bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
6 ALTERED CHROMATIN CONFORMATION IN BOVINE SPERMATOZOA PERTURBS DYNAMIC DNA METHYLATION IN THE MALE PRONUCLEUS AFTER FERTILIZATION IN VITRO
Authors: Rahman M. B. , Kamal M. M. , Rijsselaere T. , Vandaele L. , Shamsuddin M. , Van Soom A.
Published: December 2012

Soon after fertilization, mammalian zygotes need proper DNA methylation reprogramming, at which time the epigenetic marks that the oocyte and sperm have acquired during gametogenesis are erased to allow totipotent zygotic development. Aberrant epigenetic marks in the paternal genome are thought to be associated with altered chromatin condensation in spermatozoa of suboptimal quality. We have recently reported that heat stress on bulls during germ cell development, especially at the spermiogenesis stage, altered sperm chromatin condensation. The objective of this study was to investigate dynamic DNA methylation reprogramming in the male pronucleus after fertilization of oocytes with sperm known to have altered chromatin conformation. To evaluate dynamic DNA methylation reprogramming, zygotes collected at 3 different time points [i.e. 12, 18, and 24 h post-insemination (hpi)] were immunocytochemically investigated using an antibody against 5-methylcytosine (5mC). The total fluorescence intensity of the male pronuclei (n = 89, ≥25 in each group) was measured by ImageJ and data were analyzed by ANOVA. The DNA methylation pattern in male pronuclei when oocytes were fertilized with heat-stressed sperm did not change between time points (P > 0.05), whereas control zygotes clearly showed demethylation and de novo methylation at 18 and 24 hpi, respectively. The results of this study indicated that dynamic DNA methylation reprogramming patterns such as DNA demethylation followed by de novo methylation in the male pronucleus soon after fertilization were altered when oocytes were fertilized with heat-stressed sperm. In conclusion, altered sperm chromatin conformation due to heat stress perturbs dynamic DNA methylation reprogramming in the male pronucleus, which may hamper nuclear totipotency and embryo survival.
86 EFFECT OF HDAC2 INTERFERENCES ON HISTONE MODIFICATIONS IN MOUSE EARLY EMBRYOS
Authors: Shen Q. , Liu Y. , Yin F. , Yang L. , Li G.
Published: December 2012

One of the histone deacetylase members, HDAC2 plays an important role in chromatin remodeling and transcriptional repression. The present study was designed to improve histone acetylations by knocking down the expression of histone deacetylase with RNA interferences. According to the published mouse HDAC2 mRNA sequence (NM_008229.2, GI:87162463), as well as shRNA design principles, 3 interference fragments of 107 to 126 bps, 879 to 898 bps, and 1240 to 1259 bps and a negative control sequence were designed and synthesized, respectively. Four interference vectors expressing a red fluorescent protein were successfully constructed, which were named pCDsRed2-shRNA107, pCDsRed2-shRNA879, pCDsRed2-shRNA1240, and pCDsRed2-shRNAcontrol, respectively. These vectors were then transfected respectively to mouse fetal fibroblast cells. Real-time, quantitative PCR of the transgenic cells showed that the vectors mentioned above resulted in 0.81, 0.73, 0.16, and 0.80 times knockdown of hdac2 expression when compared with the nontransfected cells, which suggested that the piece of 1240 to 1259 bp was the most effective RNAi region. Immunofluorescent staining of the transgenic cells showed that the histone acetylations and methylations of H4K5ac, H3K9ac, H3K9me2, H3K27me3, and H3K4me3 were significantly higher in all of the interference vectors than they were in the negative control. Vector pCDsRed2-shRNA1240 was the most effective RNAi. After injection of pCDsRed2-shRNA1240 into zygote pronuclei, embryos developed to 2-cell, 8-cell embryos and blastocysts decreased to 96.6, 85.3 (P < 0.05), and 35.6 (P < 0.01) of the control group, respectively. High levels of H3K9ac, H4K5ac, H3K4me3, and H3K27me3 were observed in the RNAi embryos when compared with the controls. These results indicated that the knockdown of hdac2 by RNAi decreased the expression of HDAC2 and induced high expression of histone acetylations in both somatic cells and early embryos.
This work was supported by the national basic research program of china (No. 2012CB22306).
94 A POLARIZED CELL-CULTURE SYSTEM TO STUDY THE EFFECTS OF ELEVATED SERUM NONESTERIFIED FATTY ACID CONCENTRATIONS ON THE BOVINE OVIDUCTAL MICROENVIRONMENT IN VITRO
Authors: Jordaens L. , Valckx S. , Van Hoeck V. , Berth M. , Bols P. E. J. , Leroy J. L. M. R.
Published: December 2012

The detrimental consequences of elevated serum nonesterified fatty acid concentrations (NEFA) typical in negative energy balance, obesity, or type II diabetes have previously been demonstrated in ovarian follicles. However, regardless its key role in reproduction, the consequences of elevated NEFA on oviductal physiology are unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to 1) determine whether serum NEFAs can be found in the oviductal microenvironment using a polarized oviductal epithelial cell culture and more specifically to 2) study the effect of the BSA gradient and the direction of the NEFA gradient. Bovine oviductal epithelial cells from slaughterhouse oviducts in Day 3 to 5 of the luteal phase were mechanically isolated and cultured for 7 days in a flask. Cells were transferred in a polarized oviductal epithelial cell culture-system (Snapwell® polyester membrane, pore size 0.4 µm, 4 × 106 pores cm–2) with an apical (A) and basal (B) medium supporting cell growth until the transepithelial electric resistance reached 700 Ωcm2 (Day 6). Then, cells were exposed to a transmembranary BSA (0.75 or 3% BSA) or NEFA gradient (0 or 360 µM NEFA: 115 µM oleic acid, 140 µM stearic acid, 105 µM palmitic acid) for 48 h in 4 experimental setups: 1) A and B containing 0.75% BSA and B supplemented with NEFA, 2) same as in 1 but NEFAs were added in A, 3) A containing 0.75% BSA and B supplemented with 3% BSA and NEFA, 4) same as in 3 but with 3% BSA + NEFA in A and B contained 0.75% BSA. Samples were analyzed for total NEFA and specific fatty-acid concentrations by photometric and gas chromatographic assays. In total, 72 wells in 4 replicates were cultured and analyzed. Data were processed by paired sample t-tests and student t-tests. Exposure to NEFA did not alter the transepithelial electric resistance. In Exp. 1, the total NEFA concentration in A increased with 0.013 µM (21.11%) over 48 h of NEFA exposure in the basal compartment explained by a significant rise of stearic (8.52 µM, 20.68%) and oleic acid (12.86 µM, 45.17%) accompanied with only a 19.45% decrease of total NEFA in B (P < 0.05). When the transport direction was reversed in Exp. 2, the total NEFA concentration decreased 53.4% in A, with no obvious NEFA rise in B. Implementing a BSA gradient (Exp. 3 and 4) was associated with a slight decrease (13 and 15.7%, respectively; P < 0.05) of NEFA concentration in the supplemented compartment, but no obvious NEFA increase in the opposite compartment could be detected. Overall, these results suggest that NEFA transport in this culture system is tightly regulated and can only be influenced by the transport direction of the NEFA. Further research should focus on transport and metabolisation of the fatty acids added.
Loss of integrin α3 prevents skin tumor formation by promoting epidermal turnover and depletion of slow-cycling cells
Authors: Sachs Norman , Secades Pablo , van Hulst Laura , Kreft Maaike , Song Ji-Ying , Sonnenberg Arnoud
Published: December 2012

Progression through the various stages of skin tumorigenesis is correlated with an altered expression of the integrin α3β1, suggesting that it plays an important role in the tumorigenic process. Using epidermis-specific
Itga3
KO mice subjected to the 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA)/12-
O
-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate two-stage skin carcinogenesis protocol, we demonstrate that efficient tumor development is critically dependent on the presence of α3β1. In the absence of α3β1, tumor initiation is dramatically decreased because of increased epidermal turnover, leading to a loss of DMBA-initiated label-retaining keratinocytes. Lineage tracing revealed emigration of α3-deficient keratinocytes residing in the bulge of the hair follicle toward the interfollicular epidermis. Furthermore, tumor growth and cell proliferation were strongly reduced in mice with an epidermis-specific deletion of
Itga3
. However, the rate of progression of α3β1-null squamous cell carcinomas to undifferentiated, invasive carcinomas was increased. Therefore, α3β1 critically affects skin carcinogenesis with opposing effects early and late in tumorigenesis.
Polymorphism and polyamorphism in bilayer water confined to slit nanopore under high pressure
Authors: Bai Jaeil , Zeng Xiao Cheng
Published: December 2012

A distinctive physical property of bulk water is its rich solid-state phase behavior, which includes 15 crystalline (ice I–ice XIV) and at least 3 glassy forms of water, namely, low-density amorphous, high-density amorphous, and very-high-density amorphous (VHDA). Nanoscale confinement adds a new physical variable that can result in a wealth of new quasi-2D phases of ice and amorphous ice. Previous computer simulations have revealed that when water is confined between two flat hydrophobic plates about 7–9 Å apart, numerous bilayer (BL) ices (or polymorphs) can arise [e.g., BL-hexagonal ice (BL-ice I)]. Indeed, growth of the BL-ice I through vapor deposition on graphene/Pt(111) substrate has been achieved experimentally. Herein, we report computer simulation evidence of pressure-induced amorphization from BL-ice I to BL-amorphous and then to BL-VHDA
2
at 250 K and 3 GPa. In particular, BL-VHDA
2
can transform into BL-VHDA
1
via decompression from 3 to 1.5 GPa at 250 K. This phenomenon of 2D polyamorphic transition is akin to the pressure-induced amorphization in 3D ice (e.g., from hexagonal ice to HDA and then to VHDA via isobaric annealing). Moreover, when the BL-ice I is compressed instantly to 6 GPa, a new very-high-density BL ice is formed. This new phase of BL ice can be viewed as an array of square ice nanotubes. Insights obtained from pressure-induced amorphization and crystallization of confined water offer a guide with which to seek a thermodynamic path to grow a new form of methane clathrate whose BL ice framework exhibits the Archimedean 4⋅8
2
(square-octagon) pattern.
Painting blood vessels and atherosclerotic plaques with an adhesive drug depot
Authors: Kastrup Christian J. , Nahrendorf Matthias , Figueiredo Jose Luiz , Lee Haeshin , Kambhampati Thiruvengadam Swetha , Lee Timothy , Cho Seung-Woo , Gorbatov Rostic , Iwamoto Yoshiko , Dang Tram T. , Dutta Partha , Yeon Ju Hun , Cheng Hao , Pritchard Christopher D. , Vegas Arturo J. , Siegel Cory D. , MacDougall Samantha , Okonkwo Michael , Thai Anh , Stone James R. , Coury Arthur J. , Weissleder Ralph , Langer Robert , Anderson Daniel G.
Published: December 2012

The treatment of diseased vasculature remains challenging, in part because of the difficulty in implanting drug-eluting devices without subjecting vessels to damaging mechanical forces. Implanting materials using adhesive forces could overcome this challenge, but materials have previously not been shown to durably adhere to intact endothelium under blood flow. Marine mussels secrete strong underwater adhesives that have been mimicked in synthetic systems. Here we develop a drug-eluting bioadhesive gel that can be locally and durably glued onto the inside surface of blood vessels. In a mouse model of atherosclerosis, inflamed plaques treated with steroid-eluting adhesive gels had reduced macrophage content and developed protective fibrous caps covering the plaque core. Treatment also lowered plasma cytokine levels and biomarkers of inflammation in the plaque. The drug-eluting devices developed here provide a general strategy for implanting therapeutics in the vasculature using adhesive forces and could potentially be used to stabilize rupture-prone plaques.
Children with autism social engagement in interaction with Nao, an imitative robot
Authors: Tapus Adriana , Peca Andreea , Aly Amir , A. Pop Cristina , Jisa Lavinia , Pintea Sebastian , Rusu Alina S. , David Daniel O.
Published: December 2012

This paper presents a series of 4 single subject experiments aimed to investigate whether children with autism show more social engagement when interacting with the Nao robot, compared to a human partner in a motor imitation task. The Nao robot imitates gross arm movements of the child in real-time. Different behavioral criteria (i.e. eye gaze, gaze shifting, free initiations and prompted initiations of arm movements, and smile/laughter) were analyzed based on the video data of the interaction. The results are mixed and suggest a high variability in reactions to the Nao robot. The results are as follows: For Child2 and Child3, the results indicate no effect of the Nao robot in any of the target variables. Child1 and Child4 showed more eye gaze and smile/laughter in the interaction with the Nao robot compared to the human partner and Child1 showed a higher frequency of motor initiations in the interaction with the Nao robot compared to the baselines, but not with respect to the human-interaction. The robot proved to be a better facilitator of shared attention only for Child1. Keywords:﻿﻿ human-robot interaction; assistive robotics; autism
Treating Opioid Use Disorders during Pregnancy: Historical, Current, and Future Directions
Authors: Jones Hendrée E.
Published: December 2012

The historical and current contexts of opioid use disorders during pregnancy are reviewed. There has been a long history of use of opioids by women in the United States, including by prescription prior to 1919. Neonatal abstinence syndrome was first identified coincident with this use. Methadone and more recently buprenorphine have proven to be successful pharmacotherapeutic agents in the treatment of opioid use disorder in pregnant women. However, these medications should be seen as only one ingredient of a comprehensive treatment approach for this population. The 21st century needs to witness a heightened emphasis on the myriad factors that lead to opioid use in women, and a broader education of those professionals who may come in contact with pregnant women with opioid use disorder.
Polymerase ε1 mutation in a human syndrome with facial dysmorphism, immunodeficiency, livedo, and short stature (“FILS syndrome”)
Authors: Pachlopnik Schmid Jana , Lemoine Roxane , Nehme Nadine , Cormier-Daire Valéry , Revy Patrick , Debeurme Franck , Debré Marianne , Nitschke Patrick , Bole-Feysot Christine , Legeai-Mallet Laurence , Lim Annick , de Villartay Jean-Pierre , Picard Capucine , Durandy Anne , Fischer Alain , de Saint Basile Geneviève
Published: December 2012

DNA polymerase ε (Polε) is a large, four-subunit polymerase that is conserved throughout the eukaryotes. Its primary function is to synthesize DNA at the leading strand during replication. It is also involved in a wide variety of fundamental cellular processes, including cell cycle progression and DNA repair/recombination. Here, we report that a homozygous single base pair substitution in POLE1 (polymerase ε 1), encoding the catalytic subunit of Polε, caused facial dysmorphism, immunodeficiency, livedo, and short stature (“FILS syndrome”) in a large, consanguineous family. The mutation resulted in alternative splicing in the conserved region of intron 34, which strongly decreased protein expression of Polε1 and also to a lesser extent the Polε2 subunit. We observed impairment in proliferation and G1- to S-phase progression in patients’ T lymphocytes. Polε1 depletion also impaired G1- to S-phase progression in B lymphocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts. Our results evidence the developmental impact of a Polε catalytic subunit deficiency in humans and its causal relationship with a newly recognized, inherited disorder.
First Report of Coleus blumei viroid 5 from Coleus blumei in India and Indonesia
Authors: Jiang D. M. , Li S. F. , Fu F. H. , Wu Z. J. , Xie L. H.
Published: December 2012

Coleus blumei, which was found originally in Indonesia, is an ornamental plant grown worldwide. It can be infected by several viroids of the genus Coleviroid, family Pospiviroidae. Six main viroids that infect coleus have been reported: Coleus blumei viroid 1 through 6 (CbVd-1 ~ CbVd-6). Although CbVd-1 was first reported in a commercial coleus in Brazil in 1989 (1), and then in Germany, Japan, Canada, Korea, China, and India, CbVd-5 was reported only in China in 2009 (2). Symptoms caused by CbVd-5 varied depending on different cultivars, and in case of an unknown cultivar of “Red with dark green edge,” are very clear albino symptoms. From 2010 to 2011, 60 and 3 leaf samples of coleus were collected from Hyderabad, India, and Java, Indonesia, respectively, and subjected to low molecular weight RNA extraction according to Li et al. (3). The results of dot-blot hybridization using CbVd-5 cRNA probes and RT-PCR using CbVd-5 specific primers (CbVd-5-PF: 5′-TGACTAGAACAGTAGTAAAG-3′ / CbVd-5-PR: 5′-AATTGAGGTCAAACCTCTTT-3′) demonstrated that 28 out of the 60 samples from India and all three samples from Indonesia were positive for CbVd-5. The resulting RT-PCR fragments from one sample selected randomly from each country were cloned into the pMD18-T vector (Takara) and transformed into E. coli DH5α competent cells. Five positive clones of each sample were sequenced. The result of sequence analysis revealed that the similarities of CbVd-5 between the sequences we obtained and the reference sequence (GenBank Accession No. NC003683) were 97.8 to 100%. Bioassay using nine viroid-free coleus plants from three cultivars (three from each cultivar), inoculated with CbVd-5 infectious clones by stem slashing, demonstrated that CbVd-5 could induce albino symptom on the leaves of the unknown cultivar “Red with dark green edge” 2 months after inoculation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CbVd-5 from India and Indonesia, and the second report of CbVd-5 in the world. Considering the effect of CbVd-5 on the appearance of coleus and its recombination ability, a certification program may be needed to control the spread of this viroid.

References: (1) M. E. N. Fonseca et al. Fitopatol. Bras. 14:94, 1989. (2) W. Y. Hou et al. Arch. Virol. 154:315, 2009. (3) S. F. Li et al. Ann. Phytopathol. Soc. Jpn. 61:381, 1995.
First Report of Zebra Chip and ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’ on Potatoes in Nicaragua
Authors: Bextine B. , Arp A. , Flores E. , Aguilar E. , Lastrea L. , Gomez F. Soza , Powell C. , Rueda A.
Published: December 2012

In September 2011, potato (Solanum tuberosum) tubers grown in Nicaragua outside of Estelí and Jinotega were observed with internal discoloration suggestive of zebra chip (ZC); and the plants showed foliar symptoms of chlorosis, leaf scorching, wilting, vascular discoloration, swollen nodes, twisted stems, and aerial tubers (3). Disease incidence ranged from 50 to 95% in eight fields ranging from 5 to 12 ha in the Estelí and Jinotega regions of Nicaragua. Leaf samples and psyllids were collected from two fields, and total DNA was purified from the leaves of 17 symptomatic and 10 asymptomatic plants. DNA was also extracted from 20 individual potato psyllids. Primers specific for 16S rDNA (OA2 and OI2c) and the surface antigen gene (OMB 1482f and 2086r) of Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum (CLs) were used to confirm the presence of the pathogen in infected potatoes and insects (2). All symptomatic potato leaf samples tested positive for the presence of CLs using both primers, and no asymptomatic plants had positive results. Seven insects tested positive for the presence of CLs. 16S rDNA sequences obtained for all positive samples (1,071 bp) were identical and showed 99 to 100% identity to a number of rDNA sequences of CLs in GenBank (Accession Nos. HM246509 and FJ957897). 16S rDNA sequences from two CLs-infected plants, one from Estelí, Nicaragua (JX559779) and one from Jinotega, Nicaragua (JK559780), were deposited in GenBank. Identity of insects was done using a morphological key, and then verified as Bactericera cockerelli using a real-time PCR assay with melt temperature analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene, as described by Chapman et al. (1). Sequencing of the amplified DNA yielded an approximately 63-bp read, with 100% homology to reference sequences of B. cockerelli (AY971886) and those obtained from psyllids collected in McAllen, TX, in 2010. B. cockerelli samples were collected from both locations. Similar to previous reports of ZC in new locations, foliar and tuber symptoms associated with ZC were observed in all eight fields in these two Nicaraguan potato-growing regions, specific PCR amplification with two primer pairs was completed, 16S rDNA sequence analyses showed 100% similarity to reference sequences of CLs, and the presence of potato psyllids which tested positive for the presence of CLs provide evidence that ZC is now present in Nicaragua. Potatoes rank in the top 20 commodities produced in Nicaragua, resulting in >$4.5M annual revenue. Because CLs has caused significant economic damage to potatoes in the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras, this finding has significance for potato production in Central America.

References: (1) R. I. Chapman et al. Southwest. Entomol. 37:475, 2012. (2) J. M. Crosslin. Southwest. Entomol. 36:125, 2011. (3) L. W. Liefting et al. Internat. J. Syst. Evol. Microbiol. 59:2274, 2009.
Localization for a line defect in an infinite square lattice
Authors: Colquitt D. J. , Nieves M. J. , Jones I. S. , Movchan A. B. , Movchan N. V.
Published: December 2012

Localized defect modes generated by a finite line defect composed of several masses, embedded in an infinite square cell lattice, are analysed using the linear superposition of Green's function for a single mass defect. Several representations of the lattice Green's function are presented and discussed. The problem is reduced to an eigenvalue system and the properties of the corresponding matrix are examined in detail to yield information regarding the number of symmetric and skew-symmetric modes. Asymptotic expansions in the far field, associated with long wavelength homogenization, are presented. Asymptotic expressions for Green's function in the vicinity of the band edge are also discussed. Several examples are presented where eigenfrequencies linked to this system and the corresponding eigenmodes are computed for various defects and compared with the asymptotic expansions. The case of an infinite defect is also considered and an explicit dispersion relation is obtained. For the case when the number of masses within the line defect is large, it is shown that the range of the eigenfrequencies can be predicted using the dispersion diagram for the infinite chain.
Molecular and cellular changes associated with the evolution of novel jaw muscles in parrots
Authors: Tokita Masayoshi , Nakayama Tomoki , Schneider Richard A. , Agata Kiyokazu
Published: December 2012

Vertebrates have achieved great evolutionary success due in large part to the anatomical diversification of their jaw complex, which allows them to inhabit almost every ecological niche. While many studies have focused on mechanisms that pattern the jaw skeleton, much remains to be understood about the origins of novelty and diversity in the closely associated musculature. To address this issue, we focused on parrots, which have acquired two anatomically unique jaw muscles: the ethmomandibular and the pseudomasseter. In parrot embryos, we observe distinct and highly derived expression patterns forScx,Bmp4,Tgfβ2andSix2in neural crest-derived mesenchyme destined to form jaw muscle connective tissues. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis reveals that cell proliferation is more active in the cells within the jaw muscle than in surrounding connective tissue cells. This biased and differentially regulated mode of cell proliferation in cranial musculoskeletal tissues may allow these unusual jaw muscles to extend towards their new attachment sites. We conclude that the alteration of neural crest-derived connective tissue distribution during development may underlie the spatial changes in jaw musculoskeletal architecture found only in parrots. Thus, parrots provide valuable insights into molecular and cellular mechanisms that may generate evolutionary novelties with functionally adaptive significance.
Secure data sharing across portals: experiences from OneVRE
Authors: Turner Martin , Jones Michael , Poschen Meik , Procter Rob , Rowley Andrew , Schiebeck Tobias
Published: December 2012

Research and higher education are facing an on-going transformation of practice resulting in the need for effective collaboration and sharing of resources within and across disciplinary and geographical boundaries. Portal technologies and portal-based virtual research and learning environments (VREs and VLEs) already have become standard infrastructures within a large number of research communities and institutions. From 2004, a series of research and development projects began to ask the question whether an open source videoconferencing and collaboration system could be used as a complete, or as a part of, VRE. This study presents the evolution of these projects and at the same time, describes the definition of a VRE and their future possible integration. The OneVRE portlet integration project attempted to create missing components, including adding secure and universal identity management. This moves the idea of shared data to a different level by creating a new administrative domain that is outside the control of a single local institution portal and resolves certain administrative virtual organizations problems. We explain some of the hurdles that still need to be overcome to make this venture truly successful, when a complete toolkit can be designed for the researcher of the future.
RAPPORT: running scientific high-performance computing applications on the cloud
Authors: Cohen Jeremy , Filippis Ioannis , Woodbridge Mark , Bauer Daniela , Chue Hong Neil , Jackson Mike , Butcher Sarah , Colling David , Darlington John , Fuchs Brian , Harvey Matt
Published: December 2012

Cloud computing infrastructure is now widely used in many domains, but one area where there has been more limited adoption is research computing, in particular for running scientific high-performance computing (HPC) software. The Robust Application Porting for HPC in the Cloud (RAPPORT) project took advantage of existing links between computing researchers and application scientists in the fields of bioinformatics, high-energy physics (HEP) and digital humanities, to investigate running a set of scientific HPC applications from these domains on cloud infrastructure. In this paper, we focus on the bioinformatics and HEP domains, describing the applications and target cloud platforms. We conclude that, while there are many factors that need consideration, there is no fundamental impediment to the use of cloud infrastructure for running many types of HPC applications and, in some cases, there is potential for researchers to benefit significantly from the flexibility offered by cloud platforms.
Scalable and responsive event processing in the cloud
Authors: Suresh Visalakshmi , Ezhilchelvan Paul , Watson Paul
Published: December 2012

Event processing involves continuous evaluation of queries over streams of events. Response-time optimization is traditionally done over a fixed set of nodes and/or by using metrics measured at query-operator levels. Cloud computing makes it easy to acquire and release computing nodes as required. Leveraging this flexibility, we propose a novel, queueing-theory-based approach for meeting specified response-time targets against fluctuating event arrival rates by drawing only the necessary amount of computing resources from a cloud platform. In the proposed approach, the entire processing engine of a distinct query is modelled as an atomic unit for predicting response times. Several such units hosted on a single node are modelled as a multiple class M/G/1 system. These aspects eliminate intrusive, low-level performance measurements at run-time, and also offer portability and scalability. Using model-based predictions, cloud resources are efficiently used to meet response-time targets. The efficacy of the approach is demonstrated through cloud-based experiments.
In vitro antimicrobial sperm protection by an ejaculate‐like substance
Authors: Otti Oliver , McTighe Aimee P. , Reinhardt Klaus
Published: December 2012

Ejaculate substances are hugely diverse among and within species. The functional significance of this diversity has been little studied except for a few accessory gland proteins. These studies suggest that ejaculate components evolve mainly by sexual selection, that is, sperm competition, male–female co‐evolution or by female choice for paternal investment. However, male benefits of protecting sperm from microbial harm, that is, antimicrobial ejaculate protection, has received little attention in the evolutionary literature, while it has been discussed in the human and livestock literature.

Here, we examine in the common bedbug, Cimex lectularius, the two basic components of the antimicrobial ejaculate protection hypothesis: 1) microbes damage sperm cells and 2) antimicrobial ejaculate substances prevent such microbe‐induced sperm damage. We found that environmental microbes, which are sexually transmitted in bedbugs, induce sperm mortality. Sperm mortality was high (increased 40% compared with controls without bacteria) and very rapid (within 10 min) in vitro. Consistent with the antimicrobial sperm protection hypothesis, a lysozyme dose equivalent to the amount of antibacterial lysozyme‐like activity that is transferred in the seminal fluid during a single mating was sufficient to reduce sperm mortality to control levels.

While this result is not necessarily predicted by the paternal investment hypothesis, it is plausible that female benefits of male immune substances may evolve under the male–female co‐evolution hypothesis. We found that weekly physiological lysozyme doses equivalent to the observed lysozyme‐like activity in seminal fluid benefit females to some extent, indicating that immune‐active ejaculate substances may have a secondary gift function and may release females from a trade‐off between reproduction and immunity. Lysozyme seems to stimulate early egg‐laying above the female optimum and later cause earlier reproductive senescence, which is not consistent with the idea of an overall direct benefit but is consistent with the idea that males transfer manipulative substances to the females.

Our data are consistent with antimicrobial sperm protection. They support the idea of a naturally selected origin of ejaculate components and provide a mechanistically well‐defined pathway how sexual selection can affect ejaculate composition via antimicrobial sperm protection. As sperm and microbes frequently encounter each other in many species, antimicrobial sperm protection may be a common phenomenon and has the potential to inform models of male and female co‐evolution and biological diversification.
Experience Curves as an Organizing Framework for Deliberate Practice in Emergency Medicine Learning
Authors: Pusic Martin V. , Kessler David , Szyld Demian , Kalet Adina , Pecaric Martin , Boutis Kathy
Published: December 2012

Deliberate practice is an important skill‐training strategy in emergency medicine (EM) education. Learning curves display the relationship between practice and proficiency. Forgetting curves show the opposite, and demonstrate how skill decays over time when it is not reinforced. Using examples of published studies of deliberate practice in EM we list the properties of learning and forgetting curves and suggest how they can be combined to create experience curves: a longitudinal representation of the relationship between practice, skill acquisition, and decay over time. This framework makes explicit the need to avoid a piecemeal, episodic approach to skill practice and assessment in favor of more emphasis on what can be done to improve durability of competence over time. The authors highlight the implications for both educators and education researchers.
A randomized controlled trial of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy for bipolar disorder
Authors: Perich T. , Manicavasagar V. , Mitchell P. B. , Ball J. R. , Hadzi‐Pavlovic D.
Published: December 2012

Objective

To compare the efficacy of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) plus treatment as usual (TAU) to TAU alone for patients with bipolar disorder over a 12‐month follow‐up period.

Method

Participants with a DSM‐IV diagnosis of bipolar disorder were randomly allocated to either MBCT plus TAU or TAU alone. Primary outcome measures were time to recurrence of a DSM‐IV major depressive, hypomanic or manic episode; the Montgomery‐Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS); and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS). Secondary outcome measures were number of recurrences, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).

Results

Ninety‐five participants with bipolar disorder were recruited to the study (MBCT = 48; TAU = 47). Intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis found no significant differences between the groups on either time to first recurrence of a mood episode or total number of recurrences over the 12‐month period. Furthermore, there were no significant between‐group differences on the MADRS or YMRS scales. A significant between‐group difference was found in STAI – state anxiety scores. There was a significant treatment by time interaction for the DAS – achievement subscale.

Conclusion

While MBCT did not lead to significant reductions in time to depressive or hypo/manic relapse, total number of episodes, or mood symptom severity at 12‐month follow‐up, there was some evidence for an effect on anxiety symptoms. This finding suggests a potential role of MBCT in reducing anxiety comorbid with bipolar disorder.
Role of ventral subiculum in context‐induced reinstatement of heroin seeking in rats
Authors: Bossert Jennifer M. , Stern Anna L.
Published: December 2012

In rats, reexposure to heroin‐paired contexts after extinction of lever responding in a different context reinstates heroin seeking. Previous reports indicate that ventral hippocampus/Ca1 region plays a critical role in cocaine‐, cue‐ and context‐induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking. Here, we examined whether ventral subiculum, the output region of ventral hippocampus, is involved in context‐induced reinstatement of heroin seeking. We found that reversible inactivation of ventral subiculum, but not posterior Ca1, with the gamma‐aminobutyric acid agonists muscimol + baclofen decreased context‐induced reinstatement of heroin seeking. Our findings, together with previous studies on cocaine seeking, indicate a critical role of ventral subiculum in context‐induced relapse across drug classes.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among illicit psychostimulant users: a hidden disorder?
Authors: Kaye Sharlene , Darke Shane , Torok Michelle
Published: December 2012

Aims

To estimate the prevalence, nature and correlates of symptomatology consistent with adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among illicit psychostimulant users.

Design

Cross‐section survey.

Setting

Sydney, Australia.

Participants

269 regular illicit psychostimulant users.

Measurements

Structured interview assessing demographics, drug use and treatment history, psychostimulant dependence and self‐reported symptoms consistent with adult ADHD.

Findings

Almost half (45%) screened positive for adult ADHD (ADHD+). Symptoms of inattention (90%) were more prevalent than symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity (57%). Of those who screened positive for adult ADHD, only 17% had received a prior diagnosis of ADHD. The ADHD+ group differed from other participants in several respects: an earlier initiation of substance use and injecting drug use; more extensive polydrug use; a higher frequency of recent stimulant use and injecting drug use; a greater likelihood of stimulant dependence; and a greater likelihood of having received treatment for drug dependence. After controlling for other factors, screening positive for ADHD was associated independently with fewer years of education, earlier initiation of regular tobacco use and more extensive life‐time polydrug use.

Conclusions

Clinicians should be aware of the potential for patients of drug and alcohol treatment services to have undiagnosed and/or untreated ADHD that may impact on their compliance with, and retention in, treatment.
The formation of a failed continental breakup basin: The Cenozoic development of the Faroe‐Shetland Basin
Authors: Fletcher Rosie , Kusznir Nick , Roberts Alan , Hunsdale Robert
Published: December 2012

Ultra‐large rift basins, which may represent palaeo‐propagating rift tips ahead of continental rupture, provide an opportunity to study the processes that cause continental lithosphere thinning and rupture at an intermediate stage. One such rift basin is the Faroe‐Shetland Basin (FSB) on the north‐east Atlantic margin. To determine the mode and timing of thinning of the FSB, we have quantified apparent upper crustal β‐factors (stretching factors) from fault heaves and apparent whole‐lithosphere β‐factors by flexural backstripping and decompaction. These observations are compared with models of rift basin formation to determine the mode and timing of thinning of the FSB. We find that the Late Jurassic to Late Palaeocene (pre‐Atlantic) history of the FSB can be explained by a Jurassic to Cretaceous depth‐uniform lithosphere thinning event with a β‐factor of ~1.3 followed by a Late Palaeocene transient regional uplift of 450–550 m. However, post‐Palaeocene subsidence in the FSB of more than 1.9 km indicates that a Palaeocene rift with a β‐factor of more than 1.4 occurred, but there is only minor Palaeocene or post‐Palaeocene faulting (upper crustal β‐factors of less than 1.1). The subsidence is too localized within the FSB to be caused by a regional mantle anomaly. To resolve the β‐factor discrepancy, we propose that the lithospheric mantle and lower crust experienced a greater degree of thinning than the upper crust. Syn‐breakup volcanism within the FSB suggests that depth‐dependent thinning was synchronous with continental breakup at the adjacent Faroes and Møre margins. We suggest that depth‐dependent continental lithospheric thinning can result from small‐scale convection that thins the lithosphere along multiple offset axes prior to continental rupture, leaving a failed breakup basin once seafloor spreading begins. This study provides insight into the structure and formation of a generic global class of ultra‐large rift basins formed by failed continental breakup.
Developmental markers of risk or vulnerability? Young females who sexually abuse – characteristics, backgrounds, behaviours and outcomes
Authors: Masson Helen , Hackett Simon , Phillips Josie , Balfe Myles
Published: December 2012

This paper presents findings from a subsample of 24 young females aged 8–16 years who were referred to specialist services in England during the 1990s because of their abusive sexual behaviours. The characteristics, backgrounds and behaviours of the sample are summarized and compared both with the males in the total population studied and with findings from the limited international literature on young female sexual abusers. Key findings include the higher rates of sexual victimization amongst females, their lack of prior criminal convictions, their somewhat younger ages at referral and their fewer victims. A smaller selection of case studies is used to illustrate the range of circumstances and behaviours leading to referral. Follow‐up interviews with two female ex service users, who are now in young adulthood, indicate that their childhood sexually abusive behaviour is more a marker of vulnerability than of risk of abusive behaviour in adulthood. Their struggles now as parents, in adult relationships and their ongoing health difficulties are outlined.
Religion and parenting: ignored relationship?
Authors: Godina Lidija
Published: December 2012

Even though the social work profession has been increasingly sensitized to the spiritual needs of those that they are working with, recent history has demonstrated that professionals lack the knowledge and skills needed for understanding those who are subscribing to strong religious beliefs. The research reported in this paper draws on a qualitative study that examined the perceived caregiving practice of parents from the Seventh‐day Adventist faith community associated with the conservative Protestant sub‐culture. Twenty‐five participants aged 20–50 were invited to recall their experiences of being reared by practicing Adventist parents in the UK. An integrative phenomenological analysis yielded a number of themes that shed light on the relationship between religion and parenting. This paper will focus on the three key ideas that emerged: parenting was influenced by beliefs that parents held; a combination of warm and strict parenting was found with some evidence of stricter upbringing amongst black respondents; responses to parenting reported varied between acceptance and discomfort. The study gave valuable insight into individuals' experiences of a religious upbringing received within a secular environment.
Endothelial Progenitor Cells: Therapeutic Perspective for Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zhao Yu‐Hui , Yuan Bin , Chen Ji , Feng De‐Hui , Zhao Bin , Qin Chao , Chen Yan‐Fang
Published: December 2012

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which can be cultured in vitro from mononuclear cells in peripheral blood or bone marrow, express both hematopoietic stem cell and endothelial cell markers on their surface. They are believed to participate in endothelial repair and postnatal angiogenesis due to their abilities of differentiating into endothelial cells and secreting protective cytokines and growth factors. Mounting evidence suggests that circulating EPCs are reduced and dysfunctional in various diseases including hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, and ischemic stroke. Therefore, EPCs have been documented to be a potential biomarker for vascular diseases and a hopeful candidate for regenerative medicine. Ischemic stroke, as the major cause of disability and death, still has limited therapeutics based on the approaches of vascular recanalization or neuronal protection. Emerging evidence indicates that transplantation of EPCs is beneficial for the recovery of ischemic cerebral injury. EPC‐based therapy could open a new avenue for ischemic cerebrovascular disease. Currently, clinical trials for evaluating EPC transfusion in treating ischemic stroke are underway. In this review, we summarize the general conceptions and the characteristics of EPCs, and highlight the recent research developments on EPCs. More importantly, the rationale, perspectives, and strategies for using them to treat ischemic stroke will be discussed.
Fish and hydropower on the U.S. Atlantic coast: failed fisheries policies from half‐way technologies
Authors: Brown J. Jed , Limburg Karin E. , Waldman John R. , Stephenson Kurt , Glenn Edward P. , Juanes Francis , Jordaan Adrian
Published: December 2012

Globally, diadromous species are at risk from fragmentation by damming of rivers, and a host of other anthropogenic factors. On the United States Atlantic Coast, where diadromous fish populations have undergone dramatic declines, restoration programs based on fishway construction and hatcheries have sustained remnant populations, but large‐scale restoration has not been achieved. We examine anadromous fish restoration programs on three large Atlantic Coast rivers, the Susquehanna, Connecticut, and Merrimack with multiple mainstem hydropower dams, most with relatively low generating capacity. Mean passage efficiencies through fishways on these rivers from the first dam to the spawning grounds for American shad are less than 3%. The result is that only small fractions of targeted fish species are able to complete migrations. It may be time to admit failure of fish passage and hatchery‐based restoration programs and acknowledge that significant diadromous species restoration is not possible without dam removals. The approach being employed on the Penobscot River, where dams are being removed or provided the opportunity to increase power generation within a plan to provide increased access to habitat, offers a good model for restoration. Dammed Atlantic Coastal rivers offer a cautionary tale for developing nations intent on hydropower development, suggesting that lasting ecosystem‐wide impacts cannot be compensated for through fish passage and hatchery technology.
Impact of recipient age on whole organ pancreas transplantation
Authors: Shah Ashesh P. , Mangus Richard S. , Powelson John A. , Samy Kannan P. , Taber Tim E. , Goble Michelle L. , Fridell Jonathan A.
Published: December 2012

Aim

The goal of this study was to assess the impact of recipient age on post‐transplant outcome.

Methods

All pancreas transplants performed at Indiana University between 2003 and 2011 were reviewed. Demographic data were compared using standard chi‐square and ANOVA testing. Standard Cox regression survival analysis was performed using a direct entry method for covariates.

Results

Patients (n = 405) were divided by decade: <30 yr (n = 37), 30–39 (n = 109), 40–49 (n = 156), 50–59 (n = 85), and ≥60 yr of age (n = 18). Group demographics did not differ except for median ischemia time, which was between 7.0 and 8.5 h (p = 0.02). Early graft loss and one yr graft and patient survival were similar between the groups. Long‐term patient survival demonstrated a trend toward decreased five‐yr survival with increasing recipient age (p = NS). Graft survival at five yr by Cox regression was the lowest for the <30 yr group (74%), while all other groups were similar around 80% (p = NS).

Conclusion

No statistically significant differences in pancreas transplant outcomes were demonstrated when recipients were stratified by recipient age. These results suggest that older recipients can successfully undergo pancreas transplantation and expect five‐yr outcomes similar to those seen in younger recipients.
Thick legs – not always lipedema
Authors: Reich‐Schupke Stefanie , Altmeyer Peter , Stücker Markus
Published: December 2012

Due to its increased presence in the press and on television, the diagnosis of lipedema is on the way to becoming a trendy diagnosis for those with thick legs. Despite this, one must recognize that lipedema is a very rare disease. It is characterized by disproportional obesity of the extremities, especially in the region of the hip and the legs, hematoma development after minimal trauma, and increased pressure‐induced or spontaneous pain. Aids for making the correct diagnosis are (duplex) sonography, the waist‐hip index or the waist‐height index and lymphoscintigraphy. Important differential diagnoses are constitutional variability of the legs, lipohypertrophy in obesity, edema in immobility, edema in chronic venous insufficiency and rheumatic diseases.

The symptom‐based therapy of lipedema consists of conservative (compression, manual lymphatic drainage, exercise) and surgical treatments (liposuction). Until now there is no curative therapy. Obesity is an important risk factor for the severity and prognosis of lipedema. Further studies for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of lipedema and in the end possible curative treatments are urgently needed.