bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The NLP Toxin Family in Phytophthora sojae Includes Rapidly Evolving Groups That Lack Necrosis-Inducing Activity
Authors: Dong Suomeng , Kong Guanghui , Qutob Dinah , Yu Xiaoli , Tang Junli , Kang Jixiong , Dai Tingting , Wang Hai , Gijzen Mark , Wang Yuanchao
Published: March 2012

Necrosis- and ethylene-inducing-like proteins (NLP) are widely distributed in eukaryotic and prokaryotic plant pathogens and are considered to be important virulence factors. We identified, in total, 70 potential Phytophthora sojae NLP genes but 37 were designated as pseudogenes. Sequence alignment of the remaining 33 NLP delineated six groups. Three of these groups include proteins with an intact heptapeptide (Gly-His-Arg-His-Asp-Trp-Glu) motif, which is important for necrosis-inducing activity, whereas the motif is not conserved in the other groups. In total, 19 representative NLP genes were assessed for necrosis-inducing activity by heterologous expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. Surprisingly, only eight genes triggered cell death. The expression of the NLP genes in P. sojae was examined, distinguishing 20 expressed and 13 nonexpressed NLP genes. Real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction results indicate that most NLP are highly expressed during cyst germination and infection stages. Amino acid substitution ratios (Ka/Ks) of 33 NLP sequences from four different P. sojae strains resulted in identification of positive selection sites in a distinct NLP group. Overall, our study indicates that expansion and pseudogenization of the P. sojae NLP family results from an ongoing birth-and-death process, and that varying patterns of expression, necrosis-inducing activity, and positive selection suggest that NLP have diversified in function.
A High-Throughput Virus-Induced Gene-Silencing Vector for Screening Transcription Factors in Virus-Induced Plant Defense Response in Orchid
Authors: Lu Hsiang-Chia , Hsieh Ming-Hsien , Chen Cheng-En , Chen Hong-Hwa , Wang Hsiang-Iu , Yeh Hsin-Hung
Published: March 2012

The large number of species and worldwide spread of species of Orchidaceae indicates their successful adaptation to environmental stresses. Thus, orchids provide rich resources to study how plants have evolved to cope with stresses. This report describes our improvement of our previously reported orchid virus-induced gene silencing vector, pCymMV-pro60, with a modified Gateway cloning system which requires only one recombination and can be inoculated by agroinfiltration. We cloned 1,700 DNA fragments, including 187 predicted transcription factors derived from an established expression sequence tag library of orchid, into pCymMV-Gateway. Phalaenopsis aphrodite was inoculated with these vectors that contained DNA fragments of the 187 predicted transcription factors. The viral vector initially triggered the expression of the salicylic acid (SA)-related plant defense responses and later induced silencing of the endogenous target transcription factor genes. By monitoring the expression of the SA-related plant defense marker PhaPR1 (homolog of PR1), we identified a gene, PhaTF15, involved in the expression of PhaPR1. Knockdown of PhaTF15 by virus-induced gene silencing and by transient delivery of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) reduced expression of the orchid homolog of the conserved positive defense regulator NPR1, PhaNPR1. Cymbidium mosaic virus also accumulated to high levels with knockdown of PhaTF15 by transient delivery of dsRNA. We demonstrated efficient cloning and screening strategies for high-throughput analysis of orchid and identify a gene, PhaTF15, involved in regulation of SA-related plant defense.
Evaluation of Arabidopsis thaliana as a Model Host for Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: Rogers Elizabeth E.
Published: March 2012

The bacterium Xylella fastidiosa causes a number of plant diseases of significant economic impact. To date, progress determining mechanisms of host-plant susceptibility, tolerance, or resistance has been slow, due in large part to the long generation time and limited available genetic resources for grape, almond, and other known hosts of X. fastidiosa. To overcome many of these limitations, Arabidopsis thaliana has been evaluated as a host for X. fastidiosa. A pin-prick inoculation method has been developed to infect Arabidopsis with X. fastidiosa. Following infection, X. fastidiosa multiplies and can be detected by microscopy, polymerase chain reaction, and isolation. The ecotypes Van-0, LL-0, and Tsu-1 all allow more growth of strain X. fastidiosa Temecula than the reference ecotype Col-0. Affymetrix ATH1 microarray analysis of inoculated vs. noninoculated Tsu-1 reveals gene expression changes that differ greatly from changes seen after infection with apoplast-colonizing bacteria such as Psuedomonas syringae pvs. tomato or syringae. Many genes responsive to oxidative stress are differentially regulated, while classic pathogenesis-related genes are not induced by X. fastidiosa infection.
Speed, pacing strategy and aerodynamic drafting in Thoroughbred horse racing
Authors: Spence Andrew J. , Thurman Andrew S. , Maher Michael J. , Wilson Alan M.
Published: March 2012

Choice of pacing strategy and the benefit of aerodynamic drafting are thought to be key determinants of racing performance. These effects have largely been analysed without reference to final outcome, in small datasets with low temporal resolution, and a focus on human swimming, cycling and running. Here, we determined the position and speed of 44 803 racehorses, once per second, in 3 357 races ranging in length from 1006 to 4225 m (50.9–292.9 seconds duration) using a validated radio tracking system. We find that aerodynamic drafting has a marked effect on horse performance, and hence racing outcome. Furthermore, we demonstrate that race length-dependent pacing strategies are correlated with the fastest racing times, with some horses reaching a maximum speed in excess of 19 m s
−1
. The higher speeds seen with certain pacing strategies may arise due to the nature of pack racing itself, or may be a reflection of individual capabilities, that is, corresponding to horses that perform well in roles suited to their ‘front-running’ or ‘chaser’ personality traits.
Rollers smell the fear of nestlings
Authors: Parejo D. , Amo L. , Rodríguez J. , Avilés J. M.
Published: March 2012

Many animals react to danger by producing chemical cues that can be smelled by others, which is called the smell of fear. Some bird species produce chemical compounds when threatened, such as nestlings of the Eurasian roller
Coracias garrulus
that vomit an odorous orange liquid when scared in their nests. Here, we experimentally explore the possibility that parents were informed about recent predation attempts at their nests through the olfaction of this vomit. Parents of nests treated with nestling vomit delayed their entrance to nests and decreased their provisioning rate in comparison with parents of nests treated with an odorous control. These results demonstrate that adult rollers are able to smell the fear of offspring and show for the first time in birds that a scent produced during an interspecific challenge has a role in an intraspecific communication scenario.
Virtual experiments, physical validation: dental morphology at the intersection of experiment and theory
Authors: Anderson P. S. L. , Rayfield E. J.
Published: March 2012

Computational models such as finite-element analysis offer biologists a means of exploring the structural mechanics of biological systems that cannot be directly observed. Validated against experimental data, a model can be manipulated to perform virtual experiments, testing variables that are hard to control in physical experiments. The relationship between tooth form and the ability to break down prey is key to understanding the evolution of dentition. Recent experimental work has quantified how tooth shape promotes fracture in biological materials. We present a validated finite-element model derived from physical compression experiments. The model shows close agreement with strain patterns observed in photoelastic test materials and reaction forces measured during these experiments. We use the model to measure strain energy within the test material when different tooth shapes are used. Results show that notched blades deform materials for less strain energy cost than straight blades, giving insights into the energetic relationship between tooth form and prey materials. We identify a hypothetical ‘optimal’ blade angle that minimizes strain energy costs and test alternative prey materials via virtual experiments. Using experimental data and computational models offers an integrative approach to understand the mechanics of tooth morphology.
Who knew piezoelectricity? Rutherford and Langevin on submarine detection and the invention of sonar
Authors: Katzir Shaul
Published: March 2012

During World War I, submarine detection presented a strategic technological challenge, which inspired, among others, the invention of new methods and the employment of a hitherto unused scientific phenomenon. Two prominent physicists, Ernest Rutherford and Paul Langevin, independently suggested the use of this phenomenon: piezoelectricity. Yet they employed it in different ways, leading Rutherford to a useful, if limited, measuring device and Langevin to sonar. Contrary to a claim that is commonly made, Rutherford's work did not lead to sonar. These different results originated on one hand in diverging goals of the two physicists, and on the other in Langevin's more extensive knowledge of and practice with piezoelectricity, which allowed him to manipulate the crystals and contrive the novel ultrasonic design required. Nevertheless, previous encounters with the effect and prior familiarity with it were crucial for its employment by both.
Minimal surfaces bounded by elastic lines
Authors: Giomi L. , Mahadevan L.
Published: March 2012

In mathematics, the classical Plateau problem consists of finding the surface of least area that spans a given rigid boundary curve. A physical realization of the problem is obtained by dipping a stiff wire frame of some given shape in soapy water and then removing it; the shape of the spanning soap film is a solution to the Plateau problem. But what happens if a soap film spans a loop of inextensible but flexible wire? We consider this simple query that couples Plateau's problem to Euler's
Elastica
: a special class of twist-free curves of given length that minimize their total squared curvature energy. The natural marriage of two of the oldest geometrical problems linking physics and mathematics leads to a quest for the shape of a minimal surface bounded by an elastic line: the Euler–Plateau problem. We use a combination of simple physical experiments with soap films that span soft filaments and asymptotic analysis combined with numerical simulations to explore some of the richness of the shapes that result. Our study raises questions of intrinsic interest in geometry and its natural links to a range of disciplines, including materials science, polymer physics, architecture and even art.
Self-organization of extraframework cations in zeolites
Authors: Pidko Evgeny A. , Hensen Emiel J. M. , van Santen Rutger A.
Published: March 2012

Structural properties of a series of mordenite and ZSM-5 zeolites with different framework Al distribution modified with oxygenated extraframework Ga, Zn, Al, Cu and Fe complexes were investigated by means of periodic density functional theory calculations. It is demonstrated that mononuclear oxygenated and hydroxylated cationic metal complexes in high-silica zeolites tend to self-organize into binuclear complexes. In the cases of Ga- and Fe-modified zeolites, it is shown that the catalytic activity of the most stable binuclear extraframework cations is much higher than that of the hypothetical very reactive mononuclear counterparts. This is due to a weaker binding of reaction intermediates and easier regeneration of the initial active complexes in the course of the catalytic reaction. The formation of multiple-charged binuclear oxygenated metal species in zeolites is a general phenomenon. It does not require a specific distribution of the equivalent number of negative framework charges that compensate for the positive charge of the cationic complexes. The location and the stability of cationic complexes in zeolite micropores are mainly determined by the coordination properties of the metal centres.
Functional variable number of tandem repeats variation in the promoter of proto‐oncogene PTTG1IP is associated with risk of estrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer
Authors: Xiang Chan , Gao Haidong , Meng Lei , Qin Zhaoyu , Ma Rong , Liu Yang , Jiang Yan , Dang Chengxue , Jin Li , He Fuchu , Wang Haijian
Published: March 2012

Genetic polymorphisms in the signalling pathway of estrogen receptor (ER) could modify the risk of breast cancer. A variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism in the promoter of PTTG1IP, pituitary tumor transforming gene binding factor targeted by estrogen receptor α (ERα) in endocrine neoplasia, has been shown to be functional, but its relevance to cancer etiology was unknown. We investigated its association with breast cancer risk by genotyping in 658 patients and 866 controls and further analysed its differential interaction with ERα. We found nine types of alleles ranging from 2 to 9 and 11 repeats that form 29 distinct genotypes and 11 different biallelic repeat numbers. Subjects who carry the six‐repeats allele (odds ratio [OR], 1.45; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17–1.79), long alleles (≥6 repeats) (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.17–2.05) or a high dose of biallelic repeats (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.07–1.77) were at significantly increased risk of cancer. In stratification analysis, these associations consistently manifested in ER‐positive breast cancer: in ER positive, PR‐positive subtype, genotypes with the six‐repeats allele (OR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.06–1.90), long alleles (OR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.17–2.67) or a high dose of biallelic repeats (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.19–2.33) were associated with cancer risk; in ER positive, HER2‐negative subtype, they were susceptible factors with the ORs being 1.46 (95% CI, 1.06–2.02), 2.06 (95% CI, 1.28–3.32) and 1.85 (95% CI, 1.26–2.71), respectively. Furthermore, functional analysis revealed that an increase in the number of tandem repeats enhances the binding affinity of ERα. The present study provides the first epidemiological evidence that functional regulatory variants of PTTG1IP were associated with the risk of ER‐positive breast cancer, further supporting its relevance as one proto‐oncogene in breast cancer. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 1121–1128)
The analysis of 168 randomised controlled trials to test data integrity
Authors: Carlisle J. B.
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study was to use some statistical methods to assess if randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published by one particular author (Fujii) contained data of unusual consistency. I searched seven electronic databases, retrieving 168 RCTs published by this author between 1991 and July 2011. I extracted rates for categorical variables and means (SDs) for continuous variables, and compared these published distributions with distributions that would be expected by chance. The published distributions of 28/33 variables (85%) were inconsistent with the expected distributions, such that the likelihood of their occurring ranged from 1 in 25 to less than 1 in 1 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 000 (1 in 1033), equivalent to p values of 0.04 to < 1 × 10−33, respectively. In 141 human studies, 13/13 published continuous variable distributions were inconsistent with expected, their likelihoods being: weight < 1 in 1033; age < 1 in 1033; height < 1 in 1033; last menstrual period 1 in 4.5 × 1015; baseline blood pressure 1 in 4.2 × 105; gestational age 1 in 28; operation time < 1 in 1033; anaesthetic time < 1 in 1033; fentanyl dose 1 in 6.3 × 108; operative blood loss 1 in 5.6 × 109; propofol dose 1 in 7.7 × 107; paracetamol dose 1 in 4.4 × 102; uterus extrusion time 1 in 33. The published distributions of 7/11 categorical variables in these 141 studies were inconsistent with the expected, their likelihoods being: previous postoperative nausea and vomiting 1 in 2.5 × 106; motion sickness 1 in 1.0 × 104; male or female 1 in 140; antihypertensive drug 1 in 25; postoperative headache 1 in 7.1 × 1010; postoperative dizziness 1 in 1.6 × 106; postoperative drowsiness 1 in 3.8 × 104. Distributions for individual RCTs were inconsistent with the expected in 96/134 human studies by Fujii et al. that reported more than two continuous variables, their likelihood ranging from 1 in 22 to 1 in 140 000 000 000 (1 in 1.4 × 1011), compared with 12/139 RCTs by other authors. In 26 canine studies, the distributions of 8/9 continuous variables were inconsistent with the expected, their likelihoods being: right atrial pressure < 1 in 1033; diaphragmatic stimulation (100 Hz) < 1 in 1033; pulmonary artery occlusion pressure < 1 in 1033; diaphragmatic stimulation (20 Hz) < 1 in 1033; heart rate 1 in 6.3 × 1010; mean pulmonary artery pressure 1 in 2.2 × 1014; mean arterial pressure 1 in 6.3 × 107; cardiac output 1 in 110. Distributions were inconsistent with the expected in 21/24 individual canine studies that reported more than two continuous variables, their likelihood ranging from 1 in 345 to 1 in 51 000 000 000 000 (1 in 5.1 × 1013).
Copy number variation in the genomes of domestic animals
Authors: Clop A. , Vidal O. , Amills M.
Published: March 2012

Copy number variation (CNV) might be one of the main contributors to phenotypic diversity and evolutionary adaptation in animals and plants, employing a wide variety of mechanisms, such as gene dosage and transcript structure alterations, to modulate organismal plasticity. In the past 4 years, considerable advances have been made in the characterization of the genomic architecture of CNV in domestic species. First, low‐resolution CNV maps were produced for cattle, goat, sheep, pig, dog, chicken, duck and turkey, showing that these structural polymorphisms comprise a significant part of these genomes. Furthermore, CNVs have been associated with several pigmentation (white coat in horse, pig and sheep) and morphological (late feathering and pea comb in chicken) traits, as well as with susceptibility to a wide array of diseases and developmental disorders, for example osteopetrosis, anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, copper toxicosis, intersexuality, cone degeneration, periodic fever and dermoid sinus, among others. In the future, development of high‐resolution tools for CNV detection and typing combined with the implementation of databases integrating CNV, QTL and gene expression data will be essential to identify and measure the impact of this source of structural variation on the many phenotypes that are relevant to animal breeders and veterinary practitioners.
Exclusion of candidate genes for coat colour phenotypes of the American mink (Neovison vison)
Authors: Anistoroaei R. , Markakis M. N. , Vissenberg K. , Christensen K.
Published: March 2012

In a previous project, we screened the American mink Bacterial Artificial Chromosome library, CHORI‐231, for genes potentially involved in various coat colour phenotypes in the American mink. Subsequently, we 454 sequenced the inserts containing these genes and developed microsatellite markers for each of these genes. Here, we describe a lack of association between three different ‘roan‐type' phenotypes represented by Cross, Stardust and Cinnamon in American mink and six different genes that we considered to be potentially linked to these phenotypes. Thus, c‐KIT (HUGO‐approved symbol KIT), ATOH‐1 (HUGO‐approved symbol ATOH1) and POMC were excluded as potential candidates for these three phenotypes. In addition, MITF and SLC24A5 were excluded for Cross and Cinnamon, and KITL (HUGO‐approved symbol KITLG) for Cross and Stardust. Although most of these genes have been implicated as the cause of similar phenotypes in other mammals, including horses, pigs, cows, dogs, cats, mice and humans, they do not appear to be responsible for comparable phenotypes found in American mink.
Genome‐wide analysis of cytogenetic aberrations in ETV6/RUNX1‐positive childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Borst Louise , Wesolowska Agata , Joshi Tejal , Borup Rehannah , Nielsen Finn C. , Andersen Mette K. , Jonsson Olafur G. , Wehner Peder S. , Wesenberg Finn , Frost Britt‐Marie , Gupta Ramneek , Schmiegelow Kjeld
Published: March 2012

The chromosomal translocation t(12;21) resulting in the ETV6/RUNX1 fusion gene is the most frequent structural cytogenetic abnormality among patients with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). We investigated 62 ETV6/RUNX1‐positive childhood ALL patients by single nucleotide polymorphism array to explore acquired copy number alterations (CNAs) at diagnosis. The mean number of CNAs was 2·82 (range 0–14). Concordance with available G‐band karyotyping and comparative genomic hybridization was 93%. Based on three major protein‐protein complexes disrupted by these CNAs, patients could be categorized into four distinct subgroups, defined by different underlying biological mechanisms relevant to the aetiology of childhood ALL. When recurrent CNAs were evaluated by an oncogenetic tree analysis classifying their sequential order, the most common genetic aberrations (deletions of 6q, 9p, 13q and X, and gains of 10 and 21) seemed independent of each other. Finally, we identified the most common regions with recurrent gains and losses, which comprise microRNA clusters with known oncogenic or tumour‐suppressive roles. The present study sheds further light on the genetic diversity of ETV6/RUNX1‐positive childhood ALL, which may be important for understanding poor responses among this otherwise highly curable subset of ALL and lead to novel targeted treatment strategies.
Engaging with children's and parents' perspectives on domestic violence
Authors: Stanley Nicky , Miller Pam , Richardson Foster Helen
Published: March 2012

This paper reports research undertaken in two sites in England which captured the views of parents and young people who had experienced domestic violence. Survivors, perpetrators and young people described feelings of guilt and shame that acted as barriers to the disclosure of domestic violence. They identified a range of effects on children, which continued beyond separation.

All three groups of participants valued professionals who listened to them and validated their accounts. Professionals who appeared ineffective in the face of domestic violence could reinforce children's and victims' own sense of powerlessness. Mothers wanted support with managing the effects of separation and assistance with contact arrangements. The research identifies the need for practitioners to engage with the emotional content of disclosure of domestic violence and to undertake this work in separate sessions with parents and with children so that differing accounts can be heard safely. Interventions that enable parents to engage with children's experiences of domestic violence appear valuable. Rather than taking separation as the end‐point of intervention, social work needs to take account of the dynamics of separation and contact in parents' relationships and consider how they interact with violence and abuse to impact on children and young people.
Dual roles of tillage erosion in lateral SOC movement in the landscape
Authors: Zhang J. H. , Ni S. J. , Su Z. A.
Published: March 2012

The facts that the global carbon budget cannot be currently balanced and current estimates of agricultural sources and sinks may be inaccurate, may be linked to unaccounted‐for erosion‐induced changes in soil organic carbon (SOC). A closed landscape with field banks and an open landscape without field banks were selected from two sites located in Jianyang County, Sichuan Province, and Zhongxian County, Chongqing Municipality, respectively. In these landscapes, the role of tillage and water erosion was examined using measurements of soil redistribution in relation to137Cs radionuclide depth‐stratigraphy, to elucidate the mechanism of SOC depth distribution in the soil profile and resultant stocks in agricultural landscapes of terraced field systems. Changes in the137Cs inventory at different landscape positions depend on both137Cs concentrations of individual subsample layers (5‐cm depth) and the vertical extent of137Cs depth distribution in the terrace system with field banks, while the changes are only associated with the vertical extent of137Cs depth distribution in the terrace system without field banks because of similar137Cs concentrations of individual subsample layers. The profile shape of SOC depth distribution exhibits notable differences between the upper and lower parts of the terrace in systems with field banks, but no apparent differences were found in the systems without field banks and the SOC profile shape is similar to that of the upper part of the terrace in systems with field banks. It is suggested that SOC depth distribution in these two types of terraced field systems is controlled by different soil erosion patterns. Tillage erosion playing a dominant role in the process of soil erosion within a landscape can increase SOC stocks. However, SOC depletion takes place in situations where the two processes of tillage and water erosion are both important and tillage erosion acts as a delivery mechanism for water erosion. We conclude that tillage erosion plays a dual role: enhancing carbon storage at depositional positions, and accelerating carbon depletion when combined with water erosion within the same landscape.
An investigation of the geomagnetic imprinting hypothesis for salmon
Authors: BRACIS CHLOE , ANDERSON JAMES J.
Published: March 2012

Although evidence indicates that salmon could use geomagnetic cues in their high seas homing migration, the underlying behavioral strategy salmon apply to navigation cues is poorly understood. In one hypothesis, salmon imprint on the magnetic field when entering the ocean as juveniles and use the difference between the local and imprinted fields to navigate home. In this paper we demonstrate that simple behaviors incorporating this cue difference, to approach the isoline matching the imprinted magnetic value and then to follow along the isoline to the river mouth, are sufficient to guide spring Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) to the Columbia River. We model homing trajectories of salmon, combining ocean currents and fish swimming behaviors. Although the magnetic field inclination angle is a more robust cue than magnetic field intensity, both are sufficient to direct fish to the river mouth from a wide region of the Northeastern Pacific. The threshold defining the transition between the isoline approach and follow behaviors is the main factor determining successful homing trajectories. Small thresholds are more successful, meaning the approach behavior predominates until the fish is near the isoline intersecting the river mouth. The follow behavior swim heading can compensate for magnetic field changes, and the directed migration start date determines the longitudinal center of successful starting locations. This analysis suggests that salmon from ocean habitats may approach their home river in a narrow migration corridor along a magnetic field isoline.
Permeability inversion from low‐frequency seismoelectric logs in fluid‐saturated porous formations
Authors: Guan Wei , Hu Hengshan , Wang Zhi
Published: March 2012

In this paper, a method is proposed to invert permeability from seismoelectric logs in fluid‐saturated porous formations. From the analysis of both the amplitude and the phase of simulated seismoelectric logs, we find that the Stoneley wave amplitude of the ratio of the converted electric field to the pressure (REP) is sensitive to porosity rather than permeability while the tangent of the REP's phase is sensitive to permeability. The REP's phase reflects the phase discrepancy between the electric field and the pressure at the same location in the borehole. We theoretically derive the frequency‐dependent expression of the REP of the low‐frequency Stoneley wave and find that the tangent of the REP's argument is approximately in inverse proportion to permeability. We obtain an inversion formula and present the permeability inversion method by using the tangent of the REP's phase. To test this method, the permeabilities of different sandstones are inverted from the synthetic full‐waveform data of seismoelectric logs. A modified inversion process is proposed based on the analysis of inversion errors, by which the relative errors are controlled below 25% and they are smaller than those of the permeability inversion from the Stoneley wave of acoustic logs.
Postural adjustment after an unexpected perturbation in children with haemophilia
Authors: De SOUZA F. M. B. , PEREIRA R. P. , MINUQUE N. P. , Do CARMO C. M. , De MELLO M. H. M. , VILLAÇA P. , TANAKA C.
Published: March 2012

Summary.  Children with haemophilia often bleed inside joints and muscles, which may impair postural adjustments. These postural adjustments are necessary to control postural balance during daily activities. The inability to quickly recover postural balance could elevate the risk of bleeding. To determine whether children with haemophilia have impaired postural adjustment after an unexpected perturbation compared with healthy children. Twenty children with haemophilia comprised the haemophilic group (HG), and 20 healthy, age‐paired children comprised the control group (CG). Subjects stood on a force plate, and 4% of the subjects’ body weight was applied via a pulley system to a belt around the subjects’ trunks. The centre of pressure (COP) displacement was measured after the weight was unexpectedly released to produce a controlled postural perturbation followed by postural adjustment to recover balance. The subjects’ postural adjustments in eight subsequent intervals of 1 s (t1–t8), beginning with the moment of weight removal, were compared among intervals and between groups. The applied perturbation magnitudes were the same for both groups, and no difference was observed between the groups in t1. However, the COP displacement in t2 in the HG was significantly higher than in the CG. No differences were observed between the groups in the other intervals. Within‐group analysis showed that the COP was higher in t2 than in t4 (P = 0.016), t5 (P = 0.001) and t8 (P = 0.050) in the HG. No differences were observed among intervals in the CG. Children with haemophilia demonstrated differences in postural adjustment while undergoing unexpected balance perturbations when compared with healthily children.
Falls in old age: a threat to identity
Authors: Dollard Joanne , Barton Christopher , Newbury Jonathan , Turnbull Deborah
Published: March 2012

Aim and objective.  This study aimed to understand older people’s perceptions of their and other older peoples’ falls risk, to increase understanding of why older people might not believe falls are relevant to themselves.

Background.  One‐third of the people aged ≥65 years (older people) fall yearly. Many older people do not participate in falls prevention programmes because they purport they are not personally vulnerable.

Design.  A qualitative study was conducted, guided by the tenets of grounded theory.

Method.  Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with nine community‐dwelling older people living in metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia. The interview explored participant’s direct and indirect experience of falling, their perceived chance of falling in the next 12 months and that of others of the same age and sex to themselves and their reasons for this.

Results.  Participants carefully presented themselves as being ‘not the type who fall’, who they view negatively. They believed their or their friends past or future falls were (or could be) because of factors outside of their personal control or because they were not paying attention at that moment of falling, as opposed to being the type of person who falls. They used these explanations as strategies to maintain or protect their identity as being physically competent.

Conclusions.  Older people know that falling can be viewed negatively. Falling is a threat to their identity as the type of person who does not fall. This explanation is consistent with self‐presentation theory, where people use accounting strategies in social interaction to create a desired impression.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Falls prevention messages are likely to be rejected if the target group associate the message with a negative identity. These findings can assist nurses to understand older people’s reluctance to engage in falls prevention and can stimulate thinking regarding alternative engagement strategies.
The effect of analgesic education on pain in patients undergoing breast surgery: within 24 hours after the operation
Authors: Sayin Yazile , Aksoy Guler
Published: March 2012

Aim.  The goal of this study was to assess the effect of patient information about the analgesics used after breast surgery, on patient’s level of pain and mobilisation ability.

Background.  Pain needs to be managed efficiently; in particular, for surgical cases, postoperative pain must be effectively controlled. Information about analgesic helped reduce the severity of pain.

Design.  This study was a clinical trial comparing a test group that received information about the analgesic to be used and a control group that received information as usual.

Methods.  Eighty‐four patients who had a modified radical mastectomy or breast‐conserving surgery were included in the study. Data were collected in a breast surgery clinic with a questionnaire, with the use of Short‐form McGill‐Melzack Pain Questionnaire and the Visual Analogue Scale. The test group received information about the surgical pain and the analgesics that would be used during the postoperative period.

Results.  The results showed that the level of pain reported by patients was similar in the test and control groups. However, the average level of postoperative pain in the test group was lower than that in the control group. The total pain reduction score for the test group, after surgery, was greater than for the control group. Following surgery, 73·8% of the test group and 50·0% of the control group achieved mobilisation within the first six hours.

Conclusion.  Informing patients about the analgesics to be used for their care reduced pain and provided earlier mobilisation.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The findings of this study can provide guidance to nurses and improve analgesic control of pain management.
Patterns and determinants of leisure participation of youth and adults with developmental disabilities
Authors: Badia M. , Orgaz M. B. , Verdugo M. Á. , Ullán A. M.
Published: March 2012

Background  People with developmental disabilities are at high risk for a limited participation in leisure activities. The aim of this study was to investigate the participation in, preference for and interest in leisure activities of young and adults with developmental disabilities, and to examine the factors associated with leisure activity.

Methods  A cross‐sectional design was used with a convenience sample of 237 people aged 17 to 65, living in the community. Leisure participation was assessed with the Spanish version of Leisure Assessment Inventory. Percentages were calculated by types of activity, and repeated measures anovas were used to analyse the differences between types of activities, and mixed anovas to analyse the factors that explain differences in leisure activity participation, preference and interest.

Results  Leisure social activities and recreation activities at home were mostly solitary and passive in nature and were identified as those being most commonly engaged in. Respondents expressed preference for more social and physical activity, and they were interested in trying out a large number of physical activities. Age and type of schooling determine participation in leisure activity. The results underscore the differences in leisure activity participation, preference and interest depending on the severity of the disability.

Conclusions  The findings reveal interesting patterns of participation in leisure activities from the viewpoint of youngsters and adults with developmental disabilities. Leisure participation among people with developmental disabilities is likely to be more affected by environmental factors than by personal factors.
A comprehensive mental health nursing assessment: variability of content in practice
Authors: COOMBS T. , CROOKES P. , CURTIS J.
Published: March 2012

Accessible summary

Little is known of how a comprehensive mental health nursing assessment is undertaken in practice.

Nurses describe the content of a comprehensive mental health nursing assessment in different ways.

Different content may lead to different interventions.

More work is required to ensure comprehensive mental health nursing assessments are undertaken in practice.

Assessment is the foundation of mental health nursing practice, but little is known of how it is undertaken. This paper explores how mental health nurses describe the content of a comprehensive mental health nursing assessment. Eighteen nurses who worked in inpatient and community settings either as clinicians or managers, ranging from new graduates to nurses with greater than 20 years of experience, were interviewed and asked to describe the content of a comprehensive mental health nursing assessment. Transcribed interviews were analysed using a grounded theory methodology. The primary theme to emerge was one of variability. Most respondents hesitated and then identified different content areas that needed to be assessed as part of a comprehensive mental health nursing assessment. If the areas that are being assessed vary between nurses, then logically the types of interventions being offered will also vary. These results have implications for the education of nurses, their clinical practice, ongoing supervision and research into contemporary mental health nursing practice.
Genome‐wide association genetics of an adaptive trait in lodgepole pine
Authors: PARCHMAN THOMAS L. , GOMPERT ZACHARIAH , MUDGE JOANN , SCHILKEY FAYE D. , BENKMAN CRAIG W. , BUERKLE C. ALEX
Published: March 2012

Pine cones that remain closed and retain seeds until fire causes the cones to open (cone serotiny) represent a key adaptive trait in a variety of pine species. In lodgepole pine, there is substantial geographical variation in serotiny across the Rocky Mountain region. This variation in serotiny has evolved as a result of geographically divergent selection, with consequences that extend to forest communities and ecosystems. An understanding of the genetic architecture of this trait is of interest owing to the wide‐reaching ecological consequences of serotiny and also because of the repeated evolution of the trait across the genus. Here, we present and utilize an inexpensive and time‐effective method for generating population genomic data. The method uses restriction enzymes and PCR amplification to generate a library of fragments that can be sequenced with a high level of multiplexing. We obtained data for more than 95 000 single nucleotide polymorphisms across 98 serotinous and nonserotinous lodgepole pines from three populations. We used a Bayesian generalized linear model (GLM) to test for an association between genotypic variation at these loci and serotiny. The probability of serotiny varied by genotype at 11 loci, and the association between genotype and serotiny at these loci was consistent in each of the three populations of pines. Genetic variation across these 11 loci explained 50% of the phenotypic variation in serotiny. Our results provide a first genome‐wide association map of serotiny in pines and demonstrate an inexpensive and efficient method for generating population genomic data.
Population history of the Hispaniolan hutia Plagiodontia aedium (Rodentia: Capromyidae): testing the model of ancient differentiation on a geotectonically complex Caribbean island
Authors: BRACE SELINA , BARNES IAN , POWELL ADAM , PEARSON REBECCA , WOOLAVER LANCE G. , THOMAS MARK G. , TURVEY SAMUEL T.
Published: March 2012

Hispaniola is a geotectonically complex island consisting of two palaeo‐islands that docked c. 10 Ma, with a further geological boundary subdividing the southern palaeo‐island into eastern and western regions. All three regions have been isolated by marine barriers during the late Cenozoic and possess biogeographically distinct terrestrial biotas. However, there is currently little evidence to indicate whether Hispaniolan mammals show distributional patterns reflecting this geotectonic history, as the island’s endemic land mammal fauna is now almost entirely extinct. We obtained samples of Hispaniolan hutia (Plagiodontia aedium), one of the two surviving Hispaniolan land mammal species, through fieldwork and historical museum collections from seven localities distributed across all three of the island’s biogeographic regions. Phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome b) reveals a pattern of historical allopatric lineage divergence in this species, with the spatial distribution of three distinct hutia lineages biogeographically consistent with the island’s geotectonic history. Coalescent modelling, approximate Bayesian computation and approximate Bayes factor analyses support our phylogenetic inferences, indicating near‐complete genetic isolation of these biogeographically separate populations and differing estimates of their effective population sizes. Spatial congruence of hutia lineage divergence is not however matched by temporal congruence with divergences in other Hispaniolan taxa or major events in Hispaniola’s geotectonic history; divergence between northern and southern hutia lineages dates to c. 0.6 Ma, significantly later than the unification of the palaeo‐islands. The three allopatric Plagiodontia populations should all be treated as distinct management units for conservation, with particular attention required for the northern population (low haplotype diversity) and the south‐western population (high haplotype diversity but highly threatened).
Review: Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease: prion protein type, disease phenotype and agent strain
Authors: Head M. W. , Ironside J. W.
Published: March 2012

M. W. Head and J. W. Ironside (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 296–310

Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease: prion protein type, disease phenotype and agent strain

The human transmissible spongiform encephalopathies or human prion diseases are one of the most intensively investigated groups of rare human neurodegenerative conditions. They are generally held to be unique in terms of their complex epidemiology and phenotypic variability, but they may also serve as a paradigm with which other more common protein misfolding disorders might be compared and contrasted. The clinico‐pathological phenotype of human prion diseases appears to depend on a complex interaction between the prion protein genotype of the affected individual and the physico‐chemical properties of the neurotoxic and transmissible agent, thought to comprise of misfolded prion protein. A major focus of research in recent years has been to define the phenotypic heterogeneity of the recognized human prion diseases, correlate this with molecular‐genetic features and then determine whether this molecular‐genetic classification of human prion disease defines the biological properties of the agent as determined by animal transmission studies. This review seeks to survey the field as it currently stands, summarize what has been learned, and explore what remains to be investigated in order to obtain a more complete scientific understanding of prion diseases and to protect public health.
14‐3‐3 proteins regulate the intracellular localization of the transcriptional activator GmMYB176 and affect isoflavonoid synthesis in soybean
Authors: Li Xuyan , Chen Ling , Dhaubhadel Sangeeta
Published: March 2012

Isoflavonoids are legume‐specific natural plant compounds that play important functions in nitrogen fixation as well as biotic and abiotic stress responses. Many clinical studies have suggested a role for isoflavonoids in human health and nutrition. We have recently identified an R1 MYB transcription factor GmMYB176 that regulatesCHS8gene expression and isoflavonoid biosynthesis. Here we demonstrate that binding of 14‐3‐3 proteins to GmMYB176 modulates this function. GmMYB176 interacts with all 16 14‐3‐3 proteins (SGF14s) in soybean (Glycine max) with varying activity. The detailed analysis of 14‐3‐3‐binding sites within GmMYB176 identified a critical motif (D2) where Ser29 is potentially phosphorylated. Deletion of the D2 motif from GmMYB176 or substitution of Ser29 with an alanine abolished binding with SGF14 proteins, which altered the subcellular localization of GmMYB176. Overexpression ofSGF14lin soybean hairy roots did not affect the transcript level ofGmMYB176but it reduced the expression levels of key isoflavonoid genes and isoflavonoid accumulation in soybean hairy root. Our results suggest that SGF14–GmMYB176 interaction regulates the intracellular localization of GmMYB176, thereby affecting isoflavonoid biosynthesis in soybean.
Willingness of the United States general public to participate in kidney paired donation
Authors: Segev Dorry L. , Powe Neil R. , Troll Misty U. , Wang Nae‐Yuh , Montgomery Robert A. , Boulware L. Ebony
Published: March 2012

Background

Availability of kidney paired donation (KPD) is increasing in the United States, and a national system through UNOS is forthcoming. However, little is known about attitudes toward KPD among the general public, from which donors (particularly non‐directed) are drawn.

Methods

In a national study, we assessed the public's attitudes regarding participation in KPD.

Results

Among 845 randomly selected participants, 85.2% of respondents were either “extremely willing” or “very willing” to participate in KPD. Experiences with the medical or organ transplant systems, such as undergoing surgery, having a primary medical provider, a living will, a friend who donated or received an organ, and considering donation after death, were associated with increased willingness. However, increased age, male sex, African American race, Hispanic ethnicity, distrust of the medical system, and not understanding organ allocation were associated with less willingness.

Conclusions

We identify strong support for KPD but some important potential barriers to participation which should be considered as KPD programs are implemented.
Matched sibling donor stem cell transplantation for Fanconi anemia patients with T‐cell somatic mosaicism
Authors: Yabe Miharu , Shimizu Takashi , Morimoto Tsuyoshi , Koike Takashi , Takakura Hiromitsu , Tsukamoto Hideo , Muroi Kazuo , Oshima Koichi , Asami Keiko , Takata Minoru , Yamashita Takayuki , Kato Shunichi , Yabe Hiromasa
Published: March 2012

Yabe M, Shimizu T, Morimoto T, Koike T, Takakura H, Tsukamoto H, Muroi K, Oshima K, Asami K, Takata M, Yamashita T, Kato S, Yabe H. Matched sibling donor stem cell transplantation for Fanconi anemia patients with T‐cell somatic mosaicism.

Abstract:  SCT from HLA‐identical sibling donors is generally associated with an excellent survival in FA patients if performed prior to the development of MDS or leukemia. However, the optimal conditioning regimen has not been defined. We report here our experience with 15 Japanese FA patients who underwent HLA‐matched sibling donor SCT. The aim of this study is to compare radiation‐based conditioning to Flu‐based conditioning for FA patients in a Japanese population where the T‐cell somatic mosaicism is higher than in the Caucasian population. Eight patients (a‐group) received a radiation‐based conditioning (500–600 cGy of thoracoabdominal/TBI) with CY dose modification (20–120 mg/kg), and ATG; two patients exhibited rejection. Seven patients (b‐group) received CY (40 mg/kg), 150–180 mg/m2 of Flu, and ATG. Durable engraftment was demonstrated in all patients. In FA patients, Flu‐based conditioning may allow stable engraftment in matched sibling donor transplantation without radiation, even in patients with T‐cell somatic mosaicism.