bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Divertor tungsten tile melting and its effect on core plasma performance
Authors: Lipschultz B. , Coenen J.W. , Barnard H.S. , Howard N.T. , Reinke M.L. , Whyte D.G. , Wright G.M.
Published: October 2012

For the 2007 and 2008 run campaigns, Alcator C-Mod operated with a full toroidal row of tungsten tiles in the high heat flux region of the outer divertor; tungsten levels in the core plasma were below measurement limits. An accidental creation of a tungsten leading edge in the 2009 campaign led to this study of a melting tungsten source: H-mode operation with strike point in the region of the melting tile was immediately impossible due to some fraction of tungsten droplets reaching the main plasma. Approximately 15 g of tungsten was lost from the tile over ∼100 discharges. Less than 1% of the evaporated tungsten was found re-deposited on surfaces, the rest is assumed to have become dust. The strong discharge variability of the tungsten reaching the core implies that the melt layer topology is always varying. There is no evidence of healing of the surface with repeated melting. Forces on the melted tungsten tend to lead to prominences that extend further into the plasma. A discussion of the implications of melting a divertor tungsten monoblock on the ITER plasma is presented.
Effect of carbon on hydrogen behaviour in tungsten: first-principle calculations
Authors: Ou X.D. , Shi L.Q. , Sato K. , Xu Q. , Wang Y.X.
Published: October 2012

Using the first-principle method, we investigated the effect of tungsten carbide (WC) surface layers on hydrogen retention in W. The results showed that C is not capable of capturing H atoms efficiently because of Coulomb repulsion between negatively charged C and H atoms in tungsten. Meanwhile, the repulsive force enhances the migration barrier for H to travel through WC layers. The high barrier, therefore, prevents the implanted H from escaping the W matrix. With H implanted continually, more and more H atoms are accumulated in the bulk and diffuse far from the WC layer, which contributes to blister formation in W.
Being at the right place at the right time
Authors: Martin Sophie G.
Published: October 2012

I am tremendously honored to receive the 2012 Women in Cell Biology Junior Award. In this essay, I recount my career path over the past 15 years. Although many details are specific to my own experiences, I hope that some generalizations can be made to encourage more women to pursue independent scientific careers. Mine is a story of choosing a captivating question, making the most of your opportunities, and finding a balance with life outside the lab.
An alternative telomerase RNA in Arabidopsis modulates enzyme activity in response to DNA damage
Authors: Cifuentes-Rojas Catherine , Nelson Andrew D.L. , Boltz Kara A. , Kannan Kalpana , She Xintao , Shippen Dorothy E.
Published: October 2012

Telomerase replenishes telomere tracts by reiteratively copying its RNA template, TER. Unlike other model organisms, Arabidopsis thaliana harbors two divergent TER genes. However, only TER1 is required for telomere maintenance. Here we examine the function of TER2. We show that TER2 is spliced and its 3′ end is truncated in vivo to generate a third TER isoform, TER2S. TERT preferentially associates with TER2 > TER1 > TER2S. Moreover, TER2 and TER2S assemble with Ku and POT1b (protection of telomeres), forming RNP (ribonucleoprotein) complexes distinct from TER1 RNP. Plants null for TER2 display increased telomerase enzyme activity, while TER2 overexpression inhibits telomere synthesis from TER1 and leads to telomere shortening. These findings argue that TER2 negatively regulates telomerase by sequestering TERT in a nonproductive RNP complex. Introduction of DNA double-strand breaks by zeocin leads to an immediate and specific spike in TER2 and a concomitant decrease in telomerase enzyme activity. This response is not triggered by replication stress or telomere dysfunction and is abrogated in ter2 mutants. We conclude that Arabidopsis telomerase is modulated by TER2, a novel DNA damage-induced noncoding RNA that works in concert with the canonical TER to promote genome integrity.
Two GRAS Proteins, SCARECROW-LIKE21 and PHYTOCHROME A SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION1, Function Cooperatively in Phytochrome A Signal Transduction
Authors: Torres-Galea Patricia , Hirtreiter Birgit , Bolle Cordelia
Published: October 2012

Photoreceptors, especially the far-red light-absorbing phytochrome A, play a crucial role in early seedling development, triggering the transition from etiolated to photomorphogenic growth. Here, we describe the biological functions of two GRAS proteins from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), SCARECROW-LIKE21 (SCL21) and PHYTOCHROME A SIGNAL TRANSDUCTION1 (PAT1), which are specifically involved in phytochrome A signal transduction. Loss-of-function mutants show an elongated hypocotyl under far-red light and are impaired in other far-red high-irradiance responses. The SCL21 transcript itself is down-regulated by far-red light in a phytochrome A- and PAT1-dependent manner. Our results demonstrate that both SCL21 and PAT1 are positive regulators of phytochrome A signal transduction for several high-irradiance responses. Genetic and biochemical evidence suggest a direct interaction of the two proteins.
A Protein Kinase, Calcineurin B-Like Protein-Interacting Protein Kinase9, Interacts with Calcium Sensor Calcineurin B-Like Protein3 and Regulates Potassium Homeostasis under Low-Potassium Stress in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Li-Li , Ren Hui-Min , Chen Li-Qing , Wang Yi , Wu Wei-Hua
Published: October 2012

Potassium (K+) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development. Previous studies have demonstrated that Calcineurin B-Like Protein1 (CBL1) or CBL9 and CBL-Interacting Protein Kinase23 (CIPK23) regulate K+ uptake in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) roots by modulating K+ channel Arabidopsis K+ Transporter1. In this study, we show that the protein kinase CIPK9 interacts with the calcium sensor CBL3 and plays crucial roles in K+ homeostasis under low-K+ stress in Arabidopsis. Arabidopsis wild-type plants showed leaf chlorotic symptoms when grown for 10 d on low-K+ (100 μm) medium. Here, we show that plants lacking CIPK9 displayed a tolerant phenotype to low-K+ stress, which still maintained green leaves when the wild-type plants showed typical K+-deficient symptoms. Overexpressing lines of CIPK9 resulted in a low-K+-sensitive phenotype compared with wild-type plants. Furthermore, CBL2 and CBL3 were identified as upstream regulators of CIPK9. Both CBL2- and CBL3-overexpressing lines displayed similar low-K+-sensitive phenotypes and K+ contents to CIPK9-overexpressing lines. However, only cbl3 mutant plants, but not cbl2 mutant plants, showed the low-K+-tolerant phenotype similar to cipk9 mutants. Taken together, these results demonstrate that CIPK9 and CBL3 work together and function in K+ homeostasis under low-K+ stress in Arabidopsis.
X-ray and DFT studies of a mono- and binuclear copper(II) ionic compound containing a Schiff base
Authors: Langer Vratislav , Mach Pavol , Gyepesová Dalma , Andrezálová Lucia , Kohútová Mária
Published: October 2012

In the structure oftrans-bis(ethanol-κO)tetrakis(1H-imidazole-κN3)copper(II) bis[μ-N-(2-oxidobenzylidene)-D,L-glutamato]-κ4O1,N,O2′:O2′;κ4O2′:O1,N,O2′-bis[(1H-imidazole-κN3)cuprate(II)], [Cu(C3H4N2)4(C2H6O)2][Cu2(C15H14N3O5)2], both ions are located on centres of inversion. The cation is mononuclear, showing a distorted octahedral coordination, while the anion is a binuclear centrosymmetric dimer with a square-pyramidal copper(II) coordination. An extensive three-dimensional hydrogen-bonding network is formed between the ions. According to B3LYP/6–31G* calculations, the two equivalent components of the anion are in doublet states (spin density located mostly on CuIIions) and are coupled as a triplet, with only marginal preference over an open-shell singlet.
Supramolecular sheets in (4H-chromeno[4,3-c]isoxazol-3-yl)methanol and its hydrated 8-methyl-substituted analogue at 100 K
Authors: Rajalakshmi P. , Srinivasan N. , Krishnakumar R. V. , Razak Ibrahim Abdul , Rosli Mohd Mustaqim
Published: October 2012

The title compounds, (4H-chromeno[4,3-c]isoxazol-3-yl)methanol, C11H9NO3, (I), and (8-methyl-4H-chromeno[4,3-c]isoxazol-3-yl)methanol monohydrate, C12H11NO3·H2O, (II), crystallize in the monoclinic space groupsP21/candC2/c, respectively. The simple addition of a methyl substituent in (II) results in a change in the structure type and substantially alters the intermolecular interaction patterns, while retaining the point-group symmetry 2/m. Compound (II) crystallizes as a hydrate and the resulting hydrogen-bonding interactions involving the water molecule are the cause of differences in the hydrogen-bonded supramolecular motifs present in (I) and (II). The water molecule in (II) is disordered over two positions having very similar orientations, with occupancies of 0.571 (18) and 0.429 (18), although the pattern of hydrogen-bonding interactions for the two disordered water molecules remains essentially the same. In both compounds, the primary donor hydroxy group adopts atransconformation with respect to the isoxazole O atom, with a torsion angle of 170.65 (8)° for (I) and 179.56 (10)° for (II), the small difference being due to differences in the hydrogen-bonding environment of the hydroxy group. In (I), molecules are linked through two independent O—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds and form sheets of centrosymmetricR44(18) andR44(14) rings extending parallel to the (100) plane. The supramolecular motifs in (II) generate two-dimensional sheets parallel to the (100) plane through a combination of O—H...X(X= N, O) and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, leading to water-assisted noncentrosymmetricR22(8) andR66(20) motifs. The present work is an example of how the simple replacement of a substituent in the main molecular scaffold may transform the structure type, paving the way for a variety of supramolecular motifs and consequently altering the complexity of the intermolecular interaction patterns.
Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of an ice-binding protein (FfIBP) fromFlavobacterium frigorisPS1. Addendum
Authors: Do Hackwon , Lee Jun Hyuck , Lee Sung Gu , Kim Hak Jun
Published: October 2012

An additional acknowledgement is published for the article by Doet al.[(2012)Acta Cryst.F68, 806–809].
Reliability of the pattern hair loss classifications: A comparison of the basic and specific and Norwood–Hamilton classifications
Authors: HONG Hannah , JI Jae Hong , LEE Yoonhee , KANG Hoon , CHOI Gwang Seong , LEE Won‐Soo
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Pattern hair loss (PHL) is the most common form of baldness in both sexes. The Norwood–Hamilton classification is the most commonly used classification worldwide, but it has many limitations. The basic and specific (BASP) classification was introduced as an improvement over the Norwood–Hamilton classification. Previous research was done to estimate the reliability of the Norwood–Hamilton classification and the result was unsatisfactory. However, the reliability of the BASP and Norwood–Hamilton classifications has not yet been compared. Eight dermatological specialists, 17 dermatological residents and 15 general physicians classified PHL in 100 sets of photographs using both the BASP and Norwood–Hamilton classifications. Intergroup reproducibility was evaluated by examining the match rate of the individual data in each group and the match rate between hair specialist and the other examiners. Intragroup repeatability was determined by calculating the match rate between the first and second studies. In terms of intergroup reproducibility of the match rate for individual data in each group, the basic type had the best agreement, the specific type had the second best, and the Norwood–Hamilton classification had the lowest match rate. In comparison, hair specialist and intragroup repeatability showed the same patterns. The BASP classification not only distinguishes all kinds of hair loss patterns, but also has better reproducibility and repeatability than the Norwood–Hamilton classification.
Reality as the leading cause of stress: rethinking the impact of chronic stress in nature
Authors: Boonstra Rudy
Published: October 2012

Chronic activation of the stress axis caused by long‐term uncontrollable and unpredictable factors in the environment has been regarded as causing maladaptive and/or pathological effects, both by those studying animals in the laboratory and in nature. While pathology may apply to the former, I argue that it does not apply to the latter.

Our thinking on the role of chronic stress in animals in nature has been heavily influenced by biomedical research, but much less so by the ecological and evolutionary context within which animals actually function. I argue that when such stressors occur (e.g. periods of high predation risk, food limitation, prolonged severe weather, social conflict, etc.), although the animal may be chronically stressed, its responses are adaptive and continue to promote fitness.

Chronic stressors in nature can be subdivided into whether they are reactive (direct physiological challenges threatening homeostasis and not requiring cognitive processing – for example, food limitation) or anticipatory (perceived to be threatening and requiring cognitive processing – for example, high predation risk). For anticipatory stressors, their impact on the animal should not be based on their absolute duration (they may be acute), but rather by the duration of their physiological consequences.

The anticipatory stressor of persistent high predation risk does not elicit chronic stress in all prey classes. Cyclic snowshoe hare and arctic ground squirrels exhibit evidence of chronic stress when predator numbers are high, but cyclic vole and noncyclic elk populations do not. I suggest that chronic stress has evolved to benefit the fitness of the former and not the later, with the key factors being lifespan and life history. I propose that chronic stress evolves in a species only if it is adaptive.
The ecoimmunology of invasive species
Authors: White Thomas A. , Perkins Sarah E.
Published: October 2012

Invasive populations frequently harbour a reduced parasite community compared with their native counterparts. The loss of regulating enemies may result in re‐allocation of resources away from costly defences, effects that may be particularly pronounced at the wave‐front of the invasion during the range expansion stage. Bottlenecking and increased genetic drift is also expected to result in a loss of immunogenetic diversity. As the invasive species expands its range, selection will strongly favour increased growth and reproduction, traits that may trade‐off against immune function.

Relaxed parasite‐mediated selection is expected to alter the trade‐offs between immune response and immunopathology. Hence, we might expect that a combination of necessity (i.e. loss of specific alleles at immune loci) and natural selection away from immunity towards other fitness traits should result in invasive populations having reduced resistance to parasites but greater potential for demographic growth in the invaded range.

Following this argument to its logical conclusion would suggest that invasive species could also be more vulnerable to novel parasites, or to parasites to which the invasive population has lost immunity arriving from the native range. Despite this attractive narrative, there is currently little empirical evidence on the ecoimmunology and immunogenetics of invasions.

In this article, we review the evidence for changes in the immune response of invasive species. We also examine the likely effects of range expansions and population genetic processes on the immune systems of invasive species. We conclude that much more empirical research is necessary in this field before general patterns and predictions can emerge.
Emergence agitation in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy: a comparison of sevoflurane vs. sevoflurane‐remifentanil administration
Authors: NA H.‐S. , SONG I.‐A. , HWANG J.‐W. , DO S.‐H. , OH A.‐Y.
Published: October 2012

Background

Sevoflurane is widely used in paediatric anaesthesia but frequently causes emergence agitation (EA). This study evaluated whether limiting the sevoflurane concentration by combining remifentanil with sevoflurane reduced the incidence of EA.

Methods

Eighty‐four preschool children scheduled for adenotonsillectomy were randomly assigned to either the remifentanil or sevoflurane group. In the remifentanil group, anaesthesia was induced with thiopental, rocuronium, and 1% sevoflurane. It was maintained with 1% sevoflurane, 60% nitrous oxide in oxygen, and a continuous infusion of remifentanil. For the sevoflurane group, anaesthesia was induced with thiopental, rocuronium, and 8% sevoflurane, and was maintained with 2–3% sevoflurane. Both groups received ketorolac 1 mg/kg and dexamethasone 0.15 mg/kg. EA was measured using the paediatric anaesthesia emergence delirium (PAED) scale and a four‐point EA scale in the post‐anaesthesia care unit.

Results

The scores on the PAED scales were significantly lower in the remifentanil group than in the sevoflurane group [median (interquartile range); 6 (4.25–10.25) vs. 11 (7.75–14.0), P = 0.007], and the proportion of patients with PAED scores ≥ 10 was significantly lower in the remifentanil group than in the sevoflurane group [15 (35.7%) vs. 27 (64.2%), P = 0.009]. The incidence of EA evaluated using the four‐point scale was also lower in the remifentanil group [11 (26.1%) vs. 21 (50%), respectively, P = 0.025].

Conclusion

The incidence of EA was lower in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy who received a lower concentration of sevoflurane combined with remifentanil than in those given a higher concentration of sevoflurane without remifentanil.
Regression of vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease – feasible or fantasy? A review of the clinical evidence
Authors: Leonard Oscar , Spaak Jonas , Goldsmith David
Published: October 2012

The complex relationships between cardiovascular, renal, and bone disease are increasingly recognized but not yet clearly understood. Vascular calcification (VC) represents a common end point between these interlinked systems. It is highly prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may be responsible for some of the excess cardiovascular events seen in this condition. There is much interest in developing therapeutic agents to stop its development or reverse its progression. Traditionally considered to be due to abnormalities in calcium and phosphate metabolism alone, VC is now known to be the product of active, dynamic processes within the vessel wall. Primary prevention of VC is possible through successful prevention or reversal of progressive renal dysfunction, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia, but is challenging given the increasing global prevalence of these risk factors. Secondary prevention of VC through tight control of calcium and phosphate, can be achieved by dietary or pharmacological means. Both the modification of haemodialysis duration or methods and the use of renal transplantation have an effect. Novel drugs such as cinacalcet were hoped to halt calcification but results have been mixed, and no intervention has yet been shown to reverse calcification reliably. A new range of experimental targets involved in the putative mediatory pathways between bone and vascular disease has emerged. Aiming to manipulate the active mechanisms involved in calcium deposition, these hold hope for reversal of calcification, but are still theoretical or in early animal or human experimentation.
Aryl‐Heteroaryl Derivatives as Novel Wake‐Promoting Agents
Authors: Lesur Brigitte , Lin Yin G. , Marcy Val R. , Aimone Lisa D. , Gruner John , Bacon Edward R. , Chatterjee Sankar
Published: October 2012

In search of a next generation molecule to the novel wake‐promoting agent modafinil, a series of aryl‐heteroayl‐derived wakefulness enhancing agents (in rats) was developed. From this work, compound 16 was separated into its enantiomers to profile them individually.
A General Structure for Legal Arguments About Evidence Using Bayesian Networks
Authors: Fenton Norman , Neil Martin , Lagnado David A.
Published: October 2012

A Bayesian network (BN) is a graphical model of uncertainty that is especially well suited to legal arguments. It enables us to visualize and model dependencies between different hypotheses and pieces of evidence and to calculate the revised probability beliefs about all uncertain factors when any piece of new evidence is presented. Although BNs have been widely discussed and recently used in the context of legal arguments, there is no systematic, repeatable method for modeling legal arguments as BNs. Hence, where BNs have been used in the legal context, they are presented as completed pieces of work, with no insights into the reasoning and working that must have gone into their construction. This means the process of building BNs for legal arguments is ad hoc, with little possibility for learning and process improvement. This article directly addresses this problem by describing a method for building useful legal arguments in a consistent and repeatable way. The method complements and extends recent work byHepler, Dawid, and Leucari (2007)on object‐oriented BNs for complex legal arguments and is based on the recognition that such arguments can be built up from a small number of basic causal structures (referred to asidioms). We present a number of examples that demonstrate the practicality and usefulness of the method.
Variability of cyclosporine concentrations by HPLC and TDX monoclonal assay methods, application of a correction factor, and description of a novel clinical approach to determine the practical consequences of changing assay technique
Authors: Trifilio Steven M. , Scheetz Marc , Borensztajn Jayme , Mehta Jayesh
Published: October 2012

Cyclosporine (CSA) is an immunosuppressant used for the prevention of graft rejection and graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is recommended to ensure efficacy and prevent toxicity. Several immunoassay assay are commercially available for measuring CSA drug concentrations. Differences in the cross‐reactive metabolites measured by specific immunoassay tests contribute to the significant lack of specificity which has been reported between immunoassays and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) test results. Inter‐assay test results can affect interpretation of CSA drug concentrations and potentially compromise patient outcomes. The current study analyzed 72 paired HPLC‐monoclonal TDX (TDXm) CSA drug concentrations and calculated a clinically reliable correction factor which could be applied to HPLC‐TDXm results for TDM. A unique concordance–discordance simulation model was utilized to validate the correction factor for clinical use.
Delayed graft function is not associated with an increased incidence of renal allograft rejection
Authors: Hirt‐Minkowski Patricia , Amico Patrizia , Hönger Gideon , Praehauser Claudia , Steiger Jürg , Koller Michael T. , Gürke Lorenz , Mayr Michael , Schaub Stefan
Published: October 2012

Delayed graft function (DGF) is considered as a risk factor for renal allograft rejection, but this association might be confounded by diagnostic biases (e.g., higher biopsy frequency in patients with DGF, inclusion of clinically diagnosed rejection episodes, and limited details on the rejection phenotype). This retrospective study including 329 deceased donor transplantations aimed to clarify a causal relationship between DGF and rejection. DGF occurred in 93/329 recipients (28%), whereas immediate graft function (IGF) in 236/329 recipients (72%). The percentage of patients with ≥1 allograft biopsy within the first year post‐transplant was similar between the DGF and IGF group (96% vs. 94%; p = 0.60). The cumulative one‐yr incidence of biopsy‐proven clinical (35% vs. 34%; p = 0.62) and combined (sub)clinical rejection (58% vs. 60%; p = 0.79) was not different between the two groups. Furthermore, there were no differences regarding rejection phenotypes/severities and time frame of occurrence. By multivariable Cox regression analysis, donor‐specific HLA antibodies, younger recipient age, and immunosuppressive regimens were independent predictors for clinical rejection, while DGF was not. These results in an intermediate sized, but thoroughly investigated patient population challenge the concept that DGF is a risk factor for rejection and highlights the need for additional studies in this regard.
Trajectories of Adjustment to Couple Relationship Separation
Authors: Halford W. Kim , Sweeper Susie
Published: October 2012

To test a stress‐diathesis model of adjustment to separation, the current study describes the trajectories of different aspects of separation adjustment in people formerly married or cohabiting, and moderators of those trajectories. A convenience sample of 303 recently separated individuals (169 women; 134 men) completed assessments of their emotional attachment to the former partner, loneliness, psychological distress, and coparenting conflict at two time points 6 months apart. Multilevel modeling of the overlapping multicohort design was used to estimate the trajectories of these different aspects of adjustment as a function of time since separation, marital status, gender, presence of children from the relationship, who initiated separation, social support, and anxious attachment. Attachment to the former partner, loneliness, and psychological distress were initially high but improved markedly across the 2 years after separation, but coparenting conflict was high and stable. Adjustment problems were similar in men and women, and in those formerly married or cohabiting, except that reported coparenting conflict was higher in men than women. Low social support and high anxious attachment predicted persistent attachment to the former partner, loneliness, and psychological distress. Coparenting conflict is a common, chronic problem for many separated individuals, and individuals with certain psychological vulnerabilities also experience chronic personal distress.
Carbon preservation in humic lakes; a hierarchical regulatory pathway
Authors: Fenner Nathalie , Freeman Chris
Published: October 2012

Peatland catchments store vast amounts of carbon. Humic lakes and pools are the primary receptacles for terrigenous carbon in these meta‐ecosystems, representing sequestration hotspots; boreal lakes alone store ca. 120 Pg C. But little is known about the mechanisms that preserve aquatic carbon stocks. Here, we determined the regulatory pathway of decomposition in relation to ‘traditional’ limitations, namely anoxia, decay inhibiting compounds, low nutrients and acidity, using in vitro manipulation, mesocosms and natural gradients. We show that anoxia represents a powerful hierarchical preservation mechanism affecting all major limitations on decomposition and recapturing carbon that would otherwise escape from peatlands. Oxygen constraints on microbial synthesis of oxidases and nutrient‐cycling enzymes, prevents the decay of organic matter to CO2, CH4 and N2O by allowing inhibitor accumulation and lowering nutrients. However, this pathway is sensitive to direct nutrient inputs and therefore eutrophication could initiate catastrophic feedback to global warming via dramatically increased greenhouse gas emissions. Identifying these process‐specific limitations should inform better management and conservation of these vital systems.
The Dynamic Capability View in Strategic Management: A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Vogel Rick , Güttel Wolfgang H.
Published: October 2012

The dynamic capability view (DCV) is one of the most vibrant approaches to strategic management. In this study, the extant literature published between 1994 and 2011 is analysed, using bibliometric methods in order to explore the scope of this approach and detect current research priorities. For this purpose, the method of bibliographic coupling is introduced in management research, which shifts the focus of analysis from past traditions to current trends. Several clusters of thematically related research are extracted from bibliographic networks, which represent interconnected yet distinct subfields of inquiry within the DCV. The core cluster of the current DCV, which visualizes this research field's nascent but fragile identity, focuses on learning and change capabilities and relates them to firm performance, thus merging aspects of organization theory and strategic management. In addition, several peripheral clusters of research are identified, which reflect a parallel process of differentiation in the overall field. Both trends, i.e. of integration and differentiation, attest to the emancipation of the DCV as a distinct approach to strategic management. However, the DCV still lacks consensual concepts that allow comparisons of empirical studies and advance the theoretical understanding of dynamic capabilities. In the light of the above, some implications of this analysis for further research are discussed.
Preparation of albumin from human plasma by heat denaturation method in plasma bag
Authors: Aghaie A. , Khorsand Mohammad Pour H. , Banazadeh S.
Published: October 2012

Aim

In many countries, there is surplus plasma which is thrown out. Due to the high cost of albumin as a pharmaceutical product, it is not widely available for all patients. Therefore, we considered direct preparation of albumin in the plasma bag.

Background

Human plasma has many unique features compared with prepared pharmaceutical products because of its human origin. In countries which do not have a plasma fractionation industry, shortages for plasma products are commonplace.

Methods

Albumin stabiliser was added to the plasma in the bag to stabilised albumin molecule and make it resistant to heat. When the plasma bag was heated, other plasma proteins are irreversibly precipitated and can be separated by centrifugation. Finally, albumin is filtered and pasteurized in plasma bag.

Results

The purity of prepared albumin is >99% and the yield is 21 g per liter of plasma. Polymer content of pasteurized albumin measuring with High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was less than 1%.

Conclusions

Since albumin preparation in plasma bag is a simple and cheap technology, it has the potential for use in the production of a safe plasma derived product, although suitability for human use would require appropriate clinical assessment for safety. Using this method, albumin could be prepared from all types of plasma. This method is suggested as a possible method of albumin production for all countries which do not have a plasma fractionation industry and even for the countries with low plasma supplies.
Multiplex polymerase chain reaction with DNA pooling: a cost‐effective strategy of genotyping rare blood types
Authors: He Y.‐L. , Gao H.‐H. , Ye L.‐Y. , Guo Z.‐H. , Wang P. , Zhu Z.‐Y.
Published: October 2012

Objectives/Aims

This work aims to develop a multiplex polymerase chain reaction combined with DNA pooling for mass screening for rare blood types.

Background

The differences in most blood group antigens are associated with single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which are used in detecting blood antigen expression at the molecular level. However, all existing sequence‐specific primers polymerase chain reaction (PCR‐SSP) assays for blood typing genotype one or several SNPs individually. DNA pooling is a way that reduces the amount of genotyping required.

Methods

A sensitive multiplex PCR‐SSP assay testing pooled DNA was established to detect the rare Fyb and S alleles. It was applied to screen a total of 4490 donor samples via testing 898 DNA pools. The samples in the positive pools were further tested individually. Then the positive samples, including Fy(a−b+)/Fy(a+b+) and S+s−/S+s+ genotypes, were tested via two PCR‐SSP assays for alleles Fya and s. The rare genotypes Fy(a−b+) and S+s− were verified using serologic tests and sequencing analysis.

Results

Two hundred and fifty‐four donors were tested positive for the Fyb allele, whereas 101 donors were positive for the S allele. Among the 254 Fy(b+) donors, 5 were Fy(a−b+) and 249 were Fy(a+b+). Among the 101 S+ donors, 3 were S+s− and 98 were S+s+. The rare Fyb and S alleles comprised 2·28 and 1·16%, respectively. The PCR‐SSP assays were confirmed by sequencing analysis and serological test.

Conclusion

A multiplex PCR assay was combined with DNA pooling to reduce the number of tests required, making large‐scale screening feasible.
Risk factors of early and late onset pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Aksornphusitaphong Adisorn , Phupong Vorapong
Published: October 2012

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify the differences in risk factors between early and late onset pre‐eclampsia.

Material and Methods

A case–control study was carried out involving pregnancies with pre‐eclampsia (152 early onset and 297 late onset) and 449 controls at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2010. The data were reviewed from antenatal and delivery records.

Results

Factors which were significantly associated with increased risk for both early and late onset pre‐eclampsia were family history of diabetes mellitus, high pre‐pregnancy body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 and weight gain ≥ 0.5 kg per week. History of chronic hypertension (odds ratio 4.4; 95% confidence interval 2.1–9.3) was significantly associated with increased risk for only early onset pre‐eclampsia, while family history of chronic hypertension (odds ratio 18; 95% confidence interval 6–54) was significantly associated with increased risk for only late onset pre‐eclampsia.

Conclusions

The risk factors that differ between early and late onset of pre‐eclampsia were history of chronic hypertension and family history of chronic hypertension. Family history of diabetes mellitus, pre‐pregnancy body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 and weight gain ≥ 0.5 kg per week were risk factors of both early and late onset pre‐eclampsia. These risk factors are of value to obstetricians in identifying patients at risk for pre‐eclampsia and in implementing primary prevention.
Acute congestive heart failure due to ruptured mitral chordae tendineae in late pregnancy
Authors: Ohishi Sugiko , Nitta Hayase , Chinen Yukiko , Kinjo Tadatsugu , Masamoto Hitoshi , Sakumoto Kaoru , Maeda Tatsuya , Kuniyoshi Yukio , Aoki Yoichi
Published: October 2012

A 31‐year‐old woman complained of dyspnea and orthopnea at 38 weeks of gestation. A grade 3/6 pansystolic murmur was heard, and echocardiography revealed severe mitral regurgitation with a hyperechoic obstacle on the posterior mitral valve leaflet, consistent with a diagnosis of acute heart failure due to a ruptured chordae tendineae or an infectious endocarditis. An emergency cesarean section was performed under general anesthesia. A male infant was born weighing 2928 g with Apgar scores of 7 and 8 at 1 and 5 min, respectively. The patient was managed in the intensive care unit and underwent open‐heart surgery for mitral valve repair on postpartum day 3. The two chordal tendineae appeared torn and frail, and a mitral annuloplasty was performed. No finding of infectious endocarditis was observed. Because it is a dramatic and life‐threatening clinical situation, proper diagnosis and treatment in the intensive care unit assure a good outcome for both mother and fetus.
Tumor‐associated macrophages correlate with progesterone receptor loss in endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jiang Xue‐feng , Tang Qiong‐lan , Li Hai‐gang , Shen Xi‐ming , Luo Xin , Wang Xiao‐yu , Lin Zhong‐qiu
Published: October 2012

Aim

It has been well established that tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) play a tumor promoting role in endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EEC). But the association with TAMs and sex hormone receptor expression, and progression of precancerous endometrial lesions in EEC has been little reported.

Material and Methods

We used immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of CD68, CD34, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in 95 cases of EEC, as well as 35 cases of endometrial hyperplasia (including 15 atypical hyperplasia, 10 complex hyperplasia and 10 simple hyperplasia). We also correlated TAMs count with various clinicopathological factors, sex hormone receptor, and prognostic value in patients with EEC.

Results

We identified that TAMs count increased linearly with disease progression (mean count per case at ×200 magnification: simple hyperplasia, 6.30; complex hyperplasia, 11.20; atypical hyperplasia, 29.40; EEC 55.81, respectively; P < 0.001), that microvascular density (MVD) also increased accordingly (27.50, 30.20, 50.13 and 59.94, respectively; P < 0.001). The expression of progesterone receptor, not of estrogen receptor, significantly decreased with disease progression (P < 0.05). Moreover, histopathologic grades, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage (2009), depth of myometrial invasion, pelvic lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular space invasion, and expression of PR and VEGF were associated with TAMs count (P = 0.0001, P = 0.004, P = 0.0001, P = 0.04, P = 0.0001, P = 0.0001, P = 0.0001, respectively). Progesterone receptor expression was also associated with histopathologic grades, lymphovascular space invasion, VEGF and high TAMs (P = 0.035, P = 0.022, P = 0.014, P = 0.001, respectively). The estimated 5‐year survival rate of patients with low TAMs was significantly higher than those with high TAMs (96.4% vs 69.8%, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

TAMs are potentially related to PR loss and progression of precancerous endometrial lesions in EEC.
Diversification of South American spiny rats (Echimyidae): a multigene phylogenetic approach
Authors: Fabre Pierre‐Henri , Galewski Thomas , Tilak Marie‐ka , Douzery Emmanuel J. P.
Published: October 2012

Fabre, P.‐H., Galewski, T., Tilak, M.‐k. & Douzery, E.J.P. (2012) Diversification of South American spiny rats (Echimyidae): a multigene phylogenetic approach. —Zoologica Scripta,00, 000–000.

We investigated the phylogenetic relationships of 14 Echimyidae (spiny rats), one Myocastoridae (nutrias) and one Capromyidae (hutias) genera based on three newly sequenced nuclear genes (APOB,GHRandRBP3) and five previously published markers (the nuclearRAG1andvWF, and the mitochondrial cytochromeb,12SrRNA and16SrRNA). We recovered a well‐supported phylogeny within the Echimyidae, although the evolutionary relationships among arboreal echimyid taxa remain unresolved. Molecular divergence times estimated using a Bayesian relaxed molecular clock suggest a Middle Miocene origin for most of the extant echimyid genera. Echimyidae seems to constitute an example of evolutionary radiation with high species diversity, yet they exhibit only narrow skull morphological changes, and the arboreal and terrestrial taxa are shown to retain numerous plesiomorphic features. The most recent common ancestor of spiny rats is inferred to be a ground‐dwelling taxon that has subsequently diverged into fossorial, semiaquatic and arboreal habitats. The arboreal clade polytomy and ancestral character estimations suggest that the colonization of the arboreal niche constituted the keystone event of the echimyid radiation. However, biogeographical patterns suggest a strong influence of allopatric speciation in addition to ecology‐driven diversification among South American spiny rats.
Cryptic speciation and genetic structure of widely distributed brittle stars (Ophiuroidea) in Europe
Authors: Pérez‐Portela Rocío , Almada Vitor , Turon Xavier
Published: October 2012

Pérez‐Portela, R., Almada, V. & Turon, X. (2012). Cryptic speciation and genetic structure of widely distributed brittle stars (Ophiuroidea) in Europe. —Zoologica Scripta, 00, 000–000.

The development of molecular techniques has led to the detection of numerous cases of cryptic speciation within widely distributed marine invertebrate species and important taxonomic revisions in all the major marine taxa. In this study, we analysed a controversial marine species complex in the genus Ophiothrix, a widespread taxon in European waters traditionally assigned to two nominal species, Ophiothrix fragilis and O. quinquemaculata. These species are important components of the rocky shores and deep marine benthos along the North Atlantic and Mediterranean littoral. Their status (including variants of both species) has remained contentious due to overlapping variability in morphological characters. In this study, we analysed the genetic and morphological differences of Ophiothrix lineages along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. We also assessed population genetic structure in the Atlantic and Mediterranean basins by sequencing two mitochondrial genes, the 16S rRNA gene and COI gene, of 221 specimens from 13 locations. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated the existence of two genetically distinct lineages, attributable to two different species although unrelated to previous taxonomic distinctions. Morphological differences could also be detected between these lineages. Samples from the Northeast Atlantic and one from the deep Mediterranean grouped within Lineage I, whereas Lineage II pooled together the southern Atlantic and rocky shallow Mediterranean samples. In the northern region of the Iberian Peninsula and at a deep locality in the Mediterranean, both lineages overlap. Speciation processes likely happened during the Mio–Pliocene transition (about 4.8–7.5 million years ago), when marine‐level oscillations led to the blockage of major marine corridors in Europe and promoted genetic isolation by vicariance. Secondary contact between lineages following sea‐level increases and recolonization during the refilling of the Mediterranean after the Miocene salinity crisis could explain the present‐day distribution of genetic variability. No barriers to gene flow along the Atlanto‐Mediterranean area were detected for Lineage II, and the lack of genetic structure could be caused by a mixture of several factors, such as wide dispersal potential, recent demographic expansion and large population size.
Effectiveness of interventions to promote physical activity among socioeconomically disadvantaged women: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Cleland V. , Granados A. , Crawford D. , Winzenberg T. , Ball K.
Published: October 2012

Physical activity is important for preventing weight gain and obesity, but women experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage are at high risk of inactivity. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of interventions to increase physical activity among women experiencing disadvantage, and the intervention factors (i.e. physical activity measure, delivery mode, delivery channel, setting, duration, use of theory, behavioural techniques, participant age, risk of bias) associated with effectiveness. We conducted a meta‐analysis of controlled trials using random‐effects models and meta‐regression. Seven databases were searched for trials among healthy women (18–64 years), which included a physical activity intervention, any control group, and statistical analyses of a physical activity outcome at baseline and post‐intervention. Nineteen studies were included (n = 6,339). Because of substantial statistical heterogeneity (χ2 = 53.61, df = 18, P < 0.0001, I2 = 66%), an overall pooled effect is not reported. In subgroup analyses, between‐group differences were evident for delivery mode, which modestly reduced heterogeneity (to 54%). Studies with a group delivery component had a standardized mean difference of 0.38 greater than either individual or community‐based delivery. Programs with a group delivery mode significantly increase physical activity among women experiencing disadvantage, and group delivery should be considered an essential element of physical activity promotion programs targeting this population group.
Comparison of national gestational weight gain guidelines and energy intake recommendations
Authors: Alavi N. , Haley S. , Chow K. , McDonald S. D.
Published: October 2012

Although data showing adverse effects with high and low gestational weight gain (GWG) come from a large number of countries, a variety of guidelines about the GWG exist. Our objectives were to compare existing GWG and energy recommendations across various countries, as well as the rationale or evidence on which they were based. We used the United Nations' Human Developmental Index to determine the ranking of the country to ensure broad sampling and then searched for guidelines. We first searched the national government websites, and if necessary searched Medline and EMBASE, Global Health databases, and bibliographies of published articles for both guidelines and the studies on which they were based. We found guidelines for 31% of the countries, and 59% of these had a GWG recommendation, 68% had an energy intake recommendation (EIR), and 36% had both. About half of the GWG guidelines are similar to the 2009 American Institutes of Medicine (IOM) and 73% of the EIRs are similar to the 2006 IOM. Despite the documented relationship between both high GWG and adverse outcomes for women and infants and low GWG and adverse outcomes in infants, there are a wide variety of guidelines for GWG and energy recommendations by different countries around the world.
The Socio‐Nature of Local Organic Food
Authors: Alkon Alison Hope
Published: October 2012

Abstract:  The concept of socio‐nature asserts that social relations are inherently ecological and that ecological relations are inherently social. This paper examines how, and with what consequences, discourses and practices of support for local and organic food reflect this idea. It argues that proponents of local organic agriculture view the food they promote as simultaneously social and the product of human labor. However, advocates’ understanding of the concept is partial and constrained by social privilege. It does not extend to industrial agriculture or paid farm labor. The literature on socio‐nature coheres around the revelation that what is understood as natural is also social and vice versa. In contrast, this paper takes a new approach, examining socio‐nature as a practice‐shaping discourse already embedded in social life. Investigating the on‐the‐ground ideological work performed by the concept also allows for assessment of its political consequences.
Women in Upper Echelons of Management, Tenure and Legal Risk
Authors: Bao Shuji , Fainshmidt Stav , Nair Anil , Vracheva Veselina
Published: October 2012

Integrating risk, gender diversity and upper echelons literatures, we examine whether the presence of women in upper management (top management team (TMT) and board of directors (BOD)) and the tenure of TMTs and BODs are associated with the risk of lawsuits. An analysis of data from firms in the US retail industry shows that the presence of women in TMTs and BODs and the tenure of TMTs and BODs are negatively associated with legal risk, but longer tenured BODs with more women had a positive impact on lawsuits. Implications and suggestions for future research are offered.
Developmental Trajectories in Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorders: The First 3 Years
Authors: Landa Rebecca J. , Gross Alden L. , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Faherty Ashley
Published: October 2012

Retrospective studies indicate 2 major classes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) onset: early and later, after a period of relatively healthy development. This prospective, longitudinal study examined social, language, and motor trajectories in 235 children with and without a sibling with autism, ages 6–36 months. Children were grouped as: ASD identified by 14 months, ASD identified after 14 months, and no ASD. Despite groups' initial similar developmental level at 6 months, ASD groups exhibited atypical trajectories thereafter. Impairment from 14 to 24 months was greater in the Early‐ASD than the Later‐ASD group, but comparable at 36 months. Developmental plateau and regression occurred in some children with ASD, regardless of timing of ASD diagnosis. Findings indicate a preclinical phase of varying duration for ASD.