bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communication between L–galactono–1,4–lactone dehydrogenase and cytochrome c
Authors: Hervás Manuel , Bashir Qamar , Leferink Nicole G. H. , Ferreira Patricia , Moreno‐Beltrán Blas , Westphal Adrie H. , Dίaz–Moreno Irene , Medina Milagros , de la Rosa Miguel A. , Ubbink Marcellus , Navarro José A. , van Berkel Willem J. H.
Published: February 2013

l‐galactono‐1,4‐lactone dehydrogenase (GALDH) catalyzes the terminal step of vitamin C biosynthesis in plant mitochondria. Here we investigated the communication between Arabidopsis thaliana GALDH and its natural electron acceptor cytochrome c (Cc). Using laser‐generated radicals we observed the formation and stabilization of the GALDH semiquinone anionic species (GALDHSQ). GALDHSQ oxidation by Cc exhibited a nonlinear dependence on Cc concentration consistent with a kinetic mechanism involving protein–partner association to form a transient bimolecular complex prior to the electron transfer step. Oxidation of GALDHSQ by Cc was significantly impaired at high ionic strength, revealing the existence of attractive charge–charge interactions between the two reactants. Isothermal titration calorimetry showed that GALDH weakly interacts with both oxidized and reduced Cc. Chemical shift perturbations for 1H and 15N nuclei of Cc, arising from the interactions with unlabeled GALDH, were used to map the interacting surface of Cc. For Arabidopsis Cc and yeast Cc, similar residues are involved in the interaction with GALDH. These residues are confined to a single surface surrounding the heme edge. The range of chemical shift perturbations for the physiological Arabidopsis Cc–GALDH complex is larger than that of the non‐physiological yeast Cc–GALDH complex, indicating that the former complex is more specific. In summary, the results point to a relatively low affinity GALDH–Cc interaction, similar for all partner redox states, involving protein–protein dynamic motions. Evidence is also provided that Cc utilizes a conserved surface surrounding the heme edge for the interaction with GALDH and other redox partners.

Database

NMR assignment of the backbone amide resonances of Arabidopsis CcRED has been deposited in BMRB database (BMRB accession number 18828). L‐galactono‐1,4‐lactone dehydrogenase (L‐galactono‐1,4‐lactone: ferricytochrome c oxidoreductase, EC 1.3.2.3)
Lumican effects in the control of tumour progression and their links with metalloproteinases and integrins
Authors: Brézillon Stéphane , Pietraszek Katarzyna , Maquart François‐Xavier , Wegrowski Yanusz
Published: February 2013

Lumican is a member of the small leucine‐rich proteoglycan family. It is present in numerous extracellular matrices of different tissues, such as muscle, cartilage, and cornea. In skin, lumican is present as a glycoprotein. It plays a critical role in collagen fibrillogenesis, as shown by knocking out of its gene in mice. A direct link between lumican expression and melanoma progression and metastasis has been demonstrated. Lumican was shown to impede tumour cell migration and invasion by directly interacting with the α2β1 integrin. In addition, an active sequence of the lumican core protein, called lumcorin, was identified as being responsible for inhibition of melanoma cell migration. Lumican was also shown to exert angiostatic properties by downregulating the proteolytic activity associated with endothelial cell membranes, particularly matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐14 and MMP‐9. Globally, lumican appears to be a potent agent for inhibiting tumour progression rather than tumorigenesis. However, progressive changes in proteoglycans occur in the tumour environment. The complexity and diversity of proteoglycan structure might be responsible for a variety of functions that regulate cell behaviour. Through their core protein and their glycosaminoglycan chains, proteoglycans can interact with growth factors and chemokines. These interactions affect cell signalling, motility, adhesion, growth, and apoptosis. This review summarizes recent data concerning lumican control of tumour progression in different cancers, with a particular focus on its interactions with MMPs and integrins. Its potential therapeutic implications are discussed.
Improved Thermal Stress Resistance Parameters Considering Temperature Gradients for Bricks in Refractory Linings
Authors: Brochen Erwan , Pötschke Jürgen , Aneziris Christos G.
Published: February 2013

The thermal stress resistance (TSR) parameters available in the literature are basically “figures of merit” that should help for the selection of materials for engineering design involving thermal stress fracture. However, they are based on very simplified models. For instance, they neglect or simplify the thermal gradient or rather the stress field that actually exist in practice. The state of stress was analytically calculated and the results implemented in the established thermal stress fracture parameters (R, R″) and damage parameter (). For each of them, an analytical solution and an approximation were derived. The reviewed TSR parameters allow a clearly improved prediction of the resistance to thermal shock for bricks in refractory linings and facilitate the classification of industrial refractories.
The Calendar Structure of the Japanese Stock Market: The ‘Sell in May Effect’ versus the ‘Dekansho‐bushi Effect’
Authors: Sakakibara Shigeki , Yamasaki Takashi , Okada Katsuhiko
Published: February 2013

We report on a seasonal pattern that has persisted in the Japanese stock market for more than half a century: Mean stock returns are significantly positive for months during the first half of the calendar year and significantly negative for months during the second half. Dubbed the Dekansho‐bushi effect, this seasonality is independent of other known calendar anomalies, such as the so‐called January effect. The Dekansho‐bushi effect should be distinguished from the ‘sell in May effect,’ because Japanese stocks perform well in June and poorly in November and December. The Dekansho‐bushi effect varies in magnitude among firms and is particularly significant among small firms with high book‐to‐market ratios. Nonetheless, the effect exists, regardless of a company's size or book‐to‐market ratio.
SEXUAL DIVERSITY AND DIVINE CREATION: A TIGHTROPE WALK BETWEEN CHRISTIANITY AND SCIENCE
Authors: Fehige Yiftach
Published: February 2013

Abstract Although modern societies have come to recognize diversity in human sexuality as simply part of nature, many Christian communities and thinkers still have considerable difficulties with related developments in politics, legislation, and science. In fact, homosexuality is a recurrent topic in the transdisciplinary encounter between Christianity and the sciences, an encounter that is otherwise rather “asexual.” I propose that the recent emergence of “Christianity and Science” as an academic field in its own right is an important part of the larger context of the difficulties related to attempts to reconcile Christianity and a recognition of diversity in human sexuality as a norm. Through a critical discussion of arguments which are upheld most disturbingly on a global scale by the Roman Catholic Church and supported with much sophistry by important stakeholders of an influential stream in analytic philosophy of religion, this paper aims to contextualize and defend the legitimacy of the question why God would create homosexuals as such if it is true that every homosexual act is prohibited by God. While recently advanced nonheterosexist scientific models of sexuality in nature inform the discussion, I reject the simplistic view that religions suppress and the sciences liberate in matters sexual.
QUANTUM ASPECTS OF LIFE: RELATING EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY WITH THEOLOGY VIA MODERN PHYSICS
Authors: Ijjas Anna
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn the present paper, I shall argue that quantum theory can contribute to reconciling evolutionary biology with the creation hypothesis. After giving a careful definition of the theological problem, I will, in a first step, formulate necessary conditions for the compatibility of evolutionary theory and the creation hypothesis. In a second step, I will show how quantum theory can contribute to fulfilling these conditions. More precisely, I claim that (1) quantum probabilities are best understood in terms of ontological indeterminism, but (2) reflect nevertheless causal openness rather than divine indifference or arbitrariness, and (3) such a genuinely creative universe can be considered as the work of a loving Creator. I ask subsequently whether these necessary conditions are also sufficient for the compatibility of evolutionary theory and the creation hypothesis. Finally, I will show that relating evolutionary biology with theology via quantum theory could also shed some light on the nature of life.
UNTANGLING FALSE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING ATHEISM AND HEALTH
Authors: Morgan Jonathan
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn the past decade, the cognitive science of religion has worked to find an evolutionary explanation for supernatural belief. The explanations are convincing, but have created the stereotype that atheism is unnatural. In a similar way studies linking religious belief and health have vilified atheism as unhealthy. But belief is too complex, health is too nuanced, and the data are too varied to draw such a generalization. Catherine Caldwell‐Harris has developed a psychological profile to understand nonbelief as an expected outcome of individual difference and therefore natural. In a similar manner I argue that we should study the relationship between belief and health through the lens of individual differences. This approach is especially promising given recent research which indicates personality fully accounts for the relationship with well‐being previously attributed to belief. This approach has the added benefit of neutralizing the conversation by understanding atheism as the healthy expression of a natural personality.
CLARIFYING THE EUTOPIA ARGUMENT: A RESPONSE TO JOHN CAIAZZA
Authors: Marangudakis Manussos
Published: February 2013

Abstract The “eutopia” vision of the future, promulgated by technoscientists and libertarian thinkers, could herald the coming of a third axial age that could reshape and reformulate the legacy of the Great Religions and their transcendental moral imperatives, and of Modernity and the democratic imperative of equality of social conditions. A sociological diagnosis of a third, technosomatic, morality, is not a matter of supporting or rejecting such a possibility, but a matter of detecting its rise and regulating its impact.
SCIENCE MEETS BIBLICAL EXEGESIS IN THE GALILEO AFFAIR
Authors: Coyne, SJ George V.
Published: February 2013

Abstract Although Galileo's venture into theology, as discussed by McMullin, is limited to Galileo's exegesis of Scripture, it can be seen as an important element in a broader role in theology, namely in ecclesiology and in the development of doctrine. From the Council of Trent, the Reformation Council, until today there has been a development in the Church concerning the manner in which Sacred Scripture should be interpreted and as to whether it can be said to be in conflict with our scientific knowledge of nature. Galileo made a significant contribution to this development. With his telescopic observations he was, in fact, undermining the prevailing Aristotelian natural philosophy of his day and was defending the birth of modern science against a mistaken view of Scripture. The Church of his time was not prepared to accept his contribution to this theological development. What does this history have to contribute to the challenges we face today in the interactions between science and religious belief?
Outcomes of Planned Home Births Attended by Certified Nurse‐Midwives in Southeastern Pennsylvania, 1983‐2008
Authors: Cox Kim J. , Schlegel Ruth , Payne Pat , Teaf Dusty , Albers Leah
Published: February 2013

Introduction

In this study, we examined the perinatal outcomes of planned home births over a 25‐year period (1983‐2008) in a group of primarily Amish women (98%) attended by certified nurse‐midwives (CNMs) in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Methods

This was a retrospective, descriptive analysis of data (N = 1836 births) from several CNM practices. Data were abstracted for 25 items, including demographics, labor, and birth. Initially, 2 investigators abstracted 15 records to compare assessments and standardize definitions. Charts were then divided and abstracted individually by one investigator. Several relationships were examined in 2 by 2 tables using the chi‐square procedure for the difference in proportions. Maternal and newborn transfers to the hospital were included in the analysis.

Results

Of the women who planned home birth for 1836 pregnancies, 1733 of the births occurred at home. Although more than one‐third of the women were of high parity (gravida 5‐13), rates of postpartum hemorrhage were low (n = 96, 5.5%). There were no maternal deaths. Nearly half of the maternal transfers to the hospital (n = 103, 5.6%) were for ruptured membranes without labor (n = 25, 1.4%) and/or failure to progress (n = 23, 1.3%). The neonatal hospital admission rate also was low (n = 13, 0.75%). Of the 7 (0.4%) early neonatal deaths, all were attributed to lethal congenital anomalies that are common to this population.

Discussion

This study is the first to describe the outcomes of planned home births in a primarily Amish population cared for by CNMs. It also adds to the literature on planned home births in the United States and supports the findings from previous studies that women who have home births attended by CNMs have safety profiles equal to or better than profiles of women who had hospital births in similar populations.
Managing Downstream Competition via Capacity Allocation
Authors: Chen Fangruo , Li Jianbin , Zhang Hanqin
Published: February 2013

Consider a supply chain with one supplier and multiple retailers. The supplier produces a single product and sells it to the retailers, who in turn sell the product to consumers. The supplier has limited production capacity, and the retailers are engaged in a Cournot competition at the consumer/market level. When the sum of the retailer orders exceeds the capacity, the supplier allocates her capacity according to a pre‐announced allocation mechanism. Two mechanisms are considered: proportional allocation and lexicographic allocation. An extensive study of the two allocation mechanisms shows that the lexicographic mechanism has the ability to dampen the competition at the retail level, increasing the profits for both the supplier and the supply chain.
Effects of an experimental short‐term cortisol challenge on the behaviour of wild creek chub Semotilus atromaculatus in mesocosm and stream environments
Authors: Nagrodski A. , Murchie K. J. , Stamplecoskie K. M. , Suski C. D. , Cooke S. J.
Published: February 2013

The consequences of stress on the behaviour of wild creek chub Semotilus atromaculatus outside the reproductive period were studied using a single intra‐coelomic injection of cortisol, suspended in coconut butter, to experimentally raise plasma cortisol levels. Behaviour between cortisol‐treated, sham‐treated (injected with coconut butter) and control S. atromaculatus was compared in a mesocosm system, using a passive integrated transponder array, and in a natural stream system (excluding shams), using surgically implanted radio transmitters. While laboratory time‐course studies revealed that the cortisol injection provided a physiologically relevant challenge, causing prolonged (c. 3 days) elevations of plasma cortisol similar to that achieved with a standardized chasing protocol, no differences in fine‐scale movements were observed between cortisol‐treated, sham‐treated and control S. atromaculatus nor in the large‐scale movements of cortisol‐treated and control S. atromaculatus. Moreover, no differences were observed in diel activity patterns among treatments. Differential mortality, however, occurred starting 10 days after treatment where cortisol‐treated S. atromaculatus exhibited nearly twice as many mortalities as shams and controls. These results suggest that, although the experimental manipulation of cortisol titres was sufficient to cause mortality in some individuals, there were compensatory mechanisms that maintained behaviours (i.e. including activity and movement) prior to death. This study is one of the first to use experimental cortisol implants outside a laboratory environment and during the non‐reproductive period and yields insight into how wild animals respond to additional challenges (in this case elevated cortisol) using ecologically meaningful endpoints.
Salt (sodium chloride) content of retail samples of Nigerian white bread: implications for the daily salt intake of normotensive and hypertensive adults
Authors: Nwanguma B. C. , Okorie C. H.
Published: February 2013

Background

Bread has been identified as a major contributor to the excessive salt (sodium chloride) intake of consumers in many countries, some of which have very high incidences of hypertension and related cardiovascular complications, such as stroke. This has prompted a global rise in interest in the salt content of breads produced and consumed in many other countries.

Methods

The sodium contents of retail samples of 100 brands of Nigerian white bread were determined by photometry with a view to estimating the relative contribution of bread to the recommended daily sodium intake of both normotensive and hypertensive adults in the country.

Results

The salt content of the bread samples varied extensively, ranging from 0.51 g per 100 g (0.51%) to 1.8 g per 100 g (1.8%). The average salt content was 1.36 g per 100 g. Based on an estimated consumption of six slices of bread (about 180 g) per meal of bread, this equates to a daily intake of between 0.99 g and 3.33 g of salt from bread alone. This represents between 19.8% and 66.6% of the recommended daily allowance of 5 g for normotensive adults, and between 24.75% and 83.25% of the recommended daily allowance of 4 g for hypertensive adults.

Conclusions

The consumption of some brands of bread by normotensive and hypertensive adults puts them at great risk of exceeding their recommended daily allowance for salt. Thus, there is an urgent need to regulate the amount of salt added to bread. In the interim, compelling bakers to declare the salt content of their products on the packaging could help consumers, especially hypertensive adults, avoid brands with a high salt content.
The role of angiogenin in pT1‐T2 tongue carcinoma neo‐angiogenesis and cell proliferation: an exploratory study
Authors: Marioni Gino , Staffieri Alberto , Fasanaro Elena , Stramare Roberto , Giacomelli Luciano , Bernardi Elena , Val Matteo , Stellini Edoardo , de Filippis Cosimo , Blandamura Stella
Published: February 2013

Background

Angiogenin (ANG) is a member of the ribonuclease superfamily and of medical interest largely because it supports the growth of primary and metastatic malignancies. This study is the first to investigate the potential role of ANG in tongue carcinoma neo‐angiogenesis and cancer cell proliferation.

Methods

Angiogenin expression (in carcinoma cells and endothelial intratumor vessel cells), CD105‐assessed micro‐vessel density (MVD), and MIB‐1 expression were correlated with prognostic parameters in 28 primarily consecutively operated pT1‐T2 tongue carcinomas (squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]). Whenever feasible, a computer‐based image analysis system was used for the immunohistochemical reaction analysis.

Results

No significant correlations emerged between ANG expression in the tongue carcinoma cells or endothelial intratumor vessel cells and tongue SCC recurrence rate or disease‐free survival (DFS). ANG expression was also unrelated to CD105‐assessed MVD or MIB‐1 expression. Conversely, CD105‐assessed MVD correlated directly with recurrence rate (P = 0.02) and DFS was significantly shorter in cases with CD105‐assessed MVD >167 micro‐vessels/mm2 than in those with CD105‐assessed MVD ≤167 micro‐vessels/mm2 (P = 0.042).

Conclusions

Our results support the hypothesis that CD105‐assessed MVD would be a valuable parameter for predicting which patients with tongue SCC are at greatest risk of disease recurrence. Despite our study results, the role of ANG in tongue carcinoma warrants further investigation in larger series.
Osteopontin expression is an independent factor for poor survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma: a computer‐assisted analysis on TMA sections
Authors: Avirović Manuela , Matušan‐Ilijaš Koviljka , Damante Giuseppe , Fabrro Dora , Cerović Robert , Juretić Mirna , Grahovac Blaženka , Jonjić Nives , Lučin Ksenija
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Osteopontin (OPN) is non‐collagenous extracellular matrix protein involved in various physiological and pathological events, including tumor progression. The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of OPN in normal oral mucosa and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to assess its prognostic significance.

Methods

The expression of OPN was immunohistochemicaly analyzed in 86 OSCC and compared with clinicopathological variable such as tumor size, nodal stage, WHO clinical stage, Ki‐67 proliferation index, and patients' outcome. OPN mRNA was analyzed using quantitative real‐time PCR and compared with protein OPN expression and clinical outcome in 18 OSCC samples.

Results

The expression of OPN protein was found in OSCC tumor cells (t‐OPN) and various stromal cells (s‐OPN). High level of t‐OPN expression was associated with higher nodal stage (P = 0.045), higher WHO clinical stage (P = 0.033), and poor clinical outcome (P = 0.022). In multivariate analysis, t‐OPN emerged as an adverse independent factor for survival (P = 0.049). Although correlated with t‐OPN (P = 0.005), s‐OPN was not significantly associated with clinical parameters, including patients' outcome. Also, there was no association between OPN and clinical parameters at the mRNA level.

Conclusion

OPN is upregulated in tumor and stromal OSCC cells. Tumor cell–derived OPN is involved in tumor progression and can independently predict the clinical outcome. Stromal‐derived OPN probably has a different function compared with OPN secreted from tumor cells.
A Neuropsychological Model of Mentally Tough Behavior
Authors: Hardy Lew , Bell James , Beattie Stuart
Published: February 2013

Four studies were conducted with two primary objectives: (a) to conceptualize and measure mental toughness from a behavioral perspective and (b) to apply relevant personality theory to the examination of between‐person differences in mentally tough behavior. Studies 1 (N = 305 participants from a range of different sports) and 2 (N = 110 high‐level cricketers) focused on the development of an informant‐rated mental toughness questionnaire that assessed individual differences in ability to maintain or enhance performance under pressure from a wide range of stressors. Studies 3 (N = 214) and 4 (N = 196) examined the relationship between reinforcement sensitivities and mentally tough behavior in high‐level cricketers. The highest levels of mental toughness reported by coaches occurred when cricketers were sensitive to punishment and insensitive to reward. Study 4 suggested that such players are predisposed to identify threatening stimuli early, which gives them the best possible opportunity to prepare an effective response to the pressurized environments they encounter. The findings show that high‐level cricketers who are punishment sensitive, but not reward sensitive, detect threat early and can maintain goal‐directed behavior under pressure from a range of different stressors.
Incidence and Severity of Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli Infection of Sugarcane in Sao Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Urashima Alfredo S. , Marchetti Lauricema B. L.
Published: February 2013

Sugarcane covers 8.53 million hectares with production of 596.63 million tonnes in Brazil. Despite its importance, little information is available on ratoon stunt (RSD), caused by Leifsonia xyli subsp xyli (Lxx). Our objective was to examine the incidence and severity of Lxx among sugarcane cultivars in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Sap from 100 stalks from each field was sent for a routine RSD analyses that allowed examination of Lxx incidence. The presence of bacterium was checked by dot blot enzyme immunoassay to detect its presence and relative concentration. Analyses of 187 fields from 35 cultivars in 2009, 166 fields from 33 cultivars in 2010 and 221 fields from 30 cultivars in 2011 found Lxx incidence of 23.6% of fields of 23 cultivars in 2009, 27.1% of fields of 15 cultivars in 2010 and 25.8% of fields of 15 cultivars in 2011. RB867515, the major cultivar in Sao Paulo, had within‐field incidence of up to 70% in 2009, 48% in 2010 and 88% in 2011. Highest incidence and populations of Lxx infection were found for cvs RB867515, RB855453, SP81‐3250, RB855536 and RB92579, demonstrating their susceptibility to RSD.
Enteric, hepatic and muscle tissue development of goat kids fed with lyophilized bovine colostrum
Authors: Moretti D. B. , Nordi W. M. , Lima A. L. , Pauletti P. , Machado‐Neto R.
Published: February 2013

The objective of this study was to investigate the development of the enteric, hepatic and muscle tissues in goat kids fed with lyophilized bovine colostrum in the transition period of passive immunity to early active immunity. At 0, 7 and 14 h of life, 15 male newborns received 5% of their body weight of lyophilized bovine colostrum and 14 male newborns received goat colostrum, both with 55 mg/ml of IgG. Samples of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, liver and muscle were collected at 18, 36 and 96 h of life to quantify total protein, DNA and RNA contents. In the jejunum and ileum, the highest levels of total protein and higher protein/RNA ratio were observed at 18 h (p < 0.05). There were no differences in DNA contents in any intestinal segment (p > 0.05). At 96 h, maximum levels of RNA were observed in the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05) and higher RNA/DNA ratio in the three intestinal segments (p < 0.05), showing increased ability to synthesize intracellular RNA and proteins. The LBC group showed higher protein content and higher protein/DNA and protein/RNA ratios in the jejunum, a higher DNA content in the liver (p < 0.05) and a higher protein/RNA ratio in the muscle tissue (p < 0.05). In the muscle, higher protein and DNA levels were also found at 96 h (p < 0.05). Indicators of cellular activity suggest greater absorption of proteins from lyophilized bovine colostrum and increased cell maturity in the enteric and muscle tissues in the first hours of goat kids' life.
Cognitive granularity: A new perspective over autistic and non‐autistic styles of development
Authors: Kozima Hideki
Published: February 2013

Individuals with autism generally show better performance on operating physical objects than in communicating with people. However, we lack a plausible model of autism that explains why their physical and social capabilities develop in separate and unbalanced ways. This paper investigates this question from the viewpoint of “cognitive granularity,” which refers to the size of the basic elements operable in one's cognitive system. While it is constrained by one's perceptual and motor resolution, cognitive granularity determines the level of abstraction at which one can efficiently predict and control the physical and social world. Recent findings in autism research, including preference for causal predictability and abnormalities in neuroanatomical density, suggest that individuals with autism have finer cognitive granularity; they live in a different “Umwelt” from that which non‐autistic people experience. The difference in cognitive granularity explains not only autistic individuals' unbalanced development as well as their difficulty in understanding others' minds, but also the spectrum of developmental styles in the entire population. Finally, from this unified perspective, we also discuss possible therapeutic interventions for autism.
Independent associations between fatty acids and sleep quality among obese patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome
Authors: Papandreou Christopher
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between gluteal adipose tissue fatty acids and sleep quality in obese patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome after controlling for possible confounders. Sixty‐three patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome based on overnight attended polysomnography were included. Gluteal adipose tissue fatty acids were analysed by gas chromatography. Anthropometric measurements were carried out. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Zung Self‐rating Depression Scale. Saturated fatty acids were positively related to total sleep time, sleep efficiency and rapid eye movement sleep. Significant positive associations were found between polyunsaturated fatty acids and sleep efficiency and rapid eye movement sleep. Moreover, n−3 fatty acids were positively associated with sleep efficiency, slow wave sleep and rapid eye movement sleep. This study revealed independent associations between certain gluteal adipose tissue fatty acids and sleep quality after controlling for age, gender, obesity, obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome indices and Zung Self‐rating Depression Scale scores in patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome.
Adherence to PEG/ribavirin treatment for chronic hepatitis C: prevalence, patterns, and predictors of missed doses and nonpersistence
Authors: Evon D. M. , Esserman D. A. , Bonner J. E. , Rao T. , Fried M. W. , Golin C. E.
Published: February 2013

Adherence to treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) maximizes treatment efficacy. Missed doses and failing to persist on treatment are two patient‐level processes that are rarely defined or analysed separately from other factors affecting treatment adherence. We evaluated the prevalence and patterns of missed doses and nonpersistence, and identified patient characteristics associated with these outcomes. Missed doses of ribavirin (RBV) and peginterferon (PEG), measured prospectively in Virahep‐C using electronic monitoring technology, were analysed using generalized estimating equations. Cox proportional hazards models analysed time to nonpersistence from baseline to week 24 (N = 401) and from week 24 to 48 in Responders (N = 242). Average proportion of PEG‐ and RBV‐missed doses increased over time from 5% to 15% and 7% to 27%, respectively. Patients who were younger, African‐American, unemployed, or unmarried were at greater risk of missing PEG from week 0 to 24; higher baseline depression predicted missing PEG from weeks 24 to 48. Patients who were younger or African‐American were more likely to miss daily RBV from weeks 0 to 24; and those without private insurance or employment were more likely to miss RBV from weeks 24 to 48. Fifty‐two patients failed to persist on treatment for patient–driven deviations. Predictors of nonpersistence from weeks 0 to 24 included younger age, lower education, public or no insurance, or worse baseline headaches. In conclusion, electronic monitoring and the prospective Virahep‐C design afforded a unique opportunity to evaluate missing doses and nonpersistence separately, and identify patients at risk of nonadherence. These processes will be important to investigate as the dosing schedules of antiviral regimens become increasingly complex.
Crouching variation revealed
Authors: Siegal Mark L.
Published: February 2013

The term ‘phenotypic capacitance’ was introduced nearly 15 years ago to describe the strain‐specific effects of impairing Hsp90, a molecular chaperone, in the fly Drosophila melanogaster (Rutherford & Lindquist ). In one genetic background, Hsp90 depletion caused deformed eyes, whereas in other genetic backgrounds, the wings or abdomens or other aspects of morphology were affected. Hsp90 was therefore viewed as acting like a capacitor, allowing genetic differences to build up and to be released at a later time. In the years since, it has been debated whether capacitance is a laboratory curiosity or a major force in evolution. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Takahashi () presents evidence, from high‐resolution morphometric analysis of fly wings, that a large number of other capacitors exist in D. melanogaster, and that the variation they reveal can be quite subtle. His results advance our understanding of capacitance and contribute to a new view of its role in evolutionary adaptation.
Cospeciation vs host‐shift speciation: methods for testing, evidence from natural associations and relation to coevolution
Authors: de Vienne D. M. , Refrégier G. , López‐Villavicencio M. , Tellier A. , Hood M. E. , Giraud T.
Published: February 2013

Hosts and their symbionts are involved in intimate physiological and ecological interactions. The impact of these interactions on the evolution of each partner depends on the time‐scale considered. Short‐term dynamics – ‘coevolution’ in the narrow sense – has been reviewed elsewhere. We focus here on the long‐term evolutionary dynamics of cospeciation and speciation following host shifts. Whether hosts and their symbionts speciate in parallel, by cospeciation, or through host shifts, is a key issue in host–symbiont evolution. In this review, we first outline approaches to compare divergence between pairwise associated groups of species, their advantages and pitfalls. We then consider recent insights into the long‐term evolution of host–parasite and host–mutualist associations by critically reviewing the literature. We show that convincing cases of cospeciation are rare (7%) and that cophylogenetic methods overestimate the occurrence of such events. Finally, we examine the relationships between short‐term coevolutionary dynamics and long‐term patterns of diversification in host–symbiont associations. We review theoretical and experimental studies showing that short‐term dynamics can foster parasite specialization, but that these events can occur following host shifts and do not necessarily involve cospeciation. Overall, there is now substantial evidence to suggest that coevolutionary dynamics of hosts and parasites do not favor long‐term cospeciation.

ContentsSummary347I.Introduction348II.Origin of the cospeciation concept349III.Theoretical framework and methods for testing for cospeciation349IV.Studies of natural associations reveal the prevalence of host shifts355V.Relationship between host–symbiont coevolution and symbiont speciation378VI.Conclusion381Acknowledgements381References381Glossary379
NITRILASE1 regulates the exit from proliferation, genome stability and plant development
Authors: Doskočilová Anna , Kohoutová Lucie , Volc Jindřich , Kourová Hana , Benada Oldřich , Chumová Jana , Plíhal Ondřej , Petrovská Beáta , Halada Petr , Bögre László , Binarová Pavla
Published: February 2013

Nitrilases are highly conserved proteins with catabolic activity but much less understood functions in cell division and apoptosis. To elucidate the biological functions of Arabidopsis NITRILASE1, we characterized its molecular forms, cellular localization and involvement in cell proliferation and plant development.

We performed biochemical and mass spectrometry analyses of NITRILASE1 complexes, electron microscopy of nitrilase polymers, imaging of developmental and cellular distribution, silencing and overexpression of nitrilases to study their functions.

We found that NITRILASE1 has an intrinsic ability to form filaments. GFP‐NITRILASE1 was abundant in proliferating cells, distributed in cytoplasm, in the perinuclear area and associated with microtubules. As cells exited proliferation and entered differentiation, GFP‐NITRILASE1 became predominantly nuclear. Nitrilase silencing dose‐dependently compromised plant growth, led to loss of tissue organization and sustained proliferation. Cytokinesis was frequently aborted, leading to enlarged polyploid cells. In reverse, independently transformed cell lines overexpressing GFP‐NITRILASE1 showed slow growth and increased rate of programmed cell death.

Altogether, our data suggest that NITRILASE1 homologues regulate the exit from cell cycle and entry into differentiation and simultaneously are required for cytokinesis. These functions are essential to maintain normal ploidy, genome stability and tissue organization.
Benefit to Decrease Esophageal Damage using an Ablation Catheter with Increased Irrigation Channels for Pulmonary Vein Isolation
Authors: SATO DAISUKE , TERAMOTO KUNIHIRO , KITAJIMA HIROKI , NISHINA NAOTO , KIDA YOSHITOMI , MANI HIROKI , ESATO MASAHIRO , CHUN YEONG‐HWA
Published: February 2013

Introduction

An ablation catheter has been developed with six additional irrigation channels at the proximal end of the ablating electrode. We investigated the potential improvement of esophageal damage when the number of irrigation channels of the ablation catheter was increased during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI).

Methods

This study included a total of 296 consecutive patients with atrial fibrillation. One hundred forty‐eight patients were randomly assigned to receive PVI using an ablation catheter with six distal irrigation channels (6C) and 148 patients to receive PVI using an ablation catheter with 12 distal irrigation channels (12C). The luminal esophageal temperature (LET) was monitored in all patients.

Results

A total of 639 radiofrequency energy applications (in 225 out of 296 patients) reached the cut‐off temperature. The time for the LET to reach the cut‐off temperature was shorter for the 6C than the 12C group, and the 6C group had a higher T max of the LET than the 12C group. Some patients experienced a transient drop in the LET (TDLET) just before the delivery of the energy. The site that caused a TDLET before the energy delivery always reached the cut‐off temperature. TDLET was more frequent in the 6C group than in the 12C group.

Conclusions

The LET only showed a small difference between the 6C and 12C groups. In contrast, there may be a lower risk of esophageal injury with the 6C than the 12C if we use TDLET.
Comparison of Electroanatomical Mapping Systems: Accuracy in Left Atrial Mapping
Authors: HEIST E. KEVIN , PERNA FRANCESCO , CHALHOUB FADI , DANIK STEPHAN , BARRETT CONOR , HOUGHTALING CHRISTOPHER , TONDO CLAUDIO , MAHAPATRA SRIJOY , RUSKIN JEREMY , MANSOUR MOUSSA
Published: February 2013

Background

Current 3D mapping systems have difficulty rendering complex cardiac structures. Different electroanatomical mapping software has been recently developed which uses a mathematical algorithm to improve interpolation between mapped points and delineation of closely spaced structures. This study tested the feasibility and accuracy of this software in comparison to traditional software.

Methods

In vivo 3D impedance‐based mapping using a multielectrode catheter with a single geometry point cloud was performed in the left atria and pulmonary veins (PV) in 23 patients undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation. The maps were analyzed with traditional (NavX, St. Jude Medical, Minnetonka, MN, USA), either with or without multichamber mapping versus St. Jude OneModel™ software and dimensions of cardiac chambers in human studies were compared to preprocedural computed tomographic (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) scans to determine the relative accuracy of the maps.

Results

Maps created by the OneModel software provided greater detail of complex cardiac structures compared to traditional software. Comparison of the left atrial/pulmonary vein electroanatomical maps with the CT and MR scans as reference standard demonstrated significantly less error in measurement of all PV ostial long‐ and short‐axis dimensions, inter‐PV distance, and ridge width (left PV to left atrial appendage) with the OneModel versus traditional software (P < 0.001 for all dimensions measured).

Conclusions

The OneModel software produces maps that are more accurate in rendering complex cardiac structures compared to traditional software.
The Particularities of Legitimacy: John Simmons on Political Obligation
Authors: Walton Kevin
Published: February 2013

In this paper, I examine the terms on which John Simmons rejects all arguments for a moral obligation to obey the law and so defends “philosophical anarchism.” Although I accept his rejection of several criteria on which others might and often do insist, I criticize his reliance on the conditions of “generality” and “particularity.” In doing so, I propose an alternative to his influential conception of legitimacy.
When Is a Regime Not a Legal System? Alexy on Moral Correctness and Social Efficacy
Authors: McIlroy David H.
Published: February 2013

Robert Alexy defines law as including a claim to moral correctness and demonstrating social efficacy. This paper argues that law's social efficacy is not merely an observable fact but is undergirded by moral commitments by rulers that it is possible for their subjects to follow the rules, that the rulers and others will also follow the rules, that subjects will be protected from violence if they act in accordance with the rules, and that subjects will be entitled to legal redress if others act violently towards them otherwise than in accordance with the rules. Alexy is correct in his conclusion that a system of norms that is not by and large socially efficacious is not a valid legal system, but wrong insofar as he follows legal positivism in distinguishing this aspect of law's validity from law's claim to moral correctness.
Hans Kelsen's Concept of Normative Imputation
Authors: Langford Peter , Bryan Ian
Published: February 2013

This article compares and contrasts Hans Kelsen's concept of normative imputation, in the Lecture Course of 1926, with the concepts of peripheral and central imputation, in The Pure Theory of Law of 1934. In this process, a wider and more significant distinction is revealed within the development of Hans Kelsen's theory of positive law. This distinction represents a shift in Kelsen's philosophical allegiance from the Neo‐Kantianism of Windelband to that of Cohen. This, in turn, reflects a broader disengagement of The Pure Theory of Law from the more direct connection with a political project of a civitas maxima envisaged by the Lecture Course.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm aggravates skin inflammatory response in BALB/c mice in a novel chronic wound model
Authors: Trøstrup Hannah , Thomsen Kim , Christophersen Lars J. , Hougen Hans P. , Bjarnsholt Thomas , Jensen Peter Ø. , Kirkby Nikolai , Calum Henrik , Høiby Niels , Moser Claus
Published: February 2013

Chronic wounds are presumed to persist in the inflammatory state, preventing healing. Emerging evidence indicates a clinical impact of bacterial biofilms in soft tissues, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) biofilms. To further investigate this, we developed a chronic PA biofilm wound infection model in C3H/HeN and BALB/c mice. The chronic wound was established by an injection of seaweed alginate‐embedded P. aeruginosa PAO1 beneath a third‐degree thermal lesion providing full thickness skin necrosis, as in human chronic wounds. Cultures revealed growth of PA, and both alginate with or without PAO1 generated a polymorphonuclear‐dominated inflammation early after infection. However, both at days 4 and 7, there were a more acute polymorphonuclear‐dominated and higher degree of inflammation in the PAO1 containing group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, PNA‐FISH and supplemented DAPI staining showed bacteria organized in clusters, resembling biofilms, and inflammation located adjacent to the PA. The chronic wound infection showed a higher number of PAO1 in the BALB/c mice at day 4 after infection as compared to C3H/HeN mice (p < 0.006). In addition, a higher concentration of interleukin‐1beta in the chronic wounds of BALB/c mice was observed at day 7 (p < 0.02), despite a similar number of bacteria in the two mouse strains. The present study succeeded in establishing a chronic PA biofilm infection in mice. The results showed an aggravating impact of local inflammation induced by PA biofilms. In conclusion, our findings indicate that improved infection control of chronic wounds reduces the inflammatory response and may improve healing.
The effects of platelet gel–released supernatant on human fibroblasts
Authors: Giusti Ilaria , Rughetti Anna , D'Ascenzo Sandra , Di Stefano Gabriella , Nanni Maria Rita , Millimaggi Danilo , Dell'Orso Luigi , Dolo Vincenza
Published: February 2013

In recent years, interest in the topical use of platelet gel (PG) to stimulate wound healing has rapidly extended into various clinical applications and specialized fields. Many recent in vitro and in vivo studies have attempted to explain the biological mechanisms involved in PG‐induced tissue regeneration/reparation. However, it remains unclear which parameters should be used in clinical applications to obtain satisfactory results in the healing of wounds. Toward this end, the present study focused on understanding the relationship between platelet concentrations and the cellular parameters of the cell types, i.e., fibroblasts, involved in wound healing. Normal human dermal fibroblasts were treated with PG‐released supernatant at various concentrations in different assays (proliferation, migration, invasion, and in vitro scratch wound closure) to identify the most effective concentration to promote the fibroblasts' activities. Different concentrations of platelets per microliter in PG have different levels of efficacy in inducing fibroblast activity. The most effective concentration was obtained from PG at a concentration of approximately 0.5–1.5 × 106 plt/μL; higher concentrations were less effective. This study shows that excessively high concentrations of platelets per microliter have an inhibitory effect on the wound healing processes and are, therefore, counterproductive.
Finite Element Model Updating of Machine-Tool Spindle Systems
Authors: Cao Hongrui , Li Bing , He Zhengjia
Published: February 2013

The unknown joint dynamics are the main obstacle that limits the accuracy of the finite element (FE) model of a machine-tool spindle assembly. In this paper, an FE model updating method is proposed to assist industrial engineers in achieving a reliable model that can accurately represent the dynamic characteristics of machine-tool spindle systems. In the proposed FE model updating procedure, the iterative algorithm based on frequency response functions (FRFs) is applied. The joint stiffness parameters are identified through the iteration process, while the FE model is updated simultaneously. The proposed method was applied to update an existing coupled model of a machine-tool spindle system. The experimental results show that the identified joint stiffness parameters are acceptable and the dynamic behavior of the spindle mounted in the machine tool column is predicted reliably.
Vibrations of Circular Cylindrical Shells With General Elastic Boundary Restraints
Authors: Li W. L.
Published: February 2013

Vibration of a circular cylindrical shell with elastic boundary restraints is of interest to both researchers and structural engineers. This class of problems, however, is far less attempted in the literature than its counterparts for beams and plates. In this paper, a general solution method is presented for the vibration analysis of cylindrical shells with elastic boundary supports. This method universally applies to shells with a wide variety of boundary conditions including all 136 classical (homogeneous) boundary conditions which represent the special cases when the stiffnesses for the restraining springs are set as either zero or infinity. The Rayleigh–Ritz procedure based on the Donnell–Mushtari theory is utilized to find the displacement solutions in the form of the modified Fourier series expansions. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of the current solution method. The modal characteristics of elastically restrained shells are discussed against different supporting stiffnesses and configurations.