bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A NAC transcription factor NTL4 promotes reactive oxygen species production during drought‐induced leaf senescence in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lee Sangmin , Seo Pil Joon , Lee Hyo‐Jun , Park Chung‐Mo
Published: February 2012

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in plant cells primarily as by‐products of aerobic energy metabolism. They are also generated during plant adaptation responses to environmental stresses, such as drought and high salinity. Therefore, plants have evolved ROS‐detoxifying enzymes and antioxidants to cope with ROS accumulation. However, if stress conditions are prolonged, the level of ROS will surpass the capacity of the detoxifying machinery, causing oxidative damage to cellular constituents. It is known that ROS act in abscisic acid‐mediated stress responses to sustain plant survival under adverse growth conditions. However, it is largely unknown how ROS metabolism is linked to stress responses. Here, we show that a drought‐responsive NAC transcription factor NTL4 promotes ROS production by binding directly to the promoters of genes encoding ROS biosynthetic enzymes during drought‐induced leaf senescence. Leaf senescence was accelerated in 35S:4ΔCtransgenic plants over‐expressing an active form of NTL4 under drought conditions. The 35S:4ΔCtransgenic plants were hypersensitive to drought, and ROS accumulated in the leaves. In contrast, ROS levels were reduced inNTL4‐deficientntl4mutants, which exhibited delayed leaf senescence and enhanced drought resistance. These observations indicate that NTL4 acts as a molecular switch that couples ROS metabolism to drought‐induced leaf senescence in Arabidopsis.
Fruit cuticle lipid composition and fruit post‐harvest water loss in an advanced backcross generation of pepper (Capsicum sp.)
Authors: Parsons Eugene P. , Popopvsky Sigal , Lohrey Gregory T. , Lü Shiyou , Alkalai‐Tuvia Sharon , Perzelan Yaacov , Paran Ilan , Fallik Elazar , Jenks Matthew A.
Published: February 2012

To understand the role of fruit cuticle lipid composition in fruit water loss, an advanced backcross population, the BC2F2, was created between the Capsicum annuum (PI1154) and the Capsicum chinense (USDA162), which have high and low post‐harvest water loss rates, respectively. Besides dramatic differences in fruit water loss, preliminary studies also revealed that these parents exhibited significant differences in both the amount and composition of their fruit cuticle. Cuticle analysis of the BC2F2 fruit revealed that although water loss rate was not strongly associated with the total surface wax amount, there were significant correlations between water loss rate and cuticle composition. We found a positive correlation between water loss rate and the amount of total triterpenoid plus sterol compounds, and negative correlations between water loss and the alkane to triterpenoid plus sterol ratio. We also report negative correlations between water loss rate and the proportion of both alkanes and aliphatics to total surface wax amount. For the first time, we report significant correlations between water loss and cutin monomer composition. We found positive associations of water loss rate with the total cutin, total C16 monomers and 16‐dihydroxy hexadecanoic acid. Our results support the hypothesis that simple straight‐chain aliphatic cuticle constituents form more impermeable cuticular barriers than more complex isoprenoid‐based compounds. These results shed new light on the biochemical basis for cuticle involvement in fruit water loss.
Effects of dietary protein levels on digestibility of nutrients and growth rate in young female mink (Mustela vison)
Authors: Zhang T.‐T. , Zhang Z.‐Q. , Gao X.‐H. , Yang F.‐H. , Xing X.‐M.
Published: February 2012

This study investigated digestibilities of nutrients and feed efficiency in female mink at the different dietary protein levels during the mink growth period. Effects of dietary protein on growth performance of minks were also measured. Sixty 45‐day‐old healthy female minks were randomly assigned to 6 treatment groups with 10 animals in each group. Animals were fed diets varying in protein levels: 28% (Group I), 30% (Group II), 32% (Group III), 34% (Group IV), 36% (Group V) and 38% (Group VI), respectively. The digestibilities of key nutrients were determined on Day 14 after initiating the experiment and the last 3 days. From the beginning of the study, body weight and feed intake were weighed and recorded every other week in order to calculate the average daily bodyweight gain and the feed efficiency. The trial had demonstrated that nitrogen intake was greatly significantly different, which was affected by dietary protein levels (p < 0.001). Growth performance of minks was impaired when dietary protein level was at 28%. When dietary protein level was at 34%, minks had the best daily gains, feed efficiency, and digestibilities of some key nutrients.
Comparison of FEV3, FEV6, FEV1/FEV3 and FEV1/FEV6 with usual spirometric indices
Authors: MEHRPARVAR AMIR HOUSHANG , RAHIMIAN MASOUD , MIRMOHAMMADI SEYYED JALIL , GHEIDI AFSHIN , MOSTAGHACI MEHRDAD , LOTFI MOHAMMAD HASSAN
Published: February 2012

Background and objective:  Pulmonary function tests play an important role in the management of pulmonary diseases. One of the tests that are widely used is spirometry. Performing an acceptable spirometry manoeuvre according to the standards set by the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society is difficult. The aim of this study was to compare forced expiratory volume in 3 s (FEV3) and forced expiratory volume in 6 s (FEV6) with forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in 1 s FEV1/FEV3 and FEV1/FEV6 with FEV1/FVC, in order to substitute the usual spirometric manoeuvres with manoeuvres that are easier to perform.

Methods:  In a cross‐sectional study, spirometry was performed for 588 subjects who were referred for occupational health evaluations. The accuracy of FEV3, FEV6, FEV1/FEV3 and FEV1/FEV6 was compared with that of FVC and FEV1/FVC. Chi‐square tests and kappa tests were used to analyse the data.

Results:  Individuals with normal (n = 297) and abnormal spirometry (n = 291) were evaluated. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of FEV1/FEV6, as compared with that of FEV1/FVC for detecting obstruction, were 93.56, 99.32, 98.95 and 96.09, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of FEV6, as compared with that of FVC for detecting restriction, were 96.68, 98.65, 96.68 and 98.65, respectively.

Conclusions:  FEV6 and FEV1/FEV6 can be used as surrogates for FVC and FEV1/FVC, respectively, and these parameters showed acceptable sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for occupational health evaluations.
Problem based learning in mental health nursing: The students' experience
Authors: Cooper Carol , Carver Neil
Published: February 2012

Problem based learning (PBL) is well established within the field of health‐care education for professionals worldwide, although little has been done to explore the experiences of students undertaking a PBL course in mental health nursing. Without firm evidence of the benefits of PBL, educationalists in mental health might be reluctant to view it as an option in curricula design. This UK study examined the experiences of pre‐registration post‐graduate mental health student nurses undertaking a 2‐year educational course in which all teaching and assessment followed a PBL philosophy. Focus groups were used throughout the course to elicit in‐depth qualitative data that was analysed by applying a constant comparative method. The analysis of the data uncovered the following broad themes: ‘moves to autonomy, ’surviving the groups' and ‘the impact of PBL’. The findings show that participants had mainly positive experiences and gained a range of study and interpersonal skills central to mental health nursing. Participants described initial anxieties resulting from engagement in PBL. However, they increasingly gained confidence in this approach, exercising increasing control over the PBL process. Despite this increased autonomy, participants continued to value the input of skilled facilitators. A recurring issue centred on the potential for interpersonal conflict within the student group and its impact on their learning. It is suggested that more research is needed examining the use of PBL in mental health nursing.
Penile Doppler sonographic and clinical characteristics in Peyronie's disease and/or erectile dysfunction: an analysis of 1500 men with male sexual dysfunction
Authors: Chung Eric , Yan Hanmu , De Young Ling , Brock Gerald B.
Published: February 2012

Study Type – Therapy (cohort)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

Penile colour Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) can be an invaluable investigative tool to characterize penile abnormalities to complement clinical history and physical examination in the evaluation of men with Peyronie's disease (PD) and/or erectile dysfunction (ED). Although CDU findings between men with PD and those with ED were not markedly different, subtle differences were observed. The classic penile CDU findings in men with PD comprise tunical thickening, intracavernosal fibrosis, septal fibrosis and intracavernosal calcification, while, in men with ED, low peak systolic velocity and high end‐diastolic velocity are found on penile haemodynamics.

Previously published studies have focused predominantly on either ED or PD exclusively, or examine the risk of progression to ED in the PD population. To our knowledge, this is the largest and most comprehensive analysis of penile CDU and clinical findings in men with PD and/or ED. The large sample size and multivariable analysis allow meaningful interpretation of the results. This study has found some substantial differences in the penile CDU findings of men with PD and/or ED that have not previously been reported. Although the risk factors of ED may be greater than those for PD, there is crossover in age, cardiovascular risk factors, trauma and penile CDU findings in men with PD and/or ED.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the differences in penile colour Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) findings between men with Peyronie's disease (PD) and those with erectile dysfunction (ED).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients presenting with PD and/or ED who underwent penile CDU were recruited to the study.

Patient demographics, comorbidities, International Index of Erectile Function‐5 scores, previous therapies and physical findings were documented.

Penile curvature, presence of tunical thickening, septal fibrosis, intracavernosal fibrosis and calcification, and cavernosal vascular status were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 1500 men underwent penile CDU during the 10‐year period. Of these men, 891 men presented with PD and 609 men had ED only.

Men with ED had higher rates of diabetes and coronary artery disease (P < 0.05).

Isolated tunical thickening was more common in older men and in the PD cohort. The presence of intracavernosal fibrosis correlated strongly with difficulty maintaining erection (P < 0.05). Impaired cavernosal arterial flow was observed in men with decrease penile rigidity and penile pain, while higher end‐diastolic velocities were found in men with difficulty maintaining erection and tunical thickening on penile CDU.

CONCLUSIONS

Men with PD and ED had many similarities and differences on penile CDU.

Penile CDU continues to be an invaluable clinical tool in the management of men with male sexual dysfunction.
Prognostic indicators for upper tract urothelial carcinoma after radical nephroureterectomy: the impact of lymphovascular invasion
Authors: Godfrey Mark S. , Badalato Gina M. , Hruby Gregory W. , Razmjoo Mani , McKiernan James M.
Published: February 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (case series)

Level of Evidence 4

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?

In an array of urological and non‐urological malignancies, lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is a pathological feature known to be associated with adverse outcomes for recurrence and survival. For some cancers, LVI has therefore been incorporated into American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM staging algorithms.

This study presents an analysis of the impact of LVI in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) treated at our institution over a 20‐year period. In addition to known associations with features of aggressive disease and overall survival, we were able to show that LVI‐positive status upsets the TNM staging for UTUC. Namely, patients with superficial stage and LVI‐positive disease have overall survival outcomes similar to those of patients with muscle‐invasive LVI‐negative carcinoma. Such evidence may support the addition of LVI to future TNM staging algorithms for UTUC.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of lymphovascular invasion (LVI) on the prognosis of patients with upper urinary tract urothelial cell carcinoma (UTUC) treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Columbia University Medical Center Urologic Oncology database was queried and 211 patients undergoing RNU for UTUC between 1990 and 2010 were identified.

These cases were retrospectively reviewed, and the prognostic significance of relevant clinical and pathological variables was analysed using log‐rank tests and Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Actuarial survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.

RESULTS

LVI was observed in 68 patients (32.2%).

The proportion of LVI increased with advancing stage, high grade, positive margin status, concomitant carcinoma in situ, and lymph node metastases. The 5‐ and 10‐year overall survival rates were 74.7% and 53.1% in the absence of LVI, and 35.7% and 28.6% in the presence of LVI, respectively.

In multivariate analysis, age, race and LVI were independent predictors of overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of LVI on pathological review of RNU specimens was associated with worse overall survival in patients with UTUC.

LVI status should be included in the pathological report for RNU specimens to help guide postoperative therapeutic options.

With confirmation from large international studies, inclusion of LVI in the tumour‐node‐metastasis staging system for UTUC should be considered.
Beyond Rhetorical Differences: A Cohesive Account of Post‐devolution Developments in UK Health Policy
Authors: Smith Katherine , Hellowell Mark
Published: February 2012

Health is perhaps the most significant policy area to be devolved to decision‐makers in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Consequently, there has been a great deal of interest in assessing the extent to which health policies (which already differed somewhat prior to devolution) have diverged since 1999. To date, analyses have tended to focus either on health care policies or on specific public health issues (e.g. health inequalities or tobacco control). The story that emerges from this body of work suggests health care policies have diverged significantly, whilst public health policies have remained remarkably similar. This article is one of the first to consider health care and public health policy alongside each other. It reassesses and updates previous analyses, incorporating developments relating to the 2010 general election and the 2007 and 2011 devolved administration elections. Drawing on a variety of textual sources (policy documents, research evidence and corporate literature), our findings differ from existing analyses in suggesting that, despite some noticeable differences in policy rhetoric, approaches to both health care provision and tackling public health problems remain similar. Looking to the future, the article concludes that the common economic challenges, combined with a tight fiscal policy (that remains excepted from devolution), means the similarities in health care provision across the UK are likely to remain more pronounced than the differences. However, current debate about the constitutional settlement, and in particular the prospect of greater fiscal freedoms for the devolved administrations, may provide opportunities for more meaningful divergence in health policy than has been possible hitherto.
Forecasting the World Economy in the Short Term
Authors: Jakaitiene Audrone , Dees Stephane
Published: February 2012

(1433) Audrone Jakaitiene and Stephane Dees

Forecasting the world economy is a difficult task given the complex interrelationships within and across countries. This paper proposes a number of approaches to forecast short‐term changes in selected world economic variables and aims, first, at ranking various forecasting methods in terms of forecast accuracy and, second, at checking whether methods forecasting directly aggregate variables (direct approaches) outperform methods based on the aggregation of country‐specific forecasts (bottom‐up approaches). Overall, all methods perform better than a simple benchmark for short horizons (up to 3 months ahead). Among the forecasting approaches used, factor models appear to perform the best. Moreover, direct approaches outperform bottom‐up ones for real variables, but not for prices. Finally, when country‐specific forecasts are adjusted to match direct forecasts at the aggregate levels (top‐down approaches), the forecast accuracy is neither improved nor deteriorated (i.e. top‐down and bottom‐up approaches are broadly equivalent in terms of country‐specific forecast accuracy).
Metabolic abnormalities associated with initiation of systemic treatment for psoriasis: evidence from the Italian Psocare Registry
Authors: Gisondi P. , Cazzaniga S. , Chimenti S. , Giannetti A. , Maccarone M. , Picardo M. , Girolomoni G. , Naldi L. ,   Psocare Study Group
Published: February 2012

Objective  To evaluate variations in laboratory parameters and diagnoses of selected clinical conditions up to 16 weeks after starting a new systemic psoriasis treatment for Psocare Registry enrollees.

Design  Prospective cohort study.

Setting  Italian public referral centres for psoriasis treatment.

Patients  First‐time recipients (n = 10,539) of continuous systemic psoriasis treatment for at least 16 weeks.

Main outcome measure  Mean variations in (weeks 8 and 16) and proportions of patients reaching a clinically meaningful increase in serum levels (week 16) of total and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase and creatinine, as well as week‐16 cumulative incidences of new diagnoses of diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension.

Results  Mean cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly increased in patients treated with acitretin or cyclosporine. Mean triglyceride levels also increased in efalizumab‐ and etanercept‐treated patients. Mean transaminase values increased in methotrexate‐treated patients, and mean aspartate amino transferase levels increased in infliximab‐treated patients. The average serum creatinine value increased in cyclosporine‐treated patients. Acitretin and cyclosporine were associated with risk of hypercholesterolaemia (odds ratios 1.51 and 1.34) and acitretin with risk of hypertriglyceridaemia (odds ratio 1.43). Methotrexate and infliximab were associated with risk of more than doubling the upper normal aspartate amino transferase (odds ratios 2.06 and 1.87) and alanine amino transferase (odds ratios 2.38 and 1.74) values. The relative risk of developing arterial hypertension and diabetes was increased for patients receiving cyclosporine (odds ratios 3.31 and 2.88).

Conclusion  Systemic treatments for psoriasis resulted in heterogeneous effects on the parameters analysed.
Mitotic rate and subcutaneous involvement are prognostic factors for survival after recurrence in patients with only locoregional skin metastasis as the first site of recurrence from cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Messeguer F. , Agustí‐Mejías A. , Traves V. , Requena C. , Alegre V. , Guillén C. , Oliver V. , Nagore E.
Published: February 2012

Background  Few reports on literature give detailed figures on prognostic factors of locoregional skin recurrence in cutaneous melanoma.

Objective  The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and histological prognostic factors following development of locoregional cutaneous metastasis as the only progression site from melanoma.

Methods  Data from 1327 stage I and II melanoma patients who visited Instituto Valenciano de Oncología and Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia from 2000 to 2010 were documented in a prospective manner. During follow up, 112 (8.4%) of them developed recurrent disease. A retrospective analysis revealed a subset of 36 patients with locoregional cutaneous metastases as a first event.

Results  Significant prognostic factors in the univariate analysis were Breslow thickness, tumor mitotic rate and the presence subcutaneous involvement of the skin metastasis. After multivariate analysis the independent predictive factors for survival after recurrence were tumor mitotic rate (hazard ratio [HR]: 8.6; 95% CI: 1.0–77.2) and subcutaneous involvement of the skin metastasis (HR: 4.3; 95% CI: 1.0–18.5).

Conclusion  The survival after recurrence of melanoma patients that has relapsed with only locoregional cutaneous metastasis depends on the mitotic rate of the primary tumor and the subcutaneous involvement of the metastasis.
Important areas of the central binocular visual field for daily functioning in the visually impaired
Authors: Tabrett Daryl R , Latham Keziah
Published: February 2012

Citation information: Tabrett DR & Latham K. Important areas of the central binocular visual field for daily functioning in the visually impaired. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 156–163. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2012.00892.x

Purpose:  To determine the areas of the central binocular visual field which correspond best with self‐reported vision related activity limitations (VRAL) in individuals with visual impairment using a clinically relevant and accessible technique.

Methods:  One hundred participants with mixed visual impairment undertook binocular threshold visual field testing using a Humphrey 30‐2 SITA Fast program. The Activity Inventory (AI) was administered to assess overall, mobility related and reading related self‐reported VRAL as part of a face‐to‐face clinical interview. Different eccentricities of the binocular field (central 5, 5–10, and 10–30°) were compared to self‐reported VRAL in bivariate analyses and further explored using multivariate analyses.

Results:  All areas of the binocular visual field were significantly associated with self‐reported VRAL in bivariate analyses, with greater field loss associated with increased VRAL (p < 0.001). Multivariate analyses identified that function of the central 5–10° best predicted overall self‐reported VRAL, and function of the central 5° (especially the right‐hand‐side) and the central 10–30° (especially 10–20°) best predicted self‐reported VRAL in reading and mobility tasks, respectively.

Conclusions:  The results highlight the association between central binocular visual fields and self‐reported VRAL in people with visual impairment. Central binocular fields can be measured using a widely available threshold test in order to understand the likely functional limitations of those with vision loss, particularly in mobility tasks. Self‐reported VRAL can be estimated using the regression equations and graphs provided and difficulty levels in specific tasks can be determined.
A dual‐response strategy for global logistics under uncertainty: a case study of a third‐party logistics company
Authors: Wu Yue
Published: February 2012

This paper examines global logistics problems experienced by a third‐party logistics (3PL) company that is responsible for transporting goods from one country to another by road, as well as warehousing goods in two countries. Because of the limited fleet capacity, the logistics company has to hire additional trucks from two countries in advance. However, customer's shipment information is uncertain, and the accurate shipment notice is only available on the shipping day. This paper proposes a dual‐response logistics strategy to be as responsive as possible for coping with short shipment notice time and uncertainty involved. A two‐stage stochastic mixed 0–1 programming model is formulated to satisfy customer demand while minimizing the total logistics cost. A series of experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed stochastic model. Compared to the corresponding expected value model, the stochastic model provides a more responsive and less expensive global logistics system.
Telling family stories: collaborative storytelling, taking precedence and giving precedence in family group interviews with Americans in Singapore
Authors: Starkweather Sarah
Published: February 2012

This article is intended to encourage more migration researchers to make use of family group interviews by starting a conversation about their epistemological and methodological implications. To that end, I draw on vignettes from several family group interviews with American citizens living in Singapore, drawing out one significant aspect of working with family group interviews: the role of family dynamics in determining how stories are told in an interview setting. I develop a provisional typology of modes of family storytelling that includes collaborative storytelling, taking precedence and giving precedence, and argue that it is important to pay close attention to the possible range of family dynamics when planning, conducting and interpreting family group interviews.
External examiners and the continuing inflation of UK undergraduate geography degree results
Authors: Thornes John E
Published: February 2012

The percentage of ‘good’ (first or 2.1) geography degrees in the UK has risen from around 40 per cent in the early 1970s to 71 per cent in 2010. The likely reasons for this are discussed in detail. Each university has its own weighting and variant scheme to calculate the final degree results but there is little evidence of consistency within or among universities. The role of undergraduate external examiners is discussed including their need to create a ‘level playing field’ at a time when their role is rapidly changing and their influence is declining. Borderline cases between degree classes are increasingly being pre‐classified automatically and the days of vivas and adjusting marks are long gone in most universities. Nevertheless undergraduate external examiners should continue to be concerned at the continuing rise in the percentage of ‘good’ degrees and they need to be aware of the comparative ‘good’ degree statistics, over a number of years, in the departments they are examining for. A new scheme is proposed to circulate to all undergraduate external examiners in geography an annual table of the percentage of ‘good’ degrees across the country. There will be an increasing shift in emphasis from external examiners moderating the results of individual students to moderating the marks of individual courses. The likely impact on external examiners of both the higher education achievement reports (HEARs) and the likely introduction of grade point averages (GPAs) to replace traditional degree classifications, are also discussed and a new hybrid degree classification system, that is easy to understand for employers, is presented.
The paradox of nationalism: The common denominator of radical right and radical left euroscepticism
Authors: HALIKIOPOULOU DAPHNE , NANOU KYRIAKI , VASILOPOULOU SOFIA
Published: February 2012

What can explain the strong euroscepticism of radical parties of both the right and the left? This article argues that the answer lies in the paradoxical role of nationalism as a central element in both party families, motivating opposition towards European integration. Conventionally, the link between nationalism and euroscepticism is understood solely as a prerogative of radical right‐wing parties, whereas radical left‐wing euroscepticism is associated with opposition to the neoliberal character of the European Union. This article contests this view. It argues that nationalism cuts across party lines and constitutes the common denominator of both radical right‐wing and radical left‐wing euroscepticism. It adopts a mixed‐methods approach, combining intensive case study analysis with quantitative analysis of party manifestos. First, it traces the link between nationalism and euroscepticism in Greece and France in order to demonstrate the internal validity of the argument. It then undertakes a cross‐country statistical estimation to assess the external validity of the argument and its generalisability across Europe.
Solubility of a reactive disperse dye in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Long Jia‐Jie , Ran Rui‐Long , Jiang Wei‐De , Ding Zhi‐Fang
Published: February 2012

The solubility of a reactive disperse dye, which was modified from CI Disperse Red 17 with a derivative of 1,3,5‐trichloro‐2,4,6‐triazine as the reactive group, was investigated in supercritical carbon dioxide fluid by employing a batch system equipped with an online spectrophotometer. The investigations were carried out at pressures of 7.5–25.0 MPa, temperatures of 333.15–413.15 K and an equilibrium contact time of 120 min. As revealed from the experimental results, the solubility of the reactive disperse dye increased with pressure in different isotherms, and decreased with temperature. Furthermore, the experimental solubility data were correlated successfully with semi‐empirical models – Chrastil and Del Valle–Aguilera equations, respectively – at various temperatures and pressures.
Development and Preliminary Validation of a Behavioral Task of Negative Reinforcement Underlying Risk‐Taking and Its Relation to Problem Alcohol Use in College Freshmen
Authors: MacPherson Laura , Calvin Nicholas T. , Richards Jessica M. , Guller Leila , Mayes Linda C. , Crowley Michael J. , Daughters Stacey B. , Lejuez Carl W.
Published: February 2012

Background

A long line of theoretical and empirical evidence implicates negative reinforcement as a process underlying the etiology and maintenance of risky alcohol use behaviors from adolescence through emerging adulthood. However, the bulk of this literature has relied on self‐report measures, and there is a notable absence of behavioral modes of assessments of negative reinforcement‐based alcohol‐related risk‐taking. To address this clear gap in the literature, the current study presents the first published data on the reliability and validity of the Maryland Resource for the Behavioral Utilization of the Reinforcement of Negative Stimuli (MRBURNS), which is a modified version of the positive reinforcement‐based Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART).

Methods

Participants included a convenience sample of 116 college freshmen ever regular drinkers (aged 18 to 19) who completed both behavioral tasks; self‐report measures of negative reinforcement/avoidance constructs and of positive reinforcement/appetitive constructs to examine convergent validity and discriminant validity, respectively; and self‐report measures of alcohol use, problems, and motives to examine criterion validity.

Results

The MRBURNS evidenced sound experimental properties and reliability across task trials. In support of convergent validity, risk‐taking on the MRBURNS correlated significantly with negative urgency, difficulties in emotion regulation, and depressive and anxiety‐related symptoms. In support of discriminant validity, performance on the MRBURNS was unrelated to risk‐taking on the BART, sensation seeking, and trait impulsivity. Finally, pertaining to criterion validity, risk‐taking on the MRBURNS was related to alcohol‐related problems but not heavy episodic alcohol use. Notably, risk‐taking on the MRBURNS was associated with negative reinforcement‐based but not with positive reinforcement‐based drinking motives.

Conclusions

Data from this initial investigation suggest the utility of the MRBURNS as a behavioral measure of negative reinforcement‐based risk‐taking that can provide a useful complement to existing self‐report measures to improve our understanding of the relationship between avoidant reinforcement processes and risky alcohol use.
Human Laboratory Paradigms in Alcohol Research
Authors: Plebani Jennifer G. , Ray Lara A. , Morean Meghan E. , Corbin William R. , MacKillop James , Amlung Michael , King Andrea C.
Published: February 2012

Background

Human laboratory studies have a long and rich history in the field of alcoholism. Human laboratory studies have allowed for advances in alcohol research in a variety of ways, including elucidating neurobehavioral mechanisms of risk, identifying phenotypically distinct subtypes of alcohol users, investigating the candidate genes underlying experimental phenotypes for alcoholism, and testing mechanisms of action of alcoholism pharmacotherapies on clinically relevant translational phenotypes, such as persons exhibiting positive‐like alcohol effects or alcohol craving. Importantly, the field of human laboratory studies in addiction has progressed rapidly over the past decade and has built upon earlier findings of alcohol's neuropharmacological effects to advancing translational research on alcoholism etiology and treatment.

Methods and Results

To that end, the new generation of human laboratory studies has focused on applying new methodologies, further refining alcoholism phenotypes, and translating these findings to studies of alcoholism genetics, medication development, and pharmacogenetics. The combination of experimental laboratory approaches with the recent developments in neuroscience and pharmacology has been particularly fruitful in furthering our understanding of the impact of individual differences in alcoholism risk and in treatment response.

Conclusions

This review of the literature focuses on human laboratory studies of subjective intoxication, alcohol craving, anxiety, and behavioral economics. Each section discusses opportunities for phenotype refinement under laboratory conditions, as well as its application to translational science of alcoholism. A summary and recommendations for future research are also provided.
Long‐Term Efficacy of Single Procedure Remote Magnetic Catheter Navigation for Ablation of Ischemic Ventricular Tachycardia: A Retrospective Study
Authors: DINOV BORISLAV , SCHÖNBAUER ROBERT , WOJDYLA‐HORDYNSKA AGNIESKA , BRAUNSCHWEIG FRIEDER , RICHTER SERGIO , ALTMANN DAVID , SOMMER PHILIPP , GASPAR THOMAS , BOLLMANN ANDREAS , WETZEL ULRIKE , ROLF SASCHA , PIORKOWSKI CHRISTOPHER , HINDRICKS GERHARD , ARYA ARASH
Published: February 2012

Long‐Term Efficacy of Single Procedure Remote Magnetic Catheter Navigation.

 
Background:
Remote magnetic navigation (RMN) aims to reduce some inherent limitations of manual radiofrequency (RF) ablation. However, data comparing the effectiveness of both methods are scarce. This study evaluated the acute and long‐term success of RMN guided versus manual RF ablation in patients with ischemic sustained ventricular tachycardia (sVT).

Methods:
One hundred two consecutive patients (age 68  ± 10 years, LVEF 32  ± 12%, 88 men) with ischemic sVT were ablated with RMN (Stereotaxis; 49%) or manually (51%) using substrate and/or activation mapping (Carto) and open‐irrigated‐tip catheters. All received implantable defibrillators or loop recorders. Acute success was defined as noninducibility of any sVT at the end of the ablation procedure and long‐term success as freedom from VT upon follow‐up.

Results:
There was no difference in the baseline characteristics between the groups. Three patients died in hospital. Acute success rate was similar for RMN and manual ablation (82% vs 71%, P = 0.246). RMN was associated with significantly shorter fluoroscopy time (13  ± 12 minutes vs 32  ± 17 minutes, P = 0.0001) and RF time (2337.59  ± 1248.22 seconds vs 1589.95  ± 1047.42 seconds, P = 0.049), although total procedure time was similar (157  ± 40 minutes vs 148  ± 50 minutes, P = 0.42). There was a nonsignificant trend toward better long‐term success in RMN group: after a median of 13 (range 1–34) months, 63% in the RMN and 53% in the manual ablation group were free from VT recurrence (P = 0.206).

Conclusion:
RMN guided RF ablation of ischemic sustained VT is equally efficient compared with manual ablation in terms of acute and long‐term success rate. These results are achieved with a significantly reduced fluoroscopy time and shorter RF time. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol Vol. 23, pp. 499‐505, May 2012)
Physiological and yield responses of recombinant chromosome substitution lines of barley to terminal drought in a Mediterranean‐type environment
Authors: del Pozo A. , Castillo D. , Inostroza L. , Matus I. , Méndez A.M. , Morcuende R.
Published: February 2012

Physiological traits and productivity of the recombinant chromosome substitution lines (RCSLs) of barley, developed through the cross of Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare cv. Harrington and the wild ancestor Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum, were measured in plants growing in microplots (with and without irrigation) and in field conditions in two Mediterranean‐type environments, Cauquenes (rainfed) and Santa Rosa (irrigated). The objectives were to assess the degree of phenotypic variability in response to terminal drought stress and to test whether the introgression of the wild ancestor into cv. Harrington can increase the terminal drought tolerance of RCSLs of barley. Days from emergence to anthesis and from anthesis to maturity of the 80 RCSLs were reduced in only 2–4 days under water stress, in microplots. Specific leaf area (SLA) and stomatal conductance (gs) of 80 RCSLs and cv. Harrington decreased greatly under water stress in plants growing in microplots and field conditions (in 2004/05 growing season). No G × E interaction was detected except for SLA in the microplot experiment. The principal component analysis provided a clear distinction between RCSLs. Along the first principal component, it was possible to identify 24 RCSLs which represent the whole range of grain yield (GY), gs and SLA observed in the 80 RCSLs. The selected 24 RCSLs were evaluated in field conditions at Cauquenes and Santa Rosa, during two growing seasons (2007/08 and 2008/09). The gs and carbon isotope discrimination in grains (Δ13C) were significantly (P < 0.001) lower in the rainfed condition (Cauquenes), but the water‐soluble carbohydrates (WSC) in stems at anthesis and maturity was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than in well‐irrigated condition (Santa Rosa). Grain yield was reduced by 63% under drought conditions. Differences between RCSLs in gs, WSC and GY were significant (P < 0.001) in 2007/08. The stress tolerance index (STI) was highly (P < 0.01) correlated with GY in all environments (rainfed and irrigated conditions and the two growing seasons). The relationship between STI and Δ13C under rainfed condition allowed identifying drought tolerant and susceptible RCSLs; the former were high yielding lines under rainfed and irrigated conditions (and higher STI values), but with similar GY to cv. Harrington, but presented higher grain Δ13C values than cv. Harrington. The drought susceptible lines presented lower GY, STI and Δ13C values than cv. Harrington. These results suggest that H. spontaneum has contributed alleles that increase terminal drought tolerance to some of the RCSLs.
Glyoxylate Reductase Isoform 1 is Localized in the Cytosol and Not Peroxisomes in Plant Cells
Authors: Ching Steven L. K. , Gidda Satinder K. , Rochon Amanda , van Cauwenberghe Owen R. , Shelp Barry J. , Mullen Robert T.
Published: February 2012

Glyoxylate reductase (GLYR) is a key enzyme in plant metabolism which catalyzes the detoxification of both photorespiratory glyoxylate and succinic semialdehdye, an intermediate of the γ‐aminobutyrate (GABA) pathway. Two isoforms of GLYR exist in plants, GLYR1 and GLYR2, and while GLYR2 is known to be localized in plastids, GLYR1 has been reported to be localized in either peroxisomes or the cytosol. Here, we reappraised the intracellular localization of GLYR1 inArabidopsis thalianaL. Heynh (ecotype Lansberg erecta) using both transiently‐transformed suspension cells and stably‐transformed plants, in combination with fluorescence microscopy. The results indicate that GLYR1 is localized exclusively to the cytosol regardless of the species, tissue and/or cell type, or exposure of plants to environmental stresses that would increase flux through the GABA pathway. Moreover, the C‐terminal tripeptide sequence of GLYR1, ‐SRE, despite its resemblance to a type 1 peroxisomal targeting signal, is not sufficient for targeting to peroxisomes. Collectively, these results define the cytosol as the intracellular location of GLYR1 and provide not only important insight to the metabolic roles of GLYR1 and the compartmentation of the GABA and photorespiratory pathways in plant cells, but also serve as a useful reference for future studies of proteins proposed to be localized to peroxisomes and/or the cytosol.
Solid-phase C60 in the peculiar binary XX Oph?
Authors: Evans A. , van Loon J. Th. , Woodward C. E. , Gehrz R. D. , Clayton G. C. , Helton L. A. , Rushton M. T. , Eyres S. P. S. , Krautter J. , Starrfield S. , Wagner R. M.
Published: February 2012

We present infrared spectra of the binary XX Oph obtained with the Infrared Spectrograph on the Spitzer Space Telescope. The data show some evidence for the presence of solid C60– the first detection of C60 in the solid phase – together with the well-known ‘unidentified infrared’ emission features. We suggest that, in the case of XX Oph, the C60 is located close to the hot component, and that in general it is preferentially excited by stars having effective temperatures in the range 15 000–30 000 K. C60 may be common in circumstellar environments, but unnoticed in the absence of a suitable exciting source.
Bereavement care for older people in healthcare settings: qualitative study of experiences
Authors: Stephen Audrey I. , Wilcock Sylvia E. , Wimpenny Peter
Published: February 2012

Aim.  This study aimed to explore the experiences of healthcare staff of caring for bereaved older people, and older people’s experiences of bereavement care.

Background.  Loss through death of close family members, partners and friends inhibits the physical, emotional and social well being of older people. The rising population of older people and pressure on healthcare services to reduce costs indicate the necessity of developing strategies that enable coping and independence.

Design.  A qualitative design drawing on phenomenological methodology was used to understand interactions between healthcare staff and bereaved older people. The study was set in hospital wards, general practice and community nursing teams, and care homes. Healthcare staff and a sample of recently bereaved older people participated.

Methods.  Purposive sampling took place to recruit staff with a range of roles, and older people who were 65 years of age or more, and bereaved of a family member or friend for between 6 months and 5 years. Participants took part in in‐depth interviews, and data were analysed systematically.

Results.  Thirty‐nine participants were recruited, and three key themes arose from the data: (i) Bereavement care depends on an established relationship between healthcare staff and the patient’s relatives; (ii) Preparation for the relative’s death may not equate to being prepared for bereavement; (iii) The ‘Open Door’ to bereavement care is only slightly ajar.

Conclusions.  The study identified the interactions of healthcare staff with bereaved older people in terms of the bereavement journey. Staff demonstrated awareness of difficulties the bereaved person may encounter and showed commitment to providing support. However, lack of flexibility in services restricts meaningful interactions.

Implications for Practice.  (i) Healthcare staff may identify gaps in services in terms of preparing relatives and follow‐up post‐bereavement; (ii) Therapeutic relationships between staff and relatives enable ongoing support; (iii) Development of practice guidelines is a key consideration.
Demographic history of an elusive carnivore: using museums to inform management
Authors: Holbrook Joseph D. , DeYoung Randy W. , Tewes Michael E. , Young John H.
Published: February 2012

Elusive carnivores present a challenge to managers because traditional survey methods are not suitable. We applied a genetic approach using museum specimens to examine how historical and recent conditions influenced the demographic history of Puma concolor in western and southern Texas, USA. We used 10 microsatellite loci and indexed population trends by estimating historical and recent genetic diversity, genetic differentiation and effective population size. Mountain lions in southern Texas exhibited a 9% decline in genetic diversity, whereas diversity remained stable in western Texas. Genetic differentiation between western and southern Texas was minimal historically (FST = 0.04, P < 0.01), but increased 2–2.5 times in our recent sample. An index of genetic drift for southern Texas was seven to eight times that of western Texas, presumably contributing to the current differentiation between western and southern Texas. Furthermore, southern Texas exhibited a >50% temporal decline in effective population size, whereas western Texas showed no change. Our results illustrate that population declines and genetic drift have occurred in southern Texas, likely because of contemporary habitat loss and predator control. Population monitoring may be needed to ensure the persistence of mountain lions in the southern Texas region. This study highlights the utility of sampling museum collections to examine demographic histories and inform wildlife management.
Scanning SNPs from a large set of expressed genes to assess the impact of artificial selection on the undomesticated genetic diversity of white spruce
Authors: Namroud Marie‐Claire , Bousquet Jean , Doerksen Trevor , Beaulieu Jean
Published: February 2012

A scan involving 1134 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 709 expressed genes was used to assess the potential impact of artificial selection for height growth on the genetic diversity of white spruce. Two case populations of different sizes simulating different family selection intensities (K = 13% and 5%, respectively) were delineated from the Quebec breeding program. Their genetic diversity and allele frequencies were compared with those of control populations of the same size and geographic origin to assess the effect of increasing the selection intensity. The two control populations were also compared to assess the effect of reducing the sampling size. On one hand, in all pairwise comparisons, genetic diversity parameters were comparable and no alleles were lost in the case populations compared with the control ones, except for few rare alleles in the large case population. Also, the distribution of allele frequencies did not change significantly (P ≤ 0.05) between the populations compared, but ten and nine SNPs (0.8%) exhibited significant differences in frequency (P ≤ 0.01) between case and control populations of large and small sizes, respectively. Results of association tests between breeding values for height at 15 years of age and these SNPs supported the hypothesis of a potential effect of selection on the genes harboring these SNPs. On the other hand, contrary to expectations, there was no evidence that selection induced an increase in linkage disequilibrium in genes potentially affected by selection. These results indicate that neither the reduction in the sampling size nor the increase in selection intensity was sufficient to induce a significant change in the genetic diversity of the selected populations. Apparently, no loci were under strong selection pressure, confirming that the genetic control of height growth in white spruce involves many genes with small effects. Hence, selection for height growth at the present intensities did not appear to compromise background genetic diversity but, as predicted by theory, effects were detected at a few gene SNPs harboring intermediate allele frequencies.