bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population responses of the Endangered White-breasted ThrasherRamphocinclus brachyurusto a tourist development in Saint Lucia – conservation implications from a spatial modelling approach
Authors: WHITE RACHEL L. , BAPTISTE TIMOTHEUS JN. , DORNELLY ALWIN , MORTON MATTHEW N. , O’CONNELL MARK J. , YOUNG RICHARD P.
Published: May 2012

Tourism development is one of the main contemporary drivers of habitat loss and fragmentation within the Caribbean Islands biodiversity hotspot. In Saint Lucia, construction of a hotel and golf course within coastal dry forest is directly threatening the largest known subpopulation of the Endangered White-breasted ThrasherRamphocinclus brachyurus. Understanding how the species is responding to ongoing landscape change and identifying priority sites for conservation are imperative for planning its long-term conservation. In this study, a four year White-breasted Thrasher monitoring dataset (2006–2009) and landscape-scale environmental variables were used to: a) identify, characterise and map spatio-temporal patterns of White-breasted Thrasher encounter rate (an abundance proxy) within and outside the tourist development site; b) determine landscape-scale environmental variables that influence such patterns, and c) produce an island-wide predictive map of potentially suitable habitat. Observed patterns in encounter rates within and outside the development site were consistent with thrashers being displaced from cleared areas of forest and crowding into intact forest patches to the north and west of the golf course. A year after the period of the most extensive habitat clearance, White-breasted Thrasher numbers declined markedly leading to a 55% reduction in encounter rate within the development site over the four years of the study. The habitat suitability model predicted that a range of sites outside of the known geographic range of the thrasher are potentially suitable, some of which merit further surveys for potentially undetected populations. Given these findings, it is vital that patches of suitable dry forest adjacent to the tourist development are protected and contiguous natural habitat inside the tourist development is preserved.
Biogeography and conservation of Andean and Trans-Andean populations ofPyrrhuraparakeets in Colombia: Modelling geographic distributions to identify independent conservation units
Authors: BOTERO-DELGADILLO ESTEBAN , ANDRÉS PÁEZ CARLOS , BAYLY NICHOLAS
Published: May 2012

The criteria and categories of the IUCN red list can be applied to any taxonomic unit, including taxa below species level or non-formally described forms, but this is seldom practiced. Because conservation priorities largely focus on well-established taxa that deserve urgent action, cryptic species may be facing a critical situation. This could be the case for some Andean and trans-Andean populations ofPyrrhuraparakeets in Colombia that have restricted and isolated geographic ranges, and whose conservation status has been overlooked because nominal species covering them are considered of “Least Concern”. As part of research into the biogeographic history and biogeographic patterns of the genusPyrrhura, we used MaxEnt modelling to make a first approach to the geographic distribution and conservation status of these populations, and to determine if they could be considered independent conservation units. As with other members ofPyrrhura, we found that their climatic niche was restricted to humid regions of the Andes and the Andean foothills, resulting in isolated and discontinuous distributions associated with the Tropical humid forest Zonobiome. Comparing our estimates of area of occupancy with the established thresholds for IUCN criterion B2, the four subspecies studied could be considered threatened. The small geographic ranges, apparent vulnerability to forest fragmentation compared with other parrots, and extensive habitat loss experienced by the Andean and trans-Andean subspecies ofP. melanuraandP. pictaallow us to conclude that they are valid conservation units. Although further research on these taxa is necessary, our results imply that they must be included as target populations in local and national policies for management plans and decision making, and urgent actions are needed for the subspecies ofP. pictasuch asP. p. subandinaandP. p. caeruleiceps.
Analysis of Collaboration in Crisis Management: Swedish Study Report
Authors: Kulling Per
Published: May 2012

This report is a summary of a study1 conducted at the Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences to evaluate collaboration during crisis management. The study includes relevant legal and regulatory dynamics, as well as conclusions and recommendations. Rules and regulations of international interest are presented in the Appendix. References are limited to those of international interest.

Kulling P. Analysis of collaboration in crisis management: Swedish study report. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(2):1-4.
Remember to Buy Milk on the Way Home! A Meta-analytic Review of Prospective Memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Authors: van den Berg Esther , Kant Neeltje , Postma Albert
Published: May 2012

Prospective memory (PM) is the ability to remember to execute delayed intentions. Previous studies indicate that PM is impaired in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, but the extent, nature, and cognitive correlates are unclear. A meta-analytic review was, therefore, performed (literature search 1990 to July 2011) on case-control studies on PM in dementia (10 studies, 336 patients, 505 controls) and MCI (7 studies, 225 patients, 253 controls). Differences between event-based and time-based PM and between measures of prospective and retrospective memory were examined, as well as correlations with other cognitive functions. Results showed that patients with dementia or MCI exhibit large deficits in PM (Hedges’d−1.62 [95% confidence interval −1.98 to −1.27;p< .0001] for dementia; −1.24 [−1.51 to −0.995;p< .0001] for MCI; difference dementiavs.MCI:QM= 1.94,p= .16). Impairments were comparable in size for event-based and time-based PM (p> .05), as well as for prospective and retrospective memory (p> .05). PM showed modest correlations with measures of retrospective memory (medianr= 0.27) and executive functioning (medianr= 0.30). PM appears a valid construct in neuropsychological assessment in patients with dementia or MCI, but more insight is needed in the optimal characteristics of PM tasks to be used in clinical practice. (JINS, 2012,18, 1–11)
Improving Memory in Outpatients with Neurological Disorders Using a Group-Based Training Program
Authors: Radford Kylie , Lah Suncica , Thayer Zoë , Say Miranda J. , Miller Laurie A.
Published: May 2012

Memory problems are common in patients with a range of neurological conditions, but there have been few attempts to provide and evaluate the usefulness of memory training for groups of neurological outpatients. We used a waitlist-controlled trial design to assess the effectiveness of a newly created, 6-session intervention, which involved training in the use of compensatory strategies as well as education regarding memory function, neurological damage, sleep and lifestyle factors that have an impact on memory. Fifty-six patients with neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, epilepsy) and memory complaints completed the training and assessments. Outcomes were evaluated in terms of reported strategy use as well as objective and subjective measures of anterograde and prospective memory. Training resulted in significant improvements on number of strategies used, scores on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (total learning and delayed recall) and self-report on the Comprehensive Assessment of Prospective Memory. Improvements were stable at 3-month follow-up. Better individual outcomes were related to lower baseline memory scores, fewer symptoms of depression and greater self-awareness of memory function. Overall the study provides encouraging results to indicate that patients with neurological conditions such as stroke and epilepsy can show improvements in memory after a relatively short group-based intervention. (JINS, 2012, 18, 1–11)
Robust Cognitive Change
Authors: Salthouse Timothy A.
Published: May 2012

Two major challenges facing researchers interested in cognitive change are that measures of change are often not very reliable, and they may reflect effects of prior test experience in addition to the factors of primary interest. One approach to dealing with these problems is to obtain multiple measures of change on parallel versions of the same tests in a measurement burst design. A total of 783 adults performed three parallel versions of cognitive tests on two occasions separated by an average of 2.6 years. Performance increased substantially across the three sessions within each occasion, and for all but vocabulary ability these within-occasion improvements were considerably larger than the between-occasion changes. Reliabilities of the changes in composite scores were low, but averages of the three changes had larger, albeit still quite modest, reliabilities. In some cognitive abilities individual differences were evident in the relation of prior test experience and the magnitude of longitudinal change. Although multiple assessments are more time consuming than traditional measurement procedures, the resulting estimates of change are more robust than those from conventional methods, and also allow the influence of practice on change to be systematically investigated. (JINS, 2012, 18, 1–8)
Impaired Response Inhibition in Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Swick Diane , Honzel Nikki , Larsen Jary , Ashley Victoria , Justus Timothy
Published: May 2012

Combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can show impairments in executive control and increases in impulsivity. The current study examined the effects of PTSD on motor response inhibition, a key cognitive control function. A Go/NoGo task was administered to veterans with a diagnosis of PTSD based on semi-structured clinical interview using DSM-IV criteria (n= 40) and age-matched control veterans (n= 33). Participants also completed questionnaires to assess self-reported levels of PTSD and depressive symptoms. Performance measures from the patients (error rates and reaction times) were compared to those from controls. PTSD patients showed a significant deficit in response inhibition, committing more errors on NoGo trials than controls. Higher levels of PTSD and depressive symptoms were associated with higher error rates. Of the three symptom clusters, re-experiencing was the strongest predictor of performance. Because the co-morbidity of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and PTSD was high in this population, secondary analyses compared veterans with PTSD+mTBI (n= 30) to veterans with PTSD only (n= 10). Although preliminary, results indicated the two patient groups did not differ on any measure (p> .88). Since cognitive impairments could hinder the effectiveness of standard PTSD therapies, incorporating treatments that strengthen executive functions might be considered in the future. (JINS, 2012,18, 1–10)
Insurance accounting: a new era?
Authors: Foroughi K. , Barnard C. R. , Bennett R.W. , Clay D. K. , Conway E. L. , Corfield S. R. , Coughlan A. J. , Harrison J. S. , Hibbett G. J. , Kendix I. V. , Lanari-Boisclair M. , O’ Brien C. D. , Straker J. S. K.
Published: May 2012

Insurance accounting has for many years proved a challenging topic for standard setters, preparers and users, often described as a “black box”. Will recent developments, in particular the July 2010 Insurance Contracts Exposure Draft, herald a new era?

This paper reviews these developments, setting out key issues and implications. It concentrates on issues relevant to life insurers, although much of the content is also relevant to non-life insurers.

The paper compares certain IFRS and Solvency II developments, recognising that UK insurers face challenges in implementing new financial and regulatory reporting requirements in similar timeframes. The paper considers resulting external disclosure requirements and a possible future role for supplementary information.
Delivering Employment Services to Vulnerable Customers: A Case Study of the UK's Employment Service
Authors: Stafford Bruce , Roberts Simon , Duffy Deirdre
Published: May 2012

This article explores the impact of a more individualised public employment service on vulnerable people. It analyses a system Jobcentre Plus implemented in 2008, Accessing Jobcentre Plus Customer Services (AJCS), to improve customer services by minimising ‘footfall’ in local offices, encouraging the use of self-service facilities and targeting service delivery to the requirements of customers. The article shows that certain vulnerable groups, notably people with disabilities, are not necessarily well served by the new system. The article highlights tensions between managing a large and complex service and addressing the individual needs of vulnerable members of society adequately.
Computational intelligence with applications to general insurance: a review
Authors: Parodi Pietro
Published: May 2012

This paper argues that most of the problems that actuaries have to deal with in the context of non-life insurance can be usefully cast in the framework of computational intelligence (a.k.a. artificial intelligence), the discipline that studies the design of agents which exhibit intelligent behaviour. Finding an adequate framework for actuarial problems has more than a simply theoretical interest: it also allows a knowledge transfer from the computational intelligence discipline to general insurance, wherever techniques have been developed for problems which are common to both contexts. This has already happened in the past (neural networks, clustering, data mining have all found applications to general insurance) but not systematically, with the result that many useful computational intelligence techniques such as sparsity-based regularisation schemes (a technique for feature selection) are virtually unknown to actuaries.

In this first of two papers, we will explore the role of statistical learning in actuarial modelling. We will show that risk costing, which is at the core of pricing, reserving and capital modelling, can be described as a supervised learning problem. Many activities involved in exploratory analysis, such as data mining or feature construction, can be described as unsupervised learning. A comparison of different computational intelligence methods will be carried out, and practical insurance applications (rating factor selection, IBNER analysis) will also be presented.
Nick Hales Award Lecture 2011: glucocorticoids and early life programming of cardiometabolic disease
Authors: Reynolds R. M.
Published: May 2012

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated an association between low birthweight and a range of diseases in adult life including cardiometabolic and psychiatric diseases. One of the key mechanisms proposed to underlie early life ‘programming’ of disease is overexposure of the developing foetus to glucocorticoids. This review will explore the data from human studies that glucocorticoids are not only mediators of programming, but also targets of programming. Cohort studies of men and women of known birthweight have demonstrated that low birthweight is associated with high fasting cortisol levels. In healthy individuals and in people with type 2 diabetes who are at high cardiovascular risk, there is a similar association between high fasting cortisol and the metabolic syndrome. The high cortisol levels appear to be due to activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis though detailed studies to further explore central negative feedback sensitivity are required. The evidence in humans that glucocorticoids mediate programming is more scanty, though changes in maternal body composition, stress and anxiety levels and activity of the placental barrier enzyme 11 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) may all influence maternal HPA axis activity. Emerging studies are supportive that high maternal cortisol levels in humans and/or deficiencies placental 11β-HSD2 humans are associated with lower birthweight and adverse metabolic and neurocognitive outcomes in the offspring.
A convex programming framework for optimal and bounded suboptimal well field management
Authors: Dorini G. F. , Thordarson F. Ö. , Bauer‐Gottwein P. , Madsen H. , Rosbjerg D. , Madsen H.
Published: May 2012

This paper presents a groundwater management model, considering the interaction between a confined aquifer and an unlooped Water Distribution Network (WDN), conveying the groundwater into the Water Works distribution mains. The pumps are controlled by regulating the characteristic curves. The objective of the management is to minimize the total cost of pump operations over a multistep time horizon, while fulfilling a set of time‐varying management constraints. Optimization in groundwater management and pressurized WDNs have been widely investigated in the literature. Problem formulations are often convex, hence global optimality can be attained by a wealth of algorithms. Among these, the Interior Point methods are extensively employed for practical applications, as they are capable of efficiently solving large‐scale problems. Despite this, management models explicitly embedding both systems without simplifications are rare, and they usually involve heuristic techniques. The main limitation with heuristics is that neither optimality nor suboptimality bounds can be guarantee. This paper extends the proof of convexity to mixed management models, enabling the use of Interior Point techniques to compute globally optimal management solutions. If convexity is not achieved, it is shown how suboptimal solutions can be computed, and how to bind their deviation from the optimality. Experimental results obtained by testing the methodology in a well field located nearby Copenhagen (DK), show that management solutions can consistently perform within the 99.9% of the true optimum. Furthermore it is shown how not considering the Water Distribution Network in optimization is likely to result in unfeasible management solutions.
Fluorescent particle tracers for surface flow measurements: A proof of concept in a natural stream
Authors: Tauro F. , Grimaldi S. , Petroselli A. , Porfiri M.
Published: May 2012

In this paper, a new particle tracer for surface hydrology is proposed. The approach leverages the complementary advantages offered by particle‐tracking velocimetry and traditional tracing technologies, such as dyes and chemicals, toward a practically feasible and low‐cost measurement system. Specifically, the proposed methodology is based on the detection and tracking of buoyant fluorescent microspheres through an experimental system that incorporates ultraviolet lamps to elicit the fluorescence response and a digital camera to record the particle transit. This low‐cost measurement system can be used in a variety of natural settings ranging from small‐scale streams to rills with scales on the order of a few centimeters in hillslopes. The use of insoluble buoyant particles reduces the amount of tracing material for experimental measurements. Further, particles' enhanced fluorescence allows for noninvasive flow characterization, that is, for nonintrusively detecting the tracer without deploying probes and samplers in the water. A proof of concept experiment for the proposed methodology is conducted on the Rio Cordon, a natural mountainous stream in the Italian Alps. Flow measurements at selected stream cross sections and travel time experiments on varying stream reaches are performed to ascertain the feasibility of fluorescent particle tracers. Such experimental findings demonstrate that the particles are visible in complex natural streams and are effective in estimating flow velocities and travel times.
A new petrogenetic model for low‐Ca boninites: Evidence from veined sub‐arc xenoliths on melt‐mantle interaction and melt fractionation
Authors: Bénard A. , Ionov D. A.
Published: May 2012

Low‐Ca boninites (LCB) are arc‐related magmatic rocks enriched in large ion lithophile elements (LILE), light rare earth elements (LREE), Zr and Hf relative to medium to heavy REE (MREE‐HREE). These signatures are commonly attributed to a unique slab‐derived agent that metasomatized a depleted mantle source but their origin in such an agent remains enigmatic. We report andesite‐hosted refractory spinel harzburgite xenoliths from the Kamchatka arc, which contain a series of orthopyroxene‐rich veins; these veins range in thickness, the contents of clinopyroxene and amphibole and degrees of reaction with the host. Vein minerals in reaction zones with host harzburgites show progressive depletion in MREE‐HREE at constant Zr‐Hf and develop patterns (U‐shaped REE with Zr‐Hf spikes) that mimic those of LCB. Major and trace element modeling suggests that these veins (1) formed from a high‐temperature (≥1400°C), MgO‐rich (∼30 wt.%) and silicic (∼54 wt.% SiO2) initial melt, strongly depleted in Al2O3, TiO2and alkalis and (2) record fractionation of the initial melt to form hydrous liquids; the initial melt was equilibrated with metasomatized Kamchatka harzburgites and was similar in trace element abundances to island arc tholeiite (LREE‐depleted to flat LREE‐MREE patterns, low Nb and Ta but no significant Zr‐Hf anomalies, high LILE). We argue that primary magmas of LCB formed by fluid‐fluxed (LILE‐rich and [Nb, Ta]‐depleted fluid) melting of a cpx‐free, highly refractory (≥30% melt extraction) harzburgitic source similar to arc peridotites from Kamchatka and elsewhere. This peculiar source may explain the distinctive major element features of LCB primary magmas. We propose that the primary magmas of LCB develop their characteristic trace element patterns through fractionation and reaction with refractory peridotites in the mantle wedge. Slab‐related components alone may explain the high LILE in LCB but not their distinctive REE patterns and positive Zr‐Hf anomalies.
Observations of turbulence within reconnection jet in the presence of guide field
Authors: Huang S. Y. , Zhou M. , Sahraoui F. , Vaivads A. , Deng X. H. , André M. , He J. S. , Fu H. S. , Li H. M. , Yuan Z. G. , Wang D. D.
Published: May 2012

We present the first comprehensive observations of turbulence properties within high speed reconnection jet in the plasma sheet with moderate guide field. The power spectral density index is about −1.73 in the inertial range, and follows the value of −2.86 in the ion dissipation range. The turbulence is strongly anisotropic in the wave‐vector space with the major power having its wave‐vector highly oblique to the ambient magnetic field, suggesting that the turbulence is quasi‐2D. The measured “dispersion relations” obtained using the k‐filtering technique are compared with theory and are found to be consistent with the Alfvén‐Whistler mode. In addition, both Probability Distribution Functions and flatness results show that the turbulence in the reconnection jet is intermittent (multifractal) at scales less than the proton gyroradius/inertial lengths. The estimated electric field provided by anomalous resistivity caused by turbulence is about 3 mV/m, which is close to the typical reconnection electric field in the magnetotail.
Two‐dimensional numerical studies on the effects of water on Martian mantle evolution induced by magmatism and solid‐state mantle convection
Authors: Ogawa Masaki , Yanagisawa Takatoshi
Published: May 2012

Numerical models of magmatism and mantle convection beneath a stagnant lithosphere are presented to understand how water affects Martian mantle evolution. Magmatism is modeled as an upward permeable flow of the basaltic magma generated by decompression melting. First, a global partially molten layer (GPML) develops and generates a basaltic crust, a layer of compositionally buoyant residue of melt extraction in the uppermost mantle, and a denser layer with a higher content of the basaltic component in the deep‐mantle. The GPML extracts most of the water initially contained in the upper layer, but some water remains in the lower layer of the mantle. Subsequently, hot plumes ascend from the lower layer to induce magmatism. The water allows plume magmatism to continue for a long duration, up to 5 Gyr depending on the initial water content and the detail of the initial temperature distribution in the mantle, provided that the mantle is initially not too hot just after planetary formation. The plume magmatism is sufficiently active to cause significant crustal growth and dehydration of the crust and mantle in the early evolutionary stage when the internal heating is strong; the amount of extracted water is equivalent to a water layer of up to several hundred meters in depth. Water can also enhance the extraction of heat producing elements (HPEs) from the mantle, reduce the heat flux from the mantle to the crust, and make the lithosphere thicker. Both crustal growth and dehydration eventually subside as the HPEs decay.
Cancer chromosomal instability: therapeutic and diagnostic challenges
Authors: McGranahan Nicholas , Burrell Rebecca A , Endesfelder David , Novelli Marco R , Swanton Charles
Published: May 2012

Chromosomal instability (CIN)—which is a high rate of loss or gain of whole or parts of chromosomes—is a characteristic of most human cancers and a cause of tumour aneuploidy and intra‐tumour heterogeneity. CIN is associated with poor patient outcome and drug resistance, which could be mediated by evolutionary adaptation fostered by intra‐tumour heterogeneity. In this review, we discuss the clinical consequences of CIN and the challenges inherent to its measurement in tumour specimens. The relationship between CIN and prognosis supports assessment of CIN status in the clinical setting and suggests that stratifying tumours according to levels of CIN could facilitate clinical risk assessment.
Effects of the novel mitochondrial protein mimitin in insulin-secreting cells
Authors: Hanzelka Katarzyna , Skalniak Lukasz , Jura Jolanta , Lenzen Sigurd , Gurgul-Convey Ewa
Published: May 2012

Mimitin, a novel mitochondrial protein, has been shown to act as a molecular chaperone for the mitochondrial complex I and to regulate ATP synthesis. During Type 1 diabetes development, pro-inflammatory cytokines induce mitochondrial damage in pancreatic β-cells, inhibit ATP synthesis and reduce glucose-induced insulin secretion. Mimitin was expressed in rat pancreatic islets including β-cells and decreased by cytokines. In the ob/ob mouse, a model of insulin resistance and obesity, mimitin expression was down-regulated in liver and brain, up-regulated in heart and kidney, but not affected in islets. To further analyse the impact of mimitin on β-cell function, two β-cell lines, one with a low (INS1E) and another with a higher (MIN6) mimitin expression were studied. Mimitin overexpression protected INS1E cells against cytokine-induced caspase 3 activation, mitochondrial membrane potential reduction and ATP production inhibition, independently from the NF-κB (nuclear factor κB)–iNOS (inducible NO synthase) pathway. Mimitin overexpression increased basal and glucose-induced insulin secretion and prevented cytokine-mediated suppression of insulin secretion. Mimitin knockdown in MIN6 cells had opposite effects to those observed after overexpression. Thus mimitin has the capacity to modulate pancreatic islet function and to reduce cytokine toxicity.
Thioredoxin reductase 1 deficiency enhances selenite toxicity in cancer cells via a thioredoxin-independent mechanism
Authors: Tobe Ryuta , Yoo Min-Hyuk , Fradejas Noelia , Carlson Bradley A. , Calvo Soledad , Gladyshev Vadim N. , Hatfield Dolph L.
Published: May 2012

Selenium is an essential trace element in mammals, but is toxic at high levels. It is best known for its cancer prevention activity, but cancer cells are more sensitive to selenite toxicity than normal cells. Since selenite treatment leads to oxidative stress, and the Trx (thioredoxin) system is a major antioxidative system, we examined the interplay between TR1 (Trx reductase 1) and Trx1 deficiencies and selenite toxicity in DT cells, a malignant mouse cell line, and the corresponding parental NIH 3T3 cells. TR1-deficient cells were far more sensitive to selenite toxicity than Trx1-deficient or control cells. In contrast, this effect was not seen in cells treated with hydrogen peroxide, suggesting that the increased sensitivity of TR1 deficiency to selenite was not due to oxidative stress caused by this compound. Further analyses revealed that only TR1-deficient cells manifested strongly enhanced production and secretion of glutathione, which was associated with increased sensitivity of the cells to selenite. The results suggest a new role for TR1 in cancer that is independent of Trx reduction and compensated for by the glutathione system. The results also suggest that the enhanced selenite toxicity of cancer cells and simultaneous inhibition of TR1 can provide a new avenue for cancer therapy.
The novel marker LTBP2 predicts all-cause and pulmonary death in patients with acute dyspnoea
Authors: Breidthardt Tobias , Vanpoucke Griet , Potocki Mihael , Mosimann Tamina , Ziller Ronny , Thomas Gregoire , Laroy Wouter , Moerman Piet , Socrates Thenral , Drexler Beatrice , Mebazaa Alexandre , Kas Koen , Mueller Christian
Published: May 2012

The risk stratification in patients presenting with acute dyspnoea remains a challenge. We therefore conducted a prospective, observational cohort study enrolling 292 patients presenting to the emergency department with acute dyspnoea. A proteomic approach for antibody-free targeted protein quantification based on high-end MS was used to measure LTBP2 [latent TGF (transforming growth factor)-binding protein 2] levels. Final diagnosis and death during follow-up were adjudicated blinded to LTBP2 levels. AHF (acute heart failure) was the final diagnosis in 54% of patients. In both AHF (P<0.001) and non-AHF (P=0.015) patients, LTBP2 levels at presentation were significantly higher in non-survivors compared with survivors with differences on median levels being 2.2- and 1.5-fold respectively. When assessing the cause of death, LTBP2 levels were significantly higher in patients dying from pulmonary causes (P=0.0005). Overall, LTBP2 powerfully predicted early pulmonary death {AUC (area under the curve), 0.95 [95% CI (confidence interval), 0.91–0.98]}. In ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analyses for the prediction of 1-year mortality LTBP2 achieved an AUC of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.71–0.84); comparable with the predictive potential of NT-proBNP [N-terminal pro-B-type natriuruetic peptide; 0.77 (95% CI, 0.72–0.82)]. Importantly, the predictive potential of LTBP2 persisted in patients with AHF as the cause of dypnea (AUC 0.78) and was independent of renal dysfunction (AUC 0.77). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, LTBP2 was the strongest independent predictor of death [HR (hazard ratio), 3.76 (95% CI, 2.13–6.64); P<0.0001]. In conclusion, plasma levels of LTBP2 present a novel and powerful predictor of all-cause mortality, and particularly pulmonary death. Cause-specific prediction of death would enable targeted prevention, e.g. with pre-emptive antibiotic therapy.
Evidence for a functional role of epigenetically regulated midclusterHOXBgenes in the development of Barrett esophagus
Authors: di Pietro Massimiliano , Lao-Sirieix Pierre , Boyle Shelagh , Cassidy Andy , Castillo Dani , Saadi Amel , Eskeland Ragnhild , Fitzgerald Rebecca C.
Published: May 2012

Barrett esophagus (BE) is a human metaplastic condition that is the only known precursor to esophageal adenocarcinoma. BE is characterized by a posterior intestinal-like phenotype in an anterior organ and therefore it is reminiscent of homeotic transformations, which can occur in transgenic animal models during embryonic development as a consequence of mutations inHOXgenes. In humans, acquired deregulation ofHOXgenes during adulthood has been linked to carcinogenesis; however, little is known about their role in the pathogenesis of premalignant conditions. We hypothesized thatHOXgenes may be implicated in the development of BE. We demonstrated that three midclusterHOXBgenes (HOXB5,HOXB6, andHOXB7) are overexpressed in BE, compared with the anatomically adjacent normal esophagus and gastric cardia. The midclusterHOXBgene signature in BE is identical to that seen in normal colonic epithelium. Ectopic expression of these three genes in normal squamous esophageal cells in vitro induces markers of intestinal differentiation, such asKRT20,MUC2, andVILLIN. In BE-associated adenocarcinoma, the activation midclusterHOXBgene is associated with loss of H3K27me3 and gain of AcH3, compared with normal esophagus. These changes in histone posttranslational modifications correlate with specific chromatin decompaction at theHOXBlocus. We suggest that epigenetically regulated alterations ofHOXgene expression can trigger changes in the transcriptional program of adult esophageal cells, with implications for the early stages of carcinogenesis.
Molecular determinants responsible for recognition of the single-stranded DNA regulatory sequence, χ, by RecBCD enzyme
Authors: Handa Naofumi , Yang Liang , Dillingham Mark S. , Kobayashi Ichizo , Wigley Dale B. , Kowalczykowski Stephen C.
Published: May 2012

The RecBCD enzyme is important for both restriction of foreign DNA and recombinational DNA repair. Switching enzyme function from the destructive antiviral state to the productive recombinational state is regulated by the recombination hotspot, χ (5′-GCTGGTGG-3′). Recognition of χ is unique in that it is recognized as a specific sequence within single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) during DNA translocation and unwinding by RecBCD. The molecular determinants of χ recognition and the subsequent alteration in function are unknown. Consequently, we mutated residues within the RecC subunit that comprise a channel where ssDNA is thought to be scanned for a χ sequence. These mutants were characterized in vivo with regard to χ recognition, UV-sensitivity, phage degradation, and recombination proficiency. Of 38 residues mutated, 11 were previously undescribed mutations that altered χ recognition. The mutants fell into two classes: five that failed to respond to χ, and six that suggested a relaxed specificity for χ recognition. The location of the first set of mutations defines a recognition structure responsible for sequence-specific binding of ssDNA. The second set defines a highly conserved structure, linked to the recognition structure, which we hypothesize regulates conversion of RecBCD from a molecular machine that destroys DNA to one that repairs it. These findings offer insight into the evolution of enzymes with alternate χ recognition specificities.
Alteration of χ recognition by RecBCD reveals a regulated molecular latch and suggests a channel-bypass mechanism for biological control
Authors: Yang Liang , Handa Naofumi , Liu Bian , Dillingham Mark S. , Wigley Dale B. , Kowalczykowski Stephen C.
Published: May 2012

The RecBCD enzyme is a complex heterotrimeric helicase/nuclease that initiates recombination at double-stranded DNA breaks. In
Escherichia coli
, its activities are regulated by the octameric recombination hotspot, χ (5′-GCTGGTGG), which is read as a single-stranded DNA sequence while the enzyme is unwinding DNA at over ∼1,000 bp/s. Previous studies implicated the RecC subunit as the “χ-scanning element” in this process. Site-directed mutagenesis and phenotypic analyses identified residues in RecC responsible for χ recognition [Handa N, et al., (2012)
Proc Natl Acad Sci USA
, 10.1073/pnas.1206076109]. The genetic analyses revealed two classes of mutants. Here we use ensemble and single-molecule criteria to biochemically establish that one class of mutants (type 1) has lost the capacity to recognize χ (lost-recognition), whereas the second class (type 2) has a lowered specificity for recognition (relaxed-specificity). The relaxed-specificity mutants still recognize canonical χ, but they have gained the capacity to precociously recognize single-nucleotide variants of χ. Based on the RecBCD structure, these mutant classes define an α-helix responsible for χ recognition that is allosterically coupled to a structural latch. When opened, we propose that the latch permits access to an alternative exit channel for the single-stranded DNA downstream of χ, thereby avoiding degradation by the nuclease domain. These findings provide a unique perspective into the mechanism by which recognition of a single-stranded DNA sequence switches the translocating RecBCD from a destructive nuclease to a constructive component of recombinational DNA repair.
Hydrogeographic Vicariance Determines the Genetic Structure of Northwestern Walleye Populations
Authors: Burke Lindsey A. , Jobin Richard M. , Coltman David W.
Published: May 2012

Walleye Sander vitreus is one of the most important freshwater commercial and sport fishes in western Canada. It is an intensively managed species that is under considerable harvest pressure, yet little is known about the patterns of genetic variation and diversity of walleyes between connected water bodies and among river basins in this region. We examined the genetic variation of walleyes from 12 lakes in five different river basins of northern Alberta. Each lake contained a genetically distinct walleye subpopulation nested within a larger population of the river basin in which the lake was situated. Differentiation between subpopulations varied (FST = 0.05–0.29) and exhibited a broad‐scale isolation‐by‐distance pattern. Patterns of genetic divergence aligned closely with the current hydrogeographical landscape, as subpopulations in the same river basin were more similar than those in different river basins. The clear and distinct pattern of genetic structure is likely to have been generated and maintained by historical vicariance and natal philopatry. Because walleye populations are so clearly genetically structured by hydrogeography in western Canada, these data can be used to monitor population status, assess stocking programs, delineate management units, and enable forensic enforcement of harvest restrictions in this region.
Recruitment of Juvenile Gags in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico and Factors Contributing to Observed Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Estuarine Occupancy
Authors: Switzer Theodore S. , MacDonald Timothy C. , McMichael Robert H. , Keenan Sean F.
Published: May 2012

We conducted a comprehensive examination of long‐term (10+ years) fisheries‐independent data to characterize the spatial and temporal patterns of habitat selection and recruitment of juvenile gags Mycteroperca microlepis in four eastern Gulf of Mexico estuaries in Florida: Apalachicola Bay, Cedar Key, Tampa Bay, and Charlotte Harbor. Results from generalized linear modeling and habitat suitability analyses indicated that juvenile gags selected euhaline or polyhaline habitats with sloping bottoms and extensive coverage of submerged aquatic vegetation; the observed patterns were similar among estuaries. Latitudinal differences in the timing and duration of estuarine occupancy by juvenile gags were evident, with individuals appearing earlier and remaining later in more southerly estuaries. Significant interannual variability in recruitment of juvenile gags was evident within all estuaries, with high juvenile recruitment evident every 2 to 4 years. Continued efforts toward characterizing year‐class strength through the development of a regional index of juvenile gag recruitment may be useful in forecasting fisheries productivity, although such efforts would benefit greatly from an increased understanding of the relative contribution of presumed estuarine nurseries to nearshore populations.
‘Learning from research’: Therapist perspectives on the benefits and challenges of participating in a longitudinal, systematic case‐study
Authors: Grafanaki Soti
Published: May 2012

Objectives: In psychotherapy research we have often neglected to examine the impact of research procedures on therapy process and outcome. Such information is extremely important in helping us evaluate the validity of our findings, increase relevance of research for practice, and choose appropriate methods for future projects. The aim of this paper is to share the experience of six person‐centered therapists, who participated in a longitudinal, systematic study, and present their reflections about the impact of research on therapy process, therapeutic engagement and professional development. Methods: The findings have emerged from semi‐structured interviews that took place after the first, sixth (middle) and last therapy session. In total 18 interviews were conducted. These data were part of a much larger research protocol that included a number of outcome and process measures. Results & Conclusions: The analysis of therapist narratives revealed important benefits for those participating in systematic case study research. The use of Brief Structured Recall methods and qualitative interviewing was an important factor in promoting therapist reflexivity and professional development. The importance of a strong research alliance and the active involvement of the client in the research process is discussed.
Magnetic and electric property evolution of amorphous cobalt-rich alloys driven by field annealing
Authors: Song Yujun , Li Zaidao , Sun Qiangqiang , Tang Zhaowei , Zhang Tao , Jiang Yanwei
Published: May 2012

Microstructure changes of the cross-section of Co-rich amorphous ribbons (Co68.15Fe4.35Si12.5B15, atomic%) annealed at 450 °C for 30 min with a zero field, a 10 Oe longitudinal external magnetic field or a 10 Oe transverse external magnetic field are investigated by comparing with as-spun ribbons. The ribbons annealed without a field, and under the transverse or longitudinal field exhibit different gradient microstructures along the cross-section of the ribbons, forming gradient amorphous–nanocrystalline (AN) composites different from the as-spun amorphous species. These kinds of AN composites preserve unique magnetic properties and enhanced conductivities when compared with the as-spun ribbons, leading to excellent giant magneto-impedance (GMI) effects. In particular, the AN composites prepared from the ribbons annealed under the longitudinal field lose the dual-peak feature shown by the as-spun ribbons but a mono-GMI peak appears, preserving a maximum MI ratio as high as 520% and a low magnetic field (0–1 Oe) sensitivity of 80% Oe−1 at 15 MHz and a maximum field of 40 Oe. The distinctly graded AN composites prepared from the ribbons annealed under the transverse field still preserve the dual-peak feature as the as-spun ribbons, having a maximum MI ratio of 320% and a significantly enhanced low magnetic field (0–1 Oe) sensitivity of 200% Oe−1 at 10 MHz and a maximum field of 40 Oe.
Effect of Ti addition on the characteristics of titanium-zinc-tin-oxide thin-film transistors fabricated via a solution process
Authors: Do Jong Chil , Ahn Cheol Hyoun , Cho Hyung Koun , Lee Ho Seong
Published: May 2012

Thin-film transistors (TFTs) using a TiZnSnO (TZTO) channel layer were fabricated using a sol–gel process. The effect of Ti content on the device performance of the TZTO TFTs was investigated. With increasing content of Ti ions in ZTO, the off-current was significantly decreased and the threshold voltage shifted to the positive bias direction. This is the reason for the fact that the incorporation of Ti results in a reduction in the oxygen vacancy, acting as a carrier source, in the ZTO thin films. The TFT performance with 0.01M Ti exhibited a field-effect mobility (μFE) and an on/off current ratio of 0.52 cm2 V−1 s−1 and 4.1 × 105, respectively.
Studies on a non-thermal pulsed corona plasma between two parallel-plate electrodes in water
Authors: Sein M M , Bin Nasir Z , Telgheder U , Schmidt T C
Published: May 2012

A non-thermal plasma generated between two parallel-plate electrodes submerged in water was studied in this work. The surface of one of the stainless-steel electrodes (the cathode) was coated with a ceramic layer of Al2O3. This reactor cell was connected to a water cycle and the discharge was carried out in a closed loop and therefore an equilibrium was established during discharge. The dependence of hydrogen peroxide formation as an indicator for the generation of most important oxidative species OH radicals on the pulse repetition rate, the solution conductivity and the pH of the solution was investigated. The highest yield of H2O2 (3.5 mg L−1) was obtained at 20 pps in a NaCl solution with a conductivity of 400 µS cm−1 and pH 7 in 90 min. The maximum energy efficiency of ∼0.1 g kWh−1 H2O2 was obtained. The surface of the coated electrodes, before and after applying of electrical discharges, was analysed by scanning electron microscopy. During the discharge process, the coating was destroyed and the formation of H2O2 decreased to 10% after discharging of nearly 35 h.
Resistive switching characteristics of maghemite nanoparticle assembly on Al and Pt electrodes on a flexible substrate
Authors: Yoo Jae Woo , Hu Quanli , Baek Yoon-Jae , Choi Young Jin , Kang Chi Jung , Lee Hyun Ho , Lee Do-Joong , Kim Hyun-Mi , Kim Ki-Bum , Yoon Tae-Sik
Published: May 2012

Resistive switching characteristics of maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) nanoparticle assembly were investigated in structures of top-electrode (Al,Pt)/γ-Fe2O3-NPs (∼ 30 nm-thick)/bottom electrode (Al,Pt) on a flexible polyethersulfone substrate. The assembled NP layer with Al electrodes showed both unipolar and bipolar switchings with abrupt resistance change in multiple levels associated with formation and sequential rupture of conducting filaments, which is ascribed to Fe enrichment by the interfacial reaction. On the other hand, the NP layer with Pt electrodes exhibited memristive switching with hysteresis in current–voltage characteristics dependent on bias polarity, gradually changing the resistance with respect to bias conditions, and preserved resistance until a new state was developed by subsequent biasing.
A novel humidity sensor based on alumina nanowire films
Authors: Feng Zhe-sheng , Chen Xin-Jie , Chen Jin-ju , Hu Jing
Published: May 2012

Alumina nanowire (ANW) films were prepared by etching porous anodic aluminium oxide (AAO), and then humidity sensors with coplanar interdigitated electrodes based on ANWs were fabricated. The ANWs not only present tremendous surface area for water molecule adsorption but also provide efficient sites for attracting water molecules at low relative humidity (RH) levels. The sensors based on the particular morphology of ANWs with large open voids show high sensitivity and small hysteresis, and have fast response and recovery time to humidity. The capacitance rises slowly at a lower RH and increases rapidly after 70% RH, which is associated with the humidity mechanism of chemisorption at lower RH and physisorption at higher RH levels. The impendence analysis suggests that the ANWs are the main factor for sensing humidity, and AAO also contributes to humidity sensing. This study demonstrates that ANWs have promising applications in humidity monitoring.
Thin membranes versus bulk substrates: investigation of proximity effects in focused electron beam-induced processing
Authors: Walz M-M , Vollnhals F , Rietzler F , Schirmer M , Kunzmann A , Steinrück H-P , Marbach H
Published: May 2012

The resolution of focused electron beam induced processing techniques is limited by electron scattering processes. General wisdom holds that using a membrane, this can be effectively improved due to a cutoff of the electron interaction volume and thus diminished proximity effects. Recently, we demonstrated that in contrast to the expectation, proximity effects can be indeed larger on a 200 nm silicon nitride membrane than on the respective bulk substrate, due to charging-induced surface activation. Herein, we expand these investigations on proximity effects in electron beam-induced surface activation to other substrates and to electron beam-induced deposition followed by autocatalytic growth.