bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differentiated functions of Ras1 and Ras2 proteins in regulating the germination, growth, conidiation, multi‐stress tolerance and virulence of Beauveria bassiana
Authors: Xie Xue‐Qin , Guan Yi , Ying Sheng‐Hua , Feng Ming‐Guang 
Published: August 2012

SummaryRas1 and Ras2 are two distinct Ras GTPases in Beauveria bassiana, an entomopathogenic fungus whose biocontrol potential against insect pests depends largely on virulence and multi‐stress tolerance. The functions of both proteins were characterized for the first time by constructing dominant‐active (GTP‐bound) Ras1G19V and dominant‐negative (GDP‐bound) Ras1D126A and integrating them and normal Ras1 into wild type and ΔRas2 for a series of phenotypic and transcriptional analyses. The resultant mutants showed gradient changes of multiple phenotypes but little difference in conidial thermotolerance. Expression of Ras1D126A caused vigorous hyphal growth, severely defective conidiation, and increased tolerances to oxidation, cell wall disturbance, fungicide and UV‐A/UV‐B irradiations, but affected slightly germination, osmosensitivity and virulence. These phenotypes were antagonistically altered by mRas1G19V expressed in either wild type or ΔRas2, which was severely defective in conidial germination and hyphal growth and displayed intermediate changes in other mentioned phenotypes between paired mutants expressing Ras1G19V or Ras1D126A in wild type and ΔRas2. Their growth, UV tolerance or virulence was significantly correlated with cellular response to oxidation or cell wall disturbance. Transcriptional changes of 35 downstream effector genes involved in conidiation and multi‐stress responses also related to most of the phenotypic changes among the mutants. Our findings highlight that Ras1 and Ras2 regulate differentially or antagonistically the germination, growth, conidiation, multi‐stress tolerance and virulence of B. bassiana, thereby exerting profound effects on the fungal biocontrol potential.
Molecular phylogeny of Abyssocladia (Cladorhizidae: Poecilosclerida) and Phelloderma (Phellodermidae: Poecilosclerida) suggests a diversification of chelae microscleres in cladorhizid sponges
Authors: VARGAS SERGIO , ERPENBECK DIRK , GÖCKE CHRISTIAN , HALL KATHRYN A. , HOOPER JOHN N. A. , JANUSSEN DORTE , WÖRHEIDE GERT 
Published: August 2012

Vargas, S., Erpenbeck, D., Göcke, C., Hall, K. A., Hooper, J. N. A., Janussen, D. & Wörheide, G. (2012) Molecular phylogeny of Abyssocladia (Cladorhizidae: Poecilosclerida) and Phelloderma (Phellodermidae: Poecilosclerida) suggests a diversification of chelae microscleres in cladorhizid sponges. —Zoologica Scripta, 42, 106–116.The taxonomic placement of Abyssocladia Lévi, 1964 (Poecilosclerida) is controversial, having been assigned at various times to three different families (Mycalidae, Cladorhizidae and Phellodermidae) in two different suborders (Mycalina and Myxillina, respectively), since its inception in 1964. It shares the general body plan with the carnivorous sponge family Cladorhizidae (Mycalina), including the lack of an aquiferous system. Nevertheless, it also has chela spicules apparently identical to those in PhellodermaRidley & Dendy 1886 (Phellodermidae, Myxillina). The ongoing debate on the position of Abyssocladia ultimately reduces to a discussion on the use of chelae morphology to infer phylogenetic relationships within Poecilosclerida. Here, we infer the phylogenetic relationships of the genera Phelloderma and Abyssocladia using two independent molecular markers (28S rDNA and COI), showing that Abyssocladia is not closely related to Phelloderma and belongs in Cladorhizidae. We suggest that despite their complexity, chelae morphology can evolve independently in different poecilosclerid lineages and as such might be potentially misleading as indicator of the phylogenetic history of the group. We also provide the first phylogenetic analysis of the carnivorous sponge family Cladorhizidae and give first insights into the evolution of this feeding mode in Poecilosclerida and, more generally, in Porifera.
Hippocampal sclerosis worsens autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE) phenotype related to CHRNB2 mutation
Authors: Labate A. , Mumoli L. , Fratto A. , Quattrone A. , Gambardella A. 
Published: August 2012

Background and purposeAutosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE) is a distinct epileptic syndrome with a broad range of severity even amongst affected members of the same pedigree, and the level of pharmacoresistance may reach 30%, close to that seen in sporadic focal epilepsies.MethodsTo investigate this issue of phenotypic heterogeneity, we prospectively carried out a high‐resolution 3‐T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study in an ADNFLE family containing 10 affected members including one pharmacoresistant patient and carrying the V287L mutation of the CHRN beta2 subunit (CHRNB2). MRI studies were evaluated in a manner blinded to the electro‐clinical data.ResultsThe brain MRI showed normal results in all affected individuals except the 22‐year‐old right‐handed woman (member III‐7) who had refractory seizures and typical radiological signs of left hippocampal sclerosis. She also had a simple febrile seizure at the age of 10 months.ConclusionThe results of this study illustrate that hippocampal sclerosis has offered a fertile substrate for intractable ADNFLE to develop. The present findings also highlight the importance of acquired factors that are directly relevant to the epilepsy phenotype and its severity even in monogenic epilepsies.
Collective bargaining: crisis and its consequences for American society
Authors: Kochan Thomas A. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTThe term ‘collective bargaining’ was first used extensively and developed in full form by Sidney and Beatrice Webb. As the intellectual father and mother of British industrial relations and through their multiple contributions to research, government and policy making, and university affairs, the Webbs served as role models for multiple generations of British scholars. Willy Brown, scholar, educational leader and active public servant, stands as our generation's Webbs' equivalent. In all three domains he has carried on the Webbs' legacy with the highest distinction. So it is fitting that one essay in this collection honouring Willy be devoted to an examination of the current state of this institution the Webbs called collective bargaining. I am honoured to present an analysis of collective bargaining, albeit one limited to its effects, the consequences of its decline and its potential future in the United States.
(Re)assessing the shifting contours of Britain's collective industrial relations
Authors: Marginson Paul 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTWilliam Brown's formidable contribution to Britain's internationally recognised industrial relations survey tradition is appraised. In interpretations of the findings of successive workplace surveys Brown has provided an evolving analysis of the retreat of collective bargaining in the private sector. His explanation for this decline places changing conditions in product markets, including intensification and internationalisation of competition, centre stage. An alternative account is offered, which brings the role of actors and institutions to the fore.
The decline of British trade unionism: markets, actors and institutions
Authors: Kelly John 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper first describes the evolution of Willy Brown's thinking on trade union membership and collective bargaining coverage. The second part explores some of the issues around his growing conviction about the role of product markets and offers some critical reflections about his analysis of product markets by drawing on comparative evidence. The final section turns to his analyses and prescriptions for trade union strategy.
Understanding the employment relationship: markets, hierarchies and power
Authors: Nolan Peter 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTThe employment relationship is fiercely contested both in theory and practice. This article examines recent theoretical initiatives in economics that have sought to illuminate the nature, specificity, and complexities of the employment relationship. It examines claims by proponents of the new institutional economics (NIE) that they can account for the historical emergence of authority relations and the dominance of hierarchical work organisations without reference to the forces of class power, coercion and labour subordination. The NIE is contrasted with the ‘old’ institutional economics (OIE) and the distinctive insights of an industrial relations perspective. The paper considers in conclusion whether a synthesis of NIE and industrial relations research would achieve a deeper understanding of the institutional forms of wage‐labour in contemporary capitalist economies.
Primary microRNA precursor transcripts are localized at post‐synaptic densities in adult mouse forebrain
Authors: Lugli Giovanni , Larson John , Demars Michael P. , Smalheiser Neil R. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn a previous study, we reported that microRNA (miRNA) precursors are expressed in synaptic fractions within adult mouse forebrain, where they are enriched at post‐synaptic densities (PSDs). However, because that study employed qRT‐PCR primers that recognize the hairpin region, it was not able to distinguish between primary microRNA gene transcripts (pri‐miRs) and small hairpin precursors (pre‐miRs). Here, using primer sets that selectively measure regions upstream, downstream and flanking the hairpin, we demonstrate that pri‐miRs are present in synaptic fractions (enriched several‐fold relative to total tissue homogenate) and are especially enriched in isolated PSDs. Drosha and DGCR8 proteins are also expressed in synaptic fractions and PSDs, and are tightly associated with pri‐miRs as assessed by coimmunoprecipitation under stringent conditions. Pri‐miRs, drosha, and DGCR8 are highly enriched in fractions that contain mRNA transport particles, and cytosolic drosha is associated with kinesin heavy chain; these findings suggest that pri‐miRs are transported to synaptic regions in a manner similar to mRNAs. This study supports the notion that miRNA biogenesis occurs locally near synapses in a regulated fashion.
Thermal responses to whole‐body cooling in air with special reference to arteriovenous anastomoses in fingers
Authors: Vanggaard Leif , Kuklane Kalev , Holmer Ingvar , Smolander Juhani 
Published: August 2012

SummaryThe arteriovenous anastomoses (AVAs) in the distal parts of the extremities play a significant role in the heat exchange with the environment. The aim of the study was to examine the thermal responses to whole‐body cooling in air, and especially the behaviour of finger skin temperature (Tf, rich in AVAs). Eight young men sat in minimal clothing at 32°C air temperature (Ta), which was then lowered gradually to 13°C in 100 min. In the beginning of cooling, Tf was high and fluctuating, and then suddenly exhibited a rapid fall, while temperatures in other skin sites fell fairly linearly along decreasing Ta to the end of cooling. During the period from start to the rapid fall in Tf, rectal temperature decreased from 37·4°C (SD 0·2) to 37·2°C (0·2), mean skin temperature (Tsk) from 34·6°C (0·5) to 31·2°C (2·0) and whole‐body thermal sensation from ‘slightly warm/warm’ to ‘slightly cool/cold’. The start of the steep fall in Tf varied considerably between individuals in terms of time (2–75 min), Ta (16·7–32·0°C) and Tsk (28·8–34·7°C). On the other hand, the range of Tf at that point was narrower (32·1–35·8°C). The findings stress the importance of taking into account the distal skin temperatures in thermoregulatory studies in addition to the ordinarily used more proximal and central skin sites. Also, it might be advisable to start such experiments with relatively high and fluctuating Tf to guarantee that the thermal state of the subject is well defined.
Pharmacological characterization of designer cathinones in vitro
Authors: Simmler LD , Buser TA , Donzelli M , Schramm Y , Dieu L‐H , Huwyler J , Chaboz S , Hoener MC , Liechti ME 
Published: August 2012

Background and PurposeDesigner β‐keto amphetamines (e.g. cathinones, ‘bath salts’ and ‘research chemicals’) have become popular recreational drugs, but their pharmacology is poorly characterized.Experimental ApproachWe determined the potencies of cathinones to inhibit DA, NA and 5‐HT transport into transporter‐transfected HEK 293 cells, DA and 5‐HT efflux from monoamine‐preloaded cells, and monoamine receptor binding affinity.Key ResultsMephedrone, methylone, ethylone, butylone and naphyrone acted as non‐selective monoamine uptake inhibitors, similar to cocaine. Mephedrone, methylone, ethylone and butylone also induced the release of 5‐HT, similar to 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) and other entactogens. Cathinone, methcathinone and flephedrone, similar to amphetamine and methamphetamine, acted as preferential DA and NA uptake inhibitors and induced the release of DA. Pyrovalerone and 3,4‐methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) were highly potent and selective DA and NA transporter inhibitors but unlike amphetamines did not evoke the release of monoamines. The non‐β‐keto amphetamines are trace amine‐associated receptor 1 ligands, whereas the cathinones are not. All the cathinones showed high blood–brain barrier permeability in an in vitro model; mephedrone and MDPV exhibited particularly high permeability.Conclusions and ImplicationsCathinones have considerable pharmacological differences that form the basis of their suggested classification into three groups. The predominant action of all cathinones on the DA transporter is probably associated with a considerable risk of addiction.
Impact of Pulmonary Artery Stiffness on Right Ventricular Function and Tricuspid Regurgitation after Successful Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty: The Importance of Early Intervention
Authors: Mahfouz Ragab A. 
Published: August 2012

Aims: We assessed impact of pulmonary artery stiffness (PAS) on the long‐term right ventricular (RV) function and tricuspid regurgitation (TR) changes after percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV). Methods and Results: Using Doppler echocardiography, PAS was calculated by dividing maximal frequency shift of pulmonary flow by the acceleration time, and mitral area, RV function, and degree of TR severity were evaluated before, immediately after, 6 months, and 12 months after successful PBMV in 81 consecutive patients. Compared with control subjects patients with mitral stenosis (MS) had significant higher PAS (P < 0.001). The PAS was significantly lower in patients with progressive RV function improvement and regression of TR (P < 0.001). PAS was significantly correlated with the degree of pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and E/E'm ratio (P < 0.0001, <0.0001, and < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the PAS is an independent predictor of TR regression and sustained RV functional improvement after successful PBMV (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The changes in RV function and TR after successful PBMV were significantly correlated with the degree of PAS. Despite a sustained increase in mitral valve area, some patients showed no regression of TR, and progressive RV dysfunction suggests a significant role of PAS on RV function and the degree of TR regression in patients with MS suggests that PBMV must be performed early, utilizing PAS as a noninvasive parameter for proper timing for PBMV.
The Mitral Leaflet Separation Index for Assessment of Mitral Stenosis during Percutaneous Mitral Commissurotomy: Validation of the Index in the Immediate Post‐PMC Period
Authors: Duggal Bhanu , Bajaj Mukund , Prabhu Sandesh , Mathew Thomas 
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study was to determine the utility of the mitral leaflet separation index (MLSI), for determining the results of percutaneous mitral commissurotomy (PMC) in the acute setting, in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. Forty‐eight patients undergoing PMC were studied and 96 examinations were performed. The overall correlation with the MLSI was 0.95. The mitral valve area (MVA) was determined by 2D echo planimetry (MVAPLM) and 0.83 of the MVA was derived using Gorlin's formula (MVAGOR). The MLSI was significantly different in patients with severe mitral stenosis (MS) (MVAPLM <1 cm2, MLSI of 0.70 mm) compared with those with mild MS (MVAPLM >1.5 cm2, MLSI of 0.92 mm). The MLSI is a simple and effective method for assessment of the MVA. An MLSI >0.92, immediately after PMC, had an excellent sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of an effective MVA of >1.5 cm2.
Serial Doppler Echocardiographic Assessment of Diastolic Dysfunction during Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Prasad Sandhir B. , See Valerie , Tan Timothy , Brown Paula , McKay Tania , Kovoor Pramesh , Thomas Liza 
Published: August 2012

Objectives: We performed serial Doppler echocardiography in patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to describe the temporal changes in Doppler parameters following STEMI. Background: Data on comprehensive Doppler assessment of diastolic dysfunction following STEMI, incorporating tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), are lacking. Severe diastolic dysfunction in stable patients usually manifests as a restrictive mitral filling pattern (RFP), reduced TDI‐derived annular velocities (E'), and elevated E/E' ratios >15. Methods: Twenty‐eight patients (19 males, mean age 60 ± 10 years) with a first‐ever STEMI who underwent PCI were prospectively assessed with echocardiography and invasive left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) measurements prior to PCI. Repeat echocardiograms were performed at day 3 and 12 months. Results: During STEMI: (i) LVEDP was significantly elevated but decreased post revascularization (26.1 ± 6.2 vs. 20.8 ± 5.2 mmHg, P = 0.002); (ii) the predominant mitral inflow pattern was an abnormal relaxation pattern (n = 14 [50%]), whereas restrictive filling pattern was only observed in seven (25%) patients; (iii) E' velocities were only modestly reduced (septal E' 7.4 ± 2.2 cm/sec, lateral E' 9.6 ± 2.2 cm/sec), and (iv) a septal E/E'ratio >15 seen in only one patient, whereas all other patients had an E/E' ratio of 8–15. Serial TDI showed that E'velocity decreased at day 3 (septal E' 7.4 ± 2.1 cm/sec vs. 5.9 ± 1.6 cm/sec, P = 0.002) and remained reduced at 1 year follow‐up, suggesting persistence of diastolic dysfunction. Conclusions: During STEMI, contrary to findings in stable patients, the predominant Doppler manifestation of the severe diastolic dysfunction and elevated LVEDP was an abnormal relaxation mitral inflow pattern accompanied by E/E' ratios of 8–15. Serial Doppler assessment suggests incomplete diastolic recovery following STEMI.
Systolic Papillary Muscle Dyssynchrony Predicts Recurrence of Mitral Regurgitation in Patients with Ischemic Cardiomyopathy (ICM) Undergoing Mitral Valve Repair
Authors: van Garsse Leen , Gelsomino Sandro , Parise Orlando , Lucà Fabiana , Cheriex Emile , Lorusso Roberto , Vizzardi Enrico , Rao Carmelo Massimiliano , Gensini Gian Franco , Maessen Jos 
Published: August 2012

Objective: We investigated the impact of papillary muscle dyssynchrony (DYS‐PAP) in predicting recurrent mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) undergoing undersized mitral ring annuloplasty (UMRA). Methods: One hundred forty‐four ICM patients (left ventricular ejection fraction <35%) in sinus rhythm undergoing UMRA between January 2001 and December 2010 at three Institutions (University Hospital, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy; Civic Hospital, Brescia, Italy) were recruited. The primary endpoint was the recurrence of MR at the latest echocardiographic study defined as insufficiency ≥2+ in patients with no/trivial MR at discharge. The assessment of DYS‐PAP was performed by applying two‐dimensional (2D) speckle‐tracking imaging. Results: In patients with MR recurrence, DYS‐PAP significantly worsened (84.1 ± 8.8 msec vs.65.4 ± 8.8 msec at baseline, P < 0.001) whereas in patients with no MR recurrence, DYS‐PAP did not vary (22.3 ± 5.3 msec vs. 25.9 ± 7.2 msec at baseline, P = 0.8). Recurrent MR was positively correlated with preoperative DYS‐PAP (P < 0.001), baseline anterior mitral leaflet tethering angle α (P < 0.001) and tethering symmetry index α/β before surgery (P < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between MR recurrence and other echocardiographic parameters. Logistic regression analysis revealed that baseline values of DYS‐PAP (OR: 5.4 [95% CI: 3.1–7.7], P < 0.001), α (OR: 5.0 [2.6–6.7], P < 0.001), and α/β (OR: 3.9 [2.5–5.7], p < 0.001) were predictors of recurrent MR. A DYS‐PAP value ≥ 58 msec predicted recurrence of MR with 100% sensitivity and 83% specificity (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.92 [0.7–1], P < 0.001). Conclusions: A DYS‐PAP cutoff value of 58 msec is useful to identify patients in whom UMRA is likely to fail. That way decision making in ischemic functional MR might be facilitated.
A Fatal Case of Subcapsular Liver Hemorrhage in Late Pregnancy: A Review of Hemorrhages Caused by Hepatocellular Hyperplastic Nodules
Authors: Yajima Daisuke , Kondo Fukuo , Nakatani Yukio , Saitoh Hisako , Hayakawa Mutsumi , Sato Yayoi , Otsuka Katsura , Sato Kaoru , Iwase Hirotaro 
Published: August 2012

AbstractA previously healthy 23‐year‐old woman was admitted to hospital with abdominal pain at 39 weeks 0 days of pregnancy. The patient suffered sudden cardiopulmonary arrest during the observation and unfortunately died. An autopsy was performed to determine the cause of death. Opening of the peritoneal cavity revealed 2220 mL of blood and a subcapsular hematoma weighing 1060 g on the anterior surface of the right hepatic lobe. A lesion of c. 1 cm in diameter was noted at the center of the front surface of the right hepatic lobe, which was shown on histological examination to be a focal nodular hyperplasia‐like lesion. The cause of death was found to be hypovolemic shock caused by bleeding of the rupture of the hepatocellular hyperplastic nodule. Although some previous case reports describe hemorrhage from such lesions, forensic pathologists should be aware that they can lead to severe bleeding and sometimes death.
GC‐MS and GC‐MS/MS in PCI Mode Determination of Mescaline in Peyote Tea and in Biological Matrices
Authors: Gambelunghe Cristiana , Marsili Remo , Aroni Kyriaki , Bacci Mauro , Rossi Riccardo 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPeyote, a cactus containing the hallucinogen mescaline, is used to induce altered states of consciousness in religious ceremonies or for recreational purpose. This study reports a case of an underage boy suspected of mescaline abuse. For this purpose, we analyzed a dark green liquid sample found in the bedroom of the boy whose urine and hair samples were collected shortly after the drink was found. A method by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry tandem mass spectrometry (GC‐MS/MS) in positive chemical ionization mode was developed and validated in terms of linearity, specificity, accuracy, and sensitivity for mescaline determination at the low concentrations present in hair. GC‐MS analysis of the liquid identified mescaline, while urine was negative; GC‐MS/MS segmental hair analysis identified mescaline in the proximal segment (root to 2 cm), while the distal segments were negative. Although peyote was uncommonly encountered, its use was confirmed by segmental hair analysis that can provide long‐term information about drugs use.