bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can first aid training encourage individuals’ propensity to act in an emergency situation? A pilot study
Authors: Oliver Emily , Cooper Jane , McKinney David
Published: June 2013

Objective

To explore the effect that different activities included in first aid training can have on an individual's propensity to act in a medical emergency.

Design

Additional pilot-developed activities were added to a core first aid training session to create six unique groups, including a control group where no activities were added. Participants rated their agreement to pre-identified fears following the course and scored their self-efficacy and willingness to act before, immediately after and 2 months after the course. Change values were compared between groups.

Setting

Three locations in the UK (community halls, schools).

Participants

554 members of the public were recruited using advertising and community groups. A deliberately broad demographic was sought and achieved using targeted approaches where a particular demographic was deficient.

Intervention

Each participant attended one British Red Cross first aid course lasting 2 h.

Main outcome measures

The same questionnaire was completed by all participants before and after each course. Two months later all participants were asked a series of follow-up questions.

Results

All courses showed an increase in self-efficacy and willingness to act immediately following the course. The course, which included both factual information relevant to helping in an emergency and ‘helper’ identity activities, produced significantly more positive responses to pre-identified fears.

Conclusions

Activities which allow the learner to explore and discuss behaviour in an emergency situation can effectively increase the learner's propensity to act. First aid education should be expanded to support the learner to develop both the skill and the will to help.
A population based study on the night-time effect in trauma care
Authors: Di Bartolomeo Stefano , Marino Massimiliano , Ventura Chiara , Trombetti Susanna , De Palma Rossana
Published: June 2013

Background

The so-called off hour effect—that is, increased mortality for patients admitted outside normal working hours—has never been demonstrated in trauma care. However, most of the studies excluded transferred cases. Because these patients are a special challenge for trauma systems, we hypothesised that their processes of care could be more sensitive to the off hour effect.

Methods

The study design was retrospective, cohort and population based. We compared the mortality of all patients by daytime and night-time admittance to hospitals in an Italian region, with 4.5 million inhabitants, following a major injury in 2011. Logistic regression was used, adjusted for demographics and severity of injury (TMPM-ICD9), and stratified by transfer status.

Results

1940 major trauma cases were included; 105 were acutely transferred. Night-time admission had a significant pejorative effect on mortality in the adjusted analysis (OR=1.49; 95% CI 1.05 to 2.11). This effect was most evident in transferred cases (OR=3.71; 95% CI 1.11 to 12.43).

Conclusions

The night-time effect in trauma care was demonstrated for the first time and was maximal in transferred cases. This may explain why it was not found in previous studies where these patients were mostly excluded. Also, the use of population based data—whereby patients not accessing trauma centre care and presumably receiving poorer care were included—may have contributed to the findings.
Biomechanical analysis of spinal immobilisation during prehospital extrication: a proof of concept study
Authors: Dixon Mark , O'Halloran Joseph , Cummins Niamh M
Published: June 2013

Background

In most countries, road traffic collisions (RTCs) are the main cause of cervical spine injuries. There are several techniques in use for spinal immobilisation during prehospital extrication; however, the evidence for these is currently poor.

Objective

The objective of this study is to establish which technique provides the minimal deviation of the cervical spine from the neutral inline position during the extrication of the RTC patient using biomechanical analysis techniques.

Methods

A crew of two paramedics and four fire-fighter first responders extricated a simulated patient from a prepared motor vehicle using nine different extrication techniques. The patient was marked with biomechanical sensors and relative movement between the sensors was captured via high speed infrared motion analysis cameras. A 3D mathematical model was developed from the recorded movement.

Results

Control measurements were taken from the patient during self-extrication and movement was recorded of 4.194° left of midline (LOM) to 2.408° right of midline (ROM) resulting in a total movement of 6.602°. The least deviation recorded during equipment aided extrication was movement of 3.365° LOM and 8.352° ROM resulting in a total movement of 11.717°. The most deviation recorded during equipment aided extrication was movement of 1.588° LOM and 24.498° ROM resulting in a total movement of 26.086°.

Conclusions

Conventional extrication techniques record up to four times more cervical spine movement during extrication than controlled self-extrication. This proof of concept study demonstrates the need for further evaluation of current rescue techniques and the requirement to investigate the clinical and operational significance of such movement.
Salt or sugar for your injured brain? A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of mannitol versus hypertonic sodium solutions to manage raised intracranial pressure in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Rickard A C , Smith J E , Newell P , Bailey A , Kehoe A , Mann C
Published: June 2013

Background

Rising intracranial pressure (ICP) is a poor prognostic indicator in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Both mannitol and hypertonic sodium solutions are used to treat raised ICP in patients with TBI.

Objective

This meta-analysis compares the use of mannitol versus hypertonic sodium solutions for ICP control in patients with TBI.

Data sources and study eligibility

Randomised clinical trials in adults with TBI and evidence of raised ICP, which compare the effect on ICP of hypertonic sodium solutions and mannitol.

Methods

The primary outcome measure is the pooled mean reduction in ICP. Studies were combined using a Forest plot.

Results

Six studies were included, comprising 171 patients (599 episodes of raised ICP). The weighted mean difference in ICP reduction, using hypertonic sodium solutions compared with mannitol, was 1.39 mm Hg (95% CI −0.74 to 3.53).

Limitations

Methodological differences between studies limit the conclusions of this meta-analysis.

Conclusions

The evidence shows that both agents effectively lower ICP. There is a trend favouring the use of hypertonic sodium solutions in patients with TBI.
Inflammatory bowel disease in the UK: is quality of care improving?
Authors: Alrubaiy Laith , Arnott Ian , Protheroe Aimee , Roughton Michael , Driscoll Richard , Williams John G
Published: June 2013

Objective

A national audit conducted in 2005/6 showed unacceptable quality of care for inpatients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the UK. This was re-audited in 2007/8 and 2010/11. The aim of this study is to examine the quality of care provided for inpatients with IBD in the UK.

Design

A programme of engagement and re-audit in 128 hospitals in the UK providing care for adult patients with IBD admitted to hospital between 1 June 2005 and 31 May 2006, 1 September 2007 and 31 August 2008 and 1 September 2010 and 31August 2011.

Interventions

Wide dissemination of the results, selected site visits, development of national service standards, and the development of an online document repository.

Main outcome measures

Mortality, medical and surgical treatment, specialist nursing and dietetic care were audited.

Results

Data from 1953, 2016 and 1948 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 2074, 2109 and 1900 patients with Crohn's disease (CD) were audited in 2005/6, 2007/8 and 2010/11, respectively. The mortality rate fell from 1.7% to 0.8% (p=0.034) in UC and from 1.3% to 0.8% (p=0.226) in CD. The proportion of inpatients reviewed by an IBD specialist nurse has risen from 23.7% to 44.9% in UC and from 18.1% to 39.9% (p<0.001) in CD. Anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy has increased in UC and CD (p<0.001) while ciclosporin prescription has slightly fallen in UC. Laparoscopic surgeries have significantly increased in UC and CD (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The results show clear evidence of improvement in most aspects of the quality of care for IBD inpatients.
Challenges and controversies in the diagnosis of mesothelioma: Part 1. Cytology-only diagnosis, biopsies, immunohistochemistry, discrimination between mesothelioma and reactive mesothelial hyperplasia, and biomarkers
Authors: Henderson Douglas W , Reid Glen , Kao Steven C , van Zandwijk Nico , Klebe Sonja
Published: June 2013

The detection of neoplastic invasion remains the linchpin for a clear diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma. Cytology-only diagnosis of epithelioid mesothelioma on aspirated effusion fluid remains controversial. A major problem is poor sensitivity, although cytodiagnosis is achievable in many cases at a high order of specificity, especially when a large volume of effusion fluid is submitted for cytological evaluation, enabling the preparation of cell-block sections for immunohistochemical investigation and when the cytological findings can be correlated with imaging studies to assess the anatomical distribution of the lesion and evidence of nodularity of the pleural disorder and, in some cases, to demonstrate evidence of invasion. Although ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ immunohistochemical markers have proved remarkably effective in distinguishing between epithelioid mesothelioma and secondary carcinoma and other malignant tumours metastatic to serosal membranes, no mesothelial marker has 100% sensitivity and specificity for mesothelioma diagnosis, so that panels of ‘positive’ antibodies and markers with negative predictive value are required. At present, no tissue or serum marker (including the molecular detection of p16/CDKN2A) has been proved to have sufficient specificity, consistency and reproducibility that it can replace evidence of invasion as the decisive marker for diagnosis when there is any uncertainty concerning a diagnosis of epithelioid mesothelioma and in the case of atypical fibrous lesions of the pleura (especially collagen-rich lesions, namely fibrous pleuritis vs desmoplastic mesothelioma), in which even the assessment of invasion can be problematical as illustrated in part 2 of this review.
Osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma: novel histological and immunohistochemical observations as evidence for a single entity
Authors: Barlow E , Davies A M , Cool W P , Barlow D , Mangham D C
Published: June 2013

Aims

Osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma have, in the past, been variously regarded as both similar and distinct entities. Currently, WHO classifies these tumours separately. We compared archetypal cases to identify novel histomorphological and immunohistochemical features attempting to clarify their mutual relationship.

Methods and results

10 osteoid osteomas and 20 osteoblastomas (10 spinal and 10 non-spinal) were retrieved and reviewed clinically, radiologically and histologically. Immunohistochemistry was performed for: desmin, SMA, neurofilament, S100, vimentin, PGP9.5, GFAP, EMA, caldesmon, CD34, broad-spectrum cytokeratins, claudin-1. We identified features, common to both osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma, namely, areas of lesional non-osteoblastic stroma and the presence of scattered, large cells with smudged/degenerate nuclei. Immunohistochemically, we confirmed the innervated status of osteoid osteomas, and found that osteoblastomas were similarly innervated. The non-osteoblastic lesional stroma was distinctive owing to expression of EMA and NSE by the mesenchymal spindle cells and expression of desmin, PGP9.5 and S100 by the scattered, large cells with ‘smudged’ nuclei.

Conclusions

Both osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma are innervated bone-forming lesions which share novel histomorphological and immunohistochemical features supporting the view that separate classification is unjustified, and we offer a pathogenetic explanation for their apparent clinical and radiological variance.
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation–time of flight mass spectrometry for rapid identification ofLaribacter hongkongensis
Authors: Tang Bone S F , Lau Susanna K P , Teng Jade L L , Chan Tsz-Ming , Chan Wai-Sing , Wong Ting-Yin , Tong Yu-Ting , Fan Rachel Y Y , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Woo Patrick C Y
Published: June 2013

Laribacter hongkongensisis a Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, motile, S-shaped, urease-positive bacillus associated with invasive infections in liver cirrhosis patients and community-acquired gastroenteritis. Most cases ofL hongkongensisinfections occur in eastern countries. Information is lacking on the usefulness of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF MS) for the identification of bacteria important in eastern countries. Using the Bruker database extended with 21L hongkongensisreference strains, all 240L hongkongensisisolates recovered from patients, fish, frogs and water were correctly identified, with 224 (93.3%) strains having top match scores ≥2.0. Notably, the strain ofChromobacterium violaceumwas not reliably identified although it is included in the database. MALDI–TOF MS is useful for the accurate routine identification ofL hongkongensisafter adding referenceL hongkongensismain spectra to the database. The number of strains for each species in MALDI–TOF MS databases should be expanded to cover intraspecies variability.
The effect of childhood socioeconomic position on alcohol-related disorders later in life: a Swedish national cohort study
Authors: Gauffin Karl , Hemmingsson Tomas , Hjern Anders
Published: June 2013

Background

Alcohol use is the third most important global-health risk factor and a main contributor to health inequalities. Previous research on social determinants of alcohol-related disorders has delivered inconsistent results. We aimed to investigate whether socioeconomic position (SEP) in childhood predicts alcohol-related disorders in young adulthood in a Swedish national cohort.

Methods

We studied a register-based national cohort of Swedish citizens born during 1973–1984 (N=948 518) and followed them up to 2009 from age 15. Childhood SEP was defined by a six-category socioeconomic index from the Censuses of 1985 and 1990. HRs of alcohol-related disorders, as indicated by register entries on alcohol-related death and alcohol-related medical care, were analysed in Cox regression models with adjustment for sociodemographic variables and indicators of parental morbidity and criminality.

Results

Low childhood SEP was associated with alcohol-related disorders later in life among both men and women in a stepwise manner. Growing up in a household with the lowest SEP was associated with risk for alcohol-related disorders of HR: 2.24 (95% CI 2.08 to 2.42) after adjustment for sociodemographic variables, compared with the highest SEP group. Adjusting the analysis for parental psychosocial problems attenuated the association to HR 1.87 (95% CI 1.73 to 2.01).

Conclusions

The study demonstrates that low SEP in childhood predicts alcohol-related disorders in young adulthood. Alcohol abuse needs to be addressed in policies to bridge the gap of health inequalities.
Limiting fragmentation of target nucleus at high energy
Authors: El-Nagdy M.S. , Abdelsalam A. , Abou-Moussa Z. , Badawy B.M.
Published: July 2013

This study discusses features suggestive of a nuclear multifragmentation in the target. A wide range of projectile masses are used (AProj = 1–207) over a large energy region (Elab = 1A–200A GeV). In particular, the validity of the nuclear limiting fragmentation hypothesis is focused in the target region. The probability that the target is fragmented forms about 90% from the total inelastic geometrical cross section. The dependence of the target fragmentation cross section on the system size and on the incident energy is presented. The results are analyzed in the framework of the modified FRITIOF simulation code.
LARGENESS OF THE CORE OF k-CONVEX SYMMETRIC GAMES
Authors: BISWAS AMIT K
Published: July 2013

A cooperative TU game is said to posses a large core as defined by Sharkey [1982] if for every acceptable vector there is a smaller core vector in the game. This paper is devoted to characterization(s) of largeness of the core of a subclass of games known as k-convex games (containing the convex games in case k = n). The k-convex games were defined by Driessen [1988] because of the core structure they possess, which is the same as that of a suitably defined convex game. The main goal is to show that the totally balanced symmetric k-convex games possess a large core if and only if the game is convex.
ORDERED FIELD PROPERTY IN A SUBCLASS OF FINITE SER-SIT SEMI-MARKOV GAMES
Authors: MONDAL PRASENJIT , SINHA SAGNIK
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we deal with a subclass of two-person finite SeR-SIT (Separable Reward-State Independent Transition) semi-Markov games which can be solved by solving a single matrix/bimatrix game under discounted as well as limiting average (undiscounted) payoff criteria. A SeR-SIT semi-Markov game does not satisfy the so-called (Archimedean) ordered field property in general. Besides, the ordered field property does not hold even for a SeR-SIT-PT (Separable Reward-State-Independent Transition Probability and Time) semi-Markov game, which is a natural version of a SeR-SIT stochastic (Markov) game. However by using an additional condition, we have shown that a subclass of finite SeR-SIT-PT semi-Markov games have the ordered field property for both discounted and undiscounted semi-Markov games with both players having state-independent stationary optimals. The ordered field property also holds for the nonzero-sum case under the same assumptions. We find a relation between the values of the discounted and the undiscounted zero-sum semi-Markov games for this modified subclass. We propose a more realistic pollution tax model for this subclass of SeR-SIT semi-Markov games than pollution tax model for SeR-SIT stochastic game. Finite step algorithms are given for the discounted and for the zero-sum undiscounted cases.
ASPECTS OF EXCHANGEABILITY IN THE SHAPLEY VALUE
Authors: AMIT R. K. , RAMACHANDRAN PARTHASARATHY
Published: July 2013

One of the important solution concepts in cooperative game theory is the Shapley value. The Shapley value is a probabilistic value in which each player subjectively assigns probabilities to the events which define their positions in a game. One of the most important concepts of subjective probability is the exchangeability. This paper characterizes the aspects of exchangeability in the Shapley value. We discuss exchangeability aspects in the Owen's multilinear characterization of the Shapley value; and, derive the Shapley value using exchangeability. We also link exchangeability to the Shapley's original derivation of the Shapley value. Lastly, we discuss exchangeability aspects in the semivalues. We show that, for a fixed finite set of players, the probability assignment in a semivalue cannot be a unique mixture of binomial distributions.
AN APPROACH TO FREELY COMBINING 3D DISCRETE AND FINITE ELEMENT METHODS
Authors: GAO WEI , ZANG MENGYAN , XU WEI
Published: July 2013

A freely combined three-dimensional (3D) discrete and finite element (FE) algorithm is developed. The algorithm, which is based on the method combining the discrete element (DE) and the corresponding node of the FE proposed by Lei and Zang, treats each combined point on the facet of the FE as the corresponding node of the method. This new algorithm includes global search, local search and the combined force calculation processes. The combined force between the DE and FE is processed by using a penalty function method. Following that, the corresponding numerical code is implemented into the in-house developed code, a dynamic explicit DE/FE code named CDFP. To test the accuracy of the proposed algorithm and the corresponding numerical code, the vibration process of two beams under dynamic force and the vibration process of two glass plates under impact of rigid sphere are simulated in elastic range. By comparing the results with those calculated by using LS-DYNA, it is shown that they agree with each other very well.
Cenozoic landscape and ice drainage evolution in the Lambert Glacier–Amery Ice Shelf system
Authors: White Duanne A.
Published: July 2013

Landforms and sediments in the Prince Charles Mountains record the timing and magnitude of Cenozoic palaeotopographic changes in the Lambert Glacier–Amery Ice Shelf system. A review of geomorphic and sedimentological evidence indicates that considerable (>1–2 km) glacial incision into a pre-glacial palaeosurface occurred along the major outlet glaciers during the Cenozoic. This erosion was in turn the likely driver for uplift that averaged
c.
50 m/Ma along the flank of the Amery Ice Shelf since at least the mid-Miocene Epoch. The volume of eroded material is an order of magnitude greater than the quantity of sediment presently preserved in Prydz Bay, suggesting considerable export of Cenozoic sediment off the continental shelf. The magnitude of erosion recorded in the Prince Charles Mountains is sufficient to have focussed Cenozoic ice-drainage patterns, but was too slow to have driven Quaternary changes in ice volume.
Top-k diversity queries over bounded regions
Authors: Catallo Ilio , Ciceri Eleonora , Fraternali Piero , Martinenghi Davide , Tagliasacchi Marco
Published: July 2013

Top-k diversity queries over objects embedded in a low-dimensional vector space aim to retrieve the best
k
objects that are both relevant to given user's criteria and well distributed over a designated region. An interesting case is provided by spatial Web objects, which are produced in great quantity by location-based services that let users attach content to places and are found also in domains like trip planning, news analysis, and real estate. In this article we present a technique for addressing such queries that, unlike existing methods for diversified top-
k
queries, does not require accessing and scanning
all
relevant objects in order to find the best
k
results. Our
Space Partitioning and Probing
(SPP) algorithm works by progressively exploring the vector space, while keeping track of the already seen objects and of their relevance and position. The goal is to provide a good quality result set in terms of both relevance and diversity. We assess quality by using as a baseline the result set computed by MMR, one of the most popular diversification algorithms, while minimizing the number of accessed objects. In order to do so, SPP exploits score-based and distance-based access methods, which are available, for instance, in most geo-referenced Web data sources. Experiments with both synthetic and real data show that SPP produces results that are relevant and spatially well distributed, while significantly reducing the number of accessed objects and incurring a very low computational overhead.
Notes from an internet chair
Authors: Gass Richard Charles , Saucez Damien
Published: July 2013

The ACM 8th international conference on emerging Networking EXperiements and Technologies (CoNEXT) was or- ganized in a lovely hotel in the south of France. Although it was in an excellent location in the city center of Nice with views to the sea, it suffered from poor Internet connectivity. In this paper we describe what happened to the network at CoNEXT and explain why Internet connectivity is usually a problem at small hotel venues. Next we highlight the usual issues with the network equipment that leads to the general network dissatisfaction of conference attendees. Finally we describe how we alleviated the problem by offloading network services and all network traffic into the cloud while supporting over 100 simultaneous connected devices on a single ADSL link with a device that is rated to only support around 15-20. Our experience shows that with simple offloading of certain network services, small conference venues with limited budget no longer have to be plagued by the usual factors that lead to an unsatisfactory Internet connectivity experience.
Stellar Multiplicity
Authors: Duchêne Gaspard , Kraus Adam
Published: June 2013

Stellar multiplicity is a ubiquitous outcome of the star-formation process. The frequency and main characteristics of multiple systems, and their dependence on primary mass and environment, are powerful tools to probe this process. Although early attempts were fraught with selection biases and limited completeness, instrumentation breakthroughs in the past two decades now enable robust statistical analyses. In this review, we summarize current empirical knowledge of stellar multiplicity for main sequence stars and brown dwarfs, as well as among populations of pre-main-sequence stars and embedded protostars. Among field objects, the multiplicity rate and breadth of the orbital period distribution are steep functions of the primary mass, whereas the mass ratio distribution is essentially flat for most populations other than the lowest mass objects. The time-variation of the frequency of visual companions follows two parallel, constant tracks corresponding to loose and dense stellar populations, although current observations do not yet distinguish whether initial multiplicity properties are universal or dependent on the physical conditions of the parent cloud. Nonetheless, these quantitative trends provide a rich comparison basis for numerical and analytical models of star formation.
The CO-to-H2 Conversion Factor
Authors: Bolatto Alberto D. , Wolfire Mark , Leroy Adam K.
Published: June 2013

CO line emission represents the most accessible and widely used tracer of the molecular ISM. This renders the translation of observed CO intensity into total H2 gas mass critical to understanding star formation and the ISM in our Galaxy and beyond. We review the theoretical underpinning, techniques, and results of efforts to estimate this CO-to-H2 “conversion factor,” XCO, in different environments. In the Milky Way disk, we recommend a conversion factor of [Formula: see text] cm−2 (K km s−1)−1 with ±30% uncertainty. Studies of other “normal galaxies” return similar values in Milky Way–like disks, but with greater scatter and systematic uncertainty. Departures from this Galactic conversion factor are both observed and expected. Dust-based determinations, theoretical arguments, and scaling relations all suggest that XCO increases with decreasing metallicity, turning up sharply below metallicity ∼1/3–1/2 solar in a manner consistent with model predictions that identify shielding as a key parameter. Based on spectral line modeling and dust observations, XCO appears to drop in the central, bright regions of some but not all galaxies, often coincident with regions of bright CO emission and high stellar surface density. This lower XCO is also present in the overwhelmingly molecular ISM of starburst galaxies, where several lines of evidence point to a lower CO-to-H2 conversion factor. At high redshift, direct evidence regarding the conversion factor remains scarce; we review what is known based on dynamical modeling and other arguments.
Solar Irradiance Variability and Climate
Authors: Solanki Sami K. , Krivova Natalie A. , Haigh Joanna D.
Published: June 2013

The brightness of the Sun varies on all timescales on which it has been observed, and there is increasing evidence that this has an influence on climate. The amplitudes of such variations depend on the wavelength and possibly the timescale. Although many aspects of this variability are well established, the exact magnitude of secular variations (going beyond a solar cycle) and the spectral dependence of variations are under discussion. The main drivers of solar variability are thought to be magnetic features at the solar surface. The climate response can be, on a global scale, largely accounted for by simple energetic considerations, but understanding the regional climate effects is more difficult. Promising mechanisms for such a driving have been identified, including through the influence of UV irradiance on the stratosphere and dynamical coupling to the surface. Here, we provide an overview of the current state of our knowledge, as well as of the main open questions.
Biological Consequences and Advantages of Asymmetric Bacterial Growth
Authors: Kysela David T. , Brown Pamela J.B. , Huang Kerwyn Casey , Brun Yves V.
Published: June 2013

Asymmetries in cell growth and division occur in eukaryotes and prokaryotes alike. Even seemingly simple and morphologically symmetric cell division processes belie inherent underlying asymmetries in the composition of the resulting daughter cells. We consider the types of asymmetry that arise in various bacterial cell growth and division processes, which include both conditionally activated mechanisms and constitutive, hardwired aspects of bacterial life histories. Although asymmetry disposes some cells to the deleterious effects of aging, it may also benefit populations by efficiently purging accumulated damage and rejuvenating newborn cells. Asymmetries may also generate phenotypic variation required for successful exploitation of variable environments, even when extrinsic changes outpace the capacity of cells to sense and respond to challenges. We propose specific experimental approaches to further develop our understanding of the prevalence and the ultimate importance of asymmetric bacterial growth.
Hypoxia and Gene Expression in Eukaryotic Microbes
Authors: Butler Geraldine
Published: June 2013

The response of eukaryotic microbes to low-oxygen (hypoxic) conditions is strongly regulated at the level of transcription. Comparative analysis shows that some of the transcriptional regulators (such as the sterol regulatory element-binding proteins, or SREBPs) are of ancient origin and probably regulate sterol synthesis in most eukaryotic microbes. However, in some fungi SREBPs have been replaced by a zinc-finger transcription factor (Upc2). Nuclear localization of fungal SREBPs is determined by regulated proteolysis, either by site-specific proteases or by an E3 ligase complex and the proteasome. The exact mechanisms of oxygen sensing are not fully characterized but involve responding to low levels of heme and/or sterols and possibly to levels of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species. Changes in central carbon metabolism (glycolysis and respiration) are a core hypoxic response in some, but not all, fungal species. Adaptation to hypoxia is an important virulence characteristic of pathogenic fungi.
Molecular Bacteria-Fungi Interactions: Effects on Environment, Food, and Medicine
Authors: Scherlach Kirstin , Graupner Katharina , Hertweck Christian
Published: June 2013

This review focuses on bacteria-fungi interactions mediated by secondary metabolites that occur in the environment and have implications for medicine and biotechnology. Bipartite interactions that affect agriculture as well as relationships involving additional partners (plants and animals) are discussed. The advantages of microbial interplay for food production and the risks regarding food safety are presented. Furthermore, recent developments in decoding the impact of bacteria-fungi interactions on infection processes and their implications for human health are highlighted. In addition, this reviews aims to demonstrate how the understanding of complex microbial interactions found in nature can be exploited for the discovery of new therapeutics.
Prions and the Potential Transmissibility of Protein Misfolding Diseases
Authors: Kraus Allison , Groveman Bradley R. , Caughey Byron
Published: June 2013

Prions, or infectious proteins, represent a major frontier in the study of infectious agents. The prions responsible for mammalian transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are due primarily to infectious self-propagation of misfolded prion proteins. TSE prion structures remain ill-defined, other than being highly structured, self-propagating, and often fibrillar protein multimers with the capacity to seed, or template, the conversion of their normal monomeric precursors into a pathogenic form. Purified TSE prions usually take the form of amyloid fibrils, which are self-seeding ultrastructures common to many serious protein misfolding diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's and Lou Gehrig's (amytrophic lateral sclerosis). Indeed, recent reports have now provided evidence of prion-like propagation of several misfolded proteins from cell to cell, if not from tissue to tissue or individual to individual. These findings raise concerns that various protein misfolding diseases might have spreading, prion-like etiologies that contribute to pathogenesis or prevalence.
The Algal Past and Parasite Present of the Apicoplast
Authors: van Dooren Giel G. , Striepen Boris
Published: June 2013

Plasmodium and Toxoplasma are genera of apicomplexan parasites that infect millions of people each year. The former causes malaria, and the latter causes neurotropic infections associated with a weakened or developing immune system. These parasites harbor a peculiar organelle, the apicoplast. The apicoplast is the product of an ancient endosymbiosis between a heterotrophic and a photosynthetic protist. We explore the cellular and molecular mechanisms that enabled a stable union of two previously independent organisms. These include the exchange of metabolites, transfer of genes, transport of proteins, and overall coordination of biogenesis and proliferation. These mechanisms are still active today and can be exploited to treat parasite infection. They were shaped by the dramatic changes that occurred in the evolution of the phylum Apicomplexa—including the gain and loss of photosynthesis, adaptation to symbiosis and parasitism, and the explosion of animal diversity—that ultimately provided an aquatic alga access to every biotope on this planet.
Plant Cell Wall Deconstruction by Ascomycete Fungi
Authors: Glass N. Louise , Schmoll Monika , Cate Jamie H.D. , Coradetti Samuel
Published: June 2013

Plant biomass degradation by fungi requires a diverse set of secreted enzymes and significantly contributes to the global carbon cycle. Recent advances in genomic and systems-level studies have begun to reveal how filamentous ascomycete species exploit carbon sources in different habitats. These studies have laid the groundwork for unraveling new enzymatic strategies for deconstructing the plant cell wall, including the discovery of polysaccharide monooxygenases that enhance the activity of cellulases. The identification of genes encoding proteins lacking functional annotation, but that are coregulated with cellulolytic genes, suggests functions associated with plant biomass degradation remain to be elucidated. Recent research shows that signaling cascades mediating cellulolytic responses often act in a light-dependent manner and show crosstalk with other metabolic pathways. In this review, we cover plant biomass degradation, from sensing, to transmission and modulation of signals, to activation of transcription factors and gene induction, to enzyme complement and function.
Muonic Hydrogen and the Proton Radius Puzzle
Authors: Pohl Randolf , Gilman Ronald , Miller Gerald A. , Pachucki Krzysztof
Published: June 2013

The extremely precise extraction of the proton radius obtained by Pohl et al. from the measured energy difference between the 2P and 2S states of muonic hydrogen disagrees significantly with that extracted from electronic hydrogen or elastic electron–proton scattering. This discrepancy is the proton radius puzzle. In this review, we explain the origins of the puzzle and the reasons for believing it to be very significant. We identify various possible solutions of the puzzle and discuss future research needed to resolve the puzzle.
Color Psychology: Effects of Perceiving Color on Psychological Functioning in Humans
Authors: Elliot Andrew J. , Maier Markus A.
Published: June 2013

Color is a ubiquitous perceptual stimulus that is often considered in terms of aesthetics. Here we review theoretical and empirical work that looks beyond color aesthetics to the link between color and psychological functioning in humans. We begin by setting a historical context for research in this area, particularly highlighting methodological issues that hampered earlier empirical work. We proceed to overview theoretical and methodological advances during the past decade and conduct a review of emerging empirical findings. Our empirical review focuses especially on color in achievement and affiliation/attraction contexts, but it also covers work on consumer behavior as well as food and beverage evaluation and consumption. The review clearly shows that color can carry important meaning and can have an important impact on people's affect, cognition, and behavior. The literature remains at a nascent stage of development, however, and we note that considerable work on boundary conditions, moderators, and real-world generalizability is needed before strong conceptual statements and recommendations for application are warranted. We provide suggestions for future research and conclude by emphasizing the broad promise of research in this area.
Dehumanization and Infrahumanization
Authors: Haslam Nick , Loughnan Steve
Published: June 2013

We review early and recent psychological theories of dehumanization and survey the burgeoning empirical literature, focusing on six fundamental questions. First, we examine how people are dehumanized, exploring the range of ways in which perceptions of lesser humanness have been conceptualized and demonstrated. Second, we review who is dehumanized, examining the social targets that have been shown to be denied humanness and commonalities among them. Third, we investigate who dehumanizes, notably the personality, ideological, and other individual differences that increase the propensity to see others as less than human. Fourth, we explore when people dehumanize, focusing on transient situational and motivational factors that promote dehumanizing perceptions. Fifth, we examine the consequences of dehumanization, emphasizing its implications for prosocial and antisocial behavior and for moral judgment. Finally, we ask what can be done to reduce dehumanization. We conclude with a discussion of limitations of current scholarship and directions for future research.
Cumulative Carbon Emissions and the Green Paradox
Authors: van der Ploeg Frederick
Published: June 2013

The green paradox states that a gradually more ambitious climate policy such as a renewables subsidy or an anticipated carbon tax induces fossil fuel owners to extract more rapidly and accelerate global warming. However, if extraction becomes more costly as reserves are depleted, such policies also shorten the fossil fuel era, induce more fossil fuel to be left in the earth, and thus curb cumulative carbon emissions. These consequences are relevant, as global warming depends primarily on cumulative emissions. There is no green paradox for a specific carbon tax that rises at less than the market rate of interest. Because this is the case for the growth of the optimal carbon tax, the green paradox is a temporary second-best phenomenon. There is also a green paradox if there is a chance of a breakthrough in renewables technology occurring at some random future date. However, there will also be less investment in opening up fossil fuel deposits, and thus cumulative carbon emission will be curbed.
Lipid-rich enteral nutrition regulates mucosal mast cell activation via the vagal anti-inflammatory reflex
Authors: de Haan Jacco J. , Hadfoune M'hamed , Lubbers Tim , Hodin Caroline , Lenaerts Kaatje , Ito Akihiko , Verbaeys Isabelle , Skynner Michael J. , Cailotto Cathy , van der Vliet Jan , de Jonge Wouter J. , Greve Jan-Willem M. , Buurman Wim A.
Published: June 2013

Nutritional stimulation of the cholecystokinin-1 receptor (CCK-1R) and nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR)-mediated vagal reflex was shown to reduce inflammation and preserve intestinal integrity. Mast cells are important early effectors of the innate immune response; therefore modulation of mucosal mast cells is a potential therapeutic target to control the acute inflammatory response in the intestine. The present study investigates intestinal mast cell responsiveness upon nutritional activation of the vagal anti-inflammatory reflex during acute inflammation. Mucosal mast cell degranulation was induced in C57/Bl6 mice by administration of Salmonella enterica LPS. Lipid-rich enteral feeding prior to LPS significantly decreased circulatory levels of mouse mast cell protease at 30 min post-LPS compared with isocaloric low-lipid nutrition or fasting. CCK-1R blockage reversed the inhibitory effects of lipid-rich feeding, whereas stimulation of the peripheral CCK-1R mimicked nutritional mast cell inhibition. The effects of lipid-rich nutrition were negated by nAChR blockers chlorisondamine and α-bungarotoxin and vagal intestinal denervation. Accordingly, release of β-hexosaminidase by MC/9 mast cells following LPS or IgE-ovalbumin complexes was dose dependently inhibited by acetylcholine and nicotine. Application of GSK1345038A, a specific agonist of the nAChR α7, in bone marrow-derived mast cells from nAChR β2−/− and wild types indicated that cholinergic inhibition of mast cells is mediated by the nAChR α7and is independent of the nAChR β2. Together, the present study reveals mucosal mast cells as a previously unknown target of the nutritional anti-inflammatory vagal reflex.
Periaortic adipose tissue-specific activation of the renin-angiotensin system contributes to atherosclerosis development in uninephrectomized apoE−/− mice
Authors: Kawahito Hiroyuki , Yamada Hiroyuki , Irie Daisuke , Kato Taku , Akakabe Yoshiki , Kishida Sou , Takata Hiroki , Wakana Noriyuki , Ogata Takehiro , Ikeda Koji , Ueyama Tomomi , Matoba Satoaki , Mori Yasukiyo , Matsubara Hiroaki
Published: June 2013

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease. The perivascular adipose tissue is closely implicated in the development of atherosclerosis; however, the contribution to CKD-associated atherogenesis remains undefined. Eight-week-old apoE-deficient mice were uninephrectomized and fed a high-cholesterol diet starting at 12 wk of age. The atherosclerotic lesion area in the thoracic aorta was comparable in 16-wk-old uninephrectomized (UNX) mice and sham control mice; however, the lesion area was markedly exaggerated in 20-wk-old UNX mice compared with the control (54%, P < 0.05). While the accumulation of monocytes/macrophages and the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in the thoracic periaortic adipose tissue (PAT) did not differ between the two groups, angiotensinogen (AGT) mRNA expression and the angiotensin II (ANG II) concentration in the PAT were significantly higher in 16-wk-old UNX mice than in the control (1.9- and 1.5-fold increases vs. control, respectively; P < 0.05). ANG II concentrations in both the plasma and epididymal white adipose tissue (WAT) were comparable between the two groups, suggesting that PAT-specific activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is primarily involved in CKD-associated atherogenesis. The homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index and plasma insulin level after glucose loading were significantly elevated in 16-wk-old UNX mice. In vitro stimulation of preadipocytes with insulin exaggerated the AGT mRNA expression along with increased mRNA expression of PPARγ. These findings suggest that PAT-specific RAS activation probably primarily contributes in accelerating atherosclerotic development in UNX mice and could thus represent a therapeutic target for preventing CKD-associated atherogenesis.
Cardiovascular effects of nose-only water-pipe smoking exposure in mice
Authors: Nemmar Abderrahim , Yuvaraju Priya , Beegam Sumaya , John Annie , Raza Haider , Ali Badreldin H.
Published: June 2013

Water-pipe smoking (WPS) is a major type of smoking in Middle Eastern countries and is increasing in popularity in Western countries and is perceived as relatively safe. However, data on the adverse cardiovascular effects of WPS are scarce. Here, we assessed the cardiovascular effects of nose-only exposure to mainstream WPS generated by commercially available honey-flavored “moasel” tobacco in BALB/c mice. The duration of the session was 30 min/day for 1 mo. Control mice were exposed to air. WPS caused a significant increase of systolic blood pressure (SBP) in vivo (+13 mmHg) and plasma concentrations of IL-6 (+30%) but not that of TNF-α. Heart concentrations of IL-6 (+184%) and TNF-α (+54%) were significantly increased by WPS. Concentrations of ROS (+95%) and lipid peroxidation (+27%) were significantly increased, whereas those of GSH were decreased (−21%). WPS significantly shortened the thrombotic occlusion time in pial arterioles (−46%) and venules (40%). Plasma von Willebrand factor concentrations were significantly increased (+14%) by WPS. Erythrocyte numbers (+15%) and hematocrit (+17%) were significantly increased. Blood samples taken from mice exposed to WPS and exposed to ADP showed significant platelet aggregation compared with air-exposed mice. WPS caused a significant shortening of activated partial thromboplastin time (−45%) and prothrombin time (−13%). We conclude that 1-mo nose-only exposure to WPS increased SBP and caused cardiac inflammation, oxidative stress, and prothrombotic events. Our findings provide plausible elucidation that WPS is injurious to the cardiovascular system.
Curcumin protects the developing lung against long-term hyperoxic injury
Authors: Sakurai R. , Villarreal P. , Husain S. , Liu Jie , Sakurai T. , Tou E. , Torday J. S. , Rehan V. K.
Published: June 2013

Curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, modulates peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ signaling, a key molecule in the etiology of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). We have previously shown curcumin's acute protection against neonatal hyperoxia-induced lung injury. However, its longer-term protection against BPD is not known. Hypothesizing that concurrent treatment with curcumin protects the developing lung against hyperoxia-induced lung injury long-term, we determined if curcumin protects against hyperoxic neonatal rat lung injury for the first 5 days of life, as determined at postnatal day (PND) 21. One-day-old rat pups were exposed to either 21 or 95% O2 for 5 days with or without curcumin treatment (5 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally one time daily, following which the pups grew up to PND21 in room air. At PND21 lung development was determined, including gross and cellular structural and functional effects, and molecular mediators of inflammatory injury. To gain mechanistic insights, embryonic day 19 fetal rat lung fibroblasts were examined for markers of apoptosis and MAP kinase activation following in vitro exposure to hyperoxia for 24 h in the presence or absence of curcumin (5 μM). Curcumin effectively blocked hyperoxia-induced lung injury based on systematic analysis of markers for lung injury (apoptosis, Bcl-2/Bax, collagen III, fibronectin, vimentin, calponin, and elastin-related genes) and lung morphology (radial alveolar count and alveolar septal thickness). Mechanistically, curcumin prevented the hyperoxia-induced increases in cleaved caspase-3 and the phosphorylation of Erk1/2. Molecular effects of curcumin, both structural and cytoprotective, suggest that its actions against hyperoxia-induced lung injury are mediated via Erk1/2 activation and that it is a potential intervention against BPD.