bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and Survival in Relation to Body Size of Juvenile Pink Salmon in the Northern Gulf of Alaska
Authors: Malick Michael J. , Haldorson Lewis J. , Piccolo John J. , Boldt Jennifer L.
Published: July 2012

The abundance of anadromous salmon is partially determined by size-selective mortality during the early marine life phase. Consequently, identifying the growth patterns of juvenile salmon during this life phase is important in understanding the dynamics of salmon populations. We examined patterns of early marine growth in juvenile pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha released by four hatcheries in Prince William Sound (PWS), Alaska, and explored how these patterns related to marine survival. Since larger individuals are thought to experience reduced mortality, we partitioned the data into weight-based quartiles and compared growth rates (% body weight/d) of all fish, the largest fish (top 25%), and the smallest fish (bottom 25%). Sampling occurred during summer 1997–2004 in PWS, the inshore Gulf of Alaska (GOA), and the offshore GOA. Growth rates varied significantly among years and sampling locations; however, the growth rate patterns were markedly similar among size-groups and hatcheries. Growth rates tended to be high in 1997, 2002, and 2004 and lower in 1998, 2001, and 2003. Fish sampled in the offshore GOA typically had faster growth rates than those sampled elsewhere, although this was less pronounced for the largest fish. For all size-groups, the relationship between survival and growth rate was strongest for fish captured in the offshore GOA and weakest for those captured in PWS, indicating that the likelihood of survival is greater for juveniles that migrate offshore earlier. The strength of the growth rate–survival relationship for pink salmon captured in the offshore GOA was similar among all size-groups, suggesting that once fish migrate offshore they are less vulnerable to size-selective predation.
Movement Patterns and Residence of Adult Winter Flounder within a Long Island Estuary
Authors: Sagarese Skyler R. , Frisk Michael G.
Published: July 2012

We implanted individually coded acoustic transmitters into 40 adult winter flounder Pseudopleuronectes americanus (mean total length = 320 mm; range = 240–423 mm) and monitored them by use of passive acoustic telemetry from September 2007 to April 2009 to classify spatial and temporal movement patterns and quantify residency in Shinnecock Bay, eastern Long Island, New York. Overall, 94,250 valid detections were received. Winter flounder remained inshore, and 89% of the total detections occurred between May and October when bottom water temperature exceeded 15°C. Residency in Shinnecock Bay was dependent on time of release and varied greatly from a few weeks to more than 6 months; total presence (number of days on which individual fish were detected within the bay) averaged 22.0 d (range = 1–132 d). Tracked winter flounder were classified as exhibiting three movement patterns: (1) inner bay movements (short term versus long term), (2) dispersal to offshore waters, and (3) connectivity to other inshore areas. The first two patterns were consistent with historical notions of spatially overlapping resident and migratory individuals, whereas fish that displayed the third pattern may have exhibited a larger home range. These results provide insight into winter flounder movements, residency, and stock structure in a coastal bay of Long Island and provide important information for management. The interaction of exploitation and divergent migration behaviors may be a factor contributing to the winter flounder's decline in Long Island bays; however, more work will be required to obtain a full understanding of the spatial behavior and stock structure of this species.
Sidewinder: Description of a New Block Winch for Deploying Instruments at Sea
Authors: Sturdevant Molly , Nishimura Gary , Orsi Joe
Published: July 2012

We describe a new electric winch design and its functionality for conducting research operations off different-sized vessels. Currently, several small oceanographic winches are available for deploying research instruments and nets, but they are typically heavy, noisy, semipermanently mounted to the deck, hydraulically operated, and not readily transferable between vessels. The limitation of winch portability between vessels, in particular, has been exacerbated by the increasing use of a variety of chartered vessels to conduct state and federal agency and university research. To address these challenges, we developed a relatively lightweight (70 kg), portable block-design winch that is spooled with 400 m of plasma line, powered by two 12-V marine batteries, and operated by a remote control box on a pendant equipped with a joystick. The 2.2-kW drive produces 100 kg of line pull at speeds of 0 to 2.0 m/s. The pendant includes digital displays for line speed, scope, and angle as well as an emergency stop. Nicknamed the “Sidewinder,” this winch is quiet, can be operated by one person, and is suspended outboard from a davit or crane boom, increasing available deck space and relocating all lines safely away from vessel personnel. On vessels 7 to 50 m in length the Sidewinder has been successfully tested for deploying small gear such as conductivity–temperature–depth profilers and large BONGO plankton nets that require specific deployment and retrieval speeds and line angles. To ensure safe operation, vessel support features such as the power system and davit working load capacity should be considered when the Sidewinder is custom-built.
A Simulation-Based Method to Determine Model Misspecification: Examples Using Natural Mortality and Population Dynamics Models
Authors: Piner Kevin R. , Lee Hui-Hua , Maunder Mark N. , Methot Richard D.
Published: July 2012

Recent developments in the models used in wildlife and fisheries science have allowed the inclusion of a wider range of data than previously. However, the diagnostics of such complex models have not kept pace. We describe a new diagnostic technique based on simulation analysis. Model misspecification was identified through simulation methods that created a distribution of likely parameter values for a model that was correctly specified. If the actual estimate of that parameter is outside the bounds of the simulated distribution, then the model is probably misspecified. We tested the reliability of the new diagnostic by introducing known-model misspecification into complex fisheries stock assessment models. We then compared the results from this new diagnostic with those of a more tradition fisheries diagnostic, namely, retrospective analysis. The simulation-based diagnostic was shown to identify misspecification affecting the estimated dynamics more reliably than retrospective analysis.

Received December 6, 2010; accepted March 27, 2011
Sailfish Habitat Utilization and Vertical Movements in the Southern Gulf of Mexico and Florida Straits
Authors: Kerstetter David W. , Bayse Shannon M. , Fenton Jenny L. , Graves John E.
Published: July 2012

Pop-up satellite archival tags (PSATs) were deployed on 19 sailfish Istiophorus platypterus captured in the southern Gulf of Mexico and Florida Straits between 2005 and 2007 on commercial pelagic longline gear (n = 18) and recreational rod-and-reel gear (n = 1). The data from three tags indicated mortality events and were excluded from subsequent analyses. All PSATs were programmed to collect pressure (depth), temperature, and light-level data for 10 d at approximately 90-s intervals. These transmitted point data subsequently allowed the reconstruction of vertical movement patterns. The remaining 16 PSAT data sets indicate that sailfish are primarily associated with the upper surface waters within the top 20 m (75.7% of total time during the day versus 46.7% at night) but undertake numerous short-duration vertical movements below the local mixed layer to depths of 50–150 m, presumably to feed. Analyses of 2,279 individual vertical movements among all 16 tagged sailfish indicated two distinct types (short-duration “V” and longer-duration “U” movements) similar to those reported for white marlin Kajikia albida. Sailfish also exhibited movement type differences between diel periods (having higher proportions of V movements in daytime), suggesting directed foraging at depth. Although short-duration movement to depths by these tagged fish contribute a small percentage of the total time at depth, these depths overlap with the monitored shallow-set pelagic longline gear depths actively targeting swordfish by the vessel in the local fishery. These results suggest that time-at-depth histograms alone may be insufficient to capture feeding motivations at depth and, therefore, true interaction potentials between individual sailfish and pelagic longline gear.

Received August 14, 2010; accepted April 24, 2011
Estimating Recreational and Commercial Fishing Effort for European Lobster Homarus gammarus by Strip Transect Sampling
Authors: Kleiven Alf Ring , Olsen Esben Moland , Vølstad Jon Helge
Published: July 2012

Recreational fishing effort for coastal marine species can be significant but is often challenging to estimate. Here we present a case study where a probability-based strip transect survey is used to estimate effort in the Norwegian fishery for European lobster Homarus gammarus. This fishery is conducted by both recreational and commercial fishers, but reliable information on total fishing effort and total catch is lacking. In 2008, we conducted a strip transect sampling survey throughout the lobster fishing season in southern Norway to estimate the number of deployed lobster traps over time. Surface buoys marking lobster traps were counted along strip transects placed representatively in the survey area in five different weeks throughout the lobstering season. Calibration studies were conducted to standardize transect width and to estimate and adjust for detection rates of buoys along transect strips. Mean number of lobster traps per square kilometer and associated variance was estimated by a ratio estimator using bootstrapping, with transects as the primary sampling units. Poststratification of the counts by depth (by 10-m depth intervals) combined with geographical information systems mapping improved the precision of the estimated density of lobster traps and increased the effective sample size of transects by 22–44% per week. Estimated daily effort for the first week was 48.95 (SE = 3.11) traps/km2, decreasing steadily to 5.96 (SE = 0.79) in the eighth (and last) week of the lobster season. Our study shows that lobster traps deployed by recreational fishers outnumber the ones deployed by commercial fishers, contributing to 65% of the total effort (number of traps) in the fishery. We show that strip transects are a suitable way to estimate effort in the Norwegian lobster fishery. We conclude that improved management efforts need to target recreational as well as commercial fishing activities in order to achieve effective management of the red-listed species.

Received August 5, 2010; accepted July 5, 2011
Environmental Influences on Juvenile Fish Abundances in a River-Dominated Coastal System
Authors: Carassou L. , Dzwonkowski B. , Hernandez F. J. , Powers S. P. , Park K. , Graham W. M. , Mareska J.
Published: July 2012

We investigated the influence of climatic and environmental factors on interannual variations in juvenile abundances of marine fishes in a river-dominated coastal system of the north-central Gulf of Mexico, where an elevated primary productivity sustains fisheries of high economic importance. Fish were collected monthly with an otter trawl at three stations near Mobile Bay from 1982 to 2007. Fish sizes were used to isolate juvenile stages within the data set, and monthly patterns in juvenile fish abundance and size were then used to identify seasonal peaks for each species. The average numbers of juvenile fish collected during these seasonal peaks in each year were used as indices of annual juvenile abundances and were related to corresponding seasonal averages of selected environmental factors via a combination of principal components analysis and co-inertia analysis. Factors contributing the most to explain interannual variations in juvenile fish abundances were river discharge and water temperature during early spring–early summer, wind speed and North Atlantic Oscillation index during late fall–winter, and atmospheric pressure and wind speed during summer–fall. For example, juvenile abundances of southern kingfish Menticirrhus americanus during summer–fall were positively associated with atmospheric pressure and negatively associated with wind speed during this period. Southern kingfish juvenile abundances during late fall–winter were also negatively associated with wind speed during the same period and were positively associated with river discharge during early spring–early summer. Juvenile abundances of the Atlantic croaker Micropogonias undulatus during early spring–early summer were negatively associated with river discharge and North Atlantic Oscillation during late fall–winter. Overall, the importance of river discharge for many of the species examined emphasizes the major role of watershed processes for marine fisheries production in coastal waters of the north-central Gulf of Mexico.

Received January 24, 2011; accepted August 16, 2011
Sds22 and Repo-Man stabilize chromosome segregation by counteracting Aurora B on anaphase kinetochores
Authors: Wurzenberger Claudia , Held Michael , Lampson Michael A. , Poser Ina , Hyman Anthony A. , Gerlich Daniel W.
Published: July 2012

During mitotic spindle assembly, Aurora B kinase is part of an error correction mechanism that detaches microtubules from kinetochores that are under low mechanical tension. During anaphase, however, kinetochore–microtubule attachments must be maintained despite a drop of tension after removal of sister chromatid cohesion. Consistent with this requirement, Aurora B relocates away from chromosomes to the central spindle at the metaphase–anaphase transition. By ribonucleic acid interference screening using a phosphorylation biosensor, we identified two PP1-targeting subunits, Sds22 and Repo-Man, which counteracted Aurora B–dependent phosphorylation of the outer kinetochore component Dsn1 during anaphase. Sds22 or Repo-Man depletion induced transient pauses during poleward chromosome movement and a high incidence of chromosome missegregation. Thus, our study identifies PP1-targeting subunits that regulate the microtubule–kinetochore interface during anaphase for faithful chromosome segregation.
Mammalian RNase H2 removes ribonucleotides from DNA to maintain genome integrity
Authors: Hiller Bjoern , Achleitner Martin , Glage Silke , Naumann Ronald , Behrendt Rayk , Roers Axel
Published: July 2012

Ribonucleases H (RNases H) are endonucleases which cleave the RNA moiety of RNA/DNA hybrids. Their function in mammalian cells is incompletely understood. RNase H2 mutations cause Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, an inflammatory condition clinically overlapping with lupus erythematosus. We show that RNase H2 is essential in mouse embryonic development. RNase H2–deficient cells proliferated slower than control cells and accumulated in G2/M phase due to chronic activation of a DNA damage response associated with an increased frequency of single-strand breaks, increased histone H2AX phosphorylation, and induction of p53 target genes, most prominently the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1 encoding cell cycle inhibitor p21. RNase H2–deficient cells featured an increased genomic ribonucleotide load, suggesting that unrepaired ribonucleotides trigger the DNA damage response in these cells. Collectively, we show that RNase H2 is essential to remove ribonucleotides from the mammalian genome to prevent DNA damage.
Metallicity of the SrTiO3 surface induced by room temperature evaporation of alumina
Authors: Delahaye J , Grenet T
Published: July 2012

It is shown that a metallic state can be induced on the surface of SrTiO3 crystals by the electron beam evaporation of oxygen deficient alumina or insulating granular aluminium. No special preparation nor heating of the SrTiO3 surface is needed. Final metallic or insulating states can be obtained depending on the oxygen pressure during the evaporation process. Photoconductivity and electrical field effect are also demonstrated.
X-ray diffraction and Raman study of DL-alanine at high pressure: revision of phase transitions
Authors: Tumanov Nikolay A. , Boldyreva Elena V.
Published: July 2012

The effect of pressure on DL-alanine has been studied by X-ray powder diffraction (up to 8.3 GPa), single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy (up to ∼ 6 GPa). No structural phase transitions have been observed. At ∼ 1.5–2 GPa, cell parameters b and c become accidentally equal to each other, but the space-group symmetry does not change. There is no phase transition between 1.7 and 2.3 GPa, contrary to what has been reported earlier [Belo et al. (2010). Vibr. Spectrosc.
54, 107–111]. The presence of the second phase transition, which was claimed to appear within the pressure range from 6.0 to 7.3 GPa (Belo et al., 2010), is also argued. The changes in the Raman spectra have been shown to be continuous in all the pressure ranges studied.
Type I and II positive allosteric modulators differentially modulate agonist‐induced up‐regulation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Thomsen Morten S. , Mikkelsen Jens D.
Published: July 2012

Long‐term treatment with nicotine or selective α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonists increases the number of α7 nAChRs and this up‐regulation may be involved in the mechanism underlying the sustained procognitive effect of these compounds. Here, we investigate the influence of type I and II α7 nAChR positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) on agonist‐induced α7 nAChR up‐regulation. We show that the type II PAMs, PNU‐120596 (10 μM) or TQS (1 and 10 μM), inhibit up‐regulation, as measured by protein levels, induced by the α7 nAChR agonist A‐582941 (10 nM or 10 μM), in SH‐EP1 cells stably expressing human α7 nAChR, whereas the type I PAMs AVL‐3288 or NS1738 do not. Contrarily, neither type I nor II PAMs affect 10 μM nicotine‐induced receptor up‐regulation, suggesting that nicotine and A‐582941 induce up‐regulation through different mechanisms. We further show in vivo that 3 mg/kg PNU‐120596 inhibits up‐regulation of the α7 nAChR induced by 10 mg/kg A‐582941, as measured by [125I]‐bungarotoxin autoradiography, whereas 1 mg/kg AVL‐3288 does not. Given that type II PAMs decrease desensitization of the receptor, whereas type I PAMs do not, these results suggest that receptor desensitization is involved in A‐582941‐induced up‐regulation. Our results are the first to show an in vivo difference between type I and II α7 nAChR PAMs, and demonstrate an agonist‐dependent effect of type II PAMs occurring on a much longer time scale than previously appreciated. Furthermore, our data suggest that nicotine and A‐582941 induce up‐regulation through different mechanisms, and that this confers differential sensitivity to the effects of α7 nAChR PAMs. These results may have implications for the clinical development of α7 nAChR PAMs.
Topical application of 17β‐estradiol (E2) improves skin flap survival through activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in rats
Authors: Shafighi Maziar , Fathi Ali R. , Brun Claudio , Huemer Georg M. , Wirth Raphael , Hunger Robert , Banic Andrej , Constantinescu Mihai A.
Published: July 2012

This study investigates the influence of 17β‐estradiol (E2) on nitric oxide (NO) production in endothelial cell cultures and the effect of topical E2 on the survival of skin flap transplants in a rat model. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with three different E2 concentrations and nitrite (NO
2) concentrations, as well as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein expressions were analyzed. In vivo, random‐pattern skin flaps were raised in female Wistar rats 14 days following ovariectomy and treated with placebo ointment (group 1), E2 as gel (group 2), and E2 via plaster (group 3). Flap perfusion, survival, and NO
2 levels were measured on postoperative day 7. In vitro, E2 treatment increased NO
2 concentration in cell supernatant and eNOS expression in cell lysates (p < 0.05). In vivo, E2 treated (gel and plaster groups) demonstrated significantly increased skin flap survival compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). E2 plaster‐treated animals exhibited higher NO
2 blood levels than placebo (p < 0.05) paralleling the in vitro observations. E2 increases NO production in endothelial cells via eNOS activation. Topical E2 application can significantly increase survival of ischemically challenged skin flaps in a rat model and may augment wound healing in other ischemic situations via activation of NO production.
G.W.F. Hegel on Self‐Determination and Democratic Theory
Authors: Church Jeffrey
Published: July 2012

This article claims that the major alternative models of contemporary democratic theory—the aggregative, deliberative, and agonistic models—are grounded on a norm of self‐determination, but each conceptualizes this self‐determination in a different, and one‐sidedly narrow, way. G.W.F. Hegel provides a conceptual scheme in which to understand the development and synthesize the insights of these three articulations of self‐determination. He also argues that the political embodiment of a complete self‐determination must be founded on economic self‐interest, though a self‐interest expanded to a concern for the common good through the experience of self‐government in one's economic and political associations. Thus, rather than separating economic and political spheres, as contemporary democratic theorists do, Hegel makes a case that modern self‐determination requires a structural harmony between these spheres.
Evaluating the Effect of Clinical Decision Units on Patient Flow in Seven Canadian Emergency Departments
Authors: Schull Michael J. , Vermeulen Marian J. , Stukel Therese A. , Guttmann Astrid , Leaver Chad A. , Rowe Brian H. , Sales Anne
Published: July 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:828–836 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Objectives:  To evaluate the effect of emergency department (ED) clinical decision units (CDUs) on overall ED patient flow in a pilot project funded in 2008 by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long‐Term Care (MOHLTC).

Methods:  A retrospective analysis of unscheduled ED visits at seven CDU pilot and nine control sites was conducted using administrative data. The authors examined trends in CDU utilization and compared outcomes between pilot‐CDU and control sites 1 year prior to implementation, with the first 18 months of CDU operation. Sites that were unsuccessful in their applications for CDU program funding served as controls. Outcomes included ED length of stay (LOS), admission rates, and ED revisit rates.

Results:  At CDU sites, roughly 4% of ED patients were admitted to CDUs. The presence of a pilot‐CDU was independently associated with a small reduction in ED LOS for all low‐acuity patients (−0.14 hour, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.22 to −0.07) and nonadmitted patients (−0.11 hour, 95% CI = −0.16 to −0.07). A small independent effect on absolute hospital admission rate for all high‐acuity patients (−0.8%, 95% CI = −1.5% to −0.03%) and moderate‐acuity patients (−0.6%, 95% CI = −1.1% to −0.2%) was also observed. Pilot‐CDUs were not associated with changes in ED revisit rates.

Conclusions:  With only 4% of ED patients admitted to CDUs, the potential for efficiency gains in these EDs was limited. Nonetheless, these findings suggest small improvements in the operation of the ED through CDU implementation. Although marginal, the observed effects of CDU operation were in the desired direction of reduced ED LOS, reduced admission rate, and no increase in ED revisit rate.
Clinical Pathologic Conference: A 51‐Year‐Old Man With Rash and Joint Pain
Authors: Marinelli Melissa A , McGhee Jonathan
Published: July 2012

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2012; 19:e41–e44 © 2012 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

The authors present a case of a 51‐year‐old male who arrived to the emergency department (ED) with rash and arthralgias. He was not initially forthcoming about all aspects of his history, but ultimately careful clinical evaluation confirmed by laboratory abnormalities revealed the diagnosis. The patient’s clinical presentation is given, a discussion of the differential diagnoses is included, and his clinical course is summarized.
Leukocyte‐Platelet‐Rich Plasma (L‐PRP) Induces an Abnormal Histophenotype in Craniofacial Bone Repair Associated with Changes in the Immunopositivity of the Hematopoietic Clusters of Differentiation, Osteoproteins, and TGF‐β1
Authors: Giovanini Allan Fernando , Grossi João Ricardo Almeida , Gonzaga Carla Castiglia , Zielak João Cesar , Göhringer Isabella , Vieira Juliana de Souza , Kuczera Juliane , de Oliveira Filho Marco Antonio , Deliberador Tatiana Miranda
Published: July 2012

Background

Leukocyte‐platelet‐rich plasma (L‐PRP) is considered an important source of growth factors, especially Transforming growth factor β 1 (TGF‐β1), which modulates the proliferation and regulation of mesenchymal cells, and also exerts an influence on the hematopoiesis, osteogenesis, and adipogenesis in bone microenvironment. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of L‐PRP on the calvarial bone repair and compare its results on the presence of TGF‐β1, CD34, CD45, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), BMPR1B, and Runx2 proteins detected by immunohistochemistry.

Material and Methods

Four bone defects were created on the calvaria of 23 rabbits. The defects were treated with autograft, L‐PRP alone, and L‐PRP mixed with autograft. The animals were euthanized at 2, 4, and 6 weeks post‐surgery.

Results

Unlike autograft and sham groups, the defects treated with L‐PRP demonstrated significant positivity to TGF‐β1, while the BMP2 was scarce. These results coincided with the lower bone matrix deposited and larger medullary area, which were composed of fibrosis, when treated with only L‐PRP, or intense adiposity on defects filled with L‐PRP mixed with autograft. The fibrosis that occurred was associated with a minor percentage of osteoproteins, intense presence of CD34+
CD45− cells, and significant expression of TGF‐β1 in all time periods analyzed. The adiposity occurred from the major presence of osteoprogenitor BMPR1B
+ Runx2+ cells simultaneously to BMP2−
TGF‐β1+ and CD34+
CD45+/− expressions predominantly on the earlier period.

Conclusion

From this study, it can be concluded that the L‐PRP used alone or mixed to autograft hindered the osteoneogenesis due to suppression of immunoexpression of BMP2, while the immunopositivity of TGF‐β1 was intense. When used alone, the L‐PRP induced a fibrotic condition associated with TGF‐β1 presence and lack of osteoproteins, but when L‐PRP was mixed to autograft, it induced the presence of the osteolineage cells (BMPR1B
+
Runx2+), but also inhibited the terminal osteoblastic maturation associated with the lack of BMP2 and the presence of TGF‐β1+, a fact that contributed to cellular transdifferentiation into fat cells.
Insights into Lantibiotic Immunity Provided by Bioengineering of LtnI
Authors: Draper Lorraine A. , Deegan Lucy H. , Hill Colin , Cotter Paul D. , Ross R. Paul
Published: July 2012

The lantibiotic lacticin 3147 has been the focus of much research due to its broad spectrum of activity against many microbial targets, including drug-resistant pathogens. In order to protect itself, a lacticin 3147 producer must possess a cognate immunity mechanism. Lacticin 3147 immunity is provided by an ABC transporter, LtnFE, and a dedicated immunity protein, LtnI, both of which are capable of independently providing a degree of protection. In the study described here, we carried out an in-depth investigation of LtnI structure-function relationships through the creation of a series of fusion proteins and LtnI determinants that have been the subject of random and site-directed mutagenesis. We establish that LtnI is a transmembrane protein that contains a number of individual residues and regions, such as those between amino acids 20 and 27 and amino acids 76 and 83, which are essential for LtnI function. Finally, as a consequence of the screening of a bank of 28,000 strains producing different LtnI derivatives, we identified one variant (LtnI I81V) that provides enhanced protection. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a lantibiotic immunity protein with enhanced functionality.
Aerobic Exercise Reduces Blood Pressure in Resistant Hypertension
Authors: Dimeo Fernando , Pagonas Nikolaos , Seibert Felix , Arndt Robert , Zidek Walter , Westhoff Timm H.
Published: July 2012

Regular physical exercise is broadly recommended by current European and American hypertension guidelines. It remains elusive, however, whether exercise leads to a reduction of blood pressure in resistant hypertension as well. The present randomized controlled trial examines the cardiovascular effects of aerobic exercise on resistant hypertension. Resistant hypertension was defined as a blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg in spite of 3 antihypertensive agents or a blood pressure controlled by ≥4 antihypertensive agents. Fifty subjects with resistant hypertension were randomly assigned to participate or not to participate in an 8- to 12-week treadmill exercise program (target lactate, 2.0±0.5 mmol/L). Blood pressure was assessed by 24-hour monitoring. Arterial compliance and cardiac index were measured by pulse wave analysis. The training program was well tolerated by all of the patients. Exercise significantly decreased systolic and diastolic daytime ambulatory blood pressure by 6±12 and 3±7 mm Hg, respectively (
P
=0.03 each). Regular exercise reduced blood pressure on exertion and increased physical performance as assessed by maximal oxygen uptake and lactate curves. Arterial compliance and cardiac index remained unchanged. Physical exercise is able to decrease blood pressure even in subjects with low responsiveness to medical treatment. It should be included in the therapeutic approach to resistant hypertension.
Modeling and simulation for product design process
Authors: Arsham Hossein
Published: July 2012

Descriptive simulation finds the performance measure of a system, given a particular value for the input parameters. Inverse simulation reverses this and attempts to find the controllable input parameters required to achieve a particular performance measure. This paper proposes using a ‘stochastic approximation’ to estimate the necessary design parameters within a range of desired accuracy. The proposed solution algorithm is based on Newton’s methods using a single-run simulation to minimize a loss function that measures the deviation from a target value. The properties of the solution algorithm and the validity of the estimates are examined by applying them to a reliability system with a known analytical solution.
Nationalism and the City in Colonial India
Authors: Kidambi Prashant
Published: July 2012

Studies of Indian nationalism have frequently acknowledged its “urban roots” but seldom considered in a systematic and sustained fashion the ways in which nationalism shaped the city. Focusing on colonial Bombay, c. 1890-1940, this article explores the changing relationship between Indian nationalism and the city. The first section examines the period spanning the late Victorian and Edwardian eras and highlights forms of middle-class political activity in the urban public sphere that expressed a distinctive civic patriotism and local identity while simultaneously affirming loyalty to the British Empire. The second section shows how popular nationalism in the 1920s and 1930s spawned an extensive repertoire of collective performances and extraconstitutional forms of public action and protest that sought to reterritorialize the city as nationalist space. At the same time, the article also points to the constraints and contestations that marked the nationalist makeover of the “colonial city.”
Operative Versus Nonoperative Management of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures
Authors: Wilkins Ryan , Bisson Leslie J.
Published: July 2012

Background:

Despite several randomized controlled trials comparing operative to nonoperative management of Achilles tendon ruptures, the optimal management of this condition remains the subject of significant debate. Rerupture is a known complication, but most level I studies have not shown a significant difference in the incidence of reruptures when comparing operative to nonoperative management.

Purpose:

The goal of this systematic review was to identify all randomized controlled trials comparing operative and nonoperative management of Achilles tendon ruptures and to meta-analyze the data with reruptures being the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes including strength, time to return to work, and other complications were analyzed as well.

Study Design:

Meta-analysis.

Methods:

We searched multiple online databases to identify English-language, prospective randomized controlled trials comparing open surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures to nonoperative management. Rerupture was our primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included strength, time to return to work, deep infections, sural nerve sensory disturbances, noncosmetic scar complaints, and deep venous thrombosis. Coleman methodology scores were calculated for each included study. Data were extracted from all qualifying articles and, when appropriate, pooled and meta-analyzed.

Results:

Seven level I trials involving 677 patients met inclusion criteria. Coleman scores were 95, 95, 95, 89, 78, 97, and 92. Open repair was associated with a significantly lower rerupture rate compared with nonoperative treatment (3.6% vs 8.8%; odds ratio, 0.425; 95% confidence interval, 0.222-0.815). The incidence of deep infections was significantly higher for patients treated with surgery ( P = .0113). The incidences of noncosmetic scar complaints and sural nerve sensory disturbances were also significantly higher in patients treated with surgery ( P < .001 for each). Strength measurements were not standardized and therefore could not be meta-analyzed.

Conclusion:

Open surgical repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures significantly reduces the risk of reruptures when compared with nonoperative management. Several other complications, which are clearly avoided with nonoperative treatment, occur with a significantly higher incidence when surgical repair is performed. The available literature makes it difficult to compare the return of strength in the involved lower extremity after operative or nonoperative management. Future studies may focus on testing strength in a more functional and reproducible manner than isokinetic testing.
Exploring Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Approaches to Business Communication Research
Authors: Pope-Ruark Rebecca
Published: July 2012

With our core focus on teaching and scholarship, business communication teacher-scholars are well placed to become leaders in the international Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) movement. In this article, SoTL is defined and contextualized, three SoTL research approaches are introduced, and disciplinary research projects are suggested. A SoTL research agenda in business communication can improve our teaching practices, our students’ learning, and our disciplinary knowledge in very compelling ways.
Bodies completed: On the physical rehabilitation of lower limb amputees
Authors: Hoffman Michal
Published: July 2012

This ethnographic study, based on empirical work carried out in an Israeli rehabilitation hospital, discusses the physical rehabilitation of lower limb amputees, during which body normalcy is re-constructed. Throughout the process, physiotherapists serve as social agents who teach pragmatic and discursive practices to manage the body as well as the prosthesis in the re-cultivation of body techniques. The findings, portraying four spheres of meaning, show that the mere use of prosthesis is insufficient since it stigmatizes the body as absent a limb. To avoid such stigmatization, the staff teach compensatory and discursive skills which enable incorporation of the prosthesis in body techniques while referring to it as a biological leg. Constructed as a ‘social organ’, the device is gradually transformed from an extension to an integral part of the body. Disability and its remedies, thereby concealed, facilitate able-bodied performance. Paradoxically, the prosthesis, though meant to benefit patients, induces pain and discomfort, a fact that challenges the acceptance of its conventionality as a medical aid for amputees. Yet, physical rehabilitation by means of prosthetics remains one of the many medical practices in Israel that ensure a disability-free society, together with the promotion of rights to accessibility and anti-discrimination regulation. The study contributes to the theoretical debate regarding the relationship between the biological and the social in disability studies. The findings indicate the need to encompass the cultural and the corporeal when exploring disability. The ethnography of disability, I suggest, should be viewed as a juncture of socio-cultural perceptions of the body, embedded in its own corporeal constraints.
Evaluation of a Multimodal, Distance Learning HIV Management Course for Clinical Care Providers in India
Authors: Chang Larry William , Kadam Dileep B. , Sangle Shashi , Narayanan Shivakumar , Borse Rohidas T. , McKenzie-White Jane , Bowen Craig W. , Sisson Stephen D. , Bollinger Robert C.
Published: July 2012

Distance learning is an important tool for training HIV health workers. However, there is limited evidence on design and evaluation of distance learning HIV curricula and tools. We therefore designed, implemented, and evaluated a distance learning course on HIV management for clinical care providers in India. After course completion, participant scores rose significantly from a pretest (78.4% mean correct) compared with the posttest (87.5%, P < .001). After course completion, participants were more likely to be confident in starting an initial antiretroviral (ARV) regimen, understanding ARV toxicities, encouraging patient adherence, diagnosing immune reconstitution syndrome, and monitoring patients on ARV medications ( P ≤ .05). All participants (100%) strongly agreed/agreed that they would recommend this course to others, and most of them (96%) strongly agreed/agreed that they would take a course in this format again. A pragmatic approach to HIV curriculum development and evaluation resulted in reliable learning outcomes, as well as learner satisfaction and improvement in knowledge.
Beyond KRAS mutation status: influence of KRAScopy number status and microRNAs on clinical outcome to cetuximab in metastatic colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Mekenkamp Leonie JM , Tol Jolien , Dijkstra Jeroen R , de Krijger Inge , Vink-Börger M Elisa , van Vliet Shannon , Teerenstra Steven , Kamping Eveline , Verwiel Eugène , Koopman Miriam , Meijer Gerrit A , van Krieken J Han JM , Kuiper Roland , Punt Cornelis JA , Nagtegaal Iris D
Published: July 2012

Background

KRAS mutation is a negative predictive factor for treatment with anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Novel predictive markers are required to further improve the selection of patients for this treatment. We assessed the influence of modification of KRAS by gene copy number aberration (CNA) and microRNAs (miRNAs) in correlation to clinical outcome in mCRC patients treated with cetuximab in combination with chemotherapy and bevacizumab.

Methods

Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded primary tumour tissue was used from 34 mCRC patients in a phase III trial, who were selected based upon their good (n = 17) or poor (n = 17) progression-free survival (PFS) upon treatment with cetuximab in combination with capecitabine, oxaliplatin, and bevacizumab. Gene copy number at the KRAS locus was assessed using high resolution genome-wide array CGH and the expression levels of 17 miRNAs targeting KRAS were determined by real-time PCR.

Results

Copy number loss of the KRAS locus was observed in the tumour of 5 patients who were all good responders including patients with a KRAS mutation. Copy number gains in two wild-type KRAS tumours were associated with a poor PFS. In KRAS mutated tumours increased miR-200b and decreased miR-143 expression were associated with a good PFS. In wild-type KRAS patients, miRNA expression did not correlate with PFS in a multivariate model.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the assessment of KRAS CNA and miRNAs targeting KRAS might further optimize the selection of mCRC eligible for anti-EGFR therapy.
Porous silicon nanocrystals in a silica aerogel matrix
Authors: Amonkosolpan Jamaree , Wolverson Daniel , Goller Bernhard , Polisski Sergej , Kovalev Dmitry , Rollings Matthew , Grogan Michael D W , Birks Timothy A
Published: July 2012

Silicon nanoparticles of three types (oxide-terminated silicon nanospheres, micron-sized hydrogen-terminated porous silicon grains and micron-size oxide-terminated porous silicon grains) were incorporated into silica aerogels at the gel preparation stage. Samples with a wide range of concentrations were prepared, resulting in aerogels that were translucent (but weakly coloured) through to completely opaque for visible light over sample thicknesses of several millimetres. The photoluminescence of these composite materials and of silica aerogel without silicon inclusions was studied in vacuum and in the presence of molecular oxygen in order to determine whether there is any evidence for non-radiative energy transfer from the silicon triplet exciton state to molecular oxygen adsorbed at the silicon surface. No sensitivity to oxygen was observed from the nanoparticles which had partially H-terminated surfaces before incorporation, and so we conclude that the silicon surface has become substantially oxidised. Finally, the FTIR and Raman scattering spectra of the composites were studied in order to establish the presence of crystalline silicon; by taking the ratio of intensities of the silicon and aerogel Raman bands, we were able to obtain a quantitative measure of the silicon nanoparticle concentration independent of the degree of optical attenuation.
High performance surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates of Si-based Au film developed by focused ion beam nanofabrication
Authors: Gao Tingting , Xu Zongwei , Fang Fengzhou , Gao Wenlong , Zhang Qing , Xu Xiaoxuan
Published: July 2012

A novel method with high flexibility and efficiency for developing SERS substrates is proposed by patterning nanostructures on Si substrates using focused ion beam direct writing (FIBDW) technology following with precise thermal evaporation of gold film on the substrate. The effect of SERS on the substrate was systematically investigated by optimizing the processing parameters and the gold film thickness. The results proved that small dwell time could improve the machining accuracy and obtain smaller nanogap. The Raman-enhanced performance of the substrate was investigated with 10−6mol/L Rhodamine 6 G solution. It was indicated that the elliptic nanostructures with 15-nm spacing on Si substrates, coated with approximately 15-nm thick gold film, have exhibited a high-enhanced performance, but dramatic performance degradation was found as the gold film thickness further increased, which most probably resulted from changes of the nanostructures’ morphology such as elliptical tip and spacing. To avoid the morphological changes effectively after depositing gold film, optimization design of the nanostructures for FIBDW on Si substrates was proposed. Besides, a similar phenomenon was found when the gold film was less than 15nm because there was little gold remaining on the substrate. The method proposed in this paper shows a great potential for the higher performance SERS substrates development, which can further reduce the spacing between hot spots.
Growth and characterization of ZnO/ZnTe core/shell nanowire arrays on transparent conducting oxide glass substrates
Authors: Lin YuWei , Chen Wei-Jen , Lu Jiun You , Chang Yuan Huei , Liang Chi-Te , Chen Yang Fang , Lu Jing-Yu
Published: July 2012

We report the growth and characterization of ZnO/ZnTe core/shell nanowire arrays on indium tin oxide. Coating of the ZnTe layer on well-aligned vertical ZnO nanowires has been demonstrated by scanning electron microscope, tunneling electron microscope, X-ray diffraction pattern, photoluminescence, and transmission studies. The ZnO/ZnTe core/shell nanowire arrays were then used as the active layer and carrier transport medium to fabricate a photovoltaic device. The enhanced photocurrent and faster response observed in ZnO/ZnTe, together with the quenching of the UV emission in the PL spectra, indicate that carrier separation in this structure plays an important role in determining their optical response. The results also indicate that core/shell structures can be made into useful photovoltaic devices.
Optimizing cell arrays for accurate functional genomics
Authors: Fengler Sven , H Bastiaens Philippe I , Grecco Hernán E , Roda-Navarro Pedro
Published: July 2012

Background

Cellular responses emerge from a complex network of dynamic biochemical reactions. In order to investigate them is necessary to develop methods that allow perturbing a high number of gene products in a flexible and fast way. Cell arrays (CA) enable such experiments on microscope slides via reverse transfection of cellular colonies growing on spotted genetic material. In contrast to multi-well plates, CA are susceptible to contamination among neighboring spots hindering accurate quantification in cell-based screening projects. Here we have developed a quality control protocol for quantifying and minimizing contamination in CA.

Results

We imaged checkered CA that express two distinct fluorescent proteins and segmented images into single cells to quantify the transfection efficiency and interspot contamination. Compared with standard procedures, we measured a 3-fold reduction of contaminants when arrays containing HeLa cells were washed shortly after cell seeding. We proved that nucleic acid uptake during cell seeding rather than migration among neighboring spots was the major source of contamination. Arrays of MCF7 cells developed without the washing step showed 7-fold lower percentage of contaminant cells, demonstrating that contamination is dependent on specific cell properties.

Conclusions

Previously published methodological works have focused on achieving high transfection rate in densely packed CA. Here, we focused in an equally important parameter: The interspot contamination. The presented quality control is essential for estimating the rate of contamination, a major source of false positives and negatives in current microscopy based functional genomics screenings. We have demonstrated that a washing step after seeding enhances CA quality for HeLA but is not necessary for MCF7. The described method provides a way to find optimal seeding protocols for cell lines intended to be used for the first time in CA.
Activation of NK cell cytotoxicity by the natural compound 2,3-butanediol
Authors: Lai Hsin-Chih , Chang Chih-Jung , Yang Chun-Hung , Hsu Ya-Jing , Chen Chang-Chieh , Lin Chuan-Sheng , Tsai Yu-Huan , Huang Tsung-Teng , Ojcius David M , Tsai Ying-Huang , Lu Chia-Chen
Published: July 2012

2,3-BTD activates NK cells cytotoxicity by NKG2D/NCRs pathways.

The natural compound 2,3-BTD has diverse physiological effects in a range of organisms, including acting as a detoxifying product of liver alcohol metabolism in humans and ameliorating endotoxin-induced acute lung injury in rats. In this study, we reveal that 2,3-BTD enhances NK cell cytotoxic activity in human pNK cells and NK92 cells. Treatment of NK cells with 2,3-BTD increased perforin expression in a dose-dependent manner. This was accompanied by elevated JNK and ERK1/2 MAPK activities and enhanced expression of NKG2D/NCRs, upstream signaling molecules of the MAPK pathways. The 2,3-BTD effect was inhibited by pretreatment with inhibitors of JNK (SP) or ERK1/2 (PD) or by depleting NKG2D/NCRs or JNK1 or ERK2 with siRNA. These results indicate that 2,3-BTD activates NK cell cytotoxicity by NKG2D/NCR pathways and represent the first report of the 2,3-BTD effect on activation of innate immunity cells.