bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
All three components of the neuronal SNARE complex contribute to secretory vesicle docking
Authors: Wu Yao , Gu Yiwen , Morphew Mary K. , Yao Jun , Yeh Felix L. , Dong Min , Chapman Edwin R.
Published: August 2012

Before exocytosis, vesicles must first become docked to the plasma membrane. The SNARE complex was originally hypothesized to mediate both the docking and fusion steps in the secretory pathway, but previous electron microscopy (EM) studies indicated that the vesicular SNARE protein synaptobrevin (syb) was dispensable for docking. In this paper, we studied the function of syb in the docking of large dense-core vesicles (LDCVs) in live PC12 cells using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. Cleavage of syb by a clostridial neurotoxin resulted in significant defects in vesicle docking in unfixed cells; these results were confirmed via EM using cells that were prepared using high-pressure freezing. The membrane-distal portion of its SNARE motif was critical for docking, whereas deletion of a membrane-proximal segment had little effect on docking but diminished fusion. Because docking was also inhibited by toxin-mediated cleavage of the target membrane SNAREs syntaxin and SNAP-25, syb might attach LDCVs to the plasma membrane through N-terminal assembly of trans-SNARE pairs.
The evolving concept of cancer and metastasis stem cells
Authors: Baccelli Irène , Trumpp Andreas
Published: August 2012

The cancer stem cell (CSC) concept, which arose more than a decade ago, proposed that tumor growth is sustained by a subpopulation of highly malignant cancerous cells. These cells, termed CSCs, comprise the top of the tumor cell hierarchy and have been isolated from many leukemias and solid tumors. Recent work has discovered that this hierarchy is embedded within a genetically heterogeneous tumor, in which various related but distinct subclones compete within the tumor mass. Thus, genetically distinct CSCs exist on top of each subclone, revealing a highly complex cellular composition of tumors. The CSC concept has therefore evolved to better model the complex and highly dynamic processes of tumorigenesis, tumor relapse, and metastasis.
Loss of ATM kinase activity leads to embryonic lethality in mice
Authors: Daniel Jeremy A. , Pellegrini Manuela , Lee Baeck-Seung , Guo Zhi , Filsuf Darius , Belkina Natalya V. , You Zhongsheng , Paull Tanya T. , Sleckman Barry P. , Feigenbaum Lionel , Nussenzweig André
Published: August 2012

Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) mutated (ATM) is a key deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage signaling kinase that regulates DNA repair, cell cycle checkpoints, and apoptosis. The majority of patients with A-T, a cancer-prone neurodegenerative disease, present with null mutations in Atm. To determine whether the functions of ATM are mediated solely by its kinase activity, we generated two mouse models containing single, catalytically inactivating point mutations in Atm. In this paper, we show that, in contrast to Atm-null mice, both D2899A and Q2740P mutations cause early embryonic lethality in mice, without displaying dominant-negative interfering activity. Using conditional deletion, we find that the D2899A mutation in adult mice behaves largely similar to Atm-null cells but shows greater deficiency in homologous recombination (HR) as measured by hypersensitivity to poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase inhibition and increased genomic instability. These results may explain why missense mutations with no detectable kinase activity are rarely found in patients with classical A-T. We propose that ATM kinase-inactive missense mutations, unless otherwise compensated for, interfere with HR during embryogenesis.
Kinase-dead ATM protein causes genomic instability and early embryonic lethality in mice
Authors: Yamamoto Kenta , Wang Yunyue , Jiang Wenxia , Liu Xiangyu , Dubois Richard L. , Lin Chyuan-Sheng , Ludwig Thomas , Bakkenist Christopher J. , Zha Shan
Published: August 2012

Ataxia telangiectasia (A-T) mutated (ATM) kinase orchestrates deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage responses by phosphorylating numerous substrates implicated in DNA repair and cell cycle checkpoint activation. A-T patients and mouse models that express no ATM protein undergo normal embryonic development but exhibit pleiotropic DNA repair defects. In this paper, we report that mice carrying homozygous kinase-dead mutations in Atm (AtmKD/KD) died during early embryonic development. AtmKD/− cells exhibited proliferation defects and genomic instability, especially chromatid breaks, at levels higher than Atm−/− cells. Despite this increased genomic instability, AtmKD/− lymphocytes progressed through variable, diversity, and joining recombination and immunoglobulin class switch recombination, two events requiring nonhomologous end joining, at levels comparable to Atm−/− lymphocytes. Together, these results reveal an essential function of ATM during embryogenesis and an important function of catalytically inactive ATM protein in DNA repair.
The ATM protein: The importance of being active
Authors: Shiloh Yosef , Ziv Yael
Published: August 2012

The ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) protein kinase regulates the cellular response to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) double-strand breaks by phosphorylating numerous players in the extensive DNA damage response network. Two papers in this issue (Daniel et al. 2012. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb201204035; Yamamoto et al. 2012. J. Cell Biol. http://dx.doi.org/10.1083/jcb201204098) strikingly show that, in mice, the presence of a catalytically inactive version of ATM is embryonically lethal. This is surprising because mice completely lacking ATM have a much more moderate phenotype. The findings impact on basic cancer research and cancer therapeutics.
Prevention of Central Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Boyce John M.
Published: August 2012

An increasing proportion of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are seen in outpatient settings. Many of such infections are due to hemodialysis catheters (HD-CLABSIs). Such infections are associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and excess healthcare costs. Patients who receive dialysis through a catheter are 2–3 times more likely to be hospitalized for infection and to die of septic complications than dialysis patients with grafts or fistulas. Prevention measures include minimizing the use of hemodialysis catheters, use of CLABSI prevention bundles for line insertion and maintenance, and application of antimicrobial ointment to the catheter exit site. Instillation into dialysis catheters of antimicrobial solutions that remain in the catheter lumen between dialyses (antimicrobial lock solutions) has been studied, but it is not yet standard practice in some dialysis units. At least 34 studies have evaluated the impact of antimicrobial lock solutions on HD-CLABSI rates. Thirty-two (94%) of the 34 studies demonstrated reductions in HD-CLABSI rates among patients treated with antimicrobial lock solutions. Recent multicenter randomized controlled trials demonstrated that the use of such solutions resulted in significantly lower HD-CLABSI rates, even though such rates were low in control groups. The available evidence supports more routine use of antimicrobial lock solutions as an HD-CLABSI prevention measure in hemodialysis units.
Innovative Approaches for Understanding Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Declination in Healthcare Personnel Support Development of New Campaign Strategies
Authors: Schult Tamara M. , Awosika Ebi R. , Hodgson Michael J. , Hirsch Pamela R. , Nichol Kristin L. , Dyrenforth Sue R. , Moore Scott C.
Published: August 2012

Objective.

The main objectives of our study were to explore reasons for seasonal influenza vaccine acceptance and declination in employees of a large integrated healthcare system and to identify underlying constructs that influence acceptance versus declination. Secondary objectives were to determine whether vaccine acceptance varied by hospital location and to identify facility-level measures that explained variability.

Design.

A national health promotion survey of employees was conducted that included items on vaccination in the 2009-2010 influenza season. The survey was administered with two other institutional surveys in a stratified fashion: approximately 40% of participating employees were randomly assigned to complete the health promotion survey.

Setting.

National single-payer healthcare system with 152 hospitals.

Participants.

Employees of the healthcare system in 2010 who responded to the survey.

Methods.

Factor analysis was used to identify underlying constructs that influenced vaccine acceptance versus declination. Mean factor scores were examined in relation to demographic characteristics and occupation. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to determine whether vaccine acceptance varied by location and to identify facility-level measures that explained variability.

Results.

Four factors were identified related to vaccine declination and were labeled as (1) “don't care,” (2) “don't want,” (3) “don't believe,” and (4) “don't know.” Significant differences in mean factor scores existed by demographic characteristics and occupation. Vaccine acceptance varied by location, and vaccination rates in the previous year were an important facility-level predictor.

Conclusions.

Results should guide interventions that tailor messages on the basis of particular reasons for declination. Occupation-specific and culturally appropriate messaging should be considered. Continued efforts will be taken to better understand how workplace context influences vaccine acceptance.
Air Contamination around Patients Colonized with Multidrug-Resistant Organisms
Authors: Bernard Marie Charlotte , Lanotte Philippe , Lawrence Christine , Goudeau Alain , Bernard Louis
Published: August 2012

Care-related infections are a major public health concern. Their transmission can be associated with environmental factors. This study looks at air contamination around 45 patients colonized with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). We found that 30 hospital rooms (67%) were contaminated with MDRO species and 10 rooms (22%) were contaminated with at least 1 MDRO.
Assessing the Burden ofAcinetobacter baumanniiin Maryland: A Statewide Cross-Sectional Period Prevalence Survey
Authors: Thorn Kerri A. , Maragakis Lisa L. , Richards Katie , Johnson J. Kristie , Roup Brenda , Lawson Patricia , Harris Anthony D. , Fuss Elizabeth P. , Pass Margaret A. , Blythe David , Perencevich Eli N. , Wilson Lucy ,   Maryland MDRO Prevention Collaborative
Published: August 2012

Objective.

To determine the prevalence ofAcinetobacter baumannii, an important healthcare-associated pathogen, among mechanically ventilated patients in Maryland.

Design.

The Maryland MDRO Prevention Collaborative performed a statewide cross-sectional active surveillance survey of mechanically ventilated patients residing in acute care and long-term care (LTC) facilities. Surveillance cultures (sputum and perianal) were obtained from all mechanically ventilated inpatients at participating facilities during a 2-week period.

Setting.

All healthcare facilities in Maryland that provide care for mechanically ventilated patients were invited to participate.

Patients.

Mechanically ventilated patients, known to be at high risk for colonization and infection withA. baumannii, were included.

Results.

Seventy percent (40/57) of all eligible healthcare facilities participated in the survey, representing both acute care (n= 30) and LTC (n= 10) facilities in all geographic regions of Maryland. Surveillance cultures were obtained from 92% (358/390) of eligible Patients.A. baumanniiwas identified in 34% of all mechanically ventilated patients in Maryland; multidrug-resistantA. baumanniiwas found in 27% of all Patients.A. baumanniiwas detected in at least 1 patient in 49% of participating facilities; 100% of LTC facilities had at least 1 patient with A.baumannii, compared with 31% of acute care facilities.A. baumanniiwas identified from all facilities in which 10 or more patients were sampled.

Conclusions.

A.baumanniiis common among mechanically ventilated patients in both acute care and LTC facilities throughout Maryland, with a high proportion of isolates demonstrating multidrug resistance.
Infection Control Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices among Healthcare Workers at Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Sethi Ajay K. , Acher Charles W. , Kirenga Bruce , Mead Scott , Donskey Curtis J. , Katamba Achilles
Published: August 2012

Objective.

Effective implementation of infection control programs and adherence to standard precautions are challenging in resource-limited settings. The objective of this study was to describe infection control knowledge, attitudes, and practices among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Uganda.

Design.

We conducted a survey of hospital employees who had direct contact with patients or their immediate environment. We also performed an environmental assessment of resource availability and utilization within hospital wards.

Setting.

Surgical, medicine, and obstetrics wards at a national referral hospital in Kampala, Uganda.

Participants.

One hundred eighty-three randomly selected HCWs.

Results.

Almost all HCWs knew to wash their hands, although nursing and support staff were less likely to perceive that HCWs' hands can be a vector of disease transmission. Hand washing was valued more as a means of self-protection than as a means to prevent patient-to-patient transmission, consistent with the prevailing belief that infection control was important for occupational safety. Sinks were not readily accessible, and soap at sinks was uncommon throughout the medicine and obstetrics wards but more commonly available in the surgery wards. Alcohol gel was rarely available.

Conclusions.

Changing infection control practices in developing countries will require a multifaceted approach that addresses resource availability, occupational safety, and local understanding and attitudes about infection control.
Photoinduced current transient spectroscopy of defect levels in CuInSe2 and CuGaSe2 epitaxial and polycrystalline layers
Authors: Krysztopa A , Igalson M , Larsen J K , Aida Y , Gütay L , Siebentritt S
Published: August 2012

Photoinduced current transient spectroscopy (PITS) was used to study defect level spectra in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 chalcopyrite compounds used as absorbers in solar cells. We show that for CuGaSe2 PITS provides similar results as modulated photocurrent (MPC) spectroscopy, while in the case of CuInSe2 much better results are achieved with PITS due to the lack of background illumination necessary in the MPC. We found four defect levels common for both CuInSe2 and CuGaSe2 (three electron traps with one of them acting as a recombination centre and one very deep hole trap). All those deep levels were observed both in the epitaxial and polycrystalline samples so we attributed them to bulk structural defects.
Combinatorial optimization of Al-doped ZnO films for thin-film photovoltaics
Authors: Treharne R E , Hutchings K , Lamb D A , Irvine S J C , Lane D , Durose K
Published: August 2012

A rapid screening methodology for the development of transparent conducting oxides is presented. The methodology, based on a combination of spectrophotometry, ellipsometry and 4-point probe measurements, was used to map out the opto-electronic properties over a co-sputtered ZnO : Al2O3 film deposited from separate ceramic targets of ZnO and Al2O3. Clear distributions for the carrier density, n
e, and mobility, μ
e, are determined as a function of wt%. Al2O3 content within the film. A minimum resistivity value of 7.6 × 10−4 Ω cm was achieved for a composition of 1.5 wt%. Al2O3.
Temperature dependence of chemical states and band alignments in ultrathin HfOxNy/Si gate stacks
Authors: Wang X J , Liu M , Zhang L D
Published: August 2012

The chemical states and band alignments of HfO
x
N
y
films on Si substrates as a function of post-thermal treatment were systematically investigated. Analysis of N1s spectra reveals that there are four components in N chemical states, which are assigned to the N–Hf, N ≡ Si, Si2 = N–O and N–O bonds. The N–O bond is very unstable upon annealing as compared with the N–Hf, N ≡ Si and Si2 = N–O bonds. The relationship between band alignments and chemical states in the HfO
x
N
y
/Si stack upon annealing is also studied. It is found that the conduction-band offset shows no obvious change upon annealing, while the band gap and the valence-band offset increase with the increase in the annealing temperature, which is mainly due to the reduction in the N–O bond during the annealing process. With the values of band gap and band offsets of the HfO
x
N
y
film, the energy-band alignments of the HfO
x
N
y
/Si stack as a function of post-deposition annealing were constructed.
Spectroscopic characterization of micro- and nanoparticle suspensions with size dynamics in plasmas
Authors: Mitic S , Pustylnik M Y , Kovačević E , Berndt J , Boufendi L , Morfill G E
Published: August 2012

Mitic et al (2011 Opt. Lett.
36 3699) proposed a spectroscopic method of the in situ measurement of the size and optical properties of spherical micro- and nanoparticles with monotonically variable size. The method requires three optical channels: one for the illumination of a particle suspension by white light and two for the measurements of the spectra of scattered light. This allows one to determine the optical properties of the particles in a wide spectral range. In this work an extended description of the experimental setup and data analysis technique are given. Performance of the method is illustrated on particle suspensions in plasmas, exhibiting increase and decrease of particle size.
Analysis of laser shock waves and resulting surface deformations in an Al–Cu–Li aluminum alloy
Authors: Peyre P , Berthe L , Vignal V , Popa I , Baudin T
Published: August 2012

Laser shock processing is now a recognized surface treatment for improving fatigue or corrosion behaviour of metallic materials through the generation of a compressive stress field. In turn, the analysis of shock wave propagation is of primary importance to predict numerically morphological and mechanical surface modifications.

Considering experimental and numerical analyses of shock wave propagation, and surface deformations induced by single impacts, a 2050 aluminum alloy having different microstructures was investigated under laser-shock loading. In a first step, the evolution of shock wave attenuation and elastic precursor amplitude was correctly reproduced by finite element simulations, and in a second step, surface deformations induced by 1–6 local impacts were also compared satisfactorily with experiments. This allowed us to validate mechanical loading and materials' constitutive law, but did not allow accurate determination of residual stress fields on a single impact.
Regional climate change mitigation with crops: context and assessment
Authors: Singarayer J. S. , Davies-Barnard T.
Published: August 2012

The intention of this review is to place crop albedo biogeoengineering in the wider picture of climate manipulation. Crop biogeoengineering is considered within the context of the long-term modification of the land surface for agriculture over several thousand years. Biogeoengineering is also critiqued in relation to other geoengineering schemes in terms of mitigation power and adherence to social principles for geoengineering. Although its impact is small and regional, crop biogeoengineering could be a useful and inexpensive component of an ensemble of geoengineering schemes to provide temperature mitigation. The method should not detrimentally affect food security and there may even be positive impacts on crop productivity, although more laboratory and field research is required in this area to understand the underlying mechanisms.
Marine cloud brightening
Authors: Latham John , Bower Keith , Choularton Tom , Coe Hugh , Connolly Paul , Cooper Gary , Craft Tim , Foster Jack , Gadian Alan , Galbraith Lee , Iacovides Hector , Johnston David , Launder Brian , Leslie Brian , Meyer John , Neukermans Armand , Ormond Bob , Parkes Ben , Rasch Phillip , Rush John , Salter Stephen , Stevenson Tom , Wang Hailong , Wang Qin , Wood Rob
Published: August 2012

The idea behind the marine cloud-brightening (MCB) geoengineering technique is that seeding marine stratocumulus clouds with copious quantities of roughly monodisperse sub-micrometre sea water particles might significantly enhance the cloud droplet number concentration, and thereby the cloud albedo and possibly longevity. This would produce a cooling, which general circulation model (GCM) computations suggest could—subject to satisfactory resolution of technical and scientific problems identified herein—have the capacity to balance global warming up to the carbon dioxide-doubling point. We describe herein an account of our recent research on a number of critical issues associated with MCB. This involves (i) GCM studies, which are our primary tools for evaluating globally the effectiveness of MCB, and assessing its climate impacts on rainfall amounts and distribution, and also polar sea-ice cover and thickness; (ii) high-resolution modelling of the effects of seeding on marine stratocumulus, which are required to understand the complex array of interacting processes involved in cloud brightening; (iii) microphysical modelling sensitivity studies, examining the influence of seeding amount, seed-particle salt-mass, air-mass characteristics, updraught speed and other parameters on cloud–albedo change; (iv) sea water spray-production techniques; (v) computational fluid dynamics studies of possible large-scale periodicities in Flettner rotors; and (vi) the planning of a three-stage limited-area field research experiment, with the primary objectives of technology testing and determining to what extent, if any, cloud albedo might be enhanced by seeding marine stratocumulus clouds on a spatial scale of around 100×100 km. We stress that there would be no justification for deployment of MCB unless it was clearly established that no significant adverse consequences would result. There would also need to be an international agreement firmly in favour of such action.
Exploring early public responses to geoengineering
Authors: Pidgeon Nick , Corner Adam , Parkhill Karen , Spence Alexa , Butler Catherine , Poortinga Wouter
Published: August 2012

Proposals for geoengineering the Earth's climate are prime examples of emerging or ‘upstream’ technologies, because many aspects of their effectiveness, cost and risks are yet to be researched, and in many cases are highly uncertain. This paper contributes to the emerging debate about the social acceptability of geoengineering technologies by presenting preliminary evidence on public responses to geoengineering from two of the very first UK studies of public perceptions and responses. The discussion draws upon two datasets: qualitative data (from an interview study conducted in 42 households in 2009), and quantitative data (from a subsequent nationwide survey (
n
=1822) of British public opinion). Unsurprisingly, baseline awareness of geoengineering was extremely low in both cases. The data from the survey indicate that, when briefly explained to people, carbon dioxide removal approaches were preferred to solar radiation management, while significant positive correlations were also found between concern about climate change and support for different geoengineering approaches. We discuss some of the wider considerations that are likely to shape public perceptions of geoengineering as it enters the media and public sphere, and conclude that, aside from technical considerations, public perceptions are likely to prove a key element influencing the debate over questions of the acceptability of geoengineering proposals.
Interactions between reducing CO
2
emissions, CO
2
removal and solar radiation management
Authors: Vaughan Naomi E. , Lenton Timothy M.
Published: August 2012

We use a simple carbon cycle–climate model to investigate the interactions between a selection of idealized scenarios of mitigated carbon dioxide emissions, carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and solar radiation management (SRM). Two CO
2
emissions trajectories differ by a 15-year delay in the start of mitigation activity. SRM is modelled as a reduction in incoming solar radiation that fully compensates the radiative forcing due to changes in atmospheric CO
2
concentration. Two CDR scenarios remove 300 PgC by afforestation (added to vegetation and soil) or 1000 PgC by bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (removed from system). Our results show that delaying the start of mitigation activity could be very costly in terms of the CDR activity needed later to limit atmospheric CO
2
concentration (and corresponding global warming) to a given level. Avoiding a 15-year delay in the start of mitigation activity is more effective at reducing atmospheric CO
2
concentrations than all but the maximum type of CDR interventions. The effects of applying SRM and CDR together are additive, and this shows most clearly for atmospheric CO
2
concentration. SRM causes a significant reduction in atmospheric CO
2
concentration due to increased carbon storage by the terrestrial biosphere, especially soils. However, SRM has to be maintained for many centuries to avoid rapid increases in temperature and corresponding increases in atmospheric CO
2
concentration due to loss of carbon from the land.
Genetic polymorphisms of tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily 1b and fas ligand are associated with clinical efficacy and/or acute severe infusion reactions to infliximab in Crohn's disease
Authors: Steenholdt C. , Enevold C. , Ainsworth M. A. , Brynskov J. , Thomsen O. Ø. , Bendtzen K.
Published: August 2012

Background

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TNF receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) 1A and 1B, and Fas ligand (FASLG) genes, have been associated with responsiveness to infliximab (IFX) in Crohn's disease.

Aim

To investigate if SNPs in TNFRSF1A and 1B, and FAS (TNFRSF6) and FASLG (TNFSF6), associated with short‐ or long‐term clinical and biological efficacy and with acute severe infusion reactions.

Methods

Observational, retrospective and explorative cohort study of IFX‐treated Caucasian patients with Crohn's disease classified as primary nonresponders (n = 21), response failures on maintenance therapy (n = 37), maintained remission (n = 47) and occurrence of acute severe infusion reactions (n = 20).

Results

During IFX maintenance therapy, minor allele carriage of TNFRSF1B, rs976881 is associated with loss of response [OR 3.3 (1.2–9.1), P = 0.014]. Minor allele homozygosity increased the risk substantially (OR estimated 19, P = 0.006), and furthermore associated with a mean CRP increase of 17 mg/L as compared to a mean decrease of 17 mg/L in all others (P = 0.036). In contrast, minor allele carriage of TNFRSF1B, rs1061622 is associated with beneficial response to IFX induction [OR 4.2 (1.2–18.2), P = 0.014], and with persistence of remission during maintenance therapy [OR 5.5 (1.5–25.5), P = 0.007]. Carriage of the minor allele of FASLG, rs76110 increased risk of severe infusion reactions [OR 4.0 (1.1–22.4), P = 0.041]; minor allele carriage of TNFRSF1B, rs652625 decreased the risk (OR estimated 0.2, P = 0.043 ).

Conclusions

The TNFRSF1B polymorphisms may contribute to predict efficacy of infliximab. Moreover, FASLG and TNFRSF1B polymorphisms may confer genetic susceptibility to severe infusion reactions. These findings could potentially aid clinical decisions if confirmed in larger studies.
First cytogenetic studies of the genus Heptapterus (Actinopterygii, Siluriformes): karyotype differentiation and review of cytogenetic data on the Heptapteridae family
Authors: Yano C. F. , Margarido V. P.
Published: August 2012

The Neotropical fish Heptapterus mustelinus, collected in the Pindorama stream of the upper Paraná River basin (Brazil), was studied cytogenetically, verifying 54 chromosomes (26m + 18m + 4st + 6a). This diploid number has not been reported among the Heptapteridae that have been studied to date. Unlike most species of the family, there were multiple Ag‐nucleolar organizer regions (NOR) and heterochromatin present in the centromeric region of most of the chromosomes of the complement, being Chromomycin A3 (CMA3+)/4′,6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI−) in nine chromosomal pairs, besides the one that coincides with the Ag‐NORs. The data presented in this work reveal a different path in the karyotypic evolution of H. mustelinus when compared to the others Heptapteridae genera.
The incomplete history of mitochondrial lineages between two rockfishes, Sebastes longispinis and Sebastes hubbsi (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae)
Authors: Kai Y. , Park K.‐D. , Nakabo T.
Published: August 2012

The genetic divergence between two closely related rockfishes, Sebastes longispinis and Sebastes hubbsi, was inferred from both mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence variations and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. The two species were placed into two distinct clades in a neighbour‐joining tree based on the AFLP data, clearly indicating that they represented separate species. Although this evidence, together with a previous morphological study, revealed clear differences between the two species, no obvious clustering of haplotypes by species was detected in the minimum spanning network inferred from sequence variations in the mtDNA control region (c. 500 base pairs). In fact, the significant ΦST estimates indicated only a restriction of gene flow between the two species. Uncorrected pairwise sequence differences in mtDNA between two species were small (1·8% at maximum, on the lower end of the range of control region divergence between previously studied sister species pairs), suggesting their speciation event as having been fairly recent. The incongruent results of AFLP and mtDNA phylogenies suggested incomplete lineage sorting and introgression of mtDNA in the course of the evolution of the two species. Differences in their main distributional ranges and the small level of sequence divergence in mtDNA suggests that speciation and dispersal may have been associated with glacio‐eustatic sea level fluctuations between the Japanese Archipelago and the Korean Peninsula during the past 0·4 million years.
Dietary preference and feeding selectivity of common dragonet Callionymus lyra in U.K.
Authors: Griffin R. , Pearce B. , Handy R. D.
Published: August 2012

The gut contents of 90 individuals of common dragonet Callionymus lyra were analysed, of which 76 contained prey, along with 100 corresponding benthic grab samples in order to assess the diet of C. lyra in relation to the availability of its prey in the environment. Forty‐five prey taxa were identified in the diet from 350 potential prey taxa identified in the environment. Calculation of the index of relative importance (IRI) found the main food components were crustaceans (%IRI = 86·3), mostly the porcelain crab Pisidia longicornis (%IRI = 43) and other decapods (%IRI = 18). Polychaetes played only a supplementary role in the overall diet (%IRI = 12·5). This study demonstrated that C. lyra is predominantly an opportunistic feeder that can modify its feeding behaviour to exploit alternative, more abundant prey.
Metabolic and cardiorespiratory responses of summer flounder Paralichthys dentatus to hypoxia at two temperatures
Authors: Capossela K. M. , Brill R. W. , Fabrizio M. C. , Bushnell P. G.
Published: August 2012

To quantify the tolerance of summer flounder Paralichthys dentatus to episodic hypoxia, resting metabolic rate, oxygen extraction, gill ventilation and heart rate were measured during acute progressive hypoxia at the fish's acclimation temperature (22° C) and after an acute temperature increase (to 30° C). Mean ±s.e. critical oxygen levels (i.e. the oxygen levels below which fish could not maintain aerobic metabolism) increased significantly from 27 ± 2% saturation (2·0 ± 0·1 mg O2 l−1) at 22° C to 39 ± 2% saturation (2·4 ± 0·1 mg O2 l−1) at 30° C. Gill ventilation and oxygen extraction changed immediately with the onset of hypoxia at both temperatures. The fractional increase in gill ventilation (from normoxia to the lowest oxygen level tested) was much larger at 22° C (6·4‐fold) than at 30° C (2·7‐fold). In contrast, the fractional decrease in oxygen extraction (from normoxia to the lowest oxygen levels tested) was similar at 22° C (1·7‐fold) and 30° C (1·5‐fold), and clearly smaller than the fractional changes in gill ventilation. In contrast to the almost immediate effects of hypoxia on respiration, bradycardia was not observed until 20 and 30% oxygen saturation at 22 and 30° C, respectively. Bradycardia was, therefore, not observed until below critical oxygen levels. The critical oxygen levels at both temperatures were near or immediately below the accepted 2·3 mg O2 l−1hypoxia threshold for survival, but the increase in the critical oxygen level at 30° C suggests a lower tolerance to hypoxia after an acute increase in temperature.
Overexpression of TRIM44 contributes to malignant outcome in gastric carcinoma
Authors: Kashimoto Kingo , Komatsu Shuhei , Ichikawa Daisuke , Arita Tomohiro , Konishi Hirotaka , Nagata Hiroaki , Takeshita Hiroki , Nishimura Yukihisa , Hirajima Shoji , Kawaguchi Tsutomu , Shiozaki Atsushi , Fujiwara Hitoshi , Okamoto Kazuma , Tsuda Hitoshi , Otsuji Eigo
Published: August 2012

Recent studies have shown that some members of the tripartite motif‐containing protein (TRIM) family, which is characterized by a conserved RING finger, B‐box, and coiled‐coil domains, function as important regulators for carcinogenesis. In this study, we tested whether TRIM44 (11p13) acts as a cancer‐promoting gene through overexpression in gastric cancer. We analyzed seven gastric cancer cell lines and 112 primary tumors, which were curatively resected in our hospital between 2001 and 2003. Expression of the TRIM44 protein was detected in gastric cancer cell lines (2/7 cell lines; 29%) and primary tumor samples of gastric cancer (29/112 cases; 25%). Knockdown of TRIM44 expression using several specific siRNAs inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of TRIM44‐overexpressing cells. Overexpression of the TRIM44 protein was significantly correlated with an advanced type of macroscopic appearance, lymphatic invasion, and higher recurrence rate. TRIM44‐overexpressing tumors had a worse overall rate of survival than those with non‐expressing tumors (P = 0.0038, log–rank test) in both intensity and proportion expression‐dependent manner. TRIM44 positivity was independently associated with worse outcome in multivariate analysis (P = 0.0233, hazard ratio 3.37 [1.18–9.64]). These findings suggest that TRIM44 plays a crucial role in tumor cell proliferation through its overexpression, and highlight its usefulness as a predictor and potential therapeutic target in gastric cancer.
Relationships between stream macroinvertebrates and environmental variables at multiple spatial scales
Authors: LI FENGQING , CHUNG NAMIL , BAE MI‐JUNG , KWON YONG‐SU , PARK YOUNG‐SEUK
Published: August 2012

1. Aquatic communities are structured by multiple forces, and identifying the driving factors over multispatial scales is an important research issue. The East Asian monsoon region is globally one of the richest environments in terms of biodiversity, and is undergoing rapid human development, yet the river ecosystems in this region have not been well studied. We applied a hierarchical framework to incorporate regional and local environmental effects on stream macroinvertebrate communities in this region. The knowledge gained is expected to improve the understanding of the importance of spatial scale on regional and local diversity in the East Asian monsoon region.

2. A national data set of benthic macroinvertebrates and environmental variables (geographical, land‐use, hydrological, substratum and physicochemical elements) in Korean rivers was used to determine the habitat preferences of macroinvertebrates.

3. Latitude, proportion of forest coverage, riffle habitat, silt substratum and temperature were the most important determinants for the ordinations of macroinvertebrate communities in each category evaluated by canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). The optimal habitats for stream macroinvertebrates are not the same for all species, and overall community metrics and abundance of sensitive species tended to be lower in open agricultural and urban streams than in forested streams. The sensitivity of mayflies and stoneflies to anthropogenic disturbances implicated them as good indicators to assess the effects of urban and agricultural activities.

4. A partial CCA was used to evaluate the relative importance of macrohabitat and microhabitat variables on community composition at three spatial scales (whole country, the large Han River basin and two small sub‐basins in the lowlands and highlands). The majority of community variation (17–22% for each environmental element) was explained by macrohabitat variables at the regional spatial scale. In contrast, large proportions (15–18%) were explained by microhabitat variables at the local spatial scale.

5. Our findings indicate that the relative importance of habitat scales should be determined by geographical size and that comprehensive understanding of multispatial scale patterns can be important for implementing sound biodiversity conservation programmes.
A qualitative study of young people's perspectives of living with type 1 diabetes: do perceptions vary by levels of metabolic control?
Authors: Scholes Cheryl , Mandleco Barbara , Roper Susanne , Dearing Karen , Dyches Tina , Freeborn Donna
Published: August 2012

Aim

To explore if young people with higher and lower levels of metabolic control of type 1 diabetes have different perceptions about their lives and illness.

Background

Adolescence through emerging adulthood is a developmental stage made more challenging when the person has type 1 diabetes. Little research has investigated if individuals with high and low levels of metabolic control in this age group perceive their disease differently.

Design

Qualitative descriptive.

Methods

In this study, 14 participants, ages 11–22 years were interviewed in 2008 about their perceptions of living with type 1 diabetes. Through a process of induction, major themes were identified.

Results/findings

Participants with high and low metabolic control levels reported similar themes related to reactions of others, knowledge about type 1 diabetes, and believed healthcare providers used authoritarian interactions. However, high metabolic control level participants believed type 1 diabetes would be cured; had negative initial responses to being diagnosed; rarely received parental support in managing their diabetes; and were negligent in self‐care activities. Participants with low metabolic control levels did not believe a cure was imminent or have negative responses to being diagnosed; received parental support in managing diabetes; and were diligent in self‐care activities.

Conclusion

Nurses should give information to young people with type 1 diabetes beyond initial diagnosis and help and support this age group learn appropriate ways to manage their disease, develop positive relationships with healthcare professionals, and participate in interactions with others their age successfully managing type 1 diabetes.
Transitory Activation of the Central and Ovarian Norepinephrine Systems During Cold Stress‐Induced Polycystic Ovary in Rats
Authors: Bernuci M. P. , Leite C. M. , Barros P. , Kalil B. , Leoni G. B. , Del Bianco‐Borges B. , Franci C. R. , Szawka R. E. , Lara H. E. , Anselmo‐Franci J. A.
Published: August 2012

Cold stress‐induced ovarian sympathetic activation is associated with the development of ovarian cysts in rats. Although we have hypothesised that polycystic ovary (PCO) features induced by cold stress, as prevented by lesion of the noradrenergic nucleus locus coeruleus (LC), were a result of the increased activity of the ovarian norepinephrine (NE) system, this was not evident after 8 weeks of stress. In the present study, we investigated the temporal changes in LC and ovarian NE activities and steroid secretion in rats exposed to single (SS) or repeated (RS) cold stress. SS and 4 week (4W)‐RS but not 8 week (8W)‐RS increased c‐Fos expression in the LC and ovarian NE release. Plasma oestradiol, testosterone and progesterone levels tended to increase in 4W‐RS and were elevated in 8W‐RS rats, which displayed PCO morphology. β‐adrenergic receptor agonist increased steroid hormone release from the ovary of unstressed (US) but not from 8W‐RS rats. To determine whether increased activity of noradrenergic system during the initial 4 weeks of RS would be sufficient to promote PCO, rats were exposed to 4 weeks of cold stress and kept in ambient temperature for the next 4 weeks (4W‐RS/4W‐US). Accordingly, PCO morphology, increased steroid secretion and decreased ovulation rate were found in 4W‐RS/4W‐US rats, strengthening the hypothesis that the initial increase in NE release triggers the development of PCO. The correlated activity of LC neurones and ovarian noradrenergic terminals and the induction of PCO in 4W‐RS/4W‐US rats provide functional evidence for a major role of NE in disrupting follicular development and causing the long‐lasting endocrine abnormalities found in stress‐induced PCO.
Colestyramine slows gastric emptying of liquids and reduces appetite in healthy subjects
Authors: Psichas A. , Little T. , Lal S. , McLaughlin J.
Published: August 2012

Background  There is evidence to suggest that the particulate resin colestyramine, a bile acid sequestrant formerly used as a cholesterol‐lowering agent, enhances secretion of the gut hormone cholecystokinin (CCK). Established physiological actions of CCK include inhibition of gastric emptying and induction of satiation. This study evaluated the hypothesis that colestyramine, which is luminally retained, would slow gastric emptying of liquids and suppress appetite in humans.

Methods  Nine healthy volunteers consumed 500 mL liquid test meals containing 4 g colestyramine, 12 g colestyramine, or control (water alone), on three occasions, in a randomized order. The effect of colestyramine on gastric emptying was determined non‐invasively using the 13C‐acetate breath test, and appetite and other gut‐centered sensations were rated using visual analog scale questionnaires.

Key Results  Colestyramine dose dependently slowed liquid gastric emptying compared with control (water) (4 g vs control, ∼20% reduction, P < 0.05; 12 g vs control, ∼35% reduction, P < 0.01). Colestyramine also significantly reduced hunger (4 g vs control, ∼20% reduction, P < 0.01), and the amount of food participants felt able to eat (12 g vs control, ∼32% reduction, P < 0.001), but increased bloating (both doses, P < 0.05), with no effect on ratings of nausea.

Conclusions & Inferences  This study provides the first evidence that colestyramine significantly slows liquid gastric emptying and reduces appetite in healthy humans. Colestyramine therefore presents an attractive gut‐brain signaling research tool in that it is not absorbed and thus lacks potentially confounding postabsorptive effects. Furthermore, with clear effects on gastric emptying and appetite, colestyramine now merits consideration as a trial therapeutic strategy for appetite suppression and weight loss.
High‐throughput two‐dimensional root system phenotyping platform facilitates genetic analysis of root growth and development
Authors: CLARK RANDY T. , FAMOSO ADAM N. , ZHAO KEYAN , SHAFF JON E. , CRAFT ERIC J. , BUSTAMANTE CARLOS D. , MCCOUCH SUSAN R. , ANESHANSLEY DANIEL J. , KOCHIAN LEON V.
Published: August 2012

High‐throughput phenotyping of root systems requires a combination of specialized techniques and adaptable plant growth, root imaging and software tools. A custom phenotyping platform was designed to capture images of whole root systems, and novel software tools were developed to process and analyse these images. The platform and its components are adaptable to a wide range root phenotyping studies using diverse growth systems (hydroponics, paper pouches, gel and soil) involving several plant species, including, but not limited to, rice, maize, sorghum, tomato and Arabidopsis. The RootReader2D software tool is free and publicly available and was designed with both user‐guided and automated features that increase flexibility and enhance efficiency when measuring root growth traits from specific roots or entire root systems during large‐scale phenotyping studies. To demonstrate the unique capabilities and high‐throughput capacity of this phenotyping platform for studying root systems, genome‐wide association studies on rice (Oryza sativa) and maize (Zea mays) root growth were performed and root traits related to aluminium (Al) tolerance were analysed on the parents of the maize nested association mapping (NAM) population.
Preventive therapy in children exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis: problems and solutions
Authors: Rutherford Merrin E. , Hill Philip C. , Triasih Rina , Sinfield Rebecca , van Crevel Reinout , Graham Stephen M.
Published: August 2012

Young children living with a tuberculosis patient are at high risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and disease. WHO guidelines promote active screening and isoniazid (INH) preventive therapy (PT) for such children under 5 years, yet this well‐established intervention is seldom used in endemic countries. We review the literature regarding barriers to implementation of PT and find that they are multifactorial, including difficulties in screening, poor adherence, fear of increasing INH resistance and poor acceptability among primary caregivers and healthcare workers. These barriers are largely resolvable, and proposed solutions such as the adoption of symptom‐based screening and shorter drug regimens are discussed. Integrated multicomponent and site‐specific solutions need to be developed and evaluated within a public health framework to overcome the policy–practice gap and provide functional PT programmes for children in endemic settings.
Defining retention and attrition in pre‐antiretroviral HIV care: proposals based on experience in Africa
Authors: Fox Matthew P. , Larson Bruce , Rosen Sydney
Published: August 2012

Objectif:  Proposer des définitions standard pratiques pour le report des rétentions dans les soins pré‐ART.

Méthode:  Définitions tablée sur trois stades: Stade 1, du test VIH‐positif à l’évaluation initiale de l’éligibilité pour l’ART; Stade 2, de l’évaluation initiale à l’éligibilité pour l’ART et Stade 3, de l’éligibilitéà l’initiation de l’ART. Pour chaque stade, les résultats négatifs comprennent le décès, les perdus de vue, ou le fait de ne pas être retenu.

Résultats:  Rétention dans le stade 1: la proportion de patients qui ont terminé l’évaluation initiale de l’éligibilité pour l’ART dans les 3 mois du dépistage du VIH, avec les reports des résultats de la cohorte à 3 et 12 mois après le dépistage du VIH. Les patients terminant le stade 1, éligibles pour l’ART, passent directement à l’étape 3. Rétention dans le stade 2: la proportion de patients qui soit terminent toutes les possibles réévaluations pour l’éligibilitéà l’ART dans les 6 mois du calendrier de visite standard du site, soit ont eu une évaluation endéans 1 an de la date du report et n’étaient pas admissibles pour l’ART à la dernière évaluation. La rétention devrait être rapportée à intervalles de 12 mois. Rétention dans le stade 3: Initiation de l’ART (i.e. ART administré) dans les 3 mois de l’éligibilité pour l’ART, avec des reports à 3 mois après l’éligibilité et avec des intervalles de 3 mois par la suite.

Conclusion:  Si la rétention pré‐ART doit être améliorée, une terminologie cohérente est nécessaire pour la collecte des données, la mesure et le report des résultats, et la comparaison des résultats entre les programmes et les pays. Les définitions que nous proposons offrent une stratégie pour améliorer la cohérence et la comparabilité des futurs rapports.