bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural characterization of CspZ, a complement regulator factor H and FHL‐1 binding protein from Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Brangulis Kalvis , Petrovskis Ivars , Kazaks Andris , Bogans Janis , Otikovs Martins , Jaudzems Kristaps , Ranka Renate , Tars Kaspars
Published: April 2014

Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme disease and is found in two different types of hosts in nature – Ixodes ticks and various mammalian organisms. To initiate disease and survive in mammalian host organisms, B. burgdorferi must be able to transfer to a new host, proliferate, attach to different tissue and resist the immune response. To resist the host's immune response, B. burgdorferi produces at least five different outer surface proteins that can bind complement regulator factor H (CFH) and/or factor H‐like protein 1 (CFHL‐1). The crystal structures of two uniquely folded complement binding proteins, which belong to two distinct gene families and are not found in other bacteria, have been previously described. The crystal structure of the CFH and CFHL‐1 binding protein CspZ (also known as BbCRASP‐2 or BBH06) from B. burgdorferi, which belongs to a third gene family, is reported in this study. The structure reveals that the overall fold is different from the known structures of the other complement binding proteins in B. burgdorferi or other bacteria; this structure does not resemble the fold of any known protein deposited in the Protein Data Bank. The N‐terminal part of the CspZ protein forms a four‐helix bundle and has features similar to the FAT domain (focal adhesion targeting domain) and a related domain found in the vinculin/α‐catenin family. By combining our findings from the crystal structure of CspZ with previous mutagenesis studies, we have identified a likely binding surface on CspZ for CFH and CFHL‐1.
When Finance Meets Physics: The Impact of the Speed of Light on Financial Markets and Their Regulation
Authors: Angel* James J.
Published: April 2014

Modern physics has demonstrated that matter behaves very differently as it approaches the speed of light. This paper explores the implications of modern physics to the operation and regulation of financial markets. Information cannot move faster than the speed of light. The geographic separation of market centers means that relativistic considerations need to be taken into account in the regulation of markets. Observers in different locations may simultaneously observe different “best” prices. Regulators may not be able to determine which transactions occurred first, leading to problems with best execution and trade‐through rules. Catastrophic software glitches can tunnel through seemingly impregnable quality control procedures.
High‐Frequency Traders and Market Structure
Authors: Menkveld Albert J.
Published: April 2014

The arrival of high‐frequency traders (HFTs) coincided with the entry of new markets and, subsequently, strong fragmentation of the order flow. These trends might be related as new markets serve HFTs who seek low fees and high speed. New markets only thrive on competitive price quotes that well‐connected HFTs can deliver as they can offload any nonzero position in any market they are connected to. HFTs may benefit or hurt market quality through adverse selection on price quotes, a technology arms race, or high‐risk trading strategies.
The Credit Crunch and Insider Trading
Authors: Tavakoli Manouchehr , McMillan David , McKnight Phillip J.
Published: April 2014

This paper examines the behaviour and information content of insiders’ trades before and after the credit crunch and, in particular, examines the extent to which some insiders anticipated the market crash and took action to protect their positions. In part, the market crash was brought about by the excessive borrowing of financial institutions. Our results point to the view that a number of insiders, primarily directors, were aware that the excessive use of leverage by financial institutions would ultimately have a detrimental impact on the economy. These insiders acted by selling their shares prior to the market collapse and subsequently buying them back at a lower price. Supportive evidence for the above view is provided through both graphical evidence and regression analysis. In particular, we demonstrate a link between insider behaviour and the rapid decline in share values. Further evidence is also provided of a link between insider behaviour and future risk as measured by the CDS premium. In short, we argue that this selling was not motivated by liquidity or other contrarian strategies but was a result of understanding how higher levels of leverage and excessive trading in new risky derivatives could lead to higher levels of risk, an insight possessed only by a subset of insiders.
Net change in carbon emissions with increased wood energy use in the United States
Authors: Nepal Prakash , Wear David N. , Skog Kenneth E.
Published: April 2014

Use of wood biomass for energy results in carbon (C) emissions at the time of burning and alters C stocks on the land because of harvest, regrowth, and changes in land use or management. This study evaluates the potential effects of expanded woody biomass energy use (for heat and power) on net C emissions over time. A scenario with increased wood energy use is compared with a dynamic business‐as‐usual scenario where wood energy use is driven by its historical relationship with gross domestic product. At the national level, we projected that up to 78% of increased cumulative C emissions from increased wood burning and up to 80% of increased cumulative radiative forcing would be offset over 50 years by change in forest area loss, biomass regrowth on land, C storage in harvested wood products, and C in logging slash left in forests. For example, forest area is projected to decline in both scenarios, but 3.5 million hectares more are retained in the high wood energy‐use case. Projected C offsets over a 50 year period differed substantially by US region (16% in the North, 50% in the West, and 95% in the South) not only because of differences in forest regrowth and induced investment in retaining and planting forest, but also because of shifts in competitive advantage among regions in producing various wood products. If wood systems displace coal systems that have 75% of the C emissions of wood energy systems per unit energy, then the nationwide net C emissions offset would be reduced to 71–74%. If displacing natural gas systems that have 40% of the level of wood bioenergy emissions per unit energy, the nationwide net C emissions offset would be 46–52%.
Better the Devil: A Response to Gus O'Donnell's ‘Better Government’
Authors: BERRY CRAIG , BERRY RICHARD
Published: April 2014

Gus O'Donnell's vision of ‘better government’ is presented as a critique of party politics, most specifically the short‐termism, selfishness and incompetence of elected politicians. There are few people better placed than O'Donnell to form such judgements. However, O'Donnell goes much further, by calling into question the legitimacy of the democratic system which gives rise to party politics. His article outlines several mechanisms by which the exercise of power by elected ministers could be constrained by a managerialist accountability framework, without addressing the question of who determines the appropriate framework for ministerial performance. The House of Commons is condemned as ‘too politicised’. O'Donnell also offers substantial praise for apparently ‘depoliticised’ policy‐making processes, overlooking the inherently political constitution of such processes. In doing so, O'Donnell claims to be challenging party politics on behalf of voters/taxpayers, but instead seeks to dismantle any possibility of the public expressing a collective will via the ballot box that might challenge the immutability of the market economy.
‘Respect for Law and Sausages’: How Parliament Made Section 31 of the Growth and Infrastructure Act 2013 on the Sale of Employment Rights
Authors: PANNICK QC LORD
Published: April 2014

The Parliamentary debates on the clause which became section 31 of the Growth and Enterprise Act 2013 (allowing employees to agree to sign away employment rights for shares in the employing company) show that scrutiny by the House of Commons is very poor, and that scrutiny by the House of Lords is intense and very well‐informed. If the Government loses the argument on a Bill in the House of Lords, it will lose the vote. However, during Parliamentary ping‐pong (the back‐and‐forth process of amendment of a Bill between the two Houses) the Commons, and the Government, will normally get their way, however weak the policy proposal, provided that concessions on detail are made, unless the issue is regarded by the Lords as one of fundamental principle.
Democracy Without Parties? Italy After Berlusconi
Authors: BICKERTON CHRIS J. , ACCETTI CARLO INVERNIZZI
Published: April 2014

This article looks at the legacy of ‘Berlusconism’ for Italian politics. On the right, we identify a process of fragmentation. As a result of the personalised leadership of Silvio Berlusconi, where loyalties and ties were to il cavaliere as an individual rather than to a party or a political tradition, there is little by way of legacy on the right. Surprisingly, we find that Berlusconi's greatest legacy lies on the left of Italian politics, in the figure of Matteo Renzi. In his savvy manipulation of the media and in the careful construction of his own image, accompanied by a non‐ideological set of political slogans, Renzi has gone even further than Berlusconi. As a result, he may be the one to final bury Italian ‘party government’ and all its associated traditions and ideals.
The Use of Drones in Pakistan: an Inquiry into the Ethical and Legal Issues
Authors: AHMAD MAHMOOD
Published: April 2014

It is clear the United States and other major powers see drone warfare as the wave of the future. Today more than 70 countries possess drone technology and many others are seeking to acquire it. It is expected that within 20 years, there will be swarms of drones and many autonomous fighters and bombers in use around the globe. If the trends continue as anticipated, these drones will usher in a ‘boundless and borderless war without end’. The development of technological improvements will eventually lead to a militarisation of foreign policy and unnecessary conflicts. While the circumstances in Pakistan are unique, the questions surrounding the US drone programme in non‐combat zones such as Pakistan raise important issues regarding how drone use should be governed in the future. This article is an attempt to analyse legal and ethical issues raised by the US use of drone technology in non‐combat zones such as Pakistan, and it looks into its underpinnings and also its repercussions as tool in prospective warfare.
Biomechanical Testing of a Novel Tendon Implant Device for the Repair of Equine Flexor Tendon Lacerations
Authors: Barrett Elizabeth J. , Munsterman Amelia S. , Hanson R. Reid , Jackson Robert L.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To comparein vitrostrength and failure characteristics of a tendon implant against a 3 loop pulley suture pattern for equine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) laceration repair.

Study Design

Experimental.

Study Population

Cadaveric equine forelimb SDFT (n = 16).

Methods

One tendon of each of 8 pair of SDFT was randomly selected for repair with either the 3‐loop pulley (3LP) suture pattern using 2 polydioxanone or with 4 stainless steel suture and anchor implants (SA). Ultimate load to failure, mode of failure, gap at failure, and load to 2 mm gap were obtained using a materials testing system synchronized with a high‐speed camera. Statistical evaluation was made using Student'st‐test; significance was set atP ≤ .05.

Results

The 3LP failed at a significantly (P = .0001) greater load (363.5 ± 83.7 N) than SA (132.4 ± 26.8 N), but the load to a 2 mm gap (3LP = 164.9 ± 67.7 N, SA = 114.5 ± 21.5 N) was not significantly different (P = .09). Failure mode was by suture pull out and anchor pull out respectively. The gap at failure was significantly larger in the 3LP than in SA repair (P = .000005).

Conclusions

Both the SA repair and the 3LP resisted similar tension to 2 mm gap. However, the ultimate load to failure of the SA repair was only 36% that of the 3LP repair.
Aliskiren‐attenuated myocardium apoptosis via regulation of autophagy and connexin‐43 in aged spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Zhang Wenbin , Zhao Gang , Hu Xiaona , Wang Min , Li Hua , Ye Yong , Du Qijun , Yao Jin , Bao Zhijun , Hong Wei , Fu Guosheng , Ge Junbo , Qiu Zhaohui
Published: April 2014

There are controversies about the mechanism of myocardium apoptosis in hypertensive heart disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship among autophagy, Cx43 and apoptosis in aged spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and establish whether Aliskiren is effective or not for the treatment of myocardium apoptosis. Twenty‐one SHRs aged 52 weeks were randomly divided into three groups, the first two receiving Aliskiren at a dose of 10 and 25 mg/kg/day respectively; the third, placebo for comparison with seven Wistar‐Kyoto (WKY) as controls. After a 2‐month treatment, systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart to bw ratios (HW/BW%) and angiotensin II (AngII) concentration were significantly enhanced in SHRs respectively. Apoptotic cardiomyocytes detected with TUNEL and immunofluorescent labelling for active caspase‐3 increased nearly fourfolds in SHRs, with a decline in the expression of survivin and AKT activation, and an increase in caspase‐3 activation and the ratio of Bax/Bcl‐2. Myocardium autophagy, detected with immunofluorescent labelling for LC3‐II, increased nearly threefolds in SHRs, with the up‐regulation of Atg5, Atg16L1, Beclin‐1 and LC3‐II. The expression of Cx43 plaque was found to be down‐regulated in SHRs. Aliskiren significantly reduced SBP, HW/BW%, AngII concentration and the expression of AT1R. Thus, Aliskiren protects myocardium against apoptosis by decreasing autophagy, up‐regulating Cx43. These effects showed a dose‐dependent tendency, but no significance. In conclusion, the myocardium apoptosis developed during the hypertensive end‐stage of SHRs could be ameliorated by Aliskiren via the regulation of myocardium autophagy and maladaptive remodelling of Cx43.
A Generic Method for Determining Moisture Sorption Isotherms of Cereal Grains and Legumes Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Al‐Mahasneh Majdi , Alkoaik Fahad , Khalil Ahmed , Al‐Mahasneh Ahmad , El‐Waziry Ahmed , Fulleros Ronnel , Rababah Taha
Published: April 2014

Moisture sorption isotherms (MSI) are required to optimize handling, drying, processing and storage of food products. MSI are obtained by solving nonlinear equations iteratively, which is normally a difficult process. A generic approach was successfully used for collective prediction of MSI for 12 cereals and five legumes simultaneously, by taking advantage of the superior computational capabilities of artificial neural networks (ANNs). A total of 779 observations were collected from literature and used in training and validation of ANNs. The ANNs model used product type (grains or legumes), sorption state (adsorption or desorption), temperature and equilibrium moisture content as inputs to predict equilibrium relative humidity. A one‐ and two‐hidden‐layer ANNs were implemented. The overall prediction results obtained from ANNs were found to compare well with those reported for conventional analytical MSI models. The average prediction results obtained from the two‐hidden‐layer ANN for mean square error, deviation modulus and R2 were 0.009, 4.47% and 0.984, respectively. The results for each product compared well with those obtained from analytical MSI models. Four important issues that are commonly raised when implementing ANNs in prediction of MSIs were explained. These included preventing network over‐fitting, minimizing the time and effort needed for ANN architecture optimization, validating reproducibility of the results and validating the network capability to predict new observations. Unlike conventional MSI models, ANNs used the same network to predict MSIs for several products simultaneously. The principle can be easily expanded to predict MSI for other larger sets of various products, which can save time and effort.

Practical Applications

Determination of moisture sorption isotherms (MSI) is required for optimization of grain drying, processing, handling and storage operations. They can be also used to evaluate theoretical drying energy requirements and optimum storage conditions for a specific food product. In addition, they are used in food engineering calculations related to equipment design, shelf life evaluation and stability during storage operations. Determination of MSI for food products involves the use of conventional nonlinear MSI models, which requires an iterative solution methodology. The results are also specific to the food product investigated. Artificial neural networks were therefore proposed in this study as an alternative method for the collective prediction of MSI for some cereal grains and legumes. The method proposed in the study was accurate and reliable. In addition, it can be extended to larger varieties of food materials.
Benefit of Cone‐Beam CT Angiography in Visualizing Aneurysm Shape and Identification of Exact Rupture Site
Authors: Lauric Alexandra , Heller Robert S. , Schimansky Sarah , Malek Adel M.
Published: April 2014

While high‐resolution cone‐beam computational tomographic (CBCT) angiography has gained use in intracranial vascular imaging, digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and 3‐dimensional‐rotational angiography (3D‐RA) remain the preferred acquisition modalities for intracranial aneurysm imaging. This case report highlights the utility of the greater spatial resolution afforded by CBCT for cerebral aneurysm imaging. A 54‐year‐old man presenting with subarachnoid hemorrhage was confirmed to harbor a ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm by conventional angiography. Due to varying contrast opacification captured by different acquisition methods, dramatic aneurysm shape difference was observed between 2‐ and 3‐dimensional‐angiographic and CBCT models. The greater resolution of CBCT revealed in an unequivocal fashion the exact site of rupture on the aneurysm dome, visualized as a discrete irregular and elongated bleb that was not seen on either 3D‐RA or DSA. High‐resolution CBCT visualized the shape of the target aneurysm in greater detail than the more conventional 2D‐DSA and 3D‐RA, enabling more precise computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Given that aneurysms most likely change shape either prior to rupture or upon rupture, future studies evaluating fluid dynamics using computer reconstructions should be cognizant of the differences in resolution provided by various imaging modalities.
Plant species richness of very small forests related to patch configuration, quality, heterogeneity and history
Authors: Wulf Monika , Kolk Jens
Published: April 2014

Questions

(i) Is plant species richness related to patch configuration, quality, heterogeneity and history in very small forest patches? (ii) Is there a similar effect of patch configuration, quality, heterogeneity and history on all plant species or does it vary for different plant groups? (iii) Does the importance of patch configuration, quality, heterogeneity and history vary for plant species richness between patch size classes?

Location

Prignitz region, western part of Brandenburg, Germany

Methods

Plant species lists for 183 forest patches (0.08–12.7 ha) were compiled. We conducted a hierarchical partitioning analysis to test which of the four patch variables – configuration, quality, heterogeneity and history – explained most of the variance in plant species richness and richness of various plant groups.

Results

Irrespective of patch size class, species richness is mainly predicted by patch quality and heterogeneity. In particular, generalists are primarily affected by the soil moisture and nutrient level, and specialists additionally by patch heterogeneity and history. A higher historical habitat quality, together with long habitat continuity, led to an increase in forest specialists and geophytes in all patches. In the >5‐ha patches only historical habitat quality accounted for a significant increase in the number of species with short‐distance dispersal capacity in all species. Regardless of patch size, the number of locally infrequent species increased significantly with historical habitat quality. The effect of patch configuration was negligible, except for space‐filling trees and shrubs, when considering all patches.

Conclusions

Our more comprehensive statistical approach shows, in general, that all complex variables have an effect on species richness and should be considered in future studies. The fact that patch heterogeneity and quality are the main predictors of species richness indicates that very small forest patches covered a range of highly structured patches and sites having various growth conditions. We assume that the century‐old tradition of private ownership with smallholder social structure is the main reason for variability in stand structure and species assemblage, resulting in the uniqueness of each patch. Since the number of locally infrequent plant species increases significantly with historical habitat quality, we suggest that it is particularly important to consider this variable in future studies on the decline of infrequent plant species.
Effects of Muscari comosum Extract on Nonspecific Immune Parameters in Gilthead Seabream, Sparus aurata (L. 1758)
Authors: Baba Esİn , Uluköy Gülşen , Mammadov Ramazan
Published: April 2014

This study was conducted to determine the effects of Muscari comosum (L.) Mill. 1768, geophyte plant extract on some nonspecific immune parameters of gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata (L. 1758). For this purpose, the plant was collected and extracted in ethanol solvent. Three different fish groups were formed, and each group was duplicated (total 300 fish). The plant extract was applied to the fish by intraperitoneal injection in two different concentrations (0.5 mg/fish and 2 mg/fish). Following injections on the 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th d, blood samples were collected from each group. Some of the nonspecific immune parameters in blood and serum samples such as leukocyte level, phagocytic activity (NBT (+) cells), lysozyme activity, and the percentage of white blood cells were determined. The results indicate that in line with the parameters observed, the group given 0.5 mg/fish was not as effective as the one given 2 mg/fish but more effective than the control group. The nonspecific immune parameters of blood samples of the gilthead seabream in the 2 mg/fish experimental group showed that maximum levels on measured parameters of blood were reached at the first week postinjection. The applied concentrations of plant extract did not inhibit growth performance in any of the groups.
Effect of Dietary N‐acyl Homoserin Lactonase on the Immune Response and the Gut Microbiota of Zebrafish, Danio rerio, Infected with Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Cao Yanan , Liu Yuchun , Mao Wei , Chen Ruidong , He Suxu , Gao Xiuhua , Zhou Zhigang , Yao Bin
Published: April 2014

Quorum sensing interference is a novel strategy in bacterial disease control. Degradation of quorum sensing signal molecules, such as N‐acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs), by enzymes is a potential interfering method. In this study, the in vivo effect of an N‐acyl homoserine lactonase from Bacillus sp. B546, AiiAB546, on the protection of zebrafish, Danio rerio, against Aeromonas hydrophila infection was first investigated by co‐feeding. The short‐term immune responses and the long‐term effects on the gut microbiota of zebrafish were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), respectively. The results showed that the expression levels of some anti‐infectious immunity‐related factors, including interleukin 10 (IL‐10), toll‐like receptor 5b (TLR5b), and inducible nitric oxide synthase 2a (iNOS2a) that were related to A. hydrophila virulent factors under regulation of quorum sensing, were more susceptible to the addition of AiiAB546. It indicated that AiiAB546 may attenuate the infection of A. hydrophila by interfering with quorum sensing. A. hydrophila was not detected in the enzyme co‐feeding diet group, which might be due to its inability to adhere to the gut with enzyme interference. This study revealed that AiiAB546 as a feed additive might represent a novel biocontrol agent in aquaculture; however, the topic merits further investigations using fish species of commercial interest.
Molecular Characteristic and Responsive Expression of Arginine Kinase in the Mud Crab, Scylla paramamosain
Authors: Xie Yinjie , Gong Jie , Ye Haihui , Huang Huiyang , Yang Ya'nan
Published: April 2014

Arginine kinase (AK) is a phosphor‐transferase which plays a critical role in energy metabolism in invertebrates. Using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) PCR, this study successfully cloned a 1469 bp full‐length complementary DNA (cDNA) of AK from the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain (designated as SpAK). The open‐reading frame (ORF) of SpAK was 1071 bp, encoding 357 amino acids. The predicted protein showed a high level of identity to known AK from other invertebrates and creatine kinase (CK) from vertebrates that belongs to a conserved family of ATP: guanidine phosphotransferases. The SpAK gene contains two exons and one intron. The quantitative real‐time PCR analysis revealed a broad expression of SpAK in various tissues. After challenge with the bacterium Vibrio alginolyticus, the peak value of AK expression in hepatopancreas increased 17‐fold (at 3 h), and 15‐fold (at 72 h) in hemolymph, as compared to the control. The present research suggests that AK might be involved in immune response of the mud crab, S. paramamosain.
Partial Replacement of Fish Meal with Poultry By‐product Meal in Diets for Snakehead, Channa striata (Bloch, 1793), Fingerlings
Authors: Abdul‐Halim Halimatun H. , Aliyu‐Paiko Mohammed , Hashim Roshada
Published: April 2014

A 12‐wk feeding trial was carried out to examine the response of snakehead, Channa striata, fingerlings to diets containing poultry by‐product meal (PBM) protein as replacement to fish meal (FM) protein. Fish (mean initial weight 3.98 ± 0.01) were reared in 15 tanks and fed one of five isocaloric (18.5 kJ/g gross energy) diets, in triplicates. Each diet was formulated to contain 45% crude protein and 6.5% crude fat and utilizing protein from PBM to replace that of defatted FM in the following decreasing order; 40, 30, 20, 10, and 0%, respectively. Fish were fed assigned diets to apparent satiation twice daily during the trial, for 12 wk. Water quality parameters (temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen) were monitored and ranged between 28.5–30.5 C, 6.1–6.6, and 4.61–6.34 mg/L, respectively. Fish survival and growth performance were not significantly (P < 0.05) different among all the treatments. Dietary PBM level did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect the hepatosomatic (HSI) and viserosomatic indices (VSI) in fish and the carcass protein and ash compositions. Muscle lipid was significantly the highest in the 30PBM compared to 0PBM, 10PBM and 20PBM groups, but similar to the 40PBM treatment. The result of this trial indicates that protein from PBM could be used to successfully replace minimum 40% of defatted FM protein in diets for snakehead fingerlings without negative effects on growth and feed utilization.
Summer larval fish assemblages in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Western Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Giordano Daniela , Profeta Adriana , Busalacchi Barbara , Minutoli Roberta , Guglielmo Letterio , Bergamasco Alessandro , Granata Antonia
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this paper was to study the community structure, in terms of species composition, abundance and spatial distribution, of fish larvae in a wide coastal area of Sicily facing the Southeastern Tyrrhenian Sea, extending for 2300 km2 from Cape Cefalù to the west, to Cape Rasocolmo in the east. This study analyses how species are assembled in relation to an inshore–offshore gradient and also how environmental conditions, determined by surface circulation patterns occurring in the Central Mediterranean at the local scale, determine the distribution patterns. Samples from 39 stations were collected using a 60‐cm Bongo net during an ichthyoplanktonic survey carried out in June 2006. In all, 62 taxa, representing 32 families, were identified. Cyclothone braueri (59.6%), Engraulis encrasicolus (9.2%) Lampanyctus crocodilus (4.3%) and Lampanyctus pusillus (4.1%) were the most abundant species. The results showed that the highest abundance value (14830.6 fish larvae per 10 m2 sea surface) was observed in the western part of the study area. MDS, SIMPER and CCA analyses revealed well defined groups of stations and assemblages of larvae in accordance with an inshore–offshore gradient. The results of this study could have implications for the management of marine resources because the investigated area has already been identified as a nursery area for many pelagic and coastal fishes and a natural habitat for many species of high commercial interest.
The effects of in vitro fluoride mouth rinse on the antibacterial properties of orthodontic cements
Authors: Slutzky H. , Feuerstern O. , Namuz K. , Shpack N. , Lewinstein I. , Matalon S.
Published: April 2014

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To investigate the ability of orthodontic cements to regain their antibacterial effect after aging for 1 month, followed by 2 weeks of fluoride ‘recharging’ through daily fluoride rinse.

Materials and Methods

Four orthodontic cements were tested: composite resin‐based materials (Transbond XT and Transbond Plus), a conventional glass ionomer cement (CX Plus) and dual‐cured resin‐reinforced glass ionomer cement (Fuji ORTHO LC) by direct contact test. After polymerization and a 30‐day aging process, the samples were rinsed daily with 0.05% NaF solution for 14 days. Twenty‐four hours after the last fluoride rinse, Streptococcus mutans cells (approximately 1 x 106) were placed on the surface of each sample for 1 h at 37°C to establish direct contact. Bacterial growth was monitored for 24 h by temperature‐controlled spectrophotometry. Similar experiments were conducted after aging for 48 h and 72 h after the last fluoride rinse. One‐way anova, two‐way anova, and Tukey's multiple comparison test were applied to the data.

Results

Twenty‐four hours after the last fluoride rinse, the resin‐modified glass ionomer and the glass ionomer showed potent antibacterial properties, whereas the composite‐based material Transbond XT encouraged bacterial growth. After 72 h, only Fuji Ortho LC maintained its bacteriostatic properties while all the other tested materials showed no antibacterial activity.

Conclusions

Fourteen days daily fluoride rinse temporarily revives the antibacterial properties of the resin‐modified glass ionomer cement and glass‐ionomer‐based cement.
Rheumatoid arthritis interstitial lung disease: Time to take notice
Authors: Solomon Joshua J. , Fischer Aryeh
Published: April 2014

See article, page 493
Chronic osteomyelitis management in austere environments: the International Committee of the Red Cross experience
Authors: Baldan Marco , Gosselin Richard A. , Osman Zaher , Barrand Kenneth G.
Published: April 2014

Background

Chronic osteomyelitis (COM) causes major physical disability. In situations of limited resources and war zones, western world treatments are neither affordable nor sustainable. The International Committee of the Red Cross has established a COM treatment project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with emphasis on affordability and sustainability.

Methods

One hundred and sixty‐eight patients were treated for COM. The protocol focused on surgical excision of necrotic bone, physiotherapy and an open wound dressing method using granulated brown sugar.

Results

Seventy‐one patients could be reviewed with a mean follow‐up of 13.7 months (5–28 months). 46 patients (63.4%, 95% CI 52.5–75.6) had excellent/good results in terms of clinical cure of the infection, and 36 patients (50.7%, 95% CI 38.7–62.7) had seen excellent/good improvement in their functional status compared with before treatment.

Conclusions

The above‐mentioned treatment protocol has shown encouraging results: almost two‐thirds of the patients had their infection clinically cured, and half the patients saw significant functional improvement.
The effect of ageing and indomethacin on forearm reactive hyperaemia in healthy adults
Authors: Taylor Jennifer L. , Hines Casey N. , Nicholson Wayne T. , Joyner Michael J. , Barnes Jill N.
Published: April 2014

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

We aimed to investigate the effects of the cyclo‐oxygenase (COX) inhibitor indomethacin on resistance vessel function in young and older adults and to test the hypothesis that indomethacin will attenuate forearm vascular conductance during reactive hyperaemia.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Older adults demonstrated an attenuated vasodilator response to ischaemia after COX inhibition compared with their younger counterparts. This suggests that older adults do not compensate for the vascular changes induced by an acute dose of indomethacin. Long‐term use of indomethacin may increase vascular resistance and reduce the response to acute haemodynamic stress in older adults. The risk for potential adverse cardiovascular consequences of COX inhibition should be considered.

We have previously shown that non‐selective cyclo‐oxygenase inhibition, via indomethacin, unfavourably increased central blood pressure in older adults, with little effect in young adults. In addition, the vasoactive prostaglandins have been shown to contribute to both peripheral vasodilator responses and large artery function; however, there is little information available in older adults and conflicting reports in young adults on the extent to which resistance vessel function is influenced by indomethacin. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that cyclo‐oxygenase inhibition using indomethacin would attenuate forearm vascular conductance during reactive hyperaemia in older adults compared with young adults. Forearm blood flow responses to 5 min of forearm ischaemia were measured in 26 healthy adults (13 young, 25 ± 5 years old; and 13 older, 65 ± 6 years old), using venous occlusion plethysmography before and after indomethacin. Baseline forearm blood flow and vascular conductance were not different between groups during either trial, and there were no age‐related differences prior to cyclo‐oxygenase inhibition. Peak forearm vascular conductance and blood flow were similar between groups before indomethacin, but lower in older adults after indomethacin compared with young adults (27 ± 4 versus 41 ± 4 ml (100 ml)−1 min−1 (100 mmHg)−1, P = 0.02; and 23 ± 3 versus 33 ± 3 ml (100 ml)−1 min−1, P = 0.02, respectively). These results, in conjunction with our previous findings in large arteries, suggest that ageing alters the effect of cyclo‐oxygenase inhibition on vascular responses, and specifically, the resistance vessel responses underlying reactive hyperaemia.
Identification of Contact Failures in Multilayered Composites With the Markov Chain Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Abreu L. A. , Orlande H. R. B. , Kaipio J. , Kolehmainen V. , Cotta R. M. , Quaresma J. N. N.
Published: April 2014

This paper deals with the solution of an inverse heat conduction problem, aiming at the identification of the interface thermal contact conductance, which can be directly associated to the quality of the adhesion between layers of multilayered composite materials. The inverse problem is solved within the Bayesian framework, with a Markov chain Monte Carlo method. A total variation prior is used for the spatially distributed contact conductance. The feasibility of the approach is evaluated with simulated temperature measurements for cases with contact failures of different sizes.
Seasonal Prevalence of Lyme Disease Spirochetes in a Heterothermic Mammal, the Edible Dormouse (Glis glis)
Authors: Fietz Joanna , Tomiuk Jürgen , Matuschka Franz-Rainer , Richter Dania
Published: April 2014

In Europe, dormice serve as competent reservoir hosts for particular genospecies of the tick-borne agent of Lyme disease (LD) and seem to support them more efficiently than do mice or voles. The longevity of edible dormice (
Glis glis
) and their attractiveness for ticks may result in a predominance of LD spirochetes in ticks questing in dormouse habitats. To investigate the role of edible dormice in the transmission cycle of LD spirochetes, we sampled skin tissue from the ear pinnae of dormice inhabiting five different study sites in south western Germany. Of 501 edible dormice, 12.6% harbored DNA of LD spirochetes. Edible dormice were infected most frequently with the pathogenic LD spirochete
Borrelia afzelii
. The DNA of
B. garinii
and
B. bavariensis
was detected in ca. 0.5% of the examined individuals. No spirochetal DNA was detectable in the skin of edible dormice until July, 6 weeks after they generally start to emerge from their obligate hibernation. Thereafter, the prevalence of spirochetal DNA in edible dormice increased during the remaining period of their 4 to 5 months of activity, reaching nearly 40% in September. Males were more than four times more likely to harbor LD spirochetes than females, and yearlings were almost twice more likely to be infected than adults. The seasonality of the prevalence of LD spirochetes in edible dormice was pronounced and may affect their role as a reservoir host in respect to other hosts.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae Vacuolar H
+
-ATPase Regulation by Disassembly and Reassembly: One Structure and Multiple Signals
Authors: Parra Karlett J. , Chan Chun-Yuan , Chen Jun
Published: April 2014

Vacuolar H
+
-ATPases (V-ATPases) are highly conserved ATP-driven proton pumps responsible for acidification of intracellular compartments. V-ATPase proton transport energizes secondary transport systems and is essential for lysosomal/vacuolar and endosomal functions. These dynamic molecular motors are composed of multiple subunits regulated in part by reversible disassembly, which reversibly inactivates them. Reversible disassembly is intertwined with glycolysis, the RAS/cyclic AMP (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway, and phosphoinositides, but the mechanisms involved are elusive. The atomic- and pseudo-atomic-resolution structures of the V-ATPases are shedding light on the molecular dynamics that regulate V-ATPase assembly. Although all eukaryotic V-ATPases may be built with an inherent capacity to reversibly disassemble, not all do so. V-ATPase subunit isoforms and their interactions with membrane lipids and a V-ATPase-exclusive chaperone influence V-ATPase assembly. This minireview reports on the mechanisms governing reversible disassembly in the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, keeping in perspective our present understanding of the V-ATPase architecture and its alignment with the cellular processes and signals involved.
Ribosome Biogenesis in African Trypanosomes Requires Conserved and Trypanosome-Specific Factors
Authors: Umaer Khan , Ciganda Martin , Williams Noreen
Published: April 2014

Large ribosomal subunit protein L5 is responsible for the stability and trafficking of 5S rRNA to the site of eukaryotic ribosomal assembly. In
Trypanosoma brucei
, in addition to L5, trypanosome-specific proteins P34 and P37 also participate in this process. These two essential proteins form a novel preribosomal particle through interactions with both the ribosomal protein L5 and 5S rRNA. We have generated a procyclic L5 RNA interference cell line and found that L5 itself is a protein essential for trypanosome growth, despite the presence of other 5S rRNA binding proteins. Loss of L5 decreases the levels of all large-subunit rRNAs, 25/28S, 5.8S, and 5S rRNAs, but does not alter small-subunit 18S rRNA. Depletion of L5 specifically reduced the levels of the other large ribosomal proteins, L3 and L11, whereas the steady-state levels of the mRNA for these proteins were increased. L5-knockdown cells showed an increase in the 40S ribosomal subunit and a loss of the 60S ribosomal subunits, 80S monosomes, and polysomes. In addition, L5 was involved in the processing and maturation of precursor rRNAs. Analysis of polysomal fractions revealed that unprocessed rRNA intermediates accumulate in the ribosome when L5 is depleted. Although we previously found that the loss of P34 and P37 does not result in a change in the levels of L5, the loss of L5 resulted in an increase of P34 and P37 proteins, suggesting the presence of a compensatory feedback loop. This study demonstrates that ribosomal protein L5 has conserved functions, in addition to nonconserved trypanosome-specific features, which could be targeted for drug intervention.
Dissecting the
cis
and
trans
Elements That Regulate Adjacent-Gene Coregulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Arnone James T. , Arace Jeffrey R. , Soorneedi Anand R. , Citino Teryn T. , Kamitaki Tadashi L. , McAlear Michael A.
Published: April 2014

The relative positions that genes occupy on their respective chromosomes can play a critical role in determining how they are regulated at the transcriptional level. For example, a significant fraction of the genes from a variety of coregulated gene sets, including the ribosomal protein (RP) and the rRNA and ribosome biogenesis (RRB) regulons, exist as immediate, adjacent gene pairs. These gene pairs occur in all possible divergent, tandem, and convergent orientations. Adjacent-gene pairing in these regulons is associated with a tighter transcriptional coregulation than is observed for nonpaired genes of the same regulons. In order to define the
cis
and
trans
factors that regulate adjacent-gene coregulation (AGC), we conducted a mutational analysis of the convergently oriented RRB gene pair
MPP10-YJR003C
. We observed that coupled corepression of the gene pair under heat shock was abrogated when the two genes were separated by an actively expressed RNA polymerase (Pol) II transcription unit (the
LEU2
gene) but not when the inserted
LEU2
gene was repressed. In contrast, the insertion of an RNA Pol III-transcribed tRNA (Thr) gene did not disrupt the coregulated repression of
MPP10
and
YJR003C
. A targeted screen of mutants defective in regulating chromosome architecture revealed that the Spt20, Snf2, and Chd1 proteins were required for coupling the repression of
YJR003C
to that of
MPP10
. Nucleosome occupancy assays performed across the
MPP10
and
YJR003C
promoter regions revealed that the mechanism of corepression of the gene pair was not related to the repositioning of nucleosomes across the respective gene promoters.
Resolving Nonstop Translation Complexes Is a Matter of Life or Death
Authors: Keiler Kenneth C. , Feaga Heather A.
Published: April 2014

Problems during gene expression can result in a ribosome that has translated to the 3′ end of an mRNA without terminating at a stop codon, forming a nonstop translation complex. The nonstop translation complex contains a ribosome with the mRNA and peptidyl-tRNA engaged, but because there is no codon in the A site, the ribosome cannot elongate or terminate the nascent chain. Recent work has illuminated the importance of resolving these nonstop complexes in bacteria. Transfer-messenger RNA (tmRNA)-SmpB specifically recognizes and resolves nonstop translation complexes in a reaction known as
trans
-translation.
trans
-Translation releases the ribosome and promotes degradation of the incomplete nascent polypeptide and problematic mRNA. tmRNA and SmpB have been found in all bacteria and are essential in some species. However, other bacteria can live without
trans
-translation because they have one of the alternative release factors, ArfA or ArfB. ArfA recruits RF2 to nonstop translation complexes to promote hydrolysis of the peptidyl-tRNAs. ArfB recognizes nonstop translation complexes in a manner similar to tmRNA-SmpB recognition and directly hydrolyzes the peptidyl-tRNAs to release the stalled ribosomes. Genetic studies indicate that most or all species require at least one mechanism to resolve nonstop translation complexes. Consistent with such a requirement, small molecules that inhibit resolution of nonstop translation complexes have broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. These results suggest that resolving nonstop translation complexes is a matter of life or death for bacteria.
Interferon β-1a therapy for multiple sclerosis during pregnancy: an unresolved issue
Authors: Dung Dung Aldrin Anthony , Panda Akhila Kumar
Published: April 2014

On the basis of evidence from clinical trials, contraindications to the use of interferon (INF) are pregnancy, epilepsy and depression. Management of multiple sclerosis during pregnancy is a difficult issue because of pregnancy-related complications and fear of congenital anomalies due to exposure to disease-modifying therapy. In different series, INF therapy was withdrawn before or after variable periods of exposure. This case illustrates a 26-year-old woman diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis who was treated with a weekly regimen of intramuscular INF-β 1a (Avonex). She had received this treatment throughout her pregnancy without any further exacerbations of symptoms or any untoward pregnancy-related complications. In contrast to different series, our patient had the longest exposure to INF-β during pregnancy.
Imaging services at the Paralympic Games London 2012: analysis of demand and distribution of workload
Authors: Bethapudi Sarath , Campbell Robert S D , Budgett Richard , Willick Stuart E , Van de Vliet Peter
Published: April 2014

Background

Very little data have been published on medical imaging services at disability games. 7.9 million euros (£6.6 million, US$11 million) were invested in setting up radiology facilities within purpose built polyclinics at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games. This paper details imaging services at the 2012 Paralympic Games. Data analysis on imaging at 2012 Olympics has been published in a separate paper.

Aim

To analyse the workload on the polyclinics’ radiology services, provided for the Paralympic athletes during the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Method

Data were prospectively collected during the period of the Paralympic games from the Picture Archive Communications System (PACS) and the Radiological Information System (RIS). Data were correlated with the medical encounter database (ATOS).

Results

655 imaging episodes were recorded, which comprised 38.8% (n=254) MRI, 33% (n=216) plain radiographs, 24% (n=157) ultrasound scans and 4.2% (n=28) CT scans. Investigations on the Paralympic athletes accounted for 65.2% of workload, with the remainder divided between Paralympic family and workforce.

Conclusions

MRI was the most used imaging resource and CT was the least used imaging modality at the Paralympic village polyclinic. Analysis of demographic data provides a useful index for planning radiology infrastructure and manpower at future international competitions for athletes with a disability.