bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First record of potential Batesian mimicry in an elasmobranch: juvenile zebra sharks mimic banded sea snakes?
Authors: Dudgeon Christine L. , White William T.
Published: June 2012

Various forms of mimicry have been recorded in a large number of marine fishes; however, there have been no records of mimicry for any elasmobranch species. We propose that the distinctly banded neonates of the zebra shark (Stegostoma fasciatum) are Batesian mimics of banded sea snakes (Elapidae). Observations of banded juveniles of S. fasciatum swimming close to the surface strongly resemble banded sea snakes in colour and body form as well as the undulatory swimming movements. Sea snakes are venomous and are known to defend themselves against predators. Although several shark species prey on them, most species appear to avoid sea snakes as prey items. Juvenile S. fasciatum possess a very long, single-lobed caudal fin that remarkably resembles the broad, paddle-like tail of sea snakes. This may be an adaptation enabling this species to mimic sea snakes, at least in the earliest life stages. There is a need for empirical testing of the hypothesis that juvenile S. fasciatum is a true example of Batesian mimicry, but here we provide evidence that suggests this may be the first example of mimicry in an elasmobranch species.
Finding a proxy for wind stress over the coastal ocean
Authors: Wood J. E. , Roughan M. , Tate P. M.
Published: June 2012

Wind stress forcing is a critical driver of oceanographic processes. In the absence of over-ocean wind measurements, re-analysis products and over-land measurements are often used. The present paper compares a unique wind-data series from an ocean mooring with two re-analysis products and data from six over-land sites in Sydney, Australia, to determine whether these data can infer over-ocean wind conditions. Four oceanographic moorings are located here; however, over-ocean meteorological observations are no longer available. Correlations between over-ocean and over-land sites wind stress were >0.8, whereas for re-analysis products, correlations ranged from 0.28 to 0.72. Re-analysis products were unable to resolve variability at the over-ocean site with periods shorter than 2 days, indicating that they are not appropriate wind proxies for the coastal ocean. Somewhat counter-intuitively, our results showed that proximity of over-land sites to the over-ocean site does not necessarily imply the highest correlation or the lowest error and careful site selection is required. An upwelling study showed that wind observations from selected over-land sites can accurately represent isotherm uplift in the coastal ocean. Threshold wind stress values that uplift isotherms at these over-land sites are provided, along with a recommendation for the use of the over-land site that best represents over-ocean wind conditions in this region.
Effects of drought and subtidal sea-level variability on salt intrusion in a coastal karst aquifer
Authors: Vera Irany , Mariño-Tapia Ismael , Enriquez Cecilia
Published: June 2012

In many coastal regions, groundwater is the main water source for humans. However, because of population growth and sea-level rise, many coastal aquifers increasingly suffer from salt intrusion, especially in karstic areas where the high permeability and porosity of the rock favours salt penetration. We collected field data from a Mexican karst system to show that sea-level variability at low frequencies (subtidal) may induce salt penetration further inland and generate larger oscillations than those observed at tidal frequencies. Measurements of conductivity and pressure from inland wells (5 and 10 km) and from substantial (~1 m3 s–1) submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) at ~2-m depth entering a shallow ocean were analysed. We found that sea and piezometric levels co-oscillated at subtidal frequencies, with a correlation of 0.6 and a differential lag. Conductivity of the SGD resembled that of the aquifer. Intense droughts driven by the 2009 ‘El Niño’ event markedly increased the conductivity of the aquifer and its discharge. Our findings indicated that coastal land use and the consequences of climate change (i.e. sea-level rise and the alteration of rain patterns) on the Yucatan Penisula threaten water availability.
Evolution of Fe/S cluster biogenesis in the anaerobic parasite
Blastocystis
Authors: Tsaousis Anastasios D. , Ollagnier de Choudens Sandrine , Gentekaki Eleni , Long Shaojun , Gaston Daniel , Stechmann Alexandra , Vinella Daniel , Py Béatrice , Fontecave Marc , Barras Frédéric , Lukeš Julius , Roger Andrew J.
Published: June 2012

Iron/sulfur cluster (ISC)-containing proteins are essential components of cells. In most eukaryotes, Fe/S clusters are synthesized by the mitochondrial ISC machinery, the cytosolic iron/sulfur assembly system, and, in photosynthetic species, a plastid sulfur-mobilization (SUF) system. Here we show that the anaerobic human protozoan parasite
Blastocystis,
in addition to possessing ISC and iron/sulfur assembly systems, expresses a fused version of the SufC and SufB proteins of prokaryotes that it has acquired by lateral transfer from an archaeon related to the Methanomicrobiales, an important lineage represented in the human gastrointestinal tract microbiome. Although components of the
Blastocystis
ISC system function within its anaerobic mitochondrion-related organelles and can functionally replace homologues in
Trypanosoma brucei
, its SufCB protein has similar biochemical properties to its prokaryotic homologues, functions within the parasite’s cytosol, and is up-regulated under oxygen stress.
Blastocystis
is unique among eukaryotic pathogens in having adapted to its parasitic lifestyle by acquiring a SUF system from nonpathogenic Archaea to synthesize Fe/S clusters under oxygen stress.
Notch ligand Delta-like 4 blockade attenuates atherosclerosis and metabolic disorders
Authors: Fukuda Daiju , Aikawa Elena , Swirski Filip K. , Novobrantseva Tatiana I. , Kotelianski Victor , Gorgun Cem Z. , Chudnovskiy Aleksey , Yamazaki Hiroyuki , Croce Kevin , Weissleder Ralph , Aster Jon C. , Hotamisligil Gökhan S. , Yagita Hideo , Aikawa Masanori
Published: June 2012

Atherosclerosis and insulin resistance are major components of the cardiometabolic syndrome, a global health threat associated with a systemic inflammatory state. Notch signaling regulates tissue development and participates in innate and adaptive immunity in adults. The role of Notch signaling in cardiometabolic inflammation, however, remains obscure. We noted that a high-fat, high-cholesterol diet increased expression of the Notch ligand Delta-like 4 (Dll4) in atheromata and fat tissue in LDL-receptor–deficient mice. Blockade of Dll4-Notch signaling using neutralizing anti-Dll4 antibody attenuated the development of atherosclerosis, diminished plaque calcification, improved insulin resistance, and decreased fat accumulation. These changes were accompanied by decreased macrophage accumulation, diminished expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and lower levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. In vitro cell culture experiments revealed that Dll4-mediated Notch signaling increases MCP-1 expression via NF-κB, providing a possible mechanism for in vivo effects. Furthermore, Dll4 skewed macrophages toward a proinflammatory phenotype (“M1”). These results suggest that Dll4-Notch signaling plays a central role in the shared mechanism for the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disorders.
An IFN-γ–stimulated ATF6–C/EBP-β–signaling pathway critical for the expression of Death Associated Protein Kinase 1 and induction of autophagy
Authors: Gade Padmaja , Ramachandran Girish , Maachani Uday B. , Rizzo Mark A. , Okada Tetsuya , Prywes Ron , Cross Alan S. , Mori Kazutoshi , Kalvakolanu Dhananjaya V.
Published: June 2012

The IFN family of cytokines operates a frontline defense against pathogens and neoplastic cells in vivo by controlling the expression of several genes. The death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1), an IFN-γ–induced enzyme, controls cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, and tumor metastasis, and its expression is frequently down-regulated in a number of human tumors. Although the biochemical action of DAPK1 is well understood, mechanisms that regulate its expression are unclear. Previously, we have shown that transcription factor C/EBP-β is required for the basal and IFN-γ–induced expression of
DAPK1
. Here, we show that ATF6, an ER stress-induced transcription factor, interacts with C/EBP-β in an IFN-stimulated manner and is obligatory for
Dapk1
expression. IFN-stimulated proteolytic processing of ATF6 and ERK1/2-mediated phosphorylation of C/EBP-β are necessary for these interactions. More importantly, IFN-γ failed to activate autophagic response in cells lacking either ATF6 or C/EBP-β. Consistent with these observations, the

Atf6
−/−

mice were highly susceptible to lethal bacterial infections compared with the wild-type mice. These studies not only unravel an IFN signaling pathway that controls cell growth and antibacterial defense, but also expand the role of ATF6 beyond ER stress.
Presence of tannins in sorghum grains is conditioned by different natural alleles of
Tannin1
Authors: Wu Yuye , Li Xianran , Xiang Wenwen , Zhu Chengsong , Lin Zhongwei , Wu Yun , Li Jiarui , Pandravada Satchidanand , Ridder Dustan D. , Bai Guihua , Wang Ming L. , Trick Harold N. , Bean Scott R. , Tuinstra Mitchell R. , Tesso Tesfaye T. , Yu Jianming
Published: June 2012

Sorghum, an ancient old-world cereal grass, is the dietary staple of over 500 million people in more than 30 countries in the tropics and semitropics. Its C4 photosynthesis, drought resistance, wide adaptation, and high nutritional value hold the promise to alleviate hunger in Africa. Not present in other major cereals, such as rice, wheat, and maize, condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins) in the pigmented testa of some sorghum cultivars have been implicated in reducing protein digestibility but recently have been shown to promote human health because of their high antioxidant capacity and ability to fight obesity through reduced digestion. Combining quantitative trait locus mapping, meta-quantitative trait locus fine-mapping, and association mapping, we showed that the nucleotide polymorphisms in the
Tan1
gene, coding a WD40 protein, control the tannin biosynthesis in sorghum. A 1-bp G deletion in the coding region, causing a frame shift and a premature stop codon, led to a nonfunctional allele,
tan1-a
. Likewise, a different 10-bp insertion resulted in a second nonfunctional allele,
tan1-b
. Transforming the sorghum
Tan1
ORF into a nontannin
Arabidopsis
mutant restored the tannin phenotype. In addition, reduction in nucleotide diversity from wild sorghum accessions to landraces and cultivars was found at the region that codes the highly conserved WD40 repeat domains and the C-terminal region of the protein. Genetic research in crops, coupled with nutritional and medical research, could open the possibility of producing different levels and combinations of phenolic compounds to promote human health.
NLRP3 inflammasome induces chemotactic immune cell migration to the CNS in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Inoue Makoto , Williams Kristi L. , Gunn Michael D. , Shinohara Mari L.
Published: June 2012

The NLRP3 inflammasome is a multiprotein complex consisting of three kinds of proteins, NLRP3, ASC, and pro-caspase-1, and plays a role in sensing pathogens and danger signals in the innate immune system. The NLRP3 inflammasome is thought to be involved in the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the mechanism by which the NLRP3 inflammasome induces EAE is not clear. In this study, we found that the NLRP3 inflammasome played a critical role in inducing T-helper cell migration into the CNS. To gain migratory ability, CD4
+
T cells need to be primed by NLRP3 inflammasome-sufficient antigen-presenting cells to up-regulate chemotaxis-related proteins, such as osteopontin, CCR2, and CXCR6. In the presence of the NLRP3 inflammasome, dendritic cells and macrophages also induce chemotactic ability and up-regulate chemotaxis-related proteins, such as α4β1 integrin, CCL7, CCL8, and CXCL16. On the other hand, reduced Th17 cell population size in immunized
Nlrp3
−/−
and
Asc
−/−
mice is not a determinative factor for their resistance to EAE. As currently applied in clinical interventions of MS, targeting immune cell migration molecules may be an effective approach in treating MS accompanied by NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Functional equivalence and evolutionary convergence in complex communities of microbial sponge symbionts
Authors: Fan Lu , Reynolds David , Liu Michael , Stark Manuel , Kjelleberg Staffan , Webster Nicole S. , Thomas Torsten
Published: June 2012

Microorganisms often form symbiotic relationships with eukaryotes, and the complexity of these relationships can range from those with one single dominant symbiont to associations with hundreds of symbiont species. Microbial symbionts occupying equivalent niches in different eukaryotic hosts may share functional aspects, and convergent genome evolution has been reported for simple symbiont systems in insects. However, for complex symbiont communities, it is largely unknown how prevalent functional equivalence is and whether equivalent functions are conducted by evolutionarily convergent mechanisms. Sponges represent an evolutionarily divergent group of species with common physiological and ecological traits. They also host complex communities of microbial symbionts and thus are the ideal model to test whether functional equivalence and evolutionary convergence exist in complex symbiont communities across phylogenetically divergent hosts. Here we use a sampling design to determine the phylogenetic and functional profiles of microbial communities associated with six sponge species. We identify common functions in the six microbiomes, demonstrating the existence of functional equivalence. These core functions are consistent with our current understanding of the biological and ecological roles of sponge-associated microorganisms and also provide insight into symbiont functions. Importantly, core functions also are provided in each sponge species by analogous enzymes and biosynthetic pathways. Moreover, the abundance of elements involved in horizontal gene transfer suggests their key roles in the genomic evolution of symbionts. Our data thus demonstrate evolutionary convergence in complex symbiont communities and reveal the details and mechanisms that underpin the process.
Facile fabrication of an efficient BiVO
4
thin film electrode for water splitting under visible light irradiation
Authors: Jia Qingxin , Iwashina Katsuya , Kudo Akihiko
Published: June 2012

An efficient BiVO
4
thin film electrode for overall water splitting was prepared by dipping an F-doped SnO
2
(FTO) substrate electrode in an aqueous nitric acid solution of Bi(NO
3
)
3
and NH
4
VO
3
, and subsequently calcining it. X-ray diffraction of the BiVO
4
thin film revealed that a photocatalytically active phase of scheelite-monoclinic BiVO
4
was obtained. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the surface of an FTO substrate was uniformly coated with the BiVO
4
film with 300–400 nm of the thickness. The BiVO
4
thin film electrode gave an excellent anodic photocurrent with 73% of an IPCE at 420 nm at 1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Modification with CoO on the BiVO
4
electrode improved the photoelectrochemical property. A photoelectrochemical cell consisting of the BiVO
4
thin film electrode with and without CoO, and a Pt counter electrode was constructed for water splitting under visible light irradiation and simulated sunlight irradiation. Photocurrent due to water splitting to form H
2
and O
2
was confirmed with applying an external bias smaller than 1.23 V that is a theoretical voltage for electrolysis of water. Water splitting without applying external bias under visible light irradiation was demonstrated using a SrTiO
3
∶Rh photocathode and the BiVO
4
photoanode.
Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 transcriptional activity in endothelial cells is required for acute phase cardioprotection induced by ischemic preconditioning
Authors: Sarkar Kakali , Cai Zheqing , Gupta Rigu , Parajuli Nirmal , Fox-Talbot Karen , Darshan Medha S. , Gonzalez Frank J. , Semenza Gregg L.
Published: June 2012

Infarction occurs when myocardial perfusion is interrupted for prolonged periods of time. Short episodes of ischemia and reperfusion protect against tissue injury when the heart is subjected to a subsequent prolonged ischemic episode, a phenomenon known as ischemic preconditioning (IPC). Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a transcription factor that mediates adaptive responses to hypoxia/ischemia and is required for IPC. In this study, we performed a cellular and molecular characterization of the role of HIF-1 in IPC. We analyzed mice with knockout of HIF-1α or HIF-1β in Tie2
+
lineage cells, which include bone marrow (BM) and vascular endothelial cells, compared with control littermates. Hearts were subjected to 30 min of ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion, either as ex vivo Langendorff preparations or by in situ occlusion of the left anterior descending artery. The IPC stimulus consisted of two cycles of 5-min ischemia and 5-min reperfusion. Mice lacking HIF-1α or HIF-1β in Tie2
+
lineage cells showed complete absence of protection induced by IPC, whereas significant protection was induced by adenosine infusion. Treatment of mice with a HIF-1 inhibitor (digoxin or acriflavine) 4 h before Langendorff perfusion resulted in loss of IPC, as did administration of acriflavine directly into the perfusate immediately before IPC. We conclude that HIF-1 activity in endothelial cells is required for acute IPC. Expression and dimerization of the HIF-1α and HIF-1β subunits is required, suggesting that the heterodimer is functioning as a transcriptional activator, despite the acute nature of the response.
Retention of Passive Integrated Transponder, T-Bar Anchor, and Coded Wire Tags in Lepisosteids
Authors: Buckmeier David L. , Reeves Kerry S.
Published: June 2012

Increased interest in the management and conservation of gars (family Lepisosteidae) has resulted in the need to identify individual fish in wild and hatchery stocks; however, tagging methods have not been evaluated for these species. We estimated tag retention for passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags, T-bar anchor tags (Floy), and coded wire tags in alligator gar Atractosteus spatula, longnose gar Lepisosteus osseus, and spotted gar L. oculatus. Tag retention up to 876 d was similar across species for all tag types and tagging locations. Retention exceeded 98% for PIT tags injected into the muscle at the base of the dorsal fin and did not decrease with days posttagging. Retention was 97% for coded wire tags injected into the muscle at the base of the pectoral and anal fins. Retention of T-bar anchor tags was ≥ 97% through 500 d posttagging; however, T-bar anchor tag retention declined after 500 d and tags became difficult to read. The high retention of the tags evaluated in this study provides biologists with a variety of options for tagging lepisosteids in future management, conservation, and research.

Received February 3, 2012; accepted March 15, 2012
Properties of air–aluminum thermal plasmas
Authors: Cressault Y , Gleizes A , Riquel G
Published: June 2012

We present the calculation and the main results of the properties of air–aluminum thermal plasmas, useful for complete modelling of arc systems involving aluminum contacts. The properties are calculated assuming thermal equilibrium and correspond to the equilibrium composition, thermodynamic functions, transport coefficients including diffusion coefficients and net emission coefficient representing the divergence of the radiative flux in the hottest plasma regions. The calculation is developed in the temperature range between 2000 and 30 000 K, for a pressure range from 0.1 to 1 bar and for several metal mass proportions. As in the case of other metals, the presence of aluminum vapours has a strong influence on three properties at intermediate temperatures: the electron number density, the electrical conductivity and the net emission coefficient. Some comparisons with other metal vapour (Cu, Fe and Ag) properties are made and show the original behaviour for Al-containing mixtures: mass density at high temperatures is low due to the low Al atomic mass; high electrical conductivity at T < 10 000 K due to low ionization potential (around 2 V less for Al than for the other metals); very strong self-absorption of ionized aluminum lines, leading to a net emission coefficient lower than that of pure air when T > 10 000 K, in contrast to copper or iron radiation.
On mean values of random multiplicative functions
Authors: Lau Yuk-Kam , Tenenbaum Gérald , Wu Jie
Published: June 2012

Let

P

\mathscr P

denote the set of primes and

{
f
(
p
)

}

p
∈

P

\{f(p)\}_{p\in \mathscr P}

be a sequence of independent Bernoulli random variables taking values

±
1

\pm 1

with probability

1

/

2

1/2

. Extending

f
f

by multiplicativity to a random multiplicative function

f
f

supported on the set of squarefree integers, we prove that, for any

ε
>
0

\varepsilon >0

, the estimate

∑

n
⩽
x

f
(
n
)
≪

x

(
log
⁡
log
⁡
x

)

3

/

2
+
ε

\sum _{n\leqslant x}f(n)\ll \sqrt {x}\,(\log \log x)^{3/2+\varepsilon }

holds almost surely, thus qualitatively matching the law of the iterated logarithm, valid for independent variables. This improves on corresponding results by Wintner, Erdős and Halász.
Achaete-scute homologue-1 (ASH1) stimulates migration of lung cancer cells through Cdk5/p35 pathway
Authors: Demelash Abeba , Rudrabhatla Parvathi , Pant Harish C. , Wang Xiaoyang , Amin Niranjana D. , McWhite Claire D. , Naizhen Xu , Linnoila R. Ilona
Published: June 2012

Our previous data suggested that the human basic helix–loop–helix transcription factor achaete-scute homologue-1 (hASH1) may stimulate both proliferation and migration in the lung. In the CNS, cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) and its activator p35 are important for neuronal migration that is regulated by basic helix–loop–helix transcription factors. Cdk5/p35 may also play a role in carcinogenesis. In this study, we found that the neuronal activator p35 was commonly expressed in primary human lung cancers. Cdk5 and p35 were also expressed by several human lung cancer cell lines and coupled with migration and invasion. When the kinase activity was inhibited by the Cdk5 inhibitor roscovitine or dominant-negative (dn) Cdk5, the migration of lung cancer cells was reduced. In neuroendocrine cells expressing hASH1, such as a pulmonary carcinoid cell line, knocking down the gene expression by short hairpin RNA reduced the levels of Cdk5/p35, nuclear p35 protein, and migration. Furthermore, expression of hASH1 in lung adenocarcinoma cells normally lacking hASH1 increased p35/Cdk5 activity and enhanced cellular migration. We were also able to show that p35 was a direct target for hASH1. In conclusion, induction of Cdk5 activity is a novel mechanism through which hASH1 may regulate migration in lung carcinogenesis.
The Rho-guanine nucleotide exchange factor Trio controls leukocyte transendothelial migration by promoting docking structure formation
Authors: van Rijssel Jos , Kroon Jeffrey , Hoogenboezem Mark , van Alphen Floris P. J. , de Jong Renske J. , Kostadinova Elena , Geerts Dirk , Hordijk Peter L. , van Buul Jaap D.
Published: June 2012

Leukocyte transendothelial migration involves the active participation of the endothelium through the formation of apical membrane protrusions that embrace adherent leukocytes, termed docking structures. Using live-cell imaging, we find that prior to transmigration, endothelial docking structures form around 80% of all neutrophils. Previously we showed that endothelial RhoG and SGEF control leukocyte transmigration. In this study, our data reveal that both full-length Trio and the first DH-PH (TrioD1) domain of Trio, which can activate Rac1 and RhoG, interact with ICAM-1 and are recruited to leukocyte adhesion sites. Moreover, upon clustering of ICAM-1, the Rho-guanine nucleotide exchange factor Trio activates Rac1, prior to activating RhoG, in a filamin-dependent manner. We further show that docking structure formation is initiated by ICAM-1 clustering into ring-like structures, which is followed by apical membrane protrusion. Interestingly, we find that Rac1 is required for ICAM-1 clustering, whereas RhoG controls membrane protrusion formation. Finally, silencing endothelial Trio expression or reducing TrioD1 activity without affecting SGEF impairs both docking structure formation and leukocyte transmigration. We conclude that Trio promotes leukocyte transendothelial migration by inducing endothelial docking structure formation in a filamin-dependent manner through the activation of Rac1 and RhoG.
Grainyhead-like 2 regulates epithelial morphogenesis by establishing functional tight junctions through the organization of a molecular network among claudin3, claudin4, and Rab25
Authors: Senga Kazunori , Mostov Keith E. , Mitaka Toshihiro , Miyajima Atsushi , Tanimizu Naoki
Published: June 2012

During development, epithelial progenitors establish intercellular junctions, including tight junctions (TJs), and form three-dimensional (3D) tissue structures, which are often associated with luminal structures. Here we identify grainyhead-like 2 (Grhl2) as a transcription factor that regulates the size of luminal space surrounded by polarized epithelial cells. We show that HPPL, a liver progenitor cell line, transfected with Grhl2 cDNA forms remarkably larger cysts than the control cells in 3D cultures. We find that Grhl2 up-regulates claudin (Cldn) 3 and Cldn4, and their functions are necessary for the formation of large cysts. Overexpression of Cldn3 alone induces the cyst expansion. In contrast, expression of Cldn4 alone does not induce expansion, as it is not localized at TJs. Of interest, Rab25, another Grhl2 target, not only increases the Cldn4 protein, but also enhances its localization at TJs. Taken together, the results indicate that Grhl2 regulates epithelial morphogenesis through transcriptional up-regulation of Cldn3 and Cldn4, as well as of Rab25, which increases the Cldn4 protein and its localization at TJs. The results reveal a molecular network regulating epithelial lumen formation organized by Grhl2.
A Comparison of Salary Structures Between Economics and Agricultural Economics Departments
Authors: Hilmer Christiana E. , Hilmer Michael J. , Lusk Jayson L.
Published: June 2012

We examine whether differences exist in the prevailing salary structures for doctorate‐granting economics and agricultural economics departments at public, land‐grant universities in the United States. Within a sample of 440 economists and 375 agricultural economists, we find that economics departments exhibit greater variation in annual salaries, higher estimated negative returns to seniority, and larger estimated returns to career publishing success than do agricultural economics departments. These difference manifest themselves in a hierarchical salary distribution in which members of elite economics departments earn the highest predicted annual salaries, members of elite agricultural economics and middle‐ranked economics departments earn middle predicted annual salaries, and members of middle‐ and lower‐ranked agricultural economics and lower‐ranked economics departments earn the lowest predicted annual salaries. In 16 out of 22 universities studied, we predict that economists would face salary declines if they moved across campus (or in some cases down the hall) to their respective agricultural economics departments.
Availability of energetic substrates and exercise performance in heart failure with or without diabetes
Authors: Melenovsky Vojtech , Kotrc Martin , Polak Jan , Pelikanova Terezie , Bendlova Bela , Cahova Monika , Malek Ivan , Jarolim Petr , Kazdova Ludmila , Kautzner Josef
Published: June 2012

Aims

The goal of the study was to examine whether resting or post‐exercise metabolic substrate levels are associated with differential exercise performance and long‐term outcome in control subjects or heart failure (HF) patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods and results

Twenty five healthy controls matched with 97 patients with stable advanced HF were prospectively enrolled. Exercise capacity, age, gender, and HF aetiology were balanced between HFDM– and HFDM+ groups. Subjects underwent maximal bicycle spiroergometry with blood sampling to measure metabolites and neurohormones before and immediately after the exercise. HFDM+ patients had increased free fatty acids, glucose, and β‐hydroxybutyrate compared with controls. HFDM+ patients had higher baseline copeptin (24 ± 16 vs. 17 ± 13 pmol/L, P < 0.05) but otherwise showed similar neurohumoral activation and exercise response to HFDM– patients. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2) was unrelated to post‐exercise free fatty acids, glucose, lactate, or glycerol, but strongly correlated with post‐exercise pyruvate (in all: r = 0.62, P < 0.001). During the next 17 ± 10 months, 36% of HF patients experienced an adverse event (death, urgent transplantation, or assist device insertion). From metabolic factors, only post‐exercise glucose [hazard ratio (HR) 1.28, P = 0.04), total body fat (HR 0.58, P < 0.001), and the presence of DM (HR 1.98, P = 0.04) were predictive of the outcome.

Conclusions

With the exception of pyruvate, acute changes of metabolic substrates are not related to cardiac performance in HF, regardless of diabetic status. Inhibition of body fat depletion, attenuation of stress‐related hyperglycaemia, or increasing dynamics of plasma pyruvate may represent therapeutic targets in advanced HF.
Insights into the roles of local translation from the axonal transcriptome
Authors: Deglincerti Alessia , Jaffrey Samie R.
Published: June 2012

Much of our knowledge on the roles of intra-axonal translation derives from the characterization of a small number of individual mRNAs that were found to be localized in axons. However, two recent studies, using large-scale approaches to provide a more comprehensive characterization of the axonal transcriptome, have led to the discovery of thousands of axonal mRNAs. The apparent abundance of mRNAs in axons raises the possibility that local translation has many more functions than previously thought. Here, we review the recent studies that have profiled axonal mRNAs and discuss how the identification of axonal transcripts might point to unappreciated roles for local translation in axons.
Genotyping hepatitis B virus dual infections using population-based sequence data
Authors: Beggel Bastian , Neumann-Fraune Maria , Döring Matthias , Lawyer Glenn , Kaiser Rolf , Verheyen Jens , Lengauer Thomas
Published: June 2012

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is classified into distinct genotypes A–H that are characterized by different progression of hepatitis B and sensitivity to interferon treatment. Previous computational genotyping methods are not robust enough regarding HBV dual infections with different genotypes. The correct classification of HBV sequences into the present genotypes is impaired due to multiple ambiguous sequence positions. We present a computational model that is able to identify and genotype inter- and intragenotype dual infections using population-based sequencing data. Model verification on synthetic data showed 100 % accuracy for intergenotype dual infections and 36.4 % sensitivity in intragenotype dual infections. Screening patient sera (n = 241) revealed eight putative cases of intergenotype dual infection (one A–D, six A–G and one D–G) and four putative cases of intragenotype dual infection (one A–A, two D–D and one E–E). Clonal experiments from the original patient material confirmed three out of three of our predictions. The method has been integrated into geno2pheno[hbv], an established web-service in clinical use for analysing HBV sequence data. It offers exact and detailed identification of HBV genotypes in patients with dual infections that helps to optimize antiviral therapy regimens. geno2pheno[hbv]is available underhttp://www.genafor.org/g2p_hbv/index.php.
Nuclear translocation of adeno-associated virus type 2 capsid proteins for virion assembly
Authors: Popa-Wagner Ruth , Sonntag Florian , Schmidt Kristin , King Jason , Kleinschmidt Jürgen A.
Published: June 2012

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) capsid assembly occurs in the nucleus. Newly synthesized capsid proteins VP1, VP2 and VP3 contain several basic regions (BRs), which may act as nuclear localization signals (NLSs). Mutation of BR2 and BR3, located at the VP1 and VP2 N termini, marginally reduced nuclear uptake of VP1 or VP2, but not of VP3, when expressed in the context of the whole AAV type 2 (AAV2) genome. Combined mutation of BR1, BR2 and BR3 resulted in capsids with slightly reduced amounts of VP1. Expression of isolated VP1/2 N termini revealed an influence of BR3 on nuclear transport, whilst BR1 or BR2 had no effect. However, deletion of an N-terminal fragment in front of the BR elements strongly reduced nuclear uptake of VP1/2 N termini. Mutation of BR4, present in all three capsid proteins, led to their retention in the cytoplasm and to the formation of speckles, resulting in a lack of capsid formation and a significant reduction in VP levels. In a VP fragment comprising BR2, BR3 and BR4, the BR4 element was not necessary for nuclear localization. Mutation of BR5 in the C-terminal part of the VPs resulted in a speckled protein distribution in the nucleus, strongly reduced capsid assembly, and low VP1 and VP2 levels. Taken together, these results showed that BR2 and BR3 have a weak influence on nuclear transport of VP1 and VP2, whilst combined mutation of BR1, BR2 and BR3 influences the stoichiometry of VPs in assembled capsids. BR4 and BR5 play a crucial role in capsid assembly but have no NLS activity.
Deletion of protease-activated receptor 2 prolongs survival of scrapie-inoculated mice
Authors: Matej Radoslav , Olejar Tomas , Janouskova Olga , Holada Karel
Published: June 2012

Proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) has recently been identified to be a possible modulator of neurodegeneration. To investigate whether PAR2 plays a role in prion infection, we inoculated PAR2-deficient (PAR2−/−) and wild-type (WT) mice intracerebrally with the Rocky Mountain Laboratory strain of scrapie. PAR2−/− mice demonstrated a delayed onset of clinical symptoms, including weight loss, and demonstrated moderate but highly significant prolongation of survival over WT controls. Concomitantly, no apparent differences in brain pathology, infectivity or features of brain prion protein between deceased WT and PAR2−/− mice were found. Our study suggests that PAR2 deletion modulates dynamics of the disease without gross perturbation of its pathogenesis.
π–π Dimerization of a mono(pyridyl–imine) platinum(II) chelate
Authors: Salmond Rosanne C. , Munro Orde Q.
Published: June 2012

The cation of the title complex salt, chlorido{2,2-dimethyl-N-[(E)-1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene]propane-1,3-diamine}platinum(II) tetrafluoridoborate, [PtCl(C12H19N3)]BF4, exhibits a nominally square-planar PtIIion coordinated to a chloride ion [Pt—Cl = 2.3046 (9) Å] and three unique N-atom types,viz.pyridine, imine and amine, of the tridentate Schiff base ligand formed by the 1:1 condensation of 1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethanone and 2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine. The cations are π-stacked in inversion-related pairs (dimers), with a mean plane separation of 3.426 Å, an intradimer Pt...Pt separation of 5.0785 (6) Å and a lateral shift of 3.676 Å. The centroid (Cg) of the pyridine ring is positioned approximately over the PtIIion of the neighbouring cation (Pt...Cg= 3.503 Å).
Two [Cu2I2]-based coordination polymers of 1,3-bis(pyridin-4-yl)propane
Authors: Wan Li-Min , Yang Zhou , Zheng Ai-Xia , Ren Zhi-Gang , Lang Jian-Ping
Published: June 2012

Solvothermal reactions of Cu2(OH)2CO3with 1,3-bis(pyridin-4-yl)propane (bpp) in the presence of aqueous ammonia in 4-iodotoluene/CH3CN or 1,4-diiodobenzene/CH3CN afforded two [Cu2I2]-based coordination polymers, namelycatena-poly[[[di-μ-iodido-dicopper(I)]-bis[μ-1,3-bis(pyridin-4-yl)propane-κ2N:N′]]p-toluidine tetrasolvate], {[Cu2I2(C13H14N2)2]·4C7H9N}n, (I), and the analogous 1,4-diiodobenzene monosolvate, {[Cu2I2(C13H14N2)2]·C6H4I2}n, (II). The [Cu2I2] unit of (I) lies on a centre of symmetry at the mid-point of the two I atoms, while that of (II) has a twofold axis running through the I...I line. In (I) and (II), each Cu centre is tetrahedrally coordinated by two μ-I and two N atoms from two different bpp ligands. Each rhomboid [Cu2I2] unit can be considered as a four-connecting node linked to the symmetry-related [Cu2I2] unitsviatwo pairs of bpp ligands to form a one-dimensional double chain along thecaxis. The dimensions of the [Cu2I2(bpp)2]2rings in (I) and (II) are different, which may be due to the presence of different guest solvent molecules in the structures. In (I), onep-toluidine molecule, derived from an Ullmann coupling reaction of 4-iodotoluene with ammonia, interacts with the [Cu2I2] cluster fragment through N—H...I hydrogen bonds, while the twop-toluidine molecules interactviaN—H...N hydrogen bonds. In (II), two I atoms of each 1,4-diiodobenzene molecule are linked to the I atoms of the [Cu2I2] fragments from a neighbouring chainviaI...I secondary interactions.
Psoriasis: New insight about pathogenesis, role of barrier organ integrity, NLR / CATERPILLER family genes and microbial flora
Authors: MATTOZZI Carlo , RICHETTA Antonio G. , CANTISANI Carmen , MACALUSO Laura , CALVIERI Stefano
Published: June 2012

Psoriasis is a common, inflammatory, chronic, relapsing skin disease. New insight about the etiology of this disease shows the important role played by the epidermal barrier function, its integrity and pathogen responses in combination with microbial environmental factors. A pivotal role in the management of this balance is played by NLR genes, also known as NBD‐LRR or CATERPILLER, that encode important mediators of innate immunity and provide the first line of defense against pathogens. The polymorphism of these genes is implicated in the pathogenesis of several immunological diseases and might be of importance in the pathogenesis of barrier organ disorders. Crohn’s disease is considered archetypal of these kinds of disorders; similarities between Crohn’s disease and psoriasis and their similar pathogenetic mechanisms may support the concept of psoriasis as a barrier organ disorder and common genetic ground lying behind these illnesses. Considering psoriasis as a “barrier organ disease” is not only a mere mental exercise; this consideration may, in fact, open new prospects in the treatment of these disorders just by preventing alterations of microbial flora or regulating the response of the host to infective diseases.
Drinking habits and disability retirement
Authors: Salonsalmi Aino , Laaksonen Mikko , Lahelma Eero , Rahkonen Ossi
Published: June 2012

Aims

To examine associations between drinking habits and disability retirement, and to determine whether the associations differ between all‐cause disability retirement and the main causes of disability retirement, i.e. musculoskeletal diseases and mental disorders.

Design

A prospective cohort study with a mean follow‐up time of 8 years.

Setting

Middle‐aged employees of the City of Helsinki, Finland.

Participants

A total of 6275 municipal employees (78% women) who were 40–60 years old at baseline.

Measurements

Data on drinking habits, i.e. quantity and frequency of drinking, binge drinking and problem drinking, were derived from the baseline questionnaire. The data on disability retirement and its diagnoses came from the Finnish Centre for Pensions. The analyses were made using Cox regression analysis.

Findings

Heavy average and frequent drinking were not associated with all‐cause disability retirement, but increased the risk of disability retirement due to mental disorders even after adjusting for all covariates [hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) 2.54 (1.26–5.12) and 2.10 (1.23–3.61), respectively]. Binge and problem drinking were both associated with all‐cause disability retirement in the base models adjusted for age, gender and marital status. Problem drinking more than doubled the risk of disability retirement due to mental disorders even after all adjustments (HR 2.17, CI 1.53–3.08). Non‐drinkers had an increased risk for disability retirement due to all mental and musculoskeletal diagnoses.

Conclusions

Adverse drinking habits may contribute to disability retirement among the middle‐aged working population. Tackling unhealthy drinking habits may lessen the likelihood of early retirement due to poor mental health.
A randomised controlled trial comparing sugammadex and neostigmine at different depths of neuromuscular blockade in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery*
Authors: Geldner G. , Niskanen M. , Laurila P. , Mizikov V. , Hübler M. , Beck G. , Rietbergen H. , Nicolayenko E.
Published: June 2012

Deep neuromuscular blockade during certain surgical procedures may improve operating conditions. Sugammadex can be used to reverse deep neuromuscular blockade without waiting for spontaneous recovery. This randomised study compared recovery times from neuromuscular blockade induced by rocuronium 0.6 mg.kg−1, using sugammadex 4 mg.kg−1 administered at 1–2 post‐tetanic count (deep blockade) or neostigmine 50 μg.kg−1 (plus atropine 10 μg.kg−1) administered at the re‐appearance of the second twitch of a train‐of‐four stimulation (moderate blockade), in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. The primary efficacy variable was the time from the start of sugammadex/neostigmine administration to recovery of the train‐of‐four ratio to 0.9. Patients receiving sugammadex recovered 3.4 times faster than patients receiving neostigmine (geometric mean (95% CI) recovery times of 2.4 (2.1–2.7) and 8.4 (7.2–9.8) min, respectively, p < 0.0001). Moreover, 94% (62/66) of sugammadex‐treated patients recovered within 5 min, vs 20% (13/65) of neostigmine‐treated patients, despite the difference in the depth of neuromuscular blockade at the time of administration of both drugs. The ability to provide deep neuromuscular blockade throughout the procedure but still permit reversal at the end of surgery may enable improved surgical access and an enhanced visual field.
CD73 and adenosine generation in the creation of regulatory microenvironments
Authors: Regateiro F S , Cobbold S P , Waldmann H
Published: June 2012

Extracellular adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) acts on many immune cells to promote inflammation. Conversely, the ATP metabolite adenosine is mainly an anti-inflammatory molecule. The ecto-enzymes CD39 and CD73 can dephosphorylate extracellular ATP to adenosine, thereby controlling this important pathway of immune modulation. Despite their established roles in the immune system, little is known of how CD39 and CD73 are themselves regulated. Recent data have shown that CD73 expression and adenosine generation are up-regulated by transforming growth factor-β, depending on the cytokine content of the local microenvironment. We review here these recent findings and discuss their implications in disease.
Diatom immigration drives biofilm recovery after chronic copper exposure
Authors: MORIN SOIZIC , LAMBERT ANNE‐SOPHIE , ARTIGAS JOAN , COQUERY MARINA , PESCE STÉPHANE
Published: June 2012

1. The impact of immigration on the recovery of diatom assemblages after chronic exposure to copper was investigated in laboratory microcosms.

2. We examined the recovery trajectories of copper‐contaminated biofilms after reducing copper stress and with or without the possibility of immigration from unimpaired communities.

3. The biofilms mixed with unimpaired communities returned to a ‘control’ assemblage structure within 6 weeks, with recovery patterns depending on the endpoint considered (i.e. 2 weeks for relative abundances of diatom species but 6 weeks for total diatom biomass). In contrast, no recovery was observed in assemblages placed under control conditions without external immigrants.

4. Immigration has important effects on the recovery of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of biofilms.
Risk factors for liver transplant waitlist dropout in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Park Sang‐Jae , Freise Chris E. , Hirose Ryutaro , Kerlan Robert K. , Yao Francis Y. , Roberts John P. , Vagefi Parsia A.
Published: June 2012

Loco‐regional therapy has been developed to reduce waitlist dropout in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) awaiting liver transplantation. We evaluated the probability of transplantation and waitlist dropout, and analyzed risk factors for waitlist dropout, in 76 patients with HCC from September 2004 to August 2006. Seventy‐three (96.1%) patients received one or more preoperative loco‐regional treatments and 55 (72.3%) received an orthotopic liver transplantation with a median wait time of seven months (range, 2–26 months). There were 11 dropouts (14.5%) associated with tumor progression or hepatic decompensation (median waiting time; 5.4 months and range, 0.4–13 months). Cumulative probabilities of transplantation at three, six, nine, 12, 15, and 18 months were 5.4%, 35.4%, 67.5%, 78.8%, 80.7%, and 80.7%, respectively and those of waitlist dropout at three, six, nine, 12, 15, and 18 months were 3.9%, 8.7%, 12.8%, 22.9%, 29.3%, and 29.3%, respectively. A laboratory model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score >15 or multiple tumors at the time of UNOS listing were significant risk factors for waitlist dropout (p = 0.006 and 0.026, respectively). Patients with HCC being managed with loco‐regional therapy who have a laboratory MELD score >15 or multiple tumors should be considered for earlier access to liver transplantation to prevent waitlist dropout.
Risk factors for native kidney dysfunction in patients with abdominal multivisceral/small bowel transplantation
Authors: Suzuki M. , Mujtaba M. A. , Sharfuddin A. A. , Yaqub M. S. , Mishler D. P. , Faiz S. , Vianna R. M. , Mangus R. S. , Tector J. A. , Taber T. E.
Published: June 2012

Kidney dysfunction is a recognized complication after non‐renal solid organ transplantation, particularly after intestinal transplant. In our study, we reviewed data on 33 multivisceral transplant (MVT)‐ and 15 isolated small bowel (ISB)‐transplant patients to determine risk factors for kidney dysfunction. Kidney function was estimated by modified diet in renal disease (MDRD) and Schwartz formula for adults and children, respectively. Acute kidney injury (AKI) was defined as an increase in the serum Cr (sCr) greater than twofold. Kidney function declined significantly at one yr after transplantation with 46% of subjects showing an estimated GFR (eGFR) <60 mL/min. Patients with an episode of AKI were more likely to have reduced eGFR than those without AKI (p < 0.025). In linear regression analyses, age, pre‐transplant sCr, eGFR at postoperative day (POD) 30, 90, 180, 270, and tacrolimus level at POD 7 showed significant correlation with one yr post‐transplant eGFR (p < 0.05). Pediatric patients and patients with MVT had lesser decline in kidney function compared with adults or patients with ISB. In conclusion, risk factors for post‐transplant kidney dysfunction in intestinal transplantation included age, pre‐transplant sCr, AKI episode, eGFR at POD 30, 90, 180, 270, and tacrolimus level at POD 7.