bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paralarvae of the jumbo squid, Dosidicus gigas
Authors: Ramos‐Castillejos Jorge E. , Salinas‐Zavala César A. , Camarillo‐Coop Susana , Enríquez‐Paredes Luis M.
Published: March 2010

Abstract. The rhynchoteuthion stage of the jumbo squid, Dosidicus gigas, has morphological characteristics similar to the paralarvae of the purpleback squid, Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis, making it difficult to determine the locations, seasons, and conditions where spawning of jumbo squid occurs. In this study, 180 paralarvae of D. gigas were collected off the west coast of the Baja California peninsula and identified by sequencing a 369‐bp fragment of the cytochrome oxidase I gene. Of these, 77 specimens, 0.8–6.0 mm in mantle length, were described. Indices based on morphometric ratios were used to determine whether the shapes of different body structures were reliable for identifying the paralarvae. For two ratios, the results appear to discriminate members of D. gigas from those of S. oualaniensis. Additionally, eye or intestinal photophores were not observed in any paralarvae of D. gigas. Morphological and morphometric information provided a valuable basis for the discrimination and identification of these two species.
RheoNet Registry Analysis of Rheopheresis for Microcirculatory Disorders With a Focus on Age‐Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Klingel Reinhard , Fassbender Cordula , Heibges Andreas , Koch Frank , Nasemann Joachim , Engelmann Katrin , Carl Thomas , Meinke Michael , Erdtracht Bernard
Published: March 2010

The purpose of establishing the RheoNet registry was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of rheopheresis, a specific method of therapeutic apheresis used to treat microcirculatory disorders. Apheresis centers providing rheopheresis therapy and physicians caring for the underlying disease were asked to participate in the registry, and the registry data were analyzed for safety and tolerability. Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) was selected as a model disease to evaluate efficacy. The RheoNet registry was successfully established recording 7722 rheopheresis treatments of 1110 patients, including 833 AMD patients. The mean age of patients was 72 years. Adverse events (AE) were reported in 5.67% of treatments, but termination of the treatment session was only required in 0.48%. Transient hypotension was the most frequently reported AE. No age‐related increase in AE was observed. Ophthalmological data of 428 eyes (of 279 treated patients) with dry AMD could be analyzed; 85 eyes of 55 untreated AMD patients served as the control. At 6.75 ± 5.25 months post‐baseline, 42% of the treated eyes had improved visual acuity. The proportion of eyes with a decline in visual acuity was 17%, compared to 40% in the untreated controls (P < 0.01). The RheoNet registry has been successfully established and data analysis revealed that rheopheresis is a safe outpatient treatment for microcirculatory disorders. Moreover, RheoNet currently provides the largest evaluation of the efficacy of rheopheresis for dry AMD. Registry analysis contributes to a safe and appropriate use of rheopheresis in clinical practice.
Which Households Think They Save?
Authors: YUH YOONKYUNG , HANNA SHERMAN D.
Published: March 2010

We examine household saving in the context of a prescriptive model. Using Survey of Consumer Finances data sets in the 1995–2004 period, 57% of households reported spending less than income. Many effects in the multivariate analysis are consistent with a prescriptive model. We discuss other effects in terms of possible differences in the ability to plan or the accuracy of reporting by the respondent. Young households are more likely to report saving than older households. Black households are less likely to report saving than white households. Single female households are less likely to report saving than single male households.
More Than a Penny Saved: Long‐Term Changes in Behavior Among Savings Program Participants
Authors: LOIBL CÄZILIA , GRINSTEIN‐WEISS MICHAL , ZHAN MIN , RED BIRD BETH
Published: March 2010

This article examines the levels of savings of former participants in a matched savings program. Findings from a survey of Individual Development Account (IDA) participants and a general low‐income population sample show that participants who successfully completed the savings program report higher household savings than both participants who left the program early and a non‐participant comparison group, suggesting that successful completion of an IDA program may improve the financial dispositions and behaviors associated with long‐term savings. Three predictors of saving behavior emerged: access to the financial mainstream, individual psychological disposition, and the presence of children in the household.
Consumer Biases and Competences in Company Stock Holdings
Authors: LAI CHRISTINE W. , XIAO JING JIAN
Published: March 2010

Consumers may make inefficient investment decisions in holding their own‐company stocks because of several biases documented by the literature of behavioral economics, such as company stock bias, home bias, and mere exposure effect. Consumers with high levels of competences may be likely to overcome biases and make effective investment decisions. Using data from the 2004 and 2007 Surveys of Consumer Finances, evidence suggests the existence of the biases and competences, whereas a higher level of consumer competence can partially offset the influence of consumer biases.
Adventures in Misplaced Mentoring
Authors: ROTFELD HERBERT JACK
Published: March 2010

As listed in an appendix to this editorial, JCA has published a number of articles and commentaries of cautionary guides for researchers. But a more basic issue comes from lapses in the students' doctoral education, or, as one member of the editorial board once put it, the lost practice of student mentoring which also applies to the lost guidance for new junior faculty.
Should cooking be a dietetic competency?
Authors: BEGLEY Andrea , GALLEGOS Danielle
Published: March 2010

Aim: There are issues surrounding the apparent decline and devaluing of cooking skills in the population, potential health impacts and the role of dietitians. The present paper aims to outline several arguments and raise questions on the relationship between cooking and dietetics.

Methods: Evidence from dietetics and nutrition journals and other sources is used to develop positions for dietetics and its relationship to cooking and cooking skills

Results: The historical relationship between dietetics and home economics has seen dietetics professionally distance itself by its scientific education on food and nutrition, rather than actual involvement with cooking. In pursuing this rational scientific approach there are concerns that dietitians have inadvertently supported the growth of the functional and convenience food market, particularly given the demise of home economics as a skill‐based curricula in schools in several states. There is a need to consider what role cooking skills could have in dietetics training as a professional competency for practice, particularly for public health interventions. This is in the light of Commonwealth government funding that is legitimising cooking skill interventions as a policy response to obesity. There may be a role for dietitians to develop partnerships and train a new professional category or paraprofessionals and/or peer educators to deliver cooking skill interventions

Conclusion: There is a need for research on dietitian's views and use of cooking skill interventions. This would help answer whether we should consider cooking and cooking skills as part of our professional practice and whether cooking should be a dietetic competency.
Nutrition and maternal health: What women want and can we provide it?
Authors: WILKINSON Shelley A. , TOLCHER Debbie
Published: March 2010

Aim:  Maternal dietary behaviours are associated with some maternal and infant health outcomes during and after pregnancy. However, effective Maternal Health Dietetic models of care are limited. The aim of this study was to benchmark our services against other Australian Maternal Health Dietetic services and to describe nutrition knowledge and use of dietetic services in a major Australian women's hospital.

Method:  During 2008, 15 Australian tertiary Maternal Health Dietetic services were surveyed collecting staffing and service delivery information. Patients in a maternity hospital were also surveyed to assess nutrition knowledge, attitudes, behaviour, education preferences and dietetic service awareness.

Results:  The benchmarking survey response rate was 73%. There was considerable variation in staffing levels and services delivered. Individual antenatal inpatient and outpatient counselling dominated dietetic time. Few evidence‐based models of care or guidelines were used by dietitians. Of the 309 antenatal (RR 24%) and 102 postnatal (RR 17.4%) patients surveyed, half were primiparous; over one‐third had prepregnancy body mass indices > 25.9 kg/m2, and average pregnancy weight gain was 14.1 ± 6.7 kg. Few antenatal women knew their recommended pregnancy weight gain range. Excessive weight gain occurred in 33.3% to 100% of women (per body mass index range). Women had poor diet quality, despite identifying healthy eating as a personal priority. Nutrition education delivery preferences were identified.

Conclusion:  Considerable variation exists in Australian Maternal Health Dietetic services and referral guidelines. There is a role for Maternal Health Dietitian/Nutritionists to advocate for improved staffing levels and for the implementation and evaluation of evidence‐based services. Potential service delivery improvements are suggested, including a model of dietetic care.
What's cooking for dietetics? A review of the literature
Authors: BEGLEY Andrea , GALLEGOS Danielle
Published: March 2010

Aim:  There has been no systematic research on the role of cooking skills for improving dietary intakes in Australia. Cooking skills are proposed to be declining and/or being devalued. If cooking skills have been devalued and declining, then what evidence is there for this decline and what impact might this have on dietary intakes? The aim of the present paper is to explore these assumptions with particular reference to Australia. The objectives of the present paper are to define the terms cooking and cooking skills, discuss evidence on levels of cooking skills in Australia and describe the evidence linking cooking skills to dietary intakes.

Methods:  A review of the peer‐reviewed literature using multiple databases from 1990 to September 2009.

Results:  Cooking skills are complex and require a range of processes for people to develop efficiency or confidence in food preparation. There is little evidence on the level of cooking skills in the Australian population and how this relates to dietary intakes. The Australian Bureau of Statistic's latest Time Use Survey and Household Expenditure Survey suggest that cooking is still a gendered activity and that the time devoted to cooking has changed little in the past 15 years, but there is an increasing use of foods prepared outside the home.

Conclusion:  Further research is required to examine the prevalence of different types and levels of cooking skills in Australia as well as their potential effects on dietary intakes. Dietitians need evidence about the level of cooking skills people require for healthy dietary intakes.
OCTN2 is associated with carnitine transport capacity of rat skeletal muscles
Authors: Furuichi Y. , Sugiura T. , Kato Y. , Shimada Y. , Masuda K.
Published: March 2010

Aim:  Carnitine plays an essential role in fat oxidation in skeletal muscles; therefore carnitine influx could be crucial for muscle metabolism. OCTN2, a sodium‐dependent solute carrier, is assumed to transport carnitine into various organs. However, OCTN2 protein expression and the functional importance of carnitine transport for muscle metabolism have not been studied. We tested the hypothesis that OCTN2 is expressed at higher levels in oxidative muscles than in other muscles, and that the carnitine uptake capacity of skeletal muscles depends on the amount of OCTN2.

Methods:  Rat hindlimb muscles (soleus, plantaris, and the surface and deep portions of gastrocnemius) were used for Western blotting to detect OCTN2. Tissue carnitine uptake was examined by an integration plot analysis using l‐[3H]carnitine as a tracer. Tissue carnitine content was determined by enzymatic cycling methods. The percentage of type I fibres was determined by histochemical analysis.

Results:  OCTN2 was detected in all skeletal muscles although the amount was lower than that in the kidney. OCTN2 expression was significantly higher in soleus than in the other skeletal muscles. The amount of OCTN2 was positively correlated with the percentage of type I fibres in hindlimb muscles. The integration plot analysis revealed a positive correlation between the uptake clearance of l‐[3H]carnitine and the amount of OCTN2 in skeletal muscles. However, the carnitine content in soleus was lower than that in other skeletal muscles.

Conclusion:  OCTN2 is functionally expressed in skeletal muscles and is involved in the import of carnitine for fatty acid oxidation, especially in highly oxidative muscles.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Performance evaluation of the body fluid mode on the platform Sysmex XE‐5000 series automated hematology analyzer
Authors: PARIS A. , NHAN T. , CORNET E. , PEROL J.‐P. , MALET M. , TROUSSARD X.
Published: March 2010

We evaluated the performance of the automated body fluid mode of the Sysmex XE‐5000 series automated haematology analyzer and compared the performance of the automated method for obtaining white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC) counts and WBC differential counts with microscopic method. One hundred and seventy‐four samples were analysed: 81 ascitic fluid, 32 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), 26 pleural fluid (PF), 18 synovial fluid (SF), 13 peritoneal fluid (PeF) and 4 other types. The agreement between the automated method and the manual reference showed high correlation, with Pearson correlation coefficients greater than 0.9 for all types of body fluids. We also demonstrate that the automated body fluid analysis on the XE‐5000 is an acceptable alternative to the microscopic reference method as far as ascitic fluid, peritoneal dialysis fluid, SF or PF are concerned. Conversely, results for body fluid samples from oncology patients with leukaemia or tumours showed significant differences between both methods, as XE‐5000 counted blast cells and neoplastic cells in mononuclear cell count. XE‐5000 could represent an attractive method for the automated analysis of WBC, RBC, mononuclear cell count (MNC) and polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells of most body fluids. However, CSFs from patients with leukaemia or lymphoma should be processed with the microscopic reference method in order to detect abnormal leukaemic cells.
Jejunal access loop cholangiogram and intervention using image guided access
Authors: Amitha Vikrama KS , Keshava SN , Surendrababu NRS , Moses V , Joseph P , Vyas F , Sitaram V
Published: March 2010

Jejunal access loop is fashioned in patients who undergo Roux en Y hepaticojejunostomy and biliary intervention is anticipated on follow up. Post‐operative study of the biliary tree through the access loop is usually done under fluoroscopic guidance. We present a series of 20 access loop cholangiograms performed in our institution between August 2004 and November 2008. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the procedure and to highlight the role of CT guidance in procuring access. Access loop was accessed using CT (n = 13), ultrasound (n = 3) or fluoroscopic guidance (n = 4). Fluoroscopy was used for performing cholangiograms and interventions. Twelve studies had balloon plasty of the stricture at anastomotic site or high up in the hepatic ducts. Seven studies showed normal cholangiogram. Plasty was unsuccessful in one study. Technical success in accessing the jejunal access loop was 100%; in cannulation of anastomotic site and balloon plasty it was 95%. One case required two attempts. Procedure‐related complications were not seen. All patients who underwent balloon plasty of the stricture were doing well for variable lengths of time. Access loop cholangiogram and interventions are safe and effective. CT guidance in locating/procuring the access loop is a good technique.
Multi‐detector CT angiography for lower gastrointestinal bleeding: Can it select patients for endovascular intervention?
Authors: Foley PT , Ganeshan A , Anthony S , Uberoi R
Published: March 2010

This is a retrospective review of the results at our institution of using multi‐detector CT angiography (CTA) to localise lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. We hypothesised that in our patient population: (i) CTA was unlikely to demonstrate bleeding in patients who were haemodynamically stable; (ii) in haemodynamically unstable patients in whom CTA was undertaken, the results could be used to select patients who would benefit from catheter angiography; and (iii) in haemodynamically unstable patients in whom CTA was undertaken, a subgroup of patients could be identified who would benefit from primary surgical treatment, avoiding invasive angiography completely. A retrospective review was conducted of the clinical records of all patients undergoing CTA for lower GI haemorrhage at our institution between 1 January 2005 and 30 June 2007. Out of the 20 patients examined, 10 had positive CTAs demonstrating the bleeding site. Nine were haemodynamically unstable at the time of the study. Four patients with positive CT angiograms were able to be treated directly with surgery and avoided invasive angiography. Ten patients had negative CTAs. Four of these were haemodynamically unstable, six haemodynamically stable. Only one required intervention to secure haemostasis, the rest stopped spontaneously. No haemodynamically stable patient who had a negative CTA required intervention. CTA is a useful non‐invasive technique for localising the site of lower GI bleeding. In our patient population, in the absence of haemodynamic instability, the diagnostic yield of CTA was low and bleeding was likely to stop spontaneously. In haemodynamically unstable patients, a positive CTA allowed patients to be triaged to surgery or angiography, whereas there was a strong association between a negative CTA and spontaneous cessation of bleeding.
Hepatocellular carcinoma with extrahepatic collateral arterial supply
Authors: Cheng LF , Ma KF , Fan WC , Yung AWT , Li TM , Wong CS
Published: March 2010

Haepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy, representing the fifth most common cancer in the world. Without treatment, the median survival of HCC patients has been reported to be 8 weeks from symptomatic presentation. Transarterial chemoembolisation is widely used to manage unresectable HCCs. However, when a tumour is large or locates near the liver capsule, it may receive supplies from vessels other than hepatic arteries. In this paper, we discuss the anatomy of possible extrahepatic collateral arterial supplies of HCCs.
Effect of radiation therapy on the latest generation of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators: A systematic review
Authors: Hudson F , Coulshed D , D'Souza E , Baker C
Published: March 2010

The increasing human lifespan and development of technology over the last number of decades has seen an increase in the number of pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantations worldwide. Given the number of risk factors common to both heart disease and cancer, it is not uncommon for several of these patients to present for radiation therapy treatment each year. A systematic review was conducted using online databases Medline and Scopus. Results were grouped into in vitro and in vivo studies. In 1994, the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) defined guidelines for the management of these patients, which have since been adopted by many radiation oncology departments internationally. More recently, a number of studies have reported an increase in radiation sensitivity of these devices (encompassing the coiled metal leads and generator unit) due to the incorporation of complementary metal oxide semiconductor circuitry. Further avenues of device failure, such as the effect of dose rate and scatter radiation, have only more recently been investigated. There are also the unexplored avenues of electromagnetic interference on devices when incorporating newer treatment technologies such as respiratory gating and intensity modulated radiation therapy. It is suggested that each radiation oncology department employ a policy for the management of patients with ICDs and pacemakers, potentially based upon an updated national or international standard similar to that released by the AAPM in 1994.
Amino acid imbalance in patients with chronic liver diseases
Authors: Michitaka Kojiro , Hiraoka Atsushi , Kume Misaki , Uehara Takahide , Hidaka Satoshi , Ninomiya Tomoyuki , Hasebe Aki , Miyamoto Yasunao , Ichiryu Misa , Tanihira Tetsuya , Nakahara Hiromasa , Ochi Hironori , Tanabe Atsushi , Uesugi Kazuhiro , Tokumoto Yoshio , Mashiba Toshie , Abe Masanori , Hiasa Yoichi , Matsuura Bunzo , Onji Morikazu
Published: March 2010

Aim:  The aim of this study is to clarify the amino acid imbalance in patients with chronic hepatitis (CH) as well as those with liver cirrhosis (LC).

Methods:  We assayed total branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA), tyrosine (Tyr) levels and their ratio (BTR) in sera of 101 patients with CH (37 in fibrosis stage F1, 23 in F2, 21 in F3) and 20 with LC (F4) who were diagnosed by liver biopsy. Their levels in relation to the staging of liver fibrosis were analyzed.

Results:  The percentage of patients whose BTR was less than the normal range was 32.1% in CH and 75.0% in LC. The levels of BTR and BCAA were significantly lower (P < 0.001, P < 0.05, respectively) and that of Tyr was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in patients with LC than those in CH. The levels of BTR decreased according to the staging. The levels of Tyr increased according the staging, whereas the levels of BCAA deceased prominently in F4 (487 ± 103 in F1, 483 ± 122 in F2, 487 ± 111 in F3 and 423 ± 94 in F4).

Conclusion:  A considerable number of patients not only with LC but also with CH showed lower levels of BTR. It has been clarified that amino acid imbalance of Tyr was found in the early stage of liver disease, whereas decrease of BCAA was found mainly in F4 stage.
Mistakes, misunderstandings and controversies in diabetes: A review and personal account
Authors: Mogensen Carl Erik
Published: March 2010

A number of controversies in diabetes have had too little attention. I discuss the following issues: (i) drug therapy; (ii) genetics; (iii) antihypertensive treatment in patients with normoalbuminuria and with abnormal albuminuria; (iv) insulin analogs; (v) cancer in diabetes; (vi) hypophysectomy; (vii) renal biopsy; (viii) low protein diet; and (ix) glycated hemoglobin. A closer look at these items is required in order to have a more realistic picture of diabetes research. A scheme of other controversies is also provided. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2010.00012.x, 2010)
Experimental studies of dose retention and activation in fin field-effect-transistor-based structures
Authors: Mody Jay , Duffy Ray , Eyben Pierre , Goossens Jozefien , Moussa Alain , Polspoel Wouter , Berghmans Bart , van Dal M. J. H. , Pawlak B. J. , Kaiser M. , Weemaes R. G. R. , Vandervorst Wilfried
Published: March 2010

With emerging three-dimensional device architectures for advanced silicon devices such as fin field-effect-transistors (FinFETs), new metrology challenges are faced to characterize dopants. The ratio of dopant concentration in the top surface and sidewalls of FinFETs may differ significantly, thereby influencing the performance of these devices. In this work, a methodology involving secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is presented to study the dose conformality in fins. However, SIMS is limited to probe the quantitative chemical dopant concentration (i.e., top/sidewall of fins). The fraction of the active dopant concentration determining the performance of FinFETs would still be unknown. Additionally, the concept based on SIMS is unable to provide information on the lateral junction depth. Thus, to obtain the unknown active dopant concentration and their spatial distribution, the authors extend their study by measuring the cross section of the fins with scanning spreading resistance microscopy and extracting the quantitative active carrier concentration in the fins.
A diamond target for megavoltage cone‐beam CTa)
Authors: Sawkey D. , Lu M. , Morin O. , Aubin M. , Yom S. S. , Gottschalk A. R. , Bani‐Hashemi A. , Faddegon B. A.
Published: March 2010

Purpose:

To determine the properties of a megavoltage cone‐beam CT system using the unflattened beam from a sintered diamond target at 4 and 6 MV.

Methods:

A sintered diamond target was used in place of a graphite target as part of an imaging beam line (an unflattened beam from a graphite target) installed on a linear accelerator. The diamond target, with a greater density than the graphite target, permitted imaging at the lower beam energy (4 MV) required with the graphite target and the higher beam energy (6 MV) conventionally used with the tungsten/stainless steel target and stainless steel flattening filter. Images of phantoms and patients were acquired using the different beam lines and compared. The beam spectra and dose distributions were determined using Monte Carlo simulation.

Results:

The diamond target allowed use of the same beam energy as for treatment, simplifying commissioning and quality assurance. Images acquired with the diamond target at 4 MV were similar to those obtained with the graphite target at 4 MV. The slight reduction in low energy photons due to the higher‐ sintering material in the diamond target had minimal effect on image quality. Images acquired at 6 MV with the diamond target showed a small decrease in contrast‐to‐noise ratio, resulting from a decrease in the fraction of photons in the beam in the energy range to which the detector is most sensitive.

Conclusions:

The diamond target provides images of a similar quality to the graphite target. Diamond allows use of the higher beam energy conventionally used for treatment, provides a higher dose rate for the same beam current, and potentially simplifies installation and maintenance of the beam line.
The Chicxulub Asteroid Impact and Mass Extinction at the Cretaceous-Paleogene Boundary
Authors: Schulte Peter , Alegret Laia , Arenillas Ignacio , Arz José A. , Barton Penny J. , Bown Paul R. , Bralower Timothy J. , Christeson Gail L. , Claeys Philippe , Cockell Charles S. , Collins Gareth S. , Deutsch Alexander , Goldin Tamara J. , Goto Kazuhisa , Grajales-Nishimura José M. , Grieve Richard A. F. , Gulick Sean P. S. , Johnson Kirk R. , Kiessling Wolfgang , Koeberl Christian , Kring David A. , MacLeod Kenneth G. , Matsui Takafumi , Melosh Jay , Montanari Alessandro , Morgan Joanna V. , Neal Clive R. , Nichols Douglas J. , Norris Richard D. , Pierazzo Elisabetta , Ravizza Greg , Rebolledo-Vieyra Mario , Reimold Wolf Uwe , Robin Eric , Salge Tobias , Speijer Robert P. , Sweet Arthur R. , Urrutia-Fucugauchi Jaime , Vajda Vivi , Whalen Michael T. , Willumsen Pi S.
Published: March 2010

The Fall of the Dinosaurs

According to the fossil record, the rule of dinosaurs came to an abrupt end ∼65 million years ago, when all nonavian dinosaurs and flying reptiles disappeared. Several possible mechanisms have been suggested for this mass extinction, including a large asteroid impact and major flood volcanism.

Schulte
et al.

(p.
1214
) review how the occurrence and global distribution of a global iridium-rich deposit and impact ejecta support the hypothesis that a single asteroid impact at Chicxulub, Mexico, triggered the extinction event. Such an impact would have instantly caused devastating shock waves, a large heat pulse, and tsunamis around the globe. Moreover, the release of high quantities of dust, debris, and gases would have resulted in a prolonged cooling of Earth's surface, low light levels, and ocean acidification that would have decimated primary producers including phytoplankton and algae, as well as those species reliant upon them.
The Role of Sulfuric Acid in Atmospheric Nucleation
Authors: Sipilä Mikko , Berndt Torsten , Petäjä Tuukka , Brus David , Vanhanen Joonas , Stratmann Frank , Patokoski Johanna , Mauldin Roy L. , Hyvärinen Antti-Pekka , Lihavainen Heikki , Kulmala Markku
Published: March 2010

Little Things Do Matter

Gas-phase sulfuric acid is important during atmospheric particle formation, but the mechanisms by which it forms new particles are unclear. Laboratory studies of the binary nucleation of sulfuric acid with water produce particles at rates that are many orders of magnitude too small to explain the concentration of sulfuric acid particles found in the atmosphere.

Sipilä
et al.

(p.
1243
) now show that gas-phase sulfuric acid does, in fact, undergo nucleation in the presence of water at a rate fast enough to account for the observed abundance of sulfuric acid particles in the atmosphere. These particles, which contain 1 to 2 sulfuric acid molecules each, were not detectable previously, owing to their small size, with diameters as small as 1.5 nanometers.
Spatially Ordered Dynamics of the Bacterial Carbon Fixation Machinery
Authors: Savage David F. , Afonso Bruno , Chen Anna H. , Silver Pamela A.
Published: March 2010

Carboxysomes in a Row

The carboxysome is an organelle-like proteinaceous microcompartment that sequesters the enzymes of carbon fixation from the rest of the cytoplasm in cyanobacteria. Cyanobacterial carbon fixation is a major component of the global carbon cycle.

Savage
et al.

(p.
1258
) now show that carboxysomes are linearly arranged within the cytoplasm in a process that involves the bacterial cytoskeleton. This arrangement is important in carboxysome partitioning during cell division. When carboxysome partitioning is disrupted by interfering with the bacterial cytoskeleton, carbon fixation is impaired.
Far More Than Mere Transmission
Science and Islam
A History

by Ehsan Masood

Icon Books, London, 2009. 264 pp. £14.99, C$30. ISBN 9781848310407. Paper, 256 pp. £8.99, C$20. ISBN 9781848310810.
Authors: Brown Laurel
Published: March 2010

Masood's accessible survey explores the history of science in the Islamic world between the 8th and 16th centuries.
Controlling Implosion Symmetry Around a Deuterium-Tritium Target
Authors: Norreys Peter A.
Published: March 2010

Fusion power is a step closer with the demonstration of control over the extreme thermal radiation pressure created by high-power laser beams within a cavity.
Questionable Calcium
Authors: Kirchhoff Frank
Published: March 2010

The mechanism of calcium signaling in astrocytes is part of the debate on the role of glia at neuronal synapses.
The Seven Ages of
Pan
Authors: Clutton-Brock Tim , Sheldon Ben C.
Published: March 2010

Decades-long field studies require unusual dedication but provide unique insight into animal behavior and ecology.
Biodiversity Is Our Life
Authors: Marton-Lefèvre Julia
Published: March 2010

2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity, in recognition of life on Earth. Eight years ago, more than 190 countries agreed, through the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, to reduce biodiversity loss by 2010. This October, the Convention will meet in Nagoya, Japan, to evaluate progress and agree on new biodiversity targets for the world. Shortly before that, the UN General Assembly will address the biodiversity crisis for the first time.
Growth Hormone Test Finally Nabs First Doper
Authors: Travis John
Published: March 2010

Last week's announcement of the first athlete to be caught by a blood test designed to detect doping with human growth hormone to boost muscle mass represents a warning to athletes who may have thought HGH use was undetectable, and it also erases lingering doubts about the test among scientists.
Snowball Earth Has Melted Back To a Profound Wintry Mix
Authors: Kerr Richard A.
Published: March 2010

On page
1241
of this week's issue of
Science
, geoscientists report evidence that the tropics hosted glaciers more than 100 million years before the supposed global freeze in which Earth froze over from pole to pole more than a half-billion years ago.
European Food Watchdog Slashes Dubious Health Claims
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: March 2010

Europe's food safety watchdog on 25 February issued a scientific mass-verdict on more than 400 so-called health claims, the promises that food producers make on their labels and in advertisements, rejecting purported health benefits of a raft of substances.
Reprogrammed Cells Come Up Short, for Now
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: March 2010

Two recent papers offer some of the first side-by-side comparisons of human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and human embryonic stem (hES) cells as they differentiate into various kinds of cells. In both papers, researchers report that iPS cells can form desired cell types, but they do so with less efficiency than hES cells.
Anything But Child's Play
Authors: Miller Greg
Published: March 2010

An alternative to juvenile bipolar disorder and a reorganization of autism-related disorders are among the controversial changes proposed for the fifth edition

of psychiatrists' bible, the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
.
The Ins and Outs of HIV
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: March 2010

Presentations at the 17th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections challenged the most basic notions of how HIV enters and exits cells. New work indicates that endocytosis may be a more important entry route than direct fusion.
Limits of Success
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: March 2010

According to the best estimates, 480,000 babies worldwide became infected with HIV in 2008, with a mere 21% of pregnant women receiving an HIV test and only 45% of those who tested positive receiving drugs to prevent infection—and that treatment was often suboptimal, according to work presented at the 17th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections.
MST (Molecular Serotyping Tool): a Program for Computer-Assisted Molecular Identification of
Escherichia coli
and
Shigella
O Antigens
Authors: Coimbra Roney S. , Artiguenave François , Jacques Leandro S. R. Z. , Oliveira Guilherme C.
Published: March 2010

Escherichia coli
and
Shigella
O antigens can be inferred using the
rfb
-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) molecular test. We present herein a dynamic programming algorithm-based software to compare the
rfb
-RFLP patterns of clinical isolates with those in a database containing the 171 previously published patterns corresponding to all known
E. coli
/
Shigella
O antigens.
Longitudinal Genotyping of
Candida dubliniensis
Isolates Reveals Strain Maintenance, Microevolution, and the Emergence of Itraconazole Resistance
Authors: Fleischhacker M. , Pasligh J. , Moran G. , Ruhnke M.
Published: March 2010

We investigated the population structure of 208
Candida dubliniensis
isolates obtained from 29 patients (25 human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] positive and 4 HIV negative) as part of a longitudinal study. The isolates were identified as
C. dubliniensis
by arbitrarily primed PCR (AP-PCR) and then genotyped using the Cd25 probe specific for
C. dubliniensis
. The majority of the isolates (55 of 58) were unique to individual patients, and more than one genotype was recovered from 15 of 29 patients. A total of 21 HIV-positive patients were sampled on more than one occasion (2 to 36 times). Sequential isolates recovered from these patients were all closely related, as demonstrated by hybridization with Cd25 and genotyping by PCR. Six patients were colonized by the same genotype of
C. dubliniensis
on repeated sampling, while strains exhibiting altered genotypes were recovered from 15 of 21 patients. The majority of these isolates demonstrated minor genetic alterations, i.e., microevolution, while one patient acquired an unrelated strain. The
C. dubliniensis
strains could not be separated into genetically distinct groups based on patient viral load, CD4 cell count, or oropharyngeal candidosis. However,
C. dubliniensis
isolates obtained from HIV-positive patients were more closely related than those recovered from HIV-negative patients. Approximately 8% (16 of 194) of isolates exhibited itraconazole resistance. Cross-resistance to fluconazole was only observed in one of these patients. Two patients harboring itraconazole-resistant isolates had not received any previous azole therapy. In conclusion, longitudinal genotyping of
C. dubliniensis
isolates from HIV-infected patients reveals that isolates from the same patient are generally closely related and may undergo microevolution. In addition, isolates may acquire itraconazole resistance, even in the absence of prior azole therapy.
Monocytes Regulate T Cell Migration through the Glia Limitans during Acute Viral Encephalitis
Authors: Savarin Carine , Stohlman Stephen A. , Atkinson Roscoe , Ransohoff Richard M. , Bergmann Cornelia C.
Published: March 2010

Leukocyte access into the central nervous system (CNS) parenchyma is tightly regulated by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Leukocyte migration through the endothelial cell wall into the perivascular space is well characterized; however, mechanisms regulating their penetration through the glia limitans into the parenchyma are less well studied, and the role of monocytes relative to neutrophils is poorly defined. Acute viral encephalitis was thus induced in CCL2-deficient (CCL2−/−) mice to specifically abrogate monocyte recruitment. Impaired monocyte recruitment prolonged T cell retention in the perivascular space, although no difference in overall CNS accumulation of CD4 or CD8 T cells was detected by flow cytometry. Delayed penetration to the CNS parenchyma was not associated with reduced or altered expression of either matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) or the T cell chemoattractants CXCL10 and CCL5. Nevertheless, decreased parenchymal leukocyte infiltration delayed T cell-mediated control of virus replication as well as clinical disease. These data are the first to demonstrate that the rapid monocyte recruitment into the CNS during viral encephalitis is dispensable for T cell migration across the blood vessel endothelium. However, monocytes facilitate penetration through the glia limitans. Thus, the rapid monocyte response to viral encephalitis constitutes an indirect antiviral pathway by aiding access of effector T cells to the site of viral infection.
Syncytial Phenotype of C-Terminally Truncated Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 gB Is Associated with Diminished Membrane Interactions
Authors: Chowdary Tirumala Kumar , Heldwein Ekaterina E.
Published: March 2010

The cytoplasmic domain of glycoprotein B (gB) from herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is an important regulator of membrane fusion. C-terminal truncations of the cytoplasmic domain lead to either hyperfusion or fusion-null phenotypes. Currently, neither the structure of the cytoplasmic domain nor its mechanism of fusion regulation is known. Here we show, for the first time, that the full-length cytoplasmic domain of HSV-1 gB associates stably with lipid membranes, preferentially binding to membranes containing anionic head groups. This interaction involves a large increase in helical content. However, the truncated cytoplasmic domains associated with the hyperfusion phenotype show a small increase in helical structure and a diminished association with lipid membranes, whereas the one associated with the fusion-null phenotype shows no increase in helical structure and only a minimal association with lipid membranes. We hypothesize that stable binding to lipid membranes is an important part of the mechanism by which the cytoplasmic domain negatively regulates membrane fusion. Moreover, our experiments with truncated cytoplasmic domains point to two specific regions that are critical for membrane interactions. Taken together, our work provides several important new insights into the architecture of the cytoplasmic domain of HSV-1 gB and its interaction with lipid membranes.
ORF157 from the Archaeal VirusAcidianusFilamentous Virus 1 Defines a New Class of Nuclease
Authors: Goulet Adeline , Pina Mery , Redder Peter , Prangishvili David , Vera Laura , Lichière Julie , Leulliot Nicolas , van Tilbeurgh Herman , Ortiz-Lombardia Miguel , Campanacci Valérie , Cambillau Christian
Published: March 2010

Acidianusfilamentous virus 1 (AFV1) (Lipothrixviridae) is an enveloped filamentous virus that was characterized from a crenarchaeal host. It infectsAcidianusspecies that thrive in the acidic hot springs (>85°C and pH <3) of Yellowstone National Park, WY. The AFV1 20.8-kb, linear, double-stranded DNA genome encodes 40 putative open reading frames whose sequences generally show little similarity to other genes in the sequence databases. Because three-dimensional structures are more conserved than sequences and hence are more effective at revealing function, we set out to determine protein structures from putative AFV1 open reading frames (ORF). The crystal structure of ORF157 reveals an α+β protein with a novel fold that remotely resembles the nucleotidyltransferase topology.In vitro, AFV1-157 displays a nuclease activity on linear double-stranded DNA. Alanine substitution mutations demonstrated that E86 is essential to catalysis. AFV1-157 represents a novel class of nuclease, but its exact rolein vivoremains to be determined.
Delivery of Cytokines by Recombinant Virus in Early Life Alters the Immune Response to Adult Lung Infection
Authors: Harker James A. , Lee Debbie C. P. , Yamaguchi Yuko , Wang Belinda , Bukreyev Alexander , Collins Peter L. , Tregoning John S. , Openshaw Peter J. M.
Published: March 2010

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the main cause of bronchiolitis, the major cause of hospitalization of infants. An ideal RSV vaccine would be effective for neonates, but the immune responses of infants differ markedly from those of adults, often showing a bias toward T-helper 2 (Th2) responses and reduced gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production. We previously developed recombinant RSV vectors expressing IFN-γ and interleukin-4 (IL-4) that allow us to explore the role of these key Th1 and Th2 cytokines during infection. The aim of the current study was to explore whether an immunomodulation of infant responses could enhance protection. The expression of IFN-γ by a recombinant RSV vector (RSV/IFN-γ) attenuated primary viral replication in newborn mice without affecting the development of specific antibody or T-cell responses. Upon challenge, RSV/IFN-γ mice were protected from the exacerbated disease observed for mice primed with wild-type RSV; however, antiviral immunity was not enhanced. Conversely, the expression of IL-4 by recombinant RSV did not affect virus replication in neonates but greatly enhanced Th2 immune responses upon challenge without affecting weight loss. These studies demonstrate that it is possible to manipulate infant immune responses by using cytokine-expressing recombinant viruses and that neonatal deficiency in IFN-γ responses may lead to enhanced disease during secondary infection.
Ethnic differences in glycated haemoglobin between white subjects and those of South Asian origin with normal glucose tolerance: Table 1
Authors: Likhari Taruna , Gama Rousseau
Published: March 2010

Objective

To determine whether ethnic differences exist in glycated haemoglobin between white subjects and those of South Asian origin with normal glucose tolerance (NGT)

Methods

Erythrocyte glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) was compared between white subjects and those of South Asian origin with NGT defined by a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Results

139 subjects with NGT comprising 36 people of South Asian origin (20 female) and 103 white subjects (49 female) were compared. Subjects of South Asian origin were younger (p<0.001) and weighed less (p<0.001) than white subjects. Fasting and 2 h capillary plasma glucose concentrations were similar in subjects of South Asian origin and white subjects, but HbA1clevels were higher (p<0.05) in subjects of South Asian origin (6.11±0.58%) compared with levels in white subjects (5.90±0.40%).

Conclusion

In subjects with similar fasting and postprandial glycaemia on OGTT, those of South Asian origin have higher HbA1clevels than white subjects. It is speculated that the higher glycaemia-independent HBA1clevels in people of South Asian origin could possibly contribute to their increase cardiovascular risk.
Natural killer cell cytotoxicity in patients with recurrent herpes infections: diagnostic utility of a flow cytometric assay
Authors: Devlin L A , Haughton D J , Crockard A D , Edgar J D M
Published: March 2010

Background

Primary immune deficiencies of natural killer (NK) cells have been described in patients with a susceptibility to herpes infections.

Aims

To assess the diagnostic utility of measurement of NK cytotoxicity in patients with recurrent oral herpes infections.

Methods

A retrospective audit was carried out on results obtained over an 18-month period, from 28 NK cell cytotoxicity assays (24 patients; all with a history of recurrent oral herpes infections), and 24 control samples (three healthy donors). Percentage specific cytotoxicity (PSC) was determined by measurement of the percentage of K562 target cells lysed by NK cells after incubation, using the NK TEST. Comparison of PSC was made with reference ranges provided.

Results

No patient with absent NK/NKT cells or NK cell cytotoxicity was identified (95% CI 0 to 14.8%). Two patients had persistently low PSC. Two patients with reduced PSC showed PSC within the normal reference range on repeat testing. Patient and control samples were seen both above and below the reference ranges. A relationship was expected between NK cell percentage and PSC; however this correlation was not significant (rs=0.29, p=0.18, 95% CI −0.14 to 0.63).

Conclusions

A deficiency of NK cell cytotoxicity has not been identified in this cohort. An apparent reduction in cytotoxicity may be due to normal interpersonal and intersample variability in NK cytotoxicity. Without reference ranges established from a large population of control samples to account for this, a reduction in PSC is difficult to define. Further studies are required to identify if a correlation exists between the percentage of NK cells and PSC.
My approach to cardiothoracic transplantation and the role of the histocompatibility and immunogenetics laboratory in a rapidly developing field: Figure 1
Authors: Carter Vaughan
Published: March 2010

Cardiothoracic transplantation presents specific challenges. The lack of long-term replacement therapy (such as dialysis for kidney patients) creates a more urgent situation than for other forms of transplantation, necessitating a different approach. This review looks at ways in which the challenges are being met and the integral role of the histocompatibility and immunogenetics laboratory.