bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence for hydrogen oxidation and metabolic plasticity in widespread deep-sea sulfur-oxidizing bacteria
Authors: Anantharaman Karthik , Breier John A. , Sheik Cody S. , Dick Gregory J.
Published: December 2012

Hydrothermal vents are a well-known source of energy that powers chemosynthesis in the deep sea. Recent work suggests that microbial chemosynthesis is also surprisingly pervasive throughout the dark oceans, serving as a significant CO
2
sink even at sites far removed from vents. Ammonia and sulfur have been identified as potential electron donors for this chemosynthesis, but they do not fully account for measured rates of dark primary production in the pelagic water column. Here we use metagenomic and metatranscriptomic analyses to show that deep-sea populations of the SUP05 group of uncultured sulfur-oxidizing Gammaproteobacteria, which are abundant in widespread and diverse marine environments, contain and highly express genes encoding group 1 Ni, Fe hydrogenase enzymes for H
2
oxidation. Reconstruction of near-complete genomes of two cooccurring SUP05 populations in hydrothermal plumes and deep waters of the Gulf of California enabled detailed population-specific metatranscriptomic analyses, revealing dynamic patterns of gene content and transcript abundance. SUP05 transcripts for genes involved in H
2
and sulfur oxidation are most abundant in hydrothermal plumes where these electron donors are enriched. In contrast, a second hydrogenase has more abundant transcripts in background deep-sea samples. Coupled with results from a bioenergetic model that suggest that H
2
oxidation can contribute significantly to the SUP05 energy budget, these findings reveal the potential importance of H
2
as a key energy source in the deep ocean. This study also highlights the genomic plasticity of SUP05, which enables this widely distributed group to optimize its energy metabolism (electron donor and acceptor) to local geochemical conditions.
Laminitis in horses.
Authors: Menzies-Gow N. J.
Published: December 2012

Laminitis is characterized by failure of the attachment of the laminar epidermal cells to the underlying basement membrane of the dermal laminae. It can arise in association with gastrointestinal disease, diseases associated with sepsis such as pneumonia and metritis, mechanical overload, endocrine disorders associated with excess glucocorticoids such as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) and endocrine disorders associated with insulin resistance such as equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). However, most commonly, laminitis arises in association with ingestion of non-structural carbohydrates from pasture. Estimates of laminitis frequency range from 1.5 to 34% depending on the population evaluated. There are several different theories concerning the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms involved in laminitis with evidence to support a role for inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, extracellular matrix degradation and vascular and endothelial dysfunction. However, further research is required to fully elucidate the pathways involved and perhaps determine a unifying concept. A diagnosis of laminitis is based on history, clinical signs and radiographs. Furthermore, diagnostic tests are performed if an underlying endocrinopathy is suspected. Treatment involves the use of analgesic drugs, foot support and possibly modification of the digital blood supply. In addition, treatments specific to an underlying endocrinopathy may be employed. Various clinical and radiographic parameters can be used to help determine the prognosis. Prevention is extremely important and is based on management changes focused on minimizing ingestion of non-structural carbohydrates in order to prevent pasture-associated laminitis and on promoting weight loss in obese animals and cryotherapy and foot support in animals with diseases associated with laminitis.
A review of innate immune functions in crocodilians.
Authors: Finger J. W., Jr. , Isberg S. R.
Published: December 2012

The immune function of crocodilians is understudied but is of interest for medical, ecological and evolutionary purposes. Crocodiles share a common ancestor with birds, comprising the archosaurian lineage, so they are an important link in our understanding of immune system evolution. As top trophic carnivores, they inhabit temperate and tropical climates in their semi-aquatic environment. However, they are also ectothermic, whereby environmental temperatures affect their physiological processes, including immune function, adding to the complexity of research in this area. Anecdotal observations and recent research have augmented enthusiasm in the realm of crocodilian immunology. Despite comprising both adaptive and innate systems, most research has investigated the innate system, which comprises peptides, proteins and leucocytes functioning in defence. Herein, we provide an overview into the innate immune system of the crocodile and areas for further research.
Immunosenescence‐associated microRNAs in age and heart failure
Authors: Seeger Timon , Haffez Fatima , Fischer Ariane , Koehl Ulrike , Leistner David M. , Seeger Florian H. , Boon Reinier A. , Zeiher Andreas M. , Dimmeler Stefanie
Published: December 2012

Aims

Ageing of the immune system, immunosenescence, is characterized by impaired lymphopoiesis, especially B‐lymphocyte maturation, and is a hallmark of chronic heart failure (CHF). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non‐coding, small RNAs, which post‐transcriptionally control gene expression of multiple target genes. The miR‐181 family is known to control haematopoietic lineage differentiation. Here, we study the role of the miR‐181 family in immunosenescence and CHF.

Methods and results

We conducted a clinical study analysing peripheral blood (PB) for miRNA expression and leucocyte distribution of young healthy controls (25 ± 4 years; n = 30), aged healthy controls (64 ± 5 years; n = 13), and age‐matched CHF patients (64 ± 11years; n = 18). The expression of miR‐181 family members was reduced, whereas miR‐34a was increased in PB of aged individuals. In particular, miR‐181c was further reduced in age‐matched CHF patients. In PB, we observed reduced numbers of lymphocytes, in particular cytotoxic T cells and B cells, with rising age, and the expression of miR‐181 correlated with the number of B cells. Notably, in CHF patients, ischaemic heart failure was associated with a further reduction of total B cells as well as their subpopulations, such as memory B cells, compared with age‐matched healthy volunteers.

Conclusions

Ageing‐ and CHF‐associated changes in PB leucocyte subsets are paralleled by alterations in the expression of miRNAs involved in lymphopoiesis, which might play an important role in the age‐related and CHF‐mediated dysregulation of immune functions resulting in immunosenescence. Furthermore, miR‐181c may serve as a marker for reduced immune functions in CHF patients.
Cooperation in Strategic Games Revisited*
Authors: Kalai Adam , Kalai Ehud
Published: December 2012

For two-person complete-information strategic games with transferable utility, all major variable-threat bargaining and arbitration solutions coincide. This confluence of solutions by luminaries such as Nash, Harsanyi, Raiffa, and Selten, is more than mere coincidence. Staying in the class of two-person games with transferable unility, the article presents a more complete theory that expands their solution. Specifically, it presents: (1) a decomposition of a game into cooperative and competitive components, (2) an intuitive and computable closed-form formula for the solution, (3) an axiomatic justification of the solution, and (4) a generalization of the solution to games with private signals, along with an arbitration scheme that implements it. The objective is to restart research on cooperative solutions to strategic games and their applications.
Biological processing in oscillatory baffled reactors: operation, advantages and potential
Authors: Abbott M. S. R. , Harvey A. P. , Perez G. Valente , Theodorou M. K.
Published: December 2012

The development of efficient and commercially viable bioprocesses is essential for reducing the need for fossil-derived products. Increasingly, pharmaceuticals, fuel, health products and precursor compounds for plastics are being synthesized using bioprocessing routes as opposed to more traditional chemical technologies. Production vessels or reactors are required for synthesis of crude product before downstream processing for extraction and purification. Reactors are operated either in discrete batches or, preferably, continuously in order to reduce waste, cost and energy. This review describes the oscillatory baffled reactor (OBR), which, generally, has a niche application in performing ‘long’ processes in plug flow conditions, and so should be suitable for various bioprocesses. We report findings to suggest that OBRs could increase reaction rates for specific bioprocesses owing to low shear, good global mixing and enhanced mass transfer compared with conventional reactors. By maintaining geometrical and dynamic conditions, the technology has been proved to be easily scaled up and operated continuously, allowing laboratory-scale results to be easily transferred to industrial-sized processes. This is the first comprehensive review of bioprocessing using OBRs. The barriers facing industrial adoption of the technology are discussed alongside some suggested strategies to overcome these barriers. OBR technology could prove to be a major aid in the development of commercially viable and sustainable bioprocesses, essential for moving towards a greener future.
Copper(II)-mediated thermolysis of alginates: a model kinetic study on the influence of metal ions in the thermochemical processing of macroalgae
Authors: Rowbotham J. S. , Dyer P. W. , Greenwell H. C. , Selby D. , Theodorou M. K.
Published: December 2012

Thermochemical processing methods such as pyrolysis are of growing interest as a means of converting biomass into fuels and commodity chemicals in a sustainable manner. Macroalgae, or seaweed, represent a novel class of feedstock for pyrolysis that, owing to the nature of the environments in which they grow coupled with their biochemistry, naturally possess high metal contents. Although the impact of metals upon the pyrolysis of terrestrial biomass is well documented, their influence on the thermochemical conversion of marine-derived feeds is largely unknown. Furthermore, these effects are inherently difficult to study, owing to the heterogeneous character of natural seaweed samples. The work described in this paper uses copper(II) alginate, together with alginic acid and sodium alginate as model compounds for exploring the effects of metals upon macroalgae thermolysis. A thermogravimetric analysis–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic study revealed that, unusually, Cu
2+
ions promote the onset of pyrolysis in the alginate polymer, with copper(II) alginate initiating rapid devolatilization at 143°C, 14°C lower than alginic acid and 61°C below the equivalent point for sodium alginate. Moreover, this effect was mirrored in a sample of wild
Laminaria digitata
that had been doped with Cu
2+
ions prior to pyrolysis, thus validating the use of alginates as model compounds with which to study the thermolysis of macroalgae. These observations indicate the varying impact of different metal species on thermochemical behaviour of seaweeds and offer an insight into the pyrolysis of brown macroalgae used in phytoremediation of metal-containing waste streams.
Towards a definition of professionalism in Australian occupational therapy: Using the Delphi technique to obtain consensus on essential values and behaviours
Authors: Aguilar Alejandra , Stupans Ieva , Scutter Sheila , King Sharron
Published: December 2012

Background/aim

Professionalism involves practitioners applying the values of their profession and demonstrating essential professional behaviours and attitudes. Within the Australian occupational therapy profession, there is little research on the values, behaviours and attitudes that constitute professionalism. As a result, there is limited understanding of professionalism, and the approaches used to enhance the professionalism of future practitioners are not evidence based. This study aimed to contribute to the understanding of professionalism within the Australian occupational therapy profession, by obtaining consensus among Australian occupational therapists on the professional values and behaviours essential for practice.

Method

A constructivist paradigm guided this study. The Delphi technique was used to obtain consensus on essential professional values and behaviours among 68 occupational therapists. Consensus was identified by numerical and content analysis.

Results

After two Delphi rounds, 61 professional values were identified as essential for practice. These values related to ethical practice, client‐centred practice, contemporary practice and to the foundational beliefs of the profession. Seven professional behaviours also achieved consensus, but there was clear disparity in participants' opinions.

Conclusion

The results provide insight into several professional values and behaviours perceived as essential for practice. Consequently, these professional values need to be taken into consideration when defining the values of the profession. The professional behaviours need to be taken into account when finalising the essential behaviours that constitute professionalism in the profession. This study takes an initial but fundamental step towards defining professionalism within the Australian occupational therapy profession.
Preferences for rehabilitation service delivery: A comparison of the views of patients, occupational therapists and other rehabilitation clinicians using a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Laver Kate , Ratcliffe Julie , George Stacey , Lester Laurence , Crotty Maria
Published: December 2012

Background/aim

Understanding the differences in preferences of patients and occupational therapists for the way in which rehabilitation services are provided is important. In particular, it is unknown whether new approaches to rehabilitation such as high intensity therapy and virtual reality programs are more or less acceptable than traditional approaches.

Methods

A discrete choice experiment was conducted to assess and compare the acceptability of these new approaches, relative to other characteristics of the rehabilitation program. The study included patients participating in a stroke or medical rehabilitation program (n = 100), occupational therapists (n = 23) and other clinicians (n = 91) working in rehabilitation settings at three hospitals in South Australia. Data were analysed using a conditional (fixed‐effects) logistic regression model.

Results

The model coefficient attached to very high intensity therapy programs (defined as six hours per day) was negative and highly statistically significant for both patients and therapists indicating aversion for this option. In addition, other rehabilitation clinicians and patients were strongly averse to the use of virtual reality programs (as evidenced by the negative and highly statistically significant coefficient attached to this attribute for both groups) relative to occupational therapists.

Conclusion

The comparison of the views of patients, occupational therapists and other rehabilitation clinicians revealed some differences. All participants (patients and clinicians) showed an inclination for programs that resulted in the best recovery. However, patients expressed stronger preferences than clinicians for traditional therapy approaches. As a group, occupational therapists were most likely to accept approaches such as virtual reality suggesting changes away from traditional delivery methods will be more readily integrated into practice.
An investigation into the role and meaning of occupation for people living with on‐going health conditions
Authors: White Carolynne , Lentin Primrose , Farnworth Louise
Published: December 2012

Background/aim

In Australia and internationally, more people are developing on‐going health conditions (chronic illnesses) in which their daily occupations are implicated in both the onset and management of the condition. This article investigates the role and meaning of occupation from a client‐centred perspective. It presents one aspect of a broader study that aimed to inform occupation‐based practice for people living with on‐going health conditions.

Methods

This study used an emergent, mixed methods design. A total of 16 adult participants, with one or more on‐going health conditions that impacted on their participation in occupations, were interviewed using two semi‐structured interviews. Narrative data were analysed using grounded theory methods which included coding, memo‐writing and constant comparison. A theoretical understanding, consisting of four categories and a core concept, was constructed through the data analysis.

Results

Occupation fulfils four distinct, but interrelated, roles for people living with on‐going health conditions. Engaging in occupation can reveal, explain, manage and overcome on‐going health conditions. The core concept, ‘occupation empowers’, integrates the different roles of occupation and reflects the meaning of occupation for people with on‐going health conditions.

Conclusions

This study contributes a theoretical understanding of the roles and meaning of occupation that is grounded in the experiences of people living with on‐going health conditions. These findings extend our understanding of human occupation, and highlight the importance of narrative techniques to support occupation‐based practice and empower people living with on‐going illness.
Towards a More Complete Efficiency Wage Theory
Authors: Wu Joseph S. K. , Ho Chi Pui
Published: December 2012

The efficiency wage is an important topic in the theory of employment. In a traditional efficiency wage model, only the representative firm is optimizing against an assumed S‐shaped effort supply function. This S‐shaped supply curve is critical for the model and the absence of a derivation of the curve in the literature means that it is an incomplete theory. In the present paper, we extend the model by specifying a worker's representative utility function so that the corresponding argmax function will be the S‐shaped effort supply curve. This will make the worker's decision process endogenous and will produce a more complete model. The importance of this extension is clear. The characterization of the utility function will make explicit the necessary conditions and crucial assumptions of the traditional model. More importantly, the extension will allow researchers to introduce employment compensation factors into the worker's utility function for analysis. This has important bearings on future development in employment theory. For example, a worker's satisfaction from shirking (net of dismissal risks), or his or her willingness to search for jobs (net of search cost), can now be included in his or her utility function to form an optimal work or search strategy. Incorporating the worker's optimization behaviour into the model will also enable researchers to study policy directed not just towards firms but also towards the worker's decision process. Furthermore, this approach provides a framework for researchers to generate comparative statics. These comparative statics can lead to interesting topics for econometric models or to further research within this field.
Quality Uncertainty as Resolution of the Bertrand Paradox
Authors: Tasnádi Attila , Smith Trenton G. , Hanks Andrew S.
Published: December 2012

It is well‐known that product differentiation eliminates the Bertrand paradox (i.e. marginal cost pricing under duopoly). While differentiation is often justified with reference to the consumer's ‘preference for variety’, the conditions under which such a preference is likely to arise are rarely considered. We investigate this question in a setting in which uncertainty about product quality can endogenously generate either convex or non‐convex preferences. We show that even when two goods are ex ante homogeneous, quality uncertainty can eliminate the Bertrand paradox.
Tax Policy When Countries Compete for Third Market Exports
Authors: Mohan Vijay , Hazari Bharat
Published: December 2012

We examine the welfare and other consequences of tax policy in a third market export model where duopolists located in two countries compete in prices. With tax competition between governments, we allow for welfare‐maximizing governments in the two countries to delegate tax setting responsibility to policy‐makers who have different objectives than the governments. The unique equilibrium in the tax competition environment involves both governments delegating tax setting responsibility to tax revenue‐maximizing policy‐makers. This equilibrium yields higher welfare for both countries than the outcome when the governments delegate to welfare‐maximizing policy‐makers. The paper also compares tax competition with tax harmonization and shows that when the entire export market is served, tax harmonization improves the welfare of the country that houses the low cost firm, while the other country may be immiserized.
Positive effects of ageing and age diversity in innovative companies – large‐scale empirical evidence on company productivity
Authors: Backes‐Gellner Uschi , Veen Stephan
Published: December 2012

This article investigates how age diversity within a company's workforce affects company productivity. It introduces a theoretical framework that helps integrate results from a broad disciplinary spectrum of ageing and diversity research to derive empirically testable hypotheses on the effects of age diversity on company productivity. It argues that first the balance between costs and benefits of diversity determines the effect of age diversity on company productivity, and that second the type of task performed acts as a moderator. To test these hypotheses, it uses a large‐scale employer–employee panel data set. Results show that increasing age diversity has a positive effect on company productivity if and only if a company engages in creative rather than routine tasks.
The recruitment and selection of pension trustees: an integrative approach
Authors: Sayce Susan , Weststar Johanna , Verma Anil
Published: December 2012

The role of a pension trustee is significant, which makes the recruitment and selection of labour trustees an important issue. In this article, we examine and combine aspects of two approaches to recruitment and selection: the political nomination model and the more professional HRM approach. We argue that an integrative approach would acknowledge the political, regulatory and organisational context while incorporating valid selection criteria such as domain‐specific skills and performance on the job. Such an integrated process can help trade unions in filling labour trustee positions with talented individuals who are more likely to be effective in achieving labour's goals in pension governance.
Ribosomal DNA analyses reveal greater sequence variation in Polymyxa species than previously thought and indicate the possibility of new ribotype‐host‐virus associations
Authors: Smith Madeleine J. , Adams Michael J. , Ward Elaine
Published: December 2012

Polymyxa species transmit viruses to many important crops. They are poorly understood obligate parasites occupying a distinct position in the Tree of Life. To better understand the potential for spread of Polymyxa‐vectored diseases, ribosomal DNA was analysed from isolates covering a wide range of geographical locations, virus associations and hosts. Internal transcribed spacer 2 structure analysis indicated that Polymyxa graminis isolates could represent many species and there was more sequence variation within the known subgroups (ribotypes) than previously described. In cereal crops and soils from temperate climates Polymyxa isolates were usually ribotype I or II, but their host specificities or preferences were unclear. For the first time, there was evidence that ribotype I (in addition to ribotype II) could transmit SBWMV/SBCMV. Different ribotypes often occurred together in the same soil or plant. New hosts were identified for particular ribotypes, including the first detection of the sugar beet‐infecting Polymyxa betae, in wheat. Unexpectedly, ribotype III‐like sequences, usually restricted to crops in the tropics, were found in wheat from the USA. P. betae isolates showed limited variation (≤ 2%) and the recent change in susceptibility of sugar beet varieties to BNYVV in the USA is unlikely to be due to changes in P. betae.
Primary extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma of the lung: Mimicking bronchogenic carcinoma
Authors: Liu Chia‐Hsin , Wang Hong‐Hau , Perng Cherng‐Lih , Peng Chung‐Kan , Chian Chih‐Feng , Shen Chih‐Hao
Published: December 2012

Primary extranodal natural killer/T‐ cell lymphoma, nasal type (NK/TCL) in the lung is extremely rare and associated with Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection. An 80‐year‐old male presented with hemoptysis, which had lasted three days. Physical examination revealed inspiratory crackles at the left lung base and massive splenomegaly. Chest radiograph shows a mass‐like lesion in the left lower lung but no active lesion six months earlier. Computed tomography demonstrated a soft tissue mass (size: 6.6 × 5.1 cm) with increased ground‐glass opacities in the left lower lobe, several pulmonary nodules, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Transthoracic needle biopsy of the left‐lower‐lobe lung mass was performed. The pathology revealed atypical lymphoid cell infiltration, which is immunoreactive for cytoplasmic CD3, CD30 and CD56, but not reactive for CK and CD20. EBV‐encoded RNA (EBER) was also detected in these atypical lymphoid cells. The serum EBV DNA level was 7.03 × 106 copies/mL and subtype 1 EBV was identified. No evidence of lymphoma involvement was found in the extrathoracic site. Primary pulmonary lymphoma showing nasal‐type NK/T‐cell subtype was diagnosed. Chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and prednisolone was initiated immediately but the patient deteriorated and died three weeks later. In conclusion, patients presenting with rapidly growing lung mass and massive splenomegaly raise the possibility of aggressive pulmonary lymphoma. Extranodal NK/T‐cell lymphoma with high baseline plasma EBV DNA levels signifies poor prognosis. Identifying young high‐risk patients may have benefits for early aggressive and successful treatment.
Histological types and localizations of lung cancers in patients with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema
Authors: Fujiwara Akahito , Tsushima Kenji , Sugiyama Shinya , Yamaguchi Koichi , Soeda Seiko , Togashi Yuki , Kono Yuta , Kasagi Satoshi , Setoguchi Yasuhiro
Published: December 2012

Background

Most patients with combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) are males, and heavy smokers. CPFE is more prevalent than fibrosis in patients with lung cancer, and patients with CPFE usually have a poor prognosis. This study reviewed the differences in the prevalence of lung cancer among patients with normal, fibrosis, emphysema and CPFE via chest computed tomography (CT), and the relationship between histopathology and the localizations of lung cancer.

Methods

Patients that were diagnosed with lung cancer confirmed by pathological examinations between 2003 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed to obtain clinical, pathological, and radiological data. These patients were categorized into four groups based on chest CT findings: normal, fibrosis, emphysema and CPFE.

Results

Two hundred and seventy‐four patients with lung cancer were classified into 146 normal, 14 fibrosis, 78 emphysema, and 36 CPFE groups. Combined centriacinar and paraseptal emphysema was common in the CPFE group. The prevalence of squamous cell carcinoma in the CPFE group was significantly higher in comparison to the normal group. The rate of peripheral localization of lung cancer in the CPFE group was significantly higher in comparison to the normal, fibrosis, and emphysema groups. The prevalence of squamous cell carcinoma of peripheral areas in the CPFE group was significantly higher in the normal and emphysema groups.

Conclusions

CPFE patients demonstrated histopathological and radiological differences concerning the histological types and localization of lung cancers.
Estimates of genetically modified oilseed in shared farming machinery
Authors: Allnutt T. , Blackburn J. , Copeland J. , Dennis C. , Dixon J. , Laybourn R. , Wontner‐Smith T. , Chisholm J. , Hugo S. , Henry C.
Published: December 2012

Adventitious presence of genetically modified crops (AGMP) in their non‐GM counterparts is an important problem in the EU, where a policy of coexistence between the two is being sought. The economic impacts of AGMP could be severe and could prevent the practical application of GM coexistence measures. To date, research has concentrated on the contribution of pollen gene flow as the major source of AGMP, while other sources have not been investigated. We have examined the potential for AGMP from the use of shared farm equipment and transport, which has previously been assumed to have a low contribution. Oilseed rape (OSR) was examined in a typical UK production regime including tillage, sowing, spraying, harvesting and grain drying. At each stage in the process, OSR in the machinery was measured and its potential for AGMP calculated. In sowing and grain drying, mustard grain was used as a proxy for GM grain and was measured during the processes by real‐time PCR quantification to give estimates of GM dilution rates during the processes. The effects of cleaning and other mitigation methods were examined. Total potential AGMP was estimated at 1.47% when no mitigation was performed, and 0.08% when machinery was cleaned. The best measures for avoiding this type of AGMP are presented in the context of the specific UK agriculture examined in this study.
Sex‐limited association of Fergusobia nematodes with female Fergusonina flies in a unique Australasian mutualism (Nematoda: Neotylenchidae; Diptera: Fergusoninidae)
Authors: Scheffer Sonja J , Nelson Leigh A , Davies Kerrie A , Lewis Matthew L , Giblin‐Davis Robin M , Taylor Gary S , Yeates David K
Published: December 2012

All known species of Fergusonina flies (Fergusoninidae) participate in an obligate mutualism with Fergusobia nematodes (Neotylenchidae). From dissections, it is believed that all female third‐instar larvae, pupae and adult female flies carry nematodes internally, while male adults and larvae do not. This observation of sex‐limited association was tested using a molecular diagnostic approach. Nematode‐specific primers were used for polymerase chain reaction amplification of a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene in order to screen DNA extractions from flies for the presence of nematode DNA. Consistent with evidence from dissections, nearly all extractions from adult female flies were positive for nematode DNA, while all DNA extractions from adult male flies were negative. Nearly half of late‐instar larvae screened showed evidence of nematode DNA, consistent with the hypothesis that nematodes are only present within females. This paper is the first to use a molecular method to confirm this phenomenon within the Fergusonina/Fergusobia system.
Ease of moving young calves at different ages
Authors: Jongman EC , Butler KL
Published: December 2012

Background

Young (‘bobby’) calves transported to the abattoir in their first week of life have not yet developed natural herding behaviour. The calves are still in a ‘hider’ phase and naturally spend most of their time lying and sleeping. Anecdotally, calves are easier to handle as they get older, although it is unclear if they are inherently more responsive to a handler.

Methods

This study examined the ease of moving 3‐, 5‐ and 9–11‐day‐old calves individually through an obstacle course involving a 12° incline, a 11° decline and two 90° turns.

Results

There was a significant effect of age on both the total time taken to move through the course (99 vs 86 vs 72 s for 3‐, 5‐ and 9–11‐day‐old calves, respectively; P < 0.05) and the number of interventions by the handler (8.4 vs 7.3 vs 4.8 interventions per calf for 3‐, 5‐ and 9–11‐day‐old calves, respectively; P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Ease of herding bobby calves improved with age, although individually handled calves were relatively easy to move regardless of age.
Descriptive overview of the 2011 epidemic of arboviral disease in horses in Australia
Authors: Roche SE , Wicks R , Garner MG , East IJ , Paskin R , Moloney BJ , Carr M , Kirkland P
Published: December 2012

Objective

To provide an overview and descriptive analysis of the 2011 arboviral disease epidemic in horses that involved three important Australian mosquito‐borne viruses: Murray Valley encephalitis virus, West Nile virus (Kunjin strain) and Ross River virus.

Methods

Data from states affected between January and June 2011 were collated and comprised reports of horses showing signs of neuromuscular disease and the associated laboratory findings. A summary of the data is presented, together with a spatiotemporal analysis of cases and preliminary assessment of rainfall patterns and case distribution.

Results

A total of 982 cases of equine arboviral disease were reported across Australia between January and June 2011. The majority of cases were reported from south‐east Australia and included horses that developed neurological signs consistent with encephalitis. It was the largest epidemic of equine arboviral disease in Australia's history. Two likely causes for this unprecedented epidemic were the unusual weather events that preceded the epidemic and the emergence of a new strain of Kunjin virus.

Conclusions

The epidemic highlights to horse owners and policy makers the potential for future outbreaks of arboviral diseases and the need for vigilance. It also highlights the complex interactions among hosts, vectors and climatic conditions that are required for such an outbreak to occur.
Periostracal mineralization in the gastrochaenid bivalveSpengleria
Authors: Checa Antonio G. , Harper Elizabeth M.
Published: December 2012

We investigated the spikes on the outer shell surface of the endolithic gastrochaenid bivalve genusSpengleriawith a view to understand the mechanism by which they form and evaluate their homology with spikes in other heterodont and palaeoheterodont bivalves. We discovered that spike formation varied in mechanism between different parts of the valve. In the posterior region, spikes form within the translucent layer of the periostracum but separated from the calcareous part of the shell. By contrast those spikes in the anterior and ventral region, despite also forming within the translucent periostracal layer, become incorporated into the outer shell layer. Spikes in the posterior area ofSpengleria mytiloidesform only on the outer surface of the periostracum and are therefore, not encased in periostracal material. Despite differences in construction between these gastrochaenid spikes and those of other heterodont and palaeoheterodont bivalves, all involve calcification of the inner translucent periostracal layer which may indicate a deeper homology.
Tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor triggers rodlet cell discharge in sunfish scale epidermis cultures
Authors: DePasquale Joseph A.
Published: December 2012

Epidermal rodlet cells were evaluated after treatment with the tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor pervanadate. Treatment of sunfish explant cell cultures with the inhibitor triggered a contraction of the rodlet cells and expulsion of cell contents. Time‐lapse video differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy was used to evaluate rodlet cell contraction and rodlet discharge. Three general steps in pervanadate triggered discharge were identified. First the rodlet cell undergoes a constriction of the midsection. Constriction is followed by a rapid forward movement of rodlets and sacs to the apical end of cell, culminating in discharge of rodlets and other cellular contents, including the nucleus. A ring‐shaped structure around the apical pore was identified with DIC microscopy. Fluorescent‐labeled phalloidin and antibodies to alpha‐actinin and phosphotyrosine strongly stained the apical ring. A diffuse granular staining for both antibodies was also observed throughout the fibrous capsule. The results suggest that tyrosine kinases play a role in rodlet cell contraction. Alpha‐actinin is a known substrate for tyrosine kinases and is a potential target for triggering rodlet cell contraction and rodlet ejection. Modification of alpha‐actinin tyrosines could also be a mechanism for regulating the structural integrity of the fibrous capsule.
Anti‐glomerular basement membrane antibody‐mediated glomerulonephritis combined with non‐fulminant acute viral hepatitis A
Authors: Kim Min‐Kyung , Oh Hoon‐Kyu , Lee In‐Hee , Ahn Ki‐Sung , Park Kwan‐Kyu
Published: December 2012

Anti‐glomerular basement membrane antibody‐mediated glomerulonephritis (anti‐GBM Ab‐mediated GN) is a rare autoimmune disease, characterized by crescentic glomeruli and linear GBM staining with immunoglobulin G (IgG). Exposure to viruses can trigger the formation of autoantibodies to the GBM. We report the first case of anti‐GBM Ab‐mediated GN associated with hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection. Although the pathogenesis of HAV‐related anti‐GBM Ab‐mediated GN has not been documented, we suggest that the immune complexes produced by HAV infection might be deposited in the glomerular capillary walls and lead to immune complex‐mediated glomerular damage, resulting in exposure of the sequestered GBM antigens and the formation of anti‐GBM antibodies. Under immunosuppressive and intravenous cyclophosphamide therapy, his renal function has been improving without development of pulmonary symptoms.
Adaptor protein complex of FRS2β and CIN85/CD2AP provides a novel mechanism for ErbB2/HER2 protein downregulation
Authors: Minegishi Yuriko , Shibagaki Yoshio , Mizutani Anna , Fujita Koji , Tezuka Tohru , Kinoshita Masao , Kuroda Masahiko , Hattori Seisuke , Gotoh Noriko
Published: December 2012

Overexpression of the ErbB2/HER2 receptor tyrosine kinase contributes to tumorigenesis. However, mechanisms regulating ErbB2 protein levels remain largely unclear. Here, we identified novel mechanisms of ErbB2 downregulation. ErbB2 constitutively binds to an adaptor protein FRS2β. We found that FRS2β bound to CD2AP and CIN85, which induces endosomal trafficking that targets lysosomes. FRS2β colocalized with CIN85 in the cytoplasm. Expression of wild type FRS2β but not its CIN85 non‐binding mutant, downregulated the ErbB2 protein and inhibited anchorage‐independent cell growth. Moreover, the E3 ubiquitin‐protein ligase Cbl was contained within a complex of FRS2β and CIN85. Knockdown of both CIN85 and CD2AP or of Cbl, or treatment with lysosomal degradation inhibitors diminished FRS2β downregulation of ErbB2. In addition, knockdown of endogenous FRS2β caused upregulation of ErbB2 in primary neural cells. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis showed that human breast cancer tissues that overexpress ErbB2 expressed low levels of FRS2β. Thus, an FRS2β‐CIN85/CD2AP‐Cbl axis for downregulation of ErbB2 may regulate ErbB2 protein levels in physiological and pathological settings. Molecular targeting drugs that can increase or stabilize the ErbB2‐FRS2β‐CIN85/CD2AP‐Cbl axis may have promise for the control of ErbB2‐overexpressing tumors.
Human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 Tax protein interacts with and mislocalizes the PDZ domain protein MAGI‐1
Authors: Makokha Grace Naswa , Takahashi Masahiko , Higuchi Masaya , Saito Suguru , Tanaka Yuetsu , Fujii Masahiro
Published: December 2012

Human T‐cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV‐1) is the etiological agent of adult T‐cell leukemia (ATL). HTLV‐1 encodes the oncoprotein Tax1, which is essential for immortalization of human T‐cells and persistent HTLV‐1 infection in vivo. Tax1 has a PDZ binding motif (PBM) at its C‐terminus. This motif is crucial for the transforming activity of Tax1 to a T‐cell line and persistent HTLV‐1 infection. Tax1 through the PBM interacts with PDZ domain proteins such as Dlg1 and Scribble, but it has not been determined yet, which cellular PDZ proteins mediate the functions of Tax1 PBM. Here we demonstrate that Tax1 interacts with the PDZ domain protein MAGI‐1 in a PBM‐dependent manner, and the interaction mislocalizes MAGI‐1 from the detergent‐soluble to the detergent‐insoluble cellular fraction in 293T cells and in HTLV‐1‐infected T‐cells. In addition, Tax1‐transformation of a T‐cell line from interleukin (IL)‐2‐dependent to IL‐2‐independent growth selects cells with irreversibly reduced expression of MAGI‐1 at mRNA level. These findings imply that Tax1, like other viral oncoproteins, targets MAGI‐1 as a mechanism to suppress its anti‐tumor functions in HTLV‐1‐infected cells to contribute to the transforming activity of T‐cells and persistent HTLV‐1 infection.
ALKBH2, a novel AlkB homologue, contributes to human bladder cancer progression by regulating MUC1 expression
Authors: Fujii Tomomi , Shimada Keiji , Anai Satoshi , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Konishi Noboru
Published: December 2012

The ALKBH family of proteins are highly expressed in various types of human cancer where they are involved in tumor growth and progression. However, multiple isoforms of ALKBH exist and the effect of individual isoforms on the development of urinary bladder cancer is unknown, particularly the molecular mechanisms involved in the progression from a noninvasive to invasive phenotype. We examined the role and function of ALKBH2 in human bladder cancer development in vitro and provide the first report that suppression of ALKBH2 in a human urothelial carcinoma cell line, KU7, reduces the expression of the transmembrane mucin protein, MUC1, and induces G1 cell cycle arrest. Moreover, reduction of ALKBH2 suppressed epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) via increasing E‐cadherin and decreasing vimentin expression. Transfection of MUC1 siRNA inhibited cell proliferation and EMT to the same extent as ALKBH2 gene silencing in vitro. ALKBH2 knockdown significantly suppressed MUC1 expression and tumor volume of bladder cancers in vivo as assessed in an orthotopic mouse model using ALKBH2 shRNA transfected KU7 cells. Immunohistochemical examination showed high expression levels of ALKBH2 in human urothelial carcinoma samples, especially in high‐grade, superficially and deeply invasive carcinomas (pT(1) and >pT(2)), and in carcinoma in situ but not in normal urothelium. This study demonstrates that ALKBH2 is an upstream molecule of the oncoprotein, MUC1, and regulates cell cycle and EMT, resulting in progression of urothelial carcinomas.
Optimization of Antimalarial Activity of Synthetic Prodiginines: QSAR, GUSAR, and CoMFA analyses
Authors: Masand Vijay H. , Mahajan Devidas T. , Patil Komalsing N. , Hadda Taibi B. , Youssoufi Moulay H. , Jawarkar Rahul D. , Shibi Indira G.
Published: December 2012

In the present study, we have carried out extensive General Unrestricted Structure–Activity Relationships, conventional 3D‐Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationships, and CoMFA analyses of synthetic prodiginines displaying moderate to high activities against Plasmodium Falciperum. 2D and 3D descriptors, various statistical parameters viz. R2, R2adj, standard error, Y‐randomization, etc., were checked to build fruitful 3D‐Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationships model. The best five parametric 3D‐Quantitative Structure–Activity Relationships model is with R2 = 0.924 and R2pred = 0.901. CoMFA was performed to check the electrostatic and steric regions, which affect the activity. The CoMFA model is graphically inferred using contour plots, which provide insight into the structural requirements for increasing the activity of a compound. The General Unrestricted Structure–Activity Relationships model, with R2 = 0.940 and Q2 = 0.912, suggests that the presence of F on aromatic ring is good for activity. The analyses reveal that lipophilicity plays a crucial role in deciding the activity for these molecules.
Age Differences in the Impact of Employment on Antisocial Behavior
Authors: Monahan Kathryn C. , Steinberg Laurence , Cauffman Elizabeth
Published: December 2012

While research suggests that working more than 20 hr weekly is associated with greater antisocial behavior among middle‐ and upper‐class youth, some have argued that employment benefits at‐risk youth and leads to desistance from crime among youthful offenders. This study investigates the relation between hours worked, school attendance, and employment characteristics on antisocial behavior in a sample of approximately 1,300 juvenile offenders (ages 14–17 at baseline) tracked over 5 years. The combinations of high‐intensity employment and irregular school attendance, unemployment and irregular school attendance, and unemployment and not being enrolled in school are associated with significantly greater antisocial behavior, particularly during early adolescence. High‐intensity employment diminishes antisocial behavior only when accompanied by attending school.
Serum FGF21 concentration is associated with hypertriglyceridaemia, hyperinsulinaemia and pericardial fat accumulation, independently of obesity, but not with current coronary artery status
Authors: Lee Yenna , Lim Soo , Hong Eun‐Shil , Kim Jung Hee , Moon Min Kyung , Chun Eun Ju , Choi Sang Il , Kim Young‐Bum , Park Young Joo , Park Kyong Soo , Jang Hak C. , Choi Sung Hee
Published: December 2012

Objective

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an emerging metabolic regulator associated with glucose and lipid metabolism. However, previous studies of FGF21 have been largely confounded by obesity, and data are limited for advanced outcomes such as coronary artery disease (CAD) and ectopic fat accumulation. We investigated the associations between serum FGF21 concentrations and glucose/lipid metabolism, CAD, and pericardial fat deposition in subjects strictly matched for obesity parameters.

Design, Patients and Measurements

We enrolled 189 patients who had undergone cardiac multidetector coronary computed tomography. We measured cardiometabolic parameters and serum FGF21 levels within body mass index (BMI)‐matched groups. Correlations and linear regressions were analysed among serum FGF21 levels, pericardial fat volumes and cardiometabolic parameters. Serum FGF21 concentrations were compared in patients with and without diabetes, metabolic syndrome (MS) or CAD.

Results

Serum FGF21 concentrations were significantly higher in BMI‐matched patients with MS (107·2 ± 83·6 vs 82·1 ± 67·4 ng/l without MS, P < 0·05), but not among those with diabetes (84·3 ± 56·4 vs 96·3 ± 98·9 ng/l without diabetes, P = 0·300) or CAD (89·6 ± 65·8 vs 84·2 ± 83·1 ng/l without CAD, P = 0·633). Serum FGF21 concentrations correlated positively with triglycerides, low‐density lipoprotein–cholesterol, insulin, HOMA‐IR and pericardial fat volume. They showed an independent association with pericardial fat volume (β = 0·111 ± 0·053, P < 0·05).

Conclusions

Serum FGF21 concentrations were significantly associated with lipid profiles, insulin resistance, pericardial fat volume and MS, independently of obesity, but not with overt CAD or diabetes.