bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction of forsterite-91 with distilled water and artificial seawater: a prebiotic chemistry experiment
Authors: de Souza Cláudio M. D. , Carneiro Cristine E. A. , Baú João Paulo T. , da Costa Antonio C. S. , Ivashita Flávio F. , Paesano Andrea , di Mauro Eduardo , de Santana Henrique , Holm Nils G. , Neubeck Anna , Zaia Cássia T. B. V. , Zaia Dimas A. M.
Published: January 2013

In the present work, the interactions between forsterite-91 with distilled water and forsterite-91 with artificial seawater were studied at two pHs (2.0 and 8.0) using different techniques. A large increase in pH was observed for samples incubated at an initially acidic pH (2.0) due to the dissolution of forsterite-91 in distilled water and artificial seawater. Thus, in acidic hydrothermal vents, an increase in the amount of hydrocarbons and magnetite should be expected due to the release of Fe(II). The pHPZC decreased and the pHIEP increased when forsterite-91 was treated with distilled water and artificial seawater. The ions from the artificial seawater had an effect on zeta potential. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images and X-ray diffractograms showed halite in the samples of forsterite-91 mixed with artificial seawater. The presence of halite or adsorption of ions on the surface of forsterite-91 could affect the synthesis of magnetite and hydrocarbons in hydrothermal vents, due to a decrease in the dissolution rates of forsterite-91. The dissolution of forsterite-91 yields low concentrations of Fe(III) and Mn(II) as detected by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Microanalysis of forsterite-91 showed a higher amount of Mn, with an oxidation that was likely not +II, as Mn in supernatant solutions was only detected by EPR spectroscopy after mixing with artificial seawater at pH 2.0. As Fe(III) and Mn(II) are catalyst constituents of magnetite and manganese oxide, respectively, their presence is important for synthesis in hydrothermal vents. Etch pits were observed only in the forsterite-91 sample mixed with distilled water at pH 8.0. Na, Cl, S, Ca and K were detected in the samples mixed with artificial seawater by SEM–EDS. Si, Mg, Fe and Al were detected in almost all supernatant samples due to forsterite-91 dissolution. Cr was not dissolved in the experiments, thus Cr in the mineral could serve as an effective catalyst for Fischer Tropsch Types (FTT) reactions in hydrothermal vent systems. X-ray diffractograms of the original forsterite-91 also showed peaks arising from zeolites and clinochlore. After the samples were treated with artificial seawater, X-ray diffractograms showed the dissolution of zeolite. Experiments should be performed in the natural environment to verify the potential for zeolites to act as a catalyst in hydrothermal vents.
Efficacy of Post Exposure Administration of Doxycycline in a Murine Model of Inhalational Melioidosis
Authors: Gelhaus H. Carl , Anderson Michael S. , Fisher David A. , Flavin Michael T. , Xu Ze-Qi , Sanford Daniel C.
Published: January 2013

Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis. Treatment of melioidosis is suboptimal and developing improved melioidosis therapies requires animal models. In this report, we exposed male BALB/c mice to various amounts of aerosolized B. pseudomallei 1026b to determine lethality. After establishing a median lethal dose (LD50) of 2,772 colony forming units (cfu)/animal, we tested the ability of doxycycline administered 6 hours after exposure to a uniformly lethal dose of ~20 LD50 to prevent death and eliminate bacteria from the lung and spleens. Tissue bacterial burdens were examined by PCR analysis. We found that 100% of mice treated with doxycycline survived and B. pseudomallei DNA was not amplified from the lungs or spleens of most surviving mice. We conclude the BALB/c mouse is a useful model of melioidosis. Furthermore, the data generated in this mouse model indicate that doxycycline is likely to be effective in post-exposure prophylaxis of melioidosis.
Opening the Shaker K+ channel with hanatoxin
Authors: Milescu Mirela , Lee Hwa C. , Bae Chan Hyung , Kim Jae Il , Swartz Kenton J.
Published: January 2013

Voltage-activated ion channels open and close in response to changes in membrane voltage, a property that is fundamental to the roles of these channels in electrical signaling. Protein toxins from venomous organisms commonly target the S1–S4 voltage-sensing domains in these channels and modify their gating properties. Studies on the interaction of hanatoxin with the Kv2.1 channel show that this tarantula toxin interacts with the S1–S4 domain and inhibits opening by stabilizing a closed state. Here we investigated the interaction of hanatoxin with the Shaker Kv channel, a voltage-activated channel that has been extensively studied with biophysical approaches. In contrast to what is observed in the Kv2.1 channel, we find that hanatoxin shifts the conductance–voltage relation to negative voltages, making it easier to open the channel with membrane depolarization. Although these actions of the toxin are subtle in the wild-type channel, strengthening the toxin–channel interaction with mutations in the S3b helix of the S1-S4 domain enhances toxin affinity and causes large shifts in the conductance–voltage relationship. Using a range of previously characterized mutants of the Shaker Kv channel, we find that hanatoxin stabilizes an activated conformation of the voltage sensors, in addition to promoting opening through an effect on the final opening transition. Chimeras in which S3b–S4 paddle motifs are transferred between Kv2.1 and Shaker Kv channels, as well as experiments with the related tarantula toxin GxTx-1E, lead us to conclude that the actions of tarantula toxins are not simply a product of where they bind to the channel, but that fine structural details of the toxin–channel interface determine whether a toxin is an inhibitor or opener.
Novel ATP2A2 mutations in a large sample of individuals with Darier disease
Authors: Green Elaine K. , Gordon‐Smith Katherine , Burge Susan M. , Grozeva Detelina , Munro Colin S. , Tavadia Sherine , Jones Lisa , Craddock Nicholoas
Published: January 2013

Darier disease (DD) is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited skin disorder caused by mutations in ATP2A2, which is expressed in both the skin and the brain and encodes for SERCA2. We have screened the coding regions of ATP2A2 in a total of 95 unrelated individuals with DD to identify the pathogenic mutations. We identified 66 potentially pathogenic mutations in ATP2A2 for 74 of the 95 individuals with DD of which 45 (68%) are thought to be novel. Forty‐nine (74%) are unique to an individual and 17 (26%) were found in more than one individual or overlap with previously identified variants. The results suggest that mutations in ATP2A2 may not be as family‐specific as first thought. The spectrum of mutations identified will inform understanding of the pathogenesis of DD.
Who wears the pants in a mute swan pair? Deciphering the effects of male and female age and identity on breeding success
Authors: Auld Josh R. , Perrins Christopher M. , Charmantier Anne
Published: January 2013

Traditionally, many breeding traits (e.g. the timing and size of clutches) were considered to be female‐only traits in that males played little‐to‐no role in their expression. Although the contribution of males to such breeding traits, as well as other aspects of reproduction, is increasingly recognized, few studies have demonstrated the effects of male age and life history on breeding traits and, importantly, whether these effects are underlined by additive‐genetic variation.

Here, we take advantage of a long‐term data set on mute swans (Cygnus olor) to demonstrate that the ages of both the male and female parents play significant roles in the timing and size of clutches, although recruitment success did not show similar effects. Individual males varied significantly in their influence on the timing of egg laying.

We decomposed this variation using an ‘animal model’; competing models that were the source of this variation as additive‐genetic or permanent‐environmental variation was not statistically distinguishable.

Our results add to the growing evidence that reproductive performance should be considered as a product of the identity and condition of both parents.
Role of anti‐annexin A5 in pathogenesis of hypercoagulable state in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Singh Nand K. , Yadav Dawesh Prakash , Gupta Anurag , Singh Usha , Godara Manoj
Published: January 2013

Aim

Despite several attempts made during the last decade, the exact pathogenesis of exceedingly high thrombotic events and bad obstetric outcome in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) remains elusive. Anti‐annexin A5 (aANX IgG) is thought to have a role in pathophysiology of APS. We studied role of aANX IgG in the pathogenesis of hypercoagulable state in APS patients.

Methods

We estimated levels of aANX IgG in 112 patients with APS (86 primary and 26 secondary). We also estimated aANX IgG levels in 40 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls, 10 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) each, without any history of thrombosis or pregnancy morbidity, 10 patients of non‐APS thrombosis and 10 patients of pregnancy loss without APS.

Results

Only three healthy controls, two SLE (P = 0.239), one RA patient (P = 0.794), three non‐APS thrombosis patients (P = 0.086) and two patients with pregnancy loss without APS (P = 0.258) had marginally elevated values, whereas 53 primary APS (P < 0.001) and 16 secondary APS (P < 0.001) were positive. We also compared aANX IgG levels in different groups. Mean ± standard errors of the mean of healthy controls was 3.77 ± 0.49, in SLE patients it was 4.88 ± 1.17 (P = 1.000), in RA patients it was 4.67 ± 0.97 (P = 1.000), in non‐APS thrombosis it was 7.93 ± 0.88 (P = 0.488) and in pregnancy loss without APS it was 6.80 ± 0.93 (P = 0.789). However, it was significantly elevated in primary APS (12.87 ± 1.07, P < 0.001), secondary APS (11.98 ± 1.41, P = 0.001) and total APS patients (12.68 ± 0.88, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

From the above observations it appears that aANX IgG plays a significant role in producing a hypercoagulable state in primary and secondary APS.
Altered Transcriptional Regulation of Cytokines, Growth Factors, and Apoptotic Proteins in the Endometrium of Infertile Women with Chronic Endometritis
Authors: Di Pietro Cinzia , Cicinelli Ettore , Guglielmino Maria R. , Ragusa Marco , Farina Marco , Palumbo Marco A. , Cianci Antonio
Published: January 2013

Problem

Chronic endometritis (CE) is a poorly investigated and probably underestimated pathology, which may cause abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), pain, and reproductive failures. Due to undefined symptoms and the normal presence of leukocytes in the endometrial mucosa, diagnosis may be missed. Fluid hysteroscopy is a reliable technique for diagnosing this pathology. Few data exist on the biochemical and paracrine alterations that occur in the endometrium of women diagnosed with CE. The aim of the study was to find molecular modification in endometrium related to CE.

Method of study

Sixteen women with hysteroscopic and histological diagnosis of CE and 10 healthy women as controls were enrolled. We compared the endometrial expression profile of 25 genes encoding proteins involved in the inflammatory response, proliferation, and apoptosis in endometrium during implantation window, using high‐throughput real‐time RT‐PCR.

Results

In women with CE, the endometrial expression of some genes was significantly altered. In particular, IGFBP1, BCL2, and BAX were up‐regulated, while IL11, CCL4, IGF1, and CASP8 were down‐regulated.

Conclusion

The altered gene endometrial expression may explain the impaired endometrial receptivity and the finding of endometrial hyperplastic lesions in women affected by CE.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Regulates Endothelial Cell Responsiveness to Interleukin 1 and Amplifies the Cytokine‐Mediated Effect on Cell Proliferation, Migration and the Release of Angiogenic Factors
Authors: Bourdiec Amélie , Bédard David , Rao C. V. , Akoum Ali
Published: January 2013

Problem

Successful embryonic implantation requires an appropriate communication network between the embryo and its near environment within the implantation site. Herein, we examined whether human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), the major embryonic signal, targets endothelial cells and regulate their responsiveness to interleukin 1 (IL1), one of the earliest signals released by embryonic cells.

Method of study

Human microvascular endothelial cell proliferation and migration following exposure to various concentrations of hCG and/or IL1B for different time periods were analyzed by BrdU incorporation and wound healing assays. The expression of soluble (s) and membrane‐bound (mb) IL1 receptors (IL1Rs), IL1R antagonist (IL1RN), luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR), and IL8 was determined by real‐time PCR, Western blot, and ELISA.

Results

Cell proliferation and migration increased in response to IL1B and further in the presence of hCG. IL1B up‐regulated both the signaling IL1R1 and the inhibitory IL1R2, while adding hCG further increased IL1R1 and significantly downregulated IL1R2. This translated into an increased secretion of IL8, which was inhibited in cells where IL1R2 was overexpressed.

Conclusions

These findings reveal a new mechanism by which hCG may target endothelial cells to directly stimulate angiogenesis and favor embryonic growth.
Fear as a Disposition and an Emotional State: A Genetic and Environmental Approach to Out‐Group Political Preferences
Authors: Hatemi Peter K. , McDermott Rose , Eaves Lindon J. , Kendler Kenneth S. , Neale Michael C.
Published: January 2013

Fear is a pervasive aspect of political life and is often explored as a transient emotional state manipulated by events or exploited by elites for political purposes. The psychological and psychiatric literatures, however, have also established fear as a genetically informed trait, and people differ in their underlying fear dispositions. Here we propose these differences hold important implications for political preferences, particularly toward out‐groups. Using a large sample of related individuals, we find that individuals with a higher degree of social fear have more negative out‐group opinions, which, in this study, manifest as anti‐immigration and prosegregation attitudes. We decompose the covariation between social fear and attitudes and find the principal pathway by which the two are related is through a shared genetic foundation. Our findings present a novel mechanism explicating how fear manifests as out‐group attitudes and accounts for some portion of the genetic influences on political attitudes.
Identification of key residues involved in adrenomedullin binding to the AM1 receptor
Authors: Watkins HA , Au M , Bobby R , Archbold JK , Abdul‐Manan N , Moore JM , Middleditch MJ , Williams GM , Brimble MA , Dingley AJ , Hay DL
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a peptide hormone whose receptors are members of the class B GPCR family. They comprise a heteromer between the GPCR, the calcitonin receptor‐like receptor and one of the receptor activity‐modifying proteins 1–3. AM plays a significant role in angiogenesis and its antagonist fragment AM22–52 can inhibit blood vessel and tumour growth. The mechanism by which AM interacts with its receptors is unknown.

Experimental Approach

We determined the AM22–52 binding epitope for the AM1 receptor extracellular domain using biophysical techniques, heteronuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and alanine scanning.

Key Results

Chemical shift perturbation experiments located the main binding epitope for AM22–52 at the AM1 receptor to the C‐terminal 8 amino acids. Isothermal titration calorimetry of AM22–52 alanine‐substituted peptides indicated that Y52, G51 and I47 are essential for AM1 receptor binding and that K46 and P49 and R44 have a smaller role to play. Characterization of these peptides at the full‐length AM receptors was assessed in Cos7 cells by cAMP assay. This confirmed the essential role of Y52, G51 and I47 in binding to the AM1 receptor, with their substitution resulting in ≥100‐fold reduction in antagonist potency compared with AM22–52. R44A, K46A, S48A and P49A AM22–52 decreased antagonist potency by approximately 10‐fold.

Conclusions and Implications

This study localizes the main binding epitope of AM22–52 to its C‐terminal amino acids and distinguishes essential residues involved in this binding. This will inform the development of improved AM receptor antagonists.
Pharmacological fractionation of tetrodotoxin‐sensitive sodium currents in rat dorsal root ganglion neurons by μ‐conotoxins
Authors: Zhang Min‐Min , Wilson Michael J , Gajewiak Joanna , Rivier Jean E , Bulaj Grzegorz , Olivera Baldomero M , Yoshikami Doju
Published: January 2013

Background and Purpose

Adult rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons normally express transcripts for five isoforms of the α‐subunit of voltage‐gated sodium channels: NaV1.1, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8 and 1.9. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) readily blocks all but NaV1.8 and 1.9, and pharmacological agents that discriminate among the TTX‐sensitive NaV1‐isoforms are scarce. Recently, we used the activity profile of a panel of μ‐conotoxins in blocking cloned rodent NaV1‐isoforms expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes to conclude that action potentials of A‐ and C‐fibres in rat sciatic nerve were, respectively, mediated primarily by NaV1.6 and NaV1.7.

Experimental Approach

We used three μ‐conotoxins, μ‐TIIIA, μ‐PIIIA and μ‐SmIIIA, applied individually and in combinations, to pharmacologically differentiate the TTX‐sensitive INa of voltage‐clamped neurons acutely dissociated from adult rat DRG. We examined only small and large neurons whose respective INa were >50% and >80% TTX‐sensitive.

Key Results

In both small and large neurons, the ability of the toxins to block TTX‐sensitive INa was μ‐TIIIA < μ‐PIIIA < μ‐SmIIIA, with the latter blocking ≳90%. Comparison of the toxin‐susceptibility profiles of the neuronal INa with recently acquired profiles of rat NaV1‐isoforms, co‐expressed with various NaVβ‐subunits in X. laevis oocytes, were consistent: NaV1.1, 1.6 and 1.7 could account for all of the TTX‐sensitive INa, with NaV1.1 < NaV1.6 < NaV1.7 for small neurons and NaV1.7 < NaV1.1 < NaV1.6 for large neurons.

Conclusions and Implications

Combinations of μ‐conotoxins can be used to determine the probable NaV1‐isoforms underlying the INa in DRG neurons. Preliminary experiments with sympathetic neurons suggest that this approach is extendable to other neurons.
Long‐term outcomes after cyclosporine or mycophenolate withdrawal in kidney transplantation – results from an aborted trial
Authors: Åsberg Anders , Apeland Terje , Reisæter Anna V. , Foss Aksel , Leivestad Torbjørn , Heldal Kristian , Thorud Lars O. , Eriksen Bjørn O. , Hartmann Anders ,   The NILS Study Group
Published: January 2013

Long‐term triple immunosuppressive therapy with cyclosporine (CsA), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and prednisolone may be excessively powerful for many transplant recipients. We compared withdrawal of either MMF or CsA in stable kidney transplants on triple immunosuppression. The study was a prospective, randomized, controlled 12‐months trial in stable kidney transplants. The patients who withdrew CsA were given MMF 2 g/d, and CsA troughs were between 75 and 125 ng/mL in MMF withdrawal. Planned inclusion was 298 patients. The study was prematurely aborted after inclusion of 39 patients. Acute rejection rates were 6/20 (30%) in the MMF group compared with 0/19 (0%) in the CsA group (p = 0.02). Time to acute rejections was 4.0–28.7 months after withdrawal. Trough concentrations of mycophenolic acid (MPA) and CsA showed therapeutic levels. The subjects have been observed for eight yr, and of the 28 patients remaining on randomized therapy, the MMF patients preserved graft function better than CsA patients. Death‐censored graft survival was 75% and 95% (p = 0.18) and patient survival was 70% and 68% (p = 0.99) in the MMF and CsA groups, respectively, at the end of long‐term follow‐up. CsA withdrawal was associated with a high rate of acute rejections. Initially, the treatment of acute rejections was successful. However, five of six lost their grafts in the long term.
Divergent requirements for fibroblast growth factor signaling in zebrafish maxillary barbel and caudal fin regeneration
Authors: Duszynski Robert J. , Topczewski Jacek , LeClair Elizabeth E.
Published: January 2013

The zebrafish maxillary barbel is an integumentary organ containing skin, glands, pigment cells, taste buds, nerves, and endothelial vessels. The maxillary barbel can regenerate (LeClair & Topczewski 2010); however, little is known about its molecular regulation. We have studied fibroblast growth factor (FGF) pathway molecules during barbel regeneration, comparing this system to a well‐known regenerating appendage, the zebrafish caudal fin. Multiple FGF ligands (fgf20a, fgf24), receptors (fgfr1‐4) and downstream targets (pea3, il17d) are expressed in normal and regenerating barbel tissue, confirming FGF activation. To test if specific FGF pathways were required for barbel regeneration, we performed simultaneous barbel and caudal fin amputations in two temperature‐dependent zebrafish lines. Zebrafish homozygous for a point mutation in fgf20a, a factor essential for caudal fin blastema formation, regrew maxillary barbels normally, indicating that the requirement for this ligand is appendage‐specific. Global overexpression of a dominant negative FGF receptor, Tg(hsp70l:dn‐fgfr1:EGFP)pd1 completely blocked fin outgrowth but only partially inhibited barbel outgrowth, suggesting reduced requirements for FGFs in barbel tissue. Maxillary barbels expressing dn‐fgfr1 regenerated peripheral nerves, dermal connective tissue, endothelial tubes, and a glandular epithelium; in contrast to a recent report in which dn‐fgfr1 overexpression blocks pharyngeal taste bud formation in zebrafish larvae (Kapsimali et al. 2011), we observed robust formation of calretinin‐positive tastebuds. These are the first experiments to explore the molecular mechanisms of maxillary barbel regeneration. Our results suggest heterogeneous requirements for FGF signaling in the regeneration of different zebrafish appendages (caudal fin versus maxillary barbel) and taste buds of different embryonic origin (pharyngeal endoderm versus barbel ectoderm).
Depletion of Aurora‐A in zebrafish causes growth retardation due to mitotic delay and p53‐dependent cell death
Authors: Jeon Hee‐Yeon , Lee Hyunsook
Published: January 2013

Aurora‐A is a serine/threonine mitotic kinase that is required for centrosome maturation. Many cancer cells over‐express Aurora‐A, and several reports have suggested that Aurora‐A has prognostic value in the clinical treatment of cancer. Therefore, inhibitors for Aurora‐A kinase have been developed. However, studies on Aurora‐A are largely performed in cancer cell lines and are sometimes controversial. For effective evaluation of Aurora‐A inhibitors in cancer treatment, it is essential to understand its function at the organism level. Here, we report the crucial functions of Aurora‐A in homeostasis of spindle organization in mitosis using zebrafish embryogenesis as a model system. Using morpholino technology, we show that depletion of Aurora‐A in zebrafish embryogenesis results in short bent trunks, accompanied by growth retardation and eventual cell death. Live‐imaging and immunofluorescence analyses of the embryos revealed that the developmental defects are due to problems in mitosis, manifested through monopolar and disorganized spindle formation. Aurora‐A‐depleted cells exhibited mitotic arrest with congression failure, leading to activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint. Cell death in the absence of Aurora‐A was partially rescued by co‐injection of the p53 morpholino, suggesting that apoptosis after Aurora‐A depletion is p53‐dependent. The clinical implications of these results relate to the indication that Aurora‐A inhibitors may be effective towards cancers with intact p53.
Fish assemblage associations and thresholds with existing and projected oil and gas development
Authors: Dauwalter D. C.
Published: January 2013

Energy development threatens fish and wildlife resources worldwide. This study used constrained ordinations to show fish assemblage structure associated with oil and gas well densities in the Colorado River Basin, Wyoming, but well densities explained only 6.4% of assemblage structure when compared to other factors. Threshold Indicator Taxonomic ANalysis showed significant negative threshold responses by some species to small levels of development (<0.15 wells km−2), whereas positive thresholds were less distinct. Some native and imperilled species could be disproportionately affected if future oil and gas development proceeds in a manner that will impact aquatic resources. Although existing development has not substantially influenced regional fish assemblage structure, it appears to affect a subset of species. Understanding assemblage‐level responses to development can help land managers determine appropriate development levels, prioritise areas for monitoring associated with future development and identify where land protection measures may be needed to offset potential risks.
Seasonal movements with shifts in lateral and longitudinal habitat use by common bream, Abramis brama, in a heavily modified lowland river
Authors: Gardner C. J. , Deeming D. C. , Eady P. E.
Published: January 2013

Acoustic telemetry was used to investigate the longitudinal and lateral movements and distribution of adult common bream, Abramis brama (L.), over 43 months in a heavily modified lowland river in eastern England. A positive relationship between activity and temperature was found, with bream moving greater cumulative distances during the warmer months and distributed over a greater longitudinal proportion of the main channel. The occupancy of tributaries was related to temperature, with bream entering shallow tributaries during rising temperatures in the spring, whilst a deeper, slow‐flowing tributary was used more frequently during the cooler autumn/winter months. During the autumn, occupancy of this deeper tributary was positively related to flow rate in the main channel, suggesting that bream use this tributary for flow refuge. The functions of these behaviours are discussed along with potential management of heavily modified lowland rivers.
The quandary of quota management in the Torres Strait rock lobster fishery
Authors: van Putten I. , Deng R. , Dennis D. , Hutton T. , Pascoe S. , Plagányi E. , Skewes T.
Published: January 2013

Islanders, commercial non‐indigenous fishers and Papua New Guinea fishers share the tropical rock lobster fishery, Panulirus ornatus (Fabricius) in Torres Strait. As the fishery is in the process of moving from input to output controls, a pre‐implementation understanding of indigenous fishers' perceptions of the potential impact of different quota management systems is gained. This study, based on workshops and interviews, considers the impact of competitive quota, community quota and a hybrid system with individually tradeable quota (ITQ), and broadens the current biological focus of fisheries management through consideration of economic, social and cultural aspects. The perceived quota system impact on indigenous lobster fishers largely mirrors the experience internationally, with unlimited access and self‐determination considered most important. The heterogeneity of the indigenous sector increases the management complexity for this fishery, but needs to be taken into consideration if unexpected consequences of the chosen quota management system are to be avoided.
Impact of Human Migrations on Diversity of Helicobacter pylori in Cambodia and New Caledonia
Authors: Breurec Sebastien , Raymond Josette , Thiberge Jean‐Michel , Hem Sopheak , Monchy Didier , Seck Abdoulaye , Dehoux Pierre , Garin Benoit , Dauga Catherine
Published: January 2013

Background

Helicobacter pylori is a major gastric bacterial pathogen, presumed to have established itself in the human stomach approximately 100,000 years ago. Helicobacter pylori co‐evolved with its host, and human migrations shaped the expansion and the diversity of strains around the world. Here, we investigated the population structure and the genomic diversity of H. pylori in New Caledonia and Cambodia, where humans of different origins are living.

Methods

Both multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and macro‐array experiments were performed to assess polymorphism of housekeeping genes and to compare differences in gene contents among strains of H. pylori.

Results

The macro‐array analysis based on variations of the flexible gene pools was consistent with the contribution of ancestral H. pylori populations to modern strains. Most of the CDS variably present encode proteins of unknown function, selfish DNA, and transposases. In New Caledonia—where humans are of several ethnic origins—strains belonged to four different genetic populations, reflecting the diversity of human populations. Melanesians and Polynesians were infected mainly by strains assigned to hspMaori, whereas Caucasians were infected by hspWAfrica, hpEurope, and hpNEAfrica strains. In contrast, strains from Khmer patients belonged to only two subpopulations: hspEAsia and hpEurope. In the two countries, both ancient and recent human migrations may have influenced the diversity of H. pylori.

Conclusion

Our present results are consistent with the possibility of admixture of strains in multiethnic communities. This increases the global polymorphism of H. pylori without evidence of functional change or impact on fitness and virulence.
The Ethnic Composition of Science and Engineering Research Laboratories in the United States
Authors: Tanyildiz Zeynep Esra
Published: January 2013

The United States has been a top destination country for science and engineering (S&E) graduate education for foreign talent for many years. Despite the clear existence of foreign students in the USA, relatively little is known about the factors influencing the flow of foreign students. In this study, we examine foreign doctoral students in science and engineering, and test whether “ethnic affinity” plays a role in the ethnic composition of research laboratories (in what follows, “labs”) in US universities. In order to test this hypothesis, we conduct a web search, and select 164 science and engineering laboratory web pages for analysis. Among these 164 labs, 82 are directed by foreign‐born faculty (Korean, Chinese, Indian or Turkish). These 82 are matched with labs that are in the same department of the same university, but directed by a native (US origin) faculty member. We find strong evidence that labs directed by foreign‐born faculty are more likely to be populated by students from the same country of origin than are labs directed by native faculty. The percentage of students working in a lab from a nationality (foreign or native) is higher when they share nativity with the director. We seek to draw attention to the effect of affinity on the ethnic composition of research labs at the micro level that translates into the ethnic composition of the scientific community at the macro level. Further, these results emphasize the role of lab directors in future enrolments, creating scientific human capital, and contributing to the “brain circulation” phenomenon in the global context.
Emigration and Economic Theory: Missing the Boat in Mexico and Ecuador
Authors: Jonakin Jon
Published: January 2013

The impact of orthodox, free market reforms on emigration was contested by two schools of thought. Following the standard comparative advantage argument, the dominant school maintained that trade, capital, and labour market liberalization would serve as substitutes for emigration, especially as capital flows complemented abundant and ‘flexible’ labour endowments. Another school argued that liberalization would generate short‐run frictions, causing a temporary emigration increase or ‘hump’ until it assumed greater efficiency and growth diminished migrant flows. Using Mexico and Ecuador as case studies, it is argued that both schools were incorrect. Instead, the productive modes and stabilization policies that accompanied market reforms assured labour market failures and persistent emigration from both countries.
The nuclear factor‐κB pathway down‐regulates expression of the NKG2D ligand H60a in vitro: implications for use of nuclear factor‐κB inhibitors in cancer therapy
Authors: Peinado Carlos , Kang Xi , Hardamon Chanae , Arora Sumit , Mah Stephen , Zhang Hui , Ngolab Jennifer , Bui Jack D.
Published: January 2013

NKG2D ligands are cell surface proteins that activate NKG2D, a receptor used by natural killer (NK) cells to detect virus‐infected and transformed cells. When tumour cells express high levels of NKG2D ligands, they are rejected by the immune system. Hence, reagents that increase NKG2D ligand expression on tumour cells can be important for tumour immunotherapy. To identify genes that regulate the NKG2D ligand H60a, we performed a microarray analysis of 3′‐methylcholanthrene‐induced sarcoma cell lines expressing high versus low H60a levels. A20, an inhibitor of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) activation, was differentially expressed in H60a‐hi sarcoma cells. Correspondingly, treatment of tumour cells with inhibitors of NF‐κB activation, such as sulfasalazine (slz), BAY‐11‐7085, or a non‐phosphorylatable IκB, led to increased levels of H60a protein, whereas transduction of cells with an active form of IκB kinase‐β (IKKβ) led to decreased levels of H60a. The regulation probably occurred at the transcriptional level, because NF‐κB pathway inhibition led to increased H60a transcripts and promoter activity. Moreover, treatment of tumour cells with slz enhanced their killing by NK cells in vitro, suggesting that NF‐κB inhibition can lead to tumour cell rejection. Indeed, when we blocked the NF‐κB pathway specifically in tumour cells, there was decreased tumour growth in wild‐type but not immune‐deficient mice. Our results suggest that reagents that can block NF‐κB activity specifically in the tumour and not the host immune cells would be efficacious for tumour therapy.
Angler behaviour and implications for management ‐ catch‐and‐release among marine angling tourists in Norway
Authors: Ferter K. , Borch T. , Kolding J. , Vølstad J. H.
Published: January 2013

The role of recreational fisheries in the competition for marine resources is increasingly recognised. Their contribution in stock dynamics needs to be accounted for in assessments and management. Management regulations should be based on scientific advice on human and biological dimensions to be effective in reaching their goals. A survey among marine angling tourists staying in fishing camps in two study areas in Norway was conducted to study catch‐and‐release (C&R) behaviour. Although C&R has been assumed to be low in many marine recreational fisheries, this survey showed that for some species, more than 60% of the catch was released. As C&R may be associated with post‐release mortalities, the current management system could be inefficient towards its aim of reducing fishing mortality. It was concluded that it is necessary to quantify release mortalities, to consider C&R behaviour in future management decisions, and to minimise the potential negative impacts of C&R through handling guidelines.
Cost‐effectiveness of single‐dose tamsulosin and dutasteride combination therapy compared with tamsulosin monotherapy in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia in theUK
Authors: Walker Anna , Doyle Scott , Posnett John , Hunjan Manjit
Published: January 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

UKclinical guidelines for treating male patients with moderate to severeLUTSassociated withBPHrecommend treatment with an alpha‐blocker (such as tamsulosin) in cases where conservative management options have not been successful or are not appropriate. An alpha‐blocker plus 5‐alpha‐reductase inhibitor (such as dutasteride) is recommended for those patients with moderate to severe symptoms and prostate volume >30 mL.

The present study evaluates the cost‐effectiveness of a new, single‐dose combination of tamsulosin and dutasteride (Combodart®) from the perspective of theUK NationalHealthService. The results show that the combination therapy has a high probability of being cost‐effective compared with either monotherapy, and compared with the two therapies taken separately. The probability of the combination therapy being cost‐effective at an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio threshold in the range £25 000–£30 000 per quality‐adjusted life year is 78–88%.

Objective

To estimate the long‐term cost‐effectiveness of single‐dose dutasteride/tamsulosin combination therapy as a first‐line treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) from the perspective of theUK NationalHealthService (NHS).

Methods

AMarkov state transition model was developed to estimate healthcare costs and patient outcomes, measured by quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), for patients aged ≥50 years with diagnosedBPHand moderate to severe symptoms.

Costs and outcomes were estimated for two treatment comparators: oral, daily, single‐dose combination therapy (dutasteride 0.5 mg + tamsulosin 0.4 mg), and oral daily tamsulosin (0.4 mg) over a period up to 25 years.

The efficacy of comparators was taken from results of theCombination ofAvodart andTamsulosin (CombAT) trial.

Results

Cumulative discounted costs per patient were higher with combination therapy than with tamsulosin, butQALYswere also higher.

After 25 years, the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio for combination therapy was £12 219, well within the threshold range (£20 000–£30 000 perQALY) typically applied in theNHS.

Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that the probability of combination therapy being cost‐effective given the threshold range is between 78% and 88%.

Conclusion

Single‐dose combination dutasteride/tamsulosin therapy has a high probability of being cost‐effective in comparison to tamsulosin monotherapy in theUK‘sNHS.
Gunshot wounds in military working dogs inOperationEnduringFreedom andOperationIraqiFreedom: 29 cases (2003–2009)
Authors: Baker Janice L. , Havas Karyn A. , Miller Laura A. , Lacy Ward. A. , Schlanser Justin
Published: January 2013

Objective

To describe the patient population, injuries, and treatment received on the battlefield, and ultimate outcome ofU.S. military working dogs that incurred gunshot wound (GSW) injury inOperationEnduringFreedom (Afghanistan) orOperationIraqiFreedom (Iraq).

Design

Retrospective study betweenJanuary 2003 andDecember 2009.

Animals

Twenty‐nine military working dogs from theU.S. military with confirmed GSW injuries incurred in combat inOperationEnduringFreedom orOperationIraqiFreedom.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

Clinical data from battlefield treatment, which includes care from the point of injury through arrival to, but not including, a designated veterinary treatment facility. Twenty‐nine dogs were injured between 2003 and 2009. All but one of the injuries were from high caliber, high velocity weapons. Of the 29 injured dogs, 11 survived the injuries and 18 died (38% survival rate). Of the dogs that died, all but 1 died from catastrophic nonsurvivable injuries before treatment or evacuation could be instituted. The thorax was the most common site of injury (50%) followed by extremity wounds (46%). The leading cause of death from GSWs was from thoracic wounds, followed by head wounds. Dogs with extremity wounds as their only injury were most likely to survive, and dogs with multiple injuries were least likely to survive. All surviving dogs received treatment at the point of injury by military medics and dog handlers consistent withTacticalCombatCasualtyCare guidelines for combat injuries in human service members. Of the 11 that survived, all dogs returned to full duty with subsequent deployment to combat zones. Location of wounds and injury severity at the time of presentation to veterinary care was not correlated with length of time until return to duty.
Falsely increased plasma lactate concentration due to ethylene glycol poisoning in 2 dogs
Authors: Hopper Kate , Epstein Steven E.
Published: January 2013

Objective

To describe false increases in plasma lactate concentration measured on point‐of‐care analyzers in 2 dogs with ethylene glycol (EG) intoxication.

Case Summary

Two dogs presenting with EG intoxication had extreme increases of plasma lactate concentrations recorded on a point‐of‐care machine. Laboratory analysis by spectrophotometry of lactate concentration determined these lactate measurements to be erroneous. False increases in plasma lactate concentration were demonstrated in 2 out of 3 point‐of‐care machines tested.

New or Unique Information Provided

Glycolate, a toxic metabolite of EG, can interfere with the measurement of plasma lactate by some analyzers and this may delay the correct diagnosis of EG toxicity if not recognized.
Spatial scale effects on habitat associations of the Ashy Darter, Etheostoma cinereum, an imperiled fish in the southeast United States
Authors: Compton Michael , Taylor Christopher
Published: January 2013

Abstract –  The ashy darter, Etheostoma cinereum, is an imperiled fish within the Cumberland and Tennessee drainages of the southeast United States. An understanding of habitat associations and the relationship of habitat use across multiple spatial scales are critical elements in its conservation. Our objectives were to quantify habitat associations at the stream reach and microhabitat scales for adult and juvenile darters, and to understand the linkage between the two scales based on gradients of habitat use. We focused our efforts within the Rockcastle River, Kentucky (Cumberland River drainage), because the watershed was known to contain a relatively large ashy darter population. Three hundred twenty‐two individuals were collected from 21 reaches. The species was restricted to the mainstem of the river and the lower reaches of the larger tributaries. The distribution and abundance of adult and juvenile darters differed significantly at each spatial scale, and both groups demonstrated non‐random use of the available habitat. Gradients of stream size and substrate size were identified as important factors. A threshold of environmental quality was determined based on the habitat use patterns among the two scales. Habitat use between the two scales was independent within the threshold, indicating that the specific quality of the microhabitats did not necessarily matter within a stream reach. However, beyond the threshold, a decrease of at least 48% in adult and juvenile darter abundance was seen, indicating that a sufficient network of suitable microhabitats is needed to support a good population of darters within a stream reach.
Macromitrium ousiense, a neglected Chinese moss species (Orthotrichaceae, Bryopsida) with new synonym and records
Authors: Yu Jing , Guo Shui‐Liang , Ma Yahong , Cao Tong
Published: January 2013

Macromitrium ousiense is a neglected Chinese moss species, differing from other taxa of the genus in its leaves with smooth laminal cells and gymnostomus capsules with hairy calyptrae. We found that M. heterodictyon Dixon is a new synonym of M. ousiense, and Japan is a new distribution record for the species.
Three hawkweeds (Hieracium, Asteraceae) from the Netherlands typified and raised to species rank
Authors: Haveman Rense
Published: January 2013

After a short sketch of Dutch hieraciology, three taxa belonging to Hieracium sectt. Vulgata and Tridentata that were described from the Netherlands at the rank of subspecies or variety by Zahn are typified and raised to species rank. Hieracium meppelense (Zahn) Haveman comb. et stat nov. is found in the province of Drenthe in the northeastern part of the country, H. limburgense (Zahn) Haveman comb. et stat nov. in south‐Limburg in the southernmost part and H. macrodontophyllum (Van Soest et Zahn) Haveman comb. et stat nov. in the surroundings of Nijmegen and Arnhem, and further north in the central sand area. Photographs of the types as well as maps with the hitherto known distribution of these three species are included.
Hydrogeochemical and Isotopic Investigations on Groundwater Salinization in the Datong Basin, Northern China1
Authors: Xie Xianjun , Wang Yanxin , Li Junxia , Su Chunli , Duan Mengyu
Published: January 2013

Abstract:  Analyses of major elements, environmental isotope ratios (δ18O, δ2H), and PHREEQC inverse modeling investigations were conducted to understand the processes controlling the salinization of groundwater within the Datong Basin. The hydrochemical results showed that groundwater with high total dissolved solid (TDS) concentrations was dominated by sodium bicarbonate (Na‐HCO3), sodium chlorite (Na‐Cl), and sodium sulfate (Na‐SO4) type waters, whereas low‐TDS groundwater from near mountain areas was dominated by calcium bicarbonate (Ca‐HCO3) and magnesium bicarbonate (Mg‐HCO3) type waters. The characterization of the major components of groundwater and PHREEQC inverse modeling indicated that the aluminosilicate hydrolysis, cation exchange, and dissolution of evaporites (halite, mirabilite, and gypsum) governed the salinization of groundwater within the Datong Basin. The environmental isotope (δ18O, δ2H) and Cl−/Br− ratios revealed the impact of fast vertical recharge by irrigation returns and salt‐flushing water on the groundwater salinization. According to the analyses of major hydrochemical components and PHREEQC inverse modeling, evaporite dissolution associated with irrigation and salt‐flushing practice was probably the dominant controlling factor for the groundwater salinization, especially in the central part of the basin. Therefore, groundwater pumping for irrigation and salt‐flushing should be controlled to protect groundwater quality in this area.
Gangliosides as regulators of cell signaling: ganglioside‐protein interactions or ganglioside‐driven membrane organization?
Authors: Sonnino Sandro , Mauri Laura , Ciampa Maria G. , Prinetti Alessandro
Published: January 2013

Read the full article ‘Involvement of gangliosides in the process of Cbp/PAG phosphorylation by Lyn in developing cerebellar growth cones’ on doi: 10.1111/jnc.12040.
Religion, Violence, and Human Rights
Authors: Johnson James Turner
Published: January 2013

Beginning with the support given by religious groups to humanitarian intervention for the protection of basic human rights in the debates of the 1990s, this essay examines the use of the human rights idea in relation to international law on armed conflict, the “Responsibility To Protect” doctrine, and the development of the idea of sovereignty associated with the “Westphalian system” of international order, identifying a dilemma: that the idea of human rights undergirds both the principle of non‐intervention in the internal affairs of states and the idea of an international responsibility for humanitarian intervention in cases of oppression. The pre‐Westphalian conception of sovereignty as moral responsibility for the common good is then examined as an alternative that avoids this dilemma, and the essay concludes by suggesting that religious ethics also has other resources that, if used, may shed useful light on resolving this problem.