bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clustering of GPS velocities in the Mojave Block, southeastern California
Authors: Savage J. C. , Simpson R. W.
Published: December 2012

We find subdivisions within the Mojave Block using cluster analysis to identify groupings in the velocities observed at GPS stations there. The clusters are represented on a fault map by symbols located at the positions of the GPS stations, each symbol representing the cluster to which the velocity of that GPS station belongs. Fault systems that separate the clusters are readily identified on such a map. The most significant representation as judged by the gap test involves 4 clusters within the Mojave Block. The fault systems bounding the clusters from east to west are 1) the faults defining the eastern boundary of the Northeast Mojave Domain extended southward to connect to the Hector Mine rupture, 2) the Calico‐Paradise fault system, 3) the Landers‐Blackwater fault system, and 4) the Helendale‐Lockhart fault system. This division of the Mojave Block is very similar to that proposed by Meade and Hager []. However, no cluster boundary coincides with the Garlock Fault, the northern boundary of the Mojave Block. Rather, the clusters appear to continue without interruption from the Mojave Block north into the southern Walker Lane Belt, similar to the continuity across the Garlock Fault of the shear zone along the Blackwater‐Little Lake fault system observed by Peltzer et al. []. Mapped traces of individual faults in the Mojave Block terminate within the block and do not continue across the Garlock Fault [Dokka and Travis, ].
A modeling study of seasonal variations of sea ice and plankton in the Bering and Chukchi Seas during 2007–2008
Authors: Wang Jia , Hu Haoguo , Goes Joaquim , Miksis‐Olds Jennifer , Mouw Colleen , D'Sa Eurico , Gomes Helga , Wang D. R. , Mizobata Kohei , Saitoh Sei‐ichi , Luo Lin
Published: December 2012

A nutrient (N), phytoplankton (P), zooplankton (Z), and detritus (D) ecosystem model coupled to an ice‐ocean model was applied to the Bering and Chukchi Seas for 2007–2008. The model reasonably reproduces the seasonal cycles of sea ice, phytoplankton, and zooplankton in the Bering–Chukchi Seas. The spatial variation of the phytoplankton bloom was predominantly controlled by the retreat of sea ice and the increased gradient of the water temperature from the south to the north. The model captures the basic structure of the measured nutrients and chl‐a along the Bering shelf during 4–23 July 2008, and along the Chukchi shelf during 5–12 August 2007. In summer 2008, the Green Belt bloom was not observed by either the satellite measurements or the model. The model‐data comparison and analysis reveal the complexity of the lower trophic dynamics in the Bering and Chukchi Seas. The complexity is due to the nature that the physical and biological components interact at different manners in time and space, even in response to a same climate forcing, over the physically distinct geographic settings such as in the Bering and North Aleutian Slopes, deep Bering basins, Bering shelf, and Chukchi Sea. Sensitivity studies were conducted to reveal the underlying mechanisms (i.e., the bottom‐up effects) of the Bering–Chukchi ecosystem in response to changes in light intensity, nutrient input from open boundaries, and air temperature. It was found that (1) a 10% increase in solar radiation or light intensity for the entire year has a small impact on the intensity and timing of the bloom in the physical–biological system since the light is not a limiting factor in the study region; (2) a 20% increase in nutrients from all the open boundaries results in an overall 7% increase in phytoplankton, with the Slope region being the largest, and the Bering shelf and Chukchi being the smallest; and (3) an increase in air temperature by 2°C over the entire calculation period can result in an overall increase in phytoplankton by 11%.
An unmixing algorithm for remotely sensed soil moisture
Authors: Ines Amor V. M. , Mohanty Binayak P. , Shin Yongchul
Published: December 2012

Key Points

An unmixing scheme for remote sensing soil moisture is developed

Stochastic unmixing provide soil‐crop combination at local scale

Unmixing method validated using airborne remote sensing data
Facilitated aggregation of FG nucleoporins under molecular crowding conditions
Authors: Milles Sigrid , Huy Bui Khanh , Koehler Christine , Eltsov Mikhail , Beck Martin , Lemke Edward A
Published: December 2012

Intrinsically disordered and phenylalanine–glycine‐rich nucleoporins (FG Nups) form a crowded and selective transport conduit inside the NPC that can only be transited with the help of nuclear transport receptors (NTRs). It has been shown in vitro that FG Nups can assemble into two distinct appearances, amyloids and hydrogels. If and how these phenomena are linked and if they have a physiological role still remains unclear. Using a variety of high‐resolution fluorescence and electron microscopic (EM) tools, we reveal that crowding conditions mimicking the NPC environment can accelerate the aggregation and amyloid formation speed of yeast and human FG Nups by orders of magnitude. Aggregation can be inhibited by NTRs, providing a rationale on how the cell might control amyloid formation of FG Nups. The superb spatial resolving power of EM also reveals that hydrogels are enlaced amyloid fibres, and these findings have implications for existing transport models and for NPC assembly.
Structure of the Atg12–Atg5 conjugate reveals a platform for stimulating Atg8–PE conjugation
Authors: Noda Nobuo N , Fujioka Yuko , Hanada Takao , Ohsumi Yoshinori , Inagaki Fuyuhiko
Published: December 2012

Atg12 is conjugated to Atg5 through enzymatic reactions similar to ubiquitination. The Atg12–Atg5 conjugate functions as an E3‐like enzyme to promote lipidation of Atg8, whereas lipidated Atg8 has essential roles in both autophagosome formation and selective cargo recognition during autophagy. However, the molecular role of Atg12 modification in these processes has remained elusive. Here, we report the crystal structure of the Atg12–Atg5 conjugate. In addition to the isopeptide linkage, Atg12 forms hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions with Atg5, thereby fixing its position on Atg5. Structural comparison with unmodified Atg5 and mutational analyses showed that Atg12 modification neither induces a conformational change in Atg5 nor creates a functionally important architecture. Rather, Atg12 functions as a binding module for Atg3, the E2 enzyme for Atg8, thus endowing Atg5 with the ability to interact with Atg3 to facilitate Atg8 lipidation.
Using Technology to Improve Access to Health Care for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Populations
Authors: Mashima Pauline A.
Published: December 2012

Important initiatives in health care include (a) improving access to services for disadvantaged populations, (b) providing equal access for individuals with limited or non-English proficiency, and (c) ensuring cultural competence of health-care providers to facilitate effective services for individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Minority Health, 2001). This article provides a brief overview of the use of technology by speech-language pathologists and audiologists to extend their services to underserved populations who live in remote geographic areas, or when cultural and linguistic differences impact service delivery.
Outcomes in mTBI: Clinical Considerations
Authors: Hollingsworth Amber
Published: December 2012

The clinical population of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is one in which reported difficulties often relate to very high-level cognitive, linguistic, motoric, and pragmatic function. It is a population that represents a rapidly expanding and transforming subset of overall clinical caseload and one in which attempts to measure recovery outcome must increasingly focus on a wide array of social, economic, academic, and employment criteria. This article aims to provide an overview of the types of outcome measures available, the benefits and limitations of each, and potential opportunities and barriers for their implementation in a clinical setting.
Videofluororadiographic Descriptors of Swallowing Physiology in Typical Rett Syndrome: Post-Regression Stabilization During Early Childhood
Authors: Abraham Suzanne S.
Published: December 2012

Typical or classic Rett syndrome (RTT) is the only pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder with a known chromosomal abnormality. Despite differences in clinical phenotype of girls with RTT who share the same gene mutation on chromosome X, there is commonality in the stages and core features of this profoundly disabling disorder, including the deterioration of acquired vocal behaviors and meaningful speech during the regression stage. The purpose of this article is to ascertain any commonality in the swallowing neurophysiology of a select sample of girls with typical RTT who were under the age of 5 years and had undergone the devastating effects of developmental regression.
Feeding Considerations in Infants With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Edwards Donna , Mayfield Emily , Simon Marni
Published: December 2012

Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) often demonstrate feeding difficulties greater than those of age-matched preterm infants. Clinicians must understand the nature of the underlying disease process and the implications to swallow function. The speech-language pathologist plays an integral role in optimizing positive feeding experiences in this patient population.
Food for Thought
Authors: Carnaby Giselle
Published: December 2012

The clinical dysphagia examination is the mainstay of evaluation methods for the working speech-language pathologist (SLP). It is cheap, accessible, simple to deliver, and consumes few resources (Carnaby-Mann & Lenius, 2008). Though it has often been criticized for its validity in comparison to the more costly videofluoroscopic assessment, it remains the “working SLP's” best friend when initially confronted with a patient's complaint of difficulty swallowing. This article will review the misconceptions related to the value of the clinical dysphagia assessment, and the role of the cranial nerve review component in the examination and, more broadly, in patient evaluation, care, and treatment planning.
Language and Behavior Disorders in School-Age Children: Comorbidity and Communication in the Classroom
Authors: Hollo Alexandra
Published: December 2012

Language development is the foundation for competence in social, emotional, behavioral, and academic performance. Although language impairment (LI) is known to co-occur with behavioral and mental health problems, LI is likely to be overlooked in school-age children with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD; Hollo, Wehby, & Oliver, in press). Because language deficits may contribute to the problem behavior and poor social development characteristic of children with EBD, the consequences of an undiagnosed language disorder can be devastating. Implications include the need to train school professionals to recognize communication deficits. Further, it is critically important that specialists collaborate to provide linguistic and behavioral support for students with EBD and LI.
Literature Circles and the SLP: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: McLellan Janet
Published: December 2012

Literature circles or book clubs are a component of many language arts programs in schools. These discussion groups offer students valuable opportunities to develop written and oral language skills. Speech-language pathologists can play an important role facilitating literacy and language growth in this challenging communicative context. In this article, I describe research supporting the use of literature circles and their theoretical underpinnings. Finally, I discuss supports that can be used in the classroom, direct intervention, and collaboration with other professionals.
Service Delivery Models Used With Adolescents: A Pilot Study
Authors: Salley Shannon Wade
Published: December 2012

Purpose: I surveyed ASHA-certified speech-language pathologists (SLPs) working in Virginia public schools to determine current practices used to treat the adolescent population.

Method: I used survey methodology to gather data. The survey was researcher-developed and focused on service delivery models used by SLPs working in the public school system in the state of Virginia.

Results: Results from this study revealed that SLPs who work in the public school system in Virginia continue to predominantly use traditional methods when serving adolescents.

Conclusions: Traditional models have proven less effective, and therefore, the development of different service delivery models—collaborative models, integrated models, and peer models—to help teach and reinforce content area material has been necessary. Implementing these new models has proved challenging. Therefore, the traditional pull-out model appears to be the service delivery model that SLPs continue to use when working with the adolescent population.
The affordability of prescription medicines in Australia: are copayments and safety net thresholds too high?
Authors: Searles Andrew , Doran Evan , Faunce Thomas A , Henry David
Published: December 2012

Objective.
To create and report survey-based indicators of the affordability of prescription medicines for patients in Australia.

Method.
A cross-sectional study of 1502 randomly selected participants in the Hunter Region of NSW, were interviewed by telephone.

Main outcome measure.
The self-reported financial burden of obtaining prescription medicines.

Results.
Data collection was completed with a response rate of 59.0%. Participants who had received and filled at least one prescription medicine in the previous 3 months, and eligible for analysis (n=952), were asked to self-report the level of financial burden from obtaining these medicines. Extreme and heavy financial burdens were reported by 2.1% and 6.8% of participants, respectively. A moderate level of burden was experienced by a further 19.5%. Low burden was recorded for participants who said that their prescription medicines presented either a slight burden (29.0%) or were no burden at all (42.6%).

Conclusion.
A substantial minority of participants who had obtained prescription medicines in the 3 months prior to survey experienced a level of financial burden from the cost of these medicines that was reported as being moderate to extreme.

What is known about the topic?
The Australian National Medicines Policy aims to, amongst other things, facilitate access to medicines at a cost that is affordable to individuals and the community. Copayments combined with the safety net and brand price premium are the main determinants of the amount that patients pay for PBS listed prescription medicines. Previous surveys have reported on selected aspects of medicine affordability in Australia and have shown some groups in the population experience difficulty with the cost of their medicines.

What does this paper add?
This paper develops and reports on a set of indicators that can be used to periodically measure the level of self-reported financial burden experienced by Australians when obtaining prescription medicines. The analysis assesses affordability issues for both general patients and patients who are able to access prescription medicines using a concession card.

What are the implications?
Our research suggests that, as they stand, the copayment and safety net thresholds are not protecting nearly one-third of Australian patients from financial burden. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation is required to ensure the copayment and safety net thresholds do not jeopardise the National Medicines Policy’s principle of equitable and affordable access to medicines.
Key role of organic carbon in the sunlight-enhanced atmospheric aging of soot by O2
Authors: Han Chong , Liu Yongchun , Ma Jinzhu , He Hong
Published: December 2012

Soot particles are ubiquitous in the atmosphere and have important climatic and health effects. The aging processes of soot during long-range transport result in variability in its morphology, microstructure, and hygroscopic and optical properties, subsequently leading to the modification of soot’s climatic and health effects. In the present study the aging process of soot by molecular O2under simulated sunlight irradiation is investigated. Organic carbon components on the surface of soot are found to play a key role in soot aging and are transformed into oxygen-containing organic species including quinones, ketones, aldehydes, lactones, and anhydrides. These oxygen-containing species may become adsorption centers of water and thus enhance the cloud condensation nuclei and ice nuclei activities of soot. Under irradiation of 25 mW·cm−2, the apparent rate constants (k1,obs) for loss or formation of species on soot aged by 20% O2were larger by factors of 1.5–3.5 than those on soot aged by 100 ppb O3. Considering the abundance of O2in the troposphere and its higher photoreactivity rate, the photochemical oxidation by O2under sunlight irradiation should be a very important aging process for soot.
Trends in Detection Rates of Risky Marijuana Use in Colorado Health Care Settings
Authors: Richmond Melissa K. , Page Katie , Rivera Laura S. , Reimann Brie , Fischer Leigh
Published: December 2012

Background

Over the past several years, many states, including Colorado, have approved medical marijuana legislation. There is concern that increased access to and visibility of medical marijuana may lead to harmful use.

Methods

This study examined changes in patients’ marijuana use in 12 health care settings through a statewide screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) initiative.

Results

Beginning in 2009, the odds of screening positive for risk-prone marijuana use significantly increased, coinciding with dramatic increases in use of Colorado's medical marijuana program. Young males were most likely to screen positive. Among users, there was a small, statistically significant increase in severity of use over time.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that health care providers may be serving increasing numbers of patients using marijuana for medical or recreational perposes.
Control of Flavobacterium psychrophilum: Tests of Erythromycin, Streptomycin, Osmotic and Thermal Shocks, and Rapid pH Change
Authors: Oplinger Randall W. , Wagner Eric J.
Published: December 2012

Flavobacterium psychrophilum, the etiological agent that causes bacterial coldwater disease, has been implicated in significant reductions in the numbers of salmonids reared at fish hatcheries. In this study, we performed a series of in vitro experiments to test the effectiveness of rapid temperature, pH, and osmotic pressure changes in killing three strains of the bacterium. We also evaluated the effectiveness of antibiotics (erythromycin, streptomycin, and a penicillin–streptomycin mixture) against F. psychrophilum. The bacterium tolerated temperatures of 40–50°C for up to 30 min (when acclimated to 15°C). The bacterium can survive lower temperatures for >60 min. Although temperatures ≥55°C appeared to kill F. psychrophilum on contact, we found that eyed eggs of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were not able to survive short (<60-s) exposures at these temperatures. We found that rapid changes in pH (15-min exposures to pH 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 7.0, 9.0, 10.0, and 11.0) and osmotic pressure (15-min exposures to 0, 6, 8, 10, 12% sodium chloride) were not effective at killing the bacterium. Erythromycin concentrations up to 2,000 mg/L for 15 min were also ineffective. However, streptomycin concentrations ≥5,000 mg/L killed the bacterium during a 15-min exposure. The combination of penicillin and streptomycin was also effective, killing the bacterium at doses as low as 2.5 × 106 IU penicillin + 2,500 mg/L streptomycin. Our trials demonstrate that elevated temperatures and the combination of penicillin and streptomycin can kill F. psychrophilum under in vitro conditions. Erythromycin and rapid changes in pH and osmotic pressure are not effective at killing the bacterium.

Received February 9, 2012; accepted August 6, 2012
Computational modelling of LY303511 and TRAIL-induced apoptosis suggests dynamic regulation of cFLIP
Authors: Shi Yuan , Mellier Gregory , Huang Sinong , White Jacob , Pervaiz Shazib , Tucker-Kellogg Lisa
Published: December 2012

Motivation: TRAIL has been widely studied for the ability to kill cancer cells selectively, but its clinical usefulness has been hindered by the development of resistance. Multiple compounds have been identified that sensitize cancer cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. The drug LY303511 (LY30), combined with TRAIL, caused synergistic (greater than additive) killing of multiple cancer cell lines. We used mathematical modelling and ordinary differential equations to represent how LY30 and TRAIL individually affect HeLa cells, and to predict how the combined treatment achieves synergy.

Results: Model-based predictions were compared with in vitro experiments. The combination treatment model was successful at mimicking the synergistic levels of cell death caused by LY30 and TRAIL combined. However, there were significant failures of the model to mimic upstream activation at early time points, particularly the slope of caspase-8 activation. This flaw in the model led us to perform additional measurements of early caspase-8 activation. Surprisingly, caspase-8 exhibited a transient decrease in activity after LY30 treatment, prior to strong activation. cFLIP, an inhibitor of caspase-8 activation, was up-regulated briefly after 30 min of LY30 treatment, followed by a significant down-regulation over prolonged exposure. A further model suggested that LY30-induced fluctuation of cFLIP might result from tilting the ratio of two key species of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. Computational modelling extracted novel biological implications from measured dynamics, identified time intervals with unexplained effects, and clarified the non-monotonic effects of the drug LY30 on cFLIP during cancer cell apoptosis.

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Contact:  LisaTK@nus.edu.sg or Shazib_Pervaiz@nuhs.edu.sg
High-resolution mapping, characterization, and optimization of autonomously replicating sequences in yeast
Authors: Liachko Ivan , Youngblood Rachel A. , Keich Uri , Dunham Maitreya J.
Published: December 2012

DNA replication origins are necessary for the duplication of genomes. In addition, plasmid-based expression systems require DNA replication origins to maintain plasmids efficiently. The yeast autonomously replicating sequence (ARS) assay has been a valuable tool in dissecting replication origin structure and function. However, the dearth of information on origins in diverse yeasts limits the availability of efficient replication origin modules to only a handful of species and restricts our understanding of origin function and evolution. To enable rapid study of origins, we have developed a sequencing-based suite of methods for comprehensively mapping and characterizing ARSs within a yeast genome. Our approach finely maps genomic inserts capable of supporting plasmid replication and uses massively parallel deep mutational scanning to define molecular determinants of ARS function with single-nucleotide resolution. In addition to providing unprecedented detail into origin structure, our data have allowed us to design short, synthetic DNA sequences that retain maximal ARS function. These methods can be readily applied to understand and modulate ARS function in diverse systems.
Re-investigation of lead(II) formate
Authors: Lanza Arianna , Gambirasi Arianna , Favaro Monica , Peruzzo Luca , Chiurato Matteo , Nestola Fabrizio
Published: December 2012

The crystal structure of the title compound, poly[di-μ4-formato-lead(II)], [Pb(HCOO)2]n, has been re-investigated. It consists of a three-dimensional polymeric network of Pb2+nodes connected by bridging formate anions. Despite having been described previously, the structural information available so far [Harrison & Steel (1982).J. Organomet. Chem.239, 105–113] is incomplete and the reportedPnmaspace group is incorrect. In this work, the space-group assignment toP212121is discussed and a complete description of the structural features of lead(II) formate is provided.
Equality-Based Comparison: How to Justify Democratic Institutions in the Real World
Authors: Ganghof Steffen
Published: December 2012

Political scientists regularly justify particular democratic institutions. This article explores two desiderata for such justifications. The first is a formal equality baseline which puts the burden of justification on those who favour more unequal institutions. This baseline is seen as an implication of the rule of law. The second desideratum, the comparison requirement, builds on the first: adequate justifications of particular institutions must compare them to the best alternative, and this comparison must consider the costs for political equality. The two desiderata are applied to political science debates about the proportionality of the electoral system and bicameral systems of legislative decision-making.
A Democracy of All Nature: Taking a Utopian Approach
Authors: Sargisson Lucy
Published: December 2012

This article offers a controversial argument, namely that a utopian approach adds something valuable to the study of politics. I develop this position by showing how utopian fiction and experimentation can contribute to a recent debate in environmental politics; the call for a democracy that ‘includes nature’. I argue that a utopian approach has limits – for example, it cannot provide all the answers or offer blueprints for a perfect world – but that it can create spaces in which to imagine a different and better political relationship. Simply put, a utopian approach can shift the parameters of what is conceivable.
A decision‐analytic Markov model to compare the cost–utility of anterior repair augmented with synthetic mesh compared with non‐mesh repair in women with surgically treated prolapse
Authors: Jacklin P , Duckett J
Published: December 2012

Objectives  To assess the cost‐effectiveness of a mesh‐augmented anterior vaginal wall repair compared with a non‐mesh fascial plication repair.

Design  Cost–utility analysis.

Setting  Data for outcomes of different surgical techniques were derived from systematic reviews and recent publications.

Methods  A decision‐analytic Markov model, developed in TreeAge Pro 2007®, was used to compare the cost–utility of mesh and non‐mesh anterior vaginal wall repairs. Sensitivity analysis was used to assess the impact of different scenarios and assumptions on results from the model.

Main outcome measure  Health outcomes were expressed in terms of quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs).

Results  Under base case assumptions at 5 years, the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) for mesh‐augmented anterior repairs was £15 million per QALY. Sensitivity analysis found no plausible model inputs that could make a mesh repair cost‐effective by conventional criteria. This was mostly because of the extra costs associated with the price of the mesh, treating mesh erosion and difficulty finding data that support a lower reoperation rate for mesh anterior wall repairs.

Conclusions  This model suggests that the use of mesh is not cost‐effective.
SNPgenotyping for detecting the ‘rare allele phenomenon’ in hybrid zones
Authors: Lammers Y. , Kremer D. , Brakefield P. M. , Groenenberg D. S. J. , Pirovano W. , Schilthuizen M.
Published: December 2012

Hybrid zones are regions where genetically distinct populations meet, mate and produce offspring. In such zones, genetically less compatible gene combinations are usually generated, resulting in reduced fitness, and hybrid zones are often maintained because of continuous removal of unfit genotypes, balanced by gene flow into the zone from the parental populations (and are then referred to as ‘tension zones’). Tension zones often display unexpectedly high frequencies of gene variants that are rare outside the zone. Previous work has shown that this ‘rare allele phenomenon’ is not the result of intragenic recombination or increased mutation rates. Further understanding of the population genetics of the phenomenon requires an approach in which both the numbers of individuals and the numbers of loci is increased. Here, we report an approach using a combination ofIllumina next‐generation sequencing and mass spectrophotometer genotyping to identify markers that may be used for genome‐wide investigations of the rare allele phenomenon. We test this approach on a hybrid zone in the land snailAlbinaria hippolytifrom Greece.
Nosema ceranae (Microsporidia), a controversial 21st century honey bee pathogen
Authors: Higes Mariano , Meana Aránzazu , Bartolomé Carolina , Botías Cristina , Martín‐Hernández Raquel
Published: December 2012

The worldwide beekeeping sector has been facing a grave threat, with losses up to 100–1000 times greater than those previously reported. Despite the scale of this honey bee mortality, the causes underlying this phenomenon remain unclear, yet they are thought to be multifactorial processes. Nosema ceranae, a microsporidium recently detected in the European bee all over the world, has been implicated in the global phenomenon of colony loss, although its role remains controversial. A review of the current knowledge about this pathogen is presented focussing on discussion related with divergent results, trying to analyse the differences specially based on different methodologies applied and divisive aspects on pathology while considering a biological or veterinarian point of view. For authors, the disease produced by N. ceranae infection cannot be considered a regional problem but rather a global one, as indicated by the wide prevalence of this parasite in multiple hosts. Not only does this type of nosemosis causes a clear pathology on honeybees at both the individual and colony levels, but it also has significant effects on the production of honeybee products.
Multidisciplinary approach to fetal adenocarcinoma of the lung: A case report
Authors: Giusti Raffaele , Iacono Daniela , Ida Paris , Ruco Luigi , Marchetti Paolo
Published: December 2012

This paper reports a case of high‐grade fetal lung adenocarcinoma with particularly aggressive clinical and biological features in a 57‐year‐old man. Our patient first underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery, and was then treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. Next, he had radiotherapy on the mediastinal region and prophylactic whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT). Following radiotherapy treatment, the patient started maintenance therapy with a somatostatin analogue. After 58 months of follow‐up he is asymptomatic and disease free.
Early thromboelastometric variables reliably predict maximum clot firmness in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a step towards earlier decision making
Authors: DIRKMANN D. , GÖRLINGER K. , DUSSE F. , KOTTENBERG E. , PETERS J.
Published: December 2012

Background

While much effort has been spent on guiding coagulation and transfusion therapy in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery, the use of conventional laboratory‐based coagulation tests is hampered by long turnaround times and interference with heparin and protamine. To allow faster assessment of maximum clot firmness (MCF) by point‐of‐care thromboelastometry (ROTEM®, TEM International GmbH, Munich, Germany), we tested whether clotting time (CT), clot formation time (CFT), or early values of clot firmness (CF) predict MCF.

Methods

Results of 437 ROTEM® assays (EXTEM®, INTEM®, FIBTEM®, and HEPTEM®) from 84 patients undergoing CPB surgery were analyzed. Measurements were performed prior to and after heparin administration, as well as after protamine administration and CT, CFT, and CF after 5, 10, and 15 min (A5, A10, and A15) after initial clotting (CT) were related to MCF.

Statistics

Regression and Bland–Altman analyses and receiver‐operating characteristics (ROCs).

Results

CFT (r = 0.87–0.95), A5 (r = 0.84−0.98; P < 0.0001), A10 (r = 0.86−0.98; P < 0.0001), and A15 (r = 0.86−0.98; P < 0.0001) demonstrated high correlation coefficients with MCF, whereas CT correlated weakly (r = 0.07−0.41). As expected, correlation coefficients increased with the time allowed to assess a specific variable. ROC analyses demonstrated excellent accuracy for CFT, A5, A10, and A15 [area under the curve (AUC): 0.9476−0.9931] to predict a subnormal MCF, whereas CT demonstrated poor accuracy (AUC: 0.5796−0.6774).

Conclusion

Taking into account specific bias, early values of CF (A5–A15) reliably predict maximum CF under all conditions and, therefore, allow for marked time savings in the interpretation of ROTEM® measurements. This may guide earlier and more specific treatment of CPB‐related coagulation disorders.
Fostering geospatial thinking in science education through a customisable smartphone application
Authors: Price Sara , Davies Paul , Farr William , Jewitt Carey , Roussos George , Sin George
Published: December 2012

Enhanced capabilities of modern smartphones offer the potential to design tools that support new forms of teaching and learning. Increased access to mobile‐networked environments and geospatial systems provide opportunities for developing new educational experiences that support a geospatial approach to science, fostering new ways of thinking about science. However, designing effective innovative educational mobile applications remains a challenge. Applications need to be accessible to teachers that are not tech‐savvy as well as those that are, foster active learning pedagogies, enable flexible and creative use, as well as fit within the curriculum. This paper describes a smartphone application developed together with pre‐service science teachers, designed to be customisable by teachers while supporting a geospatial approach to science education. The design process and trial illustrate application use, how it supports a geospatial approach to science education and raises issues around mobile technologies, teacher pedagogies and adoption.
Endothelial stress products and coagulation markers in patients with multiple myeloma treated with lenalidomide plus dexamethasone: an observational study
Authors: Rosovsky Rachel , Hong Fangxin , Tocco Deanna , Connell Brendan , Mitsiades Constantine , Schlossman Robert , Ghobrial Irene , Lockridge Leslie , Warren Diane , Bradwin Gary , Doyle Mary , Munshi Nikhil , Soiffer Robert J. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Weller Edie , Richardson Paul
Published: December 2012

In this prospective study of patients with relapsed or relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM) treated with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, relationships between markers of endothelial stress and drug administration and incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) were assessed. Of 33 enrolled patients, laboratory and treatment data were available for 32 patients. Of these, 23 received pulsed dexamethasone (40 mg/day on days 1–4, 9–12 and 17–21 of each 28‐day cycle) and 9 received weekly dexamethasone (40 mg/day on days 1, 8, 15 and 21 of each cycle). The overall incidence of VTE was 9%. A decreasing trend in markers values was observed with intercellular adhesion molecule (P = 0·05), fibrinogen (P = 0·008), plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (P < 0·001), homocysteine (P = 0·002) and P–selectin (P < 0·001) during therapy. Compared with weekly dexamethasone, pulsed dexamethasone was associated with significantly greater variation in mean adjusted relative values of fibrinogen, P‐selectin and vascular endothelial growth factor (P < 0·001 for all comparisons), although there was no apparent association with VTE incidence. Lenalidomide plus dexamethasone affects endothelial stress marker levels in patients with advanced MM. The higher variation seen with pulsed dexamethasone suggests greater endothelial stress with this approach.
Biomolecular Interactions of Small‐molecule Inhibitors Affecting the YopH Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase
Authors: Hogan Megan , Bahta Medhanit , Cherry Scott , Lountos George T. , Tropea Joseph E. , Zhao Bryan M. , Burke Terrence R. , Waugh David S. , Ulrich Robert G.
Published: December 2012

We have developed competitive and direct binding methods to examine small‐molecule inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatase activity. Focusing on the Yersinia pestis outer protein H, a potent bacterial protein tyrosine phosphatase, we describe how an understanding of the kinetic interactions involving Yersinia pestis outer protein H, peptide substrates, and small‐molecule inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatase activity can be beneficial for inhibitor screening, and we further translate these results into a microarray assay for high‐throughput screening.
Chemokines mediate ethanol-induced exacerbations of murine cockroach allergen asthma
Authors: Bouchard J C , Beal D R , Kim J , Vaickus L J , Remick D G
Published: December 2012

Asthma imposes considerable patient and economic burdens, with the most severe cases causing the greatest affliction. Identifying stimuli that worsen asthma severity is an essential step to controlling both disease morbidity and the lessening economic impact. This study provides the first mechanistic investigation into how acute ethanol exposure will increase asthma severity in a murine model of mild cockroach allergen (CRA)-induced asthma. Outbred mice were sensitized to induce mild allergic asthma, with intratracheal CRA exposures on days 0 and 14. On day 21 mice were gavaged with water or 32% ethanol, and the third allergen exposure was given 30 min post-gavage. Asthmatic responses were measured at several time-points up to 42 h after the third allergen challenge. Ethanol-gavaged mice showed increased asthma severity within 90 min post-allergen challenge, with exacerbations lasting for 24 h. Ethanol caused greater airways obstruction, including an eightfold increase in epithelial cell mucin and increased mucus plugs, resulting in a 50% reduction in bronchiole patency. Ethanol gavage also induced significant increases in airways hyperreactivity. While T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th2 cytokines were not altered by ethanol gavage, pulmonary neutrophil and eosinophil recruitment were augmented. This increase was associated with increased chemokine production. Administration 2 h prior to ethanol gavage of a neutralizing antibody cocktail to keratinocyte-derived chemokine, macrophage inflammatory protein-2, eotaxin-1 and eotaxin-2 prevented ethanol-induced eosinophil recruitment and airways hyperreactivity. These data provide evidence that acute alcohol exposure immediately prior to a mild allergen-triggered asthmatic episode will exacerbate asthma severity mediated by increased production of chemokines.
A corticoid-sensitive cytokine release assay for monitoring stress-mediated immune modulation
Authors: Feuerecker M , Mayer W , Kaufmann I , Gruber M , Muckenthaler F , Yi B , Salam A P , Briegel J , Schelling G , Thiel M , Choukèr A
Published: December 2012

The human immune system is orchestrated in a complex manner and protects the host against invading organisms and controls adequate immune responses to different antigen challenges in an endo-, auto- and paracrine-regulated fashion. The variety and intensity of immune responses are known to be dependent on stress-sensitive neural, humoral and metabolic pathways. The delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin test was a validated and standardized measure applied in clinical studies to monitor the integral function of cellular immune responses in vivo. The DTH skin test was, however, phased out in 2002. To obtain insight into the mechanisms of stress-sensitive immune reactions, we have developed an alternative in-vitro assay which allows the evaluation of antigen-dependent cellular immune responses triggered by T lymphocytes. The change in the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines in supernatant of the blood–antigen mixture is of particular interest to mirror the degree and adequacy of cellular immune responses. In this study we report that the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-2, interferon (IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α show a time-dependent increase upon ex-vivo bacterial, viral and fungal antigen stimulations. Furthermore, evidence is provided that this assay is sensitive to mirror stress hormone-mediated immune modulation in humans as shown either after hydrocortisone injection or after acute stress exposure during free fall in parabolic flight. This in-vitro test appears to be a suitable assay to sensitively mirror stress hormone-dependent inhibition of cellular immune responses in the human. Because of its standardization and relatively simple technical handling, it may also serve as an appropriate research tool in the field of psychoneuroendocrinology in clinical as in field studies.
Intimate partner violence and women's experiences of grief
Authors: Messing Jill Theresa , Mohr Rebeca , Durfee Alesha
Published: December 2012

A greater understanding of women's emotional and behavioural responses to intimate partner violence (IPV) may be aided by an examination of the grief course. Women going through the process of leaving their abusers, like women leaving non‐violent partners, experience grief during and at the termination of their relationship, even if they feel relief at the cessation of violence. Through qualitative interviews with 14 female survivors ofIPV, we critically examine the utility ofKubler‐Ross' grief model to understand how women come to terms with their experiences of violence and the end of their violent relationships. Results suggest thatKubler‐Ross' model helps explain the emotional reactions and decision‐making ofIPVsurvivors in regard to staying, leaving and returning to their partners. While a model developed to explain grief due to death may not entirely explain the reactions ofIPVsurvivors going through the process of leaving abusive partners, and does not account for psychological reactions to trauma, social workers and mental‐health professionals can use this grief model as a framework to better tailor services to survivors ofIPV.
Cardiac power output and its response to exercise in athletes and non‐athletes
Authors: Klasnja Aleksandar V. , Jakovljevic Djordje G. , Barak Otto F. , Popadic Gacesa Jelena Z. , Lukac Damir D. , Grujic Nikola G.
Published: December 2012

Cardiac power output (CPO) is an integrative measure of overall cardiac function as it accounts for both, flow‐ and pressure‐generating capacities of the heart. The purpose of the present study was twofold: (i) to assess cardiac power output and its response to exercise in athletes and non‐athletes and (ii) to determine the relationship between cardiac power output and reserve and selected measures of cardiac function and structure. Twenty male athletes and 32 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy sedentary controls participated in this study. CPO was calculated as the product of cardiac output and mean arterial pressure, expressed in watts. Measures of hemodynamic status, cardiac structure and pumping capability were assessed by echocardiography. CPO was assessed at rest and after peak bicycle exercise. At rest, the two groups had similar values of cardiac power output (1·08 ± 0·2 W versus 1·1 ± 0·24 W, P>0·05), but the athletes demonstrated lower systolic blood pressure (109·5 ± 6·2 mmHg versus 117·2 ± 8·2 mmHg, P<0·05) and thicker posterior wall of the left ventricle (9·8 ± 1 mm versus 9 ± 1·1 mm, P<0·05). Peak CPO was higher in athletes (5·87 ± 0·75 W versus 5·4 ± 0·69 W, P<0·05) as was cardiac reserve (4·92 ± 0·66 W versus 4·26 ± 0·61 W, P<0·05), respectively. Peak exercise CPO and reserve were only moderately correlated with end‐diastolic volume (r = 0·54; r = 0·46, P<0·05) and end‐diastolic left ventricular internal diameter (r = 0·48; r = 0·42, P<0·05), respectively. Athletes demonstrated greater maximal cardiac pumping capability and reserve than non‐athletes. The study provides new evidence that resting measures of cardiac structure and function need to be considered with caution in interpretation of maximal cardiac performance.
Gender differences in the long‐term outcome of alcohol dependence treatments: An analysis of twenty‐year prospective follow up
Authors: Bravo Fabián , Gual Antoni , Lligoña Anna , Colom Joan
Published: December 2012

Introduction and Aims

Women are underrepresented in long‐term studies of alcohol dependence. While gender differences in drinking behaviour have been observed when starting treatment, very few studies have investigated gender differences in long‐term drinking outcomes. This paper evaluates gender differences in the long‐term outcome of patients treated for alcohol dependence.

Design and Methods

A cohort of 850 outpatients (19% women, age 39 ± 9 years) treated for alcohol dependence in specialist centres of Catalonia (Spain) were followed up prospectively for 20 years. Covariance analysis was used to assess gender differences at 1, 5, 10 and 20 years in drinking behaviour, psychosocial stress and social functioning (Axes 4 and 5 of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition, Revised). We evaluated gender differences in drinking trajectories using a multilevel model controlling for basal differences.

Results

Women started treatment earlier in their drinking career, with more symptoms of dependence. In the first year they remained in treatment longer and had more clinic visits. Women presented lower alcohol consumption than men at baseline, 5 and 10 years, and similar levels of stress and psychosocial functioning. When basal alcohol consumption, length of treatment and employment were controlled, female gender predicted less drinking at year 1 and a drinking trajectory closer to abstinence between 1 and 20 years.

Discussion and Conclusions

Increased severity of alcohol dependence in women starting treatment was not associated with a worse prognosis. Women did better while under treatment and achieved a better long‐term drinking outcome. Gender differences were not relevant concerning psychosocial stress and social functioning. [Fabián Bravo, Antoni Gual, Anna Lligoña, Joan Colom. Gender differences in the long‐term outcome of alcohol dependence treatments: An analysis of twenty‐year prospective follow up. Drug Alcohol Rev 2013;32:381–388]