bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular orientation and lattice ordering of C60 molecules on the polar FeO/Pt(111) surface
Authors: Qin Zhihui , Liu Cunding , Chen Jian , Guo Qinmin , Yu Yinghui , Cao Gengyu
Published: January 2012

C60 molecules assemble into close packing layer under the domination of the intermolecular interaction when deposited onto Pt(111)-supported FeO layer kept at 400 K. From corresponding high resolution scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) image, a kind of C60 molecular orientational ordering stabilized by the intermolecular interaction is revealed as C60/FeO(111)-(√133 × √133) R17.5° structure and determined from the commensurability between the C60 nearest-neighbor distance and the lattice of the underlying oxygen layer. Moreover, due to the inhomogeneously distributed work function of the underlying FeO layer, the C60 molecular electronic state is periodically modulated resulting in a bright-dim STM contrast. In addition, one coincidence lattice ordering is determined as 8 × 8 superstructure with respect to the C60 primitive cell, which overlays a 3 × 3 moiré cell of the underlying FeO layer.
A new detector for mass spectrometry: Direct detection of low energy ions using a multi-pixel photon counter
Authors: Wilman Edward S. , Gardiner Sara H. , Nomerotski Andrei , Turchetta Renato , Brouard Mark , Vallance Claire
Published: January 2012

A new type of ion detector for mass spectrometry and general detection of low energy ions is presented. The detector consists of a scintillator optically coupled to a single-photon avalanche photodiode (SPAD) array. A prototype sensor has been constructed from a LYSO (Lu1.8Y0.2SiO5(Ce)) scintillator crystal coupled to a commercial SPAD array detector. As proof of concept, the detector is used to record the time-of-flight mass spectra of butanone and carbon disulphide, and the dependence of detection sensitivity on the ion kinetic energy is characterised.
Effect of different electrodes on Fano resonance in molecular devices
Authors: Fang Changfeng , Li Dongmei , Cui Bin , Xu Yuqing , Ji Guomin , Liu Desheng
Published: January 2012

By using nonequilibrium Green’s function in combination with density functional theory, we study the electronic transport properties of two typical π-conjugated molecules (dithiol-benzene and C4S2), sandwiched between two metallic electrodes made of different metals. The presence of two different electrodes leads to Fano resonances at certain energy. As a consequence, electronic transport in future molecular electric circuits can be substantially affected when the molecular devices placed between electrodes with different chemical potentials. The Fano line shapes reveal that there is nonresonant channel when two asymmetric electrodes are employed.
Towards compact three-dimensional magnetoelectronics—Magnetoresistance in rolled-up Co/Cu nanomembranes
Authors: Müller C. , Bof Bufon C. C. , Navarro Fuentes M. E. , Makarov D. , Mosca D. H. , Schmidt O. G.
Published: January 2012

Strain engineering combined with standard top-down techniques is shown to be eligible to fabricate compact three dimensional architectures based on rolled-up Co/Cu nanomembranes. The fabrication process is fully integrative and provides rolled-up tubes of high quality and yield (∼95%). Rolled-up tubes with two windings show magnetoresistances (MR) ∼20% higher than those observed in thin films. The enhancement of magnetoresistance is most likely due to the coupling between neighboring windings, variations of the Cu layer thickness, and increased effective area crossed by current lines in the film plane. Present results inhere new potential for magnetic sensing and electronic components.
Synthetic and natural polyphenols with antioxidant properties stimulate rumen microbial growth in vitro
Authors: Cattani Mirko , Tagliapietra Franco , Bailoni Lucia , Schiavon Stefano
Published: January 2012

This trial compared the effects of two antioxidant phenols, butyl-hydroxyl-toluene (BHT) and a blend of polyphenols extracted from red chicory, on in vitro degradability, gas production (GP), volatile fatty acids, and microbial nitrogen production, using meadow hay and corn grain as fermentation substrates. A batch culture system with automated gas pressure detectors was used. Four replicates of each feed were incubated for 72 h without additive (Control, CTL) or with the addition of low (0.15 mg/g feed) or high (1.5 mg/g feed) dosages of BHT or red chicory. GP curves were fitted to estimate the time at which half of total GP (t1/2) was achieved. The t1/2 values for meadow hay and corn grain were ~16 and 9 h, respectively. A second incubation, conducted using the same experimental design, was stopped at t1/2. Compared with CTL, degradability and GP kinetics were not affected by the two dosages of BHT, except for GP, which increased after 48 h of incubation (P < 0.01). In the second incubation, BHT increased acetate at the expense of butyrate proportion (P < 0.01). Red chicory extract did not influence GP, feed degradability, or volatile fatty acids production in either incubation. Both BHT and red chicory induced a dosage-dependent increase in microbial nitrogen production at t1/2 (P < 0.05), on average from 7.0 to 13.9 mg/g DM. Collectively, our data suggest that increasing dosages of the two additives with antioxidant properties could have induced a shift in the partition of energy, with a higher proportion of nutrients channelled towards microbial protein synthesis.
Genetic analysis of feet and leg traits of Australian Angus cattle using linear and threshold models
Authors: Jeyaruban Gilbert , Tier Bruce , Johnston David , Graser Hans
Published: January 2012

The advantages of using a univariate threshold animal model (TAM) over the conventional linear animal model (AM) in the development of a genetic evaluation system for feet and leg traits of Angus cattle were explored. The traits were scored on a scale of 1–9 with scores 5 and 6 being the most desirable. The genetic parameters and estimated breeding values for front feet angle (FA), rear feet angle (RA), front feet claw set (FC), rear feet claw set (RC), rear leg hind view (RH) and rear leg side view (RS) were compared from AM and TAM. In order to predict breeding values to identify the animals with intermediate optimum, the scores were categorised to form three groups to differentiate the desirable group (5–6) from the other two groups with less desirable feet and leg appearances (1–4 and 7–9). The AM and TAM were used to estimate genetic parameters for the grouped data as well as the original score data. A TAM using the group data was used to predict the probability and breeding value for the desirable intermediate group. For the original score data, estimated heritabilities on the underlying scale, using TAM, were 0.50, 0.46, 0.35, 0.44, 0.32 and 0.22 for FA, FC, RA, RC, RH and RS, respectively, and were 0.01–0.18 higher than the heritabilities estimated using AM. Genetic correlation between the six traits using a bivariate TAM with all scores ranged from 0.02 to 0.50 with front and rear angles had the highest genetic correlation at 0.50. For all six traits, proportion in the intermediate desirable group was higher than the other two groups combined. The low annual genetic change observed for all six traits over the 10 years of data recording reflected the lack of directional selection to improve the traits in Angus cattle. For genetic evaluation of feet and leg traits with an intermediate optimum, TAM is a preferred method for estimating genetic parameters and predicting breeding values for the desirable category. The TAM has now been implemented for regular estimated breeding value analysis of feet and leg traits of Angus cattle.
Effects of growth stage and position within the beam in the structure and chemical composition of sika deer (Cervus nippon) antlers
Authors: Jeon Byong Tae , Kim Kyoung Hoon , Cheong Sun Hee , Kang Sung Ki , Park Pyo Jam , Kim Dong Hyun , Jung Ho Sung , Park Jae Hyun , Thomas David G. , Moon Sang Ho
Published: January 2012

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the changes in structural and chemical properties of sika deer antler at different stages of its growth in order to improve scientific assessment of antler’s quality. Eighteen antler samples, harvested on 40, 50 and 60 days after casting were collected from randomly selected deer farms, and the structural properties of antlers were examined. The chemical composition of each antler was determined in the upper, middle and basal section. Our results showed that the crude protein, crude fat (ether extract), uronic acid and sialic acid increased markedly from the base to the upper section, but the ash was higher in the basal section. Collagen content increased significantly from the upper to the basal section in all groups. The structural factors, including length and girth were positively or negatively correlated with the chemical composition such as glycosaminoglycans, ether extract-fat, ash, uronic acid, sialic acid, total sugar and collagen content. These findings may provide useful basic information and identify biomarkers for the association between structural properties and chemical composition during antler growth period, which should facilitate efficient production of high quality antlers for food consumption and as pharmaceutical agents.
Genetic mapping of quantitative trait loci affecting bodyweight on chromosome 1 in a commercial strain of Japanese quail
Authors: Esmailizadeh A. K. , Baghizadeh A. , Ahmadizadeh M.
Published: January 2012

This study was conducted to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting growth on chromosome 1 in quail. Liveweight data were recorded on 300 progeny from three half-sib families created from a commercial strain of Japanese quail. Three half-sib families were genotyped for nine microsatellite loci on chromosome 1 and QTL analysis was conducted applying the least-squares interval mapping approach. Significant QTL affecting bodyweight at 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks of age, average daily gain, and Kleiber ratio, an indirect criterion for feed efficiency, were mapped at 0–23 cM on chromosome 1. The detected QTL segregated in two of the three half-sib families and the size of the QTL effect ranged from 0.6 to 1.1 in unit of the trait standard deviation. This is the first report of liveweight QTL segregating in a commercial strain of Japanese quail.
Reduced electron thermal transport in low collisionality H-mode plasmas in DIII-D and the importance of TEM/ETG-scale turbulence
Authors: Schmitz L. , Holland C. , Rhodes T.L. , Wang G. , Zeng L. , White A.E. , Hillesheim J.C. , Peebles W.A. , Smith S.P. , Prater R. , McKee G.R. , Yan Z. , Solomon W.M. , Burrell K.H. , Holcomb C.T. , Doyle E.J. , DeBoo J.C. , Austin M.E. , deGrassie J.S. , Petty C.C.
Published: January 2012

The first systematic investigation of core electron thermal transport and the role of local ion temperature gradient/trapped electron mode/electron temperature gradient (ITG/TEM/ETG)-scale core turbulence is performed in high temperature, low collisionality H-mode plasmas in the DIII-D tokamak. Wavenumber spectra of L-mode and H-mode density turbulence are measured by Doppler backscattering. H-mode wavenumber spectra are directly contrasted for the first time with nonlinear gyrokinetic simulation results. Core ITG/TEM-scale turbulence is substantially reduced/suppressed by
E
×
B
shear promptly after the L–H transition, resulting in reduced electron thermal transport across the entire minor radius. For small k
θρs, both experiment and nonlinear gyrokinetic simulations using the GYRO code show density fluctuation levels increasing with k
θρs in H-mode (r/a = 0.6), in contrast to ITG/TEM-dominated L-mode plasmas. GYRO simulations also indicate that a significant portion of the remaining H-mode electron heat flux results directly from residual intermediate/short-scale TEM/ETG turbulence. Electron transport at substantially increased electron-to-ion temperature ratio (T
e/T
i ⩾ 1, r/a ⩽ 0.35) has been investigated in ECH-assisted, quiescent H-mode plasmas. A synergistic increase in core electron and ion thermal diffusivity (normalized to the gyro-Bohm diffusivity) is found with applied ECH. From linear stability analysis, the TEM mode is expected to become the dominant linear instability with ECH due to increased electron-to-ion temperature ratio and a reduction in the ion temperature gradient. This is consistent with increased electron temperature fluctuations and core electron thermal diffusivity observed experimentally. The reduced ion temperature gradient likely results from a reduction in the ITG critical gradient due to increased T
e/T
i and reduced
E
×
B
shear. These studies are performed at collisonality (
, r/a ⩽ 0.6) and address transport in electron heat-dominated regimes, thought to be important in ITER due to α-particle heating.
Nontoxic Nep1-Like Proteins of the Downy Mildew Pathogen Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis: Repression of Necrosis-Inducing Activity by a Surface-Exposed Region
Authors: Cabral Adriana , Oome Stan , Sander Nick , Küfner Isabell , Nürnberger Thorsten , Van den Ackerveken Guido
Published: January 2012

The genome of the downy mildew pathogen Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis encodes necrosis and ethylene-inducing peptide 1 (Nep1)-like proteins (NLP). Although NLP are widely distributed in eukaryotic and prokaryotic plant pathogens, it was surprising to find these proteins in the obligate biotrophic oomycete H. arabidopsidis. Therefore, we analyzed the H. arabidopsidis NLP (HaNLP) family and identified 12 HaNLP genes and 15 pseudogenes. Most of the 27 genes form an H. arabidopsidis–specific cluster when compared with other oomycete NLP genes, suggesting this class of effectors has recently expanded in H. arabidopsidis. HaNLP transcripts were mainly detected during early infection stages. Agrobacterium tumefaciens–mediated transient expression and infiltration of recombinant NLP into tobacco and Arabidopsis leaves revealed that all HaNLP tested are noncytotoxic proteins. Even HaNLP3, which is most similar to necrosis-inducing NLP proteins of other oomycetes and which contains all amino acids that are critical for necrosis-inducing activity, did not induce necrosis. Chimeras constructed between HaNLP3 and the necrosis-inducing PsojNIP protein demonstrated that most of the HaNLP3 protein is functionally equivalent to PsojNIP, except for an exposed domain that prevents necrosis induction. The early expression and species-specific expansion of the HaNLP genes is suggestive of an alternative function of noncytolytic NLP proteins during biotrophic infection of plants.
Differential Sensitivity to Boscalid in Conidia and Ascospores of Didymella bryoniae and Frequency of Boscalid-Insensitive Isolates in South Carolina
Authors: Keinath Anthony P.
Published: January 2012

Since 2003, a 2:1 mixture of the fungicides boscalid and pyraclostrobin (Pristine) has been used widely on watermelon and other cucurbits, primarily to control gummy stem blight caused by Didymella bryoniae. Several isolates of D. bryoniae that were insensitive to boscalid at 10 mg/liter were found in a watermelon research plot in South Carolina in 2008. In total, 201 isolates collected between 1998 and 2009 were tested for sensitivity to boscalid by determining percentage germination of ascospores and conidia on media amended with boscalid at 0.01 to 10.0 mg/liter. All 31 isolates collected in 1998, 2002, or 2005 were sensitive to boscalid. Of the 170 isolates collected in or after 2006, 84.7% were insensitive to boscalid, including 19 of 30 isolates recovered from greenhouse-grown seedlings. The oldest insensitive isolates were obtained in 2006 from a greenhouse and in 2008 from a commercial field. Ascospores were less sensitive to boscalid than conidia. With boscalid at 1.0 mg/liter, 22.4% of ascospores but only 4.1% of conidia of 31 sensitive isolates germinated. Similarly, a mean of 68.6% of the ascospores and 54.1% of the conidia of 120 insensitive isolates germinated at 1.0 and 10.0 mg/liter. The 50% effective concentration (EC50) values based on ascospore germination were two to three times higher than values based on conidia germination. The significance of miscalculating EC50 values by considering only conidia was demonstrated in a greenhouse experiment. Twelve isolates that were sensitive, moderately insensitive, or highly insensitive based on conidia germination did not differ in relative virulence on boscalid-treated muskmelon seedlings when inoculum suspensions comprised ascospores alone or ascospores and conidia. This is the first report of differential sensitivity to a fungicide between conidia and ascospores in D. bryoniae. Because D. bryoniae produces conidia and ascospores on diseased hosts, both spore types should be used when calculating EC50 values for boscalid.
A Lucid Key to the Common Species ofPhytophthora
Authors: Ristaino Jean Beagle
Published: January 2012

The Key to the Common Phytophthora species (Lucid v 3.4) is a matrix-based computerized identification key and includes important morphological and molecular characters that are useful for identification of 55 common species of Phytophthora. A set of 20 features are used to make a correct species identification. Once a culture is obtained, the user enters responses to known character state options into Lucid Player, and the correct species is identified. Illustrations of each character state for a feature are included in the key. The main morphological features included in the key are: asexual structures, sexual structures, and chlamydospore, hyphae, and cultural characteristics. The user can read an illustrated “Fact Sheet” on each species that includes pictures of morphological characters, disease symptoms, host range, and relevant references. A cross-linked glossary of terminology is included in each fact sheet. In addition, a DNA search function that contains a simple search of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and Barcode of Life (BOL, 5′ end of the cox 1 gene) sequences for each species can be queried. The key was created to provide teachers, diagnosticians, and regulatory personnel with easily accessible tools to distinguish common species in the genus Phytophthora based on a number of important morphological and molecular characteristics. The key is available for purchase from APS Press and should provide another useful tool for the identification of members of this destructive group of Oomycete plant pathogens.
A Fluidizing Column for Extracting Cysts of Heterodera avenae from Soil
Authors: Smiley R. W.
Published: January 2012

The cereal cyst nematode Heterodera avenae can be extracted from soil using several different floatation or elutriation methods. Automated methods are prohibitively expensive for use in small labs and, for optimal efficiency, floatation methods require that the soil be air dried for an extended period. A method which suspends soil particles in a water column above a fluidizing plate was reported as being most efficient with wet and dry soils. Use of the fluidizing column for extracting H. avenae has not been reported in the United States and materials to construct the column using contemporary components have not been described. Objectives of this research were to construct a column with components available in the United States, and to compare numbers of cysts and eggs plus juveniles (from cysts) extracted by the column and three other floatation methods: Fenwick can, flask, and Cobb sieving. From a soil containing recently produced (more dense) cysts, the column extracted at least 18% more cysts and 23% more eggs plus juveniles than the Fenwick and flask methods. The fluidizing column was found to be useful for small laboratories because it is inexpensive ($253 for two columns), easily and quickly constructed by nonprofessional labor, and produces adequately repeatable results.
A Real-Time PCR Assay for Detection and Quantification of Verticillium dahliae in Spinach Seed
Authors: Duressa Dechassa , Rauscher Gilda , Koike Steven T. , Mou Beiquan , Hayes Ryan J. , Maruthachalam Karunakaran , Subbarao Krishna V. , Klosterman Steven J.
Published: January 2012

Verticillium dahliae is a soilborne fungus that causes Verticillium wilt on multiple crops in central coastal California. Although spinach crops grown in this region for fresh and processing commercial production do not display Verticillium wilt symptoms, spinach seeds produced in the United States or Europe are commonly infected with V. dahliae. Planting of the infected seed increases the soil inoculum density and may introduce exotic strains that contribute to Verticillium wilt epidemics on lettuce and other crops grown in rotation with spinach. A sensitive, rapid, and reliable method for quantification of V. dahliae in spinach seed may help identify highly infected lots, curtail their planting, and minimize the spread of exotic strains via spinach seed. In this study, a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was optimized and employed for detection and quantification of V. dahliae in spinach germplasm and 15 commercial spinach seed lots. The assay used a previously reported V. dahliae-specific primer pair (VertBt-F and VertBt-R) and an analytical mill for grinding tough spinach seed for DNA extraction. The assay enabled reliable quantification of V. dahliae in spinach seed, with a sensitivity limit of ≈1 infected seed per 100 (1.3% infection in a seed lot). The quantification was highly reproducible between replicate samples of a seed lot and in different real-time PCR instruments. When tested on commercial seed lots, a pathogen DNA content corresponding to a quantification cycle value of ≥31 corresponded with a percent seed infection of ≤1.3%. The assay is useful in qualitatively assessing seed lots for V. dahliae infection levels, and the results of the assay can be helpful to guide decisions on whether to apply seed treatments.
Interleukin-2 signalling is modulated by a labile disulfide bond in the CD132 chain of its receptor
Authors: Metcalfe Clive , Cresswell Peter , Barclay A. Neil
Published: January 2012

Certain disulfide bonds present in leucocyte membrane proteins are labile and can be reduced in inflammation. This can cause structural changes that result in downstream functional effects, for example, in integrin activation. Recent studies have shown that a wide range of membrane proteins have labile disulfide bonds including CD132, the common gamma chain of the receptors for several cytokines including interleukin-2 and interleukin-4 (IL-2 and IL-4). The Cys
183
–Cys
232
disulfide bond in mouse CD132 is susceptible to reduction by enzymes such as thioredoxin (TRX), gamma interferon-inducible lysosomal thiolreductase and protein disulfide isomerase, which are commonly secreted during immune activation. The Cys
183
–Cys
232
disulfide bond is also reduced in an
in vivo
lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute model of inflammation. Conditions that lead to the reduction of the Cys
183
–Cys
232
disulfide bond in CD132 inhibit proliferation of an IL-2-dependent T cell clone and concomitant inhibition of the STAT-5 signalling pathway. The same reducing conditions had no effect on the proliferation of an IL-2-independent T cell clone, nor did they reduce disulfide bonds in IL-2 itself. We postulate that reduction of the Cys
183
–Cys
232
disulfide in CD132 inhibits IL-2 binding to the receptor complex. Published data show that the Cys
183
–Cys
232
disulfide bond is exposed at the surface of CD132 and in close contact with IL-2 and IL-4 in their respective receptor complexes. In addition, mutants in these Cys residues in human CD132 lead to immunodeficiency and loss of IL-2 binding. These results have wider implications for the regulation of cytokine receptors in general, as their activity can be modulated by a ‘redox regulator’ mechanism caused by the changes in the redox environment that occur during inflammation and activation of the immune system.
Spatial reorientation by geometry with freestanding objects and extended surfaces: a unifying view
Authors: Pecchia Tommaso , Vallortigara Giorgio
Published: January 2012

The macroscopic, three-dimensional surface layout geometry of an enclosure apparently provides a different contribution for spatial reorientation than the geometric cues associated with freestanding objects arranged in arrays with similar geometric shape. Here, we showed that a unitary spatial representation can account for the capability of animals to reorient both by extended surfaces and discrete objects in a small-scale spatial task. We trained domestic chicks to locate a food-reward from an opening on isolated cylinders arranged either in a geometrically uninformative (square-shaped) or informative (rectangular-shaped) arrays. The arrays were located centrally within a rectangular-shaped enclosure. Chicks trained to access the reward from a fixed position of openings proved able to reorient according to the geometric cues specified by the shape of the enclosure in all conditions. Chicks trained in a fixed position of opening with geometric cues provided both by the arena and the array proved able to reorient according to each shape separately. However, chicks trained to access the reward from a variable position of openings failed to reorient. The results suggest that the physical constrains associated with the presence of obstacles in a scene, rather than their apparent visual extension, are crucial for spatial reorientation.
Assessing Topographical Orientation Skills in Cannabis Users
Authors: Palermo Liana , Bianchini Filippo , Iaria Giuseppe , Tanzilli Antonio , Guariglia Cecilia
Published: January 2012

The long-term effects of cannabis on human cognition are still unclear, but, considering that cannabis is a widely used substance and, overall, its potential use in therapeutic interventions, it is important to evaluate them. We hypothesize that the discrepancies among studies could be attributed to the specific cognitive function investigated and that skills subserved by the hippocampus, such as the spatial orientation abilities and, specifically, the ability to form and use cognitive maps, should be more compromised than others. Indeed it has been showed that cannabis users have a reduced hippocampus and that the hippocampus is the brain region in which cannabis has the greatest effect since it contains the highest concentration of cannabinoid receptors. To test this hypothesis we asked 15 heavy cannabis users and 19 nonusers to perform a virtual navigational test, the CMT, that assesses the ability to form and use cognitive maps. We found that using cannabis has no effect on these hippocampus-dependent orientation skills. We discuss the implications of our findings and how they relate to evidence reported in the literature that the intervention of functional reorganization mechanisms in cannabis user allows them to cope with the cognitive demands of navigational tasks.
Relationship between behaviour problems and perceived parenting practices in Korean youth
Authors: Kim D. H. , Kim Y. S. , Koh Y‐J. , Leventhal B. L.
Published: January 2012

Background  Parenting practices have been accepted as powerful risk factors for behaviour problems, even though previous studies have suffered from significant methodological problems, such as small, non‐representative samples, cross‐sectional study designs, poor control for confounders, and minimal consideration of paternal parenting. This study examined whether three, specific maternal and paternal parenting practices are associated with internalizing and externalizing behavioural problems in youth.

Methods  A prospective, longitudinal, cohort study was conducted among 1641 seventh‐ and eighth‐grade students from representative sample of middle school students. The measurements were the Korean Youth Self Report and the Childrearing Behavior Questionnaire (measuring three dimensions of parenting practice: warmth–acceptance, rejection–restriction and permissiveness–non‐intervention). Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results  Maternal rejection–restriction increased risks for internalizing problems (OR = 1.112), whereas paternal control–rejection increased risks for externalizing behavioural problem (OR = 1.125).

Conclusions  Specific parenting practices showed differential associations with youth behaviour problems. These results suggest that further studies are necessary to understand the importance of unique and shared parenting practices as well as their interactions with other factors in the aetiology of youth behaviour problems. In the meantime, these findings point to therapeutic opportunities for both parents and their children.
Phospho‐Ser727 of STAT3 regulates STAT3 activity by enhancing dephosphorylation of phospho‐Tyr705 largely through TC45
Authors: Wakahara Ryohei , Kunimoto Hiroyuki , Tanino Kanae , Kojima Hirotada , Inoue Akira , Shintaku Haruo , Nakajima Koichi
Published: January 2012

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a latent cytoplasmic transcription factor. It is activated by cytokines, including interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) through phosphorylation at Tyr705 (pY705), which is required for its dimerization and nuclear translocation. However, the role of Ser727 phosphorylation, occurring during activation, remains poorly understood. Using a combination of HepG2‐stat3‐knockdown cells reconstituted with various STAT3 mutants and protein kinase inhibitors, we showed that phospho‐S727 has an intrinsic mechanism for shortening the duration of STAT3 activity, in turn shortening the duration of socs3 mRNA expression. Both STAT3WT and STAT3Ser727Asp (S727D) but not STAT3Ser727Ala (S727A) showed rapid dephosphorylation of pY705 after the inhibition of tyrosine kinases. We found that the nuclear TC45 phosphatase is most likely responsible for the phospho‐S727‐dependent pY705 dephosphorylation because TC45 knockdown caused prolonged pY705 with sustained socs3 mRNA expression in STAT3WT but not in STAT3S727A, and overexpressed TC45 caused rapid dephosphorylation of pY705 in STAT3WT but not in STAT3S727A. We further showed that phospho‐S727 did not affect the interaction of TC45 with STAT3, and that a reported methylation at K140 of STAT3 occurring after phospho‐S727 was not involved in the pY705 regulation. These findings indicate that phospho‐Ser727 determines the duration of STAT3 activity largely through TC45.
Identification of nutritional risk by nursing staff in secure psychiatric settings: reliability and validity of St Andrew's Nutrition Screening Instrument
Authors: ROWELL A. , LONG C. , CHANCE L. , DOLLEY O.
Published: January 2012

Accessible summary

People with mental illness are also at high risk of physical health problems. Some of these health problems, such as diabetes, are linked to gaining too much weight. Good nutrition, taking enough to drink and eating a balanced diet are all important for being healthy. Staff need to include nutrition as one of the checks when people with mental illness come into their care.

St Andrew's Healthcare provides inpatient psychiatric care for people from age 13 years to older age. St Andrew's Nutrition Screening Instrument (SANSI) is included in each service user's health record and should be completed each month. It asks staff to record each person's weight and also to check that people are eating and drinking the right amount to meet their needs.

This study found that SANSI was able to show which people were at risk of poor health because of their nutrition. It is quick and easy for busy staff to use, which makes it more likely to become a regular check. The way it is written means that different staff will agree on the answers they give. It allows staff to see who would benefit from extra support with eating and drinking, and when they might need more specialist help with this.

Nutrition screening is the first‐line approach to addressing the nutritional needs of service users and has been recommended as best practice by several authoritative and regulatory bodies. A simple and comprehensive screening tool, the St Andrew's Nutrition Screening Instrument (SANSI), was developed for use in an inpatient secure psychiatric setting. The aim of this study was to test the screening tool for reliability and validity. This study identified SANSI as reliable and valid for use in secure psychiatric settings for adolescents and adults. This should give confidence to regulatory and commissioning organizations, that the nutritional risk for patients in an organization which serves a diverse mental health population is being correctly identified, raising staff awareness and allowing appropriate action to be planned.
New developments in HCV therapy
Authors: Kronenberger B. , Zeuzem S.
Published: January 2012

Summary.  About half of the patients with chronic hepatitis C are still not cured by treatment with the current standard of care, peginterferon α/ribavirin. Direct antiviral drugs may overcome the limitations of standard antiviral therapy. The most promising new agents are inhibitors of the NS3/4A protease, the NS5B polymerase and the NS5A protein. Several compounds against these targets have entered clinical evaluation. Early clinical trials have emphasized the high potential for selecting resistant Hepatitis C virus variants. Furthermore, development of several new direct antivirals was stopped because of concerns over tolerability and safety. Then, in 2010, two phase III trials with the NS3/4A protease inhibitors boceprevir (SPRINT‐2) and telaprevir (ADVANCE) showed that the combination of these compounds with standard care increases sustained virologic response rates in treatment‐naïve genotype 1 patients from 38–44% to 66–75%. Future goals of therapy with direct antiviral agents are to improve tolerability, shorten the duration of therapy and overcome the issue of resistance. Several studies have been initiated that combine different novel therapies, with and without interferon α/ribavirin.
Patient selection for bedside teaching: inclusion and exclusion criteria used by teachers
Authors: Gierk Benjamin , Harendza Sigrid
Published: January 2012

Medical Education 2012: 46: 228–233

Context  Bedside teaching encounters on hospital wards offer medical students opportunities to learn key medical and interpersonal skills. Although many aspects of bedside teaching have been studied, not much is known about the selection process used by medical teachers to find patients for these encounters. Patient selection could have a substantial impact on medical students’ clinical experiences. Therefore, we studied the ways in which medical teachers select patients for bedside teaching and tried to determine the factors that affect patient selection.

Methods  Using a qualitative research approach, we interviewed 15 teachers from three departments within the Medical Faculty at Hamburg University on how they choose patients for bedside teaching encounters. We extracted selection criteria from the transcripts of the audio‐recorded interviews and identified other factors that influenced selection.

Results  One main category and two minor categories of factors relevant to patient selection were identified: educational; bio‐psycho‐social, and structural. Medical teachers look primarily for patients who have diseases that fit their conceptions of the learning objectives of the lessons in question. The two minor categories influence their choice of patients in different ways. By finding a balance between these categories, they decide which patients are eligible for participation. As a result of these selection criteria, some patients are more likely to become involved in clinical teaching, whereas others may be omitted.

Conclusions  Patient selection for bedside teaching is based on several criteria. Non‐representative patient selection may narrow the learning experiences of medical students. Curriculum planners need to be aware that specific aspects of medical care may be neglected as a result of the exclusion of some patients. Teacher training and additional teaching formats should be provided to ensure that these are covered.
Maximising medicine through aphorisms
Authors: Levine David , Bleakley Alan
Published: January 2012

Medical Education 2012:46: 153–162

Context Aphorisms are succinct sayings that offer advice. They have permanently coloured medical culture and inhabit it in the same way as uncertainty; they are acknowledged, but rarely explored. Little has been written analytically or critically about the meanings and purposes of aphorisms in contemporary medical education, especially as a processional activity that maintains tradition, but both adds to and reframes it.

Discussion We note multiple purposes for medical aphorisms, including roles as heuristics (rules of thumb) for practice, and in the identity construction of the clinician within a community beset by professional uncertainty and accountability. We suggest that aphorisms should be cared for not simply as historical curiosities, but as renewable ways of creating an ‘art of memory’ in medical education, stimulating recognition and recall as aesthetic rhetorical devices. In this spirit, we encourage the development of aphorisms appropriate for 21st century medicine in a process that should include the involvement of patients in building a proxy public literacy to inform collaboration in clinical encounters.

Conclusions We propose a novel framework for aphorisms, emphasising strategies to enhance or maximise clinical judgement and professional behaviour, affirm identities, and educate the public via the media.
Enterovirus 71 encephalomyelitis and Japanese encephalitis can be distinguished by topographic distribution of inflammation and specific intraneuronal detection of viral antigen and RNA
Authors: Wong K. T. , Ng K. Y. , Ong K. C. , Ng W. F. , Shankar S. K. , Mahadevan A. , Radotra B. , Su I. J. , Lau G. , Ling A. E. , Chan K. P. , Macorelles P. , Vallet S. , Cardosa M. J. , Desai A. , Ravi V. , Nagata N. , Shimizu H. , Takasaki T.
Published: January 2012

K. T. Wong, K. Y. Ng, K. C. Ong, W. F. Ng, S. K. Shankar, A. Mahadevan, B. Radotra, I. J. Su, G. Lau, A. E. Ling, K. P. Chan, P. Macorelles, S. Vallet, M. J. Cardosa, A. Desai, V. Ravi, N. Nagata, H. Shimizu and T. Takasaki (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 443–453

Enterovirus 71 encephalomyelitis and Japanese encephalitis can be distinguished by topographic distribution of inflammation and specific intraneuronal detection of viral antigen and RNA

Aims: To investigate if two important epidemic viral encephalitis in children, Enterovirus 71 (EV71) encephalomyelitis and Japanese encephalitis (JE) whose clinical and pathological features may be nonspecific and overlapping, could be distinguished. Methods: Tissue sections from the central nervous system of infected cases were examined by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Results: All 13 cases of EV71 encephalomyelitis collected from Asia and France invariably showed stereotyped distribution of inflammation in the spinal cord, brainstem, hypothalamus, cerebellar dentate nucleus and, to a lesser extent, cerebral cortex and meninges. Anterior pons, corpus striatum, thalamus, temporal lobe, hippocampus and cerebellar cortex were always uninflamed. In contrast, the eight JE cases studied showed inflammation involving most neuronal areas of the central nervous system, including the areas that were uninflamed in EV71 encephalomyelitis. Lesions in both infections were nonspecific, consisting of perivascular and parenchymal infiltration by inflammatory cells, oedematous/necrolytic areas, microglial nodules and neuronophagia. Viral inclusions were absent. Conclusions: Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization assays were useful to identify the causative virus, localizing viral antigens and RNA, respectively, almost exclusively to neurones. The stereotyped distribution of inflammatory lesions in EV71 encephalomyelitis appears to be very useful to help distinguish it from JE.
The analgesic effect of continuous subacromial bupivacaine infusion after arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: MERIVIRTA R. , KUUSNIEMI K. S. , AANTAA R. , HURME S. A. , ÄÄRIMAA V. , LEINO K. A.
Published: January 2012

Background

The benefits of subacromial local anesthetic infusion are controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of subacromial bupivacaine infusion after arthroscopic acromionplasty and rotator cuff procedures.

Methods

Ninety patients with subacromial impingement disease scheduled for elective shoulder arthroscopy were enrolled in this randomized, prospective and placebo‐controlled study. The patients received subacromially either 5.0 mg/ml bupivacaine or 9.0 mg/ml saline at the rate of 2 ml/h post‐operatively for 48 h. The primary outcome measure was the use of rescue oxycodone. The consumption of opioids, ibuprofen, paracetamol and codeine, and the intensity of pain were recorded.

Results

Patients receiving bupivacaine infusion used significantly less oxycodone compared with patients receiving saline [15 vs. 20 mg (median) oxycodone intravenously on the day of surgery, 0 vs. 10 mg (median) perorally on the first post‐operative day]. There was no significant difference in the use of ibuprofen, paracetamol and codeine, except that paracetamol was used more in patients receiving saline during the day of surgery (P = 0.009). The pain scores of patients receiving bupivacaine were lower at 18 h (P = 0.008). Average pain scores for the worst pain experienced did not differ between the groups. There were three (4%) premature discontinuations because of technical problems.

Conclusions

Considering the low need of opioids, expenses and technical problems in these patients, subacromial 5.0 mg/ml bupivacaine infusion 2 ml/h confers only moderate and probably clinically insignificant efficacy compared with placebo. This efficacy might be overweighed by the disadvantages.
Evaluation of the peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridisation technology for yeast identification directly from positive blood cultures: an Italian experience
Authors: Farina Claudio , Perin Silvana , Andreoni Stefano , Conte Marco , Fazii Paolo , Lombardi Gianluigi , Manso Esther , Morazzoni Cristina , Sanna Silvana ,   on behalf of the Medical Mycology Committee (CoSM) ‘Fungemia Diagnosis Study Group’, Italian Society of Clinical Microbiology (AMCLI)
Published: January 2012

Summary  Fungaemia is an increasing nosocomial pathology. The ‘gold standard’ for detection of fungaemia is blood culture, but it is time‐consuming and its sensitivity for early detection is low. On the other hand, yeasts present different antifungal sensitivity patterns to be quickly detected to allow an effective treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performances of PNA‐FISH to directly identify yeasts from blood cultures and to compare results with those obtained by culture. A total of 176 blood cultures positive for yeasts at direct Gram stain and 24 negative blood cultures as control collected from 15 Italian hospitals, included in a network coordinated by the Medical Mycology Committee, Italian Society of Clinical Microbiology (AMCLI), were examined both by culture and PNA‐FISH technology. Sensitivity of the PNA‐FISH technique evaluated for five Candida species was 99.3% and specificity, 100%. Distinguishing which yeast is implicated in fungaemia and whether the infection is caused by multiple species are important for the selection of antifungal therapy. The PNA‐FISH technique is a very useful approach because the test discriminates between groups of Candida species with different susceptibility pattern, particularly against azoles and echinocandins, with only a 90‐minute turn‐around time after the Gram‐stain reading.
Do Lions Have Manes? For Children, Generics Are About Kinds Rather Than Quantities
Authors: Brandone Amanda C. , Cimpian Andrei , Leslie Sarah‐Jane , Gelman Susan A.
Published: January 2012

Generic statements (e.g., “Lions have manes”) make claims about kinds (e.g., lions as a category) and, for adults, are distinct from quantificational statements (e.g., “Most lions have manes”), which make claims about how many individuals have a given property. This article examined whether young children also understand that generics do not depend purely on quantitative information. Five‐year‐olds (n = 36) evaluated pairs of questions expressing properties that were matched in prevalence but varied in whether adults accept them as generically true (e.g., “Do lions have manes?” [true] vs. “Are lions boys?” [false]). Results demonstrated that children evaluate generics based on more than just quantitative information. Data suggest that even young children recognize that generics make claims about kinds.
The Class II KNOX gene KNAT7 negatively regulates secondary wall formation in Arabidopsis and is functionally conserved in Populus
Authors: Li Eryang , Bhargava Apurva , Qiang Weiya , Friedmann Michael C. , Forneris Natascha , Savidge Rodney A. , Johnson Lee A. , Mansfield Shawn D. , Ellis Brian E. , Douglas Carl J.
Published: January 2012

Featured paper: See also the Commentary by Ellis
New insights into the mechanisms of the vasorelaxant effects of apocynin in rat thoracic aorta
Authors: Senejoux François , Girard‐Thernier Corine , Berthelot Alain , Bévalot Françoise , Demougeot Céline
Published: January 2012

Apocynin is a naturally occurring acetophenone widely used as an inhibitor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase. Recent data suggested that apocynin might exert NADPH oxidase‐independent pharmacological properties. Among them, vasorelaxant properties have been described, but the mechanisms still give rise to debates. The present study investigated the mechanisms involved in the vasorelaxant effect of apocynin on the in vitro model of rat isolated thoracic aortic rings. Apocynin (30 μm to 10 mm) induced a dose‐dependent relaxation in both endothelium‐intact and endothelium‐denuded aortic rings with respective EC50 values of 0.78 ± 0.08 and 1.91 ± 0.21 mm. Endothelium removal or inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) synthase with Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine‐methyl ester (l‐NAME) significantly decreased but did not abolish the effect of apocynin. By contrast, apocynin‐induced relaxation was unchanged after incubation with indomethacin or charybdotoxin plus apamin. In endothelium‐denuded aortas, the vasorelaxant effect of apocynin was significantly reduced by glibenclamide but not by 4‐aminopyridine nor by iberiotoxin. Apocynin significantly decreased Ca2+‐induced contraction and inhibited intracellular Ca2+mobilization after contraction with phenylephrine. Finally, the acute intravenous injection of apocynin led to an immediate and transient hypotensive effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In conclusion, our data demonstrated that apocynin induces both endothelium‐independent relaxant effects involving inhibition of Ca2+mobilization and activation of KATP channels in vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelium‐dependent effects mediated by NO. These results should provide a basis for caution when interpreting results on the vascular effects of apocynin.