bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of SLX4 in interstrand cross-link repair is regulated by the Fanconi anemia pathway
Authors: Yamamoto Kimiyo N. , Kobayashi Shunsuke , Tsuda Masataka , Kurumizaka Hitoshi , Takata Minoru , Kono Koichi , Jiricny Josef , Takeda Shunichi , Hirota Kouji
Published: April 2011

Interstrand cross-links (ICLs) block replication and transcription and thus are highly cytotoxic. In higher eukaryotes, ICLs processing involves the Fanconi anemia (FA) pathway and homologous recombination. Stalled replication forks activate the eight-subunit FA core complex, which ubiquitylates FANCD2-FANCI. Once it is posttranslationally modified, this heterodimer recruits downstream members of the ICL repairosome, including the FAN1 nuclease. However, ICL processing has been shown to also involve MUS81-EME1 and XPF-ERCC1, nucleases known to interact with SLX4, a docking protein that also can bind another nuclease, SLX1. To investigate the role of SLX4 more closely, we disrupted the
SLX4
gene in avian DT40 cells. SLX4 deficiency caused cell death associated with extensive chromosomal aberrations, including a significant fraction of isochromatid-type breaks, with sister chromatids broken at the same site. SLX4 thus appears to play an essential role in cell proliferation, probably by promoting the resolution of interchromatid homologous recombination intermediates. Because ubiquitylation plays a key role in the FA pathway, and because the N-terminal region of SLX4 contains a ubiquitin-binding zinc finger (UBZ) domain, we asked whether this domain is required for ICL processing. We found that
SLX4
−/−
cells expressing UBZ-deficient SLX4 were selectively sensitive to ICL-inducing agents, and that the UBZ domain was required for interaction of SLX4 with ubiquitylated FANCD2 and for its recruitment to DNA-damage foci generated by ICL-inducing agents. Our findings thus suggest that ubiquitylated FANCD2 recruits SLX4 to DNA damage sites, where it mediates the resolution of recombination intermediates generated during the processing of ICLs.
Substance-specific and shared transcription and epigenetic changes in the human hippocampus chronically exposed to cocaine and alcohol
Authors: Zhou Zhifeng , Yuan Qiaoping , Mash Deborah C. , Goldman David
Published: April 2011

The hippocampus is a key brain region involved in both short- and long-term memory processes and may play critical roles in drug-associated learning and addiction. Using whole genome sequencing of mRNA transcripts (RNA-Seq) and immunoprecipitation-enriched genomic DNA (ChIP-Seq) coupled with histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3), we found extensive hippocampal gene expression changes common to both cocaine-addicted and alcoholic individuals that may reflect neuronal adaptations common to both addictions. However, we also observed functional changes that were related only to long-term cocaine exposure, particularly the inhibition of mitochondrial inner membrane functions related to oxidative phosphorylation and energy metabolism, which has also been observed previously in neurodegenerative diseases. Cocaine- and alcohol-related histone H3K4me3 changes highly overlapped, but greater effects were detected under cocaine exposure. There was no direct correlation, however, between either cocaine- or alcohol- related histone H3k4me3 and gene expression changes at an individual gene level, indicating that transcriptional regulation as well as drug-related gene expression changes are outcomes of a complex gene-regulatory process that includes multifaceted histone modifications.
The three-dimensional molecular structure of the desmosomal plaque
Authors: Al-Amoudi Ashraf , Castaño-Diez Daniel , Devos Damien P. , Russell Robert B. , Johnson Graham T. , Frangakis Achilleas S.
Published: April 2011

The cytoplasmic surface of intercellular junctions is a complex network of molecular interactions that link the extracellular region of the desmosomal cadherins with the cytoskeletal intermediate filaments. Although 3D structures of the major plaque components are known, the overall architecture remains unknown. We used cryoelectron tomography of vitreous sections from human epidermis to record 3D images of desmosomes in vivo and in situ at molecular resolution. Our results show that the architecture of the cytoplasmic surface of the desmosome is a 2D interconnected quasiperiodic lattice, with a similar spatial organization to the extracellular side. Subtomogram averaging of the plaque region reveals two distinct layers of the desmosomal plaque: a low-density layer closer to the membrane and a high-density layer further away from the membrane. When combined with a heuristic, allowing simultaneous constrained fitting of the high-resolution structures of the major plaque proteins (desmoplakin, plakophilin, and plakoglobin), it reveals their mutual molecular interactions and explains their stoichiometry. The arrangement suggests that alternate plakoglobin–desmoplakin complexes create a template on which desmosomal cadherins cluster before they stabilize extracellularly by binding at their N-terminal tips. Plakophilins are added as a molecular reinforcement to fill the gap between the formed plaque complexes and the plasma membrane.
Generalized entropies and the transformation group of superstatistics
Authors: Hanel Rudolf , Thurner Stefan , Gell-Mann Murray
Published: April 2011

Superstatistics describes statistical systems that behave like superpositions of different inverse temperatures β, so that the probability distribution is

, where the “kernel”
f
(
β
) is nonnegative and normalized [∫
f
(
β
)
dβ
 = 1]. We discuss the relation between this distribution and the generalized entropic form

. The first three Shannon–Khinchin axioms are assumed to hold. It then turns out that for a given distribution there are two different ways to construct the entropy. One approach uses escort probabilities and the other does not; the question of which to use must be decided empirically. The two approaches are related by a duality. The thermodynamic properties of the system can be quite different for the two approaches. In that connection, we present the transformation laws for the superstatistical distributions under macroscopic state changes. The transformation group is the Euclidean group in one dimension.
Extracellular leucine-rich repeats as a platform for receptor/coreceptor complex formation
Authors: Jaillais Yvon , Belkhadir Youssef , Balsemão-Pires Emilia , Dangl Jeffery L. , Chory Joanne
Published: April 2011

Receptor kinases with leucine-rich repeat (LRR) extracellular domains form the largest family of receptors in plants. In the few cases for which there is mechanistic information, ligand binding in the extracellular domain often triggers the recruitment of a LRR-coreceptor kinase. The current model proposes that this recruitment is mediated by their respective kinase domains. Here, we show that the extracellular LRR domain of BRI1-ASSOCIATED KINASE1 (BAK1), a coreceptor involved in the disparate processes of cell surface steroid signaling and immunity in plants, is critical for its association with specific ligand-binding LRR-containing receptors. The LRRs of BAK1 thus serve as a platform for the molecular assembly of signal-competent receptors. We propose that this mechanism represents a paradigm for LRR receptor activation in plants.
Migration of cytotoxic lymphocytes in cell cycle permits local MHC I–dependent control of division at sites of viral infection
Authors: Kang Silvia S. , Herz Jasmin , Kim Jiyun V. , Nayak Debasis , Stewart-Hutchinson Phillip , Dustin Michael L. , McGavern Dorian B.
Published: April 2011

After virus infection, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) divide rapidly to eradicate the pathogen and prevent the establishment of persistence. The magnitude of an antiviral CTL response is thought to be controlled by the initiation of a cell cycle program within lymphoid tissues. However, it is presently not known whether this division program proceeds during migration or is influenced locally at sites of viral infection. We demonstrate that antiviral CTLs remain in cell cycle while transiting to infected tissues. Up to one third of virus-specific CTLs within blood were found to be in cell cycle after infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus or vesicular stomatitis virus. Using two-photon microscopy, we found that effector CTL divided rapidly upon arrest in the virus-infected central nervous system as well as in meningeal blood vessels. We also observed that MHC I–dependent interactions, but not costimulation, influenced the division program by advancing effector CTL through stages of the cell cycle. These results demonstrate that CTLs are poised to divide in transit and that their numbers can be influenced locally at the site of infection through interactions with cells displaying cognate antigen.
Translation for finite 𝑊-algebras
Authors: Goodwin Simon
Published: April 2011

A finite

W
W

-algebra

U
(

g

,
e
)

U(\mathfrak {g},e)

is a certain finitely generated algebra that can be viewed as the enveloping algebra of the Slodowy slice to the adjoint orbit of a nilpotent element

e
e

of a complex reductive Lie algebra

g

\mathfrak {g}

. It is possible to give the tensor product of a

U
(

g

,
e
)

U(\mathfrak {g},e)

-module with a finite dimensional

U
(

g

)

U(\mathfrak {g})

-module the structure of a

U
(

g

,
e
)

U(\mathfrak {g},e)

-module; we refer to such tensor products as translations. In this paper, we present a number of fundamental properties of these translations, which are expected to be of importance in understanding the representation theory of

U
(

g

,
e
)

U(\mathfrak {g},e)

.
Influence of Jet‐Cooking Prowashonupana Barley Flour on Phenolic Composition, Antioxidant Activities, and Viscoelastic Properties
Authors: Inglett George E. , Chen Diejun , Berhow Mark
Published: April 2011

The objective was to study the influence of jet‐cooked Prowashonupana barley flour on total phenolic contents, antioxidant activities, water‐holding capacities, and viscoelastic properties. Barley flour was jet‐cooked without or with pH adjustment at 7, 9, or 11. Generally, the free phenolic content and antioxidant activity decreased after jet‐cooking, while the bound phenolic content and antioxidant significantly increased regardless of pH. Detectable levels of gallic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and p‐coumaroyl‐pentose in the jet‐cooked barley flour hydrolysates along with vitexin were found among 21 phenolics by LC‐ESI‐Q‐TOF‐MS analysis. Jet‐cooking at an elevated pH resulted in increased pasting viscosities. The oil content was decreased after jet‐cooking and continued to decrease with increased pH values. Jet cooking dramatically increased water holding capacity from 179% for unprocessed flour to 643% for jet‐cooked flour without pH adjustment, and water‐holding capacity was greatly increased to 914% by jet‐cooking at pH 11. The combination of jet‐cooking and pH adjustment had tremendous influence on water‐holding and pasting properties. This increase in functionality should contribute to food applications such as bakery and frozen products because of the release of the bound phenolic content, antioxidant activities, and improved water‐holding and pasting abilities.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of 2 Age‐stratified Versions of the Pediatric GERD Symptom and Quality of Life Questionnaire
Authors: Kleinman Leah , Nelson Suzanne , Kothari‐Talwar Smita , Roberts Laurie , Orenstein Susan R , Mody Reema R , Hassall Eric , Gold Ben , Revicki Dennis A , Dabbous Omar
Published: April 2011

Objectives:

The Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom and Quality of Life Questionnaire (PGSQ) represents 2 related age‐stratified tools developed to assess pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These include the PGSQ‐Cp (for children ages 2 to 8 years, parent/caregiver report) and the PGSQ‐A (for adolescents ages 9–17 years). The objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate PGSQ measurement properties.

Materials and Methods:

The PGSQ items were generated based on information from focus groups, expert clinician review, and cognitive debriefing interviews. The symptoms of pediatric GERD and the effect of these symptoms were addressed. The tools were evaluated in a 3‐week psychometric evaluation with participants from 11 clinical sites in the United States. The study included other measures such as the Pediatric Quality of Life questionnaire (PedsQL) and clinician‐rated GERD severity. After item reduction, internal consistency, reproducibility, construct validity, known‐group validity, and responsiveness were assessed.

Results:

The 231 participants included 75 parents of children ages 2 to 8 years and 75 children ages 9 to 17 years with GERD and 41 parents of children and 40 children ages 9 to 17 years without GERD. Exploratory factor analysis demonstrated 4 symptom subscales for the PGSQ‐Cp and 3 symptom subscales for the PGSQ‐A. Both had subscales for total impact and school impact. High to moderate internal consistency was observed, ranging from 0.76 to 0.96 for the PGSQ‐Cp and from 0.67 to 0.94 for the PGSQ‐A. The PGSQ significantly differentiated between patients with GERD and controls (P < 0.0001, PGSQ‐Cp; P < 0.0022–0.0001, PGSQ‐A) and demonstrated responsiveness.

Conclusions:

These results support the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of both versions of the PGSQ. The instruments should be useful for clinical studies.
Growth Pre‐ and Postimplementation of a Steroid‐free Induction Protocol in a Large Pediatric Intestinal Transplant Population
Authors: Nucci Anita M , Strohm Sharon , Squires Robert H , Mazariegos George V , Sun Qing , Sindhi Rakesh
Published: April 2011

Objectives:

Beginning in March 2002, we initiated steroid‐free lymphocyte depleting immunosuppression with rabbit anti‐human thymocyte globulin (rATG) for all children who received an intestinal transplant (ITx). The purpose of the present study was to determine whether this treatment regimen supported growth. Because steroids were used for rejection episodes only, we hypothesized that improved growth would be observed in steroid‐free rATG‐treated children.

Patients and Methods:

Nutrition outcomes in patients who received an ITx between December 1996 and February 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Nutritional analysis included evaluation of differences in weight and height z scores between transplantation and 2 years post‐ITx by the type of immunosuppressant therapy received.

Results:

A total of 109 children received an ITx during the evaluation period. Of these, 29 received a transplant before March 2002 and received an induction regimen that included anti–T‐cell immunosuppressant, tacrolimus (TAC), with prednisone (steroid). The remaining 80 children received an induction regimen of rATG and TAC without steroids (steroid‐free). Steroid‐free children met their full nutritional requirements enterally or orally in a median of 2 months, whereas children treated with the steroid regimen reached nutritional autonomy 7 months after transplant (P < 0.001). A positive trend in z score values over time for height was observed in 48% of steroid‐free patients versus 44% in the steroid regimen. The change in mean z score for linear growth over time was most positive (0.55) in the steroid‐free group and <120 days of steroids during the follow‐up period with 62% of patients in this group observed to have positive growth over time.

Conclusions:

Nutritional autonomy was achieved rapidly, and positive growth was observed in the majority of patients with ITx who received steroid‐free immunosuppression with rATG.
Hypoxia‐induced β‐catenin downregulation involves p53‐dependent activation of Siah‐1
Authors: Wang Dapeng , Wang Yongxing , Kong Tao , Fan Feiyue , Jiang Yongguang
Published: April 2011

Solid tumors contain extensive hypoxic areas and it is of considerable importance to decipher the potential role of hypoxia in signaling pathway regulation. In the present study, we examined the impact of hypoxia on β‐catenin status and the mechanisms involved. Hypoxia significantly decreased β‐catenin protein, but had no effect on glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)‐3β or adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) levels. However, hypoxia‐induced β‐catenin downregulation seemed to require APC but not GSK‐3β. Further investigation revealed that hypoxia significantly upregulated Siah‐1, the human homolog of Drosophila seven in absentia. In addition, hypoxia augmented the interaction between β‐catenin and SIP and Skp1. Silencing of Siah‐1, as well as the use of a dominant negative Siah‐1 mutant, attenuated these responses to hypoxia and rescued β‐catenin transactivation. The Siah‐1‐mediated degradation of β‐catenin during hypoxia may involve p53, but not hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1, activation. Together, the results suggest that hypoxia downregulates β‐catenin by increasing Siah‐1 expression in a p53‐dependent manner. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1322–1328)
Both CD4+ FoxP3+ and CD4+ FoxP3− T cells from patients with B‐cell malignancy express cytolytic markers and kill autologous leukaemic B cells in vitro
Authors: Lindqvist Camilla A. , Christiansson Lisa H. , Thörn Ingrid , Mangsbo Sara , Paul‐Wetterberg Gabriella , Sundström Christer , Tötterman Thomas H. , Simonsson Bengt , Enblad Gunilla , Frisk Per , Olsson‐Strömberg Ulla , Loskog Angelica S.I.
Published: April 2011

Cytotoxic CD4+ T cells have been found in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and seem to be involved in the regulation of malignant B cells. The CD4+ T regulatory cells (Tregs) can regulate various immune cells, including B cells, by inducing their apoptosis. Hence, different subgroups of CD4+ T cells may be involved in the regulation of malignant B cells. In this study, the cytotoxic phenotype and function of various CD4+ T‐cell subgroups were investigated in patients with B‐cell malignancies. Peripheral blood was collected from patients with CLL, various B‐cell lymphomas, healthy adult donors, children with precursor B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (pre‐B ALL) and from healthy children. CD4+ T cells (CD3+ CD4+ FoxP3−), Tregs (CD3+ CD4+ CD127low FoxP3+) and CD127high FoxP3+ T cells (CD3+ CD4+ CD127high FoxP3+) were analysed for their expression of the cytolytic markers CD107a and Fas ligand. Patients with CLL had increased CD107a expression on all tested T‐cell subgroups compared with healthy donors. Similar results were found in patients with B‐cell lymphomas whereas the CD107a expression in children with pre‐B ALL was no different from that in healthy controls. Fas ligand expression was similar between patient cells and cells of healthy donors. CD4+ T cells and Tregs from patients with CLL and healthy donors were subsequently purified and cultured in vitro with autologous B cells. Both subgroups lysed B cells and killing was confirmed by granzyme ELISAs. In conclusion, cytotoxic populations of CD4+ T cells, including Tregs, are present in patients with B‐cell malignancy and may be an important factor in immune‐related disease control.
Recovery of plants and histological observations on advanced weed stages after glyphosate treatment
Authors: LORENTZ L , BEFFA R , KRAEHMER H
Published: April 2011

Lorentz L, Beffa R & Kraehmer H (2011). Recovery of plants and histological observations on advanced weed stages after glyphosate treatment. Weed Research51, 333–343.

Some weeds treated with the recommended dose rates of glyphosate recover after the application. An explanation of this phenomenon is needed to avoid incomplete control and the potential spread of resistance. The distributions of glyphosate and of shikimate levels within treated plants were therefore analysed, and plant reactions were investigated via histological examinations. It was found that glyphosate was translocated from Amaranthus palmeri leaves to roots within 48 h following treatment. Changes in the phloem of different weed species became visible after 3 days. After 4 days, shikimate accumulation was highest in stem tips and decreased towards the base of plants. Necrosis of pith cells started at the same time. Yellowing of leaves, stem curvature and wilting were observed after 1 week. Herbicide‐induced polyphenols and lignin in the intercellular space suggest that glyphosate phytotoxicity is not based solely on the shikimate pathway. It seems to be linked to the decay of vascular tissues and of pith, but not to the transport of glyphosate into apical meristems. Meristematic tissue surrounding the pith survived and gave rise to new buds in Amaranthus plants. These findings are important for the characterisation of plants that escape herbicide treatment and for the search for new control tools.
Sir Kenelm Digby (1603–1665): diplomat, entrepreneur, privateer, duellist, scientist and philosopher
Authors: Mellick Sam A.
Published: April 2011

Kenelm Digby was a man with widely differing interests. He studied at Oxford but left without a degree. At the age of 20, he was involved in a dramatic street brawl in Madrid; the following year saw him as a successful privateer in the Mediterranean and adjacent Atlantic waters, and he was then appointed a naval administrator with lucrative trade monopolies. He practised medicine without formal qualifications and gained notoriety by promoting the use of ‘sympathetic’ powder for healing wounds. Befriended by King James I and his son who succeeded him, he became chancellor to Queen Henrietta and was knighted by King James I on 21 October 1623 and appointed to the Privy Council. At one time, he even spent a brief time in prison, but he later became a founding member of the Royal Society and published two major philosophical treatises as well as a popular cookbook. He designed and manufactured wine bottles with tapered necks for simpler pouring and square sides for easy stacking. He dabbled in mathematics and corresponded with Fermat of ‘Last Theorem’ fame. In 1641, he challenged a French nobleman who publicly cast a slur on the British King to a ‘digladiation’ (a sword duel) and quickly dispatched him. He was a friend and admirer of Sir Thomas Browne whose ‘Religio Medici’ he helped to publish. The Cowlishaw Library holds a 1659 5th edition copy of this remarkable book, with Digby's name on the spine. Truly, Digby must qualify as a Renaissance man.
Using bilateral iliac branch devices for endovascular iliac aneurysm repair
Authors: Huilgol Ravi L. , Lennox Andrew , Boyne Nick , Villalba Laurencia , Huber David , Goodman Marcel
Published: April 2011

Introduction:  The endovascular repair of bilateral iliac aneurysms using bilateral Iliac Branch Devices (IBDs) has been infrequently performed and reported. We aim to describe this technique and report on the results of our case series.

Methods:  Three different device designs are available. The procedural options include a totally transfemoral approach, or a combined transfemoral and brachial approach. Clinical records for patients who have had this procedure were reviewed.

Results:  The indications for the technique include bilateral common iliac artery aneurysm repair, with or without concomitant abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Considerations include the timing of main body endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) device introduction, the use of a proximal access site and the type of IIA stent‐graft that is used. Between 2007 and 2010, six patients had bilateral IBD implantation. All patients required an EVAR main body device in addition to bilateral IBDs. Eighty‐three per cent were males, mean age was 73 years. Mean follow up was 15 months. Technical success was obtained in 100% of cases. There was one branch occlusion (8.3%). There were no type I endoleaks. One patient had a type II endoleak.

Conclusions:  Bilateral IBDs can be used safely and with excellent rates of technical success and branch patency in appropriately selected patients.
Failure of uterine artery embolization for controlling postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Park Ji Kwon , Shin Tae Bum , Baek Jong Chul , Shin Jeong Kyu , Choi Won Jun , Lee Soon Ae , Lee Jong Hak , Paik Won Young
Published: April 2011

Aim:  We evaluated the efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) for controlling postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

Materials and Methods:  Between January 2008 and December 2009, 23 women with intractable PPH underwent UAE. Specific diagnoses included uterine atony (n = 10), placenta accreta (n = 8), puerperal hematoma (n = 2) and placental polyp (n = 3).

Results:  Of 10 patients with uterine atony, treatment with UAE failed in two women with severe vasoconstriction. One patient developed lumbosacral plexopathy. All eight patients with placenta accreta were treated successfully with the placement of multiple sutures in the placental bed and UAE. Two of the three women with placental polyps were treated successfully with UAE and packing of the uterus.

Conclusions:  Embolization should follow resuscitation for vascular collapse. In the case of an adherent placenta, embolization is more effective with the placement of multiple sutures in the placental bed or compression of the placental bed.
Utility of the pulsatility index of the uterine arteries and human chorionic gonadotropin in a series of cases of placenta accreta
Authors: Dueñas‐Garcia Omar Felipe , Diaz‐Sotomayor Maricela , Rico‐Olvera Hugo
Published: April 2011

The conservative management of retained placenta accreta has been proposed as an alternative option in selected cases. Three patients under conservative management of placenta accreta were followed using the pulsatility index of the uterine arteries and the β fraction of human chorionic gonadotropin to determine the degree of vascularity between the uterus and the placenta. In this series of cases of conservative management of placenta accreta, the pulsatility index of the uterine arteries showed a better correlation with the uteroplacental circulation than serum β fraction of human chorionic gonadotropin.
Cross‐sectional pregnancy survey on fertility trends and pregnancy knowledge in Singapore
Authors: Tan Thiam Chye , Tan Shu Qi , Wei Xing
Published: April 2011

Aim:  Desire for children is a pertinent national health concern for Singapore due to the falling pregnancy rate. There is an urgent need to conduct a pregnancy survey for our local population to look into our local women's desire for pregnancy and family size, as well as their knowledge of the need for pregnancy supplements, fertility and pregnancy risks with the advanced age of mothers.

Material and Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey was mailed to 300 women in a random sample of the female population in the South West region of Singapore.

Results:  Three hundred women were invited to participate in our survey. Two hundred and sixty eight women (89.3%) responded. The mean age was 30.7 years (range 16–60). 41.8% were married. One in five women (21.8%) in the reproductive age group (below age 40) did not intend to have children. 70.5% of the women with tertiary education wanted children, compared to 56.4% of women with below‐secondary education. Most of the respondents were aware of the risks of pregnancy with increasing maternal age, as well as the importance of folic acid, iron and calcium supplements in pregnancy.

Conclusion:  The present study helps clinicians and policymakers gain an insight into pregnancy issues in Singapore. This is important in formulating population policies and public education programs.
Evaluation of carotid wall thickness and vertebro‐basilar system insufficiency in patients with obese polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Coksuer Hakan , Koplay Mustafa , Oghan Fatih , Haliloglu Berna , Keskin Nadi
Published: April 2011

Aim:  To investigate the risk of cardiovascular disease by measuring carotid intima‐media thickness (CIMT) and to evaluate the diameters and blood flow volume of vertebral arteries using Doppler ultrasound and the possible contribution of hyperandrogenemia that exists in these patients.

Material and Methods:  We prospectively studied 64 Caucasian women aged 18–35 years (31 with polycystic ovary syndrome [PCOS] and 33 healthy controls). Patients were classified according to body mass index into obese (BMI > 27 kg/m2). All subjects were examined with ultrasound to measure CIMT and blood flow volume and diameters of vertebral arteries.

Results:  A significant difference between the two groups in CIMT (0.51 ± 0.08 vs 0.39 ± 0.02 mm, P < 0.001) and diameters of vertebral arteries (right, 3.03 ± 0.37 vs 3.44 ± 0.68 mm and left, 2.94 ± 0.34 vs 3.33 ± 0.63 mm, P < 0.05) were found, respectively. Right‐left and total flow volumes of the vertebral arteries (VA) were significantly lower in the PCOS group than in the control group (P ≤ 0.001). Compared to the control group, diameters of right and left VA decreased (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:  The results of this study suggest that hyperandrogenemia in obese PCOS patients affects carotid and vertebro‐basilar system arteries wall thickness. Pre‐atherosclerotic vascular impairment with androgen excess should determine early examination of vertebro‐basilar system with ultrasound. All patients with PCOS must be routinely examined using color Doppler ultrasound to measure CIMT carotid and vertebro‐basilar arteries, and diameters and blood flow volume of vertebral arteries.
Intraoperative glycemic control without insulin infusion during pediatric cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease
Authors: Scohy Thierry V. , Golab Hanna D. , Egal Mohamud , Takkenberg Johanna J.M. , Bogers Ad J.J.C.
Published: April 2011

Background:  Many studies are reporting that the occurrence of hyperglycemia in the postoperative period is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates in children after cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease. This study sought to determine blood glucose levels in standard pediatric cardiac anesthesiological management without insulin infusions.

Methods:  The study population consisted of 204 consecutive pediatric patients aged from 3 days to 15.4 years undergoing open cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease between June 2007 and January 2009. Glucose‐containing fluids were not administrated intraoperatively, and all patients received high dose of opioids (sufentanil 10 mcg·kg−1) and steroids (30 mg·kg−1 methylprednisolone) iv. Glucose levels were measured before CPB, 10 min after initiation of CPB, every hour on CPB, post–CPB, and on arrival at intensive care unit (ICU).

Results:  Intraoperatively, only one patient had a glucose level <50 mg·dl−1 (=34.2 mg·dl−1), 57/204 patients (27.9%) had at least one intraoperative glucose >180 mg·dl−1, but only 12 patients (5.8%) had a glucose level >180 mg·dl−1 at ICU arrival. Thirty‐day mortality was 1.5% (3/204). Younger age, lower body weight, and lower CPB temperature were associated with hyperglycemia at ICU arrival, as were higher RACHS and Aristotle severity scores.

Conclusion:  A conventional (no insulin, no glucose) anesthetic management seems sufficient in the vast majority of patients (96.5%). Special attention should be paid to small neonates with complex congenital heart surgery, in whom insulin treatment may be contemplated.
Risky drinking among community pharmacy customers in New Zealand and their attitudes towards pharmacist screening and brief interventions
Authors: SHERIDAN JANIE , STEWART JOANNA , SMART ROS , MCCORMICK ROSS
Published: April 2011

Introduction and Aims. To estimate the prevalence of risky drinking among customers in community pharmacies and to explore customer attitudes towards screening and brief intervention (SBI).

Design and Methods. Cross‐sectional, anonymous survey, using random selection of community pharmacies in New Zealand to collect data using self‐completion questionnaires and an opportunity to enter a prize draw. Participants were customers/patients attending the community pharmacy on a specific, randomly selected day (Monday to Friday) in one set week. Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT)‐C using a cut‐off score of 5 was used to measure risky drinking. Attitudes towards pharmacists engaging in SBI for risky drinkers were measured.

Results. 2384 completed customer/patient questionnaires from 43 participating pharmacies. Almost 84% ever drank alcohol and using a score of 5 or more as a cut‐off, 30% of the sample would be considered as risky drinkers. Attitudes were generally positive to pharmacists undertaking SBI. Logistic regression with AUDIT‐C positive or negative as the dependent variable found those taking medicines for mental health and liver disease being more likely to score negative on the AUDIT‐C, and smokers and those purchasing hangover cures were more likely than average to have a positive AUDIT‐C screen.

Discussion and Conclusions. This study indicates there is scope for community pharmacists to undertake SBI for risky drinking, and that customers find this to be acceptable. Targeted screening may well be useful, in particular for smokers. Further research is required to explore the effectiveness of SBI for risky drinkers in this setting.[Sheridan J, Stewart J, Smart R, McCormick R. Risky drinking among community pharmacy customers in New Zealand and their attitudes towards pharmacist screening and brief interventions. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:56–63]
An Integrated Agency–Resource Dependence View of the Influence of Directors' Human and Relational Capital on Firms' R&D Spending
Authors: Dalziel Thomas , Gentry Richard J. , Bowerman Michael
Published: April 2011

abstract

In this paper, we contribute to the agency and corporate entrepreneurship literatures by focusing on board antecedents of research and development (R&D). Some researchers in this stream find outside directors negatively influence R&D spending, yet popular opinion suggests boards should be composed of outsiders, and at the same time, firms should be innovative and entrepreneurial. We begin to address this conflict by extending agency theory and incorporating resource dependence views in order to explore the influence of a wider range of director characteristics on R&D spending, a precursor of innovation and entrepreneurial activity. Our empirical results demonstrate that aspects of directors' human and relational capital (e.g. education, entrepreneurial finance experience, technical experience, and interlocks) significantly influence R&D spending. Our findings illustrate that boards can be configured to improve efficiencies, thereby reducing R&D spending, and/or to augment R&D spending. They reveal the merits of considering inside and outside directors separately and show how the independence (i.e. inside/outside status) of directors shapes the effect of their human and relational capital on R&D spending.
Platelet Activation in Ovines Undergoing Sham Surgery or Implant of the Second Generation PediaFlow Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Johnson Jr Carl A. , Wearden Peter D. , Kocyildirim Ergin , Maul Timothy M. , Woolley Joshua R. , Ye Sang‐Ho , Strickler Elise M. , Borovetz Harvey S. , Wagner William R.
Published: April 2011

The PediaFlow pediatric ventricular assist device (VAD) is a magnetically levitated turbodynamic pump under development for circulatory support of small children with a targeted flow rate range of 0.3–1.5 L/min. As the design of this device is refined, ensuring high levels of blood biocompatibility is essential. In this study, we characterized platelet activation during the implantation and operation of a second generation prototype of the PediaFlow VAD (PF2) and also performed a series of surgical sham studies to examine purely surgical effects on platelet activation. In addition, a newly available monoclonal antibody was characterized and shown to be capable of quantifying ovine platelet activation. The PF2 was implanted in three chronic ovine experiments of 17, 30, and 70 days, while surgical sham procedures were performed in five ovines with 30‐day monitoring. Blood biocompatibility in terms of circulating activated platelets was measured by flow cytometric assays with and without exogenous agonist stimulation. Platelet activation following sham surgery returned to baseline in approximately 2 weeks. Platelets in PF2‐implanted ovines returned to baseline activation levels in all three animals and showed an ability to respond to agonist stimulation. Late‐term platelet activation was observed in one animal corresponding with unexpected pump stoppages related to a manufacturing defect in the percutaneous cable. The results demonstrated encouraging platelet biocompatibility for the PF2 in that basal platelet activation was achieved early in the pump implant period. Furthermore, this first characterization of the effect of a major cardiothoracic procedure on temporal ovine platelet activation provides comparative data for future cardiovascular device evaluation in the ovine model.
SOME FACTORS INFLUENCING THE EMERGENCE OF OVERWINTERING HESSIAN FLY LARVAE
Authors: BARNES H. F. , MILLER B. S. , ARNOLD MARGARET K.
Published: April 2011

Overwintering fully‐fed Hessian Fly larvae in puparia respond to experimental conditions of constant temperature and relative humidity progressively faster as the normal time of pupation and emergence in the spring approaches. Frost does not speed up emergence.

A constant temperature of 15° or 20° C at 95% RH is recommended for the production of midges for experimental purposes from overwintering Hessian Fly puparia.

ÜBER FAKTOREN, WELCHE DAS SCHLÜPFEN ÜBERWINTERNDER HESSENFLIEGEN‐LARVEN BEEINFLUSSEN

Eine einfache Methode zur Erlangung von großen Mengen überwinternder Larven der Hessenfliege und Methoden für die Untersuchung des Einflusses konstanter Temperaturen und relativer Feuchtigkeit auf dieselben werden beschrieben.

Ein hoher Schlupf‐Prozentsatz wurde bei einer Temperatur von 15° C und bei einer relativen Feuchtigkeit von 75, 85 und 95% erhalten, gleichgültig ob das Material dem Frost ausgesetzt war oder nicht. Bei Temperaturen von 20 und 25° wurde ein höherer Prozentsatz von älterem gefrorenen Material erhalten. Bei 30° schlüpften jüngere, nicht gefrorene Puparien (Scheinpuppen) nicht, obwohl ältere Puppen von gefrorenem Material zum Schlüpfen stimuliert wurden. In beiden Fällen erfolgte das Schlüpfen der Mücken nach Übertragung in eine Temperatur von 20°. Kein Schlüpfen erfolgte bei 35° doch wurden dabei nicht alle Insekten getötet, da ein gewisses Schlüpfen zustande kam, wenn die Puparien wieder niedrigen Temperaturen ausgesetzt wurden.

Bei 20° und 95% relativer Feuchtigkeit nahm die Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit mit der Annäherung des Frühlings zu. Unter diesen Verhältnissen begannen die Puparien Anfang November nach 12–13 Tagen zu schlüpfen, während Anfang April das Schlüpfen schon nach 3–4 Tagen begann, ein 50%‐Schlupf wurde nach 19 Tagen bzw. nach 7 Tagen beobachtet.

Es wurde kein Beweis dafür gefunden, daß Frost die Entwicklung beschleunige. Bei 24 Stunden Licht wurde das Schlüpfen schneller beendet als bei 8 und 16 Stunden oder ohne Licht.

Im Frühjahr erfolgte schwacher Schlupf bei 10° und keiner bei 5° und 0°.

Das Bespritzen der Puparien mit “Dowicide” verhinderte das Schlüpfen nicht.

Angaben über die Ausbildung der Puparien und das Schlüpfen im Frühjahr von ähnlichem Material, das in offenen Glashäusern überwintert wurde, sind zu Vergleichszwecken angeführt.

Es kann gefolgert werden, daß sich die voilernährten Larven in den Puparien während des Winters langsam entwickeln und auf experimentelle Umstände von konstanter Temperatur und Feuchtigkeit umso schneller reagieren, als der normale Zeitpunkt der Bildung von Puparien bzw. das Schlüpfen herannaht.

Für die Erzeugung von Mücken zu Versuchszwecken werden eine konstante Temperatur von 15° oder 20° C und eine relative Feuchtigkeit von 95% empfohlen.
CORRELATION BETWEEN RAINFALL IN THE DRY SEASON AND THE OCCURRENCE OF THE WHITE RICE BORER (SCIRPOPHAGA INNOTATA Wlk.) IN JAVA
Authors: VAN DER LAAN P. A.
Published: April 2011

The amount of rain which falls sporadically in the relatively dry season at the time that the white rice borer is diapausing as a full grown larva in the rice stubble, has a very important influence on the size of population of the borers in the following wet season when rice is grown. If this dry season is wet or very wet (according to our standard, based on the figures of rainfall and borer damage over 26 years in five regions of Eastern Java), no damage can be expected in the following planting season. If the dry season is really dry or very dry, outbreaks of borers may occur (in the period under survey this occurred in nine out of fourteen years). We have tried to give an outline of a method of prediction of borer damage in the planting season, based on the rainfall dates of the foregoing dry season.

Beziehung zwischen Regenfall in der Trockenzeit und dem Auftreten des Weißen Reisbohrers (Scirpophaga innotata Wlk.) in Java

Der Weisse Reisbohrer (Scirpophaga innotata Wlk.) kommt nur in Gebieten vor, wo jährlich eine ausgeprägte Regen‐ und Trockenzeit (Monsun) auftritt. Am Ende der Regenzeit gehen die vollerwachsenen Raupen, die im Stengel der reifenden Reispflanze leben, in Diapause. Während der folgenden relativ trockenen Jahreszeit, wenn nur gelegentlich Regenschauer fallen, ruhen die Raupen in der Stoppel. Bald nachdem die ersten heftigen Regenfälle der neuen Regenzeit einsetzen, verpuppen sich die Larven und alle Falter schlüpfen gemeinsam zum “Stoppelflug”.

Dieser Zünsler ist in gewissen Gebieten Javas einer der Hauptschädlinge des Reises, obwohl sein Auftreten sehr unregelmäßig ist. Jahrelang war man allgemein der Auffassung, daß relativ reichlicher Regenfall während der Trockenzeit die Reisbohrerpopulation erheblich vermindere und daß in diesem Falle keine schweren Schäden durch Reisbohrerbefall erwartet werden können.

Während eines Zeitraums von 26 Jahren (1915–1940) wurden in fünf Gebieten Ost‐Javas sowolhl der Niederschlag wie der Bohrerschaden untersucht und Berechnungen der jährlichen Niederschlagsmenge in der Trockenzeit und des Bohrerschadens verglichen. Dies erhärtete die alte Auffassung, daß nach einer relativ feuchten oder sehr feuchten Trockenzeit kein Bohrerbefall von Bedeutung während des Beohachtungszeitraumes auftritt. Dagegen folgten in neun von 14 Jahren mit einer trockenen oder sehr trockenen Trockenzeit schwere oder ziemlich schwere Ausbrüche der Weißen Reisstengelbohrer während der folgenden feuchten Jahreszeiten. Obwohl auch andere Faktoren von einiger Bedeutung sein dürften, wird geschlossen, daß die Niederschlagsmenge während der Trockenzeit einen sehr entscheidenden Einfluß auf die Möglichkeit des Auftretens einer Reisbohrer Kalamität im darauffolgenden Jahre hat. Diesen Daten entsprechend wird auf der Grundlage der Niederschlagszahlen in der vorangegangenen Trockenzeit ein Prognose‐Schema entwickelt, wann Bohrerschaden zu erwarten ist.
PATTERNS OF INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE TO ORGANO‐PHOSPHORUS COMPOUNDS IN STRAINS OF HOUSEFLIES FROM VARIOUS SOURCES
Authors: BUSVINE JAMES R.
Published: April 2011

Four strains of housefly (Musca domestica L.), resistant to organo‐phosphorus insecticides, have been maintained in laboratory culture, together with a normal colony. Resistance in one strain had been developed by laboratory selection and in the others by field usage of insecticides followed by laboratory selection. They originated in Denmark, Italy and U.S.A., mainly by the use of parathion, diazinon and malathion respectively. The “resistance spectra” of these strains were determined by measuring their relative resistance to 14 organo‐phosphorus compounds, by a microdrop application test. The strains selected by parathion and diazinon gave rather similar resistant patterns, showing highest resistance to parathion, paraoxon and diazinon and low resistance to malathion. The American strain produced a different pattern with high resistance to malathion and low resistance to parathion, paraoxon and diazinon. It is believed that these two patterns reflect different resistance mechanisms.

A detailed comparison of the two European strains revealed more divergence in compounds containing (EtO)2P— groups than in those with (MeO)2P— groups.

Injection of parathion reduced its resistance level considerably and the resistance to paraoxon on injection was even more reduced.

Formen der Insektizid‐Resistenz gegen organische Phosphorverbindungen bei Stubenfliegen‐Stämmen verschiedener Herkunft

Vier gegen organische phosphorhaltige Insektizide resistente Stubenfliegen‐Stämme wurden zusammen mit einer normalen Kolonie in Laboratoriumkultur gehalten. Die Resistenz des einen Stammes hatte sich durch Selektion im Laboratorium entwickelt, die der anderen durch den Feldgebrauch von Insektiziden und nachfolgender Selektion im Labor. Sie stammten aus Dänemark, Italien und USA, hauptsächlich nach Anwendung von Parathion, Diazinon bzw. Malathion. Die “Resistenzspektren” dieser Stämme wurden durch Messung ihrer relativen Resistenz gegenüber 14 organischen Phosphorverbindungen mit Hilfe eines Mikrotropfen‐Applikator‐Tests bestimmt. Die durch Parathion und Diazinon selektierten Stämme ergaben ziemlich ähnliche resistente Eigenschaften; sie zeigten höchste Resistenz gegen Parathion, Paraoxon und Diazinon und niedrige gegen Malathion. Der amerikanische Stamm ergab abweichendes Verhalten mit hoher Resistenz gegen Malathion und niedriger gegen Parathion, Paraoxon und Diazinon. Es wird vermutet, daß diese beiden Typen auf verschiedenen Resistenzmechanismen beruhen.

Ein eingehender Vergleich der zwei europäischen Stämme erbrachte größere Unterschiede in Verbindungen mit (EtO)2P‐Gmppen als in solchen mit (MeO)2P‐Gruppen.

Injektion von Parathion verminderte seinen Resistenz Spiegel beträchtlich und die Resistenz gegen Paraoxon wurde bei Injektion noch mehr reduziert.
STUDIES ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF OSCINELLA FRIT L. (DIPTERA) ADULTS OF THE PANICLE GENERATION
Authors: SOUTHWOOD T. R. E. , JEPSON W. F. , VAN EMDEN H. F.
Published: April 2011

Evidence from direct observations in the oatfield and from catches in various traps shows that Oscinella frit adults of the panicle generation, emerging in the oatfield, have a high level of migratory activity.

UNTERSUCHUNGEN ÜBER DAS VERHALTEN VON OSCINELLA FRIT L.‐ IMAGINES DER RISPENGENERATION

Direkte Beobachtungen in einem erntereifen Haferfeld wiesen auf eine hohe Abflugintensität der Vollkerfe der Rispengeneration von Oscinella. frit hin. In der untersuchten Periode lag dieser Höhepunkt morgens, ungefähr 41/2–61/2 Stunden nach Sonnenaufgang. Direkte Beobachtungen ergaben weiterhin, daß bei diesem Flug die Fliegen von Luftströmungen in horizontaler und senkrechter Richtung vom Feld weggetragen werden. Daß bei guten Wetterverhältnissen ein großer Anteil der Population abwandert, wurde durch aufeinanderfolgende Schätzungen der vorhandenen und der ausschlüpfenden Individuen im Haferfeld bestätigt sowie durch die rings um das Haferfeld aufgestellten, wassergefüllten Fallen. Es zeigte sich ferner, daß die große Mehrzahl von Oscinella frit am frühen Morgen aus den Puparien schlüpft und daß die Paarung nicht vor der Mitte des Vormittags stattfindet, womit die Angaben von Riggert (1935) bestätigt werden. Es wurde beobachtet, daß sich die Fliegen im Haferfeld von Honigtautropfen der Blattläuse und von verfaultem Pflanzengewebe ernähren. Sämtliche Stufen der Vorflugreifeperiode (teneral period), die bei 20° C 3–4 Stunden dauert, werden beschrieben.
STARVATION AND DESICCATION IN TSETSE FLIES (GLOSSINA)
Authors: BURSELL E.
Published: April 2011

Collections of tsetse flies were made from different regions and at different seasons, and their fat and water contents determined. The results showed that of the two potential causes of death, starvation is far more important than desiccation.

VERHUNGERN UND AUSTROCKNUNG BEI DER TSETSEFLIEGE (GLOSSINA)

In verschiedenen Gegenden und zu verschiedenen Jahreszeiten wurden Tsetsefliegen gesammelt und ihr Fett‐ und Wassergehalt bestimmt. Durch Extrapolation der Regressionen an Fett‐ und Wasserreserven konnten Schätzungen der nach Erschöpfung der Fettreserven übrigbleibenden Wasserreserven ermittelt werden, wie auch umgekehrt der übrigbleibenden Fettreserven nach Erschöpfung der Wasserreserven. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, däss von diesen zwei möglichen Todesursachen der Hunger viel wichtiger ist als das Vertrocknen. Dieses Ergebnis wurde durch eine Prüfung der Verteilung des Fett‐ und Wassergehalts bestätigt. Sie zeigte, dass sich eine beträchtliche Anzahl der Fliegen in der kritischen Zone des Fettgehalts oder sehr nahe daran befand, während nur ein geringer Bruchteil von ihnen einen Wassergehalt aufwies, der sich der kritischen Zone näherte.