bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ErAs as a transparent contact at 1.55μm
Authors: Hanson M. P. , Gossard A. C. , Brown E. R.
Published: September 2006

An investigation of the optical transmission properties of semimetallic ErAs films grown by molecular beam epitaxy reveals a maximum in transmission around 1.55μm. The semitransparent window extends from ∼1.5to2.3μm. These films were found to have resistivities less than 7×10−5Ωcm and permit ∼85% transmission for a 150nm film and ∼97% transmission for a 15nm film with respect to a GaAs substrate at 1.55μm. These results suggest that ErAs may be a useful material for applications requiring transparent contacts from 1.5to2.3μm. Polycrystalline films of ErAs were grown on sapphire substrates to investigate optical properties of ErAs in the visible region.
Tolerance of Australian lucerne (Medicago sativa) germplasm to grazing by sheep
Authors: Humphries A. W. , Kobelt E. T. , Bellotti W. D. , Auricht G. C.
Published: September 2006

The sheep grazing tolerance of a diverse range of lucerne germplasm (Medicago sativa subspp. sativa, falcata and caerulea) was investigated at Roseworthy in South Australia. Lucerne entries were established on a sandy loam soil in 1998 and managed with rotational grazing management for the first 12 months. Continuous grazing by sheep in the following year reduced the plant density of each entry as measured by plant frequency estimates by 2–98%. Lucerne was allowed to recover, then grazed continuously for another 12 months. There was great diversity in tolerance to sheep grazing among the entries tested, with final plant frequency ranging from 0–13% for highly winter-active entries, 7–23% (at least 7–23 plants/m2) for winter-active entries and 11–40% for winter dormant entries. A grazing tolerance index of commercial cultivars was determined by comparing their plant frequency decline under continuous grazing to that under rotational grazing in an adjacent experiment. Australian-bred highly winter-active cultivars displayed a greater level of tolerance than those developed overseas. The superior performance of several breeders’ lines in the continuously grazed trial indicates there is further scope for improvement with selection and breeding.
Effect of raised beds, irrigation and nitrogen management on growth, water use and yield of rice in south-eastern Australia
Authors: Beecher H. G. , Dunn B. W. , Thompson J. A. , Humphreys E. , Mathews S. K. , Timsina J.
Published: September 2006

To remain economically and environmentally sustainable, Australian rice growers need to be able to readily respond to market opportunities and increase cropping system productivity and water productivity. Water availability is decreasing whereas its price is increasing. Alternative irrigation layouts and water management approaches could contribute to reduced water use and increased irrigation efficiency. This paper reports results for the first crop (rice) in a cropping system experiment to compare permanent raised bed and conventional layouts on a transitional red-brown earth at Coleambally, New South Wales. The performance of conventional ponded rice grown on a flat layout was compared with rice grown on 1.84-m wide, raised beds with furrow and subsurface drip irrigation. In addition, deep and shallow ponded water depth treatments (15 and 5 cm water depth over the beds) were imposed on the rice on beds during the reproductive period. A range of nitrogen (N) fertiliser rates (0–180 kg N/ha) was applied to all treatments. The traditional flat flooded treatment (Flat) achieved the highest grain yield of 12.7 t/ha, followed by the deep (Bed 15) and shallow (Bed 5) ponded beds (10.2 and 10.1 t/ha, respectively). The furrow (Furrow) irrigated bed treatment yielded 9.4 t/ha and the furrow/drip (Furr/Drip) treatment yielded the lowest grain yield (8.3 t/ha). Grain yield from all bed treatments was reduced owing to the wide furrows (0.8 m between edge rows on adjacent beds), which were not planted to rice. Rice crop water use was significantly different between the layout–irrigation treatments. The Flat, Bed 5 and Bed 15 treatments had similar input (irrigation + rainfall – surface drainage) water use (mean of 18.3 ML/ha). The water use for the Furrow treatment was 17.2 ML/ha and for the Furr/Drip treatment, 15.1 ML/ha. Input WP of the Flat treatment (0.68 t/ML) was higher than the raised bed treatments, which were all similar (mean 0.55 t/ML). This single season experiment shows that high yielding rice crops can be successfully grown on raised beds, but when beds are ponded after panicle initiation, there is no water saving compared with rice grown on a conventional flat layout. Preliminary recommendations for the growing of rice on raised beds are that the crop be grown as a flooded crop in a bankless channel layout. This assists with weed control and allows flooding for cold temperature protection, which is necessary with current varieties. Until we find effective herbicides and other methods of weed control and N application that do not require ponding, there is little scope for saving water while maintaining yield on suitable rice soil through the use of beds.
Managing yield reductions from wide row spacing in wheat
Authors: Amjad M. , Anderson W. K.
Published: September 2006

Experiments were conducted to investigate row spacing effects on wheat yield and grain quality and the interactions between row spacing and cultivars, plant population density, nitrogen application rate, time of sowing, fertiliser placement and row spread from 2000 to 2002 in the south coast region of Western Australia. In the experiments that were conducted following pasture or lupins, wider row spacings of 240 and 360 mm consistently reduced wheat yield and increased grain protein and small grain screenings compared with a narrow row spacing of 180 mm. Average plant numbers were reduced in the wider rows in all experiments. This result, possibly related to increased competition for water as the seeds were placed closer together in the wide rows, may also have been related to reductions in wheat grain yield. The yield decline in wider rows was lowest for the long season cultivar Camm with a May sowing in 1 experiment and at the higher N rate in another experiment. The response of Camm at wider row spacings can be partially explained by its higher dry matter production as measured in 2000 and may also help to explain the observed advantage of Camm in suppressing weed growth at all row spacings. In 2002, the row spread (seed width within the row) was varied from normal 25 mm widths to 50 and 75 mm widths. Yield was increased at the widest row spacing (360 mm) by using the wider row spreads of 50 or 75 mm. Fertiliser placement methods significantly affected plant establishment but not grain yield. Grain quality (protein percentage, small grain screenings and hectolitre weight) was reduced in wider rows in some cases or unaffected in others. This research has demonstrated that yield reductions due to wide row spacing can be minimised by using a long season cultivar when sown in May, by using adequate N fertiliser and by increasing the spread of seed across the row.
Residual value of molybdenum for wheat production on naturally acidic soils of Western Australia
Authors: Brennan R. F.
Published: September 2006

Naturally acidic sandplain soils in the lower rainfall (<350 mm annual average) eastern region of the agricultural areas of south-western Australia are deficient in molybdenum (Mo) for grain production of wheat. Liming soils ameliorates Mo deficiency, but it is not an economic option for these soils because they are naturally acidic at soil depths commonly explored by wheat roots. Consequently, Mo fertiliser, usually as Mo trioxide, needs to be applied to wheat on these soils. The residual value of the Mo fertiliser for these soils was not known, so was measured using grain yield of wheat in 2 long-term field experiments. The Mo fertiliser treatments were applied once only in different years to plots not treated with Mo in a previous year. In both experiments, the residual value of the fertiliser was measured in 1993. Thus, it was possible to determine the effectiveness of the fertiliser applied once only 1–11 years previously (previous Mo) relative to freshly applied (current) Mo applied in 1993. At both sites, a continuous decline in the effectiveness of previous Mo relative to current Mo was related to time of Mo–soil contact. In experiment 1, the effectiveness of previous Mo relative to current Mo decreased by about 40, 50, 60 and 70% when applied 2, 5, 7 and 11 years previously. In experiment 2, on a more acidic soil with a larger capacity to sorb Mo, the relative effectiveness of previous Mo decreased by about 60 and 80% for Mo applied 2 and 6 years previously. The concentration of Mo measured in youngest emerged leaf blades was related to 90% of the maximum shoot yield at the time of sampling (diagnostic critical tissue test value) and to 90% of the maximum grain yield (prognostic critical tissue test value). Irrespective of the growth stage of wheat, both critical diagnostic and prognostic values were about 0.07 mg Mo/kg. The concentration of Mo in grain that was related to 90% of the maximum grain yield was 0.02 mg/kg. The reapplication of Mo fertiliser to naturally acidic sands can be made with knowledge of the residual value and use of tissue testing for Mo, particularly when sampled at early growth stages of wheat.
Residual values of soil-applied zinc fertiliser for early vegetative growth of six crop species
Authors: Brennan R. F. , Bolland M. D. A.
Published: September 2006

Zinc (Zn) oxide is the most widely used fertiliser for the predominantly acidic to neutral soils of south-western Australia. For these soils, the residual value of Zn oxide has been determined for wheat and lupin, but not for barley, oats, canola and triticale, which are also grown in the region. Just after termination of a long-term (17 year) field experiment that measured the residual value of Zn oxide for wheat, soil samples were collected from selected plots to use in 2 glasshouse experiments. The field experiment was on previously unfertilised, newly cleared duplex soil (sand with much lateritic ironstone gravel over clay) and before the experiment started DTPA extractable Zn for the top 10 cm of soil was <0.2 mg Zn/kg. In the first glasshouse experiment, soil samples from the nil-Zn treatment of the field experiment were used to measure the critical Zn concentration in young mature growth of 6 crop species (wheat, barley, oats, lupin, canola and triticale) when 7 levels of Zn (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 300 and 600 mg Zn/kg soil) were applied to the soil. In the field experiment, 0.5 and 1.0 kg Zn/ha, as Zn oxide, had been applied once only in each of the following years to previously nil-Zn plots: 1983, 1984, 1986, 1990, 1992, 1996 and 2000. Soil samples were collected from these plots to use in the second glasshouse experiment. This experiment estimated how long the Zn treatments applied in the field remained effective, as estimated using shoot yields and critical Zn concentrations in young mature growth of the same 6 crop species used in experiment 1. Critical Zn concentration in young mature growth was about 14 mg/kg for wheat, barley and lupin, 15 mg/kg for triticale, and 18 mg/kg for oats and canola. The residual value of Zn varied with crop species. As estimated from shoot yields, the 0.5 kg Zn/ha treatment was effective for ≤10 years for wheat, barley and oats, ≤14 years for lupin and canola, and >17 years for triticale. The 1.0 kg Zn/ha treatment remained fully effective for all crop species. As determined from projected estimates of the data, the time taken for Zn concentrations in young mature growth to reach critical values, the residual value of the 0.5 and 1.0 kg Zn/ha treatments were least for wheat, barley and oats, were greater for lupin and canola, and greatest for triticale. There were a total of 7 wheat crops and 10 pasture years during the 17 years of the field experiment. For the 0.5 and 1.0 kg Zn/ha treatment applied in the field in 1983, 30–34% of the applied Zn was removed in grain of the 7 wheat crops grown before soil samples were collected to do the glasshouse experiments. The pasture was grazed by sheep and it was estimated that 16–24% of the Zn applied in 1983 may have been removed in wool and meat. Removal of Zn in grain and animal products therefore decreased the residual value of the Zn oxide fertiliser.
Successful stem cutting propagation of chickpea, its wild relatives and their interspecific hybrids
Authors: Danehloueipour N. , Yan G. , Clarke H. J. , Siddique K. H. M.
Published: September 2006

A successful stem cutting method was developed to propagate chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), its crossable wild annual relatives (C. reticulatum Ladiz. and C. echinospermum P.H. Davis) and their interspecific hybrids. The effect of plant growth regulator powder (0.5 mg/g indole butyric acid and 0.5 mg/g naphthalene acetic acid), honey, combined honey + plant growth regulator powder, different growth stages of the donor plant, and rooting substrates on rooting rate, root number, root length, and survival rate were investigated. The highest propagation success rate was achieved when cuttings were taken at the pre-flowering stage, treated with plant growth regulator powder and grown in a sand + potting mix substrate. The rooting rate ranged from 87.5 to 100% for chickpea, C. reticulatum and C. echinospermum, and interspecific hybrids. All of the accessions examined in the study were successfully propagated with the new method. This study provides a simple and efficient technique for vegetative propagation of Cicer species which will be useful for the multiplication of seed, production of clones for disease screening or for the development of mapping populations.
Sheep rumen digestion and transmission of weedy Malva parviflora seeds
Authors: Michael P. J. , Steadman K. J. , Plummer J. A. , Vercoe P.
Published: September 2006

The effect of sheep digestion and mastication on Malva parviflora L. seed transmission, viability and germination was investigated. Mature M. parviflora seeds were subjected to 2 seed treatments: ‘scarified’, where the hard seed coat was manually cut to allow imbibition, and ‘unscarified’, where the hard seed coat was not cut. Seeds were placed directly into the rumen of fistulated sheep and removed at 0, 12, 24, 36 and 48 h of rumen digestion. After 12 h of in sacco exposure to digestion in the rumen, the germination of seeds that were initially scarified dropped from 99.2 to 1.4% and longer exposure periods produced no germinable seeds. In contrast, seeds that were unscarified when placed in the rumen produced over 92% germination regardless of in sacco digestion time, although manual scarification after retrieval was essential to elicit germination. In a second experiment, unscarified seeds (29 000) were fed in a single meal to fistulated sheep and feces were collected at regular intervals between 6 and 120 h after feeding. Fecal subsamples were taken to determine number of seeds excreted, seed germination on agar and seed germination from feces. Major seed excretion in the feces commenced after 12 h and continued until 144 h, with peaks between 36 and 72 h after consumption. Although mastication and gut passage killed the majority of unscarified seeds, about 20% were recovered intact and over 90% of these recovered seeds were viable and could, thus, potentially form an extensive seed bank. A few excreted seeds (1%) were able to germinate directly from feces, which increased to a maximum of 10% after subsequent dry summer storage (3 months). Through information gained in this study, there is a potential to utilise livestock in an integrated weed management program for the control of M. parviflora, provided additional measures of weed control are in place such as holding periods (>7 days) for movement of livestock from weed infested areas.
Forced and unforced ocean temperature changes in Atlantic and Pacific tropical cyclogenesis regions
Authors: Santer B. D. , Wigley T. M. L. , Gleckler P. J. , Bonfils C. , Wehner M. F. , AchutaRao K. , Barnett T. P. , Boyle J. S. , Brüggemann W. , Fiorino M. , Gillett N. , Hansen J. E. , Jones P. D. , Klein S. A. , Meehl G. A. , Raper S. C. B. , Reynolds R. W. , Taylor K. E. , Washington W. M.
Published: September 2006

Previous research has identified links between changes in sea surface temperature (SST) and hurricane intensity. We use climate models to study the possible causes of SST changes in Atlantic and Pacific tropical cyclogenesis regions. The observed SST increases in these regions range from 0.32°C to 0.67°C over the 20th century. The 22 climate models examined here suggest that century-timescale SST changes of this magnitude cannot be explained solely by unforced variability of the climate system. We employ model simulations of natural internal variability to make probabilistic estimates of the contribution of external forcing to observed SST changes. For the period 1906–2005, we find an 84% chance that external forcing explains at least 67% of observed SST increases in the two tropical cyclogenesis regions. Model “20th-century” simulations, with external forcing by combined anthropogenic and natural factors, are generally capable of replicating observed SST increases. In experiments in which forcing factors are varied individually rather than jointly, human-caused changes in greenhouse gases are the main driver of the 20th-century SST increases in both tropical cyclogenesis regions.
A conserved role for a GATA transcription factor in regulating epithelial innate immune responses
Authors: Shapira Michael , Hamlin Brigham J. , Rong Jiming , Chen Karen , Ronen Michal , Tan Man-Wah
Published: September 2006

Innate immunity is an ancient and conserved defense mechanism. Although host responses toward various pathogens have been delineated, how these responses are orchestrated in a whole animal is less understood. Through an unbiased genome-wide study performed in
Caenorhabditis elegans
, we identified a conserved function for endodermal GATA transcription factors in regulating local epithelial innate immune responses. Gene expression and functional RNAi-based analyses identified the tissue-specific GATA transcription factor ELT-2 as a major regulator of an early intestinal protective response to infection with the human bacterial pathogen
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. In the adult worm, ELT-2 is required specifically for infection responses and survival on pathogen but makes no significant contribution to gene expression associated with intestinal maintenance or to resistance to cadmium, heat, and oxidative stress. We further demonstrate that this function is conserved, because the human endodermal transcription factor GATA6 has a protective function in lung epithelial cells exposed to
P. aeruginosa
. These findings expand the repertoire of innate immunity mechanisms and illuminate a yet-unknown function of endodermal GATA proteins.
Central peptidergic ensembles associated with organization of an innate behavior
Authors: Kim Young-Joon , Žitňan Dušan , Cho Kook-Ho , Schooley David A. , Mizoguchi Akira , Adams Michael E.
Published: September 2006

At the end of each developmental stage, insects perform the ecdysis sequence, an innate behavior necessary for shedding the old cuticle. Ecdysis triggering hormones (ETHs) initiate these behaviors through direct actions on the CNS. Here, we identify the ETH receptor (ETHR) gene in the moth
Manduca sexta
, which encodes two subtypes of GPCR (ETHR-A and ETHR-B). Expression of ETHRs in the CNS coincides precisely with acquisition of CNS sensitivity to ETHs and behavioral competence. ETHR-A occurs in diverse networks of neurons, producing both excitatory and inhibitory neuropeptides, which appear to be downstream signals for behavior regulation. These peptides include allatostatins, crustacean cardioactive peptide (CCAP), calcitonin-like diuretic hormone, CRF-like diuretic hormones (DHs) 41 and 30, eclosion hormone, kinins, myoinhibitory peptides (MIPs), neuropeptide F, and short neuropeptide F. In particular, cells L
3,4
in abdominal ganglia coexpress kinins, DH41, and DH30, which together elicit the fictive preecdysis rhythm. Neurons IN704 in abdominal ganglia coexpress CCAP and MIPs, whose joint actions initiate the ecdysis motor program. ETHR-A also is expressed in brain ventromedial cells, whose release of EH increases excitability in CCAP/MIP neurons. These findings provide insights into how innate, centrally patterned behaviors can be orchestrated via recruitment of peptide cotransmitter neurons.
Evolving resistance to obesity in an insect
Authors: Warbrick-Smith James , Behmer Spencer T. , Lee Kwang Pum , Raubenheimer David , Simpson Stephen J.
Published: September 2006

Failure to adapt to a changing nutritional environment comes at a cost, as evidenced by the modern human obesity crisis. Consumption of energy-rich diets can lead to obesity and is associated with deleterious consequences not only in humans but also in many other animals, including insects. The question thus arises whether animals restricted over multiple generations to high-energy diets can evolve mechanisms to limit the deposition of adverse levels of body fat. We show that
Plutella xylostella
caterpillars reared for multiple generations on carbohydrate-rich foods (either a chemically defined artificial diet or a high-starch
Arabidopsis
mutant) progressively developed the ability to eat excess carbohydrate without laying it down as fat, providing strong evidence that excess fat storage has a fitness cost. In contrast, caterpillars reared in carbohydrate-scarce environments (a chemically defined artificial diet or a low-starch
Arabidopsis
mutant) had a greater propensity to store ingested carbohydrate as fat. Additionally, insects reared on the low-starch
Arabidopsis
mutant evolved a preference for laying their eggs on this plant, whereas those selected on the high-starch
Arabidopsis
mutant showed no preference. Our results provide an experimental example of metabolic adaptation in the face of changes in the nutritional environment and suggest that changes in plant macronutrient profiles may promote host-associated population divergence.
Protein surface hydration mapped by site-specific mutations
Authors: Qiu Weihong , Kao Ya-Ting , Zhang Luyuan , Yang Yi , Wang Lijuan , Stites Wesley E. , Zhong Dongping , Zewail Ahmed H.
Published: September 2006

Water motion at protein surfaces is fundamental to protein structure, stability, dynamics, and function. By using intrinsic tryptophans as local optical probes, and with femtosecond resolution, it is possible to probe surface-water motions in the hydration layer. Here, we report our studies of local hydration dynamics at the surface of the enzyme
Staphylococcus
nuclease using site-specific mutations. From these studies of the WT and four related mutants, which change local charge distribution and structure, we are able to ascertain the contribution to solvation by protein side chains as relatively insignificant. We determined the time scales of hydration to be 3–5 ps and 100–150 ps. The former is the result of local librational/rotational motions of water near the surface; the latter is a direct measure of surface hydration assisted by fluctuations of the protein. Experimentally, these hydration dynamics of the WT and the four mutants are also consistent with results of the total dynamic Stokes shifts and fluorescence emission maxima and are correlated with their local charge distribution and structure. We discuss the role of protein fluctuation on the time scale of labile hydration and suggest reexamination of recent molecular dynamics simulations.
Functional organization of perisylvian activation during presentation of sentences in preverbal infants
Authors: Dehaene-Lambertz Ghislaine , Hertz-Pannier Lucie , Dubois Jessica , Mériaux Sébastien , Roche Alexis , Sigman Mariano , Dehaene Stanislas
Published: September 2006

We examined the functional organization of cerebral activity in 3-month-old infants when they were listening to their mother language. Short sentences were presented in a slow event-related functional MRI paradigm. We then parsed the infant's network of perisylvian responsive regions into functionally distinct regions based on their speed of activation and sensitivity to sentence repetition. An adult-like structure of functional MRI response delays was observed along the superior temporal regions, suggesting a hierarchical processing scheme. The fastest responses were recorded in the vicinity of Heschl's gyrus, whereas responses became increasingly slower toward the posterior part of the superior temporal gyrus and toward the temporal poles and inferior frontal regions (Broca's area). Activation in the latter region increased when the sentence was repeated after a 14-s delay, suggesting the early involvement of Broca's area in verbal memory. The fact that Broca's area is active in infants before the babbling stage implies that activity in this region is not the consequence of sophisticated motor learning but, on the contrary, that this region may drive, through interactions with the perceptual system, the learning of the complex motor sequences required for future speech production. Our results point to a complex, hierarchical organization of the human brain in the first months of life, which may play a crucial role in language acquisition in our species.
Transfer of the antidepressant mirtazapine into breast milk
Authors: Kristensen J. H. , Ilett Kenneth F. , Rampono Jonathan , Kohan Rolland , Hackett L. Peter
Published: September 2006

What is already known about this subject

• There is presently only a single case report on mirtazapine transfer into breast milk and its effects in the breast‐fed infant.

What this study adds

• Most importantly, we have provided quantitative data on the absolute and relative infant doses of mirtazapine and its active metabolite.

• We have also documented a lack of overt adverse effects in the breast‐fed infants and low or absent plasma concentrations of mirtazapine in a subset of these infants.

• Hence we now know that breast‐fed infants are unlikely to be adversely affected when their mothers need to take mirtazapine.

Aims

To investigate the transfer of mirtazapine and desmethylmirtazapine into milk and to calculate dose to the infant via milk.

Methods

Plasma and milk samples were obtained from eight breast‐feeding women who were taking a median dose of 38 mg mirtazapine per day. Milk/plasma ratio (M/P) and infant doses were estimated by standard methods. The infants were examined clinically and in four infants blood was taken for analysis.

Results

Mean (95% confidence interval) relative infant doses for mirtazapine and desmethylmirtazapine (n = 8) were 1.5% (0.8, 2.2) and 0.4% (0.2, 0.6) respectively. The mean M/P (area under curve n = 4, single or paired samples n = 3) was 1.1 (0.7,1.5) for mirtazapine and 0.6 (0.5, 0.7) for desmethylmirtazapine. No adverse effects were seen. Mirtazapine was detected (1.5 µg l−1) in only one of four infants tested.

Conclusion

We suggest that mirtazapine use by lactating women is safe for the breast‐fed infant. Nevertheless, each decision to breast feed should always be made on the basis of an individual risk/benefit analysis.
Self‐management profiles and metabolic outcomes in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Vég Anikó , Rosenqvist Urban , Sarkadi Anna
Published: September 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study whose aims were (1) to examine whether it is possible to determine participants’ self‐management profiles using three open‐ended questions about their self‐perceived role in diabetes management; and (2) to analyse whether such self‐management profiles have any bearing on haemoglobin A1c levels.

Background.  The behavioural and educational aspects of self‐management in type 2 diabetes have been the topic of a number of investigations. The individual's role in maintaining health and a satisfying everyday life with chronic conditions is increasingly becoming the focus of secondary prevention.

Method.  Participants (n = 259) were recruited from those attending a year‐long health educational programme for people with type 2 diabetes at Swedish pharmacies. A questionnaire was distributed 24 months after baseline. The health outcome, haemoglobin A1c was measured on four occasions. Three open‐ended questions were used to explore self‐management profiles based on perceived role, goal, and need of support in treatment. Data were collected during the period 1997–2002.

Findings.  The following profiles of participants emerged: Disease Manager, Compliant, and Disheartened, with no initial differences in metabolic control. However, during the programme Disease Managers achieved good glycaemic control and succeeded in maintaining the reduction in their blood glucose for a longer period than those in other categories: their haemoglobin A1c level was reduced by −0·35 at 6 months (P = 0·000), −0·30 at 12 months (P = 0·001), and −0·28 at 24 months (P = 0·001) after baseline. Compliant participants had a good everyday routine and a −0·18 reduction at 6 months (P = 0·028) but no statistically significant haemoglobin A1c level reduction later. A smaller group of people, the Disheartened, reported difficulties in living with diabetes and did not succeed in decreasing their haemoglobin A1c by statistically significant amounts.

Conclusion.  Healthcare professionals could use our three open‐ended questions to assist in understanding people's views of their role in disease management so that health promotion and education can be tailored to individual needs.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Towards an understanding of the Holocene distribution of Fagus sylvatica L.
Authors: Giesecke Thomas , Hickler Thomas , Kunkel Timo , Sykes Martin T. , Bradshaw Richard H.W.
Published: September 2006

Aim  Understanding the driving forces and mechanisms of changes in past plant distribution and abundance will help assess the biological consequences of future climate change scenarios. The aim of this paper is to investigate whether modelled patterns of climate parameters 6000 years ago can account for the European distribution of Fagus sylvatica at that time. Consideration is also given to the role of non‐climatic parameters as driving forces of the Holocene spread and population expansion of F. sylvatica.

Location  Europe.

Methods  European distributions were simulated using a physiologically‐based bioclimatic model (STASH) driven by three different atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) outputs for 6000 years ago.

Results  The three simulations generally showed F. sylvatica to have potentially been as widespread 6000 years ago as it is today, which gives a profound mismatch with pollen‐based reconstructions of the F. sylvatica distribution at that time. The results indicate that drier conditions during the growing season 6000 years ago could have caused a restriction of the range in the south. Poorer growth conditions with consequently reduced competitive ability were modelled for large parts of France.

Main conclusions  Consideration of the entire European range of F. sylvatica showed that no single driving force could account for the observed distributional limits 6000 years ago, or the pattern of spread during the Holocene. Climatic factors, particularly drought during the growing season, are the likely major determinants of the potential range. Climatic factors are regionally moderated by competition, disturbance effects and the intrinsically slow rate of population increase of F. sylvatica. Dynamic vegetation modelling is needed to account for potentially important competitive interactions and their relationship with changing climate. We identify uncertainties in the climate and pollen data, as well as the bioclimatic model, which suggest that the current study does not identify whether or not climate determined the distribution of F. sylvatica 6000 years ago. Pollen data are better suited for comparison with relative abundance gradients rather than absolute distributional limits. These uncertainties from a study of the past, where we have information about plant distribution and abundance, argue for extreme caution in making forecasts for the future using equilibrium models.
Comparative transcript and alkaloid profiling in Papaver species identifies a short chain dehydrogenase/reductase involved in morphine biosynthesis
Authors: Ziegler Jörg , Voigtländer Susan , Schmidt Jürgen , Kramell Robert , Miersch Otto , Ammer Christian , Gesell Andreas , Kutchan Toni M.
Published: September 2006

Plants of the order Ranunculales, especially members of the species Papaver, accumulate a large variety of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids with about 2500 structures, but only the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) and Papaver setigerum are able to produce the analgesic and narcotic morphine and the antitussive codeine. In this study, we investigated the molecular basis for this exceptional biosynthetic capability by comparison of alkaloid profiles with gene expression profiles between 16 different Papaver species. Out of 2000 expressed sequence tags obtained from P. somniferum, 69 show increased expression in morphinan alkaloid‐containing species. One of these cDNAs, exhibiting an expression pattern very similar to previously isolated cDNAs coding for enzymes in benzylisoquinoline biosynthesis, showed the highest amino acid identity to reductases in menthol biosynthesis. After overexpression, the protein encoded by this cDNA reduced the keto group of salutaridine yielding salutaridinol, an intermediate in morphine biosynthesis. The stereoisomer 7‐epi‐salutaridinol was not formed. Based on its similarities to a previously purified protein from P. somniferum with respect to the high substrate specificity, molecular mass and kinetic data, the recombinant protein was identified as salutaridine reductase (SalR; EC 1.1.1.248). Unlike codeinone reductase, an enzyme acting later in the pathway that catalyses the reduction of a keto group and which belongs to the family of the aldo‐keto reductases, the cDNA identified in this study as SalR belongs to the family of short chain dehydrogenases/reductases and is related to reductases in monoterpene metabolism.
Excellent clinical outcomes in primary kidney transplant recipients treated with steroid‐free maintenance immunosuppression
Authors: Rajab Amer , Pelletier Ronald P. , Henry Mitchell L. , Ferguson Ronald M.
Published: September 2006

Abstract:  Steroid‐free maintenance immunosuppression is desirable to eliminate the side effects of chronic corticosteroid use. Complete steroid avoidance or rapid post‐transplant steroid withdrawal has recently been used in renal transplant recipients with encouraging results. The present study evaluated the outcome of a steroid‐free maintenance immunosuppressive protocol in kidney transplant recipients with at least one‐yr follow up. Between April 2002 and October 2004, a total of 301 primary kidney transplant recipients received steroid‐free maintenance immunosuppression. The regimen consisted of induction with thymogobulin and prednisone for the first five d. Patients were maintained on Sirolimus and Neoral. Neoral dose was adjusted to target C2 levels and the Sirolimus dose was adjusted to a target rapamycin trough level. All primary kidney transplants (n = 502) performed in the two yr (starting January 2000) prior to institution of the steroid‐free regimen and thus maintained on a steroid‐based immunosuppressive protocol were used for comparison. One‐year patient and death censored graft survival were 93.1% and 98.1% for the steroid‐free group vs. 95.2% and 95.2% for the comparator groups (p = ns). The incidence of biopsy‐proven acute rejection was 4.9% in the steroid‐free group vs. 9.4% in the comparator group (p < 0.01). Two (0.7%) of 301 patients in the steroid‐free group lost their grafts because of acute rejection compared with nine (1.8%) patients in the comparator group (p < 0.05). At one‐yr post‐transplant the mean serum creatinine level was not different between the two groups. There were no significant differences in mean serum cholesterol and triglycerides levels as well as the percentage of patients on lipid lowering agents between the groups. White blood cell counts, daily doses of Neoral and weight gain were significantly lower in the steroid‐free group vs. the comparator group. However, more patients in the steroid‐free group required erythropoietin and iron therapy for anemia (p < 0.001). We conclude that excellent graft survival with a significantly lower incidence of acute rejection can be achieved using a steroid‐free maintenance immunosuppressive protocol consisting of Neoral and Sirolimus.
Surgical strategies for liver transplantation in the case of portal vein thrombosis – current role of cavoportal hemitransposition and renoportal anastomosis
Authors: Paskonis Marius , Jurgaitis Jonas , Mehrabi Arianeb , Kashfi Arash , Fonouni Hamidreza , Strupas Kestutis , Büchler Markus W. , Kraus Thomas W.
Published: September 2006

Abstract: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT), a common complication of end stage liver disease, is no longer considered a definite contraindication for liver transplantation (LTx). The clinical decision to perform an LTx in the case of PVT depends on the degree of PVT and the experience of the surgeon. Eversion thromboendovenectomy was suggested by most authors as the surgical technique of choice for PVT grade 1, 2, and 3. If PVT obstructs more extended parts of the porto‐mesenteric venous circulation, surgical options would include different types of venous jump graft reconstructions or arterialization of the portal vein. Combined liver and small bowel transplantation is another possible alternative. Cavoportal hemitransposition (CPHT) and renoportal anastomosis (RPA) were recently particularly advocated as creative surgical strategies in case of diffuse PVT. In this work, we focus on CPHT and RPA surgical techniques during LTx, which attempts to secure the portal flow to the liver graft in case of pre‐existent diffuse PVT. We provide a review of all reported clinical experience at international clinical centers using these techniques. According to our meta‐analysis a total of 15 studies were published on this topic between 1996 and 2005. In summary, a total of 56 orthotopic LTx have been performed in 53 patients (28 men, 25 women) combined with either CPHT or RPA, for the purpose of providing the donor graft with adequate inflow. Mean age was 44 yr including two patients who were infants, with the youngest recipient being two yr old. Main indications for LTx were liver cirrhosis caused by viral hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis and cryptogenic cirrhosis. CPHT was performed in 46 cases, and RPA in 10 cases. Thirty‐five of 53 patients (66%) had surgery previous to LTx. Of these, 13 (37%) patients presented with a history of other previous surgical procedures for decompression of portal hypertension or treatment of associated complications (portocaval shunts, splenectomy, etc). Ascites, renal dysfunction, lower extremity and torso edema and variceal bleeding were dominant post‐operative complications after CPHT or RPA noted in 22 cases (41.5%), 18 cases (34%), 17 cases (32%) and 13 cases (24.5%) respectively. Patients’ follow‐up ranged from two to 48 months. Patients survived [39 (74%)] and patients died [14 (26%)] during the course of observation. Based on the literature, we conclude that the ideal technique to overcome PVT during LTx is still controversial. Short‐term follow‐up results of both methods are promising, however, long‐term results are unknown at present. Furthermore, clinical follow‐up and basic experimental work is required to evaluate the influence of systemic venous inflow to the liver graft with respect to long‐term liver function and liver regeneration.
Mutations in the NDP gene: contribution to Norrie disease, familial exudative vitreoretinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Dickinson Joanne L , Sale Michèle M , Passmore Abraham , FitzGerald Liesel M , Wheatley Catherine M , Burdon Kathryn P , Craig Jamie E , Tengtrisorn Supaporn , Carden Susan M , Maclean Hector , Mackey David A
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Background:  To examine the contribution of mutations within the Norrie disease (NDP) gene to the clinically similar retinal diseases Norrie disease, X‐linked familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR), Coat’s disease and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Methods:  A dataset comprising 13 Norrie‐FEVR, one Coat’s disease, 31 ROP patients and 90 ex‐premature babies of <32 weeks’ gestation underwent an ophthalmologic examination and were screened for mutations within the NDP gene by direct DNA sequencing, denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography or gel electrophoresis. Controls were only screened using denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography and gel electrophoresis. Confirmation of mutations identified was obtained by DNA sequencing.

Results:  Evidence for two novel mutations in the NDP gene was presented: Leu103Val in one FEVR patient and His43Arg in monozygotic twin Norrie disease patients. Furthermore, a previously described 14‐bp deletion located in the 5′ unstranslated region of the NDP gene was detected in three cases of regressed ROP. A second heterozygotic 14‐bp deletion was detected in an unaffected ex‐premature girl. Only two of the 13 Norrie‐FEVR index cases had the full features of Norrie disease with deafness and mental retardation.

Conclusion:  Two novel mutations within the coding region of the NDP gene were found, one associated with a severe disease phenotypes of Norrie disease and the other with FEVR. A deletion within the non‐coding region was associated with only mild‐regressed ROP, despite the presence of low birthweight, prematurity and exposure to oxygen. In full‐term children with retinal detachment only 15% appear to have the full features of Norrie disease and this is important for counselling parents on the possible long‐term outcome.
Amniotic membrane to the rescue of partially necrosed dermis fat graft
Authors: Moin Muhammad , Qayyum Irfan , Hussain Mumtaz
Published: September 2006

Abstract

A 25‐year‐old woman underwent dermis fat graft on the right side for persistent ocular pain with her polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) spherical orbital implant. One week later she developed dermal necrosis of the dermis fat graft with potentially devastating fat atrophy if left uncovered. Amniotic membrane graft epithelial side up was sutured to the conjunctiva surrounding the fat. 2 weeks later the graft epithelialized with preservation of fat. Role of amniotic membrane graft as a routine lining over dermis fat grafts to promote conjunctival healing and prevent fat exposure needs to be studied in prospective studies.
Persistent serous retinal detachment after radial optic neurotomy
Authors: Strauss Rupert W , Priglinger Siegfried G , Alge Claudia S , Grueterich Martin , Haritoglou Christos
Published: September 2006

Abstract

We report the case of a patient presenting with serous retinal detachment following radial optic neurotomy for central retinal vein occlusion. Initially, the retinal detachment was successfully treated by a second vitrectomy and laser coagulation. After reabsorption of the gas tamponade, a recurrence of the retinal detachment was seen with no detectable retinal break. Although other mechanisms should be taken into account, this case indicates that it is possible to create a fistula between the subarachnoid and subretinal space. We conclude from this observation that special attention should be paid to the depth of the radial incision into the optic nerve head.
Role of topical chemotherapy for primary acquired melanosis and malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva and cornea: review of the evidence and recommendations for treatment
Authors: Chalasani Rajeev , Giblin Michael , Conway R Max
Published: September 2006

Abstract

Surgical excision with cryotherapy is a well‐established treatment option for malignant melanoma or primary acquired melanosis (PAM) with atypia of the conjunctiva and cornea. Topical chemotherapeutic agents such as mitomycin C (MMC) however, are increasingly finding use in clinical practice. A search was performed of Medline and Pubmed databases for English language articles from 1980 to the present in this field. Relevant studies were reviewed with regards to treatment regimen, rates of recurrence and metastasis, side effect profile and length of follow up. A total of 22 and 16 unique cases of biopsy proven PAM with atypia and malignant melanoma, respectively, treated with topical MMC were identified. Topical MMC was well tolerated and shows considerable promise, particularly in the treatment of diffuse PAM with atypia. However, long‐term data are lacking and further studies are required.
The changing professional organization: A review of competing archetypes
Authors: Brock David M.
Published: September 2006

The aim of this paper is to summarize literature relevant to the professional organization and to present a contemporary analysis of the archetype concept in this field. In order to understand recent and ongoing changes in professional organizations, the paper begins with a review of how the professional archetype evolved from the 1960s to 1990. Then, with examples from contemporary accounting, health care and law organizations, it considers the processes by which an institutionalized archetype can change. Forces for change – such as deregulation, competition, technology and globalization – can challenge the interpretive scheme and eventually delegitimize the existing archetype. At the same time, significant environmental changes can override isomorphic pressures and de‐institutionalize the long‐accepted structures. Thus we herald the emergence a new professional archetype – or perhaps several competing archetypes. Finally, the paper reviews the evolving field of professional organization as a whole, and understands the extant archetypes. A typology of professional organizations is proposed that currently seems to have three clusters of organizations – possibly three competing archetypes – namely, the traditional professional partnership, the specialized ‘Star’ form and the corporate global professional network, or GPN.
New records and a status assessment of a rare dwarf brocket deer from the montane forests of Bolivia
Authors: Rumiz D. I. , Pardo E. , Eulert C. F. , Arispe R. , Wallace R. B. , Gómez H. , Ríos‐Uzeda B.
Published: September 2006

Two skeletons, tracks, faecal pellets, photographs and local reports are described and compared with the few previous records of dwarf Andean deer from Bolivia and Peru. Tarsal bones and incisor teeth were diagnostic traits for Mazama and not for Pudu, while skull measurements, ear shape, body colour and facial patterns were consistent with descriptions of Mazama chunyi. Twenty‐five new localities (including more than 60 sites in La Paz and Cochabamba) extended significantly the previously known range for M. chunyi in Bolivia. It occurs in Madidi, Apolobamba, Pilón Lajas, Cotapata, Carrasco and probably Isiboro Sécure protected areas, in habitats ranging from grasslands and Polylepis elfin forests of the ‘ceja de Yungas’ at 3600 m to sub‐Andean forests at 1000 m. A geographical information system modelled geographic distribution area based on altitude and ecological zone estimates a potential range of about 45 717 km2 in Bolivia. About 36% of this range (or 41% of the extent of occurrence) is degraded and fragmented, but the rest seems to be in relatively good conservation status. Habitat decline and a limited area of occupancy estimated for Bolivia (and suspected for Peru) suggest that M. chunyi's conservation status should be updated from Data Deficient to Vulnerable VU A4c; B2a+b(iii).