bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The distinctive germinal center phase of IgE+ B lymphocytes limits their contribution to the classical memory response
Authors: He Jin-Shu , Meyer-Hermann Michael , Xiangying Deng , Zuan Lim Yok , Jones Leigh Ann , Ramakrishna Lakshmi , de Vries Victor C. , Dolpady Jayashree , Aina Hoi , Joseph Sabrina , Narayanan Sriram , Subramaniam Sharrada , Puthia Manoj , Wong Glenn , Xiong Huizhong , Poidinger Michael , Urban Joseph F. , Lafaille Juan J. , Curotto de Lafaille Maria A.
Published: November 2013

The mechanisms involved in the maintenance of memory IgE responses are poorly understood, and the role played by germinal center (GC) IgE+ cells in memory responses is particularly unclear. IgE+ B cell differentiation is characterized by a transient GC phase, a bias toward the plasma cell (PC) fate, and dependence on sequential switching for the production of high-affinity IgE. We show here that IgE+ GC B cells are unfit to undergo the conventional GC differentiation program due to impaired B cell receptor function and increased apoptosis. IgE+ GC cells fail to populate the GC light zone and are unable to contribute to the memory and long-lived PC compartments. Furthermore, we demonstrate that direct and sequential switching are linked to distinct B cell differentiation fates: direct switching generates IgE+ GC cells, whereas sequential switching gives rise to IgE+ PCs. We propose a comprehensive model for the generation and memory of IgE responses.
Hyperbolic geometric versions of Schwarz’s lemma
Authors: Betsakos Dimitrios
Published: November 2013

Let

f
f

be a holomorphic self-map of the unit disk

D

\mathbb {D}

. We prove monotonicity theorems which involve the hyperbolic area, the hyperbolic capacity, and the hyperbolic diameter of the images under

f
f

of hyperbolic disks in

D

\mathbb {D}

. These theorems lead to distortion and modulus growth theorems that generalize the classical lemma of Schwarz and to geometric estimates for the density of the hyperbolic metric.
SMN deficiency alters Nrxn2 expression and splicing in zebrafish and mouse models of spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: See Kelvin , Yadav Preeti , Giegerich Marieke , Cheong Pearl S. , Graf Martin , Vyas Himanshu , Lee Serene G. P. , Mathavan Sinnakaruppan , Fischer Utz , Sendtner Michael , Winkler Christoph
Published: November 2013

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting lower motor neurons. SMA is caused by mutations in the Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, which result in reduced levels of functional SMN protein. Biochemical studies have linked the ubiquitously expressed SMN protein to the assembly of pre-mRNA processing U snRNPs, raising the possibility that aberrant splicing is a major defect in SMA. Accordingly, several transcripts affected upon SMN deficiency have been reported. A second function for SMN in axonal mRNA transport has also been proposed that may likewise contribute to the SMA phenotype. The underlying etiology of SMA, however, is still not fully understood. Here, we have used a combination of genomics and live Ca2+ imaging to investigate the consequences of SMN deficiency in a zebrafish model of SMA. In a transcriptome analyses of SMN-deficient zebrafish, we identified neurexin2a (nrxn2a) as strongly down-regulated and displaying changes in alternative splicing patterns. Importantly, the knock-down of two distinct nrxn2a isoforms phenocopies SMN-deficient fish and results in a significant reduction of motor axon excitability. Interestingly, we observed altered expression and splicing of Nrxn2 also in motor neurons from the Smn−/−;SMN2+/+ mouse model of SMA, suggesting conservation of nrxn2 regulation by SMN in mammals. We propose that SMN deficiency affects splicing and abundance of nrxn2a. This may explain the pre-synaptic defects at neuromuscular endplates in SMA pathophysiology.
Viruses Associated with Rusty Mottle and Twisted Leaf Diseases of Sweet Cherry Are Distinct Species
Authors: Villamor D. E. V. , Eastwell K. C.
Published: November 2013

Virus RNA sequences related to those of the family Betaflexiviridae were amplified from trees affected with the following diseases: cherry twisted leaf, apricot ring pox, cherry necrotic rusty mottle, cherry rusty mottle, and cherry green ring mottle. Phylogenetic analysis of virus sequences obtained from these diseased trees from western North America, along with published sequences of Cherry green ring mottle virus (CGRMV) and Cherry necrotic rusty mottle virus (CNRMV), revealed four major clades. Segregation into these four populations correlated with distinct symptom expression on woody indicators, suggesting that each clade represents a distinct virus species within the family Betaflexiviridae. The viruses occupying each clade were designated clade I: Cherry twisted leaf associated virus, clade II: CNRMV, clade III: Cherry rusty mottle associated virus, and clade IV: CGRMV. Potential recombination events were predicted to occur within and between these viruses, the latter being strongly supported by incongruent phylogenies. Examination of frequency distribution data derived from pairwise sequence comparisons of coat protein coding sequences resulted in a proposal for alternative guidelines for species demarcation for this family of viruses.
Deep conservation ofcis-regulatory elements in metazoans
Authors: Maeso Ignacio , Irimia Manuel , Tena Juan J. , Casares Fernando , Gómez-Skarmeta José Luis
Published: November 2013

Despite the vast morphological variation observed across phyla, animals share multiple basic developmental processes orchestrated by a common ancestral gene toolkit. These genes interact with each other building complex gene regulatory networks (GRNs), which are encoded in the genome bycis-regulatory elements (CREs) that serve as computational units of the network. Although GRN subcircuits involved in ancient developmental processes are expected to be at least partially conserved, identification of CREs that are conserved across phyla has remained elusive. Here, we review recent studies that revealed such deeply conserved CREs do exist, discuss the difficulties associated with their identification and describe new approaches that will facilitate this search.
The mystery of extreme non-coding conservation
Authors: Harmston Nathan , Barešić Anja , Lenhard Boris
Published: November 2013

Regions of several dozen to several hundred base pairs of extreme conservation have been found in non-coding regions in all metazoan genomes. The distribution of these elements within and across genomes has suggested that many have roles as transcriptional regulatory elements in multi-cellular organization, differentiation and development. Currently, there is no known mechanism or function that would account for this level of conservation at the observed evolutionary distances. Previous studies have found that, while these regions are under strong purifying selection, and not mutational coldspots, deletion of entire regions in mice does not necessarily lead to identifiable changes in phenotype during development. These opposing findings lead to several questions regarding their functional importance and why they are under strong selection in the first place. In this perspective, we discuss the methods and techniques used in identifying and dissecting these regions, their observed patterns of conservation, and review the current hypotheses on their functional significance.
Enhancer turnover and conserved regulatory function in vertebrate evolution
Authors: Domené Sabina , Bumaschny Viviana F. , de Souza Flávio S. J. , Franchini Lucía F. , Nasif Sofía , Low Malcolm J. , Rubinstein Marcelo
Published: November 2013

Mutations in regulatory regions including enhancers are an important source of variation and innovation during evolution. Enhancers can evolve by changes in the sequence, arrangement and repertoire of transcription factor binding sites, but whole enhancers can also be lost or gained in certain lineages in a process of turnover. The proopiomelanocortin gene (Pomc), which encodes a prohormone, is expressed in the pituitary and hypothalamus of all jawed vertebrates. We have previously described that hypothalamicPomcexpression in mammals is controlled by two enhancers—nPE1 and nPE2—that are derived from transposable elements and that presumably replaced the ancestral neuronalPomcregulatory regions. Here, we show that nPE1 and nPE2, even though they are mammalian novelties with no homologous counterpart in other vertebrates, nevertheless can drive gene expression specifically to POMC neurons in the hypothalamus of larval and adult transgenic zebrafish. This indicates that when neuronalPomcenhancers originated de novo during early mammalian evolution, the newly createdcis-andtrans-codes were similar to the ancestral ones. We also identify the neuronal regulatory region of zebrafishpomcaand confirm that it is not homologous to the mammalian enhancers. Our work sheds light on the process of gene regulatory evolution by showing how a locus can undergo enhancer turnover and nevertheless maintain the ancestral transcriptional output.
Meiothermus terrae sp. nov., isolated from a geothermally heated soil sample
Authors: Yu Tian-Tian , Yin Yi-Rui , Zhang Yong-Guang , Yao Ji-Cheng , Klenk Hans-Peter , Wang Hong-Fei , Ming Hong , Zhou En-Min , Li Wen-Jun
Published: November 2013

A Gram-negative, aerobic bacterium, designated strain YIM 77755T, was isolated from a geothermally heated soil sample collected at Rehai National Park, Tengchong, Yunnan province, south-west China. Cells of the strain were rod-shaped and colonies were yellow and circular. Growth occurred in 0–1 % (w/v) NaCl, at pH 6.0–8.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and at 35–55 °C (optimum, 50 °C). The predominant menaquinone was MK-8 and the DNA G+C content was 68.9 mol%. Major fatty acids (>10 %) were anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The polar lipids consisted of an uncharacterized phospholipid and four glycolipids. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain YIM 77755T formed a cluster with

Meiothermus chliarophilus

ALT-8T and showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to

M. chliarophilus

ALT-8T (98.23 %). DNA–DNA relatedness between YIM 77755T and

M. chliarophilus

DSM 9957T was 54.9±4.1 %. On the basis of the morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics as well as genotypic data, it is proposed that strain YIM 77755T represents a novel species of the genus

Meiothermus

, named Meiothermus terrae sp. nov. The type strain is YIM 77755T ( = DSM 26712T = CCTCC AB 2012942T).
Paenibacillus selenitireducens sp. nov., a selenite-reducing bacterium isolated from a selenium mineral soil
Authors: Yao Rong , Wang Rui , Wang Dan , Su Jing , Zheng Shixue , Wang Gejiao
Published: November 2013

A Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped, facultatively anaerobic bacterium, designated strain ES3-24T, was isolated from a selenium mineral soil. The isolate was endospore-forming, nitrate-reducing and motile by means of peritrichous flagella. The major menaquinone was menaquinone 7 (MK-7) and the predominant fatty acids (>5 %) were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and two unknown aminophospholipids. Strain ES3-24T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan and the DNA G+C content was 49.6 mol%. According to phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain ES3-24T was most closely related to

Paenibacillus terrigena

A35T, with 16S rRNA gene sequence identity of 98.3 %, while the other members of the genus

Paenibacillus

had 16S rRNA gene sequence identities of less than 95.0 %. DNA–DNA relatedness between strain ES3-24T and

P. terrigena

CCTCC AB206026T was 39.3 %. In addition, strain ES3-24T showed obvious differences from closely related species in major polar lipids, nitrate reduction and other physiological and biochemical characteristics. The data from our polyphasic taxonomic study reveal that strain ES3-24T represents a novel species of the genus

Paenibacillus

, for which the name Paenibacillus selenitireducens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ES3-24T ( = KCTC 33157T = CCTCC AB2013097T).
Genome-Wide Association Mapping Combined with Reverse Genetics Identifies New Effectors of Low Water Potential-Induced Proline Accumulation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Verslues Paul E. , Lasky Jesse R. , Juenger Thomas E. , Liu Tzu-Wen , Kumar M. Nagaraj
Published: November 2013

Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) exhibits natural genetic variation in drought response, including varying levels of proline (Pro) accumulation under low water potential. As Pro accumulation is potentially important for stress tolerance and cellular redox control, we conducted a genome-wide association (GWAS) study of low water potential-induced Pro accumulation using a panel of natural accessions and publicly available single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data sets. Candidate genomic regions were prioritized for subsequent study using metrics considering both the strength and spatial clustering of the association signal. These analyses found many candidate regions likely containing gene(s) influencing Pro accumulation. Reverse genetic analysis of several candidates identified new Pro effector genes, including thioredoxins and several genes encoding Universal Stress Protein A domain proteins. These new Pro effector genes further link Pro accumulation to cellular redox and energy status. Additional new Pro effector genes found include the mitochondrial protease LON1, ribosomal protein RPL24A, protein phosphatase 2A subunit A3, a MADS box protein, and a nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase. Several of these new Pro effector genes were from regions with multiple SNPs, each having moderate association with Pro accumulation. This pattern supports the use of summary approaches that incorporate clusters of SNP associations in addition to consideration of individual SNP probability values. Further GWAS-guided reverse genetics promises to find additional effectors of Pro accumulation. The combination of GWAS and reverse genetics to efficiently identify new effector genes may be especially applicable for traits difficult to analyze by other genetic screening methods.
Unequal Redundancy in Maizeknotted1 homeoboxGenes
Authors: Bolduc Nathalie , Tyers Randall G. , Freeling Michael , Hake Sarah
Published: November 2013

The knotted1 (kn1) homeobox (knox) gene family was first identified through gain-of-function dominant mutants in maize (Zea mays). Class I knox members are expressed in meristems but excluded from leaves. In maize, a loss-of-function phenotype has only been characterized for kn1. To assess the function of another knox member, we characterized a loss-of-function mutation of rough sheath1 (rs1). rs1-mum1 has no phenotype alone but exacerbates several aspects of the kn1 phenotype. In permissive backgrounds in which kn1 mutants grow to maturity, loss of a single copy of rs1 enhances the tassel branch reduction phenotype, while loss of both copies results in limited shoots. In less introgressed lines, double mutants can grow to maturity but are shorter. Using a KNOX antibody, we demonstrate that RS1 binds in vivo to some of the KN1 target genes, which could partially explain why KN1 binds many genes but modulates few. Our results demonstrate an unequal redundancy between knox genes, with a role for rs1 only revealed in the complete absence of kn1.
A three-dimensional chiral crystal structure constructed from a chiral triazolate ligand showing an SrSi2topology: poly[bis(μ3-3,5-diethyl-1,2,4-triazolato-κ3N1:N2:N4)trisilver nitrate]
Authors: Jiang Feng , Dai Lin , Shi Yiqiang , Wang Zhixiang
Published: November 2013

In the title metal–organic framework (MOF), {[Ag3(C6H10N3)2]NO3}n, the AgIcation is coordinated by two N atoms from two different 3,5-diethyl-1,2,4-triazolate (detz) ligands in a linear configuration. Each AgIcation is then connected to two adjacent AgIcationsviaa μ3-N1:N2:N4-detrz ligand, resulting in a three-dimensional chiral silver–triazolate structure showing an SrSi2(srs) net with 103topology.
(9E)-9-Benzylidene-2-methylsulfanyl-5-phenyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydropyrimido[4,5-b]quinolin-4(3H)-one: a hydrogen-bondedR22(8) dimer
Authors: Becerra Diana , Insuasty Braulio , Cobo Justo , Glidewell Christopher
Published: November 2013

In the molecule of the title compound, C25H21N3OS, which was prepared by mild oxidation of the corresponding 5,6,7,8,9,10-hexahydro analogue, the fused carbocyclic ring adopts an envelope conformation. Pairs of molecules are linked into cyclic centrosymmetric dimers by pairs of inversion-related N—H...O hydrogen bonds.
Chlorido(η6-N2-diphenylphosphanyl-N1,N1-diisopropyl-4-methoxybenzamidine-κP)(triphenylphosphane-κP)ruthenium(II) trifluoromethansulfonate acetone disolvate
Authors: Kéchaou-Perrot Manel , Vendier Laure , Igau Alain
Published: November 2013

In the title compound, [RuCl(C18H15P)(C26H31N2OP)](CF3O3S)·2C3H6O, the RuIIion is coordinated in a three-legged piano stool, half-sandwich-type geometry by a chlorido ligand, a triphenylphosphine and a tethered η6-(phenyl-p-O-methoxy) κ1-P N-diphenylphosphinoN′-diisopropyl amidine ligand charge-balanced by a trifluormethansulfonate counter-anion. The η6-coordination mode of the arene incorporated into the structure was generatedin situafter addition of methyl trifluoromethanesulfonate to the neutral η5-arene tethered precursor complex [RuCl(PPh3)(η5:κ1-OC6H4C(NiPr2)=N-PPh2)] in dichloromethane solution.
(4′-Acetyloxy-1,3,1′-trioxo-1,3,4,4a,4b,5,6,7,9,9a-decahydrospiro[indene-2,9′-pyrano[4,3-a]pyrrolizin]-3′-yl)methyl acetate
Authors: Latha N. , Naga Siva Rao J. , Raghunathan R. , Divya G. , Lakshmi S.
Published: November 2013

In the title compound, C23H23NO8, the dihedral angle between the five- and six-membered rings of the indene-dione moiety is 3.09 (13)°. The mean plane of the five-membered ring (which has a flat envelope conformation with the spiro C atom as the flap) is inclined to the mean plane of the central five-membered ring of the pyrrolizine unit by 76.48 (12)°. This central ring has a twist conformation on the N—C(spiro) bond. The outer ring of the pyrrolizine unit has an envelope conformation with the N atom as the flap. The mean planes of these two fused rings are inclined to one another by 65.28 (15)°. The pyran ring has a screw-boat conformation and its mean plane makes a dihedral angle of 29.50 (11)° with the mean plane of the central five-membered ring of the pyrrolizine unit. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaC—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming two-dimensional networks lying parallel to theabplane.
(E)-2-[2-(4-Carboxyphenyl)ethenyl]-8-hydroxyquinolin-1-ium chloride ethanol monosolvate
Authors: Schulze Mathias M. , Seichter Wilhelm , Weber Edwin
Published: November 2013

In the title compound, C18H14NO3+·Cl−·CH3CH2OH, the dihedral angle formed by the mean planes of the quinolinium and benzene rings is 3.4 (1)°, while the carboxy substituent is tilted at an angle of 4.8 (1)° with respect to the benzene ring. There is a short N—H...O contact in the cation. In the crystal, due to the planar molecular geometry, two-dimensional aggregates are formed parallel to (221)viaC—H...O, C—H...Cl, O—H...Cl and N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds. Interlayer association is accomplished by O—Hethanol...Cl and O—H...Oethanolhydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions [centroid–centroid distances vary from 3.6477 (12) to 3.8381 (11) Å]. A supramolecular three-dimensional architecture results from a stacked arrangement of layers comprising the ionic and hydrogen-bonded components.
5-[(1-Benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl]-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepine
Authors: Manjunath B. C. , Kumar K. S. Vinay , Kumar S. Madan , Sadashiva M. P. , Lokanath N. K.
Published: November 2013

In the title compound, C24H20N4, the azepine ring adopts a boat conformation. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings fused to the azepine ring is 49.40 (9)°. The triazole ring makes a dihedral angle of 77.88 (9)° with the terminal phenyl ring. In the crystal, molecules are linkedviaC—H...π interactions and a parallel slipped π–π interaction [centroid–centroid distance = 3.7324 (9), normal distance = 3.4060 (6) and slippage = 1.526 Å], forming a three-dimensional network.
Ethyl 4-(4-chloroanilino)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-methyl-5-oxo-2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate
Authors: Akkurt Mehmet , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Elremaily Mahmoud A.A. , Santoyo-Gonzalez Francisco , Albayati Mustafa R.
Published: November 2013

In the title compound, C20H18Cl2N2O3, the dihedral angles between the central 2,5-dihydro-1H-pyrrole ring and the phenyl rings are 74.87 (9) and 29.09 (9)°. Intramolecular N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds occur. In the crystal, pairs of N—H...O hydrogen bonds link adjacent molecules into inversion dimers and form anR12(6)R22(10)R12(6) ring motif through C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
2-N-Benzyl-2,6-dideoxy-2,6-imino-3,4-O-isopropylidene-D-allononitrile
Authors: Ayers Benjamin J. , Jenkinson Sarah F. , Fleet George W. J. , Thompson Amber L.
Published: November 2013

X-ray crystallography firmly established the relative stereochemistry of the title compound, C16H20N2O3. The acetonide ring adopts an envelope conformation with one of the O atoms as the flap and the piperidine ring adopts a slightly twisted boat conformation. The absolute configuration was determined by use of D-ribose as the starting material. The compound exists as O—H...O hydrogen-bonded chains of molecules running parallel to thebaxis.
A test for community saturation along the Himalayan bird diversity gradient, based on within‐species geographical variation
Authors: Ghosh‐Harihar Mousumi , Price Trevor D.
Published: November 2013

The idea that ecological communities are unsaturated is central to many explanations for regional gradients in species diversity.

We describe a test for differing degrees of saturation across a regional diversity gradient, based on within‐species geographical variation in ecological attributes. If communities in species‐poor regions are less saturated than communities in species‐rich regions, species that straddle both regions should have broader niches in species‐poor regions, exploiting resources that are consumed by other species in species‐rich regions.

We studied 10 species of Old World leaf warblers that range across the Himalayas. Elevational range and feeding method showed niche contractions in the species‐poor north‐west Himalayas with respect to the species‐rich south‐east Himalayas, whereas prey size did not vary geographically. Niche contractions are contrary to the expectation of character release in depauperate environments, as has been shown, for example in mainland‐island comparisons.

We show that arthropod abundances are likely a limiting resource, and that niche contractions are consistent with measurements of a narrowing of resource availability.

Results suggest that north‐western warbler communities are at least as saturated as the south‐east and that lower resource diversity drives reduced species numbers.
Serum Creatinine and Albumin Decline Predict the Contraction of Nosocomial Aspiration Pneumonia in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
Authors: Minakuchi Hitoshi , Wakino Shu , Hayashi Koichi , Inamoto Hajime , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: November 2013

Aspiration pneumonia (AP) is prevalent in older adults and the hemodialysis (HD) population has been getting older. Therefore, it is speculated that increasing number of HD patients would suffer from AP. However, the clinical aspects of AP in HD patients have not been elucidated. Consecutive HD patients with nosocomial AP hospitalized in our university hospital from April 2007 to December 2008 were recruited. Their clinical characteristics, risk factors for contraction, and the fatality of AP and treatment options were described. Nineteen out of 356 hospitalized HD patients had AP and 8 out of 19 AP patients died, indicating the incidence rate and fatality rate were 5.34% and 42.1%, respectively. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the risk factors for contracting AP included age, body mass index, serum creatinine levels (Cre) and the monthly decline rate of Cre. It also revealed that serum albumin (Alb) and basal total cholesterol levels, the decline rate of Alb and Cre levels, and the duration of AP were independent risk factors for fatality. Survivors were most often treated with tube feeding. Both contraction rate and fatality of nosocomial AP were high among HD patients. Both the malnutrition as well as the decline rate for nutrition and muscle volume indicated by falls in Alb and Cre, respectively, had clinical relevance in AP. Maintaining nutritional state by tube feeding and muscle volume seems to be the mainstay for the prevention and the treatment of AP in HD patients.
spads 1.0: a toolbox to perform spatial analyses on DNA sequence data sets
Authors: Dellicour Simon , Mardulyn Patrick
Published: November 2013

spads 1.0 (for ‘Spatial and Population Analysis of DNA Sequences’) is a population genetic toolbox for characterizing genetic variability within and among populations from DNA sequences. In view of the drastic increase in genetic information available through sequencing methods, spads was specifically designed to deal with multilocus data sets of DNA sequences. It computes several summary statistics from populations or groups of populations, performs input file conversions for other population genetic programs and implements locus‐by‐locus and multilocus versions of two clustering algorithms to study the genetic structure of populations. The toolbox also includes two Matlab and r functions, Gdispal and Gdivpal, to display differentiation and diversity patterns across landscapes. These functions aim to generate interpolating surfaces based on multilocus distance and diversity indices. In the case of multiple loci, such surfaces can represent a useful alternative to multiple pie charts maps traditionally used in phylogeography to represent the spatial distribution of genetic diversity. These coloured surfaces can also be used to compare different data sets or different diversity and/or distance measures estimated on the same data set.
Development of a Nasonia vitripennis outbred laboratory population for genetic analysis
Authors: van de Zande Louis , Ferber Steven , de Haan Ammerins , Beukeboom Leo W. , van Heerwaarden Joost , Pannebakker Bart A.
Published: November 2013

The parasitoid wasp genus Nasonia has rapidly become a genetic model system for developmental and evolutionary biology. The release of its genome sequence led to the development of high‐resolution genomic tools, for both interspecific and intraspecific research, which has resulted in great advances in understanding Nasonia biology. To further advance the utility of Nasonia vitripennis as a genetic model system and to be able to fully exploit the advantages of its fully sequenced and annotated genome, we developed a genetically variable and well‐characterized experimental population. In this study, we describe the establishment of the genetically diverse HVRx laboratory population from strains collected from the field in the Netherlands. We established a maintenance method that retains genetic variation over generations of culturing in the laboratory. As a characterization of its genetic composition, we provide data on the standing genetic variation and estimate the effective population size (Ne) by microsatellite analysis. A genome‐wide description of polymorphism is provided through pooled resequencing, which yielded 417 331 high‐quality SNPs spanning all five Nasonia chromosomes. The HVRx population and its characterization are freely available as a community resource for investigators seeking to elucidate the genetic basis of complex trait variation using the Nasonia model system.
Identification of Swedish mosquitoes based on molecular barcoding of the COI gene and SNP analysis
Authors: Engdahl Cecilia , Larsson Pär , Näslund Jonas , Bravo Mayra , Evander Magnus , Lundström Jan O. , Ahlm Clas , Bucht Göran
Published: November 2013

Mosquito‐borne infectious diseases are emerging in many regions of the world. Consequently, surveillance of mosquitoes and concomitant infectious agents is of great importance for prediction and prevention of mosquito‐borne infectious diseases. Currently, morphological identification of mosquitoes is the traditional procedure. However, sequencing of specified genes or standard genomic regions, DNA barcoding, has recently been suggested as a global standard for identification and classification of many different species. Our aim was to develop a genetic method to identify mosquitoes and to study their relationship. Mosquitoes were captured at collection sites in northern Sweden and identified morphologically before the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences of 14 of the most common mosquito species were determined. The sequences obtained were then used for phylogenetic placement, for validation and benchmarking of phenetic classifications and finally to develop a hierarchical PCR‐based typing scheme based on single nucleotide polymorphism sites (SNPs) to enable rapid genetic identification, circumventing the need for morphological characterization. The results showed that exact phylogenetic relationships between mosquito taxa were preserved at shorter evolutionary distances, but at deeper levels, they could not be inferred with confidence using COI gene sequence data alone. Fourteen of the most common mosquito species in Sweden were identified by the SNP/PCR‐based typing scheme, demonstrating that genetic typing using SNPs of the COI gene is a useful method for identification of mosquitoes with potential for worldwide application.
Into the Void: International Law and the Protection of Animal Welfare
Authors: White Steven
Published: November 2013

Animal welfare is not currently regulated by a single, comprehensive international law instrument. This article considers prevailing frameworks in international law that address animal welfare in some way, but by themselves do not meet the hallmarks of an effective global protection regime, including comprehensiveness and enforceability. Emerging frameworks that might fill the gap in global animal welfare protection include a universal declaration on animal welfare, the entrenchment of World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) animal health standards and an international convention for the protection of animal welfare. While the prospects of any of these models succeeding in the short term are uncertain at best, the challenge now is to think carefully about what legal form an international framework for animal protection might take.
BRICS and the Privileging of Informality in Global Governance
Authors: Cooper Andrew F. , Farooq Asif B.
Published: November 2013

The staging of the Fifth BRICS summit on 26–27 March 2013 consolidated the impression of nuanced club dynamics. Despite considerable differences in strategic perspectives, the BRICS members have been successful in amplifying converging interests while avoiding friction from disagreement by downplaying issues on which there is geopolitical divergence and policy competition. Their ‘agency’ of cooperation within BRICS is founded on an informal and loose operational style, which has facilitated organizational maintenance. The approach of accenting institutional flexibility is demonstrated by content analysis of BRICS declarations, interviews and media releases, which reveal how the membership of this forum have given greater attention to areas in which they share common interests, and made progress working towards them, while refraining from addressing issues in which there are serious underlying tensions.
Expanding Global Justice: The Case for the International Protection of Animals
Authors: Horta Oscar
Published: November 2013

This article examines and rejects the view that nonhuman animals cannot be recipients of justice, and argues that the main reasons in favor of universal human rights and global justice also apply in the case of the international protection of the interests of nonhuman animals. In any plausible theory of wellbeing, sentience matters; mere species membership or the place where an animal is born does not. This does not merely entail that regulations of the use of animals aimed at reducing their suffering should be implemented. It actually supports the end of such use, as well as other positive steps to provide help and to promote what is good not only for domesticated animals, but also for those living in the wild. Another reason to bring the protection of animals' interests into the international arena is that it is at this level that numerous animal exploitation industries enjoy the protection of different agreements and institutions. It does not follow from this that changing international law should be animal advocates' first priority, but it does follow that they should conduct their work internationally and not limit it to their own countries.
The Great Global Poverty Debate: Is Something Missing?
Authors: Chandhoke Neera
Published: November 2013

Over the last two decades, academics (based largely in the west) and activists have invested a great deal of energy in global poverty. This article asks: why should people not be poor? Surprisingly, this question elicits a number of answers. The pragmatically inclined can suggest that the existence of a large number of poor people poses a direct threat to the social and political order. Humanitarians are likely to argue that poverty breeds unfortunate consequences, which demoralises human beings, and violates our best‐held convictions that no one should be compelled to live below the threshold of decency. The response of normative theorists might be that society is complicit in the creation and recreation of poverty. Then society is obliged to remedy the wrongs that it has visited upon the heads of the poor. This constitutes a basic code of remedial justice. These responses can form the axis of separate and distinct arguments on the reasons why people should not be poor. In this article, I argue that there is more to the question.
Overcoming the Epistemic Injustice of Colonialism
Authors: Bhargava Rajeev
Published: November 2013

In this article I consider the epistemic injustice of colonialism. I define epistemic injustice as a form of cultural injustice that occurs when the concepts and categories by which a people understand themselves and their world is replaced or adversely affected by the concepts and categories of the colonizers. A deep problem today for the sufferers of epistemic injustice is that western categories both have an undeniable universal potential and they are fully intermingled with the specificity of western practices; worse, they bear a deep imprint of western domination and hegemony. I thus argue that we can neither ignore western ideas nor fully show how they can be rescued from the pernicious effects of their own imperial imprint.
Identifying Core NANDA‐I Nursing Diagnoses, NIC Interventions, NOC Outcomes, and NNN Linkages for Heart Failure
Authors: Park Hyejin
Published: November 2013

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to identify the core nursing diagnoses, interventions, outcomes, and linkages using standardized nursing terminologies for patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods

For this study a retrospective descriptive design was used. The frequently used NANDA‐I, NIC, NOC, and NNN linkages were identified through 272 inpatient records of patients discharged with HF in a midwestern community.

Findings

The findings indicate that the top 10 NANDA‐I, NIC, and NOC accounted for more than 50% of nursing diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes. The most frequently used top 10 NNN linkages were identified for patients with HF.

Conclusion and Practice Implications

The identified core NANDA‐I, NIC, NOC, and NNN linkages for HF from this study provide scope of practice of nurses working in HF clinics.
A randomised controlled trial comparing the GlideScope® and the Macintosh laryngoscope for double‐lumen endobronchial intubation
Authors: Russell T. , Slinger P. , Roscoe A. , McRae K. , Van Rensburg A.
Published: November 2013

Double‐lumen endobronchial tubes are the most common method of achieving lung isolation and one‐lung ventilation during thoracic anaesthesia and surgery. We compared the clinical performance of the Macintosh laryngoscope and the GlideScope® during endobronchial intubation with a double‐lumen tube. Seventy patients with no predictors for difficult laryngoscopy were allocated randomly to the Macintosh laryngoscope or GlideScope. The time taken for endobronchial intubation with the Macintosh laryngoscope was significantly shorter compared with that taken for the GlideScope, median (IQR [range]) 33 (22–52 [11–438]) s vs 70 (39–129 [21–242]) s, respectively, p = 0.0013. There was no statistical difference in the rate of success at the first attempt (91% vs 83%, respectively). On a numerical rating scale (scored from 0 to 10), the 30 anaesthetists who took part in the study rated endobronchial intubation overall as easier using the Macintosh compared with the GlideScope, 2 (1–3 [0–8]) vs 3 (2–6 [0–10]), respectively, p = 0.003. Postoperative voice changes were also less common in the Macintosh group (8 (22%) vs 17 (58%), p = 0.045). Anaesthetists found the GlideScope more difficult to use than the Macintosh laryngoscope and endobronchial intubation took longer; therefore, we cannot recommend its routine use with double‐lumen tubes in patients who are predicted to have a normal airway.
A laboratory study of the effects of processing blood through a cell salvage device and leucocyte depletion filter on levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and bradykinin
Authors: Choi E. S. , Ahn W. S. , Lee J. M. , Jeon J. K. , Kim H. C. , Lim Y. J. , Sim J. Y.
Published: November 2013

We investigated changes in concentrations of interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α and bradykinin in blood during passage through a cell salvage device and a leucocyte depletion filter, with or without application of subatmospheric pressure across the filter. Blood samples from 19 healthy women undergoing scheduled caesarean section showed concentrations of cytokines and bradykinin in blood filtered under gravity flow that were equal to or significantly lower than those of pre‐operative venous blood samples. They were also significantly lower than that in postoperative orthopaedic shed blood, which is commonly reinfused after orthopaedic surgery. A minority of samples taken from blood that had been filtered using subatmospheric pressure showed raised interleukin‐6 concentrations. We suggest that use of a leucocyte depletion filter for cell‐salvaged blood with gravity flow is likely to be safe with regard to concentrations of cytokines and bradykinin. However, this may not hold true for the filter used with subatmospheric pressure. If transfusion of salvaged blood using a leucocyte depletion filter seems to induce hypotension, elevation of interleukin‐6 should be suspected.
Risk factors for conversion from unipolar psychotic depression to bipolar disorder
Authors: Østergaard Søren Dinesen , Straszek Sune , Petrides Georgios , Skadhede Søren , Jensen Signe Olrik Wallenstein , Munk‐Jørgensen Povl , Nielsen Jimmi
Published: November 2013

Objectives

Patients with unipolar psychotic depression (PD) are at high risk of developing bipolar disorder (BD). This conversion has important implications for the choice of treatment. This study, therefore, aimed to identify risk factors associated with diagnostic conversion from PD to BD.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based, historical prospective cohort study by merging data from Danish registers. Patients assigned an ICD‐10 diagnosis of PD between 1 January 1995 and 31 December 2007 were identified in the Danish Central Psychiatric Research Register and were followed until the development of BD, death, loss to follow‐up, or 31 December 2007. Potential risk factors for conversion to BD, also defined through various Danish registers, were tested in multiple logistic regression analyses with risk expressed as adjusted odds ratios (AOR).

Results

We identified 8,588 patients with PD, of whom 609 (7.1%) developed BD during follow‐up. The following characteristics were significantly associated with diagnostic conversion from PD to BD: early onset of PD [AOR = 0.99 (per year of increasing age), p = 0.044], recurrent depression [AOR = 1.02 (per episode), p = 0.036], living alone (AOR = 1.29, p = 0.007), receiving a disability pension (AOR = 1.55, p < 0.001), and the highest educational level being a technical education (AOR = 1.55, p < 0.001), short‐cycle higher education (AOR = 2.65, p < 0.001), or medium‐cycle higher education (AOR = 1.75, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Diagnostic conversion to BD was prevalent among patients with PD. The following characteristics were significantly associated with this conversion: early onset of PD, recurrent depression, living alone, receiving a disability pension, and the highest educational level being a technical education, short‐cycle higher education, or medium‐cycle higher education.
Temperature Changes in Cortical Bone after Implant Site Preparation Using a Single Bur versus Multiple Drilling Steps: An In Vitro Investigation
Authors: Gehrke Sergio Alexandre , Bettach Raphaél , Taschieri Silvio , Boukhris Gilles , Corbella Stefano , Del Fabbro Massimo
Published: November 2013

Objectives

The study aims to test the hypothesis of no differences in temperature variation by using a single bur for implant site preparation as compared with conventional drilling sequence using multiple burs with incremental diameter.

Materials and Methods

Synthetic blocks of bone (type I density) were used for drilling procedures.

Three Groups Were Evaluated

Group 1 and Group 2 – drilling with three consecutive burs for a 4.1 mm cylindrical implant and for a 4.3 mm conical implant, respectively; Group 3 – drilling with a single bur for a 4.2 mm conical implant. For each group, 20 drilling procedures were performed without irrigation and 20 with external irrigation. The temperature in the cortical bone during osteotomy for implant site preparation was measured through a thermocouple.

Results

The mean temperatures and standard deviations for the drilling without irrigation were: 25.5 ± 1.24°C for Group 1; 28.1 ± 1.76°C for Group 2; 26.5 ± 1.79°C for Group 3. Considering the drilling with irrigation, the mean values and standard deviations were: 20.4 ± 1.17°C for Group 1; 22.2 ± 1.38°C for Group 2; 20.2 ± 0.83°C for Group 3. Groups 1 and 3 yielded similar results, while Group 2 displayed significantly higher temperature increase than the other two groups.

Conclusions

The single bur drilling protocol did not produce greater bone heating than the conventional protocol and may be considered a safe procedure.
Guidelines for gastroenterological endoscopy in patients undergoing antithrombotic treatment
Authors: Fujimoto Kazuma , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro , Kato Mototsugu , Higuchi Kazuhide , Iwakiri Ryuichi , Sakamoto Choitsu , Uchiyama Shinichiro , Kashiwagi Atsunori , Ogawa Hisao , Murakami Kazunari , Mine Tetsuya , Yoshino Junji , Kinoshita Yoshikazu , Ichinose Masao , Matsui Toshiyuki
Published: November 2013

Guidelines for gastroenterological endoscopy in patients undergoing antithrombotic treatment have been produced by the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society in collaboration with the Japan Circulation Society, the Japanese Society of Neurology, the Japan Stroke Society, the Japanese Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis and the Japan Diabetes Society. Previous guidelines from the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society have focused primarily on prevention of hemorrhage after gastroenterological endoscopy as a result of continuation ofantithrombotic therapy, without considering the associated risk of thrombosis. The new edition of the guidelines includes discussions of gastroenterological hemorrhage associated with continuation of antithrombotic therapy, as well as thromboembolism associated with withdrawal of antithrombotic therapy.
Literacy Policy in Ireland
Authors: Kennedy Eithne
Published: November 2013

Over the past 15 years or so, individual governments worldwide have put an unprecedented focus on educational policy in an effort to ensure the acquisition of literacy skills for all children, recognising underachievement in literacy as a universal social justice issue preventing many individuals from reaching their promise. In Ireland, literacy has recently moved to centre stage with the publication of the National Strategy to Improve Literacy and Numeracy among Children and Young People 2011–2020 (DES, 2011a) and the Policy on the Continuum of Teacher Education (Teaching Council, 2011). How policies are conceived, constructed, interpreted and translated into action on the ground are key determinants of their success to effect change and achieve intended outcomes. This article examines the process of policy development in Ireland. It begins with a brief outline of primary education and then traces the influences that gave rise to the new policies. Next, the key dimensions of the policies and their expected outcomes are outlined. The article concludes with some reflections on the possibilities, challenges and implications for schools and schooling.
Balancing the costs of carbon gain and water transport: testing a new theoretical framework for plant functional ecology
Authors: Prentice I. Colin , Dong Ning , Gleason Sean M. , Maire Vincent , Wright Ian J.
Published: November 2013

A novel framework is presented for the analysis of ecophysiological field measurements and modelling. The hypothesis ‘leaves minimise the summed unit costs of transpiration and carboxylation’ predicts leaf‐internal/ambient CO2 ratios (ci/ca) and slopes of maximum carboxylation rate (Vcmax) or leaf nitrogen (Narea) vs. stomatal conductance. Analysis of data on woody species from contrasting climates (cold‐hot, dry‐wet) yielded steeper slopes and lower mean ci/ca ratios at the dry or cold sites than at the wet or hot sites. High atmospheric vapour pressure deficit implies low ci/ca in dry climates. High water viscosity (more costly transport) and low photorespiration (less costly photosynthesis) imply low ci/ca in cold climates. Observed site‐mean ci/ca shifts are predicted quantitatively for temperature contrasts (by photorespiration plus viscosity effects) and approximately for aridity contrasts. The theory explains the dependency of ci/ca ratios on temperature and vapour pressure deficit, and observed relationships of leaf δ13C and Narea to aridity.
Precision of jaw‐closing movements for different jaw gaps
Authors: Hellmann Daniel , Becker Georg , Giannakopoulos Nikolaos N. , Eberhard Lydia , Fingerhut Christopher , Rammelsberg Peter , Schindler Hans J.
Published: November 2013

Jaw‐closing movements are basic components of physiological motor actions precisely achieving intercuspation without significant interference. The main purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that, despite an imperfect intercuspal position, the precision of jaw‐closing movements fluctuates within the range of physiological closing movements indispensable for meeting intercuspation without significant interference. For 35 healthy subjects, condylar and incisal point positions for fast and slow jaw‐closing, interrupted at different jaw gaps by the use of frontal occlusal plateaus, were compared with uninterrupted physiological jaw closing, with identical jaw gaps, using a telemetric system for measuring jaw position. Examiner‐guided centric relation served as a clinically relevant reference position. For jaw gaps ≤4 mm, no significant horizontal or vertical displacement differences were observed for the incisal or condylar points among physiological, fast, and slow jaw‐closing. However, the jaw positions under these three closing conditions differed significantly from guided centric relation for nearly all experimental jaw gaps. The findings provide evidence of stringent neuromuscular control of jaw‐closing movements in the vicinity of intercuspation. These results might be of clinical relevance to occlusal intervention with different objectives.