bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High precision nitrogen isotope measurements in oceanic basalts using a static triple collection noble gas mass spectrometer
Authors: Barry P. H. , Hilton D. R. , Halldórsson S. A. , Hahm D. , Marti K.
Published: December 2011

We describe a new system for the simultaneous static triple‐collection of nitrogen isotopes at the <10μcm3 STP [N2] (<1 × 10−5 cm3STP; <0.5 nmol) level using a modified VG‐5440 noble gas mass spectrometer. The system consists of an internal N2‐STD with aδ15N value of −0.11 ± 0.22 ‰ (1σ) calibrated against an air‐standard (Air‐STD). The N2‐STD was measured repeatedly with an average uncertainty on an individualδ15N measurement being 0.03 ‰ (1σ) versus an average single day reproducibility of 0.38 ‰ (1σ). Additional refinements include (1) monitoring of interfering CO contributions at mass 30, allowing a comprehensive CO correction to be applied to all samples, (2) quantification of procedural N2 blanks (n = 22) in both size (4.2 ± 0.5 μcm3 STP) and isotopic composition (δ15N = 12.64 ± 2.04 ‰), allowing consistent blank corrections to all samples, and (3) independent measurement of N2/Ar ratios using a quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS). The new system was tested by measuring nitrogen isotopes (δ15N), concentrations and N2/Ar ratios on 11 submarine basalt glasses. Results show that the uncertainty on the δ15N data is improved as a consequence of multiple standards being run per day. Reduced analytical times, afforded by triple collection, also minimize sample depletion and memory effects, thus improving measurement statistics. Additionally, we show that CO corrections can be accomplished using mass 30 to monitor CO interferences, leading to substantial improvements in reproducibility and the overall accuracy of results when the contribution of CO is significant.
Ionospheric disturbances observed coincident with the 2006 and 2009 North Korean underground nuclear tests
Authors: Yang Yu‐Ming , Garrison James L. , Lee See‐Chen
Published: December 2011

Acoustic‐Gravity Waves (AGWs) in the neutral atmosphere can induce disturbances in the ionosphere that are subsequently observable in trans‐ionospheric Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements. Disruptive events on the Earth's surface, such as earthquakes, tsunamis and large explosions are one source of these disturbances. In this study, we apply wavelet analysis to enhance a cross‐correlation technique for detecting the presence of ionospheric disturbances in dual frequency GNSS time series collected from the GEONET (Japan) during the North Korean Underground Nuclear Tests (UGTs) conducted on 9 October 2006 and 25 May 2009. Through use of the wavelet coherence analysis, we are able to find significant wave trains in the Integrated Electron Content (IEC) data collected from the network. Low frequency disturbances, with periods between 3 and 12 min and horizontal propagation speeds between 75 and 453 m/s were found coincident with both the 2006 and 2009 events. High frequency disturbances, with periods between 2 and 5 min and horizontal speeds between 297 and 1322 m/s were found only after the 2009 event. The disturbances extracted from these signals showed propagation speeds, directions, and times of arrival coincident with the reported geographic location and times of the UGTs.
Statistical analysis of dayside equatorial ionospheric electric fields and electrojet currents produced by magnetospheric substorms during sawtooth events
Authors: Huang Chao‐Song
Published: December 2011

Substorms cause significant disturbances in the ionosphere. However, it has not been well understood how the electric field and electrojet in the dayside equatorial ionosphere respond to substorm onset. Previous studies found that the equatorial electric field, after substorm onset, could be eastward or westward. Because the onset of isolated substorms is often related to a northward turning of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), the measured total electric field is determined by contributions from both IMF northward turning and substorm onset and is not necessarily the signature of the onset. In order to exclude the effect of IMF northward turning, we analyze the variations of ionospheric electric field and electrojet during storm time substorms when the IMF remains stable. Thus, the ionospheric variations can be identified to be caused solely by substorms. The electric field data are measured by the Jicamarca radar, and the electrojet is derived from magnetometers at Jicamarca and Piura. It is found that substorm onset induces an eastward electric field and electrojet in the dayside equatorial ionosphere when the IMF remains continuously southward across the onset. The equatorial electrojet starts to increase at the onset, reaches a maximum value ∼30 min after the onset, and then decreases to the pre‐onset value ∼60 min after the onset. Westward electric field and counter‐electrojet occur only if the substorm onset is associated with a northward turning of the IMF. It is concluded that the effect of substorm onset on the dayside equatorial ionosphere, without involvement of IMF reorientations, is an enhanced eastward electric field.
Measurements of thermal properties of icy Mars regolith analogs
Authors: Siegler Matthew , Aharonson Oded , Carey Elizabeth , Choukroun Mathieu , Hudson Troy , Schorghofer Norbert , Xu Steven
Published: December 2011

In a series of laboratory experiments, we measure thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, and heat capacity of icy regolith created by vapor deposition of water below its triple point and in a low pressure atmosphere. We find that an ice‐regolith mixture prepared in this manner, which may be common on Mars, and potentially also present on the Moon, Mercury, comets and other bodies, has a thermal conductivity that increases approximately linearly with ice content. This trend differs substantially from thermal property models based of preferential formation of ice at grain contacts previously applied to both terrestrial and non‐terrestrial subsurface ice. We describe the observed microphysical structure of ice responsible for these thermal properties, which displaces interstitial gases, traps bubbles, exhibits anisotropic growth, and bridges non‐neighboring grains. We also consider the applicability of these measurements to subsurface ice on Mars and other solar system bodies.
The effect on the lunar exosphere of a coronal mass ejection passage
Authors: Killen R. M. , Hurley D. M. , Farrell W. M.
Published: December 2011

Solar wind bombardment onto exposed surfaces in the solar system produces an energetic component to the exospheres about those bodies. The solar wind energy and composition are highly dependent on the origin of the plasma. Therefore, using the measured composition of the slow wind, fast wind, solar energetic particle (SEP) population, and coronal mass ejection (CME), we have estimated the total sputter yield for each type of solar wind. We show that the heavy ions, especially the He++ and O+7, can greatly enhance the total sputter yield during times when the heavy ion population is enhanced. Folding in the flux with the yield of individual ions, we compute the source rate for several species during different types of solar wind. Finally, we use a Monte Carlo model developed to simulate the time‐dependent evolution of the lunar exosphere to study the sputtering component of the exosphere under the influence of a CME passage. We simulate the background exosphere of Na, K, Ca, and Mg. Simulations indicate that sputtering increases the mass of those constituents in the exosphere more than ten times the background values. The escalation of atmospheric density occurs within an hour of onset. The decrease in atmospheric density after the CME passage is also rapid, although takes longer than the increase. Sputtered neutral particles have a high probability of escaping the Moon, by both leaving the Hill Sphere and photoionization. Density and spatial distribution of the exosphere can be tested with the LADEE mission.
Lanternfish (Pisces: Myctophidae) biomass distribution and oceanographic - topographic associations at Macquarie Island, Southern Ocean
Authors: Flynn A. J. , Williams A.
Published: December 2011

Lanternfishes, which are important prey for demersal and diving predators at Macquarie Island in the Southern Ocean, have spatial patterns of distribution over the Macquarie Ridge that suggest biomass is enhanced where the Subantarctic Front (SAF) interacts with a break in the topography of the Ridge (the ‘Ridge Gap’). The summertime lanternfish assemblage, documented here for the first time, comprised 23 taxa, dominated by Krefftichthys anderssoni and Gymnoscopelus braueri. Mean lanternfish biomass was highest (3.13 g 1000 m–3) in the Ridge Gap habitat. Lowest mean biomass (0.71 g 1000 m–3) was recorded up-current of the SAF over the Abyssal Plain and intermediate biomass (1.26 g 1000 m–3) was recorded over the Macquarie Ridge. At Ridge Gap, a high abundance of K. anderssoni was recorded in the shallowest stratum (0–250 m) during the day. We hypothesised that the oceanographic–topographic interaction between the SAF and Ridge Gap creates eddy systems and productivity fronts that passively entrain and/or actively attract lanternfishes to the Ridge Gap area. This oceanographic–topographic interaction depends on the spatial stability of the SAF in relation to the Macquarie Ridge and Ridge Gap and is vulnerable to climate-mediated change that may have flow-on effects to predators with commercial and conservation significance.
Air quality implications of theDeepwater Horizonoil spill
Authors: Middlebrook Ann M. , Murphy Daniel M. , Ahmadov Ravan , Atlas Elliot L. , Bahreini Roya , Blake Donald R. , Brioude Jerome , de Gouw Joost A. , Fehsenfeld Fred C. , Frost Gregory J. , Holloway John S. , Lack Daniel A. , Langridge Justin M. , Lueb Rich A. , McKeen Stuart A. , Meagher James F. , Meinardi Simone , Neuman J. Andrew , Nowak John B. , Parrish David D. , Peischl Jeff , Perring Anne E. , Pollack Ilana B. , Roberts James M. , Ryerson Thomas B. , Schwarz Joshua P. , Spackman J. Ryan , Warneke Carsten , Ravishankara A. R.
Published: December 2011

During theDeepwater Horizon(DWH) oil spill, a wide range of gas and aerosol species were measured from an aircraft around, downwind, and away from theDWHsite. Additional hydrocarbon measurements were made from ships in the vicinity. Aerosol particles of respirable sizes were on occasions a significant air quality issue for populated areas along the Gulf Coast. Yields of organic aerosol particles and emission factors for other atmospheric pollutants were derived for the sources from the spill, recovery, and cleanup efforts. Evaporation and subsequent secondary chemistry produced organic particulate matter with a mass yield of 8 ± 4% of the oil mixture reaching the water surface. Approximately 4% by mass of oil burned on the surface was emitted as soot particles. These yields can be used to estimate the effects on air quality for similar events as well as for this spill at other times without these data. Whereas emission of soot from burning surface oil was large during the episodic burns, the mass flux of secondary organic aerosol to the atmosphere was substantially larger overall. We use a regional air quality model to show that some observed enhancements in organic aerosol concentration along the Gulf Coast were likely due to theDWHspill. In the presence of evaporating hydrocarbons from the oil, NOxemissions from the recovery and cleanup operations produced ozone.
Accurate van der Waals coefficients from density functional theory
Authors: Tao Jianmin , Perdew John P. , Ruzsinszky Adrienn
Published: December 2011

The van der Waals interaction is a weak, long-range correlation, arising from quantum electronic charge fluctuations. This interaction affects many properties of materials. A simple and yet accurate estimate of this effect will facilitate computer simulation of complex molecular materials and drug design. Here we develop a fast approach for accurate evaluation of dynamic multipole polarizabilities and van der Waals (vdW) coefficients of all orders from the electron density and static multipole polarizabilities of each atom or other spherical object, without empirical fitting. Our dynamic polarizabilities (dipole, quadrupole, octupole, etc.) are exact in the zero- and high-frequency limits, and exact at all frequencies for a metallic sphere of uniform density. Our theory predicts dynamic multipole polarizabilities in excellent agreement with more expensive many-body methods, and yields therefrom vdW coefficientsC6,C8,C10for atom pairs with a mean absolute relative error of only 3%.
Rate of evolution and molecular epidemiology of tick-borne encephalitis virus in Europe, including two isolations from the same focus 44 years apart
Authors: Uzcátegui Nathalie Y. , Sironen Tarja , Golovljova Irina , Jääskeläinen Anu E. , Välimaa Hannamari , Lundkvist Åke , Plyusnin Alexander , Vaheri Antti , Vapalahti Olli
Published: December 2011

Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a member of the familyFlaviviridae. It is transmitted byIxodesspp. ticks in a cycle involving rodents and small mammals. TBEV has three subtypes: European, Siberian and Far Eastern. The virus causes thousands of cases of meningoencephalitis in Europe annually, with an increasing trend. The increase may be attributed to a complex network of elements, including climatic, environmental and socio-economic factors. In an attempt to understand the evolutionary history and dispersal of TBEV, to existing genetic data we add two novel complete ORF sequences of TBEV strains from northern Europe and the completion of the genome of four others. Moreover, we provide a unique measure for the natural rate of evolution of TBEV by studying two isolations from the same forest on an island in Åland archipelago 44 years apart. For all isolates, we analysed the phylogeny, rate of evolution and probable time of radiation of the different TBEV strains. The results show that the two lineages of TBEV in differentIxodesspecies have evolved independently for approximately 3300 years. Notably, rapid radiation of TBEV-Eur occurred approximately 300 years ago, without the large-scale geographical clustering observed previously for the Siberian subtype. The measurements from the natural rate of evolution correlated with the estimates done by phylogenetic programs, demonstrating their robustness.
Co-circulation of diverse paramyxoviruses in an urban African fruit bat population
Authors: Baker K. S. , Todd S. , Marsh G. , Fernandez-Loras A. , Suu-Ire R. , Wood J. L. N. , Wang L. F. , Murcia P. R. , Cunningham A. A.
Published: December 2011

Bats constitute a reservoir of zoonotic infections and some bat paramyxoviruses are capable of cross-species transmission, often with fatal consequences. Determining the level of viral diversity in reservoir populations is fundamental to understanding and predicting viral emergence. This is particularly relevant for RNA viruses where the adaptive mutations required for cross-species transmission can be present in the reservoir host. We report the use of non-invasively collected, pooled, neat urine samples as a robust sample type for investigating paramyxoviruses in bat populations. Using consensus PCR assays we have detected a high incidence and genetic diversity of novel paramyxoviruses in an urban fruit bat population over a short period of time. This may suggest a similarly unique relationship between bats and the members of the family Paramyxoviridae as proposed for some other viral families. Additionally, the high rate of bat–human contact at the study site calls for the zoonotic potential of the detected viruses to be investigated further.
Spatial Variability and Application of Ratios between BTEX in Two Canadian Cities
Authors: Miller Lindsay , Xu Xiaohong , Wheeler Amanda , Atari Dominic Odwa , Grgicak-Mannion Alice , Luginaah Isaac
Published: December 2011

Spatial monitoring campaigns of volatile organic compounds were carried out in two similarly sized urban industrial cities, Windsor and Sarnia, ON, Canada. For Windsor, data were obtained for all four seasons at approximately 50 sites in each season (winter, spring, summer, and fall) over a three-year period (2004, 2005, and 2006) for a total of 12 sampling sessions. Sampling in Sarnia took place at 37 monitoring sites in fall 2005. In both cities, passive sampling was done using 3M 3500 organic vapor samplers. This paper characterizes benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene,o, and (m+p)-xylene (BTEX) concentrations and relationships among BTEX species in the two cities during the fall sampling periods. BTEX concentration levels and rank order among the species were similar between the two cities. In Sarnia, the relationships between the BTEX species varied depending on location. Correlation analysis between land use and concentration ratios showed a strong influence from local industries. Use one of the ratios between the BTEX species to diagnose photochemical age may be biased due to point source emissions, for example, 53 tonnes of benzene and 86 tonnes of toluene in Sarnia. However, considering multiple ratios leads to better conclusions regarding photochemical aging. Ratios obtained in the sampling campaigns showed significant deviation from those obtained at central monitoring stations, with less difference in the (m+p)/E ratio but better overall agreement in Windsor than in Sarnia.
Inconspicuous Penis
Authors: Srinivasan Arun K. , Palmer Lane S. , Palmer Jeffrey S.
Published: December 2011

Inconspicous penis refers to a constellation of conditions that make the penis look diminutive and small. This could be secondary to short penile shaft often termed as micropenis. But more commonly, this inconspicuous appearance is secondary to other causes ranging from congenital conditions such as penoscrotal webbing or megaprepuce, developmental conditions like prepubic adiposity that overhang the penis, and iatrogenic causes like trapped penis after adhesions secondary to circumcision. In this paper, we propose to define these entities and provide their descriptions and then to describe their management including surgical correction.
Tissue Engineering of the Penis
Authors: Patel Manish N. , Atala Anthony
Published: December 2011

Congenital disorders, cancer, trauma, or other conditions of the genitourinary tract can lead to significant organ damage or loss of function, necessitating eventual reconstruction or replacement of the damaged structures. However, current reconstructive techniques are limited by issues of tissue availability and compatibility. Physicians and scientists have begun to explore tissue engineering and regenerative medicine strategies for repair and reconstruction of the genitourinary tract. Tissue engineering allows the development of biological substitutes which could potentially restore normal function. Tissue engineering efforts designed to treat or replace most organs are currently being undertaken. Most of these efforts have occurred within the past decade. However, before these engineering techniques can be applied to humans, further studies are needed to ensure the safety and efficacy of these new materials. Recent progress suggests that engineered urologic tissues and cell therapy may soon have clinical applicability.
Carrier frequency of the recurrent mutation c.1643_1644delTG in the XPC gene and birth prevalence of the xeroderma pigmentosum in Morocco
Authors: DOUBAJ Yassamine , LAARABI Fatima‐Zahra , CHAFAI ELALAOUI Siham , BARKAT Amina , SEFIANI Abdelaziz
Published: December 2011

Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is an autosomal recessive inherited disease which is genetically heterogeneous. The prevalence of this genodermatosis is estimated to be 1/1 000 000 in the USA; it is more common in Japan and probably in other populations with high levels of consanguinity. The molecular diagnosis and identification of mutation in patients requires the knowledge of the causative gene by the determination of XP complementation groups. Soufir et al. have reported that XPC is the major disease‐causing gene with a recurrent mutation in the Mediterranean region. The mutation c.1643_1644delTG (p.Val548AlafsX25) represents alone 74% of all the XP probands tested and 87% in XP type C in North African patients with founder effect. We used molecular epidemiological methods in the present study to calculate the frequency of heterozygote for this mutation in Moroccan newborns and estimate the prevalence of XP in the Moroccan population. DNA extracted from umbilical cord blood samples of 250 newborns were tested for the recurrent XPC mutation c.1643_1644delTG using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Heterozygotes profiles were confirmed by direct sequencing. Among 250 newborns tested, one subject was heterozygous for the mutation c.1643_1644delTG. The carrier frequency was estimated to be 1/250 which would imply that the prevalence of XP would be approximately 1/80 504 considering the effect of consanguinity. This is the first report of the prevalence of XP in an Arab country and it shows that the prevalence of xeroderma pigmentosum is higher than that found in Europe and the USA.
Surgical management of axillary necrotizing fasciitis: A case report
Authors: YAMASAKI Osamu , NAGAO Yoh , SUGIYAMA Narushi , OTSUKA Masaki , IWATSUKI Keiji
Published: December 2011

Axillary necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is quite rare and requires special management with respect to debridement and delayed surgical reconstruction. A 76‐year‐old man presented to our emergency department with a 2‐day history of high fever, severe left axillary pain and redness. A few hours later, he developed discoloration and hemorrhagic bulla in the axilla, and the redness enlarged on the trunk. Emergency surgical debridement was performed. The blackish necrosis in the axilla was completely excised and the erythematous areas in the chest wall were cut down to the level of the fascia. Split‐thickness skin grafts were applied during the second debridement on the 30th day of hospitalization and negative pressure wound therapy was used. Although the grafts took partially, full thickness axillary defects remained. We performed reconstruction with a pedicled latissimus dorsi flap on day 78. This case highlights some of the important surgical considerations in the management of axillary NF.
Interleukin‐17‐ and protease‐activated receptor 2‐mediated production of CXCL1 and CXCL8 modulated by cyclosporine A, vitamin D3 and glucocorticoids in human keratinocytes
Authors: TAKEI‐TANIGUCHI Ryoko , IMAI Yasutomo , ISHIKAWA Chika , SAKAGUCHI Yoshiko , NAKAGAWA Noboru , TSUDA Tatsuya , HOLLENBERG Morley D. , YAMANISHI Kiyofumi
Published: December 2011

Protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2) is a G protein‐coupled receptor which mediates a variety of functions in the skin including cutaneous inflammation. SLIGKV‐NH2, an agonist peptide for PAR2, enhanced the interleukin (IL)‐17‐induced production of two CXC chemokines, CXCL1 (GRO‐α) and CXCL8 (IL‐8), in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) in a concentration‐dependent manner. The enhanced production of those chemokines was suppressed by a PAR2‐specific siRNA. The SLIGKV‐NH2‐induced production of both CXCL1 and CXCL8 was markedly reduced by cyclosporine A. The enhanced production of CXCL1 was suppressed by 1α, 24R‐dihydroxyvitamin D3, an active form of vitamin D3, and weakly by glucocorticoids, dexamethasone and clobetasol propionate, whereas production of CXCL8 was not altered by any of those receptor agonists. In psoriatic skin, the thickened upper spinous layer of the epidermis was positive for PAR2 protein and the expression of the IL17A mRNA was increased. These results suggest that the IL‐17‐induced pro‐inflammatory reaction is enhanced by the activation of PAR2 in keratinocytes, and that the effect of PAR2 is differentially modulated by cyclosporine A, the active form of vitamin D3 and glucocorticoids.
Rippled‐pattern basal cell carcinoma
Authors: MISAGO Noriyuki , TSURUTA Noriko , NARISAWA Yutaka
Published: December 2011

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common malignant cutaneous neoplasm, however, there have been few studies on BCC with a “rippled pattern” so far. We reviewed the 650 BCC specimens from the archives of our institution, and only one example of BCC with a rippled pattern was found. We herein report the histopathological characteristics of this case. Within the lesion, which showed the typical histopathological features of nodular BCC, there was a noticeable area composed of 10–15 basaloid aggregations, which showed the rippled pattern. The rippled pattern was characterized by alternating bands of epithelial cords of spindle‐shaped basaloid cells and mucinous spaces. Characteristically, around the rippled‐pattern area, neoplastic aggregations with a mucinous reticulated or cystic pattern (pseudo‐tubular structures), and many cord‐like structures were seen. A review of the published work and the present case suggested that the histopathological characteristics of rippled‐pattern BCC are: (i) a nodular type of BCC; (ii) considerably rare; (iii) have frequent intervention by mucinous spaces between the epithelial cords; and (iv) no apparent divergent differentiation with folliculosebaceous‐apocrine lineage. The last three characteristics contrasted with those of the rippled‐pattern sebaceoma/trichoblastoma. However, neoplastic germinative cells in rippled‐pattern BCC may naturally form cord‐like structures in a manner similar to rippled‐pattern sebaceoma/trichoblastoma.
Advances in the management of alopecia areata
Authors: ITO Taisuke
Published: December 2011

Spontaneous remission occurs in up to 80% of patients with limited patchy alopecia areata (AA) within 1 year. Therefore, not all patients of AA simplex/multiplex need extensive treatments, and “wait and see” is one of the choices for some patients. However, once the hair loss show progressive course, it is really difficult to manage well and may be recalcitrant to any treatment in some cases. Hair loss symptom is not life‐threatening but severely decreases quality of life. There have been two widely known guidelines for AA from the British Association of Dermatologists and the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (USA). These guidelines have been substantial and provide clues for dermatologists but needed to be updated. Recently, the Japanese Dermatological Association also published a guideline for the management of AA. This guideline suggests treatments followed by recommendations and evidence levels. Several new treatments are added such as corticosteroid pulse therapy and antihistamine drugs in addition to Japanese historical therapies. Although the highly recommended therapies are still contact immunotherapy and local injection of corticosteroid, it may result in improvement of AA by use of appropriate treatments decided by age, hair loss type, disease course and desire of the AA patient.
Meta‐analysis: the diagnostic accuracy of lactose breath hydrogen or lactose tolerance tests for predicting the North European lactase polymorphism C/T‐13910
Authors: Marton A. , Xue X. , Szilagyi A.
Published: December 2011

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2012; 35: 429–440

Background  The diagnostic accuracy of two indirect tests of lactose digestion, lactose breath hydrogen and lactose tolerance tests, have not been systematically reviewed for comparison with available publications on genotype.

Aim  To perform a meta‐analysis of available studies that compares the north‐European genetic polymorphism C/T‐13910 with the lactose breath hydrogen and the lactose tolerance tests, to determine their ability to predict geno/phenotype relationships. We examine the effects of lactose loading dose, inclusion of children and latitudes of study centre on comparative outcome.

Methods  An electronic database of the literature as well as individual references in articles were searched with the theme of genetics of lactase and comparisons with breath or lactose tolerance tests were carried out. Random effect and fixed effect models were used for breath and lactose tolerance tests respectively, to report summary accuracy measures with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results  The search revealed 19 studies: 17 evaluated breath hydrogen, five lactose tolerance test (3/17 overlapped). Overall sensitivity was 0.88 (CI, 0.85–0.90), specificity was 0.85 (CI, 0.82–0.87) for breath test. Heterogeneity was explored by adjusting for studies including children, high or low dose lactose and to some extent by site of study. The lactose tolerance test showed sensitivity of 0.94 (0.9–0.97) and specificity of 0.90 (0.84–0.95) with a nonsignificant heterogeneity.

Conclusion  The diagnostic accuracy of both tests individually reflects expected geno/phenotypes when the populations are well defined.
Phase II study of 2‐chlorodeoxyadenosine plus idarubicin for children with acute myeloid leukaemia in first relapse: a Paediatric Oncology Group study
Authors: Chaleff Stanley , Hurwitz Craig A. , Chang Myron , Dahl Gary , Alonzo Todd A. , Weinstein Howard
Published: December 2011

Relapse remains the leading cause of death in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Relatively few new chemotherapy agents have been proven to be effective in this population. We report on a Phase 2 clinical trial using the novel combination of 2‐chlorodeoxyadenosine (2‐CDA) (8 mg/m2 per d × 5 d) plus idarubicin (Ida) (10 mg/m2 per d × 3 d). The study involved 109 paediatric patients with AML at first relapse, of whom 104 were available for analysis. The overall response rate was 51% (complete response [CR] + partial response) with a CR rate of 46%. 2‐year event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 20% and 26%. The only significant variable in determining response, EFS and OS was duration of initial remission, with patients who had an initial remission >1 year having much worse outcomes overall (response rate 74% vs. 25%, EFS 8% vs. 37% and OS of 16% vs. 39%, P < 0·01 for all). There was an acceptable toxicity profile with one neurological event and no cardiac events observed. The most common grade 3–4 toxicities observed were neutropenia (59%) and thrombocytopenia (68%). This study demonstrated that the novel combination of 2‐CDA/Ida was effective and should be considered for incorporation in front line therapy for children with AML.
Adverse cardiovascular effects of anabolic steroids: pathophysiology imaging
Authors: Golestani Reza , Slart Riemer H. J. A. , Dullaart Robin P. F. , Glaudemans Andor W. J. M. , Zeebregts Clark J. , Boersma Hendrikus H. , Tio René A. , Dierckx Rudi A. J. O.
Published: December 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (7): 795–803

Background  Anabolic‐androgenic steroids (AAS) are widely abused for enhancing muscle mass, strength, growth and improving athletic performance.

Materials and methods  In recent years, many observational and interventional studies have shown important adverse cardiovascular effects of AAS abuse.

Conclusions  This review discusses established and future perspectives of novel molecular imaging techniques that may serve as potential tools for early detection of AAS‐associated cardiovascular disorders.
Nucleosome surface containing nucleosomal DNA entry/exit site regulates H3‐K36me3 via association with RNA polymerase II and Set2
Authors: Endo Hirohito , Nakabayashi Yu , Kawashima Satoshi , Enomoto Takemi , Seki Masayuki , Horikoshi Masami
Published: December 2011

A nucleosome is composed of intrinsically disordered histone tails and a structured nucleosome core surrounded by DNA. A variety of modifiable residues on the intrinsically disordered histone tails have been identified in the last decade. Mapping of the functional residues on the structured nucleosome core surface was recently initiated by global analysis of a comprehensive histone point mutant library (histone‐GLibrary). It stands to reason that a functional relationship exists between modifiable residues on the intrinsically disordered histone tails and functional residues on the structured nucleosome core; however, this matter has been poorly explored. During transcription elongation, trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 36 (H3‐K36me3) is mediated by histone methyltransferase Set2, which binds to RNA polymerase II. Here, we used a histone‐GLibrary that encompasses the nucleosomal DNA entry/exit site to show that six residues (H2A‐G107, H2A‐I112, H2A‐L117, H3‐T45, H3‐R49 and H3‐R52) form a surface on the structured nucleosome core and regulate H3‐K36me3. Trimethylation at H3‐K4 introduced by histone methyltransferase Set1 was not affected by the mutation of any of the six residues. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that most of these residues are critical for the chromatin association of RNA polymerase II and Set2, suggesting that these components regulate H3‐K36me3 through functional interactions with the structured nucleosome core surface.
Reversal of functional defects in highly differentiated young and old CD8 T cells by PDL blockade
Authors: Henson Sian M. , Macaulay Richard , Franzese Ornella , Akbar Arne N.
Published: December 2011

Highly differentiated CD8+ CD28− CD27− T cells have short telomeres, defective telomerase activity and reduced capacity for proliferation. In addition, these cells express increased levels of inhibitory receptors and display defective Akt(ser473) phosphorylation following activation. It is not known whether signalling via programmed death 1 (PD‐1) contributes to any of the attenuated differentiation‐related functional changes in CD8+ T cells. To address this we blocked PD‐1 signalling during T‐cell receptor (TCR) activation using antibodies against PD‐1 ligand 1 (PDL1) and PDL2. This resulted in a significant enhancement of Akt(ser473) phosphorylation and TCR‐induced proliferative activity of highly differentiated CD8+ CD28− CD27− T cells. In contrast, the reduced telomerase activity in these cells was not altered by blockade of PDL1/2. We also demonstrate that PD‐1 signalling can inhibit the proliferative response in primary human CD8+ T cells from both young and older humans. These data collectively highlight that some, but not all, functional changes that arise during progressive T‐cell differentiation and during ageing are maintained actively by inhibitory receptor signalling.
Long microsatellites and unusually high levels of genetic diversity in the Orthoptera
Authors: Chapuis M.‐P. , Streiff R. , Sword G. A.
Published: December 2011

Much remains to be learned about the mutational processes governing the evolution of microsatellite repeat regions and the associated levels of genetic diversity observed at microsatellite markers across populations or species. An extensive survey of microsatellite variation in 210 insect species from six major orders revealed that within Orthopterans, which are characterized by giant genomes, levels of genetic diversity were ∼20% higher and microsatellite repeat arrays were longer than in any other group. Because of the mutation dependence on repeat length, this result suggests a higher microsatellite loci mutation rate in the Orthoptera. We deem it plausible that differences among insect orders, either in mismatch repair systems or in abundance of transposable element‐derived microsatellites, can shape the size distribution of both genomes and microsatellite repeat regions. Our findings emphasise that observed levels of genetic diversity can greatly vary across species (orders at least) because of molecular differences in the mechanisms that determine microsatellite size, and are therefore critical to conservation and population genetics studies, where microsatellite repeat variability is primarily interpreted in terms of population demography and history.
A practice‐based study on the effect of a short sucrose/xylitol exposure on survival of primary teeth caries free
Authors: ANTTONEN VUOKKO , HALUNEN ILKKA , PÄKKILÄ JARI , LARMAS MARKKU , TJÄDERHANE LEO
Published: December 2011

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 356–362

Background.  In a randomized double‐blinded clinical trial, preschool children used sucrose or xylitol chewing gum regularly for 2 months to study the preventive effect of xylitol on acute otitis media (AOM). Salivary mutans streptococci (sm) levels of the children were measured before the exposure. Those with ≥105sm CFU in 1 mL saliva were considered to have high sm levels (sm+); and those with <105 CFU low sm levels (sm−).

Aim.  This practice‐based study aims to evaluate long‐term dental effects of the sucrose/xylitol exposure on primary teeth.

Design.  For analyses, individuals were divided into sub groups according to their study group in the original AOM trial and baseline sm levels. Outcome events owing to dental caries of their all primary teeth were followed from dental records up to 12 years. Survival of teeth caries free was determined by Kaplan–Meier method and analysed statistically by Wilcoxon testing.

Results.  Survival of primary teeth caries free of children with high sm levels in the sucrose group was significantly shorter compared with all other groups when followed until shedding.

Conclusions.  Two months’ regular exposure to sucrose was sufficient to induce dental caries in primary teeth of children with elevated sm levels at baseline.
Initiating end‐of‐life care pathways: a discussion paper
Authors: Watts Tessa
Published: December 2011

watts t. (2012) Initiating end‐of life‐care pathways: a discussion paper. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(10), 2359–2370.

Aims.  To discuss the intricacies of the decision‐making process about initiating end‐of‐life care pathways.

Background.  Internationally, enhancing the quality of end‐of‐life care has become a central concern in governments’ health policies. Despite limited empirical evaluation, end‐of‐ life care pathways have been championed and widely adopted as complex interventions to enhance end‐of‐life care worldwide.

Data sources.  A literature search of established electronic databases was conducted for published articles in English addressing decision‐making and end‐of‐life care pathways between 1997–2010. Manual searches of relevant journals and internet sites were also undertaken.

Discussion.  The initiation of an end‐of‐life care pathway marks the transition to the terminal phase of care. Although guidance for commencing these pathways exists, this may not overcome the complexities of the decision‐making process, which must be viewed in context, namely: marking the transition to terminal care, dealing with ambiguity, reaching professional consensus and engaging patients and families.

Implications for nursing.  Nurses in all care settings have an important role in easing the transition to end‐of‐ life care. Accordingly, nurses need not only an appreciation of end‐of‐life care pathways, but the complexities surrounding the decision to commence a pathway and their role within.

Conclusion.  The initiation of an end‐of‐life care pathway is contingent on the outcome of a complex decision‐making process which is rarely explored and poorly understood.
Obstructive sleep apnoea in adults: body postures and weight changes interactions
Authors: OKSENBERG ARIE , DYNIA AIDA , NASSER KHITAM , GADOTH NATAN
Published: December 2011

The aim of this work was to study the relationship between changes of body posture dominance and changes of body weight overtime in adults with obstructive sleep apnoea. The participants were 112 non‐treated adults with obstructive sleep apnoea who underwent two polysomnographic evaluations at our Sleep Disorders Unit during an average of 6.2 years interval. Positional patients – having most of their breathing abnormalities in the supine posture and who became non‐positional patients – had a significant gain in weight and a significant increase in apnoea–hypopnoea index, mainly in lateral apnoea–hypopnoea index. On the contrary, non‐positional patients who became positional patients had a significant decrease in weight (but less than the increase in weight of positional patients who became non‐positional patients) and showed a significant improvement in apnoea–hypopnoea index, again mainly in lateral apnoea–hypopnoea index. These non‐positional patients who became positional patients initially had a less severe disease, as judged by apnoea–hypopnoea index, lateral apnoea–hypopnoea index and minimum SaO2 during non‐rapid eye movement sleep, and were less obese than non‐positional patients who remained non‐positional patients. The later were the patients who showed initially the worst disease and were more obese than the rest of the patients, and their condition did not change significantly over time. Non‐positional patients who converted to positional patients showed a decrease in body weight and improvement of obstructive sleep apnoea, while positional patients who converted to non‐positional patients showed an increase in body weight and worsening of obstructive sleep apnoea. It appears that weight changes have a modulatory effect on positional dominance, and lateral apnoea–hypopnoea index appears to be a sensitive parameter of these changes.
Foci report on indigenous Dermacentor reticulatus populations in Belgium and a preliminary study of associated babesiosis pathogens
Authors: COCHEZ C. , LEMPEREUR L. , MADDER M. , CLAEREBOUT E. , SIMONS L. , DE WILDE N. , LINDEN A. , SAEGERMAN C. , HEYMAN P. , LOSSON B.
Published: December 2011

The occurrence of autochthonous clinical cases of canine and equine babesiosis in Belgium during the last two decades suggests that the vector of the pathogens responsible for these diseases, Dermacentor reticulatus (Ixodida: Ixodidae), may be present in this country. Consequently, evidence for the presence of this tick species in different locations within Belgium was investigated. Four different locations were monitored by flagging in 2010; these included the locations at which D. reticulatus was previously found on a dog in 2009 and on two red deer in 2007. Two different species of tick were identified, Ixodes ricinus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and D. reticulatus. A total of 282 D. reticulatus adult ticks (98 males, 184 females) were collected from the four sites. Ticks were found mainly from early March until the end of May and a peak in activity was apparent in March. A Babesia spp. (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae) genus‐specific polymerase chain reaction test based on the amplification of a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene was used to investigate the potential presence of Babesia spp. All DNA extracts isolated from the total tick samples yielded negative results. Additional studies to accurately determine the distribution and vectorial capacity of this important tick species in Belgium are warranted.
Sex‐specific demographic behaviours that shape human genomic variation
Authors: HEYER E. , CHAIX R. , PAVARD S. , AUSTERLITZ F.
Published: December 2011

In the human species, the two uniparental genetic systems (mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome) exhibit contrasting diversity patterns. It has been proposed that sex‐specific behaviours, and in particular differences in migration rate between men and women, may explain these differences. The availability of high‐density genomic data and the comparison of genetic patterns on autosomal and sex chromosomes at global and local scales allow a reassessment of the extent to which sex‐specific behaviours shape our genome. In this article, we first review studies comparing the genetic patterns at uniparental and biparental genetic systems and assess the extent to which sex‐specific migration processes explain the differences between these genetic systems. We show that differences between male and female migration rates matter, but that they are certainly not the only contributing factor. In particular, differences in effective population size between men and women are also likely to account for these differences. Then, we present and discuss three anthropological processes that may explain sex‐specific differences in effective population size and thus human genomic variation: (i) variance in reproductive success arising from, for example, polygyny; (ii) descent rules; and (iii) transmission of reproductive success.
Patterns and processes of dispersal behaviour in arvicoline rodents
Authors: LE GALLIARD JEAN‐FRANÇOIS , RÉMY ALICE , IMS ROLF A. , LAMBIN XAVIER
Published: December 2011

A good understanding of mammalian societies requires measuring patterns and comprehending processes of dispersal in each sex. We investigated dispersal behaviour in arvicoline rodents, a subfamily of mammals widespread in northern temperate environments and characterized by a multivoltine life cycle. In arvicoline rodents, variation in life history strategies occurs along a continuum from precocial to delayed maturation that reflects seasonal and ecological fluctuations. We compared dispersal across and within species focusing on the effects of external (condition‐dependent) and internal (phenotype‐dependent) factors. Our data revealed substantial, unexplained variation between species for dispersal distances and a strong variation within species for both dispersal distance and fraction. Some methodological aspects explained variation across studies, which cautions against comparisons that do not control for them. Overall, the species under consideration display frequent short‐distance dispersal events and extremely flexible dispersal strategies, but they also have hitherto unexpected capacity to disperse long distances. Female arvicolines are predominantly philopatric relative to males, but we found no clear association between the mating system and the degree of sex bias in dispersal across species. Dispersal is a response to both various proximate and ultimate factors, including competition, inbreeding avoidance, mate searching and habitat quality. In particular, our review suggests that costs and benefits experienced during transience and settlement are prime determinants of condition dependence. Patterns of phenotype‐dependent dispersal are idiosyncratic, except for a widespread association between an exploration/activity syndrome and natal dispersal. Consequences for population dynamics and genetic structures are discussed.
Coordination of a mitochondrial superoxide burst during the hypersensitive response to bacterial pathogen in Nicotiana tabacum
Authors: CVETKOVSKA MARINA , VANLERBERGHE GREG C.
Published: December 2011

We characterized responses of Nicotiana tabacum to pathovars of the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. These included a compatible response associated with necrotic cell death (pv. tabaci), an incompatible response that included hypersensitive response (HR) cell death (pv. maculicola) and an incompatible response that induced defences but lacked the HR (pv. phaseolicola). Signalling molecules (salicylic acid, nitric oxide, H2O2) known to induce the stress responsive tobacco Aox1a gene [that encodes the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) component alternative oxidase (AOX)] accumulated preferentially during the HR, but this did not elevate Aox1a transcript or AOX protein, while the transcript and protein were strongly elevated during the defence response to pv. phaseolicola. In addition, matrix manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) activity declined during the HR, unlike its response to the other pathovars, and unlike the response of other superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes. Finally, the HR (but not the response to pv. phaseolicola or pv. tabaci) was accompanied by an early and persistent mitochondrial superoxide (O2‐) burst prior to cell death. We propose that a coordinated response of the major ETC mechanism to avoid O2‐ generation (AOX) and the sole enzymatic means to scavenge mitochondrial O2‐ (MnSOD) is important in the determination of cell fate during responses to pathogen.