bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addictions in pain clinics and pain treatment
Authors: Passik Steven D. , Kirsh Kenneth L.
Published: January 2011

A great deal of fear exists in the world of pain management on the part of both healthcare professionals and some patients where issues of abuse, misuse, and addiction are concerned. While it might be easy to consider all pain patients as “drug seekers” or addicts, the reality remains that most pain patients are genuine; we therefore must retain pain management efforts for the many, while being aware and cognizant of the few who have problems such as addiction. To begin to separate these entities, definitions and hallmarks of addiction are explored along with discussion of screening tools that can be employed to help identify problematic patients. In addition, the concepts of dependence and tolerance are defined and separated from old notions of addiction. Finally, issues related to engaging in a multidisciplinary approach are discussed along with caveats regarding prescribing to patients who have histories or ongoing issues of addiction.
Pharmacological enhancement of drug cue extinction learning: translational challenges
Authors: Kantak K.M. , Nic Dhonnchadha B.Á.
Published: January 2011

Augmentation of cue exposure (extinction) therapy with cognitive‐enhancing pharmacotherapy may constitute a rational strategy for the clinical management of drug relapse. While certain success has been reported for this form of therapy in anxiety disorders, in this paper we highlight several obstacles that may undermine the efficacy of exposure therapy for substance use disorders. We also review translational studies that have evaluated the facilitative effects of the cognitive enhancer d‐cycloserine on extinction targeting drug‐related cues. Finally, important considerations for the design and implementation of future studies evaluating exposure therapy combined with pharmacotherapy for substance use disorders are discussed.
Intramuscular extended‐release naltrexone: current evidence
Authors: Gastfriend David R.
Published: January 2011

Extended‐release naltrexone (XR‐NTX; Vivitrol®), developed to address poor adherence in addictive disorders, is approved for use in alcohol and opioid‐dependence disorders. In alcohol‐dependent adults with ≥4‐day initial abstinence, XR‐NTX increased initial and 6‐month abstinence. An fMRI study found that XR‐NTX attenuated the salience of alcohol visual and olfactory cues in the absence of alcohol, and post hoc analyses demonstrated efficacy even during high cue‐exposure holiday periods. Safety and tolerability have generally been good, without adverse hepatic impact or intractable acute pain management. XR‐NTX use appears feasible in primary care and public systems, and retrospective claims analyses have found cost savings and decreased intensive service utilization relative to oral agents. In opioid dependence, following detoxification, XR‐NTX shows efficacy for maintaining abstinence, improving retention, decreasing craving, and preventing relapse. Trials are also exploring its use for the treatment of stimulant dependence. XR‐NTX appears compatible with counseling and self‐help attendance. While more research is needed, current findings suggest that a formulation of naltrexone that was sought beginning over three decades ago is fulfilling its promise as an extended‐release pharmacotherapeutic.
VMAT2: a dynamic regulator of brain monoaminergic neuronal function interacting with drugs of abuse
Authors: Eiden Lee E. , Weihe Eberhard
Published: January 2011

The monoaminergic neuron, in particular the dopaminergic neuron, is central to mediating the hedonic and addictive properties of drugs of abuse. The effects of amphetamine (AMPH) and cocaine (COC), for example, depend on the ability to increase dopamine in the synapse, by effects on either the plasma membrane transporter DAT or the vesicular transporter for monoamine storage, VMAT2. The potential role of DAT as a target for AMPH and COC has been reviewed extensively. Here, we present VMAT2 as a target that enables the rewarding and addictive actions of these drugs, based on imaging, neurochemical, biochemical, cell biological, genetic, and immunohistochemical evidence. The presence of VMAT2 in noradrenergic, serotoninergic, histaminergic, and potentially trace aminergic neurons invites consideration of a wider role for aminergic neurotransmission in AMPH and COC abuse and addiction.
BAC library construction, screening and clone sequencing of lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis, Salmonidae) towards the elucidation of adaptive species divergence
Authors: JEUKENS J. , BOYLE B. , KUKAVICA‐IBRULJ I. , ST‐CYR J. , LÉVESQUE R. C. , BERNATCHEZ L.
Published: January 2011

Genomic DNA sequences and other genomic resources are essential towards the elucidation of the genomic bases of adaptive divergence and reproductive isolation. Here, we describe the construction, characterization and screening of a nonarrayed BAC library for lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis). We then show how the combined use of BAC library screening and next‐generation sequencing can lead to efficient full‐length assembly of candidate genes. The lake whitefish BAC library consists of 181 050 clones derived from a single heterozygous fish. The mean insert size is 92 Kb, representing 5.2 haploid genome equivalents. Ten BAC clones were isolated following a quantitative real‐time PCR screening approach that targeted five previously identified candidate genes. Sequencing of these clones on a 454 GS FLX system yielded 178 000 reads with a mean length of 358 bp, for a total of 63.8 Mb. De novo assembly and annotation then allowed retrieval of contigs corresponding to each candidate gene, which also contained up‐ and/or downstream noncoding sequences. These results suggest that the lake whitefish BAC library combined with next‐generation sequencing technologies will be key resources to achieve a better understanding of both adaptive divergence and reproductive isolation in lake whitefish species pairs as well as salmonid evolution in general.
Analysis of accuracy of computer‐assisted navigation in cervical pedicle screw installation
Authors: Zhang Hong‐lei , Zhou Dong‐sheng , Jiang Zhen‐song
Published: January 2011

Objective:  To observe the accuracy of computer‐assisted navigation (CAN) in cervical pedicle screw installation and to analyze the reasons for screw malposition.

Methods:  From October 2004 to December 2009, 144 cervical pedicle screws were installed in 25 patients with cervical spinal diseases using CAN. Screw position and direction were measured on sagittal and transection images from intraoperative navigation and postoperative CTs.

Results:  Among 144 screws inserted from C3 to C7, two perforated the upper pedicle wall and three deviated from the lateral pedicle wall. The rate of accurate cervical pedicle screw placement with CAN was 96.5% (139/144) in our group. There was no statistical difference in the position and direction of the pedicle screws according to navigation images and CT scans.

Conclusion:  CAN can result in high accuracy of cervical pedicle installation. The excursion phenomenon is responsible for malposition of pedicle screws. Only by understanding the navigational principles of CAN and the characteristics of cervical spinal surgery, together with personal experience, can good use be made of CAN.
Study of stress distribution in pedicle screws along a continuum of diameters: a three‐dimensional finite element analysis
Authors: Qi Wei , Yan Ya‐bo , Zhang Yang , Lei Wei , Wang Pu‐jie , Hou Jun
Published: January 2011

Objective:  To create a three‐dimensional finite element model to identify the biomechanically optimal diameter of pedicle screws for placement in L1 vertebral bone.

Methods:  The effects of pedicle screws with different diameters on the maximum Von Mises stress in L1 vertebra bone were evaluated by a finite element method. Pedicle screw diameters ranging from 4.0 to 6.5 mm were assessed.

Results:  The simulation showed that, under axially oriented pullout forces, stress was decreased in all models when the diameter of screws was in the range of 4.0 mm to 6.5 mm. With a standard external load and a 6.5 mm diameter screw, load transferred to cortical and cancellous bone was reduced by 47.24% and 34.28%, respectively, and displacement of the screw was reduced by 21.35%. When the diameter was ≥5.0 mm, the variable of stress was stable in all models.

Conclusion:  When the diameter of the screws is in the range of 4.0 mm to 6.5 mm, increasing the diameter of pedicle screw can improve the distribution of axial pullout stress on the screws, cortical bone and cancellous bone. Provided the bone mass permits it, pedicle screws with a diameter of not less than 5.0 mm should be chosen.
Surgical treatment of open pilon fractures
Authors: Zeng Xian‐tie , Pang Gui‐gen , Ma Bao‐tong , Mei Xiao‐long , Sun Xiang , Wang Jia , Jia Peng
Published: January 2011

Objective:  To discuss the methods, timing and clinical outcomes of surgical treatment for open pilon fractures.

Methods:  From April 2003 to July 2008, 28 patients with open pilon fractures were treated. All had type C fractures according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für osteosynthesefragen–Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) classification. Three operative methods were applied, the methods being determined by the types of fracture, soft tissue damage and time interval after injury. Seven cases were treated by debridement and internal fixation with plate; 19 by limited internal fixation combined with external fixation; and 2 by delayed surgery. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by the Burwell‐Charnley score.

Results:  All cases were followed up for from 6 to 48 months (average 24 months). The Burwell‐Charnley score of clinical outcomes: anatomic reduction achieved in 12 cases, functional reduction in 15, and unsatisfactory reduction in 1. The healing time was from 2.5 to 11 months (average 4.7 months). Two cases had delayed union. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale for the ankle joint, there were excellent results in 8 cases, good in 14, fair in 5 and poor in 1. Complications included four cases of skin superficial sloughing, two of superficial infection, one of deep infection, two of delayed fracture union and ten of post‐traumatic arthritis.

Conclusion:  It is important to perform appropriate surgeries for open pilon fracture according to fracture classification, different damage to skin and tissue and time interval after injury. Thorough debridement, proper use of anti‐infective medication, appropriate bone grafting, and postoperative ankle function exercise can reduce the occurrence of complications.
Pedicle screw instrumentation plus augmentation vertebroplasty using calcium sulfate for thoracolumbar burst fractures without neurologic deficits
Authors: Shen Yi‐xin , Zhang Peng , Zhao Jia‐guo , Xu Wei , Fan Zhi‐hai , Lu Zheng‐feng , Li Liu‐bing
Published: January 2011

Objective:  To evaluate the efficacy of posterior instrumentation plus vertebroplasty and posterolateral fusion using calcium sulfate for thoracolumbar burst fractures without neurologic deficits.

Methods:  Between July 2005 and January 2008, a total of 45 patients who had been diagnosed as having thoracolumbar burst fractures without neurologic deficits were treated with pedicle screw instrumentation plus vertebroplasty using calcium sulfate in our unit. The Cobb angles and loss rates of anterior‐middle columns height at different time intervals were measured on lateral radiographs, and the preoperative and postoperative functional outcomes were evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

Results:  The Cobb angles and loss rates of anterior‐middle columns height postoperatively period were restored significantly compared with those noted preoperatively. The angles and heights were well maintained for at least two years using this technique. The mean postoperative VAS (back pain) score was 2.1 ± 0.8, which was significantly better (P < 0.001) than the mean preoperative VAS score 7.9 ± 1.1. The average preoperative ODI was 66.6 ± 8.1% and this had improved significantly to 15.5 ± 4.5% by the latest follow‐up (P < 0.001). No instrumentation failure was detected in this study. The calcium sulfate had been absorbed completely by 3–6 months postoperatively.

Conclusion:  Pedicle screw instrumentation plus augmentation vertebroplasty with calcium sulfate is an economic, efficient and reliable technique for treating unstable thoracolumbar fractures without neurologic deficits.
Comparison of percutaneous compression plating and short reconstruction nail for treatment of intertrochanteric fracture
Authors: Yan Shi‐gui , Zhao Xiang , Li Hang , Zheng Qiang , Li Jian‐bing , Pan Zhi‐jun , Wu Hao‐bo
Published: January 2011

Objective:  To compare percutaneous compression plating (PCCP) with Trigen short reconstruction nail (Trigen SRN) for the treatment of intertrochanteric hip fracture.

Methods:  Eighty‐four patients with intertrochanteric hip fracture admitted to our hospital from January 2007 to June 2008 were included in this retrospective study. Thirty‐six patients were treated with PCCP and 48 with Trigen SRN. Information regarding age, surgical time, blood loss, length of follow‐up, mortality, fracture impaction, time to union, complications, Harris score and visual analog scale (VAS) were all recorded.

Results:  The mean follow‐up time was 16.3 ± 3.2 months (13–19 months). The mean time to achieve radiological fracture healing was 3.6 ± 0.8 and 4.1 ± 1.0 months for the PCCP and Trigen SRN groups, respectively (P= 0.020); the mean Harris hip scores were 78.1 ± 4.8 and 74.1 ± 5.2 (P= 0.001); and the mean fracture impaction was 3.6 ± 2.3 and 3.3 ± 2.6 mm (P= 0.023). There were no statistical differences between the two groups in duration of surgery (P= 0.131) and blood loss (P= 0.268). The amount of nail in the inferior‐central quadrants was greater in the PCCP group than in the Trigen SRN group.

Conclusion:  PCCP achieves earlier pain release and better fracture reduction than Trigen SRN.
Predominant nifH transcript phylotypes related to Rhizobium rosettiformans in field‐grown sugarcane plants and in Norway spruce
Authors: Burbano Claudia Sofía , Liu Yuan , Rösner Kim Leonie , Reis Veronica Massena , Caballero‐Mellado Jesus , Reinhold‐Hurek Barbara , Hurek Thomas
Published: January 2011

Although some sugarcane cultivars may benefit substantially from biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), the responsible bacteria have been not identified yet. Here, we examined the active diazotrophic bacterial community in sugarcane roots from Africa and America by reverse transcription (RT)‐PCR using broad‐range nifH‐specific primers. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profiles obtained from sugarcane showed a low diversity at all sample locations with one phylotype amounting up to 100% of the nifH transcripts. This major phylotype has 93.9–99.6% DNA identity to the partial nifH sequence from a strain affiliated with Rhizobium rosettiformans. In addition, nifH transcripts of this phylotype were also detected in spruce roots sampled in Germany, where they made up 91% of nifH transcripts detected. In contrast, in control soil or shoot samples two distinct nifH transcript sequences distantly related to nifH from Sulfurospirillum multivorans or Bradyrhizobium elkanii, respectively, were predominant. These results suggest that R. rosettiformans is involved in root‐associated nitrogen fixation with sugarcane and spruce, plants that do not form root–nodule symbioses.
The membrane‐associated monooxygenase in the butane‐oxidizing Gram‐positive bacterium Nocardioides sp. strain CF8 is a novel member of the AMO/PMO family
Authors: Sayavedra‐Soto Luis A. , Hamamura Natsuko , Liu Chih‐Wen , Kimbrel Jeffrey A. , Chang Jeff H. , Arp Daniel J.
Published: January 2011

The Gram‐positive bacterium Nocardioides sp. strain CF8 uses a membrane‐associated monooxygenase (pBMO) to grow on butane. The nucleotide sequences of the genes encoding this novel monooxygenase were revealed through analysis of a de novo assembled draft genome sequence determined by high‐throughput sequencing of the whole genome. The pBMO genes were in a similar arrangement to the genes for ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) from the ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria and for particulate methane monooxygenase (pMMO) from the methane‐oxidizing bacteria. The pBMO genes likely constitute an operon in the order bmoC, bmoA and bmoB. The nucleotide sequence was less than 50% similar to the genes for AMO and pMMO. The operon for pBMO was confirmed to be a single copy in the genome by Southern and computational analyses. In an incubation on butane the increase of transcriptional activity of the pBmoA gene was congruent with the increase of pBMO activity and suggested correspondence between gene expression and the utilization of butane. Phylogenetic comparison revealed distant but significant similarity of all three pBMO subunits to homologous members of the AMO/pMMO family and indicated that the pBMO represents a deeply branching third lineage of this group of particulate monooxygenases. No other bmoCAB‐like genes were found to cluster with pBMO lineage in phylogenetic analysis by database searches including genomic and metagenomic sequence databases. pBMO is the first example of the AMO/pMMO‐like monooxygenase from Gram‐positive bacteria showing similarities to proteobacterial pMMO and AMO sequences.
Spiroplasma as a model insect endosymbiont
Authors: Anbutsu Hisashi , Fukatsu Takema
Published: January 2011

Members of the genus Spiroplasma are actively motile and helical bacteria of the class Mollicutes, which are associated with a variety of arthropods and plants. Some spiroplasmas cause female‐biased sex ratios of their host insects as a result of selective death of the male offspring during embryogenesis. Several strains of male‐killing spiroplasmas have been successfully transfected into Drosophila melanogaster by haemolymph injection and maintained in laboratory fly stocks. Spiroplasma–Drosophila endosymbiosis represents an ideal model system for analysing the molecular mechanisms underlying host–symbiont interactions. The infection dynamics exhibited by the symbiont within the host, the effects of external and environmental factors on the symbiotic association and symbiont interactions with the host's immune system have been investigated using this system. Comparisons between a male‐killing Spiroplasma strain and its non‐male‐killing variant revealed that, in addition to different male‐killing abilities, they also differed in infection dynamics and resistance to host innate immunity. It is currently unclear whether these different phenotypes are interconnected to each other. However, if so, such pleiotropy could facilitate our understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms of the endosymbiotic system.
Cowden syndrome complicated with hepatocellular carcinoma possibly originating from non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
Authors: Sugihara Takaaki , Mandai Mari , Koda Masahiko , Matono Tomomitsu , Nagahara Takakazu , Ueki Masaru , Murawaki Yoshikazu
Published: January 2011

There is currently no report that has documented hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a case of Cowden syndrome. Here, we present the first reported case of HCC in a 60‐year‐old female patient with Cowden syndrome. We diagnosed the patient using a pathognomonic criterion of the International Cowden Consortium Operational Diagnostic Criteria and performed genetic analysis. Enhanced computed tomography demonstrated a hypervascular tumor in segment VII of the liver. The patient was diagnosed with Cowden syndrome because her mucocutaneous lesions met the pathognomonic criterion. Mutational analysis confirmed a heterozygous germ line TGT→TAT transition at nucleotide 407 in exon 5 of the phosphatase and tensin homolog detected on the chromosome 10 (PTEN) gene. Needle biopsy showed a poorly differentiated HCC. We also diagnosed non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) from hepatic histological findings of Mallory's bodies and ballooning cells. PTEN‐deficient mice reportedly develop HCC through NASH. This is the first reported case of Cowden syndrome complicated with HCC possibly originating from NASH.
Characterization of elevated alanine aminotransferase levels during pegylated‐interferon α‐2b plus ribavirin treatment for chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Aoki Yo‐hei , Ohkoshi Shogo , Yamagiwa Satoshi , Yano Masahiko , Takahashi Hiromichi , Waguri Nobuo , Igarashi Kentaro , Sugitani Soh‐ichi , Takahashi Toru , Ishikawa Toru , Kamimura Tomoteru , Wakabayashi Hiroto , Watanabe Toshiaki , Matsuda Yasunobu , Nomoto Minoru , Aoyagi Yutaka
Published: January 2011

Aim:  Elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels during pegylated‐interferon (peg‐IFN) plus ribavirin therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C [CHC] is a problem that cannot be disregarded. The aim of this study is to assess the frequency and to characterize clinical parameters of this phenomenon.

Methods:  Two hundred and thirty‐five (235) CHC patients with genotype 1b receiving peg‐IFN α‐2b plus ribavirin therapy were analyzed. Clinical parameters that may be associated with abnormal ALT values during treatment and therapy outcomes were evaluated statistically. One hundred and sixteen (116) patients treated with peg‐IFN α‐2a plus ribavirin were also included for partial analysis.

Results:  Abnormal ALT values during treatment were observed in 23.0% of patients. It was observed in 14.5% of those with sustained virological response (SVR) and 17.8% of those with relapse, in whom viral clearance was observed during therapy. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that pretreatment ALT values, therapy outcome, and body mass index (BMI) were significant factors related to abnormal ALT values during treatment. Abnormal ALT values during treatment became normal in SVR patients at 6 months after the completion of treatment, but not in NR (non‐response) patients. Mean ALT values were significantly higher at some time points during treatment in patients treated with α‐2a when compared to those treated with α‐2b.

Conclusion:  Abnormal ALT values during peg‐IFN plus ribavirin treatment are observed relatively frequently, even in patients without detectable HCV RNA. Direct or indirect involvement of drugs is considered as one possible cause.
Clinical evaluation of liver injury in patients with acute ischemic brain stroke treated with edaravone
Authors: Hirano Masanori
Published: January 2011

Aim:  To elucidate the etiologic factors and features of liver injury in patients with acute ischemic brain stroke who were treated with edaravone and reported by their attending physicians to have developed serious liver injury.

Methods:  The present study investigated 123 patients with a verified episode of liver injury among 132 patients with serious liver injury that had been reported attributable to edaravone.

Results:  Ischemic and/or congestive liver (70.7%) were most predominant among the etiologic factors for liver injury, and edaravone‐related liver injury accounted for 20.3% (25 patients). Evident liver injury (defined in the text) was found in 104 among 123 evaluated patients; 54 patients (51.9%) of the former subset showed severe liver injury (defined increases in serum aspartate and/or alanine aminotransferase levels of ≥1000 IU/L and/or serum total bilirubin levels of ≥5 mg/dL). Among 104 patients with evident liver injury, 65 showed recovery. Furthermore, 53 patients (51.0%) were complicated by renal disorders; all of these patients had ischemic and/or congestive liver, or severe infections.

Conclusions:  Edaravone was considered to be etiologic for liver injury in approximately 20% of evaluated patients. When a patient treated with edaravone developed liver injury therefore an investigation not only on edaravone but also on other potential etiologic factors (e.g. ischemic liver, congestive liver, and infection) and the quick implementation of appropriate treatments, especially for infections, revealed possible reductions in the incidences of severe liver injury and of complications by renal disorders.
Expression profiles of miRNAs in human embryonic stem cells during hepatocyte differentiation
Authors: Kim Nury , Kim Hyemin , Jung Inkyung , Kim Yeji , Kim Dongsup , Han Yong‐Mahn
Published: January 2011

Aim:  Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are able to self‐renew and differentiate into a variety of cell types. Although miRNAs have emerged as key regulators in the cellular process, a few studies have been reported about behaviors of miRNAs during differentiation of hESCs into a specialized cell type. Here, we demonstrate that different kinds of miRNAs may function in a lineage‐specific manner during the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).

Methods:  hESCs were induced to definitive endoderm (DE) cells and further differentiated to hepatocytes. The expression levels of miRNAs were examined in hESCs, DE cells, and hepatocytes by miRNA array using 799 human miRNA probes.

Results:  Among 387 miRNAs significantly detected, 13 and 56 miRNAs were downregulated and upregulated during transition of hESCs to DE cells, respectively, while 30 and 92 miRNAs were downregulated and upregulated during differentiation of DE cells to hepatocytes, respectively. In particular, 5, 4, and 86 miRNAs were enriched in hESCs, DE cells, and hepatocytes, respectively. Quantitative RT‐PCR represented that miR‐512‐3p, miR‐512‐5p and miR‐520c‐3p were enriched in hESCs, miR‐9*, miR‐205 and miR‐375 in hESC‐derived DE cells, and miR‐10a, miR‐122 and miR‐21 in hESC‐derived hepatocytes. Expression patterns of lineage‐specific miRNAs in the liver tissue were similar to those of hESC‐derived hepatocytes.

Conclusion:  The results indicate that different kinds of miRNAs may function in a lineage‐specific manner during differentiation of hESCs into a specialized cell type.
Advancing Retail Security Design: Uncovering Shoplifter Perceptions of the Physical Environment
Authors: Carmel–Gilfilen Candy
Published: January 2011

Security is imperative knowledge for the designer, yet little integration currently exists between security and interior design. Further, the retail environment has been recognized as holding great potential for crime reduction through enhanced design solutions. The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions of 24 expert and novice shoplifters using verbal protocol analysis, a methodology for eliciting verbal reports of thought sequences. The study objectives were to examine shoplifters’ perceptions of the retail environment, investigate potential deterrents to crime, and explore the relationship between physical design features and security techniques. The results revealed significant differences between expert and novice shoplifters. Findings indicated that shoplifters focused attention on the evidence of design and security devices, including formal surveillance, product positioning, security tagging, employee positioning, access control, and store layout. Finally, the study also supported three profiles of shoplifters: low, medium, and high environmental deterrence. Overall, the study illustrates the potential of the physical environment to deter shoplifting, and proposes appropriate design solutions.
Bounce Rock—A shergottite‐like basalt encountered at Meridiani Planum, Mars
Authors: ZIPFEL Jutta , SCHRÖDER Christian , JOLLIFF Bradley L. , GELLERT Ralf , HERKENHOFF Kenneth E. , RIEDER Rudolf , ANDERSON Robert , BELL III James F. , BRÜCKNER Johannes , CRISP Joy A. , CHRISTENSEN Philip R. , CLARK Benton C. , De SOUZA Jr. Paulo A. , DREIBUS Gerlind , D’USTON Claude , ECONOMOU Thanasis , GOREVAN Steven P. , HAHN Brian C. , KLINGELHÖFER Göstar , McCOY Timothy J. , McSWEEN Jr. Harry Y. , MING Douglas W. , MORRIS Richard V. , RODIONOV Daniel S. , SQUYRES Steven W. , WÄNKE Heinrich , WRIGHT Shawn P. , WYATT Michael B. , YEN Albert S.
Published: January 2011

Abstract– The Opportunity rover of the Mars Exploration Rover mission encountered an isolated rock fragment with textural, mineralogical, and chemical properties similar to basaltic shergottites. This finding was confirmed by all rover instruments, and a comprehensive study of these results is reported here. Spectra from the miniature thermal emission spectrometer and the Panoramic Camera reveal a pyroxene‐rich mineralogy, which is also evident in Mössbauer spectra and in normative mineralogy derived from bulk chemistry measured by the alpha particle X‐ray spectrometer. The correspondence of Bounce Rock’s chemical composition with the composition of certain basaltic shergottites, especially Elephant Moraine (EET) 79001 lithology B and Queen Alexandra Range (QUE) 94201, is very close, with only Cl, Fe, and Ti exhibiting deviations. Chemical analyses further demonstrate characteristics typical of Mars such as the Fe/Mn ratio and P concentrations. Possible shock features support the idea that Bounce Rock was ejected from an impact crater, most likely in the Meridiani Planum region. Bopolu crater, 19.3 km in diameter, located 75 km to the southwest could be the source crater. To date, no other rocks of this composition have been encountered by any of the rovers on Mars. The finding of Bounce Rock by the Opportunity rover provides further direct evidence for an origin of basaltic shergottite meteorites from Mars.
The natural thermoluminescence of Antarctic meteorites and their terrestrial ages and orbits: A 2010 update
Authors: SEARS Derek W. G. , YOZZO Jordan , RAGLAND Christina
Published: January 2011

Abstract– We have examined the relationship between natural thermoluminescence (TL) and 26Al in 120 Antarctic meteorites in order to explore the orbital history and terrestrial ages of these meteorites. Our results confirm the observations of Hasan et al. (1987) which were based on 23 meteorites. For most meteorites there was a positive correlation between natural TL and 26Al, reflecting their similarity in decay rate under Antarctic conditions and thus in terrestrial age. For a small group with low TL and high 26Al a small perihelion was proposed. Within this group, natural TL decreases with terrestrial age as determined by 36Cl measurements, although the rate of TL decay is faster (half‐life approximately 10 ka) and the ages that can be determined are smaller (<200 ka) than for most meteorites. The faster decay rate and lower natural TL levels are a reflection of recent exposure to higher radiation doses and higher temperatures, since this history would populate less stable TL traps with smaller electron densities. We sort the 120 meteorites by perihelion and terrestrial age. The normal perihelion group range up to approximately 1000 ka and the small perihelion group range up to approximately 200 ka. An intermediate perihelion group tends to have short terrestrial ages (20–60 ka). There is acceptable agreement between most (34 out of 43) of our present terrestrial age estimates and those determined by isotopic means, the exceptions reflecting complex irradiation histories, long burial times in the Antarctic, or other issues.
Laboratory annealing experiments of refractory silicate grain analogs using differential scanning calorimetry
Authors: KIMURA Yuki , NUTH III Joseph A. , TSUKAMOTO Katsuo , KAITO Chihiro
Published: January 2011

Abstract– Exothermic reactions during the annealing of laboratory synthesized amorphous magnesium‐bearing silicate particles used as grain analogs of cosmic dust were detected by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in air. With infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, we show that cosmic dust could possibly undergo fusion to larger particles, with oxidation of magnesium silicide and crystallization of forsterite as exothermic reactions in the early solar system. The reactions begin at approximately 425, approximately 625, and approximately 1000 K, respectively, and the reaction energies (enthalpies) are at least 727, 4151, and 160.22 J g−1, respectively. During the crystallization of forsterite particles, the spectral evolution of the 10 μm feature from amorphous to crystalline was observed to begin at lower temperature than the crystallization temperature of 1003 K. During spectral evolution at lower temperature, nucleation and/or the formation of nanocrystallites of forsterite at the surface of the grain analogs was observed.
Impact melting of lunar meteorite Dhofar 458: Evidence from polycrystalline texture and decomposition of zircon
Authors: ZHANG Ai‐Cheng , HSU Wei‐Biao , LI Xian‐Hua , MING Hou‐Li , LI Qiu‐Li , LIU Yu , TANG Guo‐Qiang
Published: January 2011

Abstract– Dhofar 458 is a lunar meteorite consisting mainly of olivine‐plagioclase intergrowths, pyroxene‐plagioclase intergrowths, and plagioclase fragments. Pyroxene‐plagioclase globules are also common. In this study, we report the discovery of a polycrystalline zircon in this lunar meteorite. The polycrystalline zircon contains small vesicles and rounded baddeleyite grains at its margin. The polycrystalline and porous texture of the zircon indicates high‐pressure shock‐induced melting and degassing. Baddeleyite grains are derived from decomposition of zircon under high postshock temperature. The shock features in zircon indicates that the shock pressure in Dhofar 458 was greater than approximately 60 GPa and the postshock temperature greater than approximately 1700 °C. The polycrystalline and degassing texture and decomposition zircon also strongly indicates that Dhofar 458 is a clast‐rich impact melt rock. During this shock event, most components were melted and grains of mafic minerals are interstitial to lath‐like plagioclase grains. Large fragments of olivine and chromite also formed polycrystalline texture at margins and chemically reequilibrated with surrounding melts. We suggest that pyroxene‐plagioclase globules could be remains of melted target clasts, whereas vesicles may form during shock‐induced degassing of the rock. The U‐Pb isotopic data plot on a well‐defined discordant line, yielding the age of the zircon of 3434 ± 15 Ma (2σ). This age is interpreted as the time of the impact event that melted Dhofar 458 and caused decomposition and recrystallization of this zircon in Dhofar 458, which reset this zircon’s U‐Pb age.
Rotational Symmetry Breaking in the Hidden-Order Phase of URu
2
Si
2
Authors: Okazaki R. , Shibauchi T. , Shi H. J. , Haga Y. , Matsuda T. D. , Yamamoto E. , Onuki Y. , Ikeda H. , Matsuda Y.
Published: January 2011

The mysterious hidden-order phase of a heavy-fermion compound may be an electronic nematic state.
Enhanced Modern Heat Transfer to the Arctic by Warm Atlantic Water
Authors: Spielhagen Robert F. , Werner Kirstin , Sørensen Steffen Aagaard , Zamelczyk Katarzyna , Kandiano Evguenia , Budeus Gereon , Husum Katrine , Marchitto Thomas M. , Hald Morten
Published: January 2011

Water flow from the Atlantic Ocean into the Arctic through the Fram Strait is warmer than at any time in the past 2000 years.
An Embarrassment of Riches
A Rich Bioethics
Public Policy, Biotechnology, and the Kass Council

by Adam Briggle

University of Notre Dame Press, Notre Dame, IN, 2010. 230 pp. Paper, $30. ISBN 9780268022211. Studies in Medical Ethics.
Authors: Lewens Tim
Published: January 2011

Briggle offers an account of the Kass council's fundamental conception of bioethics and considers its performance from that perspective.
Rapid Pneumococcal Evolution in Response to Clinical Interventions
Authors: Croucher Nicholas J. , Harris Simon R. , Fraser Christophe , Quail Michael A. , Burton John , van der Linden Mark , McGee Lesley , von Gottberg Anne , Song Jae Hoon , Ko Kwan Soo , Pichon Bruno , Baker Stephen , Parry Christopher M. , Lambertsen Lotte M. , Shahinas Dea , Pillai Dylan R. , Mitchell Timothy J. , Dougan Gordon , Tomasz Alexander , Klugman Keith P. , Parkhill Julian , Hanage William P. , Bentley Stephen D.
Published: January 2011

Streptococcus pneumonia
evades vaccines and drugs by high levels of recombination and rapid adaptation.
Defeating Creationism in the Courtroom, But Not in the Classroom
Authors: Berkman Michael B. , Plutzer Eric
Published: January 2011

Sixty percent of U.S. high school biology teachers are not advocates for either evolutionary biology or nonscientific alternatives.
Cleavage of NIK by the API2-MALT1 Fusion Oncoprotein Leads to Noncanonical NF-κB Activation
Authors: Rosebeck Shaun , Madden Lisa , Jin Xiaohong , Gu Shufang , Apel Ingrid J. , Appert Alex , Hamoudi Rifat A. , Noels Heidi , Sagaert Xavier , Van Loo Peter , Baens Mathijs , Du Ming-Qing , Lucas Peter C. , McAllister-Lucas Linda M.
Published: January 2011

An oncogenic fusion protein promotes lymphomagenesis by activating a noncanonical signaling pathway.
Cloud Computing—What's in It for Me as a Scientist?
Authors: Fox Armando
Published: January 2011

Computational tasks that are inherently parallel, from simulations to student assignments, can be run faster on the data center resources of public clouds.
Big and Mighty: Preverbal Infants Mentally Represent Social Dominance
Authors: Thomsen Lotte , Frankenhuis Willem E. , Ingold-Smith McCaila , Carey Susan
Published: January 2011

Infants use size as a predictor in judging which contestant will win.
High-Gain Backward Lasing in Air
Authors: Dogariu Arthur , Michael James B. , Scully Marlan O. , Miles Richard B.
Published: January 2011

Focused ultraviolet light creates a distant “lasing spark” in air that can then be used for remote detection.
Insect Swarm Intelligence

Honeybee Democracy
by Thomas D. Seeley

Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 2010. 279 pp. $29.95. ISBN 9780691147215.
Authors: Chittka Lars , Mesoudi Alex
Published: January 2011

Seeley weaves together engaging accounts of honeybee biology, group decision-making, and scientific research.
Chemical Kinetics Under Test
Authors: Alexander Millard H.
Published: January 2011

A wide range of hydrogen and helium isotopes serve as a fundamental test of isotope effects and tunneling in chemical reactions.
A Tail of Division
Authors: Cowman Alan F. , Tonkin Christopher J.
Published: January 2011

A protein that controls the entry of
Toxoplasma gondii
into a host cell also plays a role in controlling the parasite's replication.
“A Sin, a Crime, a Vice, or a Disease?”

High Society
Mike Jay, Caroline Fisher, and Emily Sargent, curators

Wellcome Collection, London. Through 27 February 2011. www.wellcomecollection.org/whats-on/exhibitions/high-society.aspx
High Society
Mind-Altering Drugs in History and Culture/The Central Role of Mind-Altering Drugs in History, Science, and Culture

by Mike Jay

Thames and Hudson, London, 2010. 192 pp. £18.95. ISBN 9780500251720. Inner Traditions, Rochester, VT. Paper, $19.95. ISBN 9781594773938.
Authors: Ash Caroline
Published: January 2011

The curators present an eclectic sample of artifacts, literary works, and art that reflect the use of recreational drugs through time and across cultures.
Collins Sparks Furor With Proposed NIH Reshuffling
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: January 2011

A plan to create a new center aimed at developing drugs at the U.S. National Institutes of Health has many biomedical researchers in an uproar, mainly because creating it would entail breaking up another center.
Did Modern Humans Travel Out of Africa Via Arabia?
Authors: Lawler Andrew
Published: January 2011

A German-led team argues on page 453 of this week's issue of
Science
that tools found under a rock overhang in Jebel Faya, United Arab Emirates, were made by modern humans who may have crossed directly from Africa as part of a migration spreading across Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Despite Sensitivities, Scientists Seek to Solve Haiti's Cholera Riddle
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: January 2011

Several cholera experts have told
Science
that nailing the source of the recent cholera outbreak in Haiti could potentially embarrass the United Nations, distract from the day-to-day fight to control the outbreak, and even lead to violence.
Telling Time Without Turning On Genes
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: January 2011

Researchers have now found evidence—in people and in algae—for a eukaryotic circadian clock that works independently of gene activity. This protein-based timekeeper might represent an evolutionarily ancient way of keeping cellular time.
A New View Of the Birth of
Homo sapiens
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: January 2011

New genomic data are settling an old argument about how our species evolved.
The Species Problem
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: January 2011

Our ancestors are now thought to have mated with at least two kinds of archaic humans at two different times and places. Were they engaging in interspecies sex, or does the fact that they were able to produce offspring mean they were all members of the same species?
Treading Air
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: January 2011

The wind tunnel at the University of Western Ontario in Canada is the centerpiece of a new building that includes indoor and outdoor aviaries, acoustic chambers, behavior-observation rooms, and environmental chambers for controlling light cycles, as well as temperature and humidity.
Antibody Recognition of the Dengue Virus Proteome and Implications for Development of Vaccines
Authors: Fernandez Stefan , Cisney Emily D. , Tikhonov Alexander P. , Schweitzer Barry , Putnak Robert J. , Simmons Monika , Ulrich Robert G.
Published: January 2011

Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection caused by four distinct serotypes of dengue virus, each appearing cyclically in the tropics and subtropics along the equator. Although vaccines are currently under development, none are available to the general population. One of the main impediments to the successful advancement of these vaccines is the lack of well-defined immune correlates of protection. Here, we describe a protein microarray approach for measuring antibody responses to the complete viral proteome comprised of the structural (capsid, membrane, and envelope) and nonstructural (NS1, NS2A, NS2B, NS3, NS4A, NS4B, and NS5) components of all four dengue virus serotypes (1 to 4). We examined rhesus macaques vaccinated with tetravalent vaccines consisting of live-attenuated virus (LAV) or purified inactivated virus (PIV), followed by boosting with LAV and challenging with wild-type dengue virus. We detected temporal increases in antibodies against envelope proteins in response to either vaccine, while only the PIV/LAV vaccination strategy resulted in anticapsid antibodies. In contrast to results from vaccination, naïve macaques challenged with wild-type viruses of each serotype demonstrated a balanced response to nonstructural and structural components, including responses against the membrane protein. Our results demonstrate discriminating details concerning the nature of antibody responses to dengue virus at the proteomic level and suggest the usefulness of this information for vaccine development.
Intranasal Vaccination with the Recombinant Listeria monocytogenes ΔactA prfA*Mutant Elicits Robust Systemic and Pulmonary Cellular Responses and Secretory Mucosal IgA
Authors: Qiu Jin , Yan Lin , Chen Jianbo , Chen Crystal Y. , Shen Ling , Letvin Norman L. , Haynes Barton F. , Freitag Nancy , Rong Lijun , Frencher James T. , Huang Dan , Wang Xunming , Chen Zheng W.
Published: January 2011

We previously showed that recombinant (r)Listeria monocytogenescarrying ΔactAand a selectedprfA*mutation (r-ListeriaΔactA prfA*) secreted >100-fold more immunogen in broth culture than wild-type r-Listeriaor r-ListeriaΔactAand elicited much greater cellular and humoral immune responses than r-ListeriaΔactAafter intravenous vaccination of mice. Here, we conducted comparative studies evaluating vaccine-elicited immune responses in systemic and mucosal sites after intranasal, intravenous, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous immunization of mice with r-ListeriaΔactA prfA*vaccine candidates. Intranasal vaccination of mice with r-ListeriaΔactA prfA* vaccine candidates elicited a robust gamma interferon-positive (IFN-γ+) cellular response in systemic sites, although intravenous or intraperitoneal immunization was more efficient. Surprisingly, intranasal vaccination elicited an appreciable pulmonary IFN-γ+cellular response that was nonstatistically higher than the magnitude induced by the intravenous route but was significantly greater than that elicited by subcutaneous immunization. Furthermore, although intranasal r-ListeriaΔactA prfA*delivery induced poor systemic IgG responses, intranasal vaccination elicited appreciable secretory immunogen-specific IgA titers that were similar to or higher in mucosal fluid than those induced by subcutaneous and intravenous immunizations. Thus, intranasal vaccination with r-ListeriaΔactA prfA*appears to be a useful approach for eliciting robust systemic and pulmonary cellular responses and measurable secretory mucosal IgA titers.
High Failure Rate of the ViroSeq HIV-1 Genotyping System for Drug Resistance Testing in Cameroon, a Country with Broad HIV-1 Genetic Diversity
Authors: Aghokeng Avelin F. , Mpoudi-Ngole Eitel , Chia Julius E. , Edoul Elvine M. , Delaporte Eric , Peeters Martine
Published: January 2011

The ViroSeq HIV-1 genotyping system is used in many African countries for drug resistance testing. In this study, we used a panel of diverse HIV-1 group M isolates circulating in Cameroon to show that the performance of this assay can be altered by the sequence variation of non-B HIV-1 strains that predominate in African settings.
Detection of Bacillus Galmette-Guérin (Mycobacterium bovis BCG) DNA in Urine and Blood Specimens after Intravesical Immunotherapy for Bladder Carcinoma
Authors: Siatelis Argyrios , Houhoula Dimitra P. , Papaparaskevas Joseph , Delakas Dimitrios , Tsakris Athanassios
Published: January 2011

A real-time PCR targeting IS
6110
was employed for the detection of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
DNA in specimens collected from 10 patients treated with intravesical
M. bovis
bacillus Galmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy for bladder malignancy. BCG DNA was detected in all urine specimens taken 24 h after the instillations, as well as in 24% of the specimens collected 7 days after the instillations; it was also detected in a single specimen taken 6 weeks after the last instillation. BCG DNA was detected in 8.3% of the blood specimens taken 1 day after instillation, and its amplification was associated with cases of self-limiting fever. These findings give indications that this real-time PCR is helpful to recognize BCG bacteremic cases, which may lead to mycobacterial infection.
Novel Nested Direct PCR Technique for Malaria Diagnosis Using Filter Paper Samples
Authors: Fuehrer Hans-Peter , Fally Markus A. , Habler Verena E. , Starzengruber Peter , Swoboda Paul , Noedl Harald
Published: January 2011

The use of direct nested PCR enables the detection of
Plasmodium
spp. from blood samples collected on filter papers without requiring the time-consuming procedures associated with DNA extraction. Direct PCR provides a rapid, highly sensitive, and cost-effective alternative to diagnosing malaria using filter paper samples and standard nested PCR.