bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of geographic market definition on the stringency of hospital merger control in Germany and the Netherlands
Authors: Varkevisser Marco , Schut Frederik T.
Published: February 2012

In markets where hospitals are expected to compete, preventive merger control aims to prohibit anticompetitive mergers. In the hospital industry, however, the standard method for defining the relevant market (SSNIP) is difficult to apply and alternative approaches have proven inaccurate. Experiences from the United States show that courts, by identifying overly broad geographic markets, have underestimated the anticompetitive effects of hospital mergers. We examine how geographic hospital markets are defined in Germany and the Netherlands where market-oriented reforms have created room for hospital competition. For each country, we discuss a landmark case where definition of the geographic market played a decisive role. Our findings indicate that defining geographic hospital markets in both countries is less complicated than in the United States, where antitrust analysis must take managed care organisations into account. We also find that different methods result in much more stringent hospital merger control in Germany than in the Netherlands. Given the uncertainties in defining hospital markets, the German competition authority seems to be inclined to avoid the risk of being too permissive; the opposite holds for the Dutch competition authority. We argue that for society the costs of being too permissive with regard to hospital mergers may be larger than the costs of being too stringent.
Observation of far‐field Mach waves generated by the 2001 Kokoxili supershear earthquake
Authors: Vallée M. , Dunham Eric M.
Published: February 2012

Regional surface wave observations offer a powerful tool for determining source properties of large earthquakes, especially rupture velocity. Supershear ruptures, being faster than surface wave phase velocities, create far‐field surface wave Mach cones along which waves from all sections of the fault arrive simultaneously and, over a sufficiently narrow frequency band, in phase. We present the first observation of far‐field Mach waves from the major Kokoxili earthquake (Tibet, 2001/11/14,Mw7.9) and confirm that ground motion amplitudes are indeed enhanced on the Mach cone. Theory predicts that on the Mach cone, bandpassed surface wave seismograms from a large supershear rupture will be identical to those from much smaller events with similar focal mechanisms, with an amplitude ratio equal to the ratio of the seismic moments of the two events. Cross‐correlation of 15–25 s Love waves from the Kokoxili event with those from a much smaller (Mw5) foreshock indicates a high degree of similarity (correlation coefficients ranging from 0.8 to 0.95) in waveforms recorded at stations near the far‐field Mach cone. This similarity vanishes away from the Mach cone. These observations provide further evidence for supershear propagation of the Kokoxili rupture, and demonstrate how this simple waveform correlation procedure can be used to identify supershear ruptures.
Regions of rapid sea ice change: An inter‐hemispheric seasonal comparison
Authors: Stammerjohn Sharon , Massom Robert , Rind David , Martinson Douglas
Published: February 2012

This bi‐polar analysis resolves ice edge changes on space/time scales relevant for investigating seasonal ice‐ocean feedbacks and focuses on spatio‐temporal changes in the timing of annual sea ice retreat and advance over 1979/80 to 2010/11. Where Arctic sea ice decrease is fastest, the sea ice retreat is now nearly 2 months earlier and subsequent advance more than 1 month later (compared to 1979/80), resulting in a 3‐month longer summer ice‐free season. In the Antarctic Peninsula and Bellingshausen Sea region, sea ice retreat is more than 1 month earlier and advance 2 months later, resulting in a more than 3‐month longer summer ice‐free season. In contrast, in the western Ross Sea (Antarctica) region, sea ice retreat and advance are more than 1 month later and earlier respectively, resulting in a more than 2 month shorter summer ice‐free season. Regardless of trend magnitude or direction, and at latitudes mostly poleward of 70° (N/S), there is strong correspondence between anomalies in the timings of sea ice retreat and subsequent advance, but little correspondence between advance and subsequent retreat. These results support a strong ocean thermal feedback in autumn in response to changes in spring sea ice retreat. Further, model calculations suggest different net ocean heat changes in the Arctic versus Antarctic where autumn sea ice advance is 1 versus 2 months later. Ocean‐atmosphere changes, particularly in boreal spring and austral autumn (i.e., during ∼March‐May), are discussed and compared, as well as possible inter‐hemispheric climate connections.
Shape of thermal plumes in a compressible mantle with depth‐dependent viscosity
Authors: Leng Wei , Gurnis Michael
Published: February 2012

The mantle plume model has been invoked to explain the formation of large igneous provinces (LIP) and associated age‐progressive hotspot tracks. The shape of mantle plumes should be significantly altered by physical properties of the mantle and will influence how plume theory is used to interpret observational constraints. Based on theoretical analysis and numerical modeling, we explore the parameters that control the shape of thermal plumes in a compressible mantle. A theoretical analysis shows that the ambient mantle viscosity plays a dominant role in determining the radius of thermal plumes. This analysis is verified by numerical solutions. A continuously decreasing mantle viscosity from the CMB to the lithosphere can effectively reduce the radius of both plume head and tail. A low viscosity zone between 100 and 660 km depths where viscosity decreases by a factor of 100 reduces the radius of a plume conduit by approximately a factor of 3. Such a low viscosity zone can reduce the plume head radius impinging the lithosphere from larger than 500 km to ∼200 km. When the low viscosity zone is confined to between 100 and 410 km depths, the plume head size becomes even smaller. To form large igneous provinces, a small plume head implies time‐progressive volcanism from LIP center to LIP edge.
Convergent Validity and Internal Consistency of an Arabic Snaith Hamilton Pleasure Scale
Authors: Thomas Justin , Al Ali Mona , Al Hashmi Amani , Rodriguez Alejandro
Published: February 2012

Anhedonia, a reduced capacity for pleasure, is viewed as a trait-like vulnerability marker for schizophrenia and depressive disorders. To date there are scarce data from the Arab world on anhedonia as a symptom, and even less on the psychometric properties of instruments designed to assess it. This study examines the internal consistency of an Arabic version of the Snaith Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS), and its convergence with real-time hedonic responses to emotional stimuli. A correlational study design is used; undergraduate students ( N = 113) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) completed the SHAPS, and also undertook an expanded version of the picture rating task (PRT). The PRT required participants to rate a series of pleasant and unpleasant images in terms of emotional valence. Levels of anhedonia as assessed by SHAPs were similar to those observed in nonclinical populations in other countries. Internal consistency for the Arabic version of SHAPs was very good; α = .86. Furthermore, SHAPS scores were correlated with lower valence ratings for pleasant images ( r = .36), and uncorrelated with unpleasant images. The SHAPS appears to be a useful instrument for assessing anhedonia in the present UAE student population.
Protective effect of (-) α-bisabolol on markers of oxidative stress in erythrocytes subjected to oxidative insult
Authors: Luqman Suaib , Srivastava Suchita
Published: February 2012

(-)-α-bisabolol is a sesquiterpene alcohol found as a major component of essential oil of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L., Chamomilla recutita L., Matricaria chamomilla L.; Family Asteraceae). Chamomile, one of the most ancient and widely recognized herbs to mankind, has been used traditionally for centuries as an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, carminative, mild astringent and healing medicine. It is also known to be very helpful as an external agent for encouraging the rapid healing of ulcers and burns without infection, as well as persistent skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. Since clinical trials and human studies are limited, we have investigated the effect of (-)-α-bisabolol on markers of oxidative stress in human erythrocytes by incubating with hydrogen peroxide (2mM) and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (10 µM). Subjecting erythrocyte to oxidative stress caused a significant alteration in reduced glutathione GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase activity compare to control. Presence of (-)-α-bisabolol as low as 0.1µM in incubation medium protected the erythrocytes from oxidative stress and helps to maintain the basal level of GSH and MDA. The activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase were also restored in a concentration-dependent manner (0.01-100µM). The effect was also compared with L-Ascorbic acid, quercetin and BHT. Our findings provide evidence for the protection of oxidative stress in erythrocytes by (-)-α-bisabolol that could be considered for further studies.
Investigations on biological activity of Vetiveria zizanioides L. Nash, a palingenesis of some important findings in miracle grass
Authors: Luqman Suaib
Published: February 2012

Vetiveria zizanioides L. Nash synonymously known as Chrysopogon zizanioides L. Roberty (Family: Poaceae/Graminae), widely cultivated in the tropical regions of the world, is a miraculous grass native to India first developed for soil and water conservation by the World Bank during mid 1980s. Popularly known as ‘KHUS’, it is the major source of the well-known oil of vetiver, which is used in medicine, cosmetics and in perfumery making agarbattis, soaps, soft drinks, pan masala. Being a major constituent of ‘Rasayana’ in Ayurveda, different parts of the vetiver plant have traditionally been used by the Indian tribes for treating various ailments, diseases and disorders including boils, burns, epilepsy, fever, scorpion sting, snakebite, sores in the mouth, headache, toothache, weakness, lumbago, sprain, rheumatism, urinary tract infection, malarial fever, acidity relief and as an anti-helmintic. It has also been used in traditional medicine of Asia and Africa, particularly ancient Tamil literature mentions the use of vetiver for medical purposes. The essential oil of vetiver has extensive applications in toiletries and cosmetics, possesses sedative property and has traditionally been used in aromatherapy for relieving stress, anxiety, nervous tension and insomnia. Root is also important in traditional medicine as a carminative, stimulant and diaphoretic. Besides these medicinal properties of the plant, the dried culms of the plant are used as brooms and to thatch roofs. Pulp of the plant is used to prepare straw boards and paper. In India, the roots have been used for making screens, mats, hand fans, and baskets. Formulations containing oil and/or extracts of vetiver have been reported to treat inflammatory bowel disease, urinary tract infection, and in making insect repellents. Research on various aspects of vetiver make it an excellent plant describing many characteristics including phytoremediation, water purification, leachate and effluent disposal, utilizing wastewater, removing nitrogen and phosphorus etc. It is one of the most promising aromatic plants known to possess antimicrobial, antioxidant and termicidal properties. However, the plant has not been studied exclusively for other pharmacological activities and there is a lack of scientific evidence to prove these effects. We are studying bioactivity of vetiver root as a part of our effort to discover plant-based biologically active molecules since last many years using molecular and cell target based assays. In our published reports, we showed potent antibacterial, drug-resistant modifying, hydroxyl radical scavenging, anticancer, antihepatotoxic and antioxidant activity in intact and spent root of vetiver. In view of our findings, the present paper recapitulates some important findings on the bioactivity of Vetiveria zizanioides L. Nash and a palingenesis has been made for this miracle grass.
A novel vasculo-angiogenic effect of cilostazol mediated by cross-talk between multiple signalling pathways including the ERK/p38 MAPK signalling transduction cascade
Authors: Chao Ting-Hsing , Tseng Shih-Ya , Li Yi-Heng , Liu Ping-Yen , Cho Chung-Lung , Shi Guey-Yueh , Wu Hua-Lin , Chen Jyh-Hong
Published: February 2012

Cilostazol is an anti-platelet agent with vasodilatory activity that acts by increasing intracellular concentrations of cAMP. Recent reports have suggested that cilostazol may promote angiogenesis. In the present study, we have investigated the effect of cilostazol in promoting angiogenesis and vasculogenesis in a hindlimb ischaemia model and have also examined its potential mechanism of action in vitro and in vivo. We found that cilostazol treatment significantly increased colony formation by human early EPCs (endothelial progenitor cells) through a mechanism involving the activation of cAMP/PKA (protein kinase A), PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/Akt/eNOS (endothelial NO synthase) and ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase)/p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signalling pathways. Cilostazol also enhanced proliferation, chemotaxis, NO production and vascular tube formation in HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) through activation of multiple signalling pathways downstream of PI3K/Akt/eNOS. Cilostazol up-regulated VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor)-A165 expression and secretion of VEGF-A in HUVECs through activation of the PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway. In a mouse hindlimb ischaemia model, recovery of blood flow ratio (ipsilateral/contralateral) 14 days after surgery was significantly improved in cilostazol-treated mice (10 mg/kg of body weight) compared with vehicle-treated controls (0.63±0.07 and 0.43±0.05 respectively, P<0.05). Circulating CD34+ cells were also increased in cilostazol-treated mice (3614±670 compared with 2151±608 cells/ml, P<0.05). Expression of VEGF and phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt/eNOS and ERK/p38 MAPK in ischaemic muscles were significantly enhanced by cilostazol. Our data suggest that cilostazol produces a vasculo-angiogenic effect by up-regulating a broad signalling network that includes the ERK/p38 MAPK, VEGF-A165, PI3K/Akt/eNOS and cAMP/PKA pathways.
Sherlock Holmes and the Strange Case of the Missing Attribution: A Historical Note on “The Grandfather Passage”
Authors: Reilly Jamie , Fisher Jamie L.
Published: February 2012

Purpose

In 1963, Charles Van Riper published “My Grandfather,” a short reading passage that has evolved into a ubiquitous metric of reading ability and speech intelligibility. In this historical note, we describe several heretofore unacknowledged similarities between “The Grandfather Passage” (Darley, Aronson, & Brown, 1975) and a portion of
The Valley of Fear
(Conan Doyle, 1915/2006), the final novel of the Sherlock Holmes series. We also describe overlap between “My Grandfather” and “The Grandfather Passage.”

Method

We contrasted propositions within
The Valley of Fear
to “My Grandfather” and “The Grandfather Passage.” We also compared the respective text strings using the Turnitin antiplagiarism software application (iParadigms, 2011).

Results

“My Grandfather” and “The Grandfather Passage” are nearly identical passages with 88% string overlap. In addition, both passages show similarities with text from
The
Valley of Fear
.

Conclusions

Darley et al. (1975) did not acknowledge Van Riper (1963) as the original author of “The Grandfather Passage.” In addition to this citation oversight, neither Darley et al. nor Van Riper attributed Conan Doyle as original source material. We describe the colorful history of this passage that has seen a remarkable breadth of utility in speech and language sciences.
Measuring Outcomes Following the Camperdown Program for Stuttering: A Response to Dr. Ingham
Authors: Packman Ann
Published: February 2012

Purpose

To respond to Dr. Ingham’s letter to the editor, “Comments on Recent Developments in Stuttering Treatment Maintenance Research Using the Camperdown Program,” which appears in this issue of the
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research.

Method

When a treatment program has a performance-contingent maintenance schedule, as the Camperdown Program has, participants vary greatly in the time taken to complete this schedule—up to 2 years or more, in some cases. We reject Dr. Ingham’s position that outcomes be measured a year after individual participants conclude their maintenance for the very reasons he has argued many times in the literature.

Conclusion

We will continue to measure the outcomes of our clinical trials after a clinically meaningful period and at the same time for all participants.
Healthy Older Observers Cannot Use Biological-Motion Point-Light Information Efficiently within 4 m of Themselves
Authors: Legault Isabelle , Troje Nikolaus F , Faubert Jocelyn
Published: February 2012

Healthy aging is associated with a number of perceptual changes, but measures of biological-motion perception have yielded conflicting results. Biological motion provides information about a walker, from gender and identity to speed, direction, and distance. In our natural environment, as someone approaches us (closer distances), the walker spans larger areas of our field of view, the extent of which can be underutilized with age. Yet, the effect of age on biological-motion perception in such real-world scenarios remains unknown. We assessed the effect of age on discriminating walking direction in upright and inverted biological-motion patterns, positioned at various distances in virtual space. Findings indicate that discrimination is worse at closer distances, an effect exacerbated by age. Older adults' performance decreases at distances as far away as 4 m, whereas younger adults maintain their performance as close as 1 m (worse at 0.5 m). This suggests that older observers are limited in their capacity to integrate information over larger areas of the visual field and supports the notion that age-related effects are more apparent when larger neural networks are required to process simultaneous information. This has further implications for social contexts where information from biological motion is critical.
Dual-Level Direct Dynamics Studies on the Hydrogen Abstraction Reactions of CH2CH3 - n Xn+HBr (X=Cl, Br and n=1, 2)
Authors: Wang Li , Zhao Jianxiang , He Hongqing , Zhang Jinglai
Published: February 2012

The reactions of the HBr molecule with CH2CH2Cl (reaction R1), CH2CHCl2 (R2), CH2CH2Br (R3) and CH2CHBr2 (R4) are investigated by a dual-level direct dynamics method. The optimized geometries and frequencies of the stationary points were calculated at the MPW1K/6–311+G(d,p) and BMK/6–311+G(d,p) levels. To refine the reaction enthalpy and energy barrier height of each reaction, single-point energy calculations were carried out by the G2M(RCC5) method based on the geometries optimized at the above-mentioned two levels. Using the canonical variational transition state theory or the canonical variational transition state theory with the small-curvature tunneling correction, the rate constants of HBr with CH2CH2Cl (R1), CH2CHCl2 (R2), CH2CH2Br (R3), and CH2CHBr2 (R4) were calculated over a wide temperature range of 200–2000 K at the G2M(RCC5)//MPW1K/6–311+G(d,p) level. The effect of chlorine or bromine substitution on the ethyl radical reactivity is discussed. Finally, the total rate constants are fitted by two models, i.e. three-parameter and four-parameter expressions.
Effect of tubal explants and their secretions on bovine spermatozoa: modulation of ROS production and DNA damage
Authors: Gómez Patricia Navarrete , Alvarez Juan G. , Risopatrón Jennie , Romero Fernando , Sánchez Raúl
Published: February 2012

Although low levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a physiological role in maintaining sperm function, an increase in ROS generation above these levels may result in the induction of sperm membrane and DNA damage. The main objective of this study was to determine whether bovine oviducal explants (TU) and their conditioned media (CM) have a modulatory effect on the production of ROS, and consequently, on sperm DNA integrity. Thawed sperm were exposed to bovine TU and to CM obtained from the ampullar and isthmal regions after 4 and 12 h, and DNA damage and intracellular ROS production was assessed by TUNEL and DHE and SYTOX Green, respectively. Co-incubation of spermatozoa with oviducal explants from the ampullar region (TUa) for 4 h resulted in a statistically significant increase in the percentage of spermatozoa with DNA damage compared with controls (P = 0.0106), and this increase was positively correlated with ROS levels. Conversely, although the incubation of spermatozoa with explants and conditioned media from the isthmal region (TUi and CMi, respectively) for 12 h resulted in an increase of spermatozoa with DNA damage compared with controls (P < 0.0001), this increase was not correlated with ROS levels. In conclusion, significant oxidative stress may take place in the oviduct, particularly during short-term incubation, and this may be related to changes in the antioxidant factors present in the oviducal cells and secretions. A redox imbalance in pro-oxidants and antioxidants in the oviduct may lead to oxidative stress and sperm DNA damage.
Chitosan and O-carboxymethyl chitosan modified Fe3O4 for hyperthermic treatment
Authors: Mai Thi Thu Trang , Ha Phuong Thu , Pham Hong Nam , Le Thi Thu Huong , Pham Hoai Linh , Phan Thi Bich Hoa , Tran Dai Lam , Nguyen Xuan Phuc
Published: February 2012

In this study magnetic fluids were manufactured by the adsorption of chitosan (CS) and O-carboxymethyl chitosan (OCMCS) on Fe
3
O
4 nanoparticles to be used as hyperthermic thermoseeds. Fe
3
O
4 particles were characterized by physico-chemical methods such as: thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectrum, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The SEM images and XRD patterns showed that the synthesized Fe
3
O
4 nanoparticles were of single phase and spherical shape with 10–15 nm in diameter. The VSM measurements showed that Fe
3
O
4 particles were superparamagnetic with saturation magnetization of 70 emu 
g
−1. The adsorbed layers of CS and OCMCS on the magnetite surface (Fe
3
O
4/CS) and (Fe
3
O
4/OCMCS) were confirmed by FTIR, Raman spectra and SEM. In the ac magnetic field of 80 Oe and 236 kHz, the saturation heating temperatures of the sample Fe
3
O
4/CS and Fe
3
O
4/OCMCS were 100 and 98 °C, respectively. At the same concentration of Fe
3
O
4 nanoparticles in suspension, the two magnetic fluids exhibited quite high heating capacity, with different behaviors of concentration dependence. The Fe
3
O
4/CS and Fe
3
O
4/OCMCS nanoparticles would serve as good thermoseeds for localized hyperthermia treatment of cancers.
Fabrication of TbPO4·H2O nanorods/nanowires by the microwave technique and their characterization
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Huong , Nguyen Duc Van , Dinh Manh Tien , Hoang Thi Khuyen , Nguyen Thanh Binh , Le Quoc Minh
Published: February 2012

This report presents the results of the fabrication of luminescent terbium orthophosphate monohydrate (TbPO
4·H
2
O) nanomaterials prepared by the microwave synthesis method and their characterization. The effects of synthesis conditions such as microwave irradiated powers, pH values and reaction temperature on properties of nanomaterials are also investigated to obtain controllable size, morphology and strong luminescence. The structure, morphology and optical properties of the nanomaterials have been characterized by x-ray diffraction, field-emission electron scanning microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively. The results showed that TbPO
4·H
2
O nanowires/nanorods have been successfully synthesized by using microwave heating of an aqueous solution of terbium nitrate and NH
4
H
2
PO
4 with pH values ranging from 2 to 10. The length and width of these nanowires/nanorods are 150–350 nm and 5–10 nm, respectively.
Bertini theorems and Lefschetz pencils over discrete valuation rings, with applications to higher class field theory
Authors: Jannsen Uwe , Saito Shuji
Published: February 2012

We show the existence of good hyperplane sections for schemes over discrete valuation rings with good or (quasi-)semi-stable reduction, and the existence of good Lefschetz pencils for schemes with good reduction or ordinary quadratic reduction. As an application, we prove that the reciprocity map introduced for smooth projective varieties over local fields

K
K

by Bloch, Kato and Saito is an isomorphism after

ℓ
\ell

-adic completion, if the variety has good or ordinary quadratic reduction and

ℓ
≠

c
h
a
r

(
K
)

\ell \neq \mathrm {char}(K)

.
The Role of the School Nurse
Authors: Forward Catherine L.
Published: February 2012

The care of children and young people is an important part of the role of the GP. As well as promoting the health of children and young people during contacts, GPs may refer children and their families to other health professionals for targeted interventions. Over the past few years, there has been considerable research concerned with the health of children and young people and policy drivers emphasizing a multi-agency approach. Most recently, the government has introduced ‘The Healthy Child Programme 0–19 years' (HCP) which provides further guidance on the commissioning of children's services. This article sets out to provide a greater understanding of the HCP (5–19 years) and the role of the school nurse within the school health team. This insight will assist GPs in understanding how best to support the unique needs of children and young people and the families who care for them as required in the GP curriculum.
A Penicillium expansum Glucose Oxidase–Encoding Gene, GOX2, Is Essential for Gluconic Acid Production and Acidification During Colonization of Deciduous Fruit
Authors: Barad Shiri , Horowitz Sigal Brown , Moscovitz Oren , Lichter Amnon , Sherman Amir , Prusky Dov
Published: February 2012

Penicillium expansum, the causal agent of blue mold rot, causes severe postharvest maceration of fruit through secretion of total, d-gluconic acid (GLA). Two P. expansum glucose oxidase (GOX)-encoding genes, GOX1 and GOX2, were analyzed. GOX activity and GLA accumulation were strongly related to GOX2 expression, which increased with pH to a maximum at pH 7.0, whereas GOX1 was expressed at pH 4.0, where no GOX activity or extracellular GLA were detected. This differential expression was also observed at the leading edge of the decaying tissue, where GOX2 expression was dominant. The roles of the GOX genes in pathogenicity were further studied through i) development of P. expansum goxRNAi mutants exhibiting differential downregulation of GOX2, ii) heterologous expression of the P. expansum GOX2 gene in the nondeciduous fruit-pathogen P. chrysogenum, and iii) modulation of GLA production by FeSO4 chelation. Interestingly, in P. expansum, pH and GLA production elicited opposite effects on germination and biomass accumulation: 26% of spores germinated at pH 7.0 when GOX activity and GLA were highest whereas, in P. chrysogenum at the same pH, when GLA did not accumulate, 72% of spores germinated. Moreover, heterologous expression of P. expansum GOX2 in P. chrysogenum resulted in enhanced GLA production and reduced germination, suggesting negative regulation of spore germination and GLA production. These results demonstrate that pH modulation, mediated by GLA accumulation, is an important factor in generating the initial signal or signals for fungal development leading to host-tissue colonization by P. expansum.
Atypical Regulation of Virulence-Associated Functions by a Diffusible Signal Factor in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Rai Rikky , Ranjan Manish , Pradhan Binod B. , Chatterjee Subhadeep
Published: February 2012

In Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, the bacterial blight pathogen of rice, a secreted fatty acid signaling molecule known as diffusible signal factor (DSF) is required for virulence and growth on low-iron medium. To identify other virulence-associated traits that are regulated by DSF in this pathogen, we have performed microarray analysis of transcriptional changes between the wild type and DSF-deficient mutants of X. oryzae pv. oryzae. Expression of genes that encode secreted hydrolytic enzymes, motility, and chemotaxis functions are negatively regulated by DSF while functions involved in adhesion and biofilm formation are positively regulated. Enzymatic assays for hydrolytic enzymes as well as assays for chemotaxis, motility, attachment, and biofilm formation corroborate these findings. These results demonstrate that, in X. oryzae pv. oryzae, DSF-mediated cell-to-cell signaling coordinates transition from solitary to biofilm lifestyle by promoting expression of attachment functions and negatively regulating expression of motility functions. This is in contrast to X. campestris pv. campestris, a pathogen of crucifers, wherein the DSF system positively regulates motility functions and negatively regulates biofilm formation. These results indicate that virulence-associated functions can be regulated in a completely contrasting fashion by the same signaling system in very closely related bacteria.
The Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase BcSak1 of Botrytis cinerea Is Required for Pathogenic Development and Has Broad Regulatory Functions Beyond Stress Response
Authors: Heller Jens , Ruhnke Nadja , Espino José Juan , Massaroli Michelli , Collado Isidro Gonzalez , Tudzynski Paul
Published: February 2012

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) BcSak1 of Botrytis cinerea is activated upon exposure to H2O2 and, hence, might be involved in coping with oxidative stress during infection. However, beside osmotic and oxidative stress sensitivity, Δbcsak1 mutants have a pleiotropic phenotype, as they do not produce conidia and are unable to penetrate unwounded host tissue. In this study, the role of BcSak1 was investigated in the stress response and during infection of French beans by Botrytis cinerea. Using a macroarray approach, it was shown that BcSak1 is only marginally involved in the specific oxidative stress response. In fact, the induction of several genes after oxidative stress treatment is BcSak1-dependent, but most of these genes are also induced under conditions of osmotic stress. The majority of genes regulated by BcSak1 are not involved in the stress response at all. Using a translational fusion of BcSak1 to green fluorescent protein, it was shown clearly that the localization of this MAPK depends on the type of stress being applied; it associates rapidly to the nucleus only under osmotic stress. Therefore, a model is proposed in which BcSak1 acts in the cytosol by activation of one or more transcription factors under oxidative stress and, at the same time, it reacts to osmotic stress by migrating to the nucleus. Interestingly, the MAPK is also involved in the regulation of secondary metabolism, as the major phytotoxins secreted by this fungus are reduced in the Δbcsak1 deletion mutant. Experiments done in planta underlined the essential role of BcSak1 in the early stages of infection, when it translocates to the nucleus and then changes to cytosolic distribution during hyphal growth within the tissue.
Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis, Trichothecene Chemotype Patterns, and Variation in Aggressiveness of Fusarium Isolates Causing Head Blight in Wheat
Authors: Malihipour Ali , Gilbert Jeannie , Piercey-Normore Michele , Cloutier Sylvie
Published: February 2012

Certain Fusarium species cause Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat and other small grains. Differences in characteristics of the pathogen species/isolates used in breeding programs may affect reaction of host genotypes, leading to erroneous results. To clarify differences among Fusarium isolates from different geographical zones, the phylogenetic, chemotypic, and pathogenic abilities of 58 isolates collected from three wheat-producing countries (Canada, Mexico, and Iran) were investigated. Phylogenetic relationships among the isolates were characterized using the Tri101 gene sequence. All Canadian and Iranian isolates clustered in one group and were identified as F. graminearum lineage 7 (=F. graminearum sensu stricto) within the F. graminearum (Fg) clade. The isolates from Mexico were identified as either F. graminearum lineage 3 (=Fusarium boothii) within the Fg clade or Fusarium crookwellense. A polymerase chain reaction assay based on the Tri12 gene identified three trichothecene chemotypes of 15-ADON, 3- ADON, and NIV, with 15-ADON being the most common. All F. boothii isolates from Mexico were of the 15-ADON chemotype, while all F. crookwellense isolates were determined to be NIV producers. While we did not find the NIV chemotype among the Canadian isolates, 25.6% of the Iranian isolates were determined to be NIV producers. High level of variation in aggressiveness was also observed among and within the species tested: F. graminearum sensu stricto isolates were the most aggressive, followed by those of F. boothii, and lastly by F. crookwellense. The differences observed among the isolates may explain why wheat lines/cultivars demonstrate different reactions to FHB in different geographical zones.
Stability of toxigenicity in proteolytic Clostridium botulinum type B upon serial passage
Authors: Umeda Kaoru , Seto Yoshiyuki , Kohda Tomoko , Mukamoto Masafumi , Kozaki Shunji
Published: February 2012

Proteolytic Clostridium botulinum type B strains were investigated for stability of toxigenicity and bont/b gene upon serial passage. Strains with bont/b gene located on their plasmids showed loss or decrease of toxigenicity during serial passage. Some strains lost the bont/b gene‐encoding plasmid. The stability of the plasmids varied between strains.
Type IV pilin is glycosylated in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605 and is required for surface motility and virulence
Authors: NGUYEN LINH CHI , TAGUCHI FUMIKO , TRAN QUANG MINH , NAITO KANA , YAMAMOTO MASANOBU , OHNISHI‐KAMEYAMA MAYUMI , ONO HIROSHI , YOSHIDA MITSURU , CHIKU KAZUHIRO , ISHII TADASHI , INAGAKI YOSHISHIGE , TOYODA KAZUHIRO , SHIRAISHI TOMONORI , ICHINOSE YUKI
Published: February 2012

Type IV pilin (PilA) is a major constituent of pilus and is required for bacterial biofilm formation, surface motility and virulence. It is known that mature PilA is produced by cleavage of the short leader sequence of the pilin precursor, followed by methylation of N‐terminal phenylalanine. The molecular mass of the PilA mature protein from the tobacco bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci 6605 (Pta 6605) has been predicted to be 12 329 Da from its deduced amino acid sequence. Previously, we have detected PilA as an approximately 13‐kDa protein by immunoblot analysis with anti‐PilA‐specific antibody. In addition, we found the putative oligosaccharide‐transferase gene tfpO downstream of pilA. These findings suggest that PilA in Pta 6605 is glycosylated. The defective mutant of tfpO (ΔtfpO) shows reductions in pilin molecular mass, surface motility and virulence towards host tobacco plants. Thus, pilin glycan plays important roles in bacterial motility and virulence. The genetic region around pilA was compared among P. syringae pathovars. The tfpO gene exists in some strains of pathovars tabaci, syringae, lachrymans, mori, actinidiae, maculicola and P. savastanoi pv. savastanoi. However, some strains of pathovars tabaci, syringae, glycinea, tomato, aesculi and oryzae do not possess tfpO, and the existence of tfpO is independent of the classification of pathovars/strains in P. syringae. Interestingly, the PilA amino acid sequences in tfpO‐possessing strains show higher homology with each other than with tfpO‐nonpossessing strains. These results suggest that tfpO and pilA might co‐evolve in certain specific bacterial strains.
A randomised trial comparing the i‐gelTM with the LMA ClassicTM in children
Authors: Lee J.‐R. , Kim M.‐S. , Kim J.‐T. , Byon H.‐J. , Park Y.‐H. , Kim H.‐S. , Kim C.‐S.
Published: February 2012

We performed a prospective, randomised trial comparing the i‐gelTM with the LMA ClassicTM in children undergoing general anaesthesia. Ninety‐nine healthy patients were randomly assigned to either the i‐gel or the LMA Classic. The outcomes measured were airway leak pressure, ease of insertion, time taken for insertion, fibreoptic examination and complications. Median (IQR [range]) time to successful device placement was shorter with the i‐gel (17.0 (13.8−20.0 [10.0−20.0]) s) compared with the LMA Classic (21.0 (17.5−25.0 [15.0−70.0]) s, p = 0.002). There was no significant difference in oropharyngeal leak pressure between the two devices. A good fibreoptic view of the glottis was obtained in 74% of the i‐gel group and in 43% of the LMA Classic group (p < 0.001). There were no significant complications. In conclusion, the i‐gel provided a similar leak pressure, but a shorter insertion time and improved glottic view compared with the LMA Classic in children.
Measurement of forces applied during Macintosh direct laryngoscopy compared with GlideScope® videolaryngoscopy*
Authors: Russell T. , Khan S. , Elman J. , Katznelson R. , Cooper R. M.
Published: February 2012

Laryngoscopy can induce stress responses that may be harmful in susceptible patients. We directly measured the force applied to the base of the tongue as a surrogate for the stress response. Force measurements were obtained using three FlexiForce Sensors® (Tekscan Inc, Boston, MA, USA) attached along the concave surface of each laryngoscope blade. Twenty‐four 24 adult patients of ASA physical status 1–2 were studied. After induction of anaesthesia and neuromuscular blockade, laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation was performed using either a Macintosh or a GlideScope®(Verathon, Bothell, WA, USA) laryngoscope. Complete data were available for 23 patients. Compared with the Macintosh, we observed lower median (IQR [range]) peak force (9 (5–13 [3–25]) N vs 20 (14–28 [4–41]) N; p = 0.0001), average force (5 (3–7 [2–19]) N vs 11 (6–16 [1–24]) N; p = 0.0003) and impulse force (98 (42–151 [26–444]) Ns vs 150 (93–207 [17–509]) Ns; p = 0.017) with the GlideScope. Our study shows that the peak lifting force on the base of the tongue during laryngoscopy is less with the GlideScope videolaryngoscope compared with the Macintosh laryngoscope.
Vaccine allergy evaluation and management at the specialized Green Channel Consultation Clinic
Authors: Micheletti F. , Peroni D. , Piacentini G. , Schweiger V. , Mirandola R. , Chiesa E. , Zanoni G.
Published: February 2012

Background

Suspected vaccine allergy may be a cause of incomplete or delayed vaccination. Patients at risk of adverse reactions or suspected contraindications need specialized consultation about subsequent vaccinations.

Objective

To analyse consultancy results for patients at risk of allergic reactions to vaccines as evaluated by the Green Channel University Hospital Immunization Consultancy Clinic.

Methods

A review of cases of allergic reactions to vaccines or contraindications due to underlying diseases or sensitization to vaccine components submitted to the Green Channel was carried out. Analysed data included detailed clinical reaction history, skin and in vitro allergy testing with vaccine components, recommendations for vaccination and outcome of subsequent vaccine administrations.

Results

A total of 519 cases, 370 referred for previous local or systemic reactions to vaccines, mostly cutaneous, and 149 sent for suspected contraindications were evaluated. Skin testing was performed on 152 patients, specific IgE determination in 37 subjects and patch testing in 173 cases. After consultation, 442 (85%) subjects were advised to continue vaccination, with personalized precautions (premedication, or alternative brand, or administration in graded doses) for 200 of them. Among the 352 (80%) patients vaccinated as per Green Channel instructions, 33 subjects (9.3%) reported mild allergic or non‐specific symptoms and one (0.3%) urticaria with bronchospasm.

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Even though vaccine allergy occurs very rarely, a safe procedure for immunization can be applied, through specialized allergy consultancy, for most subjects with suspected allergy to vaccines, and who could be potentially excluded from vaccination for risk of adverse reactions.
Carbon chemistry and mineralization of peat soils from the Australian Alps
Authors: Grover S. P. P. , Baldock J. A.
Published: February 2012

The carbon chemistry of 10 profiles of peat soil has been described in detail using 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The changes with depth in the allocation of signal to different carbon functional groups were consistent with an increase in the extent of decomposition (EOD) of the organic material with depth. This increase in EOD with depth is typical of peat soils. Incubation experiments were carried out on peats spanning the range of EODs encountered, to investigate the effect upon mineralization of substrate quality (as defined by 13C NMR spectroscopy), water content and particle size. The confounding factors of depth, water content, bulk density, aeration and carbon content were eliminated by incubating ground peat material in a sand matrix. The size of the mineralizable carbon pool and the rate of carbon mineralization were both significantly affected by substrate quality, water content and particle size. Substrate quality had the greatest effect upon the size of the mineralizable carbon pool: as substrate quality decreased, so too did the size of the mineralizable carbon pool. Water content had the greatest effect upon the rate of carbon mineralization, which increased and then decreased as water content increased, with a maximum rate constant at a volumetric water content of 0.37 cm3 cm−3.
Investigating the effects of wettability and pore size distribution on aggregate stability: the role of soil organic matter and the humic fraction
Authors: Dal Ferro N. , Berti A. , Francioso O. , Ferrari E. , Matthews G. P. , Morari F.
Published: February 2012

Soil organic matter (SOM) is an important factor influencing aggregate stability. Interactions between SOM and soil structure are widely studied, although the subtle relationship between SOM content, pore size distribution and aggregate stability is not fully known. Here we investigate such a relationship by means of a long‐term experiment established in 1962 in northeastern Italy, which considers different fertilizer practices (organic, mineral and mixed) applied to a continuous maize crop rotation. We measured wet stability of 1–2 mm aggregates subjected to different pretreatments. Both soil physical properties (such as pore size distribution and hydrophobicity) and chemical properties (soil organic and humic carbon content) affecting aggregate stability were considered. The chemical structure of humic substances was characterized by thermal and spectroscopic analyses (TG‐DTA, DRIFT and 1H HR MAS NMR). The Pore‐Cor network model was then applied to evaluate the contribution of hydrophobicity and porosity to aggregate wetting. Our study suggests that SOM and its humic fraction can affect aggregate wetting and consequently slaking by modifying the pore size distribution with a shift from micropores (5–30 µm) and mesopores (30–75 µm) to ultramicropores (0.1–5 µm); hydrophobicity was also increased as a result of different humic composition. Spectroscopic analysis showed that hydrophobic compounds were mostly associated with complex humic molecules. Models of fast wetting dynamics, however, suggest that the contribution that hydrophobicity makes to aggregate stability, especially to soils with large carbon inputs, may not be the most significant factor.
Kinetics of DNA replication and telomerase reaction at a single‐seeded telomere in human cells
Authors: Hirai Yugo , Masutomi Kenkichi , Ishikawa Fuyuki
Published: February 2012

In most cancer cells, telomerase is activated to elongate telomere DNA, thereby ensuring numerous rounds of cell divisions. It is thus important to understand how telomerase and the replication fork react with telomeres in human cells. However, the highly polymorphic and repetitive nature of the nucleotide sequences in human subtelomeric regions hampers the precise analysis of sequential events taking place at telomeres in S phase. Here, we have established HeLa cells harboring a single‐seeded telomere abutted by a unique subtelomere DNA sequence, which has enabled us to specifically focus on the seeded telomere. We have also developed a modified chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) method that uses restriction digestion instead of sonication to fragment chromatin DNA (RES‐ChIP), and a method for immunoprecipitating 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU)‐labeled single‐stranded DNA by incubating DNA with anti‐BrdU antibody in the nondenaturing condition. We have shown that DNA replication of the seeded telomere takes place during a relatively narrow time window in S phase, and telomerase synthesizes telomere DNA after the replication. Moreover, we have demonstrated that the telomerase catalytic subunit TERT associates with telomeres before telomere DNA replication. These results provide a temporal and spatial framework for understanding DNA replication and telomerase reaction at human telomeres.
Xeroderma pigmentosum group F protein binds to Eg5 and is required for proper mitosis: implications for XP‐F and XFE
Authors: Tan Li Jing , Saijo Masafumi , Kuraoka Isao , Narita Takashi , Takahata Chiaki , Iwai Shigenori , Tanaka Kiyoji
Published: February 2012

The xeroderma pigmentosum group F‐cross‐complementing rodent repair deficiency group 1 (XPF‐ERCC1) complex is a structure‐specific endonuclease involved in nucleotide excision repair (NER) and interstrand cross‐link (ICL) repair. Patients with XPF mutations may suffer from two forms of xeroderma pigmentosum (XP): XP‐F patients show mild photosensitivity and proneness to skin cancer but rarely show any neurological abnormalities, whereas XFE patients display symptoms of severe XP symptoms, growth retardation and accelerated aging. Xpf knockout mice display accelerated aging and die before weaning. These results suggest that the XPF‐ERCC1 complex has additional functions besides NER and ICL repair and is essential for development and growth. In this study, we show a partial colocalization of XPF with mitotic spindles and Eg5. XPF knockdown in cells led to an increase in the frequency of abnormal nuclear morphology and mitosis. Similarly, the frequency of abnormal nuclei and mitosis was increased in XP‐F and XFE cells. In addition, we showed that Eg5 enhances the action of XPF‐ERCC1 nuclease activity. Taken together, these results suggest that the interaction between XPF and Eg5 plays a role in mitosis and DNA repair and offer new insights into the pathogenesis of XP‐F and XFE.