bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association analysis of polymorphisms in OAS1 with susceptibility and severity of hand, foot and mouth disease
Authors: Cai Y. , Chen Q. , Zhou W. , Chu C. , Ji W. , Ding Y. , Xu J. , Ji Z. , You H. , Wang J.
Published: July 2014

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common childhood illness that mainly affects Asian children under the age of 5 years. Human enterovirus 71 (EV71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) are the most common pathogens of HFMD. It is imperative that the susceptible population is screened early and that the severe illness population can be identified via genetic variation detection in children. Four single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) [2′‐5′‐oligoadenylate synthetase1 (OAS1) rs10774671, selectin P ligand (SELPLG) rs2228315, scavenger receptor class B member 2 (SCARB2) rs41284767 and interleukin 28B (IL28B) rs12979860] were determined by Taqman assays in 333 HFMD samples and 163 control samples. The rs2228315, rs41284767 and rs12979860 polymorphisms did not differ significantly between HFMD patients and the controls, but the prevalence of the rs10774671 polymorphism was significantly different between the control children and children infected with CA16 (GG genotype vs. AA + AG genotype, P < 0.05). Children with the GG genotype were more susceptible to CA16‐type HFMD. Furthermore, the rs10774671 genotype distribution was clearly different between children with severe HFMD and those with mild HFMD [P < 0.05, OR 0.240, 95% CI (0.071–0.809)]. HFMD children with the AA+AG genotype were more likely to progress to encephalitis than were those with the GG genotype. Plasma γ‐interferon (IFN) expression levels among control children and the mild and severe HFMD children were detected by ELISA. Those with mild HFMD had higher γ‐IFN expression levels compared with those with severe HFMD (P < 0.05). In addition, there is a significant correlation between γ‐IFN levels and OAS1 rs10774671 SNP, as analysed by linear correlation assay. The GG genotype correlated with higher γ‐IFN levels (P < 0.05). In short, the OAS1 rs10774671 SNP GG genotype contributed to CA16 susceptibility and was associated with the development of mild HFMD.
Is Stereotype Threat a Useful Construct for Organizational Psychology Research and Practice?
Authors: Kalokerinos Elise K. , von Hippel Courtney , Zacher Hannes
Published: July 2014

Stereotypes about different groups persist in organizations. Employees from such groups may experiencestereotype threat, or the concern that they are being judged on the basis of demeaning stereotypes about groups to which they belong. The goal of this focal article is to discuss whether stereotype threat is a useful construct for organizational psychology research and practice. To this end, we focus on consequences other than acute performance deficits in laboratory settings. In particular, we examine studies that highlight the effects of stereotype threat on intrapersonal outcomes (e.g., job attitudes), interpersonal outcomes (e.g., negotiation), and on the relationship between employees and their organization. The research reviewed suggests that stereotype threat is a potentially important phenomenon in organizations, but it also highlights the paucity of research in an organizational context. We provide suggestions for future research directions as well as for the prevention and amelioration of stereotype threat in the workplace.
Regulation of smooth muscle actin—myosin interaction and force by calponin
Authors: WINDER S.J. , ALLEN B.G. , CLÉMENT‐CHOMIENNE O. , WALSH M.P.
Published: July 2014

Smooth muscle contraction is regulated primarily by the reversible phosphorylation of myosin triggered by an increase in sarcoplasmic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i). Contraction can, however, be modulated by other signal transduction pathways, one of which involves the thin filament‐associated protein calponin. The h1 (basic) isoform of calponin binds to actin with high affinity and is expressed specifically in smooth muscle at a molar ratio to actin of 1: 7. Calponin inhibits (i) the actin‐activated MgATPase activity of smooth muscle myosin (the cross‐bridge cycling rate) via its interaction with actin, (ii) the movement of actin filaments over immobilized myosin in the in vitro motility assay, and (iii) force development or shortening velocity in permeabilized smooth muscle strips and single cells. These inhibitory effects of calponin can be alleviated by protein kinase C (PKC)‐catalysed phosphorylation and restored following dephosphorylation by a type 2A phosphatase. Three physiological roles of calponin can be considered based on its in vitro functional properties: (i) maintenance of relaxation at resting [Ca2+]i, (ii) energy conservation during prolonged contractions, and (iii) Ca2+‐independent contraction mediated by phosphorylation of calponin by PKCε, a Ca2+‐independent isoenzyme of PKC.
Molecular control of vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation
Authors: OWENS G.K.
Published: July 2014

Changes in the differentiated state of the vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) including enhanced growth responsiveness, altered lipid metabolism, and increased matrix production are known to play a key role in development of atherosclerotic disease. As such, there has been extensive interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms and factors that regulate differentiation of vascular SMC, and how this regulation might be disrupted in vascular disease. Key questions include determination of mechanisms that control the coordinate expression of genes required for the differentiated function of the smooth muscle cell, and determination as to how these regulatory processes are influenced by local environmental cues known to be important in control of smooth muscle differentiation. Of particular interest, a number of common cis regulatory elements including highly conserved CArG [CC(A/T)6GG] motifs or CArG‐like motifs and a TGFβ control element have been identified in the promoters of virtually all smooth muscle differentiation marker genes characterized to date including smooth muscle α‐actin, smooth muscle myosin heavy chain, telokin, and SM22α and shown to be required for expression of these genes both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, studies have identified a number of trans factors that interact with these cis elements, and shown how the expression or activity of these factors is modified by local environmental cues such as contractile agonists that are known to influence differentiation of smooth muscle.
The affordable care act: Implementation and implications for addiction specialty care
Authors: McCance‐Katz Elinore F. , Rabiner Chana A. , Rivers Jacquelyn L.A.
Published: July 2014

Converging in 2015 are the implementation of key pieces of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the implementation of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition (ICD‐10). The implications for addiction care in the United States are substantial. This editorial discusses opportunities and challenges presented by these major changes to medicine and addiction specialty care. (Am J Addict 2014;23:429–430)
‘A Doctrine Quite New and Altogether Untenable’: Defending the Beneficiary Pays Principle
Authors: Butt Daniel
Published: July 2014

This article explores the ethical architecture of the ‘beneficiary pays’ principle, which holds that agents can come to possess remedial obligations of corrective justice to others through the involuntary receipt of benefits stemming from injustice. Advocates of the principle face challenges of both persuasion and limitation in seeking to convince those unmoved of its normative force, and to explain in which cases of benefiting from injustice it does and does not give rise to rectificatory obligations. The article considers ways in which advocates of the principle might seek to win over those sceptical of its merits by employing a modified principle which sidesteps the issue of enforceability, before considering the question of whether the argument can be expanded from cases of benefiting from wrongdoing specifically to other sorts of situation where one agent involuntarily benefits from another's loss.
Hate Crimes and Human Rights Violations
Authors: Brudholm Thomas
Published: July 2014

The discourse of hate crime has come to Europe, supported not least by international human rights actors and security and policy organisations. In this article, I argue that there is a need for a philosophical response to challenging claims about the conceptualisation and classification of hate crime. First, according to several scholars, hate crime is extraordinarily difficult to conceptualise and there is a fatigue among practitioners caused by the lack of clarity and consensus in the field. I agree that there is a need, not for additional definitions, but for a more comprehensive conceptual framework, that may help us think more clearly about given definitions of hate crime; about their basic structure, cross‐cutting problems, and possible variations. Supplying such a conceptual perspective represents a timely task for applied philosophy. I engage with this by offering a four‐tiered concept of hate crime. Second, the involvement of human rights actors in the consolidation of hate crime law and policy in Europe has supported the classification of hate crime as a human rights violation. Ultimately, what is at stake is not only our understanding of hate crime, but also our maintenance of a precise and pointed discourse on human rights violations. I argue that we should hesitate or even abstain from classifying hate crime as a human rights violation, and that doing so is compatible with taking both hate crimes and human rights seriously.
Effects of pool isolation on trophic ecology of fishes in a highland stream
Authors: Christian J. M. , Adams G. L.
Published: July 2014

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of pool isolation on fish diet and to answer three questions: Were food resources different or reduced in isolated compared with connected pools? Were fishes more selective and did they increase resource partitioning in isolated pools? Would individuals exhibit increased gastrointestinal tract (GIT) length in isolation to aid nutrient absorption? Benthic macroinvertebrate density and richness were significantly lower in isolated pools compared with connected pools; fishes became more selective and partitioned resources more in isolated pools and all three species showed an increase in GIT length in isolated pools compared with connected pools. With a changing climate predicted to increase intermittency within headwater streams, the results show that these fishes have the adaptive ability to respond and continue to survive.
Isolation and characterization of eight microsatellite loci in the brook lamprey Lampetra planeri (Petromyzontiformes) using 454 sequence data
Authors: Schedina I. M. , Pfautsch S. , Hartmann S. , Dolgener N. , Polgar A. , Bianco P. G. , Tiedemann R. , Ketmaier V.
Published: July 2014

Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed for the brook lamprey Lampetra planeri through 454 sequencing and their usefulness was tested in 45 individuals of both L. planeri and the river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis. The number of alleles per loci ranged between two and five; the Italian and Irish populations had a mean expected heterozygosity of 0·388 and 0·424 and a mean observed heterozygosity of 0·418 and 0·411, respectively.
Effects of VIE tagging and partial tissue sampling on the immune response of three‐spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus
Authors: Henrich T. , Hafer N. , Mobley K. B.
Published: July 2014

A 14 day experiment on effects of visible implant elastomer (VIE) tagging and spine‐clipping of three‐spined stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus showed significant increases in immune response, particularly in the granulocyte:lymphocyte ratio, in both treatments and the sham control. A minimum two‐week recovery after handling, anaesthesia, tagging and spine‐clipping is recommended to minimize effect of manipulation on the immune system.
Reciprocal Associations Among Maternal and Child Characteristics of At‐Risk Families: A Longitudinal Actor–Partner Interdependence Model
Authors: Claridge Amy M. , Wojciak Armeda S. , Lettenberger‐Klein Cassandra G. , Pettigrew Haley V. , McWey Lenore M. , Chaviano Casey L.
Published: July 2014

Researchers have found linear associations among maternal and child characteristics. However, family systems theorists suggest that relationships are more complex and family members are interdependent. We used actor–partner interdependence modeling to unravel associations among maternal and child characteristics to predict outcomes in adolescence. We used data from 361 mother–child dyads from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect and found both actor and partner effects. Maternal depression and history of victimization were associated with children's later reports of lower mother–adolescent relationship quality. Children's perceptions of relationship quality were also associated with mothers' later depressive symptoms and perceptions of relationship quality. Overall, results highlighted interdependence among mothers and their children over time. We discuss implications for marriage and family therapists.
Conditional Inference Trees: A Method for Predicting Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Salis Katie Lee , Kliem Soren , O'Leary K. Daniel
Published: July 2014

A number of different methodologies have been employed to investigate the complex relationship between psychological and physical aggression. Herein, a method of unbiased recursive partitioning (conditional inference trees) was applied to a longitudinal sample to identify cutoffs of psychological aggression at baseline that differentiate between individuals who do and do not perpetrate physical aggression at follow‐up. The algorithm categorized men into low‐ and high‐risk groups, and women into mild‐, moderate‐, or high‐risk categories of perpetration. Couples responded anonymously to a self‐report measure of psychological and physical aggression (CTS2) at baseline and a 12‐month follow‐up. Sensitivity analyses for predicting physical aggression reached as high as 59% for women and 60% for men.
Vascular Imaging Before Intravenous Thrombolysis: Consequences of In‐Hospital Delay in Applying Two Diagnostic Procedures
Authors: Pastor Andrés García , Otero Fernando Díaz , Navarro Silvia Gil , Cuello Juan Pablo , García Pilar Sobrino , Arratibel Amaia García , Mohedano Ana María Iglesias , Alen Pilar Vázquez , Bullido Yolanda Fernandez , Osorio Jose Antonio Villanueva , Nuñez Antonio Gil
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Vascular imaging is increasingly used for diagnosis of arterial occlusions in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Our aim was to determine whether computed tomography angiography (CTA) and Doppler/duplex ultrasound (DUS) before intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) is associated with a delay in time‐to‐treatment.

METHODS

Observational analysis of a prospective cohort of AIS patients treated with IVT from January 2009 to December 2012. Patients were classified into three groups: the noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) group (patients studied only with NCCT before IVT), CTA group (patients who underwent CTA in addition to NCCT), and the DUS group (patients studied with NCCT+DUS).

RESULTS

We treated 244 patients: 116 patients (47.5%) were studied with NCCT, 79 (32.4%) with CTA, and 49 (20.1%) with DUS. Door‐to‐needle time was significantly higher in the CTA group (median 60 [48‐77] minutes) than in the NCCT group (51.5 [40‐65]) and DUS group (48 [42‐61]) (P = .008). No differences were observed for onset‐to‐door time and onset‐to‐needle time. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, onset‐to‐door time, prehospital stroke code activation, and performance of CTA influenced door‐to‐needle time.

CONCLUSIONS

Performing CTA before IVT seems to increase door‐to‐needle time. Vascular imaging based on DUS should be considered only if this does not lead to in‐hospital delay.
Distinct MR Imaging Features of Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer with Brain Metastasis
Authors: Yeh Ren‐Hua , Yu Jyh‐Cherng , Chu Chi‐Hong , Ho Ching‐Liang , Kao Hung‐Wen , Liao Guo‐Shiou , Chen Ho‐Wen , Kao Woei‐Yau , Yu Cheng‐Ping , Chao Tsu‐Yi , Dai Ming‐Shen
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Patients with triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) are at increased risk of brain metastases (BMs). In this retrospective single‐institutional study, we assessed the radiographic features from a cohort of breast cancer (BC) patients with confirmed BM.

METHODS

Women diagnosed with BC with BM from January 1, 1996 to May 31, 2012 were identified through institutional databases. Relevant medical records were reviewed to assess patterns of recurrence, treatment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of BM, and survival after BM. The MRI finding of BM was classified as solid, necrotic, leptomeningeal spread, or mixed type. We assigned the patient into three groups according to histologic subtype of primary BC.

RESULTS

In total, 62 patients, median age 53 years (range 20‐78), were identified and specific treatment for BM consisted of radiotherapy, surgical resection, and systemic chemotherapy. The initial stage, post‐BM survival and overall survival were not significantly different. However, cystic necrotic BMs appeared on MR images were significantly more associated with the TNBC group.

CONCLUSION

Patients with BMs from TNBC have distinct MRI features helping the assessment of newly developed BM. A large confirmatory study with correlated histology in this unique patient population will be required.
Central Aortic Pressure and Pulsatility Index in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kim Jeong Yeon , Bushnell Cheryl D. , Park Joong Hyun , Han Seung Min , Im Jin Hee , Han Sang Won , Baik Jong Sam , Park Jae Hyeon
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

We investigated the relationship between transcranial Doppler (TCD) pulsatility index (PI) and central aortic pressure by measurement of the aortic augmentation index (AIx).

METHODS

We enrolled 148 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke. Patients were eligible for the study if they experienced their first ischemic stroke within the preceding 7 days and were 45 years of age or older. At Day 7 (±2) after stroke onset, TCD studies were performed and AIx was measured by applanation tonometry on the same days.

RESULTS

The mean age was 66.3 (47–90) years and 37.8% were women. The mean middle cerebral artery (MCA) PI was significantly related with age (r =.361), hypertension (r = .184), peripheral systolic blood pressure (SBP; r = .211), peripheral pulse pressure (PP; r = .396), aortic SBP (r = .184), aortic DBP (r = –.181), and aortic PP (r = .371). The basilar artery (BA) PI was significantly related with age (r = .311), peripheral DBP (r = –.267), peripheral PP (r = .358), aortic DBP (r = –.266), and aortic PP (r = .347).

CONCLUSIONS

TCD PI was significantly related with central aortic pressure, especially PP. The PI in the MCA and BA is closely associated with the pulsatile component of BP in the systemic circulation.
Hepatic expression of miR‐122, miR‐126, miR‐136 and miR‐181a and their correlation to histopathological and clinical characteristics of patients with hepatitis C
Authors: Boštjančič E. , Bandelj E. , Luzar B. , Poljak M. , Glavač D.
Published: July 2014

It has been shown for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection that host miRNAs contribute to the replication of the viral RNA genome. However, the clinical impact of these and many other cellular miRNAs on HCV in humans is still largely unclear. We therefore analysed the expression of miR‐122, miR‐126, miR‐181a and miR‐136 in HCV‐infected patients. The study included liver biopsies of 65 patients infected with HCV of different genotypes (gt 1, gt 1a, gt 1b, gt 3 and gt 4) and nine noninfected individuals. Expression analysis of miRNAs was performed by qPCR, and they were analysed for differences between patient gender and age, genotypes, stage of fibrosis, grade of inflammation, serum level of liver enzymes, serum viral load, the presence of steatosis and mode of transmission. Different target prediction algorithms were used to search for targets of analyzed miRNAs. Statistical analysis revealed significant up‐regulation of miR‐136 and down‐regulation of miR‐126 and miR‐181a in patients infected with HCV of different genotypes compared with noninfected individuals. The same expression pattern was observed in different stages and grades of liver disease. miR‐122 was up‐regulated in women relative to men and associated to portal inflammation, miR‐122 and miR‐126 correlated with serum HCV load and miR‐136 and miR‐122 correlated with the presence of steatosis. miR‐126 and miR‐136 were differentially expressed between different modes of HCV transmission. There were approximately 2000 different targets predicted for all four miRNAs and each of the analyzed miRNAs could be involved in more than a 100 different biochemical pathways. miR‐122, miR‐126, miR‐136 and miR‐181a have been shown to be involved in HCV infection with different genotypes. Their expression has been associated with the gender, stage and grade of liver disease, mode of transmission, serum HCV load and the presence of steatosis. Numerous target genes and biochemical pathways are predicted for each of the analyzed miRNAs. All these results suggest their role in HCV‐infected liver disease.
Comparative phylogeography and population genetic structure of three widespread mollusc species in the Mediterranean and near Atlantic
Authors: Fernández Rosa , Lemer Sarah , McIntyre Erin , Giribet Gonzalo
Published: July 2014

Although several studies have evaluated the genetic structure and phylogeographic patterns in many species of marine invertebrates, a general model that applies to all of them remains elusive. For example, some species present an admixture of populations with high gene flow, whereas others exhibit more complex patterns characterized by small‐scale unstructured genetic heterogeneity, even at a local scale. These differences are thought to be due to clear biological aspects such as direct versus indirect development, or the presence of lecithotrophic versus planktotrophic larvae, but few studies compare animals with similar distributions and life modes. Here, we explore the phylogeographic and genetic structure patterns in two chiton (Chiton olivaceus and Lepidopleurus cajetanus) and one abalone (Haliotis tuberculata) species co‐occurring in the same habitat. Samples were obtained from shallow rocky bottoms along the Iberian Peninsula (Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts), Italy, Croatia and Greece, and the mitochondrial markers COI and 16S rRNA gene were sequenced. Our data show evidence of admixture and population expansion in C. olivaceus and H. tuberculata, whereas L. cajetanus exhibited a ‘chaotic patchiness’ pattern defined by a high genetic variability with locality‐exclusive haplotypes, high genetic divergence, and a lack of geographic structure. Shared haplotypes were sampled in both coasts of Iberia (for H. tuberculata) and in the Western and Eastern Mediterranean (for C. olivaceus), potentially indicating high dispersal ability and a recent expansion. The processes underlying the fine‐scale structuring in L. cajetanus remain a mystery. These results are especially interesting because the reproductive mode of the two chitons is similar but differs from that of the abalone, with a veliger larva, while instead the genetic structure of C. olivaceus and H. tuberculata are similar, thus contrasting with predictions based on the life history of the three molluscs and showing that the genetic patterns of marine species may be shaped by many factors, including historical ones.
Phylogeography of Chinese house mice (Mus musculus musculus/castaneus): distribution, routes of colonization and geographic regions of hybridization
Authors: Jing Meidong , Yu Hon‐Tsen , Bi Xiaoxin , Lai Yung‐Chih , Jiang Wei , Huang Ling
Published: July 2014

House mice (Mus musculus) are human commensals and have served as a primary model in biomedical, ecological and evolutionary research. Although there is detailed knowledge of the biogeography of house mice in Europe, little is known of the history of house mice in China, despite the fact that China encompasses an enormous portion of their range. In the present study, 535 house mice caught from 29 localities in China were studied by sequencing the mitochondrial D‐loop and genotyping 10 nuclear microsatellite markers distributed on 10 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two evolutionary lineages corresponding to Mus musculus castaneus and Mus musculus musculus in the south and north, respectively, with the Yangtze River approximately representing the boundary. More detailed analyses combining published sequence data from mice sampled in neighbouring countries revealed the migration routes of the two subspecies into China: M. m. castaneus appeared to have migrated through a southern route (Yunnan and Guangxi), whereas M. m. musculus entered China from Kazakhstan through the north‐west border (Xinjiang). Bayesian analysis of mitochondrial sequences indicated rapid population expansions in both subspecies, approximately 4650–9300 and 7150–14 300 years ago for M. m. castaneus and M. m. musculus, respectively. Interestingly, the migration routes of Chinese house mice coincide with the colonization routes of modern humans into China, and the expansion times of house mice are consistent with the development of agriculture in southern and northern China, respectively. Finally, our study confirmed the existence of a hybrid zone between M. m. castaneus and M. m. musculus in China. Further study of this hybrid zone will provide a useful counterpart to the well‐studied hybrid zone between M. m. musculus and Mus musculus domesticus in central Europe.
Stimulation of colonic motility by oral PEG electrolyte bowel preparation assessed by MRI: comparison of split vs single dose
Authors: Marciani L. , Garsed K. C. , Hoad C. L. , Fields A. , Fordham I. , Pritchard S. E. , Placidi E. , Murray K. , Chaddock G. , Costigan C. , Lam C. , Jalanka‐Tuovinen J. , De Vos W. M. , Gowland P. A. , Spiller R. C.
Published: July 2014

Background

Most methods of assessing colonic motility are poorly acceptable to patients. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can monitor gastrointestinal motility and fluid distributions. We predicted that a dose of oral polyethylene glycol (PEG) and electrolyte solution would increase ileo‐colonic inflow and stimulate colonic motility. We aimed to investigate the colonic response to distension by oral PEG electrolyte in healthy volunteers (HVs) and to evaluate the effect of single 2 L vs split (2 × 1 L) dosing.

Methods

Twelve HVs received a split dose (1 L the evening before and 1 L on the study day) and another 12 HVs a single dose (2 L on the main study day) of PEG electrolyte. They underwent MRI scans, completed symptom questionnaires, and provided stool samples. Outcomes included small bowel water content, ascending colon motility index, and regional colonic volumes.

Key Results

Small bowel water content increased fourfold from baseline after ingesting both split (p = 0.0010) and single dose (p = 0.0005). The total colonic volume increase from baseline was smaller for the split dose at 35 ± 8% than for the single dose at 102 ± 27%, p = 0.0332. The ascending colon motility index after treatment was twofold higher for the single dose group (p = 0.0103).

Conclusions & Inferences

Ingestion of 1 and 2 L PEG electrolyte solution caused a rapid increase in the small bowel and colonic volumes and a robust rise in colonic motility. The increase in both volumes and motility was dose dependent. Such a challenge, being well‐tolerated, could be a useful way of assessing colonic motility in future studies.
Cardiac Implanted Electronic Device‐Related Infective Endocarditis: Clinical Features, Management, and Outcomes of 80 Consecutive Patients
Authors: KIM DAVID H. , TATE JESALYN , DRESEN WILLIAM F. , PAPA FRANK C. , BLOCH KAREN C. , KALAMS SPYROS A. , ELLIS CHRISTOPHER R. , BAKER MICHAEL T. , LENIHAN DANIEL J. , MENDES LISA A.
Published: July 2014

Background

The use of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) has expanded dramatically over the past decade, but net clinical benefit has been curtailed by increasing infectious complications. In particular, CIED‐related infectious endocarditis (IE) is a serious condition with significant morbidity and mortality.

Methods

We performed a single‐center, retrospective study between July 2006 and February 2011 with CIED‐related IE, defined by either lead vegetations detected on echocardiography or by fulfilling Duke criteria for definite endocarditis. Clinical parameters and outcomes were detailed by electronic medical record review and vital status was confirmed by the Social Security Death Index.

Results

Eighty patients (median age 67, interquartile range 56–75, 58 M/22 F) were diagnosed with CIED‐related IE. Overall mortality was 36% with a median time to death of 95 days from presentation. Over half (52%) of the deaths were infection related with a median time to death of 29 days. Multivariate analysis showed methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection (odds ratio [OR] 0.158; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.047–0.534; P = .003) and concomitant valve endocarditis (OR 0.141, CI 0.041–0.491, P = .002) independently predicted mortality.

Conclusion

In this contemporary series, all‐cause mortality in patients with CIED‐related IE was high with a short time to death from onset of infection. MRSA and concomitant valve infection were the most powerful independent predictors of mortality.
Who Are the Keepers of the Code? Articulating and Upholding Ethical Standards in the Field of Public Administration
Authors: Svara James H.
Published: July 2014

Establishing a code of ethics has been a challenge in public administration. Ethics is central to the practice of administration, but the broad field of public administration has had difficulty articulating clear and meaningful standards of behavior and developing a means of upholding a code of ethics. Although a number of specialized professional associations in public service adopted codes, starting with the International City/County Management Association in 1924 and others after 1960, the full range of public administrators did not have an association to represent them until the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) was founded in 1939. Despite early calls for a code of ethics in ASPA, the first code was adopted in 1984, with revisions in 1994, but neither code had a process for enforcement. A new code approved in 2013 builds on the earlier codes and increases the prospects for ASPA to work with other professional associations to broaden awareness of the ethical responsibilities to society of all public administrators.
Asthma and respiratory physiology: Putting lung function into perspective
Authors: Sferrazza Papa Giuseppe Francesco , Pellegrino Giulia Michela , Pellegrino Riccardo
Published: July 2014

Bronchial asthma is a chronic disease characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness, airway inflammation and remodelling. The hypothesis that the illness is inflammatory in nature has recently been challenged by studies showing that airway smooth muscle (ASM) plays a more important role than previously thought. For example, it is now known that in asthma patients, ASM proliferates more and faster than in healthy subjects, carries intrinsic defects and exhibits impaired relaxation, increased velocity of shortening, plastic adaptation to short length and perturbed equilibrium of actin‐to‐myosin during cycling. Similar conclusions can be drawn from studies on airway mechanics. For instance, in asthma, abnormal ASM contributes to limiting the response to deep lung stretching and accelerates the return of bronchial tone to baseline conditions, and contributes to increased airway stiffness. Upon stimulation, ASM causes airway narrowing that is heterogeneous across the lung and variable over time. This heterogeneity leads to patchy ventilation. Experimental studies have shown that patchy ventilation may precipitate an asthma attack, and inability to maintain bronchial tone control over time can predict the occurrence of bronchospastic attacks over a matter of a few days. To improve our knowledge on the pathogenesis of asthma, we believe that it is necessary to explore the disease within the framework of the topographical, volume and time domains of the lung that play an important role in setting the severity and progression of the disease. Application of the forced oscillation technique and multiple breath nitrogen washout may, alone or in combination, help address questions unsolvable until now.
Self‐other agreement of personality judgments in job interviews: Exploring the effects of trait, gender, age and social desirability
Authors: Nederström Mikael , Salmela‐Aro Katariina
Published: July 2014

The article investigated agreement between self‐reports and stranger ratings of personality. A sample of 139 real‐life job applicants was interviewed by expert psychologists upon entrance to the assessment center. The applicants provided self‐descriptions on 15 personality factors, and the psychologists rated the same traits of each target based on their impressions in the interview. The results demonstrated that professional judges can reach a substantial self‐other agreement (SOA) on several traits even when the targets are strangers, and that the trait being judged, the target's gender, age and social desirability have an effect on the level of agreement.
Flexibility in Embodied Language Processing: Context Effects in Lexical Access
Authors: van Dam Wessel O. , Brazil Inti A. , Bekkering Harold , Rueschemeyer Shirley‐Ann
Published: July 2014

According to embodied theories of language (ETLs), word meaning relies on sensorimotor brain areas, generally dedicated to acting and perceiving in the real world. More specifically, words denoting actions are postulated to make use of neural motor areas, while words denoting visual properties draw on the resources of visual brain areas. Therefore, there is a direct correspondence between word meaning and the experience a listener has had with a word's referent on the brain level. Behavioral and neuroimaging studies have provided evidence in favor of ETLs; however, recent studies have also shown that sensorimotor information is recruited in a flexible manner during language comprehension (e.g., Raposo et al. ; Van Dam et al., ), leaving open the question as to what level of language processing sensorimotor activations contribute. In this study, we investigated the time course of modality‐specific contributions (i.e., the contribution of action information) as to word processing by manipulating both (a) the linguistic and (b) the action context in which target words were presented. Our results demonstrate that processes reflecting sensorimotor information play a role early in word processing (i.e., within 200 ms of word presentation), but that they are sensitive to the linguistic context in which a word is presented. In other words, when sensorimotor information is activated, it is activated quickly; however, specific words do not reliably activate a consistent sensorimotor pattern.
AtMYB41 activates ectopic suberin synthesis and assembly in multiple plant species and cell types
Authors: Kosma Dylan K. , Murmu Jhadeswar , Razeq Fakhria M. , Santos Patricia , Bourgault Richard , Molina Isabel , Rowland Owen
Published: July 2014

Suberin is a lipid and phenolic cell wall heteropolymer found in the roots and other organs of all vascular plants. Suberin plays a critical role in plant water relations and in protecting plants from biotic and abiotic stresses. Here we describe a transcription factor, AtMYB41 (At4g28110), that can activate the steps necessary for aliphatic suberin synthesis and deposition of cell wall‐associated suberin‐like lamellae in both Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana. Overexpression of AtMYB41 increased the abundance of suberin biosynthetic gene transcripts by orders of magnitude and resulted in the accumulation of up to 22 times more suberin‐type than cutin‐type aliphatic monomers in leaves. Overexpression of AtMYB41 also resulted in elevated amounts of monolignols in leaves and an increase in the accumulation of phenylpropanoid and lignin biosynthetic gene transcripts. Surprisingly, ultrastructural data indicated that overexpression led to the formation of suberin‐like lamellae in both epidermal and mesophyll cells of leaves. We further implicate AtMYB41 in the production of aliphatic suberin under abiotic stress conditions. These results provide insight into the molecular‐genetic mechanisms of the biosynthesis and deposition of a ubiquitous cell wall‐associated plant structure and will serve as a basis for discovering the transcriptional network behind one of the most abundant lipid‐based polymers in nature.
SEUSS and SEUSS‐LIKE 2 coordinate auxin distribution and KNOXI activity during embryogenesis
Authors: Lee Joanne E. , Lampugnani Edwin R. , Bacic Antony , Golz John F.
Published: July 2014

In Arabidopsis, SEUSS (SEU) and SEUSS‐LIKE 2 (SLK2) are components of the LEUNIG (LUG) repressor complex that coordinates various aspects of post‐embryonic development. The complex also plays a critical role during embryogenesis, as seu slk2 double mutants have small, narrow cotyledons and lack a shoot apical meristem (SAM). Here we show that seu slk2 double mutant embryos exhibit delayed cotyledon outgrowth and that this is associated with altered PIN‐FORMED1 (PIN1) expression and localisation during the early stages of embryogenesis. These observations suggest that SEU and SLK2 promote the transition to bilateral symmetry by modulating auxin distribution in the embryonic shoot. This study also shows that loss of SAM formation in seu slk2 mutants is associated with reduced expression of the class I KNOX (KNOXI) genes SHOOTMERISTEMLESS (STM), BREVIPEDICELLUS and KNAT2. Furthermore, elevating STM expression in seu slk2 mutant embryos was sufficient to restore SAM formation but not post‐embryonic activity, while both SAM formation and activity were rescued when SLK2 expression was restored in either the cotyledons or boundary regions. These results demonstrate that SEU and SLK2 function redundantly to promote embryonic shoot development and likely act through a non‐cell autonomous pathway to promote KNOXI activity.
The genome‐scale metabolic network of Ectocarpus siliculosus (EctoGEM): a resource to study brown algal physiology and beyond
Authors: Prigent Sylvain , Collet Guillaume , Dittami Simon M. , Delage Ludovic , Ethis de Corny Floriane , Dameron Olivier , Eveillard Damien , Thiele Sven , Cambefort Jeanne , Boyen Catherine , Siegel Anne , Tonon Thierry
Published: July 2014

Brown algae (stramenopiles) are key players in intertidal ecosystems, and represent a source of biomass with several industrial applications. Ectocarpus siliculosus is a model to study the biology of these organisms. Its genome has been sequenced and a number of post‐genomic tools have been implemented. Based on this knowledge, we report the reconstruction and analysis of a genome‐scale metabolic network for E. siliculosus, EctoGEM (http://ectogem.irisa.fr). This atlas of metabolic pathways consists of 1866 reactions and 2020 metabolites, and its construction was performed by means of an integrative computational approach for identifying metabolic pathways, gap filling and manual refinement. The capability of the network to produce biomass was validated by flux balance analysis. EctoGEM enabled the reannotation of 56 genes within the E. siliculosus genome, and shed light on the evolution of metabolic processes. For example, E. siliculosus has the potential to produce phenylalanine and tyrosine from prephenate and arogenate, but does not possess a phenylalanine hydroxylase, as is found in other stramenopiles. It also possesses the complete eukaryote molybdenum co‐factor biosynthesis pathway, as well as a second molybdopterin synthase that was most likely acquired via horizontal gene transfer from cyanobacteria by a common ancestor of stramenopiles. EctoGEM represents an evolving community resource to gain deeper understanding of the biology of brown algae and the diversification of physiological processes. The integrative computational method applied for its reconstruction will be valuable to set up similar approaches for other organisms distant from biological benchmark models.
Immunohistochemical expression of heat shock proteins, p63 and androgen receptor in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatic carcinoma in the dog
Authors: Romanucci M. , Frattone L. , Ciccarelli A. , Bongiovanni L. , Malatesta D. , Benazzi C. , Brachelente C. , Della Salda L.
Published: July 2014

This study compared heat shock proteins Hsp60, Hsp72 and Hsp73, along with p63 and androgen receptor (AR) immunoexpression between 16 cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 11 prostatic carcinomas (PCa) in dogs. The proportion of Hsp60‐positive cells was higher in PCa compared with BPH (P = 0.033), whereas the frequency and intensity of Hsp73 immunostaining did not differ significantly between the two groups. Hsp72‐immunostained nuclei formed a discontinuous layer along the basement membrane in BPH, whereas cells in this layer in PCa were negative or weakly positive. Hsp72 nuclear score showed significant positive associations with both p63 (P = 0.016) and AR (P = 0.009) scores. Double immunofluorescence revealed Hsp72‐p63 and Hsp72‐AR co‐expressions in basal cell nuclei. Aberrant cytoplasmic p63 immunolabelling was observed in 3 of 11 PCa cases. These results suggest a role of the combined expression of Hsp72, p63 and AR in basal epithelial cells in canine BPH and PCa.
Modulation of spike clustering by NMDA receptors and neurotensin in rat supraoptic nucleus neurons
Authors: Gagnon Ariane , Walsh Michael , Okuda Tika , Choe Katrina Y. , Zaelzer Cristian , Bourque Charles W.
Published: July 2014

Key points

Magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) of the rat supraoptic nucleus adopt bursting activity patterns under conditions demanding maximum peptide release from their nerve endings in the neurohypophysis.

Exogenous activation of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) induces spike clustering in MNCs through a mechanism that requires apamin‐sensitive small conductance calcium‐activated K+ (SK) channels).

Here we show that NMDAR‐ and SK channel‐dependent spike clustering can be induced in MNCs by release of endogenous glutamate from afferent axon terminals.

This form of bursting activity can be modulated by subtle changes in membrane voltage, or by partial inhibition of SK channels.

Magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) in the rat supraoptic nucleus display clustered firing during hyperosmolality or dehydration. This response is beneficial because this type of activity potentiates vasopressin secretion from axon terminals in the neurohypophysis and thus promotes homoeostatic water reabsorption from the kidney. However, the mechanisms which lead to the generation of clustering activity in MNCs remain unknown. Previous work has shown that clustered firing can be induced in these neurons through the pharmacological activation of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) and that silent pauses observed during this activity are mediated by apamin‐sensitive calcium activated potassium (SK) channels. However, it remains unknown if clustered firing can be induced in situ by endogenous glutamate release from axon terminals. Here we show that electrical stimulation of glutamatergic osmosensory afferents in the organum vasculosum lamina terminalis (OVLT) can promote clustering in MNCs via NMDARs and apamin‐sensitive channels. We also show that the rate of spike clustering induced by NMDA varies as a bell‐shaped function of voltage, and that partial inhibition of SK channels can increase cluster duration and reduce the rate of clustering. Finally, we show that MNCs express neurotensin type 2 receptors, and that activation of these receptors can simultaneously depolarize MNCs and suppress clustered firing induced by bath application of NMDA or by repetitive stimulation of glutamate afferents. These studies reveal that spike clustering can be induced in MNCs by glutamate release from afferent nerve terminals and that that this type of activity can be fine‐tuned by neuromodulators such as neurotensin.
Short‐term potentiation of GABAergic synaptic inputs to vasopressin and oxytocin neurones
Authors: Morton Linda A. , Popescu Ion R. , Haam Juhee , Tasker Jeffrey G.
Published: July 2014

Key points

Hypothalamic neurones that release the hormones vasopressin and oxytocin from the posterior pituitary are controlled, in part, by synaptic inputs mediated by the neurotransmitter GABA.

GABA synapses on the vasopressin neurones, but not the oxytocin neurones, have been shown to elicit excitation.

We show that brief (1 s) electrical stimulation of hypothalamus slices causes release of GABA lasting several minutes at synapses on vasopressin and oxytocin neurones.

Consistent with GABA being excitatory in vasopressin neurones, brief electrical stimulation of GABA synaptic inputs elicited activation of vasopressin neurones, but not oxytocin neurones, that lasted for several minutes.

Prolonged GABA release following a brief stimulus together with GABA excitation of vasopressin neurones constitute a basic synaptic mechanism for controlling vasopressin release.

The magnocellular vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) neurones undergo long‐term synaptic plasticity to accommodate prolonged hormone demand. By contrast, rapidly induced, transient synaptic plasticity in response to brief stimuli could enable the activation of magnocellular neurones in response to acute challenges. Here, we report a robust short‐term potentiation of asynchronous GABAergic synaptic inputs (STPGABA) to VP and OT neurones of the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus elicited by repetitive extracellular electrical stimulation. The STPGABA required extracellular Ca2+, but did not require activation of glutamate, VP or OT receptors or nitric oxide synthesis. Presynaptic action potential generation was necessary for the induction, but not the maintenance, of STPGABA. The STPGABA led to a minutes‐long GABAA receptor‐dependent increase in spike frequency in VP neurones, but not in OT neurones, consistent with an excitatory function of GABA in only VP neurones and with the generation of prolonged bursts of action potentials in VP neurones. Therefore, this short‐term plasticity of GABAergic synaptic inputs is likely to play very different roles in the regulation of OT and VP neurones and their distinct patterns of physiological activation.
Effect of AC target power on AlN film quality
Authors: Knisely Katherine , Grosh Karl
Published: July 2014

The influence of alternating current (AC) target power on film stress, roughness, and x-ray diffraction rocking curve full width half maximum (FWHM) was examined for AlN films deposited using S-gun magnetron sputtering on insulative substrates consisting of Si wafers with 575 nm thermal oxide. As the AC target power was increased from 5 to 8 kW, the deposition rate increased from 9.3 to 15.9 A/s, film stress decreased from 81 to −170 MPa, and the rocking curve FWHM increased from 0.98 to 1.03°. AlN film behavior is observed to change with target life; films deposited at 200 kWh target life were approximately 40 MPa more compressive and had 0.02° degree higher rocking curve FWHM values than films deposited at 130 kWh. AlN films deposited in two depositions were compared with films deposited in a single deposition, in order to better characterize the growth behavior and properties of AlN films deposited on an existing AlN film, which is not well understood. Two deposition films, when compared with single deposition films, showed no variation in residual stress trends or grain size behavior, but the average film roughness increased from 0.7 to 1.4 nm and rocking curve FWHM values increased by more than 0.25°.