bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The heart of the matter: cardiometabolic care in youth with psychosis
Authors: Curtis Jackie , Newall Hannah D. , Samaras Katherine
Published: January 2012

Aim: Weight gain, obesity and metabolic disturbances in youth with psychosis are significant contributors to the health burden of people with psychosis, with a two‐ to threefold increase in rates compared with the general population and a 20% reduction in life expectancy. Several studies have now described cardiometabolic benefits of a range of interventions, including a structured diet and exercise programmes and metformin for patients receiving antipsychotic medications. Despite the development of Australian consensus guidelines and screening algorithms to detect such metabolic abnormalities, there is a lack of guidelines for clinicians to determine appropriate, timely, targeted prevention and intervention to manage these complications in the youth population.

Methods: The Bondi Early Psychosis Programme targets young people (aged 15–25 years) experiencing their first episode of psychosis. This service has developed a model of metabolic screening and a treatment algorithm to provide clinicians with recommendations for targeted interventions.

Results: Positive Cardiometabolic Health: an early intervention framework for patients on psychotropic medication describes a method for early detection, prevention and intervention strategies targeting antipsychotic‐induced metabolic abnormalities and cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusion: Although further research is required, there is sufficient evidence to support early intervention and prevention strategies to improve physical health outcomes in young people with first‐episode psychosis.
Bacterial persistence increases as environmental fitness decreases
Authors: Hong Seok Hoon , Wang Xiaoxue , O'Connor Hazel F. , Benedik Michael J. , Wood Thomas K.
Published: January 2012

Since persister cells cause chronic infections and since Escherichia coli toxin MqsR increases persisters, we used protein engineering to increase the toxicity of MqsR to gain insights into persister cell formation. Through two amino acid replacements that increased the stability of MqsR, toxicity and persistence were increased. A whole‐transcriptome study revealed that the MqsR variant increased persistence by repressing genes for acid resistance, multidrug resistance and osmotic resistance. Corroborating these microarray results, deletion of rpoS, as well as the genes that the master stress response regulator RpoS controls, increased persister formation dramatically to the extent that nearly the whole population became persistent. Furthermore, wild‐type cells stressed by prior treatment to acid or hydrogen peroxide increased persistence 12 000‐fold. Whole‐transcriptome analyses of persister cells generated by two different methods (wild‐type cells pretreated with hydrogen peroxide and the rpoS deletion) corroborated the importance of suppressing RpoS in persister cell formation. Therefore, the more toxic MqsR increases persistence by decreasing the ability of the cell to respond to antibiotic stress through its RpoS‐based regulation of acid resistance, multidrug resistance and osmotic resistance systems.
Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent serum assay specific for the 7S domain of Collagen Type IV (P4NP 7S): A marker related to the extracellular matrix remodeling during liver fibrogenesis
Authors: Leeming Diana J. , Nielsen Mette J. , Dai Yueqin , Veidal Sanne S. , Vassiliadis Efstathios , Zhang Chen , He Yi , Vainer Ben , Zheng Qinlong , Karsdal Morten A.
Published: January 2012

Aim:  The present study describes the ability of a newly developed N‐terminal pro‐peptides of type IV collagen 7S domain (P4NP 7S) competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for describing liver fibrosis. The assay applies a monoclonal antibody specific for a PIVNP 7S epitope 100% homologous in the human, rat, and mouse species.

Methods:  Monoclonal antibodies were raised against selected P4NP 7S specific sequences. Antibodies were screened and a competitive ELISA assay was developed using a selected antibody. The assay was evaluated in relation to technical performance, and in two preclinical liver fibrosis models; the bile duct ligation model (BDL) and the carbon tetrachloride model (CCL4) both performed in rats.

Results:  A technically robust P4NP 7S ELISA assay using a monoclonal antibody was produced. In the BDL and CCL4 liver fibrosis models it was observed that the P4NP 7S levels were significantly elevated in rat with liver fibrosis as seen by histology (CCL4: 283% elevated in the highest quartile of total hepatic collagen compared with controls, P = 0.001; BDL: 183% elevated at week 4 compared with sham, P < 0.001) and correlated to the amount of hepatic type IV collagen expression in BDL rats (r = 0.49, P < 0.05) in contrast to sham (r = −0.12). P4NP 7S also correlated to total collagen in CCL4 treated livers (P < 0.001, r = 0.67), however, not in controls (r = 0.04).

Conclusions:  This newly developed serum assay specific for P4NP 7S was highly related to liver fibrosis and correlated to extent of hepatic fibrosis. This assay may improve fibrosis quantification.
Hepatitis C virus core protein upregulates the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor via the nuclear factor‐κB/hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α axis under hypoxic conditions
Authors: Abe Mitsuhiko , Koga Hironori , Yoshida Takafumi , Masuda Hiroshi , Iwamoto Hideki , Sakata Masahiro , Hanada Shinichiro , Nakamura Toru , Taniguchi Eitaro , Kawaguchi Takumi , Yano Hirohisa , Torimura Takuji , Ueno Takato , Sata Michio
Published: January 2012

Aim:  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein critically contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis, which is often observed in liver cirrhosis. Since the liver cirrhosis microenvironment is affected by hypoxia, we focused on the possible driving force of HCV core protein on signal relay from hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Methods:  Human hepatocellular carcinoma cells stably overexpressing HCV core (Core cells) and NS5A (NS5A cells) were established; empty vector‐transfected (EV) cells were used as controls. Hypoxia was induced by oxygen deprivation or by using cobalt chloride (CoCl2). YC‐1 was used to inhibit HIF‐1α expression. Protein analyses for cultured cells and liver tissues obtained from CoCl2‐treated HCV core‐transgenic (Core‐Tg) mice were performed by western blot and/or immunocytochemistry. Cellular mRNA levels were evaluated by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.

Results:  Under hypoxia, the sustained expression of HIF‐1α, but not HIF‐2α, was profoundly observed in Core cells but, was faint in EV and NS5A cells. Immunocytochemistry revealed increased HIF‐1α in the nucleus. HIF‐1α mRNA levels were significantly higher in Core cells than in EV cells under both normoxia and hypoxia. The HIF‐1α‐targeted VEGF and Bcl‐xL expressions were increased in Core cells under hypoxia and abolished by YC‐1 treatment. Hypoxic liver samples of Core‐Tg mice indicated significant increases in both HIF‐1α and VEGF expression compared with the wild type.

Conclusions:  Hepatitis C virus core protein has the distinct potential to transcriptionally upregulate and sustain HIF‐1α expression under hypoxia, thereby contributing to increased VEGF expression, a key regulator in the hypoxic milieu of liver cirrhosis.
Distinctive expression of CD133 between intraductal papillary neoplasms of the bile duct and bile duct adenocarcinomas
Authors: Ohtsubo Izuru , Ajiki Tetsuo , Hori Yuichi , Murakami Sae , Shimizu Kazuya , Itoh Tomoo , Shimizu Michio , Fukumoto Takumi , Ku Yonson
Published: January 2012

Aim:  Intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB), a novel entity of biliary disease, is recently advocated as the counterpart of pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) because both are in common with a large amount of mucin production and papillary growth. Based on our recent finding that expression of CD133, a cancer stem cell marker, is lacking in pancreatic IPMN, we herein focused on CD133 expression of IPNB in comparison with intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma (IHCCC) or hilar bile duct cancer (HBDC).

Methods:  Expression of CD133 protein was immunohistochemically determined in patients with IPNB (n = 7), IHCCC (n = 16) or HBDC (n = 8). In addition, morphological and immunohistochemical mucin expression patterns were characterized in IPNB, and clinicopathological features including prognosis were compared between IPNB and other biliary tumors.

Results:  The IPNB group included significantly more females than the other two groups, and had a longer survival time. While no CD133 expression was observed in IPNB tumor, 16.4% of cancer cells in IHCCC and 17.2% of cells in HBDC expressed CD133. Among seven patients with IPNB, six (86%) were morphologically the pancreatobiliary type and four of six showed mucin expression pattern of the typical pancreatobiliary type (MUC1+/MUC2‐/MUC5AC+).

Conclusion:  Loss of CD133 expression supports the hypothesis that IPNB is a counterpart of pancreatic IPMN with a differing carcinogenesis from conventional bile duct adenocarcinomas.
Reopke Lecture in Economic Geography: Notes from the Underground: Why the History of Economic Geography Matters: The Case of Central Place Theory
Authors: Barnes Trevor J.
Published: January 2012

abstract

The discipline of Anglo‐American economic geography seems to care little about its history. Its practitioners tend toward the “just do it” school of scholarship, in which a concern with the present moment in economic geography subordinates all else. In contrast, I argue that it is vital to know economic geography's history. Historical knowledge of our discipline enables us to realize that we are frequently “slaves of some defunct” economic geographer; that we cannot escape our geography and history, which seep into the very pores of the ideas that we profess; and that the full connotations of economic geographic ideas are sometimes purposively hidden, secret even, revealed only later by investigative historical scholarship. My antidote: “notes from the underground,” which means a history of economic geography that delves below the reported surface. This history is often subversive, contradicting conventional depictions; it is antirationalist, querying universal (timeless) foundations; it seeks out deliberately hidden and buried economic geographic practices, relying on sources literally found underground—personal papers and correspondence stored in one subterranean archive or another. To exemplify the importance of notes from the underground, I present an extended case study—the 20th‐century development of central place theory, associated with two economic geographers: the German, Walter Christaller (1893–1969), and the American, Edward L. Ullman (1912–76).
Determinants of colonic barrier function in inflammatory bowel disease and potential therapeutics
Authors: Hering Nina A. , Fromm Michael , Schulzke Jörg‐Dieter
Published: January 2012

Abstract  Intestinal barrier dysfunction is a main feature of the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Leak flux diarrhoea and a facilitated uptake of noxious antigens are the two consequences resulting from an impaired epithelial barrier. Barrier perturbations in IBD comprise alterations in epithelial tight junctions (TJ), i.e. a reduced number of horizontal TJ strands and an altered TJ protein expression and subcellular distribution. Moreover, increased incidence of apoptotic events as well as erosions and ulcerations can add to that leakiness. These barrier defects are attributed to enhanced activity of pro‐inflammatory cytokines like TNFα, INFγ, IL‐1β and IL‐13, which are highly expressed in the chronically inflamed intestine. Although the aetiology of IBD is far from being clear, chronic inflammation is believed to result from an inadequate immune response as a consequence of genetic predisposition as well as changes in, and altered responses to, the intestinal microbiota. On the other hand, an insufficient mucosal response to bacterial stimuli results in an insufficient immune response towards intestinal pathogens. However, detailed characterization of barrier defects offers the opportunity to consider and test therapeutic interventions. Beside cytokine antagonists, different plant compounds and probiotics have been shown to stabilize the barrier function by affecting TJ protein expression and distribution.
Development of the Reconfigurable Data Acquisition Vehicle for Bio-Energy Crop Sensing and Management
Authors: Xiong Yonghua , Tian Lei , Ahamed Tofael , Zhao Bin
Published: January 2012

In this article, the development of the Reconfigurable Data Acquisition Vehicle (R-DAV) that has a high performance as a wheeled mobile robot is presented. The R-DAV is designed to monitor and manage the growing status of bio-energy crops, and the vehicle will be used for image collection, density measurements, and chemical applications. A theoretical model has been proposed to optimize the configuration. The 4-Wheel-Drive-4-Wheel-Steering (4WD4WS) locomotion was proposed as the essential base for high traffic conditions and maneuverability, and a prototype model was fabricated for this scenario. The chassis was uniquely reconfigured in two ways: (1) by adjusting the clearance and (2) by changing the wheel gauge. The reconfiguration of the clearance was necessary to operate the vehicle over a range of heights of bio-energy crops at different growing stages in the Miscanthus (Miscanthus is a genus of about 15 species of perennial grasses native to subtropical and tropical regions of Africa and southern Asia). The adjustable wheel gauge layout was designed to follow variable inter-row tracks in the Miscanthus field. Furthermore, a triangle-shaped guard was specifically considered to minimize the crop damage when the vehicle enters into the field.
Modeling and Analysis of an Optically-Actuated, Bistable MEMS Device
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Rhoads Jeffrey F.
Published: January 2012

Bistable microsystems have drawn considerable interest from the MEMS/NEMS research community not only due to their broad applicability in commercial applications, such as switching, but also because of the rich dynamic behavior they commonly exhibit. While a number of prior investigations have studied the dynamics of bistable microsystems, comparatively few works have sought to characterize their transient behavior. The present effort seeks to address this through the modeling and analysis of an optically-actuated, bistable MEMS switch. This work begins with the development of a distributed-parameter representation for the system, which is subsequently reduced to a lumped-mass analog and analyzed through the use of numerical simulation. The influence of various system and excitation parameters, including the applied axial load and optical actuation profile, on the system’s transient response is then investigated. Ultimately, the methodologies and results presented herein should provide for a refined predictive design capability for optically-actuated, bistable MEMS devices.
A Numerical Scheme for a Class of Parametric Problem of Fractional Variational Calculus
Authors: Agrawal Om P. , Mehedi Hasan M. , Tangpong X. W.
Published: January 2012

Fractional derivatives (FDs) or derivatives of arbitrary order have been used in many applications, and it is envisioned that in the future they will appear in many functional minimization problems of practical interest. Since fractional derivatives have such properties as being non-local, it can be extremely challenging to find analytical solutions for fractional parametric optimization problems, and in many cases, analytical solutions may not exist. Therefore, it is of great importance to develop numerical methods for such problems. This paper presents a numerical scheme for a linear functional minimization problem that involves FD terms. The FD is defined in terms of the Riemann-Liouville definition; however, the scheme will also apply to Caputo derivatives, as well as other definitions of fractional derivatives. In this scheme, the spatial domain is discretized into several subdomains and 2-node one-dimensional linear elements are adopted to approximate the solution and its fractional derivative at point within the domain. The fractional optimization problem is converted to an eigenvalue problem, the solution of which leads to fractional orthogonal functions. Convergence study of the number of elements and error analysis of the results ensure that the algorithm yields stable results. Various fractional orders of derivative are considered, and as the order approaches the integer value of 1, the solution recovers the analytical result for the corresponding integer order problem.
Populations of metastable and resonant argon atoms in radio frequency magnetron plasmas used for deposition of indium-zinc-oxide films
Authors: Maaloul L. , Morel S. , Stafford L.
Published: January 2012

This work reports optical absorption spectroscopy measurements of the number density of Ar atoms in resonant (3P1, 1P1) and metastable (3P2, 3P0) states in rf magnetron sputtering plasmas used for the deposition of ZnO-based thin films. While the density of Ar 3P2 and 3P0 was fairly independent of pressure in the range of experimental conditions investigated, the density of Ar 3P1 and 1P1 first sharply increased with pressure and then reached a plateau at values close to those of the 3P2 and 3P0 levels at pressures above about 50 mTorr. At such pressures, ultraviolet radiation from resonant states becomes trapped such that these levels behave as metastable states. For a self-bias voltage of −115 V and pressures in the 5–100 mTorr range, similar number densities of Ar resonant and metastable atoms were obtained for Zn, ZnO, and In2O3 targets, suggesting that, over the range of experimental conditions investigated, collisions between these excited species and sputtered Zn, In, and O atoms played only a minor role on the discharge kinetics. The metastable-to-ground state number density ratios were also fitted to the predictions of a global model using the average electron temperature, Te, as the only adjustable parameter. For all targets examined, the values of Te deduced from this method were in excellent agreement with those obtained from Langmuir probe measurements.
Strategy for focused ion beam compound material removal for circuit editing
Authors: Drezner Yariv , Greenzweig Yuval , Raveh Amir
Published: January 2012

Both selective and nonselective focused ion beam (FIB) processes have become critical for enabling fine-scale activities such as nano-machining and nano-fabrication in compound material removal applications. In this paper, we investigate the influence of FIB ion acceleration voltage on gas assisted etch rates for the most frequently used materials in the microelectronic industry, using common FIB etchants. These results can serve as a baseline for FIB process development using various materials for both highly-selective and (almost) nonselective material removal. Etching strategies are suggested. Two test cases are presented here, in which we performed either selective or nonselective material removal processes. The etch rate of different materials was found to be dependent on acceleration voltage, and very specific to the material-precursor system.
Treasure Caves
Cradle of Humankind
World Heritage Site Sterkfontein 1911, South Africa www.cradleofhumankind.co.za
Authors: Hayes Vanessa M.
Published: January 2012

Our reviewer visits a World Heritage Site in South Africa that preserves the source of several important hominin fossils.
Langerhans Cells Facilitate Epithelial DNA Damage and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Modi Badri G. , Neustadter Jason , Binda Elisa , Lewis Julia , Filler Renata B. , Roberts Scott J. , Kwong Bernice Y. , Reddy Swapna , Overton John D. , Galan Anjela , Tigelaar Robert , Cai Lining , Fu Peter , Shlomchik Mark , Kaplan Daniel H. , Hayday Adrian , Girardi Michael
Published: January 2012

The Dark Side of Langerhans Cells

Several immune cell populations reside in the skin and are thought to provide a protective barrier against infections and to act as sentinels against malignant transformation. However, studies in mice that lack Langerhans cells, a subset of dendritic cells, have suggested that these cells may actually promote tumorigenesis. Using a mouse model of squamous cell carcinoma,

Modi
et al.

(p.
104
) now reveal how Langerhans cells may promote the transformation of skin epithelial cells. In response to the carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz[α]anthracene (DMBA), Langerhans cells increased their expression of the cytochrome P-450 enzyme CYP1B1, which can metabolize DMBA to the mutagenic DMBA-
trans
-3,4-diol. Thus, besides their functions in regulating the adaptive immune response, Langerhans cells may participate in the metabolism of environmental carcinogens.
RNA Rejoice!
RNA
Life's Indispensable Molecule

by James Darnell

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 2011. 430 pp. $40. ISBN 9781936113194.
Authors: Steitz Joan A.
Published: January 2012

Darnell's comprehensive history of RNA research will reward anyone interested in gene expression.
Structural Basis for Sequence-Specific Recognition of DNA by TAL Effectors
Authors: Deng Dong , Yan Chuangye , Pan Xiaojing , Mahfouz Magdy , Wang Jiawei , Zhu Jian-Kang , Shi Yigong , Yan Nieng
Published: January 2012

Wrapped DNA

TAL effectors are proteins that bacterial pathogens inject into plant cells that bind to host DNA to activate expression of plant genes. The DNA-binding domain of TAL proteins is composed of tandem repeats within which a repeat-variable diresidue sequence confers nucleotide specificity.

Deng
et al.

(p.
720
, published online 5 January) report the structure of the TAL effector dHax3, containing 11.5 repeats, in DNA-free and DNA-bound states, and

Mak
et al.

(p.
716
, published online 5 January) report the structure of the PthXo1 TAL effector, containing 22 repeats, bound to its DNA target. Together, the structures reveal the conformational changes involved in DNA binding and provide the structural basis of DNA recognition.
Laser Fusion Project Alters Goals, Fueling Concern Over Its Strategy
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: January 2012

A change in the milestones of the National Ignition Facility has highlighted the concerns of some in the field that the path NIF researchers have taken may not be the right one.
Cancer Prevention With a Diabetes Pill?
Authors: Taubes Gary
Published: January 2012

There is a caveat to the observational research linking use of the insulin-lowering drug metformin to a decrease in cancer incidence: Studies of this kind are incapable of establishing a causal relationship.
Serial Kinetics of the Antibody Response against the Complete Brucella melitensis ORFeome in Focal Vertebral Brucellosis
Authors: Cannella Anthony P. , Lin Jennifer C. , Liang Li , Atluri Vidya , Gotuzzo Eduardo , Felgner Philip L. , Tsolis Renee M. , Vinetz Joseph M.
Published: January 2012

Human brucellosis is a common zoonosis worldwide. Here we present a case of focal vertebral brucellosis in a 71-year-old Mexican-American woman who contracted infection from unpasteurized goat milk. Standard agglutination serology was negative; the diagnosis was established by the isolation of
Brucella melitensis
from abscess fluid. A
B. melitensis
protein microarray comprised of nearly all proteins encoded by the bacterial genome was used to determine the kinetics of this patient's antibody responses to the complete collection of open reading frames existing in the genome (ORFeome). Three patterns of antibody responses against
B. melitensis
antigens were seen for serum samples obtained on days 0 (pretreatment), 14, 49, 100, and 180: (i) stable titers over time, (ii) a steady fall in titers, and (iii) an initial rise in titers followed by declining titers. Sera from this patient with chronic brucellosis recognized some of the same
B. melitensis
proteins as those recognized by sera from acute/subacute, blood culture-positive brucellosis patients but also recognized a distinct set of proteins. This study is the first to determine the kinetics of the human antibody responses to the complete repertoire of proteins encoded by a bacterial genome and demonstrates fundamentally different immunopathogenetic mechanisms between acute human brucellosis and chronic human brucellosis. While an extension of these findings to a larger patient population is necessary, these findings have important clinical and diagnostic implications and lead toward new insights into the fundamental immunopathogenesis of brucellosis.
Emergency department crowding
Authors: Higginson Ian
Published: January 2012

Background

Emergency department (ED) crowding is a significant international problem. There is increasing overseas research into this field. In the UK, the focus has been on waiting times in EDs, and on the government's 4 h standard, rather than on crowding itself.

Aims

To examine the causes and effects of ED crowding, along with solutions. To consider whether the 4 h standard has had an effect on ED crowding in the UK.

Methods

A structured literature review on ED crowding.

Results

The evidence base largely consists of retrospective or descriptive studies (65% combined) from North America and Australasia (89% combined). Measurement of crowding is not well developed, and the lack of a gold standard additionally limits the quality of research. The main cause of crowding is access block, because of high levels of hospital occupancy. Crowding carries a number of adverse consequences for patients and staff. Many solutions are described, but with weak evidence behind them. Most of these focus on interventions in the ED, despite the fact that the main causes lie outside. Solutions aimed at achieving the 4 h standard may mitigate crowding.

Conclusion

The extent of ED crowding in the UK is unknown. The problem is probably mitigated by process standards such as the 4 h standard. The causes and effects of crowding are likely to be the same as overseas, but there is little research to validate this. The best solutions are not known.
Survival and antipredator behavior of woodchucks (Marmota monax) along an urban–agricultural gradient
Authors: Lehrer E.W. , Schooley R.L. , Whittington J.K.
Published: January 2012

Understanding effects of urbanization on biodiversity requires integrated assessments of demographic and behavioral responses by species, including urban-adapter species. Past research on mammalian responses to urbanization has emphasized predators, but prey species could respond to additional factors including variation in predation risk. We examined spatial heterogeneity in real and perceived risk across an urbanization gradient by comparing survival rates, causes of mortality, and antipredator behavior of adult woodchucks ( Marmota monax (L., 1758)) within an agricultural landscape in Illinois from 2007 to 2009. Survival rates were higher, and effects of urbanization were stronger, during the inactive season. Rural woodchucks primarily died from predation or costs associated with hibernation, whereas urban woodchucks mainly died from vehicle collisions or unknown reasons. Mean levels of antipredator behavior were unrelated to urbanization, but among-individual variation in vigilance levels increased in urban areas, which may reflect increased spatial variation in disturbance levels within urban environments. Distances from burrows while foraging and flight initiation distances also were unrelated to urbanization, suggesting that urban woodchucks were not strongly habituated to humans. Our research provides insights into demographic and behavioral responses to urbanization, and constraints to responses, by an urban-adapter species.
A comparative analysis of fine-scale genetic structure in three closely related syntopic species of the grasshopper genusCalliptamus
Authors: Blanchet E. , Lecoq M. , Sword G.A. , Berthier K. , Pages C. , Billot C. , Rivallan R. , Foucart A. , Vassal J.-M. , Risterucci A.M. , Chapuis M.-P.
Published: January 2012

Landscape analysis and genetics can allow a better understanding of grasshoppers for which ecology is not very well known. We analysed landscape changes between 1990 and 2006 at two areas from southern France where three grasshopper species ( Calliptamus italicus (L., 1758), Calliptamus wattenwylianus Pantel, 1896, and Calliptamus barbarus (Costa, 1836)) occur. We then applied microsatellite markers to the study of 1200 georeferenced samples collected over both areas. We used a recent Bayesian clustering method with correlated allele frequencies to detect weak population genetic structure. We found evidence of breaks in gene flow only in C. wattenwylianus, thought to be sedentary relative to its congenerics. By using different allele frequency models and prior information to different levels of genetic differentiation for our six real data sets, our study also informs on the ability of the newly available Bayesian clustering methods model to detect weak genetic structure in natural field populations.
Predation rates, timing, and predator composition for Scoters (Melanittaspp.) in marine habitats
Authors: Anderson Eric M. , Esler Daniel , Boyd W. Sean , Evenson Joseph R. , Nysewander David R. , Ward David H. , Dickson Rian D. , Uher-Koch Brian D. , VanStratt Corey S. , Hupp Jerry W.
Published: January 2012

Studies of declining populations of sea ducks have focused mainly on bottom–up processes with little emphasis on the role of predation. We identified 11 potential predators of White-winged Scoters ( Melanitta fusca (L., 1758)) and Surf Scoters ( Melanitta perspicillata (L., 1758)) in North American marine habitats. However, of 596 Scoters marked with VHF transmitters along the Pacific coast, mortalities were recovered in association with just two identifiable categories of predators: in southeast Alaska recoveries occurred mainly near mustelid feeding areas, while those in southern British Columbia and Washington occurred mainly near feeding areas of Bald Eagles ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus (L., 1766)). Determining whether marked Scoters had been depredated versus scavenged was often not possible, but mortalities occurred more frequently during winter than during wing molt (13.1% versus 0.7% of both species combined, excluding Scoters that died within a postrelease adjustment period). In two sites heavily used by Scoters, diurnal observations revealed no predation attempts and low rates of predator disturbances that altered Scoter behavior (≤0.22/h). These and other results suggest that predation by Bald Eagles occurs mainly at sites and times where densities of Scoters are low, while most predation by mustelids probably occurs when Scoters are energetically compromised.
Trophic cascades linking wolves (Canis lupus), coyotes (Canis latrans), and small mammals
Authors: Miller Brian J. , Harlow Henry J. , Harlow Tyler S. , Biggins Dean , Ripple William J.
Published: January 2012

When large carnivores are extirpated from ecosystems that evolved with apex predators, these systems can change at the herbivore and plant trophic levels. Such changes across trophic levels are called cascading effects and they are very important to conservation. Studies on the effects of reintroduced wolves in Yellowstone National Park have examined the interaction pathway of wolves ( Canis lupus L., 1758) to ungulates to plants. This study examines the interaction effects of wolves to coyotes to rodents (reversing mesopredator release in the absence of wolves). Coyotes ( Canis latrans Say, 1823) generally avoided areas near a wolf den. However, when in the proximity of a den, they used woody habitats (pine or sage) compared with herbaceous habitats (grass or forb or sedge)– when they were away from the wolf den. Our data suggested a significant increase in rodent numbers, particularly voles (genus Microtus Schrank, 1798), during the 3-year study on plots that were within 3 km of the wolf den, but we did not detect a significant change in rodent numbers over time for more distant plots. Predation by coyotes may have depressed numbers of small mammals in areas away from the wolf den. These factors indicate a top–down effect by wolves on coyotes and subsequently on the rodents of the area. Restoration of wolves could be a powerful tool for regulating predation at lower trophic levels.
Genetic structure of a Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) population inhabiting a fragmented agricultural ecosystem
Authors: Beatty William S. , Beasley James C. , Dharmarajan Guha , Rhodes Olin E.
Published: January 2012

Fragmentation has drastically altered the quality of habitats throughout numerous ecosystems, often leading to dramatic changes in the composition of wildlife communities. The ecology and associated movement behavior of a species may also be modified as a result of forest fragmentation, resulting in changes in genetic composition of the affected species. In this research, we evaluated the genetic structure of the Virginia opossum ( Didelphis virginiana Kerr, 1792) at the landscape and local scales in a fragmented, agricultural ecosystem in northern Indiana using 13 microsatellite loci. We examined 290 samples from opossums inhabiting 28 discrete habitat patches, and evaluated partitioning of genetic variation of opossums among and within habitat patches. We observed low but significant levels of genetic structure (FST = 0.005) overall, and pairwise comparisons of FSTvalues among habitat patches also were relatively low. Relatedness within patches was highly variable (–0.077 ≤ rxy ≤ 0.060), with a few patches exhibiting significantly higher levels of relatedness than random expectations, and we detected no evidence of sex-biased natal dispersal. These results contrast with previous field studies that documented male-biased dispersal in the Virginia opossum, indicating dispersal in this species is plastic and dependent upon local environmental conditions.
Cocaine modulates pathways for photic and nonphotic entrainment of the mammalian SCN circadian clock
Authors: Glass J. David , Brager Allison J. , Stowie Adam C. , Prosser Rebecca A.
Published: January 2012

Cocaine abuse is highly disruptive to circadian physiological and behavioral rhythms. The present study was undertaken to determine whether such effects are manifest through actions on critical photic and nonphotic regulatory pathways in the master circadian clock of the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Impairment of SCN photic signaling by systemic (intraperitoneal) cocaine injection was evidenced by strong (60%) attenuation of light-induced phase-delay shifts of circadian locomotor activity during the early night. A nonphotic action of cocaine was apparent from its induction of 1-h circadian phase-advance shifts at midday. The serotonin receptor antagonist, metergoline, blocked shifting by 80%, implicating a serotonergic mechanism. Reverse microdialysis perfusion of the SCN with cocaine at midday induced 3.7 h phase-advance shifts. Control perfusions with lidocaine and artificial cerebrospinal fluid had little shifting effect. In complementary in vitro experiments, photic-like phase-delay shifts of the SCN circadian neuronal activity rhythm induced by glutamate application to the SCN were completely blocked by cocaine. Cocaine treatment of SCN slices alone at subjective midday, but not the subjective night, induced 3-h phase-advance shifts. Lidocaine had no shifting effect. Cocaine-induced phase shifts were completely blocked by metergoline, but not by the dopamine receptor antagonist, fluphenazine. Finally, pretreatment of SCN slices for 2 h with a low concentration of serotonin agonist (to block subsequent serotonergic phase resetting) abolished cocaine-induced phase shifts at subjective midday. These results reveal multiple effects of cocaine on adult circadian clock regulation that are registered within the SCN and involve enhanced serotonergic transmission.
Exposure of luminal membranes of LLC-PK1cells to ANG II induces dimerization of AT1/AT2receptors to activate SERCA and to promote Ca2+mobilization
Authors: Ferrão Fernanda M. , Lara Lucienne S. , Axelband Flavia , Dias Juliana , Carmona Adriana K. , Reis Rosana I. , Costa-Neto Claudio M. , Vieyra Adalberto , Lowe Jennifer
Published: January 2012

ANG II is secreted into the lumens of proximal tubules where it is also synthesized, thus increasing the local concentration of the peptide to levels of potential physiological relevance. In the present work, we studied the effect of ANG II via the luminal membranes of LLC-PK1cells on Ca2+-ATPase of the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum (SERCA) and plasma membrane (PMCA). ANG II (at concentrations found in the lumen) stimulated rapid (30 s) and persistent (30 min) SERCA activity by more than 100% and increased Ca2+mobilization. Pretreatment with ANG II for 30 min enhanced the ANG II-induced Ca2+spark, demonstrating a positively self-sustained stimulus of Ca2+mobilization by ANG II. ANG II in the medium facing the luminal side of the cells decreased with time with no formation of metabolites, indicating peptide internalization. ANG II increased heterodimerization of AT1and AT2receptors by 140%, and either losartan or PD123319 completely blocked the stimulation of SERCA by ANG II. Using the PLC inhibitor U73122, PMA, and calphostin C, it was possible to demonstrate the involvement of a PLC→DAG(PMA)→PKC pathway in the stimulation of SERCA by ANG II with no effect on PMCA. We conclude that ANG II triggers SERCA activation via the luminal membrane, increasing the Ca2+stock in the reticulum to ensure a more efficient subsequent mobilization of Ca2+. This first report on the regulation of SERCA activity by ANG II shows a new mechanism for Ca2+homeostasis in renal cells and also for regulation of Ca2+-modulated fluid reabsorption in proximal tubules.
Regulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue blood flow during exercise in humans
Authors: Heinonen Ilkka , Bucci Marco , Kemppainen Jukka , Knuuti Juhani , Nuutila Pirjo , Boushel Robert , Kalliokoski Kari K.
Published: January 2012

Regulation of subcutaneous adipose tissue blood flow (ATBF) remains poorly elucidated in humans, especially during exercise. In the present study we tested the role of adenosine in the regulation of ATBF adjacent to active and inactive thigh muscles during intermittent isometric knee-extension exercise (1 s contraction followed by 2 s rest with workloads of 50, 100, and 150 N) in six healthy young women. ATBF was measured using positron emission tomography (PET) without and with unspecific adenosine receptor inhibitor theophylline infused intravenously. Adipose regions were localized from fused PET and magnetic resonance images. Blood flow in subcutaneous adipose tissue adjacent to active muscle increased from rest (1.0 ± 0.3 ml·100 g−1·min−1) to exercise ( P < 0.001) and along with increasing exercise intensity (50 N = 4.1 ± 1.4, 100 N = 5.4 ± 1.8, and 150 N = 6.9 ± 3.0 ml·100 g−1·min−1, P = 0.03 for the increase). In contrast, ATBF adjacent to inactive muscle remained at resting levels with all intensities (∼1.0 ± 0.5 ml·100 g−1·min−1). During exercise theophylline prevented the increase in ATBF adjacent to active muscle especially during the highest exercise intensity (50 N = 4.3 ± 1.8 ml·100 g−1·min−1, 100 N = 4.0 ± 1.5 ml·100 g−1·min−1, and 150 N = 4.9 ± 1.8 ml·100 g−1·min−1, P = 0.06 for an overall effect) but had no effect on blood flow adjacent to inactive muscle or adipose blood flow in resting contralateral leg. In conclusion, we report in the present study that 1) blood flow in subcutaneous adipose tissue of the leg is increased from rest to exercise in an exercise intensity-dependent manner, but only in the vicinity of working muscle, and 2) adenosine receptor antagonism attenuates this blood flow enhancement at the highest exercise intensities.
Impact of gender on the cardiac autonomic response to angiotensin II in healthy humans
Authors: Mann M. C. , Exner D. V. , Hemmelgarn B. R. , Turin T. C. , Sola D. Y. , Ahmed S. B.
Published: January 2012

Premenopausal women have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with men of a similar age. Furthermore, the regulation of factors that influence CVD appears to differ between the sexes, including control of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the renin-angiotensin system. We examined the cardiac ANS response to angiotensin II (Ang II) challenge in healthy subjects to determine whether differences in women and men exist. Thirty-six healthy subjects (21 women, 15 men, age 38 ± 2 years) were studied in a high-salt balance. Heart-rate variability (HRV) was calculated by spectral power analysis [low-frequency (LF) sympathetic modulation, high-frequency (HF) parasympathetic/vagal modulation, and LF:HF as a measure of overall ANS balance]. HRV was assessed at baseline and in response to graded Ang II infusions (3 ng·kg−1·min−1× 30 min; 6 ng·kg−1·min−1× 30 min). Cardiac ANS tone did not change significantly in women after each Ang II dose [3 ng·kg−1·min−1mean change (Δ)LF:HF (mean ± SE) 0.5 ± 0.3, P = 0.8, vs. baseline; 6 ng·kg−1·min−1ΔLF:HF (mean ± SE) 0.5 ± 0.4, P = 0.4, vs. baseline], whereas men exhibited an unfavorable shift in overall cardiac ANS activity in response to Ang II (ΔLF:HF 2.6 ± 0.2, P = 0.01, vs. baseline; P = 0.02 vs. female response). This imbalance in sympathovagal tone appeared to be largely driven by a withdrawal in cardioprotective vagal activity in response to Ang II challenge [ΔHF normalized units (nu), −5.8 ± 2.9, P = 0.01, vs. baseline; P = 0.006 vs. women] rather than an increase in sympathetic activity (ΔLF nu, −4.5 ± 5.7, P = 0.3, vs. baseline; P = 0.5 vs. women). Premenopausal women maintain cardiac ANS tone in response to Ang II challenge, whereas similarly aged men exhibit an unfavorable shift in cardiovagal activity. Understanding the role of gender in ANS modulation may help guide risk-reduction strategies in high-risk CVD populations.
The Effect of Bulk Density on Emission Behavior of Soil at Microwave Frequencies
Authors: Gupta V. K. , Jangid R. A.
Published: January 2012

Dielectric constant and dielectric loss (ε′
and ε″) of different soil samples with bulk densities varying from 1.3 to 2.0 gm/cm3 are determined at a single microwave frequency 9.78 GHz and at temperature 37.0°C. Different bulk densities of same soil are achieved by filling the wave guide cell with an equal volume but a different mass of soil. Further, ε′ and ε″ of these soil samples are also estimated by semiempirical model and compared with the experimental results. The values of ε′ and ε″ increase as bulk density of the soil increases. In view of microwave remote sensing, the Fresnel reflectivity of soil is computed from the knowledge of the complex dielectric constant and the surface boundary condition. Using Kirchhoff’s reciprocity theorem the microwave emissivity is estimated from Fresnel reflectivity of the surface. It is observed that the microwave emission from the soil surface inhibits as bulk density of soil increases. Further, the roughness of soil surface has been taken into consideration in the emissivity computation and observed that the emissivity increases with increasing roughness of the soil surface.
Anaphylaxis Triggered by Benzyl Benzoate in a Preparation of Depot Testosterone Undecanoate
Authors: Ong Gregory S. Y. , Somerville Colin P. , Jones Timothy W. , Walsh John P.
Published: January 2012

We report the first case of an anaphylactic reaction to Reandron 1000 (depot testosterone undecanoate with a castor oil and benzyl benzoate vehicle). While considered to have a favourable safety profile, serious complications such as oil embolism and anaphylaxis can occur. In our patient, skin testing identified benzyl benzoate to be the trigger, with no reaction to castor oil or testosterone undecanoate components. As benzyl benzoate exists in multiple pharmaceuticals, foods, and cosmetics, individual components of pharmaceuticals should be tested when investigating drug allergies. Doctors should be alert to the potential for serious reactions to any of the components of Reandron 1000.
Chronic Maxillary Sinusitis Associated with an Unusual Foreign Body: A Case Report
Authors: Şahin Yunus Feyyat , Muderris Togay , Bercin Sami , Sevil Ergun , Kırıs Muzaffer
Published: January 2012

Foreign bodies in maxillary sinuses are unusual clinical conditions, and they can cause chronic sinusitis by mucosal irritation. Most cases of foreign bodies in maxillary sinus are related to iatrogenic dental manipulation and only a few cases with non-dental origin are reported. Oroantral fistulas secondary to dental procedures are the most common way of insertion. Treatment is surgical removal of the foreign body either endoscopically or with a combined approach, with Caldwell-Luc procedure if endoscopic approach is inadequate for visualisation. In this case, we present a 24-year-old male patient with unilateral chronic maxillary sinusitis due to a wooden toothpick in left maxillary sinus. The patient had a history of upper second premolar tooth extraction. CT scan revealed sinus opacification with presence of a foreign body in left maxillary sinus extending from the floor of the sinus to the orbital base. The foreign body, a wooden toothpick, was removed with Caldwell-Luc procedure since it was impossible to remove the toothpick endoscopically. There was no obvious oroantral fistula in the time of surgery, but the position of the toothpick made us to think that it was inserted through a previously healed fistula, willingly or accidentally.
Age-Group Differences in Human Papillomavirus Types and Cofactors for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia 3 among Women Referred to Colposcopy
Authors: Gargano Julia W. , Nisenbaum Rosane , Lee Daisy R. , Ruffin IV Mack T. , Steinau Martin , Horowitz Ira R. , Flowers Lisa C. , Tadros Talaat S. , Birdsong George , Unger Elizabeth R.
Published: January 2012

Background: Recommendations for high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) testing as an adjunct to cytology for cervical cancer screening differ by age group, because HR-HPV tests lack adequate specificity in women aged <30. Here, we assess age-group differences in HPV types and other risk factors for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) versus CIN0–2 in women from four colposcopy clinics.

Methods: Women ages 18 to 69 (n = 1,658) were enrolled and completed structured interviews to elicit data on behavioral risk factors prior to their examinations. HPV genotyping was done on exfoliated cervical cell samples. We estimated relative risks (RR) for HPV types and cofactors for CIN3+, overall and stratified by age group.

Results: After 2 years of follow-up, we identified 178 CIN3+, 1,305 CIN0–2, and 175 indeterminate outcomes. Nonvaccine HR-HPV types were only associated with CIN3+ among women ≥30 (RR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.5–3.4; <30: RR = 0.9). Among all HR-HPV–positive women, adjusting for age, significant cofactors for CIN3+ included current smoking (RR = 1.5), former smoking (RR = 1.8), regular Pap screening (RR = 0.7), current regular condom use (RR = 0.5), and parity ≥5 (RR = 1.6, Ptrend for increasing parity = 0.07). However, the parity association differed by age group (≥30: RR = 1.8, Ptrend = 0.008; <30: RR = 0.9; Ptrend =.55).

Conclusion: Subgroup variation by age in the risk of CIN3+ points to the importance of the timing of exposures in relation to CIN3+ detection.

Impact: Future screening strategies need to consider natural history and secular trends in cofactor prevalence in the pursuit of appropriately sensitive and specific screening tools applied to appropriate age groups. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(1); 111–21. ©2011 AACR.