bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RARα-PLZF overcomes PLZF-mediated repression of
CRABPI
, contributing to retinoid resistance in t(11;17) acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Guidez Fabien , Parks Sarah , Wong Henna , Jovanovic Jelena V. , Mays Ashley , Gilkes Amanda F. , Mills Kenneth I. , Guillemin Marie-Claude , Hobbs Robin M. , Pandolfi Pier Paolo , de Thé Hugues , Solomon Ellen , Grimwade David
Published: November 2007

Leukemia-associated chimeric oncoproteins often act as transcriptional repressors, targeting promoters of master genes involved in hematopoiesis. We show that
CRABPI
(encoding cellular retinoic acid binding protein I) is a target of PLZF, which is fused to RARα by the t(11;17)(q23;q21) translocation associated with retinoic acid (RA)-resistant acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). PLZF represses the
CRABPI
locus through propagation of chromatin condensation from a remote intronic binding element culminating in silencing of the promoter. Although the canonical, PLZF-RARα oncoprotein has no impact on PLZF-mediated repression, the reciprocal translocation product RARα-PLZF binds to this remote binding site, recruiting p300, inducing promoter hypomethylation and
CRABPI
gene up-regulation. In line with these observations, RA-resistant murine PLZF/RARα+RARα/PLZF APL blasts express much higher levels of CRABPI than standard RA-sensitive PML/RARα APL. RARα-PLZF confers RA resistance to a retinoid-sensitive acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell line in a CRABPI-dependent fashion. This study supports an active role for PLZF and RARα-PLZF in leukemogenesis, identifies up-regulation of CRABPI as a mechanism contributing to retinoid resistance, and reveals the ability of the reciprocal fusion gene products to mediate distinct epigenetic effects contributing to the leukemic phenotype.
Structure of PlcR: Insights into virulence regulation and evolution of quorum sensing in Gram-positive bacteria
Authors: Declerck Nathalie , Bouillaut Laurent , Chaix Denis , Rugani Nathalie , Slamti Leyla , Hoh François , Lereclus Didier , Arold Stefan T.
Published: November 2007

Gram-positive bacteria use a wealth of extracellular signaling peptides, so-called autoinducers, to regulate gene expression according to population densities. These “quorum sensing” systems control vital processes such as virulence, sporulation, and gene transfer. Using x-ray analysis, we determined the structure of PlcR, the major virulence regulator of the
Bacillus cereus
group, and obtained mechanistic insights into the effects of autoinducer binding. Our structural and phylogenetic analysis further suggests that all of those quorum sensors that bind directly to their autoinducer peptide derive from a common ancestor and form a single family (the RNPP family, for Rap/NprR/PlcR/PrgX) with conserved features. As a consequence, fundamentally different processes in different bacterial genera appear regulated by essentially the same autoinducer recognition mechanism. Our results shed light on virulence control by PlcR and elucidate origin and evolution of multicellular behavior in bacteria.
Epithelial NF-κB activation promotes urethane-induced lung carcinogenesis
Authors: Stathopoulos Georgios T. , Sherrill Taylor P. , Cheng Dong-Sheng , Scoggins Robert M. , Han Wei , Polosukhin Vasiliy V. , Connelly Linda , Yull Fiona E. , Fingleton Barbara , Blackwell Timothy S.
Published: November 2007

Chronic inflammation is linked to carcinogenesis in several organ systems. In the lungs, NF-κB, a central effector of inflammatory responses, is frequently activated in non-small-cell lung cancer, but its role in tumor promotion has not been studied. Several lines of evidence indicate that ethyl carbamate (urethane)-induced lung tumor formation, a prototypical mouse model of multistage lung carcinogenesis, is potentiated by inflammation. We found that mouse strains susceptible to lung tumor formation (FVB, BALB/c) exhibited early NF-κB activation and inflammation in the lungs after urethane treatment. However, a resistant strain (C57B6) failed to activate NF-κB or induce lung inflammation. In FVB mice, we identified urethane-induced NF-κB activation in airway epithelium, as well as type II alveolar epithelial cells and macrophages. Using an inducible transgenic mouse model (FVB strain) to express a dominant inhibitor of NF-κB specifically in airway epithelial cells, we found that urethane-induced lung inflammation was blocked and tumor formation was reduced by >50%. Selective NF-κB inhibition resulted in increased apoptosis of airway epithelial cells at 2 weeks after urethane treatment in association with a marked reduction of Bcl-2 expression. These studies indicate that NF-κB signaling in airway epithelium is integral to tumorigenesis in the urethane model and identify the NF-κB pathway as a potential target for chemoprevention of lung cancer.
B1500, a small membrane protein, connects the two-component systems EvgS/EvgA and PhoQ/PhoP in
Escherichia coli
Authors: Eguchi Yoko , Itou Junji , Yamane Masatake , Demizu Ryo , Yamato Fumiyuki , Okada Ario , Mori Hirotada , Kato Akinori , Utsumi Ryutaro
Published: November 2007

Two-component signal-transduction systems (TCSs) of bacteria are considered to form an intricate signal network to cope with various environmental stresses. One example of such a network in
Escherichia coli
is the signal transduction cascade from the EvgS/EvgA system to the PhoQ/PhoP system, where activation of the EvgS/EvgA system promotes expression of PhoP-activated genes. As a factor connecting this signal transduction cascade, we have identified a small inner membrane protein (65 aa), B1500. Expression of the
b1500
gene is directly regulated by the EvgS/EvgA system, and
b1500
expression from a heterologous promoter simultaneously activated the expression of
mgtA
and other PhoP regulon genes. This activation was PhoQ/PhoP-dependent and EvgS/EvgA-independent. Furthermore, deletion of
b1500
from an EvgS-activated strain suppressed
mgtA
expression. B1500 is localized in the inner membrane, and bacterial two-hybrid data showed that B1500 formed a complex with the sensor PhoQ. These results indicate that the small membrane protein, B1500, connected the signal transduction between EvgS/EvgA and PhoQ/PhoP systems by directly interacting with PhoQ, thus activating the PhoQ/PhoP system.
A distinct mechanism regulating a pollen-specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor for the small GTPase Rop in
Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zhang Yan , McCormick Sheila
Published: November 2007

Rop/Rac small GTPases are central to diverse developmental and cellular activities in plants, playing an especially important role in polar growth of pollen tubes. Although it is established that a class of plant-specific RopGEFs promotes the activity of Rop/Rac through the catalytic PRONE (
P
lant-specific
Ro
p
n
ucleotide
e
xchanger) domain, not much is known about how RopGEF function is controlled to allow a spatiotemporally regulated Rop activity. To understand such a process in pollen, we performed functional analysis with a pollen-specific RopGEF, AtRopGEF12. Overexpression of AtRopGEF12 had minimal phenotypic effects, whereas overexpression of a C-terminally truncated version disturbed tube growth, suggesting that the C terminus was inhibitory to GEF function. In contrast to non-pollen-expressed RopGEFs, pollen-expressed RopGEFs have conserved C termini. A phospho-mimicking mutation at an invariant serine within the C terminus of AtRopGEF12 resulted in loss of the C-terminal inhibition, suggesting that phosphorylation regulates GEF activity
in vivo
. The PRONE domain of AtRopGEF12 (PRONE12) was not sufficient to induce isotropic tube growth. We used mbSUS to show that AtRopGEF12 interacts with an
Arabidopsis
pollen receptor kinase AtPRK2a through its C terminus, and BiFC to show that they interact in pollen tubes. Coexpression of AtRopGEF12 and AtPRK2a caused isotropic growth reminiscent of that seen upon overexpression of a constitutively active (CA) Rop. Coexpression of AtPRK2a with an N-terminally truncated AtRopGEF12 did not induce isotropic growth, indicating a positive role for the N-terminal domain. Our results suggest a mechanism by which the noncatalytic domains of pollen-specific/enriched RopGEFs regulate PRONE function, leading to polarized pollen tube growth.
Developmental regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 and prolyl-hydroxylases in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Resnik Ernesto R. , Herron Jean M. , Lyu Shu-Chen , Cornfield David N.
Published: November 2007

The transcriptional machinery involved in the transition of an infant from intrauterine to air-breathing life is developmentally regulated, as the fetus and adult manifest differential genetic expression. The low oxygen (O
2
) environment of the mammalian fetus and the increase in O
2
tension that occurs at birth may account for the developmentally regulated alterations in gene expression. We tested the hypothesis that hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) expression, an O
2
-sensitive transcription factor, is developmentally regulated. We found that in fetal pulmonary artery (PA) smooth muscle cells (SMC), fetal HIF-1 protein levels were O
2
-insensitive, whereas in adult PA SMC, hypoxia increased HIF-1 protein expression. Surprisingly, hypoxia increased HIF-1 mRNA expression in fetal, but not in adult, PA SMC. HIF-1 degradation and transcriptional activity is contingent on prolyl- and asparagyl-hydroxylases. To determine whether developmental differences in O
2
sensitivity or expression of these enzymes accounts for the divergence of HIF-1 sensitivity between fetus and adult, we studied the expression of the three most well characterized prolyl-hydroxylases, PHD1, PHD2, and PHD3, and the expression of regulators of HIF-1 transcriptional activity, asparagyl-hydroxylase, factor inhibiting HIF, and the oncogenic factor, CITED2 (CREB-binding protein/p300 interacting transactivator with ED-rich tail). We found that, as in the case of HIF-1, these genes are differentially regulated in the fetus, enabling the mammalian fetus to thrive in the low O
2
tension intrauterine environment even while rendering a newborn infant uniquely well adapted to respond to the acute increase in O
2
tension that occurs at birth.
The anomalous behavior of the density of water in the range 30 K <
T
< 373 K
Authors: Mallamace Francesco , Branca Caterina , Broccio Matteo , Corsaro Carmelo , Mou Chung-Yuan , Chen Sow-Hsin
Published: November 2007

The temperature dependence of the density of water, ρ(
T
), is obtained by means of optical scattering data, Raman and Fourier transform infrared, in a very wide temperature range, 30 <
T
< 373 K. This interval covers three regions: the thermodynamically stable liquid phase, the metastable supercooled phase, and the low-density amorphous solid phase, at very low
T
. From analyses of the profile of the OH stretching spectra, we determine the fractional weight of the two main spectral components characterized by two different local hydrogen bond structures. They are, as predicted by the liquid–liquid phase transition hypothesis of liquid water, the low- and the high-density liquid phases. We evaluate contributions to the density of these two phases and thus are able to calculate the absolute density of water as a function of
T
. We observe in ρ(
T
) a complex thermal behavior characterized not only by the well known maximum in the stable liquid phase at
T
= 277 K, but also by a well defined minimum in the deeply supercooled region at 203 ± 5 K, in agreement with suggestions from molecular dynamics simulations.
A human Na
+
/H
+
antiporter sharing evolutionary origins with bacterial NhaA may be a candidate gene for essential hypertension
Authors: Xiang Minghui , Feng Mingye , Muend Sabina , Rao Rajini
Published: November 2007

Phylogenetic analysis of the cation/proton antiporter superfamily has uncovered a previously unknown clade of genes in metazoan genomes, including two previously uncharacterized human isoforms, NHA1 and NHA2, found in tandem on human chromosome 4. The NHA (sodium hydrogen antiporter) family members share significant sequence similarity with
Escherichia coli
NhaA, including a conserved double aspartate motif in predicted transmembrane 5. We show that HsNHA2 (
Homo sapiens
NHA2) resides on the plasma membrane and, in polarized MDCK cells, localizes to the apical domain. Analysis of mouse tissues indicates that NHA2 is ubiquitous. When expressed in the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
lacking endogenous cation/proton antiporters and pumps, HsNHA2 can confer tolerance to Li
+
and Na
+
ions but not to K
+
. HsNHA2 transformants accumulated less Li
+
than the salt-sensitive host; however, mutagenic replacement of the conserved aspartates abolished all observed phenotypes. Functional complementation by HsNHA2 was insensitive to amiloride, a characteristic inhibitor of plasma membrane sodium hydrogen exchanger isoforms, but was inhibited by phloretin. These are hallmarks of sodium–lithium countertransport activity, a highly heritable trait correlating with hypertension. Our findings raise the possibility that NHA genes may contribute to sodium–lithium countertransport activity and salt homeostasis in humans.
Anyonic braiding in optical lattices
Authors: Zhang Chuanwei , Scarola V. W. , Tewari Sumanta , Das Sarma S.
Published: November 2007

Topological quantum states of matter, both Abelian and non-Abelian, are characterized by excitations whose wavefunctions undergo nontrivial statistical transformations as one excitation is moved (braided) around another. Topological quantum computation proposes to use the topological protection and the braiding statistics of a non-Abelian topological state to perform quantum computation. The enormous technological prospect of topological quantum computation provides new motivation for experimentally observing a topological state. Here, we explicitly work out a realistic experimental scheme to create and braid the Abelian topological excitations in the Kitaev model built on a tunable robust system, a cold atom optical lattice. We also demonstrate how to detect the key feature of these excitations: their braiding statistics. Observation of this statistics would directly establish the existence of anyons, quantum particles that are neither fermions nor bosons. In addition to establishing topological matter, the experimental scheme we develop here can also be adapted to a non-Abelian topological state, supported by the same Kitaev model but in a different parameter regime, to eventually build topologically protected quantum gates.
Protection against simian/human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) 89.6P in macaques after coimmunization with SHIV antigen and IL-15 plasmid
Authors: Boyer Jean D. , Robinson Tara M. , Kutzler Michele A. , Vansant Gordon , Hokey David A. , Kumar Sanjeev , Parkinson Rose , Wu Ling , Sidhu Maninder K. , Pavlakis George N. , Felber Barbara K. , Brown Charles , Silvera Peter , Lewis Mark G. , Monforte Joseph , Waldmann Thomas A. , Eldridge John , Weiner David B.
Published: November 2007

The cell-mediated immune profile induced by a recombinant DNA vaccine was assessed in the simian/HIV (SHIV) and macaque model. The vaccine strategy included coimmunization of a DNA-based vaccine alone or in combination with an optimized plasmid encoding macaque IL-15 (pmacIL-15). We observed strong induction of vaccine-specific IFN-γ-producing CD8+and CD4+effector T cells in the vaccination groups. Animals were subsequently challenged with 89.6p. The vaccine groups were protected from ongoing infection, and the IL-15 covaccinated group showed a more rapidly controlled infection than the group treated with DNA vaccine alone. Lymphocytes isolated from the group covaccinated with pmacIL-15 had higher cellular proliferative responses than lymphocytes isolated from the macaques that received SHIV DNA alone. Vaccine antigen activation of lymphocytes was also studied for a series of immunological molecules. Although mRNA for IFN-γ was up-regulated after antigen stimulation, the inflammatory molecules IL-8 and MMP-9 were down-regulated. These observed immune profiles are potentially reflective of the ability of the different groups to control SHIV replication. This study demonstrates that an optimized IL-15 immune adjuvant delivered with a DNA vaccine can impact the cellular immune profile in nonhuman primates and lead to enhanced suppression of viral replication.
Clonogenic mast cell progenitors and their excess numbers in chimeric BALB/c mice with inactivated GATA-1
Authors: Metcalf Donald , Majewski Ian , Mifsud Sandra , Di Rago Ladina , Alexander Warren S.
Published: November 2007

In agar cultures of marrow cells from adult female BALB/c chimeric GATA-1
Plt13/+
mice, a high frequency of unusual dispersed colonies was noted. Analysis showed that these were colonies of mast cells and that mast cell colony-forming cells (progenitors) could be detected in clonal cultures of adult marrow, neonatal marrow, or fetal liver if the combined stimulus of stem cell factor and interleukin-3 was used. Mast cell progenitors were in active cell cycle and showed an extensive capacity for self-generation. Mast cell colonies both from control GATA-1
+/+
mice and GATA-1
Plt13/+
mice could generate growth factor-dependent cloned cell lines that grew for >18 months. Surprisingly, the majority of the excessive numbers of mast cell progenitors in chimeric GATA-1
Plt13/+
mice were transcribing the inactive Plt13 allele of GATA-1, suggesting that GATA-1 normally acts to restrict the emergence of committed mast cell progenitors. In sharp contrast, all eosinophil progenitors in these mice were transcribing the normal GATA-1 allele. No excess tissue mast cells were observed in GATA-1
Plt13/+
mice, suggesting that the excess mast cell progenitors in these mice might be generating mast cells with a defective
in vivo
proliferative or tissue homing capacity.
Health-Related Quality of Life in Methylphenidate-Treated Children with Attention-Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder: Results from a Taiwanese Sample
Authors: Yang Pinchen , Hsu Hsiu-Yi , Chiou Shyh-Shin , Chao Mei-Chyn
Published: November 2007

Objective: Attention-deficit–hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neuropsychiatric disorder of childhood. The purpose of the present study was to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQL) in methylphenidate-treated school-age children with ADHD as compared with healthy children in a Taiwanese population.

Methods: Subjects were 6–15 years of age with ADHD who were currently receiving methylphenidate treatment (total n = 119). Subjects were compared to 129 healthy children recruited from the community. Child Health Questionnaire Parent Form-50 (CHQ-PF-50), a functional health status measure of HRQL was arranged for parents to complete. Disease-related variables were analysed to determine their relationship and predictive power with HRQL of children.

Results: The HRQL of methylphenidate-treated children with ADHD was rated worse than that of community children in all the psychosocial subscales and the Psychosocial Summary Score of CHQ-PF-50. In addition, the problems of ADHD children interfered with family activities and family cohesion significantly. Moreover, improvement of ADHD core symptoms after medication treatment predicted higher psychosocial functioning. This effect was independent of children's current age, age receiving diagnosis, age starting and duration of medication treatment but was not independent of ADHD comorbidity.

Conclusion: This study may serve as one of the cross-cultural validations of ADHD as a common concern for children and families worldwide. After methylphenidate treatment, parents of Taiwanese children with ADHD still reported them to have poorer health outcomes than control children across almost all domains of HRQL. Improvement of HRQL should be integrated in the overall treatment plan for children with ADHD.
Reasons why Young Adults do or do not Seek help for Alcohol Problems
Authors: Wells J. Elisabeth , Horwood L. John , Fergusson David M.
Published: November 2007

Objective:To investigate reasons for seeking or not seeking help for alcohol problems in young adults and to report outcomes in those with problems who thought they did not need help.

Methods:A total of 1003 members of a birth cohort were interviewed at age 25 about the period since the previous interview at age 21. DSM-IV diagnoses were made from reports of alcohol problems over the previous 4 years. Treatment contact for drinking or problems associated with drinking and reasons for seeking or not seeking help were reported. Alcohol consumption was reported for the year before interview.

Results:Alcohol-specific treatment contact was uncommon: 26 of 351 with any alcohol problems made contact (7%). Even in the subgroup with alcohol dependence, only 24% made contact (13/55). Most (19/26) sought treatment because they felt they needed it. Of those with problems who did not seek help or advice, nearly all (96%) thought they did not need help. Approximately one-quarter thought the problem would get better by itself (29%) or did not think to seek help (25%). No more than 5% reported any other attitudinal or practical reason. Outcomes in the year before interview for those who thought they did not need help showed that 75% continued to experience problems and almost all drank well above guidelines at least on their heaviest drinking occasion. Only 43% had attempted to quit or cut down on their drinking.

Conclusions:Alcohol-related problems were experienced by approximately one-third of these young adults but treatment contact for these problems was uncommon. Belief in ability to handle problems oneself was often not matched by action.
Little Ice Age and neoglacial landforms at the Inland Ice margin, Isunguata Sermia, Kangerlussuaq, west Greenland
Authors: Forman Steven L. , Marín Liliana , Van Der Veen Cornelis , Tremper Catherine , Csatho Bea
Published: November 2007

Neoglacial and Little Ice Age (LIA) limits occur within 2km of the Inland Ice margin in the Kangerlussuaq area on west Greenland. The LIA limit is clearly demarcated by ice‐cored and non‐ice‐cored moraines, out‐wash surfaces and trimlines. Rhizocarpon sp. thalli of ≥16mm on these landforms indicate a 1‐2km retreat of the Inland Ice in the past c. 100 years, coincident with peripheral thinning of the ice. An older neoglacial moraine host of Rhizocarpon sp. thalli <40 mm indicates a minimum limiting age of <400 BP, whereas Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) ages on aeolian silt capping the moraine yield close limiting ages of c. 2000 BP. Aeolian silt deposition beyond neoglacial limits yields OSL ages of c. 3000 BP, potentially coeval with advance of the Inland Ice. Aeolian sedimentation and the inferred age of the moraine are coincident with pronounced cooling inferred from palaeolimnological records from west and south Greenland. This neoglacial event at c. 2000 BP is probably of similar extent to the LIA maximum, because of the paucity of preserved moraine remnants.
Role of particle size in till‐fabric characteristics: systematic variation in till fabric from Vestari‐Hagafellsjökull, Iceland
Authors: Carr Simon J. , Goddard Marc A.
Published: November 2007

Till‐fabric analysis has often been used to interpret glacier flow directions and subglacial dynamics using vector‐based statistics, but recent data suggest that such analysis may also effectively indicate former glacier dynamics. The results of a fabric investigation of subglacially strained till deposited during a surge of Vestari‐Hagafellsjökull, Iceland, are presented. Till fabric was collected at four sites within a limited area where ice‐flow direction during deposition was known from subglacial bedforms at the site. Analysis was carried out on elongate grains (axial ratio <1.5:1) at seven size fractions, with the a‐axis length ranging from 0.25 to 32 mm. The largest grains tend to be parallel to ice flow, whereas smaller grains reflect a mix of parallel and transverse orientations. The implications of these data for the role and validity of till‐fabric analysis are discussed, with reference to vector analyses and the compilation of fabric shape envelopes. It is noted that, in contrast to laboratory experimental data, neither March nor Jeffery mechanisms explain the fabric configurations reported. It is concluded that a standardized approach is necessary for collecting fabric data, and in many situations analysis of data populations at a range of particle sizes is desirable.
Origin and de‐icing of multiple generations of ice‐cored moraines at Brúarjökull, Iceland
Authors: Schomacker Anders , Kjær Kurt H.
Published: November 2007

Mature dead‐ice has been overridden repeatedly by the Brúarjökull glacier, and multiple generations of ice‐cored landforms occur, with ice cores originating at least from glacier surges in 1963‐1964, 1890 and 1810. Ice‐cores are located on the proximal slopes of end moraines and in the valleys, as ice‐cored outwash and eskers, ice‐cored drumlins and ice‐cored moraine patches. This dictates that the sediments and internal architecture might not always match their end‐products as de‐icing progresses. Analysis of multi‐temporal aerial photographs integrated with annual field measurements showed that the time required for a total de‐icing in the forefield exceeds the duration of the quiescent phases between the surges, even in the current climate at the limit of permafrost. Quantifying melting progression suggests that complete de‐icing of ice‐cored landforms is not likely to occur. The mean de‐icing rate is c. 9.8 cm/yr in 1890 ice‐cored moraines, and c. 17.7 cm/yr in 1963‐1964 ice‐cored moraines. Backwasting of ice‐cored slopes (c. 30 cm/yr) is the fastest melt process. Long‐term downwasting rates derived from multi‐temporal digital elevation models provide a superior insight into the impact of multiple glacier surges on the formation of dead‐ice moraines in front of Brúarjökull.
Stop Using Stuff: Trial of a Drug and Alcohol Intervention for Young People with Comorbid Mental Illness and Drug and Alcohol Problems
Authors: Kemp Rosalind , Harris Anthony , Vurel Erdal , Sitharthan Thiagarajan
Published: November 2007

Objective: Substance abuse is a significant problem in the treatment of young people with their first psychosis. This study reports a randomized trial of a brief manualized cognitive behavioural therapy for substance abuse in young people with psychosis.

Method: Subjects were randomized between the study treatment and a group treated as usual. Treatment was a four to six session brief cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention developed specifically for this patient group – Stop Using Stuff (SUS).

Results: Both groups improved across the trial. However, those exposed to the active treatment improved significantly on measures of the frequency of cannabis and alcohol abuse.

Conclusions: Brief interventions in substance abuse in young people with psychosis can help moderate substance use in this difficult to treat group.
The Psychiatrists Training Initiative: Developing an Educational Framework for International Medical Graduates in Rural Psychiatry
Authors: Haines Maryellen , Haines Maryellen , Oakley Browne Mark
Published: November 2007

Objective: The aim of this paper is to outline challenges and responses in providing a holistic approach to designing and delivering education to international medical graduates (IMGs) undertaking the role of consultant psychiatrists in a rural setting. This paper examines processes underpinning the educational framework with consideration to acculturation issues in Latrobe Regional Hospital's (LRH) Psychiatrists Training Initiative.

Conclusions: To engage and encourage consultant psychiatrist IMGs in an Australian rural setting, it is paramount that educational frameworks incorporate strong elements of communication skills, cross cultural communication and language, with focus on the individual and the group as part of the community.
Cricketers and Mental Health Concerns
Authors: Hundertmark James
Published: November 2007

Objective: The aim of this paper is to examine cricket history in order to illustrate some of the mental health issues present in Australia through the years.

Conclusions: Mood disorders, suicide, and drug and alcohol issues are among problems that have beset top level cricketers. A range of factors have contributed to the psychiatric problems that cricketers have encountered. Educating players may be a beneficial preventative strategy.
When Killing Isn't Murder: Psychiatric and Psychological Defences to Murder when the Insanity Defence is not Applicable
Authors: Samuels Anthony , O'Driscoll Colmán , Allnutt Stephen
Published: November 2007

Objective: This paper describes psychiatric and psychological defences to murder where the defence of insanity is not applicable. The charges of murder and manslaughter are outlined. Self-defence, sane and insane automatism, provocation, diminished responsibility, duress, necessity and novel defences are discussed.

Conclusions: The complexities of psychological and psychiatric expert evidence are highlighted as well as the fact that legal decisions are not always consistent with medical or scientific theory. It is concluded that this is a controversial and evolving area of mental health law and mental health professionals have an educative role and a responsibility to provide testimony that is supported by the best possible evidence.
The NSW Mental Health Bill 2007: Implications for the Provision of Electroconvulsive Therapy
Authors: Loo Colleen
Published: November 2007

Objective: The Mental Health Act in New South Wales (NSW) has recently been revised, resulting in the Mental Health Bill 2007, which has been submitted to the NSW Parliament to be passed as law. The new Bill includes some changes to the sections dealing with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), particularly for involuntary patients. The implications of these changes for the provision of ECT in these patients are examined in this paper.

Conclusions: New limits introduced in the Mental Health Bill 2007 may have potentially detrimental consequences for ECT therapy in involuntary patients and may inadvertently result in the provision of suboptimal ECT to these patients.
New for Old? Risperidone Long-Acting Injection in Older Patients
Authors: Hudson-Jessop Pamela , Hughes Brendan , Brinkley Neridah
Published: November 2007

Objective: To describe six older patients who were treated with risperidone long-acting injection, and to discuss the role of this medication in a psychogeriatric setting.

Method: Case series.

Results: Of the six patients trialled on risperidone long-acting injection, two remain on this treatment. Of the other four, three required a change of treatment due to a combination of adverse side-effects and non-response, and one due to adverse side-effects alone.

Conclusions: Risperidone long-acting injection may have a role to play in the management of older patients with psychotic disorders but further research is required.
Body Mass Index as a Screening Test for Metabolic Syndrome in Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorders
Authors: Tirupati Srinivasan , Chua Ling-Ern
Published: November 2007

Objective: The aim of this paper was to identify a simple screening measure for detecting metabolic syndrome (MetS) in people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders.

Method: A total of 202 patients with chronic schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders on antipsychotic medications were assessed for MetS using the criteria defined by the International Diabetes Federation. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was applied using body mass index (BMI) as the test variable for diagnosis of MetS.

Results: The prevalence of MetS was 69.3%. Logistic regression analysis identified BMI and gender as significant predictors of MetS. ROC analysis identified BMI >28.7 as the criterion value with highest accuracy in terms of specificity and sensitivity. The likelihood ratios were robust at this cut-off score. The area under the curve was 0.75.

Conclusion: BMI is a quick and easy measure, and can be used as a screening test for MetS in any clinical or community setting.
Therapists’ understandings and experiences of working with clients with problems of addiction: A pilot study using Q methodology
Authors: Shinebourne Pnina , Adams Martin
Published: November 2007

This pilot study aims to increase our understanding of therapists’ subjective attitudes, beliefs, and experiences of working with clients with problems of addiction. The study yielded useful clarifications, arising from the finding that opinions about the nature of addiction support different approaches to therapy. In addition, it seems that diverse or conflicting attitudes and beliefs are likely to impact on the ability of therapists to work together effectively. Another objective was to test the feasibility of using Q methodology in this study and more broadly in qualitative research in psychotherapy. Participants were 13 therapists from a variety of backgrounds and working in a range of agencies. Using Q methodology, four distinctive factors were identified, indicating divergent understandings of addiction. Each factor is shown to be a multifaceted construct which does not correspond to any single theory or therapeutic orientation. It is suggested that the results have significant implications for therapists’ training and supervision. In addition, this study demonstrates the capacity of Q methodology to identify commonalities and diversity in viewpoints which do not conform to a priori conceptualisations. As a pilot study, this paper invites further discussion and research.
Spatial distribution of juvenile and adult female Tanner crabs (Chionoecetes bairdi) in a glacial fjord ecosystem: implications for recruitment processes
Authors: Nielsen Julie K. , Taggart S. James , Shirley Thomas C. , Mondragon Jennifer
Published: November 2007

Nielsen, J. K., Taggart, S. J., Shirley, T. C., and Mondragon, J. 2007. Spatial distribution of juvenile and adult female Tanner crabs (Chionoecetes bairdi) in a glacial fjord ecosystem: implications for recruitment processes. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 64: 1772–1784. A systematic pot survey in Glacier Bay, Alaska, was conducted to characterize the spatial distribution of juvenile and adult female Tanner crabs, and their association with depth and temperature. The information was used to infer important recruitment processes for Tanner crabs in glaciated ecosystems. High-catch areas for juvenile and adult female Tanner crabs were identified using local autocorrelation statistics. Spatial segregation by size class corresponded to features in the glacial landscape: high-catch areas for juveniles were located at the distal ends of two narrow glacial fjords, and high-catch areas for adults were located in the open waters of the central Bay. Juvenile female Tanner crabs were found at nearly all sampled depths (15–439 m) and temperatures (4–8°C), but the biggest catches were at depths <150 m where adults were scarce. Because adults may prey on or compete with juveniles, the distribution of juveniles could be influenced by the distribution of adults. Areas where adults or predators are scarce, such as glacially influenced fjords, could serve as refuges for juvenile Tanner crabs.
Vegetative Compatibility of Fusarium graminearum Isolates and Genetic Study on Their Carbendazim-Resistance Recombination in China
Authors: Chen Yu , Wang Jian-Xin , Zhou Ming-Guo , Chen Chang-Jun , Yuan Shan-Kui
Published: November 2007

Monoconidial isolates of 33 carbendazim-sensitive isolates and 31 carbendazim-resistant isolates of Fusarium graminearum were selected from three regions of China for vegetative compatibility group (VCG) analysis. A total of 213 and 224 nit mutants were recovered from the 33 sensitive and the 31 resistant isolates, respectively. Of all the nit mutants, the frequency of the different phenotypes was 44.6, 46.5, 5.7, and 3.2% for nit1, nit3, nitM, and nitA, respectively. VCG analysis identified 30 different VCGs among the 33 sensitive- and the 31 carbendazim-resistant isolates, with VCG diversity 0.91 and 0.97, respectively. Both, a carbendazim-sensitive and a -resistant isolate from the same field belonged to the same VCG. In all then, a total of 59 VCGs were identified among the 64 isolates with an overall VCG diversity 0.92. Direct hyphal fusion was observed in six pairs of vegetatively compatible complements, which is evidence of heterokaryon formation. It was hypothesized that carbendazim resistance could not be transferred by hyphal fusion or there is a small chance to be transferred between two compatible isolates. Three stable sexual recombinants of F. graminearum were randomly chosen from each of the three genetic crosses to study their biological properties. There were no significant differences in mycelial linear growth and pathogenicity between recombinants and their parents, but they differ in sporulation ability and capacity to produce perithecia. We concluded that sexual recombination presumably played a role in the development of carbendazim resistance under field conditions.
A Distributed Lag Analysis of the Relationship Between Gibberella zeae Inoculum Density on Wheat Spikes and Weather Variables
Authors: Paul P. A. , Lipps P. E. , De Wolf E. , Shaner G. , Buechley G. , Adhikari T. , Ali S. , Stein J. , Osborne L. , Madden L. V.
Published: November 2007

In an effort to characterize the association between weather variables and inoculum of Gibberella zeae in wheat canopies, spikes were sampled and assayed for pathogen propagules from plots established in Indiana, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Manitoba between 1999 and 2005. Inoculum abundance was quantified as the daily number of colony forming units per spike (CFU/spike). A total of 49 individual weather variables for 24-h periods were generated from measurements of ambient weather data. Polynomial distributed lag regression analysis, followed by linear mixed model analysis, was used to (i) identify weather variables significantly related to log-transformed CFU/spike (the response variable; Y), (ii) determine the time window (i.e., lag length) over which each weather variable affected Y, (iii) determine the form of the relationship between each weather variable and Y (defined in terms of the polynomial degree for the relationship between the parameter weights for the weather variables and the time lag involved), and (iv) account for location-specific effects and random effects of years within locations on the response variable. Both location and year within location affected the magnitude of Y, but there was no consistent trend in Y over time. Y on each day was significantly and simultaneously related to weather variables on the day of sampling and on the 8 days prior to sampling (giving a 9-day time window). The structural relationship corresponded to polynomial degrees of 0, 1, or 2, generally showing a smooth change in the parameter weights and time lag. Moisture- (e.g., relative humidity-) related variables had the strongest relationship with Y, but air temperature- and rainfall-related variables also significantly affected Y. The overall marginal effect of each weather variable on Y was positive. Thus, local weather conditions can be utilized to improve estimates of spore density on wheat spikes around the time of flowering.
Influence of Weather Conditions on Infection of Peach Fruit byTaphrina deformans
Authors: Rossi V. , Bolognesi M. , Giosuè S.
Published: November 2007

The effect of environment on the infection of peach fruit by Taphrina deformans was investigated using orchard observations under natural conditions (in 2001 to 2004) or in trees managed in such a way to exclude rainfall. These conditions were then validated using pot-grown peach plants exposed to single infection events and independent orchard observations. Leaf curl incidence was related to rainfall, length of wet periods, and the temperature during wetness and during the incubation period, as well as to the developmental stage of flowers and fruit. Weather conditions before petal fall did not influence fruit infection. After petal fall, rainfall and the duration of the wet period triggered by rainfall played a key role in infection occurrence. The minimum rainfall required for infection was 12 mm, with at least 24 h of wetness interrupted by no more than 4 h. No infection occurred when temperature was ≥17°C during the wet period or >19°C during incubation. Disease symptoms appeared on fruit after approximately 3 weeks of incubation, which is equivalent to 240- to 290-degree-days (base 0°C). The period for fruit infection was relatively short being from petal fall until air temperature remained greater than 16°C. During this period, the incidence of fruit that developed symptoms was closely related to the number of favorable events and the total wetness duration during such events.
Cacao Diseases: A Global Perspective from an Industry Point of View
Authors: Hebbar Prakash K.
Published: November 2007

Diseases of cacao, Theobroma cacao, account for losses of more than 30% of the potential crop. These losses have caused a steady decline in production and a reduction in bean quality in almost all the cacao-producing areas in the world, especially in small-holder farms in Latin America and West Africa. The most significant diseases are witches' broom, caused by Moniliophthora perniciosa, which occurs mainly in South America; frosty pod rot, caused by M. roreri, which occurs mainly in Central and northern South America; and black pod disease, caused by several species of Phytophthora, which are distributed throughout the tropics. In view of the threat that these diseases pose to the sustainability of the cacao crop, Mars Inc. and their industry partners have funded collaborative research involving cacao research institutes and governmental and nongovernmental agencies. The objective of this global initiative is to develop short- to medium-term, low-cost, environmentally friendly disease-management strategies until disease tolerant varieties are widely available. These include good farming practices, biological control and the rational or minimal use of chemicals that could be used for integrated pest management (IPM). Farmer field schools are used to get these technologies to growers. This paper describes some of the key collaborative partners and projects that are underway in South America and West Africa.
Energetic constraints on an early developmental stage: a comparative view
Authors: Gillooly James F , Londoño Gustavo A , Allen Andrew P
Published: November 2007

Biologists have long sought a means by which to quantify similarities and differences in embryonic development across species. Here we present a quantitative approach for predicting the timing of developmental events based on principles of allometry and biochemical kinetics. Data from diverse oviparous species support model predictions that most variation in the time required to reach one early developmental stage—the time to first heartbeat—is explained by the body size and temperature dependence of metabolic rate. Furthermore, comparisons of this stage with later developmental stages suggest that, after correcting for size and temperature, the relationship of metabolic rate to the rate of embryogenesis is approximately invariant across taxonomic groups and stages of ontogeny.
Comparison of physical, chemical and cellular responses to nano- and micro-sized calcium silicate/poly(ε-caprolactone) bioactive composites
Authors: wei Jie , Heo S.J , Kim D.H , Kim S.E , Hyun Y.T , Shin Jung-Woog
Published: November 2007

In this study, we fabricated nano-sized calcium silicate/poly(ε-caprolactone) composite (n-CPC) and micro-sized calcium silicate/poly(ε-caprolactone) composite (m-CPC). The composition, mechanical properties, hydrophilicity and degradability of both n-CPC and m-CPC were determined, and
in vitro
bioactivity was evaluated by investigating apatite forming on their surfaces in simulated body fluid (SBF). In addition, cell responses to the two kinds of composites were comparably investigated. The results indicated that n-CPC has superior hydrophilicity, compressive strength and elastic modulus properties compared with m-CPC. Both n-CPC and m-CPC exhibited good
in vitro
bioactivity, with different morphologies of apatite formation on their surfaces. The apatite layer on n-CPC was more homogeneous and compact than on m-CPC, due to the elevated levels of calcium and silicon concentrations in SBF from n-CPC throughout the 14-day soaking period. Significantly higher levels of attachment and proliferation of MG63 cells were observed on n-CPC than on m-CPC, and significantly higher levels of alkaline phosphatase activity were observed in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) on n-CPC than on m-CPC after 7 days. Scanning electron microscopy observations revealed that hMSCs were in intimate contact with both n-CPC and m-CPC surfaces, and significantly cell adhesion, spread and growth were observed on n-CPC and m-CPC. These results indicated that both n-CPC and m-CPC have the ability to support cell attachment, growth, proliferation and differentiation, and also yield good bioactivity and biocompatibility.
Ice-age survival of Atlantic cod: agreement between palaeoecology models and genetics
Authors: Bigg Grant R , Cunningham Clifford W , Ottersen Geir , Pogson Grant H , Wadley Martin R , Williamson Phillip
Published: November 2007

Scant scientific attention has been given to the abundance and distribution of marine biota in the face of the lower sea level, and steeper latitudinal gradient in climate, during the ice-age conditions that have dominated the past million years. Here we examine the glacial persistence of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) populations using two ecological-niche-models (ENM) and the first broad synthesis of multi-locus gene sequence data for this species. One ENM uses a maximum entropy approach (Maxent); the other is a new ENM for Atlantic cod, using ecophysiological parameters based on observed reproductive events rather than adult distribution. Both the ENMs were tested for present-day conditions, then used to hindcast ranges at the last glacial maximum (LGM)ca21 kyr ago, employing climate model data. Although the LGM range of Atlantic cod was much smaller, and fragmented, both the ENMs agreed that populations should have been able to persist in suitable habitat on both sides of the Atlantic. The genetic results showed a degree of trans-Atlantic divergence consistent with genealogically continuous populations on both sides of the North Atlantic since long before the LGM, confirming the ENM results. In contrast, both the ENMs and the genetic data suggest that the GreenlandG. morhuapopulation post-dates the LGM.
The effect of human disturbance on tree species composition and demographic structure in Kalinzu Forest Reserve, Uganda
Authors: Muhanguzi Hosea D. R. , Obua Joseph , Oryem‐Origa Hannington
Published: November 2007

Tree abundance and species composition in the mechanically logged, intensively pitsawn and minimally disturbed areas of Kalinzu Forest Reserve were determined. The spatial and diameter size‐class distribution of ten selected tree species representing pioneer, secondary colonizer, understorey, canopy, dominant and endangered species were also assessed. The species were: Musanga leo‐errerae, Trema orientalis, Funtumia africana, Strombosia scheffleri, Oxyansus speciosus, Parinari excelsa, Tabernaemontana holstii, Newtonia buchananii, Lovoa swynnertonii and Entandrophragma angolense. The mean stem density of all trees ≥0.5 m in height was 2809.1 per hectare and 150 species were enumerated in the three forest areas. Most individuals (47.73%) and species (75.0%) were recorded in the minimally disturbed and least in the mechanically logged areas. Of the selected species, F. africana was the most abundant (n = 789) and widely distributed in each of the areas. Entandrophragma angolense was the least abundant (n = 63) and most of its individuals (74.6%) were recorded in the minimally disturbed area. Funtumia africana and S. scheffleri (subcanopy), O. speciosus and T. holstii (understorey), N. buchananii (canopy) and P. excelsa (an upper canopy and a climax species of this forest reserve) had an inverse J‐shaped diameter size‐class structure while pioneer species (M. leo‐errerae and T. orientalis) had a bell‐shaped size‐class structure.