bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct imaging of bridged twin protoplanetary disks in a young multiple star
Authors: Mayama Satoshi , Tamura Motohide , Hanawa Tomoyuki , Matsumoto Tomoaki , Ishii Miki , Pyo Tae-Soo , Suto Hiroshi , Naoi Takahiro , Kudo Tomoyuki , Hashimoto Jun , Nishiyama Shogo , Kuzuhara Masayuki , Hayashi Masahiko
Published: November 2011

Studies of the structure and evolution of protoplanetary disks are important for understanding star and planet formation. Here, we present the direct image of an interacting binary protoplanetary system. Both circumprimary and circumsecondary disks are resolved in the near-infrared. There is a bridge of infrared emission connecting the two disks and a long spiral arm extending from the circumprimary disk. Numerical simulations show that the bridge corresponds to gas flow and a shock wave caused by the collision of gas rotating around the primary and secondary stars. Fresh material streams along the spiral arm, consistent with the theoretical scenarios where gas is replenished from a circummultiple reservoir.
Dissolvers, disputers, and defectors: the terminators of parliamentary governments
Authors: Warwick Paul V.
Published: November 2011

Theoretical work on parliamentary government leads to the expectation that parties will defect from governing coalitions when they anticipate greater payoffs in replacement governments or after new elections; similarly, governments as a whole (or their prime ministers) will dissolve legislatures prematurely with the same expectation in mind. Surprisingly, however, very little empirical work has been done to assess the extent to which defectors from or dissolvers of coalition governments actually manage to profit from their actions. We also know very little about what happens to coalition members who engage in government-ending disputes. The purpose of this paper is to address these deficiencies by examining the fates of dissolvers, defectors, and disputers in West European democratic systems since 1945. The results show that parties generally end up no better off, and usually worse off, in terms of measurable benefits when they engage in these types of action.
Structural transitions and enhanced ferroelectricity in Ca and Mn co-doped BiFeO3 thin films
Authors: Huang Ji-Zhou , Shen Yang , Li Ming , Nan Ce-Wen
Published: November 2011

Ca and Mn co-doped BiFeO3 (BFO) thin films were fabricated on (111) Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates via a simple solution approach. Enhanced ferroelectric properties were obtained in these Ca and Mn co-doped BFO films, e.g., large remnant polarization value (Pr ∼ 89 μC/cm2) and large remnant polarization to saturated polarization ratio (Pr/Ps ∼ 0.84) for Bi0.90Ca0.10Fe0.90Mn0.10O3 film. X-ray diffraction and Raman spectra of these films showed that B-site Mn doping causes substantial structural transition toward orthorhombic phase and A-site Ca doping facilitates an evolution to tetragonal phase with higher crystal symmetry. The structural transitions are in favor of enhanced ferroelectric properties in the BFO films. The approach of A and B site co-doping is proved to be effective in enhancing ferroelectric performance in multiferroic BFO films.
Dust acoustic shock waves in two temperatures charged dusty grains
Authors: El-Shewy E. K. , Abdelwahed H. G. , Elmessary M. A.
Published: November 2011

The reductive perturbation method has been used to derive the Korteweg–de Vries–Burger equation and modified Korteweg–de Vries–Burger for dust acoustic shock waves in a homogeneous unmagnetized plasma having electrons, singly charged ions, hot and cold dust species with Boltzmann distributions for electrons and ions in the presence of the cold (hot) dust viscosity coefficients. The behavior of the shock waves in the dusty plasma has been investigated.
A semi-grand canonical Monte Carlo simulation model for ion binding to ionizable surfaces: Proton binding of carboxylated latex particles as a case study
Authors: Madurga Sergio , Rey-Castro Carlos , Pastor Isabel , Vilaseca Eudald , David Calin , Garcés Josep Lluís , Puy Jaume , Mas Francesc
Published: November 2011

In this paper, we present a computer simulation study of the ion binding process at an ionizable surface using a semi-grand canonical Monte Carlo method that models the surface as a discrete distribution of charged and neutral functional groups in equilibrium with explicit ions modelled in the context of the primitive model. The parameters of the simulation model were tuned and checked by comparison with experimental titrations of carboxylated latex particles in the presence of different ionic strengths of monovalent ions. The titration of these particles was analysed by calculating the degree of dissociation of the latex functional groups vs. pH curves at different background salt concentrations. As the charge of the titrated surface changes during the simulation, a procedure to keep the electroneutrality of the system is required. Here, two approaches are used with the choice depending on the ion selected to maintain electroneutrality: counterion or coion procedures. We compare and discuss the difference between the procedures. The simulations also provided a microscopic description of the electrostatic double layer (EDL) structure as a function of pH and ionic strength. The results allow us to quantify the effect of the size of the background salt ions and of the surface functional groups on the degree of dissociation. The non-homogeneous structure of the EDL was revealed by plotting the counterion density profiles around charged and neutral surface functional groups.
Detailed balance condition and effective free energy in the primitive chain network model
Authors: Uneyama Takashi , Masubuchi Yuichi
Published: November 2011

We consider statistical mechanical properties of the primitive chain network (PCN) model for entangled polymers from its dynamic equations. We show that the dynamic equation for the segment number of the PCN model does not reduce to the standard Langevin equation which satisfies the detailed balance condition. We propose heuristic modifications for the PCN dynamic equation for the segment number, to make it reduce to the standard Langevin equation. We analyse some equilibrium statistical properties of the modified PCN model, by using the effective free energy obtained from the modified PCN dynamic equations. The PCN effective free energy can be interpreted as the sum of the ideal Gaussian chain free energy and the repulsive interaction energy between slip-links. By using the single chain approximation, we calculate several distribution functions of the PCN model. The obtained distribution functions are qualitatively different from ones for the simple slip-link model without any direct interactions between slip-links.
Diversity of seed protein among the Australian narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) cultivars
Authors: Islam Shahidul , Ma Wujun , Ma Junhong , Buirchell Bevan J. , Appels Rudi , Yan Guijun
Published: November 2011

Narrow-leafed lupin (NLL) is one of the major legume crops in Australian farming systems which is largely used as animal feed. Several modern cultivars have been developed through breeding making NLL feasible for use as human food. Significant health benefits have been recognised for NLL. The current study characterised protein polymorphism among 25 Australian cultivars through mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) with the aim of developing molecular breeding strategies to improve protein quality and content. A total of 364 seed protein mass peaks were clearly identified by MALDI-TOF and 50 protein mass peaks were cultivar specific. In addition, 9 protein mass peaks were found present in all cultivars and 61 protein mass peaks present in 2–3 cultivars only. Phylogenic analysis based on the protein profile categorised the cultivars into 2 major groups, which are broadly supported by pedigree information. The low proportion (2.4%) of common protein mass peaks among the cultivars suggested a high level of diversity in seed protein of NLL.
Attitudes towards sex: a comparison of prisoners and the general community
Authors: Malacova Eva , Butler Tony , Richters Juliet , Yap Lorraine , Grant Luke , Richards Alun , Smith Anthony M. A. , Donovan Basil
Published: November 2011

Background National population surveys of attitudes towards sexual issues typically exclude prisoners and little is known about their attitudes compared with the community. Methods: Using computer-assisted telephone interviews, we compared a representative sample of 2289 prisoners (men = 1960, women = 329), aged 18–59 years, from two Australian states against a national community sample of 6755 participants (men = 3333, women = 3421). Results: Overall, prisoners were slightly more conservative in their attitudes towards sex than the community. They were more likely than the community to agree with the statement that abortion is wrong (men: adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.8–3.9; women: AOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2–2.4) and that male homosexuality is wrong (men: AOR = 2.6, 95% CI: 2.2–3.1; women: AOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2–2.3); these differences were more pronounced for men than women. The attitudes of prisoners and the community varied with age. Attitudinal differences between prisoners and the community tended to be larger than the differences between women and men (agree that abortion is wrong: prisoners, AOR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.4–0.7; community, AOR = 0.8, 95% CI: 0.7–0.9; agree that male homosexuality is wrong: prisoners, AOR = 0.4, 95% CI: 0.3–0.5; community, AOR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.5–0.7). Conclusion: Prisoners have either similar or less accepting attitudes towards sex than the general population. These attitudes contrast with the higher engagement in risk behaviours reported by prisoners.
Detection of β cell death in diabetes using differentially methylated circulating DNA
Authors: Akirav Eitan M. , Lebastchi Jasmin , Galvan Eva M. , Henegariu Octavian , Akirav Michael , Ablamunits Vitaly , Lizardi Paul M. , Herold Kevan C.
Published: November 2011

In diabetes mellitus, β cell destruction is largely silent and can be detected only after significant loss of insulin secretion capacity. We have developed a method for detecting β cell death in vivo by amplifying and measuring the proportion of insulin 1 DNA from β cells in the serum. By using primers that are specific for DNA methylation patterns in β cells, we have detected circulating copies of β cell-derived demethylated DNA in serum of mice by quantitative PCR. Accordingly, we have identified a relative increase of β cell-derived DNA after induction of diabetes with streptozotocin and during development of diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice. We have extended the use of this assay to measure β cell-derived insulin DNA in human tissues and serum. We found increased levels of demethylated insulin DNA in subjects with new-onset type 1 diabetes compared with age-matched control subjects. Our method provides a noninvasive approach for detecting β cell death in vivo that may be used to track the progression of diabetes and guide its treatment.
UHRF1 phosphorylation by cyclin A2/cyclin-dependent kinase 2 is required for zebrafish embryogenesis
Authors: Chu Jaime , Loughlin Elizabeth A. , Gaur Naseem A. , SenBanerjee Sucharita , Jacob Vinitha , Monson Christopher , Kent Brandon , Oranu Amanke , Ding Yuanying , Ukomadu Chinweike , Sadler Kirsten C.
Published: November 2011

Ubiquitin-like, containing PHD and RING finger domains 1 (uhrf1) is regulated at the transcriptional level during the cell cycle and in developing zebrafish embryos. We identify phosphorylation as a novel means of regulating UHRF1 and demonstrate that Uhrf1 phosphorylation is required for gastrulation in zebrafish. Human UHRF1 contains a conserved cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) phosphorylation site at Ser-661 that is phosphorylated in vitro by CDK2 partnered with cyclin A2 (CCNA2), but not cyclin E. An antibody specific for phospho-Ser-661 recognizes UHRF1 in both mammalian cancer cells and in nontransformed zebrafish cells, but not in zebrafish bearing a mutation in ccna2. Depleting Uhrf1 from zebrafish embryos by morpholino injection causes arrest before gastrulation and early embryonic death. This phenotype is rescued by wild-type UHRF1, but not by UHRF1 in which the phospho-acceptor site is mutated, demonstrating that UHRF1 phosphorylation is essential for embryogenesis. UHRF1 was detected in the nucleus and cytoplasm, whereas nonphosphorylatable UHRF1 is unable to localize to the cytoplasm, suggesting the importance of localization in UHRF1 function. Together, these data point to an essential role for UHRF1 phosphorylation by CDK/CCNA2 during early vertebrate development.
Influence plots and metrics: tools for better understanding fisheries catch-per-unit-effort standardizations
Authors: Bentley Nokome , Kendrick Terese H. , Starr Paul J. , Breen Paul A.
Published: November 2011

Bentley, N., Kendrick, T. H., Starr, P. J., and Breen, P. A. 2012. Influence plots and metrics: tools for better understanding fisheries catch-per-unit-effort standardizations. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 69: 84–88. Standardization of catch per unit effort using generalized linear models (GLMs) is a common procedure that attempts to remove the confounding effects of variables other than abundance. Simple plots and metrics are described to assist understanding the standardization effects of explanatory variables included in GLMs, illustrated with an example based on New Zealand trevally (Caranx lutescens) data.
An Avirulent Tomato Powdery Mildew Isolate Induces Localized Acquired Resistance to a Virulent Isolate in a Spatiotemporal Manner
Authors: Seifi Alireza , Nonomura Teruo , Matsuda Yoshinori , Toyoda Hideyoshi , Bai Yuling
Published: November 2011

Hypersensitive response (HR) of plant cells to the attack of pathogens induces resistance to subsequent attacks by a broad spectrum of pathogens, leading to acquired resistance. In this study, we characterized the localized acquired resistance (LAR) in the epidermal cells of tomato. First, we report the discovery of a new isolate of tomato powdery mildew occurring in Japan, KTP-02, which has a different virulence spectrum compared with the previously-characterized isolate, KTP-01. Using these two isolates, we investigated LAR phenomenon in the epidermal cells of tomato plants carrying the Ol-4 resistance gene. Ol-4 encodes a nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat protein that triggers HR in the epidermal cells in response to KTP-01 but not KTP-02. We mounted a single conidium of KTP-01 on a single tomato epidermal cell and then monitored the progress of HR in that cell by live microscopy. Once HR occurred in that cell, we mounted a single conidium of KTP-02 on cells adjacent to or at one-cell distance from the first challenged cells, in different time points. With a digital microscope, we consecutively tracked the progress of HR (i.e., induction of LAR) in those cells. Results showed that, in tomato plants carrying the Ol-4 gene, HR to KTP-01 results in induction of HR in the adjacent epidermal cells challenged with KTP-02. Our results show that LAR can be triggered only in adjacent cell layer and lasts 24 to 48 h after HR occurred in the first cell. We did not observe the reverse phenomenon, induced susceptibility to KTP-01 by KTP-02. Altogether, we report an advanced technique for investigating LAR phenomena, and provide data on spatiotemporal characteristics of LAR in tomato epidermal cells.
Development and Application of a Multilocus Sequence Analysis Method for the Identification of Genotypes Within Genus Bradyrhizobium and for Establishing Nodule Occupancy of Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr)
Authors: van Berkum Peter , Elia Patrick , Song Qijian , Eardly Bertrand D.
Published: November 2011

A multilocus sequence typing (MLST) method based on allelic variation of seven chromosomal loci was developed for characterizing genotypes (GT) within the genus Bradyrhizobium. With the method, 29 distinct multilocus GT were identified among 190 culture collection soybean strains. The occupancy of 347 nodules taken from uninoculated field-grown soybean plants also was determined. The bacteroid GT were either the same as or were closely related to GT identified among strains in the culture collection. Double-nodule occupancy estimates of 2.9% were much lower than values published based on serology. Of the 347 nodules examined, 337 and 10 were occupied by Bradyrhizobium japonicum and B. elkanii, respectively. The collection strains within the species B. japonicum and B. elkaniialso were compared with Bradyrhizobium cultures from other legumes. In many cases, the observed GT varied more according to their geographic origin than by their trap hosts of isolation. In other cases, there were no apparent relationships with either the legume or geographic source. The MLST method that was developed should be a useful tool in determining the influence of geographic location, temperature, season, soil type, and host plant cultivar on the distribution of GT of Bradyrhizobium spp.
Equipment and strategies for emergency tracheal access in the adult patient
Authors: Hamaekers A. E. , Henderson J. J.
Published: November 2011

The inability to maintain oxygenation by non‐invasive means is one of the most pressing emergencies in anaesthesia and emergency care. To prevent hypoxic brain damage and death in a ‘cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate’ situation, emergency percutaneous airway access must be performed immediately. Even though this emergency is rare, every anaesthetist should be capable of performing an emergency percutaneous airway as the situation may arise unexpectedly. Clear knowledge of the anatomy and the insertion technique, and repeated skill training are essential to ensure completion of this procedure rapidly and successfully. Various techniques have been described for emergency oxygenation and several commercial emergency cricothyroidotomy sets are available. There is, however, no consensus on the best technique or device. As each has its limitations, it is recommended that all anaesthetists are skilled in more than one technique of emergency percutaneous airway. Avoiding delay in initiating rescue techniques is at least as important as choice of device in determining outcome.
Comparison of interferon-γ-, interleukin (IL)-17- and IL-22-expressing CD4 T cells, IL-22-expressing granulocytes and proinflammatory cytokines during latent and active tuberculosis infection
Authors: Cowan J , Pandey S , Filion L G , Angel J B , Kumar A , Cameron D W
Published: November 2011

In this study, we investigated the role and expression of T helper type 17 (Th17) cells and Th17 cytokines in human tuberculosis. We show that the basal proportion of interferon (IFN)-γ-, interleukin (IL)-17- and IL-22-expressing CD4+ T cells and IL-22-expressing granulocytes in peripheral blood were significantly lower in latently infected healthy individuals and active tuberculosis patients compared to healthy controls. In contrast, CD4+ T cells expressing IL-17, IL-22 and IFN-γ were increased significantly following mycobacterial antigens stimulation in both latent and actively infected patients. Interestingly, proinflammatory IFN-γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were increased following antigen stimulation in latent infection. Similarly, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-8, IL-22 and TNF-α were increased in the serum of latently infected individuals, whereas IL-6 and TNF-α were increased significantly in actively infected patients. Overall, we observed differential induction of IL-17-, IL-22- and IFN-γ-expressing CD4+ T cells, IL-22-expressing granulocytes and proinflammatory cytokines in circulation and following antigenic stimulation in latent and active tuberculosis.
Surfactant protein D inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in human renal tubular epithelial cells: implication for tubulointerstitial fibrosis
Authors: Hu F , Liang W , Ren Z , Wang G , Ding G
Published: November 2011

Surfactant protein D (SP-D), a member of the C-type lectin (collectin) protein family, plays a critical role in innate host defence against various microbial pathogens and in the modulation of inflammatory responses in the lung. However, little is known about its expression and biological function in the kidney. In this work, we studied SP-D expression in human kidney and cultured human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2), and examined the effect of SP-D on proinflammatory cytokine production after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulus. We observed the expression of both SP-D mRNA and protein in human kidney and in-vitro HK-2 cells by immunohistochemistry, Western blot analysis, reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR) and real-time PCR. To explore the potential role of SP-D in the pathogenesis of tubulointerstitial fibrosis in kidney infection, we examined the production of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in HK-2 cells after LPS treatment. Results showed that the level of MCP-1 in the conditioned medium increased significantly when HK-2 cells were cultured with LPS (>0·1 µg/ml) for 8 h. Of interest, LPS treatment inhibited SP-D expression in HK-2 cells. Furthermore, over-expression of SP-D reduced significantly the LPS-induced expression of MCP-1 in transfected cells. These findings suggest that SP-D in the kidney functions as an anti-inflammatory factor in renal tubular epithelial cells and may modulate tubulointerstitial fibrosis in kidney.
Purified Timothy grass pollen major allergen Phl p 1 may contribute to the modulation of allergic responses through a pleiotropic induction of cytokines and chemokines from airway epithelial cells
Authors: Röschmann K I L , van Kuijen A-M , Luiten S , Jonker M J , Breit T M , Fokkens W J , Petersen A , van Drunen C M
Published: November 2011

By definition, allergens are proteins with the ability to elicit powerful T helper lymphocyte type 2 (Th2) responses, culminating in immunoglobulin (Ig)E antibody production. Why specific proteins cause aberrant immune responses has remained largely unanswered. Recent data suggest that there may be several molecular paths that may affect allergenicity of proteins. The focus of this study is the response of airway epithelium to a major allergen from Phleum pratense Phl p 1. Instead of focusing on a few genes and proteins that might be affected by the major allergen, our aim was to obtain a broader view on the immune stimulatory capacity of Phl p 1. We therefore performed detailed analysis on mRNA and protein level by using a microarray approach to define Phl p 1-induced gene expression. We found that this allergen induces modulation and release of a broad range of mediators, indicating it to be a powerful trigger of the immune system. We were able to show that genes belonging to the GO cluster ‘cell communication’ were among the most prominent functional groups, which is also reflected in cytokines and chemokines building centres in a computational model of direct gene interaction. Further detailed comparison of grass pollen extract (GPE)- and Phl p 1-induced gene expression might be beneficial with regard to the application of single components within diagnosis and immunotherapy.
Relative importance of different lipid risk factors for the development of myocardial infarction at a very young age (≤ 40 years of age)
Authors: Goliasch Georg , Oravec Stanislav , Blessberger Hermann , Dostal Elisabeth , Hoke Matthias , Wojta Johann , Schillinger Martin , Huber Kurt , Maurer Gerald , Wiesbauer Franz
Published: November 2011

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (6): 631–636

Background  Low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol lowering has been established as one of the principal targets in preventive cardiology. Recently, assessment of LDL particle size and number as well as other lipid moieties has been presented as a more reliable method to quantify atherogenicity of the lipoprotein fractions. Thus, it was our aim to assess the influence of different lipoprotein fractions on premature myocardial infarction (≤ 40 years of age).

Methods and results  We enrolled 302 patients into our multicentre case–control study, including 102 patients with myocardial infarction and 200 age‐, gender‐ and centre‐matched controls. The LDL and HDL Lipoprint® System were used for lipid subfraction quantification. The lipid risk factors most strongly associated with premature acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the adjusted model were non‐HDL C (OR 5·02, 95% CI 2·75–9·15, P‐value = 0·001), LDL‐C (OR 4·35, 95% CI 2·5–7·57, P‐value = 0·001), VLDL‐C (OR 3·66, 95% CI 2·14–6·28, P‐value = 0·001), large IDL‐C (OR 3·15, 95% CI 1·94–5·12, P‐value = 0·001), large LDL‐C (OR 3·67, 95% CI 2·19–6·15, P‐value = 0·001) and intermediate LDL‐C (OR 1·96, 95% CI 1·25–3·06, P‐value = 0·003). In contrast, small dense LDL was not significantly associated with premature myocardial infarction.

Conclusion  Non‐HDL cholesterol is most strongly associated with premature coronary artery disease and could serve as preferred risk predictor and therapeutic target in this young patient population (≤ 40 years). Besides, VLDL, LDL‐C, large LDL, intermediate LDL and large IDL were significantly associated with premature myocardial infarction. Furthermore, our data suggest that risk prediction using small dense LDL particles might not be useful in young AMI survivors.
Medication safety: using incident data analysis and clinical focus groups to inform educational needs
Authors: Hesselgreaves Hannah , Watson Anne , Crawford Andy , Lough Murray , Bowie Paul
Published: November 2011

Rationale, aims and objectives  Medication‐related safety incidents are a source of concern to patients, policy makers and clinicians. The role of education in improving safety‐critical practices in health care is poorly appreciated. This pilot study aimed to initiate collective discussion among professional groups of clinical staff about a range of medicine‐related patient safety issues which were identified from a local incident reporting system. In engaging staff to collectively reflect on reported medication incidents we attempted to uncover a deeper understanding of local contextual issues and potential educational needs.

Methods  A mixed method study was conducted involving categorical analysis of 1058 medication incident reports (Phase 1) and the use of three mixed focus groups of clinical staff (Phase 2) in three acute hospitals in one locality in NHS Scotland.

Results  Focus group transcript analysis produced four main themes (e.g. the medical role) and 12 related sub‐themes (e.g. pharmacological education and skill mix for administration of medicines) concerning medication‐related practices and possible educational interventions.

Conclusions  While it is necessary to review reported incident data and disseminate the educational messages for the improvement of quality, this traditional risk management process is inadequate on its own. Reporting systems can be enhanced by collective examination of reported information about medicines by local clinical teams. We identified a strong message from the focus groups for learning about each other and from each other, and that the method piloted may be an important inter‐professional mechanism for improvement.
A meta‐analysis of hospital 30‐day avoidable readmission rates
Authors: van Walraven Carl , Jennings Alison , Forster Alan J.
Published: November 2011

Rationale and objectives  Urgent readmission to hospital is commonly used to measure hospital quality of care. Hospitals that measure the proportion of urgent readmissions judged avoidable need to know previously published rates for comparison. In this study, we generated a literature‐based estimate for the proportion of 30‐day urgent readmissions deemed avoidable for hospitals to use to gauge their performance in avoidable readmissions.

Methods  We searched the Medline and Embase databases to identify published studies that reported the proportion of 30‐day urgent readmissions deemed avoidable. We then modelled the overall proportion of 30‐day urgent readmissions deemed avoidable.

Results  We included 16 studies that used a wide variety of patients and a diverse range of methods to classify readmissions as avoidable. Studies reported a broad range for the proportion of urgent 30‐day readmissions deemed avoidable. Overall, 848 of 3669 readmissions (23.1%, 95% confidence interval, 21.7–24.5) of 30‐day urgent readmissions were classified as avoidable. This proportion varied significantly based on hospital teaching status and number of reviewers for each case [teaching hospitals: with one reviewer, 9.3% (4.2–19.3); with >1 reviewer, 21.6% (13.2–33.3); non‐teaching hospital: with one reviewer, 32.2% (11.4–63.9); with >1 reviewer, 39.9% (37.6–42.2)]. Significant heterogeneity remained between studies even after clustering studies by these covariates.

Conclusions  Less than one in four readmissions were deemed avoidable. Health system planners need to use caution in interpreting all cause readmission statistics as they are only partially influenced by quality of care.
Association of hepatitis C with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in US general population: the impact of the epidemic of obesity
Authors: Stepanova M. , Lam B. , Younossi Y. , Srishord M. K , Younossi Z. M.
Published: November 2011

Summary.  Studies from tertiary care medical centres have linked hepatitis C virus (HCV) to the development of insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study is to assess the relationship between HCV positivity and insulin resistance/diabetes in the US population. Three cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 1988 and 2008 were used. HCV infection was diagnosed using a positive serologic anti‐HCV test. Additionally, diabetes was diagnosed as fasting blood glucose ≥126 mg/dL and/or the use of hypoglycaemic medications. Insulin resistance was defined as a homeostasis of model assessment (HOMA) score of >3.0. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of each of the potential risk factors for diabetes mellitus (DM). The SUDAAN 10.0 was used to run descriptive and regression analyses. A total of 39 506 individuals from three NHANES cycles (1988–1994, 1999–2004 and 2005–2008) with complete demographic and relevant clinical data were included. Over these three NHANES cycles, prevalence of hepatitis C did not significantly change. During the first NHANES cycle (1988–1994), insulin and diabetes were independently associated with hepatitis C. However, during the later study cycles (1998–2008), these associations were no longer significant. In contrast, other important known risk factors for diabetes and IR (male gender, non‐Caucasian race, age and obesity) remained significant over all three NHANES cycles. Although HCV infection was independently associated with an increased risk of diabetes and IR in the US population over a decade ago, assessment of the later NHANES cycles shows that this relationship may have become diluted by the rapid rise of other risks for diabetes, specifically, the prevalence of obesity.
The neuropathology, pathophysiology and genetics of multiple system atrophy
Authors: Ahmed Z. , Asi Y. T. , Sailer A. , Lees A. J. , Houlden H. , Revesz T. , Holton J. L.
Published: November 2011

Z. Ahmed, Y. T. Asi, A. Sailer, A. J. Lees, H. Houlden, T. Revesz and J. L. Holton (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 4–24

The neuropathology, pathophysiology and genetics of multiple system atrophy

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an unrelenting, sporadic, adult‐onset, neurodegenerative disease of unknown aetiology. Its clinically progressive course is characterized by a variable combination of parkinsonism, cerebellar ataxia and/or autonomic dysfunction. Neuropathological examination often reveals gross abnormalities of the striatonigral and/or olivopontocerebellar systems, which upon microscopic examination are associated with severe neuronal loss, gliosis, myelin pallor and axonal degeneration. MSA is a member of a diverse group of neurodegenerative disorders termed α‐synucleinopathies, due to the presence of abnormal α‐synuclein positive cytoplasmic inclusions in oligodendrocytes, termed glial cytoplasmic inclusions. These are the hallmark neuropathological lesion of MSA and are thought to play a central role in the pathogenesis of the disease. In this review, neuropathological features of MSA are described in detail, along with recent advances in the pathophysiology and genetics of the disease. Our current knowledge of the expression and accumulation of α‐synuclein, and efforts to model the disease in vitro and in vivo, are emphasized in this paper and have helped formulate a working hypothesis for the pathogenesis of MSA.
Growth, respiration and nutrient acquisition by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus mosseae and its host plant Plantago lanceolata in cooled soil
Authors: KARASAWA T. , HODGE A. , FITTER A. H.
Published: November 2011

Although plant phosphate uptake is reduced by low soil temperature, arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are responsible for P uptake in many plants. We investigated growth and carbon allocation of the AM fungus Glomus mosseae and a host plant (Plantago lanceolata) under reduced soil temperature. Plants were grown in compartmented microcosm units to determine the impact on both fungus and roots of a constant 2.7 °C reduction in soil temperature for 16 d. C allocation was measured using two 13CO2 pulse labels. Although root growth was reduced by cooling, AM colonization, growth and respiration of the extraradical mycelium (ERM) and allocation of assimilated 13C to the ERM were all unaffected; the frequency of arbuscules increased. In contrast, root respiration and 13C content and plant P and Zn content were all reduced by cooling. Cooling had less effect on N and K, and none on Ca and Mg content. The AM fungus G. mosseae was more able to sustain activity in cooled soil than were the roots of P. lanceolata, and so enhanced plant P content under a realistic degree of soil cooling that reduced plant growth. AM fungi may therefore be an effective means to promote plant nutrition under low soil temperatures.
Vertical gradient in soil temperature stimulates development and increases biomass accumulation in barley
Authors: FÜLLNER K. , TEMPERTON V. M. , RASCHER U. , JAHNKE S. , RIST R. , SCHURR U. , KUHN A. J.
Published: November 2011

We have detailed knowledge from controlled environment studies on the influence of root temperature on plant performance, growth and morphology. However, in all studies root temperature was kept spatially uniform, which motivated us to test whether a vertical gradient in soil temperature affected development and biomass production. Roots of barley seedlings were exposed to three uniform temperature treatments (10, 15 or 20 °C) or to a vertical gradient (20–10 °C from top to bottom). Substantial differences in plant performance, biomass production and root architecture occurred in the 30‐day‐old plants. Shoot and root biomass of plants exposed to vertical temperature gradient increased by 144 respectively, 297%, compared with plants grown at uniform root temperature of 20 °C. Additionally the root system was concentrated in the upper 10 cm of the soil substrate (98% of total root biomass) in contrast to plants grown at uniform soil temperature of 20 °C (86% of total root biomass). N and C concentrations in plant roots grown in the gradient were significantly lower than under uniform growth conditions. These results are important for the transferability of ‘normal’ greenhouse experiments where generally soil temperature is not controlled or monitored and open a new path to better understand and experimentally assess root–shoot interactions.
Diets enriched with a Jerte Valley cherry‐based nutraceutical product reinforce nocturnal behaviour in young and old animals of nocturnal (Rattus norvegicus) and diurnal (Streptopelia risoria) chronotypes
Authors: Delgado J. , Terrón Ma. P. , Garrido M. , Pariente J. A. , Barriga C. , Rodríguez A. B. , Paredes S. D.
Published: November 2011

The decline in melatonin secretion with age seems to be one of the major reasons for increased sleep disruption in older animals. Previously, we showed that the administration with melatonin or its precursor, tryptophan, improved activity/rest rhythms in aged individuals. Here, it was evaluated the effect of a 10‐day consumption of a Jerte Valley cherry‐based nutraceutical product (patent no. ES2342141B1), which contains high levels of tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin, on the activity/rest rhythms of young and old rats (Rattus norvegicus) and ringdoves (Streptopelia risoria) as representatives of animals with nocturnal and diurnal habits, respectively, and its possible relationship with the serum levels of melatonin and glucose. Total diurnal and nocturnal activity pulses were logged at control, during, and up to 3 days after the treatment. Melatonin and glucose were measured with ELISA and testing kits respectively. In both young and old rats, the intake of the cherry nutraceutical decreased diurnal activity, whereas nocturnal activity increased. The opposite effect was observed for ringdoves. The treatment increased the circulating levels of melatonin in both species and restored the amplitude of the activity rhythm in the old animals to that of the non‐treated young groups. The consumption of a Jerte Valley cherry‐based nutraceutical product may help to counteract the impaired activity/rest rhythm found in aged animals.
In two waters: contemporary evolution of lagoonal and marine white seabream (Diplodus sargus) populations
Authors: González‐Wangüemert Mercedes , Pérez‐Ruzafa Ángel
Published: November 2011

Brackish water ecosystems are often exposed to wide variations in environmental variables, including temperature and salinity, which may cause strong selective pressures on organisms modifying the genetic patterns of species. The aim of this work was to test whether there is a ‘divergence‐with‐gene flow’ in coastal lagoon populations of white seabream (Diplodus sargus) (Ria Formosa, S Portugal and Mar Menor, SE Spain) respect to four marine populations, by using partial sequences of cyt b mitochondrial gene and information from nine microsatellite loci. Genetic diversity was highest in both coastal lagoons (Mar Menor and Ria Formosa) considering mitochondrial and nuclear markers. Although some of FST population pairwise comparisons were not significant, analyses of molecular variance (AMOVAs) detected differences between groups (coastal lagoon and marine) close to significance. Also, only two haplotypes (Cytb‐17 and Cytb‐18) were detected in both coastal lagoon sampling sites and these localities (Mar Menor and Ria Formosa) showed the highest number of singletons, some of them with a high number of mutations, as has been already described for other Mar Menor populations (Pomatochistus marmoratus and Holothuria polii). Also, several tests detected significant positive and balancing selection considering mtDNA and microsatellite data. These data support the hypothesis of selection as one of the drivers of the genetic differences found between coastal lagoon and marine populations. The life strategy adopted by Diplodus sargus in coastal lagoons allows it to decrease its mortality rate and improve the heritability of its genes. Also, the increase time spent in coastal lagoons with different temperatures and salinities favours the fitness selection and the maintenance of exclusive haplotypes and genotypes in coastal lagoon inhabitants favouring the ‘divergence‐with‐gene‐flow’.
The effects of exenatide bid on metabolic control, medication use and hospitalization in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in clinical practice: a systematic review
Authors: Best J. H. , Lavillotti K. , DeYoung M. B. , Garrison L. P.
Published: November 2011

The objective of this systematic review was to assess the published literature on the effectiveness of exenatide twice daily (exenatide) in clinical practice, specifically its effects on haemoglobin A1c (A1C), fasting glucose (FG), weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), medication use, hospitalization and cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes. A systematic literature search using the MEDLINE database of English language literature published between January 2005 and May 2011 was performed. The review included retrospective or prospective observational studies that included 100 or more patients per treatment group. A total of 15 studies meeting the inclusion criteria were identified. The studies revealed significant reductions of −0.4 to −0.9% in A1C, −10 mg/dl in FG, −2 to −11 kg in body weight and −2 to −11 mmHg in SBP. Statistically significant reductions in the use or dosage of either oral glucose‐lowering medications or insulin after initiating exenatide treatment were found in every observational study that assessed medication changes, including reductions in dosage of up to 75% in sulphonylureas dosages, 22% in metformin, 66% in thiazolidinediones (TZD) or TZD combination therapy and 75% in prandial insulin. Exenatide‐treated patients experienced significantly lower rates of all‐cause and CVD‐related hospitalization and CVD events than patients treated with other therapies overall. In this review of observational studies, exenatide initiation was associated with significant reductions in clinically relevant outcomes. Improvements in A1C, FG, weight and SBP in the observational studies in this review were consistent with improvements observed in controlled clinical trials.
Obesity and type 2 diabetes: which patients are at risk?
Authors: Garber A. J.
Published: November 2011

An estimated 72.5 million American adults are obese, and the growing US obesity epidemic is responsible for substantial increase in morbidity and mortality, as well as increased health care costs. Obesity results from a combination of personal and societal factors, but is often viewed as a character flaw rather than a medical condition. This leads to stigma and discrimination towards obese individuals and decreases the likelihood of effective intervention. Conditions related to obesity are increasingly common, such as metabolic syndrome, impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), all of which indicate high risk for type 2 diabetes (T2DM). This paper reviews the progression from obesity to diabetes, identifying physiological changes that occur along this path as well as opportunities for patient identification and disease prevention. Patients with prediabetes (defined as having IFG, IGT or both) and/or metabolic syndrome require interventions designed to preserve insulin sensitivity and β‐cell function, both of which start to deteriorate prior to T2DM diagnosis. Lifestyle modification, including both healthy eating choices and increased physical activity, is essential for weight management and diabetes prevention. Although sustained weight loss is often considered by patients and physicians as being impossible to achieve, effective interventions do exist. Specifically, the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) and programs modelled along its parameters have shown repeated successes, even with long‐term maintenance. Recent setbacks in the development of medications for weight loss further stress the importance of lifestyle management. By viewing obesity as a metabolic disorder rather than a personal weakness, we can work with patients to address this increasingly prevalent condition and improve long‐term health outcomes.
The contribution of developmental palaeontology to extensions of evolutionary theory
Authors: Wilson Laura A. B.
Published: November 2011

Evo‐devo is featuring prominently in current discussion to extend evolutionary theory. Developmental palaeontology, the study of life history evolution and ontogeny in fossils, remains an area of investigation that could benefit from, but also illuminate, the discourse and research agenda of evo‐devo. Understanding how and why evolution proceeds in phenotypic space is an important goal of evo‐devo and one that can be significantly enriched through the examination of development in the fossil record (Palaeo‐evo‐devo). Such an approach permits developmental pathways to be extended into the past, constraining hypotheses of developmental evolution in ways that cannot be predicted by patterns observed from extant taxa alone. The comparison of developmental dynamics among extant and extinct taxa yields a more complete understanding of the temporal persistence of factors that shape evolution in phenotypic space. As more data are compiled that document ‘fossilized ontogenies’, a stage will emerge from which insights into the evolution of development can begin to appraise those phenotypes that are inaccessible to evo‐devo.
Drinking to our health: can beverage companies cut calories while maintaining profits?
Authors: Kleiman S. , Ng S. W. , Popkin B.
Published: November 2011

Carbonated soft drinks and other beverages make up an increasing percentage of energy intake, and there are rising public health concerns about the links between consumption of sugar‐sweetened beverages and weight gain, obesity, and other cardiometabolic problems. In response, the food and beverage industry claims to be reformulating products, reducing package or portion sizes and introducing healthier options. Comparative analysis on various changes and their potential effects on public health are needed.

We conduct a case study using the two largest and most influential producers of sweetened beverages, The Coca‐Cola Company and PepsiCo Inc., who together control 34% of the global soft drink market, examining their product portfolios globally and in three critical markets (the United States, Brazil and China) from 2000 to 2010. On a global basis, total revenues and energy per capita sold increased, yet the average energy density (kJ 100 mL−1) sold declined slightly, suggesting a shift to lower‐calorie products. In the United States, both total energy per capita and average energy density of beverages sold decreased, while the opposite was true in the developing markets of Brazil and China, with total per capita energy increasing greatly in China and, to a lesser extent, in Brazil.
Code of ethics quality: an international comparison of corporate staff support and regulation in Australia, Canada and the United States
Authors: Callaghan Michael , Wood Greg , Payan Janice M. , Singh Jang , Svensson Göran
Published: November 2011

The objective of this paper is to examine the ‘Code of Ethics Quality’ (CEQ) in the largest companies of Australia, Canada and the United States. For this purpose, a proposed CEQ construct has been applied. It appears from the empirical findings that while Australia, Canada and the United States are extremely similar in their economic and social development, there may well be distinct cultural mores and issues that are forming their business ethics practices. A research implication derived from the performed research is that the construct provides a selection of observable and measurable elements in the context of CEQ. The construct of CEQ consists of nine measures divided into two dimensions (i.e. staff support and regulation). They should not be seen as a complete list. On the contrary, it is encouraged that others propose and elaborate revisions and extensions. A practical implication of this paper is a structure of what and how to examine the CEQ in a managerial setting. It may assist companies in their efforts to establish, maintain and improve their ethical culture, norms and beliefs within the organization and supporting them in their ethical business practices with different stakeholders in the marketplace and society. The dimensions and measures of the construct may be used as a frame of reference for further research. They may be useful and applicable across contexts and over time using similar samples when it comes to large companies, as small‐ or medium‐sized ones may not have considered all areas nor have the elements in place. This is a research limitation, but it provides an opportunity for further research.