bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The CD47‐binding peptide of thrombospondin‐1 induces defenestration of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells
Authors: Venkatraman Lakshmi , Tucker‐Kellogg Lisa
Published: May 2013

Background & Aims

A fenestrated phenotype is characteristic of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), but liver sinusoids become defenestrated during fibrosis and other liver diseases. Thrombospondin‐1 (TSP1) is a matrix glycoprotein with pro‐fibrotic effects, and the CD47‐binding fragment of TSP1 also has anti‐angiogenic effects in endothelial cells. We hypothesized that the CD47‐binding fragment of TSP1 could induce defenestration in LSECs through the Rho‐Rho kinase (ROCK)‐myosin pathway.

Methods

Freshly isolated rat LSECs were treated with TSP1 or CD47‐binding peptides of TSP1. LSEC fenestration was assessed with scanning electron microscopy, and myosin phosphorylation was assessed with immuno‐fluorescence.

Results

Treating LSECs with TSP1 caused a dose‐dependent loss of fenestrae, and this effect could not be blocked by SB‐431542, the TGF‐β1 receptor inhibitor. A CD47‐binding fragment of TSP1, p4N1, was able to induce defenestration, and a CD47‐blocking antibody, B6H12, was able to suppress p4N1‐induced defenestration. The p4N1 fragment also caused contraction of fenestra size, correlated with an increase in myosin activation. Pretreatment with Y‐237642 (a ROCK inhibitor) prevented p4N1‐induced myosin activation and fenestrae decrease. Simvastatin has also been shown to antagonize Rho‐ROCK signalling, and we found that simvastatin pretreatment protected LSECs from p4N1‐induced myosin activation and defenestration.

Conclusions

We conclude that CD47 signals through the Rho‐ROCK‐myosin pathway to induce defenestration in LSECs. In addition, our results show that simvastatin and Y‐237642 have a beneficial impact on fenestration in vitro, providing an additional explanation for the efficacy of these compounds for regression of liver fibrosis.
Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin in prediction of mortality in patients with hepatorenal syndrome: a prospective observational study
Authors: Gungor Gokhan , Ataseven Huseyin , Demir Ali , Solak Yalcin , Gaipov Abduzhappar , Biyik Murat , Ozturk Bahadir , Polat Ilker , Kiyici Aysel , Cakir Ozlem O. , Polat Hakki
Published: May 2013

Background & Aims

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a severe complication of cirrhosis which is characterized by renal dysfunction and associated with poor survival. Neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a troponin‐like biomarker for human acute kidney injury.

We aimed to investigate levels of plasma and urine NGAL in HRS and predictive ability of these markers for all‐cause mortality, in HRS, stable cirrhosis and control subjects.

Methods

A total of 64 patients with cirrhosis (8 patients with type 1 HRS, 22 with type 2 HRS, and 34 without HRS) and 23 control subjects were included in the study.

Blood and urine samples were measured with Human NGAL sandwich ELISA. Patients were followed up prospectively.

Results

Patients with type 1 and type 2 HRS had significantly higher plasma and urine NGAL levels compared with stable cirrhosis and control subjects. Cox regression analysis showed that plasma NGAL and MELD‐Na scores were independent predictors of mortality. ROC‐curve analysis showed that the plot of the plasma NGAL, urine NGAL, MELD‐Na and Child‐Turcot‐Pugh score could predict all‐cause mortality in cirrhotic patients' area under the curve (AUC 0.819, 0.686, 0.807 and 0.795 respectively).

Conclusions

NGAL could predict mortality in patients with HRS independent of other commonly used risk factors.
Keep your Word: Time‐varying Inflation Targets and Inflation Targeting Performance
Authors: Tas Bedri Kamil Onur , Demir Ishak
Published: May 2013

This paper investigates the implicit inflation targets of inflation targeting (IT) central banks (CBs). The implicit (perceived) inflation targets of IT CBs derived from their actions (policy interest rates) are calculated before and after IT adoption. We conclude that after adoption of IT implicit targets become significantly lower. Other factors that cause CBs to change their implicit targets are inflation, exchange rate and trade balance. Finally, we find that CBs that do not follow their announced targets miss their inflation targets. The results indicate that IT CBs should follow their announced targets when setting policy interest rates.
The Optimal Licensing Policy
Authors: Niu Shuai
Published: May 2013

In this paper, we discuss the optimal public policy towards two‐part tariff licensing, under the assumption that the government intervenes in licensing by setting an upper limit on the royalty level. Compared with the traditional constraint on licensing, the new derived licensing policy in this paper will bring two kinds of welfare improvement. First of all, when licensing is welfare reducing the new policy can prevent it from happening. Second, when licensing is potentially welfare improving the new policy can take full advantage of its benefits.
Options in Agency with Binary Uncertainty
Authors: Gutiérrez Óscar , Salas‐Fumás Vicente
Published: May 2013

This paper uses a stylized agency model to evaluate the economic efficiency of options contracts when pay‐off uncertainty is bimodal, a situation rather common when projects either ‘fail’ or ‘succeed’. We find that ‘options’ are strictly preferred to ‘stock’ (i.e. linear contracts) when output uncertainty is large, i.e. when the spread between the modes of the pay‐off distribution is sufficiently high.
Using genetic variation to infer associations with climate in the common frog, Rana temporaria
Authors: Muir A. P. , Thomas R. , Biek R. , Mable B. K.
Published: May 2013

Recent and historical species' associations with climate can be inferred using molecular markers. This knowledge of population and species‐level responses to climatic variables can then be used to predict the potential consequences of ongoing climate change. The aim of this study was to predict responses of Rana temporaria to environmental change in Scotland by inferring historical and contemporary patterns of gene flow in relation to current variation in local thermal conditions. We first inferred colonization patterns within Europe following the last glacial maximum by combining new and previously published mitochondrial DNA sequences. We found that sequences from our Scottish samples were identical to (92%), or clustered with, the common haplotype previously identified from Western Europe. This clade showed very low mitochondrial variation, which did not allow inference of historical colonization routes but did allow interpretation of patterns of current fine‐scale population structure without consideration of confounding historical variation. Second, we assessed fine‐scale microsatellite‐based patterns of genetic variation in relation to current altitudinal temperature gradients. No population structure was found within altitudinal gradients (average FST = 0.02), despite a mean annual temperature difference of 4.5 °C between low‐ and high‐altitude sites. Levels of genetic diversity were considerable and did not vary between sites. The panmictic population structure observed, even along temperature gradients, is a potentially positive sign for R. temporaria persistence in Scotland in the face of a changing climate. This study demonstrates that within taxonomic groups, thought to be at high risk from environmental change, levels of vulnerability can vary, even within species.
Degradation of the plant defence hormone salicylic acid by the biotrophic fungus Ustilago maydis
Authors: Rabe Franziska , Ajami‐Rashidi Ziba , Doehlemann Gunther , Kahmann Regine , Djamei Armin
Published: May 2013

Salicylic acid (SA) is a key plant defence hormone which plays an important role in local and systemic defence responses against biotrophic pathogens like the smut fungus Ustilago maydis. Here we identified Shy1, a cytoplasmic U. maydis salicylate hydroxylase which has orthologues in the closely related smuts Ustilago hordei and Sporisorium reilianum. shy1 is transcriptionally induced during the biotrophic stages of development but not required for virulence during seedling infection. Shy1 activity is needed for growth on plates with SA as a sole carbon source. The trigger for shy1 transcriptional induction is SA, suggesting the possibility of a SA sensing mechanism in this fungus.
Transcriptional activation of the CrcZ and CrcY regulatory RNAs by the CbrB response regulator in Pseudomonas putida
Authors: García‐Mauriño Sofía Muñoz , Pérez‐Martínez Isabel , Amador Cristina I. , Canosa Inés , Santero Eduardo
Published: May 2013

The CbrAB two‐component system has been described as a high‐ranked element in the regulatory hierarchy of Pseudomonas putida that controls a variety of metabolic and behavioural traits required for adaptation to changing environmental conditions. We show that the response regulatory protein CbrB, an activator of σN‐dependent promoters, directly controls the expression of the small RNAs CrcZ and CrcY in P. putida. These two RNAs sequester the protein Crc, which is a translational repressor of multiple pathways linked to carbon catabolite repression. We characterized the in vivo and in vitro activation by CbrB at both crcZ and crcY promoters, and identified new DNA sequences where the protein binds. IHF, a co‐activator at many σN‐dependent promoters, also binds to the promoter regions and contributes to the activation of the sRNAs. CbrB phosphorylation is necessary at physiological activation conditions, but a higher dose of the protein allows in vitro transcriptional activation in its non‐phosphorylated form. We also show there is some production of CrcY coming from an upstream promoter independent of CbrB. Thus, CbrAB constitute a global signal transduction pathway integrated in a higher regulatory network that also controls catabolite repression through the expression of the two regulatory RNAs CrcZ and CrcY.
Lipoprotein succession in Borrelia burgdorferi: similar but distinct roles for OspC and VlsE at different stages of mammalian infection
Authors: Tilly Kit , Bestor Aaron , Rosa Patricia A.
Published: May 2013

Borrelia burgdorferi alternates between ticks and mammals, requiring variable gene expression and protein production to adapt to these diverse niches. These adaptations include shifting among the major outer surface lipoproteins OspA, OspC, and VlsE at different stages of the infectious cycle. We hypothesize that these proteins carry out a basic but essential function, and that OspC and VlsE fulfil this requirement during early and persistent stages of mammalian infection respectively. Previous work by other investigators suggested that several B. burgdorferi lipoproteins, including OspA and VlsE, could substitute for OspC at the initial stage of mouse infection, when OspC is transiently but absolutely required. In this study, we assessed whether vlsE and ospA could restore infectivity to an ospC mutant, and found that neither gene product effectively compensated for the absence of OspC during early infection. In contrast, we determined that OspC production was required by B. burgdorferi throughout SCID mouse infection if the vlsE gene were absent. Together, these results indicate that OspC can substitute for VlsE when antigenic variation is unnecessary, but that these two abundant lipoproteins are optimized for their related but specific roles during early and persistent mammalian infection by B. burgdorferi.
Bed bugs, their blood sources and life history parameters: a comparison of artificial and natural feeding
Authors: AAK A. , RUKKE B. A.
Published: May 2013

A blood‐feeding system that utilizes a small amount of whole heparinized human blood in parafilm bags is described in detail, and similarities and differences between artificially fed and naturally rodent‐fed bed bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) are discussed. Blood with high levels of heparin (10%) was unsuitable for artificial colony rearing, whereas bed bugs fed on 1% heparinized blood and those that naturally ingested rat blood completed their lifecycle with similar stage structures over time, with no significant differences in mortality. No differences in feeding efficiency or fertility were found in a direct comparison of bed bugs maintained under each of these two treatments, but analysis of the full lifecycle revealed that artificially fed bed bugs became significantly smaller and laid fewer eggs than rodent‐fed bed bugs. The level of membrane stretching regulated the number of bed bugs that fed. When the membrane was stretched to twice its length and width, 96% of bed bugs successfully fed through the parafilm. Whole heparinized blood that was stored at 6 °C for ≥ 14 days failed to retain its nutritional value and the amount of blood consumed and number of consecutive moults were significantly reduced.
Market civilisation meets economic nationalism: the discourse of nation in Russia's modernisation
Authors: Kangas Anni
Published: May 2013

This article examines how the discourse of nation functions as a mechanism furthering the expansion of a neoliberal market civilisation in Russia. It contributes to discussions that have challenged the assumed mutual exclusivity of economic nationalism and neoliberalism. The article develops its argument in the context of the idea of contemporary international society as a market civilisation characterised by an adaptation to and adoption of neoliberal standards by states. The ongoing modernisation project in Russia illustrates the workings of such standards, as exemplified by the project for an innovation city in Skolkovo, in the Moscow metropolitan area. Building on an analysis of the Skolkovo debate, the article agues that there is no inherent contradiction between economic nationalism and neoliberalism. Rather, the nation is an important symbolic system that produces a cultural susceptibility to, and a discursive field for, the introduction of neoliberal standards of market civilisation in Russia.
Domains of practice and Advanced Practice Nursing in Australia
Authors: Roche Michael , Duffield Christine , Wise Sarah , Baldwin Richard , Fry Margaret , Solman Annette
Published: May 2013

A key component of workforce reform is the international growth in Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) roles. This study evaluated one APN role in Australia, the Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC). All 56 CNCs employed in a tertiary hospital in New South Wales took part in the study. Demographic and work activity data were collected by an online questionnaire. Face‐to‐face interviews included the administration of a 50‐point tool to score the level of practice of each CNC against five domains. The domains of practice did not appear to have played a central role in the design of these CNC roles despite being defined in the industrial legislation and linked to a pay structure. There was widespread variability in the level of practice both within and between the CNC grades as well as significant differences in job content. Few CNCs managed to achieve a moderate level of practice across all five domains. The findings suggest that the distinctive features of the CNC roles as articulated in the domains of practice are often not realized in practice.
Supporting adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus: A qualitative study
Authors: Rostami Shahnaz , Parsa–Yekta Zohreh , Najafi Ghezeljeh Tahereh , Vanaki Zohreh
Published: May 2013

Without sufficient support, type 1 diabetes mellitus often disturbs patients' normal lives. This study describes and explores the support that Iranian adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus experienced. Semistructured interviews were conducted with ten adolescents, seven family members, one dietitian, one nurse, and one school nurse. Participants were chosen using purposive sampling from two teaching hospitals and one high school in two urban areas of Iran. Using standard procedures for content analysis, three main themes were identified: maintaining a normal life; receiving tangible, informational, and emotional support from the family and society; and advancement of life toward normalization. The cornerstone of maintaining a normal life for adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus is to adopt an active role in taking care of themselves within their systems of support.
Newton's cradle: a metaphor to consider the flexibility, resistance and direction of nursing's future
Authors: McAllister Margaret , Madsen Wendy , Holmes Colin
Published: May 2013

Nursing faces an uncertain future as technological developments, structural changes within health systems and rapidly evolving health needs create new and challenging possibilities. This article draws on the results of a qualitative study undertaken with a range of Queensland nurse leaders to explore their perceptions of these changes. The study re‐surfaced, and allows for a re‐examination of, four issues that have long created tension within nursing and which continue to have a negative impact on the profession as a whole. These are as follows: professionalisation; preparation of graduates; myths and narratives of nursing; and leadership. We provide a metaphor that imagines all of these tensions operating in dynamic interplay. The image is that of a Newton's Cradle – a model for energy and momentum. The metaphor allows one to see the wide context of changes affecting nursing and the significance of the interconnections. If tensions within nursing maintain their own integrity through containment, understanding and development, they remain in alignment, and energy is conserved rather than wasted or misdirected. It suggests that with increased awareness and attention paid to internal challenges, and by taking a broad‐based approach to systemic improvements, nursing could become more effective, progressive and proactive in shaping its own future.
Laterality of handgrip strength: age‐ and physical training–related changes in Lithuanian schoolchildren and conscripts
Authors: Tutkuviene Janina , Schiefenhövel Wulf
Published: May 2013

Laterality in handgrip strength was assessed by analyzing dynamometric data of the right and left hand in three samples of Lithuanian boys and girls aged 7–20 years. In addition, the influence of general physical training on the laterality of handgrip strength was explored in a sample of conscripts. A negative secular trend in handgrip strength of schoolchildren has been detected since 1965, and with increasing age, right‐handedness has become more pronounced. Children that were ambidextrous (by grip strength) showed negative deviations in physical status more often than their right‐ or left‐handed peers. During one year of physical training, the conscripts had a larger increase in grip strength of the left than in the right hand, and a marked shift in handgrip laterality toward left‐handed and ambidextrous individuals was observed. The different impact of schooling and physical training on handgrip strength laterality might partly explain variations in the prevalence of handedness in different societies with divergent cultures and lifestyles (e.g., more or less sedentary).
Masticatory muscle tendon‐aponeurosis hyperplasia exhibits heterotopic calcification in tendons
Authors: Sato T , Hori N , Nakamoto N , Akita M , Yoda T
Published: May 2013

Objective

Masticatory muscle tendon‐aponeurosis hyperplasia is a new disease entity associated with limited mouth opening. In this study, we analyzed the microstructural characteristics of muscles and tendons in masticatory muscle tendon‐aponeurosis hyperplasia by electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis to determine the elemental composition.

Methods

Histological analysis was performed to detect the calcification. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were conducted to clarify the microstructural characteristics of muscles and tendons. Energy‐dispersive X‐ray microanalysis was performed to identify the distribution of elements.

Results

Mineralized nodules were observed in tendon tissues of masticatory muscle tendon‐aponeurosis hyperplasia as compared with facial deformity. Electron microscopy revealed that the muscle and tendon tissues in masticatory muscle tendon‐aponeurosis hyperplasia showed degenerative changes and distinctive histological findings as compared with tissues in facial deformity. We found that Ca, P, and Si were detected only in masticatory muscle tendon‐aponeurosis hyperplasia.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that masticatory muscle tendon‐aponeurosis hyperplasia exhibits heterotopic calcification in tendon tissues.
Self‐Critical Perfectionism Predicts Outcome in Multidisciplinary Treatment for Chronic Pain
Authors: Kempke Stefan , Luyten Patrick , Van Wambeke Peter , Coppens Eline , Morlion Bart
Published: May 2013

Background

Self‐critical perfectionistic personality features have been shown to influence the onset and perpetuation of pain symptoms. However, no study to date has investigated whether these personality features are associated with treatment response in chronic pain.

Methods

Using a naturalistic pre–post design, the present study examined the effect of self‐critical perfectionism on treatment outcome in terms of self‐reported pain. The study was conducted in a sample of 53 chronic non‐cancer pain patients who followed Multidisciplinary Pain Education Program (MPEP), a brief, 2‐week cognitive‐behaviorally based psycho‐educational intervention for chronic pain that was recently found to be effective in reducing pain severity. Pre‐ and post‐treatment pain intensity levels were assessed with the visual analog scale of the McGill Pain Questionnaire—Short Form.

Results

Pretreatment self‐critical perfectionism was significantly associated with negative treatment outcome, even after taking into account pretreatment levels of depression.

Conclusion

Results suggest that self‐critical perfectionistic personality features may negatively interfere with treatment response in patients with chronic pain. Thus, findings indicate that chronic pain patients with high levels of self‐critical perfectionism may benefit less from brief interventions such as MPEP, and therefore may need more intensive and tailored treatment.
Attributes Associated with Patient Perceived Outcome in an Academic Chronic Pain Clinic
Authors: Trentman Terrence L. , Chang Yu‐Hui H. , Chien James J. , Rosenfeld David M. , Gorlin Andrew W. , Seamans David P. , Freeman John A. , Wilshusen Laurie L.
Published: May 2013

Objectives

Patient satisfaction is tied to outcome, but there is scant literature on the relationship of patient perceived outcome and attributes of the pain clinic visit, including the patient interaction with the pain management specialist. The primary purpose of this study is to identify attributes of the patient–provider interaction most strongly associated with patient perceived outcome of their clinic visit. The secondary aim is to correlate patient perceived outcome with patient self‐rated overall health.

Methods

A patient satisfaction survey conducted via phone approximately 3 weeks after the patient's pain clinic visit.

Results

The response rate was 60.2%; 987 patient surveys collected between 2006 and 2010 were used in the analysis. Four factors were significantly associated with the outcome: (1) Explanations by the physician of the patient's condition and treatment, (2) clear instructions regarding post‐appointment activities, (3) knowing the patient as a person, and (4) the patient's self‐rated health. In terms of the secondary objective, those who answered very good/excellent regarding their self‐rated health had an 87% increased odds of better (very good/excellent) outcome of their pain clinic visit (or 1.87 times the odds of better outcome) compared with those who answered poor/fair/good.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that pain physicians may positively impact patient perceived outcomes of clinic visits by explaining the patient's condition and treatment, providing instructions, and taking the time to understand the patient and their values.
Efficacy and Safety of Carisbamate in Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy or Postherpetic Neuralgia: Results from 3 Randomized, Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Trials
Authors: Smith Timothy , DiBernardo Allitia , Shi Yingqi , Todd Mike J. , Brashear H. Robert , Ford Lisa M.
Published: May 2013

The results of 3 proof‐of‐concept studies to evaluate carisbamate's efficacy and safety in treating neuropathic pain are presented. In studies 1 (postherpetic neuralgia, n = 91) and 2 (diabetic neuropathy, n = 137), patients received carisbamate 400 mg/day or placebo for 4 weeks and then crossed over to the other treatment for 4 weeks. In study 3 (diabetic neuropathy, higher carisbamate doses), patients (n = 386) were randomized (1:1:1:1) to receive either carisbamate 800 mg/day, 1200 mg/day, pregabalin 300 mg/day or placebo for 15 weeks. Primary efficacy end point was the mean of the last 7 average daily pain scores obtained on days the study drug was taken, for all 3 studies. Least square mean (95% CI) differences between carisbamate and placebo groups on the primary end point were as follows: study 1: −0.512 (−1.32, 0.29) carisbamate 400 mg/day; study 2: −0.307 (−0.94, 0.33) carisbamate 400 mg/day; and study 3: −0.51 (−1.10, 0.08), carisbamate 800 mg/day; −0.55 (−1.13, 0.04), carisbamate 1200 mg/day; and −0.43 (−1.01, 0.15), pregabalin 300 mg/day. Neither carisbamate (all 3 studies) nor pregabalin (study 3) significantly differed from placebo, although multiple secondary end points showed significant improvement in efficacy with carisbamate in studies 1 and 2. Dizziness was the only treatment‐emergent adverse event occurring at ≥10% difference in carisbamate groups versus placebo (study 1: 12% vs. 1%; study 3: 14% vs. 4%; study 2: 1% vs. 2%). Carisbamate, although well tolerated, did not demonstrate efficacy in neuropathic pain across these studies, nor did the active comparator pregabalin (study 3).
Efficacy and Safety of Low Dose Subcutaneous Diclofenac in the Management of Acute Pain: A Randomized Double‐Blind Trial
Authors: Dietrich Thomas , Leeson Rachel , Gugliotta Barbara , Petersen Birte
Published: May 2013

Objective

Diclofenac is an effective and well‐tolerated nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) frequently used in the treatment of acute pain. Marketed formulations for parenteral administration usually contain 75 mg/3 mL of diclofenac sodium, which provide limited dosing flexibility, and are usually given intramuscularly.

Methods

We present a randomized, double‐blind, active comparator‐ and placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group phase III multicenter study, investigating efficacy and tolerability of a new 1 mL‐volume formulation of diclofenac sodium (25, 50 or 75 mg) containing hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (HPβCD) as a solubility enhancer. This low‐volume formulation allows subcutaneous (SC), in addition to intramuscular (IM) administration. Patients developing moderate‐to‐severe pain (≥ 50 mm on Visual Analogue Scale) after third molar extraction under local anesthesia were randomized to one of the 4 SC injections: 25 mg diclofenac HPβCD (n = 77), 50 mg diclofenac HPβCD (n = 76), 75 mg diclofenac HPβCD (n = 78), or placebo (n = 75).

Results

Mean pain intensity difference at 1.5 hours postdose (primary endpoint) was higher in all diclofenac‐treated groups than placebo group. The adjusted means (95% CI) were 36.5 (31.7 to 41.2) in diclofenac 25 mg group, 37.3 (32.6 to 42.1) in diclofenac 50 mg group, 37.7 (33.0 to 42.4) in diclofenac 75 mg group, and 12.3 (7.44 to 17.1) in placebo group. Both 25 and 50 mg doses of diclofenac produced significantly greater pain relief than placebo (P < 0.001 in both comparisons).

Conclusion

Single SC doses of diclofenac HPβCD of 25 and 50 mg are effective and well tolerated for relieving pain compared with placebo.
Regulatory mechanisms in phenotypic plasticity of diapause and nondiapause pupal colouration of the swallowtail butterfly Papilio machaon
Authors: YAMANAKA AKIRA , TSUJIMURA YUKI , ODA YUSUKE , UCHIYAMA TERUMASA , KOMETANI MIWAKO , YAMAMOTO KAZUAKI , KITAZAWA CHISATO
Published: May 2013

Nondiapause pupae of Papilio machaon L. exhibit pupal colour diphenism comprising green–yellow and brown–white types. To understand the regulatory mechanism underlying the control of pupal colouration in P. machaon, the effect of environmental cues on diapause and nondiapause pupal colouration is investigated. When larvae reared under short‐day and long‐day conditions are allowed to pupate in sites with a smooth surface and a yellow background colour, all diapause pupae exhibit a brown–white type and 89.5% of nondiapause pupae exhibit a green–yellow type, respectively. With rough‐surface pupation sites, all diapause pupae exhibit brown–white and intermediate types, whereas a large proportion of nondiapause pupae exhibit brown–white and intermediate types, although some exhibit a green–yellow type. When extracts prepared from the head‐thoracic and thoracic‐abdominal regions of larval central nervous systems are injected into the ligated abdomens of P. machaon short‐day pharate pupae, all recipients exhibit a brown–white colouration. Furthermore, when each extract is injected into the ligated abdomen of Papilio xuthus L. short‐day pharate pupae with orange‐pupa‐inducing factor activity, recipients injected with the head‐thoracic extract exhibit the brown type, whereas those injected with the thoracic‐abdominal extract exhibit an orange colour. The results indicate that the response to the environmental cues of pupation site in P. machaon changes according to the photoperiodic conditions experienced during larval stages, and that at least two hormonal factors producing brown–white pupae are located in the larval central nervous system, with the secretion of these factors being regulated by the recognition of environmental cues in long‐day larvae.
Transduction of high‐density signals across generations in aphid wing polyphenism
Authors: ISHIKAWA ASANO , MIURA TORU
Published: May 2013

Wing polyphenism in aphids represents an outstanding example of adaptive phenotypic plasticity. During summer, parthenogenic mother aphids alter the developmental fate of their embryos to produce wingless or winged adult forms in response to high population density (i.e. crowded conditions). Although this maternal effect is well known, the mechanisms underlying transgenerational winged‐morph determination remain largely unresolved. In the present study, the effects of different high‐density treatment durations are tested on the vetch aphid Megoura crassicauda Mordvilko aiming to investigate how and when the density signals detected by mothers are transmitted to embryos. The duration of density treatment shows additive effects on both the number of crowded females producing winged aphids (winged‐producers) and the number of winged progeny. In addition, even when high‐density treatment is stopped, the production of winged offspring continues for several days and depends on the duration of treatment. The results indicate that mother aphids retain high‐density signals for a period after removal of the stimulus. Furthermore, observations of the progeny sequence (i.e. the order in which the offspring are born) and the embryonic stages developing in the mothers reveal that high‐density information may affect embryonic fate at the late embryonic stage immediately before cuticle formation.
Screening and characterization of resistance to succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors in Alternaria solani
Authors: Miles T. D. , Miles L. A. , Fairchild K. L. , Wharton P. S.
Published: May 2013

Field isolates of Alternaria solani, which causes early blight of potato in Idaho, USA were evaluated in vitro for their sensitivity towards the succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides boscalid, fluopyram and penthiopyrad. A total of 20 isolates were collected from foliar‐infected tissue in 2009, 26 in 2010 and 49 in 2011. Fungicide sensitivity was tested using the spiral‐gradient end point dilution method. The frequency of boscalid‐resistant isolates (>50% relative growth when using a spiral dilution gradient starting at 507 mg L−1) drastically increased over the duration of this study (15% in 2009, 62% in 2010 and 80% in 2011). Increasing resistance to fluopyram and penthiopyrad was observed. However, cross‐resistance was only observed between boscalid and penthiopyrad. The target site of this fungicide class is the succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) enzyme complex, which is vital for fungal respiration. Sequence analysis of the SDH complex revealed mutations in the subunits B and D that were correlated with the emergence of boscalid resistance in potato fields in Idaho. In particular, H277R and H133R were identified in SDH subunits B and D, respectively. The presence of restriction sites in the gene sequences allowed the development of a rapid PCR‐RFLP method to assess boscalid sensitivity in A. solani populations.
“Conservation” as a Catalyst for Conflict: Considering Stakeholder Understanding in Policy Making
Authors: Crow Deserai Anderson , Baysha Olga
Published: May 2013

Stakeholder negotiation processes are increasingly used in environmental management, but are often difficult due to values differences among stakeholders. These values can be reflected in the language used by stakeholders, which may lead to conflict in negotiation processes. This study investigated whether there are widespread differences among Colorado water stakeholders in how they define the term “conservation,” a key value and policy term, and whether this leads to conflict in negotiations. Using multiple methods in a cross‐sectional case study, use of the term and possible policy implications were analyzed. Stakeholder respondents in this study who had experienced difficulty in water negotiations also perceived a higher degree of miscommunication in their negotiations. The most important finding presented here suggests that clarity of language and transparent discussion of key value‐representative terms may aid in stakeholder negotiations, and that minority stakeholders may be more aware of values and language differences than their majority counterparts.
Policy Alternatives in Adaptive Communities: Simulating the Environmental Justice Consequences of Hazardous Site Remediation Strategies
Authors: Eckerd Adam
Published: May 2013

Many governments have implemented environmental justice mandates requiring agencies to consider the implications of cleanup decisions for poor and/or minority populations. To the extent that this mandate alters decisions, it usually does so by considering the composition of a community in the present without adjusting for potential demographic changes that may occur over time. However, communities change and these changes are likely to affect how well an agency meets its environmental justice mandate over the long term. In this research, an agent‐based model is introduced to simulate how alternative environmental remediation scenarios may affect environmental justice outcomes in a dynamic residential environment with two demographic classes with preferences for living in proximity to neighbors similar to themselves. Under these circumstances, there is unlikely to be one best strategy to achieve both environmental improvement and environmental equity, and a focus on valuable land is the least effective over the long run.
Is There a ‘Heat-or-Eat’ Trade-Off in the UK?
Authors: Beatty Timothy K. M. , Blow Laura , Crossley Thomas F.
Published: May 2013

Do households cut back on food spending to finance the additional cost of keeping warm during spells of unseasonably cold weather? For households which cannot smooth consumption over time, we describe how cold weather shocks are equivalent to income shocks. We merge detailed household level expenditure data from older households with historical regional weather information. We find evidence that the poorest of older households cannot smooth fuel spending over the worst temperature shocks. Statistically significant reductions in food spending occur in response to winter temperatures 2 or more standard deviations colder than expected, which occur about 1 winter month in 40; reductions in food expenditure are considerably larger in poorer households.
Wage Insurance Within German Firms: Do Institutions Matter?
Authors: Guertzgen N.
Published: May 2013

Using a large linked employer–employee data set, the paper studies the extent to which German employers insure workers against transitory and permanent firm level shocks. Particular emphasis is given to the question of whether the amount of wage insurance depends on the nature of industrial relations. Adopting the identification strategy that was introduced by Guiso and co-workers, it is shown that industry level contracts and local works councils are important insurance providers. These findings lend support to the notion that collective institutions may mitigate the enforcement problems that typically arise within risk sharing agreements. Moreover, the ability of industry level contracts to insulate workers' wages from shocks appears to decrease with plant size, whereas works councils' ability to provide insurance increases with plant size. This latter finding is consistent with works councils having, by law, more information rights at larger employers.
Cultural Characters and Climate Change: How Heroes Shape Our Perception of Climate Science
Authors: Jones Michael D.
Published: May 2013

Objective

This research examines how narrative communication structures influence the public's perceptions of risk and policy preferences related to climate change.

Methods

An Internet‐based experiment is used to expose roughly 1,500 census‐balanced U.S. respondents to climate change information. Four experimental treatments are operationalized: a baseline control fact list and three culturally nuanced narratives.

Results

Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis indicates that narrative structure, particularly through the hero character, plays a powerful role in shaping climate change perceptions of risk and policy preferences.

Conclusion

Explanations of the public's perceptions of risk and climate change policy preferences should more explicitly account for the role of dominant climate narratives.
Assessing the Accuracy of Volunteered Geographic Information arising from Multiple Contributors to an Internet Based Collaborative Project
Authors: Foody G. M. , See L. , Fritz S. , Van der Velde M. , Perger C. , Schill C. , Boyd D. S.
Published: May 2013

The recent rise of neogeography and citizen sensing has increased the opportunities for the use of crowdsourcing as a means to acquire data to support geographical research. The value of the resulting volunteered geographic information is, however, often limited by concerns associated with its quality and the degree to which the contributing data sources may be trusted. Here, information on the quality of sources of volunteered geographic information was derived using a latent class analysis. The volunteered information was on land cover interpreted visually from satellite sensor images and the main focus was on the labeling of 299 sites by seven of the 65 volunteers who contributed to an Internet‐based collaborative project. Using the information on land cover acquired by the multiple volunteers it was shown that the relative, but not absolute, quality of the data from different volunteers could be characterized accurately. Additionally, class‐specific variations in the quality of the information provided by a single volunteer could be characterized by the analysis. The latent class analysis, therefore, was able to provide information on the quality of information provided on an inter‐ and intra‐volunteer basis.
Prevalence of PTSD and depression, and associated sexual risk factors, among male Rwanda Defense Forces military personnel
Authors: Harbertson Judith , Grillo Michael , Zimulinda Eugene , Murego Charles , Cronan Terry , May Susanne , Brodine Stephanie , Sebagabo Marcellin , Araneta Maria Rosario G. , Shaffer Richard
Published: May 2013

Objectives

To assess depression and PTSD prevalence among the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) and evaluate whether sexual risk behaviour, STIs, HIV and alcohol use were significantly higher among those who screened positive.

Methods

Consenting active‐duty male RDF personnel, aged ≥21 years, completed an anonymous sexual risk survey linked to HIV rapid testing that included standardised assessments for PTSD (PCL‐M), depression (CES‐D) and alcohol use (AUDIT). PTSD and depression prevalence were calculated (data available for 1238 and 1120 participants, respectively), and multivariable regression analyses were conducted.

Results

22.5% screened positive for depression, 4.2% for PTSD and 3.4% for both. In adjusted analyses, odds of either depression or PTSD were significantly higher in participants reporting STI symptoms (OR = 2.27, 2.78, respectively) and harmful alcohol use (OR = 3.13, 3.21, respectively). Sex with a high‐risk sex partner, lower rank and never deploying were also significantly associated with depression in adjusted analyses.

Conclusions

Nearly one‐fourth of RDF participants screened positive for PTSD or depression, which impacts sexual risk behaviour, HIV acquisition risk and military readiness. Findings may extend to other deploying militaries and provide additional evidence of an association between mental health status and sexual risk behaviour. Effective mental health treatment interventions that also include alcohol use assessments, STI identification/treatment and sexual risk behaviour reduction are needed.
Successful short‐term cryopreservation of volume‐reduced cord blood units in a cryogenic mechanical freezer: effects on cell recovery, viability, and clonogenic potential
Authors: Anagnostakis Ioannis , Papassavas Andreas C. , Michalopoulos Efstathios , Chatzistamatiou Theofanis , Andriopoulou Sofia , Tsakris Athanassios , Stavropoulos‐Giokas Catherine
Published: May 2013

Background

Cord blood (CB) units are stored from weeks to years in liquid‐ or vapor‐phase nitrogen until they are used for transplantation. We examined the effects of cryostorage in a mechanical freezer at −150°C on critical quality control variables of CB collections to investigate the possible use of mechanical freezers at −150°C as an alternative to storage in liquid‐ (or vapor‐) phase nitrogen.

Study Design and Methods

A total of 105 CB units were thawed and washed at different time intervals (6, 12, 24, and 36 months). For every thawed CB unit, samples were removed and cell enumeration (total nucleated cells [TNCs], mononuclear cells [MNCs], CD34+, CD133+) was performed. In addition, viability was obtained with the use of flow cytometry, and recoveries were calculated. Also, total absolute colony‐forming unit counts were performed and progenitor cell recoveries were studied by clonogenic assays.

Results

Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in certain variables (TNCs, MNC numbers, viability) when they were examined in relation with time intervals, while others (CD34+, CD133+) were relatively insensitive (p = NS) to the duration of time interval the CB units were kept in cryostorage condition.

Conclusions

The data presented suggest that cryopreservation of CB units in a mechanical freezer at −150°C may represent an alternative cryostorage condition for CB cryopreservation.
Successful treatment of recurrent hyperhemolysis syndrome with immunosuppression and plasma‐to‐red blood cell exchange transfusion
Authors: Uhlmann Erik J. , Shenoy Shalini , Goodnough Lawrence T.
Published: May 2013

Background

Hyperhemolysis syndrome is a serious transfusion reaction mostly reported in association with sickle cell disease, characterized by destruction of both donor and host red blood cells (RBCs) by an unknown mechanism.

Case Report

A 21‐year‐old man with sickle cell disease and multiple prior transfusions received two phenotype‐matched, compatible RBC units during a brief admission for pain crisis. He developed rapid‐onset progressive anemia and hemoglobinuria. Methylprednisolone, erythropoietin, and rituximab were administered. Fifteen days posttransfusion the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration decreased to 3.1 g/dL, with evidence of severe congestive heart failure. No new antibodies were identified. It was felt that his heart failure would not improve without increasing oxygen‐carrying capacity. A combination of volume overload, anemia, and hemolysis prompted a novel isovolemic procedure to increase Hb level without removing his own RBCs or causing fluid overload. A cell separator was used operating on the plasma‐exchange program, with three cross‐match–compatible, washed RBC units as the replacement fluid. After the procedure, there was no evidence of hemolysis. Over the following 6 days, the congestive heart failure resolved, the Hb concentration increased to 7.5 g/dL, and the patient fully recovered. He had a similar event 3 years previously.

Conclusions

Plasma‐to‐RBC replacement may be beneficial for selected patients with life‐threatening anemia. This intervention provides immediate improvement in oxygen‐carrying capacity, conserving the patient's own RBCs, while avoiding fluid overload. Although blood transfusion may precipitate further hemolysis, this case report describes successful plasma‐to‐RBC exchange transfusion with concurrent supportive care to offset hemolysis, including corticosteroid, intravenous immunoglobulin, and rituximab.
The prosodic marking of information status in Malaysian English
Authors: GUT ULRIKE , PILLAI STEFANIE , DON ZURAIDAH MOHD
Published: May 2013

This paper investigates the prosodic strategies used by Malaysian speakers of English to mark the information status of new and given discourse elements. Thirty speakers of Malaysian English were recorded both when playing a game designed by Swerts, Krahmer, and Avesani (2002) to elicit semi‐spontaneous speech and when reading out a 179‐word story. Pitch accent placement in the semi‐spontaneous speech was analysed auditorily, while six given and new word pairs in each reading passage were analysed acoustically in terms of the phonetic realisation of the pitch accent (following Atterer and Ladd 2004). In addition, 11 speakers of Malaysian English participated in a perception experiment testing their identification of new and given discourse elements in these recordings. Results show that Malaysian speakers of English do not mark given and new information with distinct pitch accent placement and that it is not possible to categorise these utterance elements unambiguously according to their information status. The acoustic analysis showed that given information is marked by a later pitch trough and a smaller rise than new information. No difference between the two, however, was found in terms of pitch peak alignment.
Literary translation as a tool for critical language planning
Authors: MOONEERAM ROSHNI
Published: May 2013

This paper argues that Dev Virahsawmy, an author who manipulates literary translation for the purposes of linguistic prestige formation and re‐negotiation, is a critical language‐policy practitioner, as his work fills an important gap in language planning scholarship. A micro‐analysis of the translation of a Shakespearean sonnet into Mauritian Creole is carried out with a view to exploring the dynamic interconnections between the macro‐(social) level of language prestige and that of the micro‐(text) level in relation to both the source and the target languages. This exploration proves to be not only valuable in its own right for postcolonial creolistics, but it also informs the debate on the ‘linguistic imperialism’ of English.