bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A quantitative assessment of torque-transducer models for magnetoreception
Authors: Winklhofer Michael , Kirschvink Joseph L.
Published: January 2010

Although ferrimagnetic material appears suitable as a basis of magnetic field perception in animals, it is not known by which mechanism magnetic particles may transduce the magnetic field into a nerve signal. Provided that magnetic particles have remanence or anisotropic magnetic susceptibility, an external magnetic field will exert a torque and may physically twist them. Several models of such biological magnetic-torque transducers on the basis of magnetite have been proposed in the literature. We analyse from first principles the conditions under which they are viable. Models based on biogenic single-domain magnetite prove both effective and efficient, irrespective of whether the magnetic structure is coupled to mechanosensitive ion channels or to an indirect transduction pathway that exploits the strayfield produced by the magnetic structure at different field orientations. On the other hand, torque-detector models that are based on magnetic multi-domain particles in the vestibular organs turn out to be ineffective. Also, we provide a generic classification scheme of torque transducers in terms of axial or polar output, within which we discuss the results from behavioural experiments conducted under altered field conditions or with pulsed fields. We find that the common assertion that a magnetoreceptor based on single-domain magnetite could not form the basis for an inclination compass does not always hold.
Copy number abnormalities in sporadic canine colorectal cancers
Authors: Tang Jie , Le Shoshona , Sun Liang , Yan Xiuzhen , Zhang Mucheng , MacLeod Jennifer , LeRoy Bruce , Northrup Nicole , Ellis Angela , Yeatman Timothy J. , Liang Yanchun , Zwick Michael E. , Zhao Shaying
Published: January 2010

Human colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the better-understood systems for studying the genetics of cancer initiation and progression. To develop a cross-species comparison strategy for identifying CRC causative gene or genomic alterations, we performed array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) to investigate copy number abnormalities (CNAs), one of the most prominent lesion types reported for human CRCs, in 10 spontaneously occurring canine CRCs. The results revealed for the first time a strong degree of genetic homology between sporadic canine and human CRCs. First, we saw that between 5% and 22% of the canine genome was amplified/deleted in these tumors, and that, reminiscent of human CRCs, the total altered sequences directly correlated to the tumor's progression stage, origin, and likely microsatellite instability status. Second, when mapping the identified CNAs onto syntenic regions of the human genome, we noted that the canine orthologs of genes participating in known human CRC pathways were recurrently disrupted, indicating that these pathways might be altered in the canine CRCs as well. Last, we observed a significant overlapping of CNAs between human and canine tumors, and tumors from the two species were clustered according to the tumor subtypes but not the species. Significantly, compared with the shared CNAs, we found that species-specific (especially human-specific) CNAs localize to evolutionarily unstable regions that harbor more segmental duplications and interspecies genomic rearrangement breakpoints. These findings indicate that CNAs recurrent between human and dog CRCs may have a higher probability of being cancer-causative, compared with CNAs found in one species only.
Developing Employment Opportunities for Care Leavers
Authors: Bilson Andy , Price Joanna , Stanley Nicky
Published: January 2010

This article describes an action research project carried out in North West England that aimed to assist Children’s Services Departments and Care Trusts in developing their strategies for supporting care leavers into employment and training. The study found a range of models and approaches that can be utilised to develop local and regional partnerships offering employment and training opportunities designed to meet the needs of care leavers. Relevant questions about the extent to which such opportunities should be ring‐fenced or targeted on particular fields of employment are identified. © 2010 The Author(s). Children & Society © 2010 National Children’s Bureau.
Novel combination treatment for colorectal cancer using Nek2 siRNA and cisplatin
Authors: Suzuki Kazushi , Kokuryo Toshio , Senga Takeshi , Yokoyama Yukihiro , Nagino Masato , Hamaguchi Michinari
Published: January 2010

Nek2 (NIMA‐related kinase 2) is involved in cell division and mitotic regulation by centrosome splitting. We previously reported that Nek2 depletion causes growth suppression and cell death in cholangiocarcinoma and breast cancer cells. In this report, we examine the effect of a combination treatment using Nek2 siRNA with the cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin (CDDP) on colorectal cancer. Nek2 was overexpressed in all colorectal cancer cell lines examined (HCT‐15, DLD‐1, Colo205, and Colo320). Nek2 short‐interfering RNA (siRNA) resulted in the inhibition of cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis in vitro. Nek2 siRNA suppressed tumor growth compared to control siRNA in a xenograft mouse model. To investigate the potential utility of Nek2 siRNA for clinical cancer therapy, we examine the effect of a combination treatment using Nek2 siRNA with CDDP on colorectal cancer. The combined administration of both Nek2 siRNA and CDDP inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptotic cell death in vitro. Furthermore, the combined administration of both Nek2 siRNA and CDDP suppressed tumor growth compared to either the single administration of Nek2 siRNA or the combined administration of control siRNA and CDDP. Our results suggest that combination treatment using Nek2 siRNA and chemotherapeutic agents may be an effective therapeutic option for colorectal cancer.

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 1163–1169)
Fc‐engineered EGF‐R antibodies mediate improved antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against KRAS‐mutated tumor cells
Authors: Schlaeth Martin , Berger Sven , Derer Stefanie , Klausz Katja , Lohse Stefan , Dechant Michael , Lazar Greg A. , Schneider‐Merck Tanja , Peipp Matthias , Valerius Thomas
Published: January 2010

Oncogenic mutations of the KRAS gene have emerged as a common mechanism of resistance against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF‐R)‐directed tumor therapy. Mutated KRAS leads to ligand‐independent activation of signaling pathways downstream of EGF‐R. Thereby, direct effector mechanisms of EGF‐R antibodies, such as blockade of ligand binding and inhibition of signaling, are bypassed. Thus, a humanized variant of the approved EGF‐R antibody Cetuximab inhibited growth of wild‐type KRAS‐expressing A431 cells, but did not inhibit KRAS‐mutated A549 tumor cells. We then investigated whether killing of tumor cells harboring mutated KRAS can be improved by enhancing antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Protein‐ and glyco‐engineering of antibodies’ Fc region are established technologies to enhance ADCC by increasing antibodies’ affinity to activating Fcγ receptors. Thus, EGF‐R antibody variants with increased affinity for the natural killer (NK) cell‐expressed FcγRIIIa (CD16) were generated and analyzed. These variants triggered significantly enhanced mononuclear cell (MNC)‐mediated killing of KRAS‐mutated tumor cells compared to wild‐type antibodies. Additionally, cells transfected with mutated KRAS were killed as effectively by ADCC as vector‐transfected control cells. Together, these data demonstrate that KRAS mutations are not sufficient to render tumor cells resistant to ADCC. Consequently Fc‐engineered EGF‐R antibodies may prove effective against KRAS‐mutated tumors, which are not susceptible to signaling inhibition by EGF‐R antibodies.

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 1080–1088)
Cost effectiveness of mass screening for coeliac disease is determined by time‐delay to diagnosis and quality of life on a gluten‐free diet
Authors: HERSHCOVICI T. , LESHNO M. , GOLDIN E. , SHAMIR R. , ISRAELI E.
Published: January 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 901–910

Background  Coeliac disease is frequently diagnosed after a long delay resulting in increased morbidity and mortality.

Aims  To define the parameters which have the highest impact on the cost‐effectiveness of mass screening for coeliac disease.

Methods  A Markov model examined a coeliac disease screening programme of the healthy young‐adult general population compared with a no‐screening strategy. The main outcome measures were quality adjusted life‐years (QALYs) and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER). Effects of variables were examined using sensitivity analyses.

Results  The screening strategy resulted in a gain of 0.0027 QALYs. The ICER of screening vs. no‐screening strategy was US$48 960/QALYs. The variables with the largest impact on cost effectiveness were: the time delay from symptom onset to diagnosis, the utility of adherence to a gluten‐free diet (GFD) and the prevalence of coeliac disease. Screening would be cost‐effective if the time delay to diagnosis is longer than 6 years and utility of GFD adherence is greater than 0.978.

Conclusions  Our model suggests that mass screening for coeliac disease of the young‐adult general population is associated with improved QALYs and is a cost effectiveness strategy. Shortening of the time‐delay to diagnosis by heightened awareness of health‐care professionals may be a valid alternative to screening.
Population dynamics and stock status of cobia, Rachycentron canadum, caught in Australian recreational and commercial coastal fisheries
Authors: FRY G. C. , GRIFFITHS S. P.
Published: January 2010

Abstract  Age and growth of Rachycentron canadum (L.) was studied in northern and eastern Australia to provide data for a preliminary assessment of the stock and to explore possible fisheries management strategies using minimum legal lengths. Fish collected from commercial and recreational fisheries ranged in size and weight from 125 to 1633 mm fork length (FL) and 0.031 to 55 kg respectively. Annual growth increments in sectioned otoliths formed by November–December. Estimated ages ranged from 0 to 7 yr for both genders. Longevity was estimated to be at least 13 yr. Von Bertalanffy growth function parameters were L = 1160 mm FL, K = 0.63 yr−1 and t0 = −0.21 yr−1. Rachycentron canadum reach 600 mm FL in their first year and over 1000 mm FL in 3 years. Natural and total mortalities were estimated at 0.35 yr−1 and 0.85 yr−1, respectively. Populations of R. canadum may be vulnerable to growth overfishing under the current minimum legal length of 750 mm total length (TL) in Queensland waters. An increase in minimum legal length to 850 mm TL is recommended.
The response of a brown trout stocks and perception of anglers to cessation of brown trout stocking
Authors: BAER J. , BRINKER A.
Published: January 2010

Abstract  Since the mid‐1980s, water quality has improved in German rivers, and fisheries have recovered. However, it is unsure whether the improvements are sufficient to maintain stocks and angling yield without supplementary stocking. This study examined the development in the local brown trout, Salmo trutta L., stocks and angling yield in the River Wutach following cessation of stocking in 2001, using electric fishing and an angler questionnaire. Natural reproduction was recorded in each year between 2001 and 2007, and a stable stock of trout >20 cm was found. Trout catches by anglers increased after stocking ceased and approximately 60% of the anglers were convinced that stocking was unnecessary to maintain the brown trout stocks or angler catch satisfaction.
Predation cues do not affect the induction and termination of diapause in small‐bodied cladocerans
Authors: SANTANGELO JAYME M. , BOZELLI REINALDO L. , ESTEVES FRANCISCO de A. , TOLLRIAN RALPH
Published: January 2010

1. Prey usually benefit from the early recognition of potential predators by changing their behaviour, morphology and life history. Some cladocerans even shift from the production of parthenogenetic to resting eggs when facing the risk of predation. This would be particularly beneficial if resting eggs could detect predation risk and hatch appropriately.

2. Here, we evaluated the responses of small‐bodied, tropical cladocerans to fish kairomones and alarm signals. Life‐history changes (including the production of resting eggs) in active females of Moina and the hatching responses of Moina and Diaphanosoma resting eggs were evaluated in the presence of predation cues.

3. Predation cues did not induce diapause in Moina. However, active Moina females reacted to the presence of fish by changing other life‐history parameters. The net reproductive rate of Moina increased in the presence of predation cues, clutch size increased, and neonates were released earlier, but the size at primipara was less (under low food conditions).

4. Resting eggs from lake sediments were not sensitive to fish cues, as hatching rates and the time to hatching were not affected. So, hatchlings may face a dangerous environment.

5. The life history of active individuals clearly responds to fish in an adaptive way. Shifts in resource allocation from somatic growth to reproduction are adaptive responses even in small‐bodied cladocerans.

6. Predation cues do not seem to play a role in the induction of diapause in Moina nor for its termination in Moina and Diaphanosoma.
Managing cardiovascular risks with Tai Chi in people with coronary artery disease
Authors: Park In Sook , Song Rhayun , Oh Kyong Ok , So Hee Young , Kim Dal Sook , Kim Jong Im , Kim Tae Sook , Kim Hyun Li , Ahn Suk Hee
Published: January 2010

park i.s., song r., oh k.o., so h.y., kim d.s., kim j.i., kim t.s., kim h.l. & ahn s.h. (2010) Managing cardiovascular risks with Tai Chi in people with coronary artery disease. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(2), 282–292.

Title.  Managing cardiovascular risks with Tai Chi in people with coronary artery disease.

Aim.  The paper is a report of the study to determine the effects of the cardiovascular risk management programme with Tai Chi on cardiovascular risks, health behaviours and quality of life in individuals with coronary artery disease.

Background.  Many eligible patients with coronary artery disease do not participate in programmes for cardiovascular risk management, mainly because of lack of motivation, high cost or limited accessibility. Tai Chi has been introduced by health professionals to promote cardiovascular functioning and quality of life.

Methods.  A quasi‐experimental design with a non‐equivalent control group was used. Eighty‐five people with a mean age of 66 years completed pretest and 6‐month follow‐up measures in the following three groups: Tai Chi with education (n = 33), Tai Chi only (n = 19) and control (n = 33). Analysis of covariance was used to compare outcome variables with pretest variables as covariates to adjust for baseline differences. The data were collected in 2005–2006.

Results.  In the Tai‐Chi‐with‐education group there were statistically significant reductions in modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (F = 3·49, P = 0·035) and improvements in health behaviours (F = 6·12, P = 0·003), mental scores (F = 3·96, P = 0·023), and in the role‐emotional (F = 7·30, P = 0·001) and vitality (F = 3·81, P = 0·026) dimensions of quality of life.

Conclusion.  Tai Chi was safely implemented as an alternative form of exercise in a cardiovascular risk management programme. Whether the beneficial effects of Tai Chi in cardiovascular risk management are comparable with those induced by other types of aerobic exercise requires further investigation.
Benchmarks for effective primary care‐based nursing services for adults with depression: a Delphi study
Authors: McIlrath Carole , Keeney Sinead , McKenna Hugh , McLaughlin Derek
Published: January 2010

mcilrath c., keeney s., mckenna h. & mclaughlin d. (2010) Benchmarks for effective primary care‐based nursing services for adults with depression: a Delphi study. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(2), 269–281.

Title.  Benchmarks for effective primary care‐based nursing services for adults with depression: a Delphi study.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to identify and gain consensus on appropriate benchmarks for effective primary care‐based nursing services for adults with depression.

Background.  Worldwide evidence suggests that between 5% and 16% of the population have a diagnosis of depression. Most of their care and treatment takes place in primary care. In recent years, primary care nurses, including community mental health nurses, have become more involved in the identification and management of patients with depression; however, there are no appropriate benchmarks to guide, develop and support their practice.

Method.  In 2006, a three‐round electronic Delphi survey was completed by a United Kingdom multi‐professional expert panel (n = 67).

Findings.  Round 1 generated 1216 statements relating to structures (such as training and protocols), processes (such as access and screening) and outcomes (such as patient satisfaction and treatments). Content analysis was used to collapse statements into 140 benchmarks. Seventy‐three benchmarks achieved consensus during subsequent rounds. Of these, 45 (61%) were related to structures, 18 (25%) to processes and 10 (14%) to outcomes.

Conclusion.  Multi‐professional primary care staff have similar views about the appropriate benchmarks for care of adults with depression. These benchmarks could serve as a foundation for depression improvement initiatives in primary care and ongoing research into depression management by nurses.
Spirituality and job satisfaction among female Jewish Israeli hospital nurses
Authors: Lazar Aryeh
Published: January 2010

lazar a. (2010) Spirituality and job satisfaction among female Jewish Israeli hospital nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(2), 334–344.

Title.  Spirituality and job satisfaction among female Jewish Israeli hospital nurses.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study conducted to examine the relationship between spirituality and hospital nurses’ work satisfaction and to determine the unique contributions of various specific aspects of spirituality to their work satisfaction.

Background.  Spirituality has been indicated as a possible contributor to nurses’ job satisfaction. However, few researchers have examined the relationship between spirituality and nurses’ job satisfaction.

Method.  During 2007, 120 female Jewish Israeli hospital nurses responded to a questionnaire including a multidimensional measure of spirituality and a measure of overall job satisfaction.

Results.  Correlation analysis indicated a positive relationship between life coherency aspects of spirituality and spiritual values with job satisfaction. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated the particular importance of an idealistic spiritual orientation (positive contribution) and a transcendent spiritual orientation (negative contribution) to the prediction of nurses’ job satisfaction.

Conclusion.  The relationship between spirituality and nurses’ job satisfaction is complex. Hospital managers may be able to enhance job satisfaction by providing opportunities for nurses to satisfy their spiritual needs (in particular, altruistic and ideological orientations) on the job. In addition, nurses with a strong transcendent orientation may be identified and given special attention to increase the likelihood of job satisfaction.
Time to precept: supportive and limiting conditions for precepting nurses.
Authors: Carlson Elisabeth , Pilhammar Ewa , Wann‐Hansson Christine
Published: January 2010

carlson e., pilhammar e. & wann‐hansson c. (2010) Time to precept: supportive and limiting conditions for precepting nurses. Journal of Advanced Nursing66(2), 432–441.

Title.  Time to precept: supportive and limiting conditions for precepting nurses.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study describing conditions for precepting in a Swedish clinical context from the perspective of precepting nurses.

Background.  Clinical practice is a complex part of nursing education, and registered nurses who are acting as preceptors for nursing students face a number of challenges that need to be addressed during the precepting process.

Method.  An ethnographic approach guided by symbolic interactionism was used. Data were collected by participant observation and focus group interviews over a ten‐month period in 2006–2007. Participants were selected by purposive sampling of 13 staff nurses who were preceptors during the field work period. In addition, 16 staff nurses, experienced in precepting, were purposively selected for four focus groups.

Findings.  Precepting was found to be a complex function for nurses, influenced by conditions that could be both supportive and limiting in nature. Three themes described these conditions: organization, comprising clinical responsibilities and routines; collaboration, focusing on professional relations and interactions; and the personal perspective, comprising preceptors’ experiences, need for feed back and notions of benefits. Time as a limiting condition reappeared through all categories.

Conclusion.  It is important to raise the issue of time and its impact on the precepting process. Precepting needs to be further discussed in terms of an integrated nursing competence prioritized by all stakeholders involved in clinical practice. Therefore; efforts should be made to plan nurses’ clinical work so that allocated time for precepting can be facilitated.
Immigrant women’s experiences of receiving care in a mobile health clinic
Authors: Guruge Sepali , Hunter JoAnne , Barker Keegan , McNally Mary Jane , Magalhães Lilian
Published: January 2010

guruge s., hunter j.a., barker k., mcnally m.j. & magalhães l. (2010) Immigrant women’s experiences of receiving care in a mobile health clinic. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(2), 350–359.

Title.  Immigrant women’s experiences of receiving care in a mobile health clinic.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a study of the experiences of Portuguese‐speaking immigrant women who used a mobile health clinic for their reproductive health care.

Background.  Upon arrival in Canada, immigrant women often are in better health than their Canadian‐born counterparts; however, this health status tends to deteriorate over time. One reason for this change is limited access to services.

Method.  Data collection during 2004 and 2005 involved individual interviews with seven Portuguese‐speaking women who received care in a mobile health clinic in Toronto, Canada, and with four clinic care providers. Non‐participant observation of the interaction between clients and care providers was also conducted. Interviews conducted in Portuguese were translated into English and transcribed, along with those conducted in English. Interview transcripts were read and re‐read in the context of observational notes to develop codes. Emerging codes were grouped together to develop subcategories and categories.

Findings.  Participants’ experiences of accessing and receiving care in the mobile health clinic were shaped by their perceptions of health, which included physical, mental, social and spiritual aspects, and their pre‐ and postmigration care experiences. As an alternative model of care delivery, the mobile health clinic was perceived by participants to address their care needs and to help overcome postmigration barriers by providing accessible, holistic, and linguistically and culturally appropriate care.

Conclusion.  Mobile health clinics should be considered as an alternative care delivery model for immigrant women who may be at a disadvantage because of their socio‐economic, cultural, and racialized statuses.
Generalizability and transferability of meta‐synthesis research findings
Authors: Finfgeld‐Connett Deborah
Published: January 2010

finfgeld‐connett d. (2010) Generalizability and transferability of meta‐synthesis research findings. Journal of Advanced Nursing 66(2), 246–254.

Title.  Generalizability and transferability of meta‐synthesis research findings.

Aim.  This paper is a report of a critical analysis of the generalizability and transferability of meta‐synthesis research findings.

Background.  Findings from a large number of qualitative research investigations have had little impact on clinical practice and policy formation. Single qualitative investigations are not intended to produce findings that are directly applicable to clinical practice, simple literature reviews of qualitative studies are not conducted using sophisticated methods to develop new cumulative knowledge, and methods for systematically compiling and synthesizing qualitative findings have just recently been developed in nursing.

Data sources.  This analysis of qualitative review methods was based on over 10 years of meta‐synthesis research experience and a non‐time‐limited cross‐discipline search of the English‐language literature related to qualitative research and generalizability.

Discussion.  Generalizability of meta‐synthesis findings is enhanced by insuring validity through systematic sampling, second‐tier triangulation, maintenance of well‐documented audit trails and the development of multi‐dimensional theory. Generalizability of meta‐synthesis findings is tentative until successful transference to new situations takes place.

Implications for nursing.  Nurse researchers are urged to conduct well‐designed and executed meta‐synthesis investigations that have the potential to generate findings that are relevant to clinical practice and policy formation. They are also encouraged to disseminate their meta‐synthesis findings skilfully and work with practitioners and policy‐makers to apply and evaluate them judiciously in clinical settings.

Conclusion.  Qualitative meta‐synthesis is a way of putting together qualitative findings from disparate investigations so that they can more readily be used in clinical practice and policy formation.
Establishment and characterization of a fibroblast cell line derived from the dorsal fin of red sea bream, Pagrus major (Temminck & Schlegel)
Authors: Ku C‐C , Lu C‐H , Wang C‐S
Published: January 2010

The establishment and partial characterization of a continuous cell line from the dorsal fin of red sea bream, Pagrus major, are described. The cell line, designated RSBF‐2, has been subcultured for more than 100 passages since its initiation in November 2000. It was optimally maintained at 28 °C in Leibovitz L‐15 medium with 10% foetal bovine serum. Propagation of RSBF‐2 cells was serum dependent and exhibited low plating efficiency (<1.7%). Aside from long‐term cryopreservation, the cells could also be kept at 4 °C for 72 days. The distribution of the chromosome number was 38–98 with a mode of 48. The RSBF‐2 cell line was susceptible to red sea bream iridovirus but only produced a few rounded and refractory cells. Virus‐inoculated RSBF‐2 cells were then subcultured to generate a persistently infected cell line. RSBF‐2 was also very sensitive to the extracellular products of Photobacterium damselae ssp. piscicida and produced significant fluorescent signals after transfection with pEGFP‐C3. Analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences revealed 99% identity between the cell line and Pagrus major.
Susceptibility of koi × crucian carp and koi × goldfish hybrids to koi herpesvirus (KHV) and the development of KHV disease (KHVD)
Authors: Bergmann S M , Sadowski J , Kiełpiński M , Bartłomiejczyk M , Fichtner D , Riebe R , Lenk M , Kempter J
Published: January 2010

Hybrids of koi, Cyprinus carpio × crucian carp, Carassius carassius and koi × goldfish, Carassius auratus, proved to be susceptible to koi herpesvirus (KHV, syn. CyHV‐3) and developed KHV disease (KHVD). While hybrids of koi × goldfish were partly resistant to mortality following infection by immersion, most koi × crucian carp hybrids died after bath infection. KHV DNA was detected in dead fish but also in all surviving animals by different polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). According to these results, hybrid crossbreeding does not seem to prevent severe losses associated with KHV in terms of inducing KHVD. The present study showed severe losses after a waterborne KHV infection of between 35% and 100% in koi × goldfish and koi × crucian carp hybrids as well as in SPF carp.
Population genetic structure of Earth's largest fish, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus)
Authors: CASTRO A. L. F. , STEWART B. S. , WILSON S. G. , HUETER R. E. , MEEKAN M. G. , MOTTA P. J. , BOWEN B. W. , KARL S. A.
Published: January 2010

Large pelagic vertebrates pose special conservation challenges because their movements generally exceed the boundaries of any single jurisdiction. To assess the population structure of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), we sequenced complete mitochondrial DNA control regions from individuals collected across a global distribution. We observed 51 single site polymorphisms and 8 regions with indels comprising 44 haplotypes in 70 individuals, with high haplotype (h = 0.974 ± 0.008) and nucleotide diversity (π = 0.011 ± 0.006). The control region has the largest length variation yet reported for an elasmobranch (1143–1332 bp). Phylogenetic analyses reveal no geographical clustering of lineages and the most common haplotype was distributed globally. The absence of population structure across the Indian and Pacific basins indicates that oceanic expanses and land barriers in Southeast Asia are not impediments to whale shark dispersal. We did, however, find significant haplotype frequency differences (amova, FST = 0.107, P < 0.001) principally between the Atlantic and Indo‐Pacific populations. In contrast to other recent surveys of globally distributed sharks, we find much less population subdivision and no evidence for cryptic evolutionary partitions. Discovery of the mating and pupping areas of whale sharks is key to further population genetic studies. The global pattern of shared haplotypes in whale sharks provides a compelling argument for development of broad international approaches for management and conservation of Earth's largest fish.
Self‐recruitment and sweepstakes reproduction amid extensive gene flow in a coral‐reef fish
Authors: CHRISTIE MARK R. , JOHNSON DARREN W. , STALLINGS CHRISTOPHER D. , HIXON MARK A.
Published: January 2010

Identifying patterns of larval dispersal within marine metapopulations is vital for effective fisheries management, appropriate marine reserve design, and conservation efforts. We employed genetic markers (microsatellites) to determine dispersal patterns in bicolour damselfish (Pomacentridae: Stegastes partitus). Tissue samples of 751 fish were collected in 2004 and 2005 from 11 sites encompassing the Exuma Sound, Bahamas. Bayesian parentage analysis identified two parent–offspring pairs, which is remarkable given the large population sizes and 28 day pelagic larval duration of bicolour damselfish. The two parent–offspring pairs directly documented self‐recruitment at the two northern‐most sites, one of which is a long‐established marine reserve. Principal coordinates analyses of pair‐wise relatedness values further indicated that self‐recruitment was common in all sampled populations. Nevertheless, measures of genetic differentiation (FST) and results from assignment methods suggested high levels of gene flow among populations. Comparisons of heterozygosity and relatedness among samples of adults and recruits indicated spatially and temporally independent sweepstakes events, whereby only a subset of adults successfully contribute to subsequent generations. These results indicate that self‐recruitment and sweepstakes reproduction are the predominant, ecologically‐relevant processes that shape patterns of larval dispersal in this system.
The determination of activity of the enzyme Rubisco in cell extracts of the dinoflagellate alga Symbiodinium sp. by manganese chemiluminescence and its response to short‐term thermal stress of the alga
Authors: LILLEY ROSS McC. , RALPH PETER J. , LARKUM ANTHONY W. D.
Published: January 2010

The dinoflagellate alga Symbiodinium sp., living in symbiosis with corals, clams and other invertebrates, is a primary producer in coral reefs and other marine ecosystems. The function of the carbon‐fixing enzyme ribulose 1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) in dinoflagellates is difficult to study because its activity is rapidly lost after extraction from the cell. We report procedures for the extraction of Rubisco from Symbiodinium cells and for stable storage. We describe a continuous assay for Rubisco activity in these crude cell extracts using the Mn2+ chemiluminescence of Rubisco oxygenase. Chemiluminescence time courses exhibited initial transients resembling bacterial Form II Rubisco, followed by several minutes of linearly decreasing activity. The initial activity was determined from extrapolation of this linear section of the time course. The activity of fast‐frozen cell extracts was stable at −80 °C and, after thawing and storage on ice, remained stable for up to 1 h before declining non‐linearly. Crude cell extracts bound [14C] 2‐carboxy‐D‐arabitinol 1,5‐bisphosphate to a high molecular mass fraction separable by gel filtration chromatography. After pre‐treatment of Symbiodinium cell cultures in darkness at temperatures above 30 °C, the extracted Rubisco activities decreased, with almost complete loss of activity above 36 °C. The implications for the sensitivity to elevated temperature of Symbiodinium photosynthesis are assessed.
Founder effect of a pathogenic MSH2 mutation identified in Spanish families with Lynch syndrome
Authors: Menéndez M , Castellví‐Bel S , Pineda M , De Cid R , Muñoz J , González S , Teulé À , Balaguer F , Ramón y Cajal T , Reñé Josep M. , Blanco I , Castells A , Capellà G
Published: January 2010

Menéndez M, Castellví‐Bel S, Pineda M, de Cid R, Muñoz J, González S, TeuléÀ, Balaguer F, Ramón y Cajal T, Maria Reñé J, Blanco I, Castells A, Capellà G. Founder effect of a pathogenic MSH2 mutation identified in Spanish families with Lynch syndrome.

Lynch syndrome is caused by germline mutations in the mismatch repair genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 or PMS2. The novel MSH2 c.[2635‐3T>C; 2635‐5C>T] mutation was identified in 4 Lynch families, cosegregating with the disease. This mutation, located in intron 15, was predicted to alter the correct mRNA processing by in silico analysis.

Our aim was to perform the c.[2635‐3T>C; 2635‐5C>T] mutation screening in high risk CRC cases and control populations, to evaluate the founder effect in our population by haplotype analysis and to confirm the pathogenic effect of the mutation by MSH2 expression studies.

Mutation screening was performed by SSCP and CSCE in genomic DNA from 323 high risk CRC cases and 289 controls. Haplotyping was performed analysing 4 MSH2 extragenic microsatellite markers (D2S288, D2S2227, D2S1247 and D2S1248) in 50 controls and mutation carriers by using the PHASE program. We analysed the effect of the mutation in mRNA processing by RT‐PCR and in MSH2 expression by qRT‐PCR using RNA from 5 mutation carriers and 18 controls.

None of the remaining high risk CRC cases or controls analysed harboured the mutation. We identified a common telomeric haplotype and two centromeric haplotypes, both rare in our population. Although we were not able to identify any abnormal transcript by RT‐PCR with the design used, we observed a significant reduction of mRNA MSH2 expression in carriers when compared with controls.

Haplotype analyses suggest a founder effect of the c.[2635‐3T>C; 2635‐5C>T] MSH2 mutation and expression studies support a pathogenic role of this mutation.
Effects of Deficit Irrigation and Salinity Stress on Common Bean (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) and Mungbean (Vigna Radiata (L.) Wilczek) Grown in a Controlled Environment
Authors: Bourgault M. , Madramootoo C. A. , Webber H. A. , Stulina G. , Horst M. G. , Smith D. L.
Published: January 2010

As water for irrigation purposes becomes increasingly scarce because of climate change and population growth, there is growing interest in regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) as a way to improve efficiency of water usage and farm productivity in arid and semi‐arid areas. Salinity is also becoming an important problem in these same regions. Experiments were performed to investigate the effects of RDI and salt stress on two legumes crops, common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek); previous work showed contrasting responses to RDI by these two crops under field conditions. The seed and biomass yields of both crops were reduced as a result of increasing water deficit stress; however, mungbean was able to maintain the same proportion of its biomass in reproductive structures and maintain its harvest index under stress, whereas common bean’s decreased. In addition, photosynthesis in mungbean was higher than in common bean and higher at the same levels of transpiration. Finally, salinity stress did not affect the water potential, harvest index or the specific leaf weight of either crop. There were no interactions between salinity and crops or RDI levels, which suggest that the two crops do not differ in their response to salinity stress, and that RDI levels do not modify this response.
Sucrose Accumulation in Sugar Beet Under Drought Stress
Authors: Hoffmann C. M.
Published: January 2010

Drought stress may affect sucrose accumulation of sugar beet by restricting leaf development and storage root growth. The objective of this study was to identify changes occurring in the storage root of Beta beets in growth characteristics and ions and compatible solutes accumulation under drought with regard to sucrose accumulation. Two pot experiments were conducted: (1) sugar beet well supplied with water (100 % water capacity), under continuous moderate (50 %) and severe drought stress (30 %), (2) sugar beet and fodder beet well supplied with water (100 %) and under continuous severe drought stress (30 %). Under drought stress, the ratio of storage root to leaf dry matter of sugar beet decreased indicating a different partitioning of the assimilates. The sucrose concentration of the storage root was reduced. In the root, the number of cambium rings was only slightly affected, although drought stress was implemented already 6 weeks after sowing. In contrast, the distance between adjacent rings and the cell size was considerably restricted, which points to a reduced expansion of existing sink tissues. The daily rate of sucrose accumulation in the root showed a maximum between 16 and 20 weeks after sowing in well‐watered plants, but it was considerably reduced under drought stress. The concentration of compatible solutes (K, Na, amino acids, glycine betaine, glucose and fructose) decreased during growth, while it was enhanced because of drought. However, when sucrose concentration was added, a constant sum of all examined solutes was found throughout the vegetation period. It was similar in sugar beet and in fodder beet despite different concentrations of single solutes, and the total sum was not affected by water supply. A close negative relationship between the concentration of compatible solutes and sucrose occurred. It is therefore concluded that the accumulation of compatible solutes in the storage root of Beta beets under drought might be a physiological constraint limiting sucrose accumulation.
Health‐related quality of life in diabetic patients with carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Thomsen N. O. B. , Cederlund R. , Björk J. , Dahlin L. B.
Published: January 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 466–472 (2010)

Aims  To determine health‐related quality of life (HRQL) in diabetic and non‐diabetic patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) before and after surgical treatment.

Methods  In a prospective study, 35 consecutive diabetic patients with CTS were age and gender matched with 31 non‐diabetic patients with idiopathic CTS. At baseline (preoperatively), 6, 12 and 52 weeks after surgical carpal tunnel release, patients completed the generic Short‐Form 36 (SF‐36) and the disease‐specific Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ).

Results  The SF‐36 physical component scores at baseline were significantly reduced for diabetic (39 ± 7.4) compared with non‐diabetic patients (48 ± 9.0) (P < 0.05). Mixed model analysis demonstrated no differences in post‐surgical improvement over time between diabetic and non‐diabetic patients. The largest clinical effect was found for bodily pain (effect size 0.8). However, population norms were not reached for the diabetic patients. At baseline, no difference was found in mental component score, which deteriorated over time for diabetic patients. At baseline, BCTQ demonstrated that diabetic patients experienced more pronounced ‘numbness in the hand’ than non‐diabetic patients. Large clinical improvements were found in both symptom severity (effect size 1.98–2.14) and functional status score (effect size 0.89–0.94) for both diabetic and non‐diabetic patients, with no difference between the two patient groups.

Conclusions  HRQL is impaired in diabetic patients with CTS compared with non‐diabetic patients with CTS and population norms. However, diabetic patients experience similar symptomatic and functional benefits from carpal tunnel release as do non‐diabetic patients.
Prevalence of pain and association with quality of life, depression and glycaemic control in patients with diabetes
Authors: Bair M. J. , Brizendine E. J. , Ackermann R. T. , Shen C. , Kroenke K. , Marrero D. G.
Published: January 2010

Diabet. Med. 27, 578–584 (2010)

Aims  To determine the prevalence of pain and its association with glycaemic control, mental health and physical functioning in patients with diabetes.

Methods  Cross‐sectional data from a multi‐site, prospective cohort study of 11 689 participants with diabetes. We analysed the associations of pain severity and interference with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) measurements and Medical Outcomes Study SF—Mental and Physical Component Summary‐12 (MCS‐12 and PCS‐12) scores.

Results  Of participants, 57.8% reported moderate to extreme pain and, compared with those without pain, were somewhat older (60.8 vs. 59.9 years, P < 0.001), more obese (body mass index of 32.1 vs. 29.8 kg/m2, P < 0.001), more likely to report being depressed or anxious (41.3 vs. 16.2%, P < 0.001) and more likely to report fair or poor health (48.5 vs. 23.1%, P < 0.001). Bivariate comparisons demonstrated that patients with extreme pain had higher HbA1c than those without pain (8.3 vs. 8.0%, P = 0.001). In multivariable analyses, pain was not associated with HbA1c (P = 0.304) but was strongly associated with worse MCS‐12 (P < 0.001), PCS‐12 (P < 0.001) and depression (P < 0.001). Depression was 1.3 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.96) times more likely in patients with moderate pain and 2.0 (95% CI: 1.56, 2.46) times more likely in patients with extreme pain.

Conclusions  Moderate to extreme pain was present in 57.8% of diabetic patients. Pain was strongly associated with poorer mental health and physical functioning, but not worse glycaemic control. Recognizing the high prevalence of pain and its strong association with poorer health‐related quality of life may be important to improve the comprehensive management of diabetes.
Toward a Domain‐Specific Approach to the Study of Parental Psychological Control: Distinguishing Between Dependency‐Oriented and Achievement‐Oriented Psychological Control
Authors: Soenens Bart , Vansteenkiste Maarten , Luyten Patrick
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACT
Theory and research suggest that psychologically controlling parenting can be driven by parental concerns in two different domains, that is, interpersonal closeness and achievement. Three studies addressing this hypothesis are presented. Study 1 provides evidence for the validity of the Dependency‐Oriented and Achievement‐Oriented Psychological Control Scale (DAPCS), a new measure assessing psychological control in these two domains. Study 2 showed that dependency‐oriented and achievement‐oriented psychological control were related in expected ways to parental separation anxiety and perfectionism in a sample of mothers and fathers. Finally, Study 3 showed that dependency‐oriented and achievement‐oriented psychological control were differentially related to middle adolescent dependency and self‐criticism and that these personality features act as specific intervening variables between the domain‐specific expressions of psychological control and depressive symptoms. It is argued that the distinction between two domain‐specific expressions of psychological control may allow for a more intricate analysis of the processes involved in intrusive parenting.
Ignorance Isn't Bliss: Complaint Experience and Organizational Learning in the California Nursing Home Industry, 1997–2004
Authors: Desai Vinit M.
Published: January 2010

Organizational learning theory suggests that complaints about products and services can promote organizational learning and change. However, evidence suggests that potentially valuable forms of experience may be ignored or discounted in organizations, and additional research is needed to determine why this happens. This study contributes to those efforts by examining how multiple forms of complaint experience interactively influence organizational outcomes. An empirical test on a longitudinal panel of Californian nursing homes finds that complaints about other issues may distract attention away from complaints about a focal issue, but only when complaints are provided anonymously. These findings forward organizational learning theories by suggesting that multiple types of experience may detract from rather than supplement each other in some cases. Additional implications and opportunities for further research are also discussed.
Inventing paganism in eighth‐century Bavaria
Authors: Couser Jonathan
Published: January 2010

This article examines the hagiographies of Saints Emmeram and Corbinian and the synod of Neuching from eighth‐century Bavaria. It argues that the references to pagan survivals in these texts are misleading, in the absence of other evidence of paganism in the region. Rather, since these texts were composed in a narrow window of time from 769–774, this anxiety reflects concerns aroused by pagan uprisings in neighbouring Carantania, which were only suppressed in 772. Thus, the texts' authors ‘invented’ paganism in their own culture as their perceptions of the dividing lines between Christianity and paganism grew sharper.
Decision‐making for and impact of early immunomodulatory treatment: the Austrian Clinically Isolated Syndrome Study (ACISS)
Authors: Fazekas F. , Baumhackl U. , Berger T. , Deisenhammer F. , Fuchs S. , Kristoferitsch W. , Ladurner G. , Soukop W. , Wimmer G. , Vass K.
Published: January 2010

Background and purpose:  When to start disease‐modifying treatment (DMT) in patients with a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) requires individual weighing of benefits versus possible burden of side effects and costs. How this occurs in a routine setting is barely known. The aim of the study was to investigate the decision‐making process regarding immediate or later DMT and the ensuing impact on CIS patients in Austria.

Methods:  Demographic and (para) clinical characteristics of 296 CIS patients were recorded in 29 multiple sclerosis (MS) centres, and the patients’ overall condition was rated on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Clinical follow‐up and VAS ratings were repeated at 6‐month intervals over 2 years. The decision for initiation of DMT was at the physician’s and patient’s discretion.

Results:  In 29% of patients, DMT was started within 3 months and this decision was independently associated with a T2‐lesion number ≥9 on MRI and a worse VAS rating by the physician. DMT initiation in the subsequent 6 months was additionally associated with the presence of oligoclonal bands and rarely occurred thereafter. Adapted to the clinical course, later treatment was associated with the highest rate of conversion to clinically definite MS and greatest disability after 2 years whilst never treated patients fared best. Patient VAS ratings significantly improved during follow‐up independently of treatment decisions.

Conclusion:  The management of Austrian CIS patients relies strongly on MRI findings and the physicians’ interpretation of the patients’ overall situation which, after 2 years, depends primarily on the course of the disease.