bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing wave energy effects on biodiversity: the Wave Hub experience
Authors: Witt M. J. , Sheehan E. V. , Bearhop S. , Broderick A. C. , Conley D. C. , Cotterell S. P. , Crow E. , Grecian W. J. , Halsband C. , Hodgson D. J. , Hosegood P. , Inger R. , Miller P. I. , Sims D. W. , Thompson R. C. , Vanstaen K. , Votier S. C. , Attrill M. J. , Godley B. J.
Published: December 2011

Marine renewable energy installations harnessing energy from wind, wave and tidal resources are likely to become a large part of the future energy mix worldwide. The potential to gather energy from waves has recently seen increasing interest, with pilot developments in several nations. Although technology to harness wave energy lags behind that of wind and tidal generation, it has the potential to contribute significantly to energy production. As wave energy technology matures and becomes more widespread, it is likely to result in further transformation of our coastal seas. Such changes are accompanied by uncertainty regarding their impacts on biodiversity. To date, impacts have not been assessed, as wave energy converters have yet to be fully developed. Therefore, there is a pressing need to build a framework of understanding regarding the potential impacts of these technologies, underpinned by methodologies that are transferable and scalable across sites to facilitate formal meta-analysis. We first review the potential positive and negative effects of wave energy generation, and then, with specific reference to our work at the Wave Hub (a wave energy test site in southwest England, UK), we set out the methodological approaches needed to assess possible effects of wave energy on biodiversity. We highlight the need for national and international research clusters to accelerate the implementation of wave energy, within a coherent understanding of potential effects—both positive and negative.
Pelamis: experience from concept to connection
Authors: Yemm Richard , Pizer David , Retzler Chris , Henderson Ross
Published: December 2011

The development of the Pelamis wave energy converter from its conceptual origins to its commercial deployment is reviewed. The early emphasis on designing for survivability and favourable power absorption characteristics focused attention towards a self-referenced articulated line-absorber in an attenuator orientation. A novel joint and control system allow the machine to be actively tuned to provide a resonant response power amplification in small and moderate seas. In severe seas, the machine is left in its default or natural condition, which is benign and non-resonant. Hydraulic rams at the joints provide the primary power take-off with medium-term storage in high-pressure accumulators yielding smooth electricity generation. Land-based modular construction requiring minimal weather windows for rapid offshore installation is an essential engineering feature necessary for viable commercialization. The second-generation Pelamis designs built for E.ON and ScottishPower Renewables are presented, and the scope for further cost reduction and performance enhancements are explained.
Immune microenvironments in solid tumors: new targets for therapy
Authors: Shiao Stephen L. , Ganesan A. Preethi , Rugo Hope S. , Coussens Lisa M.
Published: December 2011

Leukocytes and their soluble mediators play important regulatory roles in all aspects of solid tumor development. While immunotherapeutic strategies have conceptually held clinical promise, with the exception of a small percentage of patients, they have failed to demonstrate effective, consistent, and durable anti-cancer responses. Several subtypes of leukocytes that commonly infiltrate solid tumors harbor immunosuppressive activity and undoubtedly restrict the effectiveness of these strategies. Several of these same immune cells also foster tumor development by expression of potent protumor mediators. Given recent evidence revealing that immune-based mechanisms regulate the response to conventional cytotoxic therapy, it seems reasonable to speculate that tumor progression could be effectively diminished by combining cytotoxic strategies with therapies that blunt protumor immune-based effectors and/or neutralize those that instead impede development of desired anti-tumor immunity, thus providing synergistic effects between traditional cytotoxic and immune-modulatory approaches.
Probing transcription-specific outputs of β-catenin in vivo
Authors: Valenta Tomas , Gay Max , Steiner Sarah , Draganova Kalina , Zemke Martina , Hoffmans Raymond , Cinelli Paolo , Aguet Michel , Sommer Lukas , Basler Konrad
Published: December 2011

β-Catenin, apart from playing a cell-adhesive role, is a key nuclear effector of Wnt signaling. Based on activity assays inDrosophila, we generated mouse strains where the endogenousβ-catenin protein is replaced by mutant forms, which retain the cell adhesion function but lack either or both of the N- and the C-terminal transcriptional outputs. The C-terminal activity is essential for mesoderm formation and proper gastrulation, whereas N-terminal outputs are required later during embryonic development. By combining the double-mutant β-cateninwith a conditional null allele and aWnt1-Credriver, we probed the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in dorsal neural tube development. While loss of β-catenin protein in the neural tube results in severe cell adhesion defects, the morphology of cells and tissues expressing the double-mutant form is normal. Surprisingly, Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity only moderately regulates cell proliferation, but is crucial for maintaining neural progenitor identity and for neuronal differentiation in the dorsal spinal cord. Our model animals thus allow dissecting signaling and structural functions of β-catenin in vivo and provide the first genetic tool to generate cells and tissues that entirely and exclusively lack canonical Wnt pathway activity.
The high-resolution diffraction beamline P08 at PETRA III
Authors: Seeck O. H. , Deiter C. , Pflaum K. , Bertam F. , Beerlink A. , Franz H. , Horbach J. , Schulte-Schrepping H. , Murphy B. M. , Greve M. , Magnussen O.
Published: December 2011

The new third-generation synchrotron radiation source PETRA III located at the Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY in Hamburg, Germany, has been operational since the second half of 2009. PETRA III is designed to deliver hard X-ray beams with very high brilliance. As one of the first beamlines of PETRA III the high-resolution diffraction beamline P08 is fully operational. P08 is specialized in X-ray scattering and diffraction experiments on solids and liquids where extreme high resolution in reciprocal space is required. The resolving power results in the high-quality PETRA III beam and unique optical elements such as a large-offset monochromator and beryllium lens changers. A high-precision six-circle diffractometer for solid samples and a specially designed liquid diffractometer are installed in the experimental hutch. Regular users have been accepted since summer 2010.
Clathrin‐mediated endocytosis regulates occludin, and not focal adhesion, distribution during epithelial wound healing
Authors: Fletcher Sarah J. , Poulter Natalie S. , Haining Elizabeth J. , Rappoport Joshua Z.
Published: December 2011

Background information

Vesicle trafficking has long been suggested to play mechanistic roles in regulating directed cell migration. Recent evidence demonstrates that specific cell types and modes of migration involve transport of particular cargo through particular pathways. Epithelial wound healing is essential in tissue repair. However, investigations into the mechanisms regulating cell migration have mainly focused upon other models such as fibroblast‐derived cells. Roles for vesicle trafficking pathways in regulating directed cell migration have been identified in recent studies, but mechanisms through which endocytosis might be involved in epithelial wound healing have not been as well studied. Therefore, we analysed potential regulatory roles for endocytosis pathways during epithelial cell motility, with a particular focus on cell adhesion.

Results

Specifically, and in contrast to studies in fibroblasts, we find no evidence for a link between endocytosis and the distribution of focal adhesions. However, the localisation of occludin, an essential component of tight junctions, is regulated through endocytosis. We identified epithelial monolayer wounding as a stimulus for endocytosis of occludin and have shown that internalisation of occludin from the wound edge occurs through clathrin‐mediated endocytosis (CME) into a rab5‐positive compartment.

Conclusions

Thus, these studies have evaluated mechanistic roles for dynamin‐dependant, CME and caveolar endocytosis during epithelial wound healing and have provided contrasting observations between analyses of cell motility in fibroblast models and epithelial cells. In conclusion, these studies have identified a novel mechanism for regulation of occludin during wound healing.
Multi‐colour direct STORM with red emitting carbocyanines
Authors: Lampe André , Haucke Volker , Sigrist Stephan J. , Heilemann Mike , Schmoranzer Jan
Published: December 2011

Background information

Single molecule‐based super‐resolution methods have become important tools to study nanoscale structures in cell biology. However, the complexity of multi‐colour applications has prevented them from being widely used amongst biologists. Direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM) offers a simple way to perform single molecule super‐resolution imaging without the need for an activator fluorophore and compatible with many conventionally used fluorophores. The search for the ideal dye pairs suitable for dual‐colour dSTORM has been compromised by the fact that fluorophores spectrally apt for dual‐colour imaging differ with respect to the optimal buffer conditions required for photoswitching and the generation of prolonged non‐fluorescent (OFF) states.

Results

We present a novel variant of dSTORM that combines advantages of spectral demixing with the buffer compatible blinking properties of red emitting carbocyanine dyes, spectral demixing dSTORM (SD‐dSTORM). In contrast to previously published work, SD‐dSTORM requires reduced laser power and fewer imaging frames for the faithful reconstruction of super‐resolved biological nanostructures. In addition, SD‐dSTORM allows the use of commercially available rather than custom‐made probes and does not rely on potentially error‐prone cross‐talk correction, thus allowing reliable co‐localisation.

Conclusions

SD‐dSTORM presents a significant advance towards user‐friendly single molecule localisation‐based super‐resolution microscopy combining advantages of state‐of‐the‐art methodologies to perform fast, reliable and efficient multi‐colour dSTORM.
Iron facilitator LS081 reduces hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α protein and functions as anticancer agent in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Li Zhen , Ikuta Katsuya , Addo Lynda , Akutsu Hiroaki , Nakamura Masao , Sasaki Katsunori , Ohtake Takaaki , Fujiya Mikihiro , Torimoto Yoshihiro , Glass Jonathan , Kohgo Yutaka
Published: December 2011

Hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) has a central role in cellular oxygen‐sensing, and its overexpression in many types of cancer is considered important in tumor progression. Thus, targeting HIF‐1α production and activity has been of great therapeutic interest. In normoxic conditions, HIF‐1α is hydroxylated by oxygen‐dependent prolyl‐hydroxylases, which require ferrous iron for its activity. The tumor suppressor protein von Hippel Lindau binds to the hydroxylated HIF‐1α, which is then ubiquitinated and degraded by proteasomes. We focused on the physiological degradation machinery of HIF‐1α mediated by prolyl hydroxylases. Previously, we identified a small molecule, LS081, that is capable of stimulating iron uptake into cells. In the present study, we aimed to inhibit the expression of HIF‐1α protein and growth of hepatocellular carcinoma by using the iron‐facilitating activity of LS081. In the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines Hep3B and HepG2, a combination of LS081 and ferric ammonium citrate (LS081/FeAC) inhibited HIF‐1α protein expression but did not inhibit HIF‐1α mRNA expression. A mutated HIF‐1α protein, which has proline residues that were replaced with alanine and transfected into HEK293 cells, was not affected by the combination of LS081 and FeAC. Furthermore, the iron‐facilitating activity of LS081 resulted in Hep3B and HepG2 growth inhibition in vitro and in vivo. These results indicate that the iron‐facilitating activity of LS081 inhibits HIF‐1α expression through prolyl‐hydroxylation of HIF‐1α and might have a therapeutic effect in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 767–774)
Prostate cancer genomics, biology, and risk assessment through genome‐wide association studies
Authors: Nakagawa Hidewaki , Akamatsu Shusuke , Takata Ryo , Takahashi Atsushi , Kubo Michiaki , Nakamura Yusuke
Published: December 2011

Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common malignancy observed in men. It is evident that genetic factors play some important roles in PC etiology. Recently, genome‐wide association studies in diverse ethnic groups have identified more than 40 germline variants of various genes or chromosomal loci that are significantly associated with PC susceptibility, including multiple 8q24 loci, prostate‐specific genes, metabolic and hormone‐related genes, and many regions where no coding gene is annotated. However, there are only a few variants or genes for which biological significance or functions have been elucidated so far. The greatest challenge related to genome‐wide association studies loci in prostate genomics is to understand the functional consequences of these PC‐associated loci and their involvement in PC biology and carcinogenesis. There have been attempts to determine PC risk estimations by combining multiple PC‐associated variants for clinical tests, and these can identify a very minor population with high risk of PC. However, they cannot distinguish risk of aggressive PC from that of non‐aggressive PC. Further identification of PC‐susceptibility loci in larger genome‐wide association studies cohorts and biological insights gained from such functional analyses have the potential to translate into clinical benefits, including the development of reliable biomarkers, risk estimation, and effective strategies for screening and prevention of PC. (Cancer Sci 2012; 103: 607–613)
Long‐term maintenance treatment with omeprazole in children with healed erosive oesophagitis: a prospective study
Authors: Hassall E. , Shepherd R. , Koletzko S. , Radke M. , Henderson C. , Lundborg P.
Published: December 2011

Background  Short‐term studies show that PPIs heal erosive esophagitis in children. There are no prospective studies that examine long‐term maintenance therapy of erosive esophagitis in children with and without underlying GERD‐predisposing disorders.

Aim  To determine prospectively the dose of omeprazole needed to maintain remission of erosive oesophagitis and reflux symptoms in children.

Methods  Patients aged 1–16 years with healed erosive reflux oesophagitis after omeprazole treatment (0.7–3.5 mg/kg/day) entered a 21‐month maintenance phase where they initially received half the dose of omeprazole required to heal. Endoscopy was performed after 3, 12 and 21 months. The omeprazole dose was increased if erosive oesophagitis or reflux symptoms recurred.

Results  A total of 46 patients entered the study and 32 completed it. Of these, 17 (53%) remained on the maintenance dose, 12 (38%) returned to their healing dose and 3 (9%) ended the study on a dose higher than their healing dose. Three‐quarters of the completers (24/32) had no erosive oesophagitis relapse. Four patients (13%) had relapse of only erosive oesophagitis, 4 (13%) had relapse of erosive oesophagitis and symptoms, and 10 (31%) had only symptomatic relapse. Of the 46 patients, 48% had GERD‐predisposing disorders (neurological impairment or oesophageal atresia). Overall, 62.5% (5/8) of patients who had an erosive oesophagitis relapse had a GERD‐predisposing disorder versus 33.3% (8/24) of those who did not.

Conclusions  Remission of erosive oesophagitis is maintained with omeprazole treatment for at least 21 months in most children aged 1–16 years, and the drug is well tolerated. To maintain remission, some 60% of patients require more than half the dose required for healing. In children with GERD‐predisposing conditions, GERD is often chronic and relapsing, and requires long‐term management.
Empirically‐derived pedotransfer functions for predicting bulk density in European soils
Authors: Hollis J. M. , Hannam J. , Bellamy P. H.
Published: December 2011

The lack of comprehensive data on the bulk density of soil types at the European scale is a serious limitation for pan‐European environmental risk assessment studies. Although many predictive methods have been published, most have limitations for application across Europe. We therefore developed a semi‐empirical method of prediction using a large UK dataset and tested it and some other methods against a pan‐European dataset. Our method indicated that five separate conceptual groupings of the development dataset were valid. Predictive equations based on multiple regression analysis for each of the five groups explained between 40 and 69% of the measured variation in each one. When used to predict measured bulk density from the European dataset, the equations explained 63% of the measured variation in mineral horizons from soil environments similar to those of the development dataset with a predictive mean percentage error of ±11%. The equation for organic horizons explained 29% of the measured variation in bulk density with a mean percentage error of ±39%. For those horizons from soil environments outside those of the development dataset, prediction of bulk density was relatively poor, even when using soil region‐specific PTFs derived from its data. It was concluded that, for these soils, factors other than organic carbon, particle size, horizon depth, mechanical cultivation or parent material have a major influence on bulk density and need further investigation.
Circumcision and complications in patients with haemophilia in southern part of Turkey: Çukurova experience
Authors: SASMAZ I. , ANTMEN B. , LEBLEBISATAN G. , ŞAHIN KARAGÜN B. , KILINÇ Y. , TUNCER R.
Published: December 2011

Summary.  Circumcision is the oldest and most frequent surgical procedure in the world and especially in Turkey as is seen in the other Islamic countries because of religious and traditional pressures. In this study, we aim to report the experience of circumcision at Çukurova University in a total of 76 patients with haemophilia between 1990 and 2011. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 69 haemophilia patients without inhibitors and seven haemophilia patients with inhibitors who had been circumcised. Before the year 2000, factor concentrates were given before and after circumcision for 6–7 days. After 2000, we used fibrin glue together with factor concentrates for only 3 days. By‐passing agents were used for circumcision in haemophilia patients with inhibitors. Twelve of 69 patients without inhibitors were referred to our centre with bleeding after the circumcision before diagnosis of haemophilia. Nine of these twelve patients had severe life threatening bleeding and three of them had moderate bleeding. Sixty‐four patients with haemophilia were circumcised in our centre under general anaesthesia except for three patients who were given local anaesthesia. Thirteen of 57 haemophilia patients (22.8%) without inhibitors had seven mild and six moderate bleeding complications. A few patients had significant bleeding, despite adequate factor replacement. Five of seven haemophilia patients with inhibitors had two moderate and three mild bleeding complications. Our experience showed that circumcision for patients with haemophilia should be carefully performed by surgeons together with paediatric haematologist, under appropriate conditions in haemophilia centres which has comprehensive coagulation lab.
MRI after removal of central venous access device reveals a high number of asymptomatic thromboses in children with haemophilia
Authors: RANTA S. , KALAJOKI‐HELMIÖ T. , POUTTU J. , MÄKIPERNAA A.
Published: December 2011

Summary.  Central venous access devices (CVADs) are often required in children with haemophilia to secure venous access for prophylactic treatment or immune tolerance therapy. Complications of CVADs include infections, thrombosis and mechanical problems. This study sought to determine the outcome of the vessels by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in children with haemophilia and to assess risk factors for development of catheter‐related deep venous thrombosis (DVT). After the removal of CVAD an MRI of the chest and neck was performed to 20 boys with haemophilia who each had 1–3 (total number 27) CVADs placed. MRI revealed DVT in five children (25%). As their CVADs were functional at the time of the removal, the DVTs were clinically silent. However, there had been suspicion of DVT leading to replacement of the CVAD in one case. All the children with DVT had their CVADs inserted initially below the age of 1 year. The clinical signs of mild post‐thrombotic syndrome (PTS) were common: dilated chest wall veins were observed in 11 (55%) children and were associated with DVT in three cases. Arm circumference discrepancy was observed in one child with DVT. No correlation between the duration or number of CVADs and DVT was detected. None of the patients had subjective symptoms of PTS. Silent DVT is a common complication of CVAD. Catheter insertion at a young age seems to predispose to thrombosis. The long‐term consequences of the DVTs remain unknown.
Geological habitat template overrides late Quaternary climate change as a determinant of range dynamics and phylogeography in some habitat‐specialist water beetles
Authors: Abellán Pedro , Arribas Paula , Svenning Jens‐Christian
Published: December 2011

Aim We investigated the roles of lithology and climate in constraining the ranges of four co‐distributed species of Iberian saline‐habitat specialist water beetles (Ochthebius glaber,Ochthebius notabilis,Enochrus falcariusandNebrioporus baeticus) across the late Quaternary and in shaping their geographical genetic structure. The aim was to improve our understanding of the effects of past climate changes on the biota of arid Mediterranean environments and of the relative importance of history and landscape on phylogeographical patterns.

Location Iberian Peninsula, Mediterranean.

Methods We combined species distribution modelling (SDM) and comparative phylogeography. We used a multi‐model inference and model‐averaging approach both for assessment of range determinants (climate and lithology) and for provision of spatially explicit estimates of the species current and Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) potential ranges. Potential LGM distributions were then contrasted with the phylogeographical and population expansion patterns as assessed using mitochondrial DNA sequence data. We also evaluated the relative importance of geographical distance, habitat resistance and historical isolation for genetic structure in a causal modelling framework.

Results Lithology poses a strong constraint on the distribution of Iberian saline‐habitat specialist water beetles, with a variable, but generally moderate, additional influence by climate. The degree to which potential LGM distributions were reduced and fragmented decreased with increasing importance of lithology. These SDM‐based suitability predictions were mostly congruent with phylogeographical and population genetic patterns across the study species, with stronger geographical structure in the genetic diversity of the more temperature‐sensitive species (O. glaberandE. falcarius). Furthermore, while historical isolation was the only factor explaining genetic structure in the more temperature‐sensitive species, lithology‐controlled landscape configuration also played an important role for those species with more lithology‐determined ranges (O. notabilisandN. baeticus).

Main conclusions Our data show that lithology is an important constraint on the distribution and range dynamics of endemic Iberian saline‐habitat water beetles, in interaction with climate and long‐term climate change, and overrides the latter in importance for some species. Hence, geological landscape structure and long‐term history may codetermine the overall range and the distribution of genetic lineages in endemic species with specialized edaphic requirements.
Plant‐derived auxin plays an accessory role in symptom development upon Rhodococcus fascians infection
Authors: Stes Elisabeth , Prinsen Els , Holsters Marcelle , Vereecke Danny
Published: December 2011

The biotrophic phytopathogen Rhodococcus fascians has a profound impact on plant development, mainly through its principal virulence factors, a mix of synergistically acting cytokinins that induce shoot formation. Expression profiling of marker genes for several auxin biosynthesis routes and mutant analysis demonstrated that the bacterial cytokinins stimulate the auxin biosynthesis of plants via specific targeting of the indole‐3‐pyruvic acid (IPA) pathway, resulting in enhanced auxin signaling in infected tissues. The double mutant tryptophan aminotransferase 1‐1 tryptophan aminotransferase related 2‐1 (taa1‐1 tar2‐1) of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), in which the IPA pathway is defective, displayed a decreased responsiveness towards R. fascians infection, although bacterial colonization and virulence gene expression were not impaired. These observations implied that plant‐derived auxin was employed to reinforce symptom formation. Furthermore, the increased auxin production and, possibly, the accumulating bacterial cytokinins in infected plants modified the polar auxin transport so that new auxin maxima were repetitively established and distributed, a process that is imperative for symptom onset and maintenance. Based on these findings, we extend our model of the mode of action of bacterial and plant signals during the interaction between R. fascians and Arabidopsis.
Assessing the impact of a school‐based water treatment, hygiene and sanitation programme on pupil absence in Nyanza Province, Kenya: a cluster‐randomized trial
Authors: Freeman Matthew C. , Greene Leslie E. , Dreibelbis Robert , Saboori Shadi , Muga Richard , Brumback Babette , Rheingans Richard
Published: December 2011

Objectives  There has been increased attention to access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) at schools in developing countries, but a dearth of empirical studies on the impact. We conducted a cluster‐randomized trial of school‐based WASH on pupil absence in Nyanza Province, Kenya, from 2007 to 2008.

Methods  Public primary schools nested in three geographical strata were randomly assigned and allocated to one of three study arms [water treatment and hygiene promotion (WT & HP), additional sanitation improvement, or control] to assess the effects on pupil absence at 2‐year follow‐up.

Results  We found no overall effect of the intervention on absence. However, among schools in two of the geographical areas not affected by post‐election violence, those that received WT and HP showed a 58% reduction in the odds of absence for girls (OR 0.42, CI 0.21–0.85). In the same strata, sanitation improvement in combination with WT and HP resulted in a comparable drop in absence, although results were marginally significant (OR 0.47, 0.21–1.05). Boys were not impacted by the intervention.

Conclusion  School WASH improvements can improve school attendance for girls, and mechanisms for gendered impacts should be explored. Incomplete intervention compliance highlights the challenges of achieving consistent results across all settings.
Evaluation of the photosynthetic activity in transgenic tobacco plants with altered endogenous cytokinin content: lessons from cytokinin
Authors: Cortleven Anne , Valcke Roland
Published: December 2011

Cytokinin is known to be involved in many processes related to plastid development and function but the exact role of cytokinin in photosynthesis remains elusive. To investigate more profoundly the effects of cytokinin in this process, the photosynthetic activity of transgenic Pssu‐ipt and 35S:CKX1 tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants with respectively elevated and reduced endogenous cytokinin content was evaluated. Pigment analysis indicated that elevated endogenous cytokinin content resulted in increased pigment content. Functional analysis of the photosynthetic apparatus by chlorophyll a fluorescence and in vitro electron transport measurements clearly showed that changing the endogenous cytokinin content affects the activity of the photosynthetic apparatus. Surprisingly, both an increase as well as a decrease in cytokinin content results in a better photosynthetic performance. Quenching analysis revealed that the initial responses of the photosynthetic apparatus on a dark‐light transition are not affected by changed cytokinin content. However, it has an effect on the further kinetic behavior. Taken together, we suggest that cytokinins can induce structural changes in the different parts of the electron transport chain as also demonstrated by the in vitro electron transport measurements.
Reliability, validity and clinical utility of a Japanese version of the Social Adaptation Self‐evaluation Scale as calibrated using the Beck Depression Inventory
Authors: Ueda Nobuhisa , Suda Akira , Nakagawa Makiko , Nakano Hideki , Umene‐Nakano Wakako , Ikenouchi‐Sugita Atsuko , Hori Hikaru , Yoshimura Reiji , Nakamura Jun
Published: December 2011

Aim:  The Social Adaptation Self‐evaluation Scale (SASS) was developed to assess the social impairment caused by depression. The purposes of this study were to develop a Japanese version of the SASS (SASS‐J) and to evaluate its reliability and validity.

Methods:  The SASS‐J and the 21‐item Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were administered to 322 participants (95 working patients who were working while under treatment for depression, 99 non‐working patients who were absent from their work due to depression, and 128 healthy controls). The healthy controls underwent both questionnaires twice, at baseline and 2 weeks later, in order to assess test–retest reliability.

Results:  Cronbach's alpha was 0.81. Significance correlations were found between SASS‐J scores at baseline and 2 weeks later in healthy controls (R = 0.845, P < 0.001). There were negative correlations between the SASS‐J and BDI scores (ρ = –0.683, P < 0.001). Mean SASS‐J scores differed significantly among the three groups (working patients: 33.7 ± 7.9; non‐working patients: 25.2 ± 7.8; healthy controls: 36.1 ± 6.0 [mean ± SD]). The best compromise between the true positive and the false negative rate in this study was at a cut‐off point of 25/26.

Conclusion:  SASS‐J showed sufficient reliability and validity, and could be considered a suitable instrument to evaluate social functioning in depressive patients.
Bilateral dysgerminoma in a patient with a previous diagnosis of Swyer syndrome
Authors: Moreira Ana Isabel Duarte Mendonça , Silva José Carlos , Ferreira Maria Soledade , Lanhoso António
Published: December 2011

A 16‐year‐old girl was referred to our center by her general physician because of primary amenorrhea. Her family history revealed an older sister with Swyer syndrome and gonadectomy at another institution. After thorough evaluation she received the same diagnosis, but unlike her sister, she refused gonadectomy. Four years later she presented with abdominal discomfort and a complex pelvic mass. She underwent exploratory laparotomy and histological examination revealed bilateral dysgerminoma without capsular invasion. The tumor was classified as stage IB. After surgery she underwent adjuvant chemotherapy with three cycles of BEP (bleomycin + etoposide + cisplatin). The present case emphasizes the importance of familial screening with a karyotype study in pure gonadal dysgenesis to prevent gonadal malignancy.
Carotid‐cavernous fistula in term pregnancy due to spontaneous rupture of carotid‐cavernous aneurysm
Authors: Doğan Selen , Salman Mehmet Coskun , Deren Ozgur , Geyik Serdar
Published: December 2011

Carotid‐cavernous aneurysm accounts for 2–9% of all intracranial aneurysms. The rupture of carotid‐cavernous aneurysm is usually caused by a trauma. Nevertheless, spontaneous rupture may rarely be encountered. Here, we report a term pregnant woman who was diagnosed to have a spontaneous carotid‐cavernous fistula due to carotid‐cavernous aneurysm rupture and was managed with detachable balloon and coils immediately after cesarean section.
A case of serous endometrial intraepithelial carcinoma with p53 positivity for six years
Authors: Kaku Shoji , Moriya Takuya , Ushioda Norichika , Nakai Yuichiro , Shimoya Koichiro , Nakamura Takafumi
Published: December 2011

A 69‐year‐old postmenopausal woman was referred because she had been taking tamoxifen for four years. Tissues obtained by endometrial curettage were immunopositive for p53, but there was no definite malignancy. At age 73, cytology again showed abnormalities, so we repeated complete endometrial curettage. Again, there was no malignancy, but p53 immunostaining was widely positive. At age 75, hysterectomy was performed because cytological examination showed increasingly abnormal findings and the patient opted for surgery. In the resected uterus, endometrial glands were replaced by malignant cells resembling papillary serous carcinoma cells with high‐grade nuclei, but there was no stromal or myometrial invasion. The pathological diagnosis was intraepithelial serous endometrial carcinoma. This is a rare case because we could follow the patient for 6 years by endometrial cytology or endometrial curettage and we observed gradual transformation into endometrial intraepithelial carcinoma.
Amniotic fluid volume in normal pregnancy: Comparison of two different normative datasets
Authors: Magann Everett F. , Chauhan Suneet P. , Sanderson Maureen , McKelvey Samantha , Dahlke Joshua D. , Morrison John C.
Published: December 2011

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to compare the two normative datasets of amniotic fluid volume (AFV).

Material and Methods:  The similarity of the two datasets to classify AFV as oligohydramnios, normal, and polyhydramnios based on fixed cut‐offs, stratified by gestational ages (<24 weeks, 24–336/7, 34–366/7, and >37 weeks, and to identify oligohydramnios/small for gestational age (SGA) and polyhydramnios/large for gestational age (LGA) was evaluated.

Results:  Of the 209 pregnancies assessed, the AFV was 94 ≤ 500 mL, 101 between 501 and 1999 mL, and 14 ≥ 2000 mL. The datasets were in agreement classifying the AFV as oligohydramnios, normal, and polyhydramnios in 76% of the pregnancies. Brace classified more overall patients with oligohydramnios (19%) versus Magann (3%) (P < 0.001). In term pregnancies (>37 weeks), Brace was more likely to classify pregnancies with oligohydramnios (15%) than Magann (3%) (P = 0.004). The likelihood ratio (LR) to detect oligohydramnios/SGA was greater with Magann (LR 12.9) versus Brace (LR 2.75).

Conclusion:  The two datasets classify AFV differently in 24% of cases. Brace's dataset is more likely to categorize patients as having oligohydramnios and Magann's dataset is a more useful test for oligohydramnios/SGA identification.
Out of the ground: aerial and exotic habitats of the melioidosis bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei in grasses in Australia
Authors: Kaestli Mirjam , Schmid Michael , Mayo Mark , Rothballer Michael , Harrington Glenda , Richardson Leisha , Hill Audrey , Hill Jason , Tuanyok Apichai , Keim Paul , Hartmann Anton , Currie Bart J.
Published: December 2011

Melioidosis is an emerging infectious disease of humans and animals in the tropics caused by the soil bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei. Despite high fatality rates, the ecology of B. pseudomallei remains unclear. We used a combination of field and laboratory studies to investigate B. pseudomallei colonization of native and exotic grasses in northern Australia. Multivariable and spatial analyses were performed to determine significant predictors for B. pseudomallei occurrence in plants and soil collected longitudinally from field sites. In plant inoculation experiments, the impact of B. pseudomallei upon these grasses was studied and the bacterial load semi‐quantified. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and confocal laser scanning microscopy were performed to localize the bacteria in plants. Burkholderia pseudomallei was found to inhabit not only the rhizosphere and roots but also aerial parts of specific grasses. This raises questions about the potential spread of B. pseudomallei by grazing animals whose droppings were found to be positive for these bacteria. In particular, B. pseudomallei readily colonized exotic grasses introduced to Australia for pasture. The ongoing spread of these introduced grasses creates new habitats suitable for B. pseudomallei survival and may be an important factor in the evolving epidemiology of melioidosis seen both in northern Australia and elsewhere globally.
Light utilization efficiency in photosynthetic microbial mats
Authors: Al‐Najjar Mohammad A. A. , de Beer Dirk , Kühl Michael , Polerecky Lubos
Published: December 2011

Based on combined microsensor measurements of irradiance, temperature and O2, we compared light energy budgets in photosynthetic microbial mats, with a special focus on the efficiency of light energy conservation by photosynthesis. The euphotic zones in the three studied mats differed in their phototrophic community structure, pigment concentrations and thickness. In all mats, < 1% of the absorbed light energy was conserved via photosynthesis at high incident irradiance, while the rest was dissipated as heat. Under light‐limiting conditions, the photosynthetic efficiency reached a maximum, which varied among the studied mats between 4.5% and 16.2% and was significantly lower than the theoretical maximum of 27.7%. The maximum efficiency correlated linearly with the light attenuation coefficient and photopigment concentration in the euphotic zone. Higher photosynthetic efficiency was found in mats with a thinner and more densely populated euphotic zone. Microbial mats exhibit a lower photosynthetic efficiency compared with ecosystems with a more open canopy‐like organization of photosynthetic elements, where light propagation is not hindered to the same extent by photosynthetically inactive components; such components contributed about 40–80% to light absorption in the investigated microbial mats, which is in a similar range as in oceanic planktonic systems.
Altered expression level of Escherichia coli proteins in response to treatment with the antifouling agent zosteric acid sodium salt
Authors: Villa Federica , Remelli William , Forlani Fabio , Vitali Alberto , Cappitelli Francesca
Published: December 2011

Zosteric acid sodium salt is a powerful antifouling agent. However, the mode of its antifouling action has not yet been fully elucidated. Whole cell proteome of Escherichia coli was analysed to study the different protein patterns expressed by the surface‐exposed planktonic cells without and with sublethal concentrations of the zosteric acid sodium salt. Proteomic analysis revealed that at least 27 proteins showed a significant (19 upregulated and 8 downregulated, P < 0.001) altered expression level in response to the antifoulant. The proteomic signatures of zosteric acid sodium salt‐treated cells are characterized by stress‐associated (e.g. AhpC, OsmC, SodB, GroES, IscU, DnaK), motility‐related (FliC), quorum‐sensing‐associated (LuxS) and metabolism/biosynthesis‐related (e.g. PptA, AroA, FabD, FabB, GapA) proteins. Consistent with the overexpression of LuxS enzyme, the antifouling agent increased autoinducer‐2 (AI‐2) concentration by twofold. Moreover, treated cells experienced a statistically significant but modest increase of reactive oxygen species (+ 23%), tryptophanase (1.2‐fold) and indole (1.2‐fold) synthesis. Overall, our data suggest that zosteric acid sodium salt acts as environmental cue leading to global stress on E. coli cells, which favours the expression of various protective proteins, the AI‐2 production and the synthesis of flagella, to escape from adverse conditions.
Evaluation of the seventh edition of the tumour, node, metastasis (TNM) classification for colon cancer in two nationwide registries of the United States and Japan
Authors: Hashiguchi Y. , Hase K. , Kotake K. , Ueno H. , Shinto E. , Mochizuki H. , Yamamoto J. , Sugihara K.
Published: December 2011

Aim:  The new TNM classification is currently being implemented. We evaluated the TNM‐7 staging system based on the two nationwide colon cancer registries in the United States and Japan to clarify whether this system better stratifies patients’ prognoses than the TNM‐6 did and to determine whether stratification can be effectively simplified.

Methods:  The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results population‐based data from 1988 to 2001 for 50 139 colon cancer patients and the multi‐institutional registry data from the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum from 1984 to 1994 for 10 754 patients were analysed. We devised a modified version of the TNM‐7 staging system to allow simpler classification of the TN categories and compared the TNM‐6, TNM‐7, modified TNM‐7, and the Dukes staging system based on survival curves and objective statistical tests such as likelihood ratio χ2 tests, Akaike’s information criterion, and Harrell’s c‐index.

Results:  The TNM‐7 was superior to the TNM‐6 in all objective statistical tests in the United States (c‐index; 0.700 vs 0.696, P < 0.001) as well as in the Japan data sets (0.732 vs 0.729, P = 0.035). The modified TNM‐7 is much simpler, but it nevertheless showed similar values to those of the original TNM‐7 (c‐index; the United States 0.702, Japan 0.733).

Conclusions:  The new TNM‐7 is complicated but better at stratifying patients than the TNM‐6 in the United States and Japan, and could be effectively simplified.
Spermatophore formation and sperm ultrastructure of Sundathelphusa philippina (Crustacea: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae)
Authors: Klaus Sebastian , Münzner Susann , Modenbach Anna‐Christina , Streit Bruno , Tudge Christopher C.
Published: December 2011

We investigated the morphology of spermatozoa, spermatophores and the anterior vas deferens (AVD) of the gecarcinucid freshwater crab Sundathelphusa philippina. The morphology of the acrosome (proportions, structure and arrangement of acrosomal layers) and the spermatophores complies with the known sperm and spermatophore morphology of the brachyuran family Gecarcinucidae. The sperm cells are packed within coenospermic spermatophores that are of a mucous type, lacking a complex spermatophore wall. Spermatophore formation takes place in the distal part of the AVD. The strongly proliferated inner epithelium of the vas deferens releases vesicles via apocrine secretion. These vesicles fuse with the incipient spermatophores that subsequently coalesce, thus forming the coenospermic aggregates that represent the mature spermatophores.
Smoking cessation among Australian methadone clients: Prevalence, characteristics and a need for action
Authors: BOWMAN JENNY , WIGGERS JOHN , COLYVAS KIM , WYE PAULA , WALSH RAOUL A. , BARTLEM KATE
Published: December 2011

Introduction and Aims. The aim of this study was to describe a sample of Australian methadone clients with respect to smoking and cessation‐related behaviours and motivations.

Design and Methods. A cross‐sectional survey was completed by 103 methadone clients in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia.

Results. Characteristics of the sample included low socioeconomic status, and high polydrug use and nicotine dependence. Key findings were a high prevalence of smoking (84%) and low likelihood of quitting, including a quit ratio of less than 10%. Over half of smokers were classified as ‘Precontemplative’, and 34% as ‘hard‐core’ smokers.

Discussion and Conclusions. The need for research to develop and test tailored interventions for this population is highlighted, as is the need for methadone services and staff to facilitate client smoking cessation.[Bowman J, Wiggers J, Colyvas K, Wye P, Walsh RA, Bartlem K. Smoking cessation among Australian methadone clients: Prevalence, characteristics and a need for action. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:507–513]
Social justice and the Canadian Nurses Association: justifying equity
Authors: Wilmot Stephen
Published: December 2011

This paper considers the social justice initiative of the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA). It focuses mainly on the two editions of the CNA's discussion document on social justice, and particularly on its emphasis on the principle of equity. The paper considers whether a coherent justification can be made for the CNA's espousal of equity, and the discussion focuses in turn on the principle of equity itself and on the CNA's position in relation to equity. A body of arguments supporting an active moral role for professions, generally known as civic professionalism, provides a framework for exploring the CNA's role in this respect. Justifications for equity are explored in relation to the liberal‐contextualist spectrum, and civic professional arguments are subjected to the same structure of analysis. This is in turn related to evidence from the literature concerning nursing perceptions of equity. The paper concludes that contextualist justifications of equity and civic professionalism support one another more robustly than liberal justifications in relation to the CNA's initiative; and that they also sit more comfortably with the realities of the CNA's role in relation to nursing, and to the Canadian health care system.
How Costly is Hospital Quality? A Revealed‐Preference Approach
Authors: Romley John A. , Goldman Dana P.
Published: December 2011

We analyze the cost of quality improvement in hospitals, dealing with two challenges. Hospital quality is multidimensional and hard to measure, while unobserved productivity may influence quality supply. We infer the quality of hospitals in Los Angeles from patient choices. We then incorporate ‘revealed quality’ into a cost function, instrumenting with hospital demand. We find that revealed quality differentiates hospitals, but is not strongly correlated with clinical quality. Revealed quality is quite costly, and tends to increase with hospital productivity. Thus, non‐clinical aspects of the hospital experience (perhaps including patient amenities) play important roles in hospital demand, competition, and costs.
Caseworker–Recipient Interaction: Welfare Office Differences, Economic Trajectories, and Child Outcomes
Authors: Godfrey Erin B. , Yoshikawa Hirokazu
Published: December 2011

Drawing on developmental and policy research, this study examined whether 3 dimensions of caseworker–recipient interaction in welfare offices functioned as critical ecological contexts for recipient families. The sample consisted of 1,098 families from 10 welfare offices in National Evaluation of Welfare to Work Strategies (NEWWS). In multilevel analyses, caseworker support, caseload size, and emphasis on employment predicted 5‐year quarterly trajectories of earnings, income, and welfare receipt. Recipients in offices characterized by high support had steeper increases in earnings and income; those in offices with high caseload size had steeper decreases in income and welfare receipt; and those in offices with high emphasis on employment had steeper decreases in welfare receipt. These economic trajectories were associated with children’s reading and math achievement and internalizing behavior at ages 8–10.