bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DJ‐1 deficiency triggers microglia sensitivity to dopamine toward a pro‐inflammatory phenotype that is attenuated by rasagiline
Authors: Trudler Dorit , Weinreb Orly , Mandel Silvia A. , Youdim Moussa B. H. , Frenkel Dan
Published: December 2013

DJ‐1 is an oxidative stress sensor that localizes to the mitochondria when the cell is exposed to oxidative stress. DJ‐1 mutations that result in gene deficiency are linked to increased risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). Activation of microglial stress conditions that are linked to PD may result in neuronal death. We postulated that DJ‐1 deficiency may increase microglial neurotoxicity. We found that down‐regulation of DJ‐1 in microglia using an shRNA approach increased cell sensitivity to dopamine as measured by secreted pro‐inflammatory cytokines such as IL‐1β and IL‐6. Furthermore, we discovered that DJ‐1‐deficient microglia had increased monoamine oxidase activity that resulted in elevation of intracellular reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide leading to increased dopaminergic neurotoxicity. Rasagaline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor approved for treatment of PD, reduced the microglial pro‐inflammatory phenotype and significantly reduced neurotoxicity. Moreover, we discovered that DJ‐1‐deficient microglia have reduced expression of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), previously suggested as a risk factor for pro‐inflammation in neurodegenerative diseases. Further studies of DJ‐1‐mediated cellular pathways in microglia may contribute useful insights into the development of PD providing future avenues for therapeutic intervention.

image

We postulated that DJ‐1 deficiency may increase microglial neurotoxicity to dopaminergic neurons. We discovered that DJ‐1‐deficient microglia had increased monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity that resulted in elevation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, leading to increased dopaminergic neurotoxicity. Rasagaline, an MAO inhibitor approved for treatment of PD, reduced the microglial pro‐inflammatory phenotype and neurotoxicity.
Organizational Learning Ambidexterity, Strategic Flexibility, and New Product Development
Authors: Wei Zelong , Yi Yaqun , Guo Hai
Published: December 2013

Although organizational ambidexterity has gained momentum in recent innovation research, previous literature still offers a confusing and partial picture about how to leverage ambidexterity for new product development because of two limitations. First, previous research mainly focuses on static resource endowment and thus offers little insight about how firms should dynamically reconfigure resource portfolios to leverage organizational ambidexterity. Second, conceptual confusion on the notion of the balance dimension of organization ambidexterity still exists.

This study seeks to explore how firms should dynamically reconfigure resource portfolios to leverage organizational ambidexterity for new product development and to bring greater conceptual clarity to the notion of balance. By extending the static resource assumption, which is central to the extant debate in organizational ambidexterity literature, this research unpacks ambidexterity into a relative exploratory dimension and an interactive dimension. We further investigated the moderating effect of resource flexibility and coordination flexibility on the impacts of the two dimensions on new product development performance.

Based on the dynamic resource management view and organizational learning theory, we proposed six hypotheses and collected data from 213 firms through a survey to examine the hypotheses. Our results indicate that relative exploratory dimension and interactive dimension have different effects on new product development. Specifically, the relative exploratory dimension has an inverse U‐shaped effect on new product development while the interactive dimension has a positive effect. Furthermore, we find that resource flexibility and coordination flexibility have positive moderating effects on the relationships between the two dimensions of ambidexterity and new product development performance. Our study contributes to the ambidexterity research in three ways. First, from a dynamic resource management view, this study extends previous ambidexterity research from a static view to a dynamic view by exploring the moderating effects of resource flexibility and coordination flexibility. Second, we extend the understanding on ambidexterity by bringing greater conceptual clarity to the notion of balance. Third, this research provides new evidence on the effects of ambidextrous learning on new product development performance in transition economy such as China, where ambidextrous learning is crucial for firms to adapt to a dynamic environment.
Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: The Value of Low Purchase Intention Consumers to Product Pricing
Authors: Bishop Melissa Maier , Barber Nelson A.
Published: December 2013

Hypothetical bias is a common research problem in measuring intentions. This study examines differences in individuals' hypothetical and nonhypothetical willingness to pay (WTP) based on purchase intention level. The purpose of Study 1 is to see if hypothetical bias is affecting all groups of individuals when segmented by purchase intentions. The contingent valuation method (CVM) was used to assess to individuals' purchase intentions and hypothetical WTP for an environmentally friendly (EF) offering. Individuals then participated in an auction that required them to bid on the same offering, thus requiring an actual monetary commitment. Through segmenting individuals into three purchase intention groups (high, moderate, and low), WTP biases were found to be positively related to stated intention level. High and moderate purchase intenders significantly overstated their hypothetical WTP. However, low purchase intenders did not. Further, no significant differences existed in nonhypothetical WTP between the three groups. The price that low purchase intenders were willing to pay through the CVM represented closely what they and the rest of the market were willing to pay in practice.

The purpose of Study 2 was to examine several reasons why higher purchase intenders may be overstating their hypothetical WTP, with normative pressure and social desirability bias taken into consideration. Individuals indicated their purchase intentions and hypothetical WTP for an EF and a non‐EF product, and then participated in an auction. The higher purchase intenders again overstated their actual WTP for both products, whereas low purchase intenders did not. Results suggest that both normative pressure and social desirability bias contribute to hypothetical bias for products that carry a normative dimension (EF products). Controlling for these two factors eliminated the differences between hypothetical and nonhypothetical WTP. For products that did not have a normative component (non‐EF products), controlling for social desirability eliminated the gap between the hypothetical and nonhypothetical WTP amounts.

A main implication from this research is that hypothetical bias is not a universal phenomenon and does not operate equally in all groups of purchase intenders. Marketers may want to consider only using lower purchase intenders in their pricing estimates for new products, especially for those that carry a normative component. Further, the CVM has received much criticism for measuring hypothetical WTP. However, estimates produced by the CVM were nearly exact for the low purchase intender group and were reliable when controlling for social desirability bias and normative pressure for the higher purchase intenders.
Hematoma or “Partial Priapism” in the Proximal Part of the Corpus Cavernosum
Authors: Kropman René Franciscus , Schipper Jaap
Published: December 2013

Introduction

“Partial priapism” is a rare disorder. Therapy is controversial in literature.

Aim

To show that conservative treatment leads to a full functional recovery of this condition.

Methods

This report describes a case of a hematoma or “partial priapism” in the proximal part of the right corpus cavernosum.

Results

Complete functional recovery after conservative treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Conclusion

“Partial priapism” probably represents a hematoma in the interstitium of the proximal part of the corpus cavernosum. Conservative treatment is advised.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy Improves Metabolic Parameters in Hypogonadal Men with Type 2 Diabetes but Not in Men with Coexisting Depression: The BLAST Study
Authors: Hackett Geoffrey , Cole Nigel , Bhartia Mithun , Kennedy David , Raju Jessie , Wilkinson Peter , the BLAST Study Group
Published: December 2013

Introduction

The association between testosterone deficiency and insulin resistance in men with type 2 diabetes is well established and current endocrine society guidelines recommend the measurement of testosterone levels in all men with type 2 diabetes or erectile dysfunction.

Aim

We report the first double-blind, placebo-controlled study conducted exclusively in a male type 2 diabetes population to assess metabolic changes with long-acting testosterone undecanoate (TU).

Methods

The type 2 diabetes registers of seven general practices identified 211 patients for a 30-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study of long-acting TU 1,000 mg followed by 52 weeks of open-label use. Because of the established impact of age, obesity, and depression on sexual function, these variables were also assessed for influence on metabolic parameters.

Main Outcome Measure

Changes in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and the level of testosterone at which response are achieved.

Results

Treatment with TU produced a statistically significant reduction in HbA1c at 6 and 18 weeks and after a further 52 weeks of open-label medication most marked in poorly controlled patients with baseline HbA1c greater than 7.5 where the reduction was 0.41% within 6 weeks, and a further 0.46% after 52 weeks of open-label use. There was significant reduction in waist circumference, weight, and body mass index in men without depression, and improvements were related to achieving adequate serum levels of testosterone. There were no significant safety issues.

Conclusions

Testosterone replacement therapy significantly improved HbA1c, total cholesterol, and waist circumference in men with type 2 diabetes. Improvements were less marked in men with depression at baseline, and therapeutic responses were related to achieving adequate serum testosterone levels. Current advice on 3- to 6-month trials of therapy may be insufficient to achieve maximal response. Patients reported significant improvements in general health.
Functional traits behind the association between climbers and subordinate woody species
Authors: Garbin Mário L. , Sánchez‐Tapia Andrea , Carrijo Tatiana T. , Sansevero Jerônimo B.B. , Scarano Fabio R.
Published: December 2013

Question

Functional differences among climber species may reflect different strategies to cope with the environment created by the set of trees and shrubs used to reach the canopy. Moreover, climber diversity may be promoted and maintained by associations with subordinate woody species. Considering that functional differences among climbers may reflect this relationship, we aimed to identify trait differences among climbers, and the traits related to the association between climbers and woody species.

Location

Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park, a tropical sandy coastal plant community in southeast Brazil.

Methods

Relative abundances of climbers and shrubs/trees were surveyed, and climber species were described by a set of traits related to dispersal, establishment and persistence. Principal coordinate analysis was used to identify trait differences among climbers. Further, we performed principal components analysis in a community‐weighted mean trait values matrix (CWM) and compared the major pattern of variation with the abundance of dominant and subordinate woody species, and with environmental variables.

Results

The analyses revealed functional traits behind the association between climbers and subordinate woody species. These species are mostly characterized by the presence of latex and dry fruits, anemochorous dispersal and stem twining climbing strategy. They were associated with the subordinate shrub Erythroxylum subsessile. Tendril climbers were more generalist and were also characterized by zoochoric dispersal and the presence of endosperm.

Conclusions

The associative behaviour between climbers and the subordinate shrub E. subsessile is explained by a specific set of traits present in species of the same plant family, Apocynaceae. While stem twiners were positively associated with the specialist nurse E. subsessile, tendril climbers were associated with the dominant nurses. These results offer clues to understand the presence of specialist and generalist groups of climber species in tropical plant communities, as well as community assembly through facilitation driven by subordinate species.
Comparative phylogeography in marginal seas of the northwestern Pacific
Authors: Ni Gang , Li QI , Kong Lingfeng , Yu Hong
Published: December 2013

The maturation of marine phylogeography depends on integration of comparative information across different regions globally. The northwestern Pacific, characterized by unique tectonic setting, however, is still underrepresented. This study seeks to highlight its phylogeographical history based on the available population data, focusing on three seas: the East China Sea (ECS), the South China Sea (SCS) and the Sea of Japan (SOJ). We first conducted a literature survey to evaluate current research efforts and then reanalysed the population structure, historical demography and genealogy for two selections of studies (namely ‘the ECS category’ and ‘the multiple‐sea category’) to elucidate the evolutionary processes within and across the seas, respectively. For the ECS category, the meta‐analyses revealed most studies displayed a shallow phylogeny, indicating a single origin from the sea. Significant population structure was commonplace, particularly in molluck and crustacean studies, with proportions of 89% and 80%, respectively. Nearly all studies selected showed signals of population expansion: the times estimated were closely linked to a period of ~120–140 Kya rather than the last glacial maximum. For the latter category, divergent intraspecific lineages appeared among seas and overlapped in the adjacent regions, a pattern implying each sea had served as an independent refugium during glaciations. The genetic splits, however, were estimated to arise from separate events dating from late Miocene to middle Pleistocene. As phylogeography is still in its infancy in the region, more effort is needed to test and complement the general rules abstracted here. Finally, challenges and prospects were discussed to accelerate further research.
6S RNA: recent answers – future questions
Authors: Steuten Benedikt , Schneider Sabine , Wagner Rolf
Published: December 2013

6S RNA is a non‐coding RNA, found in almost all phylogenetic branches of bacteria. Through its conserved secondary structure, resembling open DNA promoters, it binds to RNA polymerase and interferes with transcription at many promoters. That way, it functions as transcriptional regulator facilitating adaptation to stationary phase conditions. Strikingly, 6S RNA acts as template for the synthesis of small RNAs (pRNA), which trigger the disintegration of the inhibitory RNA polymerase‐6S RNA complex releasing 6S RNA‐dependent repression. The regulatory implications of 6S RNAs vary among different bacterial species depending on the lifestyle and specific growth conditions that they have to face. The influence of 6S RNA can be seen on many different processes including stationary growth, sporulation, light adaptation or intracellular growth of pathogenic bacteria. Recent structural and functional studies have yielded details of the interaction between E. coli 6S RNA and RNA polymerase. Genome‐wide transcriptome analyses provided insight into the functional diversity of 6S RNAs. Moreover, the mechanism and physiological consequences of pRNA synthesis have been explored in several systems. A major function of 6S RNA as a guardian regulating the economic use of cellular resources under limiting conditions and stress emerges as a common perception from numerous recent studies.
Spatial variation in maximum dive depth in gray seals in relation to foraging
Authors: Photopoulou Theoni , Fedak Michael A. , Thomas Len , Matthiopoulos Jason
Published: December 2013

Habitat preference maps are a way of representing animals' space use in two dimensions. For marine animals, the third dimension is an important aspect of spatial ecology. We used dive data from seven gray seals Halichoerus grypus (a primarily benthic forager) collected with GPS phone tags (Sea Mammal Research Unit) to investigate the distribution of the maximum depth visited in each dive. We modeled maximum dive depth as a function of spatiotemporal covariates using a generalized additive mixed model (GAMM) with individual as a random effect. Bathymetry, horizontal displacement, latitude and longitude, Julian day, sediment type, and light conditions accounted for 37% of the variability in the data. Persistent patterns of autocorrelation in the raw data suggest that individual intrinsic rhythm might be an important factor, not captured by external covariates. The strength of using this statistical method to generate spatial predictions of the distribution of maximum dive depth is its applicability to other plunge and pursuit divers. Despite being predictions of a point estimate, these maps provide some insight into the third dimension of habitat use in marine animals. The capacity to predict this aspect of vertical habitat use may help avoid conflict between animal habitat and coastal or offshore developments.
Hematological, biochemical, and morphological parameters as prognostic indicators for stranded common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Authors: Sharp Sarah M. , Knoll Joyce S. , Moore Michael J. , Moore Kathleen M. , Harry Charles T. , Hoppe Jane M. , Niemeyer Misty E. , Robinson Ian , Rose Kathryn S. , Brian Sharp W. , Rotstein David
Published: December 2013

The current paucity of published blood values and other clinically relevant data for short‐beaked common dolphins, Delphinus delphis, hinders the ability of veterinarians and responders to make well‐informed diagnoses and disposition decisions regarding live strandings of this species. This study examined hematologic, clinical chemistry, and physical parameters from 26 stranded common dolphins on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, in light of their postrelease survival data to evaluate each parameter's efficacy as a prognostic indicator. Statistically and clinically significant differences were found between failed and survived dolphins, including lower hematocrit, hemoglobin, TCO2, and bicarbonate and higher blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, and length‐to‐girth ratios in animals that failed. In general when compared to survivors, failed dolphins exhibited acidosis, dehydration, lower PCVs, and decreased body condition. Additionally, failed dolphins had the highest ALT, AST, CK, LDH, GGT, and lactate values. These blood values combined with necropsy findings indicate that there are likely a variety of factors affecting postrelease survival, including both preexisting illness and stranding‐induced conditions such as capture myopathy. Closer evaluation of these parameters for stranded common dolphins on point of care analyzers in the field may allow stranding personnel to make better disposition decisions in the future.
Development of NILs from heterogeneous inbred families for validating the rust resistance QTL in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Yeri Sharanabasappa B. , Shirasawa Kenta , Pandey Manish K. , Gowda M. V. C. , Sujay Vanhi , Shriswathi Manda , Nadaf Hajisaheb L. , Motagi Babu N. , Lingaraju S. , Bhat A. R. S. , Varshney Rajeev K. , Krishnaraj P. U. , Bhat Ramesh S.
Published: December 2013

Heterogeneous inbred families segregating for rust resistance were identified from the two crosses involving susceptible (TAG 24 and TG 26) and resistant (GPBD 4) varieties of peanut. Rust‐resistant (less than score 5) and rust‐susceptible (more than score 5) plants were identified in each HIF and evaluated under rust epiphytotic conditions. The set of plants belonging to the same HIF, but differing significantly in rust resistance, not in other morphological and productivity traits, was regarded as near‐isogenic lines (NILs). Largely, rust‐resistant NILs had GPBD 4‐type allele, and susceptible NILs carried either TAG 24 or TG 26‐type allele at the three SSR loci (IPAHM103, GM1536 and GM2301) linked to a major genomic region governing rust resistance. Comparison of the remaining genomic regions between the NILs originating from each of the HIFs using transposon markers indicated a considerably high similarity of 86.4% and 83.1% in TAG 24 × GPPBD 4 and TG 26 × GPBD 4, respectively. These NILs are useful for fine mapping and expression analysis of rust resistance.
Growth, trichome size and akinete production of Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (cyanobacteria) under different temperatures: Comparison of two strains isolated from the same pond
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshimasa , Shiah Fuh‐Kwo
Published: December 2013

Coiled morphotype Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (Woloszynska) Seenayya et Subba Raju that forms a water bloom in a shallow pond in northern Taiwan exhibits a negative correlation between trichome size and temperature. To investigate how temperature influences the growth and trichome size of C. raciborskii, two C. raciborskii strains isolated from the pond in August and February were grown at three temperatures (18, 24 and 30°C). Both strains exhibited the lowest and highest specific growth rates at 18°C and 24°C, respectively, and the trichomes became the largest at 18°C. However, specific growth rates of the strain isolated in August exceeded those of the strain isolated in February, and the trichomes of the strain isolated in February were larger than those of the strain isolated in August regardless of temperature. Moreover, although both strains produced larger numbers of akinetes at higher temperatures, the strain isolated in August produced many more akinetes than did the other. These findings suggest that the two strains are not identical, leading to the conclusion that the C. raciborskii population in the pond consists of at least two ecotypes. Large trichome formation and akinete production are thought to be different types of countermeasure against cold of C. raciborskii, and the patterns of investment in developing these functions seemed to vary between the strains.
Durkheim, Freud and I in Aboriginal Australia, or should Anthropology contain theology?
Authors: Morton John
Published: December 2013

If it is true that ‘all of social theory is a breakdown product of a decaying theology’ (Robbins on Milbank), then social theory might be said to be both discontinuous and continuous with the theology. In this article I reflect on how anthropology distances itself from religion, yet retains broadly theological concerns. Taking my cue from Christopher Herbert's observation in Culture and Anomie that anthropological ideas about culture have evident, if difficultly acknowledged, religious origins, I reflexively consider this issue in relation to my own writing and anthropological encounters I have experienced with Indigenous informants and students. I discuss two instances of my secular‐rationalist embarrassment in the presence of divine revelation and relate these to my anthropological modelling of Aboriginal religion, suggesting reasons for the problematic disjunction between my ability to analyse this religion and my inability to properly experience it (or something like it). I also make a case for the legitimacy of Durkheim's search for ‘the elementary forms of the religious life’ in order to clarify what is essential (‘sacred’) about all morality, rejecting Milbank's characterisation of it as ‘perverse theology’. There is, I suggest, nothing intrinsically ‘perverse’ about this search, so long as we follow Robbins' suggestion and relativise the Christian mythos in order to look to a more broadly‐based anthropological conception of what it means to live gracefully in the presence of some ‘holy spirit’.
Anthropological proselytism: Reflexive questions for a Hare Krishna ethnography
Authors: Haddon Malcolm
Published: December 2013

This paper is an anthropological exegesis on the Hare Krishna theology and practice ofsankirtana—a form of proselytisation in which devotees chant the Holy Names of the Lord through city streets and in other public places, and which can also involve other means of ‘spreading the word’. This is also an inquiry into the relationship between anthropology and proselytism and their respective modes of communication, a topic I approach reflexively by addressing the awkward methodological question as to whether my writing about Hare Krishna proselytisation is itself a form of proselytisation.
The alchemy of life: Magic, anthropology and human nature in a Pagan theology
Authors: Morgain Rachel
Published: December 2013

Reclaiming is a contemporary Pagan tradition rooted in the understanding that sacrality infuses the cosmos. Reclaiming teachers critique the ‘mechanistic’ basis of modern science and its rejection of magical thought, implicating this worldview in oppression, environmental devastation and colonialism. Their concerns resonate with an emerging critique among historians, who argue that the Enlightenment's rejection of Europe's ‘superstitious’ past was tied to the colonial project of refuting the religious and magical beliefs of non‐Europeans. Engaging with Reclaiming theology exposes the still‐uncomfortable relationship of anthropology to ‘non‐rational’ forms of knowledge. In embracing systems of thought profoundly repudiated since the Enlightenment and reimagining what it is to be human, Reclaiming understandings potentially disturb anthropology at its roots, including its very delimitation as a ‘science of humanity’.
Development of a Simple Miniature Thermochemical Ablation Device Suitable for Tumor Ablation Research in Rodent Models
Authors: Cressman Erik N. K. , Zbacnik Anthony P.
Published: December 2013

Thermochemical ablation is a recently developed minimally invasive method with potential for solid tumor treatment such as in liver cancer. A recently described prototype device, however, is too large for use in the more common rodent models of cancer. In this report we describe a simple, low-cost variant of the device that is easy to assemble, small enough to be readily applicable to small animal models, and then demonstrate its use in an ex vivo model for ablation. It should therefore enable study of the method without requiring specialized equipment or access to a machine shop for device manufacture.
Ballooning Deformation of Zircaloy-4 Fuel Sheath
Authors: Kaleem Khan Mohd. , Pathak Manabendra
Published: December 2013

In this paper, both experimental and analytical investigations have been conducted to investigate the fuel sheath (also known as clad tube) ballooning deformation and subsequent bursting. The work has been performed to simulate ballooning deformation of fuel sheaths under different heating rates and internal pressures in an inert atmosphere. An experimental setup has been designed to capture the temperature, pressure, and wall displacement data during the ballooning deformation of the sheath specimen. Also, a computer code in MATLAB has been developed to compute the stresses and strains at the ballooning site of the fuel sheath. The developed model has been validated with present and past experimental studies. A parametric study has also been conducted to study the effect of internal pressure, heating rate, and sheath dimensions on hoop or circumferential strain.
Targeted Therapy Resistance Mediated by Dynamic Regulation of Extrachromosomal Mutant EGFR DNA
Authors: Nathanson David A. , Gini Beatrice , Mottahedeh Jack , Visnyei Koppany , Koga Tomoyuki , Gomez German , Eskin Ascia , Hwang Kiwook , Wang Jun , Masui Kenta , Paucar Andres , Yang Huijun , Ohashi Minori , Zhu Shaojun , Wykosky Jill , Reed Rachel , Nelson Stanley F. , Cloughesy Timothy F. , James C. David , Rao P. Nagesh , Kornblum Harley I. , Heath James R. , Cavenee Webster K. , Furnari Frank B. , Mischel Paul S.
Published: December 2013

Playing Hide and Seek

Targeted cancer therapies have shown promising results in patients, but few of these drugs provide long-term benefits because tumor cells rapidly develop drug resistance.

Nathanson
et al.

(p.
72
, published online 5 December) show that glioblastoma cells can become resistant to erlotinib, an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–targeted drug, by eliminating extrachromosomal copies of the mutant
EGFR
gene. After a period of drug withdrawal, the mutant
EGFR
gene reappears on extrachromosomal DNA and the tumor cells become resensitized. The discovery that cancer cells can evade drug therapy by this “hide and seek” mechanism may help to optimize the dosing schedule of erlotinib in glioblastoma patients.
Tunable Electrical Conductivity in Metal-Organic Framework Thin-Film Devices
Authors: Talin A. Alec , Centrone Andrea , Ford Alexandra C. , Foster Michael E. , Stavila Vitalie , Haney Paul , Kinney R. Adam , Szalai Veronika , El Gabaly Farid , Yoon Heayoung P. , Léonard François , Allendorf Mark D.
Published: December 2013

Guests for Conductors

Thin films of metal-organic framework (MOF) compounds are generally poor conductors because the linking organic groups are usually insulators with little π-orbital conjugation.

Talin
et al.

(p.
66
, published online 5 December) show that infiltrating films of the copper-based MOF HKUST-1 with the conjugated organic molecule 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinododimethane created an air-stable material with conductivities as high as 7 siemens per meter.
Vaccine Activation of the Nutrient Sensor GCN2 in Dendritic Cells Enhances Antigen Presentation
Authors: Ravindran Rajesh , Khan Nooruddin , Nakaya Helder I. , Li Shuzhao , Loebbermann Jens , Maddur Mohan S. , Park Youngja , Jones Dean P. , Chappert Pascal , Davoust Jean , Weiss David S. , Virgin Herbert W. , Ron David , Pulendran Bali
Published: December 2013

The Secret Life of a Vaccine

Antigen-specific CD8
÷
T cells play a central role in the adaptive immune response to viral infections and to cancer.

Ravindran
et al.

(p.
313
, published online 5 December) studied the successful yellow fever virus vaccine YF-17D to gain insight into its mechanism of action. The vaccine activated the nutrient deprivation sensor, GCN2 kinase, in dendritic cells. In transgenic mouse models, GCN2 activation promoted autophagy and antigen cross-presentation, enhancing the virus-specific CD8
÷
T cell response. The findings suggest an important role for nutrient availability and autophagy in vaccine efficacy, which could aid more successful vaccine development.
Complete Genome of Bacillus megaterium Podophage Pony
Authors: Khatemi Brontee E. , Chung On Christopher C. , Chamakura Karthik R. , Kuty Everett Gabriel F.
Published: December 2013

Bacillus megaterium
podophage Pony was isolated from a soil sample collected in College Station, TX. Here, we report the sequencing and annotation of the 39,844-bp genome of phage Pony and describe the major features identified.
Complete Genome of Bacillus pumilus Siphophage Riggi
Authors: Still Emily L. , Riggi Catarina F. , Chamakura Karthik R. , Kuty Everett Gabriel F.
Published: December 2013

Bacillus pumilus
is primarily used in the agricultural industry to promote plant growth and provide resistance to bacterial and fungal plant diseases. It has recently, however, been shown to cause disease in humans. Here, we announce the complete genome of
B. pumilus
phage Riggi.
Complete Genome of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp.
sepedonicusis
Siphophage CN1A
Authors: Kongari Rohit R. , Yao Guichun W. , Chamakura Karthik R. , Kuty Everett Gabriel F.
Published: December 2013

Clavibacter michiganensis
subsp.
sepedonicusis
is a Gram-positive actinomycete that is the causative agent of the potato disease ring rot. Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of the
Clavibacter michiganensis
subsp.
sepedonicusis
siphophage CN1A. CN1A is only the second fully sequenced
Clavibacter michiganensis
subsp.
sepedonicusis
phage reported to date. Core and unique features of its genome are described.
Complete Genome of Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis Myophage Marshall
Authors: Luna Adrian J. , Wood Thammajun L. , Chamakura Karthik R. , Kuty Everett Gabriel F.
Published: December 2013

Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis is a food-borne pathogen that causes salmonellosis in the United States. Bacteriophages are emerging as viable biocontrol agents against this pathogen. Here, we present the complete annotated genome sequence of
Salmonella
Enteritidis T4-like myophage Marshall, which has potential as a phage therapy agent.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Epidemic and Highly Virulent CTX-M-15-Producing
H
30-Rx Subclone of Escherichia coli ST131
Authors: Andersen Paal S. , Stegger Marc , Aziz Maliha , Contente-Cuomo Tania , Gibbons Henry S. , Keim Paul , Sokurenko Evgeni V. , Johnson James R. , Price Lance B.
Published: December 2013

We report the complete genome sequence, including five complete plasmid sequences, of
Escherichia coli
ST131 isolate JJ1886. The isolate was obtained in 2007 in the United States from a patient with fatal urosepsis and belongs to the virulent, CTX-M-15-producing
H
30-Rx sublineage.
Draft Genome Sequence of Plant-Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium Serratia fonticola Strain AU-AP2C, Isolated from the Pea Rhizosphere
Authors: Devi Usha , Khatri Indu , Kumar Navinder , Sharma Deepak , Subramanian Srikrishna , Saini Adesh K.
Published: December 2013

Plant health can be augmented by plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) that confer biofertilizer, phytostimulation, and biocontrol activities. Herein, we provide the high-quality draft genome sequence of
Serratia fonticola
strain AU-AP2C, a Gram-negative motile PGPR of the pea plant, conferring phosphate solubilization, ammonia production, and antifungal activity against
Fusarium
sp. The 4.9-Mb genome contains genes related to plant growth promotion and synthesis of siderophores.
What parents want from doctors in end-of-life decision-making for children
Authors: Sullivan J , Monagle P , Gillam L
Published: December 2013

Objective

End-of-life decision-making is difficult for everyone involved, as many studies have shown. Within this complexity, there has been little information on how parents see the role of doctors in end-of-life decision-making for children. This study aimed to examine parents’ views and experiences of end-of-life decision-making.

Design

A qualitative method with a semistructured interview design was used.

Setting

Parent participants were living in the community.

Participants

Twenty-five bereaved parents.

Main outcomes

Parents reported varying roles taken by doctors: being the provider of information without opinion; giving information and advice as to the decision that should be taken; and seemingly being the decision maker for the child. The majority of parents found their child's doctor enabled them to be the ultimate decision maker for their child, which was what they very clearly wanted to be, and consequently enabled them to exercise their parental autonomy. Parents found it problematic when doctors took over decision-making. A less frequently reported, yet significant role for doctors was to affirm decisions after they had been made by parents. Other important aspects of the doctor's role were to provide follow-up support and referral.

Conclusions

Understanding the role that doctors take in end-of-life decisions, and the subsequent impact of that role from the perspective of parents can form the basis of better informed clinical practice.
Patellar taping for patellofemoral pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate clinical outcomes and biomechanical mechanisms
Authors: Barton Christian , Balachandar Vivek , Lack Simon , Morrissey Dylan
Published: December 2013

Objective

Patellar taping is frequently used to treat patellofemoral pain (PFP). This systematic review and meta-analysis (1) evaluates the efficacy of patellar taping for patients with PFP, (2) compares the efficacy of various taping techniques and (3) identifies potential biomechanical mechanisms of action.

Methods

The MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTSDiscus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were searched in January 2013 for studies evaluating the effects of patellar taping on pain and lower-limb biomechanics in individuals with PFP. Three independent reviewers assessed each paper for inclusion and two assessed for quality. Means and SDs were extracted from each included study to allow effect size calculations.

Results

Twenty studies were identified. There is moderate evidence that (1) tailored (customised to the patient to control lateral tilt, glide and spin) and untailored patellar taping provides immediate pain reduction of large and small effect, respectively and (2) tailored patellar taping promotes earlier onset of vastus medialis oblique (VMO) contraction (relative to vastus lateralis contraction). There is limited evidence that (1) tailored patellar taping combined with exercise provides superior pain reduction compared to exercise alone at 4 weeks, (2) untailored patellar taping added to exercise at 3–12 months has no benefit and (3) tailored patellar taping promotes increased internal knee extension moments.

Conclusions

Tailoring patellar taping application (ie, to control lateral tilt, glide and spin) to optimise pain reduction is important for efficacy. Evaluation of tailored patellar taping beyond the immediate term is limited and should be a research priority. Possible mechanisms behind patellar taping efficacy include earlier VMO onset and improved knee function capacity (ie, ability to tolerate greater internal knee extension moments).
The impact of cigarette branding and plain packaging on perceptions of product appeal and risk among young adults in Norway: A between-subjects experimental survey
Authors: Scheffels Janne , Lund Ingeborg
Published: December 2013

Objectives

This study examined the perceptions of cigarette packaging and the potential impact of plain packaging regulations. The hypothesis was that the branded cigarette packages would be rated more positively than the corresponding plain packs with and without descriptors.

Design

Between-subjects experimental online survey. Male and female participants were separately randomised to one of the three experimental conditions: fully branded cigarette packs, plain packs with descriptors and plain packs without descriptors; participants were asked to evaluate 12 individual cigarette packages. The participants were also asked to compare five pairs of packs from the same brand family.

Setting

Norway.

Participants

1010 youths and adults aged 15–22.

Primary outcome measures

Ratings of appeal, taste and harmfulness for individual packages. Ratings of taste, harm, quality, ‘would rather try’ and ‘easier to quit’ for pairs of packages.

Results

Plain with and without descriptors packs were rated less positively than the branded packs on appeal (index score 1.63/1.61 vs 2.42, p<0.001), taste (index score 1.21/1.12 vs 1.70, p<0.001) and as less harmful (index score 1.0.34/0.36 vs 0.82, p<0.001) among females. Among males, the difference between the plain with and without descriptors versus branded condition was significant for appeal (index score 2.08/1.92 vs 2.58, p<0.005) and between the plain without descriptors versus branded condition for taste (index score 1.18 vs 1.70, p<0.00). The pack comparison task showed that the packs with descriptors suggesting a lower content of harmful substances, together with lighter colours, were more positively rated in the branded compared with the plain condition on dimensions less harmful (β −0.77, 95% CI −0.97 to −0.56), would rather try (β −0.32, 95% CI −0.50 to −0.14) and easier to quit (β −0.58, 95% CI −0.76 to −0.39).

Conclusions

The results indicate that a shift from branded to plain cigarette packaging could lead to a reduction in positive perceptions of cigarettes among young people.
Are Britain's cats ready for cat cafés?
Authors: Bradshaw John
Published: December 2013

The cat café concept is popular in Japan, but as the first cafés open in the UK, questions have been asked about the implications for cat welfare. John Bradshaw believes that it is against the natural behaviour of a cat to be placed in a café and argues that more research is needed before they are introduced.
Production of the polysaccharide curdlan by anAgrobacteriumstrain grown on a plant biomass hydrolysate
Authors: West Thomas P. , Peterson Jessica L.
Published: December 2013

Production of the commercially available polysaccharide curdlan by Agrobacterium sp. strain ECP-1, isolated as a mutant strain from ATCC 31749, on a medium containing a hydrolysate of the plant prairie cordgrass with selected ammonium phosphate concentrations was investigated for a period of 144 h. Although several ammonium phosphate concentrations supported curdlan production by the strain, the optimal concentration after 120 or 144 h was 3.3 mmol·L–1. Only ammonium phosphate concentrations of 1.1 or 8.7 mmol·L–1failed to support curdlan production by the strain after 120 or 144 h. Biomass production by strain ECP-1 on the hydrolysate-containing medium after 120 or 144 h was comparable, independent of the ammonium phosphate concentration present. The curdlan yield from the cordgrass hydrolysate indicated that the grass was an effective plant biomass substrate for polysaccharide production.
Canadian boreal forests and climate change mitigation
Authors: Lemprière T.C. , Kurz W.A. , Hogg E.H. , Schmoll C. , Rampley G.J. , Yemshanov D. , McKenney D.W. , Gilsenan R. , Beatch A. , Blain D. , Bhatti J.S. , Krcmar E.
Published: December 2013

Quantitative assessment of Canada’s boreal forest mitigation potential is not yet possible, though the range of mitigation activities is known, requirements for sound analyses of options are increasingly understood, and there is emerging recognition that biogeophysical effects need greater attention. Use of a systems perspective highlights trade-offs between activities aimed at increasing carbon storage in the ecosystem, increasing carbon storage in harvested wood products (HWPs), or increasing the substitution benefits of using wood in place of fossil fuels or more emissions-intensive products. A systems perspective also suggests that erroneous conclusions about mitigation potential could result if analyses assume that HWP carbon is emitted at harvest, or bioenergy is carbon neutral. The greatest short-run boreal mitigation benefit generally would be achieved by avoiding greenhouse gas emissions; but over the longer run, there could be significant potential in activities that increase carbon removals. Mitigation activities could maximize landscape carbon uptake or maximize landscape carbon density, but not both simultaneously. The difference between the two is the rate at which HWPs are produced to meet society’s demands, and mitigation activities could seek to delay or reduce HWP emissions and increase substitution benefits. Use of forest biomass for bioenergy could also contribute though the point in time at which this produces a net mitigation benefit relative to a fossil fuel alternative will be situation-specific. Key knowledge gaps exist in understanding boreal mitigation strategies that are robust to climate change and how mitigation could be integrated with adaptation to climate change.
Carbon in Canada’s boreal forest — A synthesis
Authors: Kurz W.A. , Shaw C.H. , Boisvenue C. , Stinson G. , Metsaranta J. , Leckie D. , Dyk A. , Smyth C. , Neilson E.T.
Published: December 2013

Canada’s managed boreal forest, 54% of the nation’s total boreal forest area, stores 28 Pg carbon (C) in biomass, dead organic matter, and soil pools. The net C balance is dominated by the difference of two large continuous fluxes: C uptake (net primary production) and release during decomposition (heterotrophic respiration). Additional releases of C can be high in years, or in areas, that experience large anthropogenic or natural disturbances. From 1990 to 2008, Canada’s managed boreal forest has acted as C sink of 28 Tg C year−1, removing CO2from the atmosphere to replace the 17 Tg of C annually harvested and store an additional 11 Tg of C year−1in ecosystem C pools. A large fraction (57%) of the C harvested since 1990 remains stored in wood products and solid waste disposal sites in Canada and abroad, replacing C emitted from the decay or burning of wood harvested prior to 1990 and contributing to net increases in product and landfill C pools. Wood product use has reduced emissions in other sectors by substituting for emission-intensive products (concrete, steel). The C balance of the unmanaged boreal forest is currently unknown. The future C balance of the Canadian boreal forest will affect the global atmospheric C budget and influence the mitigation efforts required to attain atmospheric CO2stabilization targets. The single biggest threat to C stocks is human-caused climate change. Large C stocks have accumulated in the boreal because decomposition is limited by cold temperatures and often anoxic environments. Increases in temperatures and disturbance rates could result in a large net C source during the remainder of this century and beyond. Uncertainties about the impacts of global change remain high, but we emphasize the asymmetry of risk: sustained large-scale increases in productivity are unlikely to be of sufficient magnitude to offset higher emissions from increased disturbances and heterotrophic respiration. Reducing the uncertainties of the current and future C balance of Canada’s 270 Mha of boreal forest requires addressing gaps in monitoring, observation, and quantification of forest C dynamics, with particular attention to 125 Mha of unmanaged boreal forest with extensive areas of deep organic soils, peatlands, and permafrost containing large quantities of C that are vulnerable to global warming.
DYNAMICS OF CONSUMER EXPENDITURE AND STOCK MARKET PRICES AND UNCERTAINTY: MALAYSIAN EVIDENCE
Authors: IBRAHIM MANSOR H. , LAW SIONG HOOK
Published: December 2013

The present paper analyzes the role of stock market, more specifically real stock prices and stock market uncertainty/volatility, on private consumption behavior for an emerging market, Malaysia, using quarterly data from 1991 to 2009. Employing the autoregressive distributed lag approach to cointegration test, the paper establishes a long-run equilibrium that ties private consumption to its determinants — real income, real stock prices, real lending rate, and stock market volatility. In the long run, the presence of the stock market wealth effect is documented. At the same time, the stock market volatility is also noted to depress private consumption particularly when the volatility is at the degree as observed during the Asian crisis. The authors further note the short-run influences of real stock price changes on consumption growth and the adjustment of private consumption to the long-run level when it is modeled in an error-correction setting. Our simple simulation indicates that the drop in the private consumption due to the decline in stock market wealth post-crisis is substantial, amounting to 2.7% of average post-crisis gross domestic product.