bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training in Addiction Medicine in Australia
Authors: Haber Paul S. , Murnion Bridin P.
Published: February 2011

Barriers to entering addiction medicine (AM) have led to a persisting workforce shortage. To address this problem, the Chapter of Addiction Medicine (AChAM) was formed in 2001 as a subdivision of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). Through consultation, AChAM has identified the scope of practice and offered fellowship to suitable established practitioners. The Chapter successfully applied to the Australian Government for recognition of AM as a medical specialty, which was finalized in November 2009. Specialist reimbursement item numbers were incorporated into that decision process and commence operating in November 2010. AChAM has designed and implemented a training scheme using a model similar to that of the RACP internal medicine training program. This comprises 3 years of basic general medical training post internship followed by 3 years of discipline-specific supervised training. The training is broadly based, with experience in both ambulatory care and inpatient care, and including physical health as well as mental health. Assessment is continuous and competency based. There is no exit examination. The overriding clinical approach rests upon the harm minimization framework consistent with long-established national drug policy in Australia and favors evidence-based treatment.
On the timescale of stimulus-based action–effect learning
Authors: Wolfensteller Uta , Ruge Hannes
Published: February 2011

When performing an action, people pick up associations between their actions and the resulting consequences of that action, a phenomenon that has been termed response (R)–effect (E) learning. In the present study, we investigated incidental R–E learning in a forced-choice—that is, a stimulus (S)-based—acquisition mode. Specifically, the study examined at which timescale R–E learning evolves—that is, how many encounters are actually needed to form stable R–E associations. The learning of R–E associations was assessed in a subsequent test phase via effect-based response priming. Experiment 1 tested 4 different numbers of S–R–E repetitions for a 2–2–2 S–R–E mapping. Experiment 2 disentangled the contributions of S–E and R–E associations to the facilitating impact of effect-based response priming by means of a 4–2–4 S–R–E mapping. Experiment 3 investigated whether R–E associations can be picked up even when a given E cannot be unequivocally predicted based on the antecedent S in case of inconsistent S–R–E couplings. Together, the results of the present study clearly show that R–E learning occurs in a stimulus-based action mode and that it evolves very rapidly after only 12 S–R–E repetitions. Moreover, the present findings suggest that at least in this initial phase of learning, complete S–R–E consistency seems to be relevant for R–E learning.
Similarity on the Rebound: Inhibition of Similarity Assessment Leads to an Ironic Postsuppressional Rebound
Authors: Geeraert Nicolas , Van Boven Leaf , Yzerbyt Vincent Y.
Published: February 2011

A widely held but rarely tested assumption among cognitive scientists is that different cognitive tasks may rely upon a single basic cognitive process. Using an established methodology to examine the suppression and subsequent rebound of mental operations, the present research indicates that suppressing use of similarity in one domain results in the subsequent rebound of similarity assessment in a different domain, suggesting that both domains rely on the same underlying cognitive process. In two studies, we demonstrate that leading people to suppress natural similarity assessment in one task produces increased reliance on similarity in subsequent, different, and apparently unrelated tasks. In Experiment 1, participants led to suppress similarity in a concentration task subsequently made more errors in a false-memory paradigm than did control participants. In Experiment 2, participants suppressing similarity in a categorization task made more false-memory errors and perceived more similarity between word pairs than participants who did not suppress. The findings suggest that the cognitive process of similarity assessment may be a domain-general process, such that it is widespread across a number of different mental tasks.
Rapid communication: Using another's gaze as an explicit aid to insight problem solving
Authors: Litchfield Damien , Ball Linden J.
Published: February 2011

Research has shown that implicitly guiding attention via visual cues or unrelated tasks can increase the likelihood of solving insight problems. We examined whether following another person making specific skin-crossing saccades could induce similar attentional shifts and increase solution rates for Duncker's ((1945)) radiation problem. We presented 150 participants with one of three 30-s eye movement patterns from another problem solver: (a) focusing solely on the central tumour; (b) naturally making skin-crossing saccades between the outside area and the tumour from multiple angles; or (c) making deliberate skin-crossing saccades between the outside area and the tumour from multiple angles. Following another person making skin-crossing saccades increased the likelihood of solving the radiation problem. Our results demonstrate that another person's eye movements can promote attentional shifts that trigger insight problem solving.
The Role of Working Memory Capacity in Multiple-Cue Probability Learning
Authors: Rolison Jonathan J. , Evans Jonathan St B. T. , Walsh Clare R. , Dennis Ian
Published: February 2011

Multiple-cue probability learning (MCPL) involves learning to predict a criterion when outcome feedback is provided for multiple cues. A great deal of research suggests that working memory capacity (WMC) is involved in a wide range of tasks that draw on higher level cognitive processes. In three experiments, we examined the role of WMC in MCPL by introducing measures of working memory capacity, as well as other task manipulations. While individual differences in WMC positively predicted performance in some kinds of multiple-cue tasks, performance on other tasks was entirely unrelated to these differences. Performance on tasks that contained negative cues was correlated with working memory capacity, as well as measures of explicit knowledge obtained in the learning process. When the relevant cues predicted positively, however, WMC became irrelevant. The results are discussed in terms of controlled and automatic processes in learning and judgement.
When Believing is Seeing: The Role of Predictions in Shaping Visual Perception
Authors: Król Magdalena Ewa , El-Deredy Wael
Published: February 2011

The study investigated the influence of predictions on perception—in particular, how strong but erroneous prediction coupled with poor sensory data can trigger misperceptions. Using signal detection, we tested whether predictions induced by a semantic cue change the recognition threshold (criterion) or the subjectively perceived differences between stimuli (sensitivity). In a series of 3 experiments, participants observed pictures of (a) real objects distorted to various extents (targets), (b) noise with elements corresponding to meaningful objects (foils), or (c) nonsense images (noise). Stimuli were preceded either by a semantic cue or by a blank screen with equal probability. Presence of the cue resulted in a more liberal criterion, but only for targets and foils. The cue decreased sensitivity between the distorted targets, but increased sensitivity between the targets and noise—that is, the cue increased between-class differences, but decreased within-class differences. When there was no correspondence between prediction and the sensory input, prediction actually increased the chances of correctly rejecting noise. The influence of the cue was strongest for the moderately distorted targets and foils—when uncertainty related to the bottom-up input was the highest.
Evolution of Forensic Social Work in the United States: Implications for 21st Century Practice
Authors: Maschi Tina , Killian Searles Mary Lou
Published: February 2011

This article maps the evolution of forensic social work in the United States in light of its past history and future possibilities. It begins with English Poor Laws of 1601 and Colonial Era and the establishment of forensic policy in the North American colonies, then focuses on the late 19th and early 20th century creation and establishment of the social work profession and its forensic aspects, and finally to the contemporary expression of forensic social workers to carry out or change those policies. Throughout American history, social justice and in later years, global and universal human rights were at the core of the theory and practice of forensic social work. Social workers understood that government, as author and institutor of policy, can and should be an arena for reform. Our foremothers and forefathers saw that advocating for their ‘‘clients’’ meant advocating for systemic reform, as they used an integrated two-pronged approach to social welfare in order to enhance human and community well being and to combat injustice. Their collective efforts set a high standard for contemporary social workers to surpass. For 21st century problems, forensic social workers are particularly well equipped to assume a leadership position and ongoing efforts in the pursuit of individual and social reform. The potential for the next century of forensic social workers is one of high anticipation. Our collective efforts of today are perhaps destined for tomorrow’s next history chapter. And together we also can make it a most memorable one.
Signatures of turbulence spreading during the H–L back-transition in TJ-II plasmas
Authors: Estrada T. , Hidalgo C. , Happel T.
Published: February 2011

The spatio-temporal evolution of turbulence and plasma flows has been studied experimentally by means of Doppler reflectometry during the back-transition from the high to low confinement mode in the TJ-II stellarator. Signatures of spatial spreading of the turbulence are found inside the radial position of the sheared E × B flow as the H–L back-transition is approached. The results point to the possible role of radial spreading of turbulence in determining the width of transport barriers.
UXT-V1 protects cells against TNF-induced apoptosis through modulating complex II formation
Authors: Huang Yuefeng , Chen Liang , Zhou Yi , Liu Heng , Yang Jueqing , Liu Zhenggang , Wang Chen
Published: February 2011

Proteins that directly regulate tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling have critical roles in determining cell death and survival. Previously we characterized ubiquitously expressed transcript (UXT)-V2 as a novel transcriptional cofactor to regulate nuclear factor-κB in the nucleus. Here we report that another splicing isoform of UXT, UXT-V1, localizes in cytoplasm and regulates TNF-induced apoptosis. UXT-V1 knockdown cells are hypersensitive to TNF-induced apoptosis. We demonstrated that UXT-V1 is a new component of TNF receptor signaling complex. We found that UXT-V1 binds to TNF receptor-associated factor 2 and prevents TNF receptor–associated death domain protein from recruiting Fas-associated protein with death domain. More importantly, UXT-V1 is a short-half-life protein, the degradation of which facilitates the formation of the apoptotic receptor complex II in response to TNF treatment. This study demonstrates that UXT-V1 is a novel regulator of TNF-induced apoptosis and sheds new light on the underlying molecular mechanism of this process.
ED50and ED95of Intrathecal Bupivacaine in Morbidly Obese Patients Undergoing Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Carvalho Brendan , Collins Jeremy , Drover David R. , Atkinson Ralls Lindsey , Riley Edward T.
Published: February 2011

Background

It has been suggested that morbidly obese parturients may require less local anesthetic for spinal anesthesia. The aim of this study was to determine the effective dose (ED(50)/ED(95)) of intrathecal bupivacaine for cesarean delivery in morbidly obese patients.

Methods

Morbidly obese parturients (body mass index equal to or more than 40) undergoing elective cesarean delivery were enrolled in this double-blinded study. Forty-two patients were randomly assigned to receive intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine in doses of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 mg (n = 6 per group) coadministered with 200 μg morphine and 10 μg fentanyl. Success (induction) was defined as block height to pinprick equal to or more than T6 and success (operation) as success (induction) plus no requirement for epidural supplementation throughout surgery. The ED(50)/ED(95) values were determined using a logistic regression model.

Results

ED(50) and ED(95) (with 95% confidence intervals) for success (operation) were 9.8 (8.6-11.0) and 15.0 (10.0-20.0), respectively, and were similar to corresponding values of a nonobese population determined previously using similar methodology. We were unable to measure ED(50)/ED(95) values for success (induction) because so few blocks failed initially, even at the low-dose range. There were no differences with regard to secondary outcomes (i.e., hypotension, vasopressor use, nausea, and vomiting).

Conclusions

Obese and nonobese patients undergoing cesarean delivery do not appear to respond differently to modest doses of intrathecal bupivacaine. This dose-response study suggests that doses of intrathecal bupivacaine less than 10 mg may not adequately ensure successful intraoperative anesthesia. Even when the initial block obtained with a low dose is satisfactory, it will not guarantee adequate anesthesia throughout surgery.
Pulmonary Vasoconstrictive and Bronchoconstrictive Responses to Anaphylaxis Are Weakened via β2-adrenoceptor Activation by Endogenous Epinephrine in Anesthetized Rats
Authors: Zhang Wei , Shibamoto Toshishige , Kuda Yuhichi , Ohmukai Chieko , Kurata Yasutaka
Published: February 2011

Background

Patients treated with propranolol, a nonselective β-adrenoceptor antagonist, have increased incidence and severity of anaphylaxis. We determined whether β1- or β2-adrenoceptor antagonist modulated pulmonary vasoconstriction and bronchoconstriction in rat anaphylactic hypotension.

Methods

Anesthetized ovalbumin-sensitized male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated to the following pretreatment groups (n = 7/group): (1) sensitized control (nonpretreatment), (2) propranolol, (3) the selective β2-adrenoceptor antagonist ICI 118,551, (4) the selective β1-adrenoceptor antagonist atenolol, and (5) adrenalectomy. Shock was induced by an intravenous injection of the antigen. Mean arterial pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, left atrial pressure, central venous pressure, portal venous pressure, airway pressure, and aortic blood flow were continuously measured.

Results

In either sensitized control or atenolol-pretreated rats, mean arterial pressure and aortic blood flow decreased substantially, whereas pulmonary arterial pressure and airway pressure did not increase soon after antigen injection. In contrast, in rats pretreated with either propranolol, ICI 118,551, or adrenalectomy, airway pressure significantly increased by 14 cm H2O, and pulmonary arterial pressure by 7.5 mmHg after antigen injection. At 2.5 min after antigen injection, the plasma concentration of epinephrine increased 14-fold in the sensitized rats except for the adrenalectomy group. Portal venous pressure after antigen injection increased by 16 mmHg similarly in all sensitized rats. All of the sensitized control group and two of the atenolol group were alive for 60 min after antigen injection, whereas all rats of the propranolol, ICI 118,551, and adrenalectomy groups died within 50 min after antigen injection.

Conclusions

The pulmonary vasoconstrictive and bronchoconstrictive responses to systemic anaphylaxis were weakened via β2-adrenoceptor activation by epinephrine endogenously released from the adrenal gland in the anesthetized Sprague-Dawley rats.
Hypotension during Fluid-restricted Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Hiltebrand Luzius B. , Koepfli Eliana , Kimberger Oliver , Sigurdsson Gisli H. , Brandt Sebastian
Published: February 2011

Background

Vasopressors, such as norepinephrine, are frequently used to treat perioperative hypotension. Increasing perfusion pressure with norepinephrine may increase blood flow in regions at risk. However, the resulting vasoconstriction could deteriorate microcirculatory blood flow in the intestinal tract and kidneys. This animal study was designed to investigate the effects of treating perioperative hypotension with norepinephrine during laparotomy with low fluid volume replacement.

Methods

Twenty anesthetized and ventilated pigs were randomly assigned to a control or treatment (norepinephrine) group. Both groups received 3 ml · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹ Ringer's lactate solution. In addition, the norepinephrine group received norepinephrine to stepwise increase blood pressure to 65 and 75 mmHg. Regional blood flow was measured in the splanchnic arteries. In the small bowel and colon, microcirculatory blood flow was measured using laser Doppler flowmetry. Intestinal tissue oxygen tension was measured with intramural Clark-type electrodes.

Results

Hepatosplanchnic and kidney blood flow remained unchanged after reversal of arterial hypotension to a mean arterial pressure of 75 mmHg with norepinephrine. For the norepinephrine group versus the control group, the mean ± SD microcirculatory blood flow in the jejunum (96 ± 41% vs. 93 ± 18%) and colon (98 ± 19% vs. 97 ± 28%) and intestinal tissue oxygen tension (jejunum, 45 ± 13 vs. 43 ± 5 mmHg; colon, 50 ± 10 vs. 45 ± 8 mmHg) were comparable.

Conclusions

In this model of abdominal surgery in which clinical conditions were imitated as close as possible, treatment of perioperative hypotension with norepinephrine had no adverse effects on microcirculatory blood flow or tissue oxygen tension in the intestinal tract.
Peristaltic Pneumatic Compression of the Legs Reduces Fluid Demand and Improves Hemodynamic Stability during Surgery
Authors: Kiefer Nicholas , Theis Judith , Putensen-Himmer Gabriele , Hoeft Andreas , Zenker Sven
Published: February 2011

Background

Perioperative fluid restriction might be beneficial in specific clinical settings. In this prospective, randomized and blinded study, we assessed whether peristaltic pneumatic compression of the legs can support restrictive fluid management strategies by reducing intraoperative fluid demand and improving hemodynamic stability.

Methods

Seventy patients scheduled for minor surgery were randomly assigned to receive either intraoperative peristaltic pneumatic compression or placebo compression. Both groups received fluid therapy according to a goal-directed protocol with a crystalloid base rate of 2 ml · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹ and bolus infusions of 250 ml crystalloids triggered by hypotension, tachycardia, or high Pleth Variability Index.

Results

Patients treated with peristaltic pneumatic compression received less intravenous fluid: median (interquartile range) 286 (499) versus 921 (900) ml (P < 0.001), resulting in a median difference of 693 ml (95% CI, 495-922 ml) and a median difference of 8.4 ml/kg (95% CI, 5.3-11.5 ml; P < 0.001). After the anesthesia induction phase, median overall infusion rates were 12.2 (14.1) ml · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹ in the control group and 1.9 (0.4) ml · kg⁻¹ · h⁻¹ in the pneumatic peristaltic compression group (P < 0.001). Among patients treated with pneumatic peristaltic compression, the median cumulative time of hypotension was shorter (0 [12.5] vs. 22.6 [22.8] min; P = 0.002), fewer hypotensive events were recorded (39 vs. 137; P = 0.001), and median lowest individual systolic pressure was higher (92 [8] vs. 85 [16] mmHg; P = 0.002).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that peristaltic pneumatic compression of the legs significantly improves hemodynamic stability and reduces fluid demand during minor surgery.
Serological evidence of vertical transmission of JC and BK polyomaviruses in humans
Authors: Boldorini Renzo , Allegrini Sara , Miglio Umberto , Paganotti Alessia , Cocca Norma , Zaffaroni Mauro , Riboni Francesca , Monga Guido , Viscidi Raphael
Published: February 2011

Vertical transmission of JC virus and BK virus has been investigated by few authors, with conflicting results. We performed a combined serological and genomic study of 19 unselected pregnant women and their newborns. Blood and urine samples were collected during each gestational trimester from the pregnant women. Umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood, urine and nasopharyngeal secretion samples were taken from newborns at delivery and after 1 week and 1 month of life. Polyomavirus DNA was detected by nested PCR. Polyomavirus IgG-, IgM- and IgA-specific antibodies were measured in maternal and newborn serum samples using a virus-like-particle-based ELISA method. BKV and JCV DNA were detected in urine from 4 (21 %) and 5 (26 %) women, respectively. BKV and JCV seroprevalences in the pregnant women were 84 % and 42 %, respectively. Using a rise in the IgG level or the transient appearance of an IgA or IgM response as evidence of infection in the newborn, we detected BKV and JCV infections in four (21 %) and three (16 %) newborns, respectively. Three infants had serological evidence of infection with both BKV and JCV. In two of the four possible BKV-infected newborns, the mothers seroconverted during pregnancy, while another mother was viruric and IgA seropositive. The mother of one of the three possible JCV-infected newborns was viruric and IgA seropositive; another mother was viruric. These results suggest JC virus and BK virus can be transmitted from mother to newborn during pregnancy or soon after birth.
Recombinant glycoprotein B vaccine formulation with Toll-like receptor 9 agonist and immune-stimulating complex induces specific immunity against multiple strains of cytomegalovirus
Authors: Dasari Vijayendra , Smith Corey , Zhong Jie , Scott Gillian , Rawlinson William , Khanna Rajiv
Published: February 2011

Natural human cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is characterized by a strain-specific neutralizing antibody response. This is particularly relevant in clinical settings such as transplantation and pregnancy where reinfection with heterologous strains occurs and the immune system does not mount an effective response against the infecting strain due to underlying immunosuppression. There is an emerging argument that a CMV vaccine that induces high titres of cross-neutralizing antibodies will be more effective in protecting individuals from infection with antigenically different CMV strains. In addition, induction of cell-mediated immunity offers the additional advantage of targeting virus-infected cells. This study presents a novel formulation of a CMV vaccine that, by combining recombinant soluble gB protein with a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist (CpG ODN1826) and immune-stimulating complexes (AbISCO 100), was able to elicit strong polyfunctional CMV-specific cellular and cross-neutralizing humoral immune responses. These data demonstrated that prime–boost immunization of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 mice with gB protein in combination with CpG ODN1826 and AbISCO 100 induced long-lasting CMV-specific CD4+and CD8+T-cell and humoral responses. Furthermore, these responses neutralized infection with multiple strains of CMV expressing different gB genotypes and afforded protection against challenge with recombinant vaccinia virus encoding the gB protein. These observations argue that this novel vaccine strategy, if applied to humans, should facilitate the generation of a robust, pluripotent immune response, which may be more effective in preventing infection with multiple strains of CMV.
Near-surface relaxation structure of annealed block copolymer film on Si substrates examined by grazing-incidence small-angle scattering utilizing soft X-rays
Authors: Okuda Hiroshi , Takeshita Kohki , Ochiai Shojiro , Sakurai Shin-ichi , Kitajima Yoshinori
Published: February 2011

Two-dimensional grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) measurements of SEBS8 block copolymer films deposited on Si(001) substrates have been performed to demonstrate depth-sensitive GISAXS utilizing soft X-rays of 1.77 keV. Remarkable elongation of the Bragg spots in theqzdirection, corresponding to microphase separation, was observed for an angle of incidence close to the critical angle. The elongation was explained in terms of the penetration depth, which limits the effective size in the direction perpendicular to the sample surface. Lattice distortion near the surface was confirmed.
Empirically derived subtypes of opioid use and related behaviors
Authors: Chan Grace , Gelernter Joel , Oslin David , Farrer Lindsay , Kranzler Henry R.
Published: February 2011

Aims  To identify and validate homogeneous subtypes of opioid use and related behaviors.

Design  Family‐based and case–control genetic studies of opioid and/or cocaine dependence.

Settings  Clinical and general community samples from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and South Carolina.

Participants  A total of 4061 individuals (2003 individuals from 835 families and 2058 unrelated individuals) recruited to participate in genetic studies.

Measurements  The computer‐assisted Semi‐Structured Assessment for Drug Dependence and Alcoholism (SSADDA) was used to assess participants' demographics, medical history, substance use behaviors and disorders and other psychiatric disorders.

Findings  Five homogeneous subtypes were identified, which differed on opioid‐related measures, demographics and prevalence rates of substance use and psychiatric disorders. Heritability estimates for the two most severely affected subtypes exceeded 0.60.

Conclusions  An empirical approach based on opioid use and related behaviors can yield homogeneous subtypes that could be of value in gene finding for opioid dependence.
Empathic accuracy of nurses’ immediate responses to fibromyalgia patients’ expressions of negative emotions: an evaluation using interaction analysis
Authors: Eide Hilde , Sibbern Tonje , Johannessen Tone
Published: February 2011

eide h., sibbern t. & johannessen t. (2011) Empathic accuracy of nurses’ immediate responses to fibromyalgia patients’ expressions of negative emotions: an evaluation using interaction analysis. Journal of Advanced Nursing67(6), 1242–1253.

Aim.  This paper is a report of an observation study designed to describe and evaluate nurses’ immediate responses to fibromyalgia patients’ expressions of negative emotions in first consultations at a pain clinic.

Background.  Providing comfort to patients in emotional distress is an important task for nurses. Empathic accurate perception of patients’ emotions is a precondition for empathic accurate responses.

Methods.  We analysed 58 videotaped assessment consultations with patients with fibromyalgia performed from April 2005 to June 2007. Implicit and explicit negative emotional expressions were identified with the Verona Coding Definitions of Emotional Sequences. Nurses’ responses were coded with the Hierarchical Coding System for Sensitivity of Comforting Strategies, with three levels of response to the person’s perspective: (i) denial, (ii) implicit recognition or approval and (iii) explicit recognition of the expressed emotion.

Results.  We identified 801 expressions of negative emotions, 591 implicit and 210 explicit, on average 14 per consultation. Nurses responded with implicit recognition, mostly using minimal encouragement, to 75% of emotional expressions, with explicit recognition to 13% of expressions while 12% of responses were not within the perspective of the patient. Nurses responded with a higher degree of explicit recognition (Level 3 responses) to patients’ explicit negative emotional expressions.

Conclusion.  The effects of empathic accurate response to implicit and explicit expressions of negative emotions should be explored further. The combination of coding systems used appears to be valid and reliable for assessing verbal empathic accuracy by observers in nursing settings.
Requirement for acetyl‐CoA carboxylase in Trypanosoma brucei is dependent upon the growth environment
Authors: Vigueira Patrick A. , Paul Kimberly S.
Published: February 2011

Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of human African trypanosomiasis, possesses two fatty acid synthesis pathways: a major de novo synthesis pathway in the ER and a mitochondrial pathway. The 2‐carbon donor for both pathways is malonyl‐CoA, which is synthesized from acetyl‐CoA by Acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC). Here, we show that T. brucei ACC shares the same enzyme architecture and moderate ∼30% identity with yeast and human ACCs. ACC is cytoplasmic and appears to be distributed throughout the cell in numerous puncta distinct from glycosomes and other organelles. ACC is active in both bloodstream and procyclic forms. Reduction of ACC activity by RNA interference (RNAi) resulted in a stage‐specific phenotype. In procyclic forms, ACC RNAi resulted in 50–75% reduction in fatty acid elongation and a 64% reduction in growth in low‐lipid media. In bloodstream forms, ACC RNAi resulted in a minor 15% decrease in fatty acid elongation and no growth defect in culture, even in low‐lipid media. However, ACC RNAi did attenuate virulence in a mouse model of infection. Thus the requirement for ACC in T. brucei is dependent upon the growth environment in two different life cycle stages.
FMP30 is required for the maintenance of a normal cardiolipin level and mitochondrial morphology in the absence of mitochondrial phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis
Authors: Kuroda Takuya , Tani Motohiro , Moriguchi Akira , Tokunaga Sho , Higuchi Takahito , Kitada Sakae , Kuge Osamu
Published: February 2011

Mitochondria of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae contain enzymes Crd1p and Psd1p, which synthesize cardiolipin (CL) and phosphatidylethanolamine respectively. A previous study indicated that crd1Δ is synthetically lethal with psd1Δ. In this study, to identify novel genes involved in CL metabolism, we searched for genes that genetically interact with Psd1p, and found that deletion of FMP30 encoding a mitochondrial inner membrane protein results in a synthetic growth defect with psd1Δ. Although fmp30Δ cells grew normally and exhibited a slightly decreased CL level, fmp30Δpsd1Δ cells exhibited a severe growth defect and an about 20‐fold reduction in the CL level, as compared with the wild‐type control. We found also that deletion of FMP30 caused a defect in mitochondrial morphology. Furthermore, FMP30 genetically interacted with seven mitochondrial morphology genes. These results indicated that Fmp30p is involved in the maintenance of mitochondrial morphology and required for the accumulation of a normal level of CL in the absence of mitochondrial phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis.
Secretion, but not overall synthesis, of catecholate siderophores contributes to virulence of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Caza Mélissa , Lépine François , Dozois Charles M.
Published: February 2011

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) use siderophores to sequester iron during infection. Enterobactin and salmochelins are catecholate siderophores produced by some ExPEC strains and other pathogenic enterobacteria. Siderophore export and synthesis mutants of avian ExPEC strain χ7122 were tested in a chicken infection model. In single‐strain infections, siderophore‐negative (ΔentDΔiuc), ΔentS and ΔentSΔiroC export mutants were attenuated in tissues and blood, whereas the ΔiroC export mutant was only attenuated in blood. Interestingly, the ΔentD mutant, producing only aerobactin, retained full virulence, and loss of entD in the ΔentSΔiroC mutant restored virulence. LC‐MS/MS quantification of siderophores in export mutants demonstrated that loss of entS impaired enterobactin and mono‐glucosylated enterobactin secretion, whereas loss of iroC impaired di‐ and tri‐glucosylated enterobactin secretion. Loss of entS and/or iroC resulted in intracellular accumulation and increased secretion of siderophore monomers. Catecholate siderophore export mutants also demonstrated decreased fitness in a co‐challenge infection model. By contrast, catecholate siderophore synthesis mutants (ΔentD and ΔiroB) competed as well as the wild‐type strain. Results establish that EntS and IroC mediate specific export of catecholate siderophores and the role of these exporters for ExPEC virulence is contingent on enterobactin synthesis, which is not required when other siderophores like aerobactin are functional.
The Ime2 protein kinase family in fungi: more duties than just meiosis
Authors: Irniger Stefan
Published: February 2011

Ime2 of the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae belongs to a family of conserved protein kinases displaying sequence similarities to both cyclin‐dependent kinases and mitogen‐activated protein kinases. Ime2 has a pivotal role for meiosis and sporulation. The involvement of this protein kinase in the regulation of various key events in meiosis, such as the initiation of DNA replication, the expression of meiosis‐specific genes and the passage through the two consecutive rounds of nuclear divisions has been characterized in detail. More than 20 years after the identification of the IME2 gene, a recent report has provided the first evidence for a function of this gene outside of meiosis, which is the regulation of pseudohyphal growth. In the last few years, Ime2‐related protein kinases from various fungal species were studied. Remarkably, these homologues are not generally required for meiosis, but instead have other specific tasks. In filamentous ascomycete species, Ime2 homologues are involved in the inhibition of fruiting body formation in response to environmental signals. In the pathogenic basidiomycetes Ustilago maydis and Cryptococcus neoformans, members of this kinase family apparently have primary roles in regulating mating. Thus, Ime2‐related kinases exhibit an amazing variety in controlling sexual developmental programs in fungi.
Demographic characteristics and opportunistic diseases associated with attrition during preparation for antiretroviral therapy in primary health centres in Kibera, Kenya
Authors: Tayler‐Smith K. , Zachariah R. , Manzi M. , Kizito W. , Vandenbulcke A. , Dunkley S. , von Rege D. , Reid T. , Arnould L. , Suleh A. , Harries A. D.
Published: February 2011

Using routine data from HIV‐positive adult patients eligible for antiretroviral therapy (ART), we report on routinely collected demographic characteristics and opportunistic diseases associated with pre‐ART attrition (deaths and loss to follow‐up). Among 2471 ART eligible patients, enrolled between January 2005 and November 2008, 446(18%) were lost to attrition pre‐ART. Adjusted risk factors significantly associated with pre‐ART attrition included age <35 years (Odds Ratio, OR 1.4, 95% Confidence Interval, CI 1.1–1.8), severe malnutrition (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.0), active pulmonary tuberculosis (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.4), severe bacterial infections including severe bacterial pneumonia (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–2.8) and prolonged unexplained fever (>1 month), (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.3–5.2). This study highlights a number of clinical markers associated with pre‐ART attrition that could serve as ‘pointers’ or screening tools to identify patients who merit fast‐tracking onto ART and/or closer clinical attention and follow‐up.
Predictors of symptomatic lymphocele after radical prostatectomy and bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection
Authors: Gotto Geoffrey T , Yunis Luis Herran , Guillonneau Bertrand , Touijer Karim , Eastham James A , Scardino Peter T , Rabbani Farhang
Published: February 2011

Objectives:  Lymphocele is the most common complication of pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLND). We sought to determine predictors of symptomatic lymphocele after radical prostatectomy (RP) and PLND, and in particular, to determine if the number of drains placed represents an independent predictor.

Methods:  Between January 1999 and June 2007, 4173 consecutive patients underwent bilateral PLND at the time of either open or laparoscopic RP. Lymphoceles were identified in patients undergoing imaging as a result of symptoms suspicious for lymphocele, such as fever, abdominal pain or lower extremity swelling. Routine postoperative imaging was not carried out. Cox proportional hazards analysis was carried out using forced variable entry to obtain maximum likelihood estimates of the hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals using the number of drains placed, number of nodes removed, RP approach and use of prophylactic low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) as predictors of symptomatic lymphocele.

Results:  There were 164 patients (4%) with a symptomatic lymphocele on follow up, with a median time to presentation of 19 days. The primary presenting complaints were fever in 47%, abdominal pain in 40%, lower extremity swelling in 37%, genital swelling in 25%, groin pain in 22%, abdominal swelling in 9%, and back and flank pain in 6% and 5%, respectively. Median lymphocele diameter was 5 cm. Significant predictors of symptomatic lymphocele on multivariate analysis included number of nodes removed and use of LMWH, but not number of drains placed.

Conclusions:  Use of prophylactic LMWH and a higher node count are predictive of a higher incidence of symptomatic lymphocele after RP and PLND.
Factors associated with acute kidney injury or failure in children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass: a case‐controlled study
Authors: Chiravuri S. Devi , Riegger Lori Q. , Christensen Robert , Butler Russell R. , Malviya Shobha , Tait Alan R. , Voepel‐Lewis Terri
Published: February 2011

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication that occurs commonly following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in infants and children. Underlying risk factors for AKI remain unclear, given changes in CPB practices during recent years. This retrospective, case–control study examined the relationships between patient, perioperative factors, AKI, and kidney failure in children who underwent CPB.

Methods:  Cohorts of children with and without AKI were identified from the cardiac perfusion and nephrology consult databases. Demographic, perioperative, and postoperative outcome data were extracted from the databases and from medical records. Children were stratified into groups based on the Acute Dialysis Quality Initiative’s RIFLE definitions for acute kidney risk or injury (AKI‐RI) and kidney failure.

Results:  The study groups included 308 controls (no AKI‐RI or failure), 161 with AKI‐RI, and 89 with failure. Young age, preoperative need for mechanical ventilation, milrinone, or gentamicin; intraoperative use of milrinone and furosemide; durations of CPB and anesthesia; multiple cross‐clamp and transfusion of blood products were significantly associated with AKI or failure. Young age, perioperative use of milrinone, multiple cross‐clamps, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, cardiac failure, neurological complications, sepsis, and failure significantly increased the odds of mortality.

Conclusion:  This study identified multiple perioperative risk factors for AKI‐RI, failure, and mortality in children undergoing CPB. In addition to commonly known risk factors, perioperative use of milrinone, particularly in young infants, and furosemide were independently predictive of poor renal outcomes in this sample. Findings suggest a need for the development of protocols aimed at renal protection in specific at risk patients.
Testing the growth option theory: the profitability of enhanced momentum strategies in Australia
Authors: Aharoni Gil , Ho Tuan Q. , Zeng Qi
Published: February 2011

Recent literature relates growth option theory to various return regularities. Sagi and Seasholes (2007) (S&S) develop a model that explains momentum profitability using growth option theory. We test the model’s predictions in the Australian market by examining three momentum strategies. Two of these strategies examine the profitability of momentum strategies conditioned on stocks characteristics, whereas the third conditions on previous market returns. Our results are largely supportive of the S&S model. As predicted by S&S, the two strategies that use firm‐specific characteristics yield a higher profit than a simple momentum strategy. The third strategy that conditions on the previous market return also leads to differences in momentum profitability between bull and bear markets, but these differences are small and largely insignificant.
Environmental Rights on the Wrong Side of History: Revisiting Canada's Position on the Human Right to Water
Authors: Collins Lynda
Published: February 2011

More than a billion people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water. A human‐rights approach may constitute one salutary tool in global efforts to address this issue. The human right to water derives from environmental human rights writ large and is further supported by the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as interpreted in General Comment 15. In the face of a growing global crisis of water poverty, the author suggests that Canada ought to recognize a human right to water.
A Government in Deep Water? Some Thoughts on the State's Duties in Relation to Water Arising from South Africa's Bill of Rights
Authors: du Plessis Anél
Published: February 2011

This article questions the meaning of a domestic constitutional water right for the State's provision of water suitable for domestic use and human consumption. Following a brief historical introduction to the constitutional right of access to sufficient water in Section 27 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996), the scope and meaning of this right as it is currently understood by the courts and others are explored. Attention is also paid to the relationship between Section 27 and other substantive constitutional rights such as the environmental right (Section 24), the right to life (Section 11), the right to human dignity (Section 10) and the right to equality (Section 9). With brief reference to some of the most imminent water provision challenges that South Africa currently faces, some views are raised concerning the State's constitutional duty to take affirmative action with respect to different interests that people hold in water. It is concluded that the body of constitutional rights in South Africa compels the State to take positive action to ensure access to enough water of suitable quality in a manner that is fair and just and that is aimed at sustainability.
Romance Null Subjects at the Sensory‐Motor Interface
Authors: Fernández‐Salgueiro Gerardo
Published: February 2011

Abstract. This paper reevaluates approaches that attempt to explain the properties of null subjects in Romance null‐subject languages (NSLs) by appealing to the parameterized existence of a lexical entry of a null pronominal category, namely,pro. I propose instead that the fact that these languages allow null subjects in finite‐clause contexts can be deduced from other properties of their grammars, and so it need not be lexically stipulated. I show that within a derivational approach without look‐ahead, the theoretical apparatus needed to generate further‐raising (A‐movement after Spec–head agreement with a φ‐complete Tense), a phenomenon that is found in Romance NSLs, automatically generates null subjects as well. I will then account for the thus‐far‐unexplained correlation that if a language allows further‐raising it also allows null subjects. I first argue that the operation of Agree is parameterized with respect to Case feature valuation. Then I argue that, given this parametric difference, the phonological features of DPs in Romance NSLs can remain uninterpretable at the Sensory‐Motor Interface, yielding the surface effect of a null subject, under certain assumptions about Case and its role in the derivation and about the interpretation of phonological features at the Sensory‐Motor Interface.
Syntactic Satiation and the Inversion Effect in English and SpanishWh‐Questions
Authors: Goodall Grant
Published: February 2011

Abstract. Both English and Spanish exhibit an inversion effect inwh‐questions: a verbal element must appear to the left of the subject. Analyses differ, however, as to whether this effect is due to similar syntactic mechanisms in the two languages or not. The phenomenon of judgment satiation, in which certain unacceptable sentence types improve upon repeated exposure, is used here to provide new evidence addressing this issue. It is shown that unacceptablewh‐questions in Spanish are susceptible to satiation, but their counterparts in English are not, which suggests that different mechanisms are responsible for the inversion effect in the two languages. In addition to providing new evidence regarding the nature of inversion inwh‐questions, this study also constitutes a test case for using satiation in the service of comparative syntax.
Genetic structure among black grouse in Britain: implications for designing conservation units
Authors: Höglund J. , Larsson J. K. , Corrales C. , Santafé G. , Baines D. , Segelbacher G.
Published: February 2011

Black grouse in Britain have faced contraction of their range and have declined in numbers during the recent decades. As such, the species is a conservation concern in the UK. In order to aid conservation decisions, the terms Evolutionary Significant Unit (ESU) and Management Unit (MU) have been proposed. An ESU is an independently evolving evolutionary lineage defined by being reciprocally monophyletic for mitochondrial alleles, and which is significantly different from other lineages with regard to nuclear alleles, whereas an MU is operationally defined by only the latter criterion. Using mitochondrial sequences and nuclear microsatellite loci, we failed to find evidence that British black grouse is an ESU. However, British black grouse are sufficiently different from continental black grouse both with respect to mitochondrial and nuclear data to regard them as a separate MU. Furthermore, we present genetic data which suggest that British black grouse presently occur in what are probably three demographically independent units (roughly corresponding to Wales, northern England/southern Scotland and northern Scotland), which are genetically differentiated. The two southern units (Wales and northern England/southern Scotland) have lower genetic diversity and show signs of having lost genetic variability.
Annual Research Review: New frontiers in developmental neuropharmacology: can long‐term therapeutic effects of drugs be optimized through carefully timed early intervention?
Authors: Andersen Susan L. , Navalta Carryl P.
Published: February 2011

Our aim is to present a working model that may serve as a valuable heuristic to predict enduring effects of drugs when administered during development. Our primary tenet is that a greater understanding of neurodevelopment can lead to improved treatment that intervenes early in the progression of a given disorder and prevents symptoms from manifesting. The immature brain undergoes significant changes during the transitions between childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Such changes in innervation, neurotransmitter levels, and their respective signaling mechanisms have profound and observable changes on typical behavior, but also increase vulnerability to psychiatric disorders when the maturational process goes awry. Given the remarkable plasticity of the immature brain to adapt to its external milieu, preventive interventions may be possible. We intend for this review to initiate a discussion of how currently used psychotropic agents can influence brain development. Drug exposure during sensitive periods may have beneficial long‐term effects, but harmful delayed consequences may be possible as well. Regardless of the outcome, this information needs to be used to improve or develop alternative approaches for the treatment of childhood disorders. With this framework in mind, we present what is known about the effects of stimulants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics on brain maturation (including animal studies that use more clinically‐relevant dosing paradigms or relevant animal models). We endeavor to provocatively set the stage for altering treatment approaches for improving mental health in non‐adult populations.