bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic and Political Challenges to Large-Scale Federal Job Creation
Authors: Goldberg Gertrude Schaffner
Published: December 2011

This article identifies and explores means of meeting political and strategic challenges to the enactment of a federal job creation program sufficiently large and well-targeted to cope with mass unemployment. The challenges include: anti-government ideology; perceived failure of the Obama stimulus; exaggerated concern over federal deficits; shortcomings of the New Deal model for job creation; limited scope and/or sponsorship of legislative initiatives; and organizing a movement on behalf of the unemployed and large-scale job creation.
The Role of Race and Birth Place in Welfare Usage among Comparable Women: Evidence from the U.S.
Authors: Oyelere Ruth Uwaifo , Oyolola Maharouf
Published: December 2011

There is evidence that women are more likely to live in poverty than men. Given the fact that the poor are more likely to use welfare, it becomes useful to consider welfare usage among women. A-priori welfare programs are set up in such a way that welfare usage should be based primarily on economic needs and health concerns. However, it is possible that an individual's experiences could affect their perception and inclination for using government assistance. In this scenario, differences in welfare usage will exist for individuals with similar characteristics but different experiences. We explore this possibility among women and investigate if race/ethnicity and birthplace still have a role to play in the decision to use welfare even after controlling for income, health and other demographic factors like employment and household size, which are typical predictors of welfare usage. We find that race does not matter for welfare usage among comparable women. In addition, we do not find significant differences in welfare usage among women based on birthplace—suggesting that comparable naturalized and native born women share similar inclination for welfare.
Chronic hepatitis C infection in the elderly
Authors: Huang Chung‐Feng , Chuang Wan‐Long , Yu Ming‐Lung
Published: December 2011

The prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) tends to be higher in the elderly in many countries. Aging is regarded as an unfavorable factor for liver disease progression and treatment outcome in HCV infection. The efficacy and safety of treating elderly patients remain a source of significant debate. Discrepancies in results may be attributed to dissimilarities in study design and treatment regimens. The long‐term benefits of administering interferon‐based therapy to elderly patients with HCV infection is a critical issue when taking the patient's remaining life expectancy into consideration. Rapid virological response is the most notable on‐treatment response factor that is predictive of treatment success in elderly patients. A shortened treatment course may reduce drug‐related side effects and promote treatment adherence, especially in the elderly. A regimen tailored towards super‐responders might provide insights for treatment strategies in elderly patients.
KMUP‐1 inhibits L‐type Ca2+ channels involved the protein kinase C in rat basilar artery myocytes
Authors: Chen Jun‐Yih , Jiang Min‐Chi , Chu Li‐Wen , Hsieh Su‐Ling , Chen Ing‐Jun , Wu Bin‐Nan
Published: December 2011

This study investigated whether KMUP‐1, a xanthine‐based derivative, inhibits L‐type Ca2+ currents (ICa,L) in rat basilar artery smooth muscle cells (RBASMCs). We used whole cell patch‐clamp recording to monitor Ba2+ currents (IBa) through L‐type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs). Under voltage–clamp conditions, holding at –40 mV, KMUP‐1 (1, 3, 10 μM) inhibited IBa in a concentration‐dependent manner and its IC50 value was 2.27 ± 0.45 μM. A high concentration of KMUP‐1 (10 μM) showed without modifying the IBa current–voltage relationship. On the other hand, the protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA, 1 μM) increase IBa was inhibited by KMUP‐1. Pretreatment with the PKC inhibitor chelerythrine (5 μM) intensified KMUP‐1‐inhibited IBa. However, the Rho kinase inhibitor Y‐27632 (30 μM) failed to affect the IBa inhibition by KMUP‐1. In light of these results, we suggest that KMUP‐1 inhibition of LTCCs in concentration‐ and voltage‐dependent manners in RBASMCs may be due, at least in part, to its modulation of the PKC pathway.
Imbalance of arginine and asymmetric dimethylarginine is associated with markers of circulatory failure, organ failure and mortality in shock patients
Authors: Visser Marlieke , Vermeulen Mechteld A. R. , Richir Milan C. , Teerlink Tom , Houdijk Alexander P. J. , Kostense Piet J. , Wisselink Willem , de Mol Bas A. J. M. , van Leeuwen Paul A. M. , Oudemans-van Straaten Heleen M.
Published: December 2011

In shock, organ perfusion is of vital importance because organ oxygenation is at risk. NO, the main endothelial-derived vasodilator, is crucial for organ perfusion and coronary patency. The availability of NO might depend on the balance between a substrate (arginine) and an inhibitor (asymmetric dimethylarginine; ADMA) of NO synthase. Therefore, we investigated the relationship of arginine, ADMA and their ratio with circulatory markers, disease severity, organ failure and mortality in shock patients. In forty-four patients with shock (cardiogenic n 17, septic n 27), we prospectively measured plasma arginine and ADMA at intensive care unit admission, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II-(predicted mortality) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and circulatory markers to investigate their relationship. Arginine concentration was decreased (34·6 (sd 17·9) μmol/l) while ADMA concentration was within the normal range (0·46 (sd 0·18) μmol/l), resulting in a decrease in the arginine:ADMA ratio. The ratio correlated with several circulatory markers (cardiac index, disseminated intravascular coagulation, bicarbonate, lactate and pH), APACHE II and SOFA score, creatine kinase and glucose. The arginine:ADMA ratio showed an association (OR 0·976, 95 % CI 0·963, 0·997, P = 0·025) and a diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve 0·721, 95 % CI 0·560, 0·882, P = 0·016) for hospital mortality, whereas the arginine or ADMA concentration alone or APACHE II-predicted mortality failed to do so. In conclusion, in shock patients, the imbalance of arginine and ADMA is related to circulatory failure, organ failure and disease severity, and predicts mortality. We propose a pathophysiological mechanism in shock: the imbalance of arginine and ADMA contributes to endothelial and cardiac dysfunction resulting in poor organ perfusion and organ failure, thereby increasing the risk of death.
Armed groups' organizational structure and their strategic options
Authors: Sinno Abdulkader H.
Published: December 2011

The organizational structures of armed groups, whether they develop by accident or by design, affect their strategic choices during the conflict and their ability to enter peace agreements. This article explains how frequently encountered structures such as centralized, decentralized, networked, and patronage-based ones affect strategic choices for the organization and its opponents. Only centralized organizations can make use of sophisticated strategies such as ‘divide and conquer’, ‘co-option’, and ‘hearts and minds’, and can engage in successful peace agreements. Centralized armed organizations that do not have a safe haven within the contested territory tend to be very vulnerable, however, which makes peace less attractive to their opponents and explains in part why long-lasting peace agreements between such groups and their opponents are rare.
Hyporheic exchange and streambed filtration of suspended particles
Authors: Karwan Diana L. , Saiers James E.
Published: December 2011

Fine particles are necessary for watershed biogeochemical cycling and stream metabolic processes but pose a risk to water quality if present in excess or if carrying sorbed contaminants. Despite having low settling velocities, these particles can leave suspension during downstream transport by a series of processes such as hyporheic filtration, flocculation, and biofilm entrapment. The objective of this study is to evaluate the retention of clay particles within a stream reach due to streambed filtration. To this end, we quantify hyporheic exchange through coupled formulations of turbulent surface water flow in the overlying stream and saturated groundwater flow in the streambed. Particle filtration models are informed by flow‐through column experiments conducted with repacked streambed material. Results of our model simulations of hyporheic exchange demonstrate that streambed particle filtration depends on overlying streamflow and, to a lesser extent, on hyporheic zone substrate. Retention of suspended particles within the streambed sediments more than doubles between high and drought flows and varies by less than 45% across substrate grain size classes.
Comparative metagenomic, phylogenetic and physiological analyses of soil microbial communities across nitrogen gradients
Authors: Fierer Noah , Lauber Christian L , Ramirez Kelly S , Zaneveld Jesse , Bradford Mark A , Knight Rob
Published: December 2011

Terrestrial ecosystems are receiving elevated inputs of nitrogen (N) from anthropogenic sources and understanding how these increases in N availability affect soil microbial communities is critical for predicting the associated effects on belowground ecosystems. We used a suite of approaches to analyze the structure and functional characteristics of soil microbial communities from replicated plots in two long-term N fertilization experiments located in contrasting systems. Pyrosequencing-based analyses of 16S rRNA genes revealed no significant effects of N fertilization on bacterial diversity, but significant effects on community composition at both sites; copiotrophic taxa (including members of the Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes phyla) typically increased in relative abundance in the high N plots, with oligotrophic taxa (mainly Acidobacteria) exhibiting the opposite pattern. Consistent with the phylogenetic shifts under N fertilization, shotgun metagenomic sequencing revealed increases in the relative abundances of genes associated with DNA/RNA replication, electron transport and protein metabolism, increases that could be resolved even with the shallow shotgun metagenomic sequencing conducted here (average of 75 000 reads per sample). We also observed shifts in the catabolic capabilities of the communities across the N gradients that were significantly correlated with the phylogenetic and metagenomic responses, indicating possible linkages between the structure and functioning of soil microbial communities. Overall, our results suggest that N fertilization may, directly or indirectly, induce a shift in the predominant microbial life-history strategies, favoring a more active, copiotrophic microbial community, a pattern that parallels the often observed replacement of K-selected with r-selected plant species with elevated N.
Microbial diversity of biofilm communities in microniches associated with the didemnid ascidian Lissoclinum patella
Authors: Behrendt Lars , Larkum Anthony W D , Trampe Erik , Norman Anders , Sørensen Søren J , Kühl Michael
Published: December 2011

We assessed the microbial diversity and microenvironmental niche characteristics in the didemnid ascidian Lissoclinum patella using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, microsensor and imaging techniques. L. patella harbors three distinct microbial communities spatially separated by few millimeters of tunic tissue: (i) a biofilm on its upper surface exposed to high irradiance and O2 levels, (ii) a cloacal cavity dominated by the prochlorophyte Prochloron spp. characterized by strong depletion of visible light and a dynamic chemical microenvironment ranging from hyperoxia in light to anoxia in darkness and (iii) a biofilm covering the underside of the animal, where light is depleted of visible wavelengths and enriched in near-infrared radiation (NIR). Variable chlorophyll fluorescence imaging demonstrated photosynthetic activity, and hyperspectral imaging revealed a diversity of photopigments in all microhabitats. Amplicon sequencing revealed the dominance of cyanobacteria in all three layers. Sequences representing the chlorophyll d containing cyanobacterium Acaryochloris marina and anoxygenic phototrophs were abundant on the underside of the ascidian in shallow waters but declined in deeper waters. This depth dependency was supported by a negative correlation between A. marina abundance and collection depth, explained by the increased attenuation of NIR as a function of water depth. The combination of microenvironmental analysis and fine-scale sampling techniques used in this investigation gives valuable first insights into the distribution, abundance and diversity of bacterial communities associated with tropical ascidians. In particular, we show that microenvironments and microbial diversity can vary significantly over scales of a few millimeters in such habitats; which is information easily lost by bulk sampling.
Nanocavities trapped along fibrin fibers allow the diffusion of thrombolytic drugs
Authors: De Spirito Marco , Missori Mauro , Maulucci Giuseppe , Teixeira Josè , Papi Massimiliano
Published: December 2011

Ischemic heart disease consists in the formation of an occluding thrombus which hinders blood flow. The dissolution of the network of fibrin fibers, which constitute the thrombus scaffold, by using thrombolitic drugs is the most common pharmacological therapy. In this paper, by using small angle neutron scattering, we report the evidence of the presence of solvent filled cylindrical nanocavities, trapped along fibrin fibers, of diameter R = 3.2 ± 0.1 nm and length L = 22 ± 2 nm. The characterization of intra-fiber nanocavities furnishes a quantitative tool for the design of new enzymes which, by diffusing into fibrin fibers, fasten the thrombus lysis.
Effect of annealing time on bias stress and light-induced instabilities in amorphous indium–gallium–zinc-oxide thin-film transistors
Authors: Chowdhury Md Delwar Hossain , Ryu Sang Hyun , Migliorato Piero , Jang Jin
Published: December 2011

Thermal post annealing was employed for amorphous indium–gallium–zinc-oxide (a-IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) to optimize performance by a low-temperature process, in view of the envisaged role of a-IGZO in plastic electronics. The effect of annealing time at T = 250 and 280 °C on bias stress and light-induced instabilities was investigated. We find that long anneals are effective in reducing bias stress and light-induced instabilities, as well as hysteresis in the transfer characteristics. The time constant τ for positive bias stress and for negative bias stress increases after long anneal, attaining for positive bias stress the value of 1.05 × 106 s, the highest so far reported for these devices. The beneficial effect of long anneals appears to be because of a reorganization of the amorphous network, resulting in a more stable configuration.
Spacer layer thickness dependence of exchange coupling in Co-enriched Co-Mn-Si/Cr/Co-Mn-Si epitaxial trilayers
Authors: Bosu S. , Sakuraba Y. , Saito K. , Wang H. , Takanashi K.
Published: December 2011

Interlayer exchange coupling was investigated in highly Co-enriched (75.6 at. %), i.e., in Co antisite defective Heusler alloy Co-Mn-Si–based epitaxial trilayer structures for a wide range of spacer Cr thicknesses (tCr). The exchange coupling parameters J1 (bilinear coupling) and J2 (90° coupling) were estimated from the comparison of experimental and numerical simulations of M-H loops. The comparable contributions of both the bilinear and 90° couplings were observed in a spacer thickness range, tCr ∼ 0.3 to 4.2 nm. The relative angle of magnetization at remanence between the bottom and top Co-Mn-Si layers was found to vary from 67° to a maximum of 152° as a result of competition between bilinear and 90° couplings. In contrast to the observation of strong 90° coupling without any detectable bilinear type 180° coupling in almost stoichiometric and chemically B2-ordered Co2MnSi-based trilayer structures in a previous study, the results in this study clearly indicated the importance of the effect of chemical ordering on dominating 90° coupling in Heusler alloy–based structures.
Measuring the ordering of closely packed particles
Authors: Meitav Nizan , Ribak Erez N.
Published: December 2011

We look at irregularity and phase transitions in two-dimensional patterns. Two independent methods are provided for identifying and measuring hexagonal close packing of particles. We implemented these methods on images of melting colloidal films at different melting processes. We could easily spot various defects in the hexagonal crystal film. The feasibility of the methods is also demonstrated on human retinal images, for measuring the unit cell size and fraction of close-packed cone photoreceptors.
Thermally oxidized formation of new Ge dots over as-grown Ge dots in the Si capping layer
Authors: Nie Tian-Xiao , Lin Jin-Hui , Chen Zhi-Gang , Shao Yuan-Min , Wu Yue-Qin , Yang Xin-Ju , Fan Yong-Liang , Jiang Zui-Min , Zou Jin
Published: December 2011

A Si-capped Ge quantum dot sample was self-assembly grown via Stranski-Krastanov mode in a molecular beam epitaxy system with the Si capping layer deposited at 300 °C. After annealing the sample in an oxygen atmosphere at 1000 °C, a structure, namely two layers of quantum dots, was formed with the newly formed Ge-rich quantum dots embedded in the oxidized matrix with the position accurately located upon the as-grown quantum dots. It has been found that the formation of such nanostructures strongly depends upon the growth temperature and oxygen atmosphere. A growth mechanism was proposed to explain the formation of the nanostructure based on the Ge diffusion from the as-grown quantum dots, Ge segregation from the growing oxide, and subsequent migration/agglomeration.
Rationales for Public Participation in Environmental Policy and Governance: Practitioners' Perspectives
Authors: Wesselink Anna , Paavola Jouni , Fritsch Oliver , Renn Ortwin
Published: December 2011

Participation has become a mantra in environmental governance. However, there are signs that the participatory agenda has started to lose its momentum and justification because of disappointments about actual achievements. Rather than focusing on improving participatory processes or articulating best practices, in this paper we seek to understand the more fundamental reasons why difficulties are encountered. In our interviews with professionals involved in participation in environmental governance we found varying and potentially conflicting rationales for participation, with instrumental and legalistic rationales dominating. We contend that the institutional and political context in which this participation takes place is an important explanation of this prevalence. This includes the provisions for participation in EU directives, failing policy integration, institutional and political barriers, and failing political uptake of results from participation. We conclude there is a need for more reflexive awareness of the different ways in which participation is defined and practised in contemporary environmental policy making and for a more realistic assessment of possibilities for changes towards more participatory and deliberative decision making.
Why not beans?
Authors: Cavalieri Anthony , Merchant Andrew , van Volkenburgh Elizabeth
Published: December 2011

Changes in climate and urbanisation rapidly affecting human livelihood are particularly threatening to developing nations in tropical regions. Food production crises have focused the global development agenda on agricultural research, a proven approach for increasing crop yield. A few crops benefit from private investment, but improvement of most crops will rely on limited public funding that must be deployed strategically, pushing forward both proven approaches and new ideas. Why not invest in beans? More than 300 million people rely on this crop, considered to be the most important grain legume for human consumption. Yet the yield of beans, especially in poor regions or marginal soils, is reduced by abiotic stresses such as phosphorus deficiency, aluminum toxicity and especially drought. Is it possible to assemble resources, including genetic diversity in beans, breeding expertise, genomic information and tools, and physiological insight to generate rapid progress in developing new lines of beans more tolerant to abiotic stress? A workshop to address this question was held in November 2010 at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) in Colombia. The resulting ‘call to action’ is presented in this issue which also includes research papers focused on tolerance of beans to stress.
More than one dynamic crossover in protein hydration water
Authors: Mazza Marco G. , Stokely Kevin , Pagnotta Sara E. , Bruni Fabio , Stanley H. Eugene , Franzese Giancarlo
Published: December 2011

Studies of liquid water in its supercooled region have helped us better understand the structure and behavior of water. Bulk water freezes at its homogeneous nucleation temperature (approximately 235 K), but protein hydration water avoids this crystallization because each water molecule binds to a protein. Here, we study the dynamics of the hydrogen bond (HB) network of a percolating layer of water molecules and compare the measurements of a hydrated globular protein with the results of a coarse-grained model that successfully reproduces the properties of hydration water. Using dielectric spectroscopy, we measure the temperature dependence of the relaxation time of proton charge fluctuations. These fluctuations are associated with the dynamics of the HB network of water molecules adsorbed on the protein surface. Using Monte Carlo simulations and mean-field calculations, we study the dynamics and thermodynamics of the model. Both experimental and model analyses are consistent with the interesting possibility of two dynamic crossovers, (
i
) at approximately 252 K and (
ii
) at approximately 181 K. Because the experiments agree with the model, we can relate the two crossovers to the presence at ambient pressure of two specific heat maxima. The first is caused by fluctuations in the HB formation, and the second, at a lower temperature, is due to the cooperative reordering of the HB network.
DMAN: a Java tool for analysis of multi-well differential scanning fluorimetry experiments
Authors: Wang Conan K. , Weeratunga Saroja K. , Pacheco Chris M. , Hofmann Andreas
Published: December 2011

Summary: Differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF) is a rapid technique that can be used in structural biology to study protein–ligand interactions. We have developed DMAN, a novel tool to analyse multi-well plate data obtained in DSF experiments. DMAN is easy to install and provides a user-friendly interface. Multi-well plate layouts can be designed by the user and experimental data can be annotated and analysed by DMAN according to the specified plate layout. Statistical tests for significance are performed automatically, and graphical tools are also provided to assist in data analysis. The modular concept of this software will allow easy development of other multi-well plate analysis applications in the future.

Availability and implementation: DMAN is implemented in Java to provide a cross-platform compatibility. It is freely available to academic users at http://www.structuralchemistry.org/pcsb/. To download DMAN, users will be asked for their name, institution and email address. A manual can also be downloaded from this site.

Contact:  conan.wang@griffith.edu.au; a.hofmann@griffith.edu.au
Evaluation of Pulse Cooximetry in Patients Undergoing Abdominal or Pelvic Surgery
Authors: Applegate Richard L. , Barr Steven J. , Collier Carl E. , Rook James L. , Mangus Dustin B. , Allard Martin W.
Published: December 2011

Background

Intraoperative transfusion decisions generally are guided by blood loss estimation and periodic invasive hemoglobin measurement. Continuous hemoglobin measurement by pulse cooximetry (pulse hemoglobin; Rainbow® SET Pulse CO-Oximeter, Masimo Corporation, Irvine, CA) has good agreement with laboratory hemoglobin in healthy volunteers and could aid transfusion decision-making. Because intraoperative physiology may alter performance of this device, this study investigated pulse hemoglobin during surgery.

Methods

Ninety-one adult patients undergoing abdominal or pelvic surgery in which large blood loss was likely were studied. Time-matched pulse hemoglobin measurements were recorded for each intraoperative arterial hemoglobin measurement obtained. Agreement between measurements was assessed by average difference (mean ± SD, g/dl), linear regression, and multiple measures Bland-Altman analysis.

Results

The average difference between 360 time-matched measurements (bias) was 0.50 ± 1.44 g/dl, with wider limits of agreement (-2.3 to 3.3 g/dl) than reported in healthy volunteers. The average difference between 269 paired sequential pulse and arterial hemoglobin changes was 0.10 ± 1.11 g/dl, with half between -0.6 and 0.7 g/dl of each other. The bias was larger in patients with blood loss of more than 1,000 ml; hemoglobin less than 9.0 g/dl; any intraoperative transfusion; or intraoperative decrease in arterial hemoglobin at the time of sampling ≥2 g/dl (all P < 0.001). The range of bias was narrower at deeper anesthesia (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Evaluation of the sensor and software version tested suggests that although pulse cooximetry may perform well in ambulatory subjects, in patients undergoing surgery in which large blood loss is likely, an invasive measurement should be used in transfusion decision-making.
Pyruvate : ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PFO) is a surface-associated cell-binding protein in Trichomonas vaginalis and is involved in trichomonal adherence to host cells
Authors: Meza-Cervantez Patricia , González-Robles Arturo , Cárdenas-Guerra Rosa Elena , Ortega-López Jaime , Saavedra Emma , Pineda Erika , Arroyo Rossana
Published: December 2011

The Trichomonas vaginalis 120 kDa protein adhesin (AP120) is induced under iron-rich conditions and has sequence homology with pyruvate : ferredoxin oxidoreductase A (PFO A), a hydrogenosomal enzyme that is absent in humans. This homology raises the possibility that, like AP120, PFO might be localized to the parasite surface and participate in cytoadherence. Here, the cellular localization and function of PFO that was expressed under various iron concentrations was investigated using a polyclonal antibody generated against the 50 kDa recombinant C-terminal region of PFO A (anti-PFO50). In Western blot assays, this antibody recognized a 120 kDa protein band in total protein extracts, and proteins with affinity to the surface of HeLa cells from parasites grown under iron-rich conditions. In addition to localization that is typical of hydrogenosomal proteins, PFOs that were expressed under iron-rich conditions were found to localize at the surface. This localization was demonstrated using immunofluorescence and co-localization assays, as well as immunogold transmission electron microscopy. In addition to describing its enzyme activity, we describe a novel function in trichomonal host interaction for the PFO localized on the parasite surface. The anti-PFO50 antibody reduced the levels of T. vaginalis adherence to HeLa cell monolayers in a concentration-dependent manner. Thus, T. vaginalis PFO is an example of a surface-associated cell-binding protein that lacks enzyme activity and that is involved in cytoadherence. Additionally, PFO behaves like AP120 in parasites grown under iron-rich conditions. Therefore, these data suggest that AP120 and PFO A are encoded by the same gene, namely pfo a.
Canine ASCT1 and ASCT2 are functional receptors for RD-114 virus in dogs
Authors: Yoshikawa Rokusuke , Yasuda Jiro , Kobayashi Takeshi , Miyazawa Takayuki
Published: December 2011

All domestic cats carry an infectious endogenous retrovirus termed RD-114 virus. Recently, we and others found that several live-attenuated vaccines for dogs were contaminated with infectious RD-114 virus. In this study, we confirmed that the RD-114 virus efficiently infected and proliferated well in canine primary kidney cells, as well as three tested canine cell lines. Further, we identified canine ASCT1 and ASCT2, sodium-dependent neutral amino acid transporters, as RD-114 virus receptors. Canine ASCT2 also acts as a functional receptor for simian retrovirus 2, a pathogenic retrovirus that induces immunodeficiency in rhesus macaques. Identification of the canine receptor for RD-114 virus will help in evaluating the risk from vaccines contaminated by the virus.
Tracking Movement Behavior of Multiple Worms on Food
Authors: Yemini Eviatar , Kerr Rex A. , Schafer William R.
Published: December 2011

Neurobiological research in genetically tractable organisms relies heavily on robust assays for behavioral phenotypes. The simple body plan of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans makes it particularly amenable to the use of automated microscopy and image analysis to describe behavioral patterns quantitatively. Forward genetic screens and screens of drug libraries require high-throughput phenotyping, a task traditionally incompatible with manual scoring of quantitatively varying behaviors. High-throughput automated analysis of C. elegans movement behavior is now possible with several different tracking software packages. The Multiworm Tracker (MWT) described here is designed for high-throughput analysis: it can record dozens of worms simultaneously at 30 frames per second for hours or days at a time. This is accomplished by performing all image analysis in real time, saving only the worm centroid, bearing, and outline data to the disk. To simplify image processing, the system focuses only on worms that have moved, and detects and discards worms that are touching rather than trying to isolate them computationally. Because the software is entirely automated, protocols can run unattended once the worms have been placed and the software has been started. The MWT does not save images for later analysis, but behavior can be validated manually with a companion analysis tool that replays recorded body postures. This protocol describes a basic basal movement assay on food using the MWT; similar protocols apply to related assays and to similar multiple animal trackers. The protocol can be extended to a variety of assays ranging from tap response to chemotaxis.
The safety and efficacy of oral docosahexaenoic acid supplementation for the treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis – a pilot study
Authors: Martin C. R. , Blanco P. G. , Keach J. C. , Petz J. L. , Zaman M. M. , Bhaskar K. R. , Cluette‐Brown J. E. , Gautam S. , Sheth S. , Afdhal N. H. , Lindor K. D. , Freedman S. D.
Published: December 2011

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2012; 35: 255–265

Background  Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is characterised by progressive inflammatory and fibrotic destruction of the biliary ducts. There are no effective medical therapies and presently high dose ursodeoxycholic acid is no longer recommended due to significant adverse events in a recent clinical trial. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) dysfunction is associated with PSC in both children and adults. Since CFTR dysfunction leads to altered fatty acid metabolism, specifically reduced docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), we hypothesised that DHA supplementation might be an effective therapy for patients with PSC.

Aim  To determine the safety and efficacy of oral DHA supplementation for the treatment of PSC.

Methods  We conducted a 12 month open‐label pilot study to evaluate safety of oral DHA and its effects on serum alkaline phosphatase as a primary outcome measure in 23 patients with PSC. DHA was administered orally at 800 mg twice per day. Secondary outcomes included changes in other liver function tests and fibrosis biomarkers.

Results  A 1.7‐fold increase in serum DHA levels was observed with supplementation. The mean alkaline phosphatase level (±S.E.) at baseline was 357.8 ± 37.1 IU compared to 297.1 ± 23.7 IU (P < 0.05) after 12 months of treatment. There were no changes in other liver function tests and fibrosis biomarkers. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions  Oral DHA supplementation is associated with an increase in serum DHA levels and a significant decline in alkaline phosphatase levels in patients with PSC. These data support the need for a rigorous trial of DHA therapy in PSC.
Glial Regulation of Neuronal Function: From Synapse to Systems Physiology
Authors: Tasker J. G. , Oliet S. H. R. , Bains J. S. , Brown C. H. , Stern J. E.
Published: December 2011

Classically, glia have been regarded as non‐excitable cells that provide nourishment and physical scaffolding for neurones. However, it is now generally accepted that glia are active participants in brain function that can modulate neuronal communication via several mechanisms. Investigations of anatomical plasticity in the magnocellular neuroendocrine system of the hypothalamic paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei led the way in the development of much of our understanding of glial regulation of neuronal activity. In this review, we provide an overview of glial regulation of magnocellular neurone activity from a historical perspective of the development of our knowledge of the morphological changes that are evident in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei. We also focus on recent data from the authors’ laboratories presented at the 9th World Congress on Neurohypophysial Hormones that have contributed to our understanding of the multiple mechanisms by which glia modulate the activity of neurones, including: gliotransmitter modulation of synaptic transmission; trans‐synaptic modulation by glial neurotransmitter transporter regulation of neurotransmitter spillover; and glial neurotransmitter transporter modulation of excitability by regulation of ambient neurotransmitter levels and their action on extrasynaptic receptors. The magnocellular neuroendocrine system secretes oxytocin and vasopressin from the posterior pituitary gland to control birth, lactation and body fluid balance, and we finally speculate as to whether glial regulation of individual magnocellular neurones might co‐ordinate population activity to respond appropriately to altered physiological circumstances.
Biogeography of pelagic bacterioplankton across an antagonistic temperature–salinity gradient in the Red Sea
Authors: NGUGI DAVID KAMANDA , ANTUNES ANDRÉ , BRUNE ANDREAS , STINGL ULRICH
Published: December 2011

The Red Sea is a unique marine ecosystem with contrasting gradients of temperature and salinity along its north‐to‐south axis. It is an extremely oligotrophic environment that is characterized by perpetual year‐round water column stratification, high annual solar irradiation, and negligible riverine and precipitation inputs. In this study, we investigated whether the contemporary environmental conditions shape community assemblages by pyrosequencing 16S rRNA genes of bacteria in surface water samples collected from the northeastern half of this water body. A combined total of 1855 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were recovered from the ‘small‐cell’ and ‘large‐cell’ fractions. Here, a few major OTUs affiliated with Cyanobacteria and Proteobacteria accounted for ∼93% of all sequences, whereas a tail of ‘rare’ OTUs represented most of the diversity. OTUs allied to Surface 1a/b SAR11 clades and Prochlorococcus related to the high‐light‐adapted (HL2) ecotype were the most widespread and predominant sequence types. Interestingly, the frequency of taxa that are typically found in the upper mesopelagic zone was significantly elevated in the northern transects compared with those in the central, presumably as a direct effect of deep convective mixing in the Gulf of Aqaba and water exchange with the northern Red Sea. Although temperature was the best predictor of species richness across all major lineages, both spatial and environmental distances correlated strongly with phylogenetic distances. Our results suggest that the bacterial diversity of the Red Sea is as high as in other tropical seas and provide evidence for fundamental differences in the biogeography of pelagic communities between the northern and central regions.
Shear‐wave velocity structure of South America from Rayleigh‐wave analysis
Authors: Corchete Victor
Published: December 2011

Terra Nova, 24, 87–104, 2012

The elastic structure beneath South America is shown by means of S‐velocity maps for depths ranging from zero to 400 km, determined by the regionalization and inversion of Rayleigh‐wave dispersion. The traces of 128 earthquakes, occurring from 1990 to 2009, have been used to obtain Rayleigh‐wave dispersion data. These earthquakes were registered by 71 seismic station located in South America. The dispersion curves were obtained for periods between 5 and 250 s, by digital filtering with a combination of Multiple Filter Technique and Time Variable Filtering techniques. Later, all seismic events (and some stations) were grouped to obtain a dispersion curve for each source‐station path. These dispersion curves were regionalized and inverted according to the generalized inversion theory, to obtain shear‐wave velocity models for rectangular blocks 4° × 4° in size. The shear‐velocity structure obtained through this procedure is shown in the S‐velocity maps plotted for several depths. These results agree well with the geology and other geophysical results previously obtained. The obtained S‐velocity models suggest the existence of lateral and vertical heterogeneity. The zones with consolidated and old structures (such as shields, cratons and massifs) present greater S‐velocity values than the other zones, although this difference can be very little or negligible in some case. Nevertheless, in the depth range of 15–65 km, the different Moho depths present in the study area generate the principal variation of S‐velocity. Finally, a very interesting feature found in this study is the existence of a low S‐velocity channel beneath South America, from 180 to 280 km of depth, in which the S‐velocity decreases with depth.
Response of feline eosinophilic plaques and lip ulcers to amoxicillin trihydrate–clavulanate potassium therapy: a randomized, double‐blind placebo‐controlled prospective study
Authors: Wildermuth Brett E. , Griffin Craig E. , Rosenkrantz Wayne S.
Published: December 2011

In this study, we evaluated the treatment of feline eosinophilic plaques and lip ulcers with amoxicillin trihydrate–potassium clavulanate (Clavamox®; Pfizer Animal Health). Nineteen cats with clinical and cytological findings consistent with eosinophilic plaques and/or lip ulcers were enrolled. Lesions were photographed and their areas measured in square centimetres before and after 21 days of therapy with either flavoured amoxicillin‐clavulanate suspension or flavoured placebo suspension. Sixteen cats completed the study, with nine plaque lesions (four treatment and five placebo) and eight lip ulcer lesions (four treatment and four placebo) included in the analysis. All lesions were shown to have infection, with bacterial phagocytosis present on cytological examination. Coagulase‐positive staphylococci were the most commonly isolated bacteria. The amoxicillin‐clavulanate‐treated eosinophilic plaque group had a statistically significant 96.2% reduction in mean lesion size (−7.60 cm2, P = 0.0078) and an 80% reduction in mean percentage of microscopic fields demonstrating evidence of bacterial infection (P < 0.0001), whereas the placebo group did not. The amoxicillin‐clavulanate‐treated lip ulcer group had a 42.6% decrease in mean lesion size (−0.25 cm2, P = 0.4125) and the placebo group a 36.6% increase (+0.49 cm2, P = 0.1575), although neither change was statistically significant. The amoxicillin‐clavulanate‐treated lip ulcer group had a statistically significant 65.0% reduction in mean percentage of microscopic fields demonstrating evidence of bacterial infection (P < 0.0001), while no significant reduction was observed in the placebo group. A suspension of amoxicillin trihydrate–potassium clavulanate is an effective monotherapy for the treatment of feline eosinophilic plaques.
Cardiac surgery in the Pacific Islands
Authors: Davis Philip John , Wainer Zoe , O'Keefe Michael , Nand Parma
Published: December 2011

Background:  Rheumatic heart disease constitutes a significant disease burden in under‐resourced communities. Recognition of the devastating impact of rheumatic heart disease has resulted in volunteer cardiac teams from Australasia providing surgical services to regions of need. The primary objective of this study was to compare New Zealand hospitals' volunteer cardiac surgical operative results in Samoa and Fiji with the accepted surgical mortality and morbidity rates for Australasia.

Methods:  A retrospective review from seven volunteer cardiac surgical trips to Samoa and Fiji from 2003 to 2009 was conducted. Patient data were retrospectively and prospectively collected. Preoperative morbidity and mortality risk were calculated using the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (euroSCORE). Audit data were collated in line with the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons guidelines.

Results:  One hundred and three operations were performed over 6 years. EuroSCORE predicted an operative mortality of 3.32%. In‐hospital mortality was 0.97% and post‐discharge mortality was 2.91%, resulting in a 30‐day mortality of 3.88%.

Conclusion:  This study demonstrated that performing cardiac surgery in Fiji and Samoa is viable and safe. However, the mortality was slightly higher than predicted by euroSCORE. Difficulties exist in predicting mortality rates in patients with rheumatic heart disease from Pacific Island nations as known risk scoring models fail to be disease, ethnically or culturally inclusive. Audit processes and risk model development and assessment are an essential part of this complex surgical charity work and will result in improved patient selection and outcomes.
Enhancing ascorbate in fruits and tubers through over‐expression of the l‐galactose pathway gene GDP‐l‐galactose phosphorylase
Authors: Bulley Sean , Wright Michele , Rommens Caius , Yan Hua , Rassam Maysoon , Lin‐Wang Kui , Andre Christelle , Brewster Di , Karunairetnam Sakuntala , Allan Andrew C. , Laing William A
Published: December 2011

Ascorbate, or vitamin C, is obtained by humans mostly from plant sources. Various approaches have been made to increase ascorbate in plants by transgenic means. Most of these attempts have involved leaf material from model plants, with little success reported using genes from the generally accepted l‐galactose pathway of ascorbate biosynthesis. We focused on increasing ascorbate in commercially significant edible plant organs using a gene, GDP‐l‐galactose phosphorylase (GGP or VTC2), that we had previously shown to increase ascorbate concentration in tobacco and Arabidopsis thaliana. The coding sequence of Actinidia chinensis GGP, under the control of the 35S promoter, was expressed in tomato and strawberry. Potato was transformed with potato or Arabidopsis GGP genes under the control of the 35S promoter or a polyubiquitin promoter (potato only). Five lines of tomato, up to nine lines of potato, and eight lines of strawberry were regenerated for each construct. Three lines of tomato had a threefold to sixfold increase in fruit ascorbate, and all lines of strawberry showed a twofold increase. All but one line of each potato construct also showed an increase in tuber ascorbate of up to threefold. Interestingly, in tomato fruit, increased ascorbate was associated with loss of seed and the jelly of locular tissue surrounding the seed which was not seen in strawberry. In both strawberry and tomato, an increase in polyphenolic content was associated with increased ascorbate. These results show that GGP can be used to raise significantly ascorbate concentration in commercially significant edible crops.
John Milbank and Biblical Hermeneutics: the End of the Historical‐Critical Method?
Authors: Sargent Benjamin
Published: December 2011

It is perhaps ironic that a methodology still convinced of its radical iconoclasm and progressive nature should at the same time be regarded as critically backward, a by‐product of a disappearing philosophy. Such a view of the historical‐critical method is held by John Milbank who argues that because of its dependence upon heretical philosophies that affirm the ontological autonomy of a world without reference to or participation in God, it should be confined to theological history. This essay will argue that Milbank's challenge ought to be taken seriously by Christian biblical interpreters and suggests that historical‐critical study, in the form criticised by Milbank, needs to be rejected. Milbank exposes the philosophical bankruptcy of the method from a Christian perspective; nevertheless, Milbank overstretches himself. His rejection of the historical‐critical method results in a hermeneutic that has no place for a biblical text's historical particularity and sense. Because of this, he is left subsuming historic texts into the regula fidei of his philosophical meta‐narrative, whether they fit such a move or not. This is particularly the case with Milbank's treatment of biblical texts, which, it shall be argued, operates as a refusal of history and a refusal of the particularity and alterity of the text. This highlights the need for an historical hermeneutic for Christian biblical interpretation, based on theological presuppositions, which takes the theological value of both historical particularity and the text seriously.
Experimental geopolitics: Wafaa Bilal's Domestic tension
Authors: INGRAM ALAN
Published: December 2011

Interest in alternative forms of geopolitics is growing. Frustrated with the apparent limitations of existing critical approaches, geographers are exploring new epistemologies and seeking to forge more practical, constructive and transformative modes of geopolitical intervention. In this article I argue that experimental tactics adopted by contemporary artists open up geopolitics for reflexive interrogation and creative refashioning in ways that are suggestive for alternative geopolitical projects. Particularly suggestive in this regard is Wafaa Bilal's 2007 work Domestic tension, in which the artist lived more or less continuously for a month in front of a webcam and paintball gun that could be controlled remotely via the internet. Domestic tension is illustrative of four components I identify in experimental geopolitics: the staging of geopolitics via the assemblage of a variety of elements; in allowing for these elements to play dynamically; in modulation of the course of the experiment; and in eliciting emergent effects. While the experimental assemblage of Domestic tension readily elicited orientalist violence, diverse practices of critique and solidarity also emerged as people sought to contest this violence. Playing with the fabric of geopolitical space, Domestic tension tested the extent to which another geopolitics might be possible.
Do UK Higher Education Students Overestimate Their Starting Salary?*
Authors: Jerrim John
Published: December 2011

The wage expectations of university students have relevance for human capital theory, models of student enrolment, and public policy on the provision of higher education. However, these expectations have been the subject of relatively little research in European countries, with no contemporary evidence available in the UK. There has also been little consideration in the literature thus far of how much estimates may be biased by non‐response and sample selection. This paper thus makes an original contribution to the literature by comparing UK undergraduate students' wage expectations with the actual wages earned by the same cohort on graduation, after attempting to correct for the aforementioned statistical issues in terms of observable characteristics. In contrast to other European studies, I conclude that, on average, full‐time students overestimate their starting salary. Yet I also find substantial variation in the extent of overestimation between different subgroups.