bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of T and B cells in human atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis
Authors: Ammirati E , Moroni F , Magnoni M , Camici P G
Published: October 2014

Far from being merely a passive cholesterol accumulation within the arterial wall, the development of atherosclerosis is currently known to imply both inflammation and immune effector mechanisms. Adaptive immunity has been implicated in the process of disease initiation and progression interwined with traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Although the body of knowledge regarding the correlation between atherosclerosis and immunity in humans is growing rapidly, a relevant proportion of it derives from studies carried out in animal models of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, while the mouse is a well-suited model, the results obtained therein are not fully transferrable to the human setting due to intrinsic genomic and environmental differences. In the present review, we will discuss mainly human findings, obtained either by examination of post-mortem and surgical atherosclerotic material or through the analysis of the immunological profile of peripheral blood cells. In particular, we will discuss the findings supporting a pro-atherogenic role of T cell subsets, such as effector memory T cells or the potential protective function of regulatory T cells. Recent studies suggest that traditional T cell-driven B2 cell responses appear to be atherogenic, while innate B1 cells appear to exert a protective action through the secretion of naturally occurring antibodies. The insights into the immune pathogenesis of atherosclerosis can provide new targets in the quest for novel therapeutic targets to abate CVD morbidity and mortality.
Mechanisms for Robust Cognition
Authors: Walsh Matthew M. , Gluck Kevin A.
Published: October 2014

To function well in an unpredictable environment using unreliable components, a system must have a high degree of robustness. Robustness is fundamental to biological systems and is an objective in the design of engineered systems such as airplane engines and buildings. Cognitive systems, like biological and engineered systems, exist within variable environments. This raises the question, how do cognitive systems achieve similarly high degrees of robustness? The aim of this study was to identify a set of mechanisms that enhance robustness in cognitive systems. We identify three mechanisms that enhance robustness in biological and engineered systems:system control,redundancy, andadaptability. After surveying the psychological literature for evidence of these mechanisms, we provide simulations illustrating how each contributes to robust cognition in a different psychological domain: psychomotor vigilance, semantic memory, and strategy selection. These simulations highlight features of a mathematical approach for quantifying robustness, and they provide concrete examples of mechanisms for robust cognition.
Role of the anterior insular cortex in integrative causal signaling during multisensory auditory–visual attention
Authors: Chen Tianwen , Michels Lars , Supekar Kaustubh , Kochalka John , Ryali Srikanth , Menon Vinod
Published: October 2014

Coordinated attention to information from multiple senses is fundamental to our ability to respond to salient environmental events, yet little is known about brain network mechanisms that guide integration of information from multiple senses. Here we investigate dynamic causal mechanisms underlying multisensory auditory–visual attention, focusing on a network of right‐hemisphere frontal–cingulate–parietal regions implicated in a wide range of tasks involving attention and cognitive control. Participants performed three ‘oddball’ attention tasks involving auditory, visual and multisensory auditory–visual stimuli during fMRI scanning. We found that the right anterior insula (rAI) demonstrated the most significant causal influences on all other frontal–cingulate–parietal regions, serving as a major causal control hub during multisensory attention. Crucially, we then tested two competing models of the role of the rAI in multisensory attention: an ‘integrated’ signaling model in which the rAI generates a common multisensory control signal associated with simultaneous attention to auditory and visual oddball stimuli versus a ‘segregated’ signaling model in which the rAI generates two segregated and independent signals in each sensory modality. We found strong support for the integrated, rather than the segregated, signaling model. Furthermore, the strength of the integrated control signal from the rAI was most pronounced on the dorsal anterior cingulate and posterior parietal cortices, two key nodes of saliency and central executive networks respectively. These results were preserved with the addition of a superior temporal sulcus region involved in multisensory processing. Our study provides new insights into the dynamic causal mechanisms by which the AI facilitates multisensory attention.
Acclimation of photosynthetic temperature optima of temperate and boreal tree species in response to experimental forest warming
Authors: Sendall Kerrie M. , Reich Peter B. , Zhao Changming , Jihua Hou , Wei Xiaorong , Stefanski Artur , Rice Karen , Rich Roy L. , Montgomery Rebecca A.
Published: October 2014

Rising temperatures caused by climate change could negatively alter plant ecosystems if temperatures exceed optimal temperatures for carbon gain. Such changes may threaten temperature‐sensitive species, causing local extinctions and range migrations. This study examined the optimal temperature of net photosynthesis (Topt) of two boreal and four temperate deciduous tree species grown in the field in northern Minnesota, United States under two contrasting temperature regimes. We hypothesized that Topt would be higher in temperate than co‐occurring boreal species, with temperate species exhibiting greater plasticity in Topt, resulting in better acclimation to elevated temperatures. The chamberless experiment, located at two sites in both open and understory conditions, continuously warmed plants and soils during three growing seasons. Results show a modest, but significant shift in Topt of 1.1 ± 0.21 °C on average for plants subjected to a mean 2.9 ± 0.01 °C warming during midday hours in summer, and shifts with warming were unrelated to species native ranges. The 1.1 °C shift in Topt with 2.9 °C warming might be interpreted as suggesting limited capacity to shift temperature response functions to better match changes in temperature. However, Topt of warmed plants was as well‐matched with prior midday temperatures as Topt of plants in the ambient treatment, and Topt in both treatments was at a level where realized photosynthesis was within 90–95% of maximum. These results suggest that seedlings of all species were close to optimizing photosynthetic temperature responses, and equally so in both temperature treatments. Our study suggests that temperate and boreal species have considerable capacity to match their photosynthetic temperature response functions to prevailing growing season temperatures that occur today and to those that will likely occur in the coming decades under climate change.
Exploiting the potential of free software to evaluate root canal biomechanical preparation outcomes through micro‐CT images
Authors: Neves A. A. , Silva E. J. , Roter J. M. , Belladona F. G. , Alves H. D. , Lopes R. T. , Paciornik S. , De‐Deus G. A.
Published: October 2014

Aim

To propose an automated image processing routine based on free software to quantify root canal preparation outcomes in pairs of sound and instrumented roots after micro‐CT scanning procedures.

Methodology

Seven mesial roots of human mandibular molars with different canal configuration systems were studied: (i) Vertucci's type 1, (ii) Vertucci′s type 2, (iii) two individual canals, (iv) Vertucci′s type 6, canals (v) with and (vi) without debris, and (vii) canal with visible pulp calcification. All teeth were instrumented with the BioRaCe system and scanned in a Skyscan 1173 micro‐CT before and after canal preparation. After reconstruction, the instrumented stack of images (IS) was registered against the preoperative sound stack of images (SS). Image processing included contrast equalization and noise filtering. Sound canal volumes were obtained by a minimum threshold. For the IS, a fixed conservative threshold was chosen as the best compromise between instrumented canal and dentine whilst avoiding debris, resulting in instrumented canal plus empty spaces. Arithmetic and logical operations between sound and instrumented stacks were used to identify debris. Noninstrumented dentine was calculated using a minimum threshold in the IS and subtracting from the SS and total debris. Removed dentine volume was obtained by subtracting SS from IS.

Results

Quantitative data on total debris present in the root canal space after instrumentation, noninstrumented areas and removed dentine volume were obtained for each test case, as well as three‐dimensional volume renderings.

Conclusion

After standardization of acquisition, reconstruction and image processing micro‐CT images, a quantitative approach for calculation of root canal biomechanical outcomes was achieved using free software.
Much to be desired in self‐management of patients with adrenal insufficiency
Authors: van Eck Judith P , Gobbens Robbert J , Beukers Joke , Geilvoet Wanda , van der Lely Aart‐Jan , Neggers Sebastian JCMM
Published: October 2014

We assessed self‐management in patients with adrenal insufficiency and patient‐related factors that affect self‐management. A self‐report questionnaire was developed to assess self‐management. The questionnaire contained three main topics, including: (i) medication adherence; (ii) anticipated measures; and (iii) dose adaptation during medical emergencies. Sixty per cent of the patients (n = 116) completed the questionnaire. The score for the medication adherence was 3.5 out of 4. The score for anticipated measures was 3.4 out of 5, and dose adaptation during medical emergencies was 1.9 out of 3. Older age was a positive predictor for all three self‐management topics. The female sex was a positive predictor for anticipated measures and dose adaptation during medical emergencies. High education level was associated with higher scores on dose adaptation during medical emergencies in women, not in men. Education level did not affect other self‐management aspects. There seems to be a need to improve self‐management in these patients. Self‐management might be improved by continuous education, and involvement of endocrine nurses and nurse practitioners is likely to be a key factor in the effectiveness of patient education.
The Transesophageal Echo Probe May Contribute to Esophageal Injury After Catheter Ablation for Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation Under General Anesthesia: A Preliminary Observation
Authors: KUMAR SAURABH , BROWN GREGOR , SUTHERLAND FIONA , MORGAN JOHN , ANDREWS DAVID , LING LIANG‐HAN , McLELLAN ALEX J.A. , LEE GEOFFREY , ROBINSON TIMOTHY , HECK PATRICK , HALLORAN KAREN , MORTON JOSEPH , KISTLER PETER , KALMAN JONATHAN M. , SPARKS PAUL B.
Published: October 2014

TEE Probe and Esophageal Injury After AF Ablation

Introduction

The transesophageal echo probe (TEE) is commonly used before and during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation under general anesthesia (GA). We sought to determine the potential contribution of the TEE probe to esophageal injury after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) alone for paroxysmal AF.

Methods and Results

Seventy‐six patients undergoing PVI with TEE, PVI/TEE, 16 undergoing PVI without TEE (PVI/No TEE), and 27 undergoing TEE without any left atrial ablation (TEE/No LA ablation) under GA were included. Posterior wall ablation was power (20–25 W) and time limited (electrogram attenuation or ≤30 s). Esophageal capsule endoscopy (n = 206) was performed pre‐ and post‐procedure and at 2 weeks. Esophageal lesions were seen in 30% of PVI/TEE, 0% of patients in the PVI/No TEE (P = 0.009), and 22% of TEE/No LA ablation groups (P = 0.47 vs. PVI/TEE). There were no instances of esophageal bleeding, perforation, or need for gastrointestinal intervention. Self‐resolving dysphagia was the only reported symptom (5%). All lesions healed within 2 weeks. There was no significant difference in the location or morphological appearance of esophageal lesions seen in the PVI/TEE versus TEE/No LA ablation groups.

Conclusions

Esophageal lesions were seen in 30% of patients undergoing PVI alone under GA with use of TEE and in a similar proportion (22%) of patients undergoing TEE in the absence of left atrial ablation. This study makes the preliminary observation that one must be cognizant of the TEE probe as a potential contributor to esophageal injury after AF ablation. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Poly (I:C) therapy decreases cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury via TLR3‐mediated prevention of Fas/FADD interaction
Authors: Zhang Xia , Ha Tuanzhu , Lu Chen , Lam Fred , Liu Li , Schweitzer John , Kalbfleisch John , Kao Race L. , Williams David L. , Li Chuanfu
Published: October 2014

Toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐mediated signalling plays a role in cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Modulation of TLRs has been reported to protect against cerebral I/R injury. This study examined whether modulation of TLR3 with poly (I:C) will induce protection against cerebral I/R injury. Mice were treated with or without Poly (I:C) (n = 8/group) 1 hr prior to cerebral ischaemia (60 min.) followed by reperfusion (24 hrs). Poly (I:C) pre‐treatment significantly reduced the infarct volume by 57.2% compared with untreated I/R mice. Therapeutic administration of Poly (I:C), administered 30 min. after cerebral ischaemia, markedly decreased infarct volume by 34.9%. However, Poly (I:C)‐induced protection was lost in TLR3 knockout mice. In poly (I:C)‐treated mice, there was less neuronal damage in the hippocampus compared with untreated I/R mice. Poly (I:C) treatment induced IRF3 phosphorylation, but it inhibited NF‐κB activation in the brain. Poly (I:C) also decreased I/R‐induced apoptosis by attenuation of Fas/FasL‐mediated apoptotic signalling. In addition, Poly (I:C) treatment decreased microglial cell caspase‐3 activity. In vitro data showed that Poly (I:C) prevented hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)‐induced interaction between Fas and FADD as well as caspase‐3 and ‐8 activation in microglial cells. Importantly, Poly (I:C) treatment induced co‐association between TLR3 and Fas. Our data suggest that Poly (I:C) decreases in cerebral I/R injury via TLR3 which associates with Fas, thereby preventing the interaction of Fas and FADD, as well as microglial cell caspase‐3 and ‐8 activities. We conclude that TLR3 modulation by Poly (I:C) could be a potential approach for protection against ischaemic stroke.
Prevalence and incidence rates of cardiovascular, autoimmune, and other diseases in patients with psoriatic or psoriatic arthritis: a retrospective study using Clinical Practice Research Datalink
Authors: Edson‐Heredia E. , Zhu B. , Lefevre C. , Wang M. , Barrett A. , Bushe C.J. , Cox A. , Wu J.J. , Maeda‐Chubachi T.
Published: October 2014

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that patients with psoriasis have higher rates of comorbidities compared to the general population. Despite the clinical and economic burden of psoriatic disease, there have been few large‐scale observational studies focused on this condition.

Objective

To assess rates of cardiovascular, autoimmune, infectious and other conditions in patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis (PSA).

Methods

The data for this retrospective study were obtained from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CRPD). Cohorts of patients with psoriasis (n = 27 672; mild, n = 22 174, severe, n = 5498) and PSA (n = 1952) were generated based on the diagnosis made by general practitioner or specialist recorded in CPRD between 2006 and 2010. Frequencies of comorbidities at baseline and incidence rate ratios (IRR) of medical conditions occurring during follow‐up were calculated and compared between groups. Cox proportional hazard models were employed to compare hazard ratios (HR) of comorbidities across the same subpopulations previously described.

Results

Significant differences in the unadjusted risk of cardiovascular disease, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, skin cancer and autoimmune diseases were observed between patients with differing severity of psoriasis or between PSA and psoriasis patients. The adjusted HR analyses confirmed patients with severe psoriasis had significantly higher rates of several conditions including diabetes (1.23; 95% CI: 1.01–1.51) and rheumatoid arthritis (2.88; 95% CI: 2.25–3.67) compared to patients with mild psoriasis. Patients with PSA had significantly higher adjusted rates of hypertension (1.30; 95% CI: 1.01–1.68), rheumatoid arthritis (6.93; 95% CI: 5.45–8.80) and ankylosing spondylitis (6.98; 95% CI: 2.37–20.58) compared to those with severe psoriasis.

Conclusion

Patients with mild psoriasis are less affected by comorbid conditions than those with severe psoriasis, and patients with psoriasis are less affected by comorbidities than those with PSA. Given the differences observed across severities of psoriasis and between psoriasis and PSA, each patient subgroup should be taken into consideration in clinical practice and future research.
Efficacy of imiquimod 3.75% from Lmax according to the number of actinic keratosis lesions
Authors: Peris K. , Stockfleth E. , Gupta G. , Aractingi S. , Dakovic R. , Dirschka T. , Alomar A.
Published: October 2014

Background

Imiquimod 3.75% reduces 92.2% of all actinic keratosis (AK) lesions, assumed to include both subclinical and clinical lesions, across a large sun‐exposed field such as the full face or balding scalp.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of imiquimod 3.75% using the reduction in lesions from Lmax (the maximum lesion count during treatment) in subgroups of patients with low and high AK lesion counts.

Methods

Patients from two 14‐week, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind studies were subgrouped according to whether they had ≤10 or >10 AK lesions at baseline. Treatment was applied to the full face or balding scalp during two 2‐week treatment cycles separated by a 2‐week treatment‐free interval.

Results

Overall, 167 patients had ≤10 lesions and 152 patients had >10 AK lesions at baseline. With imiquimod 3.75%, the median percentage reduction in AK lesions from Lmax to end of study was similar in patients with ≤10 and >10 baseline lesions (91.5% and 93.0% respectively). The median absolute reduction in AK lesions from Lmax to end of study was 24.0 for patients with >10 baseline lesions and 10.0 for those with ≤10 baseline lesions. The median percentage and absolute reductions in lesions from Lmax were significantly greater with imiquimod 3.75% vs. placebo (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Imiquimod 3.75% is effective regardless of disease severity as shown in this study by the reduction of over 90% of lesions from Lmax in patients with low or high AK lesion counts.
Multicultural Tourism, Demilitarization, and the Process of Peace Building in Panama
Authors: Guerrón Montero Carla
Published: October 2014

En este artículo, conecto la negación encubierta de derechos ciudadanos por parte del estado con el desarrollo del turismo con el fin de explicar por qué Panamá presenta la imagen de un estado libre de fuerza policial. Abordo dos conceptos principales: un análisis crítico de la gubernamentalidad en el turismo (Hollinshead 1999, 2003) y el concepto de turismo como una fuerza “creadora de mundos” (Hollinshead et al. 2009; Merrill 2009; Noy 2011; Reis and Shelton 2011). Aplico estos conceptos al desarrollo del turismo en el Archipiélago de Bocas del Toro con el fin de ilustrar cómo los procesos turísticos de gubernamentalidad y “creación de mundos” impuestos por las autoridades son experimentados por los afro‐panameños a nivel local. Un análisis de estos conceptos nos permite comprender la naturaleza de la industria del turismo, con su énfasis en la desmilitarización, pero con una presencia importante de mecanismos que limitan los derechos ciudadanos utilizados para mantener a los grupos menos privilegiados en su posición de subordinación en el contexto del desarrollo turístico y la prosperidad económica.
Structural Connectivity Changes Underlying Altered Working Memory Networks in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Three‐Way Image Fusion Analysis
Authors: Teipel Stefan , Ehlers Inga , Erbe Anna , Holzmann Carsten , Lau Esther , Hauenstein Karlheinz , Berger Christoph
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Working memory impairment is among the earliest signs of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We aimed to study the functional and structural substrate of working memory impairment in early AD dementia and MCI.

METHODS

We studied a group of 12 MCI and AD subjects compared to 12 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy elderly controls using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a 2‐back versus 1‐back letter recognition task. We performed a three‐way image fusion analysis with joint independent component analysis of cortical activation during working memory, and DTI derived measures of fractional anisotropy (FA) and the mode of anisotropy.

RESULTS

We found significant hypoactivation in posterior brain areas and relative hyperactivation in anterior brain areas during working memory in AD/MCI subjects compared to controls. Corresponding independent components from DTI data revealed reduced FA and reduced mode of anisotropy in intracortical projecting fiber tracts with posterior predominance and increased FA and increased mode along the corticospinal tract in AD/MCI compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that impairments of structural fiber tract integrity accompany breakdown of posterior and relatively preserved anterior cortical activation during working memory performance in MCI/AD subjects.
Detection and Inoculation of Peanut Witches' Broom Phytoplasma (16SrII‐A) and Periwinkle Leaf Yellowing Phytoplasma (16SrI‐B) in Citrus Cultivars in Taiwan
Authors: Feng Ya‐Chih , Hung Ting‐Hsuan , Su Hong‐Ji
Published: October 2014

To clarify the phytoplasma associated with Huanglongbing (HLB), a detection survey of phytoplasma in field citrus trees was performed using the standardized nested PCR assay with primer set P1/16S‐Sr and R16F2n/R16R2. The HLB‐diseased citrus trees with typical HLB symptoms showed a high detection of 89.7% (322/359) of HLB‐Las, while a low detection of phytoplasma at 1.1% (4/359) was examined in an HLB‐affected Wentan pummelo (Citrus grandis) tree (1/63) and Tahiti lime (C. latifolia) trees (3/53) that were co‐infected with HLB‐Las. The phytoplasma alone was also detected in a healthy Wentan pummelo tree (1/60) at a low incidence total of 0.3% (1/347). Healthy citrus plants were inoculated with the citrus phytoplasma (WP‐DL) by graft inoculation with phytoplasma‐infected pummelo scions. Positive detections of phytoplasma were monitored only in the Wentan pummelo plant 4 months and 3.5 years after inoculation, and no symptoms developed. The citrus phytoplasma infected and persistently survived in a low titre and at a very uneven distribution in citrus plants. Peanut witches' broom (PnWB) phytoplasma (16SrII‐A) and periwinkle leaf yellowing (PLY) phytoplasma belonging to the aster yellows group (16SrI‐B) maintained in periwinkle plants were inoculated into healthy citrus plants by dodder transmission. The PnWB phytoplasma showed infection through positive detection of the nested PCR assay in citrus plants and persistently survived without symptom expression up to 4 years after inoculation. Positive detections of the phytoplasma were found in a low titre and several incidences in the other inoculated citrus plants including Ponkan mandarin, Liucheng sweet orange, Eureka lemon and Hirami lemon. None of the phytoplasma‐infected citrus plants developed symptoms. Furthermore, artificial inoculation of PLY phytoplasma (16SrI‐B) into the healthy citrus plants demonstrated no infection. The citrus symptomless phytoplasma was identified to belong to the PnWB phytoplasma group (16SrII‐A).
Feeding practice and influence on selected blood parameters in show jumping horses competing inSwitzerland
Authors: Brunner J. , Liesegang A. , Weiss S. , Wichert B.
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to compare the nutritional management of show jumping horses in practice with recommendations from the literature. Additionally, the effects of these feeding practices on several blood metabolic parameters before and after exercise were studied. Blood samples were collected in the field from 27 different horses at 71 trials on the level M1 to S2 show jumping competitions in Switzerland and questionnaires on feeding practice of the studied horses were evaluated. The questionnaires revealed that during training and on tournament days horses received on average 3.1 kg of concentrate per day (min. 2.0 kg, max. 6.6 kg) divided into two to three meals. The horses were fed on average 6.9 kg of roughage per day (min. 4.0 kg, max. 13.0 kg). Additionally, it was observed that the horses received the last meal on average 6 h 10 min (min. 1 h 50 min, max. 12 h 30 min) before the start of the first show jumping turn, respectively, 7 h 30 min (min 1 h 50 min, max. 13 h 0 min) before the second turn. Seven horses (35%) had access to hay waiting in the trailer between two turns. The statistical analysis revealed no significant influence of the concentrate feeding time point on lactate, triglyceride and insulin levels, but a significant influence on free fatty acids (FFA) and blood glucose concentrations. Roughage feeding of the show jumping horses 2–4 h prior to exercise revealed the most remarkable changes in blood parameters during the show jumping course. These results received under field conditions should be approved in future under standardized conditions.
Genome‐scale quantitative characterization of bacterial protein localization dynamics throughout the cell cycle
Authors: Kuwada Nathan J. , Traxler Beth , Wiggins Paul A.
Published: October 2014

Bacterial cells display both spatial and temporal organization, and this complex structure is known to play a central role in cellular function. Although nearly one‐fifth of all proteins in Escherichia coli localize to specific subcellular locations, fundamental questions remain about how cellular‐scale structure is encoded at the level of molecular‐scale interactions. One significant limitation to our understanding is that the localization behavior of only a small subset of proteins has been characterized in detail. As an essential step toward a global model of protein localization in bacteria, we capture and quantitatively analyze spatial and temporal protein localization patterns throughout the cell cycle for nearly every protein in E. coli that exhibits nondiffuse localization. This genome‐scale analysis reveals significant complexity in patterning, notably in the behavior of DNA‐binding proteins. Complete cell‐cycle imaging also facilitates analysis of protein partitioning to daughter cells at division, revealing a broad and robust assortment of asymmetric partitioning behaviors.
Regulated protein aggregation: a mechanism to control the activity of the ClpXP adaptor protein YjbH
Authors: Engman Jakob , von Wachenfeldt Claes
Published: October 2014

Bacteria use stress response pathways to activate diverse target genes to react to a variety of stresses. The Bacillus subtilis Spx protein is a global transcriptional regulator that controls expression of more than 140 genes and operons in response to thiol‐specific oxidative stress. Under nonstress conditions the concentration of Spx is kept low by proteolysis catalyzed by the ClpXP complex. Spx protein levels increase in response to disulfide stress and decrease when the cells cope with the stress. The cytosolic adaptor protein YjbH is required to target Spx for efficient proteolysis by ClpXP. We demonstrate that YjbH aggregates in response to disulfide stress, that is, the YjbH protein is soluble under nonstressed conditions and destabilized during stress leading to aggregation. Stress conditions (heat and ethanol) that cause severe perturbations in protein stability/folding also induced aggregation of YjbH and led to induction of Spx. By heterologous expression of a less aggregation prone YjbH homolog Spx induction was abolished. Thus we show that moderation of YjbH solubility is an important mechanism of signal transduction and represents a new mechanism of controlling the activity of adaptor proteins.
Three‐dimensional electron microscopy reconstruction and cysteine‐mediated crosslinking provide a model of the type III secretion system needle tip complex
Authors: Cheung Martin , Shen Da‐Kang , Makino Fumiaki , Kato Takayuki , Roehrich A. Dorothea , Martinez‐Argudo Isabel , Walker Matthew L. , Murillo Isabel , Liu Xia , Pain Maria , Brown James , Frazer Gordon , Mantell Judith , Mina Petros , Todd Thomas , Sessions Richard B. , Namba Keiichi , Blocker Ariel J.
Published: October 2014

Type III secretion systems are found in many Gram‐negative bacteria. They are activated by contact with eukaryotic cells and inject virulence proteins inside them. Host cell detection requires a protein complex located at the tip of the device's external injection needle. The Shigella tip complex (TC) is composed of IpaD, a hydrophilic protein, and IpaB, a hydrophobic protein, which later forms part of the injection pore in the host membrane. Here we used labelling and crosslinking methods to show that TCs from a ΔipaB strain contain five IpaD subunits while the TCs from wild‐type can also contain one IpaB and four IpaD subunits. Electron microscopy followed by single particle and helical image analysis was used to reconstruct three‐dimensional images of TCs at ∼20 Å resolution. Docking of an IpaD crystal structure, constrained by the crosslinks observed, reveals that TC organisation is different from that of all previously proposed models. Our findings suggest new mechanisms for TC assembly and function. The TC is the only site within these secretion systems targeted by disease‐protecting antibodies. By suggesting how these act, our work will allow improvement of prophylactic and therapeutic strategies.
Inhibitory and toxic effects of extracellular self‐DNA in litter: a mechanism for negative plant–soil feedbacks?
Authors: Mazzoleni Stefano , Bonanomi Giuliano , Incerti Guido , Chiusano Maria Luisa , Termolino Pasquale , Mingo Antonio , Senatore Mauro , Giannino Francesco , Cartenì Fabrizio , Rietkerk Max , Lanzotti Virginia
Published: October 2014

Plant–soil negative feedback (NF) is recognized as an important factor affecting plant communities. The objectives of this work were to assess the effects of litter phytotoxicity and autotoxicity on root proliferation, and to test the hypothesis that DNA is a driver of litter autotoxicity and plant–soil NF.

The inhibitory effect of decomposed litter was studied in different bioassays. Litter biochemical changes were evaluated with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. DNA accumulation in litter and soil was measured and DNA toxicity was assessed in laboratory experiments.

Undecomposed litter caused nonspecific inhibition of root growth, while autotoxicity was produced by aged litter. The addition of activated carbon (AC) removed phytotoxicity, but was ineffective against autotoxicity. Phytotoxicity was related to known labile allelopathic compounds. Restricted 13C NMR signals related to nucleic acids were the only ones negatively correlated with root growth on conspecific substrates. DNA accumulation was observed in both litter decomposition and soil history experiments. Extracted total DNA showed evident species‐specific toxicity.

Results indicate a general occurrence of litter autotoxicity related to the exposure to fragmented self‐DNA. The evidence also suggests the involvement of accumulated extracellular DNA in plant–soil NF. Further studies are needed to further investigate this unexpected function of extracellular DNA at the ecosystem level and related cellular and molecular mechanisms.
General Anesthesia is Not Superior to Local Anesthesia for Remote Magnetic Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: BUN SOK‐SITHIKUN , LATCU DECEBAL GABRIEL , ALLOUCHE EMNA , ERRAHMOUNI ABDELKARIM , SAOUDI NADIR
Published: October 2014

Background

Remote magnetic navigation is an emerging technology for atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. General anesthesia (GA) has shown to be superior to local anesthesia (LA) for manual AF ablation in terms of catheter stability and lesion formation. We aimed at comparing GA with LA for remote magnetic AF ablation procedures.

Methods

All patients eligible for a remote magnetic ablation of AF were included in this study. Ninety patients (70% of the patients were male; age: 60 ± 10 years; CHA2DS2‐VASC: 1.6 ± 1.2; paroxysmal AF: 60%, persistent AF: 40%), including 45 patients with GA, and 45 patients with LA were enrolled consecutively.

Results

There was no significant difference in total procedure time between the two groups (237 ± 50 minutes in the GA group vs 240 ± 61 minutes in the LA group; P = 0.84). Fluoroscopy time was significantly increased in the GA group (14.6 ± 6 minutes vs 11.6 ± 6 minutes, P = 0.018). Ablation time was not different between the two groups (2,320 ± 984 seconds in the GA group vs 2,055 ± 1,023 seconds in the LA group; P = 0.25). After a mean follow‐up of 1 year (including repeat procedures), 39/45 patients (86.6%) within the GA group were free from recurrences versus 40/45 patients (88.8%) in the LA group (P = 0.74) without antiarrhythmic drugs.

Conclusion

For remote magnetic AF ablation, procedures under LA have similar results to GA in terms of efficacy and safety after 1‐year follow‐up.
Negative Effects of Acute Sleep Deprivation on Left Ventricular Functions and Cardiac Repolarization in Healthy Young Adults
Authors: CAKICI MUSA , DOGAN ADNAN , CETIN MUSTAFA , SUNER ARIF , CANER ASLI , POLAT MUSTAFA , KAYA HAKAN , ABUS SABRI , AKTURK ERDAL
Published: October 2014

Background

Sleep deprivation (SD) is associated with an increased incidence of adverse cardiovascular events, we aimed to determine the impact of acute SD on structural and functional alterations of the left ventricle (LV) and on electrocardiogram (ECG) markers including T wave peak‐to‐end interval (TpTe), QT interval, and TpTe/QT ratio in healthy subjects after a night of SD.

Methods

The study population consisted of 40 healthy young adults (19 males, 21 females; mean age: 28.2 ± 3.86 years). Echocardiographic images and ECGs were obtained from the participants after a night of regular sleep (RS) and SD. The average sleep time of the subjects was 6.67 ± 1.76 hours during RS and 1.25 ± 0.74 hours during a night of SD.

Results

The myocardial performance index, isovolumic relaxation time, and deceleration time values were significantly higher after SD. In addition, the corrected TpTe interval, corrected QT interval (QTc) max, and TpTe/QT ratio were significantly increased after a night of SD when compared with a night of RS (78.5 ± 6.8 ms vs 70.7 ± 7.6 ms, P < 0.001; 407.5 ± 18.6 ms vs 395.07 ± 21.3 ms, P = 0.001; and 0.189 ± 0.014 ms vs 0. 0.179 ± 0.016 ms, P < 0.001, respectively). However, subjects had similar QTp interval values (defined as beginning of the QRS complex to peak of the T wave) after a night of SD as a night of RS (294.6 ± 19.0 vs 291.9 ± 18.5, P = 233).

Conclusion

Our crossover study revealed the presence of subclinical LV diastolic functional changes and increased QT intervals, TpTe intervals, and TpTe/QT ratios in healthy young adults after one night SD. Therefore, the increased QT interval occurred secondary to the increased TpTe interval in this population.
Carbon and nitrogen allocation and partitioning in traditional and modern wheat genotypes under pre‐industrial and future CO2 conditions
Authors: Aljazairi S. , Arias C. , Nogués S.
Published: October 2014

The results of a simultaneous 13C and 15N labelling experiment with two different durum wheat cultivars, Blanqueta (a traditional wheat) and Sula (modern), are presented. Plants were grown from the seedling stage in three fully controllable plant growth chambers for one growing season and at three different CO2 levels (i.e. 260, 400 and 700 ppm). Short‐term isotopic labelling (ca. 3 days) was performed at the anthesis stage using 13CO2 supplied with the chamber air and 15NH4‐15NO3 applied with the nutrient solution, thereby making it possible to track the allocation and partitioning of 13C and 15N in the different plant organs. We found that photosynthesis was up‐regulated at pre‐industrial CO2 levels, whereas down‐regulation occurred under future CO2 conditions. 13C labelling revealed that at pre‐industrial CO2 carbon investment by plants was higher in shoots, whereas at future CO2 levels more C was invested in roots. Furthermore, the modern genotype invested more C in spikes than did the traditional genotype, which in turn invested more in non‐reproductive shoot tissue. 15N labelling revealed that the modern genotype was better adapted to assimilating N at higher CO2 levels, whereas the traditional genotype was able to assimilate N more efficiently at lower CO2 levels.
Individual musical tempo preference correlates with EEG beta rhythm
Authors: Bauer Anna‐Katharina R. , Kreutz Gunter , Herrmann Christoph S.
Published: October 2014

Every individual has a preferred musical tempo, which peaks slightly above 120 beats per minute and is subject to interindividual variation. The preferred tempo is believed to be associated with rhythmic body movements as well as motor cortex activity. However, a long‐standing question is whether preferred tempo is determined biologically. To uncover the neural correlates of preferred tempo, we first determined an individual's preferred tempo using a multistep procedure. Subsequently, we correlated the preferred tempo with a general EEG timing parameter as well as perceptual and motor EEG correlates—namely, individual alpha frequency, auditory evoked gamma band response, and motor beta activity. Results showed a significant relation between preferred tempo and the frequency of motor beta activity. These findings suggest that individual tempo preferences result from neural activity in the motor cortex, explaining the interindividual variation.
Redefining National Identity and Nation‐Building inPost‐secessionSudans: Civic and Ethnic Models
Authors: Bereketeab Redie
Published: October 2014

The split ofSudan following popular referendum inSouthSudan may have spurred a need for a serious reconsideration of national identity and nation‐building in the two emerging states.Sudan is compelled to embark in the reconstitution of national identity in a manner that reflects the new reality.SouthSudan also needs to gear its post‐secession identity formation and nation‐building in a way that reflects and celebrates its ethnocultural diversity. This article seeks to analyse identity and nation‐building in theSudans using the sociological concepts of civic identity and ethnic identity. It examines the challenges of reconstitution of national identity and nation‐building in a postcolonial, pluralistic, and post‐secession setting. The main focus is on the post‐secession period. It argues that the hierarchical organization of the civic identity and ethnic identity, which give rise to a duality of identity, may inform the new social contract of the reconstituted nation‐building processes in the Sudans.
No Stake in Victory: North African Soldiers of the Great War
Authors: Rogan Eugene
Published: October 2014

The men of North Africa had no stake in the European war that erupted in August 1914. Over three hundred thousand Berber and Arab men from Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia fought in Belgium and France. Many were wounded in some of the bloodiest engagements on the Western Front. Thousands were taken prisoner. As many as forty‐five thousand never returned home, dying for a colonial power that had reduced them to second‐class citizens in their own homelands. One particular aspect this article will focus on addresses the Muslim soldiers taken prisoner by the Germans who were interned in a special camp where they were recruited to the Ottoman army. Thousands joined the Ottoman Jihad effort that German war planners hoped might provoke uprisings among colonial Muslims in the British, French, and Russian Empires to undermine the Entente war effort. Redeployed in Mesopotamia and the Hijaz, these North African soldiers were as ill‐served by the Ottoman Empire as they had been by the French. North African survivors of World War I resumed their lives as colonial subjects in their home countries under the intensified imperial rule of the interwar years.
Am I My Genes? Perceived Genetic Etiology, Intrapersonal Processes, and Health
Authors: Cheung Benjamin Y. , Dar‐Nimrod Ilan , Gonsalkorale Karen
Published: October 2014

With the increasing popularity and affordability of DNA sequencing through direct‐to‐consumer DNA sequencing services, it has become apparent that researchers need to understand how the results of sequencing one's DNA affects consumers psychologically and behaviorally. In this paper, the authors discuss several intrapersonal processes that may impact how learning about our own genetic predispositions affects us. In particular, this paper sets out to identify the interplay between three relevant perspectives: genetic essentialist biases, perceived identity, and need for certainty. These interrelated perspectives and the empirical research that supports relevant underlying predictions provide a useful basis from which researchers can further identify testable hypotheses on these intrapersonal perceived genetics effects. Such research has potential far‐reaching implications, not the least of which are in the health domain.
A Review of Computational Hemodynamics in Middle Cerebral Aneurysms and Rheological Models for Blood Flow
Authors: Campo-Deaño Laura , Oliveira Mónica S. N. , Pinho Fernando T.
Published: October 2014

Cerebrovascular accidents are the third most common cause of death in developed countries. Over recent years, CFD simulations using medical image-based anatomical vascular geometries have been shown to have great potential as a tool for diagnostic and treatment of brain aneurysms, in particular to help advise on the best treatment options. This work aims to present a state of the art review of the different models used in CFD, focusing in particular on modeling blood as a viscoelastic non-Newtonian fluid in order to help understand the role of the complex rheological nature of blood upon the dynamics of middle cerebral aneurysms. Moreover, since the mechanical properties of the vessel walls also play an important role in the cardiovascular system, different models for the arterial structure are reviewed in order to couple CFD and computational solid dynamics to allow the study of the fluid–structure interaction (FSI).
Improvement of 2000-m Rowing Performance With Caffeinated Carbohydrate-Gel Ingestion
Authors: Scott Andrew T. , O’Leary Thomas , Walker Simon , Owen Rachel
Published: October 2014

Purpose:

To investigate the effect of ingesting a caffeinated carbohydrate gel (CC) 10 minutes prior on 2000-m rowing performance compared with a carbohydrate-only placebo gel (CP).

Methods:

A counterbalanced, single-blind, crossover study design was employed (N = 13). All participants completed 1 familiarization trial followed by 2 experimental rowing time trials. The experimental trials were performed 10 min after ingesting CP (21.6 g of carbohydrate, 0 mg caffeine) or CC (21.6 g carbohydrate, 100 mg caffeine), and heart rate (HR), oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production, minute ventilation (VE), respiratory-exchange ratio (RER), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), gastrointestinal discomfort (GI), and thirst perception (Thirst) were recorded every 200 m. Blood lactate [La−] was recorded immediately before and after exercise.

Results:

A paired-samples t test identified a significant improvement in 2000-m performance of 5.2 ± 3.9 s (1.1% ± 1.7%; P = .034). Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA revealed no significant treatment effect for HR (177 ± 8 vs 177 ± 9 beats/min, P = .817), VO2 (46.1 ± 6.5 vs 46.6 ± 6.2 mL · kg−1 · min−1, P = .590), VE (121.8 ± 14.7 vs 124.8 ± 15.7 L/min, P = .490), RPE, GI, or Thirst for CP and CC, respectively. Paired-samples t tests revealed no treatment effect for postexercise [La−] between CP and CC (11.72 ± 2.69 vs 12.26 ± 3.13 mmol/L, P = .534).

Conclusion:

A relatively low dose of caffeine (1.3 ± 0.1 mg/kg body mass) in an isotonic carbohydrate gel ingested only 10 min before performance improved 2000-m rowing time by 5.2 ± 7.8 s (1.1% ± 1.7%).
Effect of Training-Session Intensity Distribution on Session Rating of Perceived Exertion in Soccer Players
Authors: Fanchini Maurizio , Ghielmetti Roberto , Coutts Aaron J. , Schena Federico , Impellizzeri Franco M.
Published: October 2014

Purpose:

To examine the effect of different exercise-intensity distributions within a training session on the session rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and to examine the timing of measure on the rating.

Methods:

Nineteen junior players (age 16 ± 1 y, height 173 ± 5 cm, body mass 64 ± 6 kg) from a Swiss soccer team were involved in the study. Percentage of heart rate maximum (%HR) and RPE (Borg CR100®) were collected in 4 standardized training sessions (conditions). The Total Quality of Recovery scale (TQR) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain of the lower limbs were used to control for the effect of pretraining fatigue. Every session consisted of three 20-min blocks of different intensities (ie, low-moderate-high) performed in a random order. RPE was collected after every block (RPE5), immediately after the session (RPE-end), and 30 min after the session (RPE30).

Results:

RPE5s of each block were different depending on the distribution sequence (P < .0001). RPE-end, TQR, and VAS values were not different between conditions (P = .57, P = .55, and P = .96, respectively). The %HR was significantly different between conditions (P = .008), with condition 3 higher than condition 2 (74.1 vs 70.2%, P = .02). Edwards training loads were not significantly different between conditions (P = .09). RPE30 was not different from RPE-end (P > .05).

Conclusions:

The current results show that coaches can design training sessions without concern about the influence of the within-session distribution of exercise intensity on session-RPE and that RPE can be collected at the end of the session or 30 min later.