bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct band gap narrowing in highly doped Ge
Authors: Camacho-Aguilera Rodolfo , Han Zhaohong , Cai Yan , Kimerling Lionel C. , Michel Jurgen
Published: April 2013

Direct band gap narrowing in highly doped n-type Ge is observed through photoluminescence measurements by determining the spectrum peak shift. A linear relationship between the direct band gap emission and carrier concentration is observed. We propose a first order phenomenological model for band gap narrowing based on two parameters whose values for Ge are EBGN = 0.013 eV and ΔBGN = 10−21 eV/cm−3. The application of these results to non-invasive determination of the active carrier concentration in submicron areas in n-type Ge structures is demonstrated.
Longitudinal terahertz wave generation from an air plasma filament induced by a femtosecond laser
Authors: Minami Yasuo , Kurihara Takayuki , Yamaguchi Keita , Nakajima Makoto , Suemoto Tohru
Published: April 2013

We have generated and detected a longitudinally polarized (Z-polarized) terahertz (THz) wave by focusing a conically propagating THz beam generated from a plasma filament induced by a femtosecond laser pulse. In the experiment, we observed a radially polarized field in a collimated region and Z-polarized field at focus in the time domain. The maximum value of the Z-polarized THz electric field reached 1.0 kV/cm. It was also quantitatively discussed about the Z-polarized field and the radial field at the focal point. We expect this technique to find application in THz time domain spectroscopy.
The cardiac Na
+
-Ca
2+
exchanger has two cytoplasmic ion permeation pathways
Authors: John Scott A. , Liao Jun , Jiang Youxing , Ottolia Michela
Published: April 2013

The Na
+
-Ca
2+
exchanger (NCX) is a ubiquitously expressed plasma membrane protein. It plays a fundamental role in Ca
2+
homeostasis by moving Ca
2+
out of the cell using the electrochemical gradient of Na
+
as the driving force. Recent structural studies of a homologous archaebacterial exchanger, NCX_Mj, revealed its outward configuration with two potential ion permeation pathways exposed to the extracellular environment. Based on the symmetry of NCX_Mj structure, an atomic model of an inward-facing conformation was generated showing similar pathways but directed to the cytoplasm. The presence of these water-filled cavities has yet to be confirmed experimentally, and it is unknown if the mammalian exchanger adopts the same structure. In this study, we mutated multiple residues within transmembrane segments 2 and 7 of NCX1.1 (cardiac isoform) to cysteines, allowing us to investigate their sensitivity to membrane-impermeable sulfhydryl reagents as exchanger current block. By trapping NCX1.1 in the inward-facing configuration, we have mapped two differently sized cytoplasmic aqueous cavities, the access of which is modified during exchange. This data reveals movements of the protein associated with ion transport. Electrophysiological characterization shows that the conserved residues within transmembrane segments 2 and 7, coordinating Na
+
and Ca
2+
ions in NCX_Mj, play a fundamental role in NCX1.1. Our results suggest a similar architecture between the mammalian and archaebacterial exchangers.
Widespread distribution and unexpected variation among science faculty with education specialties (SFES) across the United States
Authors: Bush Seth D. , Pelaez Nancy J. , Rudd James A. , Stevens Michael T. , Tanner Kimberly D. , Williams Kathy S.
Published: April 2013

College and university science departments are increasingly taking an active role in improving science education. Perhaps as a result, a new type of specialized science faculty position within science departments is emerging—referred to here as science faculty with education specialties (SFES)—where individual scientists focus their professional efforts on strengthening undergraduate science education, improving kindergarten-through-12th grade science education, and conducting discipline-based education research. Numerous assertions, assumptions, and questions about SFES exist, yet no national studies have been published. Here, we present findings from a large-scale study of US SFES, who are widespread and increasing in numbers. Contrary to many assumptions, SFES were indeed found across the nation, across science disciplines, and, most notably, across primarily undergraduate, master of science-granting, and PhD-granting institutions. Data also reveal unexpected variations among SFES by institution type. Among respondents, SFES at master of science-granting institutions were almost twice as likely to have formal training in science education compared with other SFES. In addition, SFES at PhD-granting institutions were much more likely to have obtained science education funding. Surprisingly, formal training in science education provided no advantage in obtaining science education funding. Our findings show that the SFES phenomenon is likely more complex and diverse than anticipated, with differences being more evident across institution types than across science disciplines. These findings raise questions about the origins of differences among SFES and are useful to science departments interested in hiring SFES, scientific trainees preparing for SFES careers, and agencies awarding science education funding.
Physical and genetic-interaction density reveals functional organization and informs significance cutoffs in genome-wide screens
Authors: Dittmar John C. , Pierce Steven , Rothstein Rodney , Reid Robert J. D.
Published: April 2013

Genome-wide experiments often measure quantitative differences between treated and untreated cells to identify affected strains. For these studies, statistical models are typically used to determine significance cutoffs. We developed a method termed “CLIK” (Cutoff Linked to Interaction Knowledge) that overlays biological knowledge from the interactome on screen results to derive a cutoff. The method takes advantage of the fact that groups of functionally related interacting genes often respond similarly to experimental conditions and, thus, cluster in a ranked list of screen results. We applied CLIK analysis to five screens of the yeast gene disruption library and found that it defined a significance cutoff that differed from traditional statistics. Importantly, verification experiments revealed that the CLIK cutoff correlated with the position in the rank order where the rate of true positives drops off significantly. In addition, the gene sets defined by CLIK analysis often provide further biological perspectives. For example, applying CLIK analysis retrospectively to a screen for cisplatin sensitivity allowed us to identify the importance of the Hrq1 helicase in DNA crosslink repair. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of CLIK to determine optimal treatment conditions by analyzing genome-wide screens at multiple rapamycin concentrations. We show that CLIK is an extremely useful tool for evaluating screen quality, determining screen cutoffs, and comparing results between screens. Furthermore, because CLIK uses previously annotated interaction data to determine biologically informed cutoffs, it provides additional insights into screen results, which supplement traditional statistical approaches.
E-selectin ligand 1 regulates bone remodeling by limiting bioactive TGF-β in the bone microenvironment
Authors: Yang Tao , Grafe Ingo , Bae Yangjin , Chen Shan , Chen Yuqing , Bertin Terry K. , Jiang Ming-Ming , Ambrose Catherine G. , Lee Brendan
Published: April 2013

TGF-β is abundantly produced in the skeletal system and plays a crucial role in skeletal homeostasis. E-selectin ligand-1 (ESL-1), a Golgi apparatus-localized protein, acts as a negative regulator of TGF-β bioavailability by attenuating maturation of pro–TGF-β during cartilage homeostasis. However, whether regulation of intracellular TGF-β maturation by ESL-1 is also crucial during bone homeostasis has not been well defined. Here, we show that
Esl-1

−/−

mice exhibit a severe osteopenia with elevated bone resorption and decreased bone mineralization. In primary culture,
Esl-1

−/−

osteoclast progenitors show no difference in osteoclastogenesis. However,
Esl-1

−/−

osteoblasts show delayed differentiation and mineralization and stimulate osteoclastogenesis more potently in the osteoblast–osteoclast coculture, suggesting that ESL-1 primarily acts in osteoblasts to regulate bone homeostasis. In addition,
Esl-1

−/−

calvaria exhibit an elevated mature TGF-β/pro–TGF-β ratio, with increased expression of TGF-β downstream targets (plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, parathyroid hormone-related peptide, connective tissue growth factor, and matrix metallopeptidase 13, etc.) and a key regulator of osteoclastogenesis (receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand). Moreover, in vivo treatment with 1D11, a pan–TGF-β antibody, significantly improved the low bone mass of
Esl-1

−/−

mice, suggesting that elevated TGF-β signaling is the major cause of osteopenia in
Esl-1

−/−

mice. In summary, our study identifies ESL-1 as an important regulator of bone remodeling and demonstrates that the modulation of TGF-β maturation is pivotal in the maintenance of a homeostatic bone microenvironment and for proper osteoblast–osteoclast coupling.
T box RNA decodes both the information content and geometry of tRNA to affect gene expression
Authors: Grigg Jason C. , Chen Yujie , Grundy Frank J. , Henkin Tina M. , Pollack Lois , Ke Ailong
Published: April 2013

The T box leader sequence is an RNA element that controls gene expression by binding directly to a specific tRNA and sensing its aminoacylation state. This interaction controls expression of amino acid-related genes in a negative feedback loop. The T box RNA structure is highly conserved, but its tRNA binding mechanism is only partially understood. Known sequence elements are the specifier sequence, which recognizes the tRNA anticodon, and the antiterminator bulge, which base pairs with the tRNA acceptor end. Here, we reveal the crucial function of the highly conserved stem I distal region in tRNA recognition and report its 2.65-Å crystal structure. The apex of this region contains an intricately woven loop–loop interaction between two conserved motifs, the Adenine-guanine (AG) bulge and the distal loop. This loop–loop structure presents a base triple on its surface that is optimally positioned for base-stacking interactions. Mutagenesis, cross-linking, and small-angle X-ray scattering data demonstrate that the apical base triple serves as a binding platform to dock the tRNA D- and T-loops. Strikingly, the binding platform strongly resembles the D- and T-loop binding elements from RNase P and the ribosome exit site, suggesting that this loop–loop structure may represent a widespread tRNA recognition platform. We propose a two-checkpoint molecular ruler model for tRNA decoding in which the information content of tRNA is first examined through specifier sequence–anticodon interaction, and the length of the tRNA anticodon arm is then measured by the distal loop–loop platform. When both conditions are met, tRNA is secured, and its aminoacylation state is sensed.
High NaCl- and urea-induced posttranslational modifications that increase glycerophosphocholine by inhibiting GDPD5 phosphodiesterase
Authors: Topanurak Supachai , Ferraris Joan D. , Li Jinxi , Izumi Yuichiro , Williams Chester K. , Gucek Marjan , Wang Guanghui , Zhou Xiaoming , Burg Maurice B.
Published: April 2013

Glycerophosphocholine (GPC) is high in cells of the renal inner medulla where high interstitial NaCl and urea power concentration of the urine. GPC protects inner medullary cells against the perturbing effects of high NaCl and urea by stabilizing intracellular macromolecules. Degradation of GPC is catalyzed by the glycerophosphocholine phosphodiesterase activity of glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase domain containing 5 (GDPD5). We previously found that inhibitory posttranslational modification (PTM) of GDPD5 contributes to high NaCl- and urea-induced increase of GPC. The purpose of the present studies was to identify the PTM(s). We find at least three such PTMs in HEK293 cells: (
i
) Formation of a disulfide bond between C25 and C571. High NaCl and high urea increase reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS increase disulfide bonding between GDPD5-C25 and -C571, which inhibits GDPD5 activity, as supported by the findings that the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine prevents high NaCl- and urea-induced inhibition of GDPD5; GDPD5-C25S/C571S mutation or over expression of peroxiredoxin increases GDPD5 activity; H
2
O
2
inhibits activity of wild type GDPD5, but not of GDPD5-C25S/C571S; and peroxiredoxin is relatively low in the renal inner medulla where GPC is high. (
ii
) Dephosphorylation of GDPD5-T587. GDPD5 threonine 587 is constitutively phosphorylated. High NaCl and high urea dephosphorylate GDPD5-T587. Mutation of GDPD5-T587 to alanine, which cannot be phosphorylated, decreases GPC-PDE activity of GDPD5. (
iii
) Alteration at an unknown site mediated by CDK1. Inhibition of CDK1 protein kinase reduces GDE-PDE activity of GDPD5 without altering phosphorylation at T587, and CDK1/5 inhibitor reduces activity of GDPD5- C25S/C571S-T587A.
Dosage compensation and inverse effects in triple X metafemales of
Drosophila
Authors: Sun Lin , Johnson Adam F. , Donohue Ryan C. , Li Jilong , Cheng Jianlin , Birchler James A.
Published: April 2013

Dosage compensation, the equalized X chromosome gene expression between males and females in
Drosophila
, has also been found in triple X metafemales. Inverse dosage effects, produced by genomic imbalance, are believed to account for this modulated expression, but they have not been studied on a global level. Here, we show a global expression comparison of metafemales (XXX; AA) with normal females (XX; AA
)
with high-throughput RNA-sequencing. We found that the majority of the X-linked genes in metafemales exhibit dosage compensation with an expression level similar to that of normal diploid females. In parallel, most of the autosomal genes were expressed at about two-thirds the level of normal females, the ratio of inverse dosage effects produced by the extra X chromosome. Both compensation and inverse effects were further confirmed by combination of X-linked and autosomally located
miniwhite
reporter genes in metafemales and relative quantitative PCR of selected genes. These data provide evidence for an inverse dosage component to X chromosome compensation.
Atomic-level simulation of current–voltage relationships in single-file ion channels
Authors: Jensen Morten Ø. , Jogini Vishwanath , Eastwood Michael P. , Shaw David E.
Published: April 2013

The difficulty in characterizing ion conduction through membrane channels at the level of individual permeation events has made it challenging to elucidate the mechanistic principles underpinning this fundamental physiological process. Using long, all-atom simulations enabled by special-purpose hardware, we studied K+ permeation across the KV1.2/2.1 voltage-gated potassium channel. At experimentally accessible voltages, which include the physiological range, the simulated permeation rate was substantially lower than the experimentally observed rate. The current–voltage relationship was also nonlinear but became linear at much higher voltages. We observed permeation consistent with a “knock-on” mechanism at all voltages. At high voltages, the permeation rate was in accordance with our previously reported KV1.2 pore-only simulations, after the simulated voltages from the previous study were recalculated using the correct method, new insight into which is provided here. Including the voltage-sensing domains in the simulated channel brought the linear current–voltage regime closer to the experimentally accessible voltages. The simulated permeation rate, however, still underestimated the experimental rate, because formation of the knock-on intermediate occurred too infrequently. Reducing the interaction strength between the ion and the selectivity filter did not increase conductance. In complementary simulations of gramicidin A, similar changes in interaction strength did increase the observed permeation rate. Permeation nevertheless remained substantially below the experimental value, largely because of infrequent ion recruitment into the pore lumen. Despite the need to apply large voltages to simulate the permeation process, the apparent voltage insensitivity of the permeation mechanism suggests that the direct simulation of permeation at the single-ion level can provide fundamental physiological insight into ion channel function. Notably, our simulations suggest that the knock-on permeation mechanisms in KV1.2 and KcsA may be different.
IMMEDIATE HYPHEMA AFTER INTRAVITREAL INJECTIONS OF RANIBIZUMAB
Authors: Kon Graversen Veronica A. , Meredith Travis , Landers Maurice B. , Garg Seema
Published: April 2013

Purpose:

To report two cases of immediate hyphema formation after the intravitreal injection of ranibizumab.

Methods:

Retrospective case reports.

Results:

A patient with choroidal neovascularization caused by exudative age-related macular degeneration and a patient with cystoid macular edema caused by branch retinal vein occlusion underwent an intravitreal injection of 0.5 mg/0.05 mL of ranibizumab. The development of hyphema was seen immediately after the intravitreal injection in both cases. One patient was pseudophakic, taking 325 mg of aspirin daily. The other patient was phakic without any anticoagulation history.

Conclusion:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the third report of the development of hyphema associated with intravitreal injections.
Characterization of Relations Among Sleep, Inflammation, and Psychiatric Dysfunction in Depressed Youth With Crohn Disease
Authors: Benhayon David , Youk Ada , McCarthy F. Nicole , Davis Stephanie , Keljo David J. , Bousvaros Athos , Fairclough Diane , Kupfer David , Buysse Daniel J. , Szigethy Eva M.
Published: April 2013

Objectives:

Recent reports demonstrate a link between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and sleep disturbance. Increased psychiatric dysfunction is consistently reported in patients with IBD. Our objective is to examine relations among sleep disturbance, inflammation, and psychiatric dysfunction in a pediatric population with Crohn disease (CD) and depression.

Methods:

Pediatric patients with CD with depression (n = 96) and healthy controls (n = 19) completed measures of sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), depression, anxiety, and abdominal pain, and provided blood for inflammatory markers. CD activity was determined by the Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index. Factor analysis was performed on subscales of the PSQI to derive measures of sleep disturbance. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses assessed relations between sleep disturbance, psychosocial, and biological measures of CD and psychiatric dysfunction.

Results:

Sleep disturbance in depressed youth with CD was significantly greater than healthy controls, and was significantly related to measures of abdominal pain, depression, and anxiety, but not biomarkers of inflammation. Factor analysis of the PSQI demonstrated a 2‐factor solution. The first factor, termed “Qualitative,” included Subjective Sleep Quality, Daytime Dysfunction, Sleep Disturbance, and Sleep Latency, whereas the second factor, “Quantitative,” consisted of Habitual Sleep Efficiency and Sleep Duration. This factor showed a significant relation to inflammatory markers. Multivariate modeling suggested that qualitative sleep disturbance was predicted by disease activity, pain, and anxiety, whereas quantitative sleep disturbance was predicted by disease activity.

Conclusions:

These results indicate that sleep disturbance in depressed youth with CD differs depending upon illness activity. Patients may require different interventions depending upon the sleep disturbance exhibited.
Bifurcations of the climate system and greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Sudakov Ivan , Vakulenko Sergey
Published: April 2013

We propose a generalization of the classical Goody model by taking into account greenhouse gas emission effects. We develop an asymptotic approach that allows us to obtain an expression for the greenhouse gas flux via the temperature and fluid fields. We show that there is a possible tipping point in atmospheric dynamics resulting from greenhouse gas emissions, where the climate system becomes bistable under sufficiently intensive greenhouse gas emissions.
Diagnosis of boundary-layer circulations
Authors: Beare Robert J. , Cullen Michael J. P.
Published: April 2013

Diagnoses of circulations in the vertical plane provide valuable insights into aspects of the dynamics of the climate system. Dynamical theories based on geostrophic balance have proved useful in deriving diagnostic equations for these circulations. For example, semi-geostrophic theory gives rise to the Sawyer–Eliassen equation (SEE) that predicts, among other things, circulations around mid-latitude fronts. A limitation of the SEE is the absence of a realistic boundary layer. However, the coupling provided by the boundary layer between the atmosphere and the surface is fundamental to the climate system. Here, we use a theory based on Ekman momentum balance to derive an SEE that includes a boundary layer (SEEBL). We consider a case study of a baroclinic low-level jet. The SEEBL solution shows significant benefits over Ekman pumping, including accommodating a boundary-layer depth that varies in space and structure, which accounts for buoyancy and momentum advection. The diagnosed low-level jet is stronger than that determined by Ekman balance. This is due to the inclusion of momentum advection. Momentum advection provides an additional mechanism for enhancement of the low-level jet that is distinct from inertial oscillations.
‘Intractable and unsolved’: some thoughts on statistical data assimilation with uncertain static parameters
Authors: Rougier Jonathan
Published: April 2013

If you seem to be able to do data assimilation with uncertain static parameters then you are probably not working in environmental science. In this field, applications are often characterized by sensitive dependence on initial conditions and attracting sets in the state-space, which, taken together, can be a major challenge to numerical methods, leading to very peaky likelihood functions. Inherently stochastic models and uncertain static parameters increase the challenge.
Exploiting strength, discounting weakness: combining information from multiple climate simulators
Authors: Chandler Richard E.
Published: April 2013

This paper presents and analyses a statistical framework for combining projections of future climate from different climate simulators. The framework recognizes explicitly that all currently available simulators are imperfect; that they do not span the full range of possible decisions on the part of the climate modelling community; and that individual simulators have strengths and weaknesses. Information from individual simulators is automatically weighted, alongside that from historical observations and from prior knowledge. The weights for a simulator depend on its internal variability, its expected consensus with other simulators, the internal variability of the real climate and the propensity of simulators collectively to deviate from reality. The framework demonstrates, moreover, that some subjective judgements are inevitable when interpreting multiple climate change projections: by clarifying precisely what those judgements are, it provides increased transparency in the ensuing analyses. Although the framework is straightforward to apply in practice by a user with some understanding of Bayesian methods, the emphasis here is on conceptual aspects illustrated with a simplified artificial example. A ‘poor man's version’ is also presented, which can be implemented straightforwardly in simple situations.
Development of a enterovirus diagnostic assay system for diagnosis of viral myocarditis in humans
Authors: Lim Byung‐Kwan , Ju Eun‐Seon , Lao Dieu Hung , Yun Soo‐Hyeon , Lee Yoo‐Jung , Kim Duk‐Kyung , Jeon Eun‐Seok
Published: April 2013

The coxsackieviruses type B3 (CVB3) are members of the genus Enterovirus of the family Picornaviridae. They are the commonest cause of chronic myocarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy. However, there is still no effective method for diagnosing CVB3 infection in humans. Here, a fast and accurate system that uses a capsid‐protein‐specific peptide sequence to detect CVB3 in the sera of patients with viral myocarditis was established. The peptide sequence was selected from the whole CVB3 capsid protein sequence by computationally predicting fragments with high antigenicity and low hydrophobicity. Two of eight possible peptide sequences were selected and commercially synthesized. The synthesized peptides encoded either the VP2 or VP1 capsid protein and induced immunoglobulin G antibody expression in immunized rabbits. Anti‐VP2 and anti‐VP1 sera detected the viral proteins extracted from CVB3‐infected HeLa cells. The newly synthesized peptides successfully induced antibody production. These peptides, applied in an ELISA system, detected anti‐CVB3 antibodies in virus‐infected mouse serum. Moreover, an ELISA system based on the VP2 peptide detected CVB3 infection in patients with positively identified CVB3‐induced fulminant myocarditis. These results indicate that these new peptides specifically interact with anti‐CVB3 IgG antibodies in mouse and human sera. This ELISA system should be useful for the clinical diagnosis of enterovirus‐induced myocarditis.
A dual regulatory role of cyclic adenosine monophosphate receptor protein in various virulence traits of Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Kim Young Ran , Lee Shee Eun , Kim Boa , Choy Hyon , Rhee Joon Haeng
Published: April 2013

Vibrio vulnificus causes fatal septicemia in susceptible subjects after the ingestion of raw seafood. In the present study, the roles of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) receptor protein (CRP) in V. vulnificus pathogenesis were investigated. A mutation in the V. vulnificus crp gene resulted in a significant down‐regulation of various virulence phenotypes, except for RtxA1‐mediated cytoskeletal rearrangement. Bacterial growth was impeded by the crp mutation. In addition, colony morphology was converted from opaque to translucent type by this mutation, which implies a decrease in capsule production. The crp mutant also showed significant decrease in motility and adhesion to host cells. V. vulnificus CRP positively regulated production of hemolysin and protease at transcriptional level. All these changes in the crp mutant were fully complemented in trans by a plasmid harboring the wild‐type gene. In contrast, CRP negatively regulated the expression of RtxA1. The crp mutant caused the cytoskeletal rearrangement in HeLa cells, which is a hallmark activity of RtxA1 toxin. Taken together, CRP seems to play a dual regulatory role in various virulence traits of V. vulnificus.
GB virus C infection in Indonesian HIV‐positive patients
Authors: Anggorowati Nungki , Yano Yoshihiko , Subronto Yanri Wijayanti , Utsumi Takako , Heriyanto Didik Setyo , Mulya Deshinta Putri , Rinonce Hanggoro Tri , Widasari Dewiyani Indah , Lusida Maria Inge , Soetjipto   , Hayashi Yoshitake
Published: April 2013

GB virus C (GBV‐C), a human virus of the Flaviviridae family that is structurally and epidemiologically closest to hepatitis C virus (HCV), has been reported to confer beneficial outcomes in HIV‐positive patients. However, the prevalence of GBV‐C in HIV‐positive individuals in Indonesia is unknown. Since GBV‐C is more prevalent in anti‐HCV positive patients than in anti‐HCV negative subjects, transmission of GBV‐C and HCV could be by the same method. This study examined the prevalence and molecular characteristics of GBV‐C infection in HIV patients in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The prevalence of GBV‐C among HIV patients (n = 125, median age 31 years) based on the 5′UTR region was 111/125 (88.8%), including 39/48 (81.3%) and 72/77 (93.5%) HIV‐infected patients with and without HCV infection, respectively. GBV‐C isolates were of genotype 2a, 3 and 6 in 58.3%, 12.6% and 28.4% of patients, respectively. Patients with genotype 3 were significantly younger than those with genotypes 2a or 6 (P = 0.001 and P = 0.012, respectively). Genotypes 3 and 6 were significantly associated with injection drug use (P = 0.004 and P = 0.002, respectively) and HCV co‐infection (P < 0.001 for both genotypes), indicating a shared transmission route with HCV. In conclusion, the prevalence of GBV‐C among HIV‐positive patients in Indonesia is high, and three genotypes were detected, namely genotype 2a, 3 and 6.
Evaluating eutrophication management scenarios in the Baltic Sea using species distribution modelling
Authors: Bergström Ulf , Sundblad Göran , Downie Anna‐Leena , Snickars Martin , Boström Christoffer , Lindegarth Mats
Published: April 2013

Eutrophication is severely affecting species distributions and ecosystem functioning in coastal areas. Targets for eutrophication reduction have been set in the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) using Secchi depth, a measure of water transparency, as the main status indicator. Despite the high economic costs involved, the potential effects of this political decision on key species and habitats have not been assessed.

In a case study including species central to coastal ecosystem functioning, we modelled the effects of changing Secchi depth on the distribution of bladderwrack Fucus vesiculosus and eelgrass Zostera marina vegetation as well as recruitment areas of the main predatory fish species, perch Perca fluviatilis and pikeperch Sander lucioperca. Specifically, we explored the effects of changing Secchi depth on species distributions under a set of scenarios based on the BSAP, using three fundamentally different modelling techniques: maximum entropy, generalized additive and random forest modelling.

Improved Secchi depth (reduced eutrophication) was predicted to cause a substantial increase in the distribution of bladderwrack, while the distribution of eelgrass remained largely unaffected. For the fish, a large increase in perch recruitment areas was predicted and a concurrent decrease in recruitment areas of pikeperch. These changes are likely to have effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The three modelling methods exposed differences in the quantitative predictions for species with a weaker coupling to Secchi depth. Qualitatively, however, the results were consistent for all species.

Synthesis and applications. We show how ecological effects of environmental policies can be evaluated in an explicit spatial context using species distribution modelling. The model‐specific responses to changes in eutrophication status emphasize the importance of using ensemble modelling for exploring how species distributions may respond to alternative management regimes. A pronounced difference in response between species suggests that eutrophication mitigation will have consequences for ecosystem functioning, and thus ecosystem goods and services, by inducing changes in the simple food webs of the Baltic Sea. These model predictions form a basis for spatially explicit cost‐benefit estimates under different scenarios, providing valuable information for both decision‐makers and the wider society.
Foreign Policy Convergence in Pacific Asia: The Evidence from Voting in the UN General Assembly
Authors: Ferdinand Peter
Published: April 2013

Research Highlights and Abstract

Research Highlights

Comparative assessment of three indexes of voting cohesion Demonstrates the strong shared orientation towards global affairs among states in the Pacific Asian region, especially ASEAN and China, which is greater than that of the EU Shows the widespread reluctance of most Pacific Asian states publicly to criticize human rights abuses Shows the estrangement of the US from the foreign policy orientations of Pacific Asian states, even Japan and South Korea

This article aims to do three things: (i) compare three different indexes for assessing the voting cohesion of regional groups of states in the UN General Assembly; (ii) use these indexes to assess the foreign policy convergence of states in Pacific Asia on global issues between 1974 and 2008; (iii) compare the extent of that convergence with the European Union (EU). All three indexes show a high degree of convergence in the voting records of states in Pacific Asia, but particularly in ASEAN, which is higher than in the EU. The most frequent cause of divergence since the end of the Cold War has been the reluctance of most states in the region, apart from Japan and South Korea, publicly to criticize the human rights records of other states. Although there are variations, the results also reveal the divergence in voting between states throughout the region and the US.
Additional Reduction in Serum Phosphorus Levels by Pulverized Lanthanum Carbonate Chewable in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Yamashita Tetsuri , Ogawa Tetsuya , Takahashi Masaki , Mitsuhashi Tetsuya , Shizuku Junichi , Takahashi Naoshi , Ohba Takashi , Miyajima Sayako , Kabaya Takashi , Otsuka Kuniaki , Nitta Kosaku
Published: April 2013

Lanthanum carbonate (LC) is one of the relatively new phosphate binders. The general LC dosage form is a chewable pharmaceutical preparation. This investigation was targeted to subjects who do not chew LC chewable preparations adequately, for the purpose of studying the clinical efficacy of changing to pulverized prescriptions, such as changes in serum phosphorus levels (P levels). The study took place at Minamisenju Hospital in October 2011, with 41 subjects on maintenance hemodialysis. We pulverized all of the LC chewable medicines of the LC insufficient mastication group (non‐chewing: NC group, n = 18) using a crusher, and changed them to pulverized prescriptions. The testing period was set at 10 weeks. In the NC group, there was a significant lowering of P levels from 5.86 ± 1.31 mg/dL before pulverization of the LC chewable preparation (week 0) to 5.38 ± 1.26 mg/dL after 2 weeks of administration of the pulverized medication (P = 0.0310), 5.20 ± 1.25 mg/dL after 4 weeks (P = 0.0077), and 5.12 ± 1.34 mg/dL after 6 weeks (P = 0.0167). P levels in other patients than NC group showed no significant change. In this study, the P levels in the NC group was lowered significantly by changing the LC chewable to the pulverized prescription, and the residual LC images on the abdominal X‐rays disappeared to the point where they could barely be confirmed.
Effects of Switching From Calcium Carbonate to Lanthanum Carbonate on Bone Mineral Metabolism in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Manabe Rie , Fukami Kei , Ando Ryotaro , Sakai Kazuko , Kusumoto Takuo , Hazama Takuma , Adachi Takeki , Kaida Yusuke , Nakayama Yosuke , Ueda Seiji , Kohno Keisuke , Wada Yoshifumi , Yamagishi Sho‐ichi , Okuda Seiya
Published: April 2013

Phosphate binders are useful for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study was performed to examine the effects of switching from calcium carbonate (CC) to lanthanum carbonate (LC) on bone mineral metabolism and inflammatory markers in HD patients. We conducted 29 stable HD patients receiving CC, which was replaced by LC and followed‐up for 12 weeks. Patients underwent determinants of blood chemistries such as serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D status, and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) mRNA levels in whole blood cells were evaluated by real‐time PCR just before and after the treatment with LC. Corrected levels were significantly reduced, but serum phosphorus levels (P levels) were unchanged after LC treatment. Switching to LC increased whole‐PTH, osteocalcin, 1,25(OH)2D3 levels and 1,25(OH)2D3/25(OH)D3 ratio. 1,25(OH)2D3/25(OH)D3 ratio was negatively correlated with HD duration. Furthermore, whole blood cell IL‐6 mRNA levels were significantly reduced by LC treatment. We provided that the switching from CC to LC improved Ca overload and ameliorated vitamin D and inflammatory status in HD patients. These observations suggest that LC may play a protective role for the progression of atherosclerosis and vascular calcification in these patients.
Three‐Year Follow‐up of Lanthanum Carbonate Therapy in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Takeuchi Kazuhisa , Matsuda Etsuko , Sekino Makoto , Hasegawa Yukiko , Kamo Yoshie , Kikuchi Natsue , Sekino Hiroshi
Published: April 2013

For 3 years following the start of lanthanum carbonate therapy, effects on other pharmaceutical treatment with sevelamer hydrochloride (SH), calcium carbonate (CC), and vitamin D, and those on clinical condition were examined. Dialysis patients with hyperphosphatemia (89 cases; average age 55.2 years; dialysis history of 10 years; 50 male and 39 female), who agreed to start lanthanum carbonate (LC) administration, were observed for a mean period of 32.6 ± 6.2 months. Mean daily dosages of CC and SH before starting LC were 2.68 g and 0.73 g; mean daily dosage amounts of LC, CC, and SH at the time of final evaluation were 0.87 g, 2.30 g, and 0.99 g, respectively. After the application of LC, serum phosphate as well as serum calcium controls were significantly improved, and the amounts of active vitamin D agents applied was significantly increased. In conclusion, LC is useful in managing serum phosphorus levels (P levels), and little incidence of hypercalcemia suggests favorable concomitant use with active vitamin D agents in LC therapy.
Open Innovation: A Case‐study of the Hungarian Wine Sector
Authors: Dries Liesbeth , Pascucci Stefano , Török Áron , Tóth József
Published: April 2013

summary

Open Innovation: A Case‐study of the Hungarian Wine Sector

An effective innovation system is crucial for food companies to counteract international competitive pressure. An important issue is whether it is more effective to innovate by sharing ideas and resources with other companies, or to innovate in‐house. The question is how to arrange external ties without compromising unique knowledge and assets. This is particularly controversial in the wine sector, where innovative marketing strategies have to be combined with ‘exclusive’ and ‘secret’ recipes. We use primary data on the Hungarian wine industry. We find that Hungarian wine companies are actively using ‘open sources’ in their innovation processes, even more than commonly acknowledged in the literature and the policy debate. Furthermore, we find that both regional and company‐specific factors affect the openness of innovation processes. Our findings point to the importance of the flow of new ideas that comes from global trends and from dealing with foreign companies and stakeholders. This result is supportive of internationalisation strategies at both company and sector level. Furthermore, our findings are supportive of policies oriented towards the creation of business parks and rural clusters, where farmers, processors and tech‐companies can establish networks to create new products and/or processing technologies.
Prospective single‐arm study of intraoperative radiotherapy for locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer
Authors: Tan Jennifer , Heriot Alexander G , Mackay Jack , Van Dyk Sylvia , Bressel Mathias AB , Fox Chris D , Hui Andrew C , Lynch A Craig , Leong Trevor , Ngan Samuel Y
Published: April 2013

Introduction

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) using high‐dose‐rate (HDR) brachytherapy for locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancers. Despite preoperative chemoradiation, patients with locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancers undergoing surgery remain at high risk of local recurrence. Intensification of radiation with IORT may improve local control.

Methods

This is a prospective non‐randomised study. Eligible patients were those with T4 rectal cancer or pelvic recurrence, deemed suitable for radical surgery but at high risk of positive resection margins, without evidence of metastasis. Chemoradiation was followed by radical surgery. Ten gray (Gy) was delivered to tumour bed via an IORT applicator at time of surgery.

Results

There were 15% primary and 85% recurrent cancers. The 71% received preoperative chemoradiation. R0, R1 and R2 resections were 70%, 22% and 7%, respectively. IORT was successfully delivered in 27 of 30 registered patients (90% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 73–98) ) at a median reported time of 12 weeks (interquartile range (IQR) = 10–16) after chemoradiation. Mean IORT procedure and delivery times were 63 minutes (range 22–105 minutes). Ten patients (37% (95% CI = 19–58) ) experienced grade 3 or 4 toxicities (three wound, four abscesses, three soft tissue, three bowel obstructions, three ureteric obstructions and two sensory neuropathies). Local recurrence‐free, failure‐free and overall survival rates at 2.5 years were 68% (95% CI = 52–89), 37% (95% CI = 23–61) and 82% (95% CI = 68–98), respectively.

Conclusion

The addition of IORT to radical surgery for T4 or recurrent rectal cancer is feasible. It can be delivered safely with low morbidity and good tumour outcomes.
Pharmacological management of unipolar depression
Authors: Malhi G. S. , Hitching R. , Berk M. , Boyce P. , Porter R. , Fritz K.
Published: April 2013

Objective

To be used in conjunction with ‘Psychological management of unipolar depression’ [Lampe et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;127(Suppl. 443):24–37] and ‘Lifestyle management of unipolar depression’ [Berk et al. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2013;127(Suppl. 443):38–54]. To provide clinically relevant recommendations for the use of pharmacological treatments in depression derived from a literature review.

Method

Using our previous Clinical Practice Guidelines [Malhi et al. Clinical practice recommendations for bipolar disorder. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2009;119(Suppl. 439):27–46] as a foundation, these clinician guidelines target key practical considerations when prescribing pharmacotherapy. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted using electronic database searches (PubMed, MEDLINE), and the findings have been synthesized and integrated alongside clinical experience.

Results

The pharmacotherapy of depression is an iterative process that often results in partial and non‐response. Beyond the initiation of antidepressants, the options within widely used strategies, such as combining agents and switching between agents, are difficult to proscribe because of the paucity of pertinent research. However, there is some evidence for second‐line strategies, and a non‐prescriptive algorithm can be derived that is based broadly on principles rather than specific steps.

Conclusion

Depression is by its very nature a heterogeneous illness that is consequently difficult to treat. Invariably, situation‐specific factors often play a significant role and must be considered, especially in the case of partial and non‐response. Consulting with colleagues and trialling alternate treatment paradigms are essential strategies in the management of depression.
Training general practitioners in remote Western Australia in a method of screening and brief intervention for harmful alcohol use: A pilot study
Authors: Brennan Catherine , Newton Melanie , Wood Fiona , Schug Stephan A. , Allsop Steve , Browne Allyson L.
Published: April 2013

Objective

High levels of alcohol‐related harm are a salient feature of many rural communities in Australia. General practitioners (GPs) are uniquely placed to identify and treat patients with harmful alcohol use in remote settings, yet corresponding opportunities for education in effective brief psychological interventions for harmful alcohol use are limited. This study piloted a training model for alcohol screening and brief intervention for GPs working in Kalgoorlie‐Boulder, a remote Western Australian community facing significant alcohol‐related problems.

Design

Observational pilot study.

Setting

Primary care.

Main outcome measure(s)

Perceived role in responding to harmful alcohol use, and confidence and knowledge of alcohol screening and brief intervention; satisfaction with a short training session focused on alcohol screening and brief intervention; and impact of training on implementation of screening and brief intervention for harmful alcohol use.

Results

Fifty per cent of GPs took up the training opportunity. GPs recognised their professional responsibility for conducting brief intervention but reported comparatively lower confidence and skills in implementing screening and intervention prior to training. The training improved knowledge and confidence in conducting alcohol screening and brief intervention. All GPs increased their frequency of alcohol screening, and 88% of GPs reported increasing the frequency of brief intervention at 6 months.

Conclusions

Preliminary findings suggest that among participating GPs, subsequent compliance with identification and management of harmful alcohol use was improved. Further work examining methods to improve rural and remote GP participation in alcohol‐related harm prevention training is required, as the potential impact on communities with disproportionately high alcohol‐related difficulties is significant.
Attracting psychologists to practice in rural Australia: The role of work values and perceptions of the rural work environment
Authors: Conomos Alexis M. , Griffin Barbara , Baunin Nadia
Published: April 2013

Objective

To investigate whether psychologists' career/work values and perceptions of the rural work environment influence their intentions or choice to practise in a rural location beyond the effect of rural background.

Design

Online, cross‐sectional survey assessed rural background, work values and perceptions of the reinforcers available in rural and urban work environments.

Participants

One hundred and eighty‐nine first year psychology students (78.8% women) and 124 registered psychologists (84.7% women).

Main Outcome Measure

Students' intention to practise in a rural location and psychologists' choice of practice location.

Results

Rural environments were seen as offering psychologists less opportunity than urban environments to fulfil their need for lifestyle, prestige, management and scholarly pursuits, but more opportunity for service and autonomy. Practitioners and students who placed less value on prestige were more likely to have worked in a rural area or be intending to do so. High value of service was also a predictor of rural intentions. Perceptions that rural work environments offered opportunities for scholarly pursuits increased the odds that a psychologist had spent time practising in a rural area. Person–environment fit was not significant.

Conclusions

Recruitment and retention strategies to address the shortage of mental health professionals in rural areas need to consider perceptions of the work environment and how to fulfil practitioners' work values.