bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Analysis of Corn Husk Photosynthesis
Authors: Pengelly Jasper J.L. , Kwasny Scott , Bala Soumi , Evans John R. , Voznesenskaya Elena V. , Koteyeva Nuria K. , Edwards Gerald E. , Furbank Robert T. , von Caemmerer Susanne
Published: April 2011

The husk surrounding the ear of corn/maize (Zea mays) has widely spaced veins with a number of interveinal mesophyll (M) cells and has been described as operating a partial C3 photosynthetic pathway, in contrast to its leaves, which use the C4 photosynthetic pathway. Here, we characterized photosynthesis in maize husk and leaf by measuring combined gas exchange and carbon isotope discrimination, the oxygen dependence of the CO2 compensation point, and photosynthetic enzyme activity and localization together with anatomy. The CO2 assimilation rate in the husk was less than that in the leaves and did not saturate at high CO2, indicating CO2 diffusion limitations. However, maximal photosynthetic rates were similar between the leaf and husk when expressed on a chlorophyll basis. The CO2 compensation points of the husk were high compared with the leaf but did not vary with oxygen concentration. This and the low carbon isotope discrimination measured concurrently with gas exchange in the husk and leaf suggested C4-like photosynthesis in the husk. However, both Rubisco activity and the ratio of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase to Rubisco activity were reduced in the husk. Immunolocalization studies showed that phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase is specifically localized in the layer of M cells surrounding the bundle sheath cells, while Rubisco and glycine decarboxylase were enriched in bundle sheath cells but also present in M cells. We conclude that maize husk operates C4 photosynthesis dispersed around the widely spaced veins (analogous to leaves) in a diffusion-limited manner due to low M surface area exposed to intercellular air space, with the functional role of Rubisco and glycine decarboxylase in distant M yet to be explained.
Phase I trial of gemtuzumab ozogamicin in intensive combination chemotherapy for relapsed or refractory adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML): Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group (JALSG)‐AML206 study
Authors: Usui Noriko , Takeshita Akihiro , Nakaseko Chiaki , Dobashi Nobuaki , Fujita Hiroyuki , Kiyoi Hitoshi , Kobayashi Yukio , Sakura Toru , Yahagi Yuichi , Shigeno Kazuyuki , Ohwada Chikako , Miyazaki Yasushi , Ohtake Shigeki , Miyawaki Shuichi , Naoe Tomoki , Ohnishi Kazunori ,   for the Japan Adult Leukemia Study Group
Published: April 2011

In order to investigate better molecular‐target therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), we conducted a phase I trial of a combination of gemtuzumab ozogamicin (GO) with conventional chemotherapy. Between January 2007 and December 2009, a total of 19 adult Japanese patients with relapsed or refractory CD33‐positive AML (excluding acute promyelocytic leukemia) were enrolled. All registered patients received a standard dose of cytarabine (Ara‐C) (100 mg/m2 × 7 days), combined with either idarubicin (IDR) (10–12 mg/m2 × 3 days) or daunorubicin (DNR) (50 mg/m2 × 3–5 days), and then GO (3–5 mg/m2), which was administered 1 day after the last infusion of IDR (IAG regimen) or DNR (DAG regimen). While doses of both GO and IDR and the administration period of only DNR were increased, the dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) was assessed. Among 19 patients (nine in the IAG regimen, 10 in the DAG regimen), the median age was 59 years (range 33–64), and the relapsed/refractory ratio was 13/6. In the therapy using 3 mg/m2 GO in the IAG or DAG regimen, grade 3/4 leukopenia and neutropenia were observed in all patients, but none had grade 3/4 non‐hematological toxicities, except febrile neutropenia. Three patients in the IAG regimen who were administered 5 mg/m2 GO showed DLT. No patients had veno‐occlusive disease or sinusoidal obstructive syndrome. In conclusion, 3 mg/m2 GO combined with Ara‐C and IDR or DNR can be safely administered, and phase II trials should be conducted to investigate the clinical efficacy of the combination therapy. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1358–1365)
Quantitative computed tomography assessment of transfusional iron overload
Authors: Wood John C. , Mo Ashley , Gera Aakansha , Koh Montre , Coates Thomas , Gilsanz Vicente
Published: April 2011

Quantitative computed tomography (QCT) has been proposed for iron quantification for more than 30 years, however there has been little clinical validation. We compared liver attenuation by QCT with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐derived estimates of liver iron concentration (LIC) in 37 patients with transfusional siderosis. MRI and QCT measurements were performed as clinically indicated monitoring of LIC and vertebral bone‐density respectively, over a 6‐year period. Mean time difference between QCT and MRI studies was 14 d, with 25 studies performed on the same day. For liver attenuation outside the normal range, attenuation values rose linearly with LIC (r2 = 0·94). However, intersubject variability in intrinsic liver attenuation prevented quantitation of LIC <8 mg/g dry weight of liver, and was the dominant source of measurement uncertainty. Calculated QCT and MRI accuracies were equivalent for LIC values approaching 22 mg/g dry weight, with QCT having superior performance at higher LIC’s. Although not suitable for monitoring patients with good iron control, QCT may nonetheless represent a viable technique for liver iron quantitation in patients with moderate to severe iron in regions where MRI resources are limited because of its low cost, availability, and high throughput.
Diffusion‐weighted imaging for non‐invasive and quantitative monitoring of bone marrow infiltration in patients with monoclonal plasma cell disease: a comparative study with histology
Authors: Hillengass Jens , Bäuerle Tobias , Bartl Reiner , Andrulis Mindaugas , McClanahan Fabienne , Laun Frederik B. , Zechmann Christian Martin , Shah Rajiv , Wagner‐Gund Barbara , Simon Dirk , Heiss Christiane , Neben Kai , Ho Anthony D. , Schlemmer Heinz‐Peter , Goldschmidt Hartmut , Delorme Stefan , Stieltjes Bram
Published: April 2011

Bone marrow plasma cell infiltration is a crucial parameter of disease activity in monoclonal plasma cell disorders. Until now, the only way to quantify such infiltration was bone marrow biopsy or aspiration. Diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) is a magnetic resonance imaging‐technique that may mirror tissue cellularity by measuring random movements of water molecules. To investigate if DWI is capable of assessing bone marrow cellularity in monoclonal plasma cell disease, we investigated 56 patients with multiple myeloma or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, and 30 healthy controls using DWI of the pelvis and/or the lumbar spine. In 25 of 30 patients who underwent biopsy, bone marrow trephine and DWI could be compared. Of the patients with symptomatic disease 15 could be evaluated after systemic treatment. There was a positive correlation between the DWI‐parameter apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and bone marrow cellularity as well as micro‐vessel density (P < 0·001 respectively). ADC was significantly different between patients and controls (P < 0·01) and before and after systemic therapy (P < 0·001). In conclusion, DWI enabled bone marrow infiltration to be monitored in a non‐invasive, quantitative way, suggesting that after further investigations on larger patient groups this might become an useful tool in the clinical work‐up to assess tumour burden.
Improving the immediate management of neutropenic sepsis in the UK: lessons from a national audit
Authors: Clarke Rachel T. , Warnick Janine , Stretton Kate , Littlewood Tim J.
Published: April 2011

Recent disquiet at inadequacies in the immediate management of neutropenic sepsis in the UK led to a new, gold standard ‘door‐to‐needle’ time of 1 h for the administration of intravenous antibiotics. The aim of this audit was to identify whether that target is being met nationally, the potential barriers to its achievement, and concrete recommendations for how to overcome these. We also sought to establish the degree of regional heterogeneity in current local management protocols. Questionnaires were sent to haematologists across the UK to determine their unit’s immediate management of patients presenting from the community with possible neutropenic sepsis. Local protocols and audits were also requested. Data covering 95 different hospitals were received, covering a combined catchment area of nearly 30 million people. There were marked regional inconsistencies in the definition of ‘neutropenic sepsis’ and almost every aspect of its immediate management. Only 26% of audited patients (n = 627) received intravenous antibiotics within the target time of 1 h. Median door‐to‐needle times ranged from 30 min to 4 h. Long delays of over 5 h were not uncommon.
AtKC1 is a general modulator of Arabidopsis inward Shaker channel activity
Authors: Jeanguenin Linda , Alcon Carine , Duby Geoffrey , Boeglin Martin , Chérel Isabelle , Gaillard Isabelle , Zimmermann Sabine , Sentenac Hervé , Véry Anne‐Aliénor
Published: April 2011

A functional Shaker potassium channel requires assembly of four α‐subunits encoded by a single gene or various genes from the Shaker family. In Arabidopsis thaliana, AtKC1, a Shaker α‐subunit that is silent when expressed alone, has been shown to regulate the activity of AKT1 by forming heteromeric AtKC1–AKT1 channels. Here, we investigated whether AtKC1 is a general regulator of channel activity. Co‐expression in Xenopus oocytes of a dominant negative (pore‐mutated) AtKC1 subunit with the inward Shaker channel subunits KAT1, KAT2 or AKT2, or the outward subunits SKOR or GORK, revealed that the three inward subunits functionally interact with AtKC1 while the outward ones cannot. Localization experiments in plant protoplasts showed that KAT2 was able to re‐locate AtKC1 fused to GFP from endomembranes to the plasma membrane, indicating that heteromeric AtKC1–KAT2 channels are efficiently targeted to the plasma membrane. Functional properties of heteromeric channels involving AtKC1 and KAT1, KAT2 or AKT2 were analysed by voltage clamp after co‐expression of the respective subunits in Xenopus oocytes. AtKC1 behaved as a regulatory subunit within the heterotetrameric channel, reducing the macroscopic conductance and negatively shifting the channel activation potential. Expression studies showed that AtKC1 and its identified Shaker partners have overlapping expression patterns, supporting the hypothesis of a general regulation of inward channel activity by AtKC1 in planta. Lastly, AtKC1 disruption appeared to reduce plant biomass production, showing that AtKC1‐mediated channel activity regulation is required for normal plant growth.
Presence of amplifiable mRNA in acellular hair shafts: utilization to analyze gene expression profiles of black and white hairs
Authors: Tochio Takumi , Tanaka Hiroshi , Nakata Satoru , Yoshizato Katsutoshi
Published: April 2011

Background  We postulated that hair shafts preserve amplifiable messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and that these mRNAs could be utilized to characterize phenotypic differences in hairs at the gene expression level.

Objectives  This study aimed to prove the presence of amplifiable mRNAs in the hair shaft and then to utilize them to characterize black and white hairs at the gene expression level.

Methods  RNAs were extracted from black and white scalp hair shafts and amplified by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Microarray analysis was performed using T7 RNA polymerase‐amplified mRNAs derived from the hair shaft to examine the gene expression profiles of black and white hairs.

Results  We showed that hair shaft RNAs contained trace amounts of mRNAs and concluded that the acellular hair shaft contained mRNAs usable for microarray analysis. We termed the mRNA “fossil mRNA” (fmRNA) in this study. Totals of 10 and 2% of the detected genes were expressed at levels more than two‐fold higher in black and white hairs compared with white and black hairs, respectively. We selected five genes and examined their expression levels in five donors by qRT‐PCR. Among them, only hypothetical protein (L1H3 region) human was found to be expressed at 2.69 ± 1.81 (relative ratio) in black hairs.

Conclusions  We demonstrated that the scalp hair shaft conserves fmRNAs which are probably remnants that have been expressed during hair differentiation. Consequently, fmRNA is expected to be a useful source of information for the study of phenotypic changes in hairs at the molecular level.
Adaptive responses for seed and leaf phenology in natural populations of sessile oak along an altitudinal gradient
Authors: ALBERTO F. , BOUFFIER L. , LOUVET J.‐M. , LAMY J.‐B. , DELZON S. , KREMER A.
Published: April 2011

We assessed the adaptive potential of seed and leaf phenology in 10 natural populations of sessile oak (Quercus petraea) sampled along two altitudinal transects using common garden experiments. Population differentiation for both phenological traits was observed with high‐altitude populations germinating and flushing later than low altitude ones. However, high genetic variation and heritability values were also maintained within populations, despite slightly decreasing for dates of leaf unfolding with increasing altitude. We suggest that biotic and abiotic fluctuating selection pressures within populations and high gene flow are the main mechanisms maintaining high genetic variation for these fitness related traits. Moreover, changes in selection intensity and/or selection pressures along the altitudinal gradient can explain the reduction in genetic variation observed for leaf phenology. We anticipate that the maintenance of high genetic variation will be a valuable resource for future adaptation of sessile oak populations undergoing an upslope shift caused by climate change.
Vitamin K prophylaxis and late vitamin K deficiency bleeding in infants: Fifth nationwide survey in Japan
Authors: Takahashi Daijiro , Shirahata Akira , Itoh Susumu , Takahashi Yukihiro , Nishiguchi Tomizo , Matsuda Yoshio
Published: April 2011

Background:  In 1980, the first nationwide survey on late vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) in infants was conducted in Japan, and it was followed by the second, third and fourth nationwide surveys in 1985, 1988 and 1991, respectively. The fifth nationwide survey was designed to ascertain the epidemiology of late VKDB between January 1999 and December 2004.

Patients and methods:  Questionnaires were sent to 2161 hospitals in Japan that employed members of the Japan Pediatric Society in March 2005. Responses were received from 1373 hospitals, for a response rate of 63.5%.

Results:  The total number of reported cases was 71, including 21 idiopathic type and 16 secondary type. The incidence of late VKDB was estimated to be 1.9 cases per 100 000 births (95% confidence interval: 1.2–3.0) during this survey period. In 34 cases, the presence or absence of any underlying disease was not clarified. A total of 67/71 infants were entirely breast‐fed. Intracranial hemorrhaging was observed in 26 (63.4%) out of 41 infants whose bleeding sites were described in the questionnaires. In 63 cases (88.7%) of late VKDB found in the present survey, however, vitamin K had been given at least once either during or after the neonatal period.

Conclusions:  A reevaluation of the current prophylaxis strategy for late VKDB in infants is necessary.
Reply to Cavagnolli et al. HbA1c measurement for the diagnosis of diabetes: is it enough?
Authors: Ha N.
Published: April 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 1008 (2011)
Economic impact of moderate weight loss in patients with Type 2 diabetes: The Fremantle Diabetes Study
Authors: Davis W. A. , Bruce D. G. , Davis T. M. E.
Published: April 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 1131–1135 (2011)

Aim  To assess the change in the cost of diabetes medication attributable to moderate weight loss in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  Longitudinal data collected annually from 590 patients participating in the observational, community‐based Fremantle Diabetes Study were examined to determine whether moderate weight loss (≥ 5% of initial body weight) was independently associated with diabetes medication cost during 4 years’ follow‐up.

Results  Overall, the weight of the cohort decreased significantly during 4.3 ± 0.4 years’ follow‐up by 1.3 ± 6.2 kg (−1.4 ± 7.9% baseline body weight; trend P < 0.001). Moderate weight loss was achieved by 31%. HbA1c improved significantly in the group with moderate weight loss compared with the group without moderate weight loss [−4 ± 16 mmol/mol (−0.3 ± 1.5%) vs. 0 ± 17 mmol/mol (0.0 ± 1.5%), P = 0.015]. Mean (bias‐corrected 95% confidence intervals) diabetes medication costs were $A820 ($A744−907) during follow‐up. As the cost distribution was highly right‐skewed and contained zeros, it was square root (√) transformed before multiple linear regression analysis. The most parsimonious model of baseline associates of √(diabetes medication cost) included glycaemic control, diabetes treatment, diabetes duration, BMI, systolic blood pressure, serum HDL cholesterol (negative), taking lipid‐lowering medication and age (negative) (adjusted R2 = 73.6%). After adjusting for these variables, √(diabetes medication cost) was negatively associated with moderate weight loss (P = 0.026). After entering average values for the cohort into the model, the cost of diabetes medications between baseline and fourth review for an average patient with no weight loss was $A752 compared with $A652 for a patient who attained moderate weight loss, a saving of $A100 (−13.3%).

Discussion  These data highlight the economic and clinical benefits of moderate weight loss in Type 2 diabetes.
Waist circumference and metabolic risk factors have separate and additive effects on the risk of future Type 2 diabetes in patients with vascular diseases. A cohort study
Authors: Wassink A. M. J. , van der Graaf Y. , van Haeften T. W. , Spiering W. , Soedamah‐Muthu S. S. , Visseren F. L. J. ,   on behalf of the SMART Study Group
Published: April 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 932–940 (2011)

Aims  To assess the effect of various measures of adiposity and of metabolic risk factors, both separately and in combination, on the risk of future Type 2 diabetes in patients with manifest vascular diseases.

Methods  This was a prospective cohort study in 2924 patients (mean age 59 ± 12 years) with manifest atherosclerosis. Metabolic risk factors were defined according to National Cholesterol Education Program criteria for the metabolic syndrome. Incidence of Type 2 diabetes was assessed by questionnaire and subsequent verification.

Results  During a median follow‐up of 4.9 years (range 3.0–7.6 years) there were 178 cases (6.1%) of incident Type 2 diabetes. An increase with 1 sd waist circumference showed a strong association with incident Type 2 diabetes in both men (hazard ratio 2.45, 95% CI 1.97–3.04) and women (hazard ratio 1.77, 95% CI 1.38–2.26). Compared with patients with normal (i.e. below the National Cholesterol Education Program criteria for abdominal adiposity) waist circumference and < 3 metabolic risk factors, both patients with normal waist circumference and ≥ 3 metabolic risk factors and patients with high (i.e. above the National Cholesterol Education Program criteria for abdominal adiposity) waist circumference and < 3 metabolic risk factors had an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes (hazard ratio 2.44, 95% CI 1.37–4.36 and hazard ratio 3.61, 95% CI 2.23–5.85, respectively). Patients with both high waist circumference and ≥ 3 metabolic risk factors had the highest risk of developing Type 2 diabetes (hazard ratio 10.76, 95% CI 6.95–16.64).

Conclusions  In patients with manifest atherosclerosis, both presence of ≥ 3 metabolic risk factors and presence of a high waist circumference alone are associated with increased risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. The combined presence of ≥ 3 metabolic risk factors and high waist circumference, which is present in 15% of patients, is associated with a 10‐fold increased risk of future Type 2 diabetes. To identify patients with manifest atherosclerosis at the highest risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, fat distribution in combination with metabolic risk factors should be considered.
The prevalence of acne among a group of Portuguese medical students
Authors: Gonçalves G. , Amado J.M. , Matos M.E. , Massa A.
Published: April 2011

Background  Worldwide, very few studies have been published on the prevalence of acne among university students.

Objective  The main objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of acne among Portuguese medical students. We also assessed associated factors and opinions.

Methods  Participants were recruited among 145 fifth year medical students. They were asked to complete a questionnaire, and were observed to grade their acne. Acne grading was done using Pillsbury criteria.

Results  Ninety‐eight students were assessed and returned the self‐completed questionnaire, 67 (68%) were female students and 31 (32%) male students. The observed prevalence of acne was 61 students (62.2%); 42 (69%) and 18 (30%) had acne grades I and II, respectively; only one was classified as grade III. The prevalence of acne was not significantly associated with gender (P = 0.72), family history of acne (P = 0.65), greasy hair (P = 0.18), smoking habits (P = 0.25) or self‐perceived presence of acne (P = 0.48). Regularity of menstrual cycles was not associated (P = 0.73) with the presence of acne among the 67 women. The majority thought that acne strongly affects self‐image and, to a much lesser extent, personal relationships, academic performance or recruitment to a job.

Conclusion  The prevalence of acne in this study was higher than that observed in previous studies among medical students and other non‐university young adults. Opinions about the causes of acne (with hormones in top of the list) were similar to previous studies. Our study sample perceived more serious consequences for self‐image than university students elsewhere and younger Portuguese school children.
Nucleolar disruption and apoptosis are distinct neuronal responses to etoposide‐induced DNA damage
Authors: Pietrzak Maciej , Smith Scott C. , Geralds Justin T. , Hagg Theo , Gomes Cynthia , Hetman Michal
Published: April 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 117, 1033–1046.

Although DNA damaging topoisomerase inhibitors induce apoptosis in developing neurons, their effects on adult neurons have not yet been characterized. We report a blockage of RNA‐Polymerase‐1‐driven transcription and nucleolar stress in neocortical neurons of adult rats after intracarotid injection of the DNA‐topoisomerase‐2 inhibitor, etoposide. Intracerebroventricular injection of etoposide induced a similar response in neonatal rats. In contrast, etoposide triggered neuronal apoptosis in the neonates, but not the adults. Nucleolar disruption and apoptosis were also observed in etoposide‐challenged cultured cortical neurons from newborn rats. In that system, activation of the DNA double strand break signaling kinase ataxia telangiectasia‐mutated protein kinase, p53 and p53‐dependent apoptosis required lower etoposide concentrations than did the p53‐independent induction of nucleolar stress. These distinct responses may be coupled to different forms of etoposide‐induced DNA damage. Indeed, double strand breaks by the over‐expressed endonuclease I‐Ppo1 were sufficient to induce p53‐dependent apoptosis. Moreover, nucleolar transcription was insensitive to such damage implying single strand breaks and/or topoisomerase‐2‐DNA adducts as triggers of nucleolar stress. Because nucleolar stress is not age‐restricted, it may underlie non‐apoptotic neurotoxicity of chemotherapy‐ or neurodegeneration‐associated DNA damage by reducing ribosomal biogenesis in adult brain. Conversely, nucleolar insensitivity to double strand breaks likely contributes to mature neuron tolerance of such lesions.
Hippocampal CA3 calcineurin activity participates in depressive‐like behavior in rats
Authors: Zhu Wei‐Li , Shi Hai‐Shui , Wang Shen‐Jun , Wu Ping , Ding Zeng‐Bo , Lu Lin
Published: April 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 117, 1075–1086.

Calcineurin is a serine/threonine protein phosphatase that regulates neurotransmission, neuronal structure and plasticity, and neuronal excitability in mood disorders, including depression. Increasing evidence has suggested that calcineurin is involved in the regulation of depressive‐like behavior. However, little is known about the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie the mood‐regulating effects of calcineurin. We investigated the potential mechanism by which calcineurin mediates the development of depressive‐like behavior and the involvement of calcineurin in the action of antidepressant medication in the chronic mild stress (CMS) model. The results showed that rats exposed to CMS had decreased calcineurin activity, measured by increased phospho‐synapsin I S62/67 (pSynapsin) and decreased calcineurin‐Aα levels, specifically in the CA3 but not CA1 or dentate gyrus (DG) subfields of the hippocampus. Calcineurin inhibition in the CA3 but not DG by microinfusion of cyclosporine‐A (2 μg) induced depressive‐like behavior in normal rats and exacerbated depressive‐like performance in CMS‐treated rats. Additionally, calcineurin inhibition in the CA3 but not DG reversed the antidepressant‐like activity of venlafaxine. Calcineurin inhibition in the CA3 also reduced metabotropic glutamate 2/3 receptor (mGluR2/3) expression levels. mGluR2/3 activation by its agonist LY354740 (100 ng) in the CA3 reversed the depressive‐like behavior induced by cyclosporine‐A administration. Finally, chronic venlafaxine (40 mg/kg) treatment increased calcineurin activity, reflected by decreased pSynapsin and increased calcineurin‐Aα protein levels in the CA3 but not CA1 or DG. These findings indicate that CA3 calcineurin signaling probably mediated through mGluR2/3 participates in the development of depression and the behavioral responses to antidepressant treatment.
The importance of incorporating imperfect detection in biodiversity assessments: a case study of small mammals in an Australian region
Authors: Gibson Lesley A.
Published: April 2011

Aim  Assessments of biodiversity are an essential requirement of conservation management planning. Species distributional modelling is a popular approach to quantifying biodiversity whereby occurrence data are related to environmental covariates. An important confounding factor that is often overlooked in the development of such models is uncertainty due to imperfect detection. Here, I demonstrate how an analytical approach that accounts for the bias due to imperfect detection can be applied retrospectively to an existing biodiversity survey data set to produce more realistic estimates of species distributions and unbiased covariate relationships.

Location  Pilbara biogeographic region, Australia.

Methods  As a component of the Pilbara survey, presence/absence (i.e. undetected) data on small ground‐dwelling mammals were collected. I applied a multiseason occupancy modelling approach to six of the most common species encountered during this survey. Detection and occupancy rates, as well as extinction and colonization probabilities, were determined, and the influence of covariates on these parameters was examined using the multi‐model inference approach.

Results  Detection probabilities for all six species were considerably lower than 1.0 and varied across time and species. Naïve estimates of occupancy underestimated occupancy rates corrected for species detectability by up to 45%. Seasonal variation in occupancy status was attributed to changes in detection for two of the focal species, while reproductive events explained variation in occupancy in three others. Covariates describing the substrate strongly influenced site occupancy for most of the species modelled. A comparison of the occupancy model with a generalized linear model, assuming perfect detection, showed that the effects of the covariates were underestimated in the latter model.

Main conclusions  The application of the multiseason occupancy modelling approach to the Pilbara mammal data set demonstrated a powerful framework for examining changes in site occupancy, as well as local colonization and extinction rates of species which are not confounded by variable species detection rates.
Chronic wound fluid—thinking outside the box
Authors: Widgerow Alan David
Published: April 2011

Chronic wounds are associated with an altered wound milieu that results from an imbalance in extracellular matrix (ECM) homeostasis. This alteration is characterized by an increased destruction and degradation of components of the ECM with a concomitant lack of synthesis of these elements. Traditionally wound fluid has been considered a reflection of the internal wound milieu. It has been used to monitor and reflect on the chronic status of a wound or to measure the efficacy of wound treatment. However, on closer inspection of chronic wound fluid, certain components of the fluid, particularly matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their subcomponents (MMP‐9) have been found to exist at higher levels in wound fluid than in the corresponding wound. There is mounting evidence that much of the destructive effects observed in chronic wounds may be compounded by components of the wound exudate which are corrosive in nature resulting in a continuum of ECM breakdown. Isolation of these components has identified MMPs, in particular MMP‐9 as dominant in this destructive process. Additionally an association has been made between high bacterial levels and elevated MMP9 in chronic wounds. Agents that have efficacy against MMP‐9 and significant antibacterial potency thus provide a dual defense against chronic wounds. It is likely that these agents cause a change in the chronic wound fluid components that more closely resemble the balance of proteases and growth factors seen acute wounds, thus triggering a positive wound healing process. Nanocrystalline silver appears to fulfill these criteria. A strategy is suggested whereby wound fluid is directly targeted to diminish the corrosive wound fluid elements in an attempt to break the ongoing destructive inflammatory cycle. This presents a relatively new treatment paradigm attempting to influence wound healing by working from without to initiate changes within.
Franchising Research: Major Milestones, New Directions, and its Future within Entrepreneurship
Authors: Combs James G. , Ketchen David J. , Short Jeremy C.
Published: April 2011

For decades, most franchising research leveraged one of three theoretical milestones—resource scarcity, agency theory, and plural form symbiosis—to answer questions about why, where, and how often firms use franchising. Today's franchising researchers are leveraging new theories, investigating under–examined aspects of franchising, and exploring contextual factors that shape its use. The articles in the special issue continue these “New Directions in Franchising Research.” This introduction describes the three milestones that form the theoretical foundation for today's new directions, summarizes the special issue articles and their implications, and explains why entrepreneurship researchers are well–positioned to advance knowledge about franchising. 1
The epidemiology of shoulder dislocations in Oslo
Authors: Liavaag S. , Svenningsen S. , Reikerås O. , Enger M. , Fjalestad T. , Pripp A. H. , Brox J. I.
Published: April 2011

There are few previous studies on the incidence of shoulder dislocation in the general population. The aim of the study was to report the incidence of acute shoulder dislocations in the capital of Norway (Oslo) in 2009. Patients of all ages living in Oslo, sustaining a dislocation of the glenohumeral joint, were identified using electronic diagnosis registers, patient protocols, radiological registers of the hospitals, and the Norwegian Patient Register (NPR). The overall incidence rate was 56.3 [95% confidence interval (CI) 50.2–62.4] per 100 000 person‐years, with rates of 82.2 (95% CI 71.7–92.8) and 30.9 (95% CI 24.5–37.3) in men and women, respectively. The incidence of primary dislocations was 26.2 (95% CI 22.1–30.4). The overall incidence of shoulder dislocations in Oslo was higher than previously reported incidences. The incidence of primary dislocations was also higher than that in previously reported studies for the general population but it was close to the incidence reported in Malmø, Sweden.
Sonophoresis‐mediated permeation and retention of peptide dendrimers across human epidermis
Authors: Mutalik Srinivas , Nayak Usha Y. , Kalra Rohit , Kumar Aravind , Kulkarni Raghavendra V. , Parekh Harendra S.
Published: April 2011

Purpose: The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of sonophoresis on the permeation rate of peptide dendrimers through human skin.

Methods: Peptide dendrimers containing arginine and histidine as terminal amino acids and having varying positive charges (arginine group: R4, R8 and R16 dendrimers, having 4+, 8+ and 16+ charges, respectively; histidine group: H4, H8 and H16 dendrimers, having 4+, 8+ and 16+ charges, respectively) were synthesized by Fmoc solid‐phase peptide synthesis. The in vitro skin permeation studies were conducted using vertical‐type diffusion cells and ultrasound was applied using a probe sonicator to the donor solution. The effects of varying concentrations of dendrimer with differing pH of the donor solution on the permeation rate were studied.

Results: All the dendrimers exhibited significantly (P<0.05) higher permeation rates with the application of ultrasound in comparison with passive diffusion studies (without ultrasound). High concentrations of H4 and R4 dendrimers were found in the receptor media compared with other dendrimers at all the concentrations tested, indicating appreciable permeation of low‐molecular‐weight dendrimers across the skin, assisted by sonophoresis. The opposite was true when assessing dendrimer ‘retention’ in skin, where it was shown to improve upon increasing dendrimer generation/molecular weight. Negligible loss of all the dendrimers (<2%) during skin permeation studies indicates that neither skin nor ultrasound adversely affects the stability of dendrimers.

Conclusion: The present study reveals the successful application of sonophoresis in enhancing the permeation of peptide dendrimers across human skin.
Skin tumor area extraction using an improved dynamic programming approach
Authors: Abbas Qaisar , Celebi M. E. , García Irene Fondón
Published: April 2011

Background/purpose: Border (B) description of melanoma and other pigmented skin lesions is one of the most important tasks for the clinical diagnosis of dermoscopy images using the ABCD rule. For an accurate description of the border, there must be an effective skin tumor area extraction (STAE) method. However, this task is complicated due to uneven illumination, artifacts present in the lesions and smooth areas or fuzzy borders of the desired regions.

Methods: In this paper, a novel STAE algorithm based on improved dynamic programming (IDP) is presented. The STAE technique consists of the following four steps: color space transform, pre‐processing, rough tumor area detection and refinement of the segmented area. The procedure is performed in the CIE L*a*b* color space, which is approximately uniform and is therefore related to dermatologist's perception. After pre‐processing the skin lesions to reduce artifacts, the DP algorithm is improved by introducing a local cost function, which is based on color and texture weights.

Results: The STAE method is tested on a total of 100 dermoscopic images. In order to compare the performance of STAE with other state‐of‐the‐art algorithms, various statistical measures based on dermatologist‐drawn borders are utilized as a ground truth. The proposed method outperforms the others with a sensitivity of 96.64%, a specificity of 98.14% and an error probability of 5.23%.

Conclusion: The results demonstrate that this STAE method by IDP is an effective solution when compared with other state‐of‐the‐art segmentation techniques. The proposed method can accurately extract tumor borders in dermoscopy images.
Formative evaluation to improve prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): a prospective study
Authors: D’Halluin Amélie Ryckewaert , Roussey Michel , Branger Bernard , Venisse Anne , Pladys Patrick
Published: April 2011

Aim:  To evaluate formative evaluation, a pedagogic method that sensitizes mothers to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), as a new way to improve prevention of SIDS.

Methods:  Prospective and randomized study. Mothers in a test group (n = 148) received an educative questionnaire about SIDS during maternity stay. Three months later, we evaluated, by a telephonic interview, their scores of knowledge and observance of the recommendations in comparison with a control group (n = 144).

Results:  Mothers’ scores at the educative questionnaire was 5.12 (1.52) [mean(standard deviation)]. The scores performed 3 months later were better in test group for knowledge [7.64 (1.56) vs. 7.16 (1.61), p < 0.01] and for observance [8.28 (1.51) vs. 7.62 (1.72), p < 0.001]. Logistic regression analysis confirmed the benefits in test group regarding knowledge of SIDS risk factors [ORa = 1.69 (1.02–2.77), p < 0.05], of the advice to avoid overheating infants [ORa = 2.50 (1.43–4.38), p < 0.01] and of the risks of bed sharing [ORa = 2.7 (1.6–4.5), p < 0.001]. There was a significant association between non‐compliance with the sleeping position recommendation and unemployment (p < 0.01) and absence of postsecondary school education (p < 0.01).

Conclusion:  Formative evaluation using an educative questionnaire could improve maternal awareness on SIDS risk factors and their compliance with recommendations about SIDS prevention.
Identification of malic and soluble oxaloacetate decarboxylase enzymes in Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Espariz Martín , Repizo Guillermo , Blancato Víctor , Mortera Pablo , Alarcón Sergio , Magni Christian
Published: April 2011

Two paralogous genes, maeE and citM, that encode putative malic enzyme family members were identified in the Enterococcus faecalis genome. MaeE (41 kDa) and CitM (42 kDa) share a high degree of homology between them (47% identities and 68% conservative substitutions). However, the genetic context of each gene suggested that maeE is associated with malate utilization whereas citM is linked to the citrate fermentation pathway. In the present work, we focus on the biochemical characterization and physiological contribution of these enzymes in E. faecalis. With this aim, the recombinant versions of the two proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli, affinity purified and finally their kinetic parameters were determined. This approach allowed us to establish that MaeE is a malate oxidative decarboxylating enzyme and CitM is a soluble oxaloacetate decarboxylase. Moreover, our genetic studies in E. faecalis showed that the citrate fermentation phenotype is not affected by citM deletion. On the other hand, maeE gene disruption resulted in a malate fermentation deficient strain indicating that MaeE is responsible for malate metabolism in E. faecalis. Lastly, it was demonstrated that malate fermentation in E. faecalis is associated with cytoplasmic and extracellular alkalinization which clearly contributes to pH homeostasis in neutral or mild acidic conditions.
The chromosomal protein HMGN2 mediates lipopolysaccharide‐induced expression of β‐defensins in A549 cells
Authors: Deng Lu‐Xia , Wu Gui‐Xia , Cao Yue , Fan Bo , Gao Xiang , Luo Lin , Huang Ning
Published: April 2011

Human β‐defensin‐2 (HBD‐2) is an antimicrobial peptide produced by the epithelial cells that plays an important role in innate and adaptive immunity. Here we report that high mobility group protein N2 (HMGN2), a member of the high mobility group superfamily that affects chromatin function, modulates the expression of HBD‐2 in A549 cells treated by lipopolysaccharide. Mechanistically, HMGN2 prolongs the retention time and enhances the accumulation of nuclear factor κB p65 in the nucleus, and promotes the acetylation of p65 through increasing histone acetyltransferase activity and enhancing p65‐Ser536 phosphorylation. Additionally, chromatin immunoprecipitation reveals that HMGN2 and p65 synergistically promote their specific binding to HBD‐2 promoter, thereby affecting the downstream transcription. Taken together, these results suggest that HMGN2 acts as a positive modulator of nuclear factor κB signalling to promote lipopolysaccharide‐induced β‐defensin expression.
Investing in Bulgarian Agriculture  Investir dans l’agriculture bulgare  Investitionen in die bulgarische Landwirtschaft
Authors: Naydenov Miroslav
Published: April 2011

summary

Investing in Bulgarian Agriculture

The Programme for European Development of Bulgaria has set agricultural development as a basis for economic growth. The first strategic objective of the Programme is to make agriculture an attractive industry and to guarantee a high standard of living for people working in the sector by stabilising and increasing their incomes. The priorities of the Bulgarian government regarding agriculture follow the priorities of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and we strictly adhere to the two pillars of the CAP. A Food Safety Agency is being established to guarantee the safety and increase the quality of food and a legislative base is being created to allow producers to supply directly to consumers thus enhancing market opportunities. Bulgaria is in the middle of the first programming period of the Rural Development Programme (2007–2013) and expectations of the programme are high. It has the largest budget in Bulgaria and the fund absorption rate of about 20 per cent is the highest in the country. Bulgarian government priorities are consistently focused on the goal of increasing the competitiveness of Bulgarian agriculture through technical and technological modernization of the sector and on the sustainable development and stabilization of rural areas under the conditions of EU membership.
The CAP Bond Revisited: A Serious Option for Reform?  Nouvelle perspective sur la titrisation de la PAC : une option sérieuse de réforme?  Noch einmal zu den Bonds der GAP: Eine echte Option für die Reform?
Authors: Harvey David , Jambor Attila
Published: April 2011

summary

The CAP Bond Revisited: A Serious Option for Reform?

The debate on direct payments and the future of CAP is at a critical stage. A review of the current literature on direct payments strongly suggests that they are unsustainable as effectively unconditional and universal support. As a consequence, their eventual and effective elimination appears inevitable, despite the likelihood that they will be continued in some form post‐2013. The Bond scheme is worth serious consideration as a potential bridge between the European Commission’s present options for CAP reform. Using the Bond allows for the removal of an obsolete policy instrument from the CAP while providing the opportunity and the financial basis for farm families to adjust, either within or outside agriculture. This option would also provide clear indications of where more targeted support and environmental payments are required. We argue that until markets are allowed to adapt and adjust to a substantially less supported future, the SFP policy will continue to generate wasteful argument and political debate. It will also continue largely unproductive, unjustified and illegitimate assistance, while doing nothing to reduce the long‐term uncertainty which threatens to cripple the EU farm sector.
A randomised controlled trial comparing spontaneous healing, gelfoam patching and edge‐approximation plus gelfoam patching in traumatic tympanic membrane perforation with inverted or everted edges
Authors: Lou Z.‐C. , He J.‐G.
Published: April 2011

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2011, 36, 221–226

Objective:  To compare the outcome of patients with dry traumatic tympanic membrane perforation after spontaneous healing and gelfoam patching with or without perforation edge approximation.

Design:  Prospective clinical study.

Setting:  University‐affiliated teaching hospital.

Participants:  Ninety‐one patients with acute dry traumatic tympanic membrane perforation inverted or everted edges were recruited. They were randomly allocated to three groups: spontaneous healing (n = 31), gelfoam patching (n = 30) and edge‐approximation plus gelfoam patching (n = 30). Otoscopy and tympanometry were performed before the treatment and at follow‐up visits.

Main outcome measures:  Healing rate, healing time, ear infection rate and morphological changes during healing process.

Results:  The overall healing rate was 85% in the spontaneous healing group, lower than that in the two gelfoam patching groups (97%), but the difference failed to reach a statistical significance (P > 0.05). The average healing time was 30 ± 10.1 days in the spontaneous healing group, significantly longer (P < 0.01) than that in the other two groups (16 ± 5.6 and 18 ± 4.7 days, respectively). Middle ear infection rate did not differ significantly (7%, 3% and 3%, respectively). Spontaneous healing resulted in formation of scabs at the perforation edges, which was effectively prevented by gelfoam patching.

Conclusions:  Gelfoam patching may facilitate healing of traumatically perforated tympanic membrane. Approximation of folded perforation edges is not necessary in gelfoam patching.
Low Medication Adherence and the Incidence of Stroke Symptoms Among Individuals With Hypertension: The REGARDS Study
Authors: Muntner Paul , Halanych Jewell H. , Reynolds Kristi , Durant Raegan , Vupputuri Suma , Sung Victor W. , Meschia James F. , Howard Virginia J. , Safford Monika M. , Krousel‐Wood Marie
Published: April 2011

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:479–486.©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The authors analyzed data on 9950 participants taking antihypertensive medications in the nationwide Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study to determine the association between medication adherence and incident stroke symptoms. Medication adherence was assessed using a validated 4‐item self‐report scale and participants were categorized into 4 groups (scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3 or 4, with higher scores indicating worse adherence). The incidence of 6 stroke symptoms (sudden weakness on one side of the body, numbness, painless loss of vision in one or both eyes, loss of half vision, losing the ability to understand people, and losing the ability to express oneself verbally or in writing) was assessed via telephone interviews every 6 months. During a median of 4 years, the incidence of any stroke symptom was 14.6%, 17.9%, 20.2%, and 24.9% among participants with adherence scores of 0, 1, 2, and 3 or 4, respectively (P<.001). The multivariable adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for any stroke symptom associated with adherence scores of 1, 2, and 3 or 4, vs 0, was 1.20 (1.04–1.39), 1.23 (0.94–1.60), and 1.59 (1.08–2.33), respectively (P<.001). Worse adherence was also associated with higher multivariable adjusted hazard ratios for each of the 6 stroke symptoms.