bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Military Expenditure in Iran: A Forgotten Question
Authors: Parvin Manoucher
Published: September 2011

A high official of the Iranian government was recently visiting the United States when he offered to meet students and scholars of Iranian affairs in order to discuss questions of mutual interest related to Iran. It was hoped that such a meeting in an academic environment would bring about a greater understanding of the current government policies and thus bridge the generation and information gap existing at present.

Among the questions he was asked was the following. Why should Iran spend a larger percentage of its national budget on military expenditure (in relation to portions allocated to health, education, etc.) than most countries for which such data is available?

Among the twenty-seven such countries only Indonesia, Brazil, Spain, Portugal and Turkey showed a higher percentage of military expenditure for the years, 1952-1963.
Activation-free printed carbon nanotube field emitters
Authors: Kim Yong C , Hur Jung N , Kim Il H , Park Sang H , Jung Tae W , Kim Do Y , Kim Ha J , Cha Seung N , Han In T , Kim Jong M , Kim Young H
Published: September 2011

When a carbon nanotube paste is formulated based on highly functional hyperbranched polymers such as dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate, the volume shrinkage during thermal curing builds up internal stress that generates microcrack patterns on the printed surface. The nanotubes exposed in the cracks emit electrons successfully at such an extremely low electric field as 0.5 V µm− 1, and reach 25.5 mA cm− 2of current density at 2 Vµm− 1from an optimized paste concerning mainly the size and spatial uniformity of the crack. In addition to the superior field emission properties with low manufacturing cost, this activation-free technology can provide a minimized nanohazard in the device fabrication process, compared to those conventional activation technologies developing serious nanoflakes by using destructive methods.
Radial symmetry and decay rates of positive solutions of a Wolff type integral system
Authors: Lei Yutian , Ma Chao
Published: September 2011

In this paper, we study the properties of the positive solutions of a nonlinear integral system involving Wolff potentials:\[<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="StartLayout Enlarged left-brace 1st Row 1st Column u 1 2nd Column a m p semicolon equals upper W Subscript beta comma gamma Baseline left-parenthesis f 1 left-parenthesis u right-parenthesis right-parenthesis 2nd Row 1st Column vertical-ellipsis 3rd Row 1st Column u Subscript m 2nd Column a m p semicolon equals upper W Subscript beta comma gamma Baseline left-parenthesis f Subscript m Baseline left-parenthesis u right-parenthesis right-parenthesis comma EndLayout">{u1amp;=Wβ,γ(f1(u))⋮umamp;=Wβ,γ(fm(u)),\left \{ \begin {aligned} u_1 &= W_{\beta ,\gamma }(f_1(u)) \\ \vdots \\ u_m &= W_{\beta ,\gamma }(f_m(u)), \end {aligned} \right .\]whereu=(u1,…,um)u=(u_1,\ldots ,u_m)and\[<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="upper W Subscript beta comma gamma Baseline left-parenthesis f right-parenthesis left-parenthesis x right-parenthesis equals integral Subscript 0 Superscript normal infinity Baseline left-bracket StartFraction integral Underscript upper B Subscript t Baseline left-parenthesis x right-parenthesis Endscripts f left-parenthesis y right-parenthesis d y Over t Superscript n minus beta gamma Baseline EndFraction right-bracket Superscript StartFraction 1 Over gamma minus 1 EndFraction Baseline StartFraction d t Over t EndFraction">Wβ,γ(f)(x)=∫0∞[∫Bt(x)f(y)dytn−βγ]1γ−1dttW_{\beta ,\gamma }(f)(x)=\int _0^{\infty } [\frac {\int _{B_t(x)}f(y)dy}{t^{n-\beta \gamma }}]^{\frac {1}{\gamma -1}} \frac {dt}{t}\]with1>γ>21>\gamma >2andn>βγn>\beta \gamma. First, we estimate the decay rate of the positive solutions at infinity. Based on this, we prove radial symmetry and monotonicity for those solutions by the refined method of moving planes in integral forms, which was established by Chen, Li and Ou. Since the Kelvin transform cannot be used in such a Wolff type system, we have to find a new technique to study the asymptotic estimate, which is essential when we move the planes.
The near demise and subsequent revival of classical genetics for investigatingCaenorhabditis elegansembryogenesis: RNAi meets next-generation DNA sequencing
Authors: Bowerman Bruce
Published: September 2011

Molecular genetic investigation of the early Caenorhabditis elegans embryo has contributed substantially to the discovery and general understanding of the genes, pathways, and mechanisms that regulate and execute developmental and cell biological processes. Initially, worm geneticists relied exclusively on a classical genetics approach, isolating mutants with interesting phenotypes after mutagenesis and then determining the identity of the affected genes. Subsequently, the discovery of RNA interference (RNAi) led to a much greater reliance on a reverse genetics approach: reducing the function of known genes with RNAi and then observing the phenotypic consequences. Now the advent of next-generation DNA sequencing technologies and the ensuing ease and affordability of whole-genome sequencing are reviving the use of classical genetics to investigate early C. elegans embryogenesis.
Robust error correction in infofuses
Authors: Morrison Greg , Thomas Sam W. , LaFratta Christopher N. , Guo Jian , Palacios Manuel A. , Sonkusale Sameer , Walt David R. , Whitesides George M. , Mahadevan L.
Published: September 2011

An infofuse is a combustible fuse in which information is encoded through the patterning of metallic salts, with transmission in the optical range simply associated with burning. The constraints, advantages and unique error statistics of physical chemistry require us to rethink coding and decoding schemes for these systems. We take advantage of the non-binary nature of our signal with a single bit representing one ofN=7 states to produce a code that, using a single or pair of intensity thresholds, allows the recovery of the intended signal with an arbitrarily high recovery probability, given reasonable assumptions about the distribution of errors in the system. An analysis of our experiments with infofuses shows that the code presented is consistent with these schemes, and encouraging for the field of chemical communication and infochemistry given the vast permutations and combinations of allowable non-binary signals.
A conserved region in the prM protein is a critical determinant in the assembly of flavivirus particles
Authors: Yoshii Kentaro , Igarashi Manabu , Ichii Osamu , Yokozawa Kana , Ito Kimihito , Kariwa Hiroaki , Takashima Ikuo
Published: September 2011

Flaviviruses are assembled to bud into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and are secreted through the vesicle transport pathway, but the details of the molecular mechanism of virion assembly remain largely unknown. In this study, a highly conserved region in the prM protein was identified among flaviviruses. In the subviral particle (SP) system of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Japanese encephalitis virus, secretion of SPs was impaired by a mutation in the conserved region in the prM protein. Viral proteins were sparse in the Golgi complex and accumulated in the ER. Ultrastructural analysis revealed that long filamentous structures, rather than spherical SPs, were observed in the lumen of the ER as a result of the mutation. The production of infectious virions derived from infectious cDNA of TBEV was also reduced by mutations in the conserved region. Molecular modelling analysis suggested that the conserved region is important for the association of prM–envelope protein heterodimers in the formation of a spike of immature virion. These results are the first demonstration that the conserved region in the prM protein is a molecular determinant for the flavivirus assembly process.
Residues in domain III of the dengue virus envelope glycoprotein involved in cell-surface glycosaminoglycan binding
Authors: Watterson Daniel , Kobe Bostjan , Young Paul R.
Published: September 2011

The dengue virus (DENV) envelope (E) protein mediates virus entry into cells via interaction with a range of cell-surface receptor molecules. Cell-surface glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) have been shown to play an early role in this interaction, and charged oligosaccharides such as heparin bind to the E protein. We have examined this interaction using site-directed mutagenesis of a recombinant form of the putative receptor-binding domain III of the DENV-2E protein expressed as an MBP (maltose-binding protein)-fusion protein. Using an ELISA-based GAG-binding assay, cell-based binding analysis and antiviral-activity assays, we have identified two critical residues, K291 and K295, that are involved in GAG interactions. These studies have also demonstrated differential binding between mosquito and human cells.
Novel virus-encoded microRNA molecules expressed by ovine herpesvirus 2-immortalized bovine T-cells
Authors: Levy Claire S. , Hopkins John , Russell George C. , Dalziel Robert G.
Published: September 2011

A number of herpesviruses have now been shown to encode microRNAs (miRNAs) that have roles in control of both viral and cellular gene expression. Ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2) is the causative agent of sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever, a fatal lymphoproliferative disease of cattle. Using massively parallel sequencing and Northern hybridization we have identified eight putative miRNAs encoded by OvHV-2 expressed in an OvHV-2-immortalized bovine lymphocyte cell line. These eight miRNAs are encoded in two areas of the OvHV-2 genome that contain no predicted protein coding regions and show no sequence similarity with other herpesvirus or cellular miRNAs. This represents the first report of the expression of virally encoded miRNAs in the genus Macavirus of herpesviruses.
Isolation and characterization of eight polymorphic microsatellite markers for the migratory characiform fish, Salminus brasiliensis
Authors: Rueda E. C. , Amavet P. , Brancolini F. , Sommer J. , Ortí G.
Published: September 2011

Eight polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated and characterized for the migratory freshwater fish Salminus brasiliensis (Characiformes) and tested on 67 individuals from nine geographically distant locations along the Paraná Basin. The number of alleles per locus ranged from four to 14, with observed heterozygosity estimates ranging from 0·15 to 0·79.
The association between exposure to point‐of‐sale anti‐smoking warnings and smokers' interest in quitting and quit attempts: findings from the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey
Authors: Li Lin , Borland Ron , Yong Hua‐Hie , Hitchman Sara C. , Wakefield Melanie A. , Kasza Karin A. , Fong Geoffrey T.
Published: September 2011

Aims  This study aimed to examine the associations between reported exposure to anti‐smoking warnings at the point‐of‐sale (POS) and smokers' interest in quitting and their subsequent quit attempts by comparing reactions in Australia where warnings are prominent to smokers in other countries.

Design  A prospective multi‐country cohort design was employed.

Setting  Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Participants  A total of 21 613 adult smokers who completed at least one of the seven waves (2002–08) of the International Tobacco Control Four Country Survey were included in the analysis.

Measurements  Reported exposure to POS anti‐smoking warnings and smokers' interest in quitting at the same wave and quit attempts over the following year.

Findings  Compared to smokers in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, Australian smokers reported higher levels of awareness of POS anti‐smoking warnings, and this difference was consistent over the study period. Over waves in Australia (but not in the other three countries) there was a significantly positive association between reported exposure to POS anti‐smoking warnings and interest in quitting [adjusted odds ratio = 1.139, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.039–1.249, P < 0.01] and prospective quit attempts (adjusted odds ratio = 1.216, 95% CI 1.114–1.327, P < 0.001) when controlling for demographics, smoking characteristics, overall salience of anti‐smoking information and awareness of anti‐smoking material from channels other than POS.

Conclusions  Point‐of‐sale health warnings about tobacco are more prominent in Australia than the United Kingdom, the United States or Canada and appear to act as a prompt to quitting.
Evidence of increasing age of onset of cannabis use among younger Australians
Authors: Lenton Simon , Liang Wenbin , Chikritzhs Tanya
Published: September 2011

Aim  To determine whether declines in the prevalence of cannabis use in Australia have been accompanied by changes in age of onset of cannabis use.

Design  A retrospective cohort study. To account for right censoring error we contrasted the mean age of onset for comparable age groups across the four surveys conducted from 1998 to 2007. Kaplan–Meier failure graphs were used to describe how the cumulative risk of first use of cannabis varied across birth cohorts born from 1947 to 1993.

Setting  Australian data collected in the nationally representative, triennial, National Drug Strategy Household Surveys (NDSHS)

Participants  A total of 88 268 Australian household residents aged 14 years and older.

Measurements  Life‐time use of cannabis and age of first use.

Findings  For respondents under the age of 20 years, mean age of first use of cannabis has increased from 14.6 years in 1998 to 15.2 years in 2007.

Conclusions  The decline in cannabis use prevalence that has occurred since 1998 in Australia has been accompanied by an increase in age of first use among those aged under 20 years.
Projected changes in plant species richness and extent of riparian vegetation belts as a result of climate‐driven hydrological change along the Vindel River in Sweden
Authors: STRÖM LOTTA , JANSSON ROLAND , NILSSON CHRISTER
Published: September 2011

1. Riparian plant communities are primarily structured by the hydrological regime of the stream. Models of climate change predict increased temperatures and changed patterns of precipitation that will alter the flow of rivers and streams with consequences for riparian communities. In boreal regions of Europe, stream flows will exhibit earlier spring‐flood peaks of lower magnitude, lower summer flows and higher flows in autumn and winter. We quantified the effects of predicted hydrological change on riparian plant species richness, using four different scenarios for the free‐flowing Vindel River in northern Sweden.

2. We calculated the hydrological niche of vegetation belts by relating the occurrence of species and vegetation belts to data on flood duration for 10 years preceding the vegetation survey. We then used the flood duration predicted for 2071–2100 to estimate expected changes in the extent of each vegetation belt. Using species accumulation curves, we then predicted changes in plant species richness as a result of changes in extent.

3. The two most species‐rich vegetation belts, riparian forest and willow shrub, were predicted to decrease most in elevational extent, up to 39 and 32%, respectively. The graminoid belt below the shrub belt will mainly shift upwards in elevation while the amphibious vegetation belt at the bottom of the riparian zone increases in size.

4. In the Vindel River, the riparian forest and willow shrub zone will lose most species, with reductions of 5–12% and 1–13% per site, respectively, depending on the scenario. The predicted loss from the entire riparian zone is lower, 1–9%, since many species occur in more than one vegetation belt. More extensive species losses are expected in the southern boreal zone for which much larger spring‐flood reductions are projected.

5. With an expected reduction in area of the most species‐rich belts, it becomes increasingly important to manage and protect riparian zones to alleviate other threats, thus minimising the risk of species losses. Restoring river and stream reaches degraded by other impacts to gain riparian habitat is another option to avoid species losses.
A plant economics spectrum of litter decomposability
Authors: Freschet Grégoire T. , Aerts Rien , Cornelissen Johannes H. C.
Published: September 2011

1. Recent evidence indicates tight control of plant resource economics over interspecific trait variation amongst species, both within and across organs, referred to as ‘plant economics spectrum’ (PES). Whether and how these coordinated whole‐plant economics strategies can influence the decomposition system and thereby impact on ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling are yet an open question. More specifically, it is yet unknown whether plant functional traits have consistent afterlife effects across different plant organs.

2. To answer those questions, we conducted a common‐garden decomposition experiment bringing together leaves, fine stems, coarse stems, fine roots and reproductive parts from a wide range of subarctic plant types, clades and environments. We measured all plant parts for the same (green and litter) plant economics traits and identified a whole‐plant axis of carbon and nutrient economics.

3. We demonstrated that our local ‘PES’ has important afterlife effects on carbon turnover by driving coordinated decomposition rates of different organs across species. All organ decomposabilities were consistently controlled by the same structure‐related traits (lignin, C and dry matter content) whilst nutrient‐related traits (N, P, pH, phenols) had more variable influence, likely due to their contrasting functions across organs. Nevertheless, consistent shifts in elevation of parallel trait–decomposition relationships between organs indicate that other variables, potentially related to organ dimensions, configuration or chemical contents, codetermine litter decomposition rates.

4. Whilst the coordinated litter decomposabilities across species organs imply a coordinated impact of plant above‐ground and below‐ground litters on plant–soil feedbacks, the contrasting decomposabilities between plant parts suggest a major role for the relative inputs of organ litter as driver of soil properties and ecosystem biogeochemistry. These relationships, underpinning the afterlife effects of the PES on whole‐plant litter decomposability, will provide comprehensive input of vegetation composition feedback to soil carbon turnover.
Terminal investment in multiple sexual signals: immune‐challenged males produce more attractive pheromones
Authors: Nielsen Mattias Lange , Holman Luke
Published: September 2011

1. Trade‐offs between current and future resource allocation can select for elevated reproductive effort in individuals facing mortality. Males are predicted to benefit from increasing investment in costly sexually selected signals after experiencing an acute life span reduction, although few examples of such facultative terminal investment are known.

2. In the mealworm beetle,Tenebrio molitor, males’ odours become more attractive to females following a life‐threatening immune challenge. However, the pheromones involved are unknown, hindering further insight into the proximate mechanisms and ultimate consequences of terminal investment.

3. Using chemical and behavioural analyses, we show that the cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) ofT. molitorare sexually dimorphic and are used by females to locate and select males. Moreover, both male CHCs and glandular pheromones were affected by experimental immune challenge in a fashion that made them more attractive to females.

4. The results suggest that males terminally invest in both short‐ and medium‐range pheromones when they perceive reduced future survival. Moreover, the constitutive and inducible aspects of male and female CHC production are consistent with sex‐specific selection on the signalling and defensive functions of CHCs. The implications of terminal investment for ‘dishonest’ signalling and the efficacy of sexual selection are discussed.
Identification of specific sites in the third intracellular loop and carboxyl terminus of the Bombyx mori pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide receptor crucial for ligand‐induced internalization
Authors: Hull J. J. , Lee J. M. , Matsumoto S.
Published: September 2011

Sex pheromone production in most moths is mediated by the pheromone biosynthesis activating neuropeptide receptor (PBANR). Using fluorescent Bombyx mori PBANR (BmPBANR) chimeras to study PBANR regulation, we previously showed that BmPBANR undergoes rapid ligand‐induced internalization, that the endocytotic motif resides between residues 358–367 of the BmPBANR C terminus, and that the internalization pathway is clathrin‐dependent. Here, we sought to expand our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying BmPBANR function and regulation by transiently expressing a series of fluorescent BmPBANR chimeric constructs in cultured Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells and assaying for internalization of a fluorescently labelled ligand. Pharmacological inhibition of phospholipase C significantly reduced internalization, suggesting that BmPBANR regulation proceeds via a conventional G‐protein‐dependent pathway. This was further supported by impaired internalization following site‐directed mutagenesis of R263 and R264, two basic residues at the transmembrane 6 intracellular junction that are thought to stabilize G‐protein coupling via electrostatic interactions. Ala substitution of S333 and S366, two consensus protein kinase C sites in the C terminus, likewise impaired internalization, as did RNA interference‐mediated knockdown of Sf9 protein kinase C. N‐terminal truncations of BmPBANR indicate that the first 27 residues are not necessary for cell surface trafficking or receptor functionality.
People with mild to moderate intellectual disability talking about their diabetes and how they manage
Authors: Cardol M. , Rijken M. , van Schrojenstein Lantman‐de Valk H.
Published: September 2011

Background  The prevalence of diabetes is relatively high in people with intellectual disability (ID). However, little is known about how people with ID experience having diabetes and how they manage the condition.

Method  Seventeen people with mild to moderate ID who have diabetes were interviewed. A framework on illness perceptions having an influence on diabetes self‐management was used as a basis for the interviews and for the qualitative analysis.

Results  Diabetes is associated with feelings of loss with regard to food intake and choices, and with being controlled. Most respondents did not feel ill. Information about diabetes for people with ID is lacking, but they do have questions. Family members with diabetes often serve as a role model. Diabetes self‐management is impeded by a lack of information, motivation and support, few opportunities for learning, and by health factors, mood and living accommodation. Communication between health professionals and people with ID about diabetes rarely takes place.

Conclusions  Developing diabetes information together with the people concerned is an important step towards engagement in self‐management activities. At the same time, the professional staff in living arrangements should stimulate and support the development of self‐management skills in people with diabetes, by providing opportunities to learn and develop. Therefore, the professional staff also need skills and information to be able to support people with ID in building the skills and confidence they need to lead active and fulfilling lives, despite having diabetes.
Lives of quality in the face of challenge in Israel
Authors: Neikrug S. , Roth D. , Judes J.
Published: September 2011

Purpose  The purpose of this study is to describe and analyse the quality of life of Israeli families raising a child with a disability while challenged with all the usual demands of family life.

Methods  Respondents were main caregivers of 103 children with disability receiving services at Beit Issie Shapiro, a service agency in Israel. The respondents completed the Family Quality of Life Survey‐2006 which operationalises family quality of life (FQOL) as a construct in nine domains of family life.

Findings  The findings show an underlying pattern within the domains that define FQOL. In general, the findings indicate that the families are strongly challenged to meet the needs of a special child and raise a family meeting the needs of all its members. The respondents report that, within the limits of available opportunities, they had achieved well and they are satisfied with their attainment. In general, our findings seem to reflect in our respondents a sense of resilience and an ability to manage family challenges to achieve a reasonably high FQOL. Domains described as internal to the family were rated highly in terms of FQOL as compared to domains external to the family.

Conclusion  The Family Quality of Life Survey‐2006 was found to be a valuable tool for identifying and evaluating factors that enhance FQOL. Further research is needed to develop application models for integrating this instrument into the agency's service and evaluation repertoire.
Molecular screening of MECP2 gene in a cohort of Lebanese patients suspected with Rett syndrome: report on a mild case with a novel indel mutation
Authors: Corbani S. , Chouery E. , Fayyad J. , Fawaz A. , El Tourjuman O. , Badens C. , Lacoste C. , Delague V. , Megarbane A.
Published: September 2011

Background  Rett syndrome (RTT), an X‐linked, dominant, neurodevelopment disorder represents 10% of female subjects with profound intellectual disability. Mutations in the MECP2 gene are responsible for up to 95% of the classical RTT cases, and nearly 500 different mutations distributed throughout the gene have been reported.

Methods  We report here the molecular study of two isoforms, MECP2_e1 and MECP2_e2, in 45 Lebanese girls presenting developmental delay and at least one of the following features: microcephaly, neurodegeneration, abnormal behaviour, stereotypical hand movements, teeth grinding and difficulty in walking. Mutation screening was performed by denaturating high‐performance liquid chromatography combined with direct sequencing.

Results  Sixteen variants were noted, of which 14 have been previously reported: five suspected polymorphisms and nine mutations. Two variants were novel mutations in exon 4: c.1093_1095delGAG (p.E365del) and c.1164_1184delACCTCCACCTGAGCCCGAGAGinsCTGAGCCCCAGGACTTGAGCA (p.P388PfsX389). The deletion was found in an 8‐year‐old girl with typical clinical features of RTT. The indel was found in a 6‐year‐old girl with a very mild phenotype.

Conclusion  Genotype/phenotype correlation is discussed and the importance of a molecular study of MECP2 gene in patients with very mild features or a regression after the age of 2 is raised.
Observing signs of pain in relation to self‐injurious behaviour among individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Authors: Courtemanche A. , Schroeder S. , Sheldon J. , Sherman J. , Fowler A.
Published: September 2011

Background Self‐injurious behaviour is a chronic condition among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for which there is no known cure. The pain hypothesis suggests that individuals who engage in self‐injury have altered or diminished pain perception. The purpose of the present study was to assess how frequently individuals diagnosed with an intellectual and developmental disability who engage in chronic self‐injury displayed non‐verbal signs of pain in relation to their self‐injury.

Methods We videotaped four participants (aged 28–50 years) in their homes during times when they were likely to engage in self‐injury. Using continuous recording measures, we coded videotapes for the frequency and duration of self‐injury and expressions of non‐verbal pain‐related behaviours. Sequential analyses were conducted to identify temporal relations between pain‐related behaviours and self‐injury.

Results Our data suggest that the existing measures of pain may be systematically related to instances of self‐injury. The relationships, however, appear to vary depending on the person who engages in self‐injury, the environmental contexts in which the self‐injury occurs, and perhaps, the type of self‐injury in which the person engages.

Conclusions These results support some of the findings of Symonset al. and they raise questions about the blunted nociception hypothesis of self‐injury.
Predictors of slow‐wave sleep in a clinic‐based sample
Authors: MOKHLESI BABAK , PANNAIN SILVANA , GHODS FARBOD , KNUTSON KRISTEN L.
Published: September 2011

Slow‐wave sleep has been associated with several physiological phenomena, including glucose metabolism, sympathetic nervous system activity, hormonal secretion and blood pressure regulation. The aim of these analyses was to determine which sociodemographic and medical factors were associated with slow‐wave sleep duration in a large clinical sample. We conducted cross‐sectional analysis of clinical data from 1019 consecutive adults over a 10‐month period who had their first in‐laboratory polysomnogram for suspicion of obstructive sleep apnea. Patients either underwent in‐laboratory full‐night polysomnogram followed by full‐night continuous positive airway pressure titration or split‐night polysomnogram. Patients also completed questionnaires to assess race, education, marital status and medical co‐morbidities. A multiple linear regression model that predicted the natural log of slow‐wave sleep in minutes indicated that African Americans had approximately 48% less slow‐wave sleep than non‐African Americans. Increasing age and male gender were also associated with less slow‐wave sleep. Overweight and obese individuals had significantly less slow‐wave sleep than those not overweight, even after adjustment for obstructive sleep apnea severity. Finally, those with severe obstructive sleep apnea had significantly less slow‐wave sleep than those with less severe obstructive sleep apnea even after adjustment for obesity. Results remained unchanged when patients who had a split‐night polysomnogram were excluded. We observed less slow‐wave sleep in African Americans, a group at increased risk of diabetes and hypertension compared with Caucasians, and in those who are overweight and obese and those with severe obstructive sleep apnea. Future research needs to explore potential reasons for reduced slow‐wave sleep in these individuals.
The gene expression landscape of thermogenic skunk cabbage suggests critical roles for mitochondrial and vacuolar metabolic pathways in the regulation of thermogenesis
Authors: ITO‐INABA YASUKO , HIDA YAMATO , MATSUMURA HIDEO , MASUKO HIROMI , YAZU FUMIKO , TERAUCHI RYOHEI , WATANABE MASAO , INABA TAKEHITO
Published: September 2011

Floral thermogenesis has been described in several plant species. Because of the lack of comprehensive gene expression profiles in thermogenic plants, the molecular mechanisms by which floral thermogenesis is regulated remain to be established. We examined the gene expression landscape of skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus renifolius) during thermogenic and post‐thermogenic stages and identified expressed sequence tags from different developmental stages of the inflorescences using super serial analysis of gene expression (SuperSAGE). In‐depth analysis suggested that cellular respiration and mitochondrial functions are significantly enhanced during the thermogenic stage. In contrast, genes involved in stress responses and protein degradation were significantly up‐regulated during post‐thermogenic stages. Quantitative comparisons indicated that the expression levels of genes involved in cellular respiration were higher in thermogenic spadices than in Arabidopsis inflorescences. Thermogenesis‐associated genes seemed to be expressed abundantly in the peripheral tissues of the spadix. Our results suggest that cellular respiration and mitochondrial metabolism play key roles in heat production during floral thermogenesis. On the other hand, vacuolar cysteine protease and other degradative enzymes seem to accelerate senescence and terminate thermogenesis in the post‐thermogenic stage.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Sonicate–Induced IFNγ, CXCL10 and IL10 can Differentiate Severity in Tuberculosis
Authors: Hasan Z. , Rao N. , Salahuddin N. , Islam M. , Ashraf M. , Rottenberg M. E. , Hussain R.
Published: September 2011

Improved tools are required to study immunopathogenesis of tuberculosis (TB). Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigen‐stimulated T cell‐based assays can detect TB but are less effective when responses are compromised such as in severe disease. We investigated immune responses to M. tuberculosis whole sonicate (MTBs), recombinant antigens ESAT6 and CFP10 in whole blood cells of healthy endemic controls (EC, n = 42) and patients with pulmonary (PTB, n = 36) or extrapulmonary (ETB, n = 41) disease. Biomarkers of T cell activation (IFNγ) or modulation (IL10) and chemokines, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CCL2, secretion were measured. MTBs, ESAT6 and CFP10 all induced IFNγ responses in TB. ESAT6‐induced IFNγ was elevated in TB as compared with EC. MTBs stimulated the highest IFNγ levels but did not differentiate between TB and EC. However, MTBs‐induced CXCL10 (P = 0.004) was reduced, while IL10 (P < 0.001) was raised in TB as compared with EC. Between sites, MTBs‐induced CCL2 (P = 0.001) and IL10 secretion was higher in PTB than ETB (P < 0.001). In comparison of disease severity, MTBs‐induced IFNγ (P = 0.014) and CXCL10 (P = 0.022) levels were raised in moderate as compared with far advanced PTB. In ETB, MTBs‐induced IL10 levels were greater in less‐severe (L‐ETB) than in severe disseminated (D‐ETB) cases, P = 0.035. Within the L‐ETB group, MTBs‐induced IFNγ was greater in patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis than those with pleural TB (P = 0.002). As immune responses to MTBs were differentially activated in TB of different sites and severity, we propose the utility of MTBs‐induced IFNγ, CXCL10 and IL10 as biomarkers in TB.
A new genus and species of scorpionfly (Mecoptera) from Baltic amber, with an unusually developed postnotal organ
Authors: KRZEMIŃSKI WIESŁAW , SOSZYŃSKA‐MAJ AGNIESZKA
Published: September 2011

A new genus and species of fossil scorpionflies (Mecoptera) Baltipanorpa damzenigen. et sp.n. is described from two well‐preserved male specimens in Baltic amber (middle Eocene: Lutetian). The most characteristic feature of the new taxon is an unusually developed postnotal organ on abdominal tergum IV. This is the most extremely developed example of this organ among Mecoptera and the only observation of notal and postnotal organs among fossil scorpionflies. The following combination of characters are provided to distinguish the new genus from other Panorpidae: Sc, short; R1 and R2 two‐branched; A1 joins posterior margin of wing only at same level as fork of vein Rs; unusual shape of abdomen, abdominal segments I–IV strongly reduced, abdominal segment V elongate and widened, segments VII and VIII strongly elongate; notal and postnotal organs present, strongly developed process (postnotal organ) on tergum IV, unknown in all described extant and fossil scorpionflies. Different types of notal organs of Mecoptera are compared and their function and morphology are discussed. Morphological analysis of notal and postnotal organs in extant species permits us to conclude that B. damzenisp.n. is characterized by the most developed and complex notal organs in all Mecoptera.
Quality of medical devices and in vitro diagnostics in resource‐limited settings
Authors: Mori Marcella , Ravinetto Raffaella , Jacobs Jan
Published: September 2011

The phenomenon of poor‐quality medicines in resource‐limited settings is well documented, and field observations reveal similar problems with medical devices (MDs) and in vitro diagnostics (IVDs). In scientific literature, however, there are only scarce reports and documents providing evidence of quality problems of MDs or IVDs in resource‐limited settings. This discrepancy may be ascribed to (i) the poor regulatory oversight of MDs/IVDs in resource‐limited settings, (ii) a general lack of awareness of the problem of poor‐quality MDs/IVDs amongst the scientific community and decision‐makers, and (iii) poor quality assurance in diagnostic laboratories in resource‐poor settings, precluding tracing quality problems of IVDs from the other potential causes of diagnostic inaccuracy. The problem of poor‐quality MDs/IVDs in resource‐limited settings is a complex one to address. Firstly, operational definitions for substandard and counterfeit MDs/IVDs are required, as well as ad hoc field surveys, to ensure proper appraisal of the real extent of the problem. Investments are needed to reinforce the national regulatory oversights on MDs/IVDs in resource‐limited settings, and to encourage a proactive and transparent exchange of information between Northern and Southern regulatory authorities. Industrialized countries can play a role by expanding and strengthening their regulatory oversight and quality labels to those MDs/IVDs that are frequently used in resource‐poor settings. Hopefully, the combination of these measures will result in better protection of patients in resource‐poor countries from the effects of being exposed to poor‐quality MDs and IVDs.
Increase in allergen‐specific IgE and ex vivo Th2 responses after a single bronchial challenge with house dust mite in allergic asthmatics
Authors: van de Pol M. A. , Lutter R. , van Ree R. , van der Zee J. S.
Published: September 2011

To cite this article: van de Pol MA, Lutter R, van Ree R, van der Zee JS. Increase in allergen‐specific IgE and ex vivo Th2 responses after a single bronchial challenge with house dust mite in allergic asthmatics.Allergy 2012; 67: 67–73.

Background:  Airway responsiveness to allergen in patients with allergic asthma is studied by bronchial allergen challenge. Although the typical features of the early and late responses on lung function and bronchial inflammation after allergen challenge are well known, little has been reported as yet on any changes in systemic allergic and immunologic parameters after 4–6 weeks.

Methods:  In a clinical study, 27 subjects with allergic asthma and house dust mite (HDM) allergy underwent a bronchial allergen challenge with HDM. Blood samples were collected before and 5 weeks after allergen challenge. Serum levels of total IgE and allergen‐specific IgE were measured, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated and stimulated ex vivo with HDM to determine the allergen‐specific T‐cell cytokine response.

Results:  Five weeks after bronchial allergen challenge with HDM, the amount of circulating IgE against HDM and the major allergenic components Der p1 and Der p2 was significantly increased (10.8% and 8.8%, respectively). IgE antibodies against other environmental allergens decreased (grass pollen) or remained unchanged (cat dander). Allergen‐induced Th2‐cytokine production was also significantly increased (P < 0.001, P = 0.014, and P = 0.006 for IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13, respectively). The increase in Der p1‐ and Der p2‐specific IgE in serum correlated with increased numbers of Th2‐cytokine‐producing cells (Rs = 0.56, P = 0.002 and Rs = 0.54, P = 0.004 for IL‐4 and IL‐13, respectively).

Conclusions:  A single bronchial allergen challenge with HDM is accompanied by increased levels of allergen‐specific IgE for HDM in serum and an enhanced Th2 response to HDM still detectable 5 weeks after challenge.
Superiority of virtual microscopy versus light microscopy in transplantation pathology
Authors: Ozluk Yasemin , Blanco Paula L. , Mengel Michael , Solez Kim , Halloran Philip F. , Sis Banu
Published: September 2011

Ozluk Y, Blanco PL, Mengel M, Solez K, Halloran PF, Sis B. Superiority of virtual microscopy versus light microscopy in transplantation pathology.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01506.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Virtual microscopy has begun to change conventional pathology practice. We tested the reliability of this new technology in transplantation pathology. We studied 40 kidney transplant biopsies for cause and compared reproducibility of Banff scores using virtual slides versus glass slides. Three glass slides per biopsy were scanned as high‐resolution digital slides using Aperio ScanScope. Three pathologists independently reviewed the biopsies: twice by glass slides and twice by virtual slides. Eleven histopathological lesions were scored and used to construct diagnosis according to Banff criteria. The intra‐observer reproducibility of Banff scores was substantially good using either virtual slides or glass slides (mean κ: 0.69 vs. 0.64, p > 0.05). The inter‐observer reproducibility of Banff scores was better in virtual slides than in glass slides (mean κ: 0.42 vs. 0.28, p < 0.001). Among the lesions, transplant glomerulopathy scoring by virtual slides showed the highest inter‐observer reproducibility, with a similar accuracy to glass slides. The agreement for acute rejection between virtual and glass slides was not different from the agreement between two readings of glass slides. Thus, virtual microscopy is a reliable and more reproducible technology and has several advantages over glass slides, e.g., accessibility via internet, no fading. We recommend virtual microscopy for transplant diagnostics, including utilization for clinical trials.
Multivariate analysis of antibody induction therapy and their associated outcomes in live donor kidney transplantation in the recent era
Authors: Emami Sina , Huang Edmund , Kuo Hung‐Tien , Kamgar Mohammad , Bunnapradist Suphamai
Published: September 2011

Emami S, Huang E, Kuo H‐T, Kamgar M, Bunnapradist S. Multivariate analysis of antibody induction therapy and their associated outcomes in live donor kidney transplantation in the recent era.  Clin Transplant 2011 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01517.x.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  The majority of kidney transplant recipients in the United States receive antibody induction, but its impact on outcomes in living donor transplant is not well‐described. We used Organ Procurement and Transplant Network/United Network for Organ Sharing (OPTN/UNOS) data as of November 2009 to compare acute rejection (AR) and graft survival among all primary adult living donor kidney recipients of no antibody induction, antithymocyte globulin (ATG) and interleukin‐2 receptor antagonists (IL‐2RA) in an earlier era (1998–2002; n = 21 919) and a later era (2003–2008, n = 26 837). The incidence of AR in the overall cohort decreased from 18.5% in 1998 to 8% in 2008. From 1998 to 2002, antibody induction was associated with a decreased risk of acute rejection at six months (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.62–0.72) and one yr (RR 0.71, 0.65–0.76), while in the recent era, induction was not associated with acute rejection at six months (RR 0.97, 0.88–1.07) or one yr (RR 1.01, 0.91–1.10). There was no difference in graft survival over five yr with antibody induction in either era. Although antibody induction was associated with a decreased risk of AR from 1998 to 2002, it was not associated with a decreased risk of acute rejection from 2003 to 2008, nor was it associated with a difference in graft survival in either era.
Long‐term renal function and survival of renal transplant recipients admitted to the intensive care unit
Authors: Arulkumaran Nishkantha , West Stephen , Chan Kakit , Templeton Maie , Taube David , Brett Stephen J.
Published: September 2011

Arulkumaran N, West S, Chan K, Templeton M, Taube D, Brett SJ. Long‐term renal function and survival of renal transplant recipients admitted to the intensive care unit.  Clin Transplant 2012: 26: E24–E31.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Introduction:  We determined the long‐term mortality and renal allograft function of renal transplant recipients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods:  A single institution retrospective observational cohort study of all renal transplant patients admitted to the ICU was performed. Serum creatinine was recorded up to one yr after hospital discharge and survival data were collected for three yr.

Results:  Chest sepsis was the commonest reason for ICU admission. ICU and hospital mortality were 32% and 19% respectively. Predictors of hospital mortality included the presence of sepsis and duration of mechanical ventilation (MV). Of the patients who were discharged from ICU, three‐yr mortality was 50%. Renal function at one yr was worse than that at hospital discharge and at baseline, though not statistically significant. Death‐censored allograft loss was 11% over the three‐yr follow up period.

Conclusions:  Sepsis and requirement for MV are independent predictors of mortality in renal transplant recipients admitted to ICU. Renal transplant recipients with chest sepsis may warrant earlier ICU admission. Any loss of renal allograft function during an episode of critical illness appears to have a lasting effect, and longterm patient and allograft survival is poor.
Ochroconis gallopava: a dematiaceous mold causing infections in transplant recipients
Authors: Qureshi Zubair A. , Kwak Eun J. , Nguyen M. Hong , Silveira Fernanda P.
Published: September 2011

Qureshi ZA, Kwak EJ, Nguyen MH, Silveira FP. Ochroconis gallopava: a dematiaceous mold causing infections in transplant recipients.  Clin Transplant 2012: 26: E17–E23.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  The dematiaceous mold Ochroconis gallopava is increasingly recognized as a human pathogen. Infection is almost always associated with immunosuppression. We describe a case with a unique presentation in a kidney transplant recipient and retrospectively review all 10 cases of O. gallopava at our institution over 18 yr, all in organ transplant recipients. Sixty percent of infections at our institution occurred in the last five yr studied. Infection generally occurred late after transplantation, and pulmonary infection was the most common manifestation. Use of almetuzumab for induction was associated with infection in the first six months post‐transplant (p = 0.03). Attributable mortality at six months was 20%. Ochroconis gallopava is a rare but important pathogen in immunosuppressed individuals and organ transplantation is the most common underlying condition. Pulmonary involvement is the most common manifestation among patients with organ transplant. Optimal therapy remains undefined. Prognosis in organ transplant recipients is good if infection is diagnosed prior to dissemination.
Scedosporium apiospermum atrial mycetomas after lung transplantation for cystic fibrosis
Authors: Miraldi F. , Anile M. , Ruberto F. , Tritapepe L. , Puglese F. , Quattrucci S. , Messina T. , Vitolo D. , Venuta F.
Published: September 2011

A 37‐year‐old patient with cystic fibrosis underwent double lung transplantation. She developed disseminated Scedosporium apiospermum infection 2 months after surgery. Along with multiple brain abscesses, lung infection, and chorioretinitis, a cardiac echo revealed 2 large intra‐atrial mycetomas floating close to the right upper pulmonary vein orifice. The mycetomas were removed through a trans‐atrial approach under cardiopulmonary by pass; histology and cultures confirmed the diagnosis. Despite intensive treatment, the patient succumbed from massive brain hemorrhage on the 10th postoperative day.