bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent trends in pharmaceutical drug use among frequent injecting drug users, frequent methamphetamine users and frequent ecstasy users in New Zealand, 2006–2009
Authors: WILKINS CHRIS , SWEETSUR PAUL , GRIFFITHS RICHARD
Published: May 2011

Aims. To examine the rates of pharmaceutical drug use, and level of prescription use and injection of pharmaceutical drugs, by frequent injecting drug users (IDU), frequent methamphetamine users and frequent ecstasy users in New Zealand for 2006–2009.

Design and method. The paper draws on findings from the 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 Illicit Drug Monitoring System (IDMS). The IDMS interviews three groups of frequent illegal drug users (i.e. IDU, methamphetamine users and ecstasy users) from the three main cities of New Zealand using purposive sampling and ‘snowballing’.

Results. Pharmaceutical morphine rather than heroin was the principal opioid used by the IDU. Few of the IDU or frequent methamphetamine users had prescriptions to use morphine. A lower proportion of the IDU had a prescription to use morphine in 2009 compared to 2008. The injection of methadone by IDU and methamphetamine users was common. A higher proportion of the IDU had injected methadone in 2009 compared to previous years. A higher proportion of the IDU had used oxycodone in 2009 compared to 2008 and prescription use of oxycodone by IDU was very low. All three groups of frequent drug users were involved in the extra‐medical use of methylphenidate and benzodiazepines.

Discussion and conclusion. Extra‐medical use of pharmaceuticals occurred among all three groups of frequent illegal drug users to varying degrees. Differences between the three groups in the level and type of extra‐medical pharmaceutical drug use suggest that different control strategies may be effective for each group. [Wilkins C, Sweetsur P, Griffiths R. Recent trends in pharmaceutical drug use among frequent injecting drug users, frequent methamphetamine users and frequent ecstasy users in New Zealand, 2006–2009. Drug Alcohol Rev 2011;30:255–263]
From Sandals to Suits: Professionalisation, Coalition and the Liberal Democrats
Authors: Evans Elizabeth , Sanderson-Nash Emma
Published: May 2011

The Liberal Democrats have traditionally been viewed as a ‘bottom-up’ party with a relatively high degree of influence open to grass-roots members and party activists. However, following the dramatic increase in the number of Liberal Democrat MPs at the 1997 election the party has increasingly tried to professionalise its operation, leading to a more top-down approach. This article argues that the professionalisation process has not only changed the dynamics within and between the parliamentary and extra-parliamentary party, but has also paved the way for the party, more usually identified as being on the centre-left of British politics, to enter into coalition government with the Conservatives. Analysing changes to the federal conference structure and to policy-making processes, the article explores the ways in which the party has professionalised, both within the parliamentary party and at party headquarters, and assesses the potential impact that this may have upon the role of the party's grass roots.
A Welfare‐Based Approach to Aggregating Growth Rates across Countries*
Authors: Son Hyun Hwa
Published: May 2011

Aggregating per capita gross domestic product growth across countries has always been a technical problem because of the complexities in the relative movements of exchange rates, economic output and populations. As such, the conventional approach to aggregating growth across countries suffers from sensitivity to exchange rates, as well as from the possibility of aggregate growth rates not being convex combinations of individual growth rates. This article introduces a new methodology in aggregating per capita growth rates that does not suffer from the drawbacks of the conventional approach. Using a welfare‐based approach, it is shown that the proposed methodology is robust w.r.t. exchange rates and generates weights that always add up to unity, thus avoiding the anomalies that are inherent in the conventional approach. The methodology proposed in the article is applied to calculate aggregate growth rates of 33 developing member countries as well as five regional groupings, and the results are compared with those arising from the conventional approach. A number of insights arise that were previously hidden or inaccessible.
Estimating genetic benefits of polyandry from experimental studies: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Slatyer Rachel A. , Mautz Brian S. , Backwell Patricia R.Y. , Jennions Michael D.
Published: May 2011

The consequences of polyandry for female fitness are controversial. Sexual conflict studies and a meta‐analysis of mating rates in insects suggest that there is a longevity cost when females mate repeatedly. Even so, compensatory material benefits can elevate egg production and fertility, partly because polyandry ensures an adequate sperm supply. Polyandry can therefore confer direct benefits. The main controversy surrounds genetic benefits. The argument is analogous to that surrounding the evolution of conventional female mate choice, except that with polyandry it is post‐copulatory mechanisms that might bias paternity towards males with higher breeding values for fitness. Recent meta‐analyses of extra‐pair copulations in birds have cast doubt on whether detectable genetic benefits exist. By contrast, another meta‐analysis showed that polyandry elevates egg hatching success (possibly due to a fertilization bias towards sperm with paternal genes that elevate embryo survival) in insects. A detailed summary of whether polyandry elevates other components of offspring performance is lacking. Here we present a comprehensive meta‐analysis of 232 effect sizes from 46 experimental studies. These experiments were specifically designed to try to quantify the potential genetic benefits of polyandry by controlling fully for the number of matings by females assigned to monandry and polyandry treatments. The bias‐corrected 95% confidence intervals for egg hatching success (d = −0.01 to 0.61), clutch production (d = 0.07 to 0.45) and fertility (d = 0.04 to 0.40) all suggest that polyandry has a beneficial effect (although P values from parametric tests were marginally non‐significant at P = 0.075, 0.052 and 0.058, respectively). Polyandry was not significantly beneficial for any single offspring performance trait (e.g. growth rate, survival, adult size), but the test power was low due to small sample sizes (suggesting that many more studies are still needed). We then calculated a composite effect size that provides an index of general offspring performance. Depending on the model assumptions, the mean effect of polyandry was either significantly positive or marginally non‐significant. A possible role for publication bias is discussed. The magnitude of the reported potential genetic benefits (d = 0.07 to 0.19) are larger than those from two recent meta‐analyses comparing offspring sired by social and extra‐pair mates in birds (d = 0.02 to 0.04). This difference raises the intriguing possibility that cryptic, post‐copulatory female choice might be more likely to generate ‘good gene’ or ‘compatible gene’ benefits than female choice of mates based on the expression of secondary sexual traits.
Pre‐emptive morphine treatment abolishes nerve injury‐induced lysophospholipid synthesis in mass spectrometrical analysis
Authors: Nagai Jun , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: May 2011

J. Neurochem.(2011)118, 256–265.

We have previously demonstrated that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) production in the spinal cord following partial sciatic nerve injury (SCNI) and its signaling initiate neuropathic pain. In order to examine whether LPA production depends on the intense nociceptive signal, we have attempted to see suppression by pre‐emptive treatment with centrally administered morphine, which mainly inhibits nociceptive signal at the level of spinal cord. In the present study, we developed a quantitative mass spectrometry assay to simultaneously analyze several species of lysophosphatidyl choline (LPC). The levels of 16:0‐, 18:0‐ and 18:1‐LPC in the spinal cord and dorsal root were maximally increased at 75 min after SCNI and then declined, as LPC is converted to LPA by autotaxin (ATX). Inatx+/−‐mice, on the other hand, these levels were similar to wild‐type mice at 75 min, but maximal at 120 min, suggesting that this difference is partly due to the low conversion of LPC to LPA inatx+/−‐mice. When morphine was centrally administered before SCNI, the injury‐induced increase of LPC was completely abolished. These results suggest that LPC (or LPA) is produced by injury‐induced nociceptive signal, which is effectively and pre‐emptively suppressed by central morphine, possibly through known descending anti‐nociceptive pathways.
GAMBLING WITH ETRUSCAN DICE: A TALE OF NUMBERS AND LETTERS
Authors: ARTIOLI G. , NOCITI V. , ANGELINI I.
Published: May 2011

The graphical and linguistic interpretation of the first six Etruscan numerals has long been confronted with the ambiguous assignment of the wordshuthandsato either 4 or 6. Here, we show how the systematic combinatorial analysis of the numerals appearing on ancient southern Etrurian dice dated from the eighth to the third centuriesbc, together with the careful comparison of the results with the only two existing dice carrying the alphabetical translations of the numerals conserved at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Paris, finally allows unambiguous mathematical resolution of the linguistic riddle, allowing the firm attribution of the numeral 6 to the graphical valuehuthand 4 tosa. Combinatorial analysis of the numerals distribution on the six faces of the die shows that only two of the 15 possible numerical combinations were actually in use in southern Etruria, and that during the fifth centurybcthere was a marked shift from the typical (1–2, 3–4, 5–6) combination used in the early seventh‐ to fifth‐centurybcdice to the (1–6, 2–5, 3–4) combination used at later times and still largely adopted today. The largest body of archaeometric data on dice specimens from Etruria is presented, based on macroscopic examination, X‐ray diffraction, DRIFT spectroscopy and density measurements.
Systemic and neurologic autoimmune disorders associated with seizures or epilepsy
Authors: Vincent Angela , Crino Peter B.
Published: May 2011

In this article, we review the incidence and significance of seizures in well‐established autoimmune disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS), diabetes mellitus, celiac disease, thyroid disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The five following presentations discuss the incidence and possible pathogenesis of epilepsies that are found in these well‐known autoimmune conditions. There is a large body of evidence describing the clinical presentation of seizures with MS and SLE, and showing that refractory epilepsy can complicate these already challenging disorders. However, the mechanisms involved are complex and generally not well understood. Neurologic syndromes, including seizure disorders, can also be a feature of celiac disease (CD) or subclinical CD, sometimes associated with cerebral calcification. The association between type‐1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and epilepsy is unclear and requires more definitive epidemiologic analysis, despite the fact that antibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase may provide a link between the two conditions. The association between thyroid disorders and encephalopathies, often termed Hashimoto’s encephalopathy, is well known but the pathogenic significance of antithyroid antibodies in this condition is still debated. In general, the relationships between autoimmune mechanisms and seizures in these conditions are unclear; the seizures are likely to be caused by a variety of mechanisms, including ischemia, neuronal damage, and specific and nonspecific immunity.
Vaccinations and febrile seizures
Authors: Cendes Fernando , Sankar Raman
Published: May 2011

The occurrence of seizures related to fever results from complex interactions among genetic and environmental factors. The issue of the relationship between vaccination and febrile seizures is complex. It is difficult to identify whether the febrile seizures result from a nonspecific fever caused by vaccination or if these are secondary to an encephalitis or encephalopathy caused by the vaccine. There is evidence showing that vaccination does trigger the onset of febrile seizures in one third of patients with Dravet syndrome. In general, febrile seizures that occur after vaccination do not seem to be different from febrile seizures from other causes, thus advances in knowledge about febrile seizures in general should be relevant to vaccine‐associated febrile seizures.
A Phase II study on the safety and efficacy of a single dose of pegfilgrastim for mobilization and transplantation of autologous hematopoietic stem cells in pediatric oncohematology patients
Authors: Cesaro Simone , Zanazzo Andrea Giulio , Frenos Stefano , Luksch Roberto , Pegoraro Anna , Tridello Gloria , Dallorso Sandro
Published: May 2011

BACKGROUND: Limited data are available on the use of pegfilgrastim in pediatric patients as a mobilizing agent in association with chemotherapy.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, Phase II study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a single dose of 100 µg/kg pegfilgrastim in mobilizing peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) in pediatric patients. The primary endpoint of the study was the percentage of good mobilizers with pegfilgrastim (blood peak of CD34+ cells ≥ 20 × 106/L). The results were compared with a historical control group.

RESULTS: Thirty of 36 recruited patients were classified as good mobilizers (83%). The median value of circulating CD34+ at leukapheresis was 143 × 106/L (range, 20 × 106‐1988 × 106/L). No significant adverse effects were associated with the use of pegfilgrastim and no patient was withdrawn from using the drug. A blood peak of 20 × 106/L or more CD34+ was observed in 33 of 36 control patients (92%) and the median CD34+ count at leukapheresis was 158 × 106/kg (range, 28 × 106‐4529 × 106/kg; p = 0.7). No significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of toxicity or other variables of mobilization. As at October 2008, 23 patients of the pegfilgrastim group and 32 patients of the filgrastim group underwent autologous transplant. No significant differences were found in terms of early toxicity, myeloid recovery, and Day 100 survival.

CONCLUSION: A single dose of 100 µg/kg pegfilgrastim was safe and effective for PBSC collection in pediatric patients. We suggest that these results support the use of pegfilgrastim for pediatric patients.
Regulatory mechanisms of interleukin‐8 production induced by tumour necrosis factor‐α in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Wang Yaohui , Wang Weimin , Wang Lingyan , Wang Xiangdong , Xia Jinglin
Published: May 2011

Interleukin (IL)‐8 plays the critical role in the initiation of micro‐environmental inflammation responsible for tumour growth and patient prognosis. This study aimed at investigating the molecular mechanisms of IL‐8 production from human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. The levels of IL‐8 and phosphorylation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), ERK1/2 and Akt in MHCC‐97H cells were measured by ELISA, Western blot and immunofluorescence. NF‐κB p65 protein nuclear translocation was determined by non‐radioactive NF‐κB p50/p65 transcription factor activity kit and cell bio‐behaviours were detected by the real‐time cell‐monitoring system. Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) significantly induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, ERK, Akt and production of IL‐8 from HCC cells, which were prevented by SB203580 (p38 MAPK inhibitor), PD98059 (ERK inhibitor), LY294002 and Wortmannin (PI3K inhibitor) and SB328437 (CCR3 inhibitor). TNF‐α could significantly increase the translocation of NF‐κB p65 protein into the nucleus in a dose‐dependent manner, while SB203580 partially inhibited. In inflammatory micro‐environment, HCC auto‐produced IL‐8 through p38 MAPK, ERK and PI3K/Akt signalling pathways, where the p38 MAPK is a central factor to activate the NF‐κB pathway and regulate the expression of IL‐8 production. There was a potential cross‐talking between receptors.
Home birth in women who have given birth at least once in a health facility: contributory factors in a developing country
Authors: FAYE ADAMA , NIANE MARIAMA , BA IBRAHIM
Published: May 2011

Objective. To study the link between patients’ satisfaction about received services in health facilities and the choice of future delivery place of women who had delivered at least once in a facility. Design. Cross‐sectional study. Setting. Health district Gossas in Senegal. Sample. Three hundred and seventy‐three women who gave birth in the last 12months. Methods. Data were collected using a questionnaire during an interview. Logistic regression was used to explore the determinants of childbirth at home using the Andersen behavioral model. Main Outcome Measures. Place of delivery and satisfaction at reception and conduct of delivery. Results. The average age was 28±6years. Among the women interviewed, 97% were married, 53% being in a polygamous system, and 18% were educated. Forty‐seven per cent of them were satisfied with the quality of the last delivery made within a health facility. The prevalence of home birth was 22%. Home births were more frequent among women in a polygamous marriage [odds ratio (OR) 1.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–3.14], with no means of transportation (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.02–3.95) and who lived more than 5km from a health facility (OR 2.24; 95% CI 1.21–4.15). Poor quality of delivery in a health facility (OR 2.52; 95% CI 1.36–4.65) or a delivery done by a male provider (OR 3.90; 95% CI 2.30–6.65) were also risk factors for the choice of home delivery. Conclusions. Particular emphasis should be placed on training healthcare providers to improve the quality of service provided to patients in health facilities.
Correlation in the densities of augmented and existing bone in guided bone augmentation
Authors: Yamada Yutaka , Sato Shuichi , Yagi Hiroaki , Ujiie Hisashi , Ezawa Sanae , Ito Koichi
Published: May 2011

Objectives: Our previous work used a rabbit experimental model to investigate the effectiveness of guided bone augmentation (GBA). Although a density similar to that of existing bone is required for successful bone augmentation, few studies have compared the densities of augmented and existing bone. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the correlation in the densities of existing and augmented bone following GBA in rabbit calvaria.

Material and methods: The calvaria of 18 adult male Japanese white rabbits were exposed. A circular groove and nine small holes were drilled into the cortical surface of each left parietal bone. A customized, standardized, hemispherical titanium cap was press‐fitted into each groove. Six animals were sacrificed after each healing period of 1, 3, and 6 months and histomorphometric analyses were conducted.

Results: Significant increases were observed in the area of augmented bone between 1 and 6 months (62.7±21.6% vs. 93.4±3.9%). In contrast, no significant differences among healing periods were observed in the density of augmented or existing bone. Regression analysis demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the densities of augmented and existing bone; the strength of this correlation increased with the length of healing (R2=0.97).

Conclusions: These results suggest that the area of augmented bone increases significantly with the length of healing, filling the occlusive space after 6 months, and that the density of augmented bone depends on that of the existing bone, such that augmented bone has a density about half that of the existing bone.

To cite this article: Yamada Y, Sato S, Yagi H, Ujiie H, Ezawa S, Ito K. Correlation in the densities of augmented and existing bone in guided bone augmentation. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 23, 2012; 837–845 doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02204.x
Monitoring temporal trends in spatially structured populations: how should sampling effort be allocated between space and time?
Authors: Rhodes Jonathan R. , Jonzén Niclas
Published: May 2011

Estimating temporal trends in spatially structured populations has a critical role to play in understanding regional changes in biological populations and developing management strategies. Designing effective monitoring programmes to estimate these trends requires important decisions to be made about how to allocate sampling effort among spatial replicates (i.e. number of sites) and temporal replicates (i.e. how often to survey) to minimise uncertainty in trend estimates. In particular, the optimal mix of spatial and temporal replicates is likely to depend upon the spatial and temporal correlations in population dynamics. Although there has been considerable interest in the ecological literature on understanding spatial and temporal correlations in species’ population dynamics, little attention has been paid to its consequences for monitoring design. We address this issue using model‐based survey design to identify the optimal allocation of sampling effort among spatial and temporal replicates for estimating population trends under different levels of spatial and temporal correlation. Based on linear trends, we show that how we should allocate sampling effort among spatial and temporal replicates depends crucially on the spatial and temporal correlations in population dynamics, environmental variation, observation error and the spatial variation in temporal trends. When spatial correlation is low and temporal correlation is high, the best option is likely to be to sample many sites infrequently, particularly when observation error and/or spatial variation in temporal trends are high. When spatial correlation is high and temporal correlation is low, the best option is likely to be to sample few sites frequently, particularly when observation error and/or spatial variation in temporal trends are low. When abundances are spatially independent, it is always preferable to maximise spatial replication. This provides important insights into how spatio‐temporal monitoring programmes should be designed to estimate temporal trends in spatially structured populations.
Clinical application of multiphoton tomography in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy for in vivo evaluation of skin diseases
Authors: Koehler Martin Johannes , Speicher Marco , Lange‐Asschenfeldt Susanne , Stockfleth Eggert , Metz Susanne , Elsner Peter , Kaatz Martin , König Karsten
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  Multiphoton tomography (MPT) is an in vivo imaging technique with very high spatial resolution and efforts are made to combine MPT with other non‐invasive imaging methods. The goals of the present study were the description of the features of different dermatological entities as seen in MPT and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) comparison of these two novel techniques and the ‘classical’ diagnostic measures visual inspection, dermoscopy and histology with respect to the strengths and weaknesses of the different methods and the potential benefit from their combined implementation. After study approval by the local Ethics Committee, 47 patients (31 male, 16 female, age range: 24–88 years) were recruited from the Department of Dermatology of the University Hospital Jena. In this work, we present an illustrative selection of eleven cases from a clinical study combining in vivo MPT with in vivo CLSM. The patients presented with a broad range of dermatological disorders including seborrheic keratoses, angioma, actinic keratoses, melanocytic nevi, malignant melanoma, psoriasis, pemphigus vulgaris and scarring. Both methods, CLSM and MPT, were found to be suitable for in vivo imaging of superficial skin layers and may therefore be useful in dermatological practice for the diagnosis of skin diseases. However, both methods differ in their technical and physical principles. Thus, despite of many similarities concerning the morphological presentation of cells and tissues, important differences are recognized. Synergies of the combination of CLSM and MPT may be obtained by combined implementation in order to benefit from the fast overview given by CLSM and the detailed imaging of skin structures by MPT.
Control Modes and Outcomes of Transformed State-Owned Enterprises in China: An Empirical Test
Authors: Li Shaomin , Xia Jun , Long Cheryl Xiaoning , Tan Justin
Published: May 2011

The transformation of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) into efficient entities has been an important approach in transition economies. However, the transition literature reveals little about how control structure affects firm performance of transformed SOEs. Drawing on agency theory, we distinguish three modes of control in transformed SOEs: state-controlled, dispersedly controlled, and privately controlled modes and argue that actual control after transformation plays a critical role in determining performance. Examining the impact of different control modes in China, we find that the key is who controls the transformed firm. Non-state-controlled (dispersedly controlled and privately controlled) firms are more likely to have enhanced post-transformation performance and reduced agency costs than state-controlled firms.
Population Growth in Australia: Views and Policy Talk for Possible Futures
Authors: FINCHER RUTH
Published: May 2011

Debates about population growth and the policies that might direct it have occurred from time to time in Australia and have always received publicity. This paper explores two facets of Australia's recent discourse about population growth. First, it identifies the major scholarly work of the last two decades that analyses the significance of population growth in Australia, this work seeking to provide an alternative to diverse popular and populist claims made in the 1990s. Second, the paper raises the particular areas of policy thinking on which this debate has drawn when seeking to support the need for population to grow more or grow less (population ageing, the need for urban [social and physical] infrastructure, and the recent discussion of the export industry of education). The paper concludes by asking why certain powerful public discourses constitute population growth as something to be feared.
Reidian Metaethics: Part II
Authors: Cuneo Terence
Published: May 2011

Does moral realism deserve to be the default metaethical position? The issue is contested. While many realists have maintained that theirs is the view to beat, others contend that realists have offered no satisfactory argument for this position. In this essay and its companion, ‘Reidian Metaethics, Part I’, I maintain that Thomas Reid’s moral epistemology can help us make headway on the issue. Reid, I claim, offers an interesting line of argument, that when conjoined with some other assumptions, supports the claim that realism deserves to be the default metaethical position.
Effects of Perimortem Stress on Farmed Atlantic Cod Product Quality: A Baseline Study
Authors: Erikson Ulf , Digre Hanne , Misimi Ekrem
Published: May 2011

Abstract: The potential effects of handling stress on the product quality of farmed Atlantic cod were studied in a controlled experiment (fish anesthetized with metomidate or isoeugenol, or subjected to stress by chasing for 30 min). For comparison, stress and fillet quality was also studied for commercially slaughtered farmed cod (fish sampled from waiting cage, after pumping and stunning with carbon dioxide, and after bleeding and chilling). Baseline values for stress‐related parameters (blood chemistry, muscle high‐energy phosphates and inosine monophospate, initial pH, muscle twitches, and rigor mortis) of rested Atlantic cod have been established. Since our stress bout showed that this species was not easily excitable, we were less convinced that we actually did study the other extreme, namely, exhausted fish. Nevertheless, the present data from the commercial slaughter of cod suggested that our stress bout was of adequate magnitude to represent potential poor handling routines. Our results consistently showed largely no differences between treatments, and that perimortem handling stress did not cause inferior flesh quality. This suggested that farmed cod can be processed with little risk of reducing product quality (quality index, fillet water content, water‐holding capacity, ultimate pH, adenosine triphosphate‐related degradation products and K‐value, skin and fillet color, water and salt‐soluble proteins, hardness, and gaping). For better maintenance of skin appearance after storage, the importance of storing the gutted cod on the belly, avoiding direct contact between skin and crushed ice, is demonstrated.

Practical Application: Baseline (rested) values for Atlantic cod muscle biochemistry have been established. Contrary to observations for a number of other fish species, the present study showed that perimortem stress did not, largely speaking, result in inferior product quality. However, attention to harvesting practices should not be neglected since gentle handling is a prerequisite for good fish welfare. The external appearance (quality index) of the cod after ice storage can be significantly improved if the fish are stored on the belly, avoiding direct contact between skin and ice.
Structural Stability of Myosin Rod from Silver Carp as Affected by Season
Authors: Yuan Chunhong , Wang Xichang , Chen Shunsheng , Qu Yinghong , Konno Kunihiko
Published: May 2011

Abstract:  Chymotrypsin digestion and Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy were used to study the structural stability of myosin rods prepared from silver carp in summer and winter. Differences in the thermal stability were clearly demonstrated by the chymotryptic digestion patterns and CD data obtained at pH 7.5 in 0.5 M KCl for myosin rods in both seasons, indicating the structural properties differed seasonally. In winter, the myosin rods were more susceptible to be cleaved into short (40 kDa) subfragments when digested at high temperature (30 °C). The major peaks in unfolding profiles showed that transition temperatures for the rods were 35 °C in winter, and 36 and 41 °C in summer. Rod subfragments (S‐2 and LMM) were isolated and further analyzed by CD. In both winter and summer, the LMM fragments showed an unfolding transition at around 35.5 °C, but the S‐2 fragments showed large seasonal difference; in winter, they showed a major unfolding peak around 35 °C and a minor peak at 40.5 °C, while in summer, they unfolded mostly at 44.5 °C, which was 8 °C higher than that for the LMM fragments. Short (40 kDa) S‐2 subfragments isolated from winter rods gave a single unfolding transition at 41 °C. These results suggest that differences in the thermal stability of myosin rods between winter and summer were due to differences in the stability of S‐2 region.

Practical Application:  The aim of this study was to detect the differences in the structure thermal stability of myosin rods between summer and winter, which is a very important portion for gel formation. The information will be very useful for producing surimi from freshwater fish species in different seasons.
‘Love was in the next Degree’: Lyric, Satire, and Inventive Modulation
Authors: FAIRER DAVID
Published: May 2011

Taking ancient Greek lyric and its musical performance as a starting‐point, this essay considers the creative potential of modulation, the skilful deploying of dynamic and tonal effects in poetry. It argues that poets of the period from 1660 to 1740 found in the Classical tradition a range of contrasting lyric modes that could be varied and combined in inventive ways. From this perspective it is also possible to appreciate how the period's satiric writing exploits the more flexible and responsive elements of the lyrist's skill, its modal creativity. In this period, lyric and satire are closer together than we might think.
‘My Muse loves a little Variety’: Writing Drama and the Creative Life of Frances Burney
Authors: SKINNER GILLIAN
Published: May 2011

This article focuses on Frances Burney's abortive career as a playwright and uses her journals and letters to examine three key points: the suppression of her first comedy, The Witlings; the sole performance of her tragedy Edwy and Elgiva; and the withdrawal from rehearsal of her second comedy, Love and Fashion. I argue that close reading of the journals and letters surrounding these events tells us something about the complexity with which Burney herself, and those close to her, viewed her creativity, and reveals conflicting discourses of inspiration and labour, always complicated by gender.
How do young adults perceive the risk of chlamydia infection? A qualitative study
Authors: Newby Katie V. , Wallace Louise M. , French David P.
Published: May 2011

Objectives. This study aimed to improve understanding of how young UK genito‐urinary medicine (GUM) patients perceive the risk of chlamydia, and identify implications for health education.

Design. A qualitative methodology was chosen.

Methods. Semi‐structured interviews with 27 respondents aged 16–22 years old were conducted. Data were subjected to thematic analysis.

Results. Respondents made assessments of the perceived seriousness of, and their personal susceptibility to, chlamydia infection. Judgements about seriousness were related to beliefs about the controllability of symptoms and the long‐term health consequences of infection. Susceptibility estimates were related to beliefs about the extent to which personal exposure put them in contact with chlamydia, and about the prevalence of infection amongst their peer group. This is consistent with the content of illness risk representations proposed by Cameron (2003). Respondents demonstrated some beliefs, which appeared to influence perceptions of seriousness and susceptibility in unhelpful ways.

Conclusions. Young people may be underestimating their risk of chlamydia infection due to the presence of unhelpful beliefs. Dialogue between health professionals and patients within GUM clinics, or through consultations as part of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP), could provide vehicles to deliver health education to target these. Suggested health education includes highlighting false reassurance provided by treatment beliefs and exposing the fallibility of using overt characteristics to judge the likelihood that a potential sexual partner poses a risk of infection.
Periodic stimulation induces long‐range modulation of cortical responses and visual perception
Authors: Shang Chun‐feng , Dan Yang , Poo Mu‐ming , Wang Zhiru
Published: May 2011

Non‐technical summary  Periodic signals are abundant in the sensory environment. Processing of rhythmic signals associated with animal communication and locomotion may be important for the animal's survival. Using electrophysiological recording from rat visual cortex, we found that periodic visual signals can influence neural activity over a larger distance in the cortex than non‐periodic signals. Parallel human psychophysical experiments on the perception of local stimulus brightness also showed similar modulation by distant periodic visual signals.
Probing the regulation of TASK potassium channels by PI(4,5)P2 with switchable phosphoinositide phosphatases
Authors: Lindner Moritz , Leitner Michael G. , Halaszovich Christian R. , Hammond Gerald R. V. , Oliver Dominik
Published: May 2011

Non‐technical summary  The electrical activity of nerve cells is produced by the flux of ions through specialized membrane proteins called ion channels. Some ion channels can be regulated by the signalling lipid PIP2, a component of the channels’ membrane environment. Here we examine the relevance of PIP2 for the regulation of one specific channel type, termed TASK. Many chemical transmitters in the brain change neural activity by shutting off TASK channels and it has been suggested that this results from reduction of PIP2. By using novel techniques to alter the concentration of PIP2 in living cells, we find that the activity of TASK is independent of PIP2. Besides demonstrating that another signalling mechanism must control the activity of nerve cells via TASK inhibition, we delineate a general approach for clarifying the relevance of PIP2 in many cell types and organs.
Force decline during fatigue is due to both a decrease in the force per individual cross‐bridge and the number of cross‐bridges
Authors: Nocella Marta , Colombini Barbara , Benelli Giulia , Cecchi Giovanni , Bagni M. Angela , Bruton Joseph
Published: May 2011

Non‐technical summary  Prolonged muscle activity leads to a reduction of mechanical power and force output which is commonly indicated as muscular fatigue. The development of fatigue during repetitive stimulation of a skeletal muscle consists of an initial phase during which force decreases by 10–15%. This is followed by a second phase where force remains almost constant and finally a phase during which force drops precipitously to low levels. We show here that the initial fall in force is due to a reduction of the force generated by the individual molecular force generator, the cross‐bridge, whereas in subsequent phases the force decrease is caused by a reduction in the number of molecular force generators. These results increase our understanding of muscular fatigue mechanisms.
Mineral-Metal, Multiphase Coatings to Protect Combustion Chamber Components Against Hot-Gas Corrosion and Thermal Loading
Authors: Verlotski Vadim , Stanglmaier Rudolf H. , Moormann Günter , Geraets Ralph
Published: May 2011

Many marine and stationary engines operate on fuels that contain corrosive elements, with the result that some highly loaded combustion chamber components must be replaced frequently. Märkisches Werk, GmbH (MWH) has pioneered the development of mineral-metal, multiphase coatings to protect valves and other highly loaded engine components against hot-gas corrosion. Mineral-metal, multiphase coatings are a unique and innovative approach to improving hot-gas corrosion resistance in a cost-effective manner. In general, these coatings combine the beneficial chemical and thermal attributes of ceramic coatings with the mechanical properties and substrate adhesion characteristics of a metal. Extensive laboratory and field trials have proven that MWH CrystalCoat protects heavy fuel oil (HFO) engine exhaust valves against hot-gas corrosion. It is projected that the newest coating formulation (CrystalCoat HT) will protect four-stroke HFO exhaust valves against hot-gas corrosion over their entire service life.
Underhood Buoyancy Driven Flow—An Experimental Study
Authors: Merati Parviz , Davis Charles , Chen K.-H. , Johnson J. P.
Published: May 2011

Particle image velocimetry and thermal measurements using thermocouples are used to measure the buoyant flow of a simplified full-scale model of an engine compartment. The engine block surface temperature and exhaust heaters are kept at about 100 and 600°C, respectively. Thermal measurements include enclosure surface temperature, temperature difference on the enclosure wall at midplane, engine block temperatures, and air temperatures under the hood. The highest surface temperatures were concentrated near the top of the enclosure around the exhaust heaters. This effect was due primarily to radiation from the exhaust heaters. Highest measured air temperature was about 300°C immediately above the right exhaust heater. The measured dominant flow structures are two larger counter rotating vortices over the top right side of the engine block and two counter rotating vortices over the top left side. These flow structures weaken considerably during the first 35 min of the transient cool down of the engine block and the exhaust heaters. Colder ambient air is sucked into the engine compartment at the vents near the bottom of the compartment with some exiting as hot air through the top slots. The time scale of the fluid exchange at the vents is in the order of seconds, indicating that this process is occurring very slowly.
A Family of IFN-γ–Inducible 65-kD GTPases Protects Against Bacterial Infection
Authors: Kim Bae-Hoon , Shenoy Avinash R. , Kumar Pradeep , Das Rituparna , Tiwari Sangeeta , MacMicking John D.
Published: May 2011

Guanylate-binding proteins coordinately regulate oxidative and autophagic responses to intracellular bacteria.
Normalization for Sparse Encoding of Odors by a Wide-Field Interneuron
Authors: Papadopoulou Maria , Cassenaer Stijn , Nowotny Thomas , Laurent Gilles
Published: May 2011

A single neuron is responsible for adaptive normalization in an olfactory circuit generating sparse odor representations.
Complete Genome Analysis of Coxsackievirus A2, A4, A5, and A10 Strains Isolated from Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Patients in China Revealing Frequent Recombination of Human Enterovirus A
Authors: Hu Y. F. , Yang Fan , Du J. , Dong J. , Zhang T. , Wu Z. Q. , Xue Y. , Jin Qi
Published: May 2011

Coxsackievirus (CV) strains CVA2, CVA4, CVA5, and CVA10 were isolated from patients with hand, foot, and mouth disease during a 2009 outbreak in China. Full genome sequences for four representative strains, CVA2/SD/CHN/09 (A2SD09), CVA4/SZ/CHN/09 (A4SZ09), CVA5/SD/CHN/09 (A5SD09), and CVA10/SD/CHN/09 (A10SD09), were determined. Phylogenetic and recombination analyses of the isolates by comparison with human enterovirus A prototype strains revealed that genetic recombination occurred during cocirculation of the viruses. The A2SD09 and A4SZ09 strains were most closely related to their corresponding prototype strains in the capsid region but shared noncapsid sequences with each other. Similarly, strains A5SD09 and A10SD09 had serotype-specific homology for the capsid proteins but shared noncapsid sequences with each other. Phylogenetic analyses of the four isolates with homotypic strains showed that CVA2 strains were divided into five genotypes. The A2SD09 strain clustered with Mongolia strains isolated in 2003, forming genotype V. The A4SZ09 strain and other isolates from mainland China and Taiwan clustered with genotype III strains and are likely related to strains that circulated in Europe and Mongolia. The A5SD09 strain is closely related to other Chinese strains isolated in 2008. The A10SD09 isolate, together with other Chinese strains isolated since 2004, formed a distinct lineage that was likely imported from Japan and South Korea. This study shows that natural recombination is a frequent event in human enterovirus A evolution. More comprehensive surveillance of enteroviruses that focus not only on EV71 or CVA16 is needed for us to understand the molecular epidemiology of enteroviruses and to track recombination events which may ultimately affect the virulence of viruses during outbreaks.
Improved Identification of Yeast Species Directly from Positive Blood Culture Media by Combining Sepsityper Specimen Processing and Microflex Analysis with the Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Biotyper System
Authors: Yan Yingjun , He Ying , Maier Thomas , Quinn Criziel , Shi Gongyi , Li Haijing , Stratton Charles W. , Kostrzewa Markus , Tang Yi-Wei
Published: May 2011

Current methods for identification of yeast from blood cultures may take several days after these microorganisms have been observed by Gram stain smears from positive blood cultures. We explored the use of a matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) Biotyper system in combination with Sepsityper specimen processing and Microflex analysis for improved detection and identification of yeast species directly from positive blood culture specimens demonstrating yeast-like organisms by Gram stain. The limit of detection of yeast species in blood culture medium was determined to be 5.9 × 10
5
CFU, with intra- and interstrain coefficients of variation of 1.8 to 3.6% and 2.9%, respectively. A total of 42 yeast-containing positive blood culture specimens were processed, and the identification results were compared to those obtained by routinely used phenotypic methods. Specimens with discrepant results between the Biotyper and phenotypic methods were identified on the basis of internal transcribed spacer region sequencing. The MALDI Biotyper system correctly identified the 42 specimens to species level, including 28 (66.7%)
Candida albicans
, 8 (19.0%)
Candida parapsilosis
, and 5 (11.9%)
Candida tropicalis
isolates and 1 (2.4%)
Cryptococcus neoformans
isolate. The entire procedure, from specimen extraction to final result reporting, can be completed within 1 h. Our data indicated that the Sepsityper specimen processing and Microflex analysis by the MALDI Biotyper system provide a rapid and reliable tool for yeast species identification directly from positive blood culture media.
Optimization of Periprosthetic Culture for Diagnosis of Propionibacterium acnes Prosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Butler-Wu Susan M. , Burns Erica M. , Pottinger Paul S. , Magaret Amalia S. , Rakeman Jennifer L. , Matsen Frederick A. , Cookson Brad T.
Published: May 2011

Propionibacterium acnes
is increasingly recognized as an important agent of prosthetic joint infection (PJI). However, the optimum culture conditions for recovery of this organism from PJI specimens have not been determined. By applying a prolonged 28-day culture incubation to all periprosthetic specimens received for bacterial culture from 198 revision arthroplasty procedures, we retrospectively determined that a 13-day culture incubation period is necessary for the recovery of
P. acnes
from patients with PJI. Incubation beyond this period was associated with increasing recovery of nondiagnostic isolates: 21.7% of
P. acnes
isolates believed to be clinically unimportant were recovered after 13 days of incubation. Importantly, a diagnosis of
P. acnes
PJI would have been missed in 29.4% of patients had extended culture incubation been applied only to anaerobic culture media. Although specimens from
P. acnes
PJIs were more commonly associated with the presence of ≥2 culture media positive for growth, acute inflammation (≥5 neutrophils/high-power field) was observed in only 40% of patients with PJIs that had more than one specimen submitted for bacterial culture. These results support the need for a minimum culture incubation period of 13 days to be applied to both aerobic and anaerobic culture media for all periprosthetic specimens. Optimal recovery of infecting organisms from PJI specimens will be an important component in generating a universal definition for PJI due to indolent agents of infection, such as
P. acnes
.
Identification of Toxoplasma gondii SUB1 Antigen as a Marker for Acute Infection by Use of an Innovative Evaluation Method
Authors: Hruzik A. , Asif A. R. , Groß U.
Published: May 2011

By the separation ofToxoplasmalysate using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and its analysis with human serum samples and mass spectrometry, the subtilisin-like protein (SUB1) was identified to be a potential marker for acute toxoplasmosis. Following expression of the C-terminal domain of SUB1 inEscherichia coli, it was tested in a line blot assay using a total of 80 human serum samples. Two computer programs based on different evaluation strategies were used for judgment of the line blot results: (i) a time-dependent method with a predefined cutoff value and (ii) a fixed-time-point method with a calculated cutoff. Thereby, SUB1 was proven to be rather reactive with specific immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgM, and IgG of patients with an acute infection. This finding makes this antigen an attractive candidate for improving diagnosis of toxoplasmosis and demonstrates that not only the selection of respective antigens but also the evaluation method chosen are important for the evaluation of new diagnostic markers.