bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnesium, calcium and strontium salts of phenylacetic acid
Authors: Arlin Jean-Baptiste , Kennedy Alan R. , Shankland Kenneth
Published: January 2012

Three alkaline earth metal salts of phenylacetic acid were examined and all were found to have similar structural types to analogous salts of benzoic and halobenzoic acids. Thus, a synchrotron study shows that the cations incatena-poly[[[tetraaquamagnesium(II)]-μ-phenylacetato-κ2O:O′] phenylacetate], {[Mg(C8H7O2)(H2O)4](C8H7O2)}n, form a one-dimensional coordination polymer that propagates through Mg—O—C—O—Mg interactions involving both crystallographically independent Mg centres (Z′ = 2) and through translation along theaaxis. The polymeric chains pack to give alternate inorganic layers and organic bilayers. The Ca and Sr speciescatena-poly[[[diaqua(phenylacetato-κ2O,O′)calcium(II)]-μ3-phenylacetato-1′:1:1′′κ4O:O,O′:O′] monohydrate], {[Ca(C8H7O2)2(H2O)2]·H2O}n, andcatena-poly[[[diaqua(phenylacetato-κ2O,O′)strontium(II)]-μ3-phenylacetato-1′:1:1′′κ4O:O,O′:O′] monohydrate], {[Sr(C8H7O2)2(H2O)2]·H2O}n, are essentially isostructural. Both form one-dimensional coordination polymers through a carboxylate group that forms fourM—O bonds. The polymeric chains propagatevia21screw axes parallel to thebaxis and are further linked in thebcplane by hydrogen bonding involving the non-metal-bound water molecule. Similarly to the Mg salt, both have inorganic layers that alternate with organic bilayers.
Structure of the new mineral sarrabusite, Pb5CuCl4(SeO3)4, solved by manual electron-diffraction tomography
Authors: Gemmi Mauro , Campostrini Italo , Demartin Francesco , Gorelik Tatiana E. , Gramaccioli Carlo Maria
Published: January 2012

The new mineral sarrabusite Pb5CuCl4(SeO3)4 has been discovered in the Sardinian mine of Baccu Locci, near Villaputzu. It occurs as small lemon–yellow spherical aggregates of tabular crystals (< 10 µm) of less than 100 µm in diameter. The crystal structure has been solved from and refined against electron diffraction of a microcrystal. Data sets have been measured by both a manual and an automated version of the new electron-diffraction tomography technique combined with the precession of the electron beam. The sarrabusite structure is monoclinic and consists of (010) layers of straight chains formed by alternating edge-sharing CuO4Cl2 and PbO8 polyhedra parallel to the c axis, which share corners laterally with two zigzag corner-sharing chains of PbO6Cl2 and PbO4Cl4 bicapped trigonal prisms. These blocks are linked together by SeO_3^{2-} flat-pyramidal groups.
Lattice constants and thermal expansion of H2O and D2O Ice Ih between 10 and 265 K. Addendum
Authors: Röttger K. , Endriss A. , Ihringer Jörg , Doyle S. , Kuhs W. F.
Published: January 2012

In a previous paper we reported the lattice constants and thermal expansion of normal and deuterated ice Ih [Röttger et al. (1994). Acta Cryst. B50, 644–648]. Synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data were used to obtain the lattice constants and unit-cell volumes of H2O and D2O ice Ih in the temperature range 15–265 K. A polynomial expression was given for the unit-cell volumes. It turns out that the coefficients quoted have an insufficient number of digits to faithfully reproduce the volume cell data. Here we provide a table with more significant digits. Moreover, we also provide the coefficients of a polynomial fit to the previously published a and c lattice constants of normal and deuterated ice Ih for the same temperature range.
Hydrogen-bridged chelate ring-assisted π-stacking interactions
Authors: Karabıyık Hasan , Karabıyık Hande , Ocak İskeleli Nazan
Published: January 2012

A salicylideneaniline (SA) derivative, (6Z)-6-({[2-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl]amino}methylidene)-3,5-dimethoxycyclohexa-2,4-dien-1-one monohydrate, has an increased aromaticity within its hydrogen-bridged chelate ring owing to its NH character. In the reported crystal structure, nonconventional π-stacking interactions, which are referred to as hybrid π-stacking interactions, are observed between a quasiaromatic chelate ring, formed as a result of the resonance-assisted intramolecular hydrogen bond and ordinary aromatic rings. Besides, π-stacking interactions are also seen between two hydrogen-bridged quasiaromatic chelate rings, which are referred to as pure π-stacking interactions. A CSD search has revealed that both kinds of interactions are frequently observed in molecular crystals of SA derivatives in fully or partially NH tautomeric form, and aromaticity levels of certain fragments of SA derivatives have dramatic effects on their stacking arrangements. These interactions are distinguished from the usual π...π interactions by their formation character, i.e. both σ- and π-deficient and σ-deficient character of pure interactions is more pronounced than that of the hybrid ones.
Review article: a decision‐making algorithm for the management of pregnancy in the inflammatory bowel disease patient
Authors: Habal F. M. , Huang V. W.
Published: January 2012

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease affects patients who are in their reproductive years. There are many questions regarding the management of IBD patients who are considering or who are already pregnant. These include the effect of the disease and the medications on fertility and on the pregnancy outcome.

Aim

To create an evidence‐based decision‐making algorithm to help guide physicians through the management of pregnancy in the IBD patient.

Methods

A literature review using phrases that include: ‘inflammatory bowel disease’, ‘Crohn's disease’, ‘ulcerative colitis’, ‘pregnancy’, ‘fertility’, ‘breast feeding’, ‘delivery’, ‘surgery’, ‘immunomodulators’, ‘azathioprine’, ‘mercaptopurine’, ‘biologics’, ‘infliximab’, ‘adalimumab’, ‘certolizumab’.

Conclusions

The four decision‐making nodes in the algorithm for the management of pregnancy in the IBD patient, and the key points for each one are as follows: (i) preconception counselling – pregnancy outcome is better if patients remain in remission during pregnancy, (ii) contemplating pregnancy or is already pregnant – drugs used to treat IBD appear to be safe during pregnancy, with the exception of methotrexate and thalidomide, (iii) delivery and (iv) breast feeding – drugs used to treat IBD appear to be safe during lactation, except for ciclosporin. Another key point is that biological agents may be continued up to 30 weeks gestation. The management of pregnancy in the IBD patient should be multi‐disciplinary involving the patient and her partner, the family physician, the gastroenterologist and the obstetrician.
Compressional salt tectonics and synkinematic strata of the western Kuqa foreland basin, southern Tian Shan, China
Authors: Li Shiqin , Wang Xin , Suppe John
Published: January 2012

The synkinematic strata of the Kuqa foreland basin record a rich history of Cenozoic reactivation of the Palaeozoic Tian Shan mountain belt. Here, we present new constraints on the history of deformation in the southern Tian Shan, based on an analysis of interactions between tectonics and sedimentation in the western Kuqa basin. We constructed six balanced cross‐sections of the basin, integrating surface geology, well data and a grid of seismic reflection profiles. These profiles show that the Qiulitage fold belt on the southern edge of the Kuqa basin developed by thin‐skinned compression salt tectonics. The structural styles have been influenced by two major factors: the nature of early‐formed diapirs and the basinward depositional limit of the Kumugeliemu salt. Several early diapirs developed in the western Kuqa basin, soon after salt deposition, which acted to localize the subsequent shortening. Where diapirs had low relief and a thick overburden they tended to tighten into salt domes 3000–7000 m in height. Conversely, where the original diapirs had higher relief and a thinner overburden they tended to evolve into salt nappes, with the northern flanks of the diapirs thrusting over their southern flanks. Salt was expelled forward, up dip along the mother salt layer, tended to accumulate at the distal pinch‐out of Kumugeliemu salt located at the Qiulitage fold belt. Furthermore, the synkinematic strata (6–8 km thick) of the Kuqa basin indicate that during the Cenozoic reactivation of the Tian Shan, shortening of the western Kuqa basin was mainly in the hinterland until the early Miocene. Then, compression spread simultaneously southwards to the Dawanqi anticline, the Qiulitage fold belt and the southernmost blind detachment fold at the end of Miocene. The western Kuqa basin has a shortening of ca. 23 km. We consider that ca. 9 km was consumed from the end of the Miocene (5.2/5.8 Ma) to the early Pleistocene (2.58 Ma) and another ca. 14 km have been absorbed since then. Thus, we obtain a ca. 3.4/2.8 mm year−1 average shortening from 5.2/5.8 to 2.58 Ma, followed by a 60–90% increase in average shortening rate to ca. 5.4 mm year−1 since 2.58 Ma. This suggests that the reactivation of the modern Tian Shan has been accelerating up to the present day.
Post‐orogenic evolution of the southernPyrenees: constraints from inverse thermo‐kinematic modelling of low‐temperature thermochronology data
Authors: Fillon Charlotte , van der Beek Peter
Published: January 2012

The late‐stage evolution of the southern centralPyrenees has been well documented but controversies remain concerning potentialNeogene acceleration of exhumation rates and the influence of tectonic and/or climatic processes. A popular model suggests that thePyrenees and their southern foreland were buried below a thick succession of conglomerates during theOligocene, when the basin was endorheic. However, both the amount of post‐orogenic fill and the timing of re‐excavation remain controversial. We address this question by revisiting extensive thermochronological datasets of theAxialZone. We use an inverse approach that couples the thermo‐kinematic modelPecubeand theNeighbourhood inversion algorithm to constrain the history of exhumation and topographic changes since 40 Ma. By comparison with independent geological data, we identified a most probable scenario involving rapid exhumation (>2.5 km Myr−1) between 37 and 30 Ma followed by a strong decrease to very slow rates (0.02 km Myr−1) that remain constant until the present. Therefore, the inversion does not require a previously inferredPliocene acceleration in regional exhumation rates. A clear topographic signal emerges, however: the topography has to be infilled by conglomerates to an elevation of 2.6 km between 40 and 29 Ma and then to remain stable untilca. 9 Ma. We interpret the last stage of the topographic history as recording major incision of the southernPyrenean wedge, due to the Ebro basin connection to theMediterranean, well before previously suggestedMessinian ages. These results thus demonstrate temporally varying controls of different processes on exhumation: rapid rock uplift in an active orogen during lateEocene, whereas base‐level changes in the foreland basin control the post‐orogenic evolution of topography and exhumation in the centralPyrenees. In contrast, climate changes appear to play a lesser role in the post‐orogenic topographic and erosional evolution of this mountain belt.
The Burkholderia cenocepacia BDSF quorum sensing fatty acid is synthesized by a bifunctional crotonase homologue having both dehydratase and thioesterase activities
Authors: Bi Hongkai , Christensen Quin H. , Feng Youjun , Wang Haihong , Cronan John E.
Published: January 2012

Signal molecules of the diffusible signal factor (DSF) family have been shown recently to be involved in regulation of pathogenesis and biofilm formation in diverse Gram‐negative bacteria. DSF signals are reported to be active not only on their cognate bacteria, but also on unrelated bacteria and the pathogenic yeast, Candida albicans. DSFs are monounsaturated fatty acids of medium chain length containing an unusual cis‐2 double bond. Although genetic analyses had identified genes involved in DSF synthesis, the pathway of DSF synthesis was unknown. The DSF of the important human pathogen Burkholderia cenocepacia (called BDSF) is cis‐2‐dodecenoic acid. We report that BDSF is synthesized from a fatty acid synthetic intermediate, the acyl carrier protein (ACP) thioester of 3‐hydroxydodecanoic acid. This intermediate is intercepted by protein Bcam0581 and converted to cis‐2‐dodecenoyl‐ACP. Bcam0581 is annotated as a homologue of crotonase, the first enzyme of the fatty acid degradation pathway. We demonstrated Bcam0581to be a bifunctional protein that not only catalysed dehydration of 3‐hydroxydodecanoyl‐ACP to cis‐2‐dodecenoyl‐ACP, but also cleaved the thioester bond to give the free acid. Both activities required the same set of active‐site residues. Although dehydratase and thioesterase activities are known activities of the crotonase superfamily, Bcam0581 is the first protein shown to have both activities.
N for AsN – O for StrOcture? A strand–loop–strand motif for prokaryotic O‐glycosylation
Authors: Otzen Daniel
Published: January 2012

So far, it has not been possible to identify a general sequence motif for O‐glycosylation in bacteria. In this issue, Charbonneau et al. (2012) demonstrate why O‐glycosylation is mediated by a 13‐residue strand–loop–strand motif which is part of a 19‐residue imperfect repeat in the passenger domain of bacterial autotransporters. This motif provides a convenient ‘glycosylation cassette’ and raises intriguing questions about the structural regulation of the glycosylation pathway.
Wheat WRKY genes TaWRKY2 and TaWRKY19 regulate abiotic stress tolerance in transgenic Arabidopsis plants
Authors: NIU CAN‐FANG , WEI WEI , ZHOU QI‐YUN , TIAN AI‐GUO , HAO YU‐JUN , ZHANG WAN‐KE , MA BIAO , LIN QING , ZHANG ZHENG‐BIN , ZHANG JIN‐SONG , CHEN SHOU‐YI
Published: January 2012

WRKY‐type transcription factors are involved in multiple aspects of plant growth, development and stress response. WRKY genes have been found to be responsive to abiotic stresses; however, their roles in abiotic stress tolerance are largely unknown especially in crops. Here, we identified stress‐responsive WRKY genes from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and studied their functions in stress tolerance. Forty‐three putative TaWRKY genes were identified and two multiple stress‐induced genes, TaWRKY2 and TaWRKY19, were further characterized. TaWRKY2 and TaWRKY19 are nuclear proteins, and displayed specific binding to typical cis‐element W box. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing TaWRKY2 exhibited salt and drought tolerance compared with controls. Overexpression of TaWRKY19 conferred tolerance to salt, drought and freezing stresses in transgenic plants. TaWRKY2 enhanced expressions of STZ and RD29B, and bound to their promoters. TaWRKY19 activated expressions of DREB2A, RD29A, RD29B and Cor6.6, and bound to DREB2A and Cor6.6 promoters. The two TaWRKY proteins may regulate the downstream genes through direct binding to the gene promoter or via indirect mechanism. Manipulation of TaWRKY2 and TaWRKY19 in wheat or other crops should improve their performance under various abiotic stress conditions.
Neuropathy in a patient with lymphocytic thrombophilic arteritis
Authors: Shen Sarah , Williams Richard A , Kelly Robert I
Published: January 2012

A 35‐year‐old Lebanese woman presented with a 3‐year history of persistent, localized livedo racemosa over her feet, distal legs and forearms that was associated with the development of lower limb sensorimotor neuropathy. Investigations revealed the patient was heterozygous for prothrombin gene mutation and was also found to have a T‐cell receptor gamma chain gene rearrangement. Histological examination revealed a mid‐lower dermal medium vessel lymphocytic vasculitis with prominent fibrinoid ring within its wall. These findings are consistent with a recently described condition known as lymphocytic thrombophilic arteritis. This has so far been considered to be a benign clinical condition not associated with extra cutaneous manifestations. The novel findings in the present case are the associated sensorimotor neuropathy and the characteristic fibrin ring appears to be intramural rather intraluminal in location. The findings of a T cell gene rearrangement and a prothombin gene mutation suggest that both immunological and thrombophilic factors might contribute to the development of this condition.
N and C control of ABC‐type bicarbonate transporter Cmp and its LysR‐type transcriptional regulator CmpR in a heterocyst‐forming cyanobacterium, Anabaena sp.
Authors: López‐Igual Rocío , Picossi Silvia , López‐Garrido Javier , Flores Enrique , Herrero Antonia
Published: January 2012

In the model, heterocyst‐forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, gene cluster alr2877‐alr2880, which encodes an ABC‐type transport system, was induced under conditions of carbon limitation and its inactivation impaired the uptake of bicarbonate. Thus, this gene cluster encodes a Cmp bicarbonate transporter. ORF all0862, encoding a LysR‐type transcriptional regulator, was expressed under carbon limitation and at higher levels in the absence than in the presence of combined nitrogen, with a positive effect of the N‐control transcription factor NtcA. all0862 was expressed from two putative transcription start sites located 164 and 64 bp upstream from the gene respectively. The latter was induced under carbon limitation and was dependent on positive autoregulation by All0862. All0862 was required for the induction of the Cmp bicarbonate transporter, thus representing a CmpR regulator of Anabaena sp. These results show a novel mode of co‐regulation by C and N availability through the concerted action of N‐ and C‐responsive transcription factors.
Ovarian maturation and oogenesis in the blue swimmer crab, Portunus pelagicus (Decapoda: Portunidae)
Authors: Ravi Raghunath , Manisseri Mary K. , Sanil Nandiath Karayi
Published: January 2012

The study was aimed at understanding the process of reproduction and the changes happening in the ovary of Portunus pelagicus during maturation, which would be useful for its broodstock development for hatchery purposes. For that, tissue samples from different regions of the ovary at various stages of maturation were subjected to light and electron microscopy, and based on the changes revealed and the differences in ovarian morphology, the ovary was divided into five stages such as immature (previtellogenic oocytes), early maturing (early vitellogenic oocytes), late maturing (late vitellogenic oocytes), mature (vitellogenic oocytes), and spent (resorbing oocytes). The ovarian wall comprised of an outermost thin pavement epithelium, a middle layer of connective tissue, and an innermost layer of germinal epithelium. The oocytes matured as they moved from the centrally placed germinal zone toward the ovarian wall. The peripheral arrangement of nucleolar materials and the high incidence of cell organelles during the initial stages indicated vitellogenesis I. Movement of follicle cells toward oocytes in the early maturing stage and low incidence of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum in the ooplasm during late vitellogenic stage marked the commencement and end of vitellogenesis II, respectively. Yolk granules at various stages of development were seen in the ooplasm from late vitellogenic stage onwards. The spent ovary had an area with resorbing oocytes and empty follicle cells denoting the end of one reproductive cycle and another area with oogonial cells and previtellogenic oocytes indicating the beginning of the next.
OPTIMAL COPYRIGHT LENGTH AND EX POST INVESTMENT: A MICKEY MOUSE APPROACH
Authors: ADILOV NODIR , WALDMAN MICHAEL
Published: January 2012

This paper considers a theoretical model of copyright protection in which the value of an intellectual work changes over time because of depreciation and value‐enhancing ex post investments. The first main finding is that, in the case of a single project, granting infinitely lived copyright protection maximizes social welfare when the return on ex post investments is high relative to the return on the initial investment. We also provide simulation results of our model for the case of multiple heterogeneous projects that show how social welfare varies with the length of copyright protection and the returns on initial and ex post investments. We then consider what our framework says concerning the social‐welfare effects of the 1998 Copyright Term Extension Act. Here we show that, depending on the importance of ex post investments, the act may have either increased or decreased social welfare. Our final analysis considers the social‐welfare implications of replacing fixed‐length copyright protection with Landes and Posner's (University of Chicago Law Review, 70(2), 2003, 471–518) idea of indefinitely renewable copyright protection. We find that implementing indefinitely renewable copyright protection frequently increases social welfare provided the returns on ex post investments are sufficiently large. We also provide a brief history of Disney's Mickey Mouse and argue that the history of that character matches quite well with the predictions of our theoretical approach. (JEL O34, K00, L82)
The etiology of variation in language skills changes with development: a longitudinal twin study of language from 2 to 12 years
Authors: Hayiou‐Thomas Marianna E. , Dale Philip S. , Plomin Robert
Published: January 2012

The present study is the first long‐term longitudinal examination of the etiology of individual differences in language from early childhood through to adolescence. We applied a multivariate latent factor genetic model to longitudinal data from the Twins Early Development Study in order to (a) compare the magnitude of genetic and environmental influences on language skills in early childhood (2, 3 and 4 years), middle childhood (7, 9 and 10 years), and early adolescence (12 years); and (b) determine to what extent the same genetic and environmental factors underlie variation in language skills at these three stages of language development. We found that while shared environmental influences appear to be dominant (latent factor c2 = .74) in early language, with a smaller though significant role for genetic factors (latent factor a2 = .24), the pattern is reversed by middle childhood such that genetic influences are substantially more important (latent factor a2 = .57–.63 at 7, 9 and 10 years and .47–.57 at 12 years) and shared environmental influences less so (latent factor c2 = .31–.37 at 7, 9 and 10 years and .31–.32 at 12 years). The increase in the heritability of language skills between early and middle childhood appears to be due to new genetic factors that come into play at that transition. In contrast, genetic factors remain stable from middle childhood through to early adolescence, and account for the phenotypic continuity in language skills across these two stages.
What Is Realistic Political Philosophy?
Authors: Runciman David
Published: January 2012

In the study of politics, Cambridge is sometimes associated with a school of political philosophical “realism.” This article discusses what realism in political philosophy might mean, by examining first what might count as “unrealistic” political philosophy (looking at Sidgwick and Rawls), and then some recent attempts to identify a more realistic philosophical approach to politics. It argues that realistic political philosophy tends to emerge as a thin account of politics that falls between the stools of either more philosophical (i.e., more idealistic) or less philosophical (i.e., more historical) accounts. It illustrates this in relation to Sidgwick and also Hobbes, who is often held up as the quintessential realist in the history of political philosophy.
Photodynamic therapy for skin field cancerization: an international consensus. International Society for Photodynamic Therapy in Dermatology
Authors: Braathen L.R. , Morton C.A. , Basset‐Seguin N. , Bissonnette R. , Gerritsen M.J.P. , Gilaberte Y. , Calzavara‐Pinton P. , Sidoroff A. , Wulf H.C. , Szeimies R.‐M.
Published: January 2012

Field cancerization is a term that describes the presence of genetic abnormalities in a tissue chronically exposed to a carcinogen. These abnormalities are responsible for the presence of multilocular clinical and sub‐clinical cancerous lesions that explains the increased risks of multiple cancers in this area. With respect to the skin, this term is used to define the presence of multiple non‐melanoma skin cancer, its precursors, actinic keratoses and dysplastic keratinocytes in sun exposed areas. The multiplicity of the lesions and the extent of the area influence the treatment decision. Providing at least equivalent efficacy and tolerability, field directed therapies are therefore often more worthwhile than lesion targeted approaches. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with its selective sensitization and destruction of diseased tissue is one ideal form of therapy for this indication. In the following paper the use of PDT for the treatment of field cancerized skin is reviewed and recommendations are given for its use.
The emerging importance of the SPX domain‐containing proteins in phosphate homeostasis
Authors: Secco David , Wang Chuang , Arpat Bulak A. , Wang Zhiye , Poirier Yves , Tyerman Stephen D. , Wu Ping , Shou Huixia , Whelan James
Published: January 2012

Plant growth and development are strongly influenced by the availability of nutrients in the soil solution. Among them, phosphorus (P) is one of the most essential and most limiting macro‐elements for plants. In the environment, plants are often confronted with P starvation as a result of extremely low concentrations of soluble inorganic phosphate (Pi) in the soil. To cope with these conditions, plants have developed a wide spectrum of mechanisms aimed at increasing P use efficiency. At the molecular level, recent studies have shown that several proteins carrying the SPX domain are essential for maintaining Pi homeostasis in plants. The SPX domain is found in numerous eukaryotic proteins, including several proteins from the yeast PHO regulon, involved in maintaining Pi homeostasis. In plants, proteins harboring the SPX domain are classified into four families based on the presence of additional domains in their structure, namely the SPX, SPX‐EXS, SPX‐MFS and SPX‐RING families. In this review, we highlight the recent findings regarding the key roles of the proteins containing the SPX domain in phosphate signaling, as well as providing further research directions in order to improve our knowledge on P nutrition in plants, thus enabling the generation of plants with better P use efficiency.
Participatory Security: Citizen Security, Participation, and the Inequities of Citizenship in Urban Peru
Authors: MARQUARDT KAIROS M.
Published: January 2012

This article discusses a model of local governance referred to here as ‘participatory security’, in which citizens are held responsible for maintaining urban security by participating in municipal programmes. I argue that the goals of universal ‘inclusion’ through democratic ‘participation’ are undermined by political ideologies espousing both rights and responsibilities of citizenship. Through ethnographic cases from highland Peru, in which city centre neighbourhoods and peripheral zones are expected to participate in markedly different fashions, I demonstrate how the discourse of responsibilities translates into differential participation and effectively institutionalises the layered imbalances of urban citizenship in new and highly consequential ways.
A Configurational Approach to the Relationship between High‐Performance Work Practices and Frontline Health Care Worker Outcomes
Authors: Chuang Emmeline , Dill Janette , Morgan Jennifer Craft , Konrad Thomas R.
Published: January 2012

Objective

To identify high‐performance work practices (HPWP) associated with high frontline health care worker (FLW) job satisfaction and perceived quality of care.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey data from 661 FLWs in 13 large health care employers were collected between 2007 and 2008 and analyzed using both regression and fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis.

Principal Findings

Supervisor support and team‐based work practices were identified as necessary for high job satisfaction and high quality of care but not sufficient to achieve these outcomes unless implemented in tandem with other HPWP. Several configurations of HPWP were associated with either high job satisfaction or high quality of care. However, only one configuration of HPWP was sufficient for both: the combination of supervisor support, performance‐based incentives, team‐based work, and flexible work. These findings were consistent even after controlling for FLW demographics and employer type. Additional research is needed to clarify whether HPWP have differential effects on quality of care in direct care versus administrative workers.

Conclusions

High‐performance work practices that integrate FLWs in health care teams and provide FLWs with opportunities for participative decision making can positively influence job satisfaction and perceived quality of care, but only when implemented as bundles of complementary policies and practices.
The evolving science of detection of ‘blood doping’
Authors: Lundby Carsten , Robach Paul , Saltin Bengt
Published: January 2012

Blood doping practices in sports have been around for at least half a century and will likely remain for several years to come. The main reason for the various forms of blood doping to be common is that they are easy to perform, and the effects on exercise performance are gigantic. Yet another reason for blood doping to be a popular illicit practice is that detection is difficult. For autologous blood transfusions, for example, no direct test exists, and the direct testing of misuse with recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) has proven very difficult despite a test exists. Future blood doping practice will likely include the stabilization of the transcription factor hypoxia‐inducible factor which leads to an increased endogenous erythropoietin synthesis. It seems unrealistic to develop specific test against such drugs (and the copies hereof originating from illegal laboratories). In an attempt to detect and limit blood doping, the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA) has launched the Athlete Biological Passport where indirect markers for all types of blood doping are evaluated on an individual level. The approach seemed promising, but a recent publication demonstrates the system to be incapable of detecting even a single subject as ‘suspicious’ while treated with rhEpo for 10–12 weeks. Sad to say, the hope that the 2012 London Olympics should be cleaner in regard to blood doping seems faint. We propose that WADA strengthens the quality and capacities of the National Anti‐Doping Agencies and that they work more efficiently with the international sports federations in an attempt to limit blood doping.
Type II focal cortical dysplasia: Electroclinical phenotype and surgical outcome related to imaging
Authors: Chassoux Francine , Landré Elisabeth , Mellerio Charles , Turak Baris , Mann Michael W. , Daumas‐Duport Catherine , Chiron Catherine , Devaux Bertrand
Published: January 2012

Purpose: Type II focal cortical dysplasia (TTFCD), a highly epileptogenic lesion with severe epilepsy curable by surgery, is missed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in about one third of cases. Little is known about the electroclinical presentation in these MRI‐negative patients and a poor surgical outcome is frequently reported. We compared the clinical and neurophysiologic features in MRI‐negative and MRI‐positive cases in order to better identify candidates for surgery.

Methods: Among 62 consecutive TTFCD patients (38 male, 24 female; 7–52 years old; 22 children) operated for intractable epilepsy, 25 (40%) presented negative MRI findings. We compared the history of epilepsy; the type, frequency, and distribution of seizures; neurologic examination cognitive and psychiatric impairment; interictal‐ictal electroencephalography (EEG) and stereo‐EEG (SEEG) data, fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) data, neuropathologic findings; and surgical outcome in the MRI‐negative and the MRI‐positive groups.

Key Findings: Severe partial epilepsy beginning in childhood, high seizure frequency including status epilepticus, stereotyped seizures suggestive of precise brain localization, extratemporal location and functional area involvement were characteristic and similarly found in both groups. On EEG, pseudorhythmic activity was found in about 40% of patients in each group. SEEG recordings demonstrated the typical pattern characterizing TTFCD in both groups. FDG‐PET had a localization value in 84% of the MRI‐negative cases and helped to delineate the dysplastic cortex in 65% of the MRI‐positive cases. The combination of imaging and neurophysiologic data allowed us to perform safe and restricted resections, limited to a single gyrus in more than half of all cases. In addition, we were able to avoid invasive monitoring in most MRI‐positive cases and even in some selected MRI‐negative cases. The proportion of patients with a favorable surgical outcome was comparable in both groups (88% in MRI‐negative and 94% in MRI‐positive cases). The main difference between the groups was a significantly higher frequency of sleep‐related epilepsy in the MRI‐negative group (p = 0.028). This phenotypic characteristic provides a new argument for TTFCD in MRI‐negative extratemporal epilepsy.

Significance: These results lead us to consider that children or adult patients in whom electroclinical data suggest TTFCD, are highly suitable for surgery, especially for cryptogenic sleep‐related epilepsy.
The spectrum of anticonvulsant efficacy of retigabine (ezogabine) in animal models: Implications for clinical use
Authors: Large Charles H. , Sokal David M. , Nehlig Astrid , Gunthorpe Martin J. , Sankar Raman , Crean Christopher S. , VanLandingham Kevan E. , White H. Steve
Published: January 2012

Retigabine [RTG (international nonproprietary name); ezogabine (EZG; U.S. adopted name)] is a first‐in‐class antiepileptic drug (AED) that reduces neuronal excitability by enhancing the activity of KCNQ (Kv7) potassium (K+) channels. RTG/EZG has recently been approved by the European Medicines Agency and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as adjunctive therapy in adults with partial‐onset seizures. In this review we discuss the activity that RTG/EZG has demonstrated across a broad spectrum of in vitro/in vivo animal models of seizures, including generalized tonic–clonic, primary generalized (absence), and partial seizures, in addition to the compound’s ability to resist and block the occurrence of seizures induced by a range of stimuli across different regions of the brain. The potency of RTG/EZG in models refractory to several conventional AEDs and the work done to assess antiepileptogenesis and neuroprotection are discussed. Studies that have evaluated the central nervous system side effects of RTG/EZG in animals are reviewed in order to compare these effects with adverse events observed in patients with epilepsy. Based on its demonstrated effect in a number of animal epilepsy models, the synergistic and additive activity of RTG/EZG with other AEDs supports its potential use in therapeutic combinations for different seizure types. The distinct mechanism of action of RTG/EZG from those of currently available AEDs, along with its broad preclinical activity, underscores the key role of KCNQ (Kv7) K+ channels in neuronal excitability, and further supports the potential efficacy of this unique molecule in the treatment of epilepsy.
THE EFFECT OF IRON LIMITATION ON THE PHOTOPHYSIOLOGY OF PHAEOCYSTIS ANTARCTICA (PRYMNESIOPHYCEAE) AND FRAGILARIOPSIS CYLINDRUS (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE) UNDER DYNAMIC IRRADIANCE1
Authors: Alderkamp Anne‐Carlijn , Kulk Gemma , Buma Anita G. J. , Visser Ronald J. W. , Van Dijken Gert L. , Mills Matthew M. , Arrigo Kevin R.
Published: January 2012

The effects of iron limitation on photoacclimation to dynamic irradiance were studied in Phaeocystis antarctica G. Karst. and Fragilariopsis cylindrus (Grunow) W. Krieg. in terms of growth rate, photosynthetic parameters, pigment composition, and fluorescence characteristics. Under dynamic light conditions mimicking vertical mixing below the euphotic zone, P. antarctica displayed higher growth rates than F. cylindrus both under iron (Fe)–replete and Fe‐limiting conditions. Both species showed xanthophyll de‐epoxidation that was accompanied by low levels of nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ) during the irradiance maximum of the light cycle. The potential for NPQ at light levels corresponding to full sunlight was substantial in both species and increased under Fe limitation in F. cylindrus. Although the decline in Fv/Fm under Fe limitation was similar in both species, the accompanying decrease in the maximum rate of photosynthesis and growth rate was much stronger in F. cylindrus. Analysis of the electron transport rates through PSII and on to carbon (C) fixation revealed a large potential for photoprotective cyclic electron transport (CET) in F. cylindrus, particularly under Fe limitation. Probably, CET aided the photoprotection in F. cylindrus, but it also reduced photosynthetic efficiency at higher light intensities. P. antarctica, on the other hand, was able to efficiently use electrons flowing through PSII for C fixation at all light levels, particularly under Fe limitation. Thus, Fe limitation enhanced the photophysiological differences between P. antarctica and diatoms, supporting field observations where P. antarctica is found to dominate deeply mixed water columns, whereas diatoms dominate shallower mixed layers.
Revision of the Family Duboscquellidae with Description of Euduboscquella crenulata n. gen., n. sp. (Dinoflagellata, Syndinea), an Intracellular Parasite of the Ciliate Favella panamensis Kofoid & Campbell,
Authors: Coats D. Wayne , Bachvaroff Tsvetan R. , Delwiche Charles F.
Published: January 2012

Recent recognition that tintinnids are infected by dinophycean as well as syndinean parasites prompts taxonomic revision of dinoflagellate species that parasitize these ciliates. Long overlooked features of the type species Duboscquella tintinnicola are used to emend the genus and family Duboscquellidae, resulting in both taxa being moved from the Syndinea to the Dinophyceae. Syndinean species previously classified as Duboscquella are relocated to Euduboscquella n. gen., with Euduboscquella crenulata n. sp. as the type. As an endoparasitic species, E. crenulata shares with its congeners processes associated with intracellular development and sporogenesis, but differs from closely related species in nuclear and cortical morphology of the trophont, including a distinctively grooved shield (= episome) that imparts a crenulated appearance in optical section. In addition, E. crenulata produces three morphologically distinct spore types, two of which undergo syngamy to form a uninucleate zygote. The zygote undergoes successive division to produce four daughter cells of unequal size, but that resemble the nonmating spore type.
Computational approaches to disease‐gene prediction: rationale, classification and successes
Authors: Piro Rosario M. , Di Cunto Ferdinando
Published: January 2012

The identification of genes involved in human hereditary diseases often requires the time‐consuming and expensive examination of a great number of possible candidate genes, since genome‐wide techniques such as linkage analysis and association studies frequently select many hundreds of ‘positional’ candidates. Even considering the positive impact of next‐generation sequencing technologies, the prioritization of candidate genes may be an important step for disease‐gene identification. In this paper we develop a basic classification scheme for computational approaches to disease‐gene prediction and apply it to exhaustively review bioinformatics tools that have been developed for this purpose, focusing on conceptual aspects rather than technical detail and performance. Finally, we discuss some past successes obtained by computational approaches to illustrate their beneficial contribution to medical research.
Systematic Evaluation of Vascular Access by Color‐Doppler Ultrasound Decreased the Incidence of Emergent Vascular Access Intervention Therapy and X‐Ray Exposure Time: A Single‐Center Observational Study
Authors: Matsui Satoshi , Nakai Kentaro , Taniguchi Tomohiko , Nagai Takahiro , Yokomatsu Takafumi , Kono Yutaka , Mizoguchi Tetsu , Miki Shinji , Yoshida Akira , Nagao Kazuhiro , Tsuji Hiroko , Ono Shinji
Published: January 2012

Arteriovenous fistula has superior patency over other accesses, but vascular access intervention therapy (VAIVT) for stenosis or thrombosis still remain major reasons for hospital admission of dialysis patients. The aim of this study was to examine the usefulness of systematic evaluation of vascular access by color‐Doppler ultrasound (CDUS). This study was a single‐center observational design study. We planned screening CDUS to evaluate all vascular accesses once per year, and additionally, follow‐up CDUS of post‐interventional patients 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after their recent VAIVT. This systematic evaluation was started from September 2009. The observational period between September 2008 and August 2009 was defined as period A. The observational period between September 2009 and August 2010 was defined as period B. We compared the incidence of emergent VAIVT and X‐ray exposure time during the period A to B. 131 patients with AV fistula were assigned. 13 patients were excluded due to death, hospital transfer or re‐operation of their accesses. During period A, 57 VAIVTs were carried out, and 37 cases (65%) were emergent. During period B, 42 VAIVTs were carried out, and 11 cases (25%) were emergent. The incidence of emergent intervention therapy was lower during period B than period A (P < 0.001). The amount of X‐ray exposure time per patient was decreased in patients who received VAIVT during both periods (P < 0.03). Systematic evaluation of vascular access by CDUS decreased the incidence of emergent VAIVT and X‐ray exposure time.
Severe acute mountain sickness, brain natriuretic peptide and NT‐proBNP in humans
Authors: Woods D. R. , Begley J. , Stacey M. , Smith C. , Boos C. J. , Hooper T. , Hawkins A. , Hodkinson P. , Green N. , Mellor A.
Published: January 2012

Aim

To examine the response of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and NT‐proBNP to high altitude (HA) both at rest and following exercise.

Methods

We measured NT‐proBNP and BNP and Lake Louise (LL) acute mountain sickness (AMS) scores in 20 subjects at rest in Kathmandu (Kat; 1300 m), following exercise and at rest at 4270 and 5150 m.

Results

BNP and NT‐proBNP (pg ml−1, mean ± SEM) rose significantly from Kat (9.2 ± 2 and 36.9 ± 6.6, respectively) to arrival at 4270 m after exercise (16.6 ± 4 and 152 ± 56.1, P = 0.008 and P < 0.001, respectively) and remained elevated the next morning at rest (28.9 ± 9 and 207.4 ± 65.1, P = 0.004 and P < 0.001 respectively). At 5150, immediately following ascent/descent to 5643 m, BNP and NT‐proBNP were 32.3 ± 8.8 and 301.1 ± 96.3 (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001 vs. Kat, respectively) and at rest the following morning were 33.3 ± 9.7 and 258.9 ± 89.5 (P = 0.008 and P = 0.001 vs. Kat respectively). NT‐proBNP and BNP correlated strongly at 5150 m (ρ 0.905, P < 0.001 and ρ 0.914, P < 0.001 for resting and post‐exercise samples respectively). At 5150 m, BNP levels were significantly higher among the four subjects with severe (LL score > 6) AMS (58.4 ± 18.7) compared with those without (BNP 22.7 ± 8.6, P = 0.048). There were significant correlations between change in body water from baseline to 5150 m with both BNP and NT‐proBNP (ρ 0.77, P = 0.001, ρ 0.745, P = 0.002 respectively).

Conclusion

In conclusion, these data suggest that BNP and NT‐proBNP increase with ascent to HA both after exercise and at rest. We also report the novel finding that BNP is significantly greater in those with severe AMS at 5150 m.
Informal and Cooperative Recycling as a Poverty Eradication Strategy
Authors: Gutberlet Jutta
Published: January 2012

Selective garbage collection and separation involves many of the urban poor. For them solid waste means resources and recycling becomes a survival strategy. In Brazil, almost a million recyclers perform the service of collecting, separating and commercializing recyclable material. Their work is considered mostly informal and is subject to health risks, accidents and exploitation. Some recyclers are organized in cooperatives, associations or social enterprises. These collective forms of organization provide important spaces for social inclusion and human development, by promoting meaningful work, increasing the workers’ self‐esteem and improving their living and working conditions. Resource recovery and recycling also generate net carbon credits, which need to be redirected towards this sector. The recent introduction of waste to energy technology is perceived as a threat to the recyclers’ livelihoods. Incineration does not generate income, produces environmental contamination and competes with other forms of waste management. Action oriented, participatory research with recycling groups in Brazil supports the argument that organized recycling generates social, economic and environmental benefits and radically addresses poverty reduction. Remunerating the recyclers for their service and considering the environmental gains of their work (Clean Development Mechanism) tackles the Millennium Development Goal of poverty alleviation. Finally, participatory waste management has an important role to play in promoting necessary drastic changes towards a closed looped economies and more sustainable communities on a global scale.
Effect of Elicitor Spray at Different Reproductive Stages on Saponin Content of Soybean
Authors: Eswaranandam Satchithanandam , Salyer Joseph , Chen Pengyin , Lee Sun‐Ok
Published: January 2012

Abstract:  The beneficial health effects of soybeans may be enhanced by increasing bioactive compounds including soyasaponins (ssp). The objective of this study is to elucidate the effect of elicitors sprayed on Ozark variety soybeans, on ssp content. Different concentrations of elicitors, ethyl acetate (EA) and methyl jasmonate (MJ), were sprayed at 4 different growth stages (1‐bloom, 2‐pod development, 3‐seed development, and 4‐seed maturity). Seeds were ground, defatted, ssp was extracted and identified and quantified with HPLC. Elicitor and growth stage had an effect on βg and βa contents of soybeans compared with control (P < 0.05). Elicitor had an effect on total ssp content (P < 0.001) and αg and γg content of soybeans compared with control (P < 0.05). Total ssp content of EA 0.05 M, MJ 0.001 M, and 0.005 M sprayed soybeans were higher than EA 0.001 M, which is higher than control (P < 0.05; 3.62, 3.56, 3.56, 3.29, and 2.98 μmol/g soybean, respectively). The overall effect of elicitor on total ssp content was not dependent on growth stage, however, elicitors sprayed at growth stages 1, 2, and 3 showed differences among elicitor applied soybeans. Elicitors applied at growth stage 4 did not have any effect on total ssp content compared to control. Elicitors EA 0.05 M, MJ 0.001, and 0.005 M can be applied on any growth stage to increase total saponin content of soybean variety Ozark. Higher saponin content may improve the beneficial health effects of soybean consumption.