bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Posttraumatic Stress in Professional Firefighters in Japan: Rescue Efforts after the Great East Japan Earthquake (Higashi Nihon Dai-Shinsai)
Authors: Fushimi Masahito
Published: August 2012

Introduction

Firefighters are often exposed to stressful duty-related events and may experience extreme trauma. Such work-related stress can result in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is therefore important to understand the traumatic stress experienced by firefighters in the course of their work and to promote appropriate intervention when necessary.

Methods

Data were collected from 118 workers (all males) in the Fire Department of Akita City, Japan who had participated in the Great East Japan Earthquake (Higashi Nihon Dai-Shinsai) rescue effort from March 11 through March 31, 2011. Study participants completed self-report surveys at three time intervals: shortly after return from the rescue effort, approximately two weeks after return from the rescue effort, and approximately one month after return from the rescue effort. The surveys included questions of demographics, physical complaints, medical history, and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) Japanese version, in which a cut-off point of 24/25 was set to screen for PTSD.

Results

A total of 117 participants undertook the initial survey with a range of 0-36 points obtained on the IES-R score. For the initial survey, two of 117 participants scored ≥25 points. For the intermediate survey phase, a range of 0-19 was obtained for 116 participants and for the final survey phase, a range of 0-11 points was obtained for 114 participants.

Conclusion

Contrary to expectations, the survey results showed no participant was judged to require prompt consultation for PTSD. The firefighters who participated in this study were in good mental health. However, more detailed study is required to ascertain whether these findings adequately and clearly reflect the mental health status of these participants.

FushimiM. Posttraumatic stress in professional firefighters in Japan: rescue efforts after the Great East Japan Earthquake (Higashi Nihon Dai-Shinsai). Prehosp Disaster Med.2012;27(5):1-3.
Vitamin D deficiency is a problem for adult out-patients? A university hospital sample in Istanbul, Turkey
Authors: Cigerli Ozlem , Parildar Hulya , Unal Aslı D , Tarcin Ozlem , Erdal Rengin , Guvener Demirag Nilgun
Published: August 2012

Objective

To investigate the frequency of vitamin D deficiency in relation to demographics, clinical diagnosis, season of measurement and laboratory parameters in adult out-patients.

Design

Descriptive, retrospective study concerning evaluation of the initial 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels determined at admission in relation to demographics, clinical diagnosis, season of measurement and laboratory parameters. 25(OH)D levels <20 ng/ml were classified as deficiency, 20–30 ng/ml as insufficiency and >30 ng/ml as sufficiency.

Setting

Out-patient clinics at a tertiary care centre.

Subjects

A total of 2488 adult patients (mean age: 53·3 (sd 15·2) years; 85·2 % were females) admitted to out-patient clinics at Baskent University Istanbul Hospital were included.

Results

Mean level of 25(OH)D in the overall population was 17·4 (sd 11·5) ng/ml while insufficiency and deficiency were evident in 24 % and 66 % of patients, respectively. Mean 25(OH)D levels in males >45 years old were higher than in their female counterparts (19·4 (sd 11·3) ng/ml v. 17·8 (sd 12·2) ng/ml; P < 0·05). Mean 25(OH)D levels obtained in summer (18·6 (sd 11·1) ng/ml) and autumn (23·3 (sd 13·6) ng/ml) were significantly higher than levels in spring (16·1 (sd 10·3) ng/ml) and winter (14·6 (sd 10·2) ng/ml; P < 0·01). Mean 25(OH)D levels were determined to be significantly lower in obese patients compared with non-obese patients (15·6 (sd 10·4) ng/ml v. 17·6 (sd 11·6) ng/ml; P < 0·05). Levels of 25(OH)D were significantly negatively correlated with serum parathyroid hormone levels (r = −0·194; P < 0·001) while significantly positively correlated with phosphorus (r = 0·059; P < 0·01) and HDL cholesterol (r = 0·070; P < 0·01) levels.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that vitamin D deficiency is very common among out-patients in Turkey, regardless of gender and age, especially among obese people and during winter and spring.
Dietary intake in pregnant women in a Spanish Mediterranean area: as good as it is supposed to be?
Authors: Rodríguez-Bernal Clara L , Ramón Rosa , Quiles Joan , Murcia Mario , Navarrete-Muñoz Eva M , Vioque Jesús , Ballester Ferran , Rebagliato Marisa
Published: August 2012

Objective

To assess food and nutrient intakes and compliance with nutritional recommendations in pregnant women according to selected sociodemographic characteristics.

Design

Cross-sectional study based on data from the INMA-Valencia cohort (Spain), which recruited pregnant women between 2004 and 2005. Information on maternal sociodemographics and anthropometry was collected. Dietary intake was assessed through an FFQ. Intakes of foods were compared with Spanish food-based dietary guidelines. Intake inadequacy for nutrients was assessed using the Dietary Reference Intakes of the US Institute of Medicine.

Setting

Valencia, Spain.

Subjects

We studied 822 pregnant women who had information on dietary intake during their first trimester of pregnancy.

Results

More than 50 % of pregnant women did not meet the guidelines for cereals and legumes; reported intakes of carbohydrates, n-3 and n-6 fatty acids were below recommendations and exceeded the total fat intake according to dietary references. Dietary inadequacy for folate, Fe and vitamin E ranged from 99 % to 68 %. Vegetable intake was related to age only. Younger and less educated women showed lower intakes of protein and n-3 fatty acids and higher intakes of trans-fatty acids as well as greater inadequacy for micronutrients. Spanish women reported lower intakes of fruit and carbohydrates and higher intakes of protein, total fat, SFA, MUFA and n-3 fatty acids compared with their foreign-born counterparts.

Conclusions

Women in the studied area have inadequate intakes of several nutrients relevant during pregnancy. Age, education and country of origin are factors significantly related to dietary intake and adequacy.
Providing additional money to food-insecure households and its effect on food expenditure: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Smith Claire , Parnell Winsome Ruth , Brown Rachel Clare , Gray Andrew Robert
Published: August 2012

Objectives

Financial constraint is the underpinning determinant of household food insecurity; however, there has been little research examining the impact that increasing the ‘money available’ to food-insecure households could have on food purchasing. The main objective of the present study was to examine the effect of additional money (in the form of supermarket vouchers) on food expenditure in food-insecure households with children.

Design

A parallel randomized controlled trial with a 4-week baseline phase followed by a 4-week intervention phase. Households were randomized to either receive vouchers (coupons) for 4 weeks or a control group that did not receive any vouchers.

Setting

Dunedin, New Zealand.

Subjects

Low-income households with children (≤18 years) reporting food insecurity (n 214).

Results

The mean monetary value of the vouchers received by households was $NZ 17·00 per week. The voucher group spent $NZ 15·20 (95 % CI 1·46, 28·94) more per week on food during the intervention phase compared with the control group (P = 0·030). There were no differences in expenditure between the voucher and the control group for the food groups ‘fruit and vegetables’ (mean difference: $NZ 0·46; 95 % CI −1·97, 2·89; P = 0·709), ‘meat and poultry’ (mean difference: $NZ 0·29; 95 % CI −3·07, 3·64; P = 0·866) and ‘dairy’ (mean difference: $NZ 0·82; 95 % CI −0·75, 2·42; P = 0·302).

Conclusions

Providing money via supermarket vouchers to food-insecure households resulted in an increase in overall expenditure on food.
The Effects of Election Reform on Legislator Perceptions: The Case of Taiwan
Authors: RICH TIMOTHY S.
Published: August 2012

Mixed member legislative systems have proliferated in the last twenty years, and while our knowledge of the institutional impacts has grown, we have had difficulty in separating institutional and contextual (namely party) influences. Through an analysis of Taiwan before and after the implementation of a mixed member majoritarian (MMM) system, the level of contamination between tiers and variance between parties becomes clearer. Survey results show a marked shift in constituency focus for district candidates, moving from multimember to single-member districts, while party list seats focus on district factors at higher rates post-reform. Variance between the two major parties further suggests differing levels of party pressure.
Economic Voting in South Korea: Pocketbook or Sociotropic?
Authors: LEE AIE-RIE , GLASURE YONG U.
Published: August 2012

Using 2003 Asian Barometer Survey study data, this paper examines the economic voting model in the 2002 presidential election in South Korea. The core emphasis of the paper is on an investigation of the relative effects of different dimensions/scopes of economic evaluations on voting behavior, namely whether one form of assessment (e.g., pocketbook vs. sociotropic) can have similar consequences for electoral participation as others. The findings indicate that the overall economy is salient for Koreans to shape their political choices. In other words, voting behavior in Korea depends on how she or he thinks the national economy has been for the past five years. Also found is that voters’ perceptions of their own personal financial situations did not matter much as a predictor of voter choice.
The Political Economy of Arms Export Restrictions: The Case of Japan
Authors: TAGO ATSUSHI , SCHNEIDER GERALD
Published: August 2012

The export of arms belongs to the most contested issues in democracies. In this article, we examine the economic repercussions of the recent easing of the Japanese arms exports restrictions. We develop a rational expectations argument to understand why some political events increase the income of the arms manufacturers, while other ones reduce it or have no effect at all. Event studies suggest that investors closely observe relevant political developments since stock prices of the six arms manufacturers companies reacted consistently to the announcements and leaks as to whether the arms export restrictions would be lifted or not.
Facing a Crisis with Calmness? The Global Response to the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster
Authors: KUBOTA YUICHI
Published: August 2012

Literature expects that an attitude toward nuclear power is in direct proportion to the perceived risk of accidents at an operational nuclear power plant; that is, the oppositional attitude is based on the view that nuclear technology is risky and support for nuclear power is related to a perceived low risk and/or potential benefit. However, it is misleading to assume that individuals’ risk perception alone can linearly explain their position after such an accident. The association between risk perception and attitude toward nuclear power varies significantly according to country but, until now, has been largely unexamined. This article takes into consideration the effects of structural factors on that relationship by examining public attitudes toward nuclear energy after the Fukushima nuclear accident in March 2011 and reveals that the need for the efficient production of electricity (i.e., nuclear energy) outweighs concern for the potential danger of a nuclear incident. Although a country's dependence on nuclear power for the production of electricity engenders anti-nuclear attitudes, it is evident that a level of economic development largely alleviates any negativity relative to that energy source.
Synergistic surface current mapping by spaceborne stereo imaging and coastal HF radar
Authors: Matthews John Philip , Yoshikawa Yutaka
Published: August 2012

Well validated optical and radar methods of surface current measurement at high spatial resolution (nominally <100 m) from space can greatly advance our ability to monitor earth's oceans, coastal zones, lakes and rivers. With interest growing in optical along‐track stereo techniques for surface current and wave motion determinations, questions of how to interpret such data and how to relate them to measurements made by better validated techniques arise. Here we make the first systematic appraisal of surface currents derived from along‐track stereo Sun glitter (ATSSG) imagery through comparisons with simultaneous synoptic flows observed by coastal HF radars working at frequencies of 13.9 and 24.5 MHz, which return averaged currents within surface layers of roughly 1 m and 2 m depth respectively. At our Tsushima Strait (Japan) test site, we found that these two techniques provided largely compatible surface current patterns, with the main difference apparent in current strength. Within the northwest (southern) comparison region, the magnitudes of the ATSSG current vectors derived for 13 August 2006 were on average 22% (40%) higher than the corresponding vectors for the 1‐m (2‐m) depth radar. These results reflect near‐surface vertical current structure, differences in the flow components sensed by the two techniques and disparities in instrumental performance. The vertical profile constructed here from ATSSG, HF radar and ADCP data is the first to resolve downwind drift in the upper 2 m of the open ocean. The profile e‐folding depth suggests Stokes drift from waves of 10‐m wavelength visible in the images.
Magnetic flux rope formation within a magnetosheath hot flow anomaly
Authors: Hasegawa H. , Zhang H. , Lin Y. , Sonnerup B. U. Ö. , Schwartz S. J. , Lavraud B. , Zong Q.‐G.
Published: August 2012

We report observations on 1 March 2004 by the Cluster spacecraft of a hot flow anomaly (HFA) encountered in the dayside magnetosheath near Earth's bow shock. Embedded within the HFA was a magnetic flux rope with a diameter of a few thousand km, which was moving sunward and was presumably expanding. The pristine upstream solar wind seen by the ACE spacecraft contains an interplanetary current sheet favorable for the HFA formation, but shows no flux rope signatures. The properties of the flux rope, such as its slow speed, magnetic field variations, and the absence of magnetospheric electrons, are not likely to be due to magnetopause flux transfer events. These results suggest that the flux rope was created in the magnetosheath, rather than in the solar wind, in the foreshock, or on the magnetopause, through magnetic reconnection initiated in the course of the HFA development. Interestingly, energetic (∼100 keV) electron fluxes were enhanced in and around this HFA‐associated flux rope. The observations indicate that reconnection can occur within the magnetosheath part of HFAs and that such reconnection may play a role in electron acceleration, which is a common feature of HFAs.
Multiyear trends in volatile organic compounds in Los Angeles, California: Five decades of decreasing emissions
Authors: Warneke Carsten , de Gouw Joost A. , Holloway John S. , Peischl Jeff , Ryerson Thomas B. , Atlas Elliot , Blake Don , Trainer Michael , Parrish David D.
Published: August 2012

Airborne measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were performed during CalNex 2010 (California Research at the Nexus of Air Quality and Climate Change) in the Los Angeles (LA) basin in May–June 2010 and during ITCT2k2 (Intercontinental Transport and Chemical Transformation) in May 2002. While CO2 enhancements in the basin were similar between the two years, the ΔCO/ΔCO2 ratio had decreased by about a factor of two. The ΔVOC/ΔCO emission ratios stayed relatively constant between the two years. This indicates that, relative to CO2, VOCs in the LA basin also decreased by about a factor of two since 2002. These data are compared with the results from various previous field campaigns dating back as early as 1960 and from the extensive air quality monitoring system in the LA basin going back to 1980. The results show that the mixing ratios of VOCs and CO have decreased by almost two orders of magnitude during the past five decades at an average annual rate of about 7.5%. Exceptions to this trend are the small alkanes ethane and propane, which have decreased slower due to the use and production of natural gas. A comparison with trends in London, UK shows that, due to stricter regulations at the time, VOC mixing ratios in LA decreased earlier than in London, albeit at a slower rate, such that typical mixing ratios in both cities in 2008 were at about the same level.
Morphodynamic controls on redox conditions and on nitrogen dynamics within the hyporheic zone: Application to gravel bed rivers with alternate‐bar morphology
Authors: Marzadri A. , Tonina D. , Bellin A.
Published: August 2012

Hyporheic flows, which stem from the interaction between stream flow and bedform, transport solute‐laden surface waters into the streambed sediments, where reactive solutes undergo biogeochemical transformations. Despite the importance of hyporheic exchange on riverine ecosystem and biogeochemical cycles, research is limited on the effects of hyporheic fluxes on the fate of reactive solutes within the hyporheic zone. Consequently, we investigate the controls of hyporheic flowpaths, which we link to stream morphology and streamflow, on prevailing hyporheic redox conditions and on biogeochemical transformations occurring within streambeds. We focus on the dissolved inorganic reactive forms of nitrogen, ammonium and nitrate, because nitrogen is one of the most common reactive solutes and an essential nutrient found in stream waters. Our objectives are to explore the influence of stream morphology, hyporheic water temperature and relative abundance of ammonium and nitrate, on transformation of ammonium, removal of nitrates and production of nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas. We address our objectives with analytical solutions of the Multispecies Reactive Advection‐Dispersion Equation coupled with linearized Monod's kinetics and analytical solutions of the hyporheic flow for alternate‐bar morphology. We introduce a new Damköhler number,Da, defined as the ratio between the median hyporheic residence time and the time scale of oxygen consumption, which we prove to be a good indicator of where aerobic or anaerobic conditions prevail. In addition, Dais a key index to quantify hyporheic nitrification and denitrification efficiencies and defines a new theoretical framework for scaling results at both the morphological‐unit and stream‐reach scales.
Organizational Structure Reduces Processing Load in the Prefrontal Cortex During Discourse Processing of Written Text: Implications for High-Level Reading Issues After TBI
Authors: Cannizzaro Michael S. , Dumas Julie , Prelock Patricia , Newhouse Paul
Published: August 2012

Adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) can demonstrate marked difficulty producing discourse during story retell and story generation tasks. Changes in discourse production have been detailed in terms of fewer content units and infrequent use of story grammar elements essential for organization. One implication is that poor use of story grammar elements during discourse production may signal reduced ability to utilize these elements in other communication realms (e.g., reading comprehension). The neural architecture that supports discourse organization, primarily the medial prefrontal cortex, is particularly susceptible to damage secondary to acquired brain injury. In this event related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, we describe cortical activation patterns of unimpaired readers as they are presented with discourse that is varied in terms of structural organization. The results suggest reading discourse with less structure is associated with increased cortical activity (e.g., higher processing demands) as compared to reading discourse with more traditional structural cues (e.g., story grammar). We discuss cortical areas implicated and potential implications for supporting discourse communication in persons following TBI.
Complement factor H genotypes impact risk of age-related macular degeneration by interaction with oxidized phospholipids
Authors: Shaw Peter X. , Zhang Li , Zhang Ming , Du Hongjun , Zhao Ling , Lee Clara , Grob Seanna , Lim Siok Lam , Hughes Guy , Lee Janet , Bedell Matthew , Nelson Mark H. , Lu Fang , Krupa Martin , Luo Jing , Ouyang Hong , Tu Zhidan , Su Zhiguang , Zhu Jin , Wei Xinran , Feng Zishan , Duan Yaou , Yang Zhenglin , Ferreyra Henry , Bartsch Dirk-Uwe , Kozak Igor , Zhang Liangfang , Lin Feng , Sun Hui , Feng Hong , Zhang Kang
Published: August 2012

The
rs1061170T/C
variant encoding the Y402H change in complement factor H (CFH) has been identified by genome-wide association studies as being significantly associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, the precise mechanism by which this CFH variant impacts the risk of AMD remains largely unknown. Oxidative stress plays an important role in many aging diseases, including cardiovascular disease and AMD. A large amount of oxidized phospholipids (oxPLs) are generated in the eye because of sunlight exposure and high oxygen content. OxPLs bind to the retinal pigment epithelium and macrophages and strongly activate downstream inflammatory cascades. We hypothesize that CFH may impact the risk of AMD by modulating oxidative stress. Here we demonstrate that CFH binds to oxPLs. The CFH 402Y variant of the protective
rs1061170
genotype binds oxPLs with a higher affinity and exhibits a stronger inhibitory effect on the binding of oxPLs to retinal pigment epithelium and macrophages. In addition, plasma from non-AMD subjects with the protective genotype has a lower level of systemic oxidative stress measured by oxPLs per apolipoprotein B (oxPLs/apoB). We also show that oxPL stimulation increases expression of genes involved in macrophage infiltration, inflammation, and neovascularization in the eye. OxPLs colocalize with CFH in drusen in the human AMD eye. Subretinal injection of oxPLs induces choroidal neovascularization in mice. In addition, we show that the CFH risk allele confers higher complement activation and cell lysis activity. Together, these findings suggest that CFH influences AMD risk by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and abnormal angiogenesis.
Signed sums of terms of a sequence
Authors: Chen Feng-Juan , Chen Yong-Gao
Published: August 2012

We give a sufficient and necessary condition on the sequence

{

a
n

}

\{a_n\}

of integers that for any integer

l
≥
1

l\ge 1

, every integer can be represented in the form

ε
l

a
l

+

ε

l
+
1

a

l
+
1

+
⋯
+

ε
k

a
k

\varepsilon _l a_l+\varepsilon _{l+1} a_{l+1}+\cdots + \varepsilon _ka_k

, where

ε
i

∈
{
−
1
,
1
}
 
(
i
=
l
,
l
+
1
,
…
,
k
)

\varepsilon _i\in \{-1, 1\}\ (i=l,l+1,\ldots , k)

. This generalizes the known result on integral-valued polynomial values. Moreover, we show that such sequences exist with any growth rate. This answers two problems posed by Bleicher. We also pose several problems for further research.
Hyperbolic composition operators on the ball
Authors: Bayart F. , Charpentier S.
Published: August 2012

We give a classification, up to automorphisms, of hyperbolic linear fractional maps of the ball. We then show that this classification is very convenient to study the geometric properties of these maps, as well as the spectrum and the dynamics of the associated composition operators. We conclude by showing how these properties can be transfered to composition operators associated to hyperbolic self-maps of the ball which are not linear-fractional maps.
Nuclear LSm8 affects number of cytoplasmic processing bodies via controlling cellular distribution of Like-Sm proteins
Authors: Novotný Ivan , Podolská Kateřina , Blažíková Michaela , Valášek Leoš Shivaya , Svoboda Petr , Staněk David
Published: August 2012

Processing bodies (P-bodies) are dynamic cytoplasmic structures involved in mRNA degradation, but the mechanism that governs their formation is poorly understood. In this paper, we address a role of Like-Sm (LSm) proteins in formation of P-bodies and provide evidence that depletion of nuclear LSm8 increases the number of P-bodies, while LSm8 overexpression leads to P-body loss. We show that LSm8 knockdown causes relocalization of LSm4 and LSm6 proteins to the cytoplasm and suggest that LSm8 controls nuclear accumulation of all LSm2–7 proteins. We propose a model in which redistribution of LSm2–7 to the cytoplasm creates new binding sites for other P-body components and nucleates new, microscopically visible structures. The model is supported by prolonged residence of two P-body proteins, DDX6 and Ago2, in P-bodies after LSm8 depletion, which indicates stronger interactions between these proteins and P-bodies. Finally, an increased number of P-bodies has negligible effects on microRNA-mediated translation repression and nonsense mediated decay, further supporting the view that the function of proteins localized in P-bodies is independent of visible P-bodies.
Semaphorin-7a reverses the ERF-induced inhibition of EMT in Ras-dependent mouse mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Allegra Maryline , Zaragkoulias Andreas , Vorgia Elena , Ioannou Marina , Litos Gabriele , Beug Hartmut , Mavrothalassitis George
Published: August 2012

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in cancer progression and metastasis, requiring cooperation of the epidermal growth factor/Ras with the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway in a multistep process. The molecular mechanisms by which Ras signaling contributes to EMT, however, remain elusive to a large extent. We therefore examined the transcriptional repressor Ets2-repressor factor (ERF)—a bona fide Ras–extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase effector—for its ability to interfere with TGF-β–induced EMT in mammary epithelial cells (EpH4) expressing oncogenic Ras (EpRas). ERF-overexpressing EpRas cells failed to undergo TGF-β–induced EMT, formed three-dimensional tubular structures in collagen gels, and retained expression of epithelial markers. Transcriptome analysis indicated that TGF-β signaling through Smads was mostly unaffected, and ERF suppressed the TGF-β–induced EMT via Semaphorin-7a repression. Forced expression of Semaphorin-7a in ERF-overexpressing EpRas cells reestablished their ability to undergo EMT. In contrast, inhibition of Semaphorin-7a in the parental EpRas cells inhibited their ability to undergo TGF-β–induced EMT. Our data suggest that oncogenic Ras may play an additional role in EMT via the ERF, regulating Semaphorin-7a and providing a new interconnection between the Ras- and the TGF-β–signaling pathways.
Translation suppression promotes stress granule formation and cell survival in response to cold shock
Authors: Hofmann Sarah , Cherkasova Valeria , Bankhead Peter , Bukau Bernd , Stoecklin Georg
Published: August 2012

Cells respond to different types of stress by inhibition of protein synthesis and subsequent assembly of stress granules (SGs), cytoplasmic aggregates that contain stalled translation preinitiation complexes. Global translation is regulated through the translation initiation factor eukaryotic initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) and the mTOR pathway. Here we identify cold shock as a novel trigger of SG assembly in yeast and mammals. Whereas cold shock–induced SGs take hours to form, they dissolve within minutes when cells are returned to optimal growth temperatures. Cold shock causes eIF2α phosphorylation through the kinase PERK in mammalian cells, yet this pathway is not alone responsible for translation arrest and SG formation. In addition, cold shock leads to reduced mitochondrial function, energy depletion, concomitant activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and inhibition of mTOR signaling. Compound C, a pharmacological inhibitor of AMPK, prevents the formation of SGs and strongly reduces cellular survival in a translation-dependent manner. Our results demonstrate that cells actively suppress protein synthesis by parallel pathways, which induce SG formation and ensure cellular survival during hypothermia.
Combined computational and experimental analysis reveals mitogen-activated protein kinase–mediated feedback phosphorylation as a mechanism for signaling specificity
Authors: Hao Nan , Yildirim Necmettin , Nagiec Michal J. , Parnell Stephen C. , Errede Beverly , Dohlman Henrik G. , Elston Timothy C.
Published: August 2012

Different environmental stimuli often use the same set of signaling proteins to achieve very different physiological outcomes. The mating and invasive growth pathways in yeast each employ a mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase cascade that includes Ste20, Ste11, and Ste7. Whereas proper mating requires Ste7 activation of the MAP kinase Fus3, invasive growth requires activation of the alternate MAP kinase Kss1. To determine how MAP kinase specificity is achieved, we used a series of mathematical models to quantitatively characterize pheromone-stimulated kinase activation. In accordance with the computational analysis, MAP kinase feedback phosphorylation of Ste7 results in diminished activation of Kss1, but not Fus3. These findings reveal how feedback phosphorylation of a common pathway component can limit the activity of a competing MAP kinase through feedback phosphorylation of a common activator, and thereby promote signal fidelity.
Coiled-coil networking shapes cell molecular machinery
Authors: Wang Yongqiang , Zhang Xinlei , Zhang Hong , Lu Yi , Huang Haolong , Dong Xiaoxi , Chen Jinan , Dong Jiuhong , Yang Xiao , Hang Haiying , Jiang Taijiao
Published: August 2012

The highly abundant α-helical coiled-coil motif not only mediates crucial protein–protein interactions in the cell but is also an attractive scaffold in synthetic biology and material science and a potential target for disease intervention. Therefore a systematic understanding of the coiled-coil interactions (CCIs) at the organismal level would help unravel the full spectrum of the biological function of this interaction motif and facilitate its application in therapeutics. We report the first identified genome-wide CCI network in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which consists of 3495 pair-wise interactions among 598 predicted coiled-coil regions. Computational analysis revealed that the CCI network is specifically and functionally organized and extensively involved in the organization of cell machinery. We further show that CCIs play a critical role in the assembly of the kinetochore, and disruption of the CCI network leads to defects in kinetochore assembly and cell division. The CCI network identified in this study is a valuable resource for systematic characterization of coiled coils in the shaping and regulation of a host of cellular machineries and provides a basis for the utilization of coiled coils as domain-based probes for network perturbation and pharmacological applications.
Hydrographic influence on the spawning habitat suitability of western Baltic cod (Gadus morhua)
Authors: Hüssy K. , Hinrichsen H.-H. , Huwer B.
Published: August 2012

Hüssy, K., Hinrichsen, H.-H., and Huwer, B. 2012. Hydrographic influence on the spawning habitat suitability of western Baltic cod (Gadus morhua) – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 1736–1743. Recruitment variability of marine fish is influenced by the reproductive potential of the stock (i.e. stock characteristics and abundance) and the survival of early life stages, mediated by environmental conditions of both a physical (water temperature, salinity and oxygen conditions, ocean currents) and a biological nature (i.e. food, predators). The objective of this study is to assess the importance of variability in environmental conditions within different western Baltic cod spawning grounds for egg survival. Habitat identification was based on environmental threshold levels for egg survival and development and ambient hydrographical conditions at different times during the spawning season. The long-term resolution of environmental conditions allowing survival of western Baltic cod eggs indicates that favourable conditions predominantly occurred during the late spawning season in April/May, while minimum survival rates could be expected from January to March. Unsuitable time periods and habitats exhibiting the highest mortality rates are exclusively characterized by ambient water temperatures below the critical survival threshold. Despite the strong influence of water temperature on habitat suitability, the impact of habitat suitability on recruitment was not clearly defined, suggesting that other mechanisms regulate year class strength.
Spatio-temporal variability in western Baltic cod early life stage survival mediated by egg buoyancy, hydrography and hydrodynamics
Authors: Hinrichsen H-H. , Hüssy K. , Huwer B.
Published: August 2012

Hinrichsen, H-H., Hüssy, K., and Huwer, B. 2012. Spatio-temporal variability in western Baltic cod early life stage survival mediated by egg buoyancy, hydrography and hydrodynamics. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 1744–1752. To disentangle the effects of different drivers on recruitment variability of marine fish, a spatially and temporally explicit understanding of both the spawning stock size and the early life stage dynamics is required. The objectives of this study are to assess the transport of western Baltic cod early life stages as well as the variability in environmentally-mediated survival along drift routes in relation to both spatial (within and between different spawning areas) and temporal (interannual and seasonal) dynamics. A spatially and temporally highly-resolved biophysical model of the Baltic Sea was used to describe mortalities and survival success of eggs and yolk-sac larvae—represented by individual, virtual drifters—as predicted proportions of drifters that either died due to bottom contact or lethal temperatures, or that survived up to the end of the yolk-sac larval stage. The environmental conditions allowing survival of cod and yolk-sac larvae indicate that favourable conditions predominately occurred during the late spawning season, while minimum survival rates could be expected from January to March. The spatial analysis of different spawning areas revealed highest survival chances in the Kattegat, intermediate survival in the Great Belt, and only low survival in the Sound, Kiel Bay and Mecklenburg Bay.
Development and Evaluation of Two Pecan Scab Prediction Models
Authors: Payne A. F. , Smith D. L.
Published: August 2012

Fusicladium effusum (syn. Cladosporium caryigenum), causal agent of pecan scab, is the most economically important pathogen of pecan (Carya illinoinensis). A weather-based advisory is currently used in Oklahoma to assess the need for fungicide application and requires the accumulation of scab hours. A scab hour is defined as an hour with average temperature ≥21.1°C and relative humidity ≥90%. To assess the validity of the thresholds in the advisory, repeated ratings of disease severity were taken on fruit at five locations during the 1994–96 and 2009–10 growing seasons, resulting in a total of eight site years. Hourly weather variables were also examined, including temperature, relative humidity, dew point, dew point depression, total solar radiation, and total rainfall. Rain and disease severity were converted to binomial variables where a rain event (≥2.5 mm) and disease severity (≥25%) were coded as 1 and all other events as 0. Logistic regression models adjusted for correlated data were developed using generalized estimating equations. Two models were developed: a temperature/relative humidity model and a dew point/dew point depression model. For the temperature/relative humidity model, the best fitting model included all main effects. Using this model, validation exercises assuming no rain and total solar radiation of 22.5 MJ m–2 resulted in a 0.45 probability of pecan scab development when the temperature was 21°C and relative humidity was 90%. Findings of this model were further validated during field studies that evaluated different combinations of temperature and relative humidity thresholds for scheduling fungicide applications. These analyses indicated that the current thresholds of temperature and relative humidity are viable, but a modification of the relative humidity component should be considered. For the dew point/dew point depression model, a reduced model, including dew point, dew point depression, and the binomial rain variable, was considered adequate for explaining scab events, which suggests that future model building to describe pecan scab epidemics should include dew point, dew point depression, rain, and total solar radiation as independent variables.

This article originally appeared in the January issue, Volume 96, pages 117-123. It was changed to correct errors in a measurement conversion that appeared throughout.
RpfF-Dependent Regulon of Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: Wang Nian , Li Jian-Liang , Lindow Steven E.
Published: August 2012

Xylella fastidiosa regulates traits important to both virulence of grape as well as colonization of sharpshooter vectors via its production of a fatty acid signal molecule known as DSF whose production is dependent on rpfF. Although X. fastidiosa rpfF mutants exhibit increased virulence to plants, they are unable to be spread from plant to plant by insect vectors. To gain more insight into the traits that contribute to these processes, a whole-genome Agilent DNA microarray for this species was developed and used to determine the RpfF-dependent regulon by transcriptional profiling. In total, 446 protein coding genes whose expression was significantly different between the wild type and an rpfF mutant (false discovery rate < 0.05) were identified when cells were grown in PW liquid medium. Among them, 165 genes were downregulated in the rpfF mutant compared with the wild-type strain whereas 281 genes were over-expressed. RpfF function was required for regulation of 11 regulatory and σ factors, including rpfE, yybA, PD1177, glnB, rpfG, PD0954, PD0199, PD2050, colR, rpoH, and rpoD. In general, RpfF is required for regulation of genes involved in attachment and biofilm formation, enhancing expression of hemagglutinin genes hxfA and hxfB, and suppressing most type IV pili and gum genes. A large number of other RpfF-dependent genes that might contribute to virulence or insect colonization were also identified such as those encoding hemolysin and colicin V, as well as genes with unknown functions.
Long‐term oral mesalazine adherence and the risk of disease flare in ulcerative colitis: nationwide 10‐year retrospective cohort from the veterans affairs healthcare system
Authors: Khan N. , Abbas A. M. , Bazzano L. A. , Koleva Y. N. , Krousel‐Wood M.
Published: August 2012

Background

Adherence is a major factor in determining disease activity in ulcerative colitis (UC). There are limited data on long‐term nationwide adherence levels among patients with UC.

Aim

To evaluate the long‐term adherence levels to oral mesalazine (mesalamine) in the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system, to determine the impact of non‐adherence on the risk of flares, and to evaluate the different pharmacy data‐based adherence indicators.

Methods

Nationwide data were obtained from the VA for the period 2001–2011. UC patients who started mesalazine maintenance during the inclusion period were included. Level of adherence was assessed using three different indicators: medication possession ratio (MPR), continuous single‐interval medication availability (CSA) and continuous multiple‐interval medication gaps (CMG). Cox regression modelling was used to predict disease flares and assess the predictive value of each adherence indicator.

Results

We included 13 062 patients into the analysis with median follow‐up time of 6.1 years. Percentage of patients with high adherence was 47%, 43%, 31% as identified by CSA, MPR and CMG respectively. Low adherers had a significant increase in the risk of flares compared with high adherers (Hazard ratio: 2.8, 1.7 and 1.8, P < 0.001 for CSA, MPR and CMG, respectively). Compared with other adherence indicators, CSA offered the best trend in predicting disease flares.

Conclusions

Long‐term high‐adherence level was lower than previously reported. Adherence was a significant factor in predicting disease flares. Pharmacy adherence indicators may be useful to healthcare providers in identifying patients at high risk of exacerbations.
Stem cell transplantation for paediatric patients with non‐anaplastic peripheral T‐cell lymphoma in Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Ryoji , Fujita Naoto , Mitsui Tetsuo , Iwasaki Fuminori , Suzumiya Junji , Kuroda Hiroshi , Nishimura Ryosei , Sasahara Youji , Takeshita Yasushi , Kato Keisuke , Okumura Hirokazu , Sakamaki Hisashi , Yabe Hiromasa , Kawa Keisei , Kato Koji , Suzuki Ritsuro
Published: August 2012

Reports of non‐anaplastic peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (PTCL) in paediatric patients, especially results of stem cell transplantation (SCT), are relatively rare. We herein report the results of SCT using the Transplant Registry Unified Management Program system of the Japanese Society of Stem Cell Transplantation in paediatric patients with non‐anaplastic PTCL. We analysed 26 patients (13 females and 13 males) aged ≤18 years with non‐anaplastic PTCL who underwent a total of 28 SCT. Median age at transplantation was 13·5 years (range: 0–18 years). PTCL not otherwise specified was diagnosed in 17 patients; extranodal Natural Killer (NK)/T cell lymphoma, nasal type in nine; and subcutaneous panniculitis‐like T‐cell lymphoma in two. Transplantation was with syngeneic donor in one, related donor in 10; unrelated donor in 10; and auto transplantation in 7. Five‐year overall survival rate and event‐free survival rate was 62·96% and 55·56%, respectively. Male gender, chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), and reduced intensity conditioning were good prognostic factors in all patients. In 20 patients with refractory or relapsed disease, male gender and chronic GVHD were also good prognostic factors. This study is the first report concerning transplantation in children with non‐anaplastic PTCL, although the number of patients was small. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Primary pseudomyogenic haemangioendothelioma of bone
Authors: Sheng W Q , Wang J
Published: August 2012

Sheng W Q & Wang J  (2012) Histopathology Primary pseudomyogenic haemangioendothelioma of bone

Aims:  Pseudomyogenic haemangioendothelioma is a recently described vascular neoplasm that occurs most commonly in the soft tissue of distal extremities of young adults. Occurrence outside the somatic soft tissue has not been described thus far. We present here a unique case of pseudomyogenic haemangioendothelioma that arose in the long tubular bones of the lower extremity.

Methods and results:  The initial open biopsy was interpreted as a fibrous histiocytoma. However, the curettage specimen showed prominent epithelioid cytomorphology with a striking rhabdomyoblast‐like appearance. By immunohistochemistry, the linear membranous staining of CD31 was highly suggestive of endothelial differentiation of the tumour cells.

Conclusions:  To the best of our knowledge, this case represents the first example of primary pseudomyogenic haemangioendothelioma of bone. Clinical and pathological correlation with application of immunohistochemistry is mandatory in establishing the correct diagnosis and excluding tumours with overlapping features.
Participation of haemocytes in fat body degradation via cathepsin L expression
Authors: Zhai X. , Zhao X‐F.
Published: August 2012

Insect haemocytes are known to participate in innate immunity via the phagocytosis of pathogens. However, the function of haemocytes in tissue remodelling is less understood. We report here that haemocytes play roles in fat body degradation by expressing a cysteine proteinase cathepsin L in the lepidopteran Helicoverpa armigera. During metamorphosis, haemocytes undergo morphological changes by increasing their cell size and transforming their granulocytes into macrogranulocytes. The population of haemocytes also changes with increased number of granulocytes and decreased plasmatocytes. The expression level of cathepsin L in haemocytes, mainly in granulocytes and plasmatocytes, increases. The steroid hormone 20‐hydroxyecdysone is able to promote the transformation of granulocytes into macrogranulocytes, and up‐regulate the expression level of cathepsin L. The knock‐down of the cathepsin L gene by RNA interference in haemocytes in vitro results in deficient granulocytes transforming into macrogranulocytes. Haemocytes are able to enter the decomposed fat body during metamorphosis. The over‐expression of the proteinase domain C1A of cathepsin L results in cell apoptosis. Haemocytes, especially macrogranulocytes, undergo apoptosis and cathepsin L is released into haemolymph and the fat body during metamorphosis for fat body decomposition and degradation. These results suggest that cathepsin L is related to the transformation of granulocytes to macrogranulocytes to enter the fat body, and induce haemocyte apoptosis for further tissue degradation.
Improving the accuracy of a fluid transport method
Authors: Özok A. R. , Verhaagen B. , Wesselink P. R.
Published: August 2012

Aim

To compare the sealing ability of the same root fillings when measured by a conventional fluid transport method that uses water or by a modified fluid transport method that uses a wetting fluid as tracer.

Methodology

The amount of fluid transport along the same root fillings (AH26, cold lateral compaction of gutta‐percha) was measured in a cross‐over design in fluid transport set‐ups using either water or a wetting fluid as tracer.

Results

A Wilcoxon signed‐rank test revealed a significant difference in the amount of fluid transport measured along the same root fillings by the two fluid transport methods (P = 0.013). The fluid transport method using wetting fluid detected a significantly higher percentage of root fillings with fluid transport (P = 0.021).

Conclusions

Fluid transport using a wetting fluid as a tracer was more sensitive in the assessment of sealing ability of root fillings than the conventional fluid transport method using water.