bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propofol Compared with Isoflurane Inhibits Mitochondrial Metabolism in Immature Swine Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Kajimoto Masaki , Atkinson Douglas B , Ledee Dolena R , Kayser Ernst-Bernhard , Morgan Phil G , Sedensky Margaret M , Isern Nancy G , Des Rosiers Christine , Portman Michael A
Published: January 2014

Anesthetics used in infants and children are implicated in the development of neurocognitive disorders. Although propofol induces neuroapoptosis in developing brain, the underlying mechanisms require elucidation and may have an energetic basis. We studied substrate utilization in immature swine anesthetized with either propofol or isoflurane for 4 hours. Piglets were infused with 13-Carbon-labeled glucose and leucine in the common carotid artery to assess citric acid cycle (CAC) metabolism in the parietal cortex. The anesthetics produced similar systemic hemodynamics and cerebral oxygen saturation by near-infrared spectroscopy. Compared with isoflurane, propofol depleted ATP and glycogen stores. Propofol decreased pools of the CAC intermediates, citrate, and α-ketoglutarate, while markedly increasing succinate along with decreasing mitochondrial complex II activity. Propofol also inhibited acetyl-CoA entry into the CAC through pyruvate dehydrogenase, while promoting glycolytic flux with marked lactate accumulation. Although oxygen supply appeared similar between the anesthetic groups, propofol yielded a metabolic phenotype that resembled a hypoxic state. Propofol impairs substrate flux through the CAC in the immature cerebral cortex. These impairments occurred without systemic metabolic perturbations that typically accompany propofol infusion syndrome. These metabolic abnormalities may have a role in the neurotoxity observed with propofol in the vulnerable immature brain.
Effects of the PPAR-α Agonist Fenofibrate on Acute and Short-Term Consequences of Brain Ischemia
Authors: Ouk Thavarak , Gautier Sophie , Pétrault Maud , Montaigne David , Maréchal Xavier , Masse Isabelle , Devedjian Jean-Christophe , Deplanque Dominique , Bastide Michèle , Nevière Rémi , Duriez Patrick , Staels Bart , Pasquier Florence , Leys Didier , Bordet Régis
Published: January 2014

In stroke, there is an imperative need to develop disease-modifying drugs able to (1) induce neuroprotection and vasculoprotection, (2) modulate recovery and brain plasticity, and (3) limit the short-term motor and cognitive consequences. We hypothesized that fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor- α (PPAR- α) agonist, could exert a beneficial effect on immediate and short-term poststroke consequences related to its pleiotropic mechanisms. Rats or mice were subjected to focal ischemia to determine the effects of acute treatment by fenofibrate on (i) motor and memory impairment, (2) both cerebral and vascular compartments, (3) inflammation, (4) neurogenesis, and (5) amyloid cascade. We show that fenofibrate administration results in both neuronal and vascular protection and prevents the short-term motor and cognitive poststroke consequences by interaction with several mechanisms. Modulation of PPAR- α generates beneficial effects in the immediate poststroke consequences by mechanisms involving the interactions between polynuclear neutrophils and the vessel wall, and microglial activation. Fenofibrate modulates mechanisms involved in neurorepair and amyloid cascade. Our results suggest that PPAR- α agonists could check the key points of a potential disease-modifying effect in stroke.
Pyroptotic Neuronal Cell Death Mediated by the AIM2 Inflammasome
Authors: Adamczak Stephanie E , de Rivero Vaccari Juan Pablo , Dale Gordon , Brand Frank J , Nonner Doris , Bullock MRoss , Dahl Gerhard P , Dietrich W Dalton , Keane Robert W
Published: January 2014

The central nervous system (CNS) is an active participant in the innate immune response to infection and injury. In these studies, we show embryonic cortical neurons express a functional, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-responsive, absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome that activates caspase-1. Neurons undergo pyroptosis, a proinflammatory cell death mechanism characterized by the following: (a) oligomerization of apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC); (b) caspase-1 dependency; (c) formation of discrete pores in the plasma membrane; and (d) release of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 β (IL-1 β). Probenecid and Brilliant Blue FCF, inhibitors of the pannexin1 channel, prevent AIM2 inflammasome-mediated cell death, identifying pannexin1 as a cell death effector during pyroptosis and probenecid as a novel pyroptosis inhibitor. Furthermore, we show activation of the AIM2 inflammasome in neurons by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and oligomerization of ASC. These findings suggest neuronal pyroptosis is an important cell death mechanism during CNS infection and injury that may be attenuated by probenecid.
Noninvasive Quantification of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Type 1 with [11C]ITDM: a Small-Animal PET Study
Authors: Yamasaki Tomoteru , Fujinaga Masayuki , Yui Joji , Ikoma Yoko , Hatori Akiko , Xie Lin , Wakizaka Hidekatsu , Kumata Katsushi , Nengaki Nobuki , Kawamura Kazunori , Zhang Ming-Rong
Published: January 2014

Because of its role in multiple central nervous system (CNS) pathways, metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1 (mGluR1) is a crucial target in the development of pharmaceuticals for CNS disorders. N-[4-[6-(isopropylamino)-pyrimidin-4-yl]-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]- N-methyl-4-[11C]-methylbenzamide ([11C]ITDM) was recently developed as a positron emission tomography (PET) ligand for mGluR1. To devise a method for measurement of the binding potential ( BP ND) of [11C]ITDM to mGluR1, reference tissue methods aimed at replacing measurement of the arterial input function are desirable. In this study, we evaluated a noninvasive quantification method of mGluR1 with [11C]ITDM, demonstrating its accuracy using Huntington disease model R6/2 mice. The BP ND measurements based on the Logan reference (Logan Ref) method have closely approximated that based on the arterial input method. We performed PET analysis with Logan Ref to assess its accuracy in quantifying the decline of mGluR1 expression in R6/2 mice. Significant decreases in BP ND values in R6/2 mice were detected in cerebellum, thalamus, striatum, and cingulate cortex. We compared autoradiographs of R6/2 mouse brain sections with immunohistochemical images, and found a close correlation between changes in radioactive signal intensity and degree of mGluR1 expression. In conclusion, [11C]ITDM-PET is a promising tool for in vivo quantification of mGluR1 expression.
Single nanoparticle detection using photonic crystal enhanced microscopy
Authors: Zhuo Yue , Hu Huan , Chen Weili , Lu Meng , Tian Limei , Yu Hojeong , Long Kenneth D. , Chow Edmond , King William P. , Singamaneni Srikanth , Cunningham Brian T.
Published: January 2014

We demonstrate a label-free biosensor imaging approach that utilizes a photonic crystal surface to detect surface attachment of individual dielectric and metal nanoparticles.
Supramolecular solvent-based microextraction of copper and lead in water samples prior to reacting with synthesized Schiff base by flame atomic absorption spectrometry determination
Authors: Li Zonghao , Chen Jiaxi , Liu Mousheng , Yang Yaling
Published: January 2014

A supramolecular solvent made up of reverse micelles of nonanoic acid, dispersed in a continuous phase of tetrahydrofuran and water allows simple, rapid and efficient microextraction of copper and lead in water samples prior to flame atomic absorption spectrometry determination.
Pharmaceutical hydrates under ambient conditions from high-pressure seeds: a case study of GABA monohydrate
Authors: Fabbiani Francesca P. A. , Buth Gernot , Levendis Demetrius C. , Cruz-Cabeza Aurora J.
Published: January 2014

A monohydrate form of the neurotransmitter γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) has been crystallised in the 0.4–0.8 GPa pressure range, recovered to ambient pressure and then used as a seed. Theoretical calculations have been used to rationalise the experimental observations and gain an insight into thermodynamic stability.
Electrochemically-triggered spatially and temporally resolved multi-component gels
Authors: Raeburn Jaclyn , Alston Ben , Kroeger Jeanne , McDonald Tom O. , Howse Jonathan R. , Cameron Petra J. , Adams Dave J.
Published: January 2014

Composition control in multi-component low molecular weight hydrogels can be achieved, using an electrochemically triggered approach.
Magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effects of GdxEr1−xGa (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) compounds
Authors: Zheng X. Q. , Chen J. , Wang L. C. , Wu R. R. , Hu F. X. , Sun J. R. , Shen B. G.
Published: January 2014

We carefully studied the magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect of GdxEr1-xGa (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) compounds. The GdxEr1-xGa compounds undergo two magnetic transitions with temperature increasing: spin-reorientation or antiferromagnetic-to-ferromagnetic (FM) transition and FM-to-paramagnetic transition. As the content of Gd increases from 0 to 1, the transition temperature in low temperature region changes from 15 K to 66 K and the Curie temperature increases obviously from 30 K to 181.9 K. Although the maximum value of magnetic entropy change (ΔSM) for GdxEr1−xGa decreases with the increase of x, the refrigerant capacity (RC) improves remarkably compared with that of ErGa compound. Table-like ΔSM curves are observed for the compounds with x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4, which are very useful for real cooling applications. And Gd0.2Er0.8Ga and Gd0.3Er0.7Ga compounds show better magnetocaloric features than others in this series under considerations of both ΔSM and RC. The results of this series of compounds show us a possible way to design and improve the magnetic refrigerant materials by making some substitutions.
Aqueous synthesis of CdS and CdSe/CdS tetrapods for photocatalytic hydrogen generation
Authors: Vaneski A. , Schneider J. , Susha A. S. , Rogach A. L.
Published: January 2014

Straightforward, easily upscalable synthesis of monodisperse CdS and CdSe/CdS nanocrystals at room temperature in water/ethylendiamine mixtures is demonstrated, resulting in the formation of high-quality tetrapod-shaped nanoparticles in aqueous environment. It offers advantages for the subsequent direct use of aqueous-based colloidal nanocrystals for photocatalytic hydrogen generation from water, as it avoids any additional phase transfer necessary for any commonly employed nanoparticles synthesized in organic medium. Being decorated with platinum as a co-catalyst, CdSe/CdS tetrapods achieve hydrogen evolution rates of up to 25 mmol/g per hour, which favorably compares to previously reported studies on CdS nanorods.
Electronic structure and reactivity in water splitting of the iron oxide dimers and their hexacarbonyls: A density functional study
Authors: Uzunova Ellie L. , Mikosch Hans
Published: January 2014

The iron oxide dimers (FeO)2 and their peroxide isomers are studied with the B3LYP density functional as bare clusters and as hexacarbonyls. Among the bare clusters the planar four-member ring structures are more stable than the non-planar ones and the rhombic dioxide Fe2O2 with antiferromagnetically ordered electrons on iron centers is the global minimum. Water adsorption on the bare diiron dioxide is exothermic, but dissociation does not occur. Carbonylation favors a non-planar Fe2O2 ring for both the dioxides and the peroxides and high electron density at the Fe centers is induced, evidenced by the natural charge distribution, the high proton affinity, and the values of global electronegativity and hardness. The iron dioxide hexacarbonyl Fe2O2(CO)6 is diamagnetic in the state of the global minimum. It is separated from the next low-lying triplet state by a small energy gap of 0.22 eV. Time-dependent density functional theory methods were applied to examine electron excitations from the ground state to the low-lying triplet states in the hexacarbonyls and their adsorption complexes with water. Singlet-to-triplet state excitations occur via ligand-to-metal charge transfer in the hexacarbonyls; in the adsorption complexes excitations from the oxygen lone pairs to the adsorption center also occur and they appear in the IR-visible region. The lowest energy singlet and triplet state reaction paths for water splitting were followed. On the singlet potential energy surface (PES), water splitting is spontaneous, while for the triplet PES an activation barrier of 14.1 kJ mol−1 was determined.
Anisotropy of singlet exciton diffusion in organic semiconductor crystals from ab initio approaches
Authors: Stehr V. , Engels B. , Deibel C. , Fink R. F.
Published: January 2014

Due to its importance for the function of organic optoelectronic devices, accurate simulations of the singlet exciton diffusion are crucial to predict the performance of new materials. We present a protocol which allows for the efficient directional analysis of exciton transport with high-level ab initiomethods. It is based on an alternative to the frequently employed rate equation since the latter was found to be erroneous in some cases. The new approach can be used in combination with the master equation which is considerably faster than the corresponding Monte Carlo approach. The long-range character of the singlet exciton coupling is taken into account by an extrapolation scheme. The approach is applied to singlet exciton diffusion in those substances where these quantities are experimentally best established: naphthalene and anthracene. The high quality of the crystals, furthermore, diminish uncertainties arising from the geometrical structures used in the computations. For those systems, our new approach provides exciton diffusion lengths L for naphthalene and anthracene crystals which show an excellent agreement with their experimental counterparts. For anthracene, for example, the computed L value in a direction is computed to 58 nm while the experimental value is 60 ± 10 nm.
Spin-Hall-assisted magnetic random access memory
Authors: van den Brink A. , Cosemans S. , Cornelissen S. , Manfrini M. , Vaysset A. , Van Roy W. , Min T. , Swagten H. J. M. , Koopmans B.
Published: January 2014

We propose a write scheme for perpendicular spin-transfer torque magnetoresistive random-access memory that significantly reduces the required tunnel current density and write energy. A sub-nanosecond in-plane polarized spin current pulse is generated using the spin-Hall effect, disturbing the stable magnetic state. Subsequent switching using out-of-plane polarized spin current becomes highly efficient. Through evaluation of the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation, we quantitatively assess the viability of this write scheme for a wide range of system parameters. A typical example shows an eight-fold reduction in tunnel current density, corresponding to a fifty-fold reduction in write energy, while maintaining a 1 ns write time.
Surface enhanced infrared absorption in dielectric thin films with ultra-strong confinement effects
Authors: Chalopin Yann , Hayoun Marc , Volz Sebastian , Dammak Hichem
Published: January 2014

By formulating a microscopic description of the non-local dielectric constant, we have investigated the mechanisms of infrared absorption in dielectrics thin films by molecular dynamics simulations. We found that light absorption in dielectric slabs does not occur predominantly at the polaritons resonances but through anomalous surface modes extremely confined in space. This demonstrates that any macroscopic description of electrodynamics in dielectrics breaks down at the nanoscale.
Columnar discharge mode between parallel dielectric barrier electrodes in atmospheric pressure helium
Authors: Hao Yanpeng , Zheng Bin , Liu Yaoge
Published: January 2014

Using a fast-gated intensified charge-coupled device, end- and side-view photographs were taken of columnar discharge between parallel dielectric barrier electrodes in atmospheric pressure helium. Based on three-dimensional images generated from end-view photographs, the number of discharge columns increased, whereas the diameter of each column decreased as the applied voltage was increased. Side-view photographs indicate that columnar discharges exhibited a mode transition ranging from Townsend to glow discharges generated by the same discharge physics as atmospheric pressure glow discharge.
Lineage-specific expansions of TET/JBP genes and a new class of DNA transposons shape fungal genomic and epigenetic landscapes
Authors: Iyer Lakshminarayan M. , Zhang Dapeng , de Souza Robson F. , Pukkila Patricia J. , Rao Anjana , Aravind L.
Published: January 2014

Significance

5-Methylcytosine in DNA of eukaryotes, such as humans, is an important epigenetic mark. The recently characterized TET/JBP enzymes generate oxidized derivatives of methylcytosine, such as hydroxy-, formyl-, and carboxymethylcytosine in mammals, which serve as further epigenetic marks or intermediates for demethylation. Unlike animals, which contain one to three TET genes, fungi, such as mushrooms and rusts, display lineage-specific expansions with numerous TET/JBP genes, which are often associated with a unique class of transposable elements. We present evidence that expansion and turnover of these elements and associated TET/JBP genes play important roles in genomic organization, epigenetics, and speciation of fungal lineages, especially basidiomycetes (mushrooms, rusts, and smuts). Domesticated versions of these transposons might also participate in genome rearrangements or repair in humans.
The art of fiction: Indian diaspora’s gift to Malaysian fiction-writing descendants of other diasporas
Authors: Chuah Guat Eng
Published: January 2014

In 1921, S. Radhakrishnan wrote in The Hindu View of Life, ‘China and Japan, Tibet and Siam, Burma and Ceylon look to India as their spiritual home’. Today, many Malaysian descendants of nineteenth-century Chinese and Ceylonese diasporas continue to look to India for spiritual, intellectual, and literary inspiration. This paper discusses three contemporary, Englishlanguage novels by Malaysians of non-Indian descent which are informed by Buddhist/ Hindu philosophical ideas of fiction and reality, shaped by narratological strategies found in Indian philosophical discourses and epics, and inspired by the Indian tradition of using literary fiction to expose the fictional nature of received ideas and ideologies mistaken for reality in and by society. Published in 1981, 1994, and 2010 respectively, the novels provide an historical insight into how three representatives of Malaysia’s non-Indian, ethnic minorities respond to the ethnicized ideas and ethnocentric ideologies that have dominated Malaysian life since the 1970s.
Cognitive Attitudes and Values in Science
Authors: Elliott Kevin C. , Willmes David
Published: January 2014

We argue that the analysis of cognitive attitudes should play a central role in developing more sophisticated accounts of the proper roles for values in science. First, we show that the major recent efforts to delineate appropriate roles for values in science would be strengthened by making clearer distinctions among cognitive attitudes. Next, we turn to a specific example and argue that a more careful account of the distinction between the attitudes of belief and acceptance can contribute to a better understanding of the proper roles for values in a case study from paleoanthropology.
When We Do (and Do Not) Have a Classical Arrow of Time
Authors: Roberts Bryan W.
Published: January 2014

I point out that some common folk wisdom about time reversal invariance in classical mechanics is strictly incorrect, by showing some explicit examples in which classical time reversal invariance fails, even among conservative systems. I then show that there is nevertheless a broad class of familiar classical systems that are time reversal invariant.
Preferential Attachment and the Search for Successful Theories
Authors: Alexander J. McKenzie
Published: January 2014

Multiarm bandit problems have been used to model the selection of competing scientific theories by boundedly rational agents. In this article, I define a variable-arm bandit problem, which allows the set of scientific theories to vary over time. I show that Roth-Erev reinforcement learning, which solves multiarm bandit problems in the limit, cannot solve this problem in a reasonable time. However, social learning via preferential attachment combined with individual reinforcement learning, which discounts the past, does.
Translating the Cantor set by a random real
Authors: Dougherty Randall , Lutz Jack , Mauldin R. Daniel , Teutsch Jason
Published: January 2014

We determine the constructive dimension of points in random translates of the Cantor set. The Cantor set “cancels randomness” in the sense that some of its members, when added to Martin-Löf random reals, identify a point with lower constructive dimension than the random itself. In particular, we find the Hausdorff dimension of the set of points in a random Cantor set translate with a given constructive dimension.
A microscopy-based screen employing multiplex genome sequencing identifies cargo-specific requirements for dynein velocity
Authors: Tan Kaeling , Roberts Anthony J. , Chonofsky Mark , Egan Martin J. , Reck-Peterson Samara L.
Published: January 2014

The timely delivery of membranous organelles and macromolecules to specific locations within the majority of eukaryotic cells depends on microtubule-based transport. Here we describe a screening method to identify mutations that have a critical effect on intracellular transport and its regulation using mutagenesis, multicolor-fluorescence microscopy, and multiplex genome sequencing. This screen exploits the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans, which has many of the advantages of yeast molecular genetics but uses long-range microtubule-based transport in a manner more similar to metazoan cells. Using this method, we identified seven mutants that represent novel alleles of components of the intracellular transport machinery: specifically, kinesin-1, cytoplasmic dynein, and the dynein regulators Lis1 and dynactin. The two dynein mutations identified in our screen map to dynein's AAA+ catalytic core. Single-molecule studies reveal that both mutations reduce dynein's velocity in vitro. In vivo these mutants severely impair the distribution and velocity of endosomes, a known dynein cargo. In contrast, another dynein cargo, the nucleus, is positioned normally in these mutants. These results reveal that different dynein functions have distinct stringencies for motor performance.
D-Tailor: automated analysis and design of DNA sequences
Authors: Guimaraes Joao C. , Rocha Miguel , Arkin Adam P. , Cambray Guillaume
Published: January 2014

Motivation: Current advances in DNA synthesis, cloning and sequencing technologies afford high-throughput implementation of artificial sequences into living cells. However, flexible computational tools for multi-objective sequence design are lacking, limiting the potential of these technologies.

Results: We developed DNA-Tailor (D-Tailor), a fully extendable software framework, for property-based design of synthetic DNA sequences. D-Tailor permits the seamless integration of multiple sequence analysis tools into a generic Monte Carlo simulation that evolves sequences toward any combination of rationally defined properties. As proof of principle, we show that D-Tailor is capable of designing sequence libraries comprising all possible combinations among three different sequence properties influencing translation efficiency in Escherichia coli. The capacity to design artificial sequences that systematically sample any given parameter space should support the implementation of more rigorous experimental designs.

Availability: Source code is available for download at https://sourceforge.net/projects/dtailor/

Contact:  aparkin@lbl.gov or cambray.guillaume@gmail.com

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online (D-Tailor Tutorial).
Outcome Characteristics of Multiple-Valve Surgery
Authors: Vassileva Christina M. , Li Shuang , Thourani Vinod H. , Suri Rakesh M. , Williams Matthew L. , Lee Richard , Rankin J. Scott
Published: January 2014

Objective

Multiple-valve (MUV) procedures currently exhibit higher operative mortality than do single-valve procedures, but a paucity of scientific information exists to explain the observation. This topic was examined using The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Database.

Methods

All patients in the The Society of Thoracic Surgeons data set undergoing valve surgery (except pulmonary valve and aortic root operations) from 1993 through 2007 were identified (N = 623,039). Baseline characteristics and postoperative outcomes were contrasted between all seven combinations of single-valve and MUV procedures involving aortic, mitral, and tricuspid valves. Seven independent logistic regression analyses were performed, based on the seven procedures, and multivariable risk factors for mortality were compared, with emphasis on single-valve versus MUV procedures.

Results

Baseline characteristics for MUV procedures (n = 67,926) shared many similarities to those for single-valve procedures (n = 555,113), including age, ejection fraction, and comorbidities. Preoperative renal failure, New York Heart Association class III to IV, nonelective presentation, and reoperation were slightly more common in MUV subsets, and coronary bypass was less frequent. Operative mortality was almost double for MUV as compared with single-valve procedures (10.7% vs 5.7%, P = 0.0001). Categorical predictors with the largest odds ratios for mortality were emergency status, renal failure, and second reoperation. However, predictors for mortality were generally consistent in order and magnitude between the single-valve and MUV subgroups.

Conclusions

Despite similarities in preoperative profiles of the patients undergoing single-valve and MUV procedures, mortality for MUV surgery remains considerably higher. Determinants of operative mortality and morbidity differ little across the procedural groups, and these findings serve as a benchmark for future studies, as well as suggest a continued search for explanations of poorer MUV outcomes.
Evidence of taxon cycles in an Indo-Pacific passerine bird radiation (Aves:
Pachycephala
)
Authors: Jønsson Knud Andreas , Irestedt Martin , Christidis Les , Clegg Sonya M. , Holt Ben G. , Fjeldså Jon
Published: January 2014

Many insular taxa possess extraordinary abilities to disperse but may differ in their abilities to diversify and compete. While some taxa are widespread across archipelagos, others have disjunct (relictual) populations. These types of taxa, exemplified in the literature by selections of unrelated taxa, have been interpreted as representing a continuum of expansions and contractions (i.e. taxon cycles). Here, we use molecular data of 35 out of 40 species of the avian genus
Pachycephala
(including 54 out of 66 taxa in
Pachycephala pectoralis
(
sensu lato
), to assess the spatio-temporal evolution of the group. We also include data on species distributions, morphology, habitat and elevational ranges to test a number of predictions associated with the taxon-cycle hypothesis. We demonstrate that relictual species persist on the largest and highest islands across the Indo-Pacific, whereas recent archipelago expansions resulted in colonization of all islands in a region. For co-occurring island taxa, the earliest colonists generally inhabit the interior and highest parts of an island, with little spatial overlap with later colonists. Collectively, our data support the idea that taxa continuously pass through phases of expansions and contractions (i.e. taxon cycles).
Local climatic adaptation in a widespread microorganism
Authors: Leducq Jean-Baptiste , Charron Guillaume , Samani Pedram , Dubé Alexandre K. , Sylvester Kayla , James Brielle , Almeida Pedro , Sampaio José Paulo , Hittinger Chris Todd , Bell Graham , Landry Christian R.
Published: January 2014

Exploring the ability of organisms to locally adapt is critical for determining the outcome of rapid climate changes, yet few studies have addressed this question in microorganisms. We investigated the role of a heterogeneous climate on adaptation of North American populations of the wild yeast
Saccharomyces paradoxus
. We found abundant among-strain variation for fitness components across a range of temperatures, but this variation was only partially explained by climatic variation in the distribution area. Most of fitness variation was explained by the divergence of genetically distinct groups, distributed along a north–south cline, suggesting that these groups have adapted to distinct climatic conditions. Within-group fitness components were correlated with climatic conditions, illustrating that even ubiquitous microorganisms locally adapt and harbour standing genetic variation for climate-related traits. Our results suggest that global climatic changes could lead to adaptation to new conditions within groups, or changes in their geographical distributions.
Visual navigation in starfish: first evidence for the use of vision and eyes in starfish
Authors: Garm Anders , Nilsson Dan-Eric
Published: January 2014

Most known starfish species possess a compound eye at the tip of each arm, which, except for the lack of true optics, resembles an arthropod compound eye. Although these compound eyes have been known for about two centuries, no visually guided behaviour has ever been directly associated with their presence. There are indications that they are involved in negative phototaxis but this may also be governed by extraocular photoreceptors. Here, we show that the eyes of the coral-reef-associated starfishLinckia laevigataare slow and colour blind. The eyes are capable of true image formation although with low spatial resolution. Further, our behavioural experiments reveal that only specimens with intact eyes can navigate back to their reef habitat when displaced, demonstrating that this is a visually guided behaviour. This is, to our knowledge, the first report of a function of starfish compound eyes. We also show that the spectral sensitivity optimizes the contrast between the reef and the open ocean. Our results provide an example of an eye supporting only low-resolution vision, which is believed to be an essential stage in eye evolution, preceding the high-resolution vision required for detecting prey, predators and conspecifics.
Two Levels of Campaigning: An Empirical Test of the Party-Centred Theory of Professionalisation
Authors: Tenscher Jens , Mykkänen Juri
Published: January 2014

In this article, we address the problem of measuring the professionalism of political campaigns in national parliamentary and European Parliamentary elections by means of a comparative analysis. We use party-level campaign data from two fairly similar EU member states, Germany and Finland, and eight elections between 2004 and 2011. The data are used to build an index of campaign professionalism which significantly improves previous measures by giving more attention to various campaign strategies instead of focusing only on material resources. Theoretically, our analysis is based on the so-called party-centred theory of professionalism. We hypothesise that in addition to an increase in party-level campaign professionalism over time and higher levels of professionalism in campaigning in national parliamentary elections, professionalism is also positively associated with a party's size and its right-wing orientation. We find support for the time effect, party size and emphasis on national-level elections. However, contrary to our theoretical reasoning, the political left turns out to harbour the most professional parties.
Is the one‐step nucleic acid amplification assay better for intra‐operative assessment of breast sentinel nodes?
Authors: Bettington Mark , Lakhani Sunil R. , Ung Owen A.
Published: January 2014

Background

Intra‐operative assessment of sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer offers the opportunity to prevent two‐stage surgical procedures. At our institution we employ touch imprint cytology (TIC), which lacks sensitivity. In this study we compare the one‐step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) assay to TIC.

Methods

Imprints were taken from 63 lymph nodes from 35 patients. The lymph nodes were sectioned at 2‐mm intervals and alternate slices submitted for either histology or OSNA assay, with histology as the reference standard.

Results

Seven patients were histologically positive. Nine and five patients were positive by OSNA and TIC, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value for the OSNA assay were 85.7%, 85.7%, 63.6% and 96.6% and for TIC were 70.0%, 96.6%, 87.5% and 90.3%.

Conclusion

In this study OSNA had a higher sensitivity than TIC. Fewer patients assessed by the OSNA assay would have required a two‐stage procedure. The OSNA assay appears to be a highly cost‐effective method for providing rapid and reliable intra‐operative assessment of sentinel lymph nodes.
CD38 and E2F transcription factor 2 have uniquely increased expression in rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissues
Authors: Chang X , Yue L , Liu W , Wang Y , Wang L , Xu B , Wang Y , Pan J , Yan X
Published: January 2014

The purpose of the current study was to find novel rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-specific gene expression by simultaneously comparing the expression profiles of the synovial tissues from patients with RA, osteoarthritis (OA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The Illumina Human HT-12 v4 Expression BeadChip was used to investigate the global gene expression profiles in synovial tissues from RA (n = 12), OA (n = 14) and AS (n = 7) patients. By comparing the profiles in synovial tissues from RA, OA and AS, we identified the CD38, ankyrin repeat domain 38 (ANKRD38), E2F transcription factor 2 (E2F2), craniofacial development protein 1 (CFDP1), cluster of differentiation (CD)7, interferon-stimulated exonuclease gene 20 kDa (ISG20) and interleukin-2 receptor gamma (IL)-2RG genes as differentially expressed gene expression in RA synovial tissues. The increased expression of CD38, E2F2 and IL-2RG, as revealed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with synovial tissues from RA (n = 30), OA (n = 26) and AS patients (n = 20), was in agreement with the microarray data. Immunohistochemistry revealed significant CD38 expression and E2F2 in synovial membranes from RA patients (n = 5). The CD38+ cells had high a percentage in the RA patients' blood (n = 103) and in the CD3+ and CD56+ subsets. The CD38+ cell percentage was correlated significantly with RF level (P = 0·026) in RA patients. The IL-1α and IL-β levels were depressed significantly in the culture medium of RA synovial fibroblast cells (n = 5) following treatment with siRNAs targeting the E2F2 or CD38 genes. This study suggests that the uniquely increased expression of CD38 and E2F2 in RA synovial tissues contribute to the immunoactivation of the disease.
Mutation spectrum in BBS genes guided by homozygosity mapping in an Indian cohort
Authors: Sathya Priya C. , Sen P. , Umashankar V. , Gupta N. , Kabra M. , Kumaramanickavel G. , Stoetzel C. , Dollfus H. , Sripriya S.
Published: January 2014

Bardet–Biedl syndrome (BBS), a ciliopathy disorder with pleiotropic effect manifests primarily as retinal degeneration along with renal insufficiency, polydactyly and obesity. In this study, we have performed homozygosity mapping using NspI 250K affymetrix gene chip followed by mutation screening of the candidate genes located in the homozygous blocks. These regions are prioritized based on the block length and candidature of the genes in BBS and other ciliopathies. Gene alterations in known BBS (22) and other ciliopathy genes such as ALMS1 (2) were seen in 24 of 30 families (80%). Mutations in BBS3 gene, inclusive of a novel recurrent mutation (p.I91T) accounted for 18% of the identified variations. Disease associated polymorphisms p.S70N (BBS2), rs1545 and rs1547 (BBS6) were also observed. This is the first study in Indian BBS patients and homozygosity mapping has proved to be an effective tool in prioritizing the candidate genes in consanguineous pedigrees. The study reveals a different mutation profile in the ciliopathy genes in Indian population and implication of novel loci/genes in 20% of the study group.
Adverse effects and safety profile of perampanel: A review of pooled data
Authors: Rugg‐Gunn Fergus
Published: January 2014

Quality of life is directly related to the number and severity of adverse effects, and a successful antiepileptic medication must demonstrate a good balance between efficacy and tolerability. Perampanel is a newly licensed antiepileptic medication for the adjunctive treatment of patients (age 12 and older) with partial epilepsy with or without secondary generalization. Safety endpoints in the three phase III trials (304, 305, and 306) included treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs), vital signs, clinical laboratory parameters, and electrocardiography studies (ECGs). The most common adverse drug reactions in patients receiving perampanel were dizziness, somnolence, fatigue, irritability, nausea, and falls. Of particular concern to patients are cognitive and psychiatric side effects. Overall, depression and aggression were reported more frequently in patients taking perampanel, particularly at higher doses, than in patients taking placebo. TEAEs necessitated the withdrawal of perampanel in 99 patients (9.5%) and placebo in 21 patients (4.8%). Typically this was due to dizziness, convulsion, and somnolence. There were no clinically important changes or treatment group differences in vital signs, ECG measures, or biochemical or hematologic parameters. Weight increase of greater than 7% was seen in 14.6% of perampanel‐treated patients versus 7.1% of placebo‐treated patients. Overall, perampanel appears to be associated with a relatively low incidence of serious adverse effects, particularly at low doses, and the majority of TEAEs were mild or moderate in intensity. The incidence of predictable side effects, such as somnolence and dizziness, is seen more frequently at higher doses. Of importance is the greater rate of psychiatric side effects in patients treated with perampanel, principally, irritability and aggression, than with placebo. However, the rate of serious psychiatric TEAEs was low.
Quality of life by proxy and mortality in institutionalized older adults with dementia
Authors: González‐Vélez Abel E , Forjaz María Joao , Giraldez‐García Carolina , Martín‐García Salomé , Martínez‐Martín Pablo ,   Spanish Research Group on Quality of Life and Ageing
Published: January 2014

Aim

This study aimed at analyzing the effect of quality of life (QoL) on mortality in older adults with dementia living in long‐term care facilities.

Methods

A prospective observational cohort study was carried out on 412 residents aged older than 60 years, diagnosed with dementia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition. Besides assessment of QoL (EQ‐5D index by proxy) and perceived health status (EQ‐VAS), baseline measurements included severity of dementia (Clinical Dementia Rating Scale [CDR]), comorbidity (number of self‐reported chronic conditions), disability evaluation (Barthel Index), cognitive state (Mini Examen Cognoscitivo, a validated and modified Spanish version of the Mini‐Mental State Examination) and depression (Cornell Depression Scale for Dementia). Sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed as potential effect modifiers and confounders in the relationship between QoL and mortality using a multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

After an 18‐month follow up, 138 residents had died. Adjusting for CDR and Barthel Index, the odds of mortality were multiplied by 0.25 (95% CI 0.09–0.70) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.26–2.42) for every unit of change in the EQ‐5D index in the residents with Cornell score <6 and ≥6, respectively.

Conclusion

The present study suggests that the effect of QoL on mortality in institutionalized adults with dementia should take into account the presence or absence of depression. In addition, residents with a greater disability and more advanced dementia should be a target for interventions in rehabilitation care. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 38–44.
A Pitfall on Postoperative Radiographs in Dogs After Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy
Authors: Olive Julien , Thiery Mélaine , Chailleux Nadège , Blond Laurent
Published: January 2014

Objective

To identify the cause of an occasional radiolucent line in the tibia on postoperative radiographs after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) in dogs.

Study Design

Retrospective case series and ex vivo experiment.

Sample Population

Dogs (n = 80; 87 stifles) with cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture that had TPLO; and 4 canine tibia specimens.

Methods

Medical records (2007–2010) and radiographs of dogs that had TPLO were reviewed and examined for presence of a radiolucent line on postoperative radiographs. The TPLO procedure was reproduced ex vivo to determine the origin of this line by use of metallic wires to identify bone contours.

Results

A curvilinear radiolucent line was visible in 14 (16%) tibias and was 5.4 times more likely to be visible with lateral misalignment of the tibial diaphysis relative to the plateau and 2.6 times more likely visible on caudocranial radiographs with the stifle in outward rotation. Fracture complication rate was higher in dogs with this radiolucent line (P = .02) and with lateral misalignment of the tibial diaphysis relative to the plateau (risk ratio, 3.8). The line could be reproduced ex vivo and caused by superimposition of the craniomedial border of osteotomy with the tibial plateau.

Conclusions

The radiolucent line was a spurious fracture line created by the medial margin of the tibial osteotomy and confounding factors such as tibial misalignment may explain the apparently associated higher complication rate.
Oceanic currents, not land masses, maintain the genetic structure of the mangrove Rhizophora mucronata Lam. (Rhizophoraceae) in Southeast Asia
Authors: Wee Alison K. S. , Takayama Koji , Asakawa Takeshi , Thompson Bijoy , Onrizal  , Sungkaew Sarawood , Tung Nguyen Xuan , Nazre M. , Soe Khin Khin , Tan Hugh T. W. , Watano Yasuyuki , Baba Shigeyuki , Kajita Tadashi , Webb Edward L.
Published: January 2014

Aim

Mangroves are intertidal plants with sea‐dispersed propagules, hence their population structure can offer valuable insights into the biogeographical processes driving population subdivision in coastal species. In this study, we used molecular markers and ocean circulation simulations to examine the effects of ocean currents and land masses on the genetic structure of the major mangrove species Rhizophora mucronata.

Location

Southeast Asia.

Methods

We assessed the genetic structure of 13 R. mucronata populations from continental Southeast Asia and Sumatra using 10 microsatellite loci. We first examined the relative effects of geographical distance and land mass (the Malay Peninsula) in shaping the genetic structure of R. mucronata in Southeast Asia. We then characterized the genetic structure of R. mucronata and compared it to the simulated ocean circulation patterns within our study region.

Results

Despite the low genetic diversity, significant genetic structuring was detected across R. mucronata populations. Contrary to observations on other mangrove species, genetic differentiation in R. mucronata was not found across the coasts of the Malay Peninsula, nor was it correlated with geographical distance. Instead, the most distinct genetic discontinuity was found at the boundary between the Andaman Sea and the Malacca Strait, and this can be explained by the prevailing ocean currents in this region.

Main conclusions

Our study presents novel evidence that the genetic structure of R. mucronata is maintained by ocean current‐facilitated propagule dispersal.
The small‐island effect: empty islands, temporal variability and the importance of species composition
Authors: Morrison Lloyd W.
Published: January 2014

Aim

To evaluate the evidence for a small‐island effect (SIE) on insular floras, considering the effects of including islands without the species of interest, temporal variability and species composition.

Location

Small islands in the Andros, Exuma Cays and Abaco archipelagos of the Bahamas.

Methods

An information‐theoretic multimodel inference approach was used, comparing the fit of a linear model versus two breakpoint models to species–area data. Corrected Akaike's information criterion (AICc) scores were compared to determine the model(s) with the most support.

Results

Strong evidence for an SIE was found in the Andros and Exuma Cays archipelagos. At Andros, an SIE was always apparent, regardless of whether islands with no species were included or which time period was considered. In the Exuma Cays, the inclusion of islands with no species changed the inference of the existence of an SIE in one comparison, and the shape of the SIE (i.e. the best‐fitting model) in two comparisons. Data from the Exuma Cays indicated that the existence of an SIE, as well as the shape of the SIE, may vary over time. Evidence for an SIE for the Abaco archipelago was equivocal, although fewer data were available.

Main conclusions

Even though it has been suggested that the exclusion of islands with no species may result in the erroneous detection of an SIE, the inclusion of islands with no species had little effect on the evidence for an SIE in this system. The finding that evidence for, and the shape of, the SIE can change over time suggests caution in interpreting SIE studies for systems that are not in equilibrium. Patterns of species composition as a function of island size support the hypothesis that disturbance events shape the habitat found on these islands, which limits the species pool that can survive on the smaller islands, resulting in an SIE.
Clinical Characteristics, Management, and Prognosis of Elderly Patients with Brugada Syndrome
Authors: CONTE GIULIO , DE ASMUNDIS CARLO , SIEIRA JUAN , LEVINSTEIN MOISES , CHIERCHIA GIAN‐BATTISTA , DI GIOVANNI GIACOMO , BALTOGIANNIS GIANNIS , CICONTE GIUSEPPE , SAITOH YUKIO , CASADO‐ARROYO RUBEN , PAPPAERT GUDRUN , BRUGADA PEDRO
Published: January 2014

Brugada Syndrome in the Elderly

Background

The clinical course and prognosis of Brugada syndrome (BS) in the elderly is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics, management, and prognosis of BS in an elderly population.

Methods and Results

A total of 437 patients with BS were included in this study. Patients were categorized in 2 groups according to the age at the time of diagnosis: <60 years (N = 363) and ≥60 years (N = 74). Moreover, an elderly patients’ subgroup analysis was performed between patients with an age between 60 and 70 years (N = 49) and subjects older than 70 years (N = 25). Among elderly patients (50% male, mean age: 67 ± 6 years), family history of sudden death (SD) and induction of sustained ventricular arrhythmias during programmed ventricular stimulation were less frequent as compared to younger patients. Two patients (3%) had a previous episode of aborted SD. Elderly patients with BS presented more frequently with ECG conduction disturbances or previous transient advanced atrioventricular block as compared to younger patients. Of the elderly patients, 42% underwent implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation and 7% received a pacemaker. After a mean follow‐up time of 54 ± 18 months, none of the elderly patients with BS older than 70 years experienced documented life‐threating ventricular arrhythmias. Family screening was performed in 58 family members and a BS diagnosis was confirmed in 49%.

Conclusion

The clinical features and the benign prognosis of BS patients older than 70 years likely identify a lower risk category of patients as compared to younger individuals. The device‐guided management in this setting remains individualized and sometimes controversial. Moreover, BS diagnosis in the elderly should not be missed, mainly due to the clinical impact on the family of elderly patients.