bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3′-End Labeling of RNA with [5′-32P]Cytidine 3′,5′-Bis(Phosphate) and T4 RNA Ligase 1
Authors: Nilsen Timothy W.
Published: April 2014

This protocol is used to radiolabel the 3′ ends of RNAs, either synthesized by in vitro transcription or purified from cells or tissues, by ligation of [5′-32P]cytidine 3′,5′-bis(phosphate) (pCp). [5′-32P]pCp can be obtained commercially or prepared in the laboratory using polynucleotide kinase to phosphorylate cytidine-3′-monophosphate (Cp) with [γ-32P]ATP. “Homemade” [5′-32P]pCp is considerably cheaper and has a higher final concentration than that obtained from commercial sources. The labeling protocol uses T4 RNA ligase 1, which covalently joins [5′-32P]pCp to the free 3′ hydroxyl of RNA. For best labeling, [5′-32P]pCp should be at least equimolar or higher to available 3′-hydroxyl ends. The reaction requires overnight incubation at low temperature. At the end of the procedure, the reaction is desalted by gel filtration to remove any unincorporated [5′-32P]pCp.
Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assays for RNA–Protein Complexes
Authors: Rio Donald C.
Published: April 2014

The electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), or gel mobility shift assay, is a popular and powerful technique for the detection of RNA–protein interactions. It relies on the fact that naked RNA has certain mobility on nondenaturing gels, but if the RNA is bound by protein, the mobility of the RNA is reduced. Therefore, the binding of protein results in a characteristic upward shift of the RNA on a gel, as monitored using radiolabeled RNA. For reasons that are not completely understood, most RNA–protein complexes—particularly those that result from high-affinity interactions—do not dissociate during the prolonged times required for electrophoretic separation. Because high-affinity interactions are more stable, it is often possible to identify specific interactions over a “background” of weak interactions. Accordingly, EMSAs can be performed using complex mixtures of proteins such as cell extracts. They can be used to investigate a wide range of RNA–protein interactions—from single protein-binding events to assembly of large complexes such as the spliceosome. EMSAs can also be useful for determining kinetic parameters (such as affinity constants) for RNA–protein interactions.
5′-End Labeling of RNA with [γ-32P]ATP and T4 Polynucleotide Kinase
Authors: Rio Donald C.
Published: April 2014

This protocol uses T4 polynucleotide kinase to catalyze the transfer of a radiolabeled, terminal (γ) phosphate of ATP to the 5′-hydroxyl terminus of a DNA or RNA molecule. The reaction is very efficient and hence is used as a general method for phosphorylating polynucleotides or oligonucleotides.
In Vivo Two-Photon Calcium Imaging in the Visual System
Authors: Ohki Kenichi , Reid R. Clay
Published: April 2014

Two-photon imaging of calcium-sensitive dyes in vivo has become a common tool used by neuroscientists, largely because of the development of bolus loading techniques, which can label every neuron in a local circuit with calcium-sensitive dye. Like multielectrode recordings, two-photon imaging paired with bolus loading provides a method for monitoring many neurons at once, but, in addition, it provides a means for determining the precise location of every neuron. Thus, it is an ideal method for studying the fine-scale functional architecture of the cortex and guiding the experimenter to individual neurons that can be targeted for further anatomical study. Two-photon calcium imaging enables study of the fine structure of functional maps in the visual cortex in cats and rodents. In mice, it can allow the characterization of specific cell types when paired with transgenic or retrograde labeling.
Patch-Clamp Recording of Voltage-Sensitive Ca2+ Channels
Authors: Gandini María A. , Sandoval Alejandro , Felix Ricardo
Published: April 2014

In this article, we focus on a refinement of the traditional voltage-clamp methods that are used to measure current from whole cells, or relatively large areas of membrane, called the patch-clamp technique. Although this technique has extended the application of voltage-clamp methods to the recording of ionic currents flowing through single channels, in its whole-cell configuration it has become the most widely used method for recording ionic currents. We give particular attention to the study of voltage-gated (CaV) Ca2+ channels using the patch-clamp technique and discuss some aspects of the molecular physiology of these proteins.
Cross-Species Analysis of Mouse and Human Cancer Genomes
Authors: Robles-Espinoza Carla Daniela , Adams David J.
Published: April 2014

Fundamental advances in our understanding of the human cancer genome have been made over the last five years, driven largely by the development of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies. Here we will discuss the tools and technologies that have been used to profile human tumors, how they may be applied to the analysis of the mouse cancer genome, and the results thus far. In addition to mutations that disrupt cancer genes, NGS is also being applied to the analysis of the transcriptome of cancers, and, through the use of techniques such as ChIP-Seq, the protein–DNA landscape is also being revealed. Gaining a comprehensive picture of the mouse cancer genome, at the DNA level and through the analysis of the transcriptome and regulatory landscape, will allow us to “biofilter” for driver genes in more complex human cancers and represents a critical test to determine which mouse cancer models are faithful genetic surrogates of the human disease.
Secreted Fungal Effector Lipase Releases Free Fatty Acids to Inhibit Innate Immunity-Related Callose Formation during Wheat Head Infection
Authors: Blümke Antje , Falter Christian , Herrfurth Cornelia , Sode Björn , Bode Rainer , Schäfer Wilhelm , Feussner Ivo , Voigt Christian A.
Published: April 2014

The deposition of the (1,3)-β-glucan cell wall polymer callose at sites of attempted penetration is a common plant defense response to intruding pathogens and part of the plant’s innate immunity. Infection of the Fusarium graminearum disruption mutant Ɗfgl1, which lacks the effector lipase FGL1, is restricted to inoculated wheat (Triticum aestivum) spikelets, whereas the wild-type strain colonized the whole wheat spike. Our studies here were aimed at analyzing the role of FGL1 in establishing full F. graminearum virulence. Confocal laser-scanning microscopy revealed that the Ɗfgl1 mutant strongly induced the deposition of spot-like callose patches in vascular bundles of directly inoculated spikelets, while these callose deposits were not observed in infections by the wild type. Elevated concentrations of the polyunsaturated free fatty acids (FFAs) linoleic and α-linolenic acid, which we detected in F. graminearum wild type-infected wheat spike tissue compared with Ɗfgl1-infected tissue, provided clear evidence for a suggested function of FGL1 in suppressing callose biosynthesis. These FFAs not only inhibited plant callose biosynthesis in vitro and in planta but also partially restored virulence to the Ɗfgl1 mutant when applied during infection of wheat spikelets. Additional FFA analysis confirmed that the purified effector lipase FGL1 was sufficient to release linoleic and α-linolenic acids from wheat spike tissue. We concluded that these two FFAs have a major function in the suppression of the innate immunity-related callose biosynthesis and, hence, the progress of F. graminearum wheat infection.
Poly[(μ4-decanedioato)cobalt(II)]
Authors: Giuseppe Bruno , Francesco Nicolò , Giovanni Grassi , Alessandro Saccà , Mollica Nardo Viviana
Published: April 2014

In the title compound, [Co(C10H16O4)]n, the CoIIatom is bonded in a slightly distorted tetrahedral environment by four O atoms from the bridging sebacate dications, comprising two separate half-ligands which lie across crystallographic inversion centres. In the three-dimensional network coordination polymer, there are two different spatial extensions of CoIIatoms, one with the CoIIatoms lying parallel to (100) [Co...Co = 4.653 (1) Å], the other lying parallel to (010) [Co...Co = 4.764 (1) Å].
Bis[2,6-bis(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine]decakis(μ2-3-nitrobenzoato)bis(3-nitrobenzoato)tetradysprosium(III): a linear tetranuclear dysprosium compound based on mixed N- and O-donor ligands
Authors: Hua Rong , Wu Xiao-Liu , Li Jin-Ying
Published: April 2014

The title compound, [Dy4(C7H4NO4)12(C11H9N5)2] or Dy4(L1)12(L2)2, where HL1 = 3-nitrobenzoic acid and HL2 = 2,6-bis(1H-pyrazol-1-y1)pyridine, is a linear tetranuclear complex possessing inversion symmetry. The two central inversion-related DyIIIatoms are seven-coordinate, DyO7, with a monocapped triangular-prismatic geometry. The outer two DyIIIatoms are eight-coordinate, DyO5N3, with a bicapped triangular-prismatic geometry. The outer adjacent DyIIIatoms are bridged by threeL1−carboxylate groups, while the inner inversion-related DyIIIatoms are bridged by fourL1−carboxylate groups. TheL2 ligands are terminally coordinated to the outer DyIIIatoms in a tridentate manner. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaC—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a two-dimensional network parallel to (001). Two carboxylate O atoms, and N and O atoms of three nitro groups, are disordered over two positions, with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.552 (6):0.448 (6).
Fitting occupancy models with E‐SURGE: hidden Markov modelling of presence–absence data
Authors: Gimenez Olivier , Blanc Laetitia , Besnard Aurélien , Pradel Roger , Doherty Paul F. , Marboutin Eric , Choquet Rémi
Published: April 2014

Occupancy – the proportion of area occupied by a species – is a key notion for addressing important questions in ecology, biogeography and conservation biology. Occupancy models allow estimating and inferring about species occurrence while accounting for false absences (or imperfect species detection).

Occupancy models can be formulated as hidden Markov models (HMM) in which the state process captures the Markovian dynamic of the actual but latent states, while the observation process consists of observations that are made from these underlying states.

We show how occupancy models can be implemented in program E‐SURGE, which was initially developed to analyse capture–recapture data in the HMM framework. Replacing individuals by sites provides the user with access to several features of E‐SURGE that are not available altogether or just not available in standard occupancy software: i) flexible model specification through a user‐friendly syntax without having to write custom code, ii) decomposition of the observation and state processes in several steps to provide flexible parameterisation, iii) up‐to‐date diagnostics of model identifiability, and iv) advanced numerical algorithms to produce fast and reliable results (including site random effects).

To illustrate E‐SURGE features, we provide implementation and analysis details for several occupancy models. We also provide simulated and real‐world examples as well as further specifications and information in a companion wiki platform http://occupancyinesurge.wikidot.com/.
Third Trimester‐Equivalent Ethanol Exposure Does Not Alter Complex Spikes and Climbing Fiber Long‐Term Depression in Cerebellar Purkinje Neurons from Juvenile Rats
Authors: Zamudio‐Bulcock Paula A. , Morton Russell A. , Valenzuela C. Fernando
Published: April 2014

Background

Studies indicate that exposure to ethanol (EtOH) during fetal development damages cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs). PC proximal dendrites receive glutamatergic input from climbing fibers (CFs) originating at the inferior olive. CF input produces a characteristic response in PCs known as the complex spike (CS). During the first 2 weeks of life in rodents (equivalent to the human third trimester of pregnancy), CF–PC synapses undergo profound refinement. Here, we characterized the impact of EtOH exposure during this period on CF‐evoked responses in PCs.

Methods

Using vapor chambers, neonatal rat pups and their mothers were exposed to air or EtOH for 4 h/d between postnatal day 2 (P2) and P12 (pup serum EtOH concentration, 0.16 g/dl). The function of CF–PC synapses was characterized using patch‐clamp electrophysiological techniques in acute slices from the cerebellar vermis. Experiments were performed soon after EtOH withdrawal, when perisomatic CFs are still being eliminated (P15 to P17), and after weaning when CF dendritic translocation is almost complete (P21 to P34).

Results

Neither the baseline characteristics of the CS (Na+ spike amplitude, area, coastline index, and afterhyperpolarization [AHP] amplitude) nor the type‐1 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1)‐mediated component of both the CS and AHP were significantly affected by EtOH exposure at P15 to P17 or P21 to P34. The mGluR1‐dependent long‐term depression (LTD) of CF‐evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents was not significantly affected by EtOH exposure at P21 to P34.

Conclusions

EtOH exposure during the third trimester equivalent neither affected basal characteristics of the CS nor CF‐LTD at rat cerebellar PCs from juvenile rats.
Interactions between HIV‐1 and Mucosal Cells in the Female Reproductive Tract
Authors: Shen Ruizhong , Richter Holly E. , Smith Phillip D.
Published: April 2014

Worldwide, the heterosexual route is the prevalent mode of HIV‐1 transmission, and the female reproductive tract accounts for approximately 40% of all HIV‐1 transmissions. HIV‐1 infection in the female reproductive tract involves three major events: entry through the mucosal epithelium, productive infection in subepithelial mononuclear cells, and delivery to lymph nodes to initiate systemic infection. Here, we provide a focused review of the interaction between HIV‐1 and mucosal epithelial cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells in female genital mucosa. Increased understanding of these interactions could illuminate new approaches for interdicting HIV‐1 heterosexual transmission.
To blow or not to blow the whistle: the effects of potential harm, social pressure and organisational commitment on whistleblowing intention and behaviour
Authors: Chen Ching‐Pu , Lai Chih‐Tsung
Published: April 2014

This study uses a rational ethical decision‐making framework to examine the influence of moral intensity (potential harm and social pressure) on whistleblowing intention and behaviour using organisational commitment as a moderator. A scenario was developed, and an online questionnaire was used to conduct an empirical analysis on the responses of 533 participants. The mean age and years of work experience of the respondents were 31 and 8.2 years, respectively. The results show, first, that while moral intensity is correlated with whistleblowing intention, only the potential harm is positively correlated with such intention. Second, potential harm and social pressure differentially affect whistleblower choice of using an internal or external channel. Third, organisational commitment has a moderated mediation effect among moral intensity, whistleblowing intention and behaviour. Fourth, whistleblowers may be grouped into four conceptual types: indifferent, rebel, mature and spoil. Finally, theoretical and managerial implications of the findings are discussed.
How to Solve Problems with Crowds: A Computer‐Based Simulation Model
Authors: Vuculescu Oana , Bergenholtz Carsten
Published: April 2014

Organizations rely on crowds for a variety of reasons, e.g. in order to evaluate (Amazon), create content (Threadless) but also to solve given problems (InnoCentive and OpenIDEO). Several studies have examined how to organize problem‐solving activities. However, most papers have examined the crowdsourcing process using a partial perspective and a wide‐ranging outlook has been missing. This study uses a computer‐based simulation model and anecdotal case studies of InnoCentive and OpenIDEO, in order to study the underlying drivers of collective problem solving behavior. Results suggest that dynamics between the number of users, number of iterations and different selection mechanisms impact the ability to find an optimal solution to the given problem.
Agricultural Policies and Structural Change in French Dairy Farms: A Nonstationary Markov Model
Authors: Ben Arfa Nejla , Daniel Karine , Jacquet Florence , Karantininis Kostas
Published: April 2014

The aim of this paper is to gain an understanding into how agricultural policies have affected structural change in the French dairy sector. A nonstationary Markov model is estimated using a Generalized Cross Entropy approach. Results show that while the price of cow's milk encourages farm growth, direct payments and quota restriction favor small farms. The price signal is a key factor of structural change. As a result, higher milk prices may accelerate the trend toward the further growth of dairy farms. Settlement policy and technical change seem not to slow this trend.
Using Facebook to deliver a social norm intervention to reduce problem drinking at university
Authors: Ridout Brad , Campbell Andrew
Published: April 2014

Introduction and Aims

University students usually overestimate peer alcohol use, resulting in them ‘drinking up’ to perceived norms. Social norms theory suggests correcting these inflated perceptions can reduce alcohol consumption. Recent findings by the current authors show portraying oneself as ‘a drinker’ is considered by many students to be a socially desirable component of their Facebook identity, perpetuating an online culture that normalises binge drinking. However, social networking sites have yet to be utilised in social norms interventions.

Design and Methods

Actual and perceived descriptive and injunctive drinking norms were collected from 244 university students. Ninety‐five students screened positive for hazardous drinking and were randomly allocated to a control group or intervention group that received social norms feedback via personalised Facebook private messages over three sessions.

Results

At 1 month post‐intervention, the quantity and frequency of alcohol consumed by intervention group during the previous month had significantly reduced compared with baseline and controls. Reductions were maintained 3 months post‐intervention. Intervention group perceived drinking norms were significantly more accurate post‐intervention.

Discussion and Conclusions

This is the first study to test the feasibility of using Facebook to deliver social norms interventions. Correcting misperceptions of peer drinking norms resulted in clinically significant reductions in alcohol use. Facebook has many advantages over traditional social norms delivery, providing an innovative method for tackling problem drinking at university. These results have implications for the use of Facebook to deliver positive messages about safe alcohol use to students, which may counter the negative messages regarding alcohol normally seen on Facebook. [Ridout B, Campbell A. Using Facebook to deliver a social norm intervention to reduce problem drinking at university. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014;33:667–73]
A switch from inter‐ocular to inter‐hemispheric suppression following monocular deprivation in the rat visual cortex
Authors: Pietrasanta Marta , Restani Laura , Cerri Chiara , Olcese Umberto , Medini Paolo , Caleo Matteo
Published: April 2014

Binocularity is a key property of primary visual cortex (V1) neurons that is widely used to study synaptic integration in the brain and plastic mechanisms following an altered visual experience. However, it is not clear how the inputs from the two eyes converge onto binocular neurons, and how their interaction is modified by an unbalanced visual drive. Here, using visual evoked potentials recorded in the juvenile rat V1, we report evidence for a suppressive mechanism by which contralateral eye activity inhibits responses from the ipsilateral eye. Accordingly, we found a lack of additivity of the responses evoked independently by the two eyes in the V1, and acute silencing of the contralateral eye resulted in the enhancement of ipsilateral eye responses in cortical neurons. We reverted the relative cortical strength of the two eyes by suturing the contralateral eye shut [monocular deprivation (MD)]. After 7 days of MD, there was a loss of interocular suppression mediated by the contralateral, deprived eye, and weak inputs from the closed eye were functionally inhibited by interhemispheric callosal pathways. We conclude that interocular suppressive mechanisms play a crucial role in shaping normal binocularity in visual cortical neurons, and a switch from interocular to interhemispheric suppression represents a key step in the ocular dominance changes induced by MD. These data have important implications for a deeper understanding of the key mechanisms that underlie activity‐dependent rearrangements of cortical circuits following alteration of sensory experience.
Life‐history syndromes: Integrating dispersal through space and time
Authors: Buoro Mathieu , Carlson Stephanie M.
Published: April 2014

Recent research has highlighted interdependencies between dispersal and other life‐history traits, i.e. dispersal syndromes, thereby revealing constraints on the evolution of dispersal and opportunities for improved ability to predict dispersal by considering suites of dispersal‐related traits. This review adds to the growing list of life‐history traits linked to spatial dispersal by emphasising the interdependence between dispersal through space and time, i.e. life‐history diversity that distributes individuals into separate reproductive events. We reviewed the literature that has simultaneously investigated spatial and temporal dispersal to examine the prediction that traits of these two dispersal strategies are negatively correlated. Our results suggest that negative covariation is widely anticipated from theory. Empirical studies often reported evidence of weak negative covariation, although more complicated patterns were also evident, including across levels of biological organisation. Existing literature has largely focused on plants with dormancy capability, one or two phases of the dispersal process (emigration and/or transfer) and a single level of biological organisation (theory: individual; empirical: species). We highlight patterns of covariation across levels of organisation and conclude with a discussion of the consequences of dispersal through space and time and future research areas that should improve our understanding of dispersal‐related life‐history syndromes.
Cardiac microvascular rarefaction in hyperthyroid rats is reversed by losartan, diltiazem, and propranolol
Authors: Freitas Felipe , Estato Vanessa , Lessa Marcos A. , Tibiriçá Eduardo
Published: April 2014

Cardiac microvascular rarefaction appears to be involved in hyperthyroidism‐induced left ventricular hypertrophy and dysfunction. We investigated the effects of losartan, an AT1 receptor antagonist; diltiazem, a calcium channel blocker; and propranolol, a β‐adrenergic receptor antagonist, on cardiac function and structural microcirculatory cardiac alterations in an experimental model of l‐thyroxin‐induced hyperthyroidism in rats. Hyperthyroidism (HYPER) was induced by intraperitoneal injections of l‐thyroxin for 35 days (600 μg/kg/day; n = 32). The euthyroid group was treated with distilled water (EUT + VEH; n = 8). On the 14th day, the HYPER group was divided into four groups that received an oral treatment for 21 days with saline (HYPER + VEH; n = 8), losartan (10 mg/kg/day; HYPER + LOS, n = 8), diltiazem (10 mg/kg/day; HYPER + DILT, n = 8), or propranolol (10 mg/kg/day; HYPER + PROP, n = 8). An echocardiographic study was performed at baseline, at the beginning and at the end of the pharmacological treatment protocol (35th day). The structural capillary density in the left ventricle (LV) was analyzed using histochemical analysis with fluorescein isothiocyanate‐conjugated Griffonia simplicifolia lectin. HYPER + VEH (182 ± 5 mmHg; P < 0.001) presented higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) compared with EUT + VEH (132 ± 3 mmHg). HYPER + LOS (144 ± 2 mmHg), HYPER + DILT (147 ± 3 mmHg) and HYPER + PROP (153 ± 4 mmHg) presented lower SBP compared with HYPER + VEH (P < 0.001). Chronic treatment with losartan, diltiazem, and propranolol reversed cardiac structural microvascular rarefaction (HYPER + VEH 0.16 ± 0.01; EUT + VEH 0.35 ± 0.02; HYPER + LOS 0.46 ± 0.03; HYPER + DILT 0.49 ± 0.02; HYPER + PROP 0.58 ± 0.04 (Vv[cap]/Vv[fib]); P < 0.001) and enhanced the LV ejection fraction of hyperthyroid rats (HYPER + VEH 71 ± 3; EUT + VEH 85 ± 2; HYPER + LOS 90 ± 3; HYPER + DILT 85 ± 3; HYPER + PROP 86 ± 2%; P < 0.05). In conclusion, chronic treatment with losartan, diltiazem, and propranolol improved the cardiac microcirculation and function in an experimental model of hyperthyroidism in rats.
Use of select dietary supplements among individuals with diabetes or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
Authors: Owen‐Smith Ashli A , Rand Cynthia , Smith David H , Tom Jeffrey O , Laws Reesa , Waterbury Amy , Vollmer William M
Published: April 2014

Background

Prior research on the use of dietary supplements (DSs) has examined the characteristics of users compared to non‐users; however, most studies have generally surveyed healthy populations and have not asked whether users discuss their DS intake with their healthcare providers.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to characterise the use of select DSs among individuals with chronic disease, and to assess the degree to which they discussed DS use with their healthcare provider.

Methods

A telephone survey was administered to a subset of individuals who were subsequently randomised into a larger clinical trial. Participants were asked about the frequency and types of DS used, with electronic medical records used to capture clinical characteristics. Participants were aged ≥40 years and had diabetes mellitus or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Results

Among the 833 survey respondents, 56.3% of respondents reported daily DS use. Daily DS users were more likely to be older, female, have lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and better medication adherence. The most commonly used supplements were multivitamins, omega 3 supplements and vitamin D. Approximately one‐third of users reported that they had not discussed DS use with their healthcare provider.

Conclusions

Given the high prevalence of DS use in this population, it is critical that healthcare providers discuss DS use with their patients so that the safety and health of these patients are not compromised.
An Hypothesis: The Dramatic Decline in Heart Attacks in the United States is Temporally Related to the Decline in Duodenal Ulcer Disease and Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Hughes William S.
Published: April 2014

Background

Studies of autopsies of military members dying in three US wars indicate that the prevalence of atherosclerosis in successive cohorts of healthy young men and women has dramatically decreased over the past half century.

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare the decline in the prevalence of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction with previously published studies on the decline in the prevalence of duodenal ulcer.

Methods

A plot of the prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis and the prevalence of myocardial infarction in three cohorts of young men and women born from 1930 to 1980 was constructed.

Results

The figure shows a marked decline in prevalence in atherosclerosis beginning in a military cohort born around 1930 and a similar marked decline in prevalence of myocardial infarction in the US population beginning in 1970. In published studies duodenal ulcer began to decline in prevalence in 1960. As duodenal ulcers began to occur at age 30 and myocardial infarctions began to occur at age 40 at the time of peak prevalence, the cohort born in 1930 was the first to experience a decline in prevalence of both duodenal ulcer and heart attacks.

Conclusion

The study shows that the decline in heart attacks is temporally related to the decline in duodenal ulcer and by inference, Helicobacter pylori infection.
Evaluation of a new grading system for laryngeal squamous intraepithelial lesions—a proposed unified classification
Authors: Gale Nina , Blagus Rok , El‐Mofty Samir K , Helliwell Tim , Prasad Manju L , Sandison Ann , Volavšek Metka , Wenig Bruce M , Zidar Nina , Cardesa Antonio
Published: April 2014

Aims

To verify the applicability, reproducibility and predictive value of a proposed unified classification (amended Ljubljana classification) for laryngeal squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs).

Methods and results

Six internationally recognized experts and three pathologists from Ljubljana contributed to this study by evaluating a set of laryngeal SILs using the new system: low‐grade SIL, high‐grade SIL, and carcinoma in situ (CIS). The overall agreement among reviewers was good. Overall unweighted and weighted κ‐values and 95% confidence intervals were 0.75 (0.65–0.84) and 0.80 (0.71–0.87), respectively. The results were stratified between the international reviewers and the Ljubljana pathologists. The former had good overall agreement, and the latter had very good agreement. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed a significant difference (P < 0.0001) between patients with low‐grade and high‐grade SILs; 19 of 1204 patients with low‐grade SILs and 30 of 240 patients with high‐grade SILs progressed to malignancy in 2–15 years and in 2–26 years, respectively.

Conclusions

The proposed modification to the Ljubljana classification provides clear morphological criteria for defining the prognostic groups. The criteria facilitate better interobserver agreement than previous systems, and the retrospective follow‐up study demonstrates a highly significant difference in the risk of malignant progression between low‐grade and high‐grade SILs.
Shock, awe and continuity: Mrs Thatcher's legacy for the public sector
Authors: Coffey Dan , Thornley Carole
Published: April 2014

This article makes the case for a nuanced and historically informed analysis of Mrs Thatcher's legacy for the public sector, which distinguishes between shocks and continuities, and gives due weight to particular political economic features of the British state. We conclude with an assessment of the material and ideological legacy.
SmFeAsO Superconductor with Preferred Crystallographic Orientation and Enhanced Critical Current Density
Authors: Anooja Jayakumari B. , Aswathy Pillai M. , Varghese Neson , Aloysius Rajappan P. , Syamaprasad Upendran
Published: April 2014

The effect of combined substitution of Sm3+ and O2− with Ca2+ and F−, respectively, on the structural and superconducting properties of SmFeAsO system is investigated. It is observed that the binary doping using CaF2 causes considerable structural as well as microstructural changes wherein the preferred orientation of (00 l) planes and enhancement of grain size are quite interesting. Moreover, a maximum TC of 53.8 K and a transport JC of 880 A/cm2 (12 K) are achieved in the codoped samples. The achievement of preferred orientation, enhanced TC, and the subsequent increase in JC of the modified SmFeAsO system are particularly significant for high current conductor development.
A Modular Concept of Crystal Structure Applied to the Thermal Transformation of α‐C2SH
Authors: Garbev Krassimir , Gasharova Biliana , Stemmermann Peter
Published: April 2014

A single crystal of α‐Ca2[HSiO4](OH) (α‐C2SH) was repeatedly imaged at room temperature with synchrotron mid‐infrared microscopy after heating to 310°C, 340°C, 370°C, and 400°C respectively. The mechanisms of the observed phase transformations are discussed on the basis of a modular concept of the crystal structures. All images show domains of dellaite, Ca6[Si2O7][SiO4](OH)2, which are predominantly formed in the core of the crystal. In the crystal rim area α‐C2SH persists in higher abundance. The mechanism of the phase transformation of α‐C2SH into dellaite includes the following: (1) Partial formation of killalaite (Ca3[HSi2O7](OH)) as nuclei according to the isochemical reaction 2Ca2[HSiO4](OH) → Ca3[HSi2O7](OH) + Ca(OH)2 probably induced by anisotropic thermal expansion, local chemical fluctuations, structural (proton) disorder, and different bond strengths of the OH groups in the α‐C2SH structure. (2) Further dehydration of killalaite and α‐C2SH domains results in the formation of dellaite according to Ca3[HSi2O7](OH) + Ca(OH)2 + Ca2[HSiO4](OH) – 2H2O → Ca6[Si2O7][SiO4](OH)2. The results suggest that the polymerization of two isolated [HSiO4] tetrahedra takes place without dehydration according to reaction (1) rather than through condensation with simultaneous H2O release: 2[HSiO4] → [Si2O7] + H2O. We suggest that reaction (1) cannot be completed at ambient pressure. Thus in the regions close to the rim of the crystals we expect the formation of x‐C2S, which starts along the crystal edges according to Ca2[HSiO4](OH) → Ca2SiO4 + H2O. Based on a modular concept, a structural relationship between α‐C2SH, killalaite, dellaite, and x‐C2S has been established. Similarities and differences in the thermal behavior of α‐C2SH and afwillite have been highlighted.
Simultaneous Enhancement of Fracture Toughness and Unipolar Strain inPb(Zr,Ti)O3‐ZrO2Composites Through Composition Adjustment
Authors: Seo Yo‐Han , Koruza Jurij , Benčan Andreja , Malič Barbara , Rödel Jürgen , Webber Kyle G.
Published: April 2014

The influence of second phase zirconia particles on the electrical properties and fracture behavior of various polycrystalline softPb(Zr1−xTix)O3(PZT) compositions was investigated.PZTcomposites with yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia particles exhibited enhanced crack resistance in comparison to monolithic compositions, regardless of thePZTcomposition. The addition of zirconia, however, was found to change thePZTcomposition through the diffusion of zirconium, resulting in variations in the observed piezoelectric and ferroelectric responses. Through the tailoring of thePZTmatrix composition, the large electromechanical response and enhanced fracture toughness could be retained. The variation in both small and large signal properties is contrasted to fracture results and crystal structure changes, as determined byX‐ray diffraction.
Morphological variability of the shape of striped red mullet Mullus surmuletus in relation to stock discrimination between the Bay of Biscay and the eastern English Channel
Authors: Mahe K. , Villanueva M. C. , Vaz S. , Coppin F. , Koubbi P. , Carpentier A.
Published: April 2014

Truss analysis and length measurements were made on 168 striped red mullet Mullus surmuletus. Multivariate statistical analyses with principal component analysis and partial redundancy analysis (pRDA) were used on these measurements to evaluate the influence of maturity, sex and geographical area distribution on body shape. Truss measurements were important to quantify and discriminate changing body shape, presumably due to changing environmental conditions. Sexual dimorphism was not observed and juveniles could be distinguished from adults based on their body shape. More importantly, M. surmuletus occurring in different geographical areas could be differentiated using this method. Based on pRDA, a significant difference of head morphological dimensions was observed between populations occurring in the eastern English Channel and those occurring in the Bay of Biscay, suggesting that fish from these areas could represent two subpopulations.
Changes in blood profile in sheep receiving raw garlic, garlic oil or monensin
Authors: Anassori E. , Dalir‐Naghadeh B. , Pirmohammadi R. , Hadian M.
Published: April 2014

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementing a basal diet (CTR) with raw garlic (GAR) or garlic oil (GAO) on blood profile in sheep. Monensin (MON, 33 mg/kg DM) was used as positive control. Four ruminally fistulated rams were used in three experiments each arranged in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with 28‐day periods. Experiments 1 and 2 differed in the dose of GAR (75 vs. 100 g/kg DM) and GAO (500 vs. 750 mg/kg DM), while experiment 3 was designed to compare the two doses of each additive (GAR and GAO). The animals were fed a basal diet as TMR consisting of 77.83% forage (alfalfa hay and corn silage) and 22.17% concentrate, providing 10.50 MJ/kg DM (metabolizable energy) and 16.5% crude protein to cover maintenance energy and protein requirements. Supplementation of monensin decreased (P < 0.05) β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations in the blood compared with other treatments. There was no significant effect of additives on serum concentration of glucose, total triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Although the serum insulin concentration was elevated in sheep receiving MON and GAO (P < 0.01), no change was observed in blood glucose concentration. No significant effect of GAO and GAR was observed in key energy and protein‐related blood metabolites. However, administration of monensin had a positive influence on energy indices. In conclusion, whereas parameters characterizing the energy balance did not show a significant effect of GAR supplementation, a higher insulin concentration in GAO‐treated animals was observed.
Does the niche breadth or trade‐off hypothesis explain the abundance–occupancy relationship in avian Haemosporidia?
Authors: Drovetski Sergei V. , Aghayan Sargis A. , Mata Vanessa A. , Lopes Ricardo J. , Mode Nicolle A. , Harvey Johanna A. , Voelker Gary
Published: April 2014

Two hypotheses have been proposed to explain the abundance–occupancy relationship (AOR) in parasites. The niche breadth hypothesis suggests that host generalists are more abundant and efficient at colonizing different host communities than specialists. The trade‐off hypothesis argues that host specialists achieve high density across their hosts' ranges, whereas generalists incur the high cost of adaptation to diverse immuno‐defence systems. We tested these hypotheses using 386 haemosporidian cytochrome‐b lineages (1894 sequences) recovered from 2318 birds of 103 species sampled in NW Africa, NW Iberia, W Greater Caucasus and Transcaucasia. The number of regions occupied by lineages was associated with their frequency suggesting the presence of AOR in avian Haemosporidia. However, neither hypothesis provided a better explanation for the AOR. Although the host generalist Plasmodium SGS1 was over three times more abundant than other widespread lineages, both host specialists and generalists were successful in colonizing all study regions and achieved high overall prevalence.
Variation in tropical bird survival across longitude and guilds: a case study from the Amazon
Authors: Wolfe Jared D. , Stouffer Philip C. , Seeholzer Glenn F.
Published: April 2014

Survival estimates of tropical birds have been used to examine life‐history variation across latitudes and dietary guilds. Here, we provide apparent survival estimates of 31 rainforest species from central Amazonian Brazil and compare our results with estimates from Ecuador, Peru (western Amazonia) and French Guiana (eastern Amazonia) to examine geographic variation in demography. Our averaged annual survival estimate for central Amazonian species (ϕ= 0.59, SE = 0.10) was concordant with previously published estimates from the western Amazon (ϕ= 0.58, SE = 0.02), and eastern Amazon (ϕ= 0.63, SE = 0.06). Two predominate demographic patterns were detected across the study areas: within species, survival was highest or lowest in eastern or western Amazonia, but rarely in central Amazonia. The most striking demographic variation was exhibited by Pithys albifrons, for which apparent survival estimates were nearly twice as high in eastern Amazonia (ϕ= 0.80, SE = 0.06) than in western Amazonia (ϕ= 0.42, SE = 0.06) but intermediate in central Amazonia (ϕ= 0.54, SE = 0.04). Although variation in survival may be associated with differences in life history characteristics, our analysis of flocking guild, body size, and nest architecture revealed only moderate differences in survival associated with nest architecture. These results suggest that geographic variation in population processes may be significant for widespread Amazonian species.
Allocation tradeoffs and life histories: a conceptual and graphical framework
Authors: Saeki Yoriko , Tuda Midori , Crowley Philip H.
Published: April 2014

Tradeoffs – negative reciprocal causal relationships in net benefits between trait magnitudes – have not always been studied in depth appropriate to their central role in life‐history analysis. Here we focus on allocation tradeoffs, in which acquisition of a limiting resource requires allocation of resource to alternative traits. We identify the components of this allocation process and emphasize the importance of quantifying them. We then propose categorizing allocation tradeoffs into linear, concave and convex relationships based on the way that resource allocation yields trait magnitudes under the tradeoff. Linear relationships are over‐represented in the literature because of typically small data sets over restricted ranges of trait magnitudes, an emphasis on simple correlation analysis, and a failure to remove variation associated with acquisition of the limiting resource in characterizing the tradeoff. (We provide methods for controlling these acquisition effects.) Non‐linear relationships have been documented and are expected under plausible conditions that we summarize. We note ways that shifting environments and biological features yield plasticity of tradeoff graphs. Finally, we illustrate these points using case studies and close with priorities for future work.
Parasite abundance contributes to condition‐dependent dispersal in a wild population of large herbivore
Authors: Debeffe Lucie , Morellet Nicolas , Verheyden‐Tixier Hélène , Hoste Hervé , Gaillard Jean‐Michel , Cargnelutti Bruno , Picot Denis , Sevila Julie , Hewison A. J. Mark
Published: April 2014

Parasite abundance has been shown to have major consequences for host fitness components such as survival and reproduction. However, although natal dispersal is a key life history trait, whether an individual's decision to disperse or not is influenced by the abundance of parasites it carries remains mostly unknown. Current and opposing hypotheses suggest that infected individuals should either be philopatric to avoid the energetic costs of dispersal (condition dependence) or disperse to escape from heavily parasitised habitats. From intensive monitoring of a roe deer population inhabiting a multi‐use and spatially heterogeneous agricultural landscape, we evaluated the link between an individual's parasite abundance and its propensity to disperse, while accounting for confounding effects of body mass. Dispersal propensity generally decreased with both increasing nematode abundance and with decreasing body mass. Within the dispersing segment of the population, individuals with high nematode abundance left their natal home range later in the season than less parasitised deer. These results clearly show that parasite abundance is an important component of condition‐dependent dispersal in large herbivores. However, unexpectedly, three individuals that were both heavily parasitised and of low body mass dispersed. We suggest that this ‘leave it’ response to high parasite levels in the natal habitat could represent a last ditch attempt to improve reproductive prospects, constituting a form of emergency life history strategy.
Linking Spokes Together: The Philippines' Gambit of Harnessing the United States' Alliances in its External Balancing Policy against an Emergent China
Authors: De Castro Renato Cruz
Published: April 2014

This article examines the Philippines' strategy of external balancing against an aggressive China as it intensifies its security ties with the United States, its only strategic and long‐standing ally. This course of action aims to strengthen the country's defense relations with the United States, particularly in developing the territorial defense capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. In this process, the Philippines finds it similarly essential to establish security ties with other bilateral defense partners of the United States, such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia. In conclusion, the article argues that fostering informal security arrangements with these countries enables the Philippines to confront a pressing and persistent maritime issue in Southeast Asia: China's expansion in the South China Sea.
Suicidality in Chronic Pain: Predictors of Suicidal Ideation in Fibromyalgia
Authors: Triñanes Yolanda , González‐Villar Alberto , Gómez‐Perretta Claudio , Carrillo‐de‐la‐Peña María T.
Published: April 2014

Objectives

Fibromyalgia (FM) has been associated with a higher prevalence of suicidal behavior. Nevertheless, much remains unknown about suicide risk factors for this chronic pain disorder. In the present study, the relationship of suicidal ideation in FM with a number of sociodemographic, clinical, and psychological variables was analyzed.

Methods

One hundred seventeen women with Fibromyalgia were assessed. The procedure included the exploration of sleep problems (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), depression (Beck Depression Inventory [BDI]), health‐related quality of life (SF‐36 and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire), the core symptoms of FM (visual analogue scales), and algometry of tender points. Suicidal ideation was evaluated by item 9 of the BDI. Patients with presence vs. absence of suicidal ideation were compared in all the variables studied.

Results

The prevalence of suicidal ideation among FM patients was 32.5%. Significant differences between patients with vs. without suicidal ideas emerged mainly for the various indices of depression. Patients with suicidal ideation also reported higher levels of anxiety, more day dysfunction due to sleepiness and more limitations due to emotional and physical problems. Logistic regression analysis revealed that cognitive depression symptoms such as BDI Self‐Blame cluster are the more closely related to suicide ideation.

Conclusions

The presence of suicidal ideation in FM patients is closely related to comorbid depression, anxiety and to a higher impact of the disease in daily life.
Effects of Testosterone Treatment on Bone Mineral Density in Hypogonadal Men Receiving Intrathecal Opioids
Authors: Finch Philip M. , Price Leanne M. , Pullan Peter T. , Drummond Peter D.
Published: April 2014

Background

Opioid induced depression of sex hormones is a common finding in chronic pain patients receiving long‐term opioids by oral, parenteral and even intrathecal routes of administration. The hypothalamic suppression by opioids leads to a hypogonadal state with low testosterone levels in males and subsequent low bone mineral density (BMD).

Methods

We have studied the effects of intrathecally administered opioids on BMD in a group of male chronic pain patients. In addition, we have studied the effects of supplementary testosterone on bone metabolism to see if the adverse effects of intrathecal opioids can be reversed.

Results

Eleven of the 27 patients were on supplementary testosterone having previously been diagnosed as hypogonadal with low serum testosterone. Duration of testosterone supplementation was greater than 2 years in all 11 patients. Both serum total and free testosterone levels were higher in patients on supplementary testosterone than in patients who did not receive this treatment. Of the 16 patients not on testosterone supplement, 14 (87%) had low serum testosterone levels (<10 nmol/L) and 11 (69%) had low or osteoporotic T scores. Within this group, low free testosterone was associated with low BMD scores, and this persisted after correcting for age. Eight of the patients on testosterone supplement had normal BMDT scores and three (27%) had low or osteoporotic T scores. T and age‐corrected BMDZ scores were significantly greater in the 11 patients on testosterone supplements than BMD scores in the other 16 patients.

Conclusion

Testosterone supplementation was found to largely correct the effects of intrathecal opioids on testosterone levels and BMD.