bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feather corticosterone of a nestling seabird reveals consequences of sex-specific parental investment
Authors: Fairhurst Graham D. , Navarro Joan , González-Solís Jacob , Marchant Tracy A. , Bortolotti Gary R.
Published: June 2011

Offspring of long-lived species should face costs of parental trade-offs that vary with overall energetic demands encountered by parents during breeding. If sex differences exist in how parents make the trade-off, sex-specific differences may exist in the contribution of each parent to those costs. Adaptations of offspring facing such costs are not well understood, but the hormone corticosterone probably plays a role. We manipulated breeding effort in Cory's shearwaters (
Calonectris diomedea
) to increase costs to offspring and used an integrated measure of corticosterone from chick feathers to investigate how experimental variation in parental investment influences offspring physiology. Average foraging trip duration and foraging efficiency (FE) of breeding pairs were not related to chick corticosterone, but sex biases in FE were. Adult male investment was more strongly related to chick corticosterone than was female investment. Importantly, we show for the first time suppression of adrenocortical activity in nestling Procellariiform seabirds, and explain how our results indicate an adaptive mechanism invoked by chicks facing increased costs of parental trade-offs.
Foxl1-Cre-marked adult hepatic progenitors have clonogenic and bilineage differentiation potential
Authors: Shin Soona , Walton Gabriel , Aoki Reina , Brondell Karrie , Schug Jonathan , Fox Alan , Smirnova Olga , Dorrell Craig , Erker Laura , Chu Andrew S. , Wells Rebecca G. , Grompe Markus , Greenbaum Linda E. , Kaestner Klaus H.
Published: June 2011

Isolation of hepatic progenitor cells is a promising approach for cell replacement therapy of chronic liver disease. The winged helix transcription factor Foxl1 is a marker for progenitor cells and their descendants in the mouse liver in vivo. Here, we purify progenitor cells from Foxl1-Cre; RosaYFP mice and evaluate their proliferative and differentiation potential in vitro. Treatment of Foxl1-Cre; RosaYFP mice with a 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine diet led to an increase of the percentage of YFP-labeled Foxl1+ cells. Clonogenic assays demonstrated that up to 3.6% of Foxl1+ cells had proliferative potential. Foxl1+ cells differentiated into cholangiocytes and hepatocytes in vitro, depending on the culture condition employed. Microarray analyses indicated that Foxl1+ cells express stem cell markers such as Prom1 as well as differentiation markers such as Ck19 and Hnf4a. Thus, the Foxl1-Cre; RosaYFP model allows for easy isolation of adult hepatic progenitor cells that can be expanded and differentiated in culture.
RNAi in Xenopus: look before you leap
Authors: Flynt Alex S. , Lai Eric C.
Published: June 2011

RNAi has revolutionized reverse genetics; however, RNAi is not necessarily ubiquitous or constitutive. Lund and colleagues (pp. 1121–1131) show that microRNA (miRNA) effector Argonautes (Agos) are limiting and easily saturated during early Xenopus embryogenesis. Moreover, this stage is devoid of slicing capacity. Supplementation of Ago proteins rescued endogenous miRNA activity in the presence of exogenous siRNAs, and, excitingly, ectopic Ago2 could now support RNAi in Xenopus. These observations may potentially facilitate RNAi in other recalcitrant model organisms.
Cell type–specific DNA methylation at intragenic CpG islands in the immune system
Authors: Deaton Aimée M. , Webb Shaun , Kerr Alastair R.W. , Illingworth Robert S. , Guy Jacky , Andrews Robert , Bird Adrian
Published: June 2011

Human and mouse genomes contain a similar number of CpG islands (CGIs), which are discrete CpG-rich DNA sequences associated with transcription start sites. In both species, ∼50% of all CGIs are remote from annotated promoters but, nevertheless, often have promoter-like features. To determine the role of CGI methylation in cell differentiation, we analyzed DNA methylation at a comprehensive CGI set in cells of the mouse hematopoietic lineage. Using a method that potentially detects ∼33% of genomic CpGs in the methylated state, we found that large differences in gene expression were accompanied by surprisingly few DNA methylation changes. There were, however, many DNA methylation differences between hematopoietic cells and a distantly related tissue, brain. Altered DNA methylation in the immune system occurred predominantly at CGIs within gene bodies, which have the properties of cell type–restricted promoters, but infrequently at annotated gene promoters or CGI flanking sequences (CGI “shores”). Unexpectedly, elevated intragenic CGI methylation correlated with silencing of the associated gene. Differentially methylated intragenic CGIs tended to lack H3K4me3 and associate with a transcriptionally repressive environment regardless of methylation state. Our results indicate that DNA methylation changes play a relatively minor role in the late stages of differentiation and suggest that intragenic CGIs represent regulatory sites of differential gene expression during the early stages of lineage specification.
A reduced representation approach to population genetic analyses and applications to human evolution
Authors: Luca Francesca , Hudson Richard R. , Witonsky David B. , Di Rienzo Anna
Published: June 2011

Second-generation sequencing technologies allow surveys of sequence variation on an unprecedented scale. However, despite the rapid decrease in sequencing costs, collecting whole-genome sequence data on a population scale is still prohibitive for many laboratories. We have implemented an inexpensive, reduced representation protocol for preparing resequencing targets, and we have developed the analytical tools necessary for making population genetic inferences. This approach can be applied to any species for which a draft or complete reference genome sequence is available. The new tools we have developed include methods for aligning reads, calling genotypes, and incorporating sample-specific sequencing error rates in the estimate of evolutionary parameters. When applied to 19 individuals from a total of 18 human populations, our approach allowed sampling regions that are largely overlapping across individuals and that are representative of the entire genome. The resequencing data were used to test the serial founder model of human dispersal and to estimate the time of the Out of Africa migration. Our results also represent the first attempt to provide a time frame for the colonization of Australia based on large-scale resequencing data.
From IMGT-ONTOLOGY CLASSIFICATION Axiom to IMGT Standardized Gene and Allele Nomenclature: For Immunoglobulins (IG) and T Cell Receptors (TR): Figure 1.
Authors: Lefranc Marie-Paule
Published: June 2011

INTRODUCTION

Since the creation of IMGT, the international ImMunoGeneTics information system in 1989, at New Haven during the 10th Human Genome Mapping Workshop (HGM10), the standardized classification and nomenclature of the immunoglobulins (IG) and T cell receptors (TR) of human and other vertebrate species have been under the responsibility of the IMGT Nomenclature Committee (IMGT-NC). In 1995, following the first demonstration online of the nucleotide database IMGT/LIGM-DB at the 9th International Congress of Immunology in San Francisco, IMGT-NC has become the World Health Organization-International Union of Immunological Societies (WHO-IUIS)/IMGT Nomenclature Subcommittee for IG and TR. As described here, IMGT gene and allele names are based on the concepts of classification of “Group,” “Subgroup,” “Gene,” and “Allele,” generated from the IMGT-ONTOLOGY CLASSIFICATION axiom. The IMGT gene nomenclature for IG and TR genes was approved at the international level by the Human Genome Organisation (HUGO) Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) in 1999 and by the WHO-IUIS. The IMGT IG and TR gene names are the official reference for the vertebrate genome projects and, as such, have been entered in IMGT/GENE-DB, the IMGT gene database, in Entrez Gene (National Center for Biotechnology Information [NCBI]), in Ensembl (European Bioinformatics Institute [EBI]), and in the Vega Genome Browser (Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute).
Preparation of Peptides from Yeast Cells for iTRAQ Analysis
Authors: Simon Eric S.
Published: June 2011

INTRODUCTION

A commercial reagent, known as the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ), makes it possible to analyze multiple samples simultaneously. The ability of iTRAQ to compare relative protein abundances across as many as eight samples is a significant advantage over other stable isotope strategies, such as stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) and isotope-coded affinity tag (ICAT). The iTRAQ protocol set compares the proteome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae under two different metabolic states (fermentation versus respiration) with the goal of determining the proteins involved in each of the activated pathways by measuring their relative abundances using iTRAQ. This protocol describes the preparation of yeast peptides in different metabolic states for iTRAQ analysis.
Labeling Yeast Peptides with the iTRAQ Reagent
Authors: Simon Eric S.
Published: June 2011

INTRODUCTION

A commercial reagent, known as the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ), makes it possible to analyze multiple samples simultaneously. The ability of iTRAQ to compare relative protein abundances across as many as eight samples is a significant advantage over other stable isotope strategies, such as stable isotope labeling by amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) and isotope-coded affinity tag (ICAT). The iTRAQ protocol set compares the proteome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae under two different metabolic states (fermentation versus respiration) with the goal of determining the proteins involved in each of the activated pathways by measuring their relative abundances using iTRAQ. This protocol describes the labeling of the yeast peptides with the iTRAQ reagent.
Introducing Recombinant Picornaviral Genomes into Cells
Authors: Mueller Steffen , Wimmer Eckard
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Picornarviruses comprise a large group of small, nonenveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses. The picornavirus life cycle is usually rapid and exclusively cytoplasmic, without integration into the host cell’s genome or a nuclear phase. Due to their biology and genetic constraints, the utility of picornaviruses for general gene delivery purposes is limited. However, they may prove useful as vaccine vectors. Furthermore, picornavirus-driven expression of various reporter genes or foreign RNA elements is of interest to the picornavirus molecular virologist. Introduction of recombinant picornaviral genomes into the cell relies on the historic observation that the isolated virion RNA is infectious. This property extends to in-vitro-transcribed RNA as long as the authentic viral 5' end is preserved. That said, up to two additional 5'-terminal guanine residues (remnants from the T7 RNA polymerase-based in vitro transcription), although reducing infectivity, can be tolerated. Additional nucleotides at the 3' end are of far less consequence. Thus, any unique restriction site downstream from the poly(A) sequence (preferably as close as possible downstream) can be used to linearize the plasmid containing the viral genome before in vitro transcription.
Preparation of Mouse Embryos for Optical Projection Tomography Imaging
Authors: Quintana Laura , Sharpe James
Published: June 2011

INTRODUCTION

Optical projection tomography (OPT) is a method for three-dimensional (3D) imaging of whole vertebrate embryos. The specimen is suspended in an index-matching liquid to reduce the scattering of light and reduce heterogeneities of refractive index throughout the specimen. Inside the OPT scanning device, the specimen is maintained within the liquid and rotated through a series of angular positions, and an image is captured at each orientation. There are two imaging modes for OPT: transmission imaging or bright-field OPT, and emission tomography or fluorescence OPT. In both modes of OPT, the fact that lenses are used to focus an image means that OPT suffers one technical drawback compared to its X-ray equivalent: As with all optical imaging systems, there is only a limited depth of focus, and this usually cannot encompass the entire specimen. OPT, therefore, generally takes advantage of a compromise, which yields good results—the focal plane is positioned halfway between the axis of rotation and the edge of the specimen closest to the lenses. This maximizes the focused information obtained from the specimen, while bypassing the need to image at multiple depths and keeping the imaging time to a minimum. This article presents a series of short methods for preparing specimens for OPT imaging. These include fixing the sample, embedding it correctly in an agarose block, trimming the agarose block, and, finally, clearing for optical imaging.
IMGT, the International ImMunoGeneTics Information System
Authors: Lefranc Marie-Paule
Published: June 2011

INTRODUCTION

IMGT, the international ImMunoGeneTics information system (http://www.imgt.org), created in 1989 by the Laboratoire d’ImmunoGénétique Moléculaire LIGM (Université Montpellier 2 and CNRS, Montpellier, France), is the global reference in immunogenetics and immunoinformatics. IMGT-ONTOLOGY concepts, generated from the Formal IMGT-ONTOLOGY or IMGT-Kaleidoscope axioms, have allowed us to set up the IMGT Scientific chart rules and to standardize and manage the complexity of immunogenetics data. IMGT is a high-quality integrated knowledge resource specializing in the immunoglobulins (IG) or antibodies, T cell receptors (TR), and major histocompatibility (MH) of human and other vertebrate species, proteins of the immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) and MH superfamily (MhSF), related proteins of the immune systems (RPI) of vertebrates and invertebrates, therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAb), and fusion proteins for immune applications (FPIA). IMGT provides a common access to standardized data from genome, proteome, genetics, and three-dimensional (3D) structures. IMGT consists of databases, interactive online tools, and Web resources.
CAST AWAY, a Membrane-Associated Receptor-Like Kinase, Inhibits Organ Abscission in Arabidopsis
Authors: Burr Christian A. , Leslie Michelle E. , Orlowski Sara K. , Chen Iris , Wright Catherine E. , Daniels Mark J. , Liljegren Sarah J.
Published: June 2011

Receptor-like kinase-mediated cell signaling pathways play fundamental roles in many aspects of plant growth and development. A pair of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinases (LRR-RLKs), HAESA (HAE) and HAESA-LIKE2 (HSL2), have been shown to activate the cell separation process that leads to organ abscission. Another pair of LRR-RLKs, EVERSHED (EVR) and SOMATIC EMBRYOGENESIS RECEPTOR-LIKE KINASE1, act as inhibitors of abscission, potentially by modulating HAE/HSL2 activity. Cycling of these RLKs to and from the cell surface may be regulated by NEVERSHED (NEV), a membrane trafficking regulator that is essential for organ abscission. We report here the characterization of CAST AWAY (CST), a receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase that acts as a spatial inhibitor of cell separation. Disruption of CST suppresses the abscission defects of nev mutant flowers and restores the discrete identity of the trans-Golgi network in nev abscission zones. After organ shedding, enlarged abscission zones with obscured boundaries are found in nev cst flowers. We show that CST is a dual-specificity kinase in vitro and that myristoylation at its amino terminus promotes association with the plasma membrane. Using the bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay, we have detected interactions of CST with HAE and EVR at the plasma membrane of Arabidopsis protoplasts and hypothesize that CST negatively regulates cell separation signaling directly and indirectly. A model integrating the potential roles of receptor-like kinase signaling and membrane trafficking during organ separation is presented.
Root Cortical Aerenchyma Enhances the Growth of Maize on Soils with Suboptimal Availability of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium
Authors: Postma Johannes Auke , Lynch Jonathan Paul
Published: June 2011

Root cortical aerenchyma (RCA) is induced by hypoxia, drought, and several nutrient deficiencies. Previous research showed that RCA formation reduces the respiration and nutrient content of root tissue. We used SimRoot, a functional-structural model, to provide quantitative support for the hypothesis that RCA formation is a useful adaptation to suboptimal availability of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium by reducing the metabolic costs of soil exploration in maize (Zea mays). RCA increased the growth of simulated 40-d-old maize plants up to 55%, 54%, or 72% on low nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium soil, respectively, and reduced critical fertility levels by 13%, 12%, or 7%, respectively. The greater utility of RCA on low-potassium soils is associated with the fact that root growth in potassium-deficient plants was more carbon limited than in phosphorus- and nitrogen-deficient plants. In contrast to potassium-deficient plants, phosphorus- and nitrogen-deficient plants allocate more carbon to the root system as the deficiency develops. The utility of RCA also depended on other root phenes and environmental factors. On low-phosphorus soils (7.5 μm), the utility of RCA was 2.9 times greater in plants with increased lateral branching density than in plants with normal branching. On low-nitrate soils, the utility of RCA formation was 56% greater in coarser soils with high nitrate leaching. Large genetic variation in RCA formation and the utility of RCA for a range of stresses position RCA as an interesting crop-breeding target for enhanced soil resource acquisition.
Treatment outcomes of a stage 1 cognitive–behavioral trial to reduce alcohol use among human immunodeficiency virus‐infected out‐patients in western Kenya
Authors: Papas Rebecca K. , Sidle John E. , Gakinya Benson N. , Baliddawa Joyce B. , Martino Steve , Mwaniki Michael M. , Songole Rogers , Omolo Otieno E. , Kamanda Allan M. , Ayuku David O. , Ojwang Claris , Owino‐Ong'or Willis D. , Harrington Magdalena , Bryant Kendall J. , Carroll Kathleen M. , Justice Amy C. , Hogan Joseph W. , Maisto Stephen A.
Published: June 2011

Aims  Dual epidemics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and alcohol use disorders, and a dearth of professional resources for behavioral treatment in sub‐Saharan Africa, suggest the need for development of culturally relevant and feasible interventions. The purpose of this study was to test the preliminary efficacy of a culturally adapted six‐session gender‐stratified group cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention delivered by paraprofessionals to reduce alcohol use among HIV‐infected out‐patients in Eldoret, Kenya.

Design  Randomized clinical trial comparing CBT against a usual care assessment‐only control.

Setting  A large HIV out‐patient clinic in Eldoret, Kenya, part of the Academic Model for Providing Access to Healthcare collaboration.

Participants  Seventy‐five HIV‐infected out‐patients who were antiretroviral (ARV)‐initiated or ARV‐eligible and who reported hazardous or binge drinking.

Measurements  Percentage of drinking days (PDD) and mean drinks per drinking days (DDD) measured continuously using the Time line Follow back method.

Findings  There were 299 ineligible and 102 eligible out‐patients with 12 refusals. Effect sizes of the change in alcohol use since baseline between the two conditions at the 30‐day follow‐up were large [d = 0.95, P = 0.0002, mean difference = 24.93, 95% confidence interval (CI): 12.43, 37.43 PDD; d = 0.76, P = 0.002, mean difference = 2.88, 95% CI: 1.05, 4.70 DDD]. Randomized participants attended 93% of the six CBT sessions offered. Reported alcohol abstinence at the 90‐day follow‐up was 69% (CBT) and 38% (usual care). Paraprofessional counselors achieved independent ratings of adherence and competence equivalent to college‐educated therapists in the United States. Treatment effect sizes were comparable to alcohol intervention studies conducted in the United States.

Conclusions  Cognitive–behavioral therapy can be adapted successfully to group paraprofessional delivery in Kenya and may be effective in reducing alcohol use among HIV‐infected Kenyan out‐patients.
Non‐medical prescription use increases the risk for the onset and recurrence of psychopathology: results from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions
Authors: Schepis Ty S. , Hakes Jahn K.
Published: June 2011

Aims  Given the rising rates of the non‐medical use of prescription medications (NUPM) and strong cross‐sectional associations between psychopathology and NUPM, we examined whether a history of NUPM increased the risk for onset and recurrence of psychopathology.

Design  Longitudinal data are from waves 1 and 2 of the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcoholism and Related Conditions (NESARC).

Setting  The NESARC is a nation‐wide, household‐based survey.

Participants  A total of 34 653 US resident participants who completed both NESARC waves were included in analyses.

Measurements  Primary measures were history of NUPM and Axis I psychopathology at wave 1. Wave 1 personality disorder diagnosis and sociodemographic characteristics were used as control variables.

Findings  Design‐based logistic regression analyses indicated that life‐time and past year NUPM at wave 1 increased risk for onset of psychopathology among those with no history of psychopathology at baseline, with particular risk for non‐NUPM substance use and bipolar disorders. Life‐time and past year NUPM were associated with recurrence of alcohol and non‐NUPM substance use disorders among those with these diagnoses at baseline. In contrast, life‐time and past year NUPM was associated with the onset of all examined disorders among those with a different diagnosis at baseline.

Conclusions  Non‐medical use of prescription medications is a consistent risk factor for the onset and recurrence of psychopathology.
Reducing the legal blood alcohol concentration limit for driving in developing countries: a time for change? Results and implications derived from a time–series analysis (2001–10) conducted in Brazil
Authors: Andreuccetti Gabriel , Carvalho Heraclito B. , Cherpitel Cheryl J. , Ye Yu , Ponce Julio C. , Kahn Tulio , Leyton Vilma
Published: June 2011

Aims  In Brazil, a new law introduced in 2008 has lowered the blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers from 0.06 to 0.02, but the effectiveness in reducing traffic accidents remains uncertain. This study evaluated the effects of this enactment on road traffic injuries and fatalities.

Design  Time–series analysis using autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) modelling.

Setting  State and capital of São Paulo, Brazil.

Participants  A total of 1 471 087 non‐fatal and 51 561 fatal road traffic accident cases in both regions.

Measurements  Monthly rates of traffic injuries and fatalities per 100 000 inhabitants from January 2001 to June 2010.

Findings  The new traffic law was responsible for significant reductions in traffic injury and fatality rates in both localities (P < 0.05). A stronger effect was observed for traffic fatality (−7.2 and −16.0% in the average monthly rate in the State and capital, respectively) compared to traffic injury rates (−1.8 and −2.3% in the State and capital, respectively).

Conclusions  Lowering the blood alcohol concentration limit in Brazil had a greater impact on traffic fatalities than injuries, with a higher effect in the capital, where presumably the police enforcement was enhanced.
Alcoholics Anonymous attendance, decreases in impulsivity and drinking and psychosocial outcomes over 16 years: moderated‐mediation from a developmental perspective
Authors: Blonigen Daniel M. , Timko Christine , Finney John W. , Moos Bernice S. , Moos Rudolf H.
Published: June 2011

Aims  To examine whether decreases in impulsivity account for links between Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) attendance and better drinking and psychosocial outcomes, and whether these mediational ‘effects’ are conditional on age.

Design  A naturalistic study in which individuals were assessed at baseline, and 1, 8 and 16 years later.

Setting  Participants initiated help‐seeking through the alcohol intervention system (detoxification programs, information and referral centers).

Participants  Individuals with alcohol use disorders and no prior history of substance abuse treatment at baseline [n = 628; 47% women; mean age = 34.7 years (standard deviation = 9.4)].

Measurements   Self‐reports of impulsivity and drinking pattern at baseline and year 1, duration of AA (number of weeks) in year 1 and drinking (alcohol use problems, self‐efficacy to resist drinking) and psychosocial outcomes (emotional discharge coping, social support) at baseline and follow‐ups.

Findings  Controlling for changes in drinking pattern, decreases in impulsivity were associated with fewer alcohol use problems, better coping and greater social support and self‐efficacy at year 1, and better coping and greater social support at year 8. Decreases in impulsivity statistically mediated associations between longer AA duration and improvements on all year 1 outcomes and indirect effects were moderated by participant age (significant only for individuals 25 years of age or younger).

Conclusions  Decreased impulsivity appears to mediate reductions in alcohol‐related problems over 8 years in people attending Alcoholics Anonymous.
Angiotensin II mediates urotensin II expression by hypoxia in cultured cardiac fibroblast
Authors: Shyu Kou‐Gi , Wang Bao‐Wei , Chen Wei‐Jan , Kuan Peiliang , Lin Chiu‐Mei
Published: June 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (1): 17–26

Background  Urotensin II plays a role in myocardial remodelling. Cardiac fibroblasts play a critical role in the development of cardiac fibrosis. The effect of hypoxia on urotensin II expression in cardiac fibroblasts is poorly understood. We sought to investigate the regulation of urotensin II by hypoxia in cardiac fibroblasts and the effect of angiotensin II in the interaction with urotensin II.

Methods and results  Rat cardiac fibroblasts were cultured in hypoxic chamber. Hypoxia significantly increased urotensin II expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cultured cardiac fibroblasts. Hypoxia‐induced increase in urotensin II protein and ROS was significantly attenuated after the addition of SP600125, JNK siRNA or N‐acetylcysteine before hypoxia treatment. The phosphorylated JNK protein was induced by hypoxia and was abolished by pretreatment with SP600125, losartan (an angiotensin II receptor antagonist) or N‐acetylcysteine. The increased urotensin II expression by exogenous addition of angiotensin II was similar to that by hypoxia. Addition of losartan and angiotensin II antibody before hypoxia almost completely inhibited the increase in urotensin II induced by hypoxia. Hypoxia significantly increased the secretion of angiotensin II from cardiac fibroblasts and increased the collagen I protein expression. Hypoxia significantly increased the urotensin II promoter activity by 4·3‐fold as compared to normoxic control. Urotensin II siRNA almost completely attenuated the collagen I protein expression induced by hypoxia.

Conclusions  Hypoxia‐induced urotensin II expression in cardiac fibroblast is mediated by angiotensin II and through ROS and JNK pathway. Urotensin II is a mediator of angiotensin II‐induced cardiac fibrosis under hypoxia.
The intention to continue nursing: work variables affecting three nurse generations in Australia
Authors: Shacklock Kate , Brunetto Yvonne
Published: June 2011

shacklock k. & brunetto y. (2012) The intention to continue nursing: work variables affecting three nurse generations in Australia. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(1), 36–46.

Aims.  The aims of the study were to examine how seven variables impacted upon the intention of hospital nurses to continue working as nurses and to investigate whether there are generational differences in these impacts.

Background.  There is a critical shortage of trained nurses working as nurses in Australia, as in many other Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development member countries. The retention of nurses has been examined from the traditional management perspectives; however, this paper presents a different approach (Meaning of Working theory).

Methods.  A self‐report survey of 900 nurses employed across four states of Australia was completed in 2008. The sample was hospital nurses in Australia from three generational cohorts – Baby Boomers (born in Australia between 1946 and 1964), Generation X (1965–1979) and Generation Y (1980–2000).

Results.  Six variables were found to influence the combined nurses’ intentions to continue working as nurses: work–family conflict, perceptions of autonomy, attachment to work, importance of working to the individual, supervisor–subordinate relationship and interpersonal relationships at work. There were differences in the variables affecting the three generations, but attachment to work was the only common variable across all generations, affecting GenYs the strongest.

Conclusion.  The shortage of nurses is conceptualized differently in this paper to assist in finding solutions. However, the results varied for the three generations, suggesting the need to tailor different retention strategies to each age group. Implications for management and policy planning are discussed.
Interleukin‐21 is upregulated in hepatitis B‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure and associated with severity of liver disease
Authors: Hu X. , Ma S. , Huang X. , Jiang X. , Zhu X. , Gao H. , Xu M. , Sun J. , Abbott W. G. H. , Hou J.
Published: June 2011

Summary.  The immune mechanism(s) that lead to hepatitis B‐related acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (HB‐ACLF) are poorly understood. Interleukin‐21 is a newly discovered cytokine that is involved in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Its potential role in HB‐ACLF remains unknown. The serum levels of 12 immune cytokines measured by cytometric bead arrays and the frequency of IL‐21‐secreting CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) measured by intracellular cytokine staining were compared in moderate chronic hepatitis B (M‐CHB, n = 20), severe chronic hepatitis B (S‐CHB, n = 20), HB‐ACLF (n = 39) and healthy controls (n = 10). PBMC from M‐CHB patients or healthy subjects were stimulated with rhIL‐21 in vitro, and cytokines in supernatants were measured by FlowCytomix. The frequencies of IL‐21‐secreting CD4+ T cells were higher in HB‐ACLF (both P < 0.001) and S‐CHB (P = 0.002 and 0.001) as compared to M‐CHB patients and controls. Serum IL‐21 levels were highest (P < 0.001) in HB‐ACLF and positively associated with high MELD score (P = 0.001) and mortality (P = 0.038). Recovery from HB‐ACLF was associated with reduced serum IL‐21 levels (P = 0.003) and lower CD4+IL‐21+ T‐cell frequency (P = 0.006). The secretions of IL‐1β (P < 0.001), IL‐6 (P < 0.001), IL‐10 (P < 0.001), IFN‐γ (P = 0.001) and TNF‐α (P = 0.042) from PBMC were significantly increased with rhIL‐21 stimulation. In summary, IL‐21 has a causal role in the development of severe liver inflammation, which is upregulated in HB‐ACLF and associated with severity of liver disease.
Characterization of C3–C4 intermediate species in the genus Heliotropium L. (Boraginaceae): anatomy, ultrastructure and enzyme activity
Authors: MUHAIDAT RIYADH , SAGE TAMMY L. , FROHLICH MICHAEL W. , DENGLER NANCY G. , SAGE ROWAN F.
Published: June 2011

Photosynthetic pathway characteristics were studied in nine species of Heliotropium (sensu lato, including Euploca), using assessments of leaf anatomy and ultrastructure, activities of PEP carboxylase and C4 acid decarboxylases, and immunolocalization of ribulose 1·5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and the P‐subunit of glycine decarboxylase (GDC). Heliotropium europaeum, Heliotropium calcicola and Heliotropium tenellum are C3 plants, while Heliotropium texanum and Heliotropium polyphyllum are C4 species. Heliotropium procumbens and Heliotropium karwinskyi are functionally C3, but exhibit ‘proto‐Kranz’ anatomy where bundle sheath (BS) cells are enlarged and mitochondria primarily occur along the centripetal (inner) wall of the BS cells; GDC is present throughout the leaf. Heliotropium convolvulaceum and Heliotropium greggii are C3–C4 intermediates, with Kranz‐like enlargement of the BS cells, localization of mitochondria along the inner BS wall and a loss of GDC in the mesophyll (M) tissue. These C3–C4 species of Heliotropium probably shuttle photorespiratory glycine from the M to the BS tissue for decarboxylation. Heliotropium represents an important new model for studying C4 evolution. Where existing models such as Flaveria emphasize diversification of C3–C4 intermediates, Heliotropium has numerous C3 species expressing proto‐Kranz traits that could represent a critical initial phase in the evolutionary origin of C4 photosynthesis.
The influence of ascorbate on anthocyanin accumulation during high light acclimation in Arabidopsis thaliana: further evidence for redox control of anthocyanin synthesis
Authors: PAGE MIKE , SULTANA NIGHAT , PASZKIEWICZ KONRAD , FLORANCE HANNAH , SMIRNOFF NICHOLAS
Published: June 2011

Ascorbate and anthocyanins act as photoprotectants during exposure to high light (HL). They accumulate in Arabidopsis leaves in response to HL on a similar timescale, suggesting a potential relationship between them. Flavonoids and related metabolites were identified and profiled by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The ascorbate‐deficient mutants vtc1, vtc2 and vtc3 accumulated less anthocyanin than wild‐type (WT) during HL acclimation. In contrast, kaempferol glycoside accumulation was less affected by light and not decreased by ascorbate deficiency, while sinapoyl malate levels decreased during HL acclimation. Comparison of six Arabidopsis ecotypes showed a positive correlation between ascorbate and anthocyanin accumulation in HL. mRNA‐Seq analysis showed that all flavonoid biosynthesis transcripts were increased by HL acclimation in WT. RT‐PCR analysis showed that vtc1 and vtc2 were impaired in HL induction of transcripts of anthocyanin biosynthesis enzymes, and the transcription factors PAP1, GL3 and EGL3 that activate the pathway. Abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA), hormones that could affect anthocyanin accumulation, were unaffected in vtc mutants. It is concluded that HL induction of anthocyanin synthesis involves a redox‐sensitive process upstream of the known transcription factors. Because anthocyanins accumulate in preference to kaempferol glycosides and sinapoyl malate in HL, they might have specific properties that make them useful in HL acclimation.
Intensive care unit experience of haemopoietic stem cell transplant patients
Authors: Agarwal S. , O'Donoghue S. , Gowardman J. , Kennedy G. , Bandeshe H. , Boots R.
Published: June 2011

Background:  Previous research at our institution (1988–1998) established an intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital mortality between 70% and 80% in haemopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients requiring ICU admission.

Aims:  This study explored mortality in a more contemporary cohort while comparing outcomes to published literature and our previous experience.

Methods:  Retrospective chart review of HSCT patients admitted to ICU between December 1998 and June 2008.

Results:  Of 146 admissions, 53% were male, with a mean age of 44 years, an Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II score of 28 and Sepsis Organ Failure Assessment score of 11. Fifty‐six per cent had graft versus host disease (GVHD), with respiratory failure (67%) being the most common admission diagnosis. All but one received mechanical ventilation. The ICU and hospital mortality were 42% (72% 1988–1998 cohort) and 64% (82% 1998–1998 cohort) respectively. The 6‐ and 12‐month survivals were 29% and 24% respectively for the 1998–2008 cohort. Dying in ICU was independently predicted by fungal infection (P= 0.02) and early onset of organ failure (P < 0.001), while GVHD (P= 0.04) predicted survival. Mortality at 12 months was independently predicted by the acute physiology score (P= 0.002), increasing number of organ failures (P= 0.001), and cytomegalovirus positive serology (P= 0.005), while blood stream infection (P= 0.003), an antibiotic change on admission to the ICU (P= 0.007) and a diagnosis of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (P= 0.02) predicted survival.

Conclusion:  Our study found that acute admission of HSCT patients to the ICU is associated with improved survival compared to our previous experience, with organ failure progression a strong predictor of ICU outcome, and specific disease characteristics contributing to long‐term survival.
Suboptimal management of cardiovascular risk factors in coronary heart disease patients in primary care occurs particularly in women
Authors: Driscoll A. , Beauchamp A. , Lyubomirsky G. , Demos L. , McNeil J. , Tonkin A.
Published: June 2011

Background:  Patients with established coronary heart disease (CHD) are at the highest risk of further events. Despite proven therapies, secondary prevention is often suboptimal. General practitioners (GPs) are in an ideal position to improve secondary prevention.

Aim:  To contrast management of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with established CHD in primary care to those in clinical guidelines and according to gender.

Methods:  GPs throughout Australia were approached to participate in a programme incorporating a disease management software (mdCare) program. Participating practitioners (1258 GPs) recruited individual patients whose cardiovascular risk factor levels were measured.

Results:  The mdCare programme included 12 509 patients (58% male) diagnosed with CHD. Their mean age was 71.7 years (intra‐quartile range 66–78) for men and 74 years (intra‐quartile range 68–80) for women. Low‐density‐lipoprotein cholesterol was above target levels in 69% (2032) of women compared with 58% (2487) in men (P < 0.0001). There was also a higher proportion of women with total cholesterol above target levels (76%, 3592) compared with men (57%, 3787) (P < 0.0001). In patients who were prescribed lipid‐lowering medication, 53% (2504) of men and 72% (2285) of women continued to have a total cholesterol higher than recommended target levels (P < 0.0001). Overall, over half (52%, 6538) had at least five cardiovascular risk factors (55% (2914) in women and 50% (3624) in men, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:  This study found less intensive management of cardiovascular risk factors in CHD patients, particularly among women, despite equivalent cardiovascular risk. This study has shown that these patients have multiple risk factors where gender also plays a role.
Management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma in the era of targeted therapies
Authors: Webber K. , Cooper A. , Kleiven H. , Yip D. , Goldstein D.
Published: June 2011

Background:  Metastatic renal cell cancer is associated with poor prognosis and survival and is resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Therapeutic targeting of molecular pathways for tumour angiogenesis and other specific activation mechanisms offers improved tumour response and prolonged survival.

Aims:  To conduct a retrospective audit of metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients treated with targeted therapies.

Methods:  Data were extracted from clinical records of patients undergoing targeted treatment between 2005 and 2009 at two hospital sites. Data collected included pathology, systemic therapy class, toxicity and survival. Univariate and multivariate survival analyses were performed.

Results:  Sixty‐one patients were treated with 102 lines of therapy with a median overall survival (OS) of 23 months, median time to failure of first‐line treatment (TTF1) of 10 months and median time to failure of second‐line treatment (TTF2) of 5.2 months. Time from first diagnosis to treatment >12 months was significantly associated with improved OS, longer TTF1, TTF2 and response to first‐line anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (anti‐VEGF TKI) therapy. Variables associated with tumour biology, natural history and the systemic inflammatory response were associated with improved OS and TTF1. Development of hypertension was predictive of anti‐VEGF TKI outcome. Toxicities were as expected for each drug class.

Conclusions:  Survival and toxicity outcomes from two Australian sites are comparable to published data. The adverse event profile differs to conventional chemotherapy. Clinicians caring for patients with metastatic renal cancer will need to become familiar with these toxicities and their management as these agents enter widespread use.
Qualitative and quantitative effects of reintroduced beavers on stream fish
Authors: Kemp Paul S , Worthington Tom A , Langford Terence E L , Tree Angus R J , Gaywood Martin J
Published: June 2011

Reintroduction of beaver (Castor spp) may facilitate rehabilitation of freshwater habitats providing a cost‐effective sustainable means of improving ecological conditions. Despite extensive research, debate and consultation, a general consensus on the impact of beaver on fishes has proven elusive because of variability in biological response. This paper provides a systematic review of the impacts of beaver dams on fishes and fish habitat based on a meta‐analysis of the literature and expert opinion. Research is regionally biased to North America (88%). The most frequently cited benefits of beaver dams were increased habitat heterogeneity, rearing and overwintering habitat and flow refuge, and invertebrate production. Impeded fish movement because of dams, siltation of spawning habitat and low oxygen levels in ponds were the most often cited negative impacts. Benefits (184) were cited more frequently than costs (119). Impacts were spatially and temporally variable and differed with species. The majority of 49 North American and European experts considered beaver to have an overall positive impact on fish populations, through their influence on abundance and productivity. Perceived negative effects related to the movement of aquatic organisms in tributary streams, including upstream and downstream migrating salmonids, and the availability of suitable spawning habitat.
Manipulating corn germplasm to increase recombinant protein accumulation
Authors: Hood Elizabeth E. , Devaiah Shivakumar P. , Fake Gina , Egelkrout Erin , Teoh Keat (Thomas) , Requesens Deborah Vicuna , Hayden Celine , Hood Kendall R. , Pappu Kameshwari M. , Carroll Jennifer , Howard John A.
Published: June 2011

Using plants as biofactories for industrial enzymes is a developing technology. The application of this technology to plant biomass conversion for biofuels and biobased products has potential for significantly lowering the cost of these products because of lower enzyme production costs. However, the concentration of the enzymes in plant tissue must be high to realize this goal. We describe the enhancement of the accumulation of cellulases in transgenic maize seed as a part of the process to lower the cost of these dominant enzymes for the bioconversion process. We have used breeding to move these genes into elite and high oil germplasm to enhance protein accumulation in grain. We have also explored processing of the grain to isolate the germ, which preferentially contains the enzymes, to further enhance recovery of enzyme on a dry weight basis of raw materials. The enzymes are active on microcrystalline cellulose to release glucose and cellobiose.
Transcript‐specific, single‐nucleotide polymorphism discovery and linkage analysis in hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Allen Alexandra M. , Barker Gary L.A. , Berry Simon T. , Coghill Jane A. , Gwilliam Rhian , Kirby Susan , Robinson Phil , Brenchley Rachel C. , D’Amore Rosalinda , McKenzie Neil , Waite Darren , Hall Anthony , Bevan Michael , Hall Neil , Edwards Keith J.
Published: June 2011

Food security is a global concern and substantial yield increases in cereal crops are required to feed the growing world population. Wheat is one of the three most important crops for human and livestock feed. However, the complexity of the genome coupled with a decline in genetic diversity within modern elite cultivars has hindered the application of marker‐assisted selection (MAS) in breeding programmes. A crucial step in the successful application of MAS in breeding programmes is the development of cheap and easy to use molecular markers, such as single‐nucleotide polymorphisms. To mine selected elite wheat germplasm for intervarietal single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, we have used expressed sequence tags derived from public sequencing programmes and next‐generation sequencing of normalized wheat complementary DNA libraries, in combination with a novel sequence alignment and assembly approach. Here, we describe the development and validation of a panel of 1114 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in hexaploid bread wheat using competitive allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction genotyping technology. We report the genotyping results of these markers on 23 wheat varieties, selected to represent a broad cross‐section of wheat germplasm including a number of elite UK varieties. Finally, we show that, using relatively simple technology, it is possible to rapidly generate a linkage map containing several hundred single‐nucleotide polymorphism markers in the doubled haploid mapping population of Avalon × Cadenza.
CHALLENGES TO ACTOR‐ORIENTED ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE: EXAMPLES FROM THREE MEXICAN BIOSPHERE RESERVES
Authors: BRENNER LUDGER , JOB HUBERT
Published: June 2011

This paper adopts an actor‐oriented approach to identify and conceptualise common challenges to interactive environmental governance in three well‐known Mexican biosphere reserves by analysing stakeholder support or resistance with regard to nature conservation, considering conflicting interests among actors. Certain tools that have recently been applied to establish multi‐actor decision‐making bodies to manage these problems are described and critically evaluated. In‐depth interviews conducted with key actors over a three‐year period show that opposing interests and actions hamper the development of integral and participative governance. Despite earnest attempts to conciliate deep‐rooted conflicts among conservation‐centred actors and other stakeholders interested in capitalising on natural resources for purposes of livelihood and profit, there is still a need for conceptual and strategic advancement to foster the effective and socially balanced management of protected areas in Mexico.
Efficient estimation and particle filter for max‐stable processes
Authors: Kunihama Tsuyoshi , Omori Yasuhiro , Zhang Zhengjun
Published: June 2011

Extreme values are often correlated over time, for example, in a financial time series, and these values carry various risks. Max‐stable processes such as maxima of moving maxima (M3) processes have been recently considered in the literature to describe time‐dependent dynamics, which have been difficult to estimate. This article first proposes a feasible and efficient Bayesian estimation method for nonlinear and non‐Gaussian state space models based on these processes and describes a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm where the sampling efficiency is improved by the normal mixture sampler. Furthermore, a unique particle filter that adapts to extreme observations is proposed and shown to be highly accurate in comparison with other well‐known filters. Our proposed algorithms were applied to daily minima of high‐frequency stock return data, and a model comparison was conducted using marginal likelihoods to investigate the time‐dependent dynamics in extreme stock returns for financial risk management.