bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of an Eastern Blotting Technique for the Visual Detection of Aristolochic Acids in Aristolochia and Asarum Species by Using a Monoclonal Antibody Against Aristolochic Acids I and II
Authors: Li Xiao‐Wei , Morinaga Osamu , Tian Min , Uto Takuhiro , Yu Jie , Shang Ming‐Ying , Wang Xuan , Cai Shao‐Qing , Shoyama Yukihiro
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Aristolochic acids (AAs) are naturally occurring nephrotoxicants and human carcinogens. Aristolochic acid I (AA‐I) and aristolochic acid II (AA‐II) are two important AAs with clear toxicity.

Objective

To obtain a monoclonal antibody (MAb) recognising AA‐I and AA‐II and develop an Eastern blotting technique for the specific visualisation and easy determination of AA‐I and AA‐II in plant extracts or tissues of Aristolochia and Asarum species.

Methods

A hybridoma secreting MAb against AAs was prepared by cell fusion with splenocytes derived from a mouse immunised with AA‐I‐keyhole limpet haemocyanin (KLH) conjugate and the myeloma cell line SP2/0‐Ag14. AA‐I and AA‐II were separated by thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) and then blotted onto a positively charged polyethersulphone (PES) membrane using a modified carbodiimide method. The resulting membrane‐bound AA‐protein conjugates were linked to the newly prepared MAb and then to the secondary antibody labelled with peroxidase. 4‐Chloro‐1‐naphthol was then added as the peroxidase substrate for staining.

Results

MAb 2A10‐10B showed a high specificity for AA‐I (100%) and AA‐II (69.3%) and low cross reactivity (≤ 2.2%) toward analogues that may disrupt detection of AA‐I and AA‐II in plants. An established Eastern blotting method was applied to the immunohistolocalisation of AA‐I and AA‐II in dry plant tissues, and this analysis showed that the phelloderm, cortex and phloem of Aristolochia manshuriensis stem may contain higher amounts of total AA‐I and AA‐II as compared with the pith and xylem.

Conclusion

This method was extremely useful for the visual screening of AA‐I and AA‐II among easily mistaken herbal medicines. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Which patients with type 2 diabetes attend secondary care clinics?
Authors: Findlay Hamish , Hallett Kimberley , Sivakumar Arthy , Simmons David
Published: June 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the reasons for patients with type 2 diabetes continuing to attend a specialist clinic with an active discharge policy.

Clinic letters of 526 patients with type 2 diabetes who attended annual review over one year were audited to identify the major reasons for them remaining in the clinic.

The majority of patients (97.3%) fulfilled current specialist clinic criteria for remaining in the clinic. Poor glycaemic control, nephropathy, ongoing changes to management and diabetes foot problems were common reasons found. In 9% of cases, patient choice was identified as a factor. For 2.7% of patients no clear reason could be identified.

It was concluded that while most patients fulfilled the criteria to continue attending the clinic at that time, some patients chose to remain even though they were fit for discharge. The reasons why patients choose to remain under secondary care need to be investigated as they could guide how primary and secondary care should work together. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons.
Structural analysis and dielectric property of novel conjugated polycyanurates
Authors: Zhao Xiong‐Yan , Wang Ming‐Zhu , Ji Jiao‐Qing , Wang Tian‐Heng , Yang Fei , Du Juan‐Min
Published: June 2013

Structural characterizations reveal that the plasma polymerization of three cyanate ester monomers proceeded mainly via the opening of π‐bonds of the cyanate ester functional groups and transforming them to a large π‐conjugated structure, which is noticeably different from the conventional thermal or catalytic cyclotrimerization reaction of cyanate ester monomers. The dielectric properties of the resulting plasma thin films were evaluated and results show that the dielectric constant of the three polycyanurate thin films decreased with increasing frequency, while in contrast, the dielectric loss factor increased with the increasing frequency. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:812–817, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Trajectories of caregiver depressive symptoms while providing end‐of‐life care
Authors: Tang Siew Tzuh , Huang Guan‐Hua , Wei Yu‐Chung , Chang Wen‐Cheng , Chen Jen‐Shi , Chou Wen‐Chi
Published: June 2013

Objective

The course of caregivers' depressive symptoms may not be homogenous. This study identified trajectories of depressive symptoms among caregivers providing end‐of‐life care to cancer patients and profiled the unique characteristics of caregivers within each trajectory.

Methods

Trajectories of depressive symptoms were explored in 447 caregivers who completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale over four periods close to the patient's death (1–30, 31–90, 91–180, and >180 days). Distinct trajectories were identified by latent class analysis.

Results

Four trajectories were identified as endurance, resilience, moderately symptomatic, and chronically distressed and contained 32.0%, 11.4%, 36.9%, and 19.7% of the sample, respectively. Caregivers in the endurance trajectory were relatively well‐adjusted individuals with less education, adequate financial support, and ample psychological resources but provided care to older patients with greater symptom distress. They perceived less subjective caregiving burden than caregivers with moderate or chronic depressive symptoms. Caregivers in the resilience trajectory were in a more vulnerable position than those in other trajectories when they first transitioned into the caregiving role because they were more likely to be the patient's spouse, have greater educational attainment and insufficient finances, provide higher intensity assistance to a younger relative, and have weaker psychological resources. However, they were older, reported greater confidence in caregiving, and perceived less caregiving burden than caregivers in other trajectories. The moderately symptomatic and chronically distressed trajectories were differentiated only by the strength of psychological resources.

Conclusions

Caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients follow distinct depressive‐symptom trajectories while providing end‐of‐life care. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical ventilatory constraints during incremental exercise in healthy and cystic fibrosis children
Authors: Borel Benoit , Leclair Erwan , Thevenet Delphine , Beghin Laurent , Gottrand Frédéric , Fabre Claudine
Published: June 2013

Aim

To analyze breathing pattern and mechanical ventilatory constraints during incremental exercise in healthy and cystic fibrosis (CF) children.

Methods

Thirteen healthy children and 6 children with cystic fibrosis volunteered to perform an incremental test on a treadmill. Exercise tidal flow/volume loops were plotted every minute within a maximal flow/volume loop (MFVL). Expiratory flow limitation (expFL expressed in %Vt) was evaluated and end‐expiratory and end‐inspiratory lung volumes (EELV and EILV) were estimated from expiratory reserve volume relative to vital capacity (ERV/FVC) and from inspiratory reserve volume relative to vital capacity (IRV/FVC).

Results

During the incremental exercise, expFL was first observed at 40% of maximal aerobic speed in both groups. At maximal exercise, 46% of healthy children and 83% of CF children presented expFL, without significant effect of cystic fibrosis on the severity of expFL. According to the two‐way ANOVA results, both groups adopted similar breathing pattern and breathing strategies as no significant effect of CF has been revealed. But, according to one‐way ANOVA results, a significant increase of ERV/FVC associated with a significant decrease of IRV/FVC from resting value shave been observed in healthy children at maximal exercise, but not in CF children.

Discussion

The hypothesis of this study was based on the assumption that mild cystic fibrosis could induce more frequent and more severe mechanical ventilatory constraints due to pulmonary impairment and breathing pattern disturbances. But, this study did not succeed to highlight an effect of mild cystic fibrosis on the mechanical ventilatory constraints (expFL and dynamic hyperinflation) that occur during an incremental exercise. This absence of effect could be due to the absence of an impact of the disease on spirometric data, breathing pattern regulation during exercise and breathing strategy. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:221–229. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deregulation of FoxO3a accelerates prostate cancer progression in TRAMP mice
Authors: Shukla Sanjeev , Bhaskaran Natarajan , MacLennan Gregory T. , Gupta Sanjay
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Forkhead box, class “O” (FoxO) transcription factors are involved in multiple signaling pathways and possess tumor suppressor functions. Loss of PTEN and activation of PI3K/Akt is frequently observed in prostate cancer, which may potentially inactivate FoxO activity. We therefore investigated the role of FoxO transcription factors in prostate cancer progression, in particular FoxO3a, in transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) mice, which mimics progressive forms of human disease.

METHODS

Prostate cancer progression in TRAMP mice was followed from 8 to 28 weeks. Expression patterns of Akt, FoxO1a, FoxO3a, FoxO4, and their phosphorylated form, DNA binding activity and downstream signaling molecules during different stages of disease progression were examined by immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbant assay (ELISA), and immunohistochemistry. Inhibition of FoxO3a activity was attained by using FoxO3a peptide treatment to TRAMP mice.

RESULTS

In TRAMP mice, FoxO3a activity is negatively regulated by Akt/PKB through post‐translational modification. Progressive increase in Akt activation during prostate cancer progression led to increase phosphorylation of FoxO3a and binding with 14‐3‐3, which potentially affected its transcriptional activity in age‐specific manner. Furthermore, blocking FoxO3a activity resulted in accelerated prostate cancer progression in these mice, which was associated with the loss of cell cycle control and increased proliferation and survival markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Restoration of FoxO3a activity represents an attractive therapeutic target in the chemoprevention and possibly in inhibition of progression of prostate cancer. Prostate 73: 1507–1517, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Laboratory evaluation of alternative control methods against the false tiger, Monosteira unicostata (Hemiptera: Tingidae)
Authors: Sánchez‐Ramos Ismael , Pascual Susana , Marcotegui Aránzazu , Fernández Cristina E. , González‐Núñez Manuel
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Monosteira unicostata is an important pest of almond tree in the Mediterranean region requiring control methods alternative to synthetic pesticides. The efficacy of kaolin, azadirachtin and potassium salts of fatty acids combined with thyme essential oil against adults and fourth instar nymphs of this tingid was evaluated in laboratory assays.

RESULTS

In no choice assays with adults, kaolin significantly increased mortality compared to control (42.7% versus 23.8%) and reduced the oviposition of females (11.8 versus 35.3 eggs), the feeding activity (169.6 versus 471.2 excrements) and the damage caused (1.1 versus 2.3 damage index). In choice assays with adults, the repellence index calculated for kaolin (48.2%) was significantly higher compared to control (−15.3%), resulting in oviposition, feeding and damage deterrence indices also significantly higher than the control. In no choice assays with nymphs, all products increased mortality and reduced the feeding activity and the damage caused on leaves. Potassium soap with thyme essential oil and azadirachtin were the most effective compounds (98.0% and 97.6% mortality versus 13.3% control mortality, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The products tested have shown high and different efficacy on nymphs and adults of Monosteira unicostata. This activity might be suitable for the practical application of these compounds to control its populations under real field conditions. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
On the applicability of reliable transport protocols in satellite delay tolerant and disruptive networks
Authors: Celandroni N. , Ferro E. , Gotta A. , Luglio M. , Roseti C.
Published: June 2013

Delay tolerant networking (DTN) is an emerging technology introduced for deep‐space communications to address both very large propagation delay or link disruptions. The DTN paradigm results promising in several satellite‐based scenarios where either physical or service interruption might be experienced. This paper focuses on a set of selected satellite‐based scenarios, where the DTN paradigm adoption greatly improves the unicast and multicast communications' performance with limited costs in terms of both software add‐ons and architectural modifications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regression analysis for current status data using the EM algorithm
Authors: McMahan Christopher S. , Wang Lianming , Tebbs Joshua M.
Published: June 2013

We propose new expectation–maximization algorithms to analyze current status data under two popular semiparametric regression models: the proportional hazards (PH) model and the proportional odds (PO) model. Monotone splines are used to model the baseline cumulative hazard function in the PH model and the baseline odds function in the PO model. The proposed algorithms are derived by exploiting a data augmentation based on Poisson latent variables. Unlike previous regression work with current status data, our PH and PO model fitting methods are fast, flexible, easy to implement, and provide variance estimates in closed form. These techniques are evaluated using simulation and are illustrated using uterine fibroid data from a prospective cohort study on early pregnancy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The harder they fall, the faster they rise: Approach and avoidance focus in narcissistic CEOs
Authors: Patel Pankaj C. , Cooper Danielle
Published: June 2013

Drawing on theoretical underpinnings of approach‐avoidance motivation and CEO narcissism, we provide a framework examining stronger approach focus (motivation towards desirable outcomes) and weaker avoidance focus (motivation away from undesirable outcomes) in narcissistic CEOs using a quasi‐natural experimental setting—the economic crisis beginning in 2007. Because highly narcissistic CEOs possess lower avoidance motivation in the precrisis period, their firms face greater declines in the onset of the crisis. However, their greater tendency towards approach motivation enables narcissistic CEOs to increase firm performance in the postcrisis period. While narcissistic CEOs are less likely to protect against potential shocks, they are adept at helping firms recover from such shocks. Using a sample of 392 CEOs representing 2,352 CEO firm‐years, we find support for the proposed framework. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intrauterine Inflammation Increases Materno‐Fetal Transfer of Gold Nanoparticles in a Size‐Dependent Manner in Murine Pregnancy
Authors: Tian Xin , Zhu Motao , Du Libo , Wang Jing , Fan Zhenlin , Liu Jun , Zhao Yuliang , Nie Guangjun
Published: June 2013

The materno‐fetal transfer of nanoparticles is a critical issue in designing theranoustic nanoparticles for in vivo applications during pregnancy. Recent studies have reported that certain nanoparticles can cross the placental barrier in healthy pregnant animals depending on the size and surface modification of the nanoparticles and the developmental stages of the fetuses. However, materno‐fetal transfer under pathological pregnant conditions has not been examined so far. Here, it is shown that intrauterine inflammation can enhance the materno‐fetal transfer of nanoparticles in the late gestation stage of murine pregnancy in a size‐dependent manner. Three different‐sized gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) with diameters of 3 (Au3), 13 (Au13) and 32 (Au32) nm are applied. The accumulation of Au3 and Au13 nanoparticles in the fetuses is significantly increased in intrauterine inflammatory mice compared with healthy control mice: the concentration of Au3 is much higher than Au13 in fetal tissues of intrauterine inflammatory mice. In contrast, Au32 nanoparticles cannot cross the placental barrier either in healthy or in intrauterine inflammatory mice. The possible underlying mechanism of the increased materno‐fetal transfer of small‐sized nanoparticles on pathological conditions is inferred to be the structural and functional abnormalities of the placenta under intrauterine inflammation. The size of the nanoparticles is one of the critical factors which determines the extent of fetal exposure to nanoparticles in murine pregnancy under inflammatory conditions.
ISUOG Practice Guidelines (updated): sonographic screening examination of the fetal heart
Authors: Carvalho JS , Allan LD , Chaoui R , Copel JA , DeVore GR , Hecher K , Lee W , Munoz H , Paladini D , Tutschek B , Yagel S
Published: June 2013

You are viewing the old version of these guidelines. Click here to read the updated guidelines.
Newton‐X: a surface‐hopping program for nonadiabatic molecular dynamics
Authors: Barbatti Mario , Ruckenbauer Matthias , Plasser Felix , Pittner Jiri , Granucci Giovanni , Persico Maurizio , Lischka Hans
Published: June 2013

The Newton‐X program is a general‐purpose program package for excited‐state molecular dynamics, including nonadiabatic methods. Its modular design allows Newton‐X to be easily linked to any quantum‐chemistry package that can provide excited‐state energy gradients. At the current version, Newton‐X can perform nonadiabatic dynamics using Columbus, Turbomole, Gaussian, and Gamess program packages with multireference configuration interaction, multiconfigurational self‐consistent field, time‐dependent density functional theory, and other methods. Nonadiabatic dynamics simulations with a hybrid combination of methods, such as Quantum‐Mechanics/Molecular‐Mechanics, are also possible. Moreover, Newton‐X can be used for the simulation of absorption and emission spectra. The code is distributed free of charge for noncommercial and nonprofit uses at www.newtonx.org. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2014, 4:26–33. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1158

This article is categorized under:

Software > Quantum Chemistry

Software > Simulation Methods
cp2k: atomistic simulations of condensed matter systems
Authors: Hutter Jürg , Iannuzzi Marcella , Schiffmann Florian , VandeVondele Joost
Published: June 2013

cp2k has become a versatile open‐source tool for the simulation of complex systems on the nanometer scale. It allows for sampling and exploring potential energy surfaces that can be computed using a variety of empirical and first principles models. Excellent performance for electronic structure calculations is achieved using novel algorithms implemented for modern and massively parallel hardware. This review briefly summarizes the main capabilities and illustrates with recent applications the science cp2k has enabled in the field of atomistic simulation. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2014, 4:15–25. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1159

This article is categorized under:

Software > Simulation Methods
Alternative RNA splicing and cancer
Authors: Liu Sali , Cheng Chonghui
Published: June 2013

Alternative splicing of pre‐messenger RNA (mRNA) is a fundamental mechanism by which a gene can give rise to multiple distinct mRNA transcripts, yielding protein isoforms with different, even opposing, functions. With the recognition that alternative splicing occurs in nearly all human genes, its relationship with cancer‐associated pathways has emerged as a rapidly growing field. In this review, we summarize recent findings that have implicated the critical role of alternative splicing in cancer and discuss current understandings of the mechanisms underlying dysregulated alternative splicing in cancer cells. WIREs RNA 2013, 4:547–566. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1178

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Neighborhood Crime and School Climate as Predictors of Elementary School Academic Quality: A Cross‐Lagged Panel Analysis
Authors: McCoy Dana Charles , Roy Amanda L. , Sirkman Gabriel M.
Published: June 2013

Past research has found negative relationships between neighborhood structural disadvantage and students’ academic outcomes. Comparatively little work has evaluated the associations between characteristics of neighborhoods and schools themselves. This study explored the longitudinal, reciprocal relationships between neighborhood crime and school‐level academic achievement within 500 urban schools. Results revealed that higher neighborhood crime (and particularly violent crime) predicted decreases in school academic achievement across time. School climate emerged as one possible mechanism within this relationship, with higher neighborhood crime predicting decreases in socioemotional learning and safety, but not academic rigor. All three dimensions of school climate were predictive of changes in academic achievement. Although this research supports a primarily unidirectional hypothesis of neighborhoods’ impacts on embedded settings, additional work is needed to understand these relationships using additional conceptualizations of neighborhood climate.
Longitudinal Interviews of Couples Diagnosed with Diminished Ovarian Reserve Undergoing Fragile X Premutation Testing
Authors: Pastore Lisa M. , Karns Logan B. , Ventura Karen , Clark Myra L. , Steeves Richard H. , Callanan Nancy
Published: June 2013

About 10 % of infertile/subfertile women are diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), of which < 5 % will become pregnant spontaneously. Fragile X (FMR1) genetic testing may provide a reason for her early ovarian aging and/or have reproductive implications. Seven women with DOR (genetic study subset) and the male partners of six of these women were separately interviewed about the experience of being asked to undergo this unanticipated genetic test. Three interviews were conducted (before, within 1 week after, and 3 months after learning the test results). None of the participants carried the FMR1 premutation (largest FMR1 allele 27–50 CGG repeats). For women, their pregnancy‐seeking journey was long and exhausting. Women understood the reproductive implications of carrying the FMR1 premutation, and hoped for a negative result. Being offered a genetic test caused women to pause and re‐think their future reproductive plans. Husbands viewed the infertility journey as filled with unknowns, of which the genetic test results would be one more puzzle piece. The expense of fertility testing/treatment was mentioned by both spouses, though more notably by husbands. The introduction of a possible genetic cause of infertility, with additional potential health consequences for future biological children, caused women to re‐think their quest for pregnancy. In contrast, the genetic test was viewed as an additional source of information for their husbands as opposed to raising concern regarding potential reproductive ramifications.
Analyses of Model Fit and Robustness. A New Look at the PISA Scaling Model Underlying Ranking of Countries According to Reading Literacy
Authors: Kreiner Svend , Christensen Karl Bang
Published: June 2013

This paper addresses methodological issues that concern the scaling model used in the international comparison of student attainment in the Programme for International Student Attainment (PISA), specifically with reference to whether PISA’s ranking of countries is confounded by model misfit and differential item functioning (DIF). To determine this, we reanalyzed the publicly accessible data on reading skills from the 2006 PISA survey. We also examined whether the ranking of countries is robust in relation to the errors of the scaling model. This was done by studying invariance across subscales, and by comparing ranks based on the scaling model and ranks based on models where some of the flaws of PISA’s scaling model are taken into account. Our analyses provide strong evidence of misfit of the PISA scaling model and very strong evidence of DIF. These findings do not support the claims that the country rankings reported by PISA are robust.
Mosque-Based Emotional Support Among Young Muslim Americans
Authors: Nguyen Ann W. , Taylor Robert Joseph , Chatters Linda M. , Ahuvia Aaron , Izberk-Bilgin Elif , Lee Fiona
Published: June 2013

Despite a growing literature on social support networks in religious settings (i.e., church-based social support), little is known about mosque-based support among Muslims. This study investigates the demographic and religious behavior correlates of mosque-based social support among a multi-racial and ethnic sample of 231 young Muslims from southeast Michigan. Several dimensions of mosque-based support are examined including receiving emotional support, giving emotional support, anticipated emotional support and negative interactions with members of one's mosque. Results indicated that women both received and anticipated receiving greater support than did men. Higher educational attainment was associated with receiving and giving less support compared to those with the lowest level of educational attainment. Moreover, highly educated members reported fewer negative interactions than less educated members. Mosque attendance and level of congregational involvement positively predicted receiving, giving, and anticipated emotional support from congregants, but was unrelated to negative interactions. Overall, the study results converge with previously established correlates of church-based emotional support.
Ethics of cost analyses in medical education
Authors: Walsh Kieran
Published: June 2013

Cost analyses in medical education are rarely straightforward, and rarely lead to
clear-cut conclusions. Occasionally they do lead to clear conclusions but even when that
happens, some stakeholders will ask difficult but valid questions about what to do
following cost analyses–specifically about distributive justice in the allocation of
resources. At present there are few or no debates about these issues and rationing
decisions that are taken in medical education are largely made subconsciously.
Distributive justice ‘concerns the nature of a socially just allocation of goods in a
society’. Inevitably there is a large degree of subjectivity in the judgment as to
whether an allocation is seen as socially just or ethical. There are different
principles by which we can view distributive justice and which therefore affect the
prism of subjectivity through which we see certain problems. For example, we might say
that distributive justice at a certain institution or in a certain medical education
system operates according to the principle that resources must be divided equally
amongst learners. Another system may say that resources should be distributed according
to the needs of learners or even of patients. No ethical system or model is inherently
right or wrong, they depend on the context in which the educator is working.
Succinate receptor GPR91, a Gαi coupled receptor that increases intracellular calcium concentrations through PLCβ
Authors: Sundström Linda , Greasley Peter J. , Engberg Susanna , Wallander Malin , Ryberg Erik
Published: June 2013

Succinate has been reported as the endogenous ligand for GPR91. In this study, succinate was confirmed to activate GPR91 resulting in both 3′–5′‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) inhibition and inositol phosphate formation in a pertussis toxin (PTX)‐sensitive manner. GPR91 agonist‐mediated effects detected using dynamic mass redistribution (DMR) were inhibited with PTX, edelfosine and U73122 demonstrating the importance of not only the Gαi pathway but also PLCβ. These results show that GPR91 when expressed in HEK293s cells couples exclusively through the Gαi pathway and acts through Gαi not only to inhibit cAMP production but also to increase intracellular Ca2+ in an inositol phosphate dependent mechanism via PLCβ activation.
The anti‐inflammatory drug celecoxib inhibits t‐type Ca2+ currents in spermatogenic cells yet it elicits the acrosome reaction in mature sperm
Authors: Balderas E. , Sánchez-Cárdenas C. , Chávez J.C. , de la Vega Beltrán J.L. , Gómez-Lagunas F. , Treviño C.L. , Darszon A.
Published: June 2013

Celecoxib (Cx), an anti‐inflammatory drug designed to inhibit COX2, can affect some ion channels. T‐type (CaV3) channels have been implicated in sperm physiology. Here we report and characterize the Cx induced inhibition of T‐type channels in mouse spermatogenic cells. Unexpectedly, Cx can also induce the acrosome reaction (AR), an intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) increase and a sperm depolarization. This [Ca2+]i increase possibly results from the ability Cx has to alkalinize intracellular pH (pHi), which is known to activate the sperm specific Ca2+ channel CatSper. As the Cx induced [Ca2+]i increase is sensitive to mibefradil, a CatSper blocker, this channel may mediate the Cx‐induced Ca2+ entry leading to the AR. Our observations demonstrate that Cx can compromise fertilization.
AtDGAT2 is a functional acyl‐CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase and displays different acyl‐CoA substrate preferences than AtDGAT1
Authors: Zhou Xue-Rong , Shrestha Pushkar , Yin Fang , Petrie James R. , Singh Surinder P.
Published: June 2013

Demonstration of the function of the Arabidopsis thaliana acyl‐CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (AtDGAT2) has remained elusive despite biochemical testing of genetic mutants and overexpression lines. We show that transiently expressed AtDGAT2 in the Nicotiana benthamiana leaf resulted in an increase in triacylglycerol twice as great as the increase observed following parallel expression of AtDGAT1. AtDGAT2 showed higher conversion from labeled diacylglycerol to triacylglycerol compared to AtDGAT1, and was acyl‐CoA dependent. In addition, AtDGAT2 had different acyl‐CoA substrate preference than AtDGAT1. These results allow us to conclude that AtDAGT2 is a functional acyl‐CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase enzyme that can catalyse substantial increase in TAG synthesis.
Molecular basis of the NO trans influence in quaternary T‐state human hemoglobin: A computational study
Authors: Petruk Ariel Alcides , Vergara Alessandro , Estrin Dario , Merlino Antonello
Published: June 2013

NO binding to the T‐state of human hemoglobin (HbA) induces the cleavage of the proximal His bonds to the heme iron in the α‐chains, whereas it leaves the β‐hemes hexacoordinated. The structure of the nitrosylated T‐state of the W37Eβ mutant (W37E) shows that the Fe‐His87α bond remains intact. Exactly how mutation affects NO binding and why tension is apparent only in HbA α‐heme remains to be elucidated. By means of density functional theory electronic structure calculations and classical molecular dynamics simulations we provide an explanation for the poorly understood NO binding properties of HbA and its W37E mutant. The data suggest an interplay between electronic effects, tertiary structure and hydration site modifications in determining the tension in the NO‐ligated T‐state HbA α‐chain.
Fungal endophytes of barley roots
Authors: MURPHY B. R. , DOOHAN F. M. , HODKINSON T. R.
Published: June 2013

Fungal infections of barley have tremendous agricultural significance, and can be detrimental or beneficial. Beneficial root infections often involve endophytic fungi, but endophytic associations do not always confer benefits on their hosts. Endophyte infection can be negative, positive or neutral for the host. Benefits to barley and other plants infected with endophytic root fungi include an increase in seed yield, enhanced resistance to pathogens and improved stress tolerance. Even if an endophyte is never pathogenic, it is not always beneficial. The most important factors that determine the nature of the relationship are the specific combination of partner genotypes and developmental stage, and the ecological and environmental setting. The nutrient status of the plant and the availability of soil nutrients may have little effect on the degree of beneficial endophyte colonization and, unlike mycorrhizae, there is no apparent increase in endophyte-associated phosphorous transfer. There are indications of an association between successful endophyte colonization and high soil pH and clay content. The greatest benefits to the barley plant resulting from the associations seem to be obtained in abiotically stressed environments. Fungal infection may give the plant a greater ability to cope with the stress if the partners are in a balanced relationship. Each new study reveals an increasing diversity of beneficial fungal root endophytes and the full potential of these organisms is still to be determined. Further studies are urgently required to develop specific beneficial root–endophyte associations, or combination of them, that are tailored to individual barley varieties for maximum impact in agriculture.
Executive Pay Disparity and the Cost of Equity Capital
Authors: Chen Zhihong , Huang Yuan , Wei K. C. John
Published: June 2013

Executive pay disparity, as measured by chief executive officer (CEO) pay slice (CPS), is positively associated with the implied cost of equity, even after controlling for other determinants of the cost of equity. The difference in the cost of equity can explain 43% of the difference in the valuation effect attributable to CPS reported by Bebchuk, Cremers, and Peyer (2011). Further analysis shows that the positive association is stronger when agency problems of free cash flow are more severe and when CEO succession planning is more important. Our evidence suggests that a large CPS is associated with CEO entrenchment and high succession risk.
Actinomycosis of the middle ear
Authors: Kullar PJ , Yates P
Published: June 2013

Objective:

To present the first case of middle-ear actinomycosis in the UK in the last 60 years. The diagnosis and management of actinomycosis of the middle ear is also presented, as well as a review of the recent literature.

Case report:

This paper reports the case of a nine-year-old girl who presented with recurrent otorrhoea caused by actinomycosis. Mastoid exploration with clearance of the infected tissue, in conjunction with six months amoxicillin, resulted in long-term disease remission. Histology revealed Gram-positive, silver avid (on Grocott staining) and diastase-resistant periodic acid-Schiff negative staining of colonies; this profile was in keeping with the characteristic ‘sulphur granules’ of actinomycosis.

Conclusion:

Actinomycosis of the middle ear and mastoid is rare, with less than 45 cases presented in the worldwide literature. This case confirms that the disease should be treated with full surgical clearance and long-term antibiotics.
Issues in post-entry language assessment in English-medium universities
Authors: Read John
Published: June 2013

Students entering English-medium universities around the world come from diverse linguistic backgrounds and many find it difficult to cope with the language demands of their degree courses. This speech focuses first on the motivations for introducing what are known in Australia as post-entry language assessments (PELAs). I discuss in particular the Diagnostic English Language Needs Assessment (DELNA) at the University of Auckland, which has been successfully implemented throughout the university in the last ten years. This leads to a broader discussion of three significant issues in post-entry language assessment. One is the nature of the construct on which such assessments are based. A related issue is whether a PELA can appropriately be considered ‘diagnostic’ in nature. The third issue is how to undertake the validation of a PELA, particularly with regard to the consequential aspect: does the assessment contribute to enhancing the students’ academic language ability?
Enhancing group method of data handling type modeling for nonlinear systems in inventory control
Authors: Pournasir Maryam , Alam Md. Jahangir , Marthandan G.
Published: June 2013

Appropriate topology and coefficients have a great impact on their models' performances. This paper proposes an enhanced group method of data handling (GMDH) algorithm using a modified Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) method. In this work, evolutionary algorithm and LM techniques are deployed simultaneously for optimal design of both connectivity configuration and associated coefficients of each candidate solution in the evolving population combination. However, use of singular value decomposition technique with LM is considered as a novel method to overcome the problem of initial guess, which is presented for the first time in this research. In order to illustrate the benefits of the proposed algorithm, it has been applied in a Malaysian manufacturing company for forecasting in inventory control. Moreover, a comparison between the basic GMDH algorithm and the enhanced GMDH algorithm is made, and the results show that the accuracy of the proposed method is considerably high with reasonable reduction in processing time. Therefore, the enhanced GMDH method can be used to replace old techniques in an inventory control system to generate a structure when it is applied to a Kanban setting in the just in time system.
A REVISION OF GUAREA (MELIACEAE)
Authors: Pennington T. D. , Clarkson J. J.
Published: June 2013

The species of Guarea F.Allam. ex L. (Meliaceae) are revised. Sixty-nine species are recognised, a key to the species is provided, all names are typified and descriptions of all species are given. A phylogenetic analysis based on ITS sequence data is discussed. Six new species and one new subspecies are described. Five new combinations for subspecies are made.
A TRAGEDY OF ANNUITIZATION? LONGEVITY INSURANCE IN GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM
Authors: Heijdra Ben J. , Mierau Jochen O. , Reijnders S. M.
Published: June 2013

We study the microeconomic and macroeconomic effects of longevity insurance. Using a tractable discrete-time overlapping-generations model of a closed economy we first study different types of government redistribution of accidental bequests in general equilibrium. Individuals face longevity risk, as there is a positive probability of passing away before the retirement period. We find nonpathological cases where it is better for long-run welfare to waste accidental bequests than to give them to the elderly. Next we study the introduction of a perfectly competitive life insurance market offering actuarially fair annuities. There exists a tragedy of annuitization: although full annuitization of assets is privately optimal, it is not socially beneficial, because of adverse general equilibrium repercussions.
Meaning in life of patients with cancer
Authors: Erci Behice
Published: June 2013

Objective:

The aim of this study was to evaluate meaning in life and its predictors in Turkish patients with cancer.

Methods:

A convenience sample of 182 patients with cancer at a Turkish university hospital completed a structured questionnaire including demographic characteristics, disease/treatment characteristics, symptom level, and the meaning in life scale for patients with cancer in 2007. The researcher visited the oncology clinic five work days in every week and conducted interviews with the patients. In analysis of the data, correlation, t-tests, Kruskal-Wallis variance and regression analysis were used.

Results:

In this study, the mean score of the total meaning in life showed that the patients tended to be undecided concerning meaning in life. Education level, age, and diagnosis duration of the independent variables were effective predictors of meaning in life. Together the independent variables explained 24.3% of the variance of the purpose subscale, 26.2% of the variance of the coherence subscale, 14% of the variance of the choice/responsibleness subscale, and 44.1% of the total variance of the goal seeking subscale. Overall the independent variables explained 19.8% of the total variance of the total meaning in life.

Significance of results:

The results in this study should increase the awareness of cancer care professionals about a range of the meaning in life and may help them to target particular patient groups for detail support interventions.
The effect of placental restriction on insulin signaling and lipogenic pathways in omental adipose tissue in the postnatal lamb
Authors: Lie S. , Duffield J. A. , McMillen I. C. , Morrison J. L. , Ozanne S. E. , Pilgrim C. , Muhlhausler B. S.
Published: June 2013

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) followed by accelerated growth after birth is associated with an increased risk of abdominal (visceral) obesity and insulin resistance in adult life. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of IUGR on mRNA expression and protein abundance of insulin signaling molecules in one of the major visceral fat depots, the omental adipose depot. IUGR was induced by placental restriction, and samples of omental adipose tissue were collected from IUGR (n = 9, 5 males, 4 females) and Control (n = 14, 8 males, 6 females) neonatal lambs at 21 days of age. The mRNA expression of the insulin signaling molecules, AMP-kinase (AMPK) and adipogenic/lipogenic genes was determined by qRT-PCR, and protein abundance by Western Blotting. AMPKα2 mRNA expression was increased in male IUGR lambs (0.015 ± 0.002 v. 0.0075 ± 0.0009, P < 0.001). The proportion of the AMPK pool that was phosphorylated (%P-AMPK) was lower in IUGR lambs compared with Controls independent of sex (39 ± 9% v. 100 ± 18%, P < 0.001). The mRNA expression and protein abundance of insulin signaling proteins and adipogenic/lipogenic genes was not different between groups. Thus, IUGR is associated with sex-specific alterations in the mRNA expression of AMPKα2 and a reduction in the percentage of the total AMPK pool that is phosphorylated in the omental adipose tissue of neonatal lambs, before the onset of visceral obesity. These molecular changes would be expected to promote lipid accumulation in the omental adipose depot and may therefore contribute to the onset of visceral adiposity in IUGR animals later in life.
Facilitating Lifelong Learning in School-Age Learners
Authors: Schober Barbara , Lüftenegger Marko , Wagner Petra , Finsterwald Monika , Spiel Christiane
Published: June 2013

Lifelong Learning (LLL) has been proclaimed a Europe-wide strategy as societies are faced with numerous changes making continuous development indispensable. Currently, LLL is often seen primarily as a topic for continuing education. However, schools play an essential role in laying the cornerstone for successful LLL: There is robust knowledge that persistent motivation to learn as well as corresponding learning skills are essential for LLL and that both could be influenced best during childhood and adolescence. Therefore, facilitating LLL is an important aspect of schools’ success. However, results from international studies show deficits for many students in LLL competencies. Consequently, a need for more systematic promotion of LLL in schools was identified. Based on this, the aim of this paper is to give an overview on the theoretical basis for promoting LLL in schools from the perspective of educational psychology. Derived from this, the necessity of enhancing LLL competencies in school is made obvious and present promotion programs are described. As an example, goals, structure, and evaluation results of the TALK training program, which aims to provide teachers with the competencies to systematically implement the enhancement of LLL into their regular educational responsibilities, are reported. Finally, general recommendations for realizing a systematic facilitation of LLL in school are illustrated.
School Success and School Engagement of Immigrant Children and Adolescents
Authors: Motti-Stefanidi Frosso , Masten Ann S.
Published: June 2013

Academic achievement in immigrant children and adolescents is an indicator of current and future adaptive success. Since the future of immigrant youths is inextricably linked to that of the receiving society, the success of their trajectory through school becomes a high stakes issue both for the individual and society. The present article focuses on school success in immigrant children and adolescents, and the role of school engagement in accounting for individual and group differences in academic achievement from the perspective of a multilevel integrative model of immigrant youths’ adaptation ( Motti-Stefanidi, Berry, Chryssochoou, Sam, & Phinney, 2012 ). Drawing on this conceptual framework, school success is examined in developmental and acculturative context, taking into account multiple levels of analysis. Findings suggest that for both immigrant and nonimmigrant youths the relationship between school engagement and school success is bidirectional, each influencing over time the other. Evidence regarding potential moderating and mediating roles of school engagement for the academic success of immigrant youths also is evaluated.
Development of School Engagement in Association With Academic Success and Well-Being in Varying Social Contexts
Authors: Upadyaya Katja , Salmela-Aro Katariina
Published: June 2013

This review examines the development of students’ engagement with school and how it may contribute to future academic success and individual well-being in different social contexts. The review discusses the two main approaches of school engagement research: one examines students’ behavioral, cognitive, and affective engagement (North American approach), while the other examines study-related vigor, absorption, and dedication (European approach). This research shows that a high level of school engagement is positively associated with academic success, and negatively associated with students’ ill-being, such as depressive symptoms and burnout. High engagement with school also fosters several aspects of students’ well-being, such as positive emotions and life satisfaction. Moreover, several contextual factors, including parental affect, teachers’ support, and a mastery-oriented atmosphere in the classroom, promote students’ engagement with school.
Evidence for successional development in Antarctic hypolithic bacterial communities
Authors: Makhalanyane Thulani P , Valverde Angel , Birkeland Nils-Kåre , Cary Stephen C , Marla Tuffin I , Cowan Don A
Published: June 2013

Hypoliths (cryptic microbial assemblages that develop on the undersides of translucent rocks) are significant contributors to regional C and N budgets in both hot and cold deserts. Previous studies in the Dry Valleys of Eastern Antarctica have reported three morphologically distinct hypolithic community types: cyanobacteria dominated (type I), fungus dominated (type II) and moss dominated (type III). Here we present terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses to elucidate the bacterial community structure in hypolithons and the surrounding soils. We show clear and robust distinction in bacterial composition between bulk surface soils and hypolithons. Moreover, the bacterial assemblages were similar in types II and III hypolithons and clearly distinct from those found in type I. Through 16S rRNA gene 454 pyrosequencing, we show that Proteobacteria dominated all three types of hypolithic communities. As expected, Cyanobacteria were more abundant in type I hypolithons, whereas Actinobacteria were relatively more abundant in types II and III hypolithons, and were the dominant group in soils. Using a probabilistic dissimilarity metric and random sampling, we demonstrate that deterministic processes are more important in shaping the structure of the bacterial community found in types II and III hypolithons. Most notably, the data presented in this study suggest that hypolithic bacterial communities establish via a successional model, with the type I hypolithons acting as the basal development state.