bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Specific Population of Abnormal Prion Protein Aggregates Is Preferentially Taken Up by Cells and Disaggregated in a Strain-Dependent Manner
Authors: Choi Young Pyo , Priola Suzette A.
Published: August 2013

Prion diseases are characterized by the conversion of the soluble protease-sensitive host-encoded prion protein (PrPC) into its aggregated, protease-resistant, and infectious isoform (PrPSc). One of the earliest events occurring in cells following exposure to an exogenous source of prions is the cellular uptake of PrPSc. It is unclear how the biochemical properties of PrPScinfluence its uptake, although aggregate size is thought to be important. Here we show that for two different strains of mouse prions, one that infects cells (22L) and one that does not (87V), a fraction of PrPScassociated with distinct sedimentation properties is preferentially taken up by the cells. However, while the fraction of PrPScand the kinetics of uptake were similar for both strains, PrPScderived from the 87V strain was disaggregated more rapidly than that derived from 22L. The increased rate of PrPScdisaggregation did not correlate with either the conformational or aggregate stability of 87V PrPSc, both of which were greater than those of 22L PrPSc. Our data suggest that the kinetics of disaggregation of PrPScfollowing cellular uptake is independent of PrPScstability but may be dependent upon some component of the PrPScaggregate other than PrP. Rapid disaggregation of 87V PrPScby the cell may contribute, at least in part, to the inability of 87V to infect cellsin vitro.
Generation of Rhesus Macaque-Tropic HIV-1 Clones That Are Resistant to Major Anti-HIV-1 Restriction Factors
Authors: Nomaguchi Masako , Yokoyama Masaru , Kono Ken , Nakayama Emi E. , Shioda Tatsuo , Doi Naoya , Fujiwara Sachi , Saito Akatsuki , Akari Hirofumi , Miyakawa Kei , Ryo Akihide , Ode Hirotaka , Iwatani Yasumasa , Miura Tomoyuki , Igarashi Tatsuhiko , Sato Hironori , Adachi Akio
Published: August 2013

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication in macaque cells is restricted mainly by antiviral cellular APOBEC3, TRIM5α/TRIM5CypA, and tetherin proteins. For basic and clinical HIV-1/AIDS studies, efforts to construct macaque-tropic HIV-1 (HIV-1mt) have been made by us and others. Although rhesus macaques are commonly and successfully used as infection models, no HIV-1 derivatives suitable for
in vivo
rhesus research are available to date. In this study, to obtain novel HIV-1mt clones that are resistant to major restriction factors, we altered Gag and Vpu of our best HIV-1mt clone described previously. First, by sequence- and structure-guided mutagenesis, three amino acid residues in Gag-capsid (CA) (M94L/R98S/G114Q) were found to be responsible for viral growth enhancement in a macaque cell line. Results of
in vitro
TRIM5α susceptibility testing of HIV-1mt carrying these substitutions correlated well with the increased viral replication potential in macaque peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with different
TRIM5
alleles, suggesting that the three amino acids in HIV-1mt CA are involved in the interaction with TRIM5α. Second, we replaced the transmembrane domain of Vpu of this clone with the corresponding region of simian immunodeficiency virus SIVgsn166 Vpu. The resultant clone, MN4/LSDQgtu, was able to antagonize macaque but not human tetherin, and its Vpu effectively functioned during viral replication in a macaque cell line. Notably, MN4/LSDQgtu grew comparably to SIVmac239 and much better than any of our other HIV-1mt clones in rhesus macaque PBMCs. In sum, MN4/LSDQgtu is the first HIV-1 derivative that exhibits resistance to the major restriction factors in rhesus macaque cells.
Human Cytomegalovirus UL76 Elicits Novel Aggresome Formation via Interaction with S5a of the Ubiquitin Proteasome System
Authors: Lin Shin-Rung , Jiang Meei Jyh , Wang Hung-Hsueh , Hu Cheng-Hui , Hsu Ming-Shan , Hsi Edward , Duh Chang-Yih , Wang Shang-Kwei
Published: August 2013

HCMV UL76 is a member of a conserved
Herpesviridae
protein family (Herpes_UL24) that is involved in viral production, latency, and reactivation. UL76 presents as globular aggresomes in the nuclei of transiently transfected cells. Bioinformatic analyses predict that UL76 has a propensity for aggregation and targets cellular proteins implicated in protein folding and ubiquitin-proteasome systems (UPS). Furthermore, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments suggests that UL76 reduces protein mobility in the aggresome, which indicates that UL76 elicits the aggregation of misfolded proteins. Moreover, in the absence of other viral proteins, UL76 interacts with S5a, which is a major receptor of polyubiquitinated proteins for UPS proteolysis via its conserved region and the von Willebrand factor type A (VWA) domain of S5a. We demonstrate that UL76 sequesters polyubiquitinated proteins and S5a to nuclear aggresomes in biological proximity. After knockdown of endogenous S5a by RNA interference techniques, the UL76 level was only minimally affected in transiently expressing cells. However, a significant reduction in the number of cells containing UL76 nuclear aggresomes was observed, which suggests that S5a may play a key role in aggresome formation. Moreover, we show that UL76 interacts with S5a in the late phase of viral infection and that knockdown of S5a hinders the development of both the replication compartment and the aggresome. In this study, we demonstrate that UL76 induces a novel nuclear aggresome, likely by subverting S5a of the UPS. Given that UL76 belongs to a conserved family, this underlying mechanism may be shared by all members of the
Herpesviridae
.
Structure of the NS1 Protein N-Terminal Origin Recognition/Nickase Domain from the Emerging Human Bocavirus
Authors: Tewary Sunil Kumar , Zhao Haiyan , Shen Weiran , Qiu Jianming , Tang Liang
Published: August 2013

Human bocavirus is a newly identified, globally prevalent, parvovirus that is associated with respiratory infection in infants and young children. Parvoviruses encode a large nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) that is essential for replication of the viral single-stranded DNA genome and DNA packaging and may play versatile roles in virus-host interactions. Here, we report the structure of the human bocavirus NS1 N-terminal domain, the first for any autonomous parvovirus. The structure shows an overall fold that is canonical to the histidine-hydrophobic-histidine superfamily of nucleases, which integrates two distinct DNA-binding sites: (i) a positively charged region mediated by a surface hairpin (residues 190 to 198) that is responsible for recognition of the viral origin of replication of the double-stranded DNA nature and (ii) the nickase active site that binds to the single-stranded DNA substrate for site-specific cleavage. The structure reveals an acidic-residue-rich subdomain that is present in bocavirus NS1 proteins but not in the NS1 orthologs in erythrovirus or dependovirus, which may mediate bocavirus-specific interaction with DNA or potential host factors. These results provide insights into recognition of the origin of replication and nicking of DNA during bocavirus genome replication. Mapping of variable amino acid residues of NS1s from four human bocavirus species onto the structure shows a scattered pattern, but the origin recognition site and the nuclease active site are invariable, suggesting potential targets for antivirals against this clade of highly diverse human viruses.
Transmissible Gastroenteritis Coronavirus Genome Packaging Signal Is Located at the 5′ End of the Genome and Promotes Viral RNA Incorporation into Virions in a Replication-Independent Process
Authors: Morales Lucia , Mateos-Gomez Pedro A. , Capiscol Carmen , del Palacio Lorena , Enjuanes Luis , Sola Isabel
Published: August 2013

Preferential RNA packaging in coronaviruses involves the recognition of viral genomic RNA, a crucial process for viral particle morphogenesis mediated by RNA-specific sequences, known as packaging signals. An essential packaging signal component of transmissible gastroenteritis coronavirus (TGEV) has been further delimited to the first 598 nucleotides (nt) from the 5′ end of its RNA genome, by using recombinant viruses transcribing subgenomic mRNA that included potential packaging signals. The integrity of the entire sequence domain was necessary because deletion of any of the five structural motifs defined within this region abrogated specific packaging of this viral RNA. One of these RNA motifs was the stem-loop SL5, a highly conserved motif in coronaviruses located at nucleotide positions 106 to 136. Partial deletion or point mutations within this motif also abrogated packaging. Using TGEV-derived defective minigenomes replicated in
trans
by a helper virus, we have shown that TGEV RNA packaging is a replication-independent process. Furthermore, the last 494 nt of the genomic 3′ end were not essential for packaging, although this region increased packaging efficiency. TGEV RNA sequences identified as necessary for viral genome packaging were not sufficient to direct packaging of a heterologous sequence derived from the green fluorescent protein gene. These results indicated that TGEV genome packaging is a complex process involving many factors in addition to the identified RNA packaging signal. The identification of well-defined RNA motifs within the TGEV RNA genome that are essential for packaging will be useful for designing packaging-deficient biosafe coronavirus-derived vectors and providing new targets for antiviral therapies.
A Stabilized Headless Measles Virus Attachment Protein Stalk Efficiently Triggers Membrane Fusion
Authors: Brindley Melinda A. , Suter Rolf , Schestak Isabel , Kiss Gabriella , Wright Elizabeth R. , Plemper Richard K.
Published: August 2013

Paramyxovirus attachment and fusion (F) envelope glycoprotein complexes mediate membrane fusion required for viral entry. The measles virus (MeV) attachment (H) protein stalk domain is thought to directly engage F for fusion promotion. However, past attempts to generate truncated, fusion-triggering-competent H-stem constructs remained fruitless. In this study, we addressed the problem by testing the hypothesis that truncated MeV H stalks may require stabilizing oligomerization tags to maintain intracellular transport competence and F-triggering activity. We engineered H-stems of different lengths with added 4-helix bundle tetramerization domains and demonstrate restored cell surface expression, efficient interaction with F, and fusion promotion activity of these constructs. The stability of the 4-helix bundle tags and the relative orientations of the helical wheels of H-stems and oligomerization tags govern the kinetics of fusion promotion, revealing a balance between H stalk conformational stability and F-triggering activity. Recombinant MeV particles expressing a bioactive H-stem construct in the place of full-length H are viable, albeit severely growth impaired. Overall, we demonstrate that the MeV H stalk represents the effector domain for MeV F triggering. Fusion promotion appears linked to the conformational flexibility of the stalk, which must be tightly regulated in viral particles to ensure efficient virus entry. While the pathways toward assembly of functional fusion complexes may differ among diverse members of the paramyxovirus family, central elements of the triggering machinery emerge as highly conserved.
The Role of Interleukin-6 in the Expression of PD-1 and PDL-1 on Central Nervous System Cells following Infection with Theiler's Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus
Authors: Jin Young-Hee , Hou Wanqiu , Kang Hyun Seok , Koh Chang-Sung , Kim Byung S.
Published: August 2013

Infection with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) in the central nervous system (CNS) of susceptible mice results in an immune-mediated demyelinating disease which is considered a relevant viral model of human multiple sclerosis. We previously demonstrated that the expression of positive costimulatory molecules (CD40, CD80, and CD86) is higher on the microglia of TMEV-resistant C57BL/6 (B6) mice than the microglia of TMEV-susceptible SJL/J (SJL) mice. In this study, we analyzed the expression levels of the negative costimulatory molecules PD-1 and PDL-1 in the CNS of TMEV-infected SJL mice and B6 mice. Our results indicated that TMEV infection induces the expression of both PD-1 and PDL-1 on microglia and macrophages in the CNS but not in the periphery. The expression of PD-1 only on CNS-infiltrating macrophages and not on resident microglia was considerably higher (>4-fold) in TMEV-infected SJL mice than TMEV-infected B6 mice. We further demonstrated that interleukn-6 (IL-6) is necessary to induce the maximal expression of PDL-1 but not PD-1 after TMEV infection using IL-6-deficient mice and IL-6-transgenic mice in conjunction with recombinant IL-6. In addition, cells from type I interferon (IFN) receptor knockout mice failed to upregulate PD-1 and PDL-1 expression after TMEV infectionin vitro, indicating that type I IFN signaling is associated with the upregulation. However, other IFN signaling may also participate in the upregulation. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that the expression of PD-1 and PDL-1 in the CNS is primarily upregulated following TMEV infection via type I IFN signaling and the maximal expression of PDL-1 additionally requires IL-6 signaling.
Nontraditional Localization and Retention Signals Localize Human Cytomegalovirus pUL34 to the Nucleus
Authors: Biegalke Bonita J.
Published: August 2013

The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) UL34 proteins localize to the nucleus. We identified a 204-amino-acid region, amino acids 40 to 244, as required for nuclear retention. A highly conserved 12-amino-acid section, amino acids 198 to 210, was required for nuclear localization. Although the nuclear localization and retention signals of pUL34 overlap the domain required for DNA-binding activity, the two regions are separable by point mutations. Our results presented here identify the first example of an HCMV protein with separable nuclear localization and retention signals.
Home Electroacupuncture for Persistent Postsurgical Pain: A Patient's Report
Authors: Dyer Lisa , Venton Kate , Forrester Max
Published: August 2013

A 30-year-woman presented with iatrogenic myofascial facial pain of 12 months’ duration after surgical treatment for bilateral temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Limited response to manual acupuncture was followed by a trial of electroacupuncture. Response to electroacupuncture was limited in duration and one option was to teach her partner to perform electroacupuncture at home. The patient and partner, trained in beauty therapy, embraced this idea and it proved equally effective as therapist-provided acupuncture. We describe this case report from the perspective of the patient, caregiver or acupuncture partner and therapist. Home electroacupuncture seems to be safe, acceptable and practicable as a maintenance treatment for patients with persistent postsurgical pain of myofascial origin.
Children's health and development: approaches to early identification and intervention
Authors: Oberklaid Frank , Baird Gillian , Blair Mitch , Melhuish Edward , Hall David
Published: August 2013

Many children arrive at school with problems of development and behaviour which affect their educational achievement and social interaction and can have lifelong consequences. There is a strong association between developmental vulnerability at school entry and a well-documented series of parent and family risk factors, often linked to social disadvantage. Strategies which are likely to make a difference to these children and improve outcomes include family support, high-quality early education and care programmes in the preschool years, and early detection of emerging problems and risk factors. The evidence suggests that these services and programmes are best delivered within a framework of progressive universalism—a universal basket of services for all children and families, with additional support commensurate with additional needs. This provides the best opportunity for early identification and appropriate intervention for emerging developmental problems and family issues that impact on children's development. While there are a number of challenges that need to be addressed and overcome, such an approach is an important investment that will yield measurable educational, social and economic benefits over the long term.
Primary cutaneous aspergillosis due toAspergillus tamariiin an immunocompetent host
Authors: Sharma Sadhna , Yenigalla Bindu Madhav , Naidu Sujeet Kumar , Pidakala Premalatha
Published: August 2013

Primary cutaneous aspergillosis is a rare disease usually caused byAspergillus fumigatus,Aspergillus flavus,Aspergillus terreusandAspergillus ustus. It is usually seen in immunocompromised hosts, though some cases are also reported in immunocompetent hosts. We present a case of an immunocompetent farmer who presented with generalised nodules and plaques, mimicking erythema nodosum leprosum but turned out to be cutaneous aspergillosis caused byAspergillus tamarii. The characteristic ascospores ofAspergillusspecies were found in skin lesions on fungus isolated in culture. The patient showed excellent response to antifungal therapy.
Management of sublingual ulceration in a 12-month-old child
Authors: Bafna Yash , Khandelwal Vishal , Bafna Madhulika , Nayak Prathibha Anand
Published: August 2013

The case of sublingual ulceration associated with erupted primary mandibular incisors in a 1-year-old child is presented. Sublingual ulceration is termed as Riga-Fede disease if the patient is less than 2 years old. Generally, the treatment methods for Riga-Fede’s disease are discing and extraction of the traumatised teeth. Here, the child was treated with photo-polymerised composite resin coverage of the incisal edges of erupted mandibular incisors. The photo-polymerised resin coverage proved to help in the rapid healing of the ulcerations.
Evidence in managing traumatic anterior shoulder instability: a scoping review
Authors: Monk A Paul , Garfjeld Roberts Patrick , Logishetty Kartik , Price Andrew J , Kulkarni Rohit , Rangan Amar , Rees Jonathan L
Published: August 2013

Background

Traumatic anterior shoulder instability (TASI) accounts for 95% of glenohumeral dislocations and is associated with soft tissue and bony pathoanatomies. Non-operative treatments include slings, bracing and physiotherapy. Operative treatment is common, including bony and soft-tissue reconstructions performed through open or arthroscopic approaches. There is management variation in patient pathways for TASI including when to refer and when to operate.

Methods

A scoping review of systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials, comparing operative with non-operative treatments and different operative treatments were the methods followed. Search was conducted for online bibliographic databases and reference lists of relevant articles from 2002 to 2012. Systematic reviews were appraised using AMSTAR (assessment of multiple systematic reviews) criteria. Controlled trials were appraised using the CONSORT (consolidation of standards of reporting trials) tool.

Results

Analysis of the reviews did not offer strong evidence for a best treatment option for TASI. No studies directly compare open, arthroscopic and structured rehabilitation programmes. Evaluation of arthroscopic studies and comparison to open procedures was difficult, as many of the arthroscopic techniques included are no longer used. Recurrence rate was generally considered the best measure of operative success, but was poorly documented throughout all studies. There was conflicting evidence on the optimal timing of intervention and no consensus on any scoring system or outcome measure.

Conclusions

There is no agreement about which validated outcome tool should be used for assessing shoulder instability in patients. There is limited evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of surgical and non-surgical treatment of TASI, including a lack of evidence regarding the optimal timing of such treatments. There is a need for a well-structured randomised control trial to assess the efficacy of surgical and non-surgical interventions for this common type of shoulder instability.
Maximal step-up height as a simple and relevant health indicator: a study of leg muscle strength and the associations to age, anthropometric variables, aerobic fitness and physical function
Authors: Nyberg Lillemor A , Hellénius Mai-Lis , Wändell Per , Kowalski Jan , Sundberg Carl Johan
Published: August 2013

Background

Low muscle strength is related to an increased risk for several chronic diseases. Increased muscle strength improves daily function and quality of life.

Objective

To measure maximal step-up height, an assessment of leg strength and function, and its association to age, anthropometric variables, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2-max) and self-reported physical function before and after a physical activity programme.

Methods

Female patients (n=178, 22–83 years) with musculoskeletal disorders, metabolic risk factors and other chronic diseases were recruited from primary care. Maximal step-up height (standardised step-up without a kick-off with the floor foot), anthropometric variables, VO2-max and self-reported physical function (Short Form 36 (SF-36)) were assessed before and after a 3-month group training intervention programme. Associations between maximal step-up height and other variables were examined using univariate and multivariate methods.

Results

At baseline and after intervention, maximal step-up height was negatively correlated to age, waist circumference and body weight and positively correlated to VO2-max, self-reported physical function and height. Furthermore, maximal step-up height correlated to training intensity at follow-up. Variations in changes in maximal step-up height were significantly explained by changes in waist circumference and physical function, regardless of age and changes in VO2-max. Maximal step-up height below 24 cm discriminated patients with self-reported severe limitation in physical function.

Conclusions

Maximal step-up height, assessed simply with a standardised step-up test, may function as a relevant indicator of health since it correlated negatively to the metabolic risk factors, waist circumference, body weight and age, and positively to VO2-max and physical function.
Identification of practices and morbidities affecting the mortality of very low birth weight infants using a multilevel logistic analysis: clinical trial or standardisation?
Authors: Kusuda Satoshi , Fujimura Masanori , Uchiyama Atsushi , Nakanishi Hidehiko , Totsu Satsuki ,   for Neonatal Research Network, Japan
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To determine the feasibility of clinical trials of newly developed treatments or standardisation of existing practices to further improve outcomes among very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, a nationwide database was analysed with a two-dimensional approach using two multivariate logistic models.

Design

Retrospective observational analysis.

Setting

Level III perinatal centres in Japan.

Participants

15 920 VLBW infants admitted at 38 participating centres from 2003 through 2010.

Outcome measures

Clinical information for the infants was collected until discharge from the centres. A multivariate logistic model identified practices and morbidities associated with mortality. Then, those which were significantly associated with mortality were analysed using a multilevel logistic model. The residues calculated by the multilevel analysis were used as an indicator of centre variation.

Results

Among practices, antenatal steroids and intubation at birth showed relatively high centre variations (0.9 and 0.8) and favourable ORs (0.7 and 0.5) for mortality, while caesarean section showed a low centre variation (0.4) and a favourable OR (0.8). Sepsis and air leak showed high centre variations (0.4 and 0.4) and high ORs (3.8 and 3.4) among morbidities. Pulmonary haemorrhage, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, and intraventricular haemorrhage showed moderate variations (0.2, 0.3 and 0.2, respectively) and high ORs (5.6, 4.1 and 2.9, respectively). In contrast, necrotising enterocolitis showed the lowest variation (0.1) and a high OR (4.9).

Conclusions

The two-dimensional approach has clearly demonstrated the importance of clinical trial or standardisation. The practices and morbidities with low centre variations and high ORs for mortality must be improved through clinical trials of newly introduced techniques, while standardisation must be considered for practices and morbidities with a high centre variation.

Trial registration

The database was registered as UMIN000006961.
High-sensitivity cardiac troponin T is an independent predictor of inhospital mortality in emergency department patients with suspected infection: a prospective observational derivation study
Authors: de Groot Bas , Verdoorn Ruben C W , Lameijer Joost , van der Velden Jolanda
Published: August 2013

Introducion

To assess the prognostic and discriminative accuracy of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) for prediction of inhospital mortality in emergency department (ED) patients with suspected infection.

Methods

Prospective observational derivation study in ED patients with suspected infection. Prognostic performance of hs-cTnT (divided in four quartiles because of non-linearity) for prediction of inhospital mortality was assessed using multivariable logistic regression, correcting for predisposition, infection, response and organ failure (PIRO) score as a measure of illness severity and quality of ED treatment as quantified by the number of ‘Surviving Sepsis Campaign’ goals achieved. Discriminative power of hs-cTnT was assessed by receiver operator characteristics with area under the curve (AUC) analysis.

Results

Hs-cTnT (median (IQR) was 57 (25–90) ng/L (n=23) in non-survivors, significantly higher than the 15 (7–28) ng/L in survivors (n=269, p<0.001). Additionally, the lowest quartile of hs-cTnT was a perfect predictor of survival because zero death occurred. Therefore, the second quartile was used as a reference category in the multivariable logistic regression analysis showing that hs-cTnT was an independent predictor of inhospital mortality: Corrected ORs were 2.2 (95% CI 0.4 to 12.1) and 5.8 (1.2 to 27.3) for the 3rd and 4th quartile compared with the 2nd hs-cTnT quartile. The AUCs of hs-TnT was 0.81 (0.74 to 0.88), similar to the AUC of 0.78 (0.68 to 0.87) of the PIRO score (p>0.05). Overall negative predictive value of hs-cTnT was 99%.

Conclusions

In ED patients with suspected infection, the routinely used biomarker hs-cTnT is an independent predictor of inhospital mortality with excellent discriminative performance. Future studies should focus on the additional value of hs-cTnT to existing risk stratification tools.
The molecular genetics of colorectal cancer
Authors: Ewing Iain , Hurley Joanna J , Josephides Eleni , Millar Andrew
Published: August 2013

Colorectal cancer is a common but heterogeneous disease, which arises through the accumulation of genetic mutations. Knowledge of the molecular basis of colorectal cancer has advanced at a rapid pace in recent years, reflecting progress made in the field of genomic medicine. Targeted therapies have come into mainstream use, and the exciting prospect of treatment regimens tailored to the mutation profile of individual tumours is beginning to emerge. In order to understand the development and application of the next generation of colorectal cancer treatments, it is important that gastroenterologists have a working knowledge of the pathological mechanisms that drive the disease. This review examines our current understanding of the molecular genetics of colorectal carcinogenesis.
Economic conditions and health behaviours during the ‘Great Recession’
Authors: Nandi Arijit , Charters Thomas J , Strumpf Erin C , Heymann Jody , Harper Sam
Published: August 2013

Background

The adoption of healthier behaviours has been hypothesised as a mechanism to explain empirical findings of population health improvements during some economic downturns.

Methods

We estimated the effect of the local unemployment rate on health behaviours using pooled annual surveys from the 2003–2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Surveys, as well as population-based telephone surveys of the US adult general population. Analyses were based on approximately 1 million respondents aged 25 years or older living in 90 Metropolitan Statistical Areas and Metropolitan Divisions (MMSAs). The primary exposure was the quarterly MMSA-specific unemployment rate. Outcomes included alcohol consumption, smoking status, attempts to quit smoking, body mass index, overweight/obesity and past-month physical activity or exercise.

Results

The average unemployment rate across MMSAs increased from a low of 4.5% in 2007 to a high of 9.3% in 2010. In multivariable models accounting for individual-level sociodemographic characteristics and MMSA and quarter fixed effects, a one percentage-point increase in the unemployment rate was associated with 0.15 (95% CI −0.31 to 0.01) fewer drinks consumed in the past month and a 0.14 (95% CI −0.28 to 0.00) percentage-point decrease in the prevalence of past-month heavy drinking; these effects were driven primarily by men. Changes in the unemployment rate were not consistently associated with other health behaviours. Although individual-level unemployment status was associated with higher levels of alcohol consumption, smoking and obesity, the MMSA-level effects of the recession were largely invariant across employment groups.

Conclusions

Our results do not support the hypothesis that health behaviours mediate the effects of local-area economic conditions on mortality.
Effects of curcumin on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and oxidative damage in obesity and diabetes
Authors: Franco-Robles Elena , Campos-Cervantes Alejandra , Murillo-Ortiz Blanca O. , Segovia José , López-Briones Sergio , Vergara Paula , Pérez-Vázquez Victoriano , Solís-Ortiz Martha S. , Ramírez-Emiliano Joel
Published: August 2013

We evaluated the effects of curcumin treatment on protein oxidation (PO), lipid peroxidation (LP) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus and frontal cortex (FC) of diabetic db/db mice (DM) and in sera of obese humans. Thus, DM were treated daily with 50 mg/kg of curcumin during an 8-week period. Obese human were treated daily with 500 and 750 mg of curcumin that was administered orally for 12 weeks; BDNF, PO and LP levels in sera were determined at in weeks 0, 2, 6 and 12 of treatment. BDNF levels decreased in hippocampus and FC of DM as compared with untreated wild-type mice. Curcumin improved or restored BDNF levels to normal levels in DM, but curcumin did not have any effect on BDNF levels in sera of obese humans. In hippocampus and FC of DM, hyperglycaemia and curcumin did not have effect on LP levels. Hyperglycaemia increased PO levels in hippocampus and FC, whereas curcumin decreased these levels in hippocampus but not in FC. In sera of obese humans, the 500-mg dose decreased LP levels in weeks 6 and 12 when compared with basal levels, but the 750-mg dose did not have any effect; both doses of curcumin decreased PO levels in weeks 2, 6 and 12 of treatment when compared with basal levels. Present results suggest a therapeutic potential of curcumin to decrease oxidation caused by obesity in humans and also show that curcumin restores BDNF levels in DM.
Catchability of snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) by the eastern Bering Sea bottom trawl survey estimated using a catch comparison experiment
Authors: Somerton David A. , Weinberg Kenneth L. , Goodman Scott E.
Published: August 2013

Catchability of the eastern Bering Sea (EBS) bottom trawl survey for snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) was estimated from experimental data to provide a constraint on the survey catchability parameters in the stock assessment model. The experiment utilized a second fishing vessel to conduct side-by-side trawling with each of two survey vessels at 92 stations using an experimental trawl assumed to capture all crabs in its path. Trawl efficiency, or the captured proportion of crabs in the trawl path, was estimated for the 83-112 Eastern otter trawl from experimental data using a nonparametric smooth function of carapace width, sediment size, and depth. Survey catchability was then estimated as the catch-weighted average of the predicted trawl efficiency at all 275 survey stations where snow crabs were captured. The fitted model indicated that trawl selectivity was greater in sand than mud and greater in shallow water than deep. At a carapace widths >95 mm, the minimum commercial size limit, the estimated survey catchability of males is considerably less than previously reported.
SPONTANEOUS POLARIZATION AND ITS STRAIN EFFECTS FOR ORTHORHOMBIC AND MONOCLINIC Bi4Ti3O12: A FIRST PRINCIPLES STUDY
Authors: YANG Q. , LIAO H. , CAO J. X. , MA Y. , ZHOU Y. C.
Published: August 2013

Spontaneous polarization and its strain effects of bismuth titanate (BiT) with B2cb and B1a1 space groups are studied by first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculation. B1a1 was proved to be the most stable phase structure and the spontaneous polarization is in good agreement with the experimental value. Similar variations of the principal polarization component (Pa) are obtained for B2cb and B1a1 structured BiT by applying b-uniaxial, c-uniaxial, ab-biaxial and bc-biaxial strains. It is found that the Pa is enhanced about 18.5% (20.8%) with ab-biaxial tensile strain of 2.4% for B2cb(B1a1) structure. Polarization along the c-axis (Pc) for the B1a1 structure is improved by 59.1% when bc-biaxial tensile strain reaches 2.4%.
A DOMAIN-INDEPENDENT, TRANSFERABLE AND TIMELY ANALYSIS APPROACH TO ASSESS STUDENT COLLABORATION
Authors: ANAYA ANTONIO R. , BOTICARIO JESÚS G.
Published: August 2013

Collaborative learning environments require intensive, regular and frequent analysis of the increasing amount of interaction data generated by students to assess that collaborative learning takes place. To support timely assessments that may benefit students and teachers the method of analysis must provide meaningful evaluations while the interactions take place. This research proposes machine learning-based techniques to infer the relationship between student collaboration and some quantitative domain-independent statistical indicators derived from large-scale evaluation analysis of student interactions. This paper (i) compares a set of metrics to identify the most suitable to assess student collaboration, (ii) reports on student evaluations of the metacognitive tools that display collaboration assessments from a new collaborative learning experience and (iii) extends previous findings to clarify modeling and usage issues. The advantages of the approach are: (1) it is based on domain-independent and generally observable features, (2) it provides regular and frequent data mining analysis with minimal teacher or student intervention, thereby supporting metacognition for the learners and corrective actions for the teachers, and (3) it can be easily transferred to other e-learning environments and include transferability features that are intended to facilitate its usage in other collaborative and social learning tools.
EFFECT OF SUBSTRATE TEMPERATURE ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND WEAR BEHAVIOR OF MAGNETRON SPUTTERED CrCuN FILMS
Authors: TAN SHUYONG , ZHANG XUHAI , ZHANG YAN , JIANG JIANQING
Published: August 2013

CrCuN films were deposited under different substrate temperatures by direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering. The structure and wear resistance of the films were then studied. The substrate temperature has almost no effect on the film composition, phase constitution and preferred orientation. The CrCuN films have 3 at.% Cu and consist of CrN phases with CrN (200) preferential growth independent of the substrate temperature. But a strong effect of the substrate temperature on the wear behavior is noticed. The film prepared under the substrate temperature of 100°C has the best wear performance. Its friction coefficient and wear rate are 0.1 and 6.6 × 10-6 mm3/Nm, respectively.
THE SIX FACETS MODEL OF TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT: A STUDY IN THE DIGITAL BUSINESS INDUSTRY
Authors: LIAO ANNIE , HULL CLYDE EIRÍKUR , SRIRAMACHANDRAMURTHY RAJENDRAN
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we examine the fundamental process and production innovations in the digital business industry through the lens of the six facets model of technology management. The model is applied to process and product innovation at both the firm and industry level for the first time, offering insight into the digital business industry and also into how process and product innovations can be managed in an industry facing high levels of technological change. We use case histories of two digital businesses, one in the US and one in China, to provide greater generalizability of our findings.
THERMALLY INDUCED VIBRATIONS OF SOLAR PANEL AND THEIR COUPLING WITH SATELLITE
Authors: SHEN ZHENXING , HU GENGKAI
Published: August 2013

A coupled thermal-structural model of a laminated composite plate is proposed by using the absolute nodal coordinate formulation, the transverse shear and normal deformations through element thickness are included. The dynamic equations of structure are established by applying the d'Alembert's principle and then solved numerically to determine dynamic responses and transient heat conduction in the structure due to the nonlinear elastic force and thermal radiation. A cantilevered flexible solar panel subjected suddenly to a solar radiation is examined, it is found that by considering the coupling between the thermal and structural responses, thermal flutter of the composite panel can be well predicted. The coupled behavior of the composite solar panel with a satellite is also analyzed by idealizing it as a rigid-flexible multibody system in the low earth orbit, in which a natural coordinate formulation is established to analyze the attitude of the satellite rigid hub, the thermal snap phenomenon is also well predicted.
ON THE MERTENS CONJECTURE FOR FUNCTION FIELDS
Authors: HUMPHRIES PETER
Published: August 2013

We study the natural analogue of the Mertens conjecture in the setting of global function fields. Building on the work of Cha, we show that most hyperelliptic curves do not satisfy the Mertens conjecture, but that if we modify the Mertens conjecture to have a larger constant, then this modified conjecture is satisfied by a positive proportion of hyperelliptic curves.
EFFECT OF KAIROMONE ON PREDATOR–PREY DYNAMICS — A DELAY MODEL
Authors: SAMANTA SUDIP , CHATTOPADHYAY JOYDEV
Published: August 2013

In most of the predator–prey systems, prey individuals make transitions between vulnerable and invulnerable states or locations. This transition is regulated by various inducible defense mechanisms. Diel vertical migration (DVM) in zooplankton is the most effective and instantaneous defense observed in zooplankton population. Zooplankton shows downward vertical migration in the daytime in the presence of predators (or predator kairomones) to avoid predation (i.e. refuge use), and it enters into the surface water again at night to graze phytoplankton. The dynamics of the planktonic ecosystem under DVM of zooplankton along with fish kairomone and the multiple delays due to migration for vulnerable and invulnerable prey and reproduction in the predator population is of considerable interest both in theoretical and experimental ecologists. By developing mathematical model, we analyze such a system. The conditions for which the system enters into Hopf-bifurcation are obtained. Moreover, the conditions for which the bifurcating branches are supercritical are also derived. Our results indicate that DVM along with the effect of kairomone and multiple delays with a certain range are responsible to enhance the stability of the system around the positive interior equilibrium point.
Social Management: China Goes beyond Maintaining Social Stability
Authors: SHAN Wei
Published: August 2013

The Chinese government has expanded efforts to maintain regime stability with a recently developed strategy of “social management.” It is a modification of the existing “maintaining stability” system which has turned out to be incompetent and socioeconomically costly. This new strategy attempts to manage growing civil society with provision of social services, more flexible control of various social sectors and new policy of social organisations.
Social Health Insurance in China: Getting the Incentive Right
Authors: QIAN Jiwei
Published: August 2013

Ninety-five per cent (or 1.2 billion) of China's population is covered by social health insurance. In 2011, various social insurance plans took up 25% of total health expenditure. Issues to be addressed for social health insurance include shallow financial coverage, high surpluses, opportunistic behaviours and an underdeveloped private insurance sector. The incentive of social insurers is the key to understanding these issues and for future policy implementation
The 2012 Chief Executive Election in Hong Kong and the Challenges for the Chinese Authorities
Authors: CHENG Joseph Yu-shek
Published: August 2013

It has been generally expected that the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has to be someone trusted by the Chinese leadership and accepted by the local business community. The latter was initially based on the Chinese authorities' Hong Kong policy during the Sino-British negotiations on the territory's future and in the transition period before 1997 when they had to retain investors' confidence in order to maintain Hong Kong's stability and prosperity.
DOMAIN WALL MOTION IN MAGNETIC NANOTUBES INDUCED WITH TIME-DEPENDENT FIELDS
Authors: OTÁLORA J. A. , RITZ-KOHLER F. , LANDEROS P.
Published: August 2013

The dynamics of vortex domain walls (VDWs) in ferromagnetic nanotubes induced with dc and ac magnetic fields is investigated theoretically. Such domain walls (DWs) are physical objects living in a fairly rich energy landscape with paths that can be tailored. In this way, two different Walker fields has been already predicted to appear in the tubes, a fact that was attributed to the breaking of left-right symmetry of the walls. The physical origin of such behavior is the interplay between the curvature of the ferromagnetic nanomembrane and the dipole field of the VDW. In this paper it is predicted that the excitation of such domain walls with time-dependent fields may be useful in a variety of situations. First, to avoid the Walker breakdown (and to increase the average velocity) a time-dependent field can be superimposed to a dc field, allowing to control the wall by trapping it in a potential well. This is achieved with a proper combination of dc and ac fields needed to avoid the wall to overcome the energy barriers associated to the Walker breakdown fields, frustrating then the precessional DW motion and increasing the average DW speed. The wall is further pumped with the time-dependent field in a breathing mode, near the top of the energy barrier. This pumping mechanism may be also useful for the generation of spin waves.
Zircon U–Pb and Hf – isotopes from the eastern part of the Sveconorwegian Orogen, SW Sweden: implications for the growth of Fennoscandia
Authors: Petersson Andreas , Scherstén Anders , Andersson Jenny , Möller Charlotte
Published: August 2013

Current models for the growth of Fennoscandia, including the eastern part of the Sveconorwegian Province, are largely based on U–Pb data and do not discriminate between juvenile and reworked crust. Here we present new combined U–Pb and Hf isotopic data, from the Eastern Segment and the Idefjorden terrane of the Sveconorwegian Province, and suggest a revised model of crustal growth. Most of the crystalline basement in this part of the shield formed by mixing of a 2.1–1.9 Ga juvenile component and Archaean crust. Archaean reworking decreases between 1.9 and 1.7 Ga and a mixed Svecofennian crustal reservoir is generated. Succeeding magmatism between 1.7 and 1.4 Ga indicates reworking of this reservoir with little or no crust generation. At
c.
1.2 Ga, an influx of juvenile magma is recorded by granite to quartz-syenite magmatism with mildly depleted (ε
Hf 1.18 Ga
of
c.
3) signatures. The amount of recycled crust in the 1.9–1.7 Ga arc system is in contrast to previously proposed models for the growth of the southwestern part of the Fennoscandian Shield. This model agrees with long-term subduction along the western margin of Fennoscandia, but suggests substantial reworking of existing crust and decreasing amounts of <1.9 Ga crustal growth.

Supplementary material:

The analytical method, U–Pb SIMS table, U–Pb LA-SF-ICP-MS table and Lu–Hf table are available at
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18648
Acute exercise remodels mitochondrial membrane interactions in mouse skeletal muscle
Authors: Picard Martin , Gentil Benoit J. , McManus Meagan J. , White Kathryn , St. Louis Kyle , Gartside Sarah E. , Wallace Douglas C. , Turnbull Douglass M.
Published: August 2013

A unique property of mitochondria in mammalian cells is their ability to physically interact and undergo dynamic events of fusion/fission that remodel their morphology and possibly their function. In cultured cells, metabolic perturbations similar to those incurred during exercise influence mitochondrial fusion and fission processes, but it is unknown whether exercise acutely alters mitochondrial morphology and/or membrane interactions in vivo. To study this question, we subjected mice to a 3-h voluntarily exercise intervention following their normal physical activity patterns, and quantified mitochondrial morphology and membrane interactions in the soleus using a quantitative electron microscopy approach. A single exercise bout effectively decreased blood glucose ( P < 0.05) and intramyocellular lipid content ( P < 0.01), indicating increased muscle metabolic demand. The number of mitochondria spanning Z-lines and proportion of electron-dense contact sites (EDCS) between adjacent mitochondrial membranes were increased immediately after exercise among both subsarcolemmal (+116%, P < 0.05) and intermyofibrillar mitochondria (+191%, P < 0.001), indicating increased physical interactions. Mitochondrial morphology, and abundance of the mitochondrial pro-fusion proteins Mfn2 and OPA1 were unchanged. Collectively, these results support the notion that mitochondrial membrane dynamics are actively remodelled in skeletal muscle, which may be regulated by contractile activity and the metabolic state. Future studies are required to understand the implications of mitochondrial dynamics in skeletal muscle physiology during exercise and inactivity.