bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of surface structure in photoelectron emission from solid Ne: Impurities, defect, and low-coordinated sites
Authors: Dmitriev Yu. A.
Published: August 2012

Electron emission was obtained from a solid Ne sample grown from the gas phase on a low temperature substrate. The surface of the sample was irradiated by the light of a microwave discharge in gaseous Ne, which caused electron emission from the sample. A jet of a second gas, D2, was simultaneously passed onto the substrate avoiding the discharge zone. Free electrons ejected into a vacuum chamber during sample growth were detected by means of electron cyclotron resonance. Emission shows nonmonotonic dependence on the concentration of the impurity D2. At low concentrations the electron yield is found to increase significantly with increasing flow rate of the dopant, while at moderate concentrations the yield tends to decrease with increasing flow rate. A tentative explanation of the observed effect is presented. It is based on the exceptional properties, which the neon-hydrogen solid mixture is believed to have.
A network function-based definition of communities in complex networks
Authors: Chauhan Sanjeev , Girvan Michelle , Ott Edward
Published: August 2012

We consider an alternate definition of community structure that is functionally motivated. We define network community structure based on the function the network system is intended to perform. In particular, as a specific example of this approach, we consider communities whose function is enhanced by the ability to synchronize and/or by resilience to node failures. Previous work has shown that, in many cases, the largest eigenvalue of the network’s adjacency matrix controls the onset of both synchronization and percolation processes. Thus, for networks whose functional performance is dependent on these processes, we propose a method that divides a given network into communities based on maximizing a function of the largest eigenvalues of the adjacency matrices of the resulting communities. We also explore the differences between the partitions obtained by our method and the modularity approach (which is based solely on consideration of network structure). We do this for several different classes of networks. We find that, in many cases, modularity-based partitions do almost as well as our function-based method in finding functional communities, even though modularity does not specifically incorporate consideration of function.
Strong curvature effects in Neumann wave problems
Authors: Willatzen M. , Pors A. , Gravesen J.
Published: August 2012

Waveguide phenomena play a major role in basic sciences and engineering. The Helmholtz equation is the governing equation for the electric field in electromagnetic wave propagation and the acoustic pressure in the study of pressure dynamics. The Schrödinger equation simplifies to the Helmholtz equation for a quantum-mechanical particle confined by infinite barriers relevant in semiconductor physics. With this in mind and the interest to tailor waveguides towards a desired spectrum and modal pattern structure in classical structures and nanostructures, it becomes increasingly important to understand the influence of curvature effects in waveguides. In this work, we demonstrate analytically strong curvature effects for the eigenvalue spectrum of the Helmholtz equation with Neumann boundary conditions in cases where the waveguide cross section is a circular sector. It is found that the linear-in-curvature contribution originates from parity symmetry breaking of eigenstates in circular-sector tori and hence vanishes in a torus with a complete circular cross section. The same strong curvature effect is not present in waveguides subject to Dirichlet boundary conditions where curvature contributions contribute to second-order in the curvature only. We demonstrate this finding by considering wave propagation in a circular-sector torus corresponding to Neumann and Dirichlet boundary conditions, respectively. Results for relative eigenfrequency shifts and modes are determined and compared with three-dimensional finite element method results. Good agreement is found between the present analytical method using a combination of differential geometry with perturbation theory and finite element results for a large range of curvature ratios.
The existence of uniform attractors for non-autonomous reaction-diffusion equations on the whole space
Authors: Xie Yongqin , Zhu Kaixuan , Sun Chunyou
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we introduce a new class of functions satisfying spacial absolutely continuous (see Definition 3.1), denoted by \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$L^{2}_{sac}(\mathbb {R};\mathbb {R}^{n})$\end{document}Lsac2(R;Rn), which are translation bounded but not normal (see [S. S. Lu, H. Q. Wu, and C. K. Zhong, “Attractors for non-autonomous 2D Navier-Stokes equations with normal external forces,” Discrete Contin. Dyn. Syst. A 13(3), 701−719 (2005)]10.3934/dcds.2005.13.701 and Definition 3.1) in \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$L^{2}_{loc}(\mathbb {R};\mathbb {R}^{n})$\end{document}Lloc2(R;Rn). Then the asymptotic a priori estimate is applied to some nonlinear reaction-diffusion equations with external forces \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$g(x,s)\in L^{2}_{sac}(\mathbb {R};\mathbb {R}^{n})$\end{document}g(x,s)∈Lsac2(R;Rn). We obtain the existence of uniform attractor together with its structure in the bi-spaces \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$(L^{2}(\mathbb {R}^{n}), L^{2}(\mathbb {R}^{n}))$\end{document}(L2(Rn),L2(Rn)) and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$(L^{2}(\mathbb {R}^{n}), L^{p}(\mathbb {R}^{n}))(p>2)$\end{document}(L2(Rn),Lp(Rn))(p>2) without any restriction on the growing order of the nonlinear term.
High-temperature high-pressure all-metal pulsed source of van der Waals dimers: Towards the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen experiment
Authors: Urbańczyk T. , Koperski J.
Published: August 2012

An all-metal pulsed source of van der Waals (vdW) dimers was constructed; it operates at temperatures up to 1000 K and carrier gas stagnation pressures up to 10 bars. Performance of the source was demonstrated in the production and spectroscopy of both CdAr and Cd2 molecules in a supersonic beam expansion. Simulation of the recorded laser induced fluorescence (LIF) excitation spectra using the B31(53P1) ← X10+(51S0) and ${\rm b}^3 0_{\rm u}^ + (5^3 {\rm P}_1) \leftarrow {\rm X}^1 0_{\rm g}^ + (5^1 {\rm S}_0)$b30u+(53P1)←X10g+(51S0) transitions in CdAr and Cd2, respectively, showed that these molecules were produced with a rotational temperature in the range from 3 K to 19 K. The source was incorporated into an experimental set-up dedicated to the realization of Bohm's spin-1/2 particle version of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen experiment for (111Cd)2 molecules.
State-resolved thermochemical nonequilibrium analysis of hydrogen mixture flows
Authors: Gang Kim Jae , Boyd Iain D.
Published: August 2012

The complete sets of state-to-state transition rate coefficients for both target and projectile molecules of hydrogen are derived from the predicted response surface designed by the ordinary Kriging model. A system of master equations is constructed for bound-bound and bound-free transitions with these designed transition rate coefficients, and the rovibrational number densities are numerically evaluated by implicitly integrating a system of master equations. In these master equation studies, relaxation of rotation and vibration modes, number density relaxation, reaction rate coefficients, and average rotational and vibrational energy losses due to dissociation are each considered in strong nonequilibrium conditions. A system of master equations is coupled with one-dimensional flow equations to analyze the relaxations of hydrogen in post-normal shock and nozzle expanding flows. In post-normal shock flows, at high temperature, the relaxation of the rotational mode is similar to the relaxation of the vibrational mode. In nozzle expanding flows, the relaxations of both rotational and vibrational modes appear to be frozen.
Avoided crossings, conical intersections, and low-lying excited states with a single reference method: The restricted active space spin-flip configuration interaction approach
Authors: Casanova David
Published: August 2012

The restricted active space spin-flip CI (RASCI-SF) performance is tested in the electronic structure computation of the ground and the lowest electronically excited states in the presence of near-degeneracies. The feasibility of the method is demonstrated by analyzing the avoided crossing between the ionic and neutral singlet states of LiF along the molecular dissociation. The two potential energy surfaces (PESs) are explored by means of the energies of computed adiabatic and approximated diabatic states, dipole moments, and natural orbital electronic occupancies of both states. The RASCI-SF methodology is also used to study the ground and first excited singlet surface crossing involved in the double bond isomerization of ethylene, as a model case. The two-dimensional PESs of the ground (S0) and excited (S1) states are calculated for the complete configuration space of torsion and pyramidalization molecular distortions. The parameters that define the state energetics in the vicinity of the S0/S1 conical intersection region are compared to complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) results. These examples show that it is possible to describe strongly correlated electronic states using a single reference methodology without the need to expand the wavefunction to high levels of collective excitations. Finally, RASCI is also examined in the electronic structure characterization of the ground and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$2^1\textrm {A}^-_g$\end{document}21Ag−, \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$1^1\textrm {B}^+_u$\end{document}11Bu+, \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$1^1\textrm {B}^-_u$\end{document}11Bu−, and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$1^3\textrm {B}^-_u$\end{document}13Bu− states of all-trans polyenes with two to seven double bonds and beyond. Transition energies are compared to configuration interaction singles, time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT), CASSCF, and its second-order perturbation correction calculations, and to experimental data. The capability of RASCI-SF to describe the nature and properties of each electronic state is discussed in detail. This example is also used to expose the properties of different truncations of the RASCI wavefunction and to show the possibility to use an excitation operator with any number of α-to-β electronic promotions.
Magnetic behaviour of Fe-doped CdS diluted magnetic semiconducting nanocrystalline thin films
Authors: El-Hagary M. , Soltan S.
Published: August 2012

We have investigated the magnetic properties of Fe doped Cd1−xFexS diluted magnetic semiconducting nanocrystalline thin films for different doping concentrations (0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) synthesized by electron beam evaporation technique. X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the existence of single phase nature in all the Fe doped Cd1−xFexS samples with hexagonal wurtzite type structure with a strong (002) preferred orientation. Evidence of nanocrystalline nature of the films was observed from the investigation of surface morphology using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Magnetic domains were observed by using magnetic force microscopy at room temperature indicating the existence of ferromagnetism over the film surface. The temperature and field dependent magnetization measurements by using superconducting quantum interference device showed ferromagnetic behavior between room temperature and low temperature (5 K) with a Tc at or above room temperature for the nanostructure samples with 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.2. The saturation magnetization for Cd1−xFexS system is found to increase with the dopant concentration (x). The exchange interaction between local spin polarized electrons (Fe3+ ions) and conductive electrons according to Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida mechanism, rather than from the Fe oxide impurities, is proposed to be the possible mechanism for ferromagnetism. These results show that the Fe-doped CdS nanocrystalline films can be employed in the fabrication of the nanoscale magnetic device.
Reflections on the role of less-than-comprehensive (exclusionary) private health insurance hospital products in the Australian healthcare system
Authors: Thomas Peter E.
Published: August 2012

The number of people in Australia that are currently covered by a hospital private health insurance product continues to rise every quarter. In September 2010, for the first time since the introduction of the public universal social insurance scheme, Medicare, more than 10 million persons in Australia are covered by private health insurance. Although the number of persons covered by private health insurance continues to grow, the quality and level of cover that members are holding is changing significantly. In an effort to limit premium rises and to reduce the benefits paid for treatment, private health insurers have introduced, and moved a large number of existing members to, less-than-comprehensive private health insurance policies. These policies, known as ‘exclusionary’ policies, are changing the dynamics of private health insurance in Australia. After examining the emergence and prevalence of these products, this commentary gives three different examples to illustrate how such products are changing the nature of private health insurance in Australia and are now set to create a series of policy issues that will require future attention.
Breakaway technique training as a means of increasing confidence in managing aggression in neuroscience nursing
Authors: Lamont Scott , Brunero Scott , Bailey Alanah , Woods Karen
Published: August 2012

Objective. The objective of this paper was to evaluate breakaway technique training with neuroscience nursing staff as a measure of increased confidence and safety in managing aggression. Methods. A quasi experimental design was used in a sample of neuroscience nursing staff (n = 31), participating in 2 × 1 h breakaway technique workshops. The workshops consisted of supervised skills training in safe breakaway techniques. A pre- and postintervention-matched questionnaire measuring confidence and safety around managing aggressive patients, and exposure to and confidence in dealing with breakaways, was self administered. Results. Statistically significant increases in confidence and safety in working with aggressive patients, and confidence levels for safe breakaways were reported. Qualitative comments demonstrated a desire for ongoing skills workshops. Conclusions. This study provides early evidence of the importance of incorporating breakaway training into existing training programs which aim to minimise and manage aggression and violence in generalist settings. What is known about the topic? Workplace violence is acknowledged internationally as a major occupational problem within healthcare and is reportedly increasing. The need for extensive training programs for healthcare staff is supported in the literature. What does this paper add? This would appear to be the first evaluation of breakaway training with a population of neuroscience nursing staff. Significant increases in confidence in managing aggression can be demonstrated following brief practical skills training. What are the implications for practitioners? This study provides early evidence for incorporating breakaway training into mandatory training programs for generalist health staff. Generalist health services may consider employing certified trainers to facilitate this specific skills training.
The future of community-centred health services in Australia: 'When too many beds are not enough'
Authors: Rosen Alan , Gurr Roger , Fanning Paul , Owen Alan
Published: August 2012

The authors welcome a constructive debate on the future of community-centred health services. Therefore, we have written this piece in response to an article published by Cunningham in the previous edition of the Australian Health Review (Cunningham, Australian Health Review 2012; 36: 121–124), which was a very limited analysis and misleading critique of our previous contribution to this journal (Rosen et al. Australian Health Review 2010; 34: 106–115).
The focus here is necessarily brief and does not stand in for a detailed analysis of the evidence base. The aim instead, is to draw attention back to the broader political, economic and social dimensions of how the retreat from community health services has affected clinical care. We also outline a response to a longstanding assumption, or belief, that ‘too many hospital beds are not enough’ and may never be enough.
How we understand the problem of resource allocation in healthcare shapes the remedies that are considered realistic. We explain that the reasons for the systematic underdevelopment of community health services are complex, historical, and largely relate to political and economic factors, but they are still amenable to change.

What is known about the topic?
There is a growing evidence base and consensus of expert opinion supporting the gradual shift in health service delivery away from hospital-based models of care to community-centred ones. Wherever possible, speciality community health services should be co-located with primary health care in communal shopping and transport hubs so that patients have access to ‘one-stop-shops’ providing both primary healthcare and community treatment, and support services. It is important that these speciality community health services retain their integrity and control of their budgets, but also that they maintain functional integration with their respective hospital-based services.

What does this paper add?
In response to a recently published vigorous but narrowly targeted critique of community-based models of care, we explore the wider context of the debate about the appropriate balance between hospital and community health services. We pay particular attention to the current debate in mental health services.

What are the implications for practitioners?
Clinicians need to understand the historical, political and economic factors that have influenced the underdevelopment of community-centred health services, so as to avoid unhelpful conflicts between specialists and those working in different care settings. Rear-guard attempts to restore the dominance of hospital-centric services are unsustainable in terms of ethics and economic reality. Policy-makers and health planners should instead aim to rebalance resources in the health sector so that people in all age groups and regions have equitable access to the full range of human health and support services across the continuum of care.
Brain conditioning is instrumental for successful microglia reconstitution following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Capotondo Alessia , Milazzo Rita , Politi Letterio Salvatore , Quattrini Angelo , Palini Alessio , Plati Tiziana , Merella Stefania , Nonis Alessandro , di Serio Clelia , Montini Eugenio , Naldini Luigi , Biffi Alessandra
Published: August 2012

The recent hypothesis that postnatal microglia are maintained independently of circulating monocytes by local precursors that colonize the brain before birth has relevant implications for the treatment of various neurological diseases, including lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), for which hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is applied to repopulate the recipient myeloid compartment, including microglia, with cells expressing the defective functional hydrolase. By studying wild-type and LSD mice at diverse time-points after HCT, we showed the occurrence of a short-term wave of brain infiltration by a fraction of the transplanted hematopoietic progenitors, independently from the administration of a preparatory regimen and from the presence of a disease state in the brain. However, only the use of a conditioning regimen capable of ablating functionally defined brain-resident myeloid precursors allowed turnover of microglia with the donor, mediated by local proliferation of early immigrants rather than entrance of mature cells from the circulation.
Does frequency trajectory influence word identification? A cross-task comparison
Authors: Lété Bernard , Bonin Patrick
Published: August 2012

In a series of six experiments, the influence of frequency trajectory in visual word recognition was investigated. In Experiment 1, frequency trajectory was found to exert a strong and reliable influence on age of acquisition (AoA) ratings. In word reading (Experiment 2), lexical decision (Experiments 3 and 6), proper name decision (Experiment 4), progressive demasking (Experiment 5), and a multiple regression analysis of lexical decision times taken from the French Lexicon Project, the effect of frequency trajectory was not reliable. In contrast, in all the experiments and in the multiple regression analysis, cumulative frequency had a strong and reliable influence on word recognition times. The findings firmly establish that in alphabetic languages such as French, age-limited learning effects do not surface readily in word recognition. In contrast, the total exposure to words across the lifetime is a strong determinant of word recognition speed. The implications of the findings are discussed.
A HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE SURVEY OF H2 EMISSION IN THE CIRCUMSTELLAR ENVIRONMENTS OF YOUNG STARS*
Authors: France Kevin , Schindhelm Rebecca N. , Herczeg Gregory J. , Brown Alexander , Abgrall Hervé , Alexander Richard D. , Bergin Edwin A. , Brown Joanna M. , Linsky Jeffrey L. , Roueff Evelyne , Yang Hao
Published: August 2012

The formation timescale and final architecture of exoplanetary systems are closely related to the properties of the molecular disks from which they form. Observations of the spatial distribution and lifetime of the molecular gas at planet-forming radii (a < 10 AU) are important for understanding the formation and evolution of exoplanetary systems. Toward this end, we present the largest spectrally resolved survey of H2 emission around low-mass pre-main-sequence stars compiled to date. We use a combination of new and archival far-ultraviolet spectra from the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph and Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph instruments on the Hubble Space Telescope to sample 34 T Tauri stars (27 actively accreting Classical T Tauri Stars and 7 non-accreting Weak-lined T Tauri Stars) with ages ranging from ∼1 to 10 Myr. We observe fluorescent H2 emission, excited by Lyα photons, in 100% of the accreting sources, including all of the transitional disks in our sample (CS Cha, DM Tau, GM Aur, UX Tau A, LkCa 15, HD 135344B, and TW Hya). The spatial distribution of the emitting gas is inferred from spectrally resolved H2 line profiles. Some of the emitting gas is produced in outflowing material, but the majority of H2 emission appears to originate in a rotating disk. For the disk-dominated targets, the H2 emission originates predominately at a ≲ 3 AU. The emission line widths and inner molecular radii are found to be roughly consistent with those measured from mid-IR CO spectra.
Pkh1/2-dependent phosphorylation of Vps27 regulates ESCRT-I recruitment to endosomes
Authors: Morvan Joëlle , Rinaldi Bruno , Friant Sylvie
Published: August 2012

Multivesicular endosomes (MVBs) are major sorting platforms for membrane proteins and participate in plasma membrane protein turnover, vacuolar/lysosomal hydrolase delivery, and surface receptor signal attenuation. MVBs undergo unconventional inward budding, which results in the formation of intraluminal vesicles (ILVs). MVB cargo sorting and ILV formation are achieved by the concerted function of endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)-0 to ESCRT-III. The ESCRT-0 subunit Vps27 is a key player in this pathway since it recruits the other complexes to endosomes. Here we show that the Pkh1/Phk2 kinases, two yeast orthologues of the 3-phosphoinositide–dependent kinase, phosphorylate directly Vps27 in vivo and in vitro. We identify the phosphorylation site as the serine 613 and demonstrate that this phosphorylation is required for proper Vps27 function. Indeed, in pkh-ts temperature-sensitive mutant cells and in cells expressing vps27S613A, MVB sorting of the carboxypeptidase Cps1 and of the α-factor receptor Ste2 is affected and the Vps28–green fluorescent protein ESCRT-I subunit is mainly cytoplasmic. We propose that Vps27 phosphorylation by Pkh1/2 kinases regulates the coordinated cascade of ESCRT complex recruitment at the endosomal membrane.
Role of mitochondrial inner membrane organizing system in protein biogenesis of the mitochondrial outer membrane
Authors: Bohnert Maria , Wenz Lena-Sophie , Zerbes Ralf M. , Horvath Susanne E. , Stroud David A. , von der Malsburg Karina , Müller Judith M. , Oeljeklaus Silke , Perschil Inge , Warscheid Bettina , Chacinska Agnieszka , Veenhuis Marten , van der Klei Ida J. , Daum Günther , Wiedemann Nils , Becker Thomas , Pfanner Nikolaus , van der Laan Martin
Published: August 2012

Mitochondria contain two membranes, the outer membrane and the inner membrane with folded cristae. The mitochondrial inner membrane organizing system (MINOS) is a large protein complex required for maintaining inner membrane architecture. MINOS interacts with both preprotein transport machineries of the outer membrane, the translocase of the outer membrane (TOM) and the sorting and assembly machinery (SAM). It is unknown, however, whether MINOS plays a role in the biogenesis of outer membrane proteins. We have dissected the interaction of MINOS with TOM and SAM and report that MINOS binds to both translocases independently. MINOS binds to the SAM complex via the conserved polypeptide transport–associated domain of Sam50. Mitochondria lacking mitofilin, the large core subunit of MINOS, are impaired in the biogenesis of β-barrel proteins of the outer membrane, whereas mutant mitochondria lacking any of the other five MINOS subunits import β-barrel proteins in a manner similar to wild-type mitochondria. We show that mitofilin is required at an early stage of β-barrel biogenesis that includes the initial translocation through the TOM complex. We conclude that MINOS interacts with TOM and SAM independently and that the core subunit mitofilin is involved in biogenesis of outer membrane β-barrel proteins.
Nucleolar accumulation of APE1 depends on charged lysine residues that undergo acetylation upon genotoxic stress and modulate its BER activity in cells
Authors: Lirussi Lisa , Antoniali Giulia , Vascotto Carlo , D'Ambrosio Chiara , Poletto Mattia , Romanello Milena , Marasco Daniela , Leone Marilisa , Quadrifoglio Franco , Bhakat Kishor K. , Scaloni Andrea , Tell Gianluca
Published: August 2012

Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) is the main abasic endonuclease in the base excision repair (BER) pathway of DNA lesions caused by oxidation/alkylation in mammalian cells; within nucleoli it interacts with nucleophosmin and rRNA through N-terminal Lys residues, some of which (K27/K31/K32/K35) may undergo acetylation in vivo. Here we study the functional role of these modifications during genotoxic damage and their in vivo relevance. We demonstrate that cells expressing a specific K-to-A multiple mutant are APE1 nucleolar deficient and are more resistant to genotoxic treatment than those expressing the wild type, although they show impaired proliferation. Of interest, we find that genotoxic treatment induces acetylation at these K residues. We also find that the charged status of K27/K31/K32/K35modulates acetylation at K6/K7residues that are known to be involved in the coordination of BER activity through a mechanism regulated by the sirtuin 1 deacetylase. Of note, structural studies show that acetylation at K27/K31/K32/K35may account for local conformational changes on APE1 protein structure. These results highlight the emerging role of acetylation of critical Lys residues in regulating APE1 functions. They also suggest the existence of cross-talk between different Lys residues of APE1 occurring upon genotoxic damage, which may modulate APE1 subnuclear distribution and enzymatic activity in vivo.
In vivo evidence for cooperation of Mia40 and Erv1 in the oxidation of mitochondrial proteins
Authors: Böttinger Lena , Gornicka Agnieszka , Czerwik Tomasz , Bragoszewski Piotr , Loniewska-Lwowska Adrianna , Schulze-Specking Agnes , Truscott Kaye N. , Guiard Bernard , Milenkovic Dusanka , Chacinska Agnieszka
Published: August 2012

The intermembrane space of mitochondria accommodates the essential mitochondrial intermembrane space assembly (MIA) machinery that catalyzes oxidative folding of proteins. The disulfide bond formation pathway is based on a relay of reactions involving disulfide transfer from the sulfhydryl oxidase Erv1 to Mia40 and from Mia40 to substrate proteins. However, the substrates of the MIA typically contain two disulfide bonds. It was unclear what the mechanisms are that ensure that proteins are released from Mia40 in a fully oxidized form. In this work, we dissect the stage of the oxidative folding relay, in which Mia40 binds to its substrate. We identify dynamics of the Mia40–substrate intermediate complex. Our experiments performed in a native environment, both in organello and in vivo, show that Erv1 directly participates in Mia40–substrate complex dynamics by forming a ternary complex. Thus Mia40 in cooperation with Erv1 promotes the formation of two disulfide bonds in the substrate protein, ensuring the efficiency of oxidative folding in the intermembrane space of mitochondria.
Orthostatic Intolerance in Multifocal Acquired Demyelinating Sensory and Motor Neuropathy
Authors: Tramontozzi Louis A. , Russell James A.
Published: August 2012

We report a patient with orthostatic intolerance and syncope as a major clinical manifestation of an acquired multifocal neuropathy with the clinical, electrodiagnostic, and cerebrospinal fluid features of multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor neuropathy or the Lewis–Sumner syndrome. Immunomodulatory therapy led to clinical remission of both somatic and autonomic signs and symptoms. We are unaware of a previous description of symptomatic dysautonomia in this disorder.
Role of Activity-Dependent Conduction Block in the Diagnosis of Primary Demyelinating Polyneuropathy
Authors: Salameh Johnny S. , Souayah Nizar , Chong Peter S. T.
Published: August 2012

Motor conduction block is one of the well-known neurophysiologic features of primary demyelinating polyneuropathy. In contrast, activity-dependent conduction block (motor conduction block after brief maximum voluntary contraction) is a “rare” neurophysiologic finding in primary demyelinating polyneuropathy. We are reporting the first known case of multifocal acquired demyelinating sensory and motor polyneuropathy with a well-documented activity-dependent conduction block of the ulnar nerve at the forearm segment that transformed into a typical motor response with abnormal temporal dispersion.
Fcγ Receptor Polymorphisms Do Not Predict Response to Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Myasthenia Gravis
Authors: Barnett Carolina , Grinberg Yakob , Ghani Mahdi , Rogaeva Ekaterina , Katzberg Hans , St George-Hyslop Peter , Bril Vera
Published: August 2012

We studied 63 patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) requiring treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin, to determine if polymorphisms within the FCγR2A (rs1801274), FCγR2B (rs1050501), FCγR3A (rs396991), and FCγR3B (NA1/NA2) genes are correlated with response to treatment. There was no significant difference in any of the polymorphisms studied between responders and nonresponders. Patients with the FCγR2B-232I/I polymorphism had higher disease severity measured by the quatitative myasthenia gravis score (QMGS). There was no difference in the distribution of the FCγR2B-232 polymorphisms between the patients and 90 healthy controls. The finding of greater disease severity in patients with the FCγR2B-232I/I polymorphism requires confirmation in a larger population of patients with myasthenia gravis.
Facial Onset Sensorimotor Neuronopathy Syndrome
Authors: Dobrev Dobrin , Barhon Richard J. , Anderson Neil E. , Kilfoyle Dean , Khan Saud , McVey April L. , Herbelin Laura , Dimachkie Mazen M.
Published: August 2012

Objective:

Facial onset sensorimotor neuronopathy (FOSMN) is a recently described neurological syndrome characterized by slow onset of facial sensory abnormalities and subsequent development of motor deficits. Except for 1 patient, FOSMN has so far been identified only in men.

Methods:

We describe a case series of 3 women with FOSMN. We report their clinical, laboratory, and neurophysiological findings.

Results:

The age of onset ranged from 39 to 72 years (mean, 60 years) with presentation 4–7 years after symptom onset. The first symptom was slowly progressive facial numbness, which was followed years later by dysphagia and impaired corneal reflexes. Dysarthria occurred in 2 patients, and mild arm weakness was noted in 2. Muscle stretch reflexes were increased in 1 patient, and in another case, arm sensation was reduced. Laboratory studies were unremarkable, and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in 3 patients and of the cervical spine in 2 patients was normal. Nerve conduction studies showed reduced leg compound muscle action potential amplitudes in 1 patient and asymmetrically reduced arm sensory nerve action potentials in another case. In 2 patients, electromyography showed widespread active denervation in arm muscles in conjunction with the involvement of leg muscles in 1 case and the tongue in the other patient. We identified chronic neurogenic motor unit action potentials in the genioglossus muscle of all 3 cases while facial EMG performed in case 3 showed similar findings. Blink reflexes were abnormal in all patients. We treated 1 patient with high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone followed by intravenous immunoglobulin without any improvement, and she required percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement.

Conclusions:

This is the first case series describing 3 women with the FOSMN syndrome. We expand phenotype of FOSMN to include upper motor neuron signs and normal arm sensory nerve action potentials.
Copper Levels in Patients With Celiac Neuropathy
Authors: Patterson Shanna K. , Green Peter H. R. , Tennyson Christina A. , Lewis Suzanne K. , Brannagan Thomas H.
Published: August 2012

Objective:

Neurological complications of celiac disease (CD) include neuropathy, myeloneuropathy, and cerebellar degeneration. The cause of neuropathy in patients with CD is not known. Prior publications describe copper deficiency in CD patients with myeloneuropathy and neuropathy and posit that hypocupremia is the cause of these neurological conditions. However, based on our clinical experience, we hypothesized that CD patients with polyneuropathy are not deficient in copper.

Methods:

Patients who met diagnostic criteria for CD and peripheral neuropathy were included. We reviewed the patient's records, including assessment of serum copper level and other clinical parameters.

Results:

Eighteen patients met inclusion criteria. Sixteen patients (89%) had normal copper levels, 2 had mild hypercupremia, and none had low copper levels. Of the 18 patients, 4 (22%) had large fiber neuropathy and 14 (78%) had a small fiber neuropathy.

Conclusions:

No patient in this study showed hypocupremia. We are unable to demonstrate a relationship between our CD patients with Peripheral Neuropathy and copper deficiency.
Sheet Fitting Palsy
Authors: Walker Francis O. , Lyles Mary F. , Li Zhongu
Published: August 2012

A 73-year-old woman developed an acute thrombosis of a persistent median artery following a Sisyphean struggle with a poorly fitted bedsheet. Ultrasound was able to diagnose the problem in a case where precise localization by electrodiagnostic testing was difficult.
Brainstem auditory response findings in preterm infants after necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Jiang Ze D , Ping Li L , Chen C. , Wilkinson Andrew R
Published: August 2012

Aim:  To examine brainstem auditory function and detect any abnormality at term in preterm infants after neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Methods:  Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) was recorded at 21/sec and 60 dB nHL in 37 preterm infants who had NEC. The data obtained at term equivalent age were analyzed and compared with those in normal term infants.

Results:  The threshold of BAER in infants after NEC, though slightly elevated, did not differ significantly from that in the controls. The latencies of waves I and III were slightly longer than in the controls, without any statistical significance. However, wave V latency was prolonged and differed significantly from the controls (p < 0.01). I‐V interpeak interval was also prolonged (p < 0.05). The data point distribution of wave V latency and I‐V interval was higher in the infants after NEC than in the controls. The amplitudes of BAER wave components in the infants after NEC did not differ significantly from those in the controls.

Conclusion:  Preterm infants after NEC have no major abnormality in peripheral auditory function. However, neural conduction in the brainstem auditory pathway is abnormal, suggesting that NEC adversely affects brainstem auditory conduction.
Risk stratification for Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma based on haemoglobin concentration, platelet count, high lactate dehydrogenase level and extrahilar lymphadenopathy: development and validation on 593 cases
Authors: Montalbán Carlos , Abraira Víctor , Arcaini Luca , Domingo‐Domenech Eva , Guisado‐Vasco Pablo , Iannito Emilio , Mollejo Manuela , Matutes Estella , Ferreri Andrés , Salar Antonio , Rattotti Sara , Carpaneto Andrea , Pérez Fernández Ricardo , Bello José L. , Hernández Miguel , Caballero Dolores , Carbonell Felix , Piris Miguel A. ,   Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma Study Group (SMZLSG)
Published: August 2012

This international retrospective study of 593 Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma (SMZL) patients aimed to identify factors that determine treatment initiation and influence lymphoma‐specific survival (LSS). Logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with treatment. A Cox regression was used to analyse LSS in a derivation cohort of 366 patients. This produced a prognostic index (PI) and enabled the identification of three risk groups. The resulting stratification was validated in another cohort of 227 patients and compared with the Interguppo Italiano Linfomi (IIL) score in the group of 450 patients for whom all the required data were available using an extension of the net reclassification improvement. Haemoglobin concentration (Hb), extrahilar lymphadenopathy and hepatitis C virus status were associated with the initiation of treatment. Hb, platelet count, high lactate dehydrogenase level and extrahilar lymphadenopathy were independently associated with LSS. Three risk groups with significantly different five‐year LSS (94%, 78% and 69%, respectively) were identified. This stratification (named HPLL on the basis of determinant factors) had a better discriminative power than the IIL score. This system is useful for stratifying SMZL patients into risk groups and may help in the selection of risk‐tailored treatment approaches.
Establishment of phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitor‐resistant cancer cell lines and therapeutic strategies for overcoming the resistance
Authors: Isoyama Sho , Dan Shingo , Nishimura Yumiko , Nakamura Naoki , Kajiwara Gensei , Seki Mariko , Irimura Tatsuro , Yamori Takao
Published: August 2012

Acquired resistance is a major obstacle for conventional cancer chemotherapy, and also for some of the targeted therapies approved to date. Long‐term treatment using protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as gefitinib and imatinib, gives rise to resistant cancer cells carrying a drug‐resistant gatekeeper mutation in the kinase domain of the respective target genes, EGFR and BCR–ABL. As for the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitors (PI3Kis), little is known about their acquired resistance, although some are undergoing clinical trials. To address this issue, we exposed 11 human cancer cell lines to ZSTK474, a PI3Ki we developed previously, for a period of more than 1 year in vitro. Consequently, we established ZSTK474‐resistant cells from four of the 11 cancer cell lines tested. The acquired resistance was not only to ZSTK474 but also to other PI3Kis. None of the PI3Ki‐resistant cells, however, contained any mutation in the kinase domain of the PIK3CA gene. Instead, we found that insulin‐like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) was overexpressed in all four resistant cells. Interestingly, targeted knockdown of IGF1R expression using specific siRNAs or inhibition of IGF1R using IGF1R‐TKIs reversed the acquired PI3Ki resistance. These results suggest that long‐term treatment with PI3Kis may cause acquired resistance, and targeting IGF1R is a promising strategy to overcome the resistance.
Restructuring the Sea: profound shifts in the world's most invaded marine ecosystem
Authors: Edelist Dor , Rilov Gil , Golani Daniel , Carlton James T. , Spanier Ehud
Published: August 2012

Aim

We examine fish invasions in the south‐eastern Mediterranean as a model system for the invasibility of open coasts and provide perspectives through a review of global marine fish invasions.

Location

South‐eastern Mediterranean (Levant Sea).

Methods

We compare historical (1990–1994) and modern (2008–2011) trawl surveys from the Mediterranean continental shelf and upper slope of Israel to evaluate the relative abundance and biomass of Indo‐Pacific fishes and their impact on diversity and trophic level (TrL). We examine resultant changes in community composition by both univariate and multivariate analyses, and compliment this study with a critical global review of open coast marine fish invasions.

Results

A staggering 55 Indo‐Pacific fish species have established permanent populations in the Mediterranean in the last 142 years, more than any other marine ecosystem. This process is accelerating with 13 of 27 new arrivals having established in the 21st century alone. Invasive fish biomass and abundance proportions in the shallow open coast have doubled in just two decades and today the Levantine ecosystem is dominated by non‐native species. This proliferation has resulted in significant declines of some indigenous species, some to near extirpation levels.

Main conclusions

Here, we show that non‐estuarine ecosystems are much more susceptible to large‐scale invasion pressures than previously thought. Our results place invasion in the same category with overexploitation, habitat destruction and pollution, processes normally considered as much more critical perturbations to coastal fish communities. We propose that despite these irreversible alterations, invasions have masked overall TrL changes and diversity declines by replacing native fish with invasives of similar ecological position. As species extirpations increase, we anticipate further declines in indigenous biomass, abundance and diversity in the Mediterranean Sea.
Deposition of superparamagnetic iron‐oxide nanoparticles in axillary sentinel lymph nodes following subcutaneous injection
Authors: Johnson Laura , Pinder Sarah E , Douek Michael
Published: August 2012

Aims

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPIO)‐enhanced axillary lymph node magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has the potential to supersede sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in the management of early breast cancer with in vivo pre‐operative metastasis detection. We evaluated the distribution and extent of SPIOs within the SLN and its impact on routine histological assessment.

Methods and results

A total of 131 SLNs from 51 consecutive patients with breast cancer were examined histologically following subcutaneous injection of 2–4 ml SPIOs. SLNs were identified intra‐operatively using the combined technique. Ex vivo histological analysis was performed and the distribution of SPIOs assessed using standard haematoxylin and eosin staining. SPIO distribution was predominantly within lymph node sinuses (81%); fewer nodes contained iron in the subcapsular space (24%) and parenchyma (14%). In 58%, SPIOs were sequestered in macrophages. SPIOs were not seen within the areas of nodes containing metastases, but was seen surrounding the metastases.

Conclusions

Following subcutaneous injection of SPIOs, iron deposition is found predominantly in sinuses and the subcapsular space and is not found in areas containing metastases. This reinforces the notion that high resolution SPIO‐enhanced MRI has the potential for in vivo metastasis in the SLN in breast cancer. Routine histological examination was unaffected.
A record‐linkage study of drug‐related death and suicide after hospital discharge among drug‐treatment clients inScotland, 1996–2006
Authors: Merrall Elizabeth L. C. , Bird Sheila M. , Hutchinson Sharon J.
Published: August 2012

Aims

To investigate the relationship between time after hospital discharge and drug‐related death (DRD) and suicide among drug users inScotland, while controlling for potential confounders.

Design

Cohort study.

Setting and participants

The 69 457 individuals who registered for drug treatment in Scotland during 1April 1996–31March 2006.

Measurements

Time‐at‐risk was from the date of an individual's first attendance at drug treatment services after 1April 1996 until the earlier date of death or end‐of‐study, 31March 2006, and was categorized according to time since the most recent hospitalization, as during hospitalization, within 28 days, 29–90 days, 91 days to 1 year and >1 year since discharge from most recent hospital stay versus ‘never admitted’ (reference).

Findings

Time‐periods soon after discharge were associated with increased risk ofDRD.DRDrates per 1000 person‐years were: 87 (95%CI: 72–103) during hospitalization, 21 (18–25) within 28 days, 12 (10–15) during 29–90 days and 8.5 (7.5–9.5) during 91 days to 1 year after discharge versus 4.2 (3.7–4.7) when >1 year after most recent hospitalization and 1.9 (1.7–2.1) for those never admitted. Adjusted hazard ratios by time since hospital discharge (versus never admitted) were: 9.6 (95%CI: 8–12) within 28 days, 5.6 (4.6–6.8) during days 29–90, thereafter 4.0 (3.5–4.7) and 2.3 (2.0–2.7) when >1 year. Non‐drug‐related suicides were less frequent thanDRDs(269 versus 1383) but a similar risk pattern was observed.

Conclusions

In people receiving treatment for drug dependence, discharge from a period of hospitalization marks the start of a period of heightened vulnerability to drug‐related death.