bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromobility: the rapid movement of chromosomes in interphase nuclei
Authors: Bridger Joanna M.
Published: November 2011

There are an increasing number of studies reporting the movement of gene loci and whole chromosomes to new compartments within interphase nuclei. Some of the movements can be rapid, with relocation of parts of the genome within less than 15 min over a number of microns. Some of these studies have also revealed that the activity of motor proteins such as actin and myosin are responsible for these long-range movements of chromatin. Within the nuclear biology field, there remains some controversy over the presence of an active nuclear acto–myosin motor in interphase nuclei. However, both actin and myosin isoforms are localized to the nucleus, and there is a requirement for rapid and directed movements of genes and whole chromosomes and evidence for the involvement of motor proteins in this relocation. The presence of nuclear motors for chromatin movement is thus an important and timely debate to have.
Molecular control of angiopoietin signalling
Authors: Singh Harprit , Tahir Tariq A. , Alawo Deborah O.A. , Issa Eyad , Brindle Nicholas P.J.
Published: November 2011

The angiopoietins act through the endothelial receptor tyrosine kinase Tie2 to regulate vessel maturation in angiogenesis and control quiescence and stability of established vessels. The activating ligand, Ang1 (angiopoietin-1), is constitutively expressed by perivascular cells, and the ability of endothelial cells to respond to the ligand is controlled at the level of the Ang1 receptor. This receptor interacts with the related protein Tie1 on the cell surface, and Tie1 inhibits Ang1 signalling through Tie2. The responsiveness of endothelium to Ang1 is determined by the relative levels of Tie2 and the inhibitory co-receptor Tie1 in the cells. Tie1 undergoes regulated ectodomain cleavage which is stimulated by a range of factors including VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), inflammatory cytokines and changes in shear stress. Ectodomain cleavage of Tie1 relieves inhibition of Tie2 and enhances Ang1 signalling. This mechanism regulates Ang1 signalling without requiring changes in the level of the ligand and allows Ang1 signalling to be co-ordinated with other signals in the cellular environment. Regulation of signalling at the level of receptor responsiveness may be an important adaptation in systems in which an activating ligand is normally present in excess or where the ligand provides a constitutive maintenance signal.
The role of DNA damage in laminopathy progeroid syndromes
Authors: Hutchison Christopher J.
Published: November 2011

Progeroid laminopathies are characterized by the abnormal processing of lamin A, the appearance of misshapen nuclei, and the accumulation and persistence of DNA damage. In the present article, I consider the contribution of defective DNA damage pathways to the pathology of progeroid laminopathies. Defects in DNA repair pathways appear to be caused by a combination of factors. These include abnormal epigenetic modifications of chromatin that are required to recruit DNA repair pathways to sites of DNA damage, abnormal recruitment of DNA excision repair proteins to sites of DNA double-strand breaks, and unrepairable ROS (reactive oxygen species)-induced DNA damage. At least two of these defective processes offer the potential for novel therapeutic approaches.
The metagenomic basis of anammox metabolism in Candidatus ‘Brocadia fulgida’
Authors: Gori Fabio , Tringe Susannah Green , Kartal Boran , Machiori Elena , Jetten Mike S.M.
Published: November 2011

Anammox (anaerobic ammonium oxidation) coupled to nitrite reduction is an important step in the nitrogen cycle and has been recognized as an important sink for fixed nitrogen in the ocean. Still little is known about the genomic blueprint of different anammox species. In the present article, we discuss the important genes of anammox metabolism in Candidatus ‘Brocadia fulgida’ that were retrieved via a metagenomic approach.
Dissimilatory sulfur cycling in oxygen minimum zones: an emerging metagenomics perspective
Authors: Stewart Frank J.
Published: November 2011

Biological diversity in marine OMZs (oxygen minimum zones) is dominated by a complex community of bacteria and archaea whose anaerobic metabolisms mediate key steps in global nitrogen and carbon cycles. Molecular and physiological studies now confirm that OMZs also support diverse micro-organisms capable of utilizing inorganic sulfur compounds for energy metabolism. The present review focuses specifically on recent metagenomic data that have helped to identify the molecular basis for autotrophic sulfur oxidation with nitrate in the OMZ water column, as well as a cryptic role for heterotrophic sulfate reduction. Interpreted alongside marker gene surveys and process rate measurements, these data suggest an active sulfur cycle with potentially substantial roles in organic carbon input and mineralization and critical links to the OMZ nitrogen cycle. Furthermore, these studies have created a framework for comparing the genomic diversity and ecology of pelagic sulfur-metabolizing communities from diverse low-oxygen regions.
In vivo shear stress response
Authors: Egginton Stuart
Published: November 2011

EC (endothelial cell) responses to shear stress generated by vascular perfusion play an important role in circulatory homoeostasis, whereas abnormal responses are implicated in vascular diseases such as hypertension and atherosclerosis. ECs subjected to high shear stress in vitro alter their morphology, function and gene expression. The molecular basis for mechanotransduction of a shear stress signal, and the identity of the sensing mechanisms, remain unclear with many candidates under investigation. Translating these findings in vivo has proved difficult. The role of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) flow-dependent nitric oxide release in remodelling skeletal muscle microcirculation is established for elevated (activity, dilatation) and reduced (overload, ischaemia) shear stress, although their temporal relationship to angiogenesis varies. It is clear that growth factor levels may offer only a permissive environment, and alteration of receptor levels may be a viable therapeutic target. Angiogenesis in vivo appears to be a graded phenomenon, and capillary regression on withdrawal of stimulus may be rapid. Combinations of physiological angiogenic stimuli appear not to be additive.
New pathways and mechanisms regulating and responding to Delta-like ligand 4–Notch signalling in tumour angiogenesis
Authors: Oon Chern Ein , Harris Adrian L.
Published: November 2011

Notch signalling is a key pathway controlling angiogenesis in normal tissues and tumours. This has become a major focus of development of anticancer therapy, but to develop this appropriately, we need further understanding of the mechanisms of regulation of Dll4 (Delta-like ligand 4), a key endothelial Notch ligand. Dll4 and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) cross-talk, with VEGF up-regulation of Dll4 and Dll4 down-regulating VEGFR (VEGF receptor) signalling. Both are essential for normal angiogenesis, and blockade of one may produce compensatory changes in the other. The present review considers recent developments in the regulation of Dll4 expression and functions, its role as a mechanism of resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy, and methods needed to develop effective therapy against this target.
New insights into the plasticity of the endothelial phenotype
Authors: Cooley Lindsay S. , Edwards Dylan R.
Published: November 2011

The mammalian vascular system consists of two distinct, but closely related, networks: the blood vasculature (itself divided into arterial and venous networks) and the lymphatic vasculature. EC (endothelial cell) lineage specification has been proposed to be determined during embryonic development, after which the ECs are committed to their fate. However, increasing evidence suggests that ECs retain various degrees of plasticity, and have the ability to express characteristics of alternative cell lineages. Therapeutic control of endothelial plasticity will allow greater understanding of the genesis and treatment of several vascular diseases.
The ultrastructure of the compartmentalized anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria is linked to their energy metabolism
Authors: Neumann Sarah , Jetten Mike S.M. , van Niftrik Laura
Published: November 2011

The most striking example of a complex prokaryotic intracytoplasmic organization can be found in the members of the phylum Planctomycetes. Among them are the anammox (anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing) bacteria, which possess a unique cell compartment with an unprecedented function in bacteria: the anammoxosome is a prokaryotic cell organelle evolved for energy metabolism. It is an independent entity, which is enclosed by a contiguous membrane. Several lines of evidence indicate its importance in the anammox reaction and the unusual subcellular organization may well be essential for the lifestyle of anammox bacteria. The present review summarizes our knowledge about the ultrastructure of anammox cells and the connection between the anammoxosome and the energy metabolism of the cell. In the future, much more research will be necessary to validate the current models and to answer questions on the functional cell biology of anammox bacteria.
Characterization of the active site and calcium binding in cytochrome c nitrite reductases
Authors: Lockwood Colin W. J. , Clarke Thomas A. , Butt Julea N. , Hemmings Andrew M. , Richardson David J.
Published: November 2011

The decahaem homodimeric cytochrome c nitrite reductase (NrfA) is expressed within the periplasm of a wide range of Gamma-, Delta- and Epsilon-proteobacteria and is responsible for the six-electron reduction of nitrite to ammonia. This allows nitrite to be used as a terminal electron acceptor, facilitating anaerobic respiration while allowing nitrogen to remain in a biologically available form. NrfA has also been reported to reduce nitric oxide (a reaction intermediate) and sulfite to ammonia and sulfide respectively, suggesting a potential secondary role as a detoxification enzyme. The protein sequences and crystal structures of NrfA from different bacteria and the closely related octahaem nitrite reductase from Thioalkalivibrio nitratireducens (TvNir) reveal that these enzymes are homologous. The NrfA proteins contain five covalently attached haem groups, four of which are bis-histidine-co-ordinated, with the proximal histidine being provided by the highly conserved CXXCH motif. These haems are responsible for intraprotein electron transfer. The remaining haem is the site for nitrite reduction, which is ligated by a novel lysine residue provided by a CXXCK haem-binding motif. The TvNir nitrite reductase has five haems that are structurally similar to those of NrfA and three extra bis-histidine-coordinated haems that precede the NrfA conserved region. The present review compares the protein sequences and structures of NrfA and TvNir and discusses the subtle differences related to active-site architecture and Ca2+ binding that may have an impact on substrate reduction.
A snapshot of a pathogenic bacterium mid-evolution: Neisseria meningitidis is becoming a nitric oxide-tolerant aerobe
Authors: Moir James W.
Published: November 2011

Members of the Neisseria genus typically display the ability to carry out denitrification of nitrite to nitrous oxide as an alternative to oxygen respiration when oxygen is depleted. The key enzymes nitrite and nitric oxide reductase are found across the Neisseria genus. Within Neisseria meningitidis, however, a number of research groups have found that a significant proportion of strains lack a functional nitrite reductase. It appears that N. meningitidis is on an evolutionary trajectory towards loss of the capacity to reduce nitrite. In the present paper, I propose that N. meningitidis is evolving to become a nitric oxide-tolerant aerobe in order to occupy an oxygen-rich niche close to host tissue (and hence oxygen perfusion). Other features of the genomic and functional specialization of N. meningitidis, such as possession of a polysaccharide capsule and various acquired reactive oxygen species-resistance mechanisms, support this proposition. The importance of oxygen availability more generally is discussed with reference to recent findings with other mucosal pathogens.
Uses of the in vitro endothelial–fibroblast organotypic co-culture assay in angiogenesis research
Authors: Hetheridge Clare , Mavria Georgia , Mellor Harry
Published: November 2011

Angiogenesis is a complex process that involves multiple cellular events. In addition to receiving inputs from a range of stimulatory and inhibitory factors, endothelial cells undergoing angiogenesis make multiple interactions with the extracellular matrix and with other cell types in the stroma. Recreating angiogenesis in vitro is probably an impossible goal; however, a number of assays have been developed that recapitulate many of the key events of the process. These assays are indispensible tools for investigating the signalling pathways that control the formation of new blood vessels. In the present paper, we review the organotypic co-culture assay of angiogenesis – until recently, a comparatively underemployed assay, but one with a number of powerful advantages for angiogenesis research. We give a set of optimized protocols for its use, including protocols for siRNA (small interfering RNA)-based screens, and we discuss appropriate methods for obtaining quantitative data from the assay.
The emerging role of tetraspanin microdomains on endothelial cells
Authors: Bailey Rebecca L. , Herbert John M. , Khan Kabir , Heath Victoria L. , Bicknell Roy , Tomlinson Michael G.
Published: November 2011

Tetraspanins function as organizers of the cell surface by recruiting specific partner proteins into tetraspanin-enriched microdomains, which regulate processes such as cell adhesion, signalling and intracellular trafficking. Endothelial cells appear to express at least 23 of the 33 human tetraspanins, and a number of recent studies have demonstrated their importance in endothelial cell biology. Tetraspanin CD151 is essential for pathological angiogenesis, which may in part be due to regulation of its main partner proteins, the laminin-binding integrins α3β1, α6β1 and α6β4. CD9 and CD151 are essential for leucocyte recruitment during an inflammatory response, through the formation of pre-assembled nano-platforms containing the adhesion molecules ICAM-1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) and VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule 1), which ultimately coalesce to form docking structures around captured leucocytes. Tetraspanin CD63 also facilitates leucocyte capture by promoting clustering of the adhesion molecule P-selectin. Finally, Tspan12 is required for blood vessel development in the eye, through regulation of Norrin-induced Frizzled-4 signalling, such that Tspan12 mutations can lead to human disease. Future studies on these and other endothelial tetraspanins are likely to provide further novel insights into angiogenesis and inflammation.
Bedroom Horror: The Fatal Attraction of Intercourse
Authors: Merck Mandy
Published: November 2011

A radical polemic like Intercourse and a Hollywood hit like Fatal Attraction may seem bizarre objects of comparison. Where Andrea Dworkin's study outraged male reviewers, Adrian Lyne's film infuriated their feminist counterparts. But despite the political differences, the two contemporary projects offer a surprisingly similar vision of sex.
Dependence of the fragility of a glass former on the softness of interparticle interactions
Authors: Sengupta Shiladitya , Vasconcelos Filipe , Affouard Frédéric , Sastry Srikanth
Published: November 2011

We study the influence of the softness of the interparticle interactions on the fragility of a glass former by considering three model binary mixture glass formers. The interaction potential between particles is a modified Lennard-Jones type potential, with the repulsive part of the potential varying with an inverse power q of the interparticle distance, and the attractive part varying with an inverse power p. We consider the combinations (12,11) (model I), (12,6) (model II), and (8,5) (model III) for (q,p) such that the interaction potential becomes softer from model I to III. We evaluate the kinetic fragilities from the temperature variation of diffusion coefficients and relaxation times, and a thermodynamic fragility from the temperature variation of the configurational entropy. We find that the kinetic fragility increases with increasing softness of the potential, consistent with previous results for these model systems, but at variance with the thermodynamic fragility, which decreases with increasing softness of the interactions, as well as expectations from earlier results. We rationalize our results by considering the full form of the Adam-Gibbs relation, which requires, in addition to the temperature dependence of the configurational entropy, knowledge of the high temperature activation energies in order to determine fragility. We show that consideration of the scaling of the high temperature activation energy with the liquid density, analyzed in recent studies, provides a partial rationalization of the observed behavior.
Differential geometry based solvation model. III. Quantum formulation
Authors: Chen Zhan , Wei Guo-Wei
Published: November 2011

Solvation is of fundamental importance to biomolecular systems. Implicit solvent models, particularly those based on the Poisson-Boltzmann equation for electrostatic analysis, are established approaches for solvation analysis. However, ad hoc solvent-solute interfaces are commonly used in the implicit solvent theory. Recently, we have introduced differential geometry based solvation models which allow the solvent-solute interface to be determined by the variation of a total free energy functional. Atomic fixed partial charges (point charges) are used in our earlier models, which depends on existing molecular mechanical force field software packages for partial charge assignments. As most force field models are parameterized for a certain class of molecules or materials, the use of partial charges limits the accuracy and applicability of our earlier models. Moreover, fixed partial charges do not account for the charge rearrangement during the solvation process. The present work proposes a differential geometry based multiscale solvation model which makes use of the electron density computed directly from the quantum mechanical principle. To this end, we construct a new multiscale total energy functional which consists of not only polar and nonpolar solvation contributions, but also the electronic kinetic and potential energies. By using the Euler-Lagrange variation, we derive a system of three coupled governing equations, i.e., the generalized Poisson-Boltzmann equation for the electrostatic potential, the generalized Laplace-Beltrami equation for the solvent-solute boundary, and the Kohn-Sham equations for the electronic structure. We develop an iterative procedure to solve three coupled equations and to minimize the solvation free energy. The present multiscale model is numerically validated for its stability, consistency and accuracy, and is applied to a few sets of molecules, including a case which is difficult for existing solvation models. Comparison is made to many other classic and quantum models. By using experimental data, we show that the present quantum formulation of our differential geometry based multiscale solvation model improves the prediction of our earlier models, and outperforms some explicit solvation model.
Applying snapback repellers in resource budget models
Authors: Chang Shu-Ming , Chen Hsun-Hui
Published: November 2011

In Satake’s generalized resource budget model of ecology, which was modified from Isagi’s resource budget model, Satake and Iwasa illustrated, by computing the positive Lyapunov exponent, that if the depletion coefficient is greater than one, then the system is chaotic. However, a positive Lyapunov exponent implies only sensitivity in Devaney’s chaos. Therefore, this work presents mathematical viewpoints and numerical analysis on Satake’s generalized resource budget model to rigorously prove that the generalized resource budget model is chaotic in Devaney’s sense by using the snapback repeller theory and the topological entropy theory. Moreover, this work also investigates that there is a significant difference between the behaviors of positive odd depletion coefficients and positive even depletion coefficients under numerical computations.
High resolution far-infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy of radicals at the AILES beamline of SOLEIL synchrotron facility
Authors: Martin-Drumel M. A. , Pirali O. , Balcon D. , Bréchignac Ph. , Roy P. , Vervloet M.
Published: November 2011

Experimental far-infrared (FIR) spectroscopy of transient species (unstable molecules, free radicals, and ions) has been limited so far in both emission and absorption (mainly by the low probability of spontaneous emission in that spectral range and the low brightness of continuum sources used for absorption measurements, respectively). Nevertheless, the FIR spectral range recently became of high astrophysical relevance thanks to several new observational platforms (HERSCHEL, ALMA...) dedicated to the study of this region suitable for the detection of the emission from cold objects of the interstellar medium. In order to complete the experimental dataset concerning transient species, three discharge experiments dedicated to the recording of high resolution FIR spectra of radicals have been developed at the Advanced Infrared Line Exploited for Spectroscopy (AILES) which extracts the bright FIR synchrotron continuum of the synchrotron facility SOLEIL. These experiments make use of a high resolution (R = 0.001 cm−1) Bruker IFS125 Fourier transform (FT) spectrometer. An emission setup (allowing to record spectra of radicals excited at high rotational and vibrational temperatures) and two absorption setups (exploiting the bright synchrotron source at the highest resolution available on the FT) are alternatively connected to the FT. The advantages and limitations of these techniques are discussed on the basis of the recent results obtained on OH and CH radicals. These results constitute the first FIR spectra of radicals using synchrotron radiation, and the first FIR spectrum of a C-bearing radical using FT-spectroscopy.
Enhanced emission from the acceptor in all-conjugated diblock copolymers due to spatial effect of nanopores
Authors: Kong Fan , Zhang Xueqin , Lin Baoping , Yang Yimin , Qiu Teng
Published: November 2011

We have investigated the emission properties of all-conjugated diblock copolymers, poly(2,5-dioctyloxy-p-phenylene)-b-poly[3-(2,5,8-trioxanonyl)thiophene] (PPP-b-P3TT), in the nanopores of porous anodic alumina membrane. In contrast with the copolymer solution and film, the relative intensity of the emission from the P3TT blocks in the copolymer in the nanopores is largely increased for excitation at the absorption maximum of the PPP blocks. Different from the copolymer film, the relative photoluminescence (PL) intensity of the P3TT blocks is obviously increased with the increase of the P3TT blocks in the copolymers in the nanopores. The separated copolymer chains and the efficient resonance energy transfer caused by spatial limit contribute to higher relative PL intensity of the P3TT blocks in the copolymers in the nanopores than those in the solutions and films.
Microwave performance of 100 nm-gate In0.53Ga0.47As/In0.52Al0.48As high electron mobility transistors on plastic flexible substrate
Authors: Shi J. , Wichmann N. , Roelens Y. , Bollaert S.
Published: November 2011

The transfer of 100 nm gate length high electron mobility transistors onto plastic flexible substrate is reported. The layers of transistors are grown epitaxially on indium phosphide bulk substrate. By means of adhesive bonding technique, the transfer of these transistors onto polyimide substrate has been achieved. High cut-off frequencies fT = 120 GHz, fmax = 280 GHz are demonstrated. These microwave characteristics are comparable to those obtained on 100 nm gate high electron mobility transistors on rigid substrate, which makes the flexible substrate highly promising for large-area radio-frequency applications as well as high-speed processing ability in the near future.
Hafnium-doped GaN with n-type electrical resistivity in the 10−4 Ω cm range
Authors: Zhang Jianping , Yan Chunhui , Wang Hongmei , Liu Ying , Wang Wen , Saenger Mario
Published: November 2011

Hafnium (Hf) as an n-type dopant for group III nitride is proposed and investigated. Uniform doping of Hf into GaN realized an electrical resistivity as small as 7.89 × 10−4 Ω cm, which approaches that of a typical electron-beam deposited indium-tin oxide (ITO) thin film (∼3.75 × 10−4 Ω cm). Depending on doping level, the room-temperature (RT) donor activation energy for Hf in GaN was estimated to be in the range of 85-132.5 meV. Highly conductive Hf-doped GaN thin films with atomically smooth surface feature were achieved via Hf-delta doping, with RT electrical resistivity as small as 1.24 × 10−3 Ω cm. These highly conductive Hf-doped GaN films can be used as n-type transparent current-spreading layer (TCL) for large area light-emitting diodes (LEDs). With further improvement, highly conductive Hf-doped GaN has potential to be used as p-type TCL replacing the traditional indium-tin oxide for GaN-based LEDs.
Band diagrams and performance of CdTe solar cells with a Sb2Te3 back contact buffer layer
Authors: Hu Songbai , Zhu Zhe , Li Wei , Feng Lianghuan , Wu Lili , Zhang Jingquan , Gao Jingjing
Published: November 2011

Sb2Te3 thin films were prepared by vacuum co-evaporation and the crystallinity of the films was greatly improved after annealing at 573 K in N2 ambient. Then they were deposited on the CdTe thick films. Band diagrams of the as-deposited and annealed CdTe/Sb2Te3 interfaces were constructed. Consequently, Sb2Te3 was used as a back contact layer for CdTe thin film solar cells and the cell performance was investigated. It was found that the Sb impurities accumulated in the CdTe grain boundaries diffuse deeply in the CdTe layer, and more photogenerated electrons and holes are separated by the segregated SbCd+ donors into the GBs. What is more, the doping concentration in the vicinity of the CdTe/CdS heterojunction increases for the formation of substitutional SbTe- acceptors under the Cd-rich conditions. For the introduction of the p-type Sb2Te3 layers as the back contact to the CdTe thin film solar cells, the performance of CdTe thin film solar cells has been greatly improved and an efficiency of 13.1% (FF=62.3%, Jsc=25.8 mA/cm2, Voc= 815.8 mV) obtained.
Psychotopologies: Closing the Circuit between Psychic and Material Space
Authors: Blum Virginia , Secor Anna
Published: November 2011

In this paper we present an argument for a psychoanalytic understanding of space. While Freud struggled to move away from his own early prepsychoanalytic attempts at mapping the psyche through cerebral localization, he nevertheless found himself compelled to use spatial language and topographical models throughout his career. In his ambivalence, Freud emphasized that the space of the psyche should be read as no more than metaphorical. We argue that the topographical models that Freud struggled with were constrained by the metrics of Euclidean space. The psyche is spatial, just not in topographical terms. For Jacques Lacan many of the psychic operations that Freud described (such as the transference) are better understood in terms of topological operations. Lacan uses such figures as the torus, the cross-cap, and the Möbius strip to demonstrate how the subject is formed through internal exclusions and external inclusions. Using Freud's famous case of the Rat Man, we argue that the neurotic's journey shows him seeking to overcome a psychospatial problem, one that resembles a topological conundrum. Through the Rat Man's story, we demonstrate how Lacan's topology of the subject (the R-schema as cross-cap) accounts for the Möbius twist that allows the neurotic to situate people, events, and places that are apparently separated in time and space in the same place. Ultimately, we consider the usefulness of topology over Euclidean space for building an understanding of space that is at once psychic and material.
Gazing and Performing
Authors: Larsen Jonas , Urry John
Published: November 2011

The Tourist Gaze [Urry J, 1990 (Sage, London)] is one of the most discussed and cited tourism books (with about 4000 citations on Google scholar). Whilst wide ranging in scope, the book is known for the Foucault-inspired concept of the tourist gaze that brings out the fundamentally visual and image-saturated nature of tourism encounters. However, some recent literature has critiqued this notion of the ‘tourist gaze’ for reducing tourism to visual experiences—to sight seeing—and neglecting the other senses, bodily experiences, and ‘adventure’. The influential ‘performance turn’ within tourist studies suggests that the doings of tourism are physical or corporeal and not merely visual, and it is necessary to regard ‘performing’ rather than ‘gazing’ as the dominant tourist research paradigm. Yet we argue here that there are, in fact, many similarities between the paradigms of gaze and of performance. They should ‘dance together’ rather than stare at each other at a distance. In this paper we rethink the tourist gaze in the light of this performance turn and of a Goffmanian dramaturgical sociology by examining the embodied and multisensuous nature of gazing as well as the complex social relations and fluid power geometries comprising performances of gazing. The Foucault-inspired notion of the tourist gaze can be enlivened—made more bodily and theatrical—by incorporating Goffman and post-Goffman analyses and aspects of nonrepresentational theory.
Trophic ecology of terapontid fishes (Pisces: Terapontidae): the role of morphology and ontogeny
Authors: Davis Aaron M. , Pusey Bradley J. , Pearson Richard G.
Published: November 2011

With the covariation between fish form and function of long-standing interest to fish biologists, ecomorphological research provides a framework for assessing the interaction between the morphology of an organism and their ecology. Whereas ecomorphological studies of Australian fishes are rare, the terapontid grunters are an ideal candidate for study because of their diversity of dietary habits. We examined the morphological correlates of the diet of 21 species of northern Australia’s terapontids and their constituent ontogenetic trophic units. Preliminary analyses focusing on morphology identified the role of allometric growth – in characters such as intestinal length, maxilla length and mouth width – as driving considerable ontogenetic divergence in interspecific morphological trajectories. A significant relationship was identified between diet and morphology across species, although morphology explained only half of the observed dietary variation. Body size, and its relationship to allometric development of several morphological parameters, appears to constrain the trophic habits expressed by many terapontids at different life-history stages. Many of the diet–morphology relationships evident within the Terapontidae parallel those seen in other studies, providing substantial corroboration for the ecomorphological approach. This demonstrates that selective pressures have driven morphology in terapontids to converge morphologically with other ecologically comparable fishes across the globe.
Nutrition status of primary care patients with depression and anxiety
Authors: Forsyth Adrienne K. , Williams Peter G. , Deane Frank P.
Published: November 2011

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutrition status of people referred to a nutrition and physical activity program for the management of mental health in general practice. Patients currently being treated for depression and/or anxiety were referred by their GPs to a lifestyle intervention program. The nutrition status was assessed during a comprehensive assessment at the commencement of the program. The lifestyle intervention program, including all assessments, was offered at multiple sites including GP clinics in the Illawarra, and in clinic rooms at the University of Wollongong. Thirty-two men and seventy-seven women completed the assessment. Patients were referred with depression (52%), anxiety (19%) or both (28%). Eighty percent of participants were overweight or obese. All participants completed an assessment that included a diet history, anthropometric measurements and the completion of several questionnaires including the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS). Nutrition status was assessed using mean nutrient intakes and Australian modified Healthy Eating Index scores evaluated against the National Nutrition Survey intakes and DASS scores. Participants met the estimated average requirements for all nutrients except folate (17%), magnesium (78%) and calcium (57%). Intakes were similar to those reported in the National Nutrition Survey. Only magnesium intakes were significantly related to depression (r = –0.26). Australian modified Healthy Eating Index scores were significantly negatively correlated with DASS scores (P < 0.01). The associations presented here support the existing body of literature. Nutrition recommendations for patients with depression and anxiety should be based on the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating with particular attention to fruit, vegetables and wholegrains.
Health home visiting for vulnerable families: what has occurred and what is yet to arrive?
Authors: Stubbs Joanne M. , Achat Helen M.
Published: November 2011

Sustained health home visiting (SHHV) is a valuable means of implementing early intervention for vulnerable families with infants or young children. This first of a two-part report describes clients and identifies nurses’ activities with or on behalf of clients as part of a pilot SHHV program undertaken within a socioeconomically disadvantaged suburban area of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. A forthcoming report describes the results of the intervention. Child and family health nurses visited vulnerable clients who were pregnant and/or had an infant aged 36 months or younger. Interventions consisted of direct and indirect (i.e. services involving a third party) client contact. Nurses documented all activities undertaken with or on behalf of clients using pre-determined codes. Over 29 months, the program accepted 136 referrals and 118 (87%) consented to the evaluation. Families had a mean of eight risk factors, which commonly included current mental health symptoms or disorders (49%), a history or current experience of domestic violence (51%) and being known to the Department of Community Services (40%). Nurses’ most frequent interventions addressed the main carer’s emotional and health needs, and infant development. Clients’ level of need required coordinated care from a specialised multidisciplinary team, which was unavailable to program clients and their families.
Building public policy to support young people in reducing alcohol-related harm when partying at Schoolies Festivals
Authors: Hutton Alison , Cusack Lynette , Zannettino Lana
Published: November 2011

Mass gatherings such as Schoolies Festivals are often situated in existing communities. Schoolies Festivals are generally unbounded, transient mass gathering events that are situated within various coastal communities around Australia. Mass gatherings are traditionally examined as separate case studies or through using a mass gathering framework to assess patient safety. However, mass gathering frameworks and single case studies do not go far enough to examine events such as Schoolies Festivals. Schoolies Festivals often consist of a bounded ticketed dry zone for night time activities, surrounded by open dry zones, which are an unbounded part of the general community social space and can include hotels, caravan parks and the local community services. We believe that the Ottawa Charter provides the necessary broader lens through which to examine the safety of young people participating in Schoolies Festivals. The Ottawa Charter views health in terms of the whole population and although developed in 1986, maintains its relevance in contemporary social and health contexts. As a primary health care framework, the Ottawa Charter provides researchers and policy makers with the capacity to think ‘outside the square’ to develop strategies to prevent harm for young people attending such events. In addition the Ottawa Charter is a useful framework as it views the health of whole populations and maintains its relevance today. Through examining the needs of the community through a primary health care framework, the interface between the Schoolies event and the wider community can be examined to address some of the underlying structural factors that contribute to the safety of young people at Schoolies Festivals.
Aberrant expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin proteins in placenta of bovine embryos derived from somatic cell nuclear transfer
Authors: Kohan-Ghadr H. R. , Smith L. C. , Arnold D. R. , Murphy B. D. , Lefebvre R. C.
Published: November 2011

Abnormal placental development is common in the bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)-derived fetus. In the present study, we characterised the expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin, structural proteins of adherens junctions, in SCNT gestations as a model for impaired placentation. Cotyledonary tissues were separated from pregnant uteri of SCNT (n = 6) and control pregnancies (n = 8) obtained by artificial insemination. Samples were analysed by western blot, quantitative RT–PCR (qRT–PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Bovine trophectoderm cell lines derived from SCNT and control embryos were analysed to compare with the in utero condition. Although no differences in E-cadherin or β-catenin mRNA abundance were observed in fetal tissues between the two groups, proteins encoded by these genes were markedly under-expressed in SCNT trophoblast cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed a different pattern of E-cadherin and total β-catenin localisation in SCNT placentas compared with controls. No difference was observed in subcellular localisation of dephosphorylated active-β-catenin protein in SCNT tissues compared with controls. However, qRT–PCR confirmed that the wingless (WNT)/β-catenin signalling pathway target genes CCND1, CLDN1 and MSX1 were downregulated in SCNT placentas. No differences were detected between two groups of bovine trophectoderm cell lines. Our results suggest that impaired expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin proteins, along with defective β-catenin signalling during embryo attachment, specifically during placentation, is a molecular mechanism explaining insufficient placentation in the bovine SCNT-derived fetus.
When Imitation Doesn’t Flatter: The Role of Consumer Distinctiveness in Responses to Mimicry
Authors: White Katherine , Argo Jennifer J.
Published: November 2011

In a series of four experiments, the authors examine the implications of one consumer’s possession being mimicked by another consumer. The results demonstrate that when distinctiveness concerns are heightened, greater dissociation responses (i.e., possession disposal intentions, recustomization behaviors, and exchange behaviors) arise in response to being mimicked by a similar as opposed to dissimilar other. These effects are driven by threats to distinctiveness. Finally, these effects are mitigated when the imitated possession is nonsymbolic in nature and when a low degree of effort is exerted to initially obtain the possession. Implications for marketers and consumers are discussed.
One Year of Caloric Restriction in Humans: Feasibility and Effects on Body Composition and Abdominal Adipose Tissue
Authors: Racette Susan B. , Weiss Edward P. , Villareal Dennis T. , Arif Hassan , Steger-May Karen , Schechtman Kenneth B. , Fontana Luigi , Klein Samuel , Holloszy John O.
Published: November 2011

Background. Caloric restriction (CR) increases maximal life span in short-lived organisms, and its effects are being explored in nonhuman primates. The objectives of this study were to determine the feasibility of prolonged CR in nonobese adults and to compare the effects of CR- and exercise-induced weight loss on body composition and abdominal adiposity.

Methods. A randomized, controlled trial was conducted with 48 healthy, nonobese women and men, aged 57 ± 1 (mean ± standard error [SE]) years, with body mass index 27.3 ± 0.3 kg/m2. Participants were randomly assigned to a 20% calorically-restricted diet (CR, n = 19), exercise designed to produce a similar energy deficit (EX, n = 19), or a healthy lifestyle control group (HL, n = 10) for 1 year. Assessments included weight, body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, abdominal adipose tissue by magnetic resonance imaging, and energy intake by doubly labeled water.

Results. The average level of CR achieved by the CR group was 11.5 ± 2.1%, and the EX group completed 59 ± 6.7% of their prescribed exercise. Weight changes were greater (p ≤.0005) in the CR (−8.0 ± 0.9 kg) and EX (−6.4 ± 0.9) groups as compared to the HL group (−1.3 ± 0.9 kg), corresponding to reductions of 10.7%, 8.4%, and 1.7% of baseline weights, respectively. Whole-body fat mass and visceral and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue decreased significantly (p <.005) and comparably in the CR and EX groups, but did not change in the HL group.

Conclusions. CR for 1 year was feasible, but the level of CR achieved was less than prescribed. CR and exercise were equally effective in reducing weight and adiposity.
Effect of Alzheimer Caregiving Stress and Age on Frailty Markers Interleukin-6, C-Reactive Protein, and D-Dimer
Authors: von Känel Roland , Dimsdale Joel E. , Mills Paul J. , Ancoli-Israel Sonia , Patterson Thomas L. , Mausbach Brent T. , Grant Igor
Published: November 2011

Background. Elevated plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP), and D-dimer belong to the biological alterations of the “frailty syndrome,” defining increased vulnerability for diseases and mortality with aging. We hypothesized that, compatible with premature frailty, chronic stress and age are related in predicting inflammation and coagulation activity in Alzheimer caregivers.

Methods. Plasma IL-6, CRP, and D-dimer levels were measured in 170 individuals (mean age 73 ± 9 years; 116 caregivers, 54 noncaregiving controls). Demographic factors, diseases, drugs, and lifestyle variables potentially affecting inflammation and coagulation were obtained by history and adjusted for as covariates in statistical analyses.

Results. Caregivers had higher mean levels of IL-6 (1.38 ± 1.42 vs 1.00 ± 0.92 pg/mL, p =.032) and of D-dimer (723 ± 530 vs 471 ± 211 ng/mL, p <.001) than controls had. CRP levels were similar between groups (p =.44). The relationship between caregiver status and D-dimer was independent of covariates (p =.037) but affected by role overload. Age accounted for much of the relationship with IL-6. After controlling for covariates, the interaction between caregiver status and age was significant for D-dimer (β =.20, p =.029) and of borderline significance for IL-6 (β =.17, p =.090). Post hoc regression analyses indicated that, among caregivers, age was significantly correlated with both D-dimer (β =.50, p <.001) and IL-6 (β =.38, p =.001). Among controls, however, no significant relationship was observed between age and either D-dimer or IL-6.

Conclusions. The interaction between caregiving status and age for D-dimer and IL-6 suggests the possibility that older caregivers could be at risk of a more rapid transition to the frailty syndrome and clinical manifestations of cardiovascular diseases.
Informal Caregiver Involvement and Illness Detection Among Cognitively Impaired Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Port Cynthia Lindman
Published: November 2011

Background. The participation of informal caregivers in the care of nursing home (NH) residents has the potential to positively impact care, especially for cognitively impaired residents whose own ability to advocate for their care is often limited. This study examined relationships between the level of informal caregiver involvement (ICI) in the NH and the degree to which residents' common medical conditions were detected by facility staff.

Methods. One hundred pairs of cognitively impaired residents and their primary informal caregivers were enrolled from three facilities in the Baltimore, Maryland area. Data collection involved interviews with informal caregivers and facility staff, as well as a medical evaluation and chart review of residents. A measure of illness detection was created by comparing a medical examination of the resident with chart review information. ICI was measured via staff rating and informal caregiver self-report.

Results. Correlations between illness detection and ICI were significant, with r = −.46 (p <.001) and r = −.39 (p <.001), for staff rating and self-reports, respectively. In regression models taking into account resident characteristics (age, race, gender, comorbidities, payment status, duration of stay, and cognitive impairment) and facility differences, higher ICI and being female predicted higher rates of illness detection.

Conclusions. Though the cross-sectional nature of the study prevents the analysis of causal relationships, the involvement level of informal caregivers in the NH care of cognitively impaired residents was statistically related to higher rates of illness detection. Ramifications for the role of informal caregivers in long-term care are discussed.
Year-Long Physical Activity and Metabolic Syndrome in Older Japanese Adults: Cross-Sectional Data From the Nakanojo Study
Authors: Park Sungjin , Park Hyuntae , Togo Fumiharu , Watanabe Eiji , Yasunaga Akitomo , Yoshiuchi Kazuhiro , Shephard Roy J. , Aoyagi Yukitoshi
Published: November 2011

Background. We determined associations between habitual physical activity and metabolic syndrome in elderly persons.

Methods. Pedometer/accelerometers measured step count and activity intensity on a 24-hour basis in 220 free-living Japanese persons 65–84 years old throughout an entire year. At year end, participants were screened for metabolic syndrome (modified criteria of National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III [NCEP-ATP III]).

Results. Most individuals 65–74 years old who took >10,000 steps/d and/or spent >30 min/d of activity >3 metabolic equivalents (METs) had ≤2 metabolic syndrome diagnostic markers, as did those 75–84 years old with >8000 steps/d and/or >20 min/d at >3 METs. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regression analyses showed that the risk of metabolic syndrome was 4.3 (1.6–11.7) and 3.3 (1.3–8.8) times greater in the least active quartiles of participants (taking <4700 steps/d and spending <9 min/d at >3 METs, respectively) relative to the most active quartiles (taking >8500 steps/d and spending >24 min/d at >3 METs, respectively).

Conclusions. The metabolic syndrome is less likely in elderly people taking >8000–10,000 steps/d, and reaching an intensity >3 METs for >20–30 min/d, relative to their sedentary peers.