bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ageing and attentional control
Authors: Tsang Pamela S.
Published: November 2012

The research examines the structural bottleneck account and the resource account of the substantial dual-task deficits among older adults. Procedures from two common dual-task methodologies—the psychological refractory period and the relative-priority manipulation—were used to encourage maximization of the joint performance. Performance and time-sharing strategies from subjects between the ages of 20 and 70 years were examined. Age-related declines in time-sharing efficiency and in the precision of the executive control process were observed. The age-related effect was larger when two manual responses were required than when one manual and one vocal response were required, but no evidence for obligatory sequential processing was found. Except for the most demanding conditions, comparable practice effects were observed between the younger and older subjects, suggesting considerable cognitive plasticity in the older subjects. Implications for the two attentional accounts were discussed.
PDK1 regulation of mTOR and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 integrate metabolism and migration of CD8+ T cells
Authors: Finlay David K. , Rosenzweig Ella , Sinclair Linda V. , Feijoo-Carnero Carmen , Hukelmann Jens L. , Rolf Julia , Panteleyev Andrey A. , Okkenhaug Klaus , Cantrell Doreen A.
Published: November 2012

mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) controls transcriptional programs that determine CD8+ cytolytic T cell (CTL) fate. In some cell systems, mTORC1 couples phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) and Akt to the control of glucose uptake and glycolysis. However, PI3K–Akt-independent mechanisms control glucose metabolism in CD8+ T cells, and the role of mTORC1 has not been explored. The present study now demonstrates that mTORC1 activity in CD8+ T cells is not dependent on PI3K or Akt but is critical to sustain glucose uptake and glycolysis in CD8+ T cells. We also show that PI3K- and Akt-independent pathways mediated by mTORC1 regulate the expression of HIF1 (hypoxia-inducible factor 1) transcription factor complex. This mTORC1–HIF1 pathway is required to sustain glucose metabolism and glycolysis in effector CTLs and strikingly functions to couple mTORC1 to a diverse transcriptional program that controls expression of glucose transporters, multiple rate-limiting glycolytic enzymes, cytolytic effector molecules, and essential chemokine and adhesion receptors that regulate T cell trafficking. These data reveal a fundamental mechanism linking nutrient and oxygen sensing to transcriptional control of CD8+ T cell differentiation.
Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens Associated with Healthcare-Associated Infections Summary of Data Reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009–2010
Authors: Sievert Dawn M. , Ricks Philip , Edwards Jonathan R. , Schneider Amy , Patel Jean , Srinivasan Arjun , Kallen Alex , Limbago Brandi , Fridkin Scott ,   National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Team and Participating NHSN Facilities
Published: November 2012

Objective.

To describe antimicrobial resistance patterns for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) during 2009-2010.

Methods.

Central line-associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and surgical site infections were included. Pooled mean proportions of isolates interpreted as resistant (or, in some cases, nonsusceptible) to selected antimicrobial agents were calculated by type of HAI and compared to historical data.

Results.

Overall, 2,039 hospitals reported 1 or more HAIs; 1,749 (86%) were general acute care hospitals, and 1,143 (56%) had fewer than 200 beds. There were 69,475 HAIs and 81,139 pathogens reported. Eight pathogen groups accounted for about 80% of reported pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus (16%), Enterococcus spp. (14%), Escherichia coli (12%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (11%), Candida spp. (9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (and Klebsiella oxytoca; 8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8%), and Enterobacter spp. (5%). The percentage of resistance was similar to that reported in the previous 2-year period, with a slight decrease in the percentage of S. aureus resistant to oxacillins (MRSA). Nearly 20% of pathogens reported from all HAIs were the following multidrug-resistant phenotypes: MRSA (8.5%); vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (3%); extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant K. pneumoniae and K. oxytoca (2%), E. coli (2%), and Enterobacter spp. (2%); and carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (2%), K. pneumoniae/oxytoca (<1%), E, coli (<1%), and Enterobacter spp. (<1%). Among facilities reporting HAIs with 1 of the above gram-negative bacteria, 20%-40% reported at least 1 with the resistant phenotype.

Conclusion.

While the proportion of resistant isolates did not substantially change from that in the previous 2 years, multidrug-resistant gram-negative phenotypes were reported from a moderate proportion of facilities.
Infections in Psychiatric Facilities, with an Emphasis on Outbreaks
Authors: Fukuta Yuriko , Muder Robert R.
Published: November 2012

Outbreaks of infectious diseases in psychiatric units are very different from those in intensive care units or acute medical-surgical units. Outbreaks in psychiatric units are most often caused by agents circulating in the community. Infection control in psychiatric units also faces unique challenges due to the characteristics of the patients and facilities.
The Time Burden of Alcohol-Based Hand Cleanser When Using Nonsterile Gloves
Authors: Reardon Joseph M. , Valenzuela Josephine E. , Parmar Siddharth , Venkatesh Arjun K. , Schuur Jeremiah D. , Allen Matthew B. , Pallin Daniel J.
Published: November 2012

We quantified the time burden of alcohol-based handrub accompanying nonsterile-glove use among emergency physicians, through observation in controlled and clinical settings. We report gloving episodes per hour, gloving times with and without handrub, and handrub recommendations compliance. Handrub adds 46 seconds to each glove-use episode, and we provide national extrapolations.
Are Close Friends the Enemy? Online Social Networks, Self-Esteem, and Self-Control
Authors: Wilcox Keith , Stephen Andrew T.
Published: November 2012

Online social networks are used by hundreds of millions of people every day, but little is known about their effect on behavior. In five experiments, the authors demonstrate that social network use enhances self-esteem in users who are focused on close friends (i.e., strong ties) while browsing their social network. This momentary increase in self-esteem reduces self-control, leading those focused on strong ties to display less self-control after browsing a social network. Additionally, the authors present evidence suggesting that greater social network use is associated with a higher body mass index and higher levels of credit card debt for individuals with strong ties to their social network. This research extends previous findings by demonstrating that social networks primarily enhance self-esteem for those focused on strong ties during social network use. Additionally, this research has implications for policy makers because self-control is an important mechanism for maintaining social order and well-being.
Structures, chemical states and properties of Sr2Fe1+xMo1−xO6 ceramics sintered in N2
Authors: Ji Weijing , Wang Jin-Feng , Xu Jie , Jiao Long , Zhou Jian , Chen Y B , Gu Zheng-Bin , Yao Shu-Hua , Zhang Shan-Tao , Chen Yan-Feng
Published: November 2012

We report that the Fe-rich single-phase Sr2Fe1+x
Mo1−x
O6(x = 1/9, 1/6 and 1/3) ceramics can be synthesized in a N2 stream by the solid-state reaction method, while the usual Sr2FeMo2O6 (i.e. x = 0) can only be synthesized in a H2+Ar stream. X-ray diffraction shows that all ceramics are well crystallized with tetragonal symmetry. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results confirm that the chemical states of interior Fe and Mo cations are significantly more complex than those of the surface cations. With the increase in x, the materials change from ferrimagnetic (x = 0, 1/9, 1/6) to spin-glass-like behaviour (x = 1/3) and the magnetism decreases dramatically. The Curie temperature (T
c) and the magnetoresistance (MR) at 10 K with a field of 2 T (T
c, MR) are (400 K, −20.9%), (390 K, −10.3%) and (385 K, −4.5%) for x = 0, 1/9 and x = 1/6, respectively. The results are further analysed by Monte Carlo simulations. Our results show that high-T
c ferrimagnetic double perovskites with good magnetic and transport properties can be obtained conveniently in a N2 stream instead of conventional H2+Ar, which not only provides a safe and low-cost way to synthesize these materials, but may also be helpful in decreasing the oxygen vacancy concentration.
Study of the radioluminesence spectra of doped silica optical fibre dosimeters for stem effect removal
Authors: Veronese I , Cantone M C , Catalano M , Chiodini N , Fasoli M , Mancosu P , Mones E , Moretti F , Scorsetti M , Vedda A
Published: November 2012

In this study, the spectral emission of Eu3+-doped silica optical fibres is investigated under irradiation with photons and electrons of different energies, field sizes and orientations, in order to discover the origin of stem effect and evaluate its influence on the radioluminescence (RL) spectral shape under experimental conditions. A comparison with previously investigated Ce-doped silica fibres is also made. Below the Cerenkov radiation energy threshold, a slight contribution to the total RL signal is observed. This is due to fluorescence effects occurring in the passive fibre. Above the energy threshold, the stem effect is mainly caused by Cerenkov radiation. A method for removing the stem effect, based on RL spectral analysis, is proposed and validated by measuring the output factors of extended photon fields and by studying the angular dependence of the dosimeter.
Investigations of a thermal plasma jet structure by generalized correlation dimension
Authors: Gruber J , Hlína J , Šonský J
Published: November 2012

Dynamics of thermal plasma jets is characterized by significant turbulent phenomena influencing various technological applications. In two types of experiments, we have analysed (i) tomographical reconstructions of plasma jet radiation captured from four sides by photodiode arrays in two planes perpendicular to the jet axis and (ii) recordings of the jet radiation acquired by a high-speed CCD camera. The analysis was based on the method of generalized correlation dimension stemming from the correlation dimension estimates by the Grassberger–Procaccia algorithm common in the domain of nonlinear dynamic systems. Our results map spatial distributions of complexity within recorded data including their temporal evolution and provide more information about the jet dynamics than, e.g., calculations of standard deviations. The most stable region of the plasma jet was identified at a small distance from the jet axis and the most turbulent region about 4 mm from the plasma torch nozzle. Signs of short-time collective rotational movement of the jet core were also identified.
Structure and colossal dielectric permittivity of Ca2TiCrO6 ceramics
Authors: Yan-Qing Tan , Meng Yan , Yong-Mei Hao
Published: November 2012

A colossal permittivity ceramic material, Ca2TiCrO6, was successfully synthesized by the conventional solid-state reaction, and was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), x-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Rietveld refinement of XRD data indicated that the material crystallized in orthorhombic structure with space group pbnm. SEM displayed Ca2TiCrO6 ceramic grains packed uniformly with the size range 5–20 µm. XPS analyses indicated that elemental chromium and titanium of the material were in mixed valence. The corresponding dielectric property was tested in the frequency range 1 kHz–1 MHz and the temperature range 213–453 K, and the ceramics exhibited a relaxation-like dielectric behaviour. Importantly, the permittivity of Ca2TiCrO6 could reach 80 000 at 298 K (100 Hz) and was maintained at 40 000 up to 398 K at 1 MHz, which could be attributed to the ion disorder and mixed valence of Cr3+/Cr6+ and Ti3+/Ti4+.
Prediction of long‐term outcome of cardiac resynchronization therapy by acute pressure–volume loop measurements
Authors: de Roest Gerben J. , Allaart Cornelis P. , Kleijn Sebastiaan A. , Delnoy Peter Paul H.M. , Wu LiNa , Hendriks Matthijs L. , Bronzwaer Jean G.F. , van Rossum Albert C. , de Cock Carel C.
Published: November 2012

Aims

Invasive assessment of acute haemodynamic response to biventricular pacing has been proposed as a tool to determine individual response and to optimize the effects of CRT. However, the long‐term results of this approach have been poorly studied. The present study relates acute haemodynamic effects of CRT to long‐term outcome.

Methods and results

Forty‐one patients were analysed in the present study. During temporary biventricular pacing before implantation, acute changes in LV pump function were assessed by pressure–volume loop measurements and related to long‐term response after CRT. In the study population [30 (71%) men, NYHA class 2.9 ± 0.4, EF 28 ± 7%, QRS 150 ± 25 ms], baseline mean stroke work (SW) and dP/dtmax were 4.6 ± 2.6 L ×mmHg and 874 ± 259 mmHg/s, respectively. During biventricular pacing, mean SW and dP/dtmax increased significantly by 43 ± 39% (+ 2.2 ± 2.4 L × mmHg, P < 0.001) and 13 ± 18% (+ 96 ± 136 mmHg/s, P < 0.001), respectively. In long‐term responders (n = 29, 71%) compared with non‐responders (n = 12, 29%), the acute increase in SW was significantly higher (+57 ±33% vs. + 10 ±30%, P < 0.001), whereas the acute increase in dP/dtmax was not significantly different between responders and non‐responders (+ 15 ±18% vs. 6 ±15%, P = 0.139). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis indicated that SW was superior to dP/dtmax, QRS duration and LV dyssynchrony in prediction of response to CRT. A cut‐off value for SW of 20% yielded a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 75% to predict reverse remodelling at 6 months.

Conclusion

Invasive assessment of acute haemodynamics is a reliable tool to determine individual response to CRT. An acute increase in SW predicts long‐term response to CRT with a higher accuracy than an acute increase in dP/dtmax, baseline QRS duration, and degree of LV mechanical dyssynchrony.
Gender‐specific differences in major cardiac events and mortality in lamin A/C mutation carriers
Authors: van Rijsingen Ingrid A.W. , Nannenberg Eline A. , Arbustini Eloisa , Elliott Perry M. , Mogensen Jens , Hermans‐van Ast Johanna F. , van der Kooi Anneke J. , van Tintelen J. Peter , van den Berg Maarten P. , Grasso Maurizia , Serio Alessandra , Jenkins Sharon , Rowland Camilla , Richard Pascale , Wilde Arthur A.M. , Perrot Andreas , Pankuweit Sabine , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Charron Philippe , Christiaans Imke , Pinto Yigal M.
Published: November 2012

Aims

Mutations in the lamin A/C gene (LMNA) cause a variety of clinical phenotypes, including dilated cardiomyopathy. LMNA is one of the most prevalent mutated genes in dilated cardiomyopathy, and is associated with a high risk of arrhythmias, sudden cardiac death, and heart failure. There are few data on the impact of age and gender on cardiac disease penetrance and mortality.

Methods and results

In a multicentre cohort of 269 LMNA mutation carriers, we evaluated gender‐specific penetrance of cardiac involvement and major cardiac events. All‐cause mortality of mutation carriers [standardized mortality ratio (SMR)] was determined. Cardiac disease penetrance was age dependent and almost complete at the age of 70 years. The presence of an LVEF ≤45% was significantly higher in men (P < 0.001). However, there was no difference between genders in the prevalence of atrioventricular block, atrial tachyarrhythmias, and non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia. Malignant ventricular arrhythmias (26% vs. 8%) and end‐stage heart failure (28% vs. 14%) were more common in men than in women (P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). All‐cause mortality of mutation carriers was significantly increased [SMR 4.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.8–5.2] between the ages of 15 and 75 years. Mortality in men was higher than in women (hazard ratio 2.2, 95% CI 1.2–4.3).

Conclusions

This large cohort of LMNA mutation carriers demonstrates a high cardiac disease penetrance and a high mortality in mutation carriers. Male mutation carriers have a worse prognosis due to a higher prevalence of malignant ventricular arrhythmias and end‐stage heart failure.
Targeting the antigen encoded by adenoviral vectors to the DEC205 receptor modulates the cellular and humoral immune response
Authors: Tenbusch Matthias , Nchinda Godwin , Storcksdieck genannt Bonsmann Michael , Temchura Vladimir , Überla Klaus
Published: November 2012

Replication-defective adenoviral vectors have emerged as promising vaccine candidates for diseases relying on strong CD8 + T-cell responses for protection. In this study, we modified a non-replicative adenoviral vector to selectively deliver, in situ, an encoded ovalbumin (OVA) model antigen to dendritic cells (DCs). Efficient uptake and presentation of OVA was achieved through fusion of the antigen to a single-chain antibody directed against DEC205, an endocytic receptor expressed on DCs. The immunogenicity of the vaccine was thereby enhanced as demonstrated by elevated antibody levels and increased T-cell responses after low-dose vaccination with 10 7 viral particles compared with a non-targeted control. Nevertheless, after immunization with higher doses of the targeted vaccine, the capacity of vaccine-induced CD8 + T cells to produce the cytokine IL-2 was diminished and the CD8 + T-cell response was dominated by an effector memory phenotype (CD62L – /CD127 + ) in contrast to the effector phenotype (CD62L – /CD127 – ) observed after non-targeted antigen delivery. Interestingly, the protective capacity of the non-targeted vaccine was superior to that of the targeted vaccine in an antigen-specific vaccinia virus infection as well as in a tumor challenge model. In the latter, the low dose of the DC-targeted vaccine also conferred partial protection from tumor growth, demonstrating dose-dependent effects of the DC-targeting on the quality of the vaccine-induced immune response. Significant differences could be observed in regard to the antibody pattern, the functional and phenotypic T-cell repertoire, and to the protective capacity.
Non-thermal emission from pulsar-wind nebulae in starburst galaxies
Authors: Ohm S. , Hinton J. A.
Published: November 2012

The recently detected γ-ray emission from starburst galaxies is most commonly considered to be diffuse emission arising from strong interactions of accelerated cosmic rays. Mannheim, Elsässer & Tibolla, however, have argued that a population of individual pulsar-wind nebulae (PWNe) could be responsible for the detected TeV emission. Here, we show that the starburst environment plays a critical role in the TeV emission from starburst PWN, and perform the first detailed calculations for this scenario. Our approach is based on the measured star formation rates in the starburst nuclei of NGC 253 and M82, assumed pulsar birth periods and a simple model for the injection of non-thermal particles. The two-zone model applied here takes into account the high far-infrared radiation field and different densities and magnetic fields in the PWN and the starburst regions, as well as particle escape. We confirm that PWN can make a significant contribution to the TeV fluxes, provided that the injection spectrum of particles is rather hard and that the average pulsar birth period is rather short (∼35 ms). The PWN contribution should lead to a distinct spectral feature which can be probed by future instruments such as Cherenkov Telescope Array.
Mimetic host shifts in an endangered social parasite of ants
Authors: Thomas Jeremy A. , Elmes Graham W. , Sielezniew Marcin , Stankiewicz-Fiedurek Anna , Simcox David J. , Settele Josef , Schönrogge Karsten
Published: November 2012

An emerging problem in conservation is whether listed morpho-species with broad distributions, yet specialized lifestyles, consist of more than one cryptic species or functionally distinct forms that have different ecological requirements. We describe extreme regional divergence within an iconic endangered butterfly, whose socially parasitic young stages use non-visual, non-tactile cues to infiltrate and supplant the brood in ant societies. Although indistinguishable morphologically or when using current mitochondrial and nuclear sequence-, or microsatellite data,
Maculinea rebeli
from Spain and southeast Poland exploit different
Myrmica
ant species and experience 100 per cent mortality with each other's hosts. This reflects major differences in the hydrocarbons synthesized from each region by the larvae, which so closely mimic the recognition profiles of their respective hosts that nurse ants afford each parasite a social status above that of their own kin larvae. The two host ants occupy separate niches within grassland; thus, conservation management must differ in each region. Similar cryptic differentiation may be common, yet equally hard to detect, among the approximately 10 000 unstudied morpho-species of social parasite that are estimated to exist, many of which are Red Data Book listed.
A new view of flow topology and conditional statistics in turbulence
Authors: Wang Lipo , Peters Norbert
Published: November 2012

By partitioning a turbulent flow field into relative simple units, the original complex system may be better understood from studying decomposed structures. In this paper, some general principles for identifying geometrical decomposition are discussed. Logically, to make analysis more objective and quantitative, the decomposed units need to be non-arbitrarily defined and space filling. Following this vein, we introduced two topological approaches satisfying these prerequisites and the relevant work is reviewed. For a given scalar variable, dissipation elements are defined as the spatial regions that the gradient trajectories of this scalar can share the same pair of scalar extremums (one maximum and one minimum), whereas for the general vector variables, vector tube segments are the part of vector tubes bounded by adjacent extremums of the magnitude of the given vector. Both structures can be characterized by representative shape parameters: the length scale and the extremum difference. On the basis of direct numerical simulation data, the statistics of the shape parameters have been studied. Physically, those structures reveal the ‘nature’ topology of turbulence, and thus their characteristic parameters reflect the flow properties. For instance, when the vector tube segment approach is applied to the velocity case, the negative skewness of the velocity derivative can be explained by the asymmetry of the joint probability density function of the shape parameters of streamtube segments. Conditional statistics based on these newly defined structures identify finer flow physics and are believed helpful for modelling improvement. Application examples illustrate that, in principle, these methods can generally be applied to different flow cases under different situations.
On high-order accurate weighted essentially non-oscillatory and discontinuous Galerkin schemes for compressible turbulence simulations
Authors: Shu Chi-Wang
Published: November 2012

In this article, we give a brief overview on high-order accurate shock capturing schemes with the aim of applications in compressible turbulence simulations. The emphasis is on the basic methodology and recent algorithm developments for two classes of high-order methods: the weighted essentially non-oscillatory and discontinuous Galerkin methods.
An analytical theory of the buoyancy–Kolmogorov subrange transition in turbulent flows with stable stratification
Authors: Sukoriansky Semion , Galperin Boris
Published: November 2012

The buoyancy subrange of stably stratified turbulence is defined as an intermediate range of scales larger than those in the inertial subrange. This subrange encompasses the crossover from internal gravity waves (IGWs) to small-scale turbulence. The energy exchange between the waves and small-scale turbulence is communicated across this subrange. At the same time, it features progressive anisotropization of flow characteristics on increasing spatial scales. Despite many observational and computational studies of the buoyancy subrange, its theoretical understanding has been lagging. This article presents an investigation of the buoyancy subrange using the quasi-normal scale elimination (QNSE) theory of turbulence. This spectral theory uses a recursive procedure of small-scale modes elimination based upon a quasi-normal mapping of the velocity and temperature fields using the Langevin equations. In the limit of weak stable stratification, the theory becomes completely analytical and yields simple expressions for horizontal and vertical eddy viscosities and eddy diffusivities. In addition, the theory provides expressions for various one-dimensional spectra that quantify turbulence anisotropization. The theory reveals how the dispersion relation for IGWs is modified by turbulence, thus alleviating many unique waves' features. Predictions of the QNSE theory for the buoyancy subrange are shown to agree well with various data.
Turbulent mixing and beyond: non-equilibrium processes from atomistic to astrophysical scales
Authors: Abarzhi S. I. , Gauthier S. , Sreenivasan K. R.
Published: November 2012

Turbulent mixing is a source of paradigm problems in physics, engineering and mathematics. Beyond this important interdisciplinary role, it has immense consequences for a broad range of applications in astrophysics, geophysics, climate and large-scale energy systems. In two volumes, we summarize and provide a perspective on the topic through some 20 articles focusing on turbulent mixing and beyond. The volumes are grouped, somewhat loosely, into those associated with fundamental aspects of turbulence and those specific to Rayleigh–Taylor turbulent mixing.
Turbulent mixing and beyond: non-equilibrium processes from atomistic to astrophysical scales I
Authors: Abarzhi S. I. , Gauthier S. , Sreenivasan K. R.
Published: November 2012

In this Introduction, we summarize and provide a perspective on 11 articles on ‘Turbulent mixing and beyond’. The papers represent the broad variety of themes of the subject, and are concerned with fundamental aspects of turbulence, mixing and non-equilibrium dynamics. While each paper deals with a specific problem, the collection gives a panoramic overview of the subject at its present state of understanding.
Role of the Putative Osmosensor Arabidopsis Histidine Kinase1 in Dehydration Avoidance and Low-Water-Potential Response
Authors: Kumar M. Nagaraj , Jane Wann-Neng , Verslues Paul E.
Published: November 2012

The molecular basis of plant osmosensing remains unknown. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) Histidine Kinase1 (AHK1) can complement the osmosensitivity of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) osmosensor mutants lacking Synthetic Lethal of N-end rule1 and SH3-containing Osmosensor and has been proposed to act as a plant osmosensor. We found that ahk1 mutants in either the Arabidopsis Nossen-0 or Columbia-0 background had increased stomatal density and stomatal index consistent with greater transpirational water loss. However, the growth of ahk1 mutants was not more sensitive to controlled moderate low water potential (ψw) or to salt stress. Also, ahk1 mutants had increased, rather than reduced, solute accumulation across a range of low ψw severities. ahk1 mutants had reduced low ψw induction of Ɗ1-Pyrroline-5-Carboxylate Synthetase1 (P5CS1) and 9-cis-Epoxycarotenoid Dioxygenase3, which encode rate-limiting enzymes in proline and abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis, respectively. However, neither Pro nor ABA accumulation was reduced in ahk1 mutants at low ψw. P5CS1 protein level was not reduced in ahk1 mutants. This indicated that proline accumulation was regulated in part by posttranscriptional control of P5CS1 that was not affected by AHK1. Expression of AHK1 itself was reduced by low ψw, in contrast to previous reports. These results define a role of AHK1 in controlling stomatal density and the transcription of stress-responsive genes. These phenotypes may be mediated in part by reduced ABA sensitivity. More rapid transpiration and water depletion can also explain the previously reported sensitivity of ahk1 to uncontrolled soil drying. The unimpaired growth, ABA, proline, and solute accumulation of ahk1 mutants at low ψw suggest that AHK1 may not be the main plant osmosensor required for low ψw tolerance.
Trans‐Tasman Transmission of Government Spending Shocks
Authors: Arin K. Peren , Koyuncu Murat , Schumacher Christoph
Published: November 2012

This paper investigates the international transmission of fiscal shocks between two closely‐linked, open economies. We estimate impulse response functions using a semi‐structural vector auto regressive (VAR) model and quarterly data from Australia and New Zealand for the period 1973:3–2008:4. We compare our empirical results with impulse response functions from a calibrated two‐country international real business cycle model with habit formation and adjustment costs to investment. We show that a positive shock to Australian government consumption leads to an increase in Australian output initially and then to a decline in the medium term, while the New Zealand output is negatively affected both in the short and medium term. This result is in line with the recent literature that reports beggar‐thy‐neighbour effect of positive government spending shocks.
Semi‐Parametric Examination of Industry Risk: The Australian Evidence
Authors: Yao Juan
Published: November 2012

This paper examines the time variation form of the systematic risk measurement, beta, in Australian industry sectors. By using a semi‐parametric approach, the systematic risk measurement, beta, is defined as a combination of one stable parametric component and one varying non‐parametric component. Two categories of industries were identified. The Energy, Material, Mining, Industrial and Property Trust industries had a generally increasing beta for most of the sample period, while the Consumer Discretionary, Financials Excluding Property Trust, IT and Telecommunications had a decreasing beta for the same period. The betas of the Health and Utility industries are more stable than others. The variation of industry risk is linked with the market conditions, as well as the change of interest rates.
Metabolic effects of three different inotropic strategies in the newborn piglet myocardium
Authors: COLDING P. D. , KOLSTRUP L. M. , HYLDEBRANDT J. A. , SCHMIDT M. R. , BØTKER H. E. , RAVN H. B.
Published: November 2012

Introduction

Neonates undergoing congenital heart surgery frequently need post‐operative inotropic support. Knowledge about the effect of inotropes on myocardial metabolism in the newborn heart is limited, and the choice of inotropic therapy is based mainly on evidence from studies in adults. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of three inotropic strategies on the myocardial metabolism in a neonatal pig model.

Methods

Newborn piglets were randomised to intravenous infusions with: adrenaline and milrinone; dopamine and milrinone; dobutamine in haemodynamically equivalent doses; or isotonic saline, through 3 h. Microdialysis catheters were inserted in the myocardium of the left and right ventricle, and concentrations of lactate, pyruvate, glycerol, and glucose were measured in the microdialysate. In myocardial biopsies, tissue lactate and intracellular glycogen concentrations were determined, and arterial blood samples were analysed for lactate and glucose.

Results

No statistically significant differences were observed in haemodynamics between the three interventions. Metabolic variables demonstrated a consistent increase in lactate concentration in blood, myocardial dialysate, and biopsies in milrinone–adrenaline‐treated animals. The lactate concentration remained stable in all other groups in all samples. The myocardial lactate/pyruvate ratio did not increase and was not significantly different between groups.

Conclusion

Milrinone and adrenaline induced significantly higher lactate levels in neonatal piglets. The increase was not caused by myocardial ischaemia, but rather due to a beta‐stimulation‐induced glycolysis.
Sevoflurane induces short‐term changes in proteins in the cerebral cortices of developing rats
Authors: LI Y. , LIU C. , ZHAO Y. , HU K. , ZHANG J. , ZENG M. , LUO T. , JIANG W. , WANG H.
Published: November 2012

Background

Exposure to intravenous or inhaled anesthetic agents has potential deleterious effects on the developing brain. However, the mechanisms are not clear. Herein, we investigated protein expression changes in neonatal rat brains after exposure to sevoflurane, an inhalational anesthetic commonly used for pediatric patients.

Methods

Seven‐day‐old rats were treated with 1.8% sevoflurane or 30% oxygen for 4 h. Cerebral cortices were obtained at 3 h and 3 days after sevoflurane exposure for cell apoptosis detection, proteomic analysis and Western blotting.

Results

There was a significant increase of cleaved caspase 3 at 3 h after sevoflurane exposure. Six proteins had 1.5‐fold or higher changes in expression at 3 h after sevoflurane anesthesia as compared with sham‐treated pups. No proteins had this degree of change at 3 days after sevoflurane anesthesia. Proteins whose expression was downregulated included collapsin response mediator protein‐1 (CRMP‐1), truncated CRMP‐4, beta‐tubulin IIc and neuron‐specific class III beta‐tubulin. These four proteins are important for neuronal migration and differentiation. Adenosine triphosphate synthase beta subunit, a protein associated with energy metabolism, was also downregulated. Guanine nucleotide‐binding protein beta 1, a signaling protein, was upregulated. Sevoflurane also increased phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK‐3β) at 3 h after anesthesia and inhibited the normal increase of GSK‐3β at 72 h after anesthesia.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that sevoflurane may cause short‐term neuronal apoptosis and disturbances of neuronal migration, differentiation and energy metabolism in neonatal rat brains, and that these disturbances may contribute to its neurodegenerative effects.
Long‐term effects of a perioperative safety checklist from the viewpoint of personnel
Authors: BÖHMER A. B. , KINDERMANN P. , SCHWANKE U. , BELLENDIR M. , TINSCHMANN T. , SCHMIDT C. , BOUILLON B. , WAPPLER F. , GERBERSHAGEN M. U.
Published: November 2012

Background

While positive short‐term effects of the use of safety checklists have previously been reported by personnel, it is unclear to which extent these effects are maintained for a long‐term period. The aim of the present study was to evaluate perioperative safety standards and the quality of interprofessional cooperation from the viewpoint of the involved personnel for up to 2 years following the introduction of a safety checklist.

Methods

A survey of 99 co‐workers in the departments of anaesthesiology and traumatology was conducted using a 19‐point questionnaire concerning perioperative safety‐relevant aspects and the quality of interprofessional cooperation before and at 3, 18, and 24 months after the introduction of a safety checklist.

Results

Verification of written consent for surgery (P < 0.01), clear marking of the surgical site (P < 0.01), and time management (P < 0.05) were rated more positively over time by the anaesthesiologists and nurses. Items involving communication were rated less positively after 18 and 24 months than at 3 months. Orthopaedic surgeons rated being better informed about the patients (P < 0.05), the planned operation (P < 0.01), and the assignment of tasks during surgery (P < 0.01) progressively more positively over the time.

Conclusions

Some positive effects concerning the perioperative organisation and management were rated more positively even 2 years after checklist implementation. However, interprofessional communication and cooperation did not show long‐term improvement from staff members' point of view. Probably longer lasting effects for the latter aspects could be achieved by repeated instruction and communication training.
CNAP® does not reliably detect minimal or maximal arterial blood pressures during induction of anaesthesia and tracheal intubation
Authors: GAYAT E. , MONGARDON N. , TUIL O. , SIEVERT K. , CHAZOT T. , LIU N. , FISCHLER M.
Published: November 2012

Background

CNAP® provides continuous non‐invasive arterial pressure (AP) monitoring. We assessed its ability to detect minimal and maximal APs during induction of general anaesthesia and tracheal intubation.

Methods

Fifty‐two patients undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia were enrolled. Invasive pressure monitoring was established at the radial artery, and CNAP monitoring using a finger sensor recording was begun before induction. Statistical analysis was conducted with the Bland–Altman method for comparison of repeated measures and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Patients’ median age was 67 years [interquartile range (59–76)], median American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 3 [interquartile range (2–3)]. Bias was 5 and −7 mmHg for peak and nadir systolic AP (SAP), with upper and lower limits of agreement of (42:−32) and (27;−42), respectively. The corresponding ICC values were 0.74 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.57–0.84] and 0.60 (95% CI = 0.44–0.73). Time lags to reach these values were 7.5 s (95% CI = −10.0 to 60.0) for the highest SAP and 10 s (95% CI = −12.5 to 72.5) for the lowest SAP. Bias, lower and upper limits of agreement for diastolic, and mean AP were −14 (−36 to 9) and −12 (−37 to 13) for the nadir value and −7 (−29 to 15) and −2 (−28 to 25) for the peak value.

Conclusions

The CNAP monitor could detect acute change in AP within a reasonable time lag. Precision of its measurements is not satisfactory, and therefore, it could only serve as a clue to the occurrence of changes in AP.
Is there any correlation between HLA‐DR expression in laryngeal mucosa and interleukin gene variation in sudden infant death syndrome?
Authors: Ferrante Linda , Opdal Siri H , Vege Åshild , Rognum Torleiv O
Published: November 2012

Aim

The mucosal immune system and cytokines are activated in a large proportion of cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Our aim was to search for a possible association between cytokine polymorphisms and immune stimulation of the laryngeal mucosal in SIDS.

Methods

HLA‐DR expression in laryngeal mucosal glands and surface epithelium in 97 SIDS victims was evaluated applying a semi‐quantitative scoring system. The findings were related to cytokine gene polymorphisms as well as to the level of various cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). A risk score was established: a score of 0 prepresenting negative HLA‐DR, supine position and no fever prior to death.

Results

The IL‐6 ‐176CG/CC genotype was found in 92.3% of the SIDS cases with positive score for all risk factors (p = 0.01). Infants with high HLA‐DR score had high levels of IL‐6 in the cerebrospinal fluid (>30 μg/L) (p = 0.005). Furthermore, the IL‐8 SNPs ‐781 CT/TT genotypes and −251 AA/AT genotypes were observed in 93% of the SIDS cases with one or more of the risk factors present compared with SIDS cases no risk factors reported (p = 0.003 and p = 0.016, respectively).

Conclusion

This study adds further evidence to the hypothesis that there are genetically associated disturbances of immunological homoeostasis in SIDS.
Predictors of relapse in patients with Crohn's disease in remission after 1 year of biological therapy
Authors: Molnár T. , Lakatos P. L. , Farkas K. , Nagy F. , Szepes Z. , Miheller P. , Horváth G. , Papp M. , Palatka K. , Nyári T. , Bálint A. , Lőrinczy K. , Wittmann T.
Published: November 2012

Background

Some of the most important questions relating to the use of biological therapy in inflammatory bowel diseases concern the duration of maintenance therapy.

Aim

To assess the disease course and frequency of relapse of Crohn's disease (CD) following discontinuation of biological therapy, and to determine predictive factors for relapse.

Methods

One hundred twenty‐one CD patients who had achieved clinical remission following 1 year of biological therapy and for whom biological therapy was then discontinued participated in this prospective observational study. Eighty‐seven CD patients had received infliximab and 34 adalimumab. The definition of relapse was an increase of >100 points in CDAI to at least a CDAI of 150 points.

Results

Biological therapy was restarted within 1 year of treatment cessation in 45% of patients. Logistic regression analysis revealed that previous biological therapy (P = 0.011) and dose intensification during the 1‐year course of biological therapy (P = 0.024) were associated with the need for and the time to the restarting of biological therapy. Smoking was observed to have an effect that was not statistically significant (P = 0.053).

Conclusions

Biological therapy was restarted a median of 6 months after discontinuation in almost half of Crohn's disease patients in who had been in clinical remission following 1 year of biological therapy. These results suggest that, in the event of the presence of certain predictive factors, biological therapy should probably be continued for more than 1 year by most patients.
Enhanced anti‐tumour effects of Vinca alkaloids given separately from cytostatic therapies
Authors: Ehrhardt H , Pannert L , Pfeiffer S , Wachter F , Amtmann E , Jeremias I
Published: November 2012

Background and Purpose

In polychemotherapy protocols, that is for treatment of neuroblastoma and Ewing sarcoma, Vinca alkaloids and cell cycle‐arresting drugs are usually administered on the same day. Here we studied whether this combination enables the optimal antitumour effects of Vinca alkaloids to be manifested.

Experimental Approach

Vinca alkaloids were tested in a preclinical mouse model in vivo and in vitro in combination with cell cycle‐arresting drugs. Signalling pathways were characterized using RNA interference.

Key Results

In vitro, knockdown of cyclins significantly inhibited vincristine‐induced cell death indicating, in accordance with previous findings, Vinca alkaloids require active cell cycling and M‐phase transition for induction of cell death. In contrast, anthracyclines, irradiation and dexamethasone arrested the cell cycle and acted like cytostatic drugs. The combination of Vinca alkaloids with cytostatic therapeutics resulted in diminished cell death in 31 of 36 (86%) tumour cell lines. In a preclinical tumour model, anthracyclines significantly inhibited the antitumour effect of Vinca alkaloids in vivo. Antitumour effects of Vinca alkaloids in the presence of cytostatic drugs were restored by caffeine, which maintained active cell cycling, or by knockdown of p53, which prevented drug‐induced cell cycle arrest. Therapeutically most important, optimal antitumour effects were obtained in vivo upon separating the application of Vinca alkaloids from cytostatic therapeutics.

Conclusion and Implications

Clinical trials are required to prove whether Vinca alkaloids act more efficiently in cancer patients if they are applied uncoupled from cytostatic therapies. On a conceptual level, our data suggest the implementation of polychemotherapy protocols based on molecular mechanisms of drug–drug interactions.

Linked Article

This article is commented on by Solary, pp 1555–1557 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.12101
Sphingosine and the transient receptor potential channel kinase(s)
Authors: Rohacs Tibor
Published: November 2012

Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) is a multifunctional ion channel playing crucial roles during development. TRPM7 is a member of the highly diverse TRP ion channel family. Most TRP channels are regulated by membrane phospholipids, especially phosphoinositides. In this issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology, Qin et al. describes the regulation of TRPM7 and its close homologue TRPM6 by a different kind of membrane lipid: sphingosine. The study finds that sphingosine is a potent and specific inhibitor of TRPM7 and TRPM6 channels. This commentary briefly summarizes the findings of the study, their potential significance and discusses open question and future directions.

Linked Article

This article is a commentary on Xin Qin et al., pp. 1294–1312 of this issue. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.12012
A novel syndrome of abnormal striatum and congenital cataract: evidence for linkage to chromosomes 11
Authors: Al‐Owain M , Al‐Zahrani J , Al‐Bakheet A , Abudheim N , Al‐Younes B , Aldhalaan H , Al‐Zaidan H , Colak D , Almohaileb F , Abouzied ME , Al‐Fadhli F , Meyer B , Kaya N
Published: November 2012

We report a consanguineous family of three girls and one boy affected with a novel syndrome involving the lens and the basal ganglia. The phenotype is strikingly similar between affected siblings with cognitive impairment, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), microcephaly, growth retardation, congenital cataract, and dystonia. The magnetic resonance imaging showed unusual pattern of swelling of the caudate heads and thinning of the putamina with severe degree of hypometabolism on the [18F] deoxyglucose positron emission tomography. Furthermore, the clinical assessment provides the evidence that the neurological phenotype is very slowly progressive. We utilized the 10K single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray genotyping for linkage analysis. Genome‐wide scan indicated a 45.9‐Mb region with a 4.2353 logarithm of the odds score on chromosome 11. Affymetrix genome‐wide human SNP array 6.0 assay did not show any gross chromosomal abnormality. Targeted sequencing of two candidate genes within the linkage interval (PAX6 and B3GALTL) as well as mtDNA genome sequencing did not reveal any putative mutations.
The effect of load on heat production, thermal effects and expenditure of time during implant site preparation – an experimental ex vivo comparison between piezosurgery and conventional drilling
Authors: Stelzle Florian , Frenkel Carsten , Riemann Max , Knipfer Christian , Stockmann Philipp , Nkenke Emeka
Published: November 2012

Objectives

Piezoelectric surgery (PS) is meant to be a gentle osteotomy method. The aim of this study was to compare piezosurgical vs. conventional drilling methods for implant site preparation (ISP) – focusing on load‐dependent thermal effect on hard tissue and the expenditure of ISP time.

Materials and methods

Three hundred and sixty ISP were performed on ex vivo pig heads using piezosurgery, spiral burs (SB) and trephine burs (TB). The load applied was increased from 0 to 1000 g in 100‐g intervals. Temperature within the bone was measured with a thermocouple, and duration was recorded with a stop watch. Thermal effects were histomorphometrically analysed. Twelve ISPs per technique were performed at the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus.

Results

PS yields the highest mean temperatures (48.6 ± 3.4°C) and thermal effects (200.7 ± 44.4 μm), both at 900–1000 g. Duration is reduced with a plus of load and significantly longer in either case for PS (P < 0.05). There is a correlation of the applied load with all other examined factors for PS and TB. Temperature and histological effects decrease for SB beyond 500 g.

Conclusions

PS yields significantly higher temperatures and thermal tissue alterations on load levels higher than 500 g and is significantly slower for ISP compared to SB and TB. For ISP with PS, a maximum load of 400 g should be maintained.