressed in the β-cell line MIN6 failed to show granule-docking or fusion-inhibitory activity. Furthermore, exophilin7 has no affinities to either Munc18-1 or Munc18-1–interacting syntaxin-1a, in contrast to granuphilin. Although β cells of exophilin7-knockout mice show no apparent abnormalities in intracellular distribution or in ordinary glucose-induced exocytosis of insulin granules, they do show impaired fusion in response to some stronger stimuli, specifically from granules that have not been docked to the plasma membrane. Exophilin7 appears to mediate the fusion of undocked granules through the affinity of its C2A domain toward the plasma membrane phospholipids. These findings indicate that the two Rab27a effectors, granuphilin and exophilin7, differentially regulate the exocytosis of either stably or minimally docked granules, respectively.
Fisheries management for regime-based ecosystems: a management strategy evaluation for the snow crab fishery in the eastern Bering Sea
Authors: Szuwalski Cody S. , Punt André E.
Published: December 2012

Szuwalski, C., and Punt A. E. 2013. Fisheries management for regime-based ecosystems: a management strategy evaluation for the snow crab fishery in the eastern Bering Sea. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 70: 955–967. Regime shifts are a prominent feature of the physical environment of some ecosystems and have the potential to influence stock productivity. However, few management strategies or harvest control rules (HCRs) consider the possibility of changes in stock productivity. A management strategy evaluation is conducted for the snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) fishery in the eastern Bering Sea, an ecosystem influenced by regime shifts. Operating models that project recruitment as a single average (i.e. the current basis for management advice), regime-based with no relationship between recruitment and spawning biomass, and regime-based with control of recruitment oscillating between environmental conditions and spawning biomass are considered. An HCR that accounts for shifts in recruitment regime is compared with the status quo HCR for each operating model. The regime-based HCR increases yield and decreases variability in yield at the cost of a higher probability of overfishing in regime-based systems. However, the regime-based HCR slightly decreases yield (no change in variability) and increases the probability of overfishing in non-regime-based systems. Identifying changes in productivity that are definitely driven by environmental regime rather than fishing pressure is the largest difficulty in implementing these rules.
Low major histocompatibility complex diversity in the Tasmanian devil predates European settlement and may explain susceptibility to disease epidemics
Authors: Morris Katrina , Austin Jeremy J. , Belov Katherine
Published: December 2012

The Tasmanian devil (
Sarcophilus harrisii
) is at risk of extinction owing to the emergence of a contagious cancer known as devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). The emergence and spread of DFTD has been linked to low genetic diversity in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). We examined MHC diversity in historical and ancient devils to determine whether loss of diversity is recent or predates European settlement in Australia. Our results reveal no additional diversity in historical Tasmanian samples. Mainland devils had common modern variants plus six new variants that are highly similar to existing alleles. We conclude that low MHC diversity has been a feature of devil populations since at least the Mid-Holocene and could explain their tumultuous history of population crashes.
Word representation of streamline topologies for structurally stable vortex flows in multiply connected domains
Authors: Yokoyama Tomoo , Sakajo Takashi
Published: December 2012

Let us consider incompressible and inviscid flows in two-dimensional domains with multiple obstacles. The instantaneous velocity field becomes a Hamiltonian vector field defined from the stream function, and it is topologically characterized by the streamline pattern that corresponds to the contour plot of the stream function. The present paper provides us with a procedure to construct structurally stable streamline patterns generated by finitely many point vortices in the presence of the uniform flow. Starting from some basic structurally stable streamline patterns in a disc of low genus, i.e. a disc with a small number of holes, we repeat some fundamental operations that append a streamline pattern by increasing one genus to them. Owing to the inductive procedure, one can assign a sequence of operations as a representing word to each structurally stable streamline pattern. We also give the canonical expression for the word representation, which allows us to make a catalogue of all possible structurally stable streamline patterns in a combinatorial manner. As an example, we show all streamline patterns in the discs of genus 1 and 2.
An assessment of wheat yield sensitivity and breeding gains in hot environments
Authors: Gourdji Sharon M. , Mathews Ky L. , Reynolds Matthew , Crossa José , Lobell David B.
Published: December 2012

Genetic improvements in heat tolerance of wheat provide a potential adaptation response to long-term warming trends, and may also boost yields in wheat-growing areas already subject to heat stress. Yet there have been few assessments of recent progress in breeding wheat for hot environments. Here, data from 25 years of wheat trials in 76 countries from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) are used to empirically model the response of wheat to environmental variation and assess the genetic gains over time in different environments and for different breeding strategies. Wheat yields exhibited the most sensitivity to warming during the grain-filling stage, typically the hottest part of the season. Sites with high vapour pressure deficit (VPD) exhibited a less negative response to temperatures during this period, probably associated with increased transpirational cooling. Genetic improvements were assessed by using the empirical model to correct observed yield growth for changes in environmental conditions and management over time. These ‘climate-corrected’ yield trends showed that most of the genetic gains in the high-yield-potential Elite Spring Wheat Yield Trial (ESWYT) were made at cooler temperatures, close to the physiological optimum, with no evidence for genetic gains at the hottest temperatures. In contrast, the Semi-Arid Wheat Yield Trial (SAWYT), a lower-yielding nursery targeted at maintaining yields under stressed conditions, showed the strongest genetic gains at the hottest temperatures. These results imply that targeted breeding efforts help us to ensure progress in building heat tolerance, and that intensified (and possibly new) approaches are needed to improve the yield potential of wheat in hot environments in order to maintain global food security in a warmer climate.
Careful cachers and prying pilferers: Eurasian jays (
Garrulus glandarius
) limit auditory information available to competitors
Authors: Shaw Rachael C. , Clayton Nicola S.
Published: December 2012

Food-storing corvids use many cache-protection and pilfering strategies. We tested whether Eurasian jays (
Garrulus glandarius
) reduce the transfer of auditory information to a competitor when caching and pilfering. We gave jays a noisy and a quiet substrate to cache in. Compared with when alone, birds cached less in the noisy substrate when with a conspecific that could hear but could not see them caching. By contrast, jays did not change the amount cached in the noisy substrate when they were with a competitor that could see and hear them caching compared with when they were alone. Together, these results suggest that jays reduce auditory information during caching as a cache-protection strategy. By contrast, as pilferers, jays did not attempt to conceal their presence from a cacher and did not prefer a silent viewing perch over a noisy one when observing caching. However, birds vocalized less when watching caching compared with when they were alone, when they were watching a non-caching conspecific or when they were watching their own caches being pilfered. Pilfering jays may therefore attempt to suppress some types of auditory information. Our results raise the possibility that jays both understand and can attribute auditory perception to another individual.
Telomere length reflects phenotypic quality and costs of reproduction in a long-lived seabird
Authors: Bauch Christina , Becker Peter H. , Verhulst Simon
Published: December 2012

Telomere length is associated with cellular senescence, lifestyle and ageing. Short telomeres indicate poor health in humans and reduced life expectancy in several bird species, but little is known about telomeres in relation to phenotypic quality in wild animals. We investigated telomere lengths in erythrocytes of known-age common terns (
Sterna hirundo
), a migratory seabird, in relation to arrival date and reproductive performance. Cross-sectional data revealed that, independent of age, individuals with short telomeres performed better: they arrived and reproduced earlier in the season and had more chicks in the nest. The latter effect was stronger the older the brood and stronger in males, which do most of the chick provisioning. Longitudinal data confirmed this pattern: compared with birds that lost their brood, birds that raised chicks beyond the 10th nestling day experienced higher telomere attrition from one year to the next. However, more detailed analysis revealed that the least and most successful individuals lost the fewest base pairs compared with birds with intermediate success. Our results suggest that reproductive success is achieved at the expense of telomeres, but that individual heterogeneity in susceptibility to such detrimental effects is important, as indicated by low telomere loss in the most successful birds.
Assessment for Fuel Consumption and Exhaust Emissions of China’s Vehicles: Future Trends and Policy Implications
Authors: Wu Yingying , Zhao Peng , Zhang Hongwei , Wang Yuan , Mao Guozhu
Published: December 2012

In the recent years, China’s auto industry develops rapidly, thus bringing a series of burdens to society and environment. This paper uses Logistic model to simulate the future trend of China’s vehicle population and finds that China’s auto industry would come into high speed development time during 2020–2050. Moreover, this paper predicts vehicles’ fuel consumption and exhaust emissions (CO, HC, NOx, and PM) and quantificationally evaluates related industry policies. It can be concluded that (1) by 2020, China should develop at least 47 million medium/heavy hybrid cars to prevent the growth of vehicle fuel consumption; (2) China should take the more stringent vehicle emission standard V over 2017–2021 to hold back the growth of exhaust emissions; (3) developing new energy vehicles is the most effective measure to ease the pressure brought by auto industry.
A framework for understanding semi‐permeable barrier effects on migratory ungulates
Authors: Sawyer Hall , Kauffman Matthew J. , Middleton Arthur D. , Morrison Thomas A. , Nielson Ryan M. , Wyckoff Teal B.
Published: December 2012

Impermeable barriers to migration can greatly constrain the set of possible routes and ranges used by migrating animals. For ungulates, however, many forms of development are semi‐permeable, and making informed management decisions about their potential impacts to the persistence of migration routes is difficult because our knowledge of how semi‐permeable barriers affect migratory behaviour and function is limited.

Here, we propose a general framework to advance the understanding of barrier effects on ungulate migration by emphasizing the need to (i) quantify potential barriers in terms that allow behavioural thresholds to be considered, (ii) identify and measure behavioural responses to semi‐permeable barriers and (iii) consider the functional attributes of the migratory landscape (e.g. stopovers) and how the benefits of migration might be reduced by behavioural changes.

We used global position system (GPS) data collected from two subpopulations of mule deerOdocoileus hemionusto evaluate how different levels of gas development influenced migratory behaviour, including movement rates and stopover use at the individual level, and intensity of use and width of migration route at the population level. We then characterized the functional landscape of migration routes as either stopover habitat or movement corridors and examined how the observed behavioural changes affected the functionality of the migration route in terms of stopover use.

We found migratory behaviour to vary with development intensity. Our results suggest that mule deer can migrate through moderate levels of development without any noticeable effects on migratory behaviour. However, in areas with more intensive development, animals often detoured from established routes, increased their rate of movement and reduced stopover use, while the overall use and width of migration routes decreased.

Synthesis and applications. In contrast to impermeable barriers that impede animal movement, semi‐permeable barriers allow animals to maintain connectivity between their seasonal ranges. Our results identify the mechanisms (e.g. detouring, increased movement rates, reduced stopover use) by which semi‐permeable barriers affect the functionality of ungulate migration routes and emphasize that the management of semi‐permeable barriers may play a key role in the conservation of migratory ungulate populations.
Fetal monitoring with computerized ST analysis during labor: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: SALMELIN ANETTE , WIKLUND INGELA , BOTTINGA ROGER , BRORSSON BENGT , EKMAN‐ORDEBERG GUNVOR , GRIMFORS EVA ENEROTH , HANSON ULF , BLOM MAY , PERSSON ELISABETH
Published: December 2012

Background. Computerized ST analysis of fetal electrocardiography (ECG) combined with cardiotochography (CTG) has been introduced for intrapartum monitoring and is the prevailing method when ST analysis (STAN®) is used. Objective. To assess the evidence that computerized ST analysis during labor reduces the incidence of fetal metabolic acidosis, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, cesarean section, instrumental vaginal delivery or the number of instances where fetal scalp blood sampling is used as compared with CTG only. Methods. Search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL and CRD databases. Selection criteria. CTG only compared with CTG + computerized ST analysis. Data collection and analysis. Studies were assessed using pre‐designed templates. Meta‐analyses of included randomized controlled trials were performed using a random effects model. Results. Risk ratio for cord metabolic acidosis with STAN® was 0.96 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.49–1.88]. Risk ratio for cesarean sections or instrumental vaginal deliveries for fetal distress was 0.93 (95%CI 0.80–1.08) and for fetal scalp blood sampling 0.55 (95%CI 0.40–0.76). Encephalopathy cases were not assessed due to their low incidence. Conclusions. There is not enough scientific evidence to conclude that computerized ST analysis reduces the incidence of metabolic acidosis. Cesarean sections and instrumental vaginal deliveries due to fetal distress or other indications are the same, regardless of method, but STAN® reduces the number of instances which require scalp blood sampling.
Cross‐cultural validation of the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) in Spain
Authors: Longo E. , Badia M. , Orgaz B. , Verdugo M. A.
Published: December 2012

Background

Despite growing interest in the topic of participation, the construct has not yet been assessed in children and adolescents with and without cerebral palsy (CP) in Spain. As there are no available instruments to measure participation in leisure activities which have been adapted in this country, the goal of this study was to validate a Spanish version of the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE).

Method

The sample comprised 199 children and adolescents with CP and 199 without CP, between 8 and 18 years of age, from seven regions in Spain. The adaptation of the original version of CAPE was carried out through translation and backward translation, and the validity of the instrument was analysed. Construct validity was assessed through the correlation of the diverse CAPE domains and the quality of life domains (KIDSCREEN questionnaire). Discriminant validity was established by comparing children and adolescents with CP and typically developing children and adolescents. For test–retest reliability, the children and adolescents with and without CP completed the CAPE questionnaire twice within 4 weeks.

Results

The correlations found between the CAPE domains and the quality of life domains show that the CAPE presents construct validity. The CAPE discriminated children and adolescents with CP from those without any disability in the results of participation. According to most CAPE domains, typically developing children and adolescents engage in a greater number of activities than children and adolescents with CP. Test–retest reliability for the Spanish version of CAPE was adequate.

Conclusion

The study provides a valid instrument to assess the participation of children and adolescents with and without CP who live in Spain.
Classifying infants and toddlers with developmental vulnerability: who is most likely to receive early intervention?
Authors: McManus B. M. , Carle A. C. , Rapport M. J.
Published: December 2012

Background

Infants and toddlers with developmental difficulties represent a heterogeneous group who often receives early intervention (EI). Notable population heterogeneity exists and complicates unmet need and effectiveness research. However, a mix of relatively homogeneous clinically policy relevant ‘subgroups’ may create the apparent heterogeneity. To date, methodological challenges have impeded identifying these potential groups and their policy‐relevance.

Methods

From the 2005–2006 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs, we derived a sample (n = 965) of infants and toddlers with parent‐reported developmental difficulties. We used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify subgroups of developmental vulnerability based upon functional, social and biological characteristics that would make children eligible for EI. Mixture modelling estimated the likelihood of each subgroup receiving parent‐reported EI, controlling for race/ethnicity, child's age, and state of residence.

Results

LCA identified four distinct subgroups of developmental vulnerability: developmental disability (Group 1), mild developmental delay (Group 2), socially at risk with behaviour problems (Group 3), and socially at risk with functional vision difficulties (Group 4). Black, non‐Hispanic children are significantly more likely than their white counterparts to be in Group 3 (β = 1.52, P = 0.001) or group 4 (β = 1.83, P < 0.001). Compared with children with a mild developmental delay (Group 2), children in group 1 (β = −0.61, P < 0.001), group 3 (β = −0.47, P = 0.001) and group 4 (β = −0.38, P = 0.009) are significantly less likely to receive EI.

Conclusions

Racial and ethnic differences exist with regard to membership in developmental vulnerability subgroups. Observed inconsistencies in access to EI suggest the need for improved surveillance, referral and outreach.
Biomimetic coating with phosphoserine‐tethered poly(epsilon‐lysine) dendrons on titanium surfaces enhances Wnt and osteoblastic differentiation
Authors: Galli Carlo , Piemontese Marilina , Meikle Steven T. , Santin Matteo , Macaluso Guido M. , Passeri Giovanni
Published: December 2012

Objectives

Phosphoserine‐based functionalization has been proposed as a tool to improve integration of endosseous implants by promoting osteoblast adhesion and differentiation in vitro. The present work investigates whether phosphoserine‐tethered poly(epsilon‐lysine) dendrons, when applied as a film to titanium surfaces, enhance the differentiation of osteoblastic cells and the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling.

Materials and methods

These films were tested in a murine model of calvaria‐derived MC3T3 osteoblastic cells, primary bone marrow cells and mesenchymal, undifferentiated C2C12 cells. Gene expression was assayed by Real Time PCR, and activation of Wnt signaling pathway was measured with a reporter assay.

Results

Dendrons increased expression of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, two osteoblastic markers, in both murine osteoblastic MC3T3 cells and primary bone marrow cells. The expression of osteoprotegerin, a protein opposing osteoclastogenesis was also significantly higher in cells growing on dendron‐coated substrates both at 3 and 6 days of culture. Similarly, the mRNA levels of Wisp‐2 and of β‐catenin, two Wnt target genes, were also markedly increased in this group at day 6. The activation of this signaling pathway in cells growing on the dendron‐coated surfaces was confirmed by use of a TCF/β‐catenin reporter system in the C2C12 cell line.

Conclusions

The findings of the present study show that phosphoserine‐tethered poly(epsilon‐lysine) dendron films act as stimuli for the activation of specific signal cascades and promote the differentiation of adhering progenitor cells into an osteoblastic phenotype.
Soft and hard tissue alterations around implants placed in an alveolar ridge with a sloped configuration
Authors: Noelken Robert , Donati Mauro , Fiorellini Joseph , Gellrich Nils‐Claudius , Parker William , Wada Keisuke , Berglundh Tord
Published: December 2012

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate soft and hard tissue alterations around implants placed in healed, sloped ridge sites.

Materials and methods

In this prospective multi‐center study, 65 patients between 20 and 74 years of age and with a need for a single tooth replacement were included. All patients presented with a recipient implant site demonstrating a lingual–buccal bone height discrepancy of 2.0–5.0 mm and with a neighboring tooth on its mesial aspect. Implant placement (OsseoSpeed™ Profile implants; Astra Tech AB, Mölndal, Sweden) was performed using a non‐submerged installation procedure. The implants were placed in such a way that the sloped part of the device was located at the buccal and most apical position of the osteotomy preparation. As the buccal rim of the implant was positioned at the crestal bone level, the lingual rim became situated either below or at the level of the lingual bone crest. Clinical assessments of bone levels at the buccal and lingual aspects of the implant were carried out immediately after implant installation and at a surgical re‐entry procedure performed 16 weeks later. Crowns were placed at 21 weeks after implant placement. Radiographs were obtained immediately after implant placement, at 16 and 21 weeks and at the 1‐year re‐examination. Clinical assessment of probing pocket depth and clinical attachment levels were carried out at 21 weeks and at 1 year of follow‐up.

Results

The alterations of the bone levels that occurred between implant placement and the 16‐week surgical re‐entry were −0.02 mm (lingual) and −0.30 mm (buccal). The average change in interproximal bone levels between implant placement and the 1‐year re‐examination was 0.54 mm. Clinical attachment level changes between the 21 week and the 1‐year examinations varied between 0.1 mm gain and 0.1 mm loss.

Conclusion

Implant placement in an alveolar ridge with a sloped marginal configuration resulted in minor remodeling with preserved discrepancies between buccal and lingual bone levels.
Perianal streptococcal dermatitis in adults: its association with pruritic anorectal diseases is mainly caused by group B Streptococci
Authors: Kahlke V. , Jongen J. , Peleikis H. G. , Herbst R. A.
Published: December 2012

Aim

Although perianal streptococcal dermatitis (PSD) is well known in children, it has only rarely been documented in adults. The incidence and necessity for treatment may be underestimated. We have retrospectively identified adult patients with perianal streptococcal dermatitis.

Method

Patients with streptococcal anal dermatitis were identified from a prospective office database. Treatment was with oral antibiotics according to the organism sensitivity. Additional concomitant anorectal disease was treated according to standard guidelines. Patients were compared with a control group, without eczema or erythema, for the presence of β‐haemolysing Streptococci on perianal swab. Demographic and microbiological data were assessed and compared between and within treatment and control groups.

Results

Fifty‐three (22 female) patients older than 20 (mean = 49) years of age were diagnosed with perianal streptococcal dermatitis between 2005 and 2009. In most cases group B β‐haemolytic Streptococci were found. Fifty patients received antibiotics for 14 days. In 28 of 33 patients who had a post‐treatment swab, the result was negative. Five patients showed Streptococci of different groups in the post‐treatment swab. Of the 50 patients, 21 (42%) had no further anorectal complaint and 29 (58%) required continuing treatment for another anorectal condition. In the control group β‐haemolysing Streptococcus was found in 34%. Men over 60 years of age more often required no further anorectal treatment compared with women (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Perianal streptococcal dermatitis occurs in adult patients more often than reported. It is mainly caused by group B β‐haemolysing Streptococcus. Its diagnosis is important because it can cause serious systemic infections, especially in the elderly and in newborns. Antibiotics resolve the condition in a high proportion of patients.
Toward a general evolutionary theory of oncogenesis
Authors: Ewald Paul W. , Swain Ewald Holly A.
Published: December 2012

We propose an evolutionary framework, the barrier theory of cancer, which is based on the distinction between barriers to oncogenesis and restraints. Barriers are defined as mechanisms that prevent oncogenesis. Restraints, which are more numerous, inhibit but do not prevent oncogenesis. Processes that compromise barriers are essential causes of cancer; those that interfere with restraints are exacerbating causes. The barrier theory is built upon the three evolutionary processes involved in oncogenesis: natural selection acting on multicellular organisms to mold barriers and restraints, natural selection acting on infectious organisms to abrogate these protective mechanisms, and oncogenic selection which is responsible for the evolution of normal cells into cancerous cells. The barrier theory is presented as a first step toward the development of a general evolutionary theory of cancer. Its attributes and implications for intervention are compared with those of other major conceptual frameworks for understanding cancer: the clonal diversification model, the stem cell theory and the hallmarks of cancer. The barrier theory emphasizes the practical value of distinguishing between essential and exacerbating causes. It also stresses the importance of determining the scope of infectious causation of cancer, because individual pathogens can be responsible for multiple essential causes in infected cells.
Formaldehyde in hair straightening products: Rapid 1H NMR determination and risk assessment
Authors: Monakhova Yulia B. , Kuballa Thomas , Mildau Gerd , Kratz Evamaria , Keck‐Wilhelm Andrea , Tschiersch Christopher , Lachenmeier Dirk W.
Published: December 2012

Synopsis

Despite official regulations, the illegal use of formaldehyde‐containing or releasing hair straightening products has become a popular practice in Europe and high contents of formaldehyde in such products have been reported.

In this study, a methodology utilizing 1H NMR spectroscopy has been developed to measure the concentration of formaldehyde in hair straightening products. For sample preparation, a dilution and alkaline hydrolysis is required. The total formaldehyde content can then be quantified by a distinct peak of the CH2 group of the methanediol molecule in the δ4.84–4.82 ppm range.

The developed methodology was applied for the analysis of 10 hair straightening products. Seven of these products contained detectable amounts of formaldehyde that were higher than the maximum allowed concentration of 0.2%. The formaldehyde content of these products was found to be in the range 0.42–5.83% with an average concentration of 1.46%. The accuracy and reliability of the NMR results were confirmed by the EU reference photometric method.

The air formaldehyde concentrations after application of hair straightening products were estimated in ranges 20–423 ppm and 1–18 ppm (for 1 and 24 m3 salon volume). A probabilistic exposure estimation using Monte Carlo simulation found the average formaldehyde concentration to be 6 ppm (standard deviation 15 ppm). All exposure scenarios considerably exceeded the safe level of 0.1 ppm. Our findings confirmed that the risk of cosmetic formulations with formaldehyde above 0.2% is not negligible, as these products may facilitate considerable exposure of formaldehyde for consumers especially for salon workers.
Sperm and seminal fluid proteomes of the field cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus: identification of novel proteins transferred to females at mating
Authors: Simmons L. W. , Tan Y.‐F. , Millar A. H.
Published: December 2012

Reproductive proteins are amongst the most evolutionarily divergent proteins known, and research on genetically well‐characterized species suggests that postcopulatory sexual selection might be important in their evolution; however, we lack the taxonomic breadth of information on reproductive proteins that is required to determine the general importance of sexual selection for their evolution. We used transcriptome sequencing and proteomics to characterize the sperm and seminal fluid proteins of a cricket, Teleogryllus oceanicus, that has been widely used in the study of postcopulatory sexual selection. We identified 57 proteins from the sperm of these crickets. Many of these had predicted function in glycolysis and metabolism, or were structural, and had sequence similarity to sperm proteins found across taxa ranging from flies to humans. We identified 21 seminal fluid proteins, some of which resemble those found to be involved in postmating changes to female reproduction in other species. Some 27% of sperm proteins and 48% of seminal fluid proteins were of unknown function. The characterization of seminal fluid proteins in this species will allow us to explore their adaptive significance, and to contribute comparative data that will facilitate a general appreciation of the evolution of reproductive proteins within and among animal taxa.
Incidence of influenza‐associated mortality and hospitalizations in Argentina during 2002–2009
Authors: Azziz‐Baumgartner Eduardo , Cabrera Ana María , Cheng Po‐Yung , Garcia Enio , Kusznierz Gabriela , Calli Rogelio , Baez Clarisa , Buyayisqui María Pía , Poyard Eleonora , Pérez Emanuel , Basurto‐Davila Ricardo , Palekar Rakhee , Oliva Otavio , Alencar Airlane Pereira , de Souza Regilo , dos Santos Thais , Shay David K. , Widdowson Marc‐Alain , Breese Joseph , Echenique Horacio
Published: December 2012

Please cite this paper as: Azziz‐Baumgartner et al. (2012) Incidence of influenza‐associated mortality and hospitalizations in Argentina during 2002–2009. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI: 10.1111/irv.12022.

Background  We estimated rates of influenza‐associated deaths and hospitalizations in Argentina, a country that recommends annual influenza vaccination for persons at high risk of complications from influenza illness.

Methods  We identified hospitalized persons and deaths in persons diagnosed with pneumonia and influenza (P&I, ICD‐10 codes J10‐J18) and respiratory and circulatory illness (R&C, codes I00‐I99 and J00‐J99). We defined the influenza season as the months when the proportion of samples that tested positive for influenza exceeded the annual median. We used hospitalizations and deaths during the influenza off‐season to estimate, using linear regression, the number of excess deaths that occurred during the influenza season. To explore whether excess mortality varied by sex and whether people were age <65 or ≥65 years, we used Poisson regression of the influenza‐associated rates.

Results  During 2002–2009, 2411 P&I and 8527 R&C mean excess deaths occurred annually from May to October. If all of these excess deaths were associated with influenza, the influenza‐associated mortality rate was 6/100 000 person‐years (95% CI 4–8/100 000 person‐years for P&I and 21/100 000 person‐years (95% CI 12–31/100 000 person‐years) for R&C. During 2005–2008, we identified an average of 7868 P&I excess hospitalizations and 22 994 R&C hospitalizations per year, resulting in an influenza‐associated hospitalization rate of 2/10 000 person‐years (95% CI 1–3/10 000 person‐years) for P&I and 6/10 000 person‐years (95% CI 3–8/10 000 person‐years) for R&C.

Conclusion  Our findings suggest that annual rates of influenza‐associated hospitalizations and death in Argentina were substantial and similar to neighboring Brazil.
Retrospective serological survey of influenza viruses in backyard pigs from Mexico City
Authors: Saavedra‐Montañez Manuel , Carrera‐Aguirre Víctor , Castillo‐Juárez Héctor , Rivera‐Benitez Francisco , Rosas‐Estrada Karina , Pulido‐Camarillo Evelyn , Mercado‐García Carmen , Carreón‐Nápoles Rosalba , Haro‐Tirado Mario , Rosete Dora P. , Cabello Carlos , Manjarrez María E. , Sánchez‐Betancourt Iván , Ramírez‐Mendoza Humberto
Published: December 2012

Background

In the present study, we analyzed the presence of antibodies to four different influenza viruses (pH1N1, hH1N1, swH1N1, and swH3N2) in the sera of 2094 backyard pigs from Mexico City. The sera were obtained between 2000 and 2009.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to perform a retrospective analysis of the 2000–2009 period to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against pH1N1, hH1N1, swH1N1, and swH3N2 viruses in sera obtained from backyard pigs in Mexico City.

Methods

Antibody detection was conducted with hemagglutination inhibition assay (HI) using four influenza viruses. We used linear regression to analyze the tendency of antibody serum titers throughout the aforementioned span.

Results

We observed that the antibody titers for the pH1N1, swH1N1, and swH3N2 viruses tended to diminish over the study period, whereas the antibodies to hH1N1 remained at low prevalence for the duration of the years analyzed in this study. A non‐significant correlation (P > 0·05) between antibody titers for pH1N1 and swH1N1 viruses was observed (0·04). It contrasts with the significance of the correlation (0·43) observed between the swH1N1 and swH3N2 viruses (P < 0·01).

Conclusions

Our findings showed no cross‐antigenicity in the antibody response against the same subtype. Antibodies against pH1N1 virus were observed throughout the 10‐year study span, implying that annual strains shared some common features with the pH1N1 virus since 2000, which would then be capable of supporting the ongoing presence of these antibodies.
Measuring business cycles in theRussianEmpire
Authors: Owen Thomas C.
Published: December 2012

Newly available data on Russian commerce, industry, finance, incorporations, labour, and investment allow a fresh approach to two historical puzzles: the dating of cyclical peaks and troughs inRussia during the six decades before the First World War and the evaluation of theories advanced to explain the causes of these cycles. A diffusion index and a composite index establish the dates and amplitudes of seven complete cycles from 1855 to 1909 and part of an eighth, in 1910–13, interrupted by theFirstWorldWar. The influence of wars and the Revolution of 1905 on the Russian cycle is clear. A comparison of diffusion indices forRussia andGermany reveals thatRussian cycles occasionally diverged from the European pattern in the absence of war and revolution, notably during the industrial boom of the 1890s. The new findings give qualified support to the contention of several Soviet economists in the 1920s that this divergence resulted, at least in part, from the monetary stimulus of exports, primarily of grain.
Geological events play a larger role than Pleistocene climatic fluctuations in driving the genetic structure of Quasipaa boulengeri (Anura: Dicroglossidae)
Authors: Yan Fang , Zhou Weiwei , Zhao Haitao , Yuan Zhiyong , Wang Yunyu , Jiang Ke , Jin Jieqiong , Murphy Robert W. , Che Jing , Zhang Yaping
Published: December 2012

Paleoclimatic and paleogeological events have been identified as being the two main drivers of genetic structuring in extant organisms. We used a montane stream‐dwelling frog, Quasipaa boulengeri, to explore the relative roles played by these drivers on species in southern China, a region needing thorough studies. We detected four major matrilines, and no broadly distributed haplotypes occurred. The complex orogenesis of south‐western China drove matrilineal divergence in Q. boulengeri into highly structured geographical units. These matrilines subsequently persisted in situ with stable populations rather than undergoing expansions during glacial cycling. The unification of the upper and middle Yangtze River in the Three Gorges mountain region mediated downstream colonization of this frog. Analyses identified geological events as playing a larger role than climatic fluctuations in driving the population history of Q. boulengeri. Nuclear allele analyses indicated gene flow; this maintained genetic cohesion of the species. South‐eastern Sichuan Basin was identified as the area of secondary contact for several matrilines, and this area deserves further study and special protection.
Qualitative studies among obese children and adolescents: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Lachal J. , Orri M. , Speranza M. , Falissard B. , Lefevre H. ,   QUALIGRAMH, Moro M.‐R. , Revah‐Levy A.
Published: December 2012

Childhood obesity is a complex condition involving medical, social, moral and cultural issues. Qualitative approaches are of great value in understanding this complexity. This meta‐synthesis of 45 qualitative studies deals specifically with the issue of obesity in children and adolescents from different perspectives – those of obese children and adolescents, of parents, and of health professionals providing support to the family. Our aim was to obtain a coherent view of child and adolescent obesity, focused on clinical and personal experience. The themes derived from the synthesis process fall under three main axes: ‘Seeing others, seeing oneself’, ‘Understanding others, understanding oneself’, and ‘Treating others, treating oneself’. It emerges that participants in all three groups had equal difficulty in perceiving and labelling obesity, mainly because of their lack of any real common ground. The insufficiency of shared representations destabilizes the therapeutic relationship and its construction: an important issue in the doctor–child–parent relationship in this context is the need to exchange their viewpoints of obesity. Health workers may also expand their understanding of obesity by incorporating the personal experiences of obese children and their parents in order to match treatment plans to their needs and expectations.
Evidence of mutualism between two periodontal pathogens: co‐operative haem acquisition by the HmuY haemophore of Porphyromonas gingivalis and the cysteine protease interpain A (InpA) of Prevotella intermedia
Authors: Byrne D.P. , Potempa J. , Olczak T. , Smalley J. W.
Published: December 2012

Haem (iron protoporphyrin IX) is both an essential growth factor and a virulence regulator of the periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia, which acquire it through the proteolytic degradation of haemoglobin and other haem‐carrying plasma proteins. The haem‐binding lipoprotein HmuY haemophore and the gingipain proteases of P. gingivalis form a unique synthrophic system responsible for capture of haem from haemoglobin and methaemalbumin. In this system, methaemoglobin is formed from oxyhaemoglobin by the activities of gingipain proteases and serves as a facile substrate from which HmuY can capture haem. This study examined the possibility of cooperation between HmuY and the cysteine protease interpain A (InpA) of Pr. intermedia in the haem acquisition process. Using UV‐visible spectroscopy and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, HmuY was demonstrated to be resistant to proteolysis and so able to cooperate with InpA to extract haem from haemoglobin, which was proteolytically converted to methaemoglobin by the protease. Spectroscopic pH titrations showed that both the iron(II) and iron(III) protoporphyrin IX–HmuY complexes were stable over the pH range 4–10, demonstrating that the haemophore could function over a range of pH that may be encountered in the dental plaque biofilm. This is the first demonstration of a bacterial haemophore working in conjunction with a protease from another bacterial species to acquire haem from haemoglobin and may represent mutualism between P. gingivalis and Pr. intermedia co‐inhabiting the periodontal pocket.
Origins of biodiversity
Authors: BENTON MICHAEL J.
Published: December 2012

Abstract: Palaeontologists have always had something to say about the origins of biodiversity. However, until recently, most of what they had to say was somewhat speculative. Following the inspirational suggestions by Simpson in the 1940s, the American ‘paleobiological revolution’ of the 1970s encouraged palaeontologists to think numerically and in terms of hypothesis testing. What was lacking from that revolution was phylogeny, and this provides the basis of informative analyses that truly link deep time fossil data with molecular trees and extant taxa.
Financial burden of health care for HIV/AIDS patients in Vietnam
Authors: Tran Bach X. , Duong Anh T. , Nguyen Long T. , Hwang Jongnam , Nguyen Binh T. , Nguyen Quynh T. , Nong Vuong M. , Vu Phu X. , Ohinmaa Arto
Published: December 2012

Objective

To assess the out‐of‐pocket (OOP) payments for health‐care services of HIV/AIDS patients, and identify associated factors in Vietnam.

Methods

Cross‐sectional multisite survey of 1016 HIV/AIDS patients attending 7 hospitals and health centres in Ha Noi, Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City in 2012.

Results

HIV/AIDS patients used inpatient and outpatient care on average 5.1 times (95% CI = 4.7–5.4) besides ART services. Inpatient care cost US$ 461 on average and outpatient care US$ 50. Mean annual health‐care expenditure for HIV/AIDS patients was US$ 188 (95% CI = 148–229). 35.1% of households (95% CI = 32.2–38.1) experienced catastrophic health expenditure; 73.3% (95% CI = 70.6–76.1) of households would be affected if ART were not subsidised. Being a patient at a provincial clinic, male sex, unstable employment, being in the poorest income quintile, a CD4 count of <200 cells/mL and not yet receiving ART increased the likelihood of catastrophic medical expense.

Conclusions

HIV/AIDS patients in Vietnam frequently use medical services and incur OOP payments for health care. Scaling up free‐of‐charge ART services, earlier access to and initiation of ART, and decentralisation and integration of HIV/AIDS‐related services could reduce their financial burden.
Development of Leak-Before-Break Assessment Method for Japan Sodium Cooled Fast Reactor Pipe—Part 1 Crack Opening Displacement Assessment of Thin Wall Pipes Made of Modified 9Cr-1Mo Steel
Authors: Wakai Takashi , Machida Hideo , Arakawa Manabu , Yoshida Shinji , Enuma Yasuhiro
Published: December 2012

This was carried out to establish crack opening displacement (COD) evaluation methods used in leak-before-break (LBB) assessment of sodium pipes of the Japan sodium cooled fast reactor (JSFR). For sodium pipes of JSFR, the continuous leak monitoring will be adopted as an alternative to a volumetric test of the weld joints under conditions that satisfy LBB. The sodium pipes are made of ASME Gr.91 (modified 9Cr-1Mo steel). Thickness of the pipes is small, because the internal pressure is very low. Modified 9Cr-1Mo steel has a relatively large yield stress and small work hardening coefficient comparing to the austenitic stainless steels which are currently used in the conventional plants. In order to assess the LBB behavior of the sodium pipes made of modified 9Cr-1Mo steel, the coolant leak rate from a through-wall crack must be estimated properly. Since the leak rate is strongly related to the COD, an appropriate COD assessment method must be established to perform LBB assessment. However, COD assessment method applicable for JSFR sodium pipes—thin wall and small work hardening material—has not been proposed yet. Thus, a COD assessment method applicable to thin walled large diameter pipe made of modified 9Cr-1Mo steel was proposed in this study. In this method, COD was calculated by classifying the components of COD; elastic, local plastic, and fully plastic. In addition, the verification of this method was performed by comparing with the results of a series of four-point bending tests at elevated temperature using thin wall modified 9Cr-1Mo steel pipe containing a circumferential through-wall crack. As a result, COD values calculated by the proposed method were in a good agreement with the experimental results for the uniform pipe without a weld. In the case that the crack was machined in the weld metal or heat affected zone (HAZ), the proposed method predicted relatively larger COD than the experimental results. The causes of such discrepancies were discussed by comparing with the results of finite element analyses. Based on these examinations, the rational leak rate evaluation method in LBB assessment was proposed.
Facile fabrication of scalable patterned nickel nanocone arrays for field emission applications
Authors: Le Shim Ee , Yoo Eunji , Jung Kang Chi , Jin Choi Young , Bae Joonho , Bum Lee Sang , Wang Lee Kyu
Published: December 2012

In this report, facile fabrication of wafer-scale nickel (Ni) nanocone (NC) dot arrays as field emitters is demonstrated. Ni NC dot arrays are fabricated on silicon wafers using conventional photolithography and electrodeposition. Ni NCs with an average height of 400 nm grew in less than 3 min. Patterned Ni NC dot arrays exhibited enhanced field emission compared with plain Ni NCs. Field emission measurements of the plain NCs and patterned NC dot arrays revealed that the turn-on field of patterned NC dot arrays (3.23 V/μm) is lower than that of plain NCs (3.93 V/μm), while the field enhancement factor of patterned NC dot arrays (5087) is greater than that of plain NCs (2705). Our approach to form patterned Ni NC dot arrays is a simple, fast, cost-effective, and scalable method to fabricate effective field emitters. It is suitable for producing large-scale, patterned NC arrays for application in flat-panel displays and electron sources.
G Protein–Coupled Receptor–Mediated Activation of p110β by Gβγ Is Required for Cellular Transformation and Invasiveness
Authors: Dbouk Hashem A. , Vadas Oscar , Shymanets Aliaksei , Burke John E. , Salamon Rachel S. , Khalil Bassem D. , Barrett Mathew O. , Waldo Gary L. , Surve Chinmay , Hsueh Christine , Perisic Olga , Harteneck Christian , Shepherd Peter R. , Harden T. Kendall , Smrcka Alan V. , Taussig Ronald , Bresnick Anne R. , Nürnberg Bernd , Williams Roger L. , Backer Jonathan M.
Published: December 2012

Blocking the activation of p110β by G proteins inhibits tumor cell proliferation.