bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glatiramer acetate attenuates the pro-migratory profile of adhesion molecules on various immune cell subsets in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sellner J , Koczi W , Harrer A , Oppermann K , Obregon-Castrillo E , Pilz G , Wipfler P , Afazel S , Haschke-Becher E , Trinka E , Kraus J
Published: April 2013

An altered expression pattern of adhesion molecules (AM) on the surface of immune cells is a premise for their extravasation into the central nervous system (CNS) and the formation of acute brain lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS). We evaluated the impact of glatiramer acetate (GA) on cell-bound and soluble AM in the peripheral blood of patients with relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS). Fifteen patients treated de novo with GA were studied on four occasions over a period of 12 months. Surface levels of intracellular cell adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, ICAM-3, lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA)-1 and very late activation antigen (VLA)-4 were assessed in T cells (CD3+CD8+, CD3+CD4+), B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, natural killer T cells (NK T) and monocytes by five-colour flow cytometry. Soluble E-selectin, ICAM-1, ICAM-3, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)-1, P-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 were determined with a fluorescent bead-based immunoassay. The pro-migratory pattern in RRMS was verified by comparison with healthy controls and was characterized by up-regulation of LFA-1 (CD3+CD4+ T cells, B cells), VLA-4 (CD3+CD8+ T cells, NK cells), ICAM-1 (B cells) and ICAM-3 (NK cells). Effects of GA treatment were most pronounced after 6 months and included attenuated levels of LFA-1 (CD3+CD4+) and VLA-4 (CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, NK, NK T, monocytes). Further effects included lowering of ICAM-1 and ICAM-3 levels in almost all immune cell subsets. Soluble AM levels in RRMS did not differ from healthy controls and remained unaltered after GA treatment. The deregulated pro-migratory expression profile of cell-bound AM is altered by GA treatment. While this alteration may contribute to the beneficial action of the drug, the protracted development and unselective changes indicate more secondary immune regulatory phenomena related to these effects.
Mild neonatal hyperthyrotrophinaemia: 10‐year experience suggests the condition is increasingly common but often transient
Authors: Oren Asaf , Wang Michael K. , Brnjac Lori , Mahmud Farid H. , Palmert Mark R.
Published: April 2013

Objective

To examine a large population of infants with mild neonatal hyperthyrotrophinaemia (MNH) and determine prevalence, clinical characteristics and treatment history.

Methods

Retrospective study of infants with MNH followed at The Hospital for Sick Children between 2000 and 2011. MNH was defined by an abnormal newborn screen followed by thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) between 5 and 30 mU/l and normal free T4 (FT4) on confirmatory tests.

Results

Mild neonatal hyperthyrotrophinaemia represented 22·3% of patients (103/462; 60 boys, 43 girls) within our clinic. Incidence increased from two of 20 in 2000 to 31 of 74 cases in 2010. Seventy eight percent of patients started L‐thyroxine (initial dose: 8·3 ± 2·5 mcg/kg). The treated group had higher confirmatory TSH levels (P = 0·001) and had undergone thyroid scintigraphy more often (P = 0·0001) compared with the nontreated group. Evidence of overtreatment was detected in 45% of thyroid function tests obtained during treatment. Among the treated infants who had reached 3 years of age, 45% (N = 14) underwent a trial‐off medication. Compared with those not trialled‐off therapy, these infants were less likely to have had dose escalations during treatment (P = 0·001). The trial‐off treatment was successful in 50% of cases. In the subset of infants with confirmatory TSH >10 mU/l, trial‐off therapy was successful in 40%. None of the assessed variables predicted success of trial‐off therapy.

Conclusions

Mild neonatal hyperthyrotrophinaemia is an increasingly common diagnosis. It is more common in males and is often transient, but predictors of success of trial‐off therapy were not identified. Further studies are needed to determine optimum L‐thyroxine dosing and to determine whether treatment improves neurocognitive outcomes.
Impact of Ketamine on Neuronal Network Dynamics: Translational Modeling of Schizophrenia‐Relevant Deficits
Authors: Kocsis Bernat , Brown Ritchie E. , McCarley Robert W. , Hajos Mihaly
Published: April 2013

Subanesthetic doses of the psychomimetic, ketamine, have been used for many years to elicit behavioral effects reminiscent of schizophrenia in both healthy humans and in animal models of the disease. More recently, there has been a move toward the use of simple neurophysiological measures (event‐related potentials, brain oscillations) to assay the functional integrity of neuronal circuits in schizophrenia as these measures can be assessed in patients, healthy controls, intact animals, and even in brain slices. Furthermore, alterations of these measures are correlated with basic information processing deficits that are now considered central to the disease. Thus, here we review recent studies that determine the effect of ketamine on these measures and discuss to what extent they recapitulate findings in patients with schizophrenia. In particular, we examine methodological differences between human and animal studies and compare in vivo and in vitro effects of ketamine. Ketamine acts on multiple cortical and subcortical sites, as well as on receptors other than the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor. Acute ketamine models' changes correlated with psychotic states (e.g. increased baseline gamma‐band oscillations), whereas chronic ketamine causes cortical circuit changes and neurophysiological deficits (e.g. impaired event‐related gamma‐band oscillations) correlated with cognitive impairments in schizophrenia.
Inflammation marker, damage marker and anabolic hormone responses to resistance training with vascular restriction in older males
Authors: Karabulut Murat , Sherk Vanessa D. , Bemben Debra A. , Bemben Michael G.
Published: April 2013

The goal of this study was to examine anabolic hormone, muscle damage marker and inflammation marker responses to two types of resistance training protocols in older men. Thirty‐six healthy older males (mean age = 56·6 ± 0·6 years) completed 6 weeks of high‐intensity resistance training (HI‐RT), low‐intensity resistance training with vascular restriction (LI‐BFR) or no exercise control group (CON) three times per week. Three upper body exercises were performed by both exercise groups at the same intensity (at 80% 1‐RM), but lower body exercises were performed by the HI‐RT group at 80% 1‐RM and by the LI‐BFR group at 20% 1‐RM with vascular restriction. Resting serum creatine kinase (CK), interleukin 6 (IL‐6), insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I), IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP‐3) and testosterone (T) were measured before and after training. No significant group differences in resting CK, IL‐6, IGF‐I, IGFBP‐3 and T were detected following training (P>0·05). In addition, there were no significant changes in muscle cross‐sectional area (CSA), but a trend for significant decreases in the percent changes in thigh subcutaneous fat (P = 0·051). Although training‐induced anabolic hormone response did not reach statistical significance, our findings on CK and IL‐6 indicated that the LI‐BFR training protocol was safe and well tolerated for older men to perform to improve muscular strength.
Family History of Dilated Cardiomyopathy among Patients with Heart Failure from the HF‐ACTION Genetic Ancillary Study
Authors: Hudson Laura , Morales Ana , Mauro Ana Clara , Whellan David , Adams Kirkwood F. , O'Connor Christopher M. , Hershberger Ray E.
Published: April 2013

Background

The value of family history (FH) is well established, but its sensitivity to detect familial dilated cardiomyopathy (FDC) has been infrequently examined.

Methods

A genetic ancillary study was created as a component of the HF‐ACTION trial, a multicenter, prospective, randomized clinical trial of exercise in patients with heart failure and an ejection fraction <35%. A FH‐based study using a structured questionnaire mailed to all consenting individuals was incorporated into the genetic ancillary. FH responses were analyzed for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in family members.

Results

Of the 741 individuals with data available, 358 (48.3%) had nonischemic and 383 (51.6%) had ischemic etiology, and of these 164 (45.8%) and 201 (52.4%), respectively, returned evaluable questionnaires. Of those with nonischemic etiology, 14/164 (8.5%) reported at least one first‐degree family member with DCM or an enlarged heart; another 21/164 (12.8%) reported a FH of “cardiomyopathy,” a less specific term to indicate DCM.

Conclusion

At least 8.5% of patients with nonischemic etiology in the HF‐ACTION genetic ancillary study provided FH indicating familial DCM, information important to inform further genetic analyses of this cohort and to plan other studies.
Merkel cell carcinoma concurrent with Bowen's disease: two cases, one with an unusual immunophenotype
Authors: Ishida Mitsuaki , Okabe Hidetoshi
Published: April 2013

The concurrence of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is well known, and MCC concurrent with Bowen's disease has also been documented. Herein, we describe two cases of MCC concurrent with Bowen's disease, and one case exhibited an unusual immunophenotype. An 86‐year‐old male (Patient 1) and an 87‐year‐old female (Patient 2) presented with nodules of the chest and cheek, respectively. Histopathologic study revealed Bowen's disease and a proliferation of small round cells in the dermis and/or subcutis. Immunohistochemically, the round cells expressed endocrine markers. ‘Dot’ immunopositivity for cytokeratin (CK) (AE1/AE3) was observed in both patients. However, dot‐like CK20 positivity was present only in the second tumor, and thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1) was only positive in the first. Both cases were negative for Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV). MCC concurrent with SCC usually does not involve detectable MCPyV infection, which suggests that combined MCC may develop through different tumorigenetic pathways, such as chronic ultraviolet exposure, as compared to pure MCC. Additionally, concurrent tumors may exhibit an unusual immunophenotype, such as TTF‐1+/CK20(−).
Unifying measures of biodiversity: understanding when richness and phylogenetic diversity should be congruent
Authors: Tucker Caroline M. , Cadotte Marc W.
Published: April 2013

Aim

Biogeographical theory and conservation valuation schemes necessarily involve assessing how biodiversity is distributed through space and ‘biodiversity’ encapsulates many different aspects of biological organization and information. While biogeography may try to explain biodiversity patterns, successful conservation strategies should attempt to maximize different aspects of diversity. Ultimately, diversity patterns are the product of evolutionary history, and research and conservation efforts seek to understand the unequal distribution of evolutionary history. For conservation efforts, results have been inconsistent as to whether species richness (SR) provides sufficient surrogacy for evolutionary history. Here, we provide a conceptual framework allowing for the direct comparison of taxonomic richness and phylogenetic diversity (PD), both in terms of their mechanistic relationship and the relationship between their spatial distributions.

Location

Global.

Methods

We present a framework that relates regional SR, PD, biogeographically weighted evolutionary distinctiveness and biogeographically weighted SR. Further, we use simulations to illustrate how the size of the species pool, topological patterns within the phylogeny and autocorrelation in spatial distributions affect the correlation among metrics.

Results

In regions that include both recently diversified groups and ancient species poor lineages, large species pools and low spatial autocorrelation, the correlation between biodiversity measures is lower than regions with low richness, balanced phylogenetic trees and high spatial autocorrelation.

Main conclusions

We can now understand and predict when regional richness and PD should be strongly correlated. This congruency is the product of evolutionary and ecological processes that determine species pool membership and community assembly. Further, in regions where SR is not expected to be congruent with phylogenetic distinctiveness, re‐examining how existing reserve networks protect the multiple aspects of biodiversity is critically important.
Practical tips for imaging ascidian embryos
Authors: Negishi Takefumi , McDougall Alex , Yasuo Hitoyoshi
Published: April 2013

Decades of studies on ascidian embryogenesis have culminated in deciphering the first gene regulatory “blueprint” for the generation of all major larval tissue types in chordates. However, the current gene regulatory network (GRN) is not well integrated with the morphogenetic and cellular processes that are also taking place during embryogenesis. Describing these processes represents a major on‐going challenge, aided by recent advances in imaging and fluorescent protein (FP) technologies. In this report, we describe the application of these technologies to the developmental biology of ascidians and provide a detailed practical guide on the preparation of ascidian embryos for imaging.
Diagnostic accuracy of HbA1c in diabetes between Eastern and Western
Authors: Yan Shuang , Liu Siying , Zhao Yashuang , Zhang Wencui , Sun Xiaohui , Li Jianing , Jiang Fuli , Ju Jiaming , Lang Ning , Zhang Yingqi , Zhou Weiyu , Li Qiang
Published: April 2013

Background

In 2010, the American Diabetes Association recommended the use of HbA1c as a diagnostic criterion for diabetes. However, HbA1c is not an accepted diagnostic tool for diabetes in Eastern Asia, because genetic differences compromise the standardization of the diagnostic cut‐off point.

Objectives

This study evaluated differences in the use of HbA1c for diagnosing diabetes in Eastern and Western populations and investigated whether HbA1c cut‐off point of ≥ 6·5% is diagnostic of diabetes in patients from Eastern Asia.

Methods

Literature was obtained from MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of each HbA1c cut‐off point were extracted and compared between Western and Eastern populations. Differences in the cut‐off point for diagnosing diabetes in each region were compared by examining differences in the area under summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curves.

Results

Twelve publications from Eastern countries (n = 59 735) and 13 from Western countries (n = 22 954) were included in the analysis. Areas under SROC curves in the Eastern and Western groups were 0·9331 and 0·9120, respectively (P = 0·98). The cut‐off point of the highest Youden index was 6·0%. At the HbA1c cut‐off point of 6·5%, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 58·7% and 98·4% for Eastern countries and 65·5% and 98·1% for Western countries, respectively.

Conclusions

HbA1c exhibits the same diagnostic value for diabetes in Eastern and Western populations. In both populations, HbA1c levels > 6·0% identify the population at high risk of diabetes, and HbA1c > 6·5% is diagnostic of clinically established diabetes.
Platelets and autoimmunity
Authors: Habets Kim L. L. , Huizinga Tom W. J. , Toes René E. M.
Published: April 2013

Vascular injury is the initial manifestation of inflammation resulting in the recruitment and activation of various cell types. The integrity of the vascular wall is monitored by platelets that become activated in the presence of exposed subendothelium. Besides their well‐established role in haemostasis, ample data are now emerging on the many immunoregulatory functions of platelets. Platelets store and release a large plethora of cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. They also represent the largest circulating pool of many inflammatory mediators like P‐selectin, CD40L and non‐neuronal serotonin. Furthermore, complement activation occurs on the platelet surface and deposition of complement results in platelet activation. Overall, platelets have multiple functions in both innate and adaptive immunity. Further insight into the multifaceted role of platelets could therefore provide important clues into how we could implement current platelet therapy to reduce both platelet‐induced thrombosis and inflammation. In this review, we discuss the current perceptions of platelet involvement in various autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis and multiple sclerosis.
Identity and combinations of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal isolates influence plant resistance and insect preference
Authors: ROGER AURÉLIEN , GÉTAZ MICHAEL , RASMANN SERGIO , SANDERS IAN R.
Published: April 2013

Accumulating evidence indicates that plant resistance against above‐ground herbivores can be affected by the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in association with the host plant. Little is known, however, about how AMF composition can influence herbivore choice to feed on a particular plant.

Unravelling the preference–performance hypothesis in a multitrophic context is needed to expand our knowledge of complex multitrophic interactions in natural systems. If given mycorrhizal fungal genotypes increase attractiveness for a herbivore (reduced plant resistance), then the benefits of increased unpalatability provided by the mycorrhizal fungi (increased plant resistance) might be outweighed by the increased herbivore recruitment.

This was addressed by designing three experiments to test the effects of different AMF genotypes, inoculated either alone or in combination, to measure intraspecific AMF effects on plant resistance and insect herbivore preference. Using strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) plants that were colonised by eight different combinations of Rhizophagus irregularis isolates, we measured effects on plant growth, insect growth and survival, as well as feeding preferences of a generalist herbivore caterpillar (Spodoptera littoralis Boisduval).

Overall, it was found that: (i) AMF influenced plant resistance in an AMF genotype‐specific manner; (ii) some AMF inoculations decreased insect performance; (iii) insects preferentially chose to feed more on leaves originating from non‐mycorrhizal plants; but also that (iv) in a whole plant bioassay, insects preferentially chose the biggest plant, regardless of their mycorrhizal status.

Therefore, AMF‐mediated trade‐offs between growth and resistance against herbivores have been shown. Such trade‐offs, particularly driven by plant attractiveness to herbivores, buffer the positive effects of the mycorrhizal symbiosis on enhanced plant growth.
The risk of marine bioinvasion caused by global shipping
Authors: Seebens H. , Gastner M. T. , Blasius B.
Published: April 2013

The rate of biological invasions has strongly increased during the last decades, mostly due to the accelerated spread of species by increasing global trade and transport. Here, we combine the network of global cargo ship movements with port environmental conditions and biogeography to quantify the probability of new primary invasions through the release of ballast water. We find that invasion risks vary widely between coastal ecosystems and classify marine ecoregions according to their total invasion risk and the diversity of their invasion sources. Thereby, we identify high‐risk invasion routes, hot spots of bioinvasion and major source regions from which bioinvasion is likely to occur. Our predictions agree with observations in the field and reveal that the invasion probability is highest for intermediate geographic distances between donor and recipient ports. Our findings suggest that network‐based invasion models may serve as a basis for the development of effective, targeted bioinvasion management strategies.
The genetic risk of acute seizures in African children with falciparum malaria
Authors: Kariuki Symon M. , Rockett Kirk , Clark Taane G. , Reyburn Hugh , Agbenyega Tsiri , Taylor Terrie E. , Birbeck Gretchen L. , Williams Thomas N. , Newton Charles R. J. C.
Published: April 2013

Purpose

It is unclear why some children with falciparum malaria develop acute seizures and what determines the phenotype of seizures. We sought to determine if polymorphisms of malaria candidate genes are associated with acute seizures.

Methods

Logistic regression was used to investigate genetic associations with malaria‐associated seizures (MAS) and complex MAS (repetitive, prolonged, or focal seizures) in four MalariaGEN African sites, namely: Blantyre, Malawi; Kilifi, Kenya; Kumasi, Ghana; and Muheza, Tanzania. The analysis was repeated for five inheritance models (dominant, heterozygous, recessive, additive, and general) and adjusted for potential confounders and multiple testing.

Key Findings

Complex phenotypes of seizures constituted 71% of all admissions with MAS across the sites. MAS were strongly associated with cluster of differentiation‐ligand‐rs3092945 in females in Kilifi (p = 0.00068) and interleukin (IL)‐17 receptor E‐rs708567 in the pooled analysis across the sites (p = 0.00709). Complex MAS were strongly associated with epidermal growth factor module‐containing mucin‐like hormone receptor (EMR)1‐rs373533 in Kumasi (p = 0.00033), but none in the pooled analysis. Focal MAS were strongly associated with IL‐20 receptor A‐rs1555498 in Muheza (p = 0.00016), but none in the pooled analysis. Prolonged MAS were strongly associated with complement receptor 1‐rs17047660 in Kilifi (p = 0.00121) and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase‐rs1050828 in females in the pooled analysis (p = 0.00155). Repetitive MAS were strongly associated with EMR1‐rs373533 in Kumasi (p = 0.00003) and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance receptor‐rs17140229 in the pooled analysis (p = 0.00543). MAS with coma/cerebral malaria were strongly associated with EMR1‐rs373533 in Kumasi (p = 0.00019) and IL10‐rs3024500 in the pooled analysis across the sites (p = 0.00064).

Significance

We have identified a number of genetic associations that may explain the risk of seizures in >2,000 cases admitted to hospitals with MAS across four sites in Africa. These associations differed according to phenotype of seizures and site.
Elevated light and nutrients alter the nutritional quality of stream periphyton
Authors: Cashman Matthew J. , Wehr John D. , Truhn Kam
Published: April 2013

The biochemical composition of primary food resources may affect secondary production, growth, reproduction and other physiological responses in consumers and may be an important driver of food‐web dynamics. Changes in land use, riparian clearing and non‐point nutrient inputs to streams have the potential to alter the biochemical composition of periphyton, and characterising this relationship may be critical to understand the processes by which environmental change can affect food webs and ecosystem function.

We conducted a manipulative, in situ experiment to examine the effect of light and nutrient availability on stream periphyton biomass, nutrient content, stoichiometry and fatty acid composition. Greater light increased periphyton biomass [chl‐a, ash‐free dry mass (AFDM)], periphyton carbon concentrations and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), but decreased saturated fatty acids (SAFAs). Greater light availability also increased levels of <20C polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), but decreased quantities of several long‐chain (20–22 C), highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs).

Nutrient (+N, +P) addition had no significant effect on periphyton biomass in the study streams, but did increase periphyton carbon content. For fatty acids, despite non‐significant effects on periphyton biomass, nutrient additions resulted in an increased ratio of SAFA to PUFA, greater concentrations of stearidonic acid (18:4ω3) and near‐significant increases in α‐linolenic acid (18:3ω3). Nutrient additions also resulted in decreased quantities of the physiologically important docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6ω3) and increased the ratio of omega‐3 to omega‐6 fatty acids. An interaction between nutrient addition and greater light also resulted in decreased percentages of another physiologically important fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5ω3).

Results from this study suggest that increased light and nutrients, a condition common in urban and agricultural catchments, would increase 18C PUFA intermediates that would be available in periphyton food sources, but decrease the availability of essential 20‐22C HUFAs. If stream consumers are unable to elongate PUFAs into essential HUFAs, there may be important effects on food webs, including shifts by invertebrate consumers from herbivory to omnivory or carnivory, or changes in the species composition of aquatic consumers.

Our results demonstrate that fatty acid measures were more sensitive to changes in light and nutrient conditions than more traditional measures of biomass, nutrient content and stoichiometry. We recommend routine measurement of fatty acid content in monitoring the effect of changing environmental conditions in rivers and streams, particularly studies on food quality and ecosystem health.
Development and validation of an experimental life support system for assessing the effects of global climate change and environmental contamination on estuarine and coastal marine benthic communities
Authors: Coelho Francisco J. R. C. , Rocha Rui J. M. , Pires Ana C. C. , Ladeiro Bruno , Castanheira José M. , Costa Rodrigo , Almeida Adelaide , Cunha Ângela , Lillebø Ana Isabel , Ribeiro Rui , Pereira Ruth , Lopes Isabel , Marques Catarina , Moreira‐Santos Matilde , Calado Ricardo , Cleary Daniel F. R. , Gomes Newton C. M.
Published: April 2013

An experimental life support system (ELSS) was constructed to study the interactive effects of multiple stressors on coastal and estuarine benthic communities, specifically perturbations driven by global climate change and anthropogenic environmental contamination. The ELSS allows researchers to control salinity, pH, temperature, ultraviolet radiation (UVR), tidal rhythms and exposure to selected contaminants. Unlike most microcosms previously described, our system enables true independent replication (including randomization). In addition to this, it can be assembled using commercially available materials and equipment, thereby facilitating the replication of identical experimental setups in different geographical locations. Here, we validate the reproducibility and environmental quality of the system by comparing chemical and biological parameters recorded in our ELSS with those prevalent in the natural environment. Water, sediment microbial community and ragworm (the polychaete Hediste diversicolor) samples were obtained from four microcosms after 57 days of operation. In general, average concentrations of dissolved inorganic nutrients (NO3−; NH4+ and PO4−3) in the water column of the ELSS experimental control units were within the range of concentrations recorded in the natural environment. While some shifts in bacterial community composition were observed between in situ and ELSS sediment samples, the relative abundance of most metabolically active bacterial taxa appeared to be stable. In addition, ELSS operation did not significantly affect survival, oxidative stress and neurological biomarkers of the model organism Hediste diversicolor. The validation data indicate that this system can be used to assess independent or interactive effects of climate change and environmental contamination on benthic communities. Researchers will be able to simulate the effects of these stressors on processes driven by microbial communities, sediment and seawater chemistry and to evaluate potential consequences to sediment toxicity using model organisms such as Hediste diversicolor.
(Re)considering New Agents: A Review of Labour Market Intermediaries within Labour Geography
Authors: Enright Bryony
Published: April 2013

The world of work continues to change. Labour markets in most countries are increasingly shaped by policies of neoliberal deregulation while strategies of flexibility dominate public policy and corporate strategy across an array of sectors. At the forefront of these changes are the myriad labour market intermediaries that are used by workers and employees to enhance their ability to navigate ever more complex and volatile labour markets. For some, mediated employment, recruitment and work practices mean greater career progression and profit making ability, but for many others, it means increased precarity, vulnerability and insecurity. This paper critically reviews existing literature within geography on three types of private labour market intermediary, namely temporary staffing agencies and contract brokers; executive search firms and headhunters; and informal intermediaries such as gangmasters. The final section addresses the future for research in labour geography and, in particular, suggests new ways in which to broaden our understanding of labour market intermediaries and their impact on worker agency.
Statistical Downscaling in Climatology
Authors: Schoof Justin T.
Published: April 2013

Downscaling is a term that has been used to describe the range of methods that are used to infer regional‐scale or local‐scale climate information from coarsely resolved climate models. The use of statistical methods for this purpose is rooted in both operational weather forecasting and synoptic climatology and has become a widely applied method for development of regional climate change scenarios. This article provides an overview of statistical downscaling with a focus on assumptions, common predictors and predictands, and methodological approaches ranging from interpolation and scaling to regression‐based methods, weather pattern‐based techniques, and stochastic weather generators. Suggestions are made for improved assessment of the fundamental downscaling assumptions as well as reduction of uncertainty associated with application of downscaled climate information across models and greenhouse gas emission scenarios.
The Internet and the gender division of household labour
Authors: Schwanen Tim , Kwan Mei‐Po , Ren Fang
Published: April 2013

Geographers and others have long since examined the distribution of paid work, childcare and housework within households and have more recently begun to explore the various effects of Internet use on everyday life and digital inequalities along lines of gender and other social markers. These lines of inquiry have so far remained largely separate and this paper brings them together by analysing the interrelations between the Internet and the gender division of household labour. Multi‐group structural equation modelling is applied to dedicated survey data collected among heterosexual couples in Columbus (Ohio, USA). The results demonstrate that Internet use is gendered in many ways. Variations in Internet use are explained by a broader range of factors for women than for men, and an unequal division of domestic responsibilities within the household constrains women's Internet use but not men's. Overall, however, the relations between Internet use and the gender division of household labour are modest. The latter is related in different ways for women and men to the residential location, the household situation, the employment situation and gender‐specific interactions among paid work, childcare and housework.
Politicization and the Replacement of Top Civil Servants inDenmark
Authors: Christensen Jørgen Gronnegaard , Klemmensen Robert , Opstrup Niels
Published: April 2013

This article of top civil servants inDanish central and local government sheds new light on politicization. A survival analysis shows that since 1970, the risk that a top civil servant will be replaced has increased. There is no evidence of politicization in central government while city managers' risk of replacement increases both when a new mayor, representing another party and holding an absolute majority, and when the shift of mayor takes place within the same party. We interpret these results as evidence of the adaptability of the merit civil service and political executives' stronger insistence on their authority to make discretionary replacements.
Interaction of Necl‐4/CADM4 with ErbB3 and integrin α6β4 and inhibition of ErbB2/ErbB3 signaling and hemidesmosome disassembly
Authors: Sugiyama Hirokazu , Mizutani Kiyohito , Kurita Souichi , Okimoto Naomasa , Shimono Yohei , Takai Yoshimi
Published: April 2013

Nectin‐like molecule 4 (Necl‐4)/CADM4, a transmembrane cell–cell adhesion molecule with three Ig‐like domains, was shown to serve as a tumor suppressor, but its mode of action has not been elucidated. In this study, we showed that Necl‐4 interacted in cis with ErbB3 through their extracellular regions, recruited PTPN13 and inhibited the heregulin‐induced activation of the ErbB2/ErbB3 signaling. In addition, we extended our previous finding that Necl‐4 interacts in cis with integrin α6β4 through their extracellular regions and found that Necl‐4 inhibited the phorbol ester‐induced disassembly of hemidesmosomes. These results indicate that Necl‐4 serves as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting the ErbB2/ErbB3 signaling and hemidesmosome disassembly.
Towards an insight on photodamage in hair fibre byUV‐light: An experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Longo V. M. , da Silva Pinheiro A. , Sambrano J. R. , Agnelli J. A. M. , Longo E. , Varela J. A.
Published: April 2013

Synopsis

Objectives

In this research, an experimental and theoretical study was conducted to design a photodegradation mechanism of the amino acid tryptophan (Trp) in hair fibres.

Methods

For the experimental research, Caucasian hair fibres were exposed to several different solar radiation simulation periods. Then, Trp and its photoproducts (N‐formylkynurenine and kynurenine) were assayed by excitation and emission spectroscopic analysis.

Results

For the theoretical study, reactions involved in the photodegradation of Trp were evaluated by high‐level quantum mechanical calculations in a density functional theory (DFT) framework which indicate a probable Trp degradation mechanism with a minimum expended energy pathway.

Conclusion

The biochemistry concerning these reactions is essentially important for a biological system where the degradation of Trp occurs.
Determination of the coordination environment of Cu(II) in human hair and its possible relevance to health and hair care treatments
Authors: Worasith N. , Goodman B. A.
Published: April 2013

Synopsis

Objective

This paper addresses the question of the coordination environment of copper (II) in hair.

Methods

The research is based on electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), a spectroscopic technique that detects specifically paramagnetic molecules. Samples were investigated from various male and female subjects of different ages and races.

Results

The Cu(II) EPR signals seemed to be a combination of two components in widely differing relative proportions, although both have the relationship g// > g⊥ > 2.0 expected for the unpaired electron in a orbital and are thus consistent with square planar or tetragonal symmetry for the Cu(II) ion. With a very few samples, the EPR spectra consisted of a single component, and high quality spectra from these samples are presented for use as standard reference results. In one type of complex, 14N superhyperfine structure (shfs) was resolved and the spectrum corresponds to Cu coordination to mixed O‐ and N‐containing functional groups, although the number of N atoms cannot be determined with certainty. No 14N shfs was seen in the spectrum from the other type of complex, and its narrow linewidth excluded the possibility of any. Furthermore, the spectral parameters are inconsistent with coordination of the Cu to four O atoms, but consistent with some S coordinated to the Cu. Large variations between the relative proportions of the two Cu(II) forms were observed with a single healthy subject over a 5‐year period, thus suggesting that they are determined by ‘environmental’ factors, possibly hair treatment processes, rather than being markers for the health of the subject.

Conclusions

EPR spectroscopy is a convenient non‐destructive method for determining the Cu coordination environment in hair, and could be used to monitor its response to various types of hair treatment.
Performance of screening algorithms in systemic sclerosis‐related pulmonary arterial hypertension: a systematic review
Authors: Thakkar V. , Stevens W. M. , Moore O. A. , Nikpour M.
Published: April 2013

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a major cause of mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc). There is emerging evidence that screening may enable the earlier detection and treatment of SSc‐PAH, and thereby improve survival.

Aims

We undertook a systematic review to evaluate the performance of current screening algorithms in SSc‐PAH.

Methods

We searched the Medline and EMBASE databases to 31 March 2012. We selected studies if they applied a screening algorithm to consecutively enrolled SSc patients not known to have PAH; SSc‐PAH had to be confirmed on right heart catheterisation (RHC). The performance of each screening algorithm and the methodological quality of each study was evaluated.

Results

Nine studies met the inclusion criteria with a total intent‐to‐screen population of 3504 participants. In studies of patients with prevalent disease, the positive predictive value (PPV) of screening for PAH was 20.4–87.0%. In studies of patients with incident disease, the PPV of screening for PAH was 20.0–30.7%. The PPV of algorithms using echocardiography alone, or in combination with other tests, was comparable. No study enabled an accurate determination of negative predictive value, sensitivity or specificity of the screening algorithm as only patients who screened positive underwent confirmatory testing with RHC. The optimal timing and frequency of repeat screening is unknown.

Conclusion

The low to moderate PPV of current screening algorithms, coupled with the inability to determine accurately the negative predictive value, sensitivity and specificity, suggests that there is a need to validate further these algorithms before making recommendations regarding screening for SSc‐PAH.
Effect of Leaf Age and Etiolation of Barley on Susceptibility to Powdery Mildew Infection
Authors: Nelson Henry , Shiraishi Tomonori , Oku Hachiro
Published: April 2013

The 48‐h infection frequency of both compatible and incompatible races of powdery mildew on a series of different‐aged first, second and etiolated first leaves of barley (cv. H.E.S. 4) was determined. Young leaves and etiolated leaves were very susceptible. The resistance which developed rapidly upon maturation of leaves out of infancy was quite pronounced. The resistance was not race‐specific.

Einfluß vom Blattalter und Etiolieren bei Gerste auf die Anfälligkeit gegenüber einer Echten Mehltauinfektion

Ermittelt wurde die 48 h‐Infektionshäufigkeit bei kompatiblen und inkompatiblen Echten Mehltaurassen auf eine Serie von Primär‐, Sekundär‐ und etiolierten Primärgerstenblätter (Sorte H.E.S. 4). Junge und etiolierte Blätter waren sehr anfällig. Die Resistenz, die sehr rasch mit dem Reifwerden der Blätter entstand, war ausgeprägt. Die Resistenz war nicht rassenspezifisch.
Occurrence of Pseudomonas viridiflava in Seedlings of Radish
Authors: Shakya Dilli D. , Vinther F.
Published: April 2013

Radish (Raphanus sativa L.) seeds and seedlings of cv. Pyuthane from Nepal were found to be infected with pathogenic bacteria. From 22 to 52% of the seedlings were noted with cotyledonary leaf spots and 10 to 20% with black or brown discoloured roots, when grown on blotter, water agar or in soil. Based on biochemical and host range tests some of the bacteria isolated from these parts and directly from seeds were identified as Pseudomonas viridiflava.

Das Vorkommen von Pseudomonas viridiflava in Radieschensämlingen

Es wurde festgestellt, daß Samen und Sämlinge von Radieschen (Raphanus sativa L.) cv. Pyuthane aus Nepal mit pathogenen Bakterien infiziert waren. Wenn Sämlinge auf feuchtem Papier, auf Wasser‐Agar oder in Erde wuchsen, hatten 22 bis 52% Keimblattflecken und 10 bis 20% braun gefärbte Wurzeln. Aufgrund biochemischer und Wirtsspektrumsuntersuchungen konnten einige der aus den befallenen Pflanzenteilen sowie direkt aus Samen gewonnene Bakterien als Pseudomonas viridiflava identifiziert werden.
Application of Enzyme‐linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA) to Detection of Lettuce Mosaic Virus in Lettuce Seeds
Authors: Dolores‐Talens A. C. , Hill J. H. , Durand D. P.
Published: April 2013

Enzyme‐linked fluorescence assay (ELFA) was evaluated for detection of lettuce mosaic virus (LMV). The assay, which could detect 1 ng/ml of purified virus, was approximately equivalent in sensitivity to results obtained with biotin‐avidin ELISA. The immunoassay detected LMV antigen in contrived seed lots containing LMV‐infected seeds where virus concentrations were presumably at low levels.

Die Anwendung eines enzymgekoppelten Fluoreszenzassays (ELFA) bei der Entdeckung des Lettuce Mosaik Virus in Salatsamen

Ein enzymgekoppelter Fluoreszenzassay (ELFA) wurde auf seine Tauglichkeit bei der Entdek‐kung des Lettuce Mosaik Virus (LMV) geprüft. Der Assay, der 1 ng/ml gereinigtes Virus feststellen konnte, war in seiner Sensitivität mit den Ergebnissen nach Biotin‐Avidin ELISA ungefähr gleich einzustufen. Der Immunoassay entdeckte LMV‐Antigene in Samenproben, die LMV‐infizierte Samen enthielten, bei denen die Viruskonzentrationen aber wahrscheinlich sehr niedrig waren.
Fusarium sporotrichioides Sherb., Fusarium tricinctum (Corda) Sacc. and Fusarium poae (Peck) Wollenw. — Cultural Characteristics, Toxinogenicity and Pathogenicity Towards Cereals
Authors: Chelkowski J. , Manka Malgorzata , Kwasna Hanna , Visconti A. , Golinski P.
Published: April 2013

Taxonomy, toxinogenicity and pathogenicity of 26 isolates of Fusarium‐Sporotricbiella section were studied. Strains of Fusarium sporotrichioides Sherb. isolated in Poland from cereals have been found severely pathogenic towards cereal seedlings. They produced significant amounts of T‐2 toxin (up to 600 mg/kg) and other trichothecenes under laboratory conditions. The investigated strains of F. tricinctum (Corda) Sacc. and F. poae (Peck) Wollenw. proved to be nonpathogenic and nontoxigenic under the same conditions.

Fusarium sporotrichoides Sherb., F. tricinctum (Corda) Saco und F. poae (Peck) Wollenw. — Kulturmerkmale, Toxinogenität und Pathogenität gegenüber Getreide

Untersucht wurde die Taxonomie, Toxinogenität und Pathogenität von 26 Fusarium‐lsolaten aus der Sporotrichiella‐Sektion. Fusarium sporotnchoides‐Sümme, die von Getreide in Polen isoliert wurden, zeigten sich als sehr pathogen gegenüber Getreidesämlingen. Unter Laborbedingungen produzierten diese Stämme bedeutende Mengen an T‐2 Toxin (bis zu 600 mg/kg) und anderen Trichothecenen. Die untersuchten F. tricinctum‐ und F. poae‐Sämme zeigten sich unter den gleichen Bedingungen als nicht pathogen und nicht toxinogen.
Ampelomyces quisqualis for Biological and Integrated Control of Powdery Mildews in Israel
Authors: Sztejnberg A. , Galper S. , Mazar Shlomit , Lisker N.
Published: April 2013

An isolate of Ampelomyces quisqualis obtained from a Oidium sp. infecting Catha edulis in Israel, proved to be infective to several powdery mildew fungi belonging to the genera Oidium, Erysiphe, Sphaerotheca, Podosphaera, Uncinula, and Leveillula. In field trials, A. quisqualis parasitized the powdery mildews of cucumber, carrot and mango and reduced the disease. Hyperparasitism on Oidium mangiferae is reported for the first time. A. quisqualis was tolerant to many fungicides currently used to control powdery mildews and/or other plant diseases. In one experiment, treating powdery mildew of cucumber (cv. Hazera 205) with spores of A. quisqualis alone, significantly decreased disease severity and increased cucumber yields by approximately 50%. However, a greater increase in yield was obtained by using the fungicide pyrazophos alone or in combination with the hyperparasite. In a second experiment, using cv. Dalila, all treatments increased the yield over the untreated control which did not produce fruits.

Ampelomyces quisqualis in der biologischen und integrierten Bekämpfung des Echten Mehltaus in Israel

Festgestellt wurde, daß ein Ampelomyces quisqualis‐Stimm, der aus einer Oidium sp. an Catha edulis in Israel isoliert wurde, einige der Pilze des Echten Mehltaus der Gattungen Oidium, Erysiphe, Sphaerotheca, Podosphaera, Uncinula und Leveillula parasitisieren konnte. In Feldversuchen konnte A. quisqualis Gurken‐, Möhren‐ und Mangomehltau parasitisieren und dadurch den Krankheitsbefall reduzieren. Der Hyperparasitismus an Oidium mangifera wird zum ersten Mal dokumentiert. Es wurde auch festgestellt, daß A. quisqualis gegen einige Fungizide, die ihren Einsatz als Mehltaufungizide oder auch gegen andere Krankheiten finden, unempfindlich ist. In einem Versuch wurde ermittelt, daß nach der Anwendung von A. quisqualis‐Sporen gegen Gurkenmehkau (Sorte Hazera 205) eine deutliche Reduzierung der Befallsintensität und eine Erhöhung des Gurkenertrages um 50% erzielt wurde. Jedoch wurden noch höhere Erträge erzielt, wenn entweder das Fungizid Pyrazophos alleine oder in Kombination mit dem Hyperparasit angewandt wurde. In einem zweiten Versuch mit der Sorte Dalila wurden bessere Erträge mit allen Behandlungen erzielt als in der unbehandelten Kontrolle, wo keine Gurken wuchsen.
Elimination of Raspberry Bushy Dwarf Virus from Axillary Bud Cultures of Red Raspberry Cv. Lloyd George by Antiviral Compounds
Authors: KUDELL A. R. , BUCHENAUER H.
Published: April 2013

Raspberry bushy dwarf virus (RBDV) is common in red raspberry cvs in West Germany. Attempts to eliminate the virus from infected raspberry stock by means of heat therapy or meristem culture mostly failed because of its heat stability and its presumed property to colonize the meristems. Therefore, a combined method of tissue culture with chemotherapy was developed to eliminate RBDV from axillary bud cultures of red raspberry, cv. Lloyd George. The antiviral compounds ribavirin and dodecyl‐N‐methylephedrinium bromide (DMEB) were added to the nutrient medium in different concentrations.

After application of ribavirin and DMEB at non phytotoxic concentrations, e. g. 2 × 10−4 to 4 × 10−5 mol, RBDV could not be detected in any explant tested by ELISA.

Eliminierung von raspberry bushy dwarf virus aus Triebknospen‐Kulturen der Himbeersorte ‘Lloyd George’ durch Antiviralsubstanzen

Raspberry bushy virus (RBDV) wird verbreitet in deutschen Himbeersortimenten gefunden. Die Eliminierung aus infizierten Himbeersträuchern mittels Wärmebehandlung oder Meristemkultur bereitet Schwierigkeiten, da das Virus zum einen hitzestabil ist und zum anderen auch die Meristeme der Wirtspflanzen zu besiedeln scheint. Daher wurde eine kombinierte Methode zur Virus‐eliminierung, bestehend aus Gewebekulturen mit Triebknospen der Himbeersorte “Lloyd George” und Chemotherapie, entwickelt. Die Antiviralsubstanzen Ribavirin und Dodecyl‐N‐methylephe‐driniumbromid (DMEB) wurden dem Nährmedium in verschiedenen Konzentrationen zugesetzt.

Nach der Applikation von Ribavirin und DMEB in nicht phytotoxischen Konzentrationen (z. B. 2 × 10‐4 bis 4 × 10‐5 Mol) konnte im ELISA‐Test in allen untersuchten Explantaten kein RBDV nachgewiesen werden.