bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry study of dinoflagellate functional diversity in reef‐building corals
Authors: Pernice Mathieu , Dunn Simon R. , Tonk Linda , Dove Sophie , Domart‐Coulon Isabelle , Hoppe Peter , Schintlmeister Arno , Wagner Michael , Meibom Anders
Published: June 2014

Nutritional interactions between corals and symbiotic dinoflagellate algae lie at the heart of the structural foundation of coral reefs. Whilst the genetic diversity of Symbiodinium has attracted particular interest because of its contribution to the sensitivity of corals to environmental changes and bleaching (i.e. disruption of coral–dinoflagellate symbiosis), very little is known about the in hospite metabolic capabilities of different Symbiodinium types. Using a combination of stable isotopic labelling and nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS), we investigated the ability of the intact symbiosis between the reef‐building coral Isopora palifera, and Symbiodinium C or D types, to assimilate dissolved inorganic carbon (via photosynthesis) and nitrogen (as ammonium). Our results indicate that Symbiodinium types from two clades naturally associated with I. palifera possess different metabolic capabilities. The Symbiodinium C type fixed and passed significantly more carbon and nitrogen to its coral host than the D type. This study provides further insights into the metabolic plasticity among different Symbiodinium types in hospite and strengthens the evidence that the more temperature‐tolerant Symbiodinium D type may be less metabolically beneficial for its coral host under non‐stressful conditions.
Bacterial community shift is induced by dynamic environmental parameters in a changing coastal ecosystem (northern Adriatic, northeastern Mediterranean Sea) – a 2‐year time‐series study
Authors: Tinta T. , Vojvoda J. , Mozetič P. , Talaber I. , Vodopivec M. , Malfatti F. , Turk V.
Published: June 2014

The potential link between the microbial dynamics and the environmental parameters was investigated in a semi‐enclosed and highly dynamic coastal system (Gulf of Trieste, northern Adriatic Sea, NE Mediterranean Sea). Our comprehensive 2‐year time‐series study showed that despite the shallowness of this area, there was a significant difference between the surface and the bottom bacterial community structure. The bottom bacterial community was more diverse than the surface one and influenced by sediment re‐suspension. The surface seawater temperature had a profound effect on bacterial productivity, while the bacterial community structure was more affected by freshwater‐borne nutrients and phytoplankton blooms. Phytoplankton blooms caused an increase of Gammaproteobacteria (Alteromonadaceae, SAR86 and Vibrionaceae) and shift in dominance from SAR11 to Rhodobacteraceae taxon at the surface. Our results propose the importance of the water mass movements as drivers of freshwater‐borne nutrients and of allochthonous microbial taxa. This study emphasizes the prediction power based on association networks analyses that are fed with long‐term measurements of microbial and environmental parameters. These interaction maps offer valuable insights into the response of marine ecosystem to climate‐ and anthropogenic‐driven stressors.
Seasonal growth potential of rare lake water bacteria suggest their disproportional contribution to carbon fluxes
Authors: Neuenschwander Stefan M. , Pernthaler Jakob , Posch Thomas , Salcher Michaela M.
Published: June 2014

We studied the seasonal growth potential of opportunistic bacterial populations in Lake Zurich (Switzerland) by a series of grazer‐free dilution culture assays. Pronounced shifts in the composition of the bacterial assemblages were observed within one doubling of total cell numbers, from initially abundant Actinobacteria to other fast‐growing microbial lineages. Small populations with growth potentials far above community average were detected throughout the year with striking seasonal differences in their respective taxonomic affiliations. Members of Cytophaga‐Flavobacteria (CF) were disproportionally proliferating only during phytoplankton blooms in spring and summer, while Beta‐ and Gammaproteobacteria showed superior growth at all other occasions. Growth rates of Alphaproteobacteria and esp. Sphingomonadaceae were significantly correlated to water temperatures and were far above community average in summer. Within the genus Flavobacterium, two species‐like populations showed a tendency for fast growth in most experiments, while four others were exclusively proliferating either during a spring or during a summer phytoplankton bloom. Their high growth potentials but low in situ abundances hint at a tight control by bacterivorous grazers and at a consequently accelerated carbon flux to higher trophic levels.
Biodeterioration of epoxy resin: a microbial survey through culture‐independent and culture‐dependent approaches
Authors: Pangallo Domenico , Bučková Maria , Kraková Lucia , Puškárová Andrea , Šaková Nikoleta , Grivalský Tomaš , Chovanová Katarina , Zemánková Milina
Published: June 2014

During the 20th century, synthetic polymers were greatly used in the field of art. In particular, the epoxy resins were used for both conservation and for creating sculptures. The biodeterioration of these polymers has not been adequately studied. The aim of this investigation was to examine the microflora responsible for the deterioration of an epoxy statue exposed to outdoor conditions. Fungal and bacterial microflora were isolated from the art object, clustered by fluorescence‐ITS (internal transcribed spacer), identified by ITS and 16S rRNA sequencing and tested for their lipolytic abilities by three agar assays. Different algal, bacterial, cyanobacterial and fungal clone libraries were constructed. The surrounding airborne microflora was analyzed using culture‐dependent and culture‐independent approaches. The results indicated the presence, on the statue surface, of an interesting and differentiate microbial community composed of rock‐inhabiting members, algal photobionts (Trebouxia spp., Chloroidium ellipsoideum and Chlorella angustoellipsoidea), Cyanobacteria (Leptolyngbya sp., Phormidium sp., Cylindrospermum stagnale, Hassallia byssoidea and Geitlerinema sp.), black yeasts related to the species Friedmanniomyces endolithicus, Pseudotaeniolina globosa, Phaeococcomyces catenatus and Catenulostroma germanicum and several plant‐associated fungi. This investigation provides new information on the potential microfloral inhabitants of epoxy resin discovering a new ecological niche, occupied mainly by several members of rock‐colonizing microbial species.
Microbial lipids reveal carbon assimilation patterns on hydrothermal sulfide chimneys
Authors: Reeves Eoghan P. , Yoshinaga Marcos Y. , Pjevac Petra , Goldenstein Nadine I. , Peplies Jörg , Meyerdierks Anke , Amann Rudolf , Bach Wolfgang , Hinrichs Kai‐Uwe
Published: June 2014

Sulfide ‘chimneys’ characteristic of seafloor hydrothermal venting are diverse microbial habitats. 13C/12C ratios of microbial lipids have rarely been used to assess carbon assimilation pathways on these structures, despite complementing gene‐ and culture‐based approaches. Here, we integrate analyses of the diversity of intact polar lipids (IPL) and their side‐chain δ13C values (δ13Clipid) with 16S rRNA gene‐based phylogeny to examine microbial carbon flow on active and inactive sulfide structures from the Manus Basin. Surficial crusts of active structures, dominated by Epsilonproteobacteria, yield bacterial δ13Clipid values higher than biomass δ13C (total organic carbon), implicating autotrophy via the reverse tricarboxylic acid cycle. Our data also suggest δ13Clipid values vary on individual active structures without accompanying microbial diversity changes. Temperature and/or dissolved substrate effects – likely relating to variable advective–diffusive fluxes to chimney exteriors – may be responsible for differing 13C fractionation during assimilation. In an inactive structure, δ13Clipid values lower than biomass δ13C and a distinctive IPL and 16S rRNA gene diversity suggest a shift to a more diverse community and an alternate carbon assimilation pathway after venting ceases. We discuss here the potential of IPL and δ13Clipid analyses to elucidate carbon flow in hydrothermal structures when combined with other molecular tools.
Intubation conditions in young infants after propofol and remifentanil induction with and without low‐dose rocuronium
Authors: GELBERG J. , KONGSTAD L. , WERNER O.
Published: June 2014

Background

Bolus injections of intravenous propofol and remifentanil can be used in the tracheal intubation of infants and children, but relatively large doses are needed. We hypothesised that addition of a small bolus of rocuronium would ensure good intubation conditions when modest propofol and remifentanil doses were used.

Methods

Seventy infants between 3 weeks and 4 months of age were randomised to receive either placebo or rocuronium. Anaesthesia was induced with IV propofol, 3 (3–5) mg/kg [median (range)]. Rocuronium (0.2 mg/kg) or placebo was then injected, followed 15 s later by 2 μg/kg remifentanil. One anaesthetist attempted tracheal intubation 1 min after the rocuronium/placebo injection and used the ‘Copenhagen scoring system’ to assess intubation conditions. The neuromuscular effect of 0.2 mg/kg rocuronium was recorded in another eight, already intubated, infants using thumb accelerometry during train‐of‐four stimulation of the ulnar nerve.

Results

Intubation conditions were classified as ‘poor’ in 14 of 34 (41%) patients given placebo and in 10 of 36 (28%) patients given rocuronium (P = 0.32). There were four failed first attempts at intubation in the placebo group and none in the rocuronium group (P = 0.051). Maximum neuromuscular depression occurred 4 (3–8) after injection of 0.2 mg/kg rocuronium.

Conclusions

Intubation conditions were poor in almost one third of the patients receiving propofol‐remifentanil. Adding a low‐dose rocuronium did not significantly improve intubation conditions.
Addiction Research Centres and the Nurturing of Creativity
Authors: Bühringer Gerhard
Published: June 2014

This paper describes the history and current structure of the Institut für Therapieforschung (IFT) [Institute for Therapy Research] in Munich, as well as major research topics and factors which might contribute to a creative structure and atmosphere for innovative research in the addiction field. The institute was founded in 1973 as a non‐profit non‐governmental organization (NGO) with a focus on applied research. Starting with behaviour therapy‐based development and evaluation of programmes for alcohol, illicit drugs and smoking and the evaluation of treatment services, the institute gradually expanded its topics, covering prevention (1985) and epidemiology and policy evaluation (1990), and participated throughout this period in the development of guidelines and screening, diagnostic and clinical instruments. Later, the IFT tried to bridge the gap between basic sciences, applied research, health‐care services and health policy, with a network of national and international contacts, including its own university engagements and collaborations with foreign research groups and national and European Union (EU) agencies. Possible creativity‐promoting factors on the institutional and individual levels are discussed, e.g. the collaboration of experienced senior researchers with carefully selected innovative doctoral students, considerable in‐house and external training of young researchers and the early participation and presentation of their work at international conferences, independence from stakeholders in the field and the refusal of project funds which require external clearance of publications.
Defining distal femoral anatomy for rotational alignment in total knee arthroplasty: a magnetic resonance imaging‐based study
Authors: Amaranath Jeevaka E. , Moopanar Terence R. , Sorial Rami M.
Published: June 2014

Background

The rotational alignment of the femoral component in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is regarded as being one of the critical factors associated with its long‐term success. Traditionally, the femoral component is aligned parallel to the transepicondylar axis (TEA), perpendicular to the Whiteside's line (WL) or at 3 degrees external rotation to the posterior condylar line (PCL). The aim of this study was to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the relationship between these anatomical axes used for femoral component rotation (TEA to WL and PCL to TEA) and identify if any of these relationships were influenced by age, sex or coronal axial deformity (mechanical axis).

Methods

Two hundred and sixty‐five patients undergoing preoperative MRI for patient‐specific jigs TKA were included in our study. The MRI data were then analysed via preoperative planning software, and values relating to WL, TEA, PCL and coronal axial alignment were generated.

Results

The mean age was 66.0 ± 8.7 years. There were 102 men and 163 women. The average mechanical axis (coronal deformity) was 4.2 ± 6.1 degrees of varus. TEA compared with WL was on average 92.6 ± 2.3 degrees. PCL was on average 2.3 ± 1.8 degrees internally rotated to the TEA. The PCL was more internally rotated in women (P < 0.01) and valgus (P < 0.001) knees. There was no significant relationship between age or varus knees when comparing TEA to WL (P > 0.1) and PCL to TEA (P > 0.1).

Conclusions

Our study shows that the previously assumed values for rotational alignment of the femoral component may need to be reviewed. The use of advanced preoperative imaging (e.g. MRI) may aid to overcome this variability and assist surgeons in planning femoral component alignment in TKA.
Socio‐economic disadvantage and demographics as factors in stage of colorectal cancer presentation and survival
Authors: Barclay Karen L. , Goh Paul‐Jon , Jackson Terri J.
Published: June 2014

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is common, and early diagnosis improves outcome. Overseas studies have suggested that low socio‐economic status (SES) is related to advanced cancer stage at presentation and reduced survival. The situation in Australia is unclear. This study examines the effect of demographic and SES on CRC stage at presentation and survival in a single tertiary centre.

Methods

Patients undergoing surgical resection for CRC (1 January 2005 to 31 December 2010) were identified, and socio‐demographic and histopathological information obtained. Four socio‐economic indices using 2006 Australian Census data were assigned by residential postcode. Factors contributing to tumour (T) and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage at presentation and survival were assessed.

Results

Five hundred and fifty‐seven patients were included. Results did not support a relationship between SES and either advanced stage at presentation or survival. Only one index (economic resources) was related to a more advanced T stage at presentation (P = 0.011); none were related to AJCC stage or survival. No significant relationship was found between an individual's country of birth, language spoken, private insurance or employment status and presenting with a later T or AJCC stage. Age, AJCC and T stage at diagnosis and emergency presentation significantly affected survival on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

SES and most demographic factors did not appear to significantly influence CRC stage at presentation and outcome. A focus on obtaining equivalent access to health care both nationally and internationally could prove beneficial in improving outcomes for CRC.
The Queer Afterlife of the Postcolonial City: (Trans)gender Performance and the War of Beautification
Authors: Benedicto Bobby
Published: June 2014

This paper examines how queer practices of transformation enable the preservation and perversion of the logics, aspirations, and violences that animated Imelda Marcos's “war of urban beautification”. It traces conceptual overlaps between the notions of truth and beauty that underpinned Imelda's faith in architectural modernism and which operate in the sex/gender tradition of kabaklaan. Using the case study of the Manila Film Center, a formerly abandoned and famously haunted Marcos‐era building that has been transformed into the host site of a “transgender” revue, the paper demonstrates how queerness, necropower, architecture, and dreams of urban and global modernity come together through the spatial effects of authoritarian power.
Caesarean delivery is associated with childhood general obesity but not abdominal obesity in Iranian elementary school children
Authors: Salehi‐Abargouei Amin , Shiranian Afshin , Ehsani Simin , Surkan Pamela J. , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad
Published: June 2014

Aim

This study examined the association between Caesarean delivery and general and abdominal obesity among children.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, 635 children aged from 6 to 12 years of age (476 girls and 159 boys) were randomly selected from Isfahan elementary schools. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured. General obesity and abdominal obesity were defined based on World Health Organization growth charts and Iranian national cut‐off points, respectively. Parents were asked about delivery type and other factors potentially related to childhood obesity using a self‐administered questionnaire. The association between delivery type and obesity was examined using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

The overall prevalence of general and central obesity was 17.6% and 17.1%, respectively, and Caesarean delivery was significantly associated with general obesity after controlling for potential confounders (OR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.30–4.63, p = 0.005). We observed a significant association between Caesarean delivery and abdominal obesity in crude analyses (OR: 1.66; 1.02–2.69, p = 0.04), but this disappeared after adjusting for covariates (OR: 1.96; 0.82–4.69, p = 0.13).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that Caesarean delivery is adversely associated with general childhood obesity, but not abdominal obesity. This provides support for recommending vaginal births, unless contraindicated. Further research in large populations is required to confirm these findings.
Toward Better Understanding of the Learning Goal Orientation–Creativity Relationship: The Role of Positive Psychological Capital
Authors: Huang Lei , Luthans Fred
Published: June 2014

With employee creativity becoming increasingly critical to the competitiveness of today's organisations, there is a need to better understand and refine the role that positive psychological constructs such as learning goal orientation (LGO) and the now recognised psychological capital (PsyCap) may play in influencing creativity. In this study (N= 405 software engineers nested in 56 teams fromChina), we drew from social learning theory and the theory of situational strength to test a cross‐level moderated mediation model and found that the positive relationship betweenLGOandPsyCap was stronger in teams low in learning behavior (i.e. weaker situational strength) and that the indirect effect ofLGOon creativity viaPsyCap was significant when team learning behavior was moderate or low. Thus, our study results indicate that when the team context is less favorable for learning behavior,LGOindividuals can draw from theirPsyCap to generate creativity. The contributions to theory development, directions for future research, and practical implications conclude the article.
Inosine Strongly Enhances Proliferation of Human C32 Melanoma Cells through PLC‐PKC‐MEK1/2‐ERK1/2 and PI3K Pathways
Authors: Soares Ana Sofia , Costa Vera Marisa , Diniz Carmen , Fresco Paula
Published: June 2014

Malignant melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer. The lack of effective pharmacological approaches for this tumour can be related to the incomplete understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in melanoma cell proliferation. Adenosine has growth‐promoting and growth inhibitory effects on tumour cells. We aimed to investigate effects of adenosine and its metabolic product, inosine, on human C32 melanoma cells and the signalling pathways involved. The 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction and bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) proliferation assays were used to evaluate adenosine, adenosine deaminase and inosine effects, in the absence or presence of adenosine receptor (AR), A3AR and P2Y1R antagonists and PLC, PKC, MEK1/2 and PI3K inhibitors. ERK1/2 levels were determined using an ELISA kit. Adenosine and inosine levels were quantified using an enzyme‐coupled assay. Adenosine caused cell proliferation through AR activation. Adenosine deaminase increased inosine levels (nanomolar concentrations) on the extracellular space, in a time‐dependent manner, inducing proliferation through A3AR activation. Micromolar concentrations of inosine enhanced proliferation through A3AR activation, causing an increase in ERK1/2 levels, and P2Y1R activation via ENT‐dependent mechanisms. We propose the simultaneous activation of PLC‐PKC‐MEK1/2‐ERK1/2 and PI3K pathways as the main mechanism responsible for the proliferative effect elicited by inosine and its significant role in melanoma cancer progression.
Implicit theories about intelligence and growth (personal best) goals: Exploring reciprocal relationships
Authors: Martin Andrew J.
Published: June 2014

Background

There has been increasing interest in growth approaches to students' academic development, including value‐added models, modelling of academic trajectories, growth motivation orientations, growth mindsets, and growth goals.

Aims

This study sought to investigate the relationships between implicit theories about intelligence (incremental and entity theories) and growth (personal best, PB) goals – with particular interest in the ordering of factors across time.

Sample

The study focused on longitudinal data of 969 Australian high school students.

Method

The classic cross‐lagged panel design (using structural equation modelling) was employed to shed light on the ordering of Time 1 growth goals, incremental theories, and entity theories relative to Time 2 (1 year later) growth goals, incremental theories, and entity theories.

Results

Findings showed that Time 1 growth goals predicted Time 2 incremental theories (positively) and entity theories (negatively); Time 1 entity and incremental theories negatively predicted Time 2 incremental and entity theories respectively; but, Time 1 incremental theories and entity theories did not predict growth goals at Time 2.

Conclusion

This suggests that entity and incremental theories are negatively reciprocally related across time, but growth goals seem to be directionally salient over incremental and entity theories. Implications for promoting growth goals and growth mindsets are discussed.
Safety and diagnostic accuracy of percutaneous biopsy in upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Huang Steven Y. , Ahrar Kamran , Gupta Sanjay , Wallace Michael J. , Ensor Joe E. , Krishnamurthy Savitri , Matin Surena F.
Published: June 2014

Objective

To assess the diagnostic accuracy and safety of percutaneous biopsy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

Patients and Methods

From 2002 to 2013, 26 upper tract lesions in 24 patients (20 men; median [range] age 67.8 [51.7–85.9] years) were percutaneously biopsied. Analysis was separated based on lesion appearance: (i) mass infiltrating renal parenchyma, (ii) filling defect in the collecting system, (iii) urothelial wall thickening. We tracked immediate complications and tract seeding on follow‐up imaging.

Results

Of the 26 upper tract lesions, 15 (58%) were masses infiltrating the renal parenchyma (mean [range] size 5.4 [1.1–14.0] cm), six (23%) were urothelial wall thickenings (mean [range] size 0.8 [0.4–1.1] cm), and five (19%) were filling defects within the renal pelvis or calyx (mean [range] size 2.7 [1.0–4.6] cm). Definitive diagnosis of UTUC was made by biopsy in 22 of 26 lesions (85%). Biopsy characterised 14 of 15 infiltrative masses and five of five filling defects; biopsy characterised three of six cases of urothelial wall thickening. CT follow‐up was available for 19 patients (73%) at a median (range) of 13.6 (1.0–98.9) months. Three patients (11%) developed recurrence in the nephrectomy bed at 5.6, 9.7, and 29.0 months after biopsy; none were attributed to tract seeding after independent review, because recurrence was remote from the biopsy site.

Conclusion

Percutaneous biopsy is effective for diagnosis of UTUC, providing tissue diagnosis in 85% of cases. While case reports cite a risk of tract seeding, no cases of recurrence were definitely attributable to percutaneous biopsy. Thus, for upper tract urothelial lesions, which are not amenable to endoscopic biopsy, percutaneous biopsy is a safe and effective technique.
Ipsilateral renal function preservation after robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN): an objective analysis using mercapto‐acetyltriglycine (MAG3) renal scan data and volumetric assessment
Authors: Zargar Homayoun , Akca Oktay , Autorino Riccardo , Brandao Luis Felipe , Laydner Humberto , Krishnan Jayram , Samarasekera Dinesh , Stein Robert J. , Kaouk Jihad H.
Published: June 2014

Objective

To objectively assess ipsilateral renal function (IRF) preservation and factors influencing it after robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN).

Patients and Methods

Our database was queried to identify patients who had undergone RAPN from 2007 to 2013 and had complete pre‐ and postoperative mercapto‐acetyltriglycine (MAG3) renal scan assessment. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for the operated kidney was calculated by multiplying the percentage of contribution from the renal scan by the total eGFR. IRF preservation was defined as a ratio of the postoperative eGFR for the operated kidney to the preoperative eGFR for the operated kidney. The percentage of total eGFR preservation was calculated in the same manner (postoperative eGFR/preoperative eGFR × 100). The amount of healthy rim of renal parenchyma removed was assessed by deducting the volume of tumour from the volume of the PN specimen assessed on pathology. Multivariable linear regression was used for analysis.

Results

In all, 99 patients were included in the analysis. The overall median (interquartile range) total eGFR preservation and IRF preservation for the operated kidney was 83.83 (75.2–94.1)% and 72 (60.3–81)%, respectively (P < 0.01). On multivariable analysis, volume of healthy rim of renal parenchyma removed, warm ischaemia time (WIT) > 30 min, body mass index (BMI) and operated kidney preoperative eGFR were predictive of IRF preservation.

Conclusions

Using total eGFR tends to overestimate the degree of renal function preservation after RAPN. This is particularly relevant when studying factors affecting functional outcomes after nephron‐sparing surgery. IRF may be a more precise assessment method in this setting. Operated kidney baseline renal function, BMI, WIT >30 min, and amount of resected healthy renal parenchyma represent the factors with a significant impact on the IRF preservation. RAPN provides significant preservation of renal function as shown by objective assessment criteria.
Molecular determinants for the high constitutive activity of the human histamine H4 receptor: functional studies on orthologues and mutants
Authors: Wifling D , Löffel K , Nordemann U , Strasser A , Bernhardt G , Dove S , Seifert R , Buschauer A
Published: June 2014

Background and Purpose

Some histamine H4 receptor ligands act as inverse agonists at the human H4 receptor (hH4R), a receptor with exceptionally high constitutive activity, but as neutral antagonists or partial agonists at the constitutively inactive mouse H4 receptor (mH4R) and rat H4 receptor (rH4R). To study molecular determinants of constitutive activity, H4 receptor reciprocal mutants were constructed: single mutants: hH4R‐F169V, mH4R‐V171F, hH4R‐S179A, hH4R‐S179M; double mutants: hH4R‐F169V+S179A, hH4R‐F169V+S179M and mH4R‐V171F+M181S.

Experimental Approach

Site‐directed mutagenesis with pVL1392 plasmids containing hH4 or mH4 receptors were performed. Wild‐type or mutant receptors were co‐expressed with Gαi2 and Gβ1γ2 in Sf9 cells. Membranes were studied in saturation and competition binding assays ([3H]‐histamine), and in functional [35S]‐GTPγS assays with inverse, partial and full agonists of the hH4 receptor.

Key Results

Constitutive activity decreased from the hH4 receptor via the hH4R‐F169V mutant to the hH4R‐F169V+S179A and hH4R‐F169V+S179M double mutants. F169 alone or in concert with S179 plays a major role in stabilizing a ligand‐free active state of the hH4 receptor. Partial inverse hH4 receptor agonists like JNJ7777120 behaved as neutral antagonists or partial agonists at species orthologues with lower or no constitutive activity. Some partial and full hH4 receptor agonists showed decreased maximal effects and potencies at hH4R‐F169V and double mutants. However, the mutation of S179 in the hH4 receptor to M as in mH4 receptor or A as in rH4 receptor did not significantly reduce constitutive activity.

Conclusions and Implications

F169 and S179 are key amino acids for the high constitutive activity of hH4 receptors and may also be of relevance for other constitutively active GPCRs.

Linked Articles

This article is part of a themed issue on Histamine Pharmacology Update published in volume 170 issue 1. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.2013.170.issue-1/issuetoc
Childhood maltreatment and executive functions in adolescents
Authors: Mothes Luiza , Kristensen Christian Haag , Grassi‐Oliveira Rodrigo , Fonseca Rochele Paz , de Lima Argimon Irani Iracema , Irigaray Tatiana Quarti
Published: June 2014

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in executive functions between adolescents exposed to different forms of single‐ and multitype childhood maltreatment.

Method

The sample was composed of 83 adolescents, divided into three groups: single‐type maltreatment (n = 24), multitype maltreatment (n = 19), and no history of maltreatment (n = 40), matched for education and sex.

Results

The results showed that teenagers who suffered a single type of childhood maltreatment performed worse than the other two groups on tasks of cognitive flexibility and visual processing speed. Individuals who suffered multitype maltreatment had worse initiation and lower verbal processing speed than the other two groups.

Conclusions

Childhood maltreatment may have a significant impact on executive functioning in adolescence.
Encouraging entrepreneurship with innovation vouchers: Recent experience, lessons, and research directions
Authors: Langhorn K.
Published: June 2014

Innovation vouchers are widely used internationally by governments to support emerging small business. Traditionally, vouchers were used to subsidize social benefits such as food, education or health services, but are increasingly used to stimulate entrepreneurial effort. Innovation vouchers are usually given to small firms to subsidize the cost of business or technical services from external providers. This enables the company to have more control over their development activities, while sustaining the external service providers. International and Canadian experience suggests considerable congruence in program design but, in some settings, special features have been devised to address local business needs and development priorities. A largely untapped body of evidence could be used to assess the impact of this tool and opportunities for refinement and application.

Sommaire

Les coupons pour l'innovation sont largement utilisés par les gouvernements à l'échelle internationale afin de soutenir les petites entreprises émergentes. Traditionnellement, les coupons étaient utilisés pour subventionner les avantages sociaux comme les repas, l'éducation ou les services de santé, mais ils servent de plus en plus à stimuler l'effort entrepreneurial. Les coupons pour l'innovation sont habituellement donnés à de petites entreprises afin de subventionner les coûts d'affaires ou les services techniques des fournisseurs externes. Cela permet à l'entreprise de mieux contrôler ses activités de développement, tout en maintenant les fournisseurs de services externes. L'expérience internationale et canadienne laisse entendre une remarquable congruence dans la conception des programmes, mais dans certains milieux, des caractéristiques spéciales ont été conçues pour répondre aux besoins des entreprises locales et aux priorités de développement. Un ensemble de données disponibles essentiellement non exploité pourrait être utilisé pour évaluer l'impact de cet outil et les possibilités d'amélioration et d'application.
Discovery of Novel 17‐Phenylethylaminegeldanamycin Derivatives as Potent Hsp90 Inhibitors
Authors: Li Zhenyu , Jia Lejiao , Wang Jifeng , Wu Xingkang , Shi Guowei , Lu Chunhua , Shen Yuemao
Published: June 2014

Twenty‐six 17‐phenylethylamine‐modified geldanamycin derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for antiproliferation activity in human cancer cell lines, LNCaP and MDA‐MB‐231. Five derivatives (2j, 2q, 2v, 2x, and 2y) showed excellent in vitro antitumor activities. Among them, compound 2y was the most potent lead, with IC50 values of 0.27 ± 0.11 and 0.86 ± 0.23 μm for LNCaP and MDA‐MB‐231, respectively. In particular, compound 2y was more active than its precursor geldanamycin against LNCap cells. Liver injury test in mice demonstrated that 2y group showed no significant difference for serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity versus vehicle control, indicating that 2y was a promising antitumor candidate. Preliminary structure–activity relationship (SAR) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of this new series of geldanamycin derivatives were also investigated, suggesting a theoretical model of 17‐phenylethylaminegeldanamycins binding to Hsp90.
Physical environments, policies and practices for physical activity and screen‐based sedentary behaviour among preschoolers within child care centres in Melbourne, Australia and Kingston, Canada
Authors: Hinkley T. , Carson V. , Hesketh K. D.
Published: June 2014

Background

Characteristics of preschool and child care centres have previously been shown to be associated with children's health behaviours such as physical activity and screen‐based sedentary behaviour. This paper investigates differences in physical environments, policies and practices between child care centres in Melbourne, Australia and Kingston, Canada which may be associated with such behaviours.

Methods

Audits of child care centres were undertaken by trained research assistants for the Healthy Active Preschool and Primary Years (Melbourne, Australia; n = 136) study and the Healthy Living Habits in Pre‐School Children (Kingston, Canada; n = 46) study. Twenty‐one of the audit items (nine physical environment; 12 policies and practices) were assessed in both samples. Example items included outdoor play and shaded areas, availability of equipment, physical activity instruction for children and staff, opportunities to use electronic media and staff/child interaction during physical activity time. Analyses were completed using SAS version 9.2.

Results

Compared with Australian centres, a higher per cent of Canadian centres had a formal physical activity policy, reported children sat more frequently for 30 min or more and allowed children to watch television. A higher per cent of Australian centres provided an indoor area for physical activity, shade outdoors and physical activity education to staff. Children in Australian centres had access to more fixed play equipment and spent more time outdoors than in Canadian centres.

Conclusions

These findings may help inform the development of best practice and policy guidelines to enhance opportunities for healthy levels of physical activity and screen‐based sedentary behaviour within child care centres in both countries.
Computer science and parsimony: a reappraisal, with discussion of methods for poorly structured datasets
Authors: Goloboff Pablo A.
Published: June 2014

In recent years, several publications in computer science journals have proposed new heuristic methods for parsimony analysis. This contribution discusses those papers, including methods highly praised by their authors, such as Hydra, Sampars and GA + PR + LS. Trees of comparable or better scores can be obtained using the program TNT, but from one to three orders of magnitude faster. In some cases, the search methods are very similar to others long in use in phylogenetics, but the enormous speed differences seem to correspond more to poor implementations than to actual differences in the methods themselves.
Muscle echo intensity: reliability and conditioning factors
Authors: Caresio Cristina , Molinari Filippo , Emanuel Giorgio , Minetto Marco Alessandro
Published: June 2014

Objective

To assess the issue of muscle echo intensity reliability and to investigate the relationship between muscle echo intensity and size, shape and location of the region of interest (ROI) used for echo intensity quantification.

Methods

Ultrasonographic scans of the following five muscles were acquired in twenty healthy subjects: biceps brachii, rectus femoris, vastus lateralis, tibialis anterior and medial gastrocnemius. Muscle echo intensity was quantified in each scan.

Results

We found that the agreement between the different sized ROIs considered in each scan ranged from moderate (ICC: 0·54) to high (ICC: 0·86) and that the echo intensity consistency between equal sized ROIs of the three scans ranged from low (ICC: 0·42) to very high (0·91). The echo intensity of tibialis anterior and rectus femoris was different between different sized, shaped and located ROIs. The echo intensity of biceps brachii and tibialis anterior was higher than that of all other muscles, and females had higher echo intensity than males. Moreover, the muscle echo intensity was positively correlated with the subcutaneous layer thickness in three of five muscles.

Conclusion

The echo intensity reliability was function of the ROI size. Muscle and gender variability in echo intensity was likely due to differences in fibrous and adipose tissue content and distribution. Possible explanations for the observed correlations between muscle echo intensity and subcutaneous layer thickness include the dependence of both variables on total body adiposity or the direct dependence of the extent of intramuscular fat on the amount of subcutaneous fat.
An evaluation of synthetic and natural supravital stains for the cytological examination of dissociated cells in a microfluidic channel
Authors: Mojica W. D. , Bassey R.
Published: June 2014

Objective

Advances in biotechnology will result in paradigm shifts in both oncology and diagnostics. In pathology, methods such as microfluidics are being explored as delivery tools so that processed cells can serve dual purposes: conventional cytology‐based diagnostics and recovery of the same cells for molecular assays. This wet mount‐based approach to diagnosis will require staining of these cells by supravital dyes. This study was undertaken to determine the optimal supravital stain for the examination of cells in the wet mount preparations present in microfluidic platforms.

Methods

Cells were dissociated from portions of tissue similar in size to a traditional core biopsy. These tissue‐free cells were separately examined with two synthetic dyes and two natural dyes at varying dilutions.

Results

Different dilutions of the synthetic dyes toluidine blue and methylene blue resulted in varying degrees of staining, whereas different dilutions of the natural dyes resulted in fairly constant intensities of colour. These characteristics affected the visualization of cells in wet mount preparations: optimally titered synthetic dyes gave better nuclear detail and cytoplasmic contrast.

Conclusions

All four dyes stained the test cells, but to different degrees and intensities. In our assessment, optimally titered synthetic dyes were better suited to the wet mount approach of microfluidics when compared with natural dyes.
Decision‐making and evacuation planning for flood risk management in the Netherlands
Authors: Kolen Bas , Helsloot Ira
Published: June 2014

A traditional view of decision‐making for evacuation planning is that, given an uncertain threat, there is a deterministic way of defining the best decision. In other words, there is a linear relation between threat, decision, and execution consequences. Alternatives and the impact of uncertainties are not taken into account. This study considers the ‘top strategic decision‐making’ for mass evacuation owing to flooding in the Netherlands. It reveals that the top strategic decision‐making process itself is probabilistic because of the decision‐makers involved and their crisis managers (as advisers). The paper concludes that deterministic planning is not sufficient, and it recommends probabilistic planning that considers uncertainties in the decision‐making process itself as well as other uncertainties, such as forecasts, citizens responses, and the capacity of infrastructure. This results in less optimistic, but more realistic, strategies and a need to pay attention to alternative strategies.
Livestock mortality in pastoralist herds in Ethiopia and implications for drought response
Authors: Catley Andy , Admassu Berhanu , Bekele Gezu , Abebe Dawit
Published: June 2014

Participatory epidemiology methods were employed retrospectively in three pastoralist regions of Ethiopia to estimate the specific causes of excess livestock mortality during drought. The results showed that starvation/dehydration accounted for between 61.5 and 100 per cent of excess livestock mortality during drought, whereas disease‐related mortality accounted for between 0 and 28.1 per cent of excess mortality. Field observations indicate that, in livestock, disease risks and mortality increase in the immediate post‐drought period, during rain. The design of livelihoods‐based drought response programmes should include protection of core livestock assets, and it should take account of the specific causes of excess livestock mortality during drought and immediately afterwards. This study shows that, when comparing livestock feed supplementation and veterinary support, relatively more aid should be directed at the former if the objective is to protect core livestock during drought. Veterinary support should consider disease‐related mortality in the immediate post‐drought period, and tailor inputs accordingly.
Uniting multi‐adult households during emergency evacuation planning
Authors: Liu Sirui , Murray‐Tuite Pamela M. , Schweitzer Lisa
Published: June 2014

When a no‐notice emergency prompts an evacuation, family members in different locations throughout a city may unite so that they can evacuate as a group. This paper draws on data from more than 300 interviews conducted in the metropolitan area of Chicago, Illinois, United States. The study uses discrete choice models to analyse the expectations of respondents regarding whether their likely plans for evacuation involve gathering spouses, parents, adult‐age children, and/or non‐family members. In addition, it addresses the matter of whether respondents plan to reunite with family members at home. Individuals' access to a personal car is the dominating factor in predicting whether respondents plan to gather a spouse. Being the parent of a child under the age of 18 years increases the tendency to report planning to reunite with family members at home. Both commute mode and car availability are not significantly associated with plans to reunite at home.
Does need matter? Needs assessments and decision‐making among major humanitarian health agencies
Authors: Gerdin Martin , Chataigner Patrice , Tax Leonie , Kubai Anne , von Schreeb Johan
Published: June 2014

Disasters of physical origin, including earthquakes, floods, landslides, tidal waves, tropical storms, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, have affected millions of people globally over the past 100 years. Proportionately, there is far greater likelihood of being affected by such disasters in low‐income countries than in high‐income countries. Furthermore, low‐income countries are in need of international assistance following disasters more often than high‐income countries. The funding of international humanitarian assistance has increased from USD 12.9 billion in 2006 to an estimated USD 16.7 billion in 2010. The majority of this funding is channelled through humanitarian agencies and is supposed to be distributed based on the need of those affected, as assessed using needs assessments. Such needs assessments may be used to inform decisions internally, to influence others, to justify response decisions, and to obtain funding. Little is known about the quality of needs assessments in practical applications. Consequently, this paper reports on and analyses the views of operational decision‐makers in major health‐related humanitarian agencies on needs assessments.
Relaying support in disaster‐affected areas: the social implications of a ‘pay‐it‐forward’ network
Authors: Atsumi Tomohide
Published: June 2014

When a disaster strikes a country, a temporary so‐called post‐disaster utopia emerges in which local residents help each other and outsiders support survivors and victims. However, this utopia does not last. Survivors are likely to have no chance to pay people back for the help they have received and thus return to their daily lives with a sense of debt. After the Great East Japan Earthquake the author motivated survivors of other disasters to help survivors in the Tohoku region in eastern Japan in return for the support they had received in the past. Two findings are revealed: firstly, this pay‐it‐forward support among disaster‐affected areas allows for intermittent rebuilding of the post‐disaster utopia. Secondly, a theoretical examination of the network theory also suggests that the pay‐it‐forward network is likely to expand and cover the whole of society very quickly. The psychological and sociological implications of these findings are also discussed.
Applying the natural disasters vulnerability evaluation model to the March 2011 north‐east Japan earthquake and tsunami
Authors: Ruiz Estrada Mario Arturo , Yap Su Fei , Park Donghyun
Published: June 2014

Natural hazards have a potentially large impact on economic growth, but measuring their economic impact is subject to a great deal of uncertainty. The central objective of this paper is to demonstrate a model—the natural disasters vulnerability evaluation (NDVE) model—that can be used to evaluate the impact of natural hazards on gross national product growth. The model is based on five basic indicators—natural hazards growth rates (αi), the national natural hazards vulnerability rate (ΩT), the natural disaster devastation magnitude rate (Π), the economic desgrowth rate (i.e. shrinkage of the economy) (δ), and the NHV surface. In addition, we apply the NDVE model to the north‐east Japan earthquake and tsunami of March 2011 to evaluate its impact on the Japanese economy.
Urban Service Delivery in Africa and the Role of International Assistance
Authors: Stren Richard
Published: June 2014

Sub‐Saharan African cities have been growing at historically unprecedented rates. Since the early 1970s, they have received considerable international assistance, involving a succession of major thematic objectives. The main agency involved in urban assistance has been the World Bank. But as its goals have changed, it has been obliged to operate increasingly through a decentralised, more democratically structured local‐government system. Overall, the success of this international‐assistance regime has been positive but modest, given the overwhelming needs of African cities. Still, African cities are increasingly finding solutions both co‐operatively and on their own.