bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local adaptation at range edges: comparing elevation and latitudinal gradients
Authors: Halbritter A. H. , Billeter R. , Edwards P. J. , Alexander J. M.
Published: July 2015

Local adaptation at range edges influences species’ distributions and how they respond to environmental change. However, the factors that affect adaptation, including gene flow and local selection pressures, are likely to vary across different types of range edge. We performed a reciprocal transplant experiment to investigate local adaptation in populations of Plantago lanceolata and P. major from central locations in their European range and from their latitudinal and elevation range edges (in northern Scandinavia and Swiss Alps, respectively). We also characterized patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation in populations using molecular markers. Range‐centre plants of P. major were adapted to conditions at the range centre, but performed similarly to range‐edge plants when grown at the range edges. There was no evidence for local adaptation when comparing central and edge populations of P. lanceolata. However, plants of both species from high elevation were locally adapted when compared with plants from high latitude, although the reverse was not true. This asymmetry was associated with greater genetic diversity and less genetic differentiation over the elevation gradient than over the latitudinal gradient. Our results suggest that adaptation in some range‐edge populations could increase their performance following climate change. However, responses are likely to differ along elevation and latitudinal gradients, with adaptation more likely at high‐elevation. Furthermore, based upon these results, we suggest that gene flow is unlikely to constrain adaptation in range‐edge populations of these species.
Evidence‐based practice in physical therapy in Austria: current state and factors associated with EBP engagement
Authors: Diermayr Gudrun , Schachner Herbert , Eidenberger Margit , Lohkamp Monika , Salbach Nancy M.
Published: July 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Research examining the use of evidence‐based practice (EBP) in physical therapy in many countries has revealed positive attitudes, varying degrees of EBP use and barriers at practitioner, patient and organizational levels. In contrast to these countries, Austria does not have an academic or research tradition in physical therapy. Engagement in EBP in countries such as Austria is unknown. The objectives of the study were to describe the current state of EBP engagement and identify factors associated with EBP engagement among Austrian physical therapists (PTs).

Methods

A cross‐sectional online survey was conducted. Existing questionnaires and the theory of planned behaviour guided questionnaire development. Face and content validity and ease of use of the questionnaire were evaluated in pilot tests. Item‐level response frequencies and percentages were determined. Simple and multiple regressions were used to identify factors associated with EBP engagement.

Results

The final sample size was 588 (response rate: 17.5%). Ten percent of participants fully agreed that they regularly use guidelines and standardized assessment tools in clinical practice. While 49.9% reported not using electronic databases for literature searching, 41.9% reported reading research articles 2–5 times per month. Most frequently cited barriers to EBP engagement were lack of scientific skills, lack of time and insufficient organizational support. Research awareness, attitude, behavioural control, involvement in research and degree level were final correlates of EBP engagement.

Conclusion

Austrian PTs show a low level of engagement in EBP. Initiatives to advance EBP in Austria and other countries with no academic or research tradition should primarily target practitioner‐level factors.
Association of Porphyromonas gingivalis with high levels of stress‐induced hormone cortisol in chronic periodontitis patients
Authors: Ardila Carlos M. , Guzmán Isabel C.
Published: July 2015

Aim

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between the occurrence of periodontopathogens with cortisol levels in chronic periodontitis patients.

Methods

Seventy‐five chronic periodontitis patients were invited to participate in the present study. Cortisol levels in serum were measured using an immunoassay method. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were detected by polymerase chain reaction using primers designed to target the respective 16S rRNA gene sequences.

Results

Severe chronic periodontitis patients showed higher mean levels of cortisol (P < 0.05). Twenty‐six patients had hypercortisolemia. High cortisol levels showed a positive significant correlation with P. gingivalis (r = 0.237, P < 0.01). Of the 26 patients with hypercortisolemia, 81% had P. gingivalis, of which 86% had severe chronic periodontitis (P < 0.001). There were higher levels of cortisol with the presence of P. gingivalis (478.65 ± 122.57 vs 402.58 ± 139.60, P = 0.01). The adjusted logistic regression model showed a significant association between high cortisol levels and P. gingivalis (odds ratio = 1.7, 95% confidence interval = 1.6–1.8).

Conclusions

This research offers support for the association between P. gingivalis and higher levels of cortisol in chronic periodontitis patients. These results suggest that high levels of cortisol could increase the occurrence of P. gingivalis in the biofilm.
Life Cycle Energy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Automobiles Using Aluminum in China
Authors: Ding Ning , Gao Feng , Wang Zhihong , Yang Jianxin
Published: July 2015

Transportation is a major part of energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Aluminum (Al) as a light metal can reduce vehicle weight, energy consumption, and pollutant emissions, but Al production is energy intensive. The main contents of this study are the following: (1) create the life cycle inventory of Al parts based on the energy background in China and (2) evaluate the energy savings and GHG reduction for the vehicle when steel parts are replaced by Al parts. Although there is a considerable reduction in energy consumption of per tonne Al in China owing to continuing development of process technology in recent years, energy consumption is higher than the world average level and European level. Over the vehicle's life cycle driving of 200,000 kilometers, the vehicle was found to avoid 1,447 to 1,590 liters of gasoline consumption when six typical steel parts were replaced by Al parts. Based on the current technology, the breakeven distance was calculated, resulting in a net energy benefit to use the lightweight Al parts compared with steel parts. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to show different energy savings by considering secondary weight reduction and different driving distance. The results indicate that weight reduction by using Al is quite effective to reduce the energy consumption and GHG of transportation.
The Professionalization of International Disaster Response: It Is Time for Midwives to Get Ready
Authors: Hays Karen E. , Prepas Robbie
Published: July 2015

Disasters and humanitarian emergencies due to natural or human origins result in severe and often prolonged suffering of the affected population. Midwives have a role to play in providing assistance because women and their infants experiencing such crises have unique vulnerabilities and needs. This article introduces midwives and other women's health care practitioners to international humanitarian emergency response efforts and describes preparation and training activities they can undertake to get ready to volunteer with an international health aid agency. Various clinical realities and challenges are discussed, including recommended priorities for providing reproductive health care in disaster zones. Common ethical dilemmas in crisis health care settings are also reviewed. By arriving in the field well prepared to participate and collaborate, midwives can make substantial contributions to the safety, health, and comfort of women and their families who have experienced a natural disaster, armed conflict, or disease epidemic.
MRI‐determined lumbar muscle morphometry in man and sheep: potential biomechanical implications for ovine model to human spine translation
Authors: Valentin Stephanie , Licka Theresia F. , Elliott James
Published: July 2015

The sheep is a commonly used animal model for human lumbar spine surgery, but only in vitro investigations comparing the human and ovine spine exist. Spinal musculature has previously not been compared between man and sheep. This additional knowledge could further indicate to what extent these species are biomechanically similar. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to investigate spinal muscle morphometric properties using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in different age groups of healthy human participants and sheep in vivo. Healthy human participants (n = 24) and sheep (n = 17) of different age groups underwent T1‐weighted MRI of the lumbar spine. Regions of interest of the muscles erector spinae (ES), multifidus (M) and psoas (PS) were identified. The ratio of flexor to extensor volume, ratio of M to ES volume, and muscle fat relative to an area of intermuscular fat were calculated. Sheep M to ES ratio was significantly smaller than in the human participants (sheep 0.16 ± 0.02; human 0.37 ± 0.05; P < 0.001), although flexor to extensor ratio was not significantly different between species (human 0.39 ± 0.08; sheep 0.43 ± 0.05; P = 0.06). Age did not influence any muscle ratio outcome. Sheep had significantly greater extensor muscle fat compared with the human participants (M left human 40.64%, sheep 53.81%; M right human 39.17%, sheep 51.33%; ES left human 40.86%, sheep 51.29%; ES right human 35.93%, sheep 44.38%; all median values; all P < 0.001), although PS did not show any significant between‐species differences (PS left human 36.89%, sheep 33.67%; PS right human 32.78%, sheep 30.09%; P < 0.05). The apparent differences in the size and shape of sheep and human lumbar spine muscles may indicate dissimilar biomechanical and functional demands, which is an important consideration when translating to human surgical models.
The brain and the braincase: a spatial analysis on the midsagittal profile in adult humans
Authors: Bruner Emiliano , Amano Hideki , de la Cuétara José Manuel , Ogihara Naomichi
Published: July 2015

The spatial relationships between brain and braincase represent a major topic in surgery and evolutionary neuroanatomy. In paleoneurology, neurocranial landmarks are often used as references for brain areas. In this study, we analyze the variation and covariation of midsagittal brain and skull coordinates in a sample of adult modern humans in order to demonstrate spatial associations between hard and soft tissues. The correlation between parietal lobe size and parietal bone size is very low, and there is a marked individual variation. The distances between lobes and bones are partially influenced by the dimensions of the parietal lobes. The main pattern of morphological variability among individuals, associated with the size of the precuneus, apparently does not influence the position of the neurocranial sutures. Therefore, variations in precuneal size modify the distance between the paracentral lobule and bregma, and between the parietal lobe and lambda. Hence, the relative position of the cranial and cerebral landmarks can change as a function of the parietal dimensions. The slight correlation and covariation among these elements suggests a limited degree of spatial integration between soft and hard tissues. Therefore, although the brain influences the cranial size and shape during morphogenesis, the specific position of the cerebral components is sensitive to multiple effects and local factors, without a strict correspondence with the bone landmarks. This absence of correspondent change between brain and skull boundaries suggests caution when making inferences about the brain areas from the position of the cranial sutures. The fact that spatial relationships between cranial and brain areas may vary according to brain proportions must be considered in paleoneurology, when brain anatomy is inferred from cranial evidence.
Brazilian green propolis induced apoptosis in human lung cancer A549 cells through mitochondrial-mediated pathway
Authors: Frión-Herrera Yahima , Díaz-García Alexis , Ruiz-Fuentes Jenny , Rodríguez-Sánchez Hermis , Sforcin José Maurício
Published: July 2015

Objectives

Propolis effect on the growth and apoptosis of human lung adenocarcinoma (A549 cells) was investigated as well as its mechanisms.

Methods

Cells were incubated with propolis for 72 h, and 3-(4,5- dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and lactate dehydrogenase assays were employed to assess cell viability and the inhibitory concentration (IC). Apoptosis was detected by Acridine Orange/Ethidium Bromide and 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining after 24 and 48 h of incubation with ¼ IC50 of propolis by testing the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and the expression of apoptosis-related genes (p53, Caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, Noxa, Puma and p21) by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Key findings

Propolis displayed antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects on A549 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner, but it did not suppress the growth of normal Vero cells. An enhanced apoptosis was seen in A549 propolis-treated cells after 48 h compared with the control cells. Propolis decreased mitochondrial membrane potential by overexpression of pro-apoptotic genes (Bax and Noxa) and reduction of the antiapoptotic gene Bcl-XL. The expression level of other genes remained unchanged (p53, Caspse-3 and Bax), whereas p21 expression was increased. Propolis induced caspase-independent apoptosis through a p53-independent mitochondrial pathway, and cell cycle arrest by upregulation of p21.

Conclusions

Although propolis induces apoptosis mainly by p53-independent manner, it may be induced by another pathway, and new insights may arise for preventing or treating lung cancer.
Prevalence of canine infectious respiratory pathogens in asymptomatic dogs presented atUSanimal shelters
Authors: Lavan R. , Knesl O.
Published: July 2015

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of nine canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) pathogens in asymptomatic dogs presented at animal shelters across the United States.

METHODS

Ocular and oronasal swabs from asymptomatic dogs (n= 503) were tested usingqPCRassay forBordetella bronchiseptica, canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV‐2), canine distemper virus (CDV), canine herpesvirus type 1 (CHV), canine influenza virus (CIV), canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV), canine respiratory coronavirus (CRCoV),Mycoplasma cynosandStreptococcus equisubspzooepidemicus.

RESULTS

A total of 240 (47 · 7%) asymptomatic dogs werePCR‐positive for at least oneCIRDpathogen. Prevalence of two‐, three‐, four‐, and five‐pathogen cases was 12 · 7, 3 · 8, 1 · 8, and 0 · 4%, respectively.Mycoplasma cynos(29 · 2%),B. bronchiseptica(19 · 5%),CAV‐2 (12 · 5%),CDV(7 · 4%) andCPIV(3 · 2%) were the most commonly detected pathogens.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The prevalence of traditional and newly emerging pathogens associated withCIRDis poorly defined in clinically healthy dogs. This study determined that a high percentage of asymptomatic shelter dogs harborCIRDpathogens, including the newly emerging pathogenM. cynosand the historically prevalent pathogenB. bronchiseptica.
Penile Prosthesis First and Replacement Surgeries: Analysis of Patient and Partner Satisfaction
Authors: Lledó-García Enrique , Jara-Rascón José , Moncada Iribarren Ignacio , Piñero-Sánchez Javier , Aragón-Chamizo Juan , Hernández-Fernández Carlos
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Among the many treatments for erectile dysfunction, implantation of a penile prosthesis has been associated with high patient satisfaction rates. Prosthesis replacement has become an accepted procedure in the event of device malfunction or complications, but to our knowledge, there are no data regarding the impact of implant replacement on patients and partner satisfaction.

Aim

The aim of our study was to assess and to compare the level of satisfaction, with a first or second penile prosthesis implantation (PPI), in men with refractory erectile dysfunction and their partners.

Methods

A survey study based on a five-item questionnaire was carried out at our center between January 1999 and January 2012.

Main outcome measures

The main outcome measure used was the level of patient and partner satisfaction with sexual intercourse after PPI.

Results

Of the 190 eligible patients, 149 (78%) completed the survey (110 underwent a first implant and 39 a reimplant). Seventy-nine percent of first-time implanted patients and 80% of the reimplanted patients (P > 0.05; not significant [ns]) reported satisfactory sexual intercourse (very or moderately satisfied), while 74% and 80% of their partners reported satisfactory intercourses, respectively (P > 0.05; ns). Overall, 73.7% of first implants and 70% of second implants reported that they would undergo the procedure again if the PPI failed (P > 0.05; ns). With regards to cosmetic aspects, 13% of the first implants' and 15% of second implants' partners reported either penile shortness or soft glans as the main causes of their dissatisfaction. Only 2.4% of first implants and 1% of reimplanted patients expressed difficulty in manipulating the device.

Conclusions

PPI is successful in returning the ability for satisfactory sexual intercourse to both first implant and reimplanted patients and their respective partners.
A preterm lifeline: Early discharge programme based on family‐centred care
Authors: Brødsgaard Anne , Zimmermann Renathe , Petersen Mette
Published: July 2015

Purpose

To present an Early Discharge Programme model for preterm infants based on family‐centred care, and to describe its impact on the infants and families.

Design and Methods

Methods included longitudinal growth assessments of 218 premature infants and a qualitative synthesis of two focus group interviews with 15 parents.

Results

The main finding was the experience of “parents in control with lifeline to neonatal intensive care unit” based on five syntheses.

Practice Implications

An early discharge programme based on family‐centred care has been implemented and integrated into our neonatal intensive care unit that could be implemented by other hospitals.
Using remotely sensed data to model suitable habitats for tree species in a desert environment
Authors: Campos Valeria E. , Cappa Flavio M. , Viviana Fernández Maldonado , Giannoni Stella M.
Published: July 2015

Questions

Can the species–environment relationship be understood using current remote sensing techniques? Can the derived indicators of remotely sensed data serve as a proxy for variables that affect habitat suitability of plant species? Which remote sensing predictors are best associated with woody species occurrence in a desert environment? How well do models with derived indicators of remotely sensed data predict the occurrence of these species? What are the potential distributions of Ramorinoa girolae, Prosopis spp. and Bulnesia retama in the study area?

Location

Ischigualasto Provincial Park, San Juan province, Argentina.

Methods

We selected random field points from a Landsat 8 OLI to determine presence/absence of trees species. We calculated Brightness index (BI) using the same image and used this index to calculate texture measures on a 3 × 3 moving window size. We used the following subset of texture measures: (1) first‐order: range, (2) second‐order: mean, variance, contrast, entropy, second moment and correlation. We also calculated Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), slope angle and slope aspect from Global Digital Elevation Model.

Results and Conclusion

Second‐order mean of BI had an important effect on the occurrence of target trees species. TWI was an important variable for Prosopis spp. and B. retama, whereas slope angle was important for R. girolae and B. retama. In addition, the occurrence of R. girolae was affected by second‐order variance of BI and slope aspect; and the presence of B. retama was affected by second‐order contrast of BI. All the variables that had important effects on the occurrence of tree species provide environmental information about their different habitat requirements; therefore, our findings indicate that the remote sensing data are reliable to derive indicators of tree species presence in our study area.
Transcriptomic differences between day and night in Acropora millepora provide new insights into metabolite exchange and light‐enhanced calcification in corals
Authors: Bertucci A. , Forêt S. , Ball E. E. , Miller D. J.
Published: July 2015

The evolutionary success of reef‐building corals is often attributed to their symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic dinoflagellates of the genus Symbiodinium, but metabolic interactions between the partners and the molecular bases of light‐enhanced calcification (LEC) are not well understood. Here, the metabolic bases of the interaction between the coral Acropora millepora and its dinoflagellate symbiont were investigated by comparing gene expression levels under light and dark conditions at the whole transcriptome level. Among the 497 differentially expressed genes identified, a suite of genes involved in cholesterol transport was found to be upregulated under light conditions, confirming the significance of this compound in the coral symbiosis. Although ion transporters likely to have roles in calcification were not differentially expressed in this study, expression levels of many genes associated with skeletal organic matrix composition and organization were higher in light conditions. This implies that the rate of organic matrix synthesis is one factor limiting calcification at night. Thus, LEC during the day is likely to be a consequence of increases in both matrix synthesis and the supply of precursor molecules as a result of photosynthetic activity.
Molecular mechanisms of xylose utilization by Pseudomonas fluorescens: overlapping genetic responses to xylose, xylulose, ribose and mannitol
Authors: Liu Yunhao , Rainey Paul B. , Zhang Xue‐Xian
Published: July 2015

Bacterial degradation of xylose is sequentially mediated by two enzymes – an isomerase (XutA) and a xylulokinase (XutB) – with xylulose as an intermediate. Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25, though capable of growth on xylose as a sole carbon source, encodes only one degradative enzyme XutA at the xylose utilization (xut) locus. Here, using site‐directed mutagenesis and transcriptional assays, we have identified two functional xylulokinase‐encoding genes (xutB1 and xutB2) and further show that expression of xutB1 is specifically induced by xylose. Surprisingly, xylose‐induced xutB1 expression is mediated by the mannitol‐responsive regulator MtlR, using xylulose rather than xylose as the direct inducer. In contrast, expression of the xutA operon is regulated by XutR – a transcriptional activator of the AraC family – in a xylose‐, xylulose‐ and ribose‐dependent manner. Detailed genetic and biochemical analyses of XutR, including DNase I footprinting assays, suggest an unconventional model of XutR regulation that does not involve DNA‐looping, a mechanism typically found for AraC‐type regulators from enteric bacteria. XutR functions as a dimer and recognizes two inverted repeat sequences, but binding to one half site is weak thus requiring an inducer molecule such as xylose for activation.
Intraspecific variation in the use of water sources by the circum‐Mediterranean conifer Pinus halepensis
Authors: Voltas Jordi , Lucabaugh Devon , Chambel Maria Regina , Ferrio Juan Pedro
Published: July 2015

The relevance of interspecific variation in the use of plant water sources has been recognized in drought‐prone environments. By contrast, the characterization of intraspecific differences in water uptake patterns remains elusive, although preferential access to particular soil layers may be an important adaptive response for species along aridity gradients.

Stable water isotopes were analysed in soil and xylem samples of 56 populations of the drought‐avoidant conifer Pinus halepensis grown in a common garden test.

We found that most populations reverted to deep soil layers as the main plant water source during seasonal summer droughts. More specifically, we detected a clear geographical differentiation among populations in water uptake patterns even under relatively mild drought conditions (early autumn), with populations originating from more arid regions taking up more water from deep soil layers. However, the preferential access to deep soil water was largely independent of aboveground growth.

Our findings highlight the high plasticity and adaptive relevance of the differential access to soil water pools among Aleppo pine populations. The observed ecotypic patterns point to the adaptive relevance of resource investment in deep roots as a strategy towards securing a source of water in dry environments for P. halepensis.
The kill programme: an ethnographic study of ‘dirty work’ in a slaughterhouse
Authors: McCabe Darren , Hamilton Lindsay
Published: July 2015

It has been argued that ‘dirty work’ is characterised by strong occupational and workgroup cultures. This literature has mainly focused on direct workers, but this article largely attends to indirect ‘dirty’ workers, specifically meat inspectors, through ethnographic research conducted in a UK slaughterhouse. Four arguments are developed; the first is that ‘dirty workers’ may not all display group cohesiveness; indeed, individualisation may be more evident depending upon the technology used, internationalisation and employment conditions. Second, there is complexity and diversity within ‘dirty work’ and even single occupations can contain considerable variety, rendering generalisations problematic. Third, we argue that much greater attention needs to be given to the wider contextual issues affecting ‘dirty work’, specifically changing labour markets, itinerant labour, economic conditions and technologies. Finally, we argue that stigmatised work may become more so if it is equated with the low wage economy and/or undercutting conditions of employment through exploiting migrant labour.
Technology‐push, market‐demand and the missing safety‐pull: a case study of American Airlines Flight 587
Authors: Fraher Amy L.
Published: July 2015

Through a critical case study of the crash of American Airlines Flight 587, this paper draws upon ‘the Social Shaping of Technology’ (SST) approach to offer a reconceptualisation of the technology‐push and market‐demand model for High‐Reliably Organisations (HROs), providing support for a third factor, called here a ‘safety‐pull’. A safety‐pull is defined as organisationally supported reflexivity in which technology innovators and frontline operators collaborate to consider the potential implications of adopting new technologies in HROs and the complex ways this change may impact human operators' work performance, often in risky and unanticipated ways. In contrast to accidents occurring solely as the result of individual operator error, analysing the safety‐pull provides a way to tease out the wide range of factors that can contribute to HRO failures and offers a new SST perspective through which to examine high‐risk operations.
The stratigraphy of mass extinction
Authors: Holland Steven M. , Patzkowsky Mark E.
Published: July 2015

Patterns of last occurrences of fossil species are often used to infer the tempo and timing of mass extinction, even though last occurrences generally precede the time of extinction. Numerical simulations with constant extinction demonstrate that last occurrences are not randomly distributed, but tend to cluster at subaerial unconformities, surfaces of forced regression, flooding surfaces and intervals of stratigraphical condensation, all of which occur in predictable stratigraphical positions. This clustering arises not only from hiatuses and non‐deposition, but also from changes in water depth. Simulations with intervals of elevated extinction cause such clusters of last occurrences to be enhanced within and below the interval of extinction, suggesting that the timing and magnitude of extinctions in these instances could be misinterpreted. With the possible exception of the end‐Cretaceous, mass extinctions in the fossil record are characterized by clusters of last occurrences at these sequence stratigraphical horizons. Although these clusters of last occurrences may represent brief pulses of elevated extinction, they are equally likely to form by stratigraphical processes during a protracted period (more than several hundred thousand years) of elevated extinction rate. Geochemical proxies of extinction causes are also affected similarly, suggesting that many local expressions of mass extinction should be re‐evaluated for the timing of extinction and its relation to environmental change. We propose three tests for distinguishing pulses of extinction from clusters of last occurrences produced by stratigraphical processes.
The role of the metastasis suppressor gene KAI1 in melanoma angiogenesis
Authors: Tang Yun , Bhandaru Madhuri , Cheng Yabin , Lu Jing , Li Gang , Ong Christopher J.
Published: July 2015

The tetraspan protein KAI1 (CD82) has been previously shown to have important roles in cell migration, invasion, and melanoma prognosis. In this study, we investigated the role of KAI1 regarding melanoma angiogenesis. KAI1 overexpression strongly suppressed the growth of the human umbilical vein endothelial cells and their tubular structure formation in vitro. Also, KAI1 was able to inhibit both interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and VEGF at mRNA and protein levels. Using nude mice in the in vivo study, we showed that KAI1, through the regulation of ING4, inhibited blood vessel formation in matrigel plugs along with the downregulation of IL‐6 and VEGF, and the recruitment of CD31‐positive cells. Finally, we found that KAI1 was able to suppress the activity of a serine/threonine kinase Akt by suppressing Akt phosphorylation (Ser473). Taken together, our results suggested that KAI1 was able to suppress melanoma angiogenesis by downregulating IL‐6 and VEGF expression, and the restoration of KAI1 functionality offered a new approach in human melanoma treatment.
Haemovigilance study at a tertiary care hospital in the north‐east of India
Authors: Somagari D. R. , Sriram C. S. , Rachamalla C. K. V. , Dutta U. C. , Chaliha T. , Lahkar M. , Bezbaruah B. K.
Published: July 2015

Background and Aim

Blood transfusion is a frequent and integral part of critical patient care. Even though life‐saving, it could be occasionally risky and result in a spectrum of adverse events. Haemovigilance programme is a standard set‐up to monitor the entire transfusion chain, evaluate and analyse the data to improve patient's safety. The haemovigilance programme has been established in India very recently. We report the implemented haemovigilance programme at a tertiary care hospital in the north‐east of India.

Methods and Materials

This study was prospective and observational. It was carried out for a period of 9 months, from September 2013 to May 2014, in the State of the Art Model Blood Bank, Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati, Assam, India. Transfusion reaction reporting forms, which are supplied by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, were utilized to collect the data.

Results

A total of 51 000 blood components were transfused and 106 adverse events reported during the period of the study. The major stakes of adverse events were febrile non‐haemolytic transfusion reactions (50%), pruritus (17·92%) and rigour/chills (11·32%). All the adverse events were found to be Grade 1 (non‐severe) type, and there were no severe or life‐threatening adverse events.
A phylogeny ofVesiculariidae (Bryozoa,Ctenostomata) supports synonymization of three genera and reveals possible cryptic diversity
Authors: Waeschenbach Andrea , Vieira Leandro M. , Reverter‐Gil Oscar , Souto‐Derungs Javier , Nascimento Karine B. , Fehlauer‐Ale Karin H.
Published: July 2015

Compared to their calcified sister group, order Cheilostomata, uncalcified ctenostome bryozoans exhibit relatively simple and often inconsistent morphologies, making them particularly suitable candidates for the use of molecular tools to delimit species and examine their interrelationships. The family Vesiculariidae is composed of six genera, three of which,Zoobotryon,AvenellaandWatersianaare monotypic, and one,Vesicularia, encompasses four species. The majority of vesiculariid diversity, however, is found inAmathia(39 species) andBowerbankia(21 species). The respective monophyletic status forAmathiaandBowerbankiahas recently been put into question by molecular evidence and is being further examined in this study. Multigene (ssrDNA,rrnL,cox1) phylogenetic analysis revealed thatBowerbankiais paraphyletic to the inclusion ofZoobotryonandAmathia, where the latter was resolved as non‐monophyletic. AlthoughVesiculariaalso nested within this paraphyletic assemblage in some of the analyses, Bayesian topology testing did not support this result. Our results are discussed within the context of published morphological evidence and lead to the conclusion thatBowerbankiaandZoobotryonshould be classified as junior subjective synonyms ofAmathia. A revised nomenclature is provided. Furthermore, we examined genetic divergences between widely distributed supposed conspecific species and discovered possible cryptic diversity in the outgroup taxonAnguinella palmataand inBowerbankia citrina,Amathia vidoviciandAmathia crispa.
Is there something fishy about the regulation of the ryanodine receptor in the fish heart?
Authors: Shiels Holly A. , Sitsapesan Rebecca
Published: July 2015

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

Excitation–contraction coupling in fish hearts is maintained over a range of temperatures that would be cardioplegic to most mammals. Here, we review what is known about the fish cardiac ryanodine receptor, and consider how it may be regulated in a different manner from the mammalian cardiac isoforms of this channel.

What advances does it highlight?

We highlight how a better understanding of the basic gating and conducting properties of fish cardiac ryanodine receptors could provide considerable insight into mechanisms underlying sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium release in fish hearts and the role of the sarcoplasmic reticulum in the evolution of the heart.

The fish cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) holds large quantities of Ca2+, but calcium‐induced calcium release (CICR) is weak in these myocytes, and contraction and relaxation are largely determined by transsarcolemmal Ca2+ flux. Many fish species live in a cold and seasonally variable thermal habitat, which could provide challenges to regulation of excitation–contraction coupling. Here, we focus on the cardiac SR Ca2+‐release channel (RyR2) in fish and ask whether it may be regulated in a different manner from the mammalian RyR2. We review data indicating that fish cardiac RyR are present at lower density, are more spatially separated within the SR membrane and are less responsive to cytosolic Ca2+ than mammalian RyR2 channels. All of these features would contribute to the weak CICR evident from functional studies. We also consider how CICR can be enhanced in fish myocytes following β‐adrenergic stimulation and application of low levels of caffeine, and how acute and chronic temperature change may affect the gating properties of fish RyR2s. It is clear that a lack of insight into the fundamental gating and conductance properties of fish RyR2 channels is hindering our understanding of the role of the SR in fish cardiac excitation–contraction coupling. We conclude by reflecting on how studies that probe the biophysical properties of fish RyR2 channel gating in response to various ligands and temperatures would be very instructive for our understanding of the role of the SR in the evolution of the heart.
Riblet Application in Compressors: Toward Efficient Blade Design
Authors: Hergt Alexander , Hage W. , Grund S. , Steinert W. , Terhorst M. , Schongen F. , Wilke Y.
Published: July 2015

Nowadays, modern axial compressors have already reached a very high level of development. The current study is focused on the question, if the application of riblets on the surfaces of a highly efficient modern compressor blade can be a further step toward more efficient blade design. Therefore, a highly loaded compressor cascade has been designed and optimized specifically for low Reynolds number (LRN) conditions, as encountered at high altitudes and under consideration of the application of riblets. The optimization was performed at a Mach number of 0.6 and a Reynolds number of 1.5 × 105. Two objective functions were used. The aim of the first objective function was to minimize the cascade losses at the design point and at incidence angles of +5 and −5 deg. The intention of the second objective function was to achieve a smooth distribution of the skin friction coefficient on the suction side of the blade by influencing the blade curvature in order to apply riblets. The MISES flow solver as well as the DLR optimizer “AutoOpti” was used for the optimization process. The developed compressor cascade was investigated in the transonic cascade wind tunnel of DLR in Cologne, where the Reynolds number was varied in the range of 1.5 × 105–9.0 × 105. Furthermore, the measurements were carried out at a low turbulence level of 0.8% and at a high turbulence level of 4%, representative for high pressure compressor stages. The measurement program was divided into two parts. The first part consisted of the investigation of the reference cascade. In the second part of the study, riblets were applied on suction and pressure side of the cascade blades; two different manufacturing techniques, a rolling and a coating techniques, were applied. The rolling technique provides riblets with a width of 70 μm and the coated riblets (CRs) have a width of 50 μm. The wake measurements were performed using a three-hole probe at midspan of the cascade in order to determine the resulting losses of the reference blade and the blades with applied riblets. The detailed analysis of the measurements shows that the riblets have only a slight influence on the viscous losses in the case of the compressor application in this study. Finally, these results are discussed and assessed against the background of feasibility and effort of riblet applications within the industrial design and manufacturing process.
Mechanism of Hydrojoining and Approach to Increase Torsion Strength of Assembled Camshafts
Authors: Liu Gang , Lin Junfeng , Yuan Shijian , Liu Qiang , Gao Guilin
Published: July 2015

Assembled hollow camshaft can be manufactured through hydrojoining process which has the advantages including joining multiple elements onto a tube in once loading, high joining strength, efficiency, and precision. The method of improving joining strength by using cams with noncircular hole was presented. Through numerical simulation and experiment, plastic deformation law of hydrojoining process was studied. The displacement of cam and tube, and the profile dimension change of cam during hydrojoining were obtained. The effect of hole shape of cams on joining strength was analyzed. The assembled hollow camshafts with casting iron cams used for a car engine and those with quenched steel cams for a truck engine were successfully manufactured using hydrojoining technology.
A Local-to-Global Dimensional Error Calculation Framework for the Riveted Assembly Using Finite-Element Analysis
Authors: Ni Jun , Tang Wencheng , Xing Yan , Ben Kecun , Li Ming
Published: July 2015

Mechanical structures of large-scale antennas are sheet metals connected by thousands of rivets. The antenna dimensional error after riveting often violates the limit allowed. The prediction of the global dimensional error induced by many rivet connections requires a rapid and accurate assembly deformation calculation method. Main process parameters of these local rivet connections are the local connection dimension, material property, local clamp position, rivet upsetting direction, and the hammer time-to-displacement impact, except for the riveting sequence. We neglect the process parameter uncertainties and consider that the main riveting parameters equate to a dynamic finite-element (FE) model of single rivet connection. The dynamic FE analysis result yields an inherent strain database for the riveted local parts. Then, we propose an iterative loop of static FE analyses for the global structure taking the inherent strain database and possible former static FE analysis result as the boundary conditions. The loop forms a local-to-global framework. Two examples are involved through the framework representation and realistic application. Framework advantages include: (1) a good balance between the cost and precision of dimensional error calculation; (2) the sequence simulation of all the riveting operations; and (3) supporting the further assembly process optimization to reduce the global dimensional error of the assembly with thousands of rivets.
A dual role for NOTCH signaling in joint cartilage maintenance and osteoarthritis
Authors: Liu Zhaoyang , Chen Jianquan , Mirando Anthony J. , Wang Cuicui , Zuscik Michael J. , O’Keefe Regis J. , Hilton Matthew J.
Published: July 2015

NOTCH can protect joints or exacerbate joint injury depending on signal strength and duration and context.
Reversal of diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance by inducible genetic ablation of GRK2
Authors: Vila-Bedmar Rocio , Cruces-Sande Marta , Lucas Elisa , Willemen Hanneke L. D. M. , Heijnen Cobi J. , Kavelaars Annemieke , Mayor Federico , Murga Cristina
Published: July 2015

Inhibiting a protein involved in insulin and adrenergic signaling may improve metabolic disorders.
Cyclin-like function of bacterial c-di-GMP
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: July 2015

The bacterial second messenger c-di-GMP controls cell cycle progression.
Addiction by Activin
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: July 2015

Activin signaling mediates changes in neuronal spine density, thereby contributing to addiction.
Neutrophil NETs drive atherosclerosis
Authors: Mueller Kristen L.
Published: July 2015

Neutrophils release networks of extracellular fibers that contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Degron for autophagic disposal
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: July 2015

N-terminal arginylated cytosolically localized ER proteins function as adaptors delivering cargo destined for autophagy.
Baseline Polymorphisms and Emergence of Drug Resistance in the NS3/4A Protease of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1 following Treatment with Faldaprevir and Pegylated Interferon Alpha 2a/Ribavirin in Phase 2 and Phase 3 Studies
Authors: Berger K. L. , Scherer J. , Ranga M. , Sha N. , Stern J. O. , Quinson A.-M. , Kukolj G.
Published: July 2015

Analysis of data pooled from multiple phase 2 (SILEN-C1 to 3) and phase 3 studies (STARTVerso1 to 4) of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 3/4A (NS3/4A) protease inhibitor faldaprevir plus pegylated interferon alpha/ribavirin (PR) provides a comprehensive evaluation of baseline and treatment-emergent NS3/4A amino acid variants among HCV genotype-1 (GT-1)-infected patients. Pooled analyses of GT-1a and GT-1b NS3 population-based pretreatment sequences (
n
= 3,124) showed that faldaprevir resistance-associated variants (RAVs) at NS3 R155 and D168 were rare (<1%). No single, noncanonical NS3 protease or NS4A cofactor baseline polymorphism was associated with a reduced sustained virologic response (SVR) to faldaprevir plus PR, including Q80K. The GT-1b NS3 helicase polymorphism T344I was associated with reduced SVR to faldaprevir plus PR (
P
< 0.0001) but was not faldaprevir specific, as reduced SVR was also observed with placebo plus PR. Among patients who did not achieve SVR and had available NS3 population sequences (
n
= 507 GT-1a;
n
= 349 GT-1b), 94% of GT-1a and 83% of GT-1b encoded faldaprevir treatment-emergent RAVs. The predominant GT-1a RAV was R155K (88%), whereas GT-1b encoded D168 substitutions (78%) in which D168V was predominant (67%). The novel GT-1b NS3 S61L substitution emerged in 7% of virologic failures as a covariant with D168V, most often among the faldaprevir breakthroughs; S61L in combination with D168V had a minimal impact on faldaprevir susceptibility compared with that for D168V alone (1.5-fold difference
in vitro
). The median time to loss of D168 RAVs among GT-1b-infected patients who did not have a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks posttreatment (non-SVR12) after virologic failure was 5 months, which was shorter than the 14 months for R155 RAVs among GT-1a-infected non-SVR12 patients, suggesting that D168V is less fit than R155K in the absence of faldaprevir selective pressure.
In Vitro
Activity of AZD0914, a Novel Bacterial DNA Gyrase/Topoisomerase IV Inhibitor, against Clinically Relevant Gram-Positive and Fastidious Gram-Negative Pathogens
Authors: Biedenbach Douglas J. , Huband Michael D. , Hackel Meredith , de Jonge Boudewijn L. M. , Sahm Daniel F. , Bradford Patricia A.
Published: July 2015

AZD0914, a new spiropyrimidinetrione bacterial DNA gyrase inhibitor with a novel mode of inhibition, has activity against bacterial species commonly cultured from patient infection specimens, including fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates. This study assessed the
in vitro
activity of AZD0914 against key Gram-positive and fastidious Gram-negative clinical isolates collected globally in 2013. AZD0914 demonstrated potent activity, with MIC
90
s for AZD0914 of 0.25 mg/liter against
Staphylococcus aureus
(
n
= 11,680), coagulase-negative staphylococci (
n
= 1,923), streptococci (
n
= 4,380), and
Moraxella catarrhalis
(
n
= 145), 0.5 mg/liter against
Staphylococcus lugdunensis
(
n
= 120) and
Haemophilus influenzae
(
n
= 352), 1 mg/liter against
Enterococcus faecalis
(
n
= 1,241), and 2 mg/liter against
Haemophilus parainfluenzae
(
n
= 70). The activity against
Enterococcus faecium
was more limited (MIC
90
, 8 mg/liter). The spectrum and potency of AZD0914 included fluoroquinolone-resistant isolates in each species group, including methicillin-resistant staphylococci, penicillin-resistant streptococci, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, β-lactamase-producing
Haemophilus
spp., and
M. catarrhalis
. Based on these
in vitro
findings, AZD0914 warrants further investigation for its utility against a variety of Gram-positive and fastidious Gram-negative bacterial species.