bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulating Retention of Rare Alleles in Small Populations to Assess Management Options for Species with Different Life Histories
Authors: WEISER EMILY L. , GRUEBER CATHERINE E. , JAMIESON IAN G.
Published: January 2013

Preserving allelic diversity is important because it provides the capacity for adaptation and thus enables long‐term population viability. Allele retention is difficult to predict in animals with overlapping generations, so we used a new computer model to simulate retention of rare alleles in small populations of 3 species with contrasting life‐history traits: North Island Brown Kiwi (Apteryx mantelli; monogamous, long‐lived), North Island Robins (Petroica longipes; monogamous, short‐lived), and red deer (Cervus elaphus; polygynous, moderate lifespan). We simulated closed populations under various demographic scenarios and assessed the amounts of artificial immigration needed to achieve a goal of retaining 90% of selectively neutral rare alleles (frequency in the source population = 0.05) after 10 generations. The number of immigrants per generation required to meet the genetic goal ranged from 11 to 30, and there were key similarities and differences among species. None of the species met the genetic goal without immigration, and red deer lost the most allelic diversity due to reproductive skew among polygynous males. However, red deer required only a moderate rate of immigration relative to the other species to meet the genetic goal because nonterritorial breeders had a high turnover. Conversely, North Island Brown Kiwi needed the most immigration because the long lifespan of locally produced territorial breeders prevented a large proportion of immigrants from recruiting. In all species, the amount of immigration needed generally decreased with an increase in carrying capacity, survival, or reproductive output and increased as individual variation in reproductive success increased, indicating the importance of accurately quantifying these parameters to predict the effects of management. Overall, retaining rare alleles in a small, isolated population requires substantial investment of management effort. Use of simulations to explore strategies optimized for the populations in question will help maximize the value of this effort.

Simulación de la Retención de Alelos Raros en Poblaciones Pequeñas para Evaluar Opciones de Manejo para Especies con Historias de Vida Diferentes
Set as an Instance of a Real‐World Visual‐Cognitive Task
Authors: Nyamsuren Enkhbold , Taatgen Niels A.
Published: January 2013

Complex problem solving is often an integration of perceptual processing and deliberate planning. But what balances these two processes, and how do novices differ from experts? We investigate the interplay between these two in the game of SET. This article investigates how people combine bottom‐up visual processes and top‐down planning to succeed in this game. Using combinatorial and mixed‐effect regression analysis of eye‐movement protocols and a cognitive model of a human player, we show that SET players deploy both bottom‐up and top‐down processes in parallel to accomplish the same task. The combination of competition and cooperation of both types of processes is a major factor of success in the game. Finally, we explore strategies players use during the game. Our findings suggest that within‐trial strategy shifts can occur without the need of explicit meta‐cognitive control, but rather implicitly as a result of evolving memory activations.
A numerical approach to subsurface crack propagation assessment in rolling contact
Authors: MAZZÙ A.
Published: January 2013

Subsurface crack mode II propagation parallel to the contact surface is a damage mechanism leading to dramatic failure in many components subjected to cyclic loading. A weight function (WF) was elaborated for calculating the applied mode II stress intensity factor (SIF) of a crack in a two‐dimensional half‐space in plane strain condition, for crack completely closed and frictionless contact between the crack faces. With respect to other methods, the WF allows faster SIF calculation, thus being suitable for simulation of many repeated load cycles and fatigue crack propagation. The WF was applied for simulating a case of rolling contact experiments found in the literature, and good agreement between experimental and numerical results was obtained, showing the effectiveness of the WF method in damage tolerant design.
Hyperactive hypothalamus, motivated and non‐distractible chronic overeating in ADAR2 transgenic mice
Authors: Akubuiro A. , Bridget Zimmerman M. , Boles Ponto L. L. , Walsh S. A. , Sunderland J. , McCormick L. , Singh M.
Published: January 2013

ADAR2 transgenic mice misexpressing the RNA editing enzyme ADAR2 (Adenosine Deaminase that act on RNA) show characteristics of overeating and experience adult onset obesity. Behavioral patterns and brain changes related to a possible addictive overeating in these transgenic mice were explored as transgenic mice display chronic hyperphagia. ADAR2 transgenic mice were assessed in their food preference and motivation to overeat in a competing reward environment with ad lib access to a running wheel and food. Metabolic activity of brain and peripheral tissue were assessed with [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) and RNA expression of feeding related genes, ADAR2, dopamine and opiate receptors from the hypothalamus and striatum were examined. The results indicate that ADAR2 transgenic mice exhibit, (1) a food preference for diets with higher fat content, (2) significantly increased food intake that is non‐distractible in a competing reward environment, (3) significantly increased messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of ADAR2, serotonin 2C receptor (5HT2CR), D1, D2 and mu opioid receptors and no change in corticotropin‐releasing hormone mRNAs and significantly reduced ADAR2 protein expression in the hypothalamus, (4) significantly increased D1 receptor and altered bioamines with no change in ADAR2, mu opioid and D2 receptor mRNA expression in the striatum and (5) significantly greater glucose metabolism in the hypothalamus, brain stem, right hippocampus, left and right mid brain regions and suprascapular peripheral tissue than controls. These results suggest that highly motivated and goal‐oriented overeating behaviors of ADAR2 transgenic mice are associated with altered feeding, reward‐related mRNAs and hyperactive brain mesolimbic region.
Coronary artery revascularisation: selecting the appropriate strategy
Authors: Adams M. R.
Published: January 2013

Advances in interventional cardiology, particularly in better efficacy and safety of drug‐eluting stents, have made percutaneous coronary revascularisation practical for most patients requiring revascularisation. While this has reduced the perceived need for coronary bypass surgery, it has also focused attention on the appropriate use of coronary stents and the complexity of choosing the right revascularisation strategy. To achieve the best outcomes, it would seem that collaboration rather than competition between cardiac surgeons and interventional cardiologists is necessary.
DEA nonradial efficiency based on vector properties
Authors: Gomes Júnior Silvio Figueiredo , Soares de Mello João Carlos Correia Baptista , Meza Lidia Angulo
Published: January 2013

Classic data envelopment analysis (DEA) models determine the efficiency of productive units, called decision making units (DMUs). DEA uses as its methodology the equiproportional reduction of inputs or increase of outputs and the finding of a single target for each DMU. This target does not incorporate the preference of the decision maker. Later works propose obtaining alternative targets based on nonradial projections on the efficiency frontier that are obtained through nonproportional variations of inputs or outputs. However, the efficiencies are not calculated for these alternative targets. This impedes a comparison among the DMUs. Thus, diverse nonradial efficiency indexes have been proposed based on mathematical averages or weighted averages that do not consider the vectorial characteristics of the efficiency. In this work, we present a nonradial efficiency index based on the initial concept of efficiency associated with each alternative (nonradial) target obtained through a multiobjective model of an inefficient DMU.
Standing Hand‐Assisted Laparoscopic Treatment of Left Dorsal Displacement of the Large Colon and Closure of the Nephrosplenic Space
Authors: Muňoz Juan , Bussy Christian
Published: January 2013

Objective

To report a standing hand‐assisted laparoscopic technique for closure of the nephrosplenic space (NS), and short‐term outcome in horses.

Study Design

Case series.

Animals

Horses (n = 12) aged 5–14 years.

Methods

Medical records (2007–2010) of horses treated for left dorsal displacement of the large colon (LDDLC) using a hand‐assisted laparoscopic correction technique with closure of the NS in the same surgical procedure were reviewed. A modified grid laparotomy in the left paralumbar fossa was used with manual correction of LDDLC, after which the NS was closed with a laparoscopic technique. Follow up was obtained by telephone interview of owners or referring veterinarians.

Results

Resolution of LDDLC and closure of the NS was successful, with only minor postoperative complications, in all horses. On short‐term follow‐up (>10 months; mean, 23.8 months), 2 horses had displacement of the large colon between the spleen and the body wall.

Conclusion

Standing hand‐assisted laparoscopic correction of LDDLC and closure of the NS in a single surgical procedure is feasible. Appropriate case selection is mandatory when performing this combined technique.
Population synchrony and stability in environmentally forced metacommunities
Authors: Steiner Christopher F. , Stockwell Richard D. , Kalaimani Vidhya , Aqel Zakaria
Published: January 2013

A general prediction from simple metapopulation models is that spatially synchronized forcing can spatially synchronize population dynamics and destabilize metapopulations. In contrast, spatially asynchronous forcing is predicted to decrease population synchrony and promote temporal stability and population persistence, especially in the presence of dispersal. Only recently have studies begun to experimentally address these predictions. Moreover, few studies have experimentally examined how such processes operate in the context of competition communities. Stabilizing processes may continue to operate when placed within a metacommunity context with multiple competing consumers but only at low to intermediate levels of dispersal. High dispersal rates can reverse these predictions and lead to destabilization. We tested this under controlled conditions using an experimental aquatic system composed of three competing species of zooplankton. Metacommunities experienced different levels of dispersal and environmental forcing in the form of spatially synchronous or asynchronous pH perturbations. We found support that dispersal can have contrasting effects on population stability depending on the degree to which population dynamics were synchronized in space. Dispersal under synchronous forcing or no forcing had either neutral of positive effects on spatial population synchrony of all three zooplankton species. In these treatments, dispersal reduced population stability at the local and metapopulation levels for two of three species. In contrast, asynchronously varying environments reduced population synchrony relative to unforced systems, regardless of dispersal level. In these treatments, dispersal enhanced temporal stability and persistence of populations not by reducing population synchrony but by enhancing population minima and spatial averaging of abundances. High dispersal rates under asynchronous forcing reduced the abundance of one species, consistent with increasing regional competition and general metacommunity theory. However, no effects on its stability or persistence were observed. Our work highlights the context‐dependent effects of dispersal on population dynamics in varying environments.
Currency Undervaluation and Economic Rebalancing towards Services: Is China an Exception?
Authors: Özyurt Selin
Published: January 2013

The present study investigates the main determinants of the employment share of the service sector using a panel of 66 countries over the period 1983–2007. Based on alternative measures of currency misalignment, the study extends the literature by investigating the impact of an undervalued currency on services. The empirical findings show that together with productivity and income per capita, currency undervaluation significantly determines the total employment share of services. Another key finding is that conventional crosscountry determinants and the exchange rate undervaluation can only partially explain the underdevelopment of services activity in China and in other South‐East Asian countries. In these countries, policies that aim at rebalancing the economy towards services should include elements to reform the domestic financial market, and the social security and healthcare systems.
Renewable Technology Transfer to Developing Countries: One Size Does Not Fit All
Authors: Pueyo Ana , Linares Pedro
Published: January 2013

Developing countries are experiencing unprecedented levels of economic growth. As a result, they will be responsible for most of the future growth in energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions. The development, transfer and use of renewable energy technologies are promising ways towards low‐carbon development in these countries. However, the UNFCCC processes have had a limited success in promoting them. This is mainly due to their disconnection with national enabling factors and to their homogeneous approach for all developing countries. This paper addresses these pitfalls by analysing the differentiated performance of developing countries with regards to several indicators of enabling factors for technology transfer. Three quantitative analysis methodologies – principal component analysis, multiple regression analysis and cluster analysis – are used to identify the most important enabling factors of technology transfer and to create groups of developing countries according to their performance in these. Policy recommendations are then adapted to the specific needs of each of the defined groups.
Peri‐implant bone formations around (Ti,Zr)O2‐coated zirconia implants with different surface roughness
Authors: Chung Shin Hye , Kim Hong‐Kyun , Shon Won‐Jun , Park Young‐Seok
Published: January 2013

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the osseointegration in rabbit tibiae of smooth and roughened powder injection moulded (PIM) zirconia implants with or without (Ti,Zr)O2 surface coatings.

Material and Methods

Twenty‐five rabbits received four types of external hex implants with identical geometry on the tibiae: PIM zirconia implants, roughened PIM zirconia implants, (Ti,Zr)O2‐coated PIM zirconia implants and (Ti,Zr)O2‐coated roughened PIM zirconia implants. The surface characteristics of the four types of implants were evaluated. Removal torque tests and histomorphometric analyses were performed.

Results

The (Ti,Zr)O2 coatings substantially changed the surface topography and chemical composition of the both type of PIM zirconia implants. There were statistically significant differences in the bone to implant contact ratios and removal torque values (RT) among the tested implant types (p < 0.001). The histological response favoured the coated surface at smooth PIM zirconia implants. The removal torque values favoured the rough surface whether coated or uncoated.

Conclusions

Within the limit of this study, the (Ti,Zr)O2 coated PIM zirconia implants, both smooth and rough, showed enhanced histological response (bone to implant contact) compared with uncoated ones. On the other hand, the mechanical anchorage (RT) was higher for rough surface implants, coated or uncoated.
Oxytocin in the Central Amygdaloid Nucleus Modulates the Neuroendocrine Responses Induced by Hypertonic Volume Expansion in the Rat
Authors: Margatho L. O. , Elias C. F. , Elias L. L. K. , Antunes‐Rodrigues J.
Published: January 2013

The present study investigated the involvement of the oxytocinergic neurones that project into the central amygdala (CeA) in the control of electrolyte excretion and hormone secretion in unanaesthetised rats subjected to acute hypertonic blood volume expansion (BVE; 0.3 M NaCl, 2 ml/100 g of body weight over 1 min). Oxytocin and vasopressin mRNA expression in the paraventricular (Pa) and supraoptic nucleus (SON) of the hypothalamus were also determined using the real time‐polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridisation. Male Wistar rats with unilaterally implanted stainless steel cannulas in the CeA were used. Oxytocin (1 μg/0.2 μl), vasotocin, an oxytocin antagonist (1 μg/0.2 μl) or vehicle was injected into the CeA 20 min before the BVE. In rats treated with vehicle in the CeA, hypertonic BVE increased urinary volume, sodium excretion, plasma oxytocin (OT), vasopressin (AVP) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) levels and also increased the expression of OT and AVP mRNA in the Pa and SON. In rats pre‐treated with OT in the CeA, previously to the hypertonic BVE, there were further significant increases in plasma AVP, OT and ANP levels, urinary sodium and urine output, as well as in gene expression (AVP and OT mRNA) in the Pa and SON compared to BVE alone. Vasotocin reduced sodium, urine output and ANP levels, although no changes were observed in plasma AVP and OT levels or in the expression of the AVP and OT genes in both hypothalamic nuclei. The results of the present study suggest that oxytocin in the CeA exerts a facilitatory role in the maintenance of hydroelectrolyte balance in response to changes in extracellular volume and osmolality.
Fluid shear stress and melatonin in combination activate anabolic proteins in MC3T3‐E1 osteoblast cells
Authors: Kim Chi Hyun , Yoo Yeong‐Min
Published: January 2013

In this study, we investigated whether fluid shear stress and melatonin in combination stimulate the anabolic proteins through the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (p‐ERK) in MC3T3‐E1 osteoblast cells. First, we researched why fluid shear stress and melatonin in combination influence cell survival. Fluid shear stress (1 hr) and melatonin (1 mm) in combination reduced autophagic marker LC3‐II compared with fluid shear stress (1 hr) and/or melatonin (0.1 mm). Under the same conditions for fluid shear stress, markers of cell survival signaling pathway p‐ERK, phosphorylation of serine‐threonine protein kinase (p‐Akt), phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (p‐mTOR), and p85‐S6K were investigated. p‐Akt, p‐mTOR (Ser 2481) expressions increased with the addition of 1 mm melatonin prior to 0.1 mm melatonin treatment. However, p‐S6K expression did not change significantly. Next, mitochondria activity including Bcl‐2, Bax, catalase, and Mn‐superoxide dismutase (Mn‐SOD) were studied. Expressions of Bcl‐2, Bax, and catalase proteins were low under fluid shear stress plus 1 mm melatonin compared with only fluid shear stress alone, whereas Mn‐SOD expression was high compared with conditions of no fluid shear stress. Finally, the anabolic proteins of bone, osteoprotegerin, type I collagen (collagen I), and bone sialoprotein II (BSP II) were checked. These proteins increased with combined fluid shear stress (1, 4 hr) and melatonin (0.1, 1 mm). Together, these results suggest that fluid shear stress and melatonin in combination may increase the expression of anabolic proteins through the p‐ERK in MC3T3‐E1 osteoblast cells. Therefore, fluid shear stress in combination with melatonin may promote the anabolic response of osteoblasts.
Divergence in student and educator conceptual structures during auscultation training
Authors: Brydges Ryan , Peets Adam , Issenberg S Barry , Regehr Glenn
Published: January 2013

Context  Simulation‐based medical education allows trainees to engage in self‐regulated learning (SRL), yet research aimed at elucidating the mechanisms of SRL in this context is relatively absent. We compared ‘unguided’ SRL with ‘directed’ SRL (DSRL), wherein learners followed an expert‐designed booklet.

Methods  Year 1 medical students (n = 37) were randomly assigned to practise identifying seven cardiac murmurs using a simulator and video only (SRL group) or a simulator and video plus the booklet (DSRL group). All participants completed a 22‐item test 3 weeks later. To compare interventions, we analysed students’ diagnostic accuracy. As a novel source of evidence, we documented how participants autonomously sequenced the seven murmurs during initial and delayed practice sessions. In addition, we surveyed clinical educators (n = 17) to find out how they would sequence their teaching of these murmurs.

Results  The DSRL group used 50% more training time than the SRL group (p < 0.001). The groups’ diagnostic accuracy, however, did not differ significantly on the post‐test, retention test or transfer test items (p > 0.12). Despite practising with the expert‐defined ‘timing‐based’ approach to murmur diagnosis (i.e. systolic versus diastolic), 84% of DSRL participants implemented a location‐based approach (i.e. practising aortic murmurs separately from mitral murmurs) during a second, unguided practice session. Notably, most SRL participants used that same approach spontaneously. By contrast, clinical educators were split in their use of the timing‐based (n = 10) and the location‐based (n = 6) approaches. Chi‐squared analyses suggested educators’ conceptions for organising murmurs differed significantly from students’ conceptions.

Conclusions  Contrary to our predictions, directing students’ SRL produced no additional benefit and increased their practice time. Our findings suggest one potential source of these results was a divergence between student and educator conceptions for structuring the practice of cardiac auscultation skills. This phenomenon has not been well articulated in the medical education literature, and may have important implications in many (especially technology‐mediated) educational contexts.
Predictors of outcome in patients with cystic fibrosis requiring endotracheal intubation
Authors: Jones Andrew , Bilton Diana , Evans Timothy W. , Finney Simon J.
Published: January 2013

Background and objective

Acute severe clinical deterioration of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) may mandate endotracheal intubation. The benefits of intubation were evaluated by examining which pre‐admission parameters were associated with intensive care unit (ICU) outcome and assessing the potential benefits of intubation for survivors in terms of time from ICU discharge to death.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of data from a single centre was undertaken.

Results

Thirty patients required intubation on 34 occasions (8 per 1000 admissions). Eleven patients died in ICU and 7 after ICU but not hospital discharge. Fifty‐nine per cent of 22 patients intubated for pneumothorax and/or haemoptysis survived to hospital discharge. Of the twelve intubated for infective exacerbations, 33% survived to hospital discharge. Those who died after hospital discharge survived 447 days. There were no significant differences for survivors in reasons for intubation, colonizing organism, frequency of infective exacerbations, severity of illness or pulmonary physiology. Osteoporosis and a greater fall in body mass index over the 24 months prior were more frequent in non‐survivors.

Conclusions

Patients with CF developing haemoptysis and/or pneumothorax should be admitted to ICU and intubated promptly, should this be required. Chronic disease markers may be more relevant prognostically than rates of hospitalization or forced expiratory volume in 1 s decline which should not be bars to invasive ventilation.
Determination of problems in patients with post‐laryngectomy
Authors: ÖZTÜRK A. , MOLLAOĞLU M.
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this study is the determination of the physical and psychosocial problems of total and partial laryngectomies. A total of 25 patients, who were operated with the diagnosis of larynx carcinoma in 2010 at Gazi University Faculty of Medicine Otolaryngology Department, were included in the study. They were evaluated with the help of the Personal Information Form (PIF) and the Determination Form of Post Laryngectomy Problem (DFPLP) for the problems they encountered after the operation. Total laryngectomy (TL) was performed on 76% of patients. It was determined that patients undergoing total laryngectomy experienced some physical and psycho‐social problems such as problems in sleep (31.6%), smell (52.6%), taste (36.8%), and difficulty in swallowing solid foods (36.8%). Furthermore in patients with TL surgery whilst 47.4% of them think that their sexual lives were affected rather negatively, this rate was determined as 33.3% in patients with partial laryngectomy surgery (PL). The psychosocial score averages of the patients who had smell and taste disorders were significantly lower (p < 0.05). The patients, who underwent a laryngectomy operation, experienced many physical, social, and psychological problems. Thus, medical personnel also need to pay attention to these concomitant problems that occur during the treatment of the primary disease and the application of necessary supplementary treatments such as voice prosthesis, pre‐op and post‐op counseling, and anti‐depressants seems significant in terms of increasing the life quality of the patients.
Sources of Uncertainty in Intuitive Physics
Authors: Smith Kevin A. , Vul Edward
Published: January 2013

Recent work suggests that people predict how objects interact in a manner consistent with Newtonian physics, but with additional uncertainty. However, the sources of uncertainty have not been examined. In this study, we measure perceptual noise in initial conditions and stochasticity in the physical model used to make predictions. Participants predicted the trajectory of a moving object through occluded motion and bounces, and we compared their behavior to an ideal observer model. We found that human judgments cannot be captured by simple heuristics and must incorporate noisy dynamics. Moreover, these judgments are biased consistently with a prior expectation on object destinations, suggesting that people use simple expectations about outcomes to compensate for uncertainty about their physical models.
Direct Targeting of Proteins from the Cytosol to Organelles: TheERversus Endosymbiotic Organelles
Authors: Kim Dae Heon , Hwang Inhwan
Published: January 2013

In eukaryotic cells consisting of many different types of organelles, targeting of organellar proteins is one of the most fundamental cellular processes. Proteins belonging to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), chloroplasts and mitochondria are targeted individually from the cytosol to their cognate organelles. As the targeting to these organelles occurs in the cytosol during or after translation, the most crucial aspect is how specific targeting to these three organelles can be achieved without interfering with other targeting pathways. For these organelles, multiple mechanisms are used for targeting proteins, but the exact mechanism used depends on the type of protein and organelle, the location of targeting signals in the protein and the location of the protein in the organelle. In this review, we discuss the various mechanisms involved in protein targeting to theER, chloroplasts and mitochondria, and how the targeting specificity is determined for these organelles in plant cells.
Determination of the Most Dangerous Meshing Point for Modified-Hourglass Worm Drives
Authors: Zhao Yaping , Zhang Yimin
Published: January 2013

A type of modified-hourglass worm gear drive, frequently called type-II worm gearing for short, has various favorable meshing features. Its sole shortcoming is the undercutting of the worm wheel. By adopting a slight modification, this problem can be overcome due to the removal of a part of one subconjugate area containing the curvature interference limit line. To measure how effectively the undercutting is avoided, a strategy to determine the meshing point in the most severe condition is proposed for a type-II worm drive. The strategy presented consists of two steps. The first step is to establish a system of nonlinear equations in five variables in accordance with the theory of gearing. The second step is to solve the system of nonlinear equations by a numerical iteration method to ascertain the meshing point required. A numerical example is presented to verify the validity and feasibility of the proposed scheme.
Topology Optimization of Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Skin Using Hybrid Cellular Automata
Authors: Lee Soobum , Tovar Andrés
Published: January 2013

An earlier study introduced the concept of piezoelectric energy-harvesting skin (EHS) to harvest energy by attaching thin piezoelectric patches onto a vibrating skin. This paper presents a methodology for the optimum design of EHS with the use of an efficient topology optimization method referred to as the hybrid cellular automaton (HCA) algorithm. The design domain of the piezoelectric material is discretized into cellular automata (CA), and the response of each CA is measured using high-fidelity finite-element analysis of a vibrating structure. The CA properties are parameterized using nonlinear interpolation functions that follow the principles of the SIMP model. The HCA algorithm finds the optimal densities and polarizing directions at each CA that maximize the output power from the EHS. The performance of this approach is demonstrated for the optimal design of EHS in two real-world case studies.
Laser enhanced high-intensity focused ultrasound thrombolysis: An in vitro study
Authors: Cui Huizhong , Yang Xinmai
Published: January 2013

Laser-enhanced thrombolysis by high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment was studied in vitro with bovine blood clots. To achieve laser-enhanced thrombolysis, laser light was employed to illuminate the sample concurrently with HIFU radiation, and ultrasound and laser parameters were optimized to achieve better thrombolysis efficiency. The results indicated that the thrombolysis efficiency increased when pulse length of HIFU wave, HIFU pressure, or laser fluence increases. Also, with the presence of laser, an enhanced effect of thrombolysis was observed.
Climate Events Synchronize the Dynamics of a Resident Vertebrate Community in the High Arctic
Authors: Hansen Brage B. , Grøtan Vidar , Aanes Ronny , Sæther Bernt-Erik , Stien Audun , Fuglei Eva , Ims Rolf A. , Yoccoz Nigel G. , Pedersen Åshild Ø.
Published: January 2013

All Together Now

Environmental drivers, such as extreme weather events, impact population dynamics and can synchronize such dynamics across populations within a species. Given that many species depend on similar resources, such events might also be expected to synchronize dynamics across species, but the complexity of multispecies communities makes it difficult to reveal potential drivers in common.

Hansen
et al.

(p.
313
) took advantage of the simplicity of the year-round community on the high-arctic island of Spitsbergen to test for the presence of synchrony. Population fluctuations were synchronized across the three herbivore species (Svalbard reindeer, Svalbard rock ptarmigan, and sibling vole) and the single resident predator, the arctic fox, was in lagged synchrony. The driver of these fluctuations appears to be extreme winter rain-on-snow events that reduce the availability of winter forage due to ice cover.
Identifying Personal Genomes by Surname Inference
Authors: Gymrek Melissa , McGuire Amy L. , Golan David , Halperin Eran , Erlich Yaniv
Published: January 2013

Anonymity Compromised

The balance between maintaining individual privacy and sharing genomic information for research purposes has been a topic of considerable controversy.

Gymrek
et al.

(p.
321
; see the Policy Forum by

Rodriguez
et al.

) demonstrate that the anonymity of participants (and their families) can be compromised by analyzing Y-chromosome sequences from public genetic genealogy Web sites that contain (sometimes distant) relatives with the same surname. Short tandem repeats (STRs) on the Y chromosome of a target individual (whose sequence was freely available and identified in GenBank) were compared with information in public genealogy Web sites to determine the shortest time to the most recent common ancestor and find the most likely surname, which, when combined with age and state of residency identified the individual. When STRs from 911 individuals were used as the starting points, the analysis projected a success rate of 12% within the U.S. male population with Caucasian ancestry. Further analysis of detailed pedigrees from one collection revealed that families of individuals whose genomes are in public repositories could be identified with high probability.
Essential Biodiversity Variables
Authors: Pereira H. M. , Ferrier S. , Walters M. , Geller G. N. , Jongman R. H. G. , Scholes R. J. , Bruford M. W. , Brummitt N. , Butchart S. H. M. , Cardoso A. C. , Coops N. C. , Dulloo E. , Faith D. P. , Freyhof J. , Gregory R. D. , Heip C. , Höft R. , Hurtt G. , Jetz W. , Karp D. S. , McGeoch M. A. , Obura D. , Onoda Y. , Pettorelli N. , Reyers B. , Sayre R. , Scharlemann J. P. W. , Stuart S. N. , Turak E. , Walpole M. , Wegmann M.
Published: January 2013

A global system of harmonized observations is needed to inform scientists and policy-makers.
What the Romans Really Knew
What Did the Romans Know?
An Inquiry into Science and Worldmaking

by Daryn Lehoux

University of Chicago Press, Chicago, 2012. 287 pp. $45, £29. ISBN 9780226471143.
Authors: Pesic Peter
Published: January 2013

Drawing on classics and history and philosophy of science, Lehoux explores what and how the Romans thought about their place in nature.
A Wet and Volatile Mercury
Authors: Lucey Paul G.
Published: January 2013

Observations by the MESSENGER spacecraft are revealing details of Mercury's dynamic atmosphere.

[Also see Reports by

Lawrence
et al.

,

Neumann
et al.

, and

Paige
et al.

]
The Basics of Translation
Authors: Zoghbi Huda Y.
Published: January 2013

The past 20 years have witnessed great advances in understanding the causes of many medical disorders, while also revealing how complex their pathogenesis can be. Hypertension, autism, and Alzheimer's disease have each proven to be a collection of disorders with multiple causes. Although the dream of personalized treatments has been realized for a few disorders, particularly in the field of cancer, the translation of scientific discoveries into effective treatments for other diseases has been much slower than expected. There are two main reasons for this fact: the complexity of human physiology, and our limited understanding of how the vast majority of genes, proteins, and RNAs work, irrespective of whether they are disease-associated or not.
For $60, a Peek Inside Your Dog's Mind
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: January 2013

Evolutionary anthropologist Brian Hare is launching a new company that claims to offer dog owners answers to pivotal questions about their dogs' personalities and more.
Comparison of the Sensitivity of Laboratory Diagnostic Methods from a Well-Characterized Outbreak of Mumps in New York City in 2009
Authors: Rota Jennifer S. , Rosen Jennifer B. , Doll Margaret K. , McNall Rebecca J. , McGrew Marcia , Williams Nobia , Lopareva Elena N. , Barskey Albert E. , Punsalang Amado , Rota Paul A. , Oleszko William R. , Hickman Carole J. , Zimmerman Christopher M. , Bellini William J.
Published: January 2013

A mumps outbreak in upstate New York in 2009 at a summer camp for Orthodox Jewish boys spread into Orthodox Jewish communities in the Northeast, including New York City. The availability of epidemiologic information, including vaccination records and parotitis onset dates, allowed an enhanced analysis of laboratory methods for mumps testing. Serum and buccal swab samples were collected from 296 confirmed cases with onsets from September through December 2009. All samples were tested using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) capture IgM enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and a real-time reverse transcription-PCR (rRT-PCR) that targets the short hydrophobic gene. A subset of the samples (n= 205) was used to evaluate 3 commercial mumps IgM assays and to assess the sensitivity of using an alternative target gene (nucleoprotein) in the rRT-PCR protocol. Among 115 cases of mumps with 2 documented doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the CDC capture IgM EIA detected IgM in 51% of serum samples compared to 9% to 24% using three commercial IgM assays. The rRT-PCR that targeted the nucleoprotein gene increased RNA detection by 14% compared to that obtained with the original protocol. The ability to detect IgM improved when serum was collected 3 days or more after symptom onset, whereas sensitivity of RNA detection by rRT-PCR declined when buccal swabs were collected later than 2 days after onset. Selection of testing methods and timing of sample collection are important factors in the ability to confirm infection among vaccinated persons. These results reinforce the need to use virus detection assays in addition to serologic tests.
High Rates of Detection of Respiratory Viruses in the Nasal Washes and Mucosae of Patients with Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Cho Gye Song , Moon Byung-Jae , Lee Bong-Jae , Gong Chang-Hoon , Kim Nam Hee , Kim You-Sun , Kim Hun Sik , Jang Yong Ju
Published: January 2013

Respiratory viral infections are often implicated as triggers of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) flare-ups. However, there is a paucity of respiratory viral surveillance studies in CRS patients, and such studies could elucidate the potential role of viruses in promoting symptoms and aggravating mucosal inflammation. Therefore, a prospective case-control study was conducted to determine the prevalence of respiratory viruses in CRS patients and non-CRS controls. Nasal lavage fluids and turbinate epithelial cells were collected prospectively from 111 CRS patients and 50 controls. Multiplex PCR was used to identify common respiratory viruses in both sample types and the infection rate was compared between groups. Respiratory viruses were detected in 50.5% of lavage samples and in 64.0% of scraping samples from CRS patients. The overall infection rate was significantly different in CRS patients and controls (odds ratio, 2.9 in lavage and 4.1 in scraping samples). Multiple viral infections were detected more frequently in lavage samples from CRS patients than those from controls (
P
< 0.01; odds ratio, 7.7). Rhinovirus was the most prevalent virus and the only virus with a significantly different infection rate in CRS patients and controls in both samples (odds ratio, 3.2 in lavage and 3.4 in scraping samples). This study detected a higher prevalence of respiratory viruses in CRS patients than controls, suggesting that there may be significant associations between inflammation of CRS and respiratory viruses, particularly rhinovirus. Further studies should investigate the exact role of highly prevalent respiratory viruses in CRS patients during symptomatic aggravation and ongoing mucosal inflammation.
Protection Afforded by an HIV Vaccine Candidate in Macaques Depends on the Dose of SIVmac251at Challenge Exposure
Authors: Vaccari Monica , Keele Brandon F. , Bosinger Steven E. , Doster Melvin N. , Ma Zhong-Min , Pollara Justin , Hryniewicz Anna , Ferrari Guido , Guan Yongjun , Forthal Donald N. , Venzon David , Fenizia Claudio , Morgan Tia , Montefiori David , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Miller Chris J. , Silvestri Guido , Rosati Margherita , Felber Barbara K. , Pavlakis George N. , Tartaglia James , Franchini Genoveffa
Published: January 2013

We used the simian immunodeficiency virus mac251 (SIVmac251) macaque model to study the effect of the dose of mucosal exposure on vaccine efficacy. We immunized macaques with a DNA prime followed by SIV gp120 protein immunization with ALVAC-SIV and gp120 in alum, and we challenged them with SIVmac251at either a single high dose or at two repeated low-dose exposures to a 10-fold-lower dose. Infection was neither prevented nor modified following a single high-dose challenge of the immunized macaques. However, two exposures to a 10-fold-lower dose resulted in protection from SIVmac251acquisition in 3 out of 12 macaques. The remaining animals that were infected had a modulated pathogenesis, significant downregulation of interferon responsive genes, and upregulation of genes involved in B- and T-cell responses. Thus, the choice of the experimental model greatly influences the vaccine efficacy of vaccines for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
The Importance of Intergenic Recombination in Norovirus GII.3 Evolution
Authors: Mahar Jackie E. , Bok Karin , Green Kim Y. , Kirkwood Carl D.
Published: January 2013

Norovirus genotype II.3 (GII.3) strains are a major cause of sporadic gastroenteritis. Intergenic recombination between the capsid and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) genes is common and results in the acquisition of an alternative RdRp genotype. This study aimed to explore the evolution of the GII.3 capsid gene, focusing on the influence of intergenic recombination. The capsid genes from six GII.3 norovirus strains, collected from Australian children between 2001 and 2010, were sequenced and aligned with 66 GII.3 capsid sequences from GenBank, spanning 1975 to 2010. The GII.3 capsid gene evolved at a rate of 4.16 × 10−3to 6.97 × 10−3nucleotide substitutions/site/year from 1975 to 2010 and clustered into five temporally sequential lineages. Clustering of the GII.3 capsid gene sequences was associated with intergenic recombination and switches between RdRp genotypes GII.3, GII.a, GII.b, GII.12, and an undefined ancestral RdRp. Comparison of the substitution rate of the GII.3 and GII.b RdRps suggested that RdRp switching allows a higher evolutionary rate, leading to increased genetic diversity and adaptability. Alignment of GII.3 capsid sequences revealed 36 lineage-specific conserved amino acid substitutions, four of which were under positive selection. Many conserved substitutions were within predicted antibody binding regions and close to host attachment factor binding sites. In conclusion, evolution of GII.3 noroviruses was primarily driven by intergenic recombination. The acquisition of new RdRps may lead to a faster mutation rate and increased genetic diversity, improving overall GII.3 fitness.
TRANSFORMATION FROM PROBABILISTIC CHANNEL TO DETERMINISTIC CHANNEL BASED ON EIGHT-QUBIT QUANTUM CHANNEL
Authors: BAI MING-QIANG , PENG JIA-YIN , MO ZHI-WEN
Published: January 2013

In physics experiments, it is very difficult to realize directly using high-dimensional unitary operations. In order to decrease or avoid the shortage during the teleportation process based on probabilistic channel, we propose a new scheme to reconstruct a deterministic teleportation eight-qubit channel using Bell-state measurements based on the probabilistic channel, which replaces high-dimensional unitary operations. In our scheme, a new quantum channel without alterable parameters replaces the general quantum channel with parameters as probabilistic teleportation. It shows that if we choose an eight-qubit probabilistic channel to construct deterministic channel, the relevant parameters of the eight-qubit probabilistic channel can be avoided. Thus, in quantum teleportation process, quantum channel can be chosen as a deterministic channel. This shows that our scheme makes real experiments more suitable.
Airway epithelium-derived relaxing factor: myth, reality, or naivety?
Authors: Vanhoutte Paul M.
Published: January 2013

The presence of a healthy epithelium can moderate the contraction of the underlying airway smooth muscle. This is, in part, because epithelial cells generate inhibitory messages, whether diffusible substances, electrophysiological signals, or both. The epithelium-dependent inhibitory effect can be tonic (basal), synergistic, or evoked. Rather than a unique epithelium-derived relaxing factor (EpDRF), several known endogenous bronchoactive mediators, including nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2, contribute. The early concept that EpDRF diffuses all the way through the subepithelial layers to directly relax the airway smooth muscle appears unlikely. It is more plausible that the epithelial cells release true messenger molecules, which alter the production of endogenous substances (nitric oxide and/or metabolites of arachidonic acid) by the subepithelial layers. These substances then diffuse to the airway smooth muscle cells, conveying epithelium dependency.
Expression of the ammonia transporter family member, Rh B Glycoprotein, in the human kidney
Authors: Han Ki-Hwan , Lee Hyun-Wook , Handlogten Mary E. , Whitehill Florence , Osis Gunars , Croker Byron P. , Clapp William L. , Verlander Jill W. , Weiner I. David
Published: January 2013

The ammonia transporter family member, Rh B Glycoprotein (RhBG/Rhbg), is essential for ammonia transport by the rodent kidney, but in the human kidney mRNA but not protein expression has been reported. Because ammonia transport is fundamental for acid-base homeostasis, the current study addressed RhBG expression in the human kidney. Two distinct RhBG mRNA sequences have been reported, with different numbers of consecutive cytosines at nt1265 and thus encoding different carboxy-tails. Sequencing the region of difference in both human kidney and liver mRNA showed eight sequential cytosines, not seven as in some reports. Knowing the correct mRNA sequence for RhBG, we then assessed RhBG protein expression using antibodies against the correct amino acid sequence. Immunoblot analysis demonstrated RhBG protein expression in human kidney and immunohistochemistry identified basolateral RhBG in connecting segment (CNT) and the cortical and outer medullary collecting ducts. Colocalization of RhBG with multiple cell-specific markers demonstrated that that CNT cells and collecting duct type A intercalated cells express high levels of RhBG, and type B intercalated cells and principal cells do not express detectable RhBG. Thus, these studies identify the correct mRNA and thus protein sequence for human RhBG and show that the human kidney expresses basolateral RhBG protein in CNT, type A intercalated cells, and non-A, non-B cells. We conclude that RhBG can mediate an important role in human renal ammonia transport.
Inhibitory phosphorylation of GSK-3β by AKT, PKA, and PI3K contributes to high NaCl-induced activation of the transcription factor NFAT5 (TonEBP/OREBP)
Authors: Zhou Xiaoming , Wang Hong , Burg Maurice B. , Ferraris Joan D.
Published: January 2013

High NaCl activates the transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells 5 (NFAT5), leading to increased transcription of osmoprotective target genes. Kinases PKA, PI3K, AKT1, and p38α were known to contribute to the high NaCl-induced increase of NFAT5 activity. We now identify another kinase, GSK-3β. siRNA-mediated knock-down of GSK-3β increases NFAT5 transcriptional and transactivating activities without affecting high NaCl-induced nuclear localization of NFAT5 or NFAT5 protein expression. High NaCl increases phosphorylation of GSK-3β-S9, which inhibits GSK-3β. In GSK-3β-null mouse embryonic fibroblasts transfection of GSK-3β, in which serine 9 is mutated to alanine, so that it cannot be inhibited by phosphorylation at that site, inhibits high NaCl-induced NFAT5 transcriptional activity more than transfection of wild-type GSK-3β. High NaCl-induced phosphorylation of GSK-3β-S9 depends on PKA, PI3K, and AKT, but not p38α. Overexpression of PKA catalytic subunit α or of catalytically active AKT1 reduces inhibition of NFAT5 by GSK-3β, but overexpression of p38α together with its catalytically active upstream kinase, MKK6, does not. Thus, GSK-3β normally inhibits NFAT5 by suppressing its transactivating activity. When activated by high NaCl, PKA, PI3K, and AKT1, but not p38α, increase phosphorylation of GSK-3β-S9, which reduces the inhibitory effect of GSK-3β on NFAT5, and thus contributes to activation of NFAT5.