bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternative Cell Death Mechanisms Determine Epidermal Resistance in Incompatible Barley-Ustilago Interactions
Authors: Hof Alexander , Zechmann Bernd , Schwammbach Daniela , Hückelhoven Ralph , Doehlemann Gunther
Published: December 2013

Programmed cell death is a key feature of epidermal plant immunity, which is particularly effective against biotrophic microbes that depend on living host tissue. The covered smut fungus Ustilago hordei establishes a compatible biotrophic interaction with its host plant barley. The maize smut U. maydis triggers a nonhost response in barley, which results in epidermal cell death. Similarly, Ustilago mutants being deleted for pep1, a gene encoding a secreted effector, are blocked upon host penetration. We studied the epidermal responses of barley to incompatible Ustilago strains. Molecular and cellular analyses were used to test the impact of Bax inhibitor-1 (BI-1), a suppressor of programmed cell death, on the barley nonhost resistance to U. maydis as well as Ustilago Δpep1 mutants. Overexpression of BI-1 resulted in partial break of barley nonhost resistance to U. maydis. By contrast, the epidermal cell death response triggered by pep1 deletion mutants was not impaired by BI-1. Hypersensitive-response-like cell death caused by U. maydis wild-type infection showed features of necrotic cell death, while Δpep1 mutant-induced host responses involved hallmarks of autophagy. Therefore, we propose that the mechanisms of epidermal cell death in response to different types of incompatible pathogens depend on spatial and temporal appearance of cell-death-triggering stimuli.
Relationship between evenness and body size in species rich assemblages
Authors: Magurran A. E. , Queiroz H. L. , Hercos A. P.
Published: December 2013

Evenness is a key measure of community structure. Here, we examine the relationship between evenness and size–abundance distributions for both individuals and species using data gathered from Amazonian fish assemblages. We show that evenness increases as the fraction of numerically abundant species in larger body-size classes rises. As any processes that enable larger bodied species to increase their numerical dominance will influence evenness, these results help explain why evenness is an important correlate of ecosystem function.
Regulatory principles and experimental approaches to the circadian control of starch turnover
Authors: Seaton Daniel D. , Ebenhöh Oliver , Millar Andrew J. , Pokhilko Alexandra
Published: December 2013

In many plants, starch is synthesized during the day and degraded during the night to avoid carbohydrate starvation in darkness. The circadian clock participates in a dynamic adjustment of starch turnover to changing environmental condition through unknown mechanisms. We used mathematical modelling to explore the possible scenarios for the control of starch turnover by the molecular components of the plant circadian clock. Several classes of plausible models were capable of describing the starch dynamics observed in a range of clock mutant plants and light conditions, including discriminating circadian protocols. Three example models of these classes are studied in detail, differing in several important ways. First, the clock components directly responsible for regulating starch degradation are different in each model. Second, the intermediate species in the pathway may play either an activating or inhibiting role on starch degradation. Third, the system may include a light-dependent interaction between the clock and downstream processes. Finally, the clock may be involved in the regulation of starch synthesis. We discuss the differences among the models’ predictions for diel starch profiles and the properties of the circadian regulators. These suggest additional experiments to elucidate the pathway structure, avoid confounding results and identify the molecular components involved.
Three-dimensional vortex wake structure of flapping wings in hovering flight
Authors: Cheng Bo , Roll Jesse , Liu Yun , Troolin Daniel R. , Deng Xinyan
Published: December 2013

Flapping wings continuously create and send vortices into their wake, while imparting downward momentum into the surrounding fluid. However, experimental studies concerning the details of the three-dimensional vorticity distribution and evolution in the far wake are limited. In this study, the three-dimensional vortex wake structure in both the near and far field of a dynamically scaled flapping wing was investigated experimentally, using volumetric three-component velocimetry. A single wing, with shape and kinematics similar to those of a fruitfly, was examined. The overall result of the wing action is to create an integrated vortex structure consisting of a tip vortex (TV), trailing-edge shear layer (TESL) and leading-edge vortex. The TESL rolls up into a root vortex (RV) as it is shed from the wing, and together with the TV, contracts radially and stretches tangentially in the downstream wake. The downwash is distributed in an arc-shaped region enclosed by the stretched tangential vorticity of the TVs and the RVs. A closed vortex ring structure is not observed in the current study owing to the lack of well-established starting and stopping vortex structures that smoothly connect the TV and RV. An evaluation of the vorticity transport equation shows that both the TV and the RV undergo vortex stretching while convecting downwards: a three-dimensional phenomenon in rotating flows. It also confirms that convection and secondary tilting and stretching effects dominate the evolution of vorticity.
What is integrability of discrete variational systems?
Authors: Boll Raphael , Petrera Matteo , Suris Yuri B.
Published: December 2013

We propose a notion of a pluri-Lagrangian problem, which should be understood as an analogue of multi-dimensional consistency for variational systems. This is a development along the line of research of discrete integrable Lagrangian systems initiated in 2009 by Lobb and Nijhoff, however, having its more remote roots in the theory of pluriharmonic functions, in the
Z
-invariant models of statistical mechanics and their quasiclassical limit, as well as in the theory of variational symmetries going back to Noether. A
d
-dimensional pluri-Lagrangian problem can be described as follows: given a
d
-form

on an
m
-dimensional space (called multi-time,
m
>
d
), whose coefficients depend on a sought-after function
x
of
m
independent variables (called field), find those fields
x
which deliver critical points to the action functionals

for
any
d
-dimensional manifold
Σ
in the multi-time. We derive the main building blocks of the multi-time Euler–Lagrange equations for a discrete pluri-Lagrangian problem with
d
=2, the so-called corner equations, and discuss the notion of consistency of the system of corner equations. We analyse the system of corner equations for a special class of three-point two-forms, corresponding to integrable quad-equations of the ABS list. This allows us to close a conceptual gap of the work by Lobb and Nijhoff by showing that the corresponding two-forms are closed not only on solutions of (non-variational) quad-equations, but also on general solutions of the corresponding corner equations. We also find an example of a pluri-Lagrangian system not coming from a multi-dimensionally consistent system of quad-equations.
Nucleation and particle growth with fluctuating rates at the intermediate stage of phase transitions in metastable systems
Authors: Alexandrov D. V. , Nizovtseva I. G.
Published: December 2013

An exact analytical solution of an integro-differential model describing the transient nucleation of solid particles (nuclei) and their growth with fluctuating rates at the intermediate stage of bulk phase transitions in metastable systems is constructed. Two important cases of the Weber–Volmer–Frenkel–Zel'dovich and Mier nucleation kinetics are detailed for supercooled melts and supersaturated solutions.
Evolution on the move: specialization on widespread resources associated with rapid range expansion in response to climate change
Authors: Bridle Jon R. , Buckley James , Bodsworth Edward J. , Thomas Chris D.
Published: December 2013

Generalist species and phenotypes are expected to perform best under rapid environmental change. In contrast to this view that generalists will inherit the Earth, we find that increased use of a single host plant is associated with the recent climate-driven range expansion of the UK brown argus butterfly. Field assays of female host plant preference across the UK reveal a diversity of adaptations to host plants in long-established parts of the range, whereas butterflies in recently colonized areas are more specialized, consistently preferring to lay eggs on one host plant species that is geographically widespread throughout the region of expansion, despite being locally rare. By common-garden rearing of females’ offspring, we also show an increase in dispersal propensity associated with the colonization of new sites. Range expansion is therefore associated with an increase in the spatial scale of adaptation as dispersive specialists selectively spread into new regions. Major restructuring of patterns of local adaptation is likely to occur across many taxa with climate change, as lineages suited to regional colonization rather than local success emerge and expand.
Rigorous approaches to species delimitation have significant implications for African crocodilian systematics and conservation
Authors: Shirley Matthew H. , Vliet Kent A. , Carr Amanda N. , Austin James D.
Published: December 2013

Accurate species delimitation is a central assumption of biology that, in groups such as the Crocodylia, is often hindered by highly conserved morphology and frequent introgression. In Africa, crocodilian systematics has been hampered by complex regional biogeography and confounded taxonomic history. We used rigorous molecular and morphological species delimitation methods to test the hypothesis that the slender-snouted crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus) is composed of multiple species corresponding to the Congolian and Guinean biogeographic zones. Speciation probability was assessed by using 11 mitochondrial and nuclear genes, and cranial morphology for over 100 specimens, representing the full geographical extent of the species distribution. Molecular Bayesian and phylogenetic species delimitation showed unanimous support for twoMecistopsspecies isolated to the Upper Guinean and Congo (including Lower Guinean) biomes that were supported by 13 cranial characters capable of unambiguously diagnosing each species. Fossil-calibrated phylogenetic reconstruction estimated that the species split ± 6.5–7.5 Ma, which is congruent with intraspecies divergence within the sympatric crocodile genusOsteolaemusand the formation of the Cameroon Volcanic Line. Our results underscore the necessity of comprehensive phylogeographic analyses within currently recognized taxa to detect cryptic species within the Crocodylia. We recommend that the community of crocodilian researchers reconsider the conceptualization of crocodilian species especially in the light of the conservation ramifications for this economically and ecologically important group.
Arabidopsis thaliana and Pisum sativum models demonstrate that root colonization is an intrinsic trait of Burkholderia cepacia complex bacteria
Authors: Vidal-Quist J. Cristian , O’Sullivan Louise A. , Desert Annaëlle , Fivian-Hughes Amanda S. , Millet Coralie , Jones T. Hefin , Weightman Andrew J. , Rogers Hilary J. , Berry Colin , Mahenthiralingam Eshwar
Published: December 2013

Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) bacteria possess biotechnologically useful properties that contrast with their opportunistic pathogenicity. The rhizosphere fitness of Bcc bacteria is central to their biocontrol and bioremediation activities. However, it is not known whether this differs between species or between environmental and clinical strains. We investigated the ability of 26 Bcc strains representing nine different species to colonize the roots of Arabidopsis thaliana and Pisum sativum (pea). Viable counts, scanning electron microscopy and bioluminescence imaging were used to assess root colonization, with Bcc bacteria achieving mean (±sem) levels of 2.49±0.23×106 and 5.16±1.87×106 c.f.u. per centimetre of root on the A. thaliana and P. sativum models, respectively. The A. thaliana rhizocompetence model was able to reveal loss of colonization phenotypes in Burkholderia vietnamiensis G4 transposon mutants that had only previously been observed in competition experiments on the P. sativum model. Different Bcc species colonized each plant model at different rates, and no statistical difference in root colonization was observed between isolates of clinical or environmental origin. Loss of the virulence-associated third chromosomal replicon (>1 Mb DNA) did not alter Bcc root colonization on A. thaliana. In summary, Bcc bacteria possess intrinsic root colonization abilities irrespective of their species or source. As Bcc rhizocompetence does not require their third chromosomal replicon, the possibility of using synthetic biology approaches to engineer virulence-attenuated biotechnological strains is tractable.
Genomic architecture of human neuroanatomical diversity
Authors: Toro Roberto , Poline Jean-Baptiste , Huguet Guillaume , Loth Eva , Frouin Vincent , Banaschewski Tobias , Barker Gareth J , Bokde Arun , Büchel Christian , Carvalho Fabiana M , Conrod Patricia , Fauth-Bühler Mira , Flor Herta , Gallinat Jürgen , Garavan Hugh , Gowland Penny , Heinz Andreas , Ittermann Bernd , Lawrence Claire , Lemaître Hervé , Mann Karl , Nees Frauke , Paus Tomáš , Pausova Zdenka , Rietschel Marcella , Robbins Trevor , Smolka Michael N , Ströhle Andreas , Schumann Gunter , Bourgeron Thomas ,   and the IMAGEN consortium (www.imagen-europe.com)1
Published: December 2013

Human brain anatomy is strikingly diverse and highly inheritable: genetic factors may explain up to 80% of its variability. Prior studies have tried to detect genetic variants with a large effect on neuroanatomical diversity, but those currently identified account for <5% of the variance. Here we show, based on our analyses of neuroimaging and whole-genome genotyping data from 1,765 subjects, that up to 54% of this heritability is captured by large numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms of small effect spread throughout the genome, especially within genes and close regulatory regions. The genetic bases of neuroanatomical diversity appear to be relatively independent of those of body size (height), but shared with those of verbal intelligence scores. The study of this genomic architecture should help us better understand brain evolution and disease.
Broad-scale spatial patterns of canopy cover and pond morphology affect the structure of a Neotropical amphibian metacommunity
Authors: Provete Diogo B. , Gonçalves-Souza Thiago , Garey Michel , Martins Itamar A. , Rossa-Feres Denise
Published: December 2013

Spatial and environmental processes influence species composition at distinct scales. Previous studies suggested that the landscape-scale distribution of larval anurans is influenced by environmental gradients related to adult breeding site selection, such as pond canopy cover, but not water chemistry. However, the combined effects of spatial, pond morphology, and water chemistry variables on metacommunity structure of larval anurans have not been analyzed. We used a partial redundancy analysis with variation partitioning to analyze the relative influence of pond morphology (e.g., depth, area, and aquatic vegetation), water chemistry, and spatial variables on a tadpole metacommunity from southeastern Brazil. We predict that the metacommunity will be spatially structured at broad spatial scales, while environmental variables, mainly related to adult habitat selection, would play a larger role at fine spatial scales. We found that broad-scale spatial patterns of pond canopy cover and pond morphology strongly influenced metacommunity structure. Additionally, species composition was spatially autocorrelated at short distances. We suggest that the reproductive behavior of adult anurans is driving tadpole metacommunity dynamics, since pond morphology, but not water chemistry affects breeding site selection by adults. Our results contribute to the understanding of amphibian species diversity in tropical environments.
South-South Cooperation
Authors: Tilak Jandhyala
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– India is described as an emerging donor. Actually India has started providing development assistance to developing countries immediately after independence. The amount of aid was relatively small, but grew over the years to a recognisable size. The purpose of this paper is to review the long experience of India in the framework of development assistance which is laid in the foundational principles of South-South Development Cooperation (SSDC).

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on secondary data, the paper provides an exhaustive account of India's programme of development assistance, and a critical discussion of issues involved.

Findings

– The analysis shows that given certain unique features of its aid programme, India has a great potential to emerge as a major donor country, and even to rank among big traditional donor countries. It can also influence the global aid architecture. There are many lessons that others can learn from the “Indian model of aid”. However, there are certain problems and challenges that India has to address for it to become a major international player in the aid business. One of the most important problems refers to the absence of detailed information.

Research limitations/implications

– The available details on India's assistance are sketchy and confusing; there are no detailed and consolidated statements of assistance; and it is only now a proper formal agency to coordinate all external assistance and to provide effective management in a cohesive manner has been set up.

Originality/value

– The analytical and critical account of India's aid programme presented here is hoped to provide valuable fresh insights to the whole issue and should be of considerable academic and policy value.
Comparison of LTCC inductors on different substrate configurations with PCB inductor
Authors: M. Maric Andrea , J. Radosavljevic Goran , Smetana Walter , D. Zivanov Ljiljana
Published: December 2013

Purpose

– This paper presents performance comparison of RF inductors with the same lateral geometry applying different substrate configurations. The purpose of presented research is to demonstrate and verify some advantages of low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology in comparison to printed circuit board (PCB) technology based on the performance analysis of presented inductors in lower RF range.

Design/methodology/approach

– The presented inductors are meander structures fabricated in LTCC and PCB technology, with same line width and outer dimensions. Performance analysis of all configurations is based on measurement results and numerical simulations. Advantage of LTCC technology is demonstrated by application of substrate pattering in order to maintain and/or improve expected inductor performances.

Findings

– As expected, obtained results for the inductor with an air-gap show increase of the quality factor over 30 percent and widening of the operating frequency range by 50 percent when compared with the same LTCC structure without a gap. But what is more important the inductor with air-gap embedded inside LTCC stack maintains efficiency when compared to PCB inductor. This fact offers possibility of integration good quality components inside LTCC stack and reduction of used chip space.

Originality/value

– Advantages of LTCC with respect to PCB design are demonstrated by efficiency increase of the proposed inductor configurations by means of design optimization relying on substrate pattering and incensement of the packaging density by embedding inductors. The presented findings are verified through consistency of measurement results and simulated data.
Evaluation of the European tick‐borne encephalitis vaccine against Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus
Authors: Chidumayo Nozyechi N. , Yoshii Kentaro , Kariwa Hiroaki
Published: December 2013

This study focused on the antigenic cross‐reactivity between tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and Omsk hemorrhagic fever virus (OHFV) to assess the efficacy of the commercial TBE vaccine against OHFV infection. Neutralization tests performed on sera from OHFV‐ and TBEV‐infected mice showed that neutralizing antibodies are cross‐protective. The geometric mean titers of antibodies against TBEV and OHFV from TBEV‐infected mice were similar. However, the titers of anti‐TBEV antibodies in OHFV‐infected mice were significantly lower than those of anti‐OHFV antibodies in the same animals. In mouse vaccination and challenge tests, the TBE vaccine provided 100% protection against OHFV infection. Eighty‐six percent of vaccinees seroconverted against OHFV following complete vaccination, and the geometric mean titers of neutralizing antibodies against OHFV were comparable to those against TBEV. These data suggest that the TBE vaccine can prevent OHFV infection.
An insightful parametrization for the flatlander's interpretation of time‐lapsed seismic data
Authors: Alvarez Erick , MacBeth Colin
Published: December 2013

An approximation is developed that allows mapped 4D seismic amplitudes and time‐shifts to be related directly to the weighted linear sum of pore pressure and saturation changes. The weights in this relation are identified as key groups of parameters from a petroelastic model and include the reservoir porosity. This dependence on groups of parameters explains the inherent non‐uniqueness of this problem experienced by previous researchers. The proposed relation is of use in 4D seismic data feasibility studies and inversion and interpretation of the 4D seismic response in terms of pore pressure and water saturation changes. A further result is drawn from analysis of data from the North Sea and West Africa, which reveals that the relative interplay between the effects of pore pressure and saturation changes on the seismic data can be simplified to the control of a single, spatially variant parameter CS/CP. Combining these results with those from published literature, we find that CS/CP = 8 appears to be a generality across a range of clastic reservoirs with a similar mean porosity. Using this CS/CP value, an in situ seismic‐scale constraint for the rock stress sensitivity component of the petroelastic model is constructed considering this component carries the largest uncertainty.
Thermal Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Strawberry Puree and Its Effect on Anthocyanins and Color
Authors: Hsu Hsin‐Yun , Huang Lihan , Wu James Swi‐Bea
Published: December 2013

Raw whole strawberries, if contaminated with pathogens, such as Escherichia coli O157:H7, must be pasteurized prior to consumption. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate the thermal inactivation kinetics of E. coli O157:H7 in strawberry puree (SP), and evaluate the changes in anthocyanins and color, and the survival of yeasts and molds (YM) after thermal processing. Inoculated with a 5‐strain cocktail, fresh SP, with or without added sugar (20 and 40 °Brix), was heated at 50, 52, 54, 57.5, 60, and 62.5 °C to determine the thermal resistance of E. coli O157:H7. In raw SP, the average D‐values of E. coli O157:H7 were 909.1, 454.6, 212.8, 46.1, and 20.2 s at 50, 52, 54, 57.5, and 60 °C, respectively, with a z‐value of 5.9 °C. While linearly decreasing with temperature, the log D‐values of E. coli O157:H7 increased slightly with sugar concentration. The log degradation rates of anthocyanins increased linearly with temperature, but decreased slightly with sugar concentrations. These results suggest that sugar may provide some protection to both E. coli O157: H7 and anthocyanins in SP. The browning index was not affected by heating at 50 and 52 ºC at low sugar concentrations, but increased by an average of 1.28%, 2.21%, and 10.1% per min when SP was exposed to heating at 54, 57.5, and 60 °C, respectively. YM was also inactivated by heating. This study demonstrated that properly designed thermal processes can effectively inactivate E. coli O157:H7 and YM in contaminated SP, while minimizing the changes in anthocyanins and color.
Combination of degradation pathways for naphthalene utilization in Rhodococcus sp. strain TFB
Authors: Tomás‐Gallardo Laura , Gómez‐Álvarez Helena , Santero Eduardo , Floriano Belén
Published: December 2013

Rhodococcus sp. strain TFB is a metabolic versatile bacterium able to grow on naphthalene as the only carbon and energy source. Applying proteomic, genetic and biochemical approaches, we propose in this paper that, at least, three coordinated but independently regulated set of genes are combined to degrade naphthalene in TFB. First, proteins involved in tetralin degradation are also induced by naphthalene and may carry out its conversion to salicylaldehyde. This is the only part of the naphthalene degradation pathway showing glucose catabolite repression. Second, a salicylaldehyde dehydrogenase activity that converts salicylaldehyde to salicylate is detected in naphthalene‐grown cells but not in tetralin‐ or salicylate‐grown cells. Finally, we describe the chromosomally located nag genes, encoding the gentisate pathway for salicylate conversion into fumarate and pyruvate, which are only induced by salicylate and not by naphthalene. This work shows how biodegradation pathways in Rhodococcus sp. strain TFB could be assembled using elements from different pathways mainly because of the laxity of the regulatory systems and the broad specificity of the catabolic enzymes.
Biotransformation of the high‐molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) benzo[k]fluoranthene by Sphingobium sp. strain KK22 and identification of new products of non‐alternant PAH biodegradation by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Maeda Allyn H. , Nishi Shinro , Hatada Yuji , Ozeki Yasuhiro , Kanaly Robert A.
Published: December 2013

A pathway for the biotransformation of the environmental pollutant and high‐molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) benzo[k]fluoranthene by a soil bacterium was constructed through analyses of results from liquid chromatography negative electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC/ESI(–)‐MS/MS). Exposure of Sphingobium sp. strain KK22 to benzo[k]fluoranthene resulted in transformation to four‐, three‐ and two‐aromatic ring products. The structurally similar four‐ and three‐ring non‐alternant PAHs fluoranthene and acenaphthylene were also biotransformed by strain KK22, and LC/ESI(–)‐MS/MS analyses of these products confirmed the lower biotransformation pathway proposed for benzo[k]fluoranthene. In all, seven products from benzo[k]fluoranthene and seven products from fluoranthene were revealed and included previously unreported products from both PAHs. Benzo[k]fluoranthene biotransformation proceeded through ortho‐cleavage of 8,9‐dihydroxy‐benzo[k]fluoranthene to 8‐carboxyfluoranthenyl‐9‐propenic acid and 9‐hydroxy‐fluoranthene‐8‐carboxylic acid, and was followed by meta‐cleavage to produce 3‐(2‐formylacenaphthylen‐1‐yl)‐2‐hydroxy‐prop‐2‐enoic acid. The fluoranthene pathway converged with the benzo[k]fluoranthene pathway through detection of the three‐ring product, 2‐formylacenaphthylene‐1‐carboxylic acid. Production of key downstream metabolites, 1,8‐naphthalic anhydride and 1‐naphthoic acid from benzo[k]fluoranthene, fluoranthene and acenaphthylene biotransformations provided evidence for a common pathway by strain KK22 for all three PAHs through acenaphthoquinone. Quantitative analysis of benzo[k]fluoranthene biotransformation by strain KK22 confirmed biodegradation. This is the first pathway proposed for the biotransformation of benzo[k]fluoranthene by a bacterium.
Hypomethylation of long interspersed nucleotide element‐1 in peripheral mononuclear cells of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus patients in China
Authors: Huang Xiaolan , Su Gaixiu , Wang Zhen , Shangguan Shaofang , Cui Xiaodai , Zhu Jia , Kang Min , Li Shengnan , Zhang Ting , Wu Fengqi , Wang Li
Published: December 2013

Aim

Methylation abnormalities in T lymphocytes have been reported to correlate with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Previous studies identified hypomethylation in the promoter of several genes linked to SLE. Long interspersed nucleotide element‐1 (LINE‐1) constitutes 17–25% of the human genome, and LINE‐1 hypomethylation has been reported in SLE. Limited information is available regarding LINE‐1 methylation in juvenile SLE (JSLE).

Method

Methylation levels of LINE‐1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 59 JSLE and 47 control samples were examined by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations in plasma were measured by immunoassay.

Results

Significant hypomethylation of LINE‐1 was observed in PBMCs from JSLE patients (60.93% in cases compared with 62.88% in controls, P = 0.001). Significant LINE‐1 hypomethylation was observed in active SLE compared to controls (60.66% vs. 62.88%, P = 0.001). According to other clinical parameters, a significant correlation was found between LINE‐1 methylation levels and the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI‐2000) of the cases (r = −0.285, P = 0.032). The risk of JSLE increased with decreasing levels of LINE‐1 methylation, with an odds ratio of 14.5 (95% CI: 2.8–75.6, P = 0.002). Cases had significantly higher plasma concentrations of tHcy than controls (15.11 vs. 11.02 μmol/L, P = 0.028); the correlation between LINE‐1 methylation levels and tHcy was significant (r = −0.4, P = 0.013). Correlations between methylation levels of LINE‐1 and complement component 3 were significant (r = 0.317, P = 0.044; r = 0.387, P = 0.031, in total JSLE and active JSLE, respectively).

Conclusion

Hypomethylation of LINE‐1 is associated with risk of JSLE, and LINE‐1 methylation levels were related to disease activity and clinical manifestations. The correlation between tHcy levels and LINE‐1 methylation was significant.
Ten‐year review of gastrointestinal stromal tumours at a tertiary referral hospital in New Zealand
Authors: Siu Joey , Lim Michael , Fischer Jesse , Dobbs Bruce , Wakeman Chris , Ing Andrew , Frizelle Frank
Published: December 2013

Background

Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumours of the gastrointestinal tract and make up 1–2% of all gastrointestinal malignancies. Traditionally, the treatment of choice for primary disease is surgical resection; however, no single surgeon or institution gets extensive exposure to these patients so appropriate decision‐making is difficult, particularly since the introduction of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib, which has become an important additional management tool.

Method

All patients were diagnosed and treated for GISTs in Christchurch Hospital (Christchurch, New Zealand) between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2010. We maintain a prospective database of all patients with GISTs. Data on clinical and histopathological variables, management and survival outcomes were recorded. These were then reviewed.

Results

There were 93 patients in this study. Fifty were women. Median age was 69 (interquartile range (IQR) 59–76) years. Fifty‐one tumours were located in the stomach, 27 in the small bowel, six in the colon, three in the oesophagus, one in the rectum and five were extra‐gastrointestinal. In total, 22 patients received imatinib therapy; four patients with metastatic disease had imatinib as sole therapy. The median follow‐up was 58 (IQR 30–90) months. The 5‐year overall survival and disease‐free survival (DFS) for the entire study population was 69% and 64%, respectively. The 5‐year DFS was higher for all patients who have localized disease when compared with those who have metastatic disease (76% versus 28%, P‐value 0.001).

Conclusion

Surgery aiming at an R0 resection remains the mainstay of treatment. We propose the most effective way to grow the knowledge base in New Zealand is the establishment of a national register, thereby allowing better clinical decision‐making by interpretation of a larger data set.
Muscle‐invasive bladder cancer: evaluating treatment and survival in the National Cancer Data Base
Authors: Smith Angela B. , Deal Allison M. , Woods Michael E. , Wallen Eric M. , Pruthi Raj S. , Chen Ronald C. , Milowsky Matthew I. , Nielsen Matthew E.
Published: December 2013

Objective

To evaluate the association between patterns of care and patient survival for the treatment of muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) using a large, national database.

Patients and Methods

We identified a cohort of 36 469 patients with MIBC (stage II) from 1998 to 2010 from the National Cancer Data Base. Patients were stratified into four treatment groups: radical cystectomy, chemo‐radiation, other therapy, or no treatment. Overall survival (OS) among the groups was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier analysis and the log rank test. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was fit to evaluate the association between treatment groups and OS.

Results

In all, 27% of patients received radical cystectomy, 10% chemo‐radiation, 61% other therapy and 2% no treatment. Unadjusted Kaplan–Meier analysis showed significant differences by treatment group, with cystectomy having the greatest median OS (48 months) followed by chemo‐radiation (28 months), other therapy (20 months), and no treatment (5 months). When controlling for multiple covariates, the OS for cystectomy was similar to that for chemo‐radiation (hazard ratio [HR] 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98, 1.12), but superior to other therapy (HR 1.42; 95% CI 1.35, 1.48), and no treatment (HR 2.40; 95% CI 2.12, 2.72). The OS time for chemo‐radiation was superior to other therapy and no treatment.

Conclusions

Radical cystectomy and chemo‐radiation are significantly underused despite a substantial survival benefit compared with other therapies or no treatment. Future studies are needed to optimise care delivery and improve outcomes for patients with MIBC.
Metagovernance of urban governance networks in Canada: In pursuit of legitimacy and accountability
Authors: Doberstein Carey
Published: December 2013

This article introduces the concept of “metagovernance” into the Canadian public administration literature. The term captures the relationship and tension between the willingness of the state to engage with civil society representatives in substantive policy planning and decision‐making via purpose‐focused governance networks, while maintaining some degree of control over their activity consistent with traditional notions of democratic accountability. Examples of fifteen cases of network governance at the local level from all regions in Canada and various policy domains are compared. The article identifies patterns in the management of governance networks by the state and reflects on the implications for network governance and accountability.

Sommaire

Cet article introduit le concept de la « métagouvernance » dans les documents de l'administration publique canadienne. Le terme reflète la relation et la tension entre la volonté de l'État de s'engager avec les représentants de la société civile dans une importante planification et prise de décisions en matière de politiques par le biais de réseaux de gouvernance axés sur des objectifs, tout en maintenant un certain degré de contrôle sur leur activité, conforme aux notions traditionnelles d'imputabilité en démocratie. On y compare les exemples de quinze cas de gouvernance de réseaux à l'échelle locale de toutes les régions du Canada et dans divers domaines de politique. L'article identifie les tendances dans la gestion des réseaux de gouvernance par l'État et examine les implications pour la gouvernance des réseaux et l'imputabilité.
Does teleworking affect managing for results and constructive feedback? A research note
Authors: Caillier James Gerard
Published: December 2013

Teleworking has been extensively examined, but little is known about the relationship between teleworking and management for results and between teleworking and constructive feedback. Using data on the Internal Revenue Service from the 2011 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, this research note addresses the following questions. Are teleworkers more or less likely than non‐teleworkers to perceive they are held accountable for achieving results? Are teleworkers more or less likely than non‐teleworkers to perceive they are provided with constructive feedback? The findings reveal that teleworkers and non‐teleworkers generally reported similar levels of management for results and constructive feedback. Explanations and implications of these results are discussed, as well as avenues for further research.
Skewed B cell differentiation affects lymphoid organogenesis but not T cell-mediated autoimmunity
Authors: Colombo E , Tentorio P , Musio S , Rajewsky K , Pedotti R , Casola S , Farina C
Published: December 2013

B cell receptor (BCR) signalling determines B cell differentiation and may potentially alter T cell-mediated immune responses. In this study we used two transgenic strains of BCR-deficient mice expressing Epstein–Barr virus latent membrane protein (LMP)2A in B cells, where either follicular and marginal zone differentiation (DHLMP2A mice) or B-1 cell development (VHLMP2A mice) were supported, and evaluated the effects of skewed B lymphocyte differentiation on lymphoid organogenesis and T cell responses in vivo.

Compared to wild-type animals, both transgenic strains displayed alterations in the composition of lymphoid organs and in the dynamics of distinct immune cell subsets following immunization with the self-antigen PLP185–206. However, ex-vivo T cell proliferation to PLP185–206 peptide measured in immunized DHLMP2A and VHLMP2A mice was similar to that detected in immunized control mice. Further, clinical expression of experimental autoimmune encephalitis in both LMP2A strains was identical to that of wild-type mice.

In conclusion, mice with skewed B cell differentiation driven by LMP2A expression in BCR-negative B cells do not show changes in the development of a T cell mediated disease model of autoimmunity, suggesting that compensatory mechanisms support the generation of T cell responses.
Plasma irisin depletion under energy restriction is associated with improvements in lipid profile in metabolic syndrome patients
Authors: de la Iglesia Rocio , Lopez‐Legarrea Patricia , Crujeiras Ana B. , Pardo Maria , Casanueva Felipe F. , Zulet Maria A. , Martinez Jose A.
Published: December 2013

Objective

A recently discovered myokine, irisin, may have an important role in energy metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between this hormone and the lipid profile of patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) following a hypocaloric diet.

Design

Ninety‐three Caucasian adults (52 men/41 women) diagnosed with MetS followed an 8‐week‐long energy‐restricted programme (−30% of the energy requirements). Anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers and plasma irisin levels were analysed before and after the nutritional intervention.

Results

Global plasma irisin levels were significantly reduced at the end of the study (−72·0 ± 100·9 ng/ml, P < 0·001) accompanying the weight loss (−6·9%). The depletion of irisin significantly correlated with changes in some atherogenic‐related variables: total cholesterol (B = 0·106, P = 0·018), total cholesterol/high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (B = 0·002, P = 0·036), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (B = 0·085, P = 0·037) and apolipoprotein B (B = 0·052, P = 0·002), independently of changes in body weight.

Conclusions

An association between the reduction in plasma irisin levels and the depletion of important lipid metabolism biomarkers was observed in patients with MetS undergoing an energy‐restricted programme.
Gender dependence of serum soluble Klotho in acromegaly
Authors: Sze Lisa , Neidert Marian C. , Bernays René L. , Zwimpfer Cornelia , Wiesli Peter , Haile Sarah R. , Brändle Michael , Schmid Christoph
Published: December 2013

Objectives

In acromegaly, disease activity is biochemically assessed by growth hormone (GH) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) levels. However, they are often discrepant, as several factors including gender influence their relationship. We recently found excessively high serum levels of soluble Klotho (sKl) in acromegalic patients, which depended on GH to a comparable extent as IGF‐1. To further elucidate the relationship between GH and sKl, we examined the effect of gender on sKl in patients with untreated acromegaly.

Patients and Design

We determined GH, IGF‐1 and sKl in sera of 62 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed acromegaly (31 females/31 males, aged 20–85 years).

Results

For their given GH excess at presentation with acromegaly, females had lower IGF‐1 (490 ± 33 vs 604 ± 33 ng/ml, P = 0·02), but higher sKl [5171 ± 590 vs 3439 ± 431 pg/ml (mean ± SE), P = 0·02] levels than males. In multiple regression analysis, IGF‐1 was closely associated with logGH (estimate 139, SE 47, P = 0·005) and BMI (estimate 14·2, SE 4·8, P = 0·005). sKl was closely associated with logGH (estimate 3088, SE 652, P = 0·0001) and gender (estimate 2034, SE 612, P = 0·002), and to a lesser extent with BMI (estimate 174, SE 66, P = 0·01).

Conclusions

For a given GH status, sKl concentrations are higher and IGF‐1 concentrations are lower in women than in men. GH is the strongest predictor for both sKl and IGF‐1, but gender needs to be considered when using these parameters for monitoring acromegalic patients.
“Anybody Can Do It”: Aesthetic Empowerment, Urban Citizenship, and the Naturalization of Indonesian Graffiti and Street Art
Authors: LEE DOREEN
Published: December 2013

Based on ethnographic fieldwork in the cities ofJakarta andYogyakarta, this paper investigates the recent surge in the production and circulation of street art through technology and media in post‐NewOrderIndonesia. The global style of street art communicates how public space and the street have become emblematic of changing discourses of individual rights, urban aesthetics, and the practice of citizenship in urbanIndonesia. While the history of Western graffiti as a form of defacement and resistance continues to exert a powerful hold on the imagination of Indonesian street artists,Iargue that the vernacular meaning of street art and graffiti refuses an easy bifurcation of public and private spaces, while blurring the lines between commercial and cultural urban interventions. [Indonesia, street art, graffiti, media, citizenship]
Effect of insertion torque on titanium implant osseointegration: an animal experimental study
Authors: Duyck Joke , Roesems Rutger , Cardoso Marcio V. , Ogawa Toru , De Villa Camargos Germana , Vandamme Katleen
Published: December 2013

Objective

To evaluate the effect of implant insertion torque on the peri‐implant bone healing and implant osseointegration.

Material and methods

Bilaterally in the tibia of five adult New Zealand white rabbits, 20 implants were installed, subdivided into four groups, corresponding to two insertion torque conditions (low, < 10 Ncm vs. high > 50 Ncm) and 2 experimental periods (2 weeks vs. 4 weeks of healing). The implant insertion torque was determined by the surgical drill diameter relative to the implant diameter. Implant osseointegration was evaluated by quantitative histology (bone‐to‐implant contact with host bone [BIC‐host], with neoformed bone [BIC‐de novo], with both bone types [BIC‐total], and peri‐implant bone [BA/TA]). Every response was modelled over time using GEE (general estimation equation) with an unstructured variance–covariance matrix to correct for dependency between the measurements from one animal. The statistical significance level of α = 0.05 was applied.

Results

Significantly, more BIC‐host and BIC‐total were recorded for H implants compared with L implants after 2 week of healing (P = 0.010 and P = 0.0001, respectively). However, this result was no longer found for the extended healing period. Furthermore, BIC‐total significantly increased over time for L implants (P < 0.00001). In contrast, the significant increase in BA/TA over time was found for H implants (P < 0.01). Finally, H insertion torque led to an increased BA/TA after 4 week of healing (P < 0.02) compared with the L insertion protocol.

Conclusion

L insertion torque implants installed in the rabbit tibial bone osseointegrate with considerable de novo bone formation. This bone neoformation enables L implants to catch up, already during the early osseointegration stage, the initial inferior amount BIC contact compared with that of H implants. A negative impact of the created strain environment accompanying H insertion torque implant installation on the biological process of osseointegration could not be observed, at least not at tissue level.
Assessment of body composition by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, bioimpedance analysis and anthropometrics in children: the Physical Activity and Nutrition in Children study
Authors: Tompuri Tuomo T. , Lakka Timo A. , Hakulinen Mikko , Lindi Virpi , Laaksonen David E. , Kilpeläinen Tuomas O. , Jääskeläinen Jarmo , Lakka Hanna‐Maaria , Laitinen Tomi
Published: December 2013

Objective and methods

We compared InBody720 segmental multifrequency bioimpedance analysis (SMF‐BIA) with Lunar Prodigy Advance dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) in assessment of body composition among 178 predominantly prepubertal children. Segmental agreement analysis of body compartments was carried out, and inter‐relationships of anthropometric and other measures of body composition were defined. Moreover, the relations of different reference criteria for excess body fat were evaluated.

Results

The prevalence of excess body fat varies greatly according to the used criteria. Intraclass and Pearson's correlations between SMF‐BIA and DXA were >0·92 in total body and >0·74 in regional measures. SMF‐BIA underestimated percentage body fat (%BF) and fat mass (FM), and overestimated lean mass (LM) and percentage LM with significant offset trend bias. Higher adiposity increased offsets, and overall agreement was poorer in girls. On average, %BF offsets (girls/boys) and limits of agreement (LA) were 3·9/1·6% [(−)1·4–9·2%/(−)3·4–6·7%]. Interestingly percentage offsets of fat content (%BF: 18·9/10·1%, FM: 18·8/11·1%) showed no significant bias trends indicating that the corresponding absolute methodological offset depends on the amount of fat content. The smallest percentage offset was found with LM: 4·3/0·1%, referring offset (LA) of 0·88/0·03 kg (±2·05/±1·71 kg). Correspondingly, segmental LM had poorer agreement than total body LM. All anthropometrics except for the waist‐to‐hip ratio showed strong correlations (r = 0·76–0·95) with abdominal and total body fat.

Conclusion

Segmental multifrequency bioimpedance analysis is precise enough for total‐LM analysis and had also sufficient trueness for total body composition analysis to be used in epidemiological purposes. There is need to generate scientifically and clinically relevant criteria and reference values for excess body fat.