bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overseas Trade and the Decline of Privateering
Authors: Hillmann Henning , Gathmann Christina
Published: September 2011

Using a novel data set on 2,483 British privateering cruises, we show that state-licensed raiding of commercial vessels was a popular and flourishing business among merchants that took a serious toll on enemy trade from 1689 to 1815. Why, then, did privateering merchants gradually turn away from these profitable endeavors? We show that the expansion of overseas trade increased the opportunity costs for merchants and resulted in the decline of privateering. Our findings document that the decline of privateering had as much to do with an expanding maritime economy as with the rising naval power of the British state.
Note on the coral Blastomussa loyae, a valid species from the Red Sea
Authors: Kleemann Karl , Baal Christian
Published: September 2011

The annotated literature of Blastomussa loyae Head, 1978, together with the comparison of descriptions and figures by various authors, new observations in the field, collected and figured samples from the northern Red Sea provide the basis to regard the species as valid and distinct from B. merleti (Wells, 1961).
Meta-analysis of volumetric abnormalities in cortico-striatal-pallidal-thalamic circuits in major depressive disorder
Authors: Bora E. , Harrison B. J. , Davey C. G. , Yücel M. , Pantelis C.
Published: September 2011

Background

Abnormalities in cortico-striatal-pallidal-thalamic (CSPT) circuits have been implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the robustness of these findings across studies is unclear, as is the extent to which they are influenced by demographic, clinical and pharmacological factors.

Method

With the aim of clarifying these questions, we conducted a meta-analysis to map the volumetric abnormalities that were most robustly identified in CSPT circuits of individuals with MDD. A systematic search identified 41 studies meeting our inclusion criteria.

Results

There were significant volume reductions in prefrontal (especially orbitofrontal) and anterior cingulate cortices, and also in subcortical structures such as the caudate nucleus and putamen, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The subgenual anterior cingulate and orbitofrontal cortices were significantly smaller in antidepressant-free samples compared to medicated patients. Late-life depression (LLD) tended to be associated with smaller volumes in circumscribed frontal and subcortical structures, with the most robust differences being found in thalamic volume.

Conclusions

Individuals with major depression demonstrate volumetric abnormalities of CSPT circuits. However, these observations may be restricted to certain subgroups, highlighting the clinical heterogeneity of the disorder. On the basis of this meta-analysis, CSPT abnormalities were more prominent in those with LLD whereas antidepressant use seemed to normalize certain cortical volumetric abnormalities.
Shared characteristics of suicides and other unnatural deaths following non-fatal self-harm? A multicentre study of risk factors
Authors: Bergen H. , Hawton K. , Kapur N. , Cooper J. , Steeg S. , Ness J. , Waters K.
Published: September 2011

Background

Mortality, including suicide and accidents, is elevated in self-harm populations. Although risk factors for suicide following self-harm are often investigated, rarely have those for accidents been studied. Our aim was to compare risk factors for suicide and accidents.

Method

A prospective cohort (n=30 202) from the Multicentre Study of Self-harm in England, 2000–2007, was followed up to 2010 using national death registers. Risk factors for suicide (intentional self-harm and undetermined intent) and accidents (narcotic poisoning, non-narcotic poisoning, and non-poisoning) following the last hospital presentation for self-harm were estimated using Cox models.

Results

During follow-up, 1833 individuals died, 378 (20.6%) by suicide and 242 (13.2%) by accidents. Independent predictors of both suicide and accidents were: male gender, age ⩾35 years (except accidental narcotic poisoning) and psychiatric treatment (except accidental narcotic poisoning). Factors differentiating suicide from accident risk were previous self-harm, last method of self-harm (twofold increased risks for cutting and violent self-injury versus self-poisoning) and mental health problems. A risk factor specific to accidental narcotic poisoning was recreational/illicit drug problems, and a risk factor specific to accidental non-narcotic poisoning and non-poisoning accidents was alcohol involvement with self-harm.

Conclusions

The similarity of risk factors for suicide and accidents indicates common experiences of socio-economic disadvantage, life problems and psychopathology resulting in a variety of self-destructive behaviour. Of factors associated with the accidental death groups, those for non-narcotic poisoning and other accidents were most similar to suicide; differences seemed to be related to criteria coroners use in reaching verdicts. Our findings support the idea of a continuum of premature death.
Appraisals, psychotic symptoms and affect in daily life
Authors: Peters E. , Lataster T. , Greenwood K. , Kuipers E. , Scott J. , Williams S. , Garety P. , Myin-Germeys I.
Published: September 2011

Background

Psychological models of psychosis were examined using Experience Sampling Methods (ESM) to explore relationships between dimensions and appraisals of key symptoms and affect.

Method

Individuals were signalled to complete ESM booklets 10 times per day for six consecutive days; 534 data points were obtained from 12 out-patients with psychosis.

Results

Although only 3.6% of spontaneous thoughts were psychosis related, these predicted more negative and less positive affect. Delusions and hallucinations, when present, were rated at a moderate level of intensity, and intensity was associated with distress, interference and preoccupation. Symptom dimensions were related to each other, with weaker associations with delusional conviction, which, it is hypothesized, may represent a separate factor. Conviction and appraisals relating to insight and decentring (‘my problems are something to do with the way my mind works’) were highly variable. Decentring appraisals of delusions, but not insight, were associated with less distress. Appraisals about the power of voices were strong predictors of negative affect and symptom distress.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that ESM is a useful methodology to capture ‘online’ variability in psychotic phenomenology and provides evidence supporting cognitive models, which posit that psychotic symptoms are multi-dimensional phenomena, shaped by appraisals that, in turn, predict their emotional and behavioural sequelae.
Ultra-low threshold polariton lasing in photonic crystal cavities
Authors: Azzini Stefano , Gerace Dario , Galli Matteo , Sagnes Isabelle , Braive Rémy , Lemaître Aristide , Bloch Jacqueline , Bajoni D.
Published: September 2011

The authors show clear experimental evidence of lasing of exciton polaritons confined in L3 photonic crystal cavities. The samples are based on an InP membrane in air containing five InAsP quantum wells. Polariton lasing is observed with thresholds as low as 120 nW, below the Mott transition, while conventional photon lasing is observed for a pumping power one to three orders of magnitude higher.
Signature of hydrophobic hydration in a single polymer
Authors: Li Isaac T. S. , Walker Gilbert C.
Published: September 2011

Hydrophobicity underpins self-assembly in many natural and synthetic molecular and nanoscale systems. A signature of hydrophobicity is its temperature dependence. The first experimental evaluation of the temperature and size dependence of hydration free energy in a single hydrophobic polymer is reported, which tests key assumptions in models of hydrophobic interactions in protein folding. Herein, the hydration free energy required to extend three hydrophobic polymers with differently sized aromatic side chains was directly measured by single molecule force spectroscopy. The results are threefold. First, the hydration free energy per monomer is found to be strongly dependent on temperature and does not follow interfacial thermodynamics. Second, the temperature dependence profiles are distinct among the three hydrophobic polymers as a result of a hydrophobic size effect at the subnanometer scale. Third, the hydration free energy of a monomer on a macromolecule is different from a free monomer; corrections for the reduced hydration free energy due to hydrophobic interaction from neighboring units are required.
Protein kinase C epsilon modulates nicotine consumption and dopamine reward signals in the nucleus accumbens
Authors: Lee Anna M. , Messing Robert O.
Published: September 2011

Nicotine addiction and alcohol use disorders are very widespread and often occur together. Currently, there is no single drug approved for the simultaneous treatment of both conditions. Although these conditions share common genetic factors, the molecular mechanisms underlying their comorbidity are unknown. We have previously shown that mice lacking protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) show decreased ethanol self-administration and reward as well as increased aversion to ethanol. Here we find that
Prkce
−/−
mice self-administer less nicotine and show decreased conditioned place preference for nicotine compared with wild-type mice. In
Prkce
−/−
mice, these behaviors are associated with reduced levels of α
6
and β
3
nicotinic receptor subunit mRNA in the ventral midbrain and striatum as well as a functional deficit in cholinergic modulation of dopamine release in nucleus accumbens. Our results indicate that PKCε regulates reward signaling through α
6
-containing nicotinic receptors and suggest that PKCε could be a target for the treatment of comorbid nicotine and alcohol addictions.
Intracellular phosphatidylserine is essential for retrograde membrane traffic through endosomes
Authors: Uchida Yasunori , Hasegawa Junya , Chinnapen Daniel , Inoue Takao , Okazaki Seiji , Kato Ryuichi , Wakatsuki Soichi , Misaki Ryo , Koike Masato , Uchiyama Yasuo , Iemura Shun-ichiro , Natsume Tohru , Kuwahara Ryusuke , Nakagawa Takatoshi , Nishikawa Kiyotaka , Mukai Kojiro , Miyoshi Eiji , Taniguchi Naoyuki , Sheff David , Lencer Wayne I. , Taguchi Tomohiko , Arai Hiroyuki
Published: September 2011

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a relatively minor constituent of biological membranes. Despite its low abundance, PS in the plasma membrane (PM) plays key roles in various phenomena such as the coagulation cascade, clearance of apoptotic cells, and recruitment of signaling molecules. PS also localizes in endocytic organelles, but how this relates to its cellular functions remains unknown. Here we report that PS is essential for retrograde membrane traffic at recycling endosomes (REs). PS was most concentrated in REs among intracellular organelles, and evectin-2 (evt-2), a protein of previously unknown function, was targeted to REs by the binding of its pleckstrin homology (PH) domain to PS. X-ray analysis supported the specificity of the binding of PS to the PH domain. Depletion of evt-2 or masking of intracellular PS suppressed membrane traffic from REs to the Golgi. These findings uncover the molecular basis that controls the RE-to-Golgi transport and identify a unique PH domain that specifically recognizes PS but not polyphosphoinositides.
Significant association between thyroid hormones and erythrocyte indices in euthyroid subjects
Authors: Bremner Alexandra P. , Feddema Peter , Joske David J. , Leedman Peter J. , O’Leary Peter C. , Olynyk John K. , Walsh John P.
Published: September 2011

Objective  Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are each associated with anaemia, but relationships between thyroid function and erythrocyte indices in euthyroid subjects have not been examined. The aim of this study was to examine these relationships in a community‐based cohort.

Design, subjects and measurements  Linear regression models with free T4, free T3 and TSH as predictors of erythrocyte indices and serum iron parameters were fitted to data from a cohort of 1179 participants in the 1994 Busselton health study and a subset of 1011 euthyroid participants. All models were adjusted for age, age2, sex and an age–sex interaction.

Results  In the full cohort and euthyroid subset, there were significant, positive linear relationships between free T4 and each of haemoglobin, haematocrit and erythrocyte count (P < 0·01 for each), such that in euthyroid participants, each 1·0 pm increase in free T4 was associated with an increase in haemoglobin of 0·39 g/l. There were significant relationships between free T3 and each of haemoglobin, haematocrit and erythrocyte count (P < 0·001 for each), with the best model fits obtained using free T32, indicating curved relationships. TSH had a significant (P < 0·05) inverse relationship with serum iron and transferrin saturation in the full cohort and the euthyroid subset. Serum iron concentrations were lower in participants with subclinical hypothyroidism (n = 87) than euthyroid subjects [mean (SD) 15·9 (4·7) vs 18·4 (6·0) μm, P = 0·001].

Conclusion  In euthyroid subjects, small differences in thyroid function are associated with significant differences in erythrocyte indices.
Comparison of ultrasonic irrigation and RinsEndo for the removal of calcium hydroxide and Ledermix paste from root canals
Authors: Rödig Tina , Hirschleb Manja , Zapf Antonia , Hülsmann Michael
Published: September 2011

Rödig T, Hirschleb M, Zapf A, Hülsmann M. Comparison of ultrasonic irrigation and RinsEndo for the removal of calcium hydroxide and Ledermix paste from root canals. International Endodontic Journal, 44, 1155–1161, 2011.

Aim  To compare the efficacy of ultrasonic irrigation and RinsEndo in removing calcium hydroxide and Ledermix paste from simulated root canal irregularities.

Methodology  The root canals of sixty extracted single‐rooted teeth were prepared using FlexMaster rotary instruments to size 60, 0.02 taper. The roots were split longitudinally, and a standardized groove was prepared in the apical part of one segment. The teeth were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 30), according to the intracanal dressing. In the first group, grooves were filled with calcium hydroxide paste (Calxyl), whereas the grooves in the second group were filled with Ledermix paste. After reassembly, the root canals were completely filled with the respective medicament using a lentulo. The removal of medicament dressing was performed after 7 days with either passive ultrasonic irrigation or RinsEndo and 1% sodium hypochlorite for 3 min. The amount of remaining medicament was evaluated under a microscope with 30 × magnification using a four‐grade scoring system. A regression analysis with P ≤ 0.05 was performed.

Results  Ledermix paste removal was significantly more effective than the removal of calcium hydroxide (P < 0.0001), whereas irrigation technique was not a significant factor (P = 0.3712). The percentages of complete removal of calcium hydroxide and Ledermix paste were 11.7% and 51.7%, respectively.

Conclusions  None of the irrigation techniques was able to completely remove the intracanal medicaments from the apical part of the root canal. Irrespective of the irrigation technique, significantly less Ledermix paste was detected compared with calcium hydroxide.
The Arabidopsis transcription factor PHR1 is essential for adaptation to high light and retaining functional photosynthesis during phosphate starvation
Authors: Nilsson Lena , Lundmark Maria , Jensen Poul E. , Nielsen Tom H.
Published: September 2011

The transcription factor PHR1 (PHOSPHATE STARVATION RESPONSE 1; encoded by gene At4g28610) is central for adaptation to phosphate deficiency in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). A rapid turnover of phosphate pools in the leaves is essential for energy transfer and metabolism within photosynthesis, and consequently, we hypothesized that PHR1 is needed for adaptation to high‐light stress during P deficiency. We analyzed three Arabidopsis plant lines: wild‐type, a transgenic PHR1 overexpressor line and a knockout mutant, phr1. The plants were grown under phosphate‐limiting and sufficient conditions and exposed to different light conditions. Photosynthetic activity and light stress of the leaves were characterized by analyzing accumulation of carbohydrates, chlorophyll fluorescence, immunoblot detection of photosystem subunits and anthocyanin accumulation. Compared to the wild‐type and the overexpressor line, the phr1 mutant has decreased levels of phosphate, anthocyanins and carbohydrates during combined P deficiency and light stress. The stressed mutant also has strongly decreased photosystem II (PSII) quantum efficiency, and shows degradation of the core units of PSII demonstrating extensive irreversible photodamage. We conclude that PHR1 is needed for the metabolic balance, for retaining Pi levels and for inducing anthocyanin production, and during P deficiency PHR1 is vital for adaptations to avoid permanent damage to photosystems during high‐light conditions.
THE FRENCH STATE AND ITS TERRITORIAL CHALLENGES
Authors: COLE ALISTAIR
Published: September 2011

This article focuses upon the territorial challenges to the French state. There is a genuine policy puzzle in terms of how to join up separate agencies of the state that is far from unique to France. Introducing new evidence based on interviews with high ranking officials, politicians and representatives of territorial policy communities in 2010, the main body of the article focuses upon the two main territorial reforms of the Sarkozy presidency, the reform of the territorial state, and the local government reform. These cases reveal an original attempt to craft a political discourse based on public sector productivity and state puissance. The article explores the tension between synoptic models of reform, focused on the expectation of rapid and quantifiable macro‐level change that suits the short‐term returns of the political cycle; and institutionalized processes of meso‐level implementation, with different timescales, logics of appropriateness and configurations of actors.
Interplay between Friends' Aggression and Friendship Quality in the Development of Child Aggression during the Early School Years
Authors: Salvas Marie‐Claude , Vitaro Frank , Brendgen Mara , Lacourse Éric , Boivin Michel , Tremblay Richard E.
Published: September 2011

The aim of this study was to investigate the unique and combined role of friendship quality and friends' aggression in regard to the persistence of young children's physical aggression from kindergarten to grade 2. The sample included 1555 children (808 girls) assessed annually using teacher ratings. Two theoretical perspectives (i.e., the social learning and the social bonding perspectives) served as frameworks to guide the analyses and interpret the results. In line with the social learning perspective, friends' aggression was related to a significant increase in children's physical aggression. However, in line with the social bonding perspective, good friendship quality played both a compensatory and a protective role, by, respectively, reducing children's initial level of physical aggression and by mitigating, albeit marginally, the associations between friends' and children's physical aggression. These results suggest that fostering a positive relationship between friends in the early school years may decrease physical aggression even if the friends are aggressive.
The Soft Tyranny of Inflation Expectations
Authors: Posen Adam
Published: September 2011

The degree of anchoring of inflation expectations is a key determinant of outcomes in all modern macroeconomic models, inspired by the experience of the 1970s. For monetary policy‐making today, however, the sensitivity and relevance of measured inflation expectations is more questionable. The British economy, beset by a series of significant shocks in 2008–11, while operating an inflation targeting regime, provides a case with which to explore these issues. Five conclusions emerge given current monetary and economic structures: reliable forecasts for domestically generated inflation can be made taking inflation expectations as anchored; movements in measured short‐term inflation expectations are uninformative for forecasts; financial markets can distinguish between increased economic uncertainty and uncertainty about monetary credibility; real wages do not automatically respond to rises in household inflation expectations; monetary policy should be set in accord with the best medium‐term forecast for inflation without adjustment for inflation expectations in and of themselves.
Overcoming Barriers to Integrating Economic Analysis into Risk Assessment†
Authors: Hoffmann Sandra
Published: September 2011

Regulatory risk analysis is designed to provide decisionmakers with a clearer understanding of how policies are likely to affect risk. The systems that produce risk are biological, physical, and social and economic. As a result, risk analysis is an inherently interdisciplinary task. Yet in practice, risk analysis has been interdisciplinary in only limited ways. Risk analysis could provide more accurate assessments of risk if there were better integration of economics and other social sciences intorisk assessmentitself. This essay examines how discussions about risk analysis policy have influenced the roles of various disciplines in risk analysis. It explores ways in which integrated bio/physical‐economic modeling could contribute to more accurate assessments of risk. It reviews examples of the kind of integrated economics‐bio/physical modeling that could be used to enhance risk assessment. The essay ends with a discussion of institutional barriers to greater integration of economic modeling into risk assessment and provides suggestions on how these might be overcome.
Intravascular Ultrasound‐Guided Thrombus Retrieval with a Multipurpose‐Angled Catheter During Carotid Artery Stenting
Authors: Kan Peter , Binning Mandy J. , Siddiqui Adnan H.
Published: September 2011

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) has provided invaluable real‐time information during carotid artery stenting (CAS). We present a case of IVUS‐guided thrombus extraction during CAS. A 46‐year‐old man underwent an urgent right CAS under proximal flow reversal for embolic protection for a hemodynamically significant symptomatic near‐occlusion of the internal carotid artery. IVUS was used to evaluate immediate poststenting results and identify potential thromboembolic material extruding through the tines of the stent. An intraluminal thrombus was identified with IVUS after the stent was deployed. This led to the use of a second stent in an attempt to trap the thrombus. Ultimately, the thrombus was removed with the use of a multipurpose‐angled catheter under IVUS guidance. The artery reconstituted almost completely after stent placement, and the patient's condition improved significantly. IVUS identification of intraluminal thrombus allowed additional maneuvers to be performed to prevent distal embolization and postprocedure stroke.
Unilateral Contrast Neurotoxicity as a Stroke Mimic After Cerebral Angiogram
Authors: Haussen Diogo C. , Modir Royya , Yavagal Dileep R.
Published: September 2011

Contrast neurotoxicity (CN) following exposure to iodinated contrast is uncommon, and usually presents as cortical blindness due to bilateral occipital lobe involvement. Unilateral cortical dysfunction due to CN could mimic an acute stroke and has been rarely described. We report the case of an 89‐year‐old female who developed a transient dense/complete left homonymous‐hemianopsia and left‐sided tactile extinction after undergoing a right internal carotid (ICA) artery rotational angiogram with a standard high‐volume iodinated contrast injection for 3D visualization a 6×4‐mm right posterior communicating artery aneurysm with a fetal posterior cerebral artery (PCA) incorporated in the neck. This was associated with transient fullness and loss of gray‐white matter differentiation in the right occipital and parietal lobes. The potential mechanism of CN in our case was the injection of a high volume of contrast in the ICA for the rotational angiogram. The presence of a right fetal PCA possibly allowed the contrast to reach the right occipital lobe. CN manifesting as an acute focal neurologic syndrome should be considered in the setting of recent iodinated contrast exposure.
A clinicopathological study on verrucous hyperplasia and verrucous carcinoma of the oral mucosa
Authors: Zhu Lai‐Kuan , Ding Ye‐Wei , Liu Wei , Zhou Yong‐Mei , Shi Lin‐Jun , Zhou Zeng‐Tong
Published: September 2011

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 131–135

Background:  Oral verrucous hyperplasia (VH) and verrucous carcinoma (VC) are two clinicopathologically distinctive oral verrucous lesions. The objective of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological features of the two verrucous lesions and estimate their relationship from China.

Methods:  Retrospective review of two series of patients with histologically confirmed VH (n = 121) and VC (n = 56) between 1996 and 2009 in our hospital were conducted.

Results:  The average age of VH was 58.5 years (ratio male:female = 1.37) with the tongue being the predominant site. The average age of VC was 64.3 years (ratio male:female = 1.15) with the lower lip being the predominant site. Multivariate analysis revealed that the elderly patient with verrucous lesion (≥60 years) was associated with 3.06‐fold (P = 0.007) increased carcinoma risk compared with the non‐elderly patient. The lesion located on lower lip was associated with 13.54‐fold (P < 0.001) increased carcinoma risk compared with other sites.

Conclusion:  Clinicopathological features of VH and VC in China were elucidated. Elderly patient with oral verrucous lesion located on the lower lip correlates with higher risk of carcinoma.
The effect of whole body vibration on the H‐reflex, the stretch reflex, and the short‐latency response during hopping
Authors: Ritzmann R. , Kramer A. , Gollhofer A. , Taube W.
Published: September 2011

The effect of whole body vibration (WBV) on reflex responses is controversially discussed in the literature. In this study, three different modalities of reflex activation with increased motor complexity have been selected to clarify the effects of acute WBV on reflex activation: (1) the electrically evoked H‐reflex, (2) the mechanically elicited stretch reflex, and (3) the short‐latency response (SLR) during hopping. WBV‐induced changes of the H‐reflex, the stretch reflex, and the SLR during hopping were recorded in the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles and were analyzed before, during (only the H‐reflex), immediately after, 5 min and 10 min after WBV. The main findings were that (1) the H‐reflexes were significantly reduced during and at least up to 5 min after WBV, (2) the stretch reflex amplitudes were also significantly reduced immediately after WBV but recovered to their initial amplitudes within 5 min, and (3) the SLR during hopping showed no vibration‐induced modulation. With regard to the modalities with low motor complexities, the decreased H‐ and stretch reflex responses are assumed to point toward a reduced Ia afferent transmission during and after WBV. However, it is assumed that during hopping, the suppression of reflex sensitivity is compensated by facilitatory mechanisms in this complex motor task.
Effects of bisphenol A administration to pregnant mice on serum Ca and intestinal Ca absorption
Authors: OTSUKA Hinako , SUGIMOTO Miki , IKEDA Shuntaro , KUME Shinichi
Published: September 2011

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a xenoestrogen commonly used in food storage plastics. The present study was conducted to clarify the effects of BPA administration to pregnant mice on serum calcium (Ca) and Ca metabolism of the gut and kidney. From 6.5 to 16.5 days post coitus (dpc), pregnant mice were administered at 2 mg or 20 mg/kg body weight/day of BPA. Serum Ca was decreased in mice treated with 20 mg BPA at 17.5 dpc, but no remarkable differences were detected in the alkaline phosphatase activity and vitamin D receptor protein expression in the duodenum and jejunum. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of calcium binding protein (CaBP‐9k) and active vitamin D synthesis enzyme (CYP27B1) in the kidney were increased in mice treated with 20 mg BPA. The mRNA expressions of occludin and junction adherence molecular A (JAM‐A) in the duodenum and ileum, which regulate paracellular transport, were increased in mice treated with 20 mg BPA. However, the administration of 2 mg BPA had no effect on serum Ca and mRNA expressions of relative genes in Ca metabolism. These results imply that BPA administration at 20 mg/kg body weight/day during pregnancy decreases serum Ca in pre‐delivery mice, which may be partly due to decreased paracellular Ca absorption.
Bird diversity and the conservation value of a new Ramsar site: Guangdong Haifeng Wetlands, China
Authors: HU Junhua , JIANG Zhigang , ZHANG Chunlan , XIAO Feng , HU Huijian
Published: September 2011

Wetlands are critical habitats for birds. However, wetlands are being degraded at an accelerating rate due to global human activity, and a disproportionate fraction of wetland‐dependent bird species are in decline. We evaluated the conservation value of a new Ramsar site, Guangdong Haifeng Wetlands, China, for birds, by comparing bird communities (using line transect data) in 3 different districts: Gongping, Dongguan Lian'anwei and Dahu. We recorded 139 species of birds, including 26 species that are protected at a national level. Dahu had the highest species richness and diversity, whereas Dongguan Lian'anwei had the highest abundance of birds and the lowest species diversity. Finally, Gongping had both the lowest species richness and the lowest abundance. The endemism of constituent species differed among districts, and the bird communities were complementary. There were significant seasonal differences in the species richness and the number of individuals. Spring had the highest species richness and diversity. The present study identifies the high conservation value of Haifeng Wetlands for both waterbirds and terrestrial birds. Our findings suggest that conservation efforts in Haifeng Wetlands and other wetlands should focus not only on wintering migratory birds, but also on resident birds. To accomplish effective conservation, we should consider the reserve and surrounding wetlands as a whole, incorporating ecological research, education and local economic development.
Synthesis of Mg‐Doped TiO2 Nanoparticles under Different Conditions and its Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Behnajady Mohammad A. , Alizade Bahare , Modirshahla Nasser
Published: September 2011

In this study, TiO2‐ and Mg‐doped TiO2 nanoparticles with different dopant contents were prepared by sol‐gel method. The prepared photocatalysts were characterized with X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) techniques. The results of BET analysis indicated a pore diameter of 8 nm and surface area of 48.5 m2 g−1. XRD patterns of pure and doped TiO2 nanoparticles at 450°C revealed that all phases are anatase. The particle size obtained from TEM was less than 20 nm. The band gap energy of Mg‐doped TiO2 nanoparticles was lower than that of TiO2. The photocatalytic activity of the pure and doped nanoparticles has been compared in the removal of C.I. Acid Red 27 (AR27). The photocatalytic activity of Mg‐doped (0.2 mol%) TiO2 for the degradation of AR27 was higher than that of bare TiO2 nanoparticles. Results of total organic carbon analysis and changes in the AR27 UV–Vis peaks indicated 99% mineralization and extinguishing of all peaks in UV and visible regions is possible with Mg‐doped TiO2 nanoparticles. Removal efficiency of AR27 was sensitive to the parameters such as catalyst dose, pollutant concentration and light intensity.
Identification of DLG5 and SLC22A5 gene polymorphisms in Malaysian patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: CHUA Kek Heng , LIAN Lay Hoong , KEE Boon Pin , THUM Chooi Mei , LEE Way Seah , HILMI Ida , GOH Khean Lee
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE:  The aim of this study was to investigate the association of DLG5 and SLC22A5 gene polymorphisms with the onset of Crohn's disease (CD) in a Malaysian cohort.

METHODS:  Genomic DNA of 80 CD patients and 100 healthy unrelated control individuals was extracted and analyzed via polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) on DLG5 (4136 C/A), DLG5_e26 and SLC22A5 (‐207 G/C) genetic polymorphisms. Data obtained from the study were then subjected to statistical analysis to test for risk association.

RESULTS:  Significant associations of both DLG5 polymorphisms with the development of CD in the Malaysian patients were observed in this study. The homozygous C genotype of the DLG5 polymorphism was significantly related to CD patients (P = 0.0023, OR = 2.5320), while the homozygous A was significant in control individuals (P = 0.0224, OR = 0.4480). In DLG5_e26 polymorphisms, we found a significant distribution of the homozygous insA genotype in CD patients (P = 0.0006, OR = 2.8916), whereas the heterozygous insA/delA genotype was significant in controls (P = 0.0007, OR = 0.3487). We hypothesized that there might be a complex interaction of both alleles, which confered a protective effect against the onset of CD. However, we did not observe any significant correlation of SLC22A5 polymorphisms with this disease.

CONCLUSIONS:  In our study, both polymorphisms in the DLG5 gene were found to be associated with CD patients in Malaysia. Therefore, these loci can be potentially used as susceptibility markers in the Malaysian population.
Barrett's esophagus‐related diseases remain uncommon in China
Authors: HUANG Qin , FANG Dian Chun , YU Cheng Gong , ZHANG Jun , CHEN Min Hu
Published: September 2011

Barrett's esophagus (BE)‐related esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) has shown the fastest rise in incidence in Western countries; however, research data on BE‐related diseases from China are inconclusive. We aimed to review and analyze the published results on these diseases in China. We searched PubMed and Chinese medical literature for key words: BE, EAC, Chinese and China. Relevant research papers along with the study results from our own groups were reviewed and analyzed. Using standardized criteria, columnar‐lined esophagus (CLE) was found in as many as 29% of resection specimens in Chinese patients with proximal gastric cancer. However, BE with intestinal metaplasia was rare, ranging from 0.06% in the general population to <2% in referral patients. Risk factors included advancing age, hiatal hernia and probably gastroesophageal reflux disease and tobacco or alcohol abuse, but not male gender or obesity. At endoscopy, most CLE/BE were <2 cm in length, and appeared tongue‐like and island‐like. The long‐segment BE was rare, especially in women. Population‐based studies conducted in Taiwan and Hong Kong SAR, China showed that EAC was not only rare but also stable or had decreased in incidence over the past decade. By histopathology, EAC accounted for only 1% of all distal esophageal cancers and almost all gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers were centered in the proximal stomach. BE‐related diseases, except for CLE, are rare in China. The clinical significance and malignant potential of CLE in the Chinese population remain elusive. Further investigation on these diseases is in progress.
Bacteriophage recombineering in the lytic state using the lambda red recombinases
Authors: Fehér Tamás , Karcagi Ildikó , Blattner Frederick R. , Pósfai György
Published: September 2011

Bacteriophages, the historic model organisms facilitating the initiation of molecular biology, are still important candidates of numerous useful or promising biotechnological applications. Development of generally applicable, simple and rapid techniques for their genetic engineering is therefore a validated goal. In this article, we report the use of bacteriophage recombineering with electroporated DNA (BRED), for the first time in a coliphage. With the help of BRED, we removed a copy of mobile element IS1, shown to be active, from the genome of P1vir, a coliphage frequently used in genome engineering procedures. The engineered, IS‐free coliphage, P1virdeltaIS, displayed normal plaque morphology, phage titre, burst size and capacity for generalized transduction. When performing head‐to‐head competition experiments, P1vir could not outperform P1virdeltaIS, further indicating that the specific copy of IS1 plays no direct role in lytic replication. Overall, P1virdeltaIS provides a genome engineering vehicle free of IS contamination, and BRED is likely to serve as a generally applicable tool for engineering bacteriophage genomes in a wide range of taxa.
Is the brain water channel aquaporin‐4 a pathogenetic factor in idiopathic intracranial hypertension? Results from a combined clinical and genetic study in a Norwegian cohort
Authors: Kerty Emilia , Heuser Kjell , Indahl Ulf G. , Berg Paul R. , Nakken Sigve , Lien Sigbjørn , Omholt Stig W. , Ottersen Ole P. , Nagelhus Erlend A.
Published: September 2011

Purpose:  Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a condition of increased intracranial pressure of unknown aetiology. Patients with IIH usually suffer from headache and visual disturbances. High intracranial pressure despite normal ventricle size and negative MRI indicate perturbed water flux across cellular membranes, which is provided by the brain water channel aquaporin‐4 (AQP4). IIH could be associated with malfunctioning intracerebral water homeostasis and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) reabsorption based on functional or regulatory alterations of AQP4.

Methods:  Clinical data, blood and CSF samples were collected from 28 patients with IIH. Clinical characteristics were assessed, and a genetic association study was performed by sequencing the AQP4 gene on chromosome 18. Genetic data were compared with 52 healthy controls and matched by age, sex and ethnicity. Chi‐square test and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were used in the search of a genotype–phenotype association.

Results:  While the majority of patients responded to medical treatment, four required shunt application. All, except one, had a good visual outcome. The 24 AQP4 gene SNPs showed no association with IIH. Full cross‐validation of the LDA modelling resulted in only 55.1% correct classification of the cases and controls, with a corresponding estimated p‐value 0.37.

Conclusions:  Our genetic case–control study did not indicate an association between AQP4 gene variants and IIH. However, the theory of an etiopathogenic link between IIH and AQP4 is tempting, and discussed in this article. Association studies with large sample size are difficult to perform owing is the rarity of the condition.
Radiographic Heart Size and Its Rate of Increase as Tests for Onset of Congestive Heart Failure in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with Mitral Valve Regurgitation
Authors: Lord P.F. , Hansson K. , Carnabuci C. , Kvart C. , Häggström J
Published: September 2011

Background

In canine mitral regurgitation (MR) the rate of heart enlargement increases in the last year before congestive heart failure (CHF). Measurement of heart size and its rate of increase may be useful tests forCHFinMR.

Objectives

To determine the value of vertebral heart scale (VHS) and its rate of increase (∆VHSunits/month) for diagnosing the presence and predicting the onset ofCHF.

Animals

Longitudinal study of 94 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS).

Methods

VHSwas measured at intervals beforeCHF. ∆VHS/month was calculated from sequential pairs ofVHSmeasurements and the interval between them. Diagnostic accuracy and utility were determined by the areas under receiver operating characteristic plots (AUROC), and likelihood ratios (LR).

Results

AUROCforVHSat the onset ofCHFwas 0.93 (95%CI, 0.96–0.90), to predictCHF1–12 months beforeCHFwas 0.74 (95%CI, 0.81–0.66), and for ∆VHS/month atCHFwas 0.98 (95%CI, 0.99–0.96). IntervalLRs and their cutoff values forCHFwere forVHS: 13 (95%CI, 20–7.3) at ≥12.7; 1.2 (95%CI, 2.0–0.68) between 12.7 and 12.0; 0.04 (95%CI, 0.18–0.01) at ≤12.0, and for ∆VHS/month: 15 (95%CI, 30–7.7) at ≥0.08; 0.72 (95%CI, 2.0–0.25) between 0.08 and 0.06; and 0.05 (95%CI, 0.13–0.02) at ≤0.06.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Under the conditions of this study,VHSand particularly ∆VHS/month are useful measurements for detecting onset ofCHFinCKCSwithMR.
The potassium–chloride cotransporter 2 promotes cervical cancer cell migration and invasion by an ion transport‐independent mechanism
Authors: Wei Wei‐Chun , Akerman Colin J. , Newey Sarah E. , Pan Jiliu , Clinch Nicholas W. V. , Jacob Yves , Shen Meng‐Ru , Wilkins Robert J. , Ellory J. Clive
Published: September 2011

Non‐Technical Summary  K+–Cl− cotransporters (KCCs) play a fundamental role in epithelial cell function, both in the context of ionic homeostasis and also in cell morphology, cell division and locomotion. Unlike other ubiquitously expressed KCC isoforms, expression of KCC2 is widely considered to be restricted to neurons. Here we report a novel finding that KCC2 is widely expressed in several human cancer cell lines including the cervical cancer cell line (SiHa). Our data establish that KCC2 expression and function is not restricted to neurons and that KCC2 serves to increase cervical cancer progression via an ion transport‐independent mechanism.
Kv1 channels control spike threshold dynamics and spike timing in cortical pyramidal neurones
Authors: Higgs Matthew H. , Spain William J.
Published: September 2011

Non‐Technical Summary  Spiking neurones generate action potentials when the transmembrane voltage difference near the spike generating zone reaches a threshold level. Above the threshold, the inward sodium current exceeds the outward potassium current, causing the rapid upstroke of the action potential. In many neurones, including cortical pyramidal cells, the threshold is not constant but responds to a change in voltage with a short delay. The functional effect is equivalent to high‐pass filtering of the voltage response, and a major benefit is enhanced spike timing precision. Two mechanisms that may contribute to a dynamic spike threshold are sodium channel inactivation and potassium channel activation, both caused by a rise in voltage. We found that blocking low‐threshold Kv1 potassium channels greatly reduced threshold changes in pyramidal neurones located in layer 2–3 of the rat motor cortex. Studies using noise stimulation showed that blocking Kv1 impaired the ability of these cells to encode fast components of the input signal with precisely timed spikes. These results demonstrate a key role of Kv1 in cortical spike timing, with possible implications for information coding as well as pathological hypersynchronous discharges in epilepsy.
Introduction to Statistical Methods to Analyze Large Data Sets: Principal Components Analysis
Authors: Clark Neil R. , Ma’ayan Avi
Published: September 2011

Lecture notes, slides, and problem sets introduce the mathematical concepts behind principal components analysis.
To Swim or Float?
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: September 2011

Quorum-sensing signaling triggers a morphogenic pathway enabling bacteria to produce gas vesicles to move by adaptive flotation.
The Repressor Within
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: September 2011

An internal promoter drives expression of a truncated transcription factor that acts as a dominant-negative repressor of Wnt-responsive genes.
Ribosomal Mutations as the Main Cause of Macrolide Resistance in Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli
Authors: Lehtopolku Mirva , Kotilainen Pirkko , Haanperä-Heikkinen Marjo , Nakari Ulla-Maija , Hänninen Marja-Liisa , Huovinen Pentti , Siitonen Anja , Eerola Erkki , Jalava Jari , Hakanen Antti J.
Published: September 2011

The aim of this study was to examine macrolide resistance mutations in
Campylobacter
species. In 76 strains studied, point mutation A to G at position 2059 of the 23S rRNA gene was detected in 30 of the 33 erythromycin-resistant strains. An amino acid insertion in the ribosomal protein L22 was found in one resistant strain without a 23S rRNA mutation. The A2059G mutation is the main cause of macrolide resistance in
Campylobacter
species.
Complete Genome of the Cellulolytic Ruminal Bacterium Ruminococcus albus 7
Authors: Suen Garret , Stevenson David M. , Bruce David C. , Chertkov Olga , Copeland Alex , Cheng Jan-Feng , Detter Chris , Detter John C. , Goodwin Lynne A. , Han Cliff S. , Hauser Loren J. , Ivanova Natalia N. , Kyrpides Nikos C. , Land Miriam L. , Lapidus Alla , Lucas Susan , Ovchinnikova Galina , Pitluck Sam , Tapia Roxanne , Woyke Tanja , Boyum Julie , Mead David , Weimer Paul J.
Published: September 2011

Ruminococcus albus
7 is a highly cellulolytic ruminal bacterium that is a member of the phylum
Firmicutes
. Here, we describe the complete genome of this microbe. This genome will be useful for rumen microbiology and cellulosome biology and in biofuel production, as one of its major fermentation products is ethanol.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Nicotine-Degrading Pseudomonas putida Strain S16
Authors: Yu Hao , Tang Hongzhi , Wang Lijuan , Yao Yuxiang , Wu Geng , Xu Ping
Published: September 2011

Pseudomonas putida
S16 is an efficient degrader of nicotine. The complete genome of strain S16 (5,984,790 bp in length) includes genes related to catabolism of aromatic and heterocyclic compounds. The genes of enzymes in the core genome and a genomic island encode the proteins responsible for nicotine catabolism.
Genome Sequence of Brevibacillus laterosporus LMG 15441, a Pathogen of Invertebrates
Authors: Djukic Marvin , Poehlein Anja , Thürmer Andrea , Daniel Rolf
Published: September 2011

Here we announce the genome sequence of the bacterium
Brevibacillus laterosporus
LMG 15441, which is a pathogen of invertebrates. The genome consists of one chromosome and two circular plasmids. Sequence analysis revealed a large potential to produce polyketides, nonribosomal peptides, and toxins.
Genome Sequence of the Probiotic Strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp.
lactis
CNCM I-2494
Authors: Chervaux Christian , Grimaldi Christine , Bolotin Alexander , Quinquis Benoit , Legrain-Raspaud Sophie , van Hylckama Vlieg Johan E. T. , Denariaz Gerard , Smokvina Tamara
Published: September 2011

Bifidobacterium animalis
subsp.
lactis
CNCM I-2494 is part of a commercialized fermented dairy product with documented health benefits revealed by multiple randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials. Here we report the complete genome sequence of this strain, which has a circular genome of 1,943,113 bp with 1,660 open reading frames and 4 ribosomal operons.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens XH7, Which Exhibits Production of Purine Nucleosides
Authors: Yang Huilin , Liao Yuling , Wang Bin , Lin Ying , Pan Li
Published: September 2011

Here, we report the complete annotated genome sequence of
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
XH7, which is used to produce purine nucleosides in industry. The genome sequence will allow for the characterization of the molecular mechanisms underlying its beneficial properties.