bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
China's Regional Inequality in Innovation Capability, 1995–2006
Authors: Fan Peilei , Wan Guanghua , Lu Ming
Published: June 2012

This paper assesses both interregional and intraregional innovation inequality in China from 1995 to 2006. It is revealed that the east–central–west inequality has increased over time, whereas the inter‐provincial inequality showed a V‐pattern until 2003; Both inequality measures oscillated from 2004 to 2006. Using a decomposition framework recently developed by one of the authors, we determined that the major factors driving innovation inequality are population, economic development level, R&D, location and openness. The aggravated innovation inequality reflects the growth of China's innovation centers in the eastern region and their admission into the global innovation networks. The fact that R&D is a major factor driving the inequality suggests that, considered in the present study, the efficiency of R&D investment improved in certian regions during the period (1995–2006). Finally, geographic location and openness affect innovation inequality primarily through the coupled evolution of innovation capability and economic development, resulting in first‐mover advantages to provinces of the eastern region.
Migration Experience of Village Leaders and Local Economic Development: Evidence from Rural China
Authors: Hu Feng , Wu Sanmang
Published: June 2012

This paper examines the impact of migration experience of village leaders on local economic development, based on the village‐level data of the 2005 China General Social Survey. Our results show that the human capital of village leaders accumulated during the migration period has had a positive effect on per capita net income and per capita non‐agricultural income in rural China. The migration experience of village leaders also plays a positive role in entrepreneurial activities in rural regions. From a policy perspective, these findings call attention to the importance of harnessing potential benefits of return migration to local economic development in rural China.
Printing Oliver Cromwell's Speeches: The Making of a Split Personality
Authors: WOODFORD BENJAMIN
Published: June 2012

Oliver Cromwell's speeches are used frequently by historians of the interregnum, yet all current printed editions of the speeches have significant problems. They fail to consider the variations in different versions of each of the speeches and they consequently ignore the complexity of the sources. Each speech exists in more than one early version and each source has a provenance which is often difficult to determine. Additionally, no two versions of the same speech are identical, as each version has its own unique variations. These small variations in the wording have the potential to alter the meaning. This article looks in detail at these issues in relation to Cromwell's kingship speeches of 1657; some versions portray him as a conservative gentleman who ruled similarly to a king, while others present him as a religious fanatic who sympathised with the religious sects. Such differences can often be attributed to the personal beliefs of particular authors. As a result of the variations in the sources, the historian's interpretation of Cromwell is necessarily affected by which source he or she uses for Cromwell's speeches. Cromwell's speeches are an important source, but if historians hope to make use of them, they must acknowledge the complexities of the original sources.
Heir Not Apparent: Douglas Hailsham, the Role of the House of Lords, and the Succession to the Conservative Leadership 1928–31*
Authors: COOPER CHRIS
Published: June 2012

The moment that Lord Curzon was passed over and Stanley Baldwin succeeded Andrew Bonar Law as prime minister in 1923 is generally regarded as a turning point in British political history. From this time it appeared that members of the house of lords were barred from leading political parties and becoming prime minister. In an age of mass democracy it was deemed unacceptable for the premier to reside in an unelected and largely emasculated chamber. This understanding is seemingly confirmed by the career of the Conservative politician, Douglas Hogg, 1st Viscount Hailsham. Notwithstanding a late entry into political life, he was regarded as a potential successor to Baldwin. His acceptance of a peerage to become lord chancellor in 1928 has been seen as the moment when Hailsham's claims to lead the Conservative party ended. But although Hailsham never became Conservative leader, his experience undermines the suggestion that peers were unable to lead political parties in inter‐war Britain. Despite his position in the Lords, his chances of succeeding Baldwin never vanished. The crisis in Baldwin's leadership after the loss of the 1929 general election and the lack of a suitable successor in the Commons created the circumstances in which leadership from the Lords by a man of Hailsham's ability could be contemplated. Hailsham's continuing prominence within the Conservative ranks and specifically his contributions to the party during the years 1929–31, together with the thoughts of high‐ranking Conservative contemporaries, make it clear that he very nearly emerged as Baldwin's successor at this time.
Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes on Ham and Bologna Using Pectin‐Based Apple, Carrot, and Hibiscus Edible Films Containing Carvacrol and Cinnamaldehyde
Authors: Ravishankar Sadhana , Jaroni Divya , Zhu Libin , Olsen Carl , McHugh Tara , Friedman Mendel
Published: June 2012

Abstract:  Edible films can be used as wrapping material on food products to reduce surface contamination. The incorporation of antimicrobials into edible films could serve as an additional barrier against pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms that contaminate food surfaces. The objective of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effects of carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde, incorporated into apple, carrot, and hibiscus‐based edible films against Listeria monocytogenes on contaminated ham and bologna. Ham or bologna samples were inoculated with L. monocytogenes and dried for 30 min, then surface wrapped with edible films containing the antimicrobials at various concentrations. The inoculated, film‐wrapped samples were stored at 4 °C. Samples were taken at day 0, 3, and 7 for enumeration of surviving L. monocytogenes by plating on appropriate media. Carvacrol films showed better antimicrobial activity than cinnamaldehyde films. Compared to control films without antimicrobials, films with 3% carvacrol induced 1 to 3, 2 to 3, and 2 to 3 log CFU/g reductions on ham and bologna at day 0, 3, and 7, respectively. Corresponding reductions with 1.5% carvacrol were 0.5 to 1, 1 to 1.5, and 1 to 2 logs, respectively. At day 7, films with 3% cinnamaldehyde reduced L. monocytogenes population by 0.5 to 1.5 and 0.5 to 1.0 logs on ham and bologna, respectively. Inactivation by apple films was greater than that by carrot or hibiscus films. Apple films containing 3% carvacrol reduced L. monocytogenes population on ham by 3 logs CFU/g on day 0 which was 1 to 2 logs greater than that by carrot and hibiscus films. Films were more effective on ham than on bologna. The food industry and consumers could use these films to control surface contamination by pathogenic microorganisms.

Practical Application:  Antimicrobial edible, food‐compatible film wraps prepared from apples, carrots, and hibiscus calyces can be used by the food industry to inactivate Listeria monocytogenes on widely consumed ready to eat meat products such as bologna and ham. This study provides a scientific basis for large‐scale application of edible fruit‐ and vegetable‐based antimicrobial films on foods to improve microbial food safety.
Activity of Caprylic Acid, Carvacrol, ɛ‐Polylysine and their Combinations against Salmonella in Not‐Ready‐to‐Eat Surface‐Browned, Frozen, Breaded Chicken Products
Authors: Moschonas Galatios , Geornaras Ifigenia , Stopforth Jarret D. , Wach Damien , Woerner Dale R. , Belk Keith E. , Smith Gary C. , Sofos John N.
Published: June 2012

Abstract:  Caprylic acid (CAA), carvacrol (CAR), ɛ‐polylysine (POL), and their combinations were evaluated for reduction of Salmonella contamination in not‐ready‐to‐eat surface‐browned, frozen, breaded chicken products. Fresh chicken breast meat pieces (5 × 5 × 5 cm) were inoculated with Salmonella (7‐strain mixture; 4–5 log CFU/g) and mixed with distilled water (control) or with CAA, CAR, and POL as single or combination treatments of 2 or 3 ingredients. Sodium chloride (1.2%) and sodium tripolyphosphate (0.3%) were added to all formulations, followed by grinding of the mixtures and forming into 9 × 5 × 3 cm portions. Sample surfaces were brushed with egg whites, coated with breadcrumbs, surface‐browned in an oven (208 °C, 15 min), packaged, and stored at –20 °C (7 d). Total reductions of inoculated Salmonella in untreated (control) surface‐browned, breaded products after frozen storage were 0.8 to 1.4 log CFU/g. In comparison, single treatments of CAA (0.25% to 1.0%), CAR (0.3% to 0.5%), and POL (0.125% to 1.0%) reduced counts by 2.9 to at least 4.5, 3.4 to at least 4.4, and 1.4 to 2.3 log CFU/g, respectively, depending on concentration. Pathogen counts of products treated with 2‐ or 3‐ingredient combination treatments (0.03125% to 0.25% CAA, 0.0375% to 0.3% CAR, and/or 0.5% POL) were 0.4 to at least 3.3 log CFU/g lower (depending on treatment) than those of the untreated controls. The antimicrobial activity of 2‐ingredient combinations comprised of 0.125% CAA, 0.15% CAR, or 0.5% POL was enhanced (P < 0.05) when applied as a 3‐ingredient combination (that is, 0.125% CAA + 0.15% CAR + 0.5% POL). These data may be useful for the selection of antimicrobial treatments to reduce Salmonella contamination in not‐ready‐to‐eat processed chicken products.

Practical Application:  Findings from the study may be useful for the selection of suitable antimicrobials, concentrations, and combinations to reduce Salmonella contamination in not‐ready‐to‐eat surface‐browned, frozen, breaded chicken products.
Determination of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Edible Seafood by QuEChERS‐Based Extraction and Gas Chromatography‐Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Johnson Yoko S.
Published: June 2012

Abstract:  A high‐throughput analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in edible seafood using QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) based extraction and gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (GC‐MS/MS) was developed and validated in 4 seafood matrices – crab, finfish, oyster, and shrimp. The extraction employs QuEChERS with dispersive solid phase extraction (dSPE) using cleanup sorbent that includes C18. The acetonitrile extract is partitioned into hexane and analyzed by GC‐MS/MS. The procedure was validated by spike recovery experiments of 15 parent and 5 substituted PAHs at 5ppb and 25 ppb levels in the 4 matrices. Recoveries were 71%–130% with RSDs less than 14%. The limit of quantitation (LOQ) for benzo[a]pyrene are 0.4–2.5 ppb depending on matrix. For all 15 parent PAHs the LOQs are less than 10% of the Levels of Concern established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Good recoveries were also achieved in aged spikes at 5 ppb level in oyster and shrimp. Method accuracy was further evaluated by analyzing NIST Standard Reference Material 1974b. Ten of 14 incurred PAHs corresponding to the parent compounds in the present study fell within the control limits established by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Using the present method approximately 20 samples every 24 h can be analyzed with confirmation.

Practical Application:  The presented analytical method could be used for seafood safety assessments to examine petroleum contaminant levels in edible seafood after an oil spill. The method is fast and sensitive.
Application of an immune‐magnetic cell sorting method for CD138‐positive plasma cells in FISH analysis of multiple myeloma
Authors: SHIN S. Y. , JANG S. , PARK C.‐J. , CHI H.‐S. , LEE J.‐H. , LEE J. H. , LEE K. H. , SUH C. , LIM S. E. , SEO E.‐J.
Published: June 2012

Introduction:  Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of multiple myeloma (MM) may indiscriminately count signals of nonplasma cells, thus decreasing specificity and sensitivity. We aimed to evaluate the usefulness of an immune‐magnetic sorting method for plasma cells in FISH analysis of MM and define optimal sample preparation conditions.

Methods:  Plasma cells were purified using EasySep® CD138 Positive Selection Cocktail and Magnetic Nanoparticles (Invitrogen). We compared FISH results with and without plasma cell purification for three sample preparation methods: direct harvest, 24‐h culture, and 96‐h culture with interleukin‐4 in five newly diagnosed MM patients. Archived fixed bone marrow cells of 17 MM patients were also studied.

Results:  The percentage of abnormal cells identified was significantly higher with plasma cell purification than without purification (median, 88.0%; range, 84.0‐100.0%vs. 15.0%, 12.5‐29.5%, respectively). The three sample preparation methods showed comparable results. Immune‐magnetic sorting also significantly increased the percentage of abnormal cells identified in FISH analysis of archived fixed bone marrow cells (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  Immune‐magnetic CD138‐positive cell sorting significantly increased the percentage of abnormal cells identified in FISH analysis of MM samples for all sample preparation methods. This method could also be applied for retrospective FISH analysis of archived fixed bone marrow cells.
Facial and vocal affect perception in people at ultra‐high risk of psychosis, first‐episode schizophrenia and healthy controls
Authors: Amminger G. Paul , Schäfer Miriam R. , Klier Claudia M. , Schlögelhofer Monika , Mossaheb Nilufar , Thompson Andrew , Bechdolf Andreas , Allott Kelly , McGorry Patrick D. , Nelson Barnaby
Published: June 2012

Aim: The study aims to investigate affect recognition in young people at different stages of psychotic illness.

Methods: Seventy‐nine ultra‐high risk patients, 30 first‐episode schizophrenia patients and 30 healthy control subjects completed a facial affect labelling test and an affective prosody recognition test. Psychiatric symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

Results: We observed significant impairments in facial and vocal emotion recognition in both of the clinical groups compared with the control group. These group differences remained significant when age, sex and education were taken into account.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that emotion recognition impairments may be independent of the stage of illness in schizophrenia. Deficits in emotion recognition may be present before the full expression of psychotic illness, and may contribute to the social cognition and social functioning deficits apparent in emerging psychotic disorders.
Find, Remind, and Bind: The Functions of Gratitude in Everyday Relationships
Authors: Algoe Sara B.
Published: June 2012

Though interest in the emotion of gratitude has historically focused on its role in social exchange, new evidence suggests a different and more important role for gratitude in social life. Thefind‐remind‐and‐bindtheory of gratitude posits that the positive emotion of gratitude serves the evolutionary function of strengthening a relationship with a responsive interaction partner (Algoe, Haidt, & Gable, 2008). The current article identifies prior, economic models of gratitude, elaborates on unique features of thefind‐remind‐and‐bindtheory, reviews the accumulating evidence for gratitude in social life in light of this novel perspective, and discusses how thefind‐remind‐and‐bindtheory is relevant to methodology and hypothesis testing. In sum, within the context of reciprocally‐altruistic relationships, gratitude signals communal relationship norms and may be an evolved mechanism to fuel upward spirals of mutually responsive behaviors between recipient and benefactor. In this way, gratitude is important for forming and maintaining the most important relationships of our lives, those with the people we interact with every day.
Scratching the Surface: Internationalization, Cultural Diversity and the Politics of Recognition
Authors: Arfken Michael
Published: June 2012

Within recent years a number of scholars have called on the discipline of psychology to expand beyond the confines of Western society in an effort to address a range of issues in an increasingly interconnected and multicultural world. While scholars interested in the internationalization of psychology have addressed both organizational and representational issues surrounding the development of a global psychology, there has been relatively little effort to understand the theoretical dimensions of internationalization. To the extent that contextualist challenges to universalism focus exclusively on ethnocentrism, these challenges fail to adequately interrogate the economic foundations of internationalization and globalization. Ultimately, a politics of recognition must be balanced with a renewed focus on the redistributive dimensions of social justice.
Use of the Dietary Supplement 5‐Aminiolevulinic Acid (5‐ALA) and Its Relationship with Glucose Levels and Hemoglobin A1C among Individuals with Prediabetes
Authors: Rodriguez Beatriz L. , Curb J. David , Davis James , Shintani Terry , Perez Michael H. , Apau‐Ludlum Noelani , Johnson Crystal , Harrigan Rosanne C.
Published: June 2012

Objective: This study examined the association between 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) and glucose tolerance.

Design: A double blinded, randomized prospective parallel‐group comparison study.

Setting: Participants were recruited from the community in Honolulu, Hawaii, using radio and TV ads, and at community events.

Participants: One hundred fifty‐four males and females ages 40–70 years, with evidence of prediabetes: hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) 5.8%–7.0% at the screening visit.

Intervention: Participants were randomized equally to one of three study groups: (1) low dose 5‐ALA supplement (15 mg capsule); (2) high dose 5‐ALA (50 mg capsule); and (3) control (placebo capsule of identical size and color).

Main outcome measures: HbA1c and 2 hours post‐oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) glucose levels.

Results: Among individuals taking 5‐ALA supplements for 12 weeks, 2 hours post‐OGTT glucose levels declined significantly compared to those not taking the supplement (p= 0.02). The relationships were stronger among those with baseline glucose intolerance, or 2 hours post‐OGTT glucose measurements greater than 140 mg/dL (p= 0.005 and p= 0.02 for the low and high dose group, respectively). Similar trends were observed for HbA1c but results were of borderline significance (p= 0.07). No untoward effects were reported.

Conclusions: Further studies are indicated. The potential benefits of 5‐ALA dietary supplementation are affirmed by this investigation. Clin Trans Sci 2012; Volume 5: 314–320
THE METAPHYSICS FROM ARISTOTLE TO ALEXANDER OF APHRODISIAS
Authors: FAZZO SILVIA
Published: June 2012

The article explores (alleged) evidence concerning the Metaphysics from Aristotle to Alexander of Aphrodisias, casting doubt on the idea that the work was assembled in its current form by Andronicus of Rhodes. No ancient source supports this claim, nor can we be certain that the collection as it now stands was already available in the first century BC. By contrast, Alexander seems to be well-acquainted with the Metaphysics as we have it today. The article also reconsiders the role that Eudorus of Alexandria, Nicolaus of Damascus, Aspasius may have played in the tradition of commentary on the Metaphysics.
Pharmacists’ experiences and attitudes regarding generic drugs and generic substitution: two sides of the coin
Authors: Olsson Erika , Kälvemark Sporrong Sofia
Published: June 2012

Objective

Generic drug substitution reduces costs for medicines, but the downsides include unintentional double medication, confusion and anxiety among patients. Information from pharmacists affects patients’ experiences of substitution with generic drugs. The aim of this study was to explore experiences and attitudes to generic substitution among Swedish community pharmacists.

Methods

An interview guide was developed. Semi-structured interviews with community pharmacists were conducted and transcribed verbatim. Analysis was inductive; extracts from the transcripts were compared and combined to form themes and subcategories. Pharmacists from a heterogeneous convenience sample of pharmacies were interviewed until data saturation had been achieved.

Key findings

Sixteen pharmacists were interviewed. Three main themes and twelve subcategories were identified, with the main themes being the role of the pharmacist, pharmacists’ concerns regarding patients, and the generic drug. Pharmacists found it positive that generic substitution decreases the costs for pharmaceuticals but also emphasized that the switch can confuse and worry patients, which could result in less benefit from treatment. Respondents claimed that generic substitution has changed the focus in the pharmacist–patient meeting towards economics and regulations.

Conclusion

According to the interviewed pharmacists generic substitution is not primarily an issue of generic versus brand-name products, but concerns above all the challenges that the switch implies for patients and pharmacists. To prevent known confusion and concerns among patients it is important that community pharmacists acquire the necessary tools and knowledge to manage this situation; pharmacists themselves as well as pharmacy owners and authorities share responsibility for this.
The impact of patient aggression on community pharmacists: a critical incident study
Authors: Irwin Amy , Laing Christianne , Mearns Kathryn
Published: June 2012

Background

The impact of patient aggression on healthcare staff has been an important research topic over the past decade. However, the majority of that research has focused primarily on hospital staff, with only a minority of studies examining staff in primary care settings such as pharmacies or doctors' surgeries. Moreover, whilst there is an indication that patient aggression can impact the quality of patient care, no research has been conducted to examine how the impact of aggression on staff could affect patient safety.

Objective

The aim of the current study was to examine the impact of aggression on community pharmacists in Scotland. Three main aspects were examined: the cause of patient aggression, the impact of aggression on pharmacist job performance and pharmacist behaviours in response to aggression.

Method

A sample of 18 community pharmacists were interviewed using the critical incident technique. In total, 37 incidents involving aggressive patients were transcribed.

Key findings

Aggression was considered by the majority of participants to be based on a lack of understanding about the role of a pharmacist. More worrying were the reports of near misses and dispensing errors occurring after an aggressive incident had taken place, indicating an adverse effect on patient safety. Pharmacists described using non-technical skills, including leadership, task management, situational awareness and decision-making, in response to aggressive behaviour.

Conclusions

Patient aggression may have a significant impact on patient safety. This could be addressed through training in non-technical skills but further research is required to clarify those skills in pharmacy staff.
Variation: use it or misuse it – replication and its variants
Authors: Drummond Gordon B. , Vowler Sarah L.
Published: June 2012

Key points

Variation between measurements may be reduced if sampling is not random

Fixed factors can reduce variation

Replicates are repeated measurements from within an experimental unit

Replication means that samples can no longer be considered random

Comparisons of replicated values require correction, usually by reducing the effect of sample size

Correction requires knowledge of the intra‐class correlation
High-Resolution Protein Structure Determination by Serial Femtosecond Crystallography
Authors: Boutet Sébastien , Lomb Lukas , Williams Garth J. , Barends Thomas R. M. , Aquila Andrew , Doak R. Bruce , Weierstall Uwe , DePonte Daniel P. , Steinbrener Jan , Shoeman Robert L. , Messerschmidt Marc , Barty Anton , White Thomas A. , Kassemeyer Stephan , Kirian Richard A. , Seibert M. Marvin , Montanez Paul A. , Kenney Chris , Herbst Ryan , Hart Philip , Pines Jack , Haller Gunther , Gruner Sol M. , Philipp Hugh T. , Tate Mark W. , Hromalik Marianne , Koerner Lucas J. , van Bakel Niels , Morse John , Ghonsalves Wilfred , Arnlund David , Bogan Michael J. , Caleman Carl , Fromme Raimund , Hampton Christina Y. , Hunter Mark S. , Johansson Linda C. , Katona Gergely , Kupitz Christopher , Liang Mengning , Martin Andrew V. , Nass Karol , Redecke Lars , Stellato Francesco , Timneanu Nicusor , Wang Dingjie , Zatsepin Nadia A. , Schafer Donald , Defever James , Neutze Richard , Fromme Petra , Spence John C. H. , Chapman Henry N. , Schlichting Ilme
Published: June 2012

Size Matters Less

X-ray crystallography is a central research tool for uncovering the structures of proteins and other macromolecules. However, its applicability typically requires growth of large crystals, in part because a sufficient number of molecules must be present in the lattice for the sample to withstand x-ray—induced damage.

Boutet
et al.

(p.
362
, published online 31 May) now demonstrate that the intense x-ray pulses emitted by a free-electron laser source can yield data in few enough exposures to uncover the high-resolution structure of microcrystals.
A
Papaver somniferum
10-Gene Cluster for Synthesis of the Anticancer Alkaloid Noscapine
Authors: Winzer Thilo , Gazda Valeria , He Zhesi , Kaminski Filip , Kern Marcelo , Larson Tony R. , Li Yi , Meade Fergus , Teodor Roxana , Vaistij Fabián E. , Walker Carol , Bowser Tim A. , Graham Ian A.
Published: June 2012

Alkaloid Synthetic Pathway

Noscapine, a nonaddictive alkaloid found in the opium poppy, can be used as a cough suppressant and a tubulin-binding antitumor agent.

Winzer
et al.

(p.
1704
, published online 31 May; see the Perspective by

DellaPenna and O'Connor

) found that a cluster of 10 genes were key to the production of noscapine. Poppies homozygous for this gene cluster produced high levels of noscapine, heterozygous poppies produced low levels of noscapine, and those poppies lacking the gene cluster produced no noscapine. Silencing individual genes in turn and analyzing the accumulation of intermediate metabolites allowed the biosynthetic pathway of noscapine to be elucidated.
Membrane Fusion Intermediates via Directional and Full Assembly of the SNARE Complex
Authors: Hernandez Javier M. , Stein Alexander , Behrmann Elmar , Riedel Dietmar , Cypionka Anna , Farsi Zohreh , Walla Peter J. , Raunser Stefan , Jahn Reinhard
Published: June 2012

No More Fusion Confusion

Biophysical models explain membrane fusion as a sequence of steps—including membrane contact, formation of a fusion stalk (merger of proximal monolayers), development of contact between distal monolayers that may or may not expand (hemifusion), and, finally, rupture of this diaphragm resulting in the opening of a fusion pore. Biological membrane fusion reactions are often driven by so-called SNARE proteins. By using a reconstituted membrane fusion system,

Hernandez
et al.

(p.
1581
, published online 31 May) have now been able to correlate precisely the states of SNARE zippering with intermediate structures along the fusion pathway. The results suggest that a tightly docked state, with a membrane distance so close that no proteins fit in between them, represents a critical fusion intermediate as a consequence of SNARE zippering. This intermediate is incompatible with a SNARE-driven stalk or with a ringlike arrangement of SNAREs depicted in most current models of membrane fusion.
Crystal Structure of the Heterodimeric CLOCK:BMAL1 Transcriptional Activator Complex
Authors: Huang Nian , Chelliah Yogarany , Shan Yongli , Taylor Clinton A. , Yoo Seung-Hee , Partch Carrie , Green Carla B. , Zhang Hong , Takahashi Joseph S.
Published: June 2012

A Timely Structure

The physiology and behavior of most organisms are inextricably aligned with the day/night cycle. In mammals, these daily rhythms are generated by a circadian clock encoded by transcriptional activators and repressors operating in a feedback loop that takes about 24 hours to complete. A key participant in this loop is a heterodimeric transcriptional activator consisting of the CLOCK and BMAL1 proteins.

Huang
et al.

(p.
189
, published online 31 May; see Perspective by

Crane

) determined the crystal structure of a complex containing the PAS domains (implicated in protein-protein interactions) and the basic helix-loop-helix domains (implicated in DNA binding) from each protein. CLOCK and BMAL1 were observed to be tightly intertwined in an unusual asymmetric conformation, which may contribute to the stability and activity of the complex.
Structural Basis of Wnt Recognition by Frizzled
Authors: Janda Claudia Y. , Waghray Deepa , Levin Aron M. , Thomas Christoph , Garcia K. Christopher
Published: June 2012

Dissecting Wnt/Fz Interaction

Wnt proteins activate the transmembrane receptor Frizzled (Fz) to initiate pathways central to vertebrate and invertebrate development. Wnts are palmitoylated, which has complicated structural and functional characterization.

Janda
et al.

(p.
59
, published online 31 May; see the Perspective by

Bienz and He

) achieved coexpression and purification of
Xenopus
Wnt8 (XWnt8) with mouse Fz8 cysteine rich domain (CRD) and determined a crystal structure of the complex. Wnt binds to the Fz8 CRD at two distinct sites with the lipid group playing a key role in the first interface. Both interfaces involve conserved amino acids, which may explain the known pleiotropy of the Wnt/Fz interaction.
Chondrosarcoma of the nasal septum
Authors: Bahgat Mohammed , Bahgat Yassin , Bahgat Ahmed , Elwany Yasmine
Published: June 2012

Chondrosarcoma of the nasal septum is a rare malignancy. When it occurs, early diagnosis is difficult because patients generally present with common, non-specific sinonasal complaints. This is the report of a 62-year-old woman who presented with a 1-month history of nasal obstruction, headache and anosmia. Nasal endoscopy showed a nasal mass obstructing both nasal cavities not separable from the septum. A wedge biopsy of the nasal mass was taken. Histopathology was suggestive of chondrosarcoma. The tumour was removed by an endoscopic approach. The clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of this case as well as a review of the literature are discussed.
A before and after study on personality assessment in adolescents exposed to the 2009 earthquake in L'Aquila, Italy: influence of sports practice
Authors: Valenti Marco , Vinciguerra Maria Giulia , Masedu Francesco , Tiberti Sergio , Sconci Vittorio
Published: June 2012

Objective

To assess and estimate the personality changes that occurred before and after the 2009 earthquake in L'Aquila and to model the ways that the earthquake affected adolescents according to gender and sport practice. The consequences of earthquakes on psychological health are long lasting for portions of the population, depending on age, gender, social conditions and individual experiences. Sports activities are considered a factor with which to test the overall earthquake impact on individual and social psychological changes in adolescents.

Design

Before and after design.

Setting

Population-based study conducted in L'Aquila, Italy, before and after the 2009 earthquake.

Participants

Before the earthquake, a random sample of 179 adolescent subjects who either practised or did not practise sports (71 vs 108, respectively). After the earthquake, of the original 179 subjects, 149 were assessed a second time.

Primary outcome measure

Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—Adolescents (MMPI-A) questionnaire scores, in a supervised environment.

Results

An unbalanced split plot design, at a 0.05 significance level, was carried out using a linear mixed model with quake, sex and sports practice as predictive factors. Although the overall scores indicated no deviant behaviours in the adolescents tested, changes were detected in many individual content scale scores, including depression (A-dep score mean ± SEM: before quake =47.54±0.73; after quake =52.67±0.86) and social discomfort (A-sod score mean ± SEM: before quake =49.91±0.65; after quake =51.72±0.81). The MMPI-A profiles show different impacts of the earthquake on adolescents according to gender and sport practice.

Conclusions

The differences detected in MMPI-A scores raise issues about social policies required to address the psychological changes in adolescents. The current study supports the idea that sport should be considered part of a coping strategy to assist adolescents in dealing with the psychological effects of the earthquakes on their personalities.
Too complex and time-consuming to fit in! Physicians' experiences of elderly patients and their participation in medical decision making: a grounded theory study
Authors: Ekdahl Anne Wissendorff , Hellström Ingrid , Andersson Lars , Friedrichsen Maria
Published: June 2012

Objective

To explore physicians' thoughts and considerations of participation in medical decision making by hospitalised elderly patients.

Design

A qualitative study using focus group interviews with physicians interpreted with grounded theory and completed with a questionnaire.

Setting and participants

The setting was three different hospitals in two counties in Sweden. Five focus groups were conducted with physicians (n=30) in medical departments, with experience of care of elderly patients.

Results

Physicians expressed frustration at not being able to give good care to elderly patients with multimorbidity, including letting them participate in medical decision making. Two main categories were found: ‘being challenged’ by this patient group and ‘being a small part of the healthcare production machine’. Both categories were explained by the core category ‘lacking in time’. The reasons for the feeling of ‘being challenged’ were explained by the subcategories ‘having a feeling of incompetence’, ‘having to take relatives into consideration’ and ‘having to take cognitive decline into account’. The reasons for the feeling of ‘being a small part of the healthcare production machine’ were explained by the subcategories ‘at the mercy of routines’ and ‘inadequate remuneration system’, both of which do not favour elderly patients with multimorbidity.

Conclusions

Physicians find that elderly patients with multimorbidity lead to frustration by giving them a feeling of professional inadequacy, as they are unable to prioritise this common and rapidly growing patient group and enable them to participate in medical decision making. The reason for this feeling is explained by lack of time, competence, holistic view, appropriate routines and proper remuneration systems for treating these patients.
Tobacco modalities used and outcome in patients with acute coronary syndrome: an observational report
Authors: Al Suwaidi Jassim , Al Habib Khalid , Singh Rajvir , Hersi Ahmad , Al Nemer Khalid , Asaad Nidal , Al Saif Shukri , Al-Motarreb Ahmed , Almahmeed Wael , Sulaiman Kadhim , Amin Haitham , Al-Lawati Jawad , Al Bustani Nizar , Al-Sagheer Norah Q , Ali Waleed M
Published: June 2012

Aim

The authors evaluated the prevalence and effect of the various tobacco use modalities among patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and compared them with non-tobacco and ex-tobacco users.

Methods

An analysis of the 2nd Gulf Registry of Acute Coronary Events conducted between October 2008 and June 2009 and which included 7930 consecutive patients hospitalised with ACS was made. Patients initially were divided into non-tobacco users, ex-tobacco users and current tobacco users. Subanalysis according to the tobacco modality used was subsequently made: cigarette, waterpipe or smokeless tobacco users.

Results

Overall, 2834 (36%) patients were current tobacco users, 306 (3.9%) patients were waterpipe smokers and 240 patients (3%) were oral tobacco users. When compared with non-tobacco and ex-tobacco users, overall current tobacco users were younger, more likely to be male subjects and less likely to have diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Mortality rate (p=0.001) and overall cardiovascular events (p=0.001) were lower among current tobacco users when compared with the other two groups. After adjustment for baseline variables, tobacco use was not an independent predictor of adverse events. Subset analysis demonstrates oral tobacco users and waterpipe smokers were older and more likely to be women when compared with cigarette smokers. Among the various tobacco groups, inhospital mortality rates were significantly higher among the waterpipe smokers when compared with the other two groups.

Conclusions

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of ACS patients depend on the tobacco modality used. Further studies are required to evaluate the impact of emerging tobacco use modalities on patients with coronary artery disease.
Simple estimators of salmonid escapement and its variance using a new area-under-the-curve method
Authors: Millar Russell B. , McKechnie Sam , Jordan Chris E.
Published: May 2012

If observed numbers of spawning salmon are plotted against sampling date, then the area under the curve (AUC) gives an estimate of spawner-days. Dividing AUC by spawner lifetime and adjusting for observer efficiency gives an estimate of spawner escapement. In particular, the trapezoidal form of AUC estimator has been widely used over the last two decades, despite the absence of a direct method for calculating its variance. For this reason, an alternative estimator of escapement was developed using a maximum likelihood (ML) model of spawner arrivals. However, this alternative has not been widely used, perhaps because of its complexity and concerns over validity of assumptions. Here, a simpler ML approach is used to estimate AUC by fitting a model directly to spawner numbers. It can be fitted using existing generalized linear modeling software and provides an explicit variance estimator for AUC and escapement. Simulations show that it has consistently higher coverage than the existing ML estimator. However, the trapezoidal AUC estimator was generally a slightly more precise estimator of escapement than either of the ML approaches.
Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus is not the cause of thiamine deficiency impeding lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) recruitment in the Great Lakes
Authors: Richter Catherine A. , Evans Allison N. , Wright-Osment Maureen K. , Zajicek James L. , Heppell Scott A. , Riley Stephen C. , Krueger Charles C. , Tillitt Donald E.
Published: May 2012

Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency is a global concern affecting wildlife, livestock, and humans. In Great Lakes salmonines, thiamine deficiency causes embryo mortality and is an impediment to restoration of native lake trout ( Salvelinus namaycush ) stocks. Thiamine deficiency in fish may result from a diet of prey with high levels of thiaminase I. The discoveries that the bacterial species Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus produces thiaminase I, is found in viscera of thiaminase-containing prey fish, and causes mortality when fed to lake trout in the laboratory provided circumstantial evidence implicating P. thiaminolyticus. This study quantified the contribution of P. thiaminolyticus to the total thiaminase I activity in multiple trophic levels of Great Lakes food webs. Unexpectedly, no relationship between thiaminase activity and either the amount of P. thiaminolyticus thiaminase I protein or the abundance of P. thiaminolyticus cells was found. These results demonstrate that P. thiaminolyticus is not the primary source of thiaminase activity affecting Great Lakes salmonines and calls into question the long-standing assumption that P. thiaminolyticus is the source of thiaminase in other wild and domestic animals.
Fleet selection for earthmoving projects using optimization-based simulation
Authors: Alshibani Adel , Moselhi Osama
Published: June 2012

This paper presents a newly developed optimization simulation model for fleet selection for earthmoving operations. Global positioning system (GPS) data is used to build and update in near real time the developed model. The model is designed to assist contractors in selecting equipment fleet configurations for earthmoving operations; taking into consideration: (1) uncertainties associated with a set of quantitative variables that represent loading, hauling, and dumping duration, as well as, project direct and indirect cost; (2) availability of resources to contractors; (3) project cost and (or) time constraints; (4) project indirect cost; and (5) scope of work. The model allows contractors to assess the risk associated with the cost of the reconfigured fleet formations. The model has been implemented using commercial simulation software along with graphical user interface (GUI) module which was developed to incorporate the collected GPS data with the optimization simulation system. A commercial web based system is used to track the truck equipped with GPS in near real time. The system was rented during the period of conducting this research work. The developed model was applied to a construction project located in the west end of Montreal to demonstrate its use in optimizing earthmoving operations during construction.
Applicability of 2-D modeling for forecasting ice jam flood levels in the Hay River Delta, Canada
Authors: Brayall M. , Hicks F.E.
Published: June 2012

Ice jam floods can present an annual threat to communities adjacent to rivers, especially those situated at river confluences, island or deltas. The objective of this study was to determine whether 2-D modeling might be used to predict expected ice jam flood elevations for such multi-channel systems. The Hay River delta was selected as the demonstration site for this study, and 2-D modeling was employed to calculate ice jam flood levels expected for varying inflow discharge conditions. The River2D model was calibrated for historical ice jam profiles covering a range of discharges from 268 to 1000 m3/s and a relationship was developed to predict the flow split down the East and West Channels based on the inflow discharge to the delta. Also, ice jam rating curves were developed at 0.5 km intervals along each channel facilitating the development of an ice jam profile prediction tool for use by the Town of Hay River.
Pairing a pilot plant to a direct filtration water treatment plant
Authors: Knowles Alisha D. , MacKay Jessica , Gagnon Graham A.
Published: June 2012

This paper outlines experiments that were conducted to establish that statistically equivalent intermittent and finished water quality was demonstrated between pilot treatment trains and a corresponding full-scale plant (FSP). First, equivalence was successfully established between the two pilot trains using paired t tests to confirm that the two trains were producing statistically equivalent water quality (e.g., pH, turbidity) while operating under identical operational and process conditions. Secondly, hypothesized mean differences and paired t tests were effectively applied to confirm the water quality achieved following each treatment phase in the pilot plant mimicked the corresponding treatment process in the FSP. Successive trials demonstrated equivalence in multiple water quality parameters throughout the two treatment scales, including pH, UV254, total organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, alkalinity, and turbidity. The validation process demonstrated that the pilot plant has the ability to reproduce water quality outcomes from the FSP and that the results of the pilot facility are representative of process changes that will optimize the FSP performance.
Absence of anionic phospholipids inKluyveromyces lactiscells is fatal without F1-catalysed ATP hydrolysis
Authors: Palovicova Viktoria , Bardelcikova Annamaria , Obernauerova Margita
Published: June 2012

We have shown in previous research that the loss of phosphatidylglycerol and cardiolipin caused by disruption of the PGS1 gene is lethal for the petite-negative yeast Kluyveromyces lactis . This present study demonstrates the role and mechanism of atp2.1 in the suppression of pgs1 lethality in K. lactis cells. Phenotypic characterization has shown that a strain lacking the phosphatidylglycerolphosphate synthase (atp2.1pgs1Δ) possessed a markedly impaired respiratory chain, very low endogenous respiration, and uncoupled mitochondria. As a result the mutant strain was unable to generate a sufficient mitochondrial membrane potential via respiration. The atp2.1 suppressor mutation enabled an increase in the affinity of F1-ATPase for ATP in the hydrolytic reaction, resulting in the maintenance of sufficient membrane potential for the biogenesis of mitochondria and survival of cells lacking anionic phospholipid biosynthesis.
Diversity of endolithic fungal communities in dolomite and limestone rocks from Nanjiang Canyon in Guizhou karst area, China
Authors: Tang Yuan , Lian Bin
Published: June 2012

The endolithic environment, the tiny pores and cracks in rocks, buffer microbial communities from a number of physical stresses, such as desiccation, rapid temperature variations, and UV radiation. Considerable knowledge has been acquired about the diversity of microorganisms in these ecosystems, but few culture-independent studies have been carried out on the diversity of fungi to date. Scanning electron microscopy of carbonate rock fragments has revealed that the rock samples contain certain kinds of filamentous fungi. We evaluated endolithic fungal communities from bare dolomite and limestone rocks collected from Nanjiang Canyon (a typical karst canyon in China) using culture-independent methods. Results showed that Ascomycota was absolutely dominant both in the dolomite and limestone fungal clone libraries. Basidiomycota and other eukaryotic groups (Bryophyta and Chlorophyta) were only detected occasionally or at low frequencies. The most common genus in the investigated carbonate rocks was Verrucaria. Some other lichen-forming fungi (e.g., Caloplaca , Exophiala , and Botryolepraria ), Aspergillus , and Penicillium were also identified from the rock samples. The results provide a cross-section of the endolithic fungal communities in carbonate rocks and help us understand more about the role of microbes (fungi and other rock-inhabiting microorganisms) in rock weathering and pedogenesis.
Chromatin immunoprecipitation identifies genes under direct VraSR regulation in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Sengupta Mrittika , Jain Vaibhav , Wilkinson Brian J. , Jayaswal Radheshyam K.
Published: June 2012

Transcriptional profiling of Staphylococcus aureus treated with cell wall-active antibiotics identified the 2-component system, VraSR, as one of the key players in response to antibiotic stress. Although it has been shown that a number of genes are regulated by the VraSR system, it has not been shown which genes are under direct VraSR regulation and which genes are not. In this study, chromatin immunoprecipitation techniques were used to identify the genes which are regulated by the direct interaction of VraR with their promoter regions. The results showed for the first time, that the VraSR mediated regulation of cell wall biosynthesis-associated genes, pbp2, murZ, and sgtB are facilitated by the direct binding of VraR to their respective promoters. Conversely, fmtA, indicated previously to be under VraSR regulation did not exhibit direct regulation by the binding of VraR to its promoter. The VraSR system plays a very important role in antibiotic resistance against cell wall-active antibiotics, and hence, it is essential to understand its complete regulatory mechanism.