bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soluble Carbohydrates Regulate Auxin Biosynthesis via PIF Proteins in Arabidopsis
Authors: Sairanen Ilkka , Novák Ondřej , Pěnčík Aleš , Ikeda Yoshihisa , Jones Brian , Sandberg Göran , Ljung Karin
Published: December 2012

Plants are necessarily highly competitive and have finely tuned mechanisms to adjust growth and development in accordance with opportunities and limitations in their environment. Sugars from photosynthesis form an integral part of this growth control process, acting as both an energy source and as signaling molecules in areas targeted for growth. The plant hormone auxin similarly functions as a signaling molecule and a driver of growth and developmental processes. Here, we show that not only do the two act in concert but that auxin metabolism is itself regulated by the availability of free sugars. The regulation of the biosynthesis and degradation of the main auxin, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), by sugars requires changes in the expression of multiple genes and metabolites linked to several IAA biosynthetic pathways. The induction also involves members of the recently described central regulator PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR transcription factor family. Linking these three known regulators of growth provides a model for the dynamic coordination of responses to a changing environment.
The influence of winter severity, predation and senescence on moose habitat use
Authors: Montgomery Robert A. , Vucetich John A. , Peterson Rolf O. , Roloff Gary J. , Millenbah Kelly F.
Published: December 2012

Habitat use is widely known to be influenced by abiotic and biotic factors, such as climate, population density, foraging opportunity and predation risk. The influence of the life‐history state of an individual organism on habitat use is less well understood, especially for terrestrial mammals.

There is good reason to expect that life‐history state would affect habitat use. For example, organisms exhibiting poor condition associated with senescence have an increased vulnerability to predation and that vulnerability is known to alter habitat use strategies.

We assessed the influence of life‐history stage on habitat use for 732 moose (Alces alces) killed by wolves (Canis lupus) over a 50‐year period in Isle Royale National Park, an island ecosystem in Lake Superior, USA. We developed regression models to assess how location of death was associated with a moose's life‐history stage (prime‐aged or senescent), presence or absence of senescent‐associated pathology (osteoarthritis and jaw necrosis), and annual variation in winter severity, moose density and ratio of moose to wolves, which is an index of predation risk.

Compared to senescent moose, prime‐aged moose tend to make greater use of habitat farther from the shoreline of Isle Royale. That result is ecologically relevant because shoreline habitat on Isle Royale tends to provide better foraging opportunities for moose but is also associated with increased predation risk. During severe winters prime‐aged moose tend to make greater use of habitat that is closer to shore in relation to senescent‐aged moose. Furthermore, moose of both age classes were more likely to die in riskier, shoreline habitat during years when predation risk was lower in the preceding year.

Our results highlight a complicated connection between life history, age‐structured population dynamics and habitat‐related behaviour. Our analysis also illustrates why intraspecific competition should not be the presumed mechanism underlying density‐dependent habitat use, if predation risk is related to density, as it is expected to be in many systems.
Disparities in Use of Gynecologic Oncologists for Women with Ovarian Cancer in the United States
Authors: Austin Shamly , Martin Michelle Y. , Kim Yongin , Funkhouser Ellen M. , Partridge Edward E. , Pisu Maria
Published: December 2012

Objective

To examine disparities in utilization of gynecologic oncologists (GOs) across race and other sociodemographic factors for women with ovarian cancer.

Data Sources

Obtained SEER‐Medicare linked dataset for 4,233 non‐Hispanic White, non‐Hispanic African American, Hispanic of any race, and Non‐Hispanic Asian women aged ≥66 years old diagnosed with ovarian cancer during 2000–2002 from 17 SEER registries. Physician specialty was identified by linking data to the AMA master file using Unique Physician Identification Numbers.

Study Design

Retrospective claims data analysis for 1999–2006. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between GO utilization and race/ethnicity in the initial, continuing, and final phases of care.

Principal Findings

GO use decreased from the initial to final phase of care (51.4–28.8 percent). No racial/ethnic differences were found overall and by phase of cancer care. Women >70 years old and those with unstaged disease were less likely to receive GO care compared to their counterparts. GO use was lower in some SEER registries compared to the Atlanta registry.

Conclusions

GO use for the initial ovarian cancer treatment or for longer term care was low but not different across racial/ethnic groups. Future research should identify factors that affect GO utilization and understand why use of these specialists remains low.
Prognosis of chronic spontaneous urticaria in 117 patients not controlled by a standard dose of antihistamine
Authors: Hiragun M. , Hiragun T. , Mihara S. , Akita T. , Tanaka J. , Hide M.
Published: December 2012

Background

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a common skin disorder, but its clinical course reported so far is largely variable, probably due to the heterogeneity of the clinical background of patients and pathogenesis of this disease.

Methods

To reveal the prognosis of refractory CSU, we retrospectively studied the patients who suffered from spontaneous urticaria for six weeks or longer at their first visit to our outpatient clinic, who were insufficiently controlled by a standard dose of antihistamine, and revisited from 2003 to 2009.

Results

Among 223 patients with CSU, 117 patients fulfilled the criteria mentioned above. Mean disease duration at first visit and mean duration of follow‐up at our hospital were 27.4 ± 4.2 months and 18.7 ± 1.9 months, respectively. By using Kaplan–Meier methods, the estimated improved rates at 12 months, 24 months, and 60 months were 36.6%, 51.2%, and 66.1%, respectively. The overall improvement rate of childhood cases (<19 years) was significantly higher than that of adult cases (P = 0.007, log‐rank test). Moreover, the improvement rate of patients with short disease durations (<1 year at the first visit) was significantly (P = 0.003, log‐rank test) higher than that of patients with long disease durations (one year or more).

Conclusion

Our data indicate that the condition of patients with CSU can be gradually improved even in intractable cases. Information about the clinical course and prognostic factors of CSU in this study could help physicians predict the prognosis of patients and ensure medication adherence of patients with CSU.
Mutation identification of Fabry disease in families with other lysosomal storage disorders
Authors: Zampetti A , Fania L , Antuzzi D , Giurdanella F , Gnarra M , Bertola F , Lualdi S , Filocamo M , Morrone A , Feliciani C
Published: December 2012

Fabry disease (FD) is an X‐linked lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) caused by the deficiency of the enzyme α‐galactosidase. It exhibits a wide clinical spectrum that may lead to a delayed or even missed diagnosis and the real incidence can be underestimated. We report the cases of two unrelated Italian families in whom FD was incidentally diagnosed in two females. In both families, the risk for other lysosomal disorders was known from other members affected by fucosidosis or mucopolysaccharidosis I Hurler/Scheie. Some subjects were simultaneously heterozygous for Fabry and the other lysosomal deficiency. Our study shows that the risk for more than one LSDs can occur in a family pedigree. The diagnosis of Fabry in female probands represents a diagnostic challenge, as symptoms and signs can be variably present because of the random X‐chromosome inactivation.
Implementation and Outcome of Thrombolysis with Alteplase 3 to 4.5 h After Acute Stroke in Chinese Patients
Authors: Liao Xiao‐Ling , Wang Chun‐Xue , Wang Yi‐Long , Wang Chun‐Juan , Zhao Xing‐Quan , Zhang Li‐Qun , Liu Li‐Ping , Pan Yue‐Song , Wang Yong‐Jun
Published: December 2012

Background and Purpose

The European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study (ECASS) III showed that intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) administered in the 3 to 4.5 h after symptom onset significantly improved clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). But little is known regarding the safety and efficacy of intravenous rtPA treatment within this extended time window in Chinese patients with AIS.

Methods and Results

Data were collected from the Thrombolysis Implementation and Monitor of acute ischemic Stroke in China (TIMS‐China). A total of 574 patients who underwent rtPA therapy within 4.5 h after symptom onset were included in this study: 409 in the 0‐ to 3‐h group and 165 in the 3‐ to 4.5‐h group. There were no significant differences in SICH rate (2.4% vs. 1.5%, P = 0.70) at 24 to 36 h, mortalities (7.5% vs. 7.3%, P = 0.84), independence rate (68.9% vs. 63.9%, P = 0.19), and excellent recovery rate (60.9% vs. 52.4%, P = 0.11) between the two time window groups. These results were comparable with previous Western studies.

Conclusion

This study suggests that intravenous rtPA treatment at 3 to 4.5 h of symptom onset remains safe and effective in Chinese patients with AIS.
Diabetic retinopathy: pathogenesis, clinical grading, management and future developments
Authors: Heng L. Z. , Comyn O. , Peto T. , Tadros C. , Ng E. , Sivaprasad S. , Hykin P. G.
Published: December 2012

Decades of research into the pathophysiology and management of diabetic retinopathy have revolutionized our understanding of the disease process. Diabetic retinopathy is now more accurately defined as a neurovascular rather than a microvascular disease as neurodegenerative disease precedes and coexists with microvascular changes. However, the complexities of the pathways involved in different stages of disease severity continue to remain a challenging issue for drug discovery. Currently, laser photocoagulation is the mainstay of treatment for proliferative diabetic retinopathy, but is gradually being superseded for diabetic macular oedema. However, it is destructive and at best results in a gradual but modest improvement in vision in the long term. So, diabetic retinopathy remains the most prevalent cause of visual impairment in the working‐age population despite established screening programmes, early diagnosis and treatment of the condition. The recent discovery of inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor is revolutionizing the management of diabetic retinopathy, particularly diabetic macular oedema. However, not all patients respond to anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor agents, reinforcing the fact that diabetic retinopathy is a multifactorial disease. Studies are still required to improve our understanding of how retinal structure correlates with visual function. It is hoped that these will lead to better characterization of the disease phenotype based on treatment responses to different agents and allow an algorithm to be developed that will guide the management of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema at different stages of severity.
Biological traits of eastern sand darter (Ammocrypta pellucida) in the lower Thames River, Canada, with comparisons to a more southern population
Authors: Finch Mary , Faber Joseph E. , Koops Marten A. , Doka Susan E. , Power Michael
Published: December 2012

Eastern sand darter (Ammocrypta pellucida)is listed as Threatened under the CanadianSpecies at Risk Act. Little relevant biological information is available for most Canadian populations and only limited information is available for populations in the United States. To supplement the paucity of information, this study collected biological information on eastern sand darter during field surveys in 2006–2007 from 10 sites in the lower Thames River, Ontario, Canada. Collected data were used to estimate critical life history traits including: longevity, fecundity, clutch size and number, growth, survival, age‐at‐first‐maturity and cohort age structure. Longevity was 3+ years, with age‐at‐first‐maturity being 1+ for both sexes. Examination of egg sizes from preserved females in 2007 showed a bimodal distribution, suggesting two spawning occurrences of 71 eggs each. Quantitative comparison of lower Thames River biological information with a more southerly eastern sand darter population in the Little Muskingum River, Ohio, demonstrated little variation between the populations. Data comparisons suggest that localised environmental factors are affecting biological traits (growth), in particular water temperature that may be controlled by differences in riparian cover and/or groundwater input.
Ontogenetic and individual diet variation in amphibian larvae across an environmental gradient
Authors: SCHRIEVER TIFFANY A. , WILLIAMS D. DUDLEY
Published: December 2012

1. Variation among individuals within size or age classes can have profound effects on community dynamics and food‐web structure. We investigated the potential influence of habitat disturbance on intrapopulation niche variation.

2. Amphibians occupy a range of lentic habitats from short‐hydroperiod intermittent ponds to long‐hydroperiod permanent ponds. We quantified ontogenetic diet variation and individual specialisation in wood frog tadpoles (Lithobates sylvaticus) and blue‐spotted salamander larvae (Ambystoma laterale) to investigate the influence of hydroperiod on population niche width across a natural hydroperiod gradient using stable isotope and gut content analyses. In one of the few tests using larval forms, we tested the niche variation hypothesis, which predicts that populations with larger niche widths also have increased individual variation.

3. Our results support the niche variation hypothesis, indicating that more generalised populations exhibit higher within‐individual diet variation. We report gradual changes in the relative importance of diet items, decreased dietary overlap and increased trophic position in L. sylvaticus throughout development. A. laterale became more enriched in δ13C and increased in δ15N throughout its larval period. We did not find a relationship between hydroperiod and niche parameters, indicating that niches are conserved across heterogeneous habitats. In contrast to most documented cases, we estimated low levels of individual specialisation in amphibian larvae.

4. Amphibians are an important link between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, whereby diet shifts can influence food‐web structure by altering energy flow pathways and the trophic position of higher consumers, ultimately changing food‐chain length.
Mate guarding in relation to seasonal changes in the energy reserves of two freshwater amphipods (Gammarus fossarumandG. pulex)
Authors: BECKER JOCHEN , ORTMANN CHRISTIAN , WETZEL MARKUS A. , WINKELMANN CAROLA , KOOP JOCHEN H. E.
Published: December 2012

1. We assessed sex‐specific seasonal changes in major energy storage compounds (triglycerides, glycogen) inGammarus fossarumandGammarus pulexcollected from the field, with respect to their reproductive activity.

2. The dynamics of stored energy followed a seasonal pattern in both species and sexes. Moreover, over a 4‐year period, these changes were independent of the year in which they were investigated. Stored energy reached a peak in late winter, but was depleted in late summer and early autumn, coinciding with the reproductive periods.

3. Triglyceride (annual mean ± SD) accounted for 79.7 ± 11.9% of the total stored energy and was responsible for the seasonal pattern. In contrast, glycogen contributed a lesser percentage (20.3 ± 11.9%). Over the study period, the amount of stored energy ranged between 0.39 and 4.08 kJ g−1dry mass (triglyceride: 0.19–3.69 kJ g−1dry mass; glycogen: 0.14–0.80 kJ g−1dry mass).

4. In both species, the energy reserves of males were drastically depleted shortly before the cessation of precopulatory mate guarding in the field, thus offering a bioenergetic explanation for the reproductive period in these two widespread species.
Morphology and identification of first instars of the European and Mediterranean blowflies of forensic importance. Part II. Luciliinae
Authors: SZPILA K. , HALL M. J. R. , PAPE T. , GRZYWACZ A.
Published: December 2012

First instars of Lucilia ampullacea Villeneuve, Lucilia caesar Linnaeus, Lucilia cuprina Weidemann, Lucilia richardsi Collin, Lucilia sericata Meigen and Lucilia silvarum Meigen (Diptera: Calliphoridae) are thoroughly documented with scanning electron microscopy images, light microscopy photographs and line drawings. The following morphological structures are documented: pseudocephalon, antennal complex, maxillary palpus, facial mask, cephaloskeleton, thoracic and abdominal spinulation, spiracular field, and posterior spiracles. New diagnostic features of the cephaloskeleton are presented and the spinulation of the abdominal segments is described. Earlier descriptions are summarized and major discrepancies with the current study are discussed. The present results allow for the clarification, correction and, especially, complementing existing information provided by numerous authors. The first instar larva of L. richardsi is described for the first time and an identification key to the first instars of European species of Lucilia Robineau‐Desvoidy of forensic importance is presented.
Études in vivo et approches in vitro visant à comprendre les différences entre les peaux de types Caucasien et Africain: rôle spécifique du derme papillaire
Authors: Girardeau‐Hubert Sarah , Pageon Hervé , Asselineau Daniel
Published: December 2012

Contexte  La plupart des différences identifiées entre les types de peau caucasien et africain ont été attribuées à la partie superficielle de la peau, à savoir, l’épiderme. Nous nous sommes attachés àétudier le rôle potentiel joué par le compartiment dermique dans les différences cutanées entre les Caucasiens et les Africains.

Méthodes  Des études comparatives in vivo et in vitro ont été menées à l’aide de biopsies de peaux humaines normales et de peaux reconstruites in vitro correspondantes. Des équivalents de peau ont été réalisés avec des fibroblastes papillaires isolés à partir du derme superficiel de peaux caucasiennes ou de peaux africaines. L’expression des principaux composants de la jonction dermo‐épidermique (JDE) a été examinée en fonction du groupe ethnique.

Résultats  Les observations des contrôles histologiques des biopsies cutanées ont montré que le relief de la JDE des peaux de type Africain était plus important que celui des peaux de type Caucasien. Les immunomarquages des collagènes IV et VII, de la laminine‐5 et du nidogène au niveau de la JDE étaient plus faibles dans les biopsies de peau africaine comparativement aux biopsies de peau caucasienne.

Conclusions  Cette étude fournit de nouveaux éléments concernant l’implication du derme papillaire dans les différences entre les types de peaux caucasiens et africains. Sachant que les fibroblastes du derme superficiel coopèrent avec les kératinocytes épidermiques dans la production des protéines de la membrane basale, les résultats de cette étude in vivo suggèrent que les fibroblastes papillaires pourraient jouer un rôle dans les caractéristiques observées au niveau de la JDE. Des expériences in vitro préliminaires ont montré, sur les modèles de peau reconstruite élaborés avec des fibroblastes papillaires issus des deux origines, des différences au niveau de l’expression de plusieurs protéines contribuant à la structure de la JDE. Les équivalents de peau in vitro pourraient être utilisés pour expliquer les différences de peaux entre les groupes ethniques.
Relation entre la couleur de la peau et sa réponse cutanée à la lumière ultraviolette
Authors: Del Bino Sandra , Bernerd Françoise
Published: December 2012

L'exposition solaire est responsable d'effets délétères tels que le coup de soleil, le photovieillissement et les photocancers. L'importance de ces effets dépend en grande partie de la pigmentation constitutive de la peau. Afin étudier le lien entre la couleur de la peau et sa sensibilité aux UV, nous avons analysé 42 prélèvements de peau ex vivo. Le type de couleur de peau a été déterminé grâce à l'Angle Typologique Individuel (ATI°) sur la base de paramètres colorimétriques. Ceci nous a permis de classer les peaux de façon objective en cinq groupes: Claire, Intermédiaire, Mate, Brune et Foncée. Après exposition à des doses croissantes d'UV, la dose biologiquement efficace (DBE) a été déterminée pour chaque prélèvement par la quantification des cellules coup de soleil (CCS). Nous avons observé une corrélation entre l'ATI et la DBE, c'est‐è‐dire plus la peau est claire, plus la DBE est faible. Nous avons également analysé des marqueurs de la réponse biologique aux UV tels que la formation des dimères de pyrimidine (CPD) et l'accumulation de p53. Tout comme pour les CCS, nous avons mis en évidence une relation entre l'ATI et la dose induisant ces dommages biologiques. Il est intéressant de noter que les CPD étaient présents dans toutes les couches épidermiques et dans le derme superficiel des peaux Claires, Intermédiaires et Mates. Par contre, il n'était pas possible de détecter de CPD dans la couche basale de l'épiderme ou dans le derme des peaux Brunes et Foncées. Nos résultats indiquent une diminution progressive de la sensibilitéà l'exposition aux UV au fur et à mesure de l'augmentation de la pigmentation constitutive. Il est probable que cette sensibilité permette de prédire la prédisposition individuelle au développement des conséquences délétères des expositions solaires que sont le photovieillissement et les cancers de la peau.
Dermatoses des plis chez le noir Africain à Bamako (Mali)
Authors: Keita Somita , Faye Ousmane , Traoré Aboubacrine , Dicko Adama , Berthe Siritio , Traore Pierre , Coulibaly Karim
Published: December 2012

La dermatose des plis ou intertrigo est un motif fréquent de consultation notamment en Afrique où le climat chaud et humide constitue un facteur aggravant. C’est une pathologie complexe aux étiologies multiples et intriquées. Le but de ce travail était de décrire les aspects épidémiologiques et étiologiques des dermatoses des plis chez les sujets à peau noire à Bamako (Mali).

Nous avons mené une enquête transversale descriptive des dermatoses localisées aux plis en milieu dermatologique à Bamako (Mali).

Au total, 141 cas d’intertrigo ont été identifiés : 96 sujets de sexe féminin (68%) et 45 de sexe masculin. L’âge moyen des malades était de 30 ± 18 ans (2–80 ans). La majorité des malades ont consulté entre les mois de mars et Juin; 52% des malades avaient déjà reçu un traitement avant la consultation. Les lésions intéressaient les plis inguinaux et ou inter‐fessiers chez 95 patients (57,4%), les plis axillaires et sous‐mammaires chez 46 malades (42,6%). L’eczéma, l’érythrasma et les mycoses étaient les pathologies les plus fréquemment observées.

L’intérêt de ce travail repose sur l’approche topographique qu’un dermatologue doit adopter pour conduire le diagnostic de certaines dermatoses. Dans les populations ayant des pratiques culturelles spécifiques, la prise en charge de ces affections nécessite, outre une bonne connaissance de ces spécificités, l’abandon des attitudes et comportements néfastes.
New transmigration ‘paradigm’ in Indonesia: Examples from Kalimantan
Authors: Potter Lesley
Published: December 2012

Transmigration from Java to rural areas of the ‘outer islands’ appeared finished in Indonesia after the fall of the Suharto regime in 1998 and decentralisation in 2001. However, the rapid growth of oil palm plantations in the past decade has led to a renewed call for transmigrants by district heads seeking an expanded labour force. A new system has evolved on a district‐to‐district basis with applicants in ‘sending districts’ (in Java, Bali and the poorer provinces of East and West Nusa Tenggara) being matched to requests from ‘receiving districts’ (in Sumatra, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua), which largely depend on levels of plantation investment near proposed new transmigration sites. Coordination is in the hands of a rebranded central Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration. Integral to the ‘spatial’ organisation of the new transmigration will be the creation of towns or cities, known as KotaTerpadu Mandiri (‘Integrated self‐sufficient city’). A new transmigration region (with its oil palm plantations) will form the ‘embryo’ for the city's growth. Although these arrangements will aim to reduce poverty, their social and environmental costs have not been evaluated. Examples of these new schemes in parts of Central Kalimantan are discussed, with brief comparisons of earlier transmigration projects.
Toward the Scientific Study of Polytheism: Beyond Forced‐Choice Measures of Religious Belief
Authors: Gries Peter , Su Jenny , Schak David
Published: December 2012

This article argues that zero‐sum, forced‐choice approaches to measuring religious belief do not work well outside of the Abrahamic world. Positive‐sum approaches to measuring religious beliefs (in the plural) are better suited to the study of polytheistic societies. Using results from a nationally representative survey conducted in 2011 Taiwan, we demonstrate that in a polytheistic society like Taiwan, religious belief is not zero sum. We also contrast our results with those of the Taiwan Social Change Survey (TSCS), and seek to show that our positive‐sum approach to measuring religious beliefs can help us better understand the disparate causes and consequences of different religious beliefs in polytheistic societies. The challenge of Christocentrism in quantitative studies of religion is also discussed.
Higher allergenicity of high molecular weight hydrolysed wheat protein in cosmetics for percutaneous sensitization
Authors: Chinuki Yuko , Takahashi Hitoshi , Dekio Itaru , Kaneko Sakae , Tokuda Reiko , Nagao Mizuho , Fujisawa Takao , Morita Eishin
Published: December 2012

Background Wheat protein derivatives are used in a variety of products worldwide. Gluten is commercially used ‘as is' or with modifications such as hydrolysis, which is carried out to overcome its insolubility. Several cases of contact urticaria following exposure to hydrolysed wheat protein (HWP) in cosmetics or of anaphylaxis caused by deamidated gluten in food or non‐food products have been described.

Objectives To evaluate the types of HWP that have higher allergenicity for percutaneous sensitization.

Methods We enrolled 7 patients with wheat‐dependent exercise‐induced anaphylaxis who had been sensitized to HWP primarily through the percutaneous and/or the rhinoconjunctival route by using facial soap containing HWP. Reaction to wheat proteins was confirmed by IgE immunoblotting and basophil CD203c expression with six HWP variants.

Results The IgE of all the patients reacted to HWPs composed of large polypeptide aggregates. High molecular weight (MW) HWPs were also found to induce significant enhancement of basophil CD203c expression.

Conclusions HWPs composed of large polypeptide aggregates possibly induce sensitization to a greater degree than lower‐MW HWPs. Basophil surface CD203c expression is useful for evaluating the allergenicity of HWPs.
Predicting persistence in a changing climate: flow direction and limitations to redistribution
Authors: Sorte Cascade J. B.
Published: December 2012

Synthesis

Impending climate changes beg the question: which populations and species will go extinct and which will persist under future environmental conditions? When tolerance in situ is not possible, then species must undergo range shifts to avoid extinction. This synthesis explores ways in which directional air and water flow could impede such redistribution and the characteristics that might allow species to disperse against the flow. Considering flow patterns in tandem with climate and range projections has the potential to improve predictions of persistence for the earth’s many non‐moving foundation and basal species as well as the communities and food webs that they support.

Predicting which populations and species will persist (i.e. avoid extinction and continue to exist) in the face of climate change requires an understanding of mechanisms that allow species to cope with altered environmental conditions. When processes of tolerance, acclimation, and adaptation are insufficient to allow persistence in situ, redistribution is required for population or species persistence. Here, I review evidence that directional flows of water and air have the potential to restrict species’ range boundaries under ambient conditions, the spread of introduced species, and the redistribution of native species under changing climatic conditions. I develop the hypothesis that flow patterns, such as the speed and directionality (i.e. poleward vs equatorward) of asymmetric air and water currents, may need to be considered when assessing the vulnerability of populations and species to climate change. To the degree that directional flows are found to limit redistribution, there may be disproportionate losses of diversity where the dominant flow direction opposes that of shifting climate space. Within this context, I highlight flow conditions and life‐history traits that could help the most passively‐dispersed species redistribute to track changing climate. These predictions merit further examination in order to better anticipate which populations, species, and associated communities are likely to persist under climate change.
Triple swabbing allows sensitive MRSA detection in dermatologic patients of a university tertiary care hospital
Authors: Daeschlein Georg , Bloom Tina , von Podewils Sebastian , Assadian Ojan , Wagenvoort Johann HT , Riebe Helene , Fochler Sebastian , Al‐Jebori Abdulkareem , Karsai Syrus , Kaisermayer Ellen , Haase Hermann , Scholz Sebastian , Jünger Michael
Published: December 2012

Background

To optimize preventive measures to control MRSA, we investigated retrospectively the suitability of a multiple site screening model and the optimal sampling technique to detect MRSA in a university‐based phlebology and skin cancer center in Germany.

Patients and Methods

During 4.5 years samples of 3 712 inpatients in a dermatologic department were analyzed for MRSA by conventional microbiologic cultures and in parallel by PCR. Samples were taken from nares, wounds and skin lesions.

Results

MRSA was detected in 60 inpatients (1.6%). 268 of 7 269 (3.7%) samples at admission and during hospital stay were found positive ñ 96 (35.8%) of these were swabs of nares, 59 (22.0%) surveillance swabs, 53 (19.8%) wound swabs and 42 (15.7%) from other dermatologic lesions. Twenty‐five of 60 patients (41.7%) were found positive only in the nares, 10 (16.7%) patients only in wounds and 4 (6.7%) patients only in lesions. 166 (61.9%) of all positive culture samples became positive 24 hours after cultivation, 86 (32.1%) after 48 hours, and 16 (6.0%) after 72 hours.

Conclusions

Highest sensitivity to detect MRSA can be reached by combining three swabs: nares, wounds and skin lesions (ìtriple‐testî). Culture of screening specimens for 72 hours is recommended.
A focused review on acne‐induced and aesthetic procedure‐related postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in Asians
Authors: Eimpunth S. , Wanitphadeedecha R. , Manuskiatti W.
Published: December 2012

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) is a common consequence following cutaneous inflammation in dark‐skinned individuals with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes (SPTs) III–VI. The exact pathogenesis of this condition is unknown, but is believed to be an integral part of the normal response of the skin to inflammatory stimuli. PIH can last from months to years and may significantly impair quality of life of affected individuals. The primary treatment of PIH is prevention and treatment of the underlying inflammatory condition. In addition to prevention, there are a variety of medication and procedures used to treat PIH. Although topical skin‐depigmenting agents remain the treatment of choice for PIH, lasers and light sources may be an effective adjunctive therapy or alternative for treatment failures. When treating PIH, any treatment options selected should be optimized and utilized carefully because the treatments itself may worsen the PIH.
Comparison Between AMS 700™ CX and Coloplast™ Titan Inflatable Penile Prosthesis for Peyronie's Disease Treatment and Remodeling: Clinical Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Chung Eric , Solomon Matthew , DeYoung Ling , Brock Gerald B.
Published: December 2012

Introduction

The implantation of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) with simultaneous manual penile remodeling allows for men to undergo a single procedure aimed at correcting both the penile deformity/curvature and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim

To evaluate the clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction in men with Peyronie's disease (PD) and ED who underwent AMS 700™ CX and the newer Coloplast™ Titan inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implant.

Main Outcome Measures

Patient demographics, type of IPP, clinical outcomes, post-implant sexual characteristics, and overall patient satisfaction.

Methods

A single-center retrospective review of clinical database and prospective telephone survey were conducted in all men with PD who underwent IPP between January 2006 and November 2010.

Results

A total of 138 patients with an average age of 57.7 (32 to 80) underwent AMS 700 CX (88 patients) and Coloplast Titans (50 patients) IPP implantation during the 5-year period. The majority of patients (91%) had only one IPP implantation. The IPP clinical outcomes include eight (6%) revision surgery for device malfunction and three (2%) device explantation for prosthesis infection. While there was no statistically significance in device survival between the two devices, the trend favored AMS 700 CX over Titan (5-year Kaplan-Meier estimates of mechanical survival were 91% vs. 87%, P > 0.05) and both IPPs provided similar penile straightening without the need for revision surgery. Most men (79%) reported great satisfaction following CX or Titan implants with greater than two thirds of men reported greater self-confidence and 82% of patients would undergo the same operation again.

Conclusions

AMS 700™ CX and Coloplast™ Titan IPP implantation and penile remodeling appeared to provide permanent penile straightening and high patient satisfaction without an increase risk of revision surgery.
Global genetic analysis reveals the putative native source of the invasive termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, in France
Authors: Perdereau E. , Bagnères A. ‐G. , Bankhead‐Dronnet S. , Dupont S. , Zimmermann M. , Vargo E. L. , Dedeine F.
Published: December 2012

Biological invasions are recognized as a major threat to both natural and managed ecosystems. Phylogeographic and population genetic analyses can provide information about the geographical origins and patterns of introduction and explain the causes and mechanisms by which introduced species have become successful invaders. Reticulitermes flavipes is a North American subterranean termite that has been introduced into several areas, including France where introduced populations have become invasive. To identify likely source populations in the USA and to compare the genetic diversity of both native and introduced populations, an extensive molecular genetic study was undertaken using the COII region of mtDNA and 15 microsatellite loci. Our results showed that native northern US populations appeared well differentiated from those of the southern part of the US range. Phylogenetic analysis of both mitochondrial and nuclear markers showed that French populations probably originated from southeastern US populations, and more specifically from Louisiana. All of the mtDNA haplotypes shared between the United States and France were found in Louisiana. Compared to native populations in Louisiana, French populations show lower genetic diversity at both mtDNA and microsatellite markers. These findings are discussed along with the invasion routes of R. flavipes as well as the possible mechanisms by which French populations have evolved after their introduction.
YopK controls both rate and fidelity of Yop translocation
Authors: Dewoody Rebecca , Merritt Peter M. , Marketon Melanie M.
Published: December 2012

Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, utilizes a type III secretion system (T3SS) to intoxicate host cells. The injection of T3SS substrates must be carefully controlled, and dysregulation leads to altered infection kinetics and early clearance of Y. pestis. While the sequence of events leading up to cell contact and initiation of translocation has received much attention, the regulatory events that take place after effector translocation is less understood. Here we show that the regulator YopK is required to maintain fidelity of substrate specificity, in addition to controlling translocation rate. YopK was found to interact with YopD within targeted cells during Y. pestis infection, suggesting that YopK's regulatory mechanism involves a direct interaction with the translocation pore. In addition, we identified a single amino acid in YopK that is essential for translocation rate regulation but is dispensable for maintaining fidelity of translocation. Furthermore, we found that expression of YopK within host cells was sufficient to downregulate translocation rate, but it did not affect translocation fidelity. Together, our data support a model in which YopK is a bifunctional protein whose activities are genetically and spatially distinct such that fidelity control occurs within bacteria and rate control occurs within host cells.
Ciprofloxacin shows synergism with classical antifungals against Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum and Coccidioides posadasii
Authors: Brilhante R. S. N. , Caetano E. P. , Sidrim J. J. C. , Cordeiro R. A. , Camargo Z. P. , Fechine M. A. B. , Lima R. A. C. , Castelo Branco D. S. C. M. , Marques F. J. F. , Mesquita J. R. L. , Lima D. T. , Monteiro A. J. , Rocha M. F. G.
Published: December 2012

This study evaluated the in vitro interaction between ciprofloxacin (CIP) and classical antifungals against Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum in mycelial (n = 16) and yeast‐like forms (n = 9) and Coccidioides posadasii in mycelial form (n = 16). This research was conducted through broth microdilution and macrodilution, according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute. Inocula were prepared to obtain from 0.5 × 103 to 2.5 × 104 cfu ml−1 for H. capsulatum and from 103 to 5 × 103 cfu ml−1 for C. posadasii. Initially, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for each drug alone was determined. Then, these MICs were used as the highest concentration for each drug during combination assays. The procedures were performed in duplicate. For all combination assays, MICs were defined as the lowest concentration capable of inhibiting 80% of visible fungal growth, when compared to the drug‐free control. Drug interaction was evaluated by paired sample t‐Student test. The obtained data showed a significant MIC reduction for most tested combinations of CIP with antifungals, except for that of CIP and voriconazole against yeast‐like H. capsulatum. This study brings potential alternatives for the treatment of histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis, raising the possibility of using CIP as an adjuvant antifungal therapy, providing perspectives to delineate in vivo studies.
Mitochondria are an early target of oxidative modifications in senescing legume nodules
Authors: Matamoros Manuel A. , Fernández‐García Nieves , Wienkoop Stefanie , Loscos Jorge , Saiz Ana , Becana Manuel
Published: December 2012

Legume nodule senescence is a poorly understood process involving a decrease in N2 fixation and an increase in proteolytic activity. Some physiological changes during nodule aging have been reported, but scarce information is available at the subcellular level.

Biochemical, immunological and proteomic approaches were used to provide insight into the effects of aging on the mitochondria and cytosol of nodule host cells.

In the mitochondria, the oxidative modification of lipids and proteins was associated with a marked decline in glutathione, a reduced capacity to regenerate ascorbate, and upregulation of alternative oxidase and manganese superoxide dismutase. In the cytosol, there were consistent reductions in the protein concentrations of carbon metabolism enzymes, inhibition of protein synthesis and increase in serine proteinase activity, disorganization of cytoskeleton, and a sharp reduction of cytosolic proteins, but no detectable accumulation of oxidized molecules.

We conclude that nodule mitochondria are an early target of oxidative modifications and a likely source of redox signals. Alternative oxidase and manganese superoxide dismutase may play important roles in controlling ROS concentrations and the redox state of mitochondria. The finding that specific methionine residues of a cytosolic glutamine synthetase isoform are sulfoxidized suggests a regulatory role of this enzyme in senescing nodules.
Microvessel density and VEGF, HIF‐1α expression in primary oral melanoma: correlation with prognosis
Authors: Simonetti O , Lucarini G , Rubini C , Goteri G , Zizzi A , Staibano S , Campanati A , Ganzetti G , Di Primio R , Offidani A
Published: December 2012

Objective

To understand the role of angiogenesis and hypoxia in cancer progression of primary oral melanoma (POM).

Materials and Methods

Sixteen malignant primary melanomas were immunostained with markers CD34, VEGF and HIF‐1α. Stained cells were counted in the invasive front and inside the tumour, and the differences were compared and correlated with histological parameters and disease‐specific survival of the patients.

Results

Tumour invasive front showed increased MVD and increased vessel VEGF and HIF‐1α expression compared with the intratumoural compartment. No such differences were seen in tumoural melanocytes of the two compartments. Positive correlations were observed between CD34 and VEGF, CD34 and HIF‐1α and VEGF and HIF‐1α expression in invasive front vessels. CD34 expression was statistically correlated with the level of infiltration. A significant trend to worse disease‐free survival was also determined with increased invasive front vessel expression of CD34, VEGF and HIF‐1α.

Conclusions

Our data highlight the importance of the invasive margin in POM biology. The high angiogenic activity and endothelial VEGF and HIF‐1α expression in invasive front vessels have a significant impact on patient survival and future agents targeted against VEGF pathway may represent a novel and effective therapeutic opportunity. Larger studies are needed to further address our findings.
The XA21 binding protein XB25 is required for maintaining XA21‐mediated disease resistance
Authors: Jiang Yingnan , Chen Xiuhua , Ding Xiaodong , Wang Yongsheng , Chen Qiang , Song Wen‐Yuan
Published: December 2012

Plant genomes encode a large number of proteins that potentially function as immune receptors in the defense against pathogen invasion. As a well‐characterized receptor kinase consisting of 23 tandem leucine‐rich repeats, a transmembrane domain and a serine/threonine kinase, the rice (Oryza sativa) protein XA21 confers resistance to a broad spectrum of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) races that cause bacterial blight disease. We report here that XA21 binding protein 25 (XB25) belongs to the plant‐specific ankyrin‐repeat (PANK) family. XB25 physically interacts, in vitro, with the transmembrane domain of XA21 through its N–terminal binding to transmembrane and positively charged domain (BTMP) repeats. In addition, XB25 associates with XA21 in planta. The downregulation of Xb25 results in reduced levels of XA21 and compromised XA21‐mediated disease resistance at the adult stage. Moreover, the accumulation of XB25 is induced by Xoo infection. Taken together, these results indicate that XB25 is required for maintaining XA21‐mediated disease resistance.
Suppressed cellular oscillations in after‐hours mutant mice are associated with enhanced circadian phase‐resetting
Authors: Guilding Clare , Scott Fiona , Bechtold David A. , Brown Timothy M. , Wegner Sven , Piggins Hugh D.
Published: December 2012

Key points

The master circadian clock in the brain's suprachiasmatic nuclei provides daily timing cues for other circadian oscillators in the brain and body, and is itself synchronised to the external world through recurring changes in environmental light levels.

Here we show that in addition to lengthening circadian period, the after‐hours (Afh) mutation alters daily rhythms in metabolism, and reduces the amplitude of oscillations in circadian timekeepers in the brain and periphery. Such suppression in circadian oscillation could be visualised in single brain cells. Intriguingly, the Afh mutation greatly enhanced resetting of the circadian system to stimuli such as environmental light.

Collectively the results indicate unusual consequences of the Afh mutation, from single cells to whole animal physiology and behaviour.

Abstract  Within the core molecular clock, protein phosphorylation and degradation play a vital role in determining circadian period. The ‘after‐hours’ (Afh) mutation in mouse slows the degradation of the core clock protein Cryptochrome, lengthening the period of the molecular clock in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) and behavioural wheel‐running rhythms. However, we do not yet know how the Afh mutation affects other aspects of physiology or the activity of circadian oscillators in other brain regions. Here we report that daily rhythms of metabolism and ingestive behaviours are altered in these animals, as are PERIOD2::LUCIFERASE (PER2::LUC) rhythms in mediobasal hypothalamic nuclei, which influence these behaviours. Overall there is a trend towards period lengthening and a decrease in amplitude of PER2::LUC rhythms throughout the brain. Imaging of single cells from the arcuate and dorsomedial hypothalamic nuclei revealed this reduction in tissue oscillator amplitude to be due to a decrease in the amplitude, rather than a desynchrony, of single cells. Consistent with existing models of oscillator function, this cellular phenotype was associated with a greater susceptibility to phase‐shifting stimuli in vivo and in vitro, with light evoking high‐amplitude Type 0 resetting in Afh mutant mice. Together, these findings reveal unexpected consequences of the Afh mutation on the amplitude and synchrony of individual cellular oscillators in the SCN.
Detailed leakage current analysis of metal–insulator–metal capacitors with ZrO2, ZrO2/SiO2/ZrO2, and ZrO2/Al2O3/ZrO2 as dielectric and TiN electrodes
Authors: Weinreich Wenke , Shariq Ahmed , Seidel Konrad , Sundqvist Jonas , Paskaleva Albena , Lemberger Martin , Bauer Anton J.
Published: December 2012

ZrO2-based metal–insulator–metal capacitors are used in various volatile and nonvolatile memory devices as well as for buffer capacitors or radio frequency applications. Thus, process optimization and material tuning by doping is necessary to selectively optimize the electrical performance. The most common process for dielectric fabrication is atomic layer deposition which guarantees high conformity in three dimensional structures and excellent composition control. In this paper, the C–V and J–V characteristics of ZrO2 metal–insulator–metal capacitors with TiN electrodes are analyzed in dependence on the O3 pulse time revealing the optimum atomic layer deposition process conditions. Moreover, a detailed study of the leakage current mechanisms in undoped ZrO2 compared to SiO2- or Al2O3-doped ZrO2 is enclosed. Thereby, the discovered dependencies on interfaces, doping, layer thickness, and crystalline phase's enable the detailed understanding and evaluation of the most suitable material stack for dynamic random access memory devices below the 20 nm generation.