bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leishmania (V.) braziliensis and L. (L.) amazonensis promote differential expression of dendritic cells and cellular immune response in murine model
Authors: CARVALHO A. K. , SILVEIRA F. T. , PASSERO L. F. D. , GOMES C. M. C. , CORBETT C. E. P. , LAURENTI M. D.
Published: May 2012

The expression of Langerhans cell (LC) and dermal dendritic cell (dDC) as well as T CD4+ and CD8+ immune responses was evaluated in the skin of BALB/c mice experimentally infected by L. (L.) amazonensis (La) and L. (V.) braziliensis (Lb). At 4th and 8th weeks post infection (PI), skin biopsies were collected to determine the parasite load and CD207+, CD11c+, CD4+, CD8+, iNOS+ cellular densities. Cytokine (IFN‐γ, IL‐4 and IL‐10) profiles were also analysed in draining lymph node. At 4th week, the densities of CD207+ and CD11c+ were higher in the La infection, while in the Lb infection, these markers revealed a significant increase at 8th week. At 4th week, CD4+ and CD8+ were higher in the La infection, but at 8th week, there was a substantial increase in both markers in the Lb infection. iNOS+ was higher in the Lb infection at 4th and 8th weeks. In contrast, the parasite load was higher in the La infection at 4th and 8th weeks. The concentration of IFN‐γ was higher in the Lb infection, but IL‐4 and IL‐10 were higher in the La infection at 4th and 8th weeks. These results confirm the role of the Leishmania species in the BALB/c mice disease characterized by differences in the expression of dendritic cells and cellular immune response.
Aid effectiveness from Rome to Busan: some progress but lacking bottom‐up approaches or behaviour changes
Authors: Martini Jessica , Mongo Roch , Kalambay Hyppolite , Fromont Anne , Ribesse Nathalie , Dujardin Bruno
Published: May 2012

The Busan partnership adopted at the 4th High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness at the end of last year is a significant step forward towards the improvement of aid quality and the promotion of development. In particular, the inclusiveness achieved in Busan and the shift in discourse from ‘aid effectiveness’ to ‘development effectiveness’ are emblematic. However, key challenges still remain. Firstly, decision‐making should be more bottom‐up, finding ways to take into account the populations’ needs and experiences and to enhance self‐learning dynamics during the policy process. Today, it is particularly necessary to define what ‘development’ means at country level, according to the aspirations of particular categories of people and meeting operational and local expectations. Secondly, changes in language should be followed by a real change in mindset. Development stakeholders should further adapt their procedures to the reality of complex systems in which development interventions are being dealt with.
Transumbilical portal venous catheterization: a useful adjunct in left lobe living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Urahashi Taizen , Katsuragawa Hideo , Yamamoto Masakazu , Mizuta Koichi , Sanada Yukihiro , Wakiya Taiichi , Umehara Minoru , Kawarasaki Hideo
Published: May 2012

To improve the processes used for perfusion of the explanted graft and measuring the portal venous pressure (PVP) in adult living donor transplantation (LDLT), we performed transumbilical portal venous catheterization (TPVC) to reopen the umbilical vein and insert the catheter for seven adult patients undergoing left lobe LDLT. There were no major complications as a result of this procedure. This procedure prior to implanting the graft was derived from our experience and is a classic diagnostic technique used during liver surgery. It is a simple and effective procedure for perfusion and washout of the graft and for the safe monitoring of the intraoperative PVP. We hope that this technique for left lobe LDLT will be helpful to others using postoperative PVP monitoring, administration of therapeutic drugs through the portal vein, and temporal portal decompression by preparation of extracorporeal shunting in patients with a small‐for‐size graft.
Adaptive molecular evolution of a defence gene in sexual but not functionally asexual evening primroses
Authors: HERSCH‐GREEN E. I. , MYBURG H. , JOHNSON M. T. J.
Published: May 2012

Theory predicts that sexual reproduction provides evolutionary advantages over asexual reproduction by reducing mutational load and increasing adaptive potential. Here, we test the latter prediction in the context of plant defences against pathogens because pathogens frequently reduce plant fitness and drive the evolution of plant defences. Specifically, we ask whether sexual evening primrose plant lineages (Onagraceae) have faster rates of adaptive molecular evolution and altered gene expression of a class I chitinase, a gene implicated in defence against pathogens, than functionally asexual evening primrose lineages. We found that the ratio of amino acid to silent substitutions (Ka/Ks = 0.19 vs. 0.11 for sexual and asexual lineages, respectively), the number of sites identified to be under positive selection (four vs. zero for sexual and asexual lineages, respectively) and the expression of chitinase were all higher in sexual than in asexual lineages. Our results are congruent with the conclusion that a loss of sexual recombination and segregation in the Onagraceae negatively affects adaptive structural and potentially regulatory evolution of a plant defence protein.
Identification of QTLs for plant height, ear height and grain yield in maize (Zea mays L.) in response to nitrogen and phosphorus supply
Authors: Cai Hongguang , Chu Qun , Gu Riliang , Yuan Lixing , Liu Jianchao , Zhang Xiuzhi , Chen Fanjun , Mi Guohua , Zhang Fusuo
Published: May 2012

With 2 figures and 2 tables

Plant height (PH), ear height (EH) and the PH/EH ratio have a great effect on plant lodging in maize (Zea mays L.) under intensive cropping systems. To understand the genetic mechanisms controlling PH, EH and the PH/EH ratio in response to nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) supply, a set of 218 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was used to evaluate PH, EH, PH/EH ratio and grain yield (GY) and grain yield components under low N, low P and normal N and P supply (NP). A total of 100 QTLs (quantitative trait loci) were detected for the traits investigated. Several QTLs were found to be associated with PH (bin 1.06/1.07) only, both PH and EH (umc1692 at bin 5.01/5.03; umc2313‐umc1006 at bin 6.02) and the PH/EH ratio (bnlg1484‐bnlg1866 at bin 1.03; umc1164‐um1757 at bin 4.01) which was also associated with grain yield. N‐ or P‐inducible QTLs for PH, EH and the PH/EH ratio were found in both years and are sensitive to weather conditions.
Use of continuous positive airway pressure during stabilisation and retrieval of infants with suspected bronchiolitis
Authors: Fleming Paul F , Richards Susie , Waterman Kelly , Davis Peter G , Kamlin C Omar F , Sokol Jenni , Stewart Michael
Published: May 2012

Aim:  Infants with viral bronchiolitis are often hospitalised with a proportion requiring respiratory support. The aim of this review was to examine the use of nasal prong continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as a management strategy for infants with a diagnosis of bronchiolitis, who required stabilisation and transport to a tertiary centre.

Method:  A retrospective audit of infants with bronchiolitis requiring CPAP during transport between January 2003 and June 2007.

Results:  Nasal CPAP was initiated in 54 infants with 51 of these (34 ex‐preterm, 17 term) subsequently continuing on CPAP during retrieval. Mean CPAP pressure was 7 cmH2O. Oxygenation improved between stabilisation and the end of retrieval (P < 0.01). During retrieval, there was no significant increase in transcutaneous CO2, no infant required endotracheal ventilation and no adverse events were noted. Five infants were intubated within the first 24 h of admission at the receiving hospital.

Conclusion:  This review demonstrated that use of nasal prong CPAP to transport infants with bronchiolitis was a safe management strategy in those with moderate to severe disease severity.
Preoperative stenting for ureteroscopic lithotripsy for a large renal stone
Authors: Kawahara Takashi , Ito Hiroki , Terao Hideyuki , Ishigaki Hanako , Ogawa Takehiko , Uemura Hiroji , Kubota Yoshinobu , Matsuzaki Junichi
Published: May 2012

A large renal stone can be treated ureteroscopically, but the treatment often requires more than one procedure. The use of stenting before ureteroscopy was recently reported. The present study investigated the effectiveness of preoperative stenting before ureteroscopic lithotripsy for large (>15 mm) renal stones. A ureteral stent was intentionally inserted in 25 patients undergoing ureteroscopic surgery. A group of 36 non‐prestented patients was used as control. Median stone diameter was 21 mm in both groups. Pre‐ureteroscopy stenting significantly improved the stone‐free rate, defined as stones <2 mm and <4 mm (P < 0.05), whereas it did not significantly improve the stone‐free rate defined as 0 mm (P = 0.12). The uretereoscopy success rate was 72.0% in the stented and 55.6% in the control group (P = 0.09). A 14/16‐Fr ureteral access sheath was successfully inserted in 94.7% of the stented patients, and 74.2% of the non‐stented patients (P < 0.05). Our findings showed that preoperative stenting is effective for dilation of the ureter, and also to facilitate the insertion of a ureteral access sheath in patients undergoing ureteroscopic lithotripsy for large renal stones.
Post‐fire recovery of revegetated woodland communities in south‐eastern Australia
Authors: PICKUP MELINDA , WILSON SUSIE , FREUDENBERGER DAVID , NICHOLLS NICK , GOULD LORI , HNATIUK SARAH , DELANDRE JENI
Published: May 2012

The primary goal of restoration is to create self‐sustaining ecological communities that are resilient to periodic disturbance. Currently, little is known about how restored communities respond to disturbance events such as fire and how this response compares to remnant vegetation. Following the 2003 fires in south‐eastern Australia we examined the post‐fire response of revegetation plantings and compared this to remnant vegetation. Ten burnt and 10 unburnt (control) sites were assessed for each of three types of vegetation (direct seeding revegetation, revegetation using nursery seedlings (tubestock) and remnant woodland). Sixty sampling sites were surveyed 6 months after fire to quantify the initial survival of mid‐ and overstorey plant species in each type of vegetation. Three and 5 years after fire all sites were resurveyed to assess vegetation structure, species diversity and vigour, as well as indicators of soil function. Overall, revegetation showed high (>60%) post‐fire survival, but this varied among species depending on regeneration strategy (obligate seeder or resprouter). The native ground cover, mid‐ and overstorey in both types of plantings showed rapid recovery of vegetation structure and cover within 3 years of fire. This recovery was similar to the burnt remnant woodlands. Non‐native (exotic) ground cover initially increased after fire, but was no different in burnt and unburnt sites 5 years after fire. Fire had no effect on species richness, but burnt direct seeding sites had reduced species diversity (Simpson's Diversity Index) while diversity was higher in burnt remnant woodlands. Indices of soil function in all types of vegetation had recovered to levels found in unburnt sites 5 years after fire. These results indicate that even young revegetation (stands <10 years old) showed substantial recovery from disturbance by fire. This suggests that revegetation can provide an important basis for restoring woodland communities in the fire‐prone Australian environment.
Phylogenetic diversity and the functioning of ecosystems
Authors: Srivastava Diane S. , Cadotte Marc W. , MacDonald A. Andrew M. , Marushia Robin G. , Mirotchnick Nicholas
Published: May 2012

Phylogenetic diversity (PD) describes the total amount of phylogenetic distance among species in a community. Although there has been substantial research on the factors that determine community PD, exploration of the consequences of PD for ecosystem functioning is just beginning. We argue that PD may be useful in predicting ecosystem functions in a range of communities, from single‐trophic to complex networks. Many traits show a phylogenetic signal, suggesting that PD can estimate the functional trait space of a community, and thus ecosystem functioning. Phylogeny also determines interactions among species, and so could help predict how extinctions cascade through ecological networks and thus impact ecosystem functions. Although the initial evidence available suggests patterns consistent with these predictions, we caution that the utility of PD depends critically on the strength of phylogenetic signals to both traits and interactions. We advocate for a synthetic approach that incorporates a deeper understanding of how traits and interactions are shaped by evolution, and outline key areas for future research. If these complexities can be incorporated into future studies, relationships between PD and ecosystem function bear promise in conceptually unifying evolutionary biology with ecosystem ecology.
No pharmacokinetic interaction between ipragliflozin and sitagliptin, pioglitazone, or glimepiride in healthy subjects
Authors: Smulders R. A. , Zhang W. , Veltkamp S. A. , van Dijk J. , Krauwinkel W. J. J. , Keirns J. , Kadokura T.
Published: May 2012

Aims

To investigate the effect of ipragliflozin on the pharmacokinetics of sitagliptin, pioglitazone or glimepiride and vice versa in healthy subjects.

Methods

Three trials with an open‐label, randomized, two‐way crossover design were conducted in healthy subjects. Ipragliflozin 150 mg, sitagliptin 100 mg, pioglitazone 30 mg or glimepiride 1–2 mg were administered alone or in combination. Primary endpoints were the area under the curve from the time of dosing to infinity (AUCinf) and the maximum observed plasma concentration (Cmax) of each drug.

Results

Multiple doses of ipragliflozin did not change the AUCinf and Cmax of a single dose of sitagliptin, pioglitazone or glimepiride. All geometric mean ratios and 90% CIs for AUCinf and Cmax, with and without ipragliflozin, were within the predefined range of 80–125% (AUCinf: sitagliptin 100.1 [96.9–103.5], pioglitazone 101.7 [96.6–107.0], glimepiride 105.1 [101.3–109.0], and Cmax: sitagliptin 92.4 [82.8–103.1], pioglitazone 98.6 [87.7–110.8], glimepiride 110.0 [101.9–118.8]). Similarly, multiple doses of sitagliptin, pioglitazone or glimepiride did not change the pharmacokinetics of a single dose of ipragliflozin (AUCinf: 95.0 [93.4–103.1], 100.0 [98.1–102.0], 99.1 [96.6–101.6]; and Cmax: 96.5 [90.4–103.1], 93.5 [86.3–101.2], 97.3 [89.2–106.2]). Ipragliflozin either alone or in combination with any of the three glucose‐lowering drugs was well tolerated in healthy subjects.

Conclusion

Ipragliflozin did not affect the pharmacokinetics of sitagliptin, pioglitazone or glimepiride and vice versa, suggesting that no dose‐adjustments are likely to be required when ipragliflozin is given in combination with other glucose‐lowering drugs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Short‐term glucose variability in healthy volunteers is not associated with raised oxidative stress markers
Authors: Wakil A. , Smith K. A. , Atkin S. L. , Kilpatrick E. S.
Published: May 2012

It is unknown whether glycaemic variability adds to the risk of microvascular complications of diabetes over and above the mean glucose value for a patient. We examined the effect of purposefully induced short‐term glycaemic variability on oxidative stress markers. Eleven healthy subjects underwent three sequential glycaemic states; sustained hyperglycaemia, sustained euglycaemia and variable glycaemia, using glycaemic clamps for 3 h. Twenty‐four hours urinary 8‐isoprostane‐PGF2α was measured before and after each glycaemic state to assess oxidative stress. The median and interquartile range of the urinary 8‐iso‐PGF2α in ng/24 h were (1373, 513), (996, 298) and (1227, 472) for the euglycaemic, hyperglycaemic and variable states, respectively. There was no significant difference in urinary isoprostanes between the three different states; mean ranks 20.9, 11.9 and 18.2 for the euglycaemic state, hyperglycaemic state and glycaemic variability state, respectively, p = 0.083. In conclusion, we did not see a significant increase in the urinary isoprostanes when glycaemic variability was induced under controlled conditions in healthy individuals.
Urinary calculi and an increased risk of stroke: a population‐based follow‐up study
Authors: Chung Shiu‐Dong , Liu Shih‐Ping , Keller Joseph J. , Lin Herng‐Ching
Published: May 2012

Study Type – Prognosis (cohort)

Level of Evidence 2b

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

Although early studies failed to detect an association between urinary calculi (UC) and subsequent cardiovascular risk, there is growing evidence among more recent research supporting this association with some studies more specifically suggesting that stroke is a major concern for UC sufferers. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, UC patients were more likely to have experienced a stroke then those without UC during the five‐year follow‐up period (hazard ratio = 1.43, 95% Cl = 1.35–1.50, P < 0.001).

OBJECTIVE

To examine in a population‐based study the relationship between a history of nephrolithiasis and/or ureterolithiasis and the subsequent risk of stroke, as previous studies have shown that stone disease is associated with several cardiovascular risk factors. However, none of the studies that have investigated the relationship between urinary calculi (UC) and stroke were able to detect an association at a significant level.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used data sourced from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000.

In all, 25 181 adult patients newly diagnosed with UC were recruited as a study cohort, along with 125 905 matched enrolees with no history of stone disease as a comparison cohort.

All the subjects were tracked for a 5‐year period beginning from their index ambulatory care visits, and those who subsequently had a stroke identified.

Cox proportional hazards regressions were used to compare the risk of stroke between the study and comparison cohorts.

RESULTS

During the 5‐year follow‐up period, the incidence rate of stroke was 1.78 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.71–1.86) per 100 person‐years in patients with UC and 1.25 (95% CI 1.22–1.27) per 100 person‐years in patients without UC.

After adjusting for hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, cardiovascular disease, urbanization level, gout, and obesity, patients with UC were more likely to have had a stroke than those without UC during the 5‐year follow‐up period (hazard ratio 1.43, 95% CI 1.35–1.50, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that there is an increased risk of stroke during the first 5 years after a diagnosis of UC.
Projected impacts of climate change on spatio‐temporal patterns of freshwater fish beta diversity: a deconstructing approach
Authors: Tisseuil Clément , Leprieur Fabien , Grenouillet Gäel , Vrac Mathieu , Lek Sovan
Published: May 2012

Aim  To assess the potential impacts of future climate change on spatio‐temporal patterns of freshwater fish beta diversity.

Location  Adour–Garonne River Basin (France).

Methods  We first applied an ensemble modelling approach to project annually the future distribution of 18 fish species for the 2010–2100 period on 50 sites. We then explored the spatial and temporal patterns of beta diversity by distinguishing between its two additive components, namely species turnover and nestedness.

Results  Taxonomic homogenization of fish assemblages was projected to increase linearly over the 21st century, especially in the downstream parts of the river gradient. This homogenization process was almost entirely caused by a decrease in spatial species turnover. When considering the temporal dimension of beta diversity, our results reveal an overall pattern of decreasing beta diversity along the upstream–downstream river gradient. In contrast, when considering the turnover and nestedness components of temporal beta diversity we found significant U‐shaped and hump‐shaped relationships, respectively.

Main conclusions  Future climate change is projected to modify the taxonomic composition of freshwater fish assemblages by increasing their overall similarity over the Adour–Garonne River Basin. Our findings suggest that the distinction between the nestedness and turnover components of beta diversity is not only crucial for understanding the processes shaping spatial beta‐diversity patterns but also for identifying localities where the rates of species replacement are projected to be greatest. Specifically we recommend that future conservation studies should not only consider the spatial component of beta diversity but also its dynamic caused by climate warming.
Anxious and Angry Rejection Sensitivity, Social Withdrawal, and Retribution in High and Low Ambiguous Situations
Authors: Zimmer‐Gembeck Melanie J. , Nesdale Drew
Published: May 2012

Objective

Rejection sensitivity (RS) is a tendency to expect, perceive, and overreact to rejection. Our objective was to examine whether anxious and angry RS have specific associations with negative social reactions, and whether responses are intensified in situations of high rejection ambiguity.

Method

In two studies, youth (N = 464 and N = 371) reported their RS and anticipated responses to social scenarios. In Study 1, all scenarios portrayed overt rejection events. In Study 2, participants were randomly assigned to conditions portraying overt or ambiguous rejection.

Results

Greater rejection expectation was associated with more negative reactions to rejection. Moreover, as expected, anxiety about rejection was uniquely associated with withdrawal, and anger about rejection was uniquely associated with retribution (i.e., reactive aggression). In the second study, RS persons responded more negatively than others to both overt and high ambiguous rejections, but retribution was intensified among participants high in rejection expectation when rejection was ambiguous, and withdrawal was intensified among participants high in anxious RS in overt rejection situations.

Conclusions

Consistent with the revised RS model, there are different patterns of emotions, cognitions, and behaviors in response to high and low ambiguous rejection events, which are heightened in youth sensitive to rejection.
How Are Curious People Viewed and How Do They Behave in Social Situations? From the Perspectives of Self, Friends, Parents, and Unacquainted Observers
Authors: Kashdan Todd B. , Sherman Ryne A. , Yarbro Jessica , Funder David C.
Published: May 2012

Objective

People who are open and curious orient their lives around an appreciation of novelty and a strong urge to explore, discover, and grow. Researchers have recently shown that being an open, curious person is linked to healthy social outcomes.

Method

To better understand the benefits (and liabilities) of being a curious person, we used a multimethod design of social behavior to assess the perspectives of multiple informants (including self, friends, and parents) and behavior coded from direct observations in unstructured social interactions.

Results

We found an impressive degree of convergence among self, friend, and parent reports of curiosity, and observer‐rated behavioral correlates of curiosity. A curious personality was linked to a wide range of adaptive behaviors, including tolerance of anxiety and uncertainty, positive emotional expressiveness, initiation of humor and playfulness, unconventional thinking, and a nondefensive, noncritical attitude.

Conclusions

This characterization of curious people provides insights into mechanisms underlying associated healthy social outcomes.
Constructing Summary Statistics for Approximate Bayesian Computation: Semi-Automatic Approximate Bayesian Computation
Authors: Fearnhead Paul , Prangle Dennis
Published: May 2012

Many modern statistical applications involve inference for complex stochastic models, where it is easy to simulate from the models, but impossible to calculate likelihoods. Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) is a method of inference for such models. It replaces calculation of the likelihood by a step which involves simulating artificial data for different parameter values, and comparing summary statistics of the simulated data with summary statistics of the observed data. Here we show how to construct appropriate summary statistics for ABC in a semi-automatic manner. We aim for summary statistics which will enable inference about certain parameters of interest to be as accurate as possible. Theoretical results show that optimal summary statistics are the posterior means of the parameters. Although these cannot be calculated analytically, we use an extra stage of simulation to estimate how the posterior means vary as a function of the data; and we then use these estimates of our summary statistics within ABC. Empirical results show that our approach is a robust method for choosing summary statistics that can result in substantially more accurate ABC analyses than the ad hoc choices of summary statistics that have been proposed in the literature. We also demonstrate advantages over two alternative methods of simulation-based inference.
Dental enamel hypoplasia as indicators of seasonal environmental and physiological impacts in modern sheep populations: a model for interpreting the zooarchaeological record
Authors: Upex B. , Dobney K.
Published: May 2012

Dental enamel hypoplasia is a developmental defect in enamel caused by physiological stress during dental development. Previous analysis of enamel hypoplasia in sheep has demonstrated that variation in its frequency can be linked to nutrition levels, with animals suffering from malnutrition more susceptible to enamel hypoplasia formation. Variation in enamel hypoplasia frequency has also been linked to climatic and ecological factors, leading to variation in the availability of fodder supplies and, consequently, variation in nutritional intake. In this paper, the occurrence of enamel hypoplasia in two modern sheep populations is, for the first time, correlated with known seasonal physiological and nutritional stress events. Using known age‐at‐death data, the dental development rates for sheep are reconstructed, allowing the position of enamel hypoplasia on the tooth crown to be linked to known periods of malnutrition and physiological stress. Both populations live under identical climatic conditions but with very different diets. Clear differences are observed between the two populations, with peaks of enamel hypoplasia correlating with different seasonal periods of malnutrition as well as common physiological stressors linked to birth and weaning. This is the first time that a clear correlation has been made between seasonal variation in nutrition and the occurrence of hypoplastic enamel defects in caprine populations. As such, this study provides a baseline from which the nutritional impact of caprine foddering and husbandry practices can be determined in future archaeological studies.
Male morphotypes in the Andean river shrimp Cryphiops caementarius (Decapoda: Caridea): morphology, coloration and injuries
Authors: Rojas R. , Morales M. C. , Rivadeneira M. M. , Thiel M.
Published: May 2012

In many species, different male morphotypes usually employ different tactics to access resources. Males with highly developed weapons are expected to fight and possibly incur higher levels of injury than males with less developed weapons, which usually avoid agonistic encounters. Discrete male morphotypes, where some males are very large and feature powerful chelae, have been reported for several large shrimp species, where males show a lobster‐like monopolization of resources. During competitive interactions, these large males fight more vigorously than small males and, consequently, it is expected that they accumulate more injuries. Herein, we identified different morphotypes in the river shrimp Cryphiops caementarius, and we compared the percentage of body damage between large and small shrimps. We measured 26 morphometric data and 6 intensities of color on the chelipeds. Multivariate analysis based on a combination of morphometric and color data confirmed that there are two morphotypes. The ‘dominant’ morph is characterized by stout teeth on the cutting edges and by dark blue color on the external surface of the major cheliped. The two morphotypes can be distinguished based on the differences in the allometric relationships between several morphologic traits and carapace length. Males from the large morphotype had a higher percentage of injuries on their chelipeds than other males. These results suggest that males from the large morphotype are dominant and compete aggressively for access to resources, a hypothesis to be tested in future, behavioral studies.
High molecular weight hyaluronan reduces lipopolysaccharide mediated microglial activation
Authors: Austin James W. , Gilchrist Chris , Fehlings Michael G.
Published: May 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 344–355.

Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR4) signaling has been implicated in microglial activation and propagation of inflammation following spinal cord injury (SCI). As such, modulating microglial activation through TLR4 represents an attractive therapeutic approach to treat SCI. High molecular weight hyaluronan (HMW‐HA), a polymer with multiple therapeutic uses, has been previously shown to modulate TLR4 activation in macrophages and has shown early promise as a therapeutic agent in SCI. However, the mechanism associated with HMW‐HA has not been fully elucidated or tested in microglia, a similar cell type. In the current study, we sought to determine the effects of HMW‐HA on TLR4 activation in microglia and to gain insights into the mechanism of action. Rat primary microglial cultures were exposed to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and HMW‐HA, and the extent and mechanisms of inflammation were studied. HMW‐HA decreased LPS mediated IL‐1β, IL‐6, and Tumor necrosis factor‐α gene expression and IL‐6 and nitric oxide production. This decrease was associated with a reduction in ERK 1/2 and p38 phosphorylation, was dependent on the continued presence of HMW‐HA, and activation of Akt and A20 protein expression was reduced by HMW‐HA. Together, our results show that HMW‐HA can reduce LPS‐mediated inflammatory signaling in microglia. We suggest that HA possibly mediates its effects by blocking the induction of inflammatory signaling through an extracellular mechanism.
Rapamycin slows aging in mice
Authors: Wilkinson John E. , Burmeister Lisa , Brooks Susan V. , Chan Chi‐Chao , Friedline Sabrina , Harrison David E. , Hejtmancik James F. , Nadon Nancy , Strong Randy , Wood Lauren K. , Woodward Maria A. , Miller Richard A.
Published: May 2012

Rapamycin increases lifespan in mice, but whether this represents merely inhibition of lethal neoplastic diseases, or an overall slowing in multiple aspects of aging is currently unclear. We report here that many forms of age‐dependent change, including alterations in heart, liver, adrenal glands, endometrium, and tendon, as well as age‐dependent decline in spontaneous activity, occur more slowly in rapamycin‐treated mice, suggesting strongly that rapamycin retards multiple aspects of aging in mice, in addition to any beneficial effects it may have on neoplastic disease. We also note, however, that mice treated with rapamycin starting at 9 months of age have significantly higher incidence of testicular degeneration and cataracts; harmful effects of this kind will guide further studies on timing, dosage, and tissue‐specific actions of rapamycin relevant to the development of clinically useful inhibitors of TOR action.
The Association Between Density of Alcohol Establishments and Violent Crime Within Urban Neighborhoods
Authors: Toomey Traci L. , Erickson Darin J. , Carlin Bradley P. , Lenk Kathleen M. , Quick Harrison S. , Jones Alexis M. , Harwood Eileen M.
Published: May 2012

Background

Numerous studies have found that areas with higher alcohol establishment density are more likely to have higher violent crime rates, but many of these studies did not assess the differential effects of type of establishments or the effects on multiple categories of crime. In this study, we assess whether alcohol establishment density is associated with 4 categories of violent crime and whether the strength of the associations varies by type of violent crime and by on‐premise establishments (e.g., bars, restaurants) versus off‐premise establishments (e.g., liquor and convenience stores).

Methods

Data come from the city ofMinneapolis,Minnesota in 2009 and were aggregated and analyzed at the neighborhood level. Across the 83 neighborhoods inMinneapolis, we examined 4 categories of violent crime: assault, rape, robbery, and total violent crime. We used aBayesian hierarchical inference approach to model the data, accounting for spatial auto‐correlation and controlling for relevant neighborhood demographics. Models were estimated for total alcohol establishment density as well as separately for on‐premise establishments and off‐premise establishments.

Results

Positive, statistically significant associations were observed for total alcohol establishment density and each of the violent crime outcomes. We estimate that a 3.9 to 4.3% increase across crime categories would result from a 20% increase in neighborhood establishment density. The associations between on‐premise density and each of the individual violent crime outcomes were also all positive and significant and similar in strength as for total establishment density. The relationships between off‐premise density and the crime outcomes were all positive but not significant for rape or total violent crime, and the strength of the associations was weaker than those for total and on‐premise density.

Conclusions

Results of this study, combined with earlier findings, provide more evidence that community leaders should be cautious about increasing the density of alcohol establishments within their neighborhoods.
Evaluation of the Metals Industry's Position on Recycling and its Implications for Environmental Emissions
Authors: McMillan Colin A. , Skerlos Steven J. , Keoleian Gregory A.
Published: May 2012

A healthy debate on the treatment of metals recycling in the life cycle assessment (LCA) community has persisted for more than a decade. While no clear consensus across stakeholder groups has emerged, the metals industry has endorsed a set of recycling “facts” that support a single approach, end‐of‐life recycling, for evaluating the environmental benefits of metals recycling. In this article we draw from research conducted in several disciplines and find that three key tenets of the metals industry capture the theoretical potential of metals recycling from a metallurgical standpoint rather than reflecting observed behavior. We then discuss the implications of these conclusions on environmental emissions from metals production and recycling. Evidence is provided that, contrary to the position of the metals industry, metals are not necessarily recycled at high rates, are recycled only a small number of times before final disposal, and are sometimes limited in recycling potential by the economics of contaminant removal. The analysis concludes that metal recycled from old scrap largely serves as an imperfect substitute for primary metal. As a result, large‐scale displacement of primary production and its associated environmental emissions is currently limited to a few specific instances.
Transitions in Care for Older Adults with and without Dementia
Authors: Callahan Christopher M. , Arling Greg , Tu Wanzhu , Rosenman Marc B. , Counsell Steven R. , Stump Timothy E. , Hendrie Hugh C.
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To describe transitions in care of persons with dementia with attention to nursing facility transitions.

Design

Prospective cohort.

Setting

Public health system.

Participants

Four thousand one hundred ninety‐seven community‐dwelling older adults.

Measurements

Participants’ electronic medical records were merged with Medicare claims, Medicaid claims, the Minimum Data Set (MDS), and the Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) from 2001 to 2008 with a mean follow‐up of 5.2 years from the time of enrollment.

Results

Older adults with prevalent (n = 524) or incident (n = 999) dementia had greater Medicare (44.7% vs 44.8% vs 11.4%, P < .001) and Medicaid (21.0% vs 16.8% vs 1.4%, P < .001) nursing facility use, greater hospital (76.2% vs 86.0% vs 51.2%, P < .001) and home health (55.7% vs 65.2% vs 27.3%, P < .001) use, more transitions in care per person‐year of follow‐up (2.6 vs 2.7 vs 1.4, P < .001), and more mean total transitions (11.2 vs 9.2 vs 3.8, P < .001) than those who were never diagnosed (n = 2,674). For the 1,523 participants with dementia, 74.5% of transitions to nursing facilities were transfers from hospitals. For transitions from nursing facilities, the conditional probability was 41.0% for a return home without home health care, 10.7% for home health care, and 39.8% for a hospital transfer. Of participants with dementia with a rehospitalization within 30 days, 45% had been discharged to nursing facilities from the index hospitalization. At time of death, 46% of participants with dementia were at home, 35% were in the hospital, and 19% were in a nursing facility.

Conclusion

Individuals with dementia live and frequently die in community settings. Nursing facilities are part of a dynamic network of care characterized by frequent transitions.
Insufficient Help for Activity of Daily Living Disabilities and Risk of All‐Cause Hospitalization
Authors: Xu Huiping , Covinsky Kenneth E. , Stallard Eric , Thomas Joseph , Sands Laura P.
Published: May 2012

Objectives

To determine whether insufficient help for activity of daily living (ADL) disability, a potentially modifiable condition, significantly increases disabled older adults’ risk of future hospital admissions.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Community‐living participants with ADL disabilities in the 1994, 1999, and 2004 National Long‐Term Care Survey (NLTCS).

Participants

Medicare recipients with one or more ADL disabilities completed 5,884 surveys.

Measurements

Times to hospital admission in the year after the NLTCS community survey were obtained from linked Medicare claims. Insufficient ADL help for each ADL limitation was determined from a series of questions common to the three NLTCS community surveys.

Results

Insufficient help for one or more ADL limitations was reported in 22% of surveys. Respondents to 3,629 surveys did not experience a hospital admission in the year after the survey. Of the remaining 2,255 surveys, one admission occurred for 382 surveys, two admissions for 525 surveys, three admissions for 193 surveys, and four or more admissions for 155 surveys. Participants reporting insufficient help were 14% (hazard ratio = 1.14, 95% confidence interval = 1.01–1.28) more likely to experience one or more hospitalizations than those who did not report insufficient help after controlling for demographic characteristics, comorbidities, prior hospitalizations, and level of ADL disability.

Conclusion

Self‐reports of insufficient help provide prognostic information beyond what typical health assessments can capture. Greater recognition and referral for insufficient help for ADL disability may result in lower rates of hospitalization in a population that is at high risk of hospitalization.
Stakeholders’ Perspective on Ecological Modeling in Environmental Risk Assessment of Pesticides: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Hunka Agnieszka D. , Meli Mattia , Thit Amalie , Palmqvist Annemette , Thorbek Pernille , Forbes Valery E.
Published: May 2012

The article closely examines the role of mechanistic effect models (e.g., population models) in the European environmental risk assessment (ERA) of pesticides. We studied perspectives of three stakeholder groups on population modeling in ERA of pesticides. Forty‐three in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders from regulatory authorities, industry, and academia all over Europe. The key informant approach was employed in recruiting our participants. They were first identified as key stakeholders in the field and then sampled by means of a purposive sampling, where each stakeholder identified as important by others was interviewed and asked to suggest another potential participant for our study. Our results show that participants, although having different institutional backgrounds often presented similar perspectives and concerns about modeling. Analysis of repeating ideas and keywords revealed that all stakeholders had very high and often contradicting expectations from models. Still, all three groups expected effect models to become integrated in future ERA of pesticides. Main hopes associated with effect models were to reduce the amount of expensive and complex testing and field monitoring, both at the product development stage, and as an aid to develop mitigation measures. Our analysis suggests that, although the needs of stakeholders often overlapped, subtle differences and lack of trust hinder the process of introducing mechanistic effect models into ERA.
The Prevalence of Early Repolarization in Patients with Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy Presenting with Malignant Ventricular Arrhythmias
Authors: CALISKAN KADIR , UJVARI BARBARA , BAUERNFEIND TAMAS , A.M.J. THEUNS DOMINIC , VAN DOMBURG RON T , AKCA FERDI , JORDAENS LUC , SIMOONS MAARTEN L , SZILI‐TOROK TAMAS
Published: May 2012

Early Repolarization in Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy. Background: Early repolarization (ER) is associated with malignant ventricular arrhythmias, including ventricular fibrillation (VF) and sudden cardiac death (SCD). One possible mechanism is increased trabeculation with deep intramyocardial invagination, carrying the Purkinje system deeper into the myocardium resulting in delayed depolarization and inhomogenous repolarization. Noncompaction cardiomyopathy (NCCM) is a recently classified, primary cardiomyopathy with excessive trabeculations. In these patients ventricular arrhythmias, including sustained VT and VF, occur frequently. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ER in NCCM patients, especially in those primarily presenting with malignant ventricular arrhythmias or SCD.

Methods:
We analyzed prospective data from our NCCM registry including 84 patients, median age: 40 (3–79) years.

Results:
Fourteen patients (17%) initially presented with sustained VT (n = 5) or VF (n = 9) and 70 (83%) with heart failure or else. After the exclusion of 20 patients with the left bundle branch block, 25 (39%) NCCM patients had ER; 3 (6%) located in inferior leads, 14 (27%) in lateral leads, and 8 (15%) in both. None had ER in leads V1 to V3. In those presenting with VT/VF, 9/12 (75%) had ER (2 in inferior leads, 3 in lateral leads and 4 in both), versus 16/52 (31%) in the other patients (P = 0.02). If the NCCM population was dichotomized according to the presence or absence of ER, the long‐term outcome for VT/VF appeared worse in the ER positive patients (P = 0.05).

Conclusion:
There is a high prevalence of ER in NCCM patients, especially in those who present with malignant ventricular arrhythmias. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23, pp. 938‐944, September 2012)
Structural Remodeling of the Mouse Gracilis Artery: Coordinated Changes in Diameter and Medial Area Maintain Circumferential Stress
Authors: GRUIONU GABRIEL , HOYING JAMES B. , PRIES AXEL R. , SECOMB TIMOTHY W.
Published: May 2012

Please cite this paper as: Gruionu G, Hoying JB, Pries AR, Secomb TW. Structural remodeling of the mouse gracilis artery: coordinated changes in diameter and medial area maintain circumferential stress. Microcirculation 19: 610–618, 2012.

Objective:  Vascular networks respond to chronic alterations in blood supply by structural remodeling. Previously, we showed that blood flow changes in the mouse GA lead to transient diameter increases, which can generate large increases in circumferential wall stress. Here, we examine the associated changes in the medial area of the arterial wall and the effects on circumferential wall stress.

Methods:  To induce blood flow changes, one of the two feeding vessels to the GA was surgically removed. At 7–56 days after blood flow interruption, the vasculature was perfused with India ink for morphological measurements, and processed for immuno‐cytochemistry to mark the medial cross‐section area. Theoretical simulations of hemodynamics were used to analyze the data.

Results:  During adaptive increases in vessel diameter, increases in medial area were observed, most strongly in the middle region of the artery. Simulations showed that this increase in medial area limits the increase in estimated circumferential stress during vascular adaptation to less than 50%, in contrast to an increase of up to 250% if the medial area had remained unchanged.

Conclusions:  During vascular adaptation, increases in circumferential stress are limited by growth of the media coordinated with diameter changes.
Relationship Between Bond Ionicity, Lattice Energy, and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Zn(Ta1−xNbx)2O6 Ceramics
Authors: Xia Wang‐Suo , Li Ling‐Xia , Ning Ping‐Fan , Liao Qing‐Wei
Published: May 2012

The crystalline structure refinement, chemical bond ionicity, and lattice energy were carried out for Zn(Ta1−xNbx)2O6 ceramics with tri‐α‐PbO2 structure to investigate the correlations between the crystalline structure, phase stability, bond ionicity, and microwave dielectric properties. The chemical bond ionicity and lattice energy of the ZnTa2O6 system were calculated and evaluated using a semiempirical method based on the dielectric description theory proposed by Phillips, Van Vechten, and Levine (P–V–L theory). The crystalline structure stability varied with the content of Nb5+ ion resulted in the lattice energy decrease. The increase of Ta/Nb–O bond ionicity was observed in the crystalline structure, which should be main contribution to electric polarization. The dielectric properties of the Zn(Ta1−xNbx)2O6 ceramics were strongly dependent on the chemical bond ionicity of Ta/Nb–O bond with tri‐α‐PbO2 structure.
Abnormal Partial Dispersion in Pyrochlore Lanthanum Zirconate Transparent Ceramics
Authors: Kintaka Yuji , Hayashi Takeshi , Honda Atsushi , Yoshimura Masashi , Kuretake Satoshi , Tanaka Nobuhiko , Ando Akira , Takagi Hiroshi
Published: May 2012

We investigated the optical properties of La2Zr2O7 transparent ceramics and found that it showed abnormal partial dispersion. The origin of the abnormal partial dispersion was also investigated by measuring the vacuum ultraviolet reflectance and infrared absorption and by performing first‐principle calculations. All the measurements and calculations were also performed on LaAlO3–Sr(Al,Ta)O3 and Ba(Zr,Mg,Ta)O3 transparent ceramics, which showed normal dispersion, for comparison purposes. A comparison of the measurements and calculations with the numerical investigations carried out using a dispersion equation indicated that a weak intensity of absorption of La2Zr2O7 in the high energy region (20–30 eV) was thought to be the predominant reason for the abnormality. In addition, a narrower bandwidth of the O‐2p band of La2Zr2O7 resulted in a high intensity of absorption around 10 eV, which in turn resulted in a relatively low ratio of the intensity of absorption between 20 and 30 eV to the intensity of absorption around 10 eV. This narrower bandwidth of O‐2p was thought to augment the abnormality of La2Zr2O7.