bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding customers' repeat purchase intentions in B2C e‐commerce: the roles of utilitarian value, hedonic value and perceived risk
Authors: Chiu Chao‐Min , Wang Eric T. G. , Fang Yu‐Hui , Huang Hsin‐Yi
Published: July 2012

Customer loyalty or repeat purchasing is critical for the survival and success of any store. By focusing on online stores, this study investigates the repeat purchase intention of experienced online buyers based on means‐end chain theory and prospect theory. In the research model, both utilitarian value and hedonic value are hypothesised to affect repeat purchase intention positively. Perceived risk is hypothesised to affect repeat purchase intention negatively and moderate the effects of utilitarian and hedonic values on repeat purchase intention. Utilitarian value is proposed as a formative second‐order construct formed by product offerings, product information, monetary savings and convenience. Hedonic value is also proposed as a formative second‐order construct formed by the six hedonic benefits that have been identified in prior research. Data collected from 782 Yahoo!Kimo customers provide strong support for the research model. The results indicate that both the utilitarian value and hedonic value are positively associated with buyers' repeat purchase intention. A higher level of perceived risk reduces the effect of utilitarian value and increases the effect of hedonic value on repeat purchase intention. Implications for theory and practice and suggestions for future research are provided.
Dynamic colonization exchanges between continents and islands drive diversification in paradise‐flycatchers (Terpsiphone, Monarchidae)
Authors: Fabre Pierre‐Henri , Irestedt Martin , Fjeldså Jon , Bristol Rachel , Groombridge Jim J. , Irham Mohammad , Jønsson Knud A.
Published: July 2012

Aim We use parametric biogeographical reconstruction based on an extensive DNA sequence dataset to characterize the spatio‐temporal pattern of colonization of the Old World monarch flycatchers (Monarchidae). We then use this framework to examine the role of dispersal and colonization in their evolutionary diversification and to compare plumages between island and continentalTerpsiphonespecies.

Location Africa, Asia and the Indian Ocean.

Methods We generate a DNA sequence dataset of 2300 bp comprising one nuclear and three mitochondrial markers for 89% (17/19) of the Old World Monarchidae species and 70% of theTerpsiphonesubspecies. By applying maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic methods and implementing a Bayesian molecular clock to provide a temporal framework, we reveal the evolutionary history of the group. Furthermore, we employ both Lagrangeand Bayes‐Lagrangeanalyses to assess ancestral areas at each node of the phylogeny. By combining the ancestral area reconstruction with information on plumage traits we are able to compare patterns of plumage evolution on islands and continents.

Results We provide the first comprehensive molecular phylogenetic reconstruction for the Old World Monarchidae. Our phylogenetic results reveal a relatively recent diversification associated with several dispersal events within this group. Moreover, ancestral area analyses reveal an Asian origin of the Indian Ocean and African clades. Ancestral state reconstruction analyses of plumage characters provide an interpretation of the plumage differentiation on islands and continents. Ancestral plumage traits are inferred to be close to those of the Asian paradise‐flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi), and island species display a high degree of plumage autapomorphy compared with continental species.

Main conclusions Terpsiphone paradisiis polyphyletic and comprises populations that have retained the ancestral plumage of the widespreadTerpsiphonegenus. The genus appears to have colonized south‐west Asia, the Indian Ocean and Africa from eastern Asia. The phylogeny and divergence time estimates indicate multiple simultaneous colonizations of the western Old World byTerpsiphone. These results reinforce a hypothesis of range expansions of aTerpsiphone paradisi‐like ancestor into eastern Asia and the western Old World.
The small protein MbiA interacts with MreB and modulates cell shape in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Yakhnina Anastasiya A. , Gitai Zemer
Published: July 2012

In Caulobacter crescentus, the actin homologue MreB is critical for cell shape maintenance. Despite the central importance of MreB for cell morphology and viability, very little is known about MreB‐interacting factors. Here, we use an overexpression approach to identify a novel MreB interactor, MbiA. MbiA interacts with MreB in both biochemical and genetic assays, colocalizes with MreB throughout the cell cycle, and relies on MreB for its localization. MbiA overexpression mimics the loss of MreB function, severely perturbing cell morphology, inhibiting growth and inducing cell lysis. Additionally, mbiA deletion shows a synthetic growth phenotype with a hypomorphic allele of the MreB interactor RodZ, suggesting that these two MreB‐interacting proteins either have partially redundant functions or participate in the same functional complex. Our work thus establishes MbiA as a novel cell shape regulator that appears to function through regulating MreB, and opens avenues for discovery of more MreB‐regulating factors by showing that overexpression screens are a valuable tool for uncovering potentially redundant cell shape effectors.
LeuO is a global regulator of gene expression in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium
Authors: Dillon Shane C. , Espinosa Elena , Hokamp Karsten , Ussery David W. , Casadesús Josep , Dorman Charles J.
Published: July 2012

We report the first investigation of the binding of the Salmonella enterica LeuO LysR‐type transcription regulator to its genomic targets in vivo. Chromatin‐immunoprecipitation‐on‐chip identified 178 LeuO binding sites on the chromosome of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium strain SL1344. These sites were distributed across both the core and the horizontally acquired genome, and included housekeeping genes and genes known to contribute to virulence. Sixty‐eight LeuO targets were co‐bound by the global repressor protein, H‐NS. Thus, while LeuO may function as an H‐NS antagonist, these functions are unlikely to involve displacement of H‐NS. RNA polymerase bound 173 of the 178 LeuO targets, consistent with LeuO being a transcription regulator. Thus, LeuO targets two classes of genes, those that are bound by H‐NS and those that are not bound by H‐NS. LeuO binding site analysis revealed a logo conforming to the TN11A motif common to LysR‐type transcription factors. It differed in some details from a motif that we composed for Escherichia coli LeuO binding sites; 1263 and 1094 LeuO binding site locations were predicted in the S. Typhimurium SL1344 and E. coli MG1655 genomes respectively. Despite differences in motif composition, many LeuO target genes were common to both species. Thus, LeuO is likely to be a more important global regulator than previously suspected.
The rise and fall of CRISPRs – dynamics of spacer acquisition and loss
Authors: Westra Edze R. , Brouns Stan J. J.
Published: July 2012

Bacteria and Archaea are continuously exposed to mobile genetic elements (MGE), such as viruses and plasmids. MGEs may provide a selective advantage, may be neutral or may cause cell damage. To protect against invading DNA, prokaryotes utilize a number of defence systems, including the CRISPR/Cas system. CRISPR/Cas systems rely on integration of invader sequences (spacers) into CRISPR loci that act as a genetic memory of past invasions. Processed CRISPR transcripts are utilized as guides by Cas proteins to cleave complementary invader nucleic acids. In this issue, two groups report on spacer acquisition and turnover dynamics of CRISPR loci in a thermoacidophilic archeon and a pathogenic bacterium. Erdmann and Garrett (2012) demonstrate that three of the six CRISPR loci of Sulfolobus solfataricus rapidly acquire new spacer sequences from a conjugative plasmid present in a virus mixture. Intriguingly, two distinct mechanisms of spacer integration are utilized: leader adjacent and internal CRISPR spacer acquisition. Lopez‐Sanchez et al. (2012) studied the type II system of Streptococcus agalactiae and observe heterogeneity in the bacterial population. A fraction of the population lost one or more anti‐mobilome spacer sequences during its cultivation, allowing the transfer of a MGE in this subpopulation and a rapid response to altering selection pressures.
Relationship between enteric neurons and interstitial cells in the primate gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Blair P. J. , Bayguinov Y. , Sanders K. M. , Ward S. M.
Published: July 2012

Background  Morphological studies have revealed a close anatomical relationship between enteric nerve terminals and intramuscular ICC (ICC‐IM) which supports a role for ICC‐IM as intermediaries in enteric motor neurotransmission. Recently, a second type of interstitial cell previously described as ‘fibroblast‐like’ but can now be identified by platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐α expression, has also been implicated in enteric neurotransmission in rodents. The present study was performed to determine if enteric nerve fibers form close anatomical relationships with ICC and PDGFRα+ cells throughout the primate GI tract.

Methods  Immunohistochemical experiments and confocal microscopy were performed to examine the relationship between excitatory and inhibitory motor neurons, ICC and PDGFRα+ cells throughout the monkey GI tract.

Key Results  The pan neuronal marker. Protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5) was used to label all enteric neurons and substance‐P (sub‐P) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) to label excitatory and inhibitory neurons, respectively. Double labeling with Kit revealed that both classes of nerve fibers were closely apposed with ICC‐IM in the stomach, small intestine and colon (taenia and inter‐taenia regions), but not with ICC at the level of the myenteric plexus (ICC‐MY). Varicose enteric nerve fibers were closely associated with ICC‐IM for distances up to 250 μm. Both excitatory and inhibitory nerve fibers were also closely apposed to PDGFRα+ cells throughout the primate GI tract.

Conclusions & Inferences  The close anatomical relationship between enteric nerve fibers and ICC‐IM and PDGFRα+ cells throughout the GI tract of the Cynomolgus monkey provides morphological evidence that these two classes of interstitial cells may provide a similar physiological function in primates as has been attributed in rodent animal models.
Expression Profile of Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Gene in Hierarchal Follicles and Regressing Oviduct Tissues of White Leghorn Hens During Moulting
Authors: Agarwal R , Sastry KVH , Tripathi V , Singh R , Saxena R , Mohan J , Singh RP
Published: July 2012

Contents

In the present study, the expression profile of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) was investigated in the ovary, magnum and uterus and in hierarchcal follicles (F‐1, F‐2, F‐3 and F‐4) of hens subjected to moulting to establish their involvement in moulting and presence in non‐gonadal tissues. Fifty‐two layers (72 weeks) were subjected to moult for a period of 14 days. Four birds were sacrificed each time on 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 14 days of moulting, and samples (ovary, magnum, uterus and hierarchal follicles) were collected aseptically for the quantitative study by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The ovary, isthmus, uterus and magnum weight reduced significantly during induced moulting. From the 4 DOM, this reduction was drastic and reached approximately 80% of original weight in the case of ovary, isthmus and magnum and approximately 65% of original weight in the case of uterus on 14 DOM. Ovarian yellow follicles decreased gradually from 1 DOM to 4 DOM, after that no normal yellow follicle was observed in moulted bird. The number of atretic follicles increased gradually during the course of induced moulting, reaching the peak at 5 DOM. The LHR mRNA was detected in non‐gonadal tissues like magnum and uterus. The LHR expression was significantly (p < 0.05) down regulated in ovary, magnum and uterus throughout the treatment. These results indicated that LHR may have a role in reproductive tissue regression during moulting.
The medial amygdaloid nucleus is involved in the cardiovascular pathway activated by noradrenaline into the lateral septal area of rats
Authors: Scopinho América A. , Fortaleza Eduardo A. T. , Corrêa Fernando M. A.
Published: July 2012

We have previously reported that noradrenaline (NA) microinjected into the lateral septal area (LSA) caused pressor and bradicardic responses that were mediated by vasopressin release into the circulation through the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN). Although PVN is the final structure involved in the cardiovascular responses caused by NA in the LSA, there is no evidence of direct connections between these areas, suggesting that some structures could be links in this pathway. In the present study, we verified the effect of reversible synaptic inactivation of the medial amygdaloid nucleus (MeA), bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) or diagonal band of Broca (DBB) with Cobalt Chloride (CoCl2) on the cardiovascular response to NA microinjection into the LSA of unanesthetized rats. Male Wistar rats had guide cannulae implanted into the LSA and the MeA, BNST or DBB for drug administration, and a femoral catheter for blood pressure and heart rate recordings. Local microinjection of CoCl2 (1 mm in 100 nL) into the MeA significantly reduced the pressor and bradycardic responses caused by NA microinjection (21 nmol in 200 nL) into the LSA. In contrast, microinjection of CoCl2 into the BNST or DBB did not change the cardiovascular responses to NA into the LSA. The results indicate that synapses within the MeA, but not in BNST or DBB, are involved in the cardiovascular pathway activated by NA microinjection into the LSA.
Specific herbivore‐induced volatiles defend plants and determine insect community composition in the field
Authors: Xiao Y. , Wang Q. , Erb M. , Turlings T. C. J. , Ge L. , Hu L. , Li J. , Han X. , Zhang T. , Lu J. , Zhang G. , Lou Y.
Published: July 2012

In response to insect attack, plants release complex blends of volatile compounds. These volatiles serve as foraging cues for herbivores, predators and parasitoids, leading to plant‐mediated interactions within and between trophic levels. Hence, plant volatiles may be important determinants of insect community composition. To test this, we created rice lines that are impaired in the emission of two major signals,S‐linalool and (E)‐β‐caryophyllene. We found that inducibleS‐linalool attracted predators and parasitoids as well as chewing herbivores, but repelled the rice brown planthopperNilaparvata lugens, a major pest. The constitutively produced (E)‐β‐caryophyllene on the other hand attracted both parasitoids and planthoppers, resulting in an increased herbivore load. Thus, silencing either signal resulted in specific insect assemblages in the field, highlighting the importance of plant volatiles in determining insect community structures. Moreover, the results imply that the manipulation of volatile emissions in crops has great potential for the control of pest populations.
Number‐Concept Acquisition and General Vocabulary Development
Authors: Negen James , Sarnecka Barbara W.
Published: July 2012

How is number‐concept acquisition related to overall language development? Experiments 1 and 2 measured number‐word knowledge and general vocabulary in a total of 59 children, ages 30–60 months. A strong correlation was found between number‐word knowledge and vocabulary, independent of the child’s age, contrary to previous results (D. Ansari et al., 2003). This result calls into question arguments that (a) the number‐concept creation process is scaffolded mainly by visuo‐spatial development and (b) that language only becomes integrated after the concepts are created (D. Ansari et al., 2003). Instead, this may suggest that having a larger nominal vocabulary helps children learn number words. Experiment 3 shows that the differences with previous results are likely due to changes in how the data were analyzed.
Given the Web, What is Intelligence, Really?
Authors: Bringsjord Selmer , Govindarajulu Naveen Sundar
Published: July 2012

This article argues that existing systems on the Web cannot approach human‐level intelligence, as envisioned by Descartes, without being able to achieve genuine problem solving on unseen problems. The article argues that this entails committing to a strong intensional logic. In addition to revising extant arguments in favor of intensional systems, it presents a novel mathematical argument to show why extensional systems can never hope to capture the inherent complexity of natural language. The argument makes its case by focusing on representing, with increasing degrees of complexity, knowledge in a first‐order language. Nevertheless, the attempts at representation fail to achieve consistency, making the case for an intensional representation system for natural language clear.
The Politics of Fiscal Responses to the Crisis of 2008–2009
Authors: ARMINGEON KLAUS
Published: July 2012

The national fiscal responses to the economic crisis of 2008/2009 varied considerably. Some countries reacted with a strong demand stimulus, others intended to slash public expenditures, while a third group pursued mildly expansionary policies. There are strong reasons for governments to pursue a mildly expansionary policy. If governments depart from this default strategy in favor of a significant counter‐cyclical policy, they must be able to swiftly make decisions. Therefore, effective use of counter‐cyclical policy will be unlikely in cases where lengthy negotiations or significant compromises between governing parties with different views on economic and fiscal policy are likely. Therefore, a major determinant of the expansionary strategy is a unified government, usually in form of a one‐party government. If governments opt for pro‐cyclical policy in a major economic crisis, they do so because they have few other viable options. In this situation they tend to shift blame to international organizations.
Muscle dimensions of the foot in the orangutan and the chimpanzee
Authors: Oishi Motoharu , Ogihara Naomichi , Endo Hideki , Une Yumi , Ichihara Nobutsune , Asari Masao , Amasaki Hajime
Published: July 2012

The hindlimbs of two orangutans and four chimpanzees were dissected, and muscle parameters (mass, fascicle length, and physiological cross‐sectional area: PCSA) were determined to explore possible interspecies variation in muscle dimensions. Muscle mass and PCSA were divided by the total mass and total PCSA of the entire foot muscles for normalization. The results indicate that the pedal interosseous and the intrinsic pedal digital extensor muscles in the orangutans probably have higher capacity for force production due to their relatively larger PCSAs than in chimpanzees. Moreover, the medial components of the intrinsic muscles exhibited relatively larger mass and PCSA ratios in orangutans. The mass and PCSA ratios of the hallucal muscles were larger in chimpanzees. These differences in foot muscle dimensions of the two species suggest that the orangutan is more specialized for hook‐like digital gripping without involvement of the rudimentary hallux, while the chimpanzee is adapted to hallux‐assisted power gripping in arboreal locomotion.
Adaptation to Swedish and further development of the ‘Consequences of Screening – Breast Cancer’ questionnaire: a multimethod study
Authors: Bolejko Anetta , Wann‐Hansson Christine , Zackrisson Sophia , Brodersen John , Hagell Peter
Published: July 2012

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 475–486

Adaptation to Swedish and further development of the ‘Consequences of Screening – Breast Cancer’ questionnaire: a multimethod study

Rationale:  Experiencing a false‐positive screening mammography can cause considerable psychosocial distress. The Consequences of Screening – Breast Cancer questionnaire (COS‐BC parts 1 and 2), recently developed in Denmark, is the only condition‐specific questionnaire for measuring short‐ and long‐term psychosocial consequences of false‐positive mammographic screening. Additional studies are needed to further test the COS‐BC before use across cultures. Furthermore, studies have suggested that the consequences of false‐positive screening results are partly common across cancer screening settings, although this hypothesis remains largely untested.

Objectives:  This study (i) assesses content validity of a Swedish version of the COS‐BC, (ii) tests whether items expressing long‐term consequences of false‐positive lung cancer screening results are relevant in a breast cancer screening context and (iii) explores the usefulness of taking results from Rasch analyses of the source version as an aid in questionnaire translation and adaptation.

Methods:  Following dual‐panel translation, content validity was assessed through qualitative interviews with representatives of the target population and the content validity index (CVI). Item locations and Rasch model fit of the source questionnaires were considered in the translation and assessment process.

Results:  The COS‐BC items were generally found relevant and provided coverage of the target construct. Content validity was supported also for nine of 10 lung cancer screening items. Scale CVI values were ≥0.81. Previous Rasch data were useful in facilitating translation and assessing item content validity. The resulting Swedish version of the COS‐BC parts 1 and 2 consists of 34 and 23 items, respectively.

Conclusion:  This study illustrates the value of methodological triangulation and use of data from previous Rasch analyses in questionnaire translation and adaptation. We found support for the hypothesis that consequences of false‐positive screening are common across cancer screening settings. Psychometric properties of the Swedish COS‐BC remain to be established.
Haptoglobin is present in albumin used as a replacement solution for plasma exchange
Authors: Cid Joan , Elena Montserrat , Diekmann Fritz , Lozano Miguel
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Albumin is frequently used as replacement solution when performing plasma exchanges (PEs) and there are no previous data about the content of haptoglobin. The objective was to study the content of haptoglobin in albumin solution and the effect of PE on the removal of haptoglobin, a plasma protein often used for monitoring hemolytic conditions treated with PE.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Haptoglobin was measured in the 5% albumin replacement solution. It was also measured before and after performing 12 PEs using 5% albumin as a replacement solution on four patients. There were three patients with haptoglobin values within the reference range before starting PEs whereas one patient had low levels because of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia.

RESULTS: The mean content of haptoglobin in the 5% albumin replacement solution was 0.157 ± 0.005 g/L. Predicted removal according to the one‐compartment model was 70% to 77%. Real removal (RR) of haptoglobin in patients with values within the reference range was 7% to 67%. The RR correlated with the value of haptoglobin before performing PE (r = 0.709; r2 = 0.502; p = 0.03). When haptoglobin levels were low before PE, the levels after the PE were those present in the albumin used as a replacement solution.

CONCLUSION: Albumin solution used for PE contained haptoglobin and it explained in part the kinetics removal of plasma haptoglobin observed in the patients.
The new noninvasive occlusion spectroscopy hemoglobin measurement method: a reliable and easy anemia screening test for blood donors
Authors: Pinto Márcio , Barjas‐Castro Maria Lourdes , Nascimento Simone , Falconi Mônica Almeida , Zulli Roberto , Castro Vagner
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: The tests used for anemia screening in blood donors are based on fingerstick samples, leading to discomfort and complaints. The aim of this study was to analyze the feasibility of occlusion spectroscopy method in blood banks and to compare the method with fingerstick hemoglobinometer and hemoglobin (Hb) determination on an automatic blood analyzer.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The study enrolled 205 consecutive volunteer blood donors. Samples were collected by fingerstick and venous punction to determine Hb level by a Hemocue Hb201+ (Hb‐F) and automatic blood analyzer (Hb‐V) and compare to the noninvasive Hb determination by occlusion spectroscopy using NBM200 system (Hb‐NI). The percentage errors of Hb‐F and Hb‐NI of all donors as well as stratified by sex, weight, and age levels were compared to Hb‐V as reference values using Wilcoxon signed rank test.

RESULTS: The results obtained with Hb‐F showed significant errors (p < 0.001) in the general group as well as when stratified by sex, weight, and age groups, above values obtained with Hb‐V. Hb‐NI showed significant errors only in females (p = 0.026) and weight level of 61 to 70 kg (p = 0.034), below Hb‐V values.

CONCLUSIONS: Hb‐NI seems to be a good method in terms of precision and feasibility for anemia screening of blood donors as well as being much more comfortable for donors.
US public cord blood banking practices: recruitment, donation, and the timing of consent
Authors: Broder Sherri M. , Ponsaran Roselle S. , Goldenberg Aaron J.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Cord blood has moved rapidly from an experimental stem cell source to an accepted and important source of hematopoietic stem cells. There has been no comprehensive assessment of US public cord blood banking practices since the Institute of Medicine study in 2005.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Of 34 US public cord blood banks identified, 16 participated in our qualitative survey of public cord blood banking practices. Participants took part in in‐depth telephone interviews in which they were asked structured and open‐ended questions regarding recruitment, donation, and the informed consent process at these banks.

RESULTS: Thirteen of 16 participants reported a variably high percentage of women who consented to public cord blood donation. Fifteen banks offered donor registration at the time of hospital admission for labor and delivery. Seven obtained full informed consent and medical history during early labor and eight conducted some form of phased consent and/or phased medical screening and history. Nine participants identified initial selection of the collection site location as the chief mode by which they recruited minority donors.

CONCLUSION: Since 2005, more public banks offer cord blood donor registration at the time of admission for labor and delivery. That and the targeted location of cord blood collection sites are the main methods used to increase access to donation and HLA diversity of banked units. Currently, the ability to collect and process donations, rather than donor willingness, is the major barrier to public cord blood banking.
A study of the predonation hemoglobin and iron status among Hong Kong Chinese blood donors
Authors: Lee C.K. , Wong H.K. , Hong J. , Leung J.N.S. , Tsoi W.C. , Lin C.K.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND: Predonation hemoglobin (PDH) is used to safeguard donors’ welfare, and low hemoglobin (Hb) is known to be the most frequent reason for donor deferral. A study was initiated to assess the PDH and iron status of blood donors in Hong Kong.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This observational study was designed with four groups of whole blood donors invited (Group 1—eligible first time donors, Group 2—eligible repeat donors with zero or one donation in preceding 12 months, Group 3—eligible repeat donors with at least two donations in preceding 12 months, Group 4—repeat donors being deferred for low PDH). Predonation blood samples were obtained for blood counts and iron status. Mann‐Whitney test, Kruskal‐Wallis test, and chi‐square test for trend were applied for statistical analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 836 donors were recruited, of which 35 were excluded because of hemoglobinopathy. An inverse relationship between serum ferritin level and number of donations in the preceding 12 months was observed in both sexes. Iron deficiency was significantly seen in 35.1% of male and 65.3% of female deferred donors. More importantly, up to 7.2, 5.8, and 29.5% of the female donors in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were found to be iron deficient despite having a high enough PDH.

CONCLUSION: This is the first study to assess PDH and iron status in Chinese blood donors. Iron depletion is noted with increasing number of blood donations in the preceding 12 months. Advice on iron repletion is a necessary step for donor welfare and strategies should be developed to ensure that donors have adequate PDH.
Why do so many flour beetle copulations fail?
Authors: Tyler Frances , Tregenza Tom
Published: July 2012

Copulations that fail to result in fertilisations are common across a broad range of species, and remain enigmatic given the inherent costs that are being paid by both partners. The determinants of failures are varied and can take effect before, during, or after copulating. In the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), population estimates of copulations failing to result in fertilisations as high as 55% have been reported, suggesting that the causes of these failures play an important role in the mating system, or that the costs experienced by those determining failure, in this system likely the females, is low. Here, we show that failure is determined peri‐copulation; successful spermatophore transfer (indicated by change in mass of mating individuals) typically results in offspring production, suggesting that mechanisms of post‐copulatory female choice do not cause outright failure. The proportion of copulations that failed to result in fertilisations was apparently not influenced by the relatedness of mating pairs, the age, mating status, or mass of the female, or the interval she experienced between matings. This suggests that alternative adaptive explanations are responsible for the prevalence of copulations that fail to result in fertilisations in this species, or that the costs involved are sufficiently small, so that selection against such failures is weak.
Sclerotic fibroma (storiform collagenoma)‐like stroma in a fibroadenoma of axillary accessory breast tissue
Authors: Val‐Bernal José Fernando , González‐Vela María Carmen , De Grado Mauricio , Garijo María Francisca
Published: July 2012

Accessory breast tissue is a subcutaneous remnant persisting after normal embryological development of the breast. It occurs most frequently in the axilla. Fibroadenomas in axillary breast tissue are rare. We report the case of a 29‐year‐old female patient who presented a fibroadenoma arising in the accessory breast tissue of the right axillary fossa. The neoplasm showed foci of sclerotic fibroma‐like stroma. The patient had no signs of Cowden's syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, a lesion of this kind has not been previously reported. This stromal change suggests an uncommon involutional phase of the fibroadenoma with production of sclerotic and hypocellular collagen. The lesion should be differentiated from extraneural perineuroma, from the changes in fibroadenomas in Cowden's syndrome, from sclerosing lobular hyperplasia (fibroadenomatoid mastopathy) and from pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia.
Overexpression of OsPAP10a, A Root‐Associated Acid Phosphatase, Increased Extracellular Organic Phosphorus Utilization in Rice
Authors: Tian Jingluan , Wang Chuang , Zhang Qian , He Xiaowei , Whelan James , Shou Huixia
Published: July 2012

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major limitation for plant growth and development. Among the wide set of responses to cope with low soil P, plants increase their level of intracellular and secreted acid phosphatases (APases), which helps to catalyze inorganic phosphate (Pi) hydrolysis from organo‐phosphates. In this study we characterized the rice (Oryza sativa) purple acid phosphatase 10a (OsPAP10a). OsPAP10a belongs to group Ia of purple acid phosphatases (PAPs), and clusters with the principal secreted PAPs in a variety of plant species including Arabidopsis. The transcript abundance of OsPAP10a is specifically induced by Pi deficiency and is controlled by OsPHR2, the central transcription factor controlling Pi homeostasis. In gel activity assays of root and shoot protein extracts, it was revealed that OsPAP10a is a major acid phosphatase isoform induced by Pi starvation. Constitutive overexpression of OsPAP10a results in a significant increase of phosphatase activity in both shoot and root protein extracts. In vivo root 5‐bromo‐4‐chloro‐3‐indolyl‐phosphate (BCIP) assays and activity measurements on external media showed that OsPAP10a is a root‐associated APase. Furthermore, overexpression of OsPAP10a significantly improved ATP hydrolysis and utilization compared with wild type plants. These results indicate that OsPAP10a can potentially be used for crop breeding to improve the efficiency of P use.
Knowledge and perspectives of Dutch home healthcare nurses regarding medication frequently used by older people
Authors: Sino Carolien G.M. , Munnik Aukje , Schuurmans Marieke J.
Published: July 2012

sino c.g.m., munnik a. & schuurmans m.j. (2013) Knowledge and perspectives of Dutch home healthcare nurses regarding medication frequently used by older people. International Journal of Older People Nursing 8, 131–138  doi:10.1111/j.1748‐3743.2012.00336.x

Background.  Home healthcare nurses in their roles as caregivers, educators and administrators of medications are particularly well positioned to act on a preventive way to be alert of adverse drug reactions. However, knowledge about medication and a professional attitude is required.

Aim.  To describe medication‐related knowledge and perspectives of Dutch home healthcare nurses regarding frequent used medication by older people.

Method.  A cross‐sectional study was conducted among home healthcare nurses (n=146) in the Netherlands based on the ten most frequently used drugs by older people.

Finding.  The mean score for total medication knowledge was 76.2% of the maximum score. Most home healthcare nurses (80.3%) felt responsible for improving older patients’ medication use. Three‐quarters of the home healthcare nurses agreed with the statement: “By taking appropriate action at the right time, I am able to prevent a medication‐related hospital admission”.

Conclusion.  Although most home healthcare nurses felt responsible for their older patients’ proper medication use and agreed with the statement that they played a role in preventing older patients’ medication‐related hospital admissions, their knowledge regarding medications could be improved.

Implications for practice.  Home healthcare nurses should profit as a professional from gaining more knowledge of medication frequently used by older people.
Epidemiology of influenza A (H1N1)pdm09‐associated deaths in the United States, September–October 2009
Authors: Regan Joanna , Fowlkes Ashley , Biggerstaff Matthew , Jhung Michael A. , Gindler Jacqueline , Kennedy Erin , Fields Victoria , Finelli Lyn ,   for the 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Fatal Case Series Investigation Team
Published: July 2012

Please cite this paper as: Regan et al. (2012) Epidemiology of influenza A (H1N1)pdm09‐associated deaths in the United States, September–October 2009. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(601), e169–e177.

Background  From April to July 2009, the United States experienced a wave of influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus (H1N1pdm09) infection. The majority of the deaths during that period occurred in persons <65 years of age with underlying medical conditions.

Objective  To describe the epidemiology of H1N1pdm09‐associated deaths in the US during the fall of 2009.

Methods  We collected demographic, medical history, and cause of death information on a nationally representative, stratified random sample of 323 H1N1pdm09‐associated deaths that occurred during September 1–October 31, 2009.

Results  Data were available for 302/323 (93%) deaths. Most cases (74%) were 18–64 years of age and had ≥1 underlying medical condition (72%). Among cases aged <18 years, 16/43 (37%) had a chronic lung disease, and 15/43 (35%) a neurological disorder; among cases aged ≥18 years, 94/254 (37%) had a chronic lung disease and 84/254 (33%) had a metabolic disorder. The median number of days between symptom onset and death was six among children (range, 1–48) and 12 among adults (range, 0–109). Influenza antiviral agents were prescribed for 187/268 (70%) of cases, but only 48/153 (31%) received treatment within 2 days of illness onset.

Conclusions  The characteristics of H1N1pdm09 deaths identified during the fall of 2009 were similar to those occurring April–July 2009. While most cases had conditions that were known to increase the risk for severe outcomes and were recommended to receive antiviral therapy, a minority of cases received antivirals early in the course of illness.
LGR5 is a Marker of Poor Prognosis in Glioblastoma and is Required for Survival of Brain Cancer Stem‐Like Cells
Authors: Nakata Susumu , Campos Benito , Bageritz Josephine , Lorenzo Bermejo Justo , Becker Natalia , Engel Felix , Acker Till , Momma Stefan , Herold‐Mende Christel , Lichter Peter , Radlwimmer Bernhard , Goidts Violaine
Published: July 2012

In various types of cancers including glioblastoma, accumulating evidence show the existence of cancer stem‐like cells (CSCs), characterized by stem cell marker expression, capability of differentiation and self‐renewal, and high potential for tumor propagation in vivo. LGR5, whose expression is positively regulated by the Wnt signaling pathway, is a stem cell marker in intestinal mucosa and hair follicle in the skin. As Wnt signaling is also involved in brain development, the function of LGR5 in the maintenance of brain CSCs is to be assessed. Our study showed that the LGR5 transcript level was increased in CSCs. Co‐immunofluorescence staining demonstrated the co‐localization of CD133‐ and LGR5‐positive cells in glioblastoma tissue sections. Functionally, silencing of LGR5 by lentiviral shRNA‐mediated knockdown induced apoptosis in brain CSCs. Moreover, LGR5 depletion led to a downregulation of L1 cell adhesion molecule expression. In line with an important function in glioma tumorigenesis, LGR5 expression increased with glioma progression and correlated with an adverse outcome. Our findings suggest that LGR5 plays a role in maintenance and/or survival of brain CSCs.
Determination of Rare Earth Elements and Thorium at Nanogram Levels in Ultramafic Samples by Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Mass Spectrometry Combined with Chemical Separation and Pre‐concentration
Authors: Sun Yali , Sun Shengling , Wang Christina Yan , Xu Peng
Published: July 2012

A method was developed for the determination of low‐level rare earth elements (REEs) and thorium in ultramafic samples by inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry. The conventional method for the digestion of ultramafic rocks using HNO3 and HF results in considerable amounts of insoluble fluorides because of the high contents of Mg (generally up to 24% m/m) in these rocks. In this study, we used H3BO3 as a complexing agent to break down the insoluble fluorides, and then separated the REEs from Fe and Mg major and Ba, Ca, Cr minor matrices by anion exchange and co‐precipitation, respectively. The whole procedural blanks estimated from sample‐free analyses ranged from 0.232 ng for Ce to 0.006 ng for Tm and Lu. Limits of detection for this method, defined as three times the standard deviation of these blank analyses, varied from 0.51 ng g−1 for Ce to 0.03 ng g−1 for Lu. The recovery of REEs using this technique, as determined using the standard addition method, ranged from 92.9% for Y to 102.0% for Er with 3% (RSD) variation. The method was validated using GAS (GeoPT‐12), JP‐1 and PCC‐1, and the results were comparable to literature values, elucidating the applicability to the determination of ultra trace REEs in ultramafic rocks.
Soil carbon stocks and changes after oil palm introduction in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Frazão Leidivan A. , Paustian Keith , Pellegrino Cerri Carlos E. , Cerri Carlos C.
Published: July 2012

As oil palm has been considered one of the most favorable oilseeds for biodiesel production in Brazil, it is important to understand how cultivation of this perennial crop will affect the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) in the long term. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in soil C stocks after the conversion of forest and pasture into oil palm production in the Amazon Region. Soil samples were collected in March 2008 and September 2009 in five areas: native forest (NARF), pasture cultivated for 55 years (PAST), and oil palm cultivated for 4 (OP‐4), 8 (OP‐8) and 25 years (OP‐25), respectively. Soils were sampled in March 2008 to evaluate the spatial variability of SOC and nitrogen (N) contents in relation to the spacing between trees. In September 2009, soils were sampled to evaluate the soil C stocks in the avenues (inter rows) and frond piles, and to compare the total C stocks with natural forest and pasture system. Soil C contents were 22–38% higher in the area nearest the oil palm base (0.6 m) than the average across the inter row (0–4.5 m from the tree), indicating that the increment in soil organic matter (SOM) must have been largely derived from root material. The soil C stocks under palm frond piles were 9–26% higher than in the inter rows, due to inputs of SOM by pruned palm fronds. The soil carbon stocks in oil palm areas, after adjustments for differences in bulk density and clay content across treatments, were 35–46% lower than pasture soil C stocks, but were 0–18% higher than the native forest soil C content. The results found here may be used to improve the life cycle assessment of biodiesel derived from palm oil.
Using ecosystem CO2 measurements to estimate the timing and magnitude of greenhouse gas mitigation potential of forest bioenergy
Authors: Bernier Pierre , Paré David
Published: July 2012

Forest bioenergy opportunities may be hindered by a long greenhouse gas (GHG) payback time. Estimating this payback time requires the quantification of forest‐atmosphere carbon exchanges, usually through process‐based simulation models. Such models are prone to large uncertainties, especially over long‐term carbon fluxes from dead organic matter pools. We propose the use of whole ecosystem field‐measured CO2 exchanges obtained from eddy covariance flux towers to assess the GHG mitigation potential of forest biomass projects as a way to implicitly integrate all field‐level CO2 fluxes and the inter‐annual variability in these fluxes. As an example, we perform the evaluation of a theoretical bioenergy project that uses tree stems as bioenergy feedstock and include multi‐year measurements of net ecosystem exchange (NEE) from forest harvest chronosequences in the boreal forest of Canada to estimate the time dynamics of ecosystem CO2 exchanges following harvesting. Results from this approach are consistent with previous results using process‐based models and suggest a multi‐decadal payback time for our project. The time for atmospheric carbon debt repayment of bioenergy projects is highly dependent on ecosystem‐level CO2 exchanges. The use of empirical NEE measurements may provide a direct evaluation of, or at least constraints on, the GHG mitigation potential of forest bioenergy projects.
α1‐Adrenergic responsiveness in human skeletal muscle feed arteries: the impact of reducing extracellular pH
Authors: Ives Stephen J. , Andtbacka Robert H. I. , Noyes R. Dirk , Morgan R. Garrett , Gifford Jayson R. , Park Song‐Young , Symons J. David , Richardson Russell S.
Published: July 2012

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

In human arteries involved in the regulation of muscle blood flow, there is a lack of data about whether acidosis alters vascular sensitivity to vasoactive agents, as well as altering endothelium dependent vasorelaxation. Little is known about the interaction of metabolites and vascular function in human skeletal muscle feed arteries.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Increasing acidosis attenuated the response and sensitivity of the arteries to phenylephrine; this effect was selective to the receptor over smooth muscle.

Acidosis did not alter endothelium dependent vasorelaxation. Impaired vasoconstriction coupled with intact vasorelaxation, promotes decreased vascular tone with exposure to acidosis, and may contribute to sympatholysis during exercise.

Graded exercise results not only in the modulation of adrenergic mediated smooth muscle tone and a preferential increase in blood flow to the active skeletal muscle termed ‘functional sympatholysis’, but is also paralleled by metabolically induced reductions in pH. We therefore sought to determine whether pH attenuates α1‐adrenergic receptor sensitivity in human feed arteries. Feed arteries (560 ± 31 μm i.d.) were harvested from 24 humans (55 ± 4 years old) and studied using the isometric tension technique. Vessel function was assessed using KCl, phenylephrine (PE), ACh and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) concentration–response curves to characterize non‐receptor‐mediated and receptor‐mediated vasocontraction, as well as endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent vasorelaxation, respectively. All concentration–response curves were obtained from (originally contiguous) vessel rings in separate baths with a pH of 7.4, 7.1, 6.8 or 6.5. Reduction of the pH, via HCl, reduced maximal PE‐induced vasocontraction (pH 7.4 = 85 ± 19, pH 7.1 = 57 ± 16, pH 6.8 = 34 ± 15 and pH 6.5 = 16 ± 5% KClmax), which was partly due to reduced smooth muscle function, as assessed by KCl (pH 7.4 = 88 ± 13, pH 7.1 = 67 ± 8, pH 6.8 = 67 ± 9 and pH 6.5 = 58 ± 8% KClmax). Graded acidosis had no effect on maximal vasorelaxation. In summary, these data reveal that reductions in extracellular pH attenuate α1‐mediated vasocontraction, which is partly explained by reduced smooth muscle function, although vasorelaxation in response to ACh and SNP remained intact. These findings support the concept that local acidosis is likely to contribute to functional sympatholysis and exercise hyperaemia by opposing sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction while not impacting vasodilatation.