bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transphyletic conservation of developmental regulatory state in animal evolution
Authors: Royo José Luis , Maeso Ignacio , Irimia Manuel , Gao Feng , Peter Isabelle S. , Lopes Carla S. , D'Aniello Salvatore , Casares Fernando , Davidson Eric H. , Garcia-Fernández Jordi , Gómez-Skarmeta José Luis
Published: August 2011

Specific regulatory states, i.e., sets of expressed transcription factors, define the gene expression capabilities of cells in animal development. Here we explore the functional significance of an unprecedented example of regulatory state conservation from the cnidarianNematostellatoDrosophila, sea urchin, fish, and mammals. Our probe is a deeply conservedcis-regulatory DNA module of the SRY-box B2 (soxB2), recognizable at the sequence level across many phyla. Transphyleticcis-regulatory DNA transfer experiments reveal that the plesiomorphic control function of this module may have been to respond to a regulatory state associated with neuronal differentiation. By introducing expression constructs driven by this module from any phyletic source into the genomes of diverse developing animals, we discover that the regulatory state to which it responds is used at different levels of the neurogenic developmental process, including patterning and development of the vertebrate forebrain and neurogenesis in theDrosophilaoptic lobe and brain. The regulatory state recognized by the conserved DNA sequence may have been redeployed to different levels of the developmental regulatory program during evolution of complex central nervous systems.
Aurora B goes the distance
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: August 2011

Researchers discover how key mitotic enzyme induces widespread effects.
Digital gene expression for non-model organisms
Authors: Hong Lewis Z. , Li Jun , Schmidt-Küntzel Anne , Warren Wesley C. , Barsh Gregory S.
Published: August 2011

Next-generation sequencing technologies offer new approaches for global measurements of gene expression but are mostly limited to organisms for which a high-quality assembled reference genome sequence is available. We present a method for gene expression profiling called EDGE, or EcoP15I-tagged Digital Gene Expression, based on ultra-high-throughput sequencing of 27-bp cDNA fragments that uniquely tag the corresponding gene, thereby allowing direct quantification of transcript abundance. We show that EDGE is capable of assaying for expression in >99% of genes in the genome and achieves saturation after 6–8 million reads. EDGE exhibits very little technical noise, reveals a large (106) dynamic range of gene expression, and is particularly suited for quantification of transcript abundance in non-model organisms where a high-quality annotated genome is not available. In a direct comparison with RNA-seq, both methods provide similar assessments of relative transcript abundance, but EDGE does better at detecting gene expression differences for poorly expressed genes and does not exhibit transcript length bias. Applying EDGE to laboratory mice, we show that a loss-of-function mutation in the melanocortin 1 receptor (Mc1r), recognized as a Mendelian determinant of yellow hair color in many different mammals, also causes reduced expression of genes involved in the interferon response. To illustrate the application of EDGE to a non-model organism, we examine skin biopsy samples from a cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and identify genes likely to control differences in the color of spotted versus non-spotted regions.
Associative, bidirectional changes in neural signaling utilizing NMDA receptor- and endocannabinoid-dependent mechanisms
Authors: Li Qin , Burrell Brian D.
Published: August 2011

Persistent, bidirectional changes in synaptic signaling (that is, potentiation and depression of the synapse) can be induced by the precise timing of individual pre- and postsynaptic action potentials. However, far less attention has been paid to the ability of paired trains of action potentials to elicit persistent potentiation or depression. We examined plasticity following the pairing of spike trains in the touch mechanosensory neuron (T cell) and S interneuron (S cell) in the medicinal leech. Long-term potentiation (LTP) of T to S signaling was elicited when the T-cell spike train preceded the S-cell train. An interval 0 to +1 sec between the T- and S-cell spike trains was required to elicit long-term potentiation (LTP), and this potentiation was NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-dependent. Long-term depression (LTD) was elicited when S-cell activity preceded T-cell activity and the interval between the two spike trains was −0.2 sec to −10 sec. This surprisingly broad temporal window involved two distinct cellular mechanisms; an NMDAR-mediated LTD (NMDAR-LTD) when the pairing interval was relatively brief (<−1 sec) and an endocannabinoid-mediated LTD (eCB-LTD) when longer pairing intervals were used (−1 to −10 sec). This eCB-LTD also required activation of a presynaptic transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV)-like receptor, presynaptic Ca2+release from intracellular stores and activation of voltage-gated Ca2+channels (VGCCs). These findings demonstrate that the pairing of spike trains elicits timing-dependent forms of LTP and LTD that are supported by a complex set of cellular mechanisms involving NMDARs and endocannabinoid activation of TRPV-like receptors.
Changes in TNM stage, reoperation and 131‐I ablation rate during the use of newer methods for the preoperative diagnosis of differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Karga H. , Mavroudis K. , Giagourta I. , Triantaphyllopoulou M. , Ktena V. , Kassi G. , Veloutsou H. , Papapetrou P.
Published: August 2011

Objective  To define and discuss the changes of important risk factors and TNM staging over the last 40 years in patients operated on for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC), resulting from the introduction of newer sensitive diagnostic procedures in the preoperative evaluation of thyroid nodules.

Patients  We reviewed the medical records of 1251 patients with postoperative diagnosis of DTC who had undergone initial diagnosis, before surgery, at our unit, between 1971 and 2010. According to the period of diagnosis, the patients were divided into four groups (I, II, III, IV) corresponding to the four decades.

Results  The mean age at diagnosis was unchanged over time for both papillary (PTC) and follicular thyroid cancer (FTC). A decrease in the proportion of FTC (group I vs group IV P < 0·01) and a concomitant increase in PTC/FTC ratio was observed particularly in group IV. The significant decrease in the proportion of tumour size of PTC (group I vs group IV, P < 0·01), the increase in the proportion of microcarcinomas, from 22·4% in group I to 53·0% in group IV, P < 0·001, and the decrease in the number of cases with features of aggressiveness have changed the TNM stage towards stages I and II. The overall frequency of patients at high risk was significantly decreased, from 8·0% in group I to 1·8% in group IV. The number of patients who underwent reoperation for the completion of tumour resection and/or radioiodine therapy significantly decreased over time.

Conclusions  The evaluation of thyroid nodules using the newer diagnostic methods was useful in identifying DTC early. Consequently, the reoperation and thyroid remnant ablation rates were reduced.
Suppression of hepatitis C virus by the flavonoid quercetin is mediated by inhibition of NS3 protease activity
Authors: Bachmetov L. , Gal‐Tanamy M. , Shapira A. , Vorobeychik M. , Giterman‐Galam T. , Sathiyamoorthy P. , Golan‐Goldhirsh A. , Benhar I. , Tur‐Kaspa R. , Zemel R.
Published: August 2011

Summary.  Phytochemicals exert antiviral activity and may play a potential therapeutic role in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In this work, we aimed to isolate NS3 inhibitors from traditional Indian medicinal plants that were found, in our earlier study, to inhibit HCV NS3 protease activity and to evaluate their potential to inhibit HCV replication. A potent inhibitory effect of NS3 catalytic activity was obtained with Embelia ribes plant extracts. Quercetin, a ubiquitous plant flavonoid, was identified as the active substance in the fractioned extract. It was found to inhibit NS3 activity in a specific dose‐dependent manner in an in vitro catalysis assay. Quercetin inhibited HCV RNA replication as analysed in the subgenomic HCV RNA replicon system. It also inhibited HCV infectious virus production in the HCV infectious cell culture system (HCVcc), as analysed by the focus‐forming unit reduction assay and HCV RNA real‐time PCR. The inhibitory effect of quercetin was also obtained when using a model system in which NS3 engineered substrates were introduced in NS3‐expressing cells, providing evidence that inhibition in vivo could be directed to the NS3 and do not involve other HCV proteins. Our work demonstrates that quercetin has a direct inhibitory effect on the HCV NS3 protease. These results point to the potential of quercetin as a natural nontoxic anti‐HCV agent reducing viral production by inhibiting both NS3 and heat shock proteins essential for HCV replication.
RNase Y is responsible for uncoupling the expression of translation factor IF3 from that of the ribosomal proteins L35 and L20 in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Bruscella Patrice , Shahbabian Karen , Laalami Soumaya , Putzer Harald
Published: August 2011

RNase Y is a novel endoribonuclease affecting global mRNA metabolism. We show that this nuclease affects the expression of the Bacillus subtilis infC‐rpmI‐rplT operon, encoding translation initiation factor IF3 and the ribosomal proteins L35 and L20. This operon is autoregulated by a complex L20‐dependent transcription attenuation mechanism. L20 binds to a phylogenetically conserved domain on the 5′ untranslated region of the infC mRNA which mimics the L20 binding sites on 23S rRNA. We have identified a second promoter (P1) upstream of the previously identified promoter (P2). The P1, but not the P2, readthrough transcript is stabilized in a strain depleted for RNase Y. However, under these conditions infC biosynthesis is repressed threefold. We show that the unprocessed P1 transcript is non‐functional for IF3 translation but fully competent to express the co‐transcribed ribosomal protein genes. RNase Y cleavage of the P1 transcript creates an entry site for the 5′–3′ exonucleolytic activity of RNase J1 which degrades the infC mRNA when translation initiation efficiency is low. A second RNase Y cleavage is crucial for initiating degradation of the prematurely terminated infC leader RNAs, including the L20 operator complex, which permits efficient recycling of the L20 protein.
Evaluating reproductive fitness and metabolic costs for insecticide resistance in Myzus persicae from Chile
Authors: CASTAÑEDA LUIS E. , BARRIENTOS KARIN , CORTES PABLO A. , FIGUEROA CHRISTIAN C. , FUENTES‐CONTRERAS EDUARDO , LUNA‐RUDLOFF MANUELA , SILVA ANDREA X. , BACIGALUPE LEONARDO D.
Published: August 2011

The development of insecticide resistance in pest insects is an increasing problem for agriculture, forestry and public health. Aphids are ubiquitous herbivorous insects, with approximately 4700 known species, of which less than 5% exploit the agricultural environment successfully. Of these, the peach‐potato aphid Myzus persicae Sulzer is recognized as one of the most important pests worldwide because it has acquired resistance to many insecticides. Although resistance to insecticides provides important benefits for pests in agricultural fields that are treated with insecticides, it may be associated with fitness (or other) costs in environments that are insecticide free. In the present study, the fitness and energy costs that might be experienced by M. persicae in an insecticide‐free environment when carrying at least one insecticide resistance mutation (IRM), or by having an increased production of esterases, are evaluated. The study investigates whether genotypes that have an IRM also have enhanced esterase production, whether there is any metabolic cost associated with insecticide resistance, and whether there are any fitness costs associated with insecticide resistance and metabolic expenditure. The intrinsic rate of increase, standard metabolic rate (i.e. a measure of maintenance costs) and constitutive esterase activity are determined for 30 different multilocus genotypes carrying (or not carrying) at least one of the two most frequent insecticide resistance mutations (MACE and kdr/super‐kdr) that occur in Chile. The results show that genotypes carrying at least one IRM have higher levels of total esterase activity than genotypes without an IRM, that there is no evidence of an energy cost associated with total esterase activity or IRM, and no evidence for a reproductive fitness cost associated with total esterase activity, IRM or metabolic rate. The results agree with previous studies showing linkage disequilibrium between insecticide resistance mechanisms, although they contrast with those of studies that report fitness costs associated with insecticide resistance in Myzus persicae.
Down‐regulation of SymRK correlates with a deficiency in vascular bundle development in Phaseolus vulgaris nodules
Authors: SÁNCHEZ‐LÓPEZ ROSANA , JÁUREGUI DAVID , NAVA NOREIDE , ALVARADO‐AFFANTRANGER XÓCHITL , MONTIEL JESÚS , SANTANA OLIVIA , SANCHEZ FEDERICO , QUINTO CARMEN
Published: August 2011

The symbiotic interaction of legumes and rhizobia results in the formation of nitrogen‐fixing nodules. Nodulation depends on the finely coordinated expression of a battery of genes involved in the infection and the organogenesis processes. After Nod factor perception, symbiosis receptor kinase (SymRK) receptor triggers a signal transduction cascade essential for nodulation leading to cortical cell divisions, infection thread (IT) formation and final release of rhizobia to the intracellular space, forming the symbiosome. Herein, the participation of SymRK receptor during the nodule organogenesis in Phaseolus vulgaris is addressed. Our findings indicate that besides its expression in the nodule epidermis, in IT, and in uninfected cells of the infection zone, PvSymRK immunolocalizes in the root and nodule vascular system. On the other hand, knockdown expression of PvSymRK led to the formation of scarce and defective nodules, which presented alterations in both IT/symbiosome formation and vascular system.
Presence of Heterobasidion infections in Norway spruce stumps 6 years after treatment with Phlebiopsis gigantea
Authors: Rönnberg J. , Cleary M. R.
Published: August 2011

Natural colonization by the root and butt rot causing fungi Heterobasidion spp. on Norway spruce (Picea abies) stumps following thinning and treatment with the biological control agent Phlebiopsis gigantea was investigated on three sites in southern Sweden 6 years after treatment. The fully treated stumps and control stumps were excavated and sampled to compare the survival of Heterobasidion spp. in the long term. Six years post‐treatment, 47 and 11% of untreated and treated stumps, respectively, had Heterobasidion infection. There was no difference in the relative infected area in discs collected from the butt and the roots for the different treatments. Control efficacy was 83% for treated stumps. After 6 years, there were no apparent differences between the remaining infections in treated compared with those in untreated stumps regarding the number of colonies, their size or relative infection area. Although infections, 3 months after treatment with P. gigantea, were significantly fewer and smaller than in untreated stumps, Heterobasidion inoculum can survive for at least 6 years in the stump and, when it does, constitute a risk for neighbouring trees.
Efficacy of sulphur on Tuta absoluta and its side effects on the predator Nesidiocoris tenuis
Authors: Zappalà L. , Siscaro G. , Biondi A. , Mollá O. , González‐Cabrera J. , Urbaneja A.
Published: August 2011

The South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), is one of the major pests of tomato crop. Since its detection in the Mediterranean basin, it has been commonly controlled using chemical insecticides. However, inoculation and conservation of predatory mirids, integrated with sprays of selective insecticides, has been demonstrated to be a cost‐effective strategy for controlling this pest. In this work, we tested the efficacy of two sulphur formulations, dustable and wettable powder, for controlling T. absoluta on tomato under greenhouse and open‐field conditions. In addition, the side effects of both sulphur formulations on the predator, Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter), were evaluated under laboratory conditions. Dustable sulphur, applied weekly on tomato seedlings artificially infested with T. absoluta in greenhouse conditions, significantly reduced the infestation levels and was demonstrated to have a repellent effect on oviposition. Wettable sulphur was not effective for controlling T. absoluta populations in both greenhouse and open‐field experiments. In the side effect trials conducted with N. tenuis, only dustable sulphur resulted in being moderately harmful as a fresh residue and slightly harmful as a 7‐day‐old residue; no effects were recorded exposing the predator to 14‐day‐old sulphur residues. In contrast, wettable sulphur was classified as harmless to N. tenuis. Our results suggest that the use of sulphur, especially as dustable powder, could be considered as a tool in T. absoluta management strategies, although its side effects on N. tenuis should be taken into account. The implications of these results for the use of sulphur formulations in pest and disease management programmes in tomato crops are discussed.
Outdoor air pollution and respiratory health in Asia
Authors: CHUNG KIAN FAN , ZHANG JUNFENG , ZHONG NANSHAN
Published: August 2011

With the rapid economic development occurring in the last decade in many countries of Asia, the level of air pollution has increased from both industrial and motor vehicle emissions. Compared with Europe and North America, the potential health effects of this increasing air pollution in Asia remain largely unmeasured. Recent data published by the Health Effects Institute from some major cities in India and China reveal that a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM10 was associated with an increase in mortality of 0.6% in daily all‐natural cause mortality, with higher risks being found at extremes of high temperatures and in the lowest economically advantaged population. Other Asian studies have confirmed the link between hospital admissions for the worsening of COPD and the increase in asthma prevalence to levels of outdoor air pollutants. Although potential health effects appear to be similar to already‐published Western data, it is important that further studies be carried out in Asia that will inform the public and the authorities of the necessity to curb levels of outdoor air pollutants to acceptable levels.
A systematic review of treatment guidelines for metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Edwards M. S. , Chadda S. D. , Zhao Z. , Barber B. L. , Sykes D. P.
Published: August 2011

Aim  A systematic review of treatment guidelines for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) was performed to assess recommendations for monoclonal antibody therapy in these guidelines.

Method  Relevant papers were identified through electronic searches of MEDLINE, MEDLINE In Process, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library; through manual searches of reference lists; and by searching the Internet.

Results  A total of 57 relevant guidelines were identified, 32 through electronic database searches and 25 through the website searches. The majority of guidelines were published between 2004 and 2010. The country publishing the most guidelines was the USA (12), followed by the UK (10), Canada (eight), France (eight), Germany (three), Australia (two), Spain (two) and Italy (one). In addition, eight European and three international guidelines were identified. As monoclonal antibody therapy for mCRC was not introduced until 2004, no firm recommendations for monoclonal antibody therapy were made in guidelines published between 2004 and 2006. Recommendations for monoclonal antibody therapy first appeared in 2007 and evolved as more data became available. The most recent international, European and US guidelines recommend combination chemotherapy with the addition of a monoclonal antibody for the first‐line treatment of mCRC. Second‐line treatment depends on the first‐line regimen used. For chemoresistant mCRC, cetuximab or panitumumab are recommended as monotherapy in patients with wild‐type KRAS tumours.

Conclusion  The study indicates that recent treatment guidelines have recognized the role of monoclonal antibodies in the management of mCRC, and that treatment guidelines should be updated in a timely manner to reflect the most recently available data.
Empirical likelihood in long‐memory time series models
Authors: Yau Chun Yip
Published: August 2011

This article studies the empirical likelihood method for long‐memory time series models. By virtue of the Whittle likelihood, one obtains a score function that can be viewed as an estimating equation of the parameters of a fractional integrated autoregressive moving average (ARFIMA) model. This score function is used to obtain an empirical likelihood ratio which is shown to be asymptotically chi‐square distributed. Confidence regions for the parameters are constructed based on the asymptotic distribution of the empirical likelihood ratio. Bartlett correction and finite sample properties of the empirical likelihood confidence regions are examined.
“It's the economy, honey!” Couples' blame attributions during the 2007–2009 economic crisis
Authors: DIAMOND LISA M. , HICKS ANGELA M.
Published: August 2011

In the current study the authors surveyed a nationally representative sample of 632 cohabiting American couples during the height of the 2007–2009 economic crisis to examine associations between relationship quality and partners' attributions of causation and blame for household money problems. In couples where women attributed causation for household money problems to their partners' debts, spending, or employment, both they and their partners reported lower relationship satisfaction unless women also reported blaming the national economic crisis. Blaming one's partner for household money problems was associated with lower relationship satisfaction unless individuals also blamed themselves. Being blamed for household money problems by one's partner was associated with lower satisfaction among women, but this association was attenuated if the male partner also blamed the economic crisis.
Experimental Research With Synthetic Copolymer‐Coated Cardiopulmonary Bypass Circuits: Inflammatory and Thrombogenicity Analysis
Authors: Gabriel Edmo Atique , Montevilla Fredy Max Ayala , Chida Valeria Vieira , Dias Fabio Nunes , Montoya Cynara Viterbo , Otsubo Hiroaki , Pires Zenício Francisco , Nogaroto Sergio Luiz
Published: August 2011

This study aimed to assess complement system activation and index of thrombogenicity and platelet aggregation between synthetic copolymer‐coated cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) circuit and conventional CPB circuit. Twenty‐six pigs were equally divided into two groups—the conventional group and the coated group. They were placed on CPB for 90 min, and blood samples were collected at three different time points (T0, right before CPB establishment; T1, 45 min after starting CPB; and T2, 90 min after starting CPB) to measure total count of inflammatory cells (leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and platelets) and serum levels of fraction C3 of complement system. Upon completion of the 90‐min CPB, fragments of different compartments of the CPB circuit were taken for assessing index of thrombogenicity and platelet aggregation. There were no differences between both groups regarding total count of leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes; however, there was a lower count of platelets at T2 in the coated group (P = 0.020). The serum level of fraction C3 was lower in the coated group at T1 (P = 0.020) and T2 (P = 0.017). Higher index of thrombogenicity and platelet aggregation were detected in the conventional group (77% of the animals within the conventional group) than in the coated group (46% of the animals within the coated group). In conclusion, in heart surgery requiring CPB, the use of synthetic copolymer‐coated CPB circuit may be useful to reduce complement system activation, as well as attenuating index of thrombogenicity and platelet aggregation.
Osmolal Gap in Hemodialyzed Uremic Patients
Authors: Griveas Ioannis , Gompou Athina , Kyritsis Ilias , Papatheodorou Georgios , Agroyannis Ioannis , Tsakoniatis Manolis , Kapeleris Evaggelos , Vrachnes Sotiris
Published: August 2011

Osmolality is an expression of the number of particles in a given weight of solvent (mOsm). Measured osmolality is determined by the osmometer, and calculated osmolality is estimated by 2xNa + UN/2.8 + glucose/18. The difference between measured and calculated osmolality is the osmolal gap. The purpose of the present study is to determine the measured and the calculated osmolality and the osmolal gap in hemodialyzed uremic patients, pre‐ and post‐hemodialysis (HD). In 24 uremic patients under regular HD, blood samples pre‐ and post‐HD were collected, and serum osmolality measured (osmometer) and calculated (2xNa + UN/2.8 + glucose/18) and the osmolal gap (measured—calculated osmolality) were determined. Also, the same parameters were determined in 22 healthy subjects (control). According to our findings, the measured osmolality in patients is significantly higher pre‐ and post‐HD in comparison to that of controls, but post‐HD is significantly lower than pre‐HD. Also, calculated osmolality is significantly higher pre‐ and post‐HD in comparison to that of controls, but the value post‐HD is significantly lower than the pre‐HD. The osmolal gap of patients pre‐HD (11 ± 2.08) and post‐HD (7.29 ± 1.94) is significantly higher (P < 0.001) in comparison to that of controls (3.18 ± 1.46); also, the value post‐HD is significantly decreased in comparison to the value pre‐HD (P < 0.001). Uremic hemodialyzed patients present high measured and calculated osmolality pre‐HD that remains high post‐HD in comparison to that of controls in spite of the significant decrease post‐HD in comparison to that of pre‐HD. Also, the osmolal gap is high pre‐HD and, in spite of the decrease, remains high post‐HD. In comparison to that of controls, the high osmolal gap indirectly indicates the presence of unidentified endogenous osmoles in the serum of uremic patients which partly are removed during HD.
Coronary Vascular Resistance Increases Under Full Bypass Support of Centrifugal Pumps—Relation Between Myocardial Perfusion and Ventricular Workload During Pump Support
Authors: Ando Masahiko , Takewa Yoshiaki , Nishimura Takashi , Yamazaki Kenji , Kyo Shunei , Ono Minoru , Tsukiya Tomonori , Mizuno Toshihide , Taenaka Yoshiyuki , Tatsumi Eisuke
Published: August 2011

Coronary circulation is closely linked to myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2), and previous reports have suggested decreased coronary flow (CoF) under left ventricular assist device support. Decreased CoF itself under support is not unfavorable because the native heart can be well unloaded and myocardial oxygen demand is also decreased. There should be an autoregulatory system that would maintain optimal CoF according to oxygen demand; however, the detailed mechanism is still unclear. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effect of centrifugal pumps on CoF under varied bypass rates in relation to left ventricle workload. A centrifugal pump, EVAHEART (Sun Medical Technology Research Corporation, Nagano, Japan), was installed in an adult goat (n = 10, 61.3 ± 6.5 kg). We set up the following conditions, including Circuit‐Clamp (i.e., no pump support), 50% bypass, and 100% bypass. In these settings, CoF, MVO2, pressure–volume area (PVA), and coronary vascular resistance (CVR) were measured. In 100% bypass, CoF, MVO2, and PVA were all decreased significantly from clamp. While in 50% bypass, CoF and MVO2 decreased from clamp, but not PVA. There was a significant 40% increase in CVR in 100% bypass from clamp. This CVR increase in 100% bypass was possibly due to mechanical collapse of coronary vascular bed itself by pump support or increased vascular tone through autoregulatory system. In clinical settings, we should adjust optimal pump speed so as not to cause this vascular collapse. However, to clarify autoregulatory system of the coronary perfusion, further investigation is ongoing in ischemic and heart failure models.
Impact of free light chain hemodialysis in myeloma cast nephropathy: A case–control study
Authors: PETERS Nicolas O. , LAURAIN Emmanuelle , CRIDLIG Joëlle , HULIN Cyrille , CAO‐HUU Thanh , FRIMAT Luc
Published: August 2011

New very high permeability dialysis membranes have been developed to enable the clearance of free light chains in myeloma cast nephropathy. These new dialysis techniques, in combination with chemotherapy, should allow improved prognosis in patients with myeloma cast nephropathy. We report a prospective observational study comparing patients who underwent hemodialysis in our center in 2009 for cast nephropathy revealing multiple myeloma vs. patients treated for the same condition during the same period in other centers in our region. The main difference in the management protocols was the use of high cutoff (HCO) membranes in our center. We described the clinical features, the management protocols, and the outcomes as of June 1, 2010. In 2009, five patients were treated for myeloma cast nephropathy with HCO hemodialysis in our center. At 386 ± 100 days follow‐up, one patient died, while three of the five patients recovered their renal function, allowing cessation of hemodialysis. During the same period, five patients were treated for myeloma cast nephropathy in other centers in our region. At 398 ± 131 days follow‐up, four patients died, and none of the patients recovered renal function, allowing cessation of hemodialysis. In our study, light chain clearance allowed recovery of renal function and cessation of hemodialysis in three of five patients with acute kidney injury secondary to myeloma cast nephropathy. A randomized trial comparing this technique with conventional hemodialysis techniques should be conducted to raise the level of proof for this therapeutic option. The overall prognosis, including quality of life and cost‐effectiveness, of HCO hemodialysis should also be examined.
Consequences of Fragmentation of Tropical Moist Forest for Birds and Their Role in Predation of Herbivorous Insects
Authors: Ruiz‐Guerra Betsabé , Renton Katherine , Dirzo Rodolfo
Published: August 2011

The consequences of habitat alteration on the role of understory insectivorous birds as predators of herbivorous insects in tropical forests are poorly understood. To examine whether fragmentation may affect the top–down controls of herbivory, we compared the number of species, individuals, and the community structure of insectivorous birds between fragments and continuous tropical moist forest in Mexico. We also registered insect herbivore abundances and conducted a larvae predation experiment to evaluate the potential role of insectivorous birds as predators of herbivorous insects. We recorded 63 bird species from 22 families, 43 percent of which were insectivorous birds. Species richness, abundance, and diversity of the avian community were higher in continuous forest compared with forest fragments. For insectivorous birds in particular, there was low similarity in avian insectivore communities between forest types, and forest fragments had more heavily dominated communities of avian insectivores. During the dry season, forest fragments presented significantly higher predation rates on artificial caterpillars, and lower abundance of herbivorous Lepidoptera larvae, compared with continuous forest. Furthermore, there was a significant negative correlation between artificial caterpillar predation rate and larval Lepidoptera abundance, with higher rates of predation in sample sites of low Lepidoptera abundance. Hence, the potentially greater light in the dry season combined with a more dominated avian insectivore community in forest fragments may facilitate increased predation by avian insectivores, resulting in a decline in abundance of larval Lepidoptera, with implications for the process of insect‐driven herbivory in forest fragments.
Falling Outside: Excavating the History of Central American Asylum Seekers
Authors: Coutin Susan Bibler
Published: August 2011

This article takes a retrospective look at legal advocacy on behalf of Central American asylum seekers, which has been influential in the development of US asylum law and in the creation of an infrastructure to address immigrants' needs. The article considers three time periods when Central Americans have been deemed to fall outside of the category of refugee: (1) the 1980s, when US administrations argued that Central Americans were economic immigrants; (2) the 1990s, when civil wars in El Salvador and Guatemala came to an end; and (3) the 2000s, when some Salvadoran youths in removal proceedings have argued that they faced persecution as perceived or actual gang members. This retrospective analysis highlights the ways in which law can be creatively reinterpreted by legal actors, as well as how legal innovations carry forward traces of prior historical moments.
Establishing Identity: Documents, Performance, and Biometric Information in Immigration Proceedings
Authors: Kim Jaeeun
Published: August 2011

This article explores the politics of identification in immigration proceedings by examining the struggles over family-based immigration in South Korea in the context of ethnic Korean “return” migration from China. It focuses on micropolitical struggles in bureaucratic settings, analyzing how migrants and immigration bureaucrats struggle to establish kinship and marital status in order to secure or limit migrants' access to the labor market and citizenship. Drawing on fieldwork in both the sending and receiving communities, it shows how migrants and bureaucrats use various types of “identity tags” (official documents, performance, and biometric information) to establish the authenticity of family relations and to accept or reject particular understandings of personhood, belonging, and entitlement. It also highlights the multiple normative orderings that inform migrants' strategies (including their use of “fraudulent” identity) and their implicit or explicit challenge to the criminalizing and stigmatizing view of the immigration state.
Update of prevalence of self‐reported allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms among adults in Sweden
Authors: Eriksson Jonas , Ekerljung Linda , Rönmark Eva , Dahlén Barbro , Ahlstedt Staffan , Dahlén Sven‐Erik , Lundbäck Bo
Published: August 2011

Background:  Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common immunologic disease, and it renders a considerable burden on both sufferers and society. The prevalence of AR has been increasing worldwide over the past century. The aim of this study was to assess the present prevalence, risk factor patterns and comorbidity of self‐reported AR and chronic nasal symptoms in different age groups in Stockholm, Sweden.

Methods:  A postal questionnaire was sent on two occasions, in 2006 to a population aged 30–80 years, randomly selected 10 years previously, and in 2007 to a randomly selected sample of subjects aged 20–69 years. The response rates were 83% and 68%, respectively, and in total, 9792 subjects participated. The questionnaire included questions on self‐reported AR, asthma, respiratory and nasal symptoms and possible determinants.

Results:  The prevalence of self‐reported AR was 28.0% (men 26.6%, women 29.1%, P < 0.01) similar to 10 years previously and 33.6% in ages 30–40 years. Allergic heredity [odds ratio (OR) 4.76, confidence interval (CI) 95% 4.25–5.33], physician‐diagnosed asthma (OR 5.29, CI 95% 4.49–6.24) and occupational exposure to dust, gases and fumes (OR 1.49, CI 95% 1.30–1.72) were determinants for AR. Prevalence of chronic nasal congestion was 16.1% and of chronic rhinorrhea 14.1%.

Conclusions:  As a basis for understanding the disease, as well as in planning and prioritising health‐care resources, the study provides information about the current prevalence and determinants of self‐reported AR and chronic nasal symptoms. Further, comparing with previous studies, the present study suggests that a plateau in the prevalence of AR may have been reached in Sweden.

Please cite this paper as: Eriksson J, Ekerljung L, Rönmark E, Dahlén B, Ahlstedt S, Dahlén S‐E and Lundbäck B. Update of prevalence of self‐reported allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms among adults in Sweden. Clin Respir J 2012; 6: 159–168.
Gendered Relations and Filial Duties Along the Greek‐Albanian Remittance Corridor
Authors: King Russell , Castaldo Adriana , Vullnetari Julie
Published: August 2011

abstract

Remittances stand at the heart of the migration‐development debate. However, they are overwhelmingly considered in financial and economic terms, neglecting important dimensions, such as gender and patriarchal family structures. This article contributes to rectifying this oversight by analyzing flows of remittances resulting from Albanian migration to neighboring Greece. We draw on a detailed questionnaire survey with 350 remittance‐recipient households in rural southeast Albania and 45 in‐depth interviews with a selection of these respondents and with remitters living in the Greek city of Thessaloniki. We found that gender is interlinked with generation and life‐course stages within the context of Albanian patriarchal norms and that remittances are shaped accordingly. Although remitting to older parents is a filial duty for unmarried sons, upon marriage only the youngest son has this responsibility—other sons send small amounts as tokens of respect and love. Sending remittances is overwhelmingly seen as a “male thing.” Single young women rarely migrate on their own for work abroad. Meanwhile any remittances sent by married daughters to their parents are considered “unofficial,” referred to as “coffee money.” Within nuclear households, some increased power‐sharing among husband remitters and wife recipients takes place. However, the latter are far from passive recipients, since they struggle to combine caring for children and the elderly with farmwork or day labor. We conclude that a deeper understanding of how remittances are gendered can be gained by placing their analysis within the migratory and sociocultural context into which they are embedded.
Respiratory modulation of muscle sympathetic nerve activity is not increased in essential hypertension or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Fatouleh Rania , Macefield Vaughan G.
Published: August 2011

Non‐Technical Summary  High blood pressure is known to be caused by an increase in activity of the sympathetic nerves that constrict blood vessels in skeletal muscle and the gut. Experiments in the spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR) suggest that the hypertension is brought about by an increase in coupling between respiration and sympathetic outflow. We tested whether this mechanism occurs in two models of elevated muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in human subjects: essential hypertension (HT) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Unlike the SHR model, respiratory modulation of MSNA was not increased in either HT or COPD. These results help us understand how the cardiovascular and respiratory systems interact in health and disease.
The Duality of Kif7
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: August 2011

Kif7 exerts both positive and negative control over hedgehog signaling through its regulation of Gli transcription factors.
Functional Characterization of Tn
4401
, a Tn
3
-Based Transposon Involved in
bla
KPC
Gene Mobilization
Authors: Cuzon Gaelle , Naas Thierry , Nordmann Patrice
Published: August 2011

The carbapenemase gene
bla
KPC
, which is rapidly spreading worldwide, is located on a Tn
3
-based transposon, Tn
4401
. In a transposition-conjugation assay, Tn
4401
was able to mobilize
bla
KPC-2
gene at a frequency of 4.4 × 10
−6
/recipient cell. A 5-bp target site duplication was evidenced upon each insertion without target site specificity. This study demonstrated that Tn
4401
is an active transposon capable of mobilizing
bla
KPC
genes at high frequency.
A Naturally Occurring Single-Residue Mutation in the Translocator Domain of Neisseria meningitidis NhhA Affects Trimerization, Surface Localization, and Adhesive Capabilities
Authors: Echenique-Rivera Hebert , Brunelli Brunella , Scarselli Maria , Taddei Anna Rita , Pizza Mariagrazia , Aricò Beatrice , Serruto Davide
Published: August 2011

Neisseria meningitidisNhhA (Neisseriahia/hsf homologue A) is an oligomeric outer membrane protein belonging to the family of trimeric autotransporter adhesins. NhhA mediates the interaction ofN. meningitidiswith human epithelial cells and components of the extracellular matrix. The recombinant protein is able to induce bactericidal antibodies and hence has also been considered a potential vaccine candidate. In this study, we analyzed the production of NhhA in a large panel ofN. meningitidisstrains belonging to different serogroups and clonal complexes. We found that trimeric NhhA was produced at different levels by the various strains tested. In some strains belonging to the clonal complex ST41/44, the protein is detectable only as a monomer. Sequencing of thenhhAgene and generation of complementing strains in different genetic backgrounds have proved that a single mutation (Gly to Asp) in the translocator domain affected both trimerization and surface localization of NhhA.In vitroinfection assays showed that this mutation impairs meningococcal NhhA-mediated adhesion, suggesting that strains carrying the mutation may rely on different strategies or molecules to mediate interaction with host cells. Finally, we demonstrated thatN. meningitidisST41/44 strains producing the mutated form did not induce killing mediated by NhhA-specific bactericidal antibodies. Our data help to elucidate the secretion mechanisms of trimeric autotransporters and to understand the contribution of NhhA in the evolutionary process of host-Neisseriainteractions. Also, they might have important implications for the evaluation of NhhA as a vaccine candidate.
Nano-Structured ZnSe/CIS Heterojunction Solar Cells with ZnSe/ZnO Coaxial Nanowires
Authors: Perng Dung-Ching , Fang Jia-Feng , Chen Jhin-Wei
Published: August 2011

We have demonstrated superstrate type nano-structured solar cells with ZnSe/ZnO coaxial NWs embedded in the CuInSe2 (CIS) layer. Complete filling of the CIS film into the narrow spaces between the ZnO NWs was realized by growing the NWs sparsely. The ZnSe/CIS heterojunction was self-formed by converting a skin (∼50 nm) layer of ZnO after the selenization. The influences of the NW length and density on light trapping and on cell conversion efficiency have been investigated. A 30% improvement in Jsc and higher efficiency has been achieved by embedding NWs in the CIS layer. Conversion efficiency of 1.79% was obtained from a ZnSe/CIS heterojunction solar cell fabricated on sparse ZnO NWs with Voc = 599 mV, Jsc = 11.60 mA/cm2 and 25.71% fill factor.
An Investigation on the Effect of Endwall Movement on the Tip Clearance Loss Using Annular Turbine Cascade
Authors: El-Batsh Hesham M. , Bassily Hanna Magdy
Published: August 2011

The aerodynamic losses in gas turbines are mainly caused by profile loss secondary flow, and tip leakage loss. This study focuses on tip leakage flow of high-pressure turbine stages. An annular turbine cascade was constructed with fixed blades on the casing, and the distance between blade tip and the hub was considered as tip clearance gap. The effect of endwall movement on loss mechanism was investigated by using experimental and numerical techniques. The measurements were obtained while the hub was fixed but the numerical calculations were carried out for both stationary and moving cascades. Upstream and downstream flows were measured by using a calibrated five-hole pressure probe. The steady incompressible turbulent flow was obtained by solving Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations and by employing shear stress transport (SST)k-ωturbulence model. The total pressure loss coefficient obtained from the numerical technique was compared with the experimental measurements, and the comparison showed good agreement. Tip clearance vortices were observed in the tip clearance gap. It was found through this study that end-wall movement reduces tip leakage loss through the cascade.
Are Toll-Like Receptors and Decoy Receptors Involved in the Immunopathogenesis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Lupus-Like Syndromes?
Authors: Guggino Giuliana , Giardina Anna Rita , Ciccia Francesco , Triolo Giovanni , Dieli Francesco , Sireci Guido
Published: August 2011

In this paper we focus our attention on the role of two families of receptors, Toll-like receptors (TLR) and decoy receptors (DcR) involved in the generation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus-like syndromes in human and mouse models. To date, these molecules were described in several autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, antiphospholipids syndrome, bowel inflammation, and SLE. Here, we summarize the findings of recent investigations on TLR and DcR and their role in the immunopathogenesis of the SLE.
Fresnel Lens with Embedded Vortices
Authors: Vyas Sunil , Singh Rakesh Kumar , Ghai Devinder Pal , Senthilkumaran P.
Published: August 2011

Vortices of different charges are embedded in a wavefront that has quadratic phase variation, and the intensity distribution near the focal plane is studied. This method may be useful in realizing complicated beam profiles. We have experimentally demonstrated the generation of vortex arrays having integer as well as fractional topological charges that produce different intensity profiles at the focal plane. The phase variation realized on a spatial light modulator (SLM) acts as a Fresnel lens with embedded vortices.
Targeting NF-κB in Mouse Models of Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Van Waes Carter
Published: August 2011

Xue et al. demonstrate response and increased survival but development of acquired resistance to proteasome and inhibitor-κB kinase inhibitors targeting NF-κB activation in adenocarcinomas of Kras-activated, p53-deficient mice. Cancer Discovery; 1(3): 200–2. © 2011 AACR.

Commentary on Xue et al., p. 236.
Comparative Analysis of a Conserved Gene Block from the Genome of the Members of the Genus Ictalurivirus
Authors: Doszpoly Andor , Benkő Mária , Bovo Giuseppe , LaPatra Scott E. , Harrach Balázs
Published: August 2011

Objective: Partial genome sequences were determined and subjected to comparative analyses from two fish herpesviruses (HVs). Acipenserid (Aci) HV-2, originating from the white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus), and ictalurid (Ic) HV-2, isolated from the black bullhead (Ameiurus melas), are recently approved species of the genus Ictalurivirus of the family Alloherpesviridae. Methods: An almost 8,000-base-pair fragment, spanning between the genes of the DNA polymerase and the ATPase subunit of the terminase, was sequenced from each virus. Results: The size, position and orientation of 2 partial and 3 full open reading frames, contained in the studied genome fragment, proved to be similar to their counterparts in IcHV-1, the type species of the genus Ictalurivirus. Thus, a well-conserved genus-specific gene block was identified. In the members of two other genera (Cyprinivirus and Batrachovirus) of the family Alloherpesviridae, no such gene block could be found; the location and orientation of the homologous genes showed significant divergence. Conclusion: The results of phylogenetic calculations were in good agreement with the genome arrangements inasmuch as AciHV-2, IcHV-1 and -2 are monophyletic and separated from the lineages of the other two genera. The new sequence enabled the inclusion of a hitherto unassigned HV, that of the Australian pilchard, into a phylogenetic calculation.