bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-dimensional fully kinetic simulations of driven magnetic reconnection with boundary conditions relevant to the Magnetic Reconnection Experiment
Authors: Dorfman S. , Daughton W. , Roytershteyn V. , Ji H. , Ren Y. , Yamada M.
Published: October 2008

Two-dimensional fully kinetic simulations are performed using global boundary conditions relevant to model the Magnetic Reconnection Experiment (MRX) [M. Yamada et al., Phys Plasmas 4, 1936 (1997)]. The geometry is scaled in terms of the ion kinetic scales in the experiment, and a reconnection layer is created by reducing the toroidal current in the flux cores in a manner similar to the actual experiment. The ion-scale features in these kinetic simulations are in remarkable agreement with those observed in MRX, including the reconnection inflow rate and quadrupole field structure. In contrast, there are significant discrepancies in the simulated structure of the electron layer that remain unexplained. In particular, the measured thickness of the electron layers is 3–5 times thicker in MRX than in the kinetic simulations. The layer length is highly sensitive to downstream boundary conditions as well as the time over which the simulation is driven. However, for a fixed set of chosen boundary conditions, an extrapolation of the scaling with the ion to electron mass ratio implies that at realistic mass ratio both the length and width will be too small compared to the experiment. This discrepancy implies that the basic electron layer physics may differ significantly between MRX and the two-dimensional, collisionless simulations. The two leading possibilities to explain the discrepancy are weak Coulomb collisions and three-dimensional effects that are present in the experiment but not included in the simulation model.
Equilibrium vapor pressure and surface tension from cluster data: Density functional results
Authors: Napari Ismo
Published: October 2008

Density functional theory is applied to investigate the possibility of using the data from atomic and molecular clusters for the prediction of equilibrium vapor pressure and surface tension. For this purpose free energies of center of mass clusters constrained to a spherical volume are calculated at various temperatures. Clusters composed of Lennard–Jones atoms and molecules of two Lennard–Jones sites are considered. The desired bulk values are extracted from cluster data using the method by Merikanto and et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 145702 (2007)] and a consistent comparison to the exact values obtained from the density functional theory is made. At temperatures not much above the triple point the estimates of both the equilibrium vapor pressure and surface tension are within 4% of the exact values for all the molecular models, including those with a structured liquid-vapor interface, if the clusters used for the estimates have more than about hundred molecules. The dependence on the constraining volume is found weak.
300 mm reference wafer fabrication by using direct laser lithography
Authors: Rhee Hyug-Gyo , Kim Dongik , Hong Seung-Ki , Lee Yun-Woo
Published: October 2008

We propose a new method based on direct laser lithography to fabricate reference chromium patterns on a silicon wafer. Our method is able to fabricate a maximum 360-mm-diameter pattern with 651-nm-position uncertainty. The minimum pattern size is about 0.8 μm (linewidth value) and the maximum available height of the pattern is slightly over 400 nm.
Direct observation of two 90° steps of 180° domain switching in BaTiO3 single crystal under an antiparallel electric field
Authors: Jiang Bing , Bai Yang , Chu Wuyang , Su Yanjing , Qiao Lijie
Published: October 2008

Domain-switching in BaTiO3 single crystal under an antiparallel electric field was investigated in this paper by polarized light microscope. It was found that 180° domain-switching consisted of two 90° switching steps. The polarization reversal of domains took place when an antiparallel electric field was applied to the BaTiO3 single crystal. The domain-switching process was different under different field intensities. Under a low field, all domains switched 180° through two 90° domain-switching steps. However, under a high field, only some 90° domains were nucleated in the initial period and subsequently all domains switched to the direction of the external field quickly.
Electroluminescence from silicon-rich nitride/silicon superlattice structures
Authors: Warga J. , Li R. , Basu S. N. , Dal Negro L.
Published: October 2008

Luminescent silicon-rich nitride/silicon superlattice structures (SRN/Si-SLs) with different silicon concentrations were fabricated by direct magnetron cosputtering deposition. Rapid thermal annealing at 700 °C resulted in the nucleation of small amorphous Si clusters that emit at 800 nm under both optical and electrical excitations. The electrical transport mechanism and the electroluminescence (EL) of SRN/Si-SLs have been investigated. Devices with low turn-on voltage (6 V) have been demonstrated and the EL mechanism has been attributed to bipolar recombination of electron-hole pairs at Si nanoclusters. Our results demonstrate that amorphous Si clusters in SRN/Si-SLs provide a promising route for the fabrication of Si-compatible optical devices.
ZnO/poly(9,9-dihexylfluorene) based inorganic/organic hybrid ultraviolet photodetector
Authors: Li Hai-Guo , Wu Gang , Shi Min-Min , Yang Li-Gong , Chen Hong-Zheng , Wang Mang
Published: October 2008

Solution processed inorganic/organic hybrid films of ZnO nanoparticles and poly(9,9-dihexylfluorene) (PFH) are sandwiched between two electrodes to form bulk heterojunction in this letter. The devices obtained show high ultraviolet photo-to-dark current ratio of about three orders of magnitude for −1V bias with a relatively fast response speed of less than 200ms after aging in air for enough time. The spectral response covers 300–420nm, with its peak locating around 335nm. Those results indicate that the ZnO/PFH hybrid devices might be used as low-cost UV optical switches or photodetectors.
A model-based evaluation of Marine Protected Areas: the example of eastern Baltic cod (Gadus morhua callarias L.)
Authors: Kraus Gerd , Pelletier Dominique , Dubreuil Julien , Möllmann Christian , Hinrichsen Hans-Harald , Bastardie Francois , Vermard Youen , Mahévas Stéphanie
Published: October 2008

Kraus, G., Pelletier, D., Dubreuil, J., Möllmann, C., Hinrichsen, H-H., Bastardie, F., Vermard, Y., and Mahévas, S. 2009. A model-based evaluation of Marine Protected Areas: the example of eastern Baltic cod (Gadus morhua callarias L.). – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 109–121. The eastern Baltic cod stock collapsed as a consequence of climate-driven adverse hydrographic conditions and overfishing and has remained at historically low levels. Spatio-temporal fishing closures [Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)] have been implemented since 1995, to protect and restore the spawning stock. However, no signs of recovery have been observed yet, either suggesting that MPAs are an inappropriate management measure or pointing towards suboptimal closure design. We used the spatially explicit fishery simulation model ISIS-Fish to evaluate proposed and implemented fishery closures, combining an age-structured population module with a multifleet exploitation module and a management module in a single model environment. The model is parameterized based on (i) the large amount of biological knowledge available for cod and (ii) an analysis of existing spatially disaggregated fishery data. As the population dynamics of eastern Baltic cod depend strongly on the climate-driven hydrographic regime, we considered two production regimes of the stock. MPAs were only effective for stock recovery when they reduced overall fishing effort. The performance of MPAs needs to be evaluated relative to environmental regimes, especially for stocks facing strong environmental variability.
Capsaicin Combined with Local Anesthetics Preferentially Prolongs Sensory/Nociceptive Block in Rat Sciatic Nerve
Authors: Gerner Peter , Binshtok Alexander M. , Wang Chi-Fei , Hevelone Nathanael D. , Bean Bruce P. , Woolf Clifford J. , Wang Ging Kuo
Published: October 2008

Background

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channels integrate nociceptive stimuli and are predominantly expressed by unmyelinated C-fiber nociceptors, but not low-threshold mechanoreceptive sensory or motor fibers. A recent report showed that the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channel agonist capsaicin allows a hydrophilic quaternary ammonium derivative of lidocaine, QX-314, to selectively block C fibers without motor block. The authors tested whether a similar differential block would be produced using amphipathic N-methyl amitriptyline, amitriptyline, bupivacaine, or lidocaine, either alone or together with 0.05% capsaicin, in a rat sciatic nerve block model.

Methods

Rats (n = 8/group) were anesthetized with sevoflurane, and 0.2 ml of drug was injected either alone or with capsaicin (simultaneously or 10 min later) next to the sciatic nerve in the sciatic notch. Motor function was assessed by the extensor postural thrust. Nociception was evaluated by the nocifensive withdrawal reflex and vocalization evoked by pinch of a skin fold over the lateral metatarsus (cutaneous pain) with a serrated forceps.

Results

N-Methyl amitriptyline, amitriptyline, bupivacaine, or lidocaine, followed by injection of capsaicin 10 min later, each elicited a predominantly nociceptive-specific blockade. In comparison, simultaneous application of each local anesthetic with capsaicin did not elicit a clinically significant differential block, with the exception of N-methyl amitriptyline.

Conclusions

Both tertiary amine local anesthetics and their quaternary ammonium derivatives can elicit a predominantly sensory/nociceptor selective block when followed by injection of capsaicin. The combined application of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channel agonists and various local anesthetics or their quaternary ammonium derivatives is an appealing strategy to achieve a long-lasting differential block in regional analgesia.
Manual Editing of Automatically Recorded Data in an Anesthesia Information Management System
Authors: Wax David B. , Beilin Yaakov , Hossain Sabera , Lin Hung-Mo , Reich David L.
Published: October 2008

Background

Anesthesia information management systems allow automatic recording of physiologic and anesthetic data. The authors investigated the prevalence of such data modification in an academic medical center.

Methods

The authors queried their anesthesia information management system database of anesthetics performed in 2006 and tabulated the counts of data points for automatically recorded physiologic and anesthetic parameters as well as the subset of those data that were manually invalidated by clinicians (both with and without alternate values manually appended). Patient, practitioner, data source, and timing characteristics of recorded values were also extracted to determine their associations with editing of various parameters in the anesthesia information management system record.

Results

A total of 29,491 cases were analyzed, 19% of which had one or more data points manually invalidated. Among 58 attending anesthesiologists, each invalidated data in a median of 7% of their cases when working as a sole practitioner. A minority of invalidated values were manually appended with alternate values. Pulse rate, blood pressure, and pulse oximetry were the most commonly invalidated parameters. Data invalidation usually resulted in a decrease in parameter variance. Factors independently associated with invalidation included extreme physiologic values, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, emergency status, timing (phase of the procedure/anesthetic), presence of an intraarterial catheter, resident or certified registered nurse anesthetist involvement, and procedure duration.

Conclusions

Editing of physiologic data automatically recorded in an anesthesia information management system is a common practice and results in decreased variability of intraoperative data. Further investigation may clarify the reasons for and consequences of this behavior.
Hypercapnic Acidosis Attenuates Lung Injury Induced by Established Bacterial Pneumonia
Authors: Chonghaile Martina Ni , Higgins Brendan D. , Costello Joseph , Laffey John G.
Published: October 2008

Background

Hypercapnic acidosis protects against lung injury after ischemia-reperfusion, endotoxin-induced and ventilation-induced lung injury. The effects of hypercapnic acidosis in the setting of established pulmonary sepsis are not known. The authors investigated whether hypercapnic acidosis -- induced by adding carbon dioxide to inspired gas -- would be beneficial or deleterious in established Escherichia coli pneumonia in an in vivo model, in the presence and absence of antibiotic therapy.

Methods

Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized and ventilated. In the first set of experiments, rats were anesthetized, E. coli (5-6.4 x 10(9)/ml colony-forming units) was instilled intratracheally, and the animals were allowed to recover. After 6 h, during which time a severe pneumonia developed, they were reanesthetized and randomly assigned to normocapnia (fraction of inspired carbon dioxide [Fico(2)] = 0.00, n = 10) or hypercapnic acidosis (Fico(2) = 0.05, n = 10). The second set of experiments was performed in a manner identical to that of series 1, but all rats (n = 10 per group) were given intravenous ceftriaxone (30 mg/kg) at randomization. All animals received normocapnia or hypercapnic acidosis for 6 h, and the severity of lung injury was assessed.

Results

In the absence of antibiotic therapy, hypercapnic acidosis reduced the pneumonia-induced increase in peak airway pressure and the decrease in static lung compliance compared with control conditions. In the presence of antibiotic therapy, which substantially reduced lung bacterial counts, hypercapnic acidosis significantly attenuated the extent of pneumonia-induced histologic injury.

Conclusions

Hypercapnic acidosis reduced the magnitude of the lung injury induced by established E. coli pneumonia.
Bilateral Inhibition of γ-Aminobutyric Acid Type A Receptor Function within the Basolateral Amygdala Blocked Propofol-induced Amnesia and Activity-regulated Cytoskeletal Protein Expression Inhibition in the Hippocampus
Authors: Ren Yu , Zhang Fu-Jun , Xue Qing-Sheng , Zhao Xin , Yu Bu-Wei
Published: October 2008

Background

It has been reported that bilateral lesions of the basolateral amygdala complex (BLA) blocked propofol-induced amnesia of inhibitory avoidance (IA) training. Based on these results, the authors hypothesized that the amnesia effect of propofol was partly due to its impairment of memory formation in the hippocampus through activating the BLA gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor function. The authors determined the changes in activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) expression to be an indicator of IA memory formation.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats received bilateral injection of bicuculline methiodide (10, 50, or 100 pmol/0.5 microl) or saline (0.5 microl) into the BLA. Fifteen minutes later, the rats were intraperitoneally injected with either propofol (25 mg/kg) or saline. After 5 min, the one-trial IA training was conducted. Rats intraperitoneally infused with saline served as controls and only received saline injections into the BLA. Twenty-four hours later, the IA retention latency was tested. Separate groups of rats treated the same way were killed either 30 min after IA training for hippocampal Arc mRNA measurement or after 45 min for protein level quantification.

Results

The largest dose of bicuculline methiodide (100 pmol) not only blocked the propofol-induced amnesia but also reversed the inhibition effect of propofol on Arc protein expression in the hippocampus (P < 0.05). However, the mRNA level of Arc showed no significant changes after propofol and bicuculline methiodide administration.

Conclusions

The amnesic effect of propofol seems to involve the modulation of Arc protein expression in the hippocampus, occurring through a network interaction with the BLA.
Efficacy of Addition of Fentanyl to Epidural Bupivacaine on Postoperative Analgesia after Thoracotomy for Lung Resection in Infants
Authors: Ganesh Arjunan , Adzick N Scott , Foster Travis , Cucchiaro Giovanni
Published: October 2008

Background

The authors evaluated the efficacy of adding fentanyl to epidural bupivacaine in infants up to 6 months of age after a thoracotomy in a prospective, randomized, double-blind study. The primary outcome was the total amount of rescue doses of intravenous nalbuphine in the first 24 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included (1) time to first rescue dose of nalbuphine, (2) pain scores, and (3) behavior scores.

Methods

Thirty-two infants were randomly assigned to receive an epidural infusion containing 0.1% bupivacaine (group B; n = 16) or 0.1% bupivacaine and 2 microg/ml fentanyl (group BF; n = 16). Patients were evaluated up to 24 h after surgery for pain; amount of analgesic rescues and time to first rescue; pain scores; behavior scores (five-item behavior score); and complications, including respiratory depression, oxygen requirement, vomiting, and urinary retention.

Results

The two groups had similar demographics. Nalbuphine consumption (P = 0.001) and pain scores (P < 0.001) in the first 24 h were significantly decreased in group BF compared with group B. The time to first analgesic rescue was significantly longer in group BF (P = 0.005). The five-item behavior score was significantly better in group BF than in group B (P = 0.01). The incidence of side effects, the time to first successful feeding, and the time to discharge were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

Addition of 2 microg/ml epidural fentanyl to 0.1% bupivacaine results in improved postthoracotomy analgesia without any increase in side effects, compared with 0.1% bupivacaine, in infants up to 6 months of age.
El Niño–Southern Oscillation, Pliocene climate and equifinality
Authors: Bonham Sarah G , Haywood Alan M , Lunt Daniel J , Collins Mathew , Salzmann Ulrich
Published: October 2008

It has been suggested that, during the Pliocene (
ca
5–1.8 Ma), an El Niño state existed as a permanent rather than an intermittent feature; that is, the tropical Pacific Ocean was characterized by a much weaker east–west gradient than today. One line of inquiry used to investigate this idea relates modern El Niño teleconnections to Pliocene proxy data by comparing regional differences in precipitation and surface temperature with climate patterns associated with present-day El Niño events, assuming that agreement between Pliocene data and observations of modern El Niño events supports this interpretation. Here, we examine this assumption by comparing outputs from a suite of Mid-Pliocene climate simulations carried out with the UK Met Office climate model. Regional patterns of climate change associated with changes in model boundary conditions are compared with observed El Niño–Southern Oscillation teleconnection patterns. Our results indicate that many of the proposed ‘permanent El Niño’ surface temperature and precipitation patterns are observable in Mid-Pliocene climate simulations even when they display variability in tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs) or when forced with a modern east–west SST gradient. Our experiments highlight the possibility that the same outcome may be achieved through different initial conditions (equifinality); an important consideration for reconstructed patterns of regional Mid-Pliocene climate.
Immunity in a variable world
Authors: Lazzaro Brian P , Little Tom J
Published: October 2008

Immune function is likely to be a critical determinant of an organism's fitness, yet most natural animal and plant populations exhibit tremendous genetic variation for immune traits. Accumulating evidence suggests that environmental heterogeneity may retard the long-term efficiency of natural selection and even maintain polymorphism, provided alternative host genotypes are favoured under different environmental conditions. ‘Environment’ in this context refers to abiotic factors such as ambient temperature or availability of nutrient resources, genetic diversity of pathogens or competing physiological demands on the host. These factors are generally controlled in laboratory experiments measuring immune performance, but variation in them is likely to be very important in the evolution of resistance to infection. Here, we review some of the literature emphasizing the complexity of natural selection on immunity. Our aim is to describe how environmental and genetic heterogeneities, often excluded from experimentation as ‘noise’, may determine the evolutionary potential of populations or the potential for interacting species to coevolve.
Effect of NMSO3 treatment in a murine model of human metapneumovirus infection
Authors: Spetch Leanne , Bowlin Terry L. , Casola Antonella
Published: October 2008

BALB/c mice infected with human metapneumovirus (hMPV) were treated with the sulfated sialyl lipid NMSO3 (one dose of 50 mg kg−1) given at the time of infection. NMSO3 significantly reduced viral replication in the lungs, as well as hMPV-induced body weight loss, pulmonary inflammation and cytokine production, suggesting that antiviral treatment initiated at the beginning of viral infection can modify hMPV-induced disease.
Human papillomavirus type spectrum in normal skin of individuals with or without a history of frequent sun exposure
Authors: Chen Alice Che-Ha , McMillan Nigel A. J. , Antonsson Annika
Published: October 2008

Cutaneous human papillomavirus (HPV) has been widely detected in healthy skin. Previous studies have found that UV radiation can activate several HPV types, and a possible role for cutaneous HPV in the development of non-melanoma skin cancer has been suggested. This study investigated the prevalence and type-spectrum of cutaneous HPV in relation to UV radiation by studying forehead skin swab samples from 50 healthy males frequently exposed to the sun and 50 healthy males who were not frequently exposed to the sun. A questionnaire including ethnic background of the participants, history of cancers and a self-assessment of sun-exposure was also conducted and analysed. PCR with the FAP primer pair was carried out to detect HPV DNA in samples. HPV prevalence was higher in individuals who spent more time outdoors and in individuals with a history of skin cancers (P=0.044 andP=0.04, respectively). Furthermore, individuals wearing sunglasses as a means of sun protection had a lower prevalence of HPV (P=0.018). Interestingly, HPV-76 was only detected in the group without frequent sun-exposure (P=0.001). These results suggest that increased UV radiation exposure may be a factor leading to a difference in prevalence of cutaneous HPV types.
iTRAQ analysis of Singapore grouper iridovirus infection in a grouper embryonic cell line
Authors: Chen Li Ming , Tran Bich Ngoc , Lin Qingsong , Lim Teck Kwang , Wang Fan , Hew Choy-Leong
Published: October 2008

We report, here, the first proteomics study of a grouper embryonic cell line (GEC) infected by Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV). The differential proteomes of GEC with and without viral infection were studied and quantified with iTRAQ labelling followed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Forty-nine viral proteins were recognized, of which 11 were identified for the first time. Moreover, 743 host proteins were revealed and classified into 218 unique protein groups. Fourteen host proteins were upregulated and five host proteins were downregulated upon viral infection. The iTRAQ analysis of SGIV infection in GEC provides an insight to viral and host gene products at the protein level. This should facilitate further study and the understanding of virus–host interactions, molecular mechanisms of viral infection and pathogenesis.
The origin and phylogeography of dog rabies virus
Authors: Bourhy Hervé , Reynes Jean-Marc , Dunham Eleca J. , Dacheux Laurent , Larrous Florence , Huong Vu Thi Que , Xu Gelin , Yan Jiaxin , Miranda Mary Elizabeth G. , Holmes Edward C.
Published: October 2008

Rabies is a progressively fatal and incurable viral encephalitis caused by a lyssavirus infection. Almost all of the 55 000 annual rabies deaths in humans result from infection with dog rabies viruses (RABV). Despite the importance of rabies for human health, little is known about the spread of RABV in dog populations, and patterns of biodiversity have only been studied in limited geographical space. To address these questions on a global scale, we sequenced 62 new isolates and performed an extensive comparative analysis of RABV gene sequence data, representing 192 isolates sampled from 55 countries. From this, we identified six clades of RABV in non-flying mammals, each of which has a distinct geographical distribution, most likely reflecting major physical barriers to gene flow. Indeed, a detailed analysis of phylogeographic structure revealed only limited viral movement among geographical localities. Using Bayesian coalescent methods we also reveal that the sampled lineages of canid RABV derive from a common ancestor that originated within the past 1500 years. Additionally, we found no evidence for either positive selection or widespread population bottlenecks during the global expansion of canid RABV. Overall, our study reveals that the stochastic processes of genetic drift and population subdivision are the most important factors shaping the global phylogeography of canid RABV.
Epstein–Barr virus-encoded LMP1 induces a hyperproliferative and inflammatory gene expression programme in cultured keratinocytes
Authors: Morris Mhairi A. , Dawson Christopher W. , Wei Wenbin , O'Neil John D. , Stewart Suzanne E. , Jia Junying , Bell Andrew I. , Young Lawrence S. , Arrand John R.
Published: October 2008

SCC12F cells are a line of keratinocytes that retain the capacity for terminal differentiation in vitro. We showed previously that the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)-encoded oncogene latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) altered SCC12F morphology in vitro, downregulated cell–cell-adhesion molecule expression and promoted cell motility. In organotypic raft culture, LMP1-expressing cells failed to stratify and formed poorly organized structures which displayed impaired terminal differentiation. To understand better the mechanism(s) by which LMP1 induces these effects, we generated SCC12F cells in which LMP1 expression is inducible. Following induction, these cells exhibited phenotypic changes similar to those observed previously and allowed us to investigate the effects of LMP1 expression on cellular pathways associated with growth, differentiation and morphology. Using microarrays and a number of confirmatory techniques, we identified sets of differentially expressed genes that are characteristically expressed in inflammatory and hyperproliferative epidermis, including chemokines, cytokines and their receptors, growth factors involved in promoting epithelial cell motility and proliferation and signalling molecules that regulate actin filament reorganization and cell movement. Among the genes whose expression was differentially induced significantly by LMP1, the induction of IL-1β and IL-1α was of particular interest, as many of the LMP1-regulated genes identified are established targets of these cytokines. Our findings suggest that alterations in the IL-1 signalling network may be responsible for many of the changes in host-cell gene expression induced in response to LMP1. Identification of these LMP1-regulated genes helps to define the mechanism(s) by which this oncoprotein influences cellular pathways that regulate terminal differentiation, cell motility and inflammation.
Tracking epidemic Chikungunya virus into the Indian Ocean from East Africa
Authors: Kariuki Njenga M. , Nderitu L. , Ledermann J. P. , Ndirangu A. , Logue C. H. , Kelly C. H. L. , Sang R. , Sergon K. , Breiman R. , Powers A. M.
Published: October 2008

The largest documented outbreak of Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) disease occurred in the Indian Ocean islands and India during 2004–2007. The magnitude of this outbreak led to speculation that a new variant of the virus had emerged that was either more virulent or more easily transmitted by mosquito vectors. To study this assertion, it is important to know the origin of the virus and how the particular strain circulating during the outbreak is related to other known strains. This study genetically characterized isolates of CHIKV obtained from Mombasa and Lamu Island, Kenya, during 2004, as well as strains from the 2005 outbreak recorded in Comoros. The results of these analyses demonstrated that the virus responsible for the epidemic that spread through the Indian Ocean originated in coastal Kenya during 2004 and that the closest known ancestors are members of the Central/East African clade. Genetic elements that may be responsible for the scope of the outbreak were also identified.
Lack of viral selection in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 mother-to-child transmission with primary infection during late pregnancy and/or breastfeeding
Authors: Ceballos Ana , Andreani Guadalupe , Ripamonti Chiara , Dilernia Dario , Mendez Ramiro , Rabinovich Roberto D. , Cárdenas Patricia Coll , Zala Carlos , Cahn Pedro , Scarlatti Gabriella , Peralta Liliana Martínez
Published: October 2008

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) as described for women with an established infection is, in most cases, associated with the transmission of few maternal variants. This study analysed virus variability in four cases of maternal primary infection occurring during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding. Estimated time of seroconversion was at 4 months of pregnancy for one woman (early seroconversion) and during the last months of pregnancy and/or breastfeeding for the remaining three (late seroconversion). The C2V3 envelope region was analysed in samples of mother–child pairs by molecular cloning and sequencing. Comparisons of nucleotide and amino acid sequences as well as phylogenetic analysis were performed. The results showed low variability in the virus population of both mother and child. Maximum-likelihood analysis showed that, in the early pregnancy seroconversion case, a minor viral variant with further evolution in the child was transmitted, which could indicate a selection event in MTCT or a stochastic event, whereas in the late seroconversion cases, the mother's and child's sequences were intermingled, which is compatible with the transmission of multiple viral variants from the mother's major population. These results could be explained by the less pronounced selective pressure exerted by the immune system in the early stages of the mother's infection, which could play a role in MTCT of HIV-1.
Up‐regulation of CD109 expression is associated with carcinogenesis of the squamous epithelium of the oral cavity
Authors: Hagiwara Sumitaka , Murakumo Yoshiki , Sato Tomoko , Shigetomi Toshio , Mitsudo Kenji , Tohnai Iwai , Ueda Minoru , Takahashi Masahide
Published: October 2008

CD109 is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)–anchored glycoprotein whose expression is up‐regulated in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the lung, esophagus, and uterus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate CD109 expression in oral tumors, including premalignant lesions, and to assess the clinical application of CD109 in oral cancer. CD109 expression in oral normal and tumor tissues from 124 patients was examined by immunohistochemical staining with anti‐CD109 antibody, and significant relations between clinical features and CD109 expression were statistically assessed. We found that high levels of CD109 expression were frequently detected in SCCs and premalignant lesions of the oral cavity, but not in normal squamous epithelia. The CD109 expression level was higher in well‐differentiated SCCs than in poorly differentiated SCCs. Furthermore, premalignant lesions highly expressing CD109 showed higher risk to progress to SCCs. Oral SCC cell lines overexpressing CD109 exhibited accelerated cell growth in vitro compared with control cell lines. In addition, overexpression of CD109 impaired the transforming growth factor (TGF)–β1‐mediated suppression of cell growth. These findings suggest that CD109 plays a role in the development of oral cancers, and is a useful prognostic marker to predict malignant transformation of premalignant lesions. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1916–1923)
Detection of colorectal cancer cells from feces using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR for colorectal cancer diagnosis
Authors: Koga Yoshikatsu , Yasunaga Masahiro , Moriya Yoshihiro , Akasu Takayuki , Fujita Shin , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Kozu Takahiro , Baba Hideo , Matsumura Yasuhiro
Published: October 2008

Early detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) is desired for reducing its mortality rate. Recently, the feasibility of a new method for isolating colonocytes from feces was demonstrated, followed by direct sequencing analysis for detecting colorectal cancer. In the present study, gene expression analysis was conducted using quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). One hundred and sixty‐six patients with CRC and 134 healthy volunteers were enrolled. Messenger RNA expressions of CEA, MMP7, MYBL2, PTGS2 and TP53 in the colonocytes isolated from feces were analyzed by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. Beta‐2‐microglobulin, used for internal control, could not be detected in approximately 25% each of the CRC patients (39/166) and healthy volunteers (33/134). CEA expression did not differ significantly between CRC patients and healthy volunteers (P = 0.21). MMP7, MYBL2, PTGS2 and TP53 gene expressions were significantly higher in CRC patients than in healthy volunteers (P < 0.001). The overall sensitivity and specificity using these gene expressions were 58.3% (74/127, 95% CI; 49.2–67.0) and 88.1% (89/101, 95% CI; 80.2–93.7), respectively. The sensitivity was dependent on the tumor location (P = 0.01) and tumor size (P = 0.02), but not the tumor depth (P = 0.06) or cancer stage (P = 0.37). Gene expression analysis of colonocytes isolated from feces may be a useful method for CRC screening, if the number of isolated colonocytes is sufficiently high for analysis by quantitative real‐time PCR. Therefore, improvement of the colonocyte retrieval system from feces may be necessary for the technique to be developed for clinical use. (Cancer Sci 2008; 99: 1977–1983)
Differentially expressed transcripts in adipose tissue between Korean native pig and Yorkshire breeds
Authors: Moon J.‐K. , Kim K.‐S. , Kim J.‐J. , Choi B.‐H. , Cho B.‐W. , Kim T.‐H. , Lee C.‐K.
Published: October 2008

We measured and compared the transcripts of adipose tissue from Korean native pig (KNP) and Yorkshire (YS) breeds to investigate breed‐specific transcription changes. We employed both the Affymetrix porcine genome array and quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). We found eight genes showing significant changes between the two breeds. Based on a literature review, these genes were indicative of differences in extracellular structure density and differences in the potential to metabolize xenobiotic chemicals and lipids. The differentially expressed genes indicated that KNP has a lower extracellular structure density and a lower potential to metabolize xenobiotic chemicals than YS.
Is children’s choice in health care rhetoric or reality? A scoping review
Authors: Coad Jane E. , Shaw Karen L.
Published: October 2008

Title.  Is children’s choice in health care rhetoric or reality? A scoping review.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a scoping review examining children and young people’s health services with respect to choice in order to inform future development of choice initiatives.

Background.  The importance of including children and young people in the choice agenda reflects the increasing acknowledgement that, individually and collectively, they are important consumers of health care in their own right.

Data sources.  A scoping review of all major health and medical research databases was undertaken using current guidelines to identify original relevant research papers and grey literature sources from 1990 to 2006.

Review methods.  Reference Manager software was used to collate, summarize, categorize, store and retrieve the search results. Papers meeting the inclusion criteria were read in full and descriptively summarized using a data extraction sheet. Each paper was repeatedly selected using a snowballing approach until saturation was reached.

Results.  Children and young people want more say in the planning and development of appropriate hospital and community health services. However, little evaluative research was found about whether these choices are acted upon and lead to more responsive services.

Conclusion.  Choice for children and young people is viewed as a positive development in health care and many innovative examples of their involvement in decision‐making were found. These illustrated that, given the opportunity, children and young people are willing and able to make decisions about their healthcare services. However, there is a long way to go before the rhetoric of the choice agenda is realized.
Mutants of the RNA‐processing enzyme RNase E reverse the extreme slow‐growth phenotype caused by a mutant translation factor EF‐Tu
Authors: Hammarlöf Disa L. , Hughes Diarmaid
Published: October 2008

Salmonella enterica with mutant EF‐Tu (Gln125Arg) has a low level of EF‐Tu, a reduced rate of protein synthesis and an extremely slow growth rate. Eighty independent suppressor mutations were selected that restored normal growth. In some cases (n= 7) suppression was due to mutations in tufA but, surprisingly, in most cases (n= 73) to mutations in rne, the gene coding for RNase E. These rne mutations alone had only modest effects on growth rate. Fifty different suppressor mutations were isolated in rne, all located in or close to the N‐terminal endonucleolytic half of RNase E. Steady state levels of several mRNAs were lower in the mutant tuf strain but restored to wild‐type levels in the tuf‐rne double mutant. In contrast, the half‐lives of mRNAs were unaffected by the tuf mutation. We propose a model where the tuf mutation causes the ribosome following RNA polymerase to pause, possibly in a codon‐specific manner, exposing unshielded nascent message to RNase E cleavage. Normal growth rate can be restored by increasing EF‐Tu activity or by reducing RNase E activity. Accordingly, RNase E is suggested to act at two distinct stages in the life of mRNA: early, on the nascent transcript; late, on the complete mRNA.
Ecophysiological attributes of adult overwintering in insects: insights from a field study of the nut weevil, Curculio nucum
Authors: BEL‐VENNER MARIE‐CLAUDE , MONDY NATHALIE , ARTHAUD FLORENT , MARANDET JULIEN , GIRON DAVID , VENNER SAMUEL , MENU FREDERIC
Published: October 2008

Abstract Diapausing insect species have evolved a great diversity of life cycles, although overwintering occurs at a single development stage within most species. Understanding why diapause has evolved towards a given life stage requires investigation of both the ecological and physiological attributes. Notably, it is suggested that adult overwintering is more energy‐demanding than larval overwintering but it brings fitness gains by allowing adults to be synchronized with their seasonal requisites through an early spring emergence. This hypothesis is tested in field conditions in the nut weevil Curculio nucum, whose life cycle comprises an obligate 2‐year, nonfeeding underground phase, including a larval, followed by an adult, overwintering. In this species, adult wintering leads to an early spring emergence; at first glance, however, this does not enhance synchronization between weevils and their host because adults emerge more than 1 month before starting to breed. It is suggested that adult overwintering ultimately evolved in response to the phenology of the host, by allowing females to oviposit in nuts before their full sclerotinization. Adult overwintering appears to be costly because adults postpone reproduction for 1 year, incur a significant weight loss and require feeding before egg laying. Surprisingly, lipids are unaffected during diapause, lipogenesis even being likely in the summer metamorphosis. These results suggest that the lipids involved in egg production may entirely come from the larval stages, whereas the other nutrients are acquired through adult feeding but this remains to be tested.
DOPAMINE D2 RECEPTOR STIMULATION INHIBITS ANGIOTENSIN II‐INDUCED HYPERTROPHY IN CULTURED NEONATAL RAT VENTRICULAR MYOCYTES
Authors: Li Hong , Shi Sa , Sun Yi‐Hua , Zhao Ya‐Jun , Li Quan‐Feng , Li Hong‐Zhu , Wang Rui , Xu Chang‐Qing
Published: October 2008

Myocardial hypertrophy is a common pathological change that accompanies cardiovascular disease. Dopamine D2 receptors have been demonstrated in cardiovascular tissues. However, the pathophysiological involvement of D2 receptors in myocardial hypertrophy is unclear. Therefore, the effects of the D2 receptor agonist bromocriptine and the D2 receptor antagonist haloperidol on angiotensin (Ang) II‐ or endothelin (ET)‐1‐induced hypertrophy of cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes were investigated in the present study.

Protein content and protein synthesis, determined by examining [3H]‐leucine uptake, were used as estimates of cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. The expression of D2 receptor protein in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes was determined using western blotting. Changes in [Ca2+]i in cardiomyocytes were observed by laser scanning confocal microscopy.

Angiotensin II and ET‐1, both at 10 nmol/L, induced myocyte hypertrophy, as demonstrated by increased protein content and synthesis, [Ca2+]i levels, protein kinase C (PKC) activity and phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 (p38). Concomitant treatment of cells with 10 nmol/L AngII plus 10 µmol/L bromocriptine significantly inhibited cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, MAPK phosphorylation and PKC activity in the membrane, as well as [Ca2+]i signalling pathways, compared with the effects of AngII alone. In addition, 10 µmol/L bromocriptine significantly inhibited cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by 10 nmol/L ET‐1. However, pretreatment with haloperidol (10 µmol/L) had no significant effects on cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by either AngII or ET‐1.

In conclusion, D2 receptor stimulation inhibits AngII‐induced hypertrophy of cultured neonatal rat ventricular myocytes via inhibition of MAPK, PKC and [Ca2+]i signalling pathways.
SWIMMING TRAINING ATTENUATES REMODELING, CONTRACTILE DYSFUNCTION AND CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE IN RATS WITH MODERATE AND LARGE MYOCARDIAL INFARCTIONS
Authors: Andrews Portes Leslie , Magalhães Saraiva Roberto , Alberta dos Santos Alexandra , Tucci Paulo JF
Published: October 2008

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of swimming on myocardial remodelling after myocardial infarction (MI) in female rats induced by coronary occlusion, which was not performed in sham rats.

Rats were divided in six groups, three sedentary (sham (SSh; n = 14), moderate infarct (SMI; n = 8) and large infarct (SLI; n = 10)) and three trained (sham (TSh; n = 16), moderate infarct (TMI; n = 9) and large infarct (TLI; n = 8)) groups. Training (8 weeks, 60 min/day, 5 days/week) was initiated 4 weeks after MI or sham operation. Training did not affect mortality rate, but attenuated the increases in atrial/bodyweight (SSh: 0.07 ± 0.02; TSh: 0.07 ± 0.02; SMI: 0.11 ± 0.03; TMI: 0.09 ± 0.03; SLI: 0.17 ± 0.09; TLI: 0.10 ± 0.05 mg/g) and right ventricular/bodyweight (SSh: 0.15 ± 0.02; TSh: 0.17 ± 0.02; SMI: 0.17 ± 0.07; TMI: 0.20 ± 0.03; SLI: 0.29 ± 0.13; TLI: 0.22 ± 0.08 mg/g) ratios. Myocardial infarction increased pulmonary and myocardial water content in infarcted sedentary animals, whereas no changes were observed in trained infarcted rats. Sedentary infarcted rats showed inotropic and lusitropic depression proportional to the size of the infarct (SSh > SMI > SLI), whereas no differences were noted in trained rats (TLI = TMI = TSh). Indeed, in sedentary rats there was depression of +dT/dt (SSh: 68 ± 25; TSh: 72 ± 21; SMI: 53 ± 20; TMI: 77 ± 30; SLI: 33 ± 15; TLI: 57 ± 22 g/mm2 per s) and –dT/dt (SSh: 33 ± 13; TSh: 36 ± 11; SMI: 24 ± 5; TMI: 35 ± 11; SLI: 15 ± 4; TLI: 32 ± 11 g/mm2 per s) compared with trained rats.

In conclusion, swimming clearly favoured post‐MI cardiac remodelling, attenuated myocardial hypertrophy, contractile and relaxation dysfunction and prevented pulmonary congestion.
IMPLEMENTING THE BALANCED SCORECARD: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TWO SPANISH CITY COUNCILS – AN INSTITUTIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Kasperskaya Yulia
Published: October 2008

The present study seeks to describe and compare the implementation of the Balanced Scorecard model in two Spanish city councils. It builds on two major theoretical approaches to Institutional Theory: New Institutional Sociology and Old Institutional Economics, that have both been applied to the study of changes in management accounting. In one of the organisations the use of the BSC was largely symbolic. In the other, a process of creating new accounting routines started to take root. Our findings suggest that new rules, implemented in conjunction with existing organisational routines, have a greater chance of gaining acceptance.
Informed shared decision making about immunotherapy for patients with multiple sclerosis (ISDIMS): a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kasper J. , Köpke S. , Mühlhauser I. , Nübling M. , Heesen C.
Published: October 2008

Background and purpose:  To evaluate the effects of an evidence‐based patient decision aid (DA) on multiple sclerosis (MS) immunotherapy.

Methods:  Two hundred and ninety‐seven MS patients who were considering or reconsidering immunotherapy participated in a randomized community‐based controlled trial in Germany. An intervention group (IG) received the DA and a control group (CG) received standard information. Primary outcome measure was the match between the patient’s preferred and actual roles during consultation with the physician. Secondary end‐point was treatment choice. The course of the decision‐making process and patients` evaluation of the decision were also evaluated. Data were collected at baseline, after receiving the information, after consultation with the physician and 6 months after baseline.

Results:  The percentage of preference matches did not differ between groups (IG 49%, CG 51%, P = 0.71). There were no differences in immunotherapy choices between groups. IG patients temporarily became more critical of immunotherapy and rated the information as significantly more helpful.

Conclusions:  Although the intervention led to intensified processing of the information it affected neither the roles adopted in physician–patient encounters nor the immunotherapy choices made. Providing patients with balanced information may not be sufficient to alter the decision‐making process.