bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intra‐Articular Hip Injections Using Ultrasound Guidance: Accuracy Using a Linear Array Transducer
Authors: Levi David S.
Published: September 2012

Objective

To describe the accuracy of sonographically guided intra‐articular hip injections with a linear array transducer.

Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Private outpatient clinic.

Methods

A single experienced operator performed 11 ultrasound‐guided intra‐articular hip injections by using a linear array transducer. Intra‐articular placement was confirmed with contrast agent and fluoroscopy.

Main Outcome Measurements

Assessment of injected contrast within the hip joint via fluoroscopic imaging.

Results

All 11 sonographically guided hip injections were accurately placed within the hip joint by the use of a linear array transducer (100% accuracy).

Conclusion

This retrospective review suggests that physicians who use a linear array transducer can accurately perform intra‐articular hip injections in an outpatient setting.
Optimum inhomogeneity of local lattice distortions in La
2
CuO

4+
y
Authors: Poccia Nicola , Ricci Alessandro , Campi Gaetano , Fratini Michela , Puri Alessandro , Gioacchino Daniele Di , Marcelli Augusto , Reynolds Michael , Burghammer Manfred , Saini Naurang Lal , Aeppli Gabriel , Bianconi Antonio
Published: September 2012

Electronic functionalities in materials from silicon to transition metal oxides are, to a large extent, controlled by defects and their relative arrangement. Outstanding examples are the oxides of copper, where defect order is correlated with their high superconducting transition temperatures. The oxygen defect order can be highly inhomogeneous, even in optimal superconducting samples, which raises the question of the nature of the sample regions where the order does not exist but which nonetheless form the “glue” binding the ordered regions together. Here we use scanning X-ray microdiffraction (with a beam 300 nm in diameter) to show that for La
2
CuO

4+
y

, the glue regions contain incommensurate modulated local lattice distortions, whose spatial extent is most pronounced for the best superconducting samples. For an underdoped single crystal with mobile oxygen interstitials in the spacer La
2
O

2+
y

layers intercalated between the CuO
2
layers, the incommensurate modulated local lattice distortions form droplets anticorrelated with the ordered oxygen interstitials, and whose spatial extent is most pronounced for the best superconducting samples. In this simplest of high temperature superconductors, there are therefore not one, but two networks of ordered defects which can be tuned to achieve optimal superconductivity. For a given stoichiometry, the highest transition temperature is obtained when both the ordered oxygen and lattice defects form fractal patterns, as opposed to appearing in isolated spots. We speculate that the relationship between material complexity and superconducting transition temperature
T

c

is actually underpinned by a fundamental relation between
T

c

and the distribution of ordered defect networks supported by the materials.
Country cousins: Europeanness, sexuality and locality in contemporary Italian television
Authors: Dines Martin , Rigoletto Sergio
Published: September 2012

This article examines the consequences of the concurrence of a recent surge of interest in LGBT lives in the Italian media with the perceived transformation of Spain. Long considered Italy's close – though inferior – cultural cousin, Spain has been seen to be forging its own path with the reforms of the Zapatero administration, gay marriage especially. The article focuses onIl padre delle spose(RAIl, 2006), which generated intense discussion across the political spectrum precisely during the period in which the issue of recognising domestic partnerships between same-sex couples was being contested in Italy. The drama and surrounding media debates are analysed in order to articulate both the anxieties and the sense of opportunity brought about by Spain's ‘sorpasso’ of Italy. The drama is also informative for the way it reverses the standard ‘metropolitan’ trajectory of LGBT narrative. By relocating its lesbian protagonists to rural Puglia, the drama indicates how local traditions might be better able to respond to hetero-patriarchal oppression than imported ideals of ‘coming out’. Further, the drama's emphasis on local forms of solidarity suggests an alternative vision of LGBT existence to the one increasingly dominant across Europe and the West which privileges economically productive subjects.
Identification of human NK cells that are deficient for signaling adaptor FcRγ and specialized for antibody-dependent immune functions
Authors: Hwang Ilwoong , Zhang Tianxiang , Scott Jeannine M. , Kim Ae Ra , Lee Taehyung , Kakarla Tejaswi , Kim Ahrom , Sunwoo John B. , Kim Sungjin
Published: September 2012

NK cells respond to tumor and virus-infected cells directly through several activation receptors, including natural cytotoxicity receptors, or indirectly through the activating Fc receptor CD16 for antibody-coated cells. Triggering of NK-cell effector functions through these receptors depends on physically associated transmembrane signaling adaptors, such as FcRγ (also known as FcεRIγ) and CD3ζ, both of which have been traditionally believed to be expressed by all mature NK cells. However, we have identified a distinct subset of human NK cells that are deficient for FcRγ expression but express normal levels of CD3ζ. FcRγ-deficient NK cells were readily detectable in about one-third of the healthy individuals examined. The deficiency was confined to the CD56dim population and was due to low FcRγ mRNA. FcRγ-deficient NK cells displayed dramatically reduced expression of the natural cytotoxicity receptors NKp46 and NKp30 but still expressed substantial levels of CD16. Compared to FcRγ-expressing NK cells, FcRγ-deficient NK cells showed poor direct reactivity toward tumor targets as measured by cytokine production and degranulation. Unexpectedly, however, FcRγ-deficient NK cells exhibited significantly more robust responsiveness upon stimulation through CD16, particularly for cytokine production, compared to FcRγ-expressing NK cells. Thus, our study reveals FcRγ-deficient NK cells as a novel subset of human NK cells that have remarkably potent responses toward antibody-coated targets. These findings also illustrate a differential contribution of FcRγ and CD3ζ for the expression and functional activity of their associated receptors.
Reshaping Institutions: Evidence on Aid Impacts Using a Preanalysis Plan*
Authors: Casey Katherine , Glennerster Rachel , Miguel Edward
Published: September 2012

Despite their importance, there is limited evidence on how institutions can be strengthened. Evaluating the effects of specific reforms is complicated by the lack of exogenous variation in institutions, the difficulty of measuring institutional performance, and the temptation to “cherry pick” estimates from among the large number of indicators required to capture this multifaceted subject. We evaluate one attempt to make local institutions more democratic and egalitarian by imposing participation requirements for marginalized groups (including women) and test for learning-by-doing effects. We exploit the random assignment of a governance program in Sierra Leone, develop innovative real-world outcome measures, and use a preanalysis plan (PAP) to bind our hands against data mining. The intervention studied is a “community-driven development” program, which has become a popular strategy for foreign aid donors. We find positive short-run effects on local public goods and economic outcomes, but no evidence for sustained impacts on collective action, decision making, or the involvement of marginalized groups, suggesting that the intervention did not durably reshape local institutions. We discuss the practical trade-offs faced in implementing a PAP and show how in its absence we could have generated two divergent, equally erroneous interpretations of program impacts on institutions.
The Organization of Firms Across Countries*
Authors: Bloom Nicholas , Sadun Raffaella , Van Reenen John
Published: September 2012

We argue that social capital as proxied by trust increases aggregate productivity by affecting the organization of firms. To do this we collect new data on the decentralization of investment, hiring, production, and sales decisions from corporate headquarters to local plant managers in almost 4,000 firms in the United States, Europe, and Asia. We find that firms headquartered in high-trust regions are significantly more likely to decentralize. To help identify causal effects, we look within multinational firms and show that higher levels of bilateral trust between the multinational’s country of origin and subsidiary’s country of location increases decentralization, even after instrumenting trust using religious similarities between the countries. Finally, we show evidence suggesting that trust raises aggregate productivity by facilitating reallocation between firms and allowing more efficient firms to grow, as CEOs can decentralize more decisions.
Sex-biased genetic effects on gene regulation in humans
Authors: Dimas Antigone S. , Nica Alexandra C. , Montgomery Stephen B. , Stranger Barbara E. , Raj Towfique , Buil Alfonso , Giger Thomas , Lappalainen Tuuli , Gutierrez-Arcelus Maria ,   MuTHER Consortium, McCarthy Mark I. , Dermitzakis Emmanouil T.
Published: September 2012

Human regulatory variation, reported as expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs), contributes to differences between populations and tissues. The contribution of eQTLs to differences between sexes, however, has not been investigated to date. Here we explore regulatory variation in females and males and demonstrate that 12%–15% of autosomal eQTLs function in a sex-biased manner. We show that genes possessing sex-biased eQTLs are expressed at similar levels across the sexes and highlight cases of genes controlling sexually dimorphic and shared traits that are under the control of distinct regulatory elements in females and males. This study illustrates that sex provides important context that can modify the effects of functional genetic variants.
Spark: A navigational paradigm for genomic data exploration
Authors: Nielsen Cydney B. , Younesy Hamid , O'Geen Henriette , Xu Xiaoqin , Jackson Andrew R. , Milosavljevic Aleksandar , Wang Ting , Costello Joseph F. , Hirst Martin , Farnham Peggy J. , Jones Steven J.M.
Published: September 2012

Biologists possess the detailed knowledge critical for extracting biological insight from genome-wide data resources, and yet they are increasingly faced with nontrivial computational analysis challenges posed by genome-scale methodologies. To lower this computational barrier, particularly in the early data exploration phases, we have developed an interactive pattern discovery and visualization approach, Spark, designed with epigenomic data in mind. Here we demonstrate Spark's ability to reveal both known and novel epigenetic signatures, including a previously unappreciated binding association between the YY1 transcription factor and the corepressor CTBP2 in human embryonic stem cells.
RNA sequencing reveals a diverse and dynamic repertoire of the Xenopus tropicalis transcriptome over development
Authors: Tan Meng How , Au Kin Fai , Yablonovitch Arielle L. , Wills Andrea E. , Chuang Jason , Baker Julie C. , Wong Wing Hung , Li Jin Billy
Published: September 2012

The Xenopus embryo has provided key insights into fate specification, the cell cycle, and other fundamental developmental and cellular processes, yet a comprehensive understanding of its transcriptome is lacking. Here, we used paired end RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to explore the transcriptome of Xenopus tropicalis in 23 distinct developmental stages. We determined expression levels of all genes annotated in RefSeq and Ensembl and showed for the first time on a genome-wide scale that, despite a general state of transcriptional silence in the earliest stages of development, approximately 150 genes are transcribed prior to the midblastula transition. In addition, our splicing analysis uncovered more than 10,000 novel splice junctions at each stage and revealed that many known genes have additional unannotated isoforms. Furthermore, we used Cufflinks to reconstruct transcripts from our RNA-seq data and found that ∼13.5% of the final contigs are derived from novel transcribed regions, both within introns and in intergenic regions. We then developed a filtering pipeline to separate protein-coding transcripts from noncoding RNAs and identified a confident set of 6686 noncoding transcripts in 3859 genomic loci. Since the current reference genome, XenTro3, consists of hundreds of scaffolds instead of full chromosomes, we also performed de novo reconstruction of the transcriptome using Trinity and uncovered hundreds of transcripts that are missing from the genome. Collectively, our data will not only aid in completing the assembly of the Xenopus tropicalis genome but will also serve as a valuable resource for gene discovery and for unraveling the fundamental mechanisms of vertebrate embryogenesis.
Genome-wide mapping of nucleosome positioning and DNA methylation within individual DNA molecules
Authors: Kelly Theresa K. , Liu Yaping , Lay Fides D. , Liang Gangning , Berman Benjamin P. , Jones Peter A.
Published: September 2012

DNA methylation and nucleosome positioning work together to generate chromatin structures that regulate gene expression. Nucleosomes are typically mapped using nuclease digestion requiring significant amounts of material and varying enzyme concentrations. We have developed a method (NOMe-seq) that uses a GpC methyltransferase (M.CviPI) and next generation sequencing to generate a high resolution footprint of nucleosome positioning genome-wide using less than 1 million cells while retaining endogenous DNA methylation information from the same DNA strand. Using a novel bioinformatics pipeline, we show a striking anti-correlation between nucleosome occupancy and DNA methylation at CTCF regions that is not present at promoters. We further show that the extent of nucleosome depletion at promoters is directly correlated to expression level and can accommodate multiple nucleosomes and provide genome-wide evidence that expressed non-CpG island promoters are nucleosome-depleted. Importantly, NOMe-seq obtains DNA methylation and nucleosome positioning information from the same DNA molecule, giving the first genome-wide DNA methylation and nucleosome positioning correlation at the single molecule, and thus, single cell level, that can be used to monitor disease progression and response to therapy.
Alternative Oxidase in Resistance to Biotic Stresses: Nicotiana attenuata AOX Contributes to Resistance to a Pathogen and a Piercing-Sucking Insect But Not Manduca sexta Larvae
Authors: Zhang Lu , Oh Youngjoo , Li Hongyu , Baldwin Ian T. , Galis Ivan
Published: September 2012

The role of the alternative respiratory pathway in the protection of plants against biotic stress was examined in transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana attenuata) plants (irAOX) silenced in the expression of ALTERNATIVE OXIDASE (AOX) gene. Wild-type and irAOX plants were independently challenged with (1) chewing herbivores (Manduca sexta), (2) piercing-sucking insects (Empoasca spp.), and (3) bacterial pathogens (Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato DC3000), showing that all these treatments can strongly elicit accumulation of AOX gene transcripts in wild-type plants. When N. attenuata chemical defenses and resistance were examined, irAOX plants showed wild-type levels of defense-related phytohormones, secondary metabolites, and resistance to M. sexta. In contrast, piercing-sucking leafhoppers (Empoasca spp.) caused more leaf damage and induced significantly higher salicylic acid levels in irAOX compared with wild-type plants in the field and/or glasshouse. Subsequently, irAOX plants accumulated lower levels of defense metabolites, 17-hydroxygeranyllinalool diterpene glycosides, caffeoylputrescine, and nicotine compared with wild-type plants under prolonged attack of Empoasca spp. in the glasshouse. Finally, an accelerated cell death phenotype was observed in irAOX plants infected with P. syringae, which correlated with higher levels of salicylic acid and hydrogen peroxide levels in pathogen-infected irAOX compared with wild-type leaves. Overall, the AOX-associated changes in phytohormone and/or redox levels appear to support the resistance of N. attenuata plants against cell piercing-sucking insects and modulate the progression of cell death in pathogen-infected tissues but are not effective against rapidly feeding specialist herbivore M. sexta.
Structural, Functional, and Evolutionary Analysis of the Unusually Large Stilbene Synthase Gene Family in Grapevine
Authors: Parage Claire , Tavares Raquel , Réty Stéphane , Baltenweck-Guyot Raymonde , Poutaraud Anne , Renault Lauriane , Heintz Dimitri , Lugan Raphaël , Marais Gabriel A.B. , Aubourg Sébastien , Hugueney Philippe
Published: September 2012

Stilbenes are a small family of phenylpropanoids produced in a number of unrelated plant species, including grapevine (Vitis vinifera). In addition to their participation in defense mechanisms in plants, stilbenes, such as resveratrol, display important pharmacological properties and are postulated to be involved in the health benefits associated with a moderate consumption of red wine. Stilbene synthases (STSs), which catalyze the biosynthesis of the stilbene backbone, seem to have evolved from chalcone synthases (CHSs) several times independently in stilbene-producing plants. STS genes usually form small families of two to five closely related paralogs. By contrast, the sequence of grapevine reference genome (cv PN40024) has revealed an unusually large STS gene family. Here, we combine molecular evolution and structural and functional analyses to investigate further the high number of STS genes in grapevine. Our reannotation of the STS and CHS gene families yielded 48 STS genes, including at least 32 potentially functional ones. Functional characterization of nine genes representing most of the STS gene family diversity clearly indicated that these genes do encode for proteins with STS activity. Evolutionary analysis of the STS gene family revealed that both STS and CHS evolution are dominated by purifying selection, with no evidence for strong selection for new functions among STS genes. However, we found a few sites under different selection pressures in CHS and STS sequences, whose potential functional consequences are discussed using a structural model of a typical STS from grapevine that we developed.
Distinct Cell Wall Architectures in Seed Endosperms in Representatives of the Brassicaceae and Solanaceae
Authors: Lee Kieran J.D. , Dekkers Bas J.W. , Steinbrecher Tina , Walsh Cherie T. , Bacic Antony , Bentsink Leónie , Leubner-Metzger Gerhard , Knox J. Paul
Published: September 2012

In some species, a crucial role has been demonstrated for the seed endosperm during germination. The endosperm has been shown to integrate environmental cues with hormonal networks that underpin dormancy and seed germination, a process that involves the action of cell wall remodeling enzymes (CWREs). Here, we examine the cell wall architectures of the endosperms of two related Brassicaceae, Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and the close relative Lepidium (Lepidium sativum), and that of the Solanaceous species, tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). The Brassicaceae species have a similar cell wall architecture that is rich in pectic homogalacturonan, arabinan, and xyloglucan. Distinctive features of the tobacco endosperm that are absent in the Brassicaceae representatives are major tissue asymmetries in cell wall structural components that reflect the future site of radicle emergence and abundant heteromannan. Cell wall architecture of the micropylar endosperm of tobacco seeds has structural components similar to those seen in Arabidopsis and Lepidium endosperms. In situ and biomechanical analyses were used to study changes in endosperms during seed germination and suggest a role for mannan degradation in tobacco. In the case of the Brassicaceae representatives, the structurally homogeneous cell walls of the endosperm can be acted on by spatially regulated CWRE expression. Genetic manipulations of cell wall components present in the Arabidopsis seed endosperm demonstrate the impact of cell wall architectural changes on germination kinetics.
Diverse Roles of Strigolactone Signaling in Maize Architecture and the Uncoupling of a Branching-Specific Subnetwork
Authors: Guan Jiahn Chou , Koch Karen E. , Suzuki Masaharu , Wu Shan , Latshaw Susan , Petruff Tanya , Goulet Charles , Klee Harry J. , McCarty Donald R.
Published: September 2012

Strigolactones (SLs) control lateral branching in diverse species by regulating transcription factors orthologous to Teosinte branched1 (Tb1). In maize (Zea mays), however, selection for a strong central stalk during domestication is attributed primarily to the Tb1 locus, leaving the architectural roles of SLs unclear. To determine how this signaling network is altered in maize, we first examined effects of a knockout mutation in an essential SL biosynthetic gene that encodes CAROTENOID CLEAVAGE DIOXYGENASE8 (CCD8), then tested interactions between SL signaling and Tb1. Comparative genome analysis revealed that maize depends on a single CCD8 gene (ZmCCD8), unlike other panicoid grasses that have multiple CCD8 paralogs. Function of ZmCCD8 was confirmed by transgenic complementation of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) max4 (ccd8) and by phenotypic rescue of the maize mutant (zmccd8::Ds) using a synthetic SL (GR24). Analysis of the zmccd8 mutant revealed a modest increase in branching that contrasted with prominent pleiotropic changes that include (1) marked reduction in stem diameter, (2) reduced elongation of internodes (independent of carbon supply), and (3) a pronounced delay in development of the centrally important, nodal system of adventitious roots. Analysis of the tb1  zmccd8 double mutant revealed that Tb1 functions in an SL-independent subnetwork that is not required for the other diverse roles of SL in development. Our findings indicate that in maize, uncoupling of the Tb1 subnetwork from SL signaling has profoundly altered the balance between conserved roles of SLs in branching and diverse aspects of plant architecture.
IAA-Ala Resistant3, an Evolutionarily Conserved Target of miR167, MediatesArabidopsisRoot Architecture Changes during High Osmotic Stress
Authors: Kinoshita Natsuko , Wang Huan , Kasahara Hiroyuki , Liu Jun , MacPherson Cameron , Machida Yasunori , Kamiya Yuji , Hannah Matthew A. , Chua Nam-Hai
Published: September 2012

The functions of microRNAs and their target mRNAs in Arabidopsis thaliana development have been widely documented; however, roles of stress-responsive microRNAs and their targets are not as well understood. Using small RNA deep sequencing and ATH1 microarrays to profile mRNAs, we identified IAA-Ala Resistant3 (IAR3) as a new target of miR167a. As expected, IAR3 mRNA was cleaved at the miR167a complementary site and under high osmotic stress miR167a levels decreased, whereas IAR3 mRNA levels increased. IAR3 hydrolyzes an inactive form of auxin (indole-3-acetic acid [IAA]-alanine) and releases bioactive auxin (IAA), a central phytohormone for root development. In contrast with the wild type, iar3 mutants accumulated reduced IAA levels and did not display high osmotic stress–induced root architecture changes. Transgenic plants expressing a cleavage-resistant form of IAR3 mRNA accumulated high levels of IAR3 mRNAs and showed increased lateral root development compared with transgenic plants expressing wild-type IAR3. Expression of an inducible noncoding RNA to sequester miR167a by target mimicry led to an increase in IAR3 mRNA levels, further confirming the inverse relationship between the two partners. Sequence comparison revealed the miR167 target site on IAR3 mRNA is conserved in evolutionarily distant plant species. Finally, we showed that IAR3 is required for drought tolerance.
Novel Plant Immune-Priming Compounds Identified via High-Throughput Chemical Screening Target Salicylic Acid Glucosyltransferases in Arabidopsis
Authors: Noutoshi Yoshiteru , Okazaki Masateru , Kida Tatsuya , Nishina Yuta , Morishita Yoshihiko , Ogawa Takumi , Suzuki Hideyuki , Shibata Daisuke , Jikumaru Yusuke , Hanada Atsushi , Kamiya Yuji , Shirasu Ken
Published: September 2012

Plant activators are compounds, such as analogs of the defense hormone salicylic acid (SA), that protect plants from pathogens by activating the plant immune system. Although some plant activators have been widely used in agriculture, the molecular mechanisms of immune induction are largely unknown. Using a newly established high-throughput screening procedure that screens for compounds that specifically potentiate pathogen-activated cell death in Arabidopsis thaliana cultured suspension cells, we identified five compounds that prime the immune response. These compounds enhanced disease resistance against pathogenic Pseudomonas bacteria in Arabidopsis plants. Pretreatments increased the accumulation of endogenous SA, but reduced its metabolite, SA-O-β-d-glucoside. Inducing compounds inhibited two SA glucosyltransferases (SAGTs) in vitro. Double knockout plants that lack both SAGTs consistently exhibited enhanced disease resistance. Our results demonstrate that manipulation of the active free SA pool via SA-inactivating enzymes can be a useful strategy for fortifying plant disease resistance and may identify useful crop protectants.
Overexpression of Arabidopsis Plasmodesmata Germin-Like Proteins Disrupts Root Growth and Development
Authors: Ham Byung-Kook , Li Gang , Kang Byung-Ho , Zeng Fanchang , Lucas William J.
Published: September 2012

In plants, a population of non-cell-autonomous proteins (NCAPs), including numerous transcription factors, move cell to cell through plasmodesmata (PD). In many cases, the intercellular trafficking of these NCAPs is regulated by their interaction with specific PD components. To gain further insight into the functions of this NCAP pathway, coimmunoprecipitation experiments were performed on a tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plasmodesmal-enriched cell wall protein preparation using as bait the NCAP, pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) PHLOEM PROTEIN16 (Cm-PP16). A Cm-PP16 interaction partner, Nt-PLASMODESMAL GERMIN-LIKE PROTEIN1 (Nt-PDGLP1) was identified and shown to be a PD-located component. Arabidopsis thaliana putative orthologs, PDGLP1 and PDGLP2, were identified; expression studies indicated that, postgermination, these proteins were preferentially expressed in the root system. The PDGLP1 signal peptide was shown to function in localization to the PD by a novel mechanism involving the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi secretory pathway. Overexpression of various tagged versions altered root meristem function, leading to reduced primary root but enhanced lateral root growth. This effect on root growth was corrected with an inability of these chimeric proteins to form stable PD-localized complexes. PDGLP1 and PDGLP2 appear to be involved in regulating primary root growth by controlling phloem-mediated allocation of resources between the primary and lateral root meristems.
Capping Protein Modulates the Dynamic Behavior of Actin Filaments in Response to Phosphatidic Acid inArabidopsis
Authors: Li Jiejie , Henty-Ridilla Jessica L. , Huang Shanjin , Wang Xia , Blanchoin Laurent , Staiger Christopher J.
Published: September 2012

Remodeling of actin filament arrays in response to biotic and abiotic stimuli is thought to require precise control over the generation and availability of filament ends. Heterodimeric capping protein (CP) is an abundant filament capper, and its activity is inhibited by membrane signaling phospholipids in vitro. How exactly CP modulates the properties of filament ends in cells and whether its activity is coordinated by phospholipids in vivo is not well understood. By observing directly the dynamic behavior of individual filament ends in the cortical array of living Arabidopsis thaliana epidermal cells, we dissected the contribution of CP to actin organization and dynamics in response to the signaling phospholipid, phosphatidic acid (PA). Here, we examined three cp knockdown mutants and found that reduced CP levels resulted in more dynamic activity at filament ends, and this significantly enhanced filament-filament annealing and filament elongation from free ends. The cp mutants also exhibited more dense actin filament arrays. Treatment of wild-type cells with exogenous PA phenocopied the actin-based defects in cp mutants, with an increase in the density of filament arrays and enhanced annealing frequency. These cytoskeletal responses to exogenous PA were completely abrogated in cp mutants. Our data provide compelling genetic evidence that the end-capping activity of CP is inhibited by membrane signaling lipids in eukaryotic cells. Specifically, CP acts as a PA biosensor and key transducer of fluxes in membrane signaling phospholipids into changes in actin cytoskeleton dynamics.
Estimation of genotyping error rate from repeat genotyping, unintentional recaptures and known parent–offspring comparisons in 16 microsatellite loci for brown rockfish (Sebastes auriculatus)
Authors: Hess Maureen A. , Rhydderch James G. , LeClair Larry L. , Buckley Raymond M. , Kawase Mitsuhiro , Hauser Lorenz
Published: September 2012

Genotyping errors are present in almost all genetic data and can affect biological conclusions of a study, particularly for studies based on individual identification and parentage. Many statistical approaches can incorporate genotyping errors, but usually need accurate estimates of error rates. Here, we used a new microsatellite data set developed for brown rockfish (Sebastes auriculatus) to estimate genotyping error using three approaches: (i) repeat genotyping 5% of samples, (ii) comparing unintentionally recaptured individuals and (iii) Mendelian inheritance error checking for known parent–offspring pairs. In each data set, we quantified genotyping error rate per allele due to allele drop‐out and false alleles. Genotyping error rate per locus revealed an average overall genotyping error rate by direct count of 0.3%, 1.5% and 1.7% (0.002, 0.007 and 0.008 per allele error rate) from replicate genotypes, known parent–offspring pairs and unintentionally recaptured individuals, respectively. By direct‐count error estimates, the recapture and known parent–offspring data sets revealed an error rate four times greater than estimated using repeat genotypes. There was no evidence of correlation between error rates and locus variability for all three data sets, and errors appeared to occur randomly over loci in the repeat genotypes, but not in recaptures and parent–offspring comparisons. Furthermore, there was no correlation in locus‐specific error rates between any two of the three data sets. Our data suggest that repeat genotyping may underestimate true error rates and may not estimate locus‐specific error rates accurately. We therefore suggest using methods for error estimation that correspond to the overall aim of the study (e.g. known parent–offspring comparisons in parentage studies).
Should early improvement be re‐defined to better predict the maintenance of response in first‐episode schizophrenia patients?
Authors: Schennach R. , Riesbeck M. , Mayr A. , Seemüller F. , Maier W. , Klingberg S. , Heuser I. , Klosterkötter J. , Gastpar M. , Schmitt A. , Sauer H. , Schneider F. , Jäger M. , Wölwer W. , Gaebel W. , Möller H.‐J. , Riedel M.
Published: September 2012

Schennach R, Riesbeck M, Mayr A, Seemüller F, Maier W, Klingberg S, Heuser I, Klosterkötter J, Gastpar M, Schmitt A, Sauer H, Schneider F, Jäger M, Wölwer W, Gaebel W, Möller H‐J, Riedel M. Should early improvement be re‐defined to better predict the maintenance of response in first‐episode schizophrenia patients?

Objective:  To evaluate the predictive validity of early response in first‐episode schizophrenia within a 1‐year follow‐up trial and to compare the resulting cutoff to the currently proposed early response definition (20% improvement by week 2).

Method:  Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analyses were used to identify the predictive validity of the psychopathological improvement of treatment from week 1 to week 8, regarding the maintenance of response until week 52 as well as to define the most reasonable cutoff in 132 first‐episode patients. The Youden Index (maximum of sensitivity and specificity) was used to compare the newly developed and the commonly used early response definition.

Results:  Starting with week 6, a reasonable validity to predict the maintenance of response was found (area under the curve = 0.721) with the best fitting cutoff being a 51.6% PANSS total score improvement. Using this cutoff 74 patients (56%) were correctly identified to become responder and maintain response during follow‐up (sensitivity: 0.747). The Youden Index was higher applying the newly developed early response cutoff featuring higher specificity compared to the commonly used early response definition.

Conclusion:  Regarding long‐term treatment, it seems more appropriate to base predictions of the patient’s maintenance of response not before 6 weeks of treatment.
Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with low level of physical activity: a population‐based study
Authors: Gerber L. , Otgonsuren M. , Mishra A. , Escheik C. , Birerdinc A. , Stepanova M. , Younossi Z. M.
Published: September 2012

Background

High intensity exercise improves metabolic status and may potentially mobilise hepatic fat.

Aim

To assess the level of physical activity (PA) of subjects with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

Data were obtained from NHANES (2003–2006). Activity counts obtained from accelerometer readings (ActiGraph, Fort Walton Beach, FL), from 7 consecutive days quantified total PA and time spent engaged in different levels of activity. All measures were counts/minutes/day: (sedentary <100; light 100–0027; moderate, 2020–5999 and vigorous, 6000+). NAFLD was defined as a fatty liver index >60 (FLI) in the absence of other chronic liver disease. Subjects with NAFLD were compared to controls using stratum‐specific Chi‐squared and t‐tests. Simple linear regression analyses (with Taylor series linearised variance estimation and weighting) were used to determine the association between PA levels and NAFLD. P‐values <0.05 were considered significant. Statistical analyses were conducted using sudaan version 10.1 and sas version 9.1.

Results

We included 3056 participants. NAFLD patients were older, had higher BMI, larger waist circumference, higher sum of skinfolds, more likely to have insulin resistance (HOMA > 3.0) and type‐2 diabetes (all P‐values <0.01). Average PA for NAFLD subjects was about 28.7 counts/minute/day less than controls (P < 0.01). Furthermore, NAFLD subjects spent less time participating in activity at any level (P < 0.01). Subjects with NAFLD and DM were in the lowest quartile of average PA as well as moderate‐vigorous PA (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Data from this study show that non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease patients have low level of physical activity and, when they have diabetes mellitus, they perform at the lowest quartile of physical activity and moderate‐vigorous physical activity.
Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of matrix gene of avian influenza viruses isolated from wild birds and live bird markets in the USA
Authors: Chander Yogesh , Jindal Naresh , Sreevatsan Srinand , Stallknecht David E. , Goyal Sagar M.
Published: September 2012

Please cite this paper as: Chander et al. (2012) Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of matrix gene of avian influenza viruses isolated from wild birds and live bird markets in the USA. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(4), 513–520.

Background  Wild birds are the natural hosts for influenza A viruses (IAVs) and provide a niche for the maintenance of this virus.

Objectives  This study was undertaken to analyze nucleotide sequences of the matrix (M) gene of AIVs isolated from wild birds and live bird markets (LBMs) to index the changes occurring in this gene.

Methods  M‐gene of 229 avian influenza virus (AIV) isolates obtained from wild birds and LBMs was amplified and sequenced. Full‐length sequences (∼900 nt.) thus obtained were analyzed to identify changes that may be associated with resistance to adamantanes. Phylogenetic analysis of all sequences was performed using clustalw, and evolutionary distances were calculated by maximum composite likelihood method using mega (ver. 5.0) software.

Results  Twenty‐seven different viral subtypes were represented with H3N8 being the most dominant subtype in wild birds and H7N2 being the predominant subtype among isolates from LBMs. Phylogenetic analysis of the M‐gene showed a high degree of nucleotide sequence identity with US isolates of AIVs but not with those of Asian or European lineages. While none of the isolates from wild birds had any antiviral resistance–associated mutations, 17 LBM isolates carried polymorphisms known to cause reduced susceptibility to antiviral drugs (adamantanes). Of these 17 isolates, 16 had S31N change and one isolate had V27A mutation.

Conclusions  These results indicate independent evolution of M‐gene in the absence of any antiviral drugs leading to mutations causing resistance indicating the need for continued active surveillance of AIVs.
Ignoring the evidence favouring exercise therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome is unethical and scientifically incorrect
Authors: Nijs Jo , Van Cauwenbergh Deborah , De Kooning Margot , Ickmans Kelly
Published: September 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (11): 1257–1258
Temper outbursts in paediatric obsessive‐compulsive disorder and their association with depressed mood and treatment outcome
Authors: Krebs Georgina , Bolhuis Koen , Heyman Isobel , Mataix‐Cols David , Turner Cynthia , Stringaris Argyris
Published: September 2012

Background:  Temper outbursts in youth with obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) are a common source of concern, but remain poorly understood. This study examined a set of hypotheses related to: (a) the prevalence of temper outbursts in paediatric OCD, (b) the associations of temper outbursts with OCD severity and depressive symptoms; and (c) the influence of temper outbursts on treatment response.

Methods:  The prevalence of temper outbursts was estimated in a specialist OCD clinical sample (n = 387) using parent‐ and child‐report. This was replicated in a community sample (n = 18,415). Associations of temper outbursts with obsessive‐compulsive symptoms and with depressed mood were examined using logistic regression models. The influence of temper outbursts on treatment response was examined in a subsample of 109 patients treated with cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) with or without medication.

Results:  Over a third of young people with OCD displayed temper outbursts, and rates were similar across the clinical and community samples. Temper outbursts were two to three times more common in youth with OCD than in healthy controls. However, OCD symptom severity was not a strong predictor of child‐ or parent‐reported temper outbursts. Instead, both child‐ and parent‐ reported temper outbursts were significantly associated to depressive symptoms. CBT strongly reduced OCD and depressive symptoms, as well as the severity of temper outbursts. There was no significant difference in post‐treatment OCD or depression scores between those with temper outbursts compared to those without.

Conclusions:  Temper outbursts are common in youth with OCD and are particularly related to depressed mood. They improve with CBT for OCD and do not seem to impede OCD treatment response.
Incorporation of sentinel lymph node mapping in dogs with mast cell tumours: 20 consecutive procedures
Authors: Worley Deanna R.
Published: September 2012

The study hypothesis is that incorporation of sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in dogs presenting for mast cell tumour (MCT) removal would impact the recommended adjuvant therapy offered. Nineteen dogs were enrolled having either spontaneously occurring or incompletely excised MCTs. Staging included regional lymph node aspiration. SLN mapping was done with regional lymphoscintigraphy combined with intra‐operative lymphoscintigraphy and blue dye. Twenty MCTs in 19 dogs were excised with SLN mapping. Eight dogs had SLNs different from the closest node. Twelve dogs had metastasis in extirpated SLNs, seven occurred in MCTs with a MI ≤ 5. No correlation was noted between patient stage and the c‐KIT proto‐oncogene. Because of SLN staging, 8 of 19 dogs were offered additional therapy that would have otherwise been excluded. Anatomic sampling of lymph nodes in dogs with MCTs does not accurately reflect which lymph nodes are most likely to be receiving the draining tumour lymph.
Caregiver Protective Behavior, Toddler Fear and Sadness, and Toddler Cortisol Reactivity in Novel Contexts
Authors: Hutt Rachel L. , Buss Kristin A. , Kiel Elizabeth J.
Published: September 2012

Previous research has shown that caregiver protective behavior may exacerbate toddler distress in specific contexts. This study sought to extend this work to examine associations between these variables and toddler cortisol reactivity. Ninety‐three 24‐month‐old toddlers were observed across six novel contexts designed to elicit distress. Toddlers were asked to give saliva samples at the beginning and end of the laboratory procedure. Toddler sadness, toddler fear and caregiver protective behavior were coded. Results indicate that caregiver protective behavior accounted for the association between toddler sadness and cortisol reactivity where higher levels of protective behavior were associated with higher cortisol reactivity. This study showed that caregiver protective behavior, which functions to prevent a child from interacting with a novel stimulus, is an important mechanism to consider when understanding toddler stress responses during novel contexts.
Social Equity: Its Legacy, Its Promise
Authors: Guy Mary E. , McCandless Sean A.
Published: September 2012

Social equity is rooted in the idea that each person is equal and has inalienable rights. Because of America's unique blend of social, religious, economic, and political characteristics, we value this concept despite, or perhaps because of, the simultaneous tensions of a capitalist economy, which requires inequality, set within a democratic constitutional system, which assumes equality. The impossibility of simultaneously achieving inequality and equality produces episodic “corrections.” This was the case in the tumultuous 1960s, a period when the usually tame notion of equity gave rise to heated debate and resulted in calls for social change. Now, tumult in the form of economic inequality, unemployment, and globalization is a harbinger of renewed interest. This article explains the roots of the concept, its contemporary understandings, and its relevance to emerging issues.
Fertilisers and insect herbivores: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Butler J. , Garratt M.P.D. , Leather S.R.
Published: September 2012

Despite the importance of a thorough understanding of the effect of synthetic fertiliser on insect population dynamics, existing literature is conflicting and an area of intense debate. Here, a categorical random‐effects meta‐analysis and a vote count meta‐analysis are employed to examine the effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and NPK fertiliser on insect population dynamics. In agreement with the general consensus, insects were found to respond positively, overall, to fertilisers. Sucking insects showed a much stronger response to fertilisers than chewing insects. The environment in which a study is conducted can have a marked effect on insect responses to fertiliser, with natural environments showing the potential for buffering effects of nitrogen fertilisers in particular. As well as highlighting the potential shortfall in the amount of research investigating particularly the effects of potassium and phosphorus, this study provides an invaluable flag post in the ongoing research investigating fertiliser effects on ecosystems.
Questionnaire‐based assessment of owner concerns and doctor responsiveness: 107 canine chemotherapy patients
Authors: Hamilton M. J. , Sarcornrattana O. , Illiopoulou M. , Xie Y. , Kitchell B.
Published: September 2012

Objective

To quantify owner concerns regarding clinical signs in canine patients receiving chemotherapy and to assess degree of concordance between client and veterinarian concerns regarding patient quality of life.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of owner‐reported concerns during chemotherapy treatment. Owner‐reported adverse events were recorded sequentially for each patient through a partially open design questionnaire and correlated with veterinary patient summaries for each visit. Canine patients treated for transitional cell carcinoma, haemangiosarcoma, malignant melanoma or osteosarcoma were eligible for inclusion. Minimum treatment eligibility was two chemotherapy treatments given in 21‐day protocol cycles, with a maximum of six treatment cycles recorded.

Results

A total of 553 evaluable visits, seen by 18 oncology clinicians, were assessed. Owners expressed concern before chemotherapy in 48% of visits. Owner concerns at the first visit did not differ significantly from those expressed at the sixth visit. Remission status was a significant factor in owners’ rate of reporting concerns. Diarrhoea grade was associated with owners’ concerns. Clinician gender was not associated with responsiveness to owners’ concerns.

Clinical Significance

Questionnaire‐based surveys appear to be an effective tool for communicating dog owners’ concerns regarding chemotherapy and potentially for monitoring a clinician's attentiveness. Owners expressed concerns at approximately half of chemotherapy appointments.
Radiographic kidney measurements in North American pet ferrets (Mustela furo)
Authors: Eshar D. , Briscoe J. A. , Mai W.
Published: September 2012

Objectives

The purpose of the current study was to determine normal radiographic kidney ‐measurements in pet ferrets.

Methods

Kidney length and width dimensions and the length of the second lumbar vertebra (L2) were determined from survey ventrodorsal radiographs in 53 neutered ferrets of various ages, weight and sex, with no evidence of urogenital disease. Kidney dimensions were expressed as a ratio to the body length ofL2.

Results

All ferrets in this study had six lumbar vertebrae. The median length ofL2was 13·3 mm, and was longer in males than females (P=0·0001). The 95% confidence interval for kidney‐length‐to‐L2ratios was 2·21 to 2·31 for the right and 2·15 to 2·25 for the left. For the kidney‐width‐to‐L2ratios these intervals were 1·09 to 1·14 for the right and 1·07 to 1·12 for the left kidney. There was a significant association between kidney size and weight or sex but not with age.

Clinical Significance

The results of this radiographic study may allow practitioners to have a more ‐objective clinical radiographic evaluation of kidney size of pet ferrets based on individual traits.
Sub-Acromial Bursitis in a 9-Year-Old Child
Authors: Isaac Sherif M. , O'Connor Benjamin , Jeyapalan Kanagaratnam , Taylor Graham
Published: September 2012

We report a case of a 9-year old male patient who presented with right shoulder pain and a reduced range of motion. There was no history of trauma and the patient was systemically well. The patient was admitted to the hospital for further investigation and treatment. Magnetic resonance imaging, blood tests, including microbiology culture, and a tissue biopsy were obtained. A multidisciplinary team approach was employed to reach the diagnosis. Clinical, radiological and laboratory investigations revealed an inflammatory process consistent with an idiopathic sub-acromial bursitis. The diagnosis was confirmed after exclusion of serious pathology such as infection and malignancy. This was successfully treated with simple analgesia and anti-inflammatory medications.