bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of chronic spontaneous urticaria in real life – in accordance with the guidelines? A cross‐sectional physician‐based survey study
Authors: Weller K. , Viehmann K. , Bräutigam M. , Krause K. , Siebenhaar F. , Zuberbier T. , Maurer M.
Published: December 2011

Background  Recently, the updated EAACI/GA2LEN/EDF/WAO guidelines for urticaria have been published.

Objective  To examine how chronic spontaneous urticaria (csU) patients in Germany are diagnosed and treated, and to compare the outcome to the guideline recommendations.

Methods  During this cross‐sectional survey study, most dermatologists, paediatricians and 5149 general practitioners in private practice in Germany were asked to participate. All physicians who agreed were requested to complete a standardized questionnaire about their diagnostic and therapeutic management of csU.

Results  A total of 776 questionnaires were available for analysis. Most physicians (82%) were attempting to identify underlying causes in their csU patients, but with only limited success. More than 70% reported to check for total serum IgE and to do skin prick testing (not suggested in first line by guideline). In contrast, only 10% applied the autologous serum skin test. The most common first‐line treatments were non‐sedating antihistamines in standard or higher doses (as recommended). However, many physicians reported still using first generation sedating antihistamines (23%) (not recommended) or systemic steroids (18%). Experience with alternative options was low. Less than one‐third of the participants reported to be familiar with the guidelines. Those who did, were found to be more likely to check for underlying causes, to be more experienced with antihistamine updosing and to be more reluctant to use sedating antihistamines or systemic steroids.

Conclusion  The diagnostic and therapeutic management of csU by private practice physicians does not sufficiently comply with the guidelines. Awareness of the guidelines can lead to improved care.
Activation of mu opioid receptors in the striatum differentially augments methamphetamine‐induced gene expression and enhances stereotypic behavior
Authors: Horner Kristen A. , Hebbard John C. , Logan Anna S. , Vanchipurakel Golda A. , Gilbert Yamiece E.
Published: December 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120, 779–794.

Mu opioid receptors are densely expressed in the patch compartment of striatum and contribute to methamphetamine‐induced patch‐enhanced gene expression and stereotypy. To further elucidate the role of mu opioid receptor activation in these phenomena, we examined whether activation of mu opioid receptors would enhance methamphetamine‐induced stereotypy and prodynorphin, c‐fos, arc and zif/268 expression in the patch and/or matrix compartments of striatum, as well as the impact of mu opioid receptor activation on the relationship between patch‐enhanced gene expression and stereotypy. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were intrastriatally infused with d‐Ala(2)‐N‐Me‐Phe(4),Gly(5)‐ol]enkephalin (DAMGO; 1 μg/μL), treated with methamphetamine (0.5 mg/kg) and killed at 45 min or 2 h later. DAMGO augmented methamphetamine‐induced zif/268 mRNA expression in the patch and matrix compartments, while prodynorphin expression was increased in the dorsolateral patch compartment. DAMGO pre‐treatment did not affect methamphetamine‐induced arc and c‐fos expression. DAMGO enhanced methamphetamine‐induced stereotypy and resulted in greater patch versus matrix expression of prodynorphin in the dorsolateral striatum, leading to a negative correlation between the two. These findings indicate that mu opioid receptors contribute to methamphetamine‐induced stereotypy, but can differentially influence the genomic responses to methamphetamine. These data also suggest that prodynorphin may offset the overstimulation of striatal neurons by methamphetamine.
Early and late calcium waves during wound healing in corneal endothelial cells
Authors: Chifflet Silvia , Justet Cristian , Hernández Julio A. , Nin Verónica , Escande Carlos , Benech Juan C.
Published: December 2011

Immediately after wounding, bovine corneal endothelial cells develop a fast calcium wave that propagates from the wound border to the rest of the monolayer and extinguishes in approximately 5 minutes. One hour after wounding, a late, slow calcium wave (SCW) develops concomitantly to the depolarization of the plasma membrane potential of the border cells. The incorporation of inhibitors of the epithelial sodium channel and of the sodium‐calcium exchanger produces inhibition of the membrane depolarization and the SCW, and diminishes the rate of wound healing. The L‐type calcium channel blocker nimodipine does not have any effect on the SCW. The reversible inhibition of the fast calcium wave does not affect the SCW and only slightly decreases the velocity of healing. Our results suggest that the SCW is at least partially produced by the coupling of the epithelial sodium channel and the sodium‐calcium exchanger functioning in reverse mode. They also suggest that the SCW may play a role in the overall healing process.
Effect of Obesity on Falls, Injury, and Disability
Authors: Himes Christine L. , Reynolds Sandra L.
Published: December 2011

Objectives

To examine the effect of obesity on the propensity of older adults to fall, sustain a fall‐related injury, and develop disability in activities of daily living (ADLs) after a fall.

Design

Longitudinal population‐based survey.

Setting

Five waves of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), 1998–2006.

Participants

Ten thousand seven hundred fifty‐five respondents aged 65 and older in 31,602 person‐intervals.

Measurements

Falls within any 2‐year interval (9,621 falls). Injuries requiring medical attention (3,130 injuries). Increased ADL disability after a fall within any 2‐year interval (2,162 events). Underweight and three classes of obesity (body mass index (BMI) 30.0–34.9 kg/m2, Class 1) 35.0–39.9 kg/m2, Class 2; ≥40.0 kg/m2, Class 3), calculated from self‐reported height and weight. Self‐reported presence of lower body limitation, pain, dizziness, or vision problems. Self‐reported doctor's diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, stroke, or arthritis.

Results

Compared with normal‐weight respondents, the odds ratios (OR) for risk of falling were 1.12 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01–1.24) for obesity Class 1, 1.26 (95% CI = 1.05–1.51) for obesity Class 2, and 1.50 (95% CI = 1.21–1.86) for obesity Class 3. Conditional on falling, only obesity Class 3 was related to a lower propensity for a fall‐related injury (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.44–0.87). Obesity Classes 1 and 2 were associated with a higher risk of greater ADL disability after a fall than normal‐weight respondents (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.02–1.34; OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.10–1.75, respectively). Being underweight was not related to risk of falling or to reported injury or greater ADL limitation after a fall. The presence of measured health problems and chronic conditions was associated with greater risk of falling and, of those who fell, greater ADL limitation but not serious injury.

Conclusion

Obesity appears to be associated with greater risk of falling in older adults, as well as a higher risk of greater ADL disability after a fall. Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) may reduce the risk of injury from a fall. Further investigation of the mechanisms of obesity on falls and related health outcomes is warranted.
Looking Forward: Comment on Morgante, Zolfaghari, and Johnson
Authors: Creel Sarah C.
Published: December 2011

Morgante et al. (in press) find inconsistencies in the time reporting of a Tobii T60XL eye tracker. Their study raises important questions about the use of the Tobii T‐series in particular, and various software and hardware in general, in different infant eye tracking paradigms. It leaves open the question of the source of the inconsistencies. Here, observations from a Tobii eye tracker are presented to elucidate possible sources of timing inconsistencies, including those found by Morgante et al. The ramifications of the reported timing inconsistencies are related to various infant paradigms. The focus is on the level of concern a researcher should have if any eye tracker displays these timing characteristics, and what corrective measures may be taken. While posing no problems for some paradigms, timing inconsistencies are potentially problematic (but correctable) when assessing event‐related looking behavior. Observed timing contraindicates use in fast gaze‐contingent displays (<100 ms). General suggestions are made regarding timing in eye‐tracked data collection.
The Cutaneous Trunci Muscle Reflex: A Predictor of Recovery in Dogs with Acute Thoracolumbar Myelopathies Caused by Intervertebral Disc Extrusions
Authors: Muguet‐Chanoit Audrey C. , Olby Natasha J. , Lim Ji‐Hey , Gallagher Ryan , Niman Zachary , Dillard Stacy , Campbell James , Early Peter , Mariani Christopher L. , Muñana Karen R. , Freeman Courtenay , Platt Simon R. , Kent Marc , Giovanella Carley , Longshore Randall C.
Published: December 2011

Objective

To determine whether changes in the cutaneous trunci muscle (CTM) reflex are an early predictor of outcome in dogs with severe acute thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE).

Study Design

Multicenter prospective cohort study.

Animals

Dogs (n= 36) with acuteIVDEcausing paraplegia, loss of nociception in pelvic limbs and tail, and an abnormalCTMreflex postoperatively.

Methods

The caudal border of theCTMreflex was established 24 hours after surgery and at discharge, and was reported as moving cranially, caudally, or staying static. Dogs were re‐evaluated at 12–20 weeks and at 7–36 months postoperatively. Outcome was classified as improved or unimproved, successful or unsuccessful, and ascending myelomalacia or not, and compared with early movement of theCTMreflex by construction of contingency tables and performing aFisher's exact test.

Results

By discharge (mean, 4.7 days;SD= 2.10),CTMreflex progression was caudal in 19 dogs, static in 11, and cranial in 6. Five of 6 dogs with cranial movement developed ascending myelomalacia (P< .0001). Seventeen of 19 dogs with caudal movement showed an improvement by 12–20 weeks (P= .0046) and none developed ascending myelomalacia (P= .0013).

Conclusions

Postoperative changes of the caudal border of theCTMreflex are an early indicator of outcome in dogs with severe acuteIVDE. Cranial movement of theCTMreflex is significantly associated with the development of ascending myelomalacia. Caudal movement is significantly associated with improvement, but not associated with a long‐term successful outcome.
How an Authoritarian Regime in Burma Used Special Courts to Defeat Judicial Independence
Authors: Cheesman Nick
Published: December 2011

Why do authoritarian rulers establish special courts? One view is that they do so to insulate the judiciary from politically oriented cases and allow it continued, albeit limited, independence. In this article I present a contrary case study of an authoritarian regime in Burma that used special courts not to insulate the judiciary but to defeat it. Through comparison to other Asian cases I suggest that the Burmese regime's composition and character better explain its strategy than does extant judicial authority or formal ideology. The regime consisted of war fighters for whom the courts were enemy territory. But absent popular support, the regime's leaders could not embark immediately on a radical project for legal change that might compromise their hold on power. Consequently, they used special courts and other strategies to defeat judicial independence incrementally, until they could displace the professional judiciary and bring the courts fully under executive control.
How Trust Matters: The Changing Political Relevance of Political Trust
Authors: Hetherington Marc J. , Husser Jason A.
Published: December 2011

Americans most often think about government in terms of its ability to grapple with issues of redistribution and race. However, the September 11 terrorist attacks led to a massive increase in media attention to foreign affairs, which caused people to think about the government in terms of defense and foreign policy. We demonstrate that such changes in issue salience alter the policy preferences that political trust shapes. Specifically, we show that trust did not affect attitudes about the race‐targeted programs in 2004 as it usually does, but instead affected a range of foreign policy and national defense preferences. By merging survey data gathered from 1980 through 2004 with data from media content analyses, we show that, more generally, trust's effects on defense and racial policy preferences, respectively, increase as the media focus more attention in these areas and decrease when that attention ebbs.
A Specific Sign for Differential Diagnosis of Atypical Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia from Atrial Tachycardia
Authors: HIRAI YUKOH , WEN MING‐SHIEN , YEH SAN‐JOU , WU DELONG
Published: December 2011

Narrow QRS tachycardia with atrial activation occurring before ventricular activation was induced in a 34‐year‐old woman with dilated cardiomyopathy. During tachycardia late ventricular extrastimulus delivered when His bundle was refractory failed to reset the tachycardia while early ventricular extrastimulus caused paradoxical delay of the subsequent atrial response and terminated the tachycardia with a QRS not being followed by an atrial response. This is a rare but specific sign for excluding atrial reentry as the mechanism of tachycardia when P wave or atrial activation is registered before QRS response. (PACE 2012; 35:245–248)
The effects of male harassment on mating duration in the seed bug, Togo hemipterus
Authors: Himuro Chihiro , Fujisaki Kenji
Published: December 2011

Harassment on mating pairs by solitary males is usually considered an attempt by the male to (1) take over the female, (2) guard the female against further insemination (when the solitary male has previously copulated with this female), or (3) influence mating duration. Paired males of a seed bug repel harassment on mating pairs by solitary males by firmly grasping females using their legs and/or genital claspers; in this way, mating duration is prolonged. Male fertilization success increases as mating duration increases. Males of the seed bug, Togo hemipterus (Scott) (Heteroptera: Lygaeidae), use seminal substances to inhibit female remating. These substances induce protracted female refractory periods and are transferred to the females in a time‐dependent manner. Consequently, mating duration has important effects on fitness in this species. We observed harassment on T. hemipterus mating pairs by solitary males, and examined conflicts between paired and solitary males over mating duration. None of the solitary males were able to take over a mating female, and this may be due to the unique male genital structure in this species. All conflicts over mating duration resulted in wins by the paired males over the solitary males. Paired males prolonged mating durations, whereas severe harassment on mating pairs by solitary males shortened durations. We show that even though there is no immediate reward for the solitary male (i.e., it is unable to take over the mating female), this harassment behavior may be adaptive.
Identification and expression analysis of three novel splice variants of protein kinase A catalytic β subunit gene in the mouse using combinatorial in silico and molecular biology approaches
Authors: Banday Abdul R. , Azim Shafquat , Tabish Mohammad
Published: December 2011

The murine, bovine and human protein kinase A catalytic β (Cβ) subunit genes encode several splice variants. Ten human Cβ gene splice variants, namely Cβ1, Cβ2, Cβ3, Cβ3b, Cβ3ab, Cβ3abc, Cβ4, Cβ4b, Cβ4ab and Cβ4abc, have been reported. Four splice variants of the murine Cβ gene are homologues of human Cβ1, Cβ2, Cβ3 and Cβ4 variants. Using a combinatorial approach comprising bioinformatics tools and molecular biology techniques, we have identified three novel alternatively spliced transcript variants of the mouse Cβ gene designated Cβ5, Cβ6 and Cβ7. These transcript variants differ in their first coding exon. New exons of Cβ5 and Cβ6 variants can encode different N‐terminals; however, the new exon of variant Cβ7, when spliced with exon 2, encountered a stop codon in all three reading frames and thus cannot form a functional protein. The Cβ6 variant showed an ubiquitous pattern of expression, whereas Cβ5 was not expressed in muscle tissue on postnatal days (PN)3 and 15. Also, Cβ7 was found to be expressed only in brain and muscle tissues at PN3 and was absent in all tissues examined at PN15 and PN60. The post‐translational modification analysis showed characteristic signature sequence motifs in predicted proteins important for the functionality of the protein. The human homologues of variants reported in the present study have not yet been identified. The present study reports three novel splice variants that have not been identified using conventional approaches of alternative splice variant detection methods. Therefore, the approach used in the present study can be used to identify splice variants of genes in organisms.

Database

GenBank accession numbers: JN189786, JN189787 and JN189788.
The developing challenge of clinical longevity
Authors: Jelinek George A
Published: December 2011

Twenty‐five years on from the first fellowship examination of the College, it is timely to reflect on the issue of clinical longevity. The pressures of the emergency medicine workplace are relatively unique among the medical specialties, and might require unique solutions if emergency physicians are to continue clinical practice in the latter stages of their careers.
Is abdominal obesity associated with the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic in Korean school‐aged children?
Authors: Kim Choon Ok , Nam Chung Mo , Lee Duk‐Chul , Chang Joon , Lee Ji Won
Published: December 2011

Please cite this paper as: Kim et al. (2012) Is abdominal obesity associated with the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) pandemic in Korean school‐aged children? Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(5), 313–317.

Objective  Given their medical vulnerabilities, we investigated the epidemiological factors related to H1N1 infection in school‐aged children.

Methods  This study analyzed data collected on 7448 school‐aged children in South Korea between 18 November and 8 December 2009.

Results  We found that H1N1 infection was associated with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), the use of facemasks, contact history with H1N1‐infected persons, and overseas travel history (P < 0·05). In addition, WC quartiles were significantly associated with H1N1 infection after adjusting for BMI and other confounding variables [OR (95% CI): 1·00, 1·10 (0·72–1·45), 1·13 (0·76–1·67), and 2·71 (1·74–4·24), respectively).

Conclusions  Abdominal obesity and the use of facemasks appear to be independently associated with H1N1 infection in school‐aged children. We infer that providing education on wearing facemasks and specific planning for abdominally obese children and adolescents may be effective means of reducing the spread of the influenza pandemic in school‐aged children.
Trust and Information Sharing in Supply Chains
Authors: Ebrahim‐Khanjari Neda , Hopp Wallace , Iravani Seyed M. R.
Published: December 2011

Drawing on behavioral research, we construct a multi‐period model with which to examine the role of trust and other social characteristics in a supply chain. Specifically, we focus on trust building in the context of a salesperson who acts as a representative of a manufacturer and shares demand forecast information with a retailer. The actions of the salesperson affect both her immediate economic gain and her future credibility as determined by retailer's trust. Our analysis reveals that, in such environments, although salespersons of widely varying types (e.g., honest, self‐serving, benevolent, loyal) lie some extent about their forecast information, they tend to be trusted in long relationships, provided their forecasting accuracy is higher than that of the retailer. Furthermore, while the presence of a salesperson can improve the profits of both the retailer and manufacturer, there are cost structures under which the manufacturer is better off without a salesperson. Finally, we make the general observation that the appropriate salesperson compensation scheme depends on her social characteristics, and the specific observation that when the salesperson cares for the retailer, the linear compensation scheme commonly suggested in the literature as the optimal compensation scheme for the salesperson is no longer optimal.
Flexible Servers in Understaffed Tandem Lines
Authors: Kırkızlar Eser , Andradóttir Sigrún , Ayhan Hayriye
Published: December 2011

We study the dynamic assignment of cross‐trained servers to stations in understaffed lines with finite buffers. Our objective is to maximize the production rate. We identify optimal server assignment policies for systems with three stations, two servers, different flexibility structures, and either deterministic service times and arbitrary buffers or exponential service times and small buffers. We use these policies to develop server assignment heuristics for Markovian systems with larger buffer sizes that appear to yield near‐optimal throughput. In the deterministic setting, we prove that the best possible production rate with full server flexibility and infinite buffers can be attained with partial flexibility and zero buffers, and we identify the critical skills required to achieve this goal. We then present numerical results showing that these critical skills, employed with an effective server assignment policy, also yield near‐optimal throughput in the Markovian setting, even for small buffer sizes. Thus, our results suggest that partial flexibility is sufficient for near‐optimal performance, and that flexibility structures that are effective for deterministic and infinite‐buffered systems are also likely to perform well for finite‐buffered stochastic systems.
Attachment styles and affect regulation among outpatients with schizophrenia: Relationships to symptomatology and emotional distress
Authors: Ponizovsky Alexander M. , Vitenberg Elena , Baumgarten‐Katz Inbar , Grinshpoon Alexander
Published: December 2011

Objectives. Using the model of activation and dynamics of the attachment system (Shaver & Mikulincer, 2002) and dynamic stress‐vulnerability models of psychosis (Ingmar & Luxton, 2005) as the analytical frameworks, the authors tested the hypothesis that the insecure attachment styles are differentially associated with the severity of psychopathological symptoms and emotional distress among outpatients with International Classification of Diseases, Tenth edition (ICD‐10) diagnosis of schizophrenia.

Methods. Attachment styles were identified using the Relationship Questionnaire (Bartholomew & Horowitz, 1991) among 100 outpatients with an ICD‐10 schizophrenia diagnosis. Current symptom severity was measured by the Positive and Negative Syndromes Scale (Kay, Fiszbein, & Opler, 1987) and emotional distress by the General Health Questionnaire (Goldberg & Williams, 1988). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to test the hypotheses.

Results. The preoccupied and fearful‐avoidant attachment patterns were associated with higher scores of psychotic (delusions, suspiciousness/persecution, and hallucinatory behaviour) and affective (anxiety, tension, guilt feeling, and depression) symptoms, whereas the dismissing‐avoidant style was associated with only anxiety. All the insecure attachment styles were associated with elevated emotional distress.

Conclusions. The findings support the hypothesis of a predisposing role of the preoccupied and fearful‐avoidant styles in psychotic symptom formation and call for cognitive interpersonal interventions geared to reduce symptom and emotional distress severity.

Practitioner Points

Knowledge of certain attachment style would be valuable for:

Cognitive‐behavioural techniques aimed at reducing sensitivity to interpersonal stress, alleviating emotional distress, and promoting well‐being could be beneficiary, in particular, for patients with the preoccupied and fearful‐avoidant attachment patterns that showed themselves most symptomatic and distressed.
Pathogen Effectors Target
Arabidopsis
EDS1 and Alter Its Interactions with Immune Regulators
Authors: Bhattacharjee Saikat , Halane Morgan K. , Kim Sang Hee , Gassmann Walter
Published: December 2011

Coordination of different defense pathways across cell compartments produces a fully effective innate immune response.
Arabidopsis
EDS1 Connects Pathogen Effector Recognition to Cell Compartment–Specific Immune Responses
Authors: Heidrich Katharina , Wirthmueller Lennart , Tasset Céline , Pouzet Cécile , Deslandes Laurent , Parker Jane E.
Published: December 2011

Coordination of different defense pathways across cell compartments produces a fully effective innate immune response.
Carving at the Nanoscale: Sequential Galvanic Exchange and Kirkendall Growth at Room Temperature
Authors: González Edgar , Arbiol Jordi , Puntes Víctor F.
Published: December 2011

Processes used in colloidal chemistry can be jointly exploited to make complex metal alloy nanoparticles.
Greening the Neighborhood

Solar Decathlon 2011
Richard King, Director

U.S. Department of Energy. West Potomac Park, Washington, DC. 22 September to 2 October, 2011. www.solardecathlon.gov
Authors: Wigginton Nicholas S.
Published: December 2011

A U.S. Department of Energy competition spotlights promising technologies for energy-efficient houses.
Can Integration Tame Conflicts?
Authors: Goette Lorenz , Meier Stephan
Published: December 2011

Integration efforts can increase cooperation between ethnic or religious groups if competition is avoided.
Critics Question China's Indigenous Innovation Effort
Authors: Xin Hao
Published: December 2011

The Chinese press holds up the new Sunway BlueLight supercomputer as a success of China's indigenous innovation effort, but experts say the true story is more complex.
Congress Asks NOAA to Consider Charging for Data
Authors: Malakoff David
Published: December 2011

Faced with soaring NOAA satellite costs and a bleak budget outlook, lawmakers last month ordered the agency to explore ways of charging users for its "specialized data products.
Did Tsunamis Influence Polynesian History?
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: December 2011

The hunt for ancient tsunamis in the Pacific is turning up evidence of prehistoric catastrophes that may have changed the settlement patterns of prehistoric Polynesians.
Production of Infectious Chimeric Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 2b Harboring Minimal Regions of JFH-1
Authors: Murayama Asako , Kato Takanobu , Akazawa Daisuke , Sugiyama Nao , Date Tomoko , Masaki Takahiro , Nakamoto Shingo , Tanaka Yasuhito , Mizokami Masashi , Yokosuka Osamu , Nomoto Akio , Wakita Takaji
Published: December 2011

To establish a cell culture system for chimeric hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2b, we prepared a chimeric construct harboring the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) to the E2 region of the MA strain (genotype 2b) and the region of p7 to the 3′ UTR of the JFH-1 strain (genotype 2a). This chimeric RNA (MA/JFH-1.1) replicated and produced infectious virus in Huh7.5.1 cells. Replacement of the 5′ UTR of this chimera with that from JFH-1 (MA/JFH-1.2) enhanced virus production, but infectivity remained low. In a long-term follow-up study, we identified a cell culture-adaptive mutation in the core region (R167G) and found that it enhanced virus assembly. We previously reported that the NS3 helicase (N3H) and the region of NS5B to 3′ X (N5BX) of JFH-1 enabled replication of the J6CF strain (genotype 2a), which could not replicate in cells. To reduce JFH-1 content in MA/JFH-1.2, we produced a chimeric viral genome for MA harboring the N3H and N5BX regions of JFH-1, combined with a JFH-1 5′ UTR replacement and the R167G mutation (MA/N3H+N5BX-JFH1/R167G). This chimeric RNA replicated efficiently, but virus production was low. After the introduction of four additional cell culture-adaptive mutations, MA/N3H+N5BX-JFH1/5am produced infectious virus efficiently. Using this chimeric virus harboring minimal regions of JFH-1, we analyzed interferon sensitivity and found that this chimeric virus was more sensitive to interferon than JFH-1 and another chimeric virus containing more regions from JFH-1 (MA/JFH-1.2/R167G). In conclusion, we established an HCV genotype 2b cell culture system using a chimeric genome harboring minimal regions of JFH-1. This cell culture system may be useful for characterizing genotype 2b viruses and developing antiviral strategies.
Formation of Higher-Order Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus 3D
pol
Complexes Is Dependent on Elongation Activity
Authors: Bentham Matthew , Holmes Kris , Forrest Sophie , Rowlands David J. , Stonehouse Nicola J.
Published: December 2011

The replication of many viruses involves the formation of higher-order structures or replication “factories.” We show that the key replication enzyme of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, forms fibrils
in vitro
. Although there are similarities with previously characterized poliovirus polymerase fibrils, FMDV fibrils are narrower, are composed of both protein and RNA, and, importantly, are seen only when all components of an elongation assay are present. Furthermore, an inhibitory RNA aptamer prevents fibril formation.
A Highly Conserved Residue in the C-Terminal Helix of HIV-1 Matrix Is Required for Envelope Incorporation into Virus Particles
Authors: Brandano Laura , Stevenson Mario
Published: December 2011

The incorporation of viral envelope (Env) glycoproteins into nascent particles is an essential step in the production of infectious human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). This process has been shown to require interactions between Env and the matrix (MA) domain of the Gag polyprotein. Previous studies indicate that several residues in the N-terminal region of MA are required for Env incorporation. However, the precise mechanism by which Env proteins are acquired during virus assembly has yet to be fully defined. Here, we examine whether a highly conserved glutamate at position 99 in the C-terminal helix is required for MA function and HIV-1 replication. We analyze a panel of mutant viruses that contain different amino acid substitutions at this position using viral infectivity studies, virus-cell fusion assays, and immunoblotting. We find that E99V mutant viruses are defective for fusion with cell membranes and thus are noninfectious. We show that E99V mutant particles of HIV-1 strains LAI and NL4.3 lack wild-type levels of Env proteins. We identify a compensatory substitution in MA residue 84 and show that it can reverse the E99V-associated defects. Taken together, these results indicate that the C-terminal hydrophobic pocket of MA, which encompasses both residues 84 and 99, has a previously unsuspected and key role in HIV-1 Env incorporation.
Stable isotope profiles of large marine predators: viable indicators of trophic position, diet, and movement in sharks?
Authors: Hussey Nigel E. , Dudley Sheldon F.J. , McCarthy Ian D. , Cliff Geremy , Fisk Aaron T.
Published: December 2011

Understanding the role of predators is challenging but critical for ecosystem management. For community dynamics, predator-specific size-based variation in diet, trophic position, and habitat use are rarely accounted for. Using two applied tools (stable isotopes and stomach content data), we examined inter- and intra-species ontogenetic variability in diet (stomach contents), trophic position (TPSIA for δ15N and TPSCA for stomach contents), and habitat use (δ13C) of two large sharks, the scalloped hammerhead ( Sphyrna lewini ) and the dusky ( Carcharhinus obscurus ). Stomach contents identified size-based and gender-specific shifts in diet indicating resource partitioning for and between species. Calculated TP for the two sharks varied by method, either TPSIA or TPSCA and with species, size, and gender, but were complicated by differing baselines and broad functional prey groups, respectively. TP increased with size for S. lewini, but was low in large C. obscurus compared with small sharks. Size-based δ13C profiles indicated habitat partitioning by sex in S. lewini and a movement to shelf edge foraging in large C. obscurus. These results demonstrate that predators exert proportional size-based effects on multiple components of the marine system that are further complicated by species- and gender-specific strategies.
Influence of environmental stress on age- and size-at-maturity: genetic and plastic responses of coastal marsh fishes to changing salinities
Authors: Martin Shannon B. , Leberg Paul L.
Published: December 2011

As sea levels rise, salt water will intrude into freshwater coastal habitats with greater frequency and stress resident organisms inducing physiological trade-offs that influence life history tactics. Western mosquitofish ( Gambusia affinis ) and least killifish ( Heterandria formosa ), collected along a salinity gradient and maintained in a common freshwater environment for two years (≥4 generations), were used to examine historical (genetic effects) and contemporary environmental effects of salinity on age- and size-at-maturity. There was phenotypic plasticity for sexual maturation and genetic variance among source populations for size-at-maturity, but no genetic variance for plasticity itself as indicated by the lack of genetic-by-environment interactions. Gambusia affinis males and H. formosa females exhibited stress by maturing at smaller sizes and older ages in response to being reared in 0 and 12 ppt, respectively. Our results suggest that habitats in which these fishes are most abundant do not correspond to the salinities at which they can rapidly mature at larger sizes, indicating that other environmental factors are also influential to their distribution and abundance along salinity gradients.
Analysis of synonymous codon usage inShigella flexneri2a strain 301 and otherShigellaandEscherichia colistrains
Authors: Luo Xue Lian , Xu Jian Guo , Ye Chang Yun
Published: December 2011

In this study, we analysed synonymous codon usage in Shigella flexneri 2a strain 301 (Sf301) and performed a comparative analysis of synonymous codon usage patterns in Sf301 and other strains of Shigella and Escherichia coli . Although there was a significant variety in codon usage bias among different Sf301 genes, there was a slight but observable codon usage bias that could primarily be attributable to mutational pressure and translational selection. In addition, the relative abundance of dinucleotides in Sf301 was observed to be independent of the overall base composition but was still caused by differential mutational pressure; this also shaped codon usage. By comparing the relative synonymous codon usage values across different Shigella and E. coli strains, we suggested that the synonymous codon usage pattern in the Shigella genomes was strain specific. This study represents a comprehensive analysis of Shigella codon usage patterns and provides a basic understanding of the mechanisms underlying codon usage bias.
Glucose and plant exudate enhanced enumeration of bacteria capable of degrading polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Thomas John C. , Dabkowski Robert T.
Published: December 2011

Enumerating environmental microbial isolates capable of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) degradation can provide insight into the microbe–plant interactions that facilitate PAH removal. We examined a known PAH degrader ( Pseudomonas putida G7), a nondegrader ( Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA4404), and several microorganisms isolated from the environment by using a PAH cocktail in an enumeration medium with or without 0.025% (m/v) glucose and (or) root exudates. Compared with the standard most probable number (MPN), the addition of glucose and root exudates in a modified MPN method resulted in a 3- to 11-fold enhancement of PAH degraders being enumerated among microorganisms found in PAH-contaminated soils. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis verified that PAH levels were reduced using this modified enumeration method. Low levels of glucose, perhaps in concert with other materials in exudates, may promote microbial metabolism, thereby enhancing PAH degradation.
COMPACT FORMULAE FOR NUMBER OF CONDUCTION CHANNELS IN VARIOUS TYPES OF GRAPHENE NANORIBBONS AT VARIOUS TEMPERATURES
Authors: NASIRI SAEED HAJI , FAEZ RAHIM , MORAVVEJ-FARSHI MOHAMMAD KAZEM
Published: December 2011

We present two compact analytic formulae for calculating the channel number in graphene nanoribbons (GNRs), in terms of GNRs' width and Fermi energy. Numerical data obtained from these analytic formulae fit those obtained numerically from the exact formula, with accuracies within 1%. Using appropriate fit parameters, the compact formulae are valid for zigzag, armchair-metallic, and armchair-semiconducting GNRs, at room, liquid nitrogen, and liquid helium temperatures (i.e. 300, 77 and 4.2 K)
WiSec 2011 demo
Authors: Kost Martin , Wiedersheim Björn , Dietzel Stefan , Schaub Florian , Bachmor Tobias
Published: December 2011

Cooperative Intelligent Transportation Systems must incorporate privacy-enhancing mechanisms to gain public acceptance. The PRECIOSA Privacy-enforcing Runtime Architecture (PeRA) provides a data-centric protection chain, which ensures that ITS components process data according to attached user-defined privacy policies. PeRA instances constitute a distributed privacy middleware that evaluates privacy policies to mediate data access by applications. An integrity protection layer creates a distributed policy enforcement perimeter between ITS nodes to prevent circumvention of policies. The PeRA has been implemented as a proof-of-concept prototype.
Thrombin-induced ATP release from human umbilical vein endothelial cells
Authors: Gödecke Stefanie , Roderigo Claudia , Rose Christine R. , Rauch Bernhard H. , Gödecke Axel , Schrader Jürgen
Published: December 2011

ATP and its degradation products play an important role as signaling molecules in the vascular system, and endothelial cells are considered to be an important source of nucleotide release. To investigate the mechanism and physiological significance of endothelial ATP release, we compared different pharmacological stimuli for their ability to evoke ATP release from first passage cultivated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Agonists known to increase intracellular Ca2+ levels (A23187, histamine, thrombin) induced a stable, non-lytic ATP release. Since thrombin proved to be the most robust and reproducible stimulus, the molecular mechanism of thrombin-mediated ATP release from HUVECs was further investigated. ATP rapidly increased with thrombin (1 U/ml) and reached a steady-state level after 4 min. Loading the cells with BAPTA-AM to capture intracellular calcium suppressed ATP release. The thrombin-specific, protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1)-specific agonist peptide TFLLRN (10 μM) fully mimicked thrombin action on ATP release. To identify the nature of the ATP-permeable pathway, we tested various inhibitors of potential ATP channels for their ability to inhibit the thrombin response. Carbenoxolone, an inhibitor of connexin hemichannels and pannexin channels, as well as Gd3+ were highly effective in blocking the thrombin-mediated ATP release. Specifically targeting connexin43 (Cx43) and pannexin1 (Panx1) revealed that reducing Panx1 expression significantly reduced ATP release, while downregulating Cx43 was ineffective. Our study demonstrates that thrombin at physiological concentrations is a potent stimulus of endothelial ATP release involving PAR-1 receptor activation and intracellular calcium mobilization. ATP is released by a carbenoxolone- and Gd3+- sensitive pathway, most likely involving Panx1 channels.
Nongenomic STAT5-dependent effects on Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum structure and function
Authors: Lee Jason E. , Yang Yang-Ming , Liang Feng-Xia , Gough Daniel J. , Levy David E. , Sehgal Pravin B.
Published: December 2011

We report unexpected nongenomic functions of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 5 species in the cytoplasm aimed at preserving the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus and rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in vascular cells. Immunoimaging and green fluorescent protein-tagged-STAT5a protein localization studies showed the constitutive association of nonphosphorylated STAT5a, and to a lesser extent STAT5b, with the Golgi apparatus and of STAT5a with centrosomes in human pulmonary arterial endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Acute knockdown of STAT5a/b species using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), including in the presence of an mRNA synthesis inhibitor (5,6-dichloro-1-β-d-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole), produced a dramatic phenotype within 1 day, consisting of dilatation and fragmentation of Golgi cisternae, a marked tubule-to-cyst change in the ER, increased accumulation of reticulon-4 (RTN4)/Nogo-B and atlastin-3 (ATL3) at cyst-zone boundaries, cystic separation of the outer and inner nuclear membranes, accompanied by scalloped/lunate distortion of the nucleus, with accumulation of RTN4 on convex sides of distorted nuclei. These cells showed inhibition of vesicular stomatitis virus G protein glycoprotein trafficking, mitochondrial fragmentation, and reduced mitochondrial function. STAT5a/b−/− mouse embryo fibroblasts also showed altered ER/Golgi dynamics. RTN4 knockdown using siRNA did not affect development of the cystic phenotype; ATL3 siRNA led to effacement of cyst-zone boundaries. In magnetic-bead cross-immunopanning assays, ATL3 bound both STAT5a and STAT5b. Remarkably, this novel cystic ER/lunate nucleus phenotype was characteristic of vascular cells in arterial lesions of idiopathic pulmonary hypertension, an unrelentingly fatal human disease. These data provide evidence of a STAT-family protein regulating the structure of a cytoplasmic organelle and implicate this mechanism in the pathogenesis of a human disease.
Task-dependent changes of motor cortical network excitability during precision grip compared to isolated finger contraction
Authors: Kouchtir-Devanne Nezha , Capaday Charles , Cassim François , Derambure Philippe , Devanne Hervé
Published: December 2011

The purpose of this study was to determine whether task-dependent differences in corticospinal pathway excitability occur in going from isolated contractions of the index finger to its coordinated activity with the thumb. Focal transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was used to measure input-output (I/O) curves—a measure of corticospinal pathway excitability—of the contralateral first dorsal interosseus (FDI) muscle in 21 healthy subjects performing two isometric motor tasks: index abduction and precision grip. The level of FDI electromyographic (EMG) activity was kept constant across tasks. The amplitude of the FDI motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and the duration of FDI silent period (SP) were plotted against TMS stimulus intensity and fitted, respectively, to a Boltzmann sigmoidal function. The plateau level of the FDI MEP amplitude I/O curve increased by an average of 40% during the precision grip compared with index abduction. Likewise, the steepness of the curve, as measured by the value of the maximum slope, increased by nearly 70%. By contrast, all I/O curve parameters [plateau, stimulus intensity required to obtain 50% of maximum response ( S50), and slope] of SP duration were similar between the two tasks. Short- and long-latency intracortical inhibitions (SICI and LICI, respectively) were also measured in each task. Both measures of inhibition decreased during precision grip compared with the isolated contraction. The results demonstrate that the motor cortical circuits controlling index and thumb muscles become functionally coupled when the muscles are used synergistically and this may be due, at least in part, to a decrease of intracortical inhibition and an increase of recurrent excitation.
Surgical Management of a Rare Case of Congenital DoubleUpper Lip
Authors: Srivastava Adit , Parihar Ajit , Soni Romesh , Shashikanth M. C. , Chaturvedi T. P.
Published: December 2011

Congenital double lip is a rare developmental anomaly which usually involves the upper lip. It may occur in isolation or as a part of Ascher's syndrome. The occurrence of double lip may result in facial deformity especially when patient attempts to talk, smile, or even try to show the teeth. It affects esthetics and also interferes with speech and mastication. Although surgery may be undertaken to facilitate speech and mastication, majority of cases are operated for cosmetic reasons. A case of congenital double upper lip which was surgically treated for cosmetic reason is reported.
Differences in Trocar Positioning within the Vertebral Body Using Two Different Positioning Methods: Effect on Trainee Performance
Authors: Komemushi Atsushi , Takizawa Kenji , Tanaka Norimitsu , Yoshimatsu Misako , Yagihashi Kunihiro , Ogawa Yukihisa , Fujikawa Atsuko , Uejima Iwao , Koike Yuya , Tamura Taiji , Takahashi Makoto , Koizumi Jun , Yamakado Koichiro , Nakatsuka Seishi , Yoshioka Tetsuya , Hirota Shozo , Nakamura Kenji , Nakajima Yasuo , Kuribayashi Sachio , Kariya Shuji , Tanigawa Noboru , Sawada Satoshi
Published: December 2011

Purpose. To evaluate the educational effect of the Japanese Society of Interventional Radiology 7th Academic Summer Seminar from a technical perspective.Materials and Methods. Nineteen trainees participated in the seminar. The seminar consisted of vertebroplasty trainings using swine with the single-plane landmark method and with the ISOcenter Puncture (ISOP) method. All trainees were advised by an instructor as they operated the instruments and punctured the vertebra. For each trainee, the accuracy in the final position of the needle tip of the initial puncture in each swine training was evaluated.Results. Error in the final position of the needle tip of ≥5 mm from the target puncture site occurred in the lateral direction in 42% (8/19) of trainees with the landmark method and 5% (1/19) with the ISOP method. No error ≥5 mm occurred in the vertical or anteroposterior directions. In terms of puncture accuracy, error in the lateral direction was significantly lower with the ISOP method than with the landmark method (2.2 ± 1.5 mm versus 5.6 ± 3.2 mm).Conclusion. This seminar was effective training for trocar placement for beginners. The puncture was more accurate with the ISOP method than with the landmark method.
Modification of Clays by Sol‐Gel Reaction and Their Use in the Ethylene In Situ Polymerization for Obtaining Nanocomposites
Authors: Moncada E. , Quijada R. , Zapata P.
Published: December 2011

The nanocomposites formation by in situ polymerization used a metallocene catalyst (butyl‐2‐cyclopentadienyl zirconium 2‐chlorines) and a hectorite synthetic clay type which is discussed. This research was carried out in two phases. The first phase consisted of mixing the components of the metallocenic polymerization reaction (metallocene‐methylaluminoxane‐ethylene) with clay in a reactor. In the second phase, the metallocenic catalytic system was supported by clay particles and then a polymerization reaction was made. In this second phase, the clay particles were modified using a sol‐gel reaction with different pH values: pH = 3, pH = 8, and pH = 12. The results were compared in terms of the catalytic activity in the different systems (phase 1 and phase 2) and the nanoparticle morphology of nanocomposites generated in this study.