bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A variation in understanding
Authors: Morgan John
Published: January 2010

To be successful, the voice of the customer needs to be matched to the voice of the process. SPC can be used to close that gap by defining the type of variation that causes the mis‐match.
Supporting cooperation
Authors: Matthews Anne
Published: January 2010

When ITS Belfast decided to introduce the Deming approach into the company, bells began to ring for one department. The support staff realised that this approach could be the key to alleviating many of their problems.
SIMS v. FOSTER WHEELER LTD. AND ANOTHER
Authors: Willmer L.J. , Russell L.J. , Scarman J.
Published: January 2010

March 4, 1966 Damages — Remoteness — Breach of warranty by sub‐contractors to contractors to provide suitable scaffolding — Concurrent breach of statutory duty by contractors to plaintiff's husband to see that suitable scaffolding provided — Fatal injury to plaintiff's husband — Contractors liable in tort to plaintiff — Whether damages “flowing from breach” — Whether rights under warranty affected.
LIPTROT v. BRITISH RAILWAYS BOARD
Authors: Willmer L.J. , Danckwerts L.J. , Salmon L.J.
Published: January 2010

March 1, 1966 Factory — Dangerous machinery (fencing) — “Machinery” — Mobile crane — Whether “machinery” — Factories Act, 1961 (9& 10 Eliz. II, c. 34), s. 14(1).
DONAGHEY v. P. O'BRIEN & CO. AND OTHERS
Authors: Willmer L.J. , Davies L.J. , Russell L.J.
Published: January 2010

May 25, 1966 Building — Safety regulations — “Edge of the roof” — Asbestos roof — Construction — Removal of badly laid sheet — Fall of workman through opening in roof — Whether fall from edge — Applicability of regulation — Sub contractors' failure to comply with statutory requirements — Injury to sub contractor's employee — Liability of contractor — Employee's breach of regulations — Whether co‐extensive with employer's breach — Building (Safety, Health and Welfare) Regulations, 1948 (S.I. 1948 No. 1145), reg. 31(1).
HAWKINS v. NEW MENDIP ENGINEERING LTD.
Authors: Willmer L.J. , Winn L.J. , Scarman J.
Published: January 2010

June 27, 1966 Damages — Personal injuries — Future uncertainty — Brain damage — Minor epilepsy controlled by drugs — 50/ 50 chance of major epilepsy developing — Whether £8,000 proper sum — No prognosis until five years after accident — Suitable case for postponement of hearing — R.S.C., Ord.36, r.34; Ord.35b, r.2.
SCORER v. SEYMOUR‐JOHNS
Authors: Sellers L.J. , Danckwerts L.J. , Salmon L.J.
Published: January 2010

June 29, 1966 Master and servant — Restraint of trade — Estate agent's clerk and negotiator employed — Business in country town — Recurring customers — Covenant not to carry on business as estate agent within radius of five miles of employer's business for three years of termination of employment — Whether enforceable.
A dose–response perspective on college drinking and related problems
Authors: Gruenewald Paul J. , Johnson Fred W. , Ponicki William R. , LaScala Elizabeth A.
Published: January 2010

Aims  In order to examine the degree to which heavy drinking contributes to risks for problems among college drinkers this paper develops and tests a dose–response model of alcohol use that relates frequencies of drinking specific quantities of alcohol to the incidence of drinking problems.

Methods  A mathematical model was developed that enabled estimation of dose–response relationships between drinking quantities and drinking problems using self‐report data from 8698 college drinkers across 14 campuses in California, USA. The model assumes that drinking risks are a direct monotone function of the amount consumed per day and additive across drinking days. Drinking problems accumulate across drinking occasions and are the basis for cumulative reports of drinking problems reported by college drinkers.

Results  Statistical analyses using the model showed that drinking problems were related to every drinking level, but increased fivefold at three drinks and more gradually thereafter. Problems were associated most strongly with occasions on which three drinks were consumed, and more than half of all reported problems were related to occasions on which four or fewer drinks were consumed. There were some important differences in dose–responsiveness between men and women and between different groups of ‘light’, ‘moderate’ and ‘heavier’ drinkers.

Conclusion  Many problems among college students are associated with drinking relatively small amounts of alcohol (two to four drinks). Programs to reduce college drinking problems should emphasize risks associated with low drinking levels.
Community alcohol outlet density and underage drinking
Authors: Chen Meng‐Jinn , Grube Joel W. , Gruenewald Paul J.
Published: January 2010

Aim  This study examined how community alcohol outlet density may be associated with drinking among youths.

Methods  Longitudinal data were collected from 1091 adolescents (aged 14–16 at baseline) recruited from 50 zip codes in California with varying levels of alcohol outlet density and median household income. Hierarchical linear models were used to examine the associations between zip code alcohol outlet density and frequency rates of general alcohol use and excessive drinking, taking into account zip code median household income and individual‐level variables (age, gender, race/ethnicity, personal income, mobility and perceived drinking by parents and peers).

Findings  When all other factors were controlled, higher initial levels of drinking and excessive drinking were observed among youths residing in zip codes with higher alcohol outlet densities. Growth in drinking and excessive drinking was, on average, more rapid in zip codes with lower alcohol outlet densities. The relation of zip code alcohol outlet density with drinking appeared to be mitigated by having friends with access to a car.

Conclusion  Alcohol outlet density may play a significant role in initiation of underage drinking during early teenage, especially when youths have limited mobility. Youth who reside in areas with low alcohol outlet density may overcome geographic constraints through social networks that increase their mobility and the ability to seek alcohol and drinking opportunities beyond the local community.
Problems experienced by community pharmacists delivering opioid substitution treatment in New South Wales and Victoria, Australia
Authors: Winstock Adam R. , Lea Toby , Sheridan Janie
Published: January 2010

Aims  To explore service provision and the range of problems that New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (VIC) community pharmacists providing opioid substitution treatment (OST) have experienced with clients and prescribers.

Design  Cross‐sectional postal survey.

Setting  All community pharmacies providing OST in NSW (n = 593) and VIC (n = 393), Australia.

Participants  Completed questionnaires were received from 669 pharmacists (68% response rate).

Measurements  The questionnaire addressed pharmacy characteristics, recent problems experienced with clients including refusal to dose, provision of credit for dispensing fees, termination of treatment, responses of pharmacists to problems experienced with clients, as well as problems experienced with OST prescribers.

Findings  In the preceding month, 41% of pharmacists had refused to dose a client for any reason, due most commonly to expired prescriptions (29%), or ≥3 missed doses (23%). Terminating a client's treatment in the past month was reported among 14% of respondents, due most commonly to inappropriate behaviour and missed doses. Treatment termination was reported by a significantly higher proportion of pharmacists in VIC (P < 0.001). Treatment termination in last month was predicted having more clients (P < 0.001), the provision of buprenorphine treatment (P = 0.008), having a separate dosing area (P = 0.021), and being a female pharmacist (P = 0.013). Past month refusal to dose was predicted by the pharmacy being in VIC (P < 0.001) and having more clients (P < 0.001). Problems experienced most commonly in the past month with prescribers were difficulty contacting prescriber (21%) and provision of takeaway doses to clients considered unstable by the pharmacist (19%) (higher in VIC: both P < 0.001).

Conclusions  This study highlights the range of problems experienced by community pharmacists in the delivery of OST and the consequences for people in treatment. Particular attention should be focused upon considering number of clients per pharmacy and improving professional communication between pharmacists and prescribers.
The dimensionality of alcohol use disorders and alcohol consumption in a cross‐national perspective
Authors: Borges Guilherme , Ye Yu , Bond Jason , Cherpitel Cheryl J. , Cremonte Mariana , Moskalewicz Jacek , Swiatkiewicz Grazyna , Rubio‐Stipec Maritza
Published: January 2010

Aims  To replicate the finding that there is a single dimension trait in alcohol use disorders and to test whether the usual 5+ drinks for men and 4+ drinks for women and other measures of alcohol consumption help to improve alcohol use disorder criteria in a series of diverse patients from emergency departments (EDs) in four countries.

Design  Cross‐sectional surveys of patients aged 18 years and older that reflected consecutive arrival at the ED. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview Core was used to obtain a diagnosis of DSM‐IV alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse; quantity and frequency of drinking and drunkenness as well as usual number of drinks consumed during the last year.

Setting  Participants were 5195 injured and non‐injured patients attending seven EDs in four countries: Argentina, Mexico, Poland and the United States (between 1995–2001).

Findings  Using exploratory factor analyses alcohol use disorders can be described as a single, unidimensional continuum without any clear‐cut distinction between the criteria for dependence and abuse in all sites. Results from item response theory analyses showed that the current DSM‐IV criteria tap people in the middle–upper end of the alcohol use disorder continuum. Alcohol consumption (amount and frequency of use) can be used in all EDs with the current DSM‐IV diagnostic criteria to help tap the middle–lower part of this continuum. Even though some specific diagnostic criteria and some alcohol consumption variables showed differential item function across sites, test response curves were invariant for ED sites and their inclusion would not impact the final (total) performance of the diagnostic system.

Conclusions  DSM‐IV abuse and dependence form a unidimensional continuum in ED patients regardless of country of survey. Alcohol consumption variables, if added, would help to tap patients with more moderate severity. The DSM diagnostic system for alcohol use disorders showed invariance and performed extremely well in these samples.
Reduced nicotine content cigarettes: effects on toxicant exposure, dependence and cessation
Authors: Hatsukami Dorothy K. , Kotlyar Michael , Hertsgaard Louise A. , Zhang Yan , Carmella Steven G. , Jensen Joni A. , Allen Sharon S. , Shields Peter G. , Murphy Sharon E. , Stepanov Irina , Hecht Stephen S.
Published: January 2010

Aims  To examine the effects of reduced nicotine cigarettes on smoking behavior, toxicant exposure, dependence and abstinence.

Design  Randomized, parallel arm, semi‐blinded study.

Setting  University of Minnesota Tobacco Use Research Center.

Interventions  Six weeks of: (i) 0.05 mg nicotine yield cigarettes; (ii) 0.3 mg nicotine yield cigarettes; or (iii) 4 mg nicotine lozenge; 6 weeks of follow‐up.

Measurements  Compensatory smoking behavior, biomarkers of exposure, tobacco dependence, tobacco withdrawal and abstinence rate.

Findings  Unlike the 0.3 mg cigarettes, 0.05 mg cigarettes were not associated with compensatory smoking behaviors. Furthermore, the 0.05 mg cigarettes and nicotine lozenge were associated with reduced carcinogen exposure, nicotine dependence and product withdrawal scores. The 0.05 mg cigarette was associated with greater relief of withdrawal from usual brand cigarettes than the nicotine lozenge. The 0.05 mg cigarette led to a significantly higher rate of cessation than the 0.3 mg cigarette and a similar rate as nicotine lozenge.

Conclusion  The 0.05 mg nicotine yield cigarettes may be a tobacco product that can facilitate cessation; however, future research is clearly needed to support these preliminary findings.
High‐throughput sequencing of Hop stunt viroid‐derived small RNAs from cucumber leaves and phloem
Authors: MARTINEZ GERMAN , DONAIRE LIVIA , LLAVE CESAR , PALLAS VICENTE , GOMEZ GUSTAVO
Published: January 2010

Small RNA (sRNA)‐guided processes, referred to as RNA silencing, regulate endogenous and exogenous gene expression. In plants and some animals, these processes are noncell autonomous and can operate beyond the site of initiation. Viroids, the smallest self‐replicating plant pathogens known, are inducers, targets and evaders of this regulatory mechanism and, consequently, the presence of viroid‐derived sRNAs (vd‐sRNAs) is usually associated with viroid infection. However, the pathways involved in the biogenesis of vd‐sRNAs are largely unknown. Here, we analyse, by high‐throughput pyrosequencing, the profiling of the Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) vd‐sRNAs recovered from the leaves and phloem of infected cucumber (Cucumis sativus) plants. HSVd vd‐sRNAs are mostly 21 and 22 nucleotides in length and derived equally from plus and minus HSVd RNA strands. The widespread distribution of vd‐sRNAs across the genome reveals that the totality of the HSVd RNA genome contributes to the formation of vd‐sRNAs. Our sequence data suggest that viroid‐derived double‐stranded RNA functions as one of the main precursors of vd‐sRNAs. Remarkably, phloem vd‐sRNAs accumulated preferentially as 22‐nucleotide species with a consensus sequence over‐represented. This bias in size and sequence in the HSVd vd‐sRNA population recovered from phloem exudate suggests the existence of a selective trafficking of vd‐sRNAs to the phloem tissue of infected cucumber plants.
Systematic review: the costs of ulcerative colitis in Western countries
Authors: COHEN R. D. , YU A. P. , WU E. Q. , XIE J. , MULANI P. M. , CHAO J.
Published: January 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 693–707

Background  Early onset and complications such as hospitalization and surgery contribute to the economic burden of ulcerative colitis.

Aim  To review systematically the literature on costs of ulcerative colitis in Western countries.

Methods  Studies estimating costs of ulcerative colitis in Western countries were identified using Medline, EMBASE and ISI Web of Science and were rated based on relevance and reliability of estimates. All costs were adjusted to 2008 currency values. A parallel review focused on the impact of disease severity on costs, hospitalizations and surgeries.

Results  Estimated annual per‐patient direct medical costs of ulcerative colitis ranged from $6217 to $11 477 in the United States and from €8949 to €10 395 in Europe. Hospitalizations accounted for 41–55% of direct medical costs. Indirect costs accounted for approximately one‐third of total costs in the United States and 54–68% in Europe. Total economic burden of ulcerative colitis was estimated at $8.1–14.9 billion annually in the United States and at €12.5–29.1 billion in Europe; total direct costs were $3.4–8.6 billion in the United States and €5.4–12.6 billion in Europe. Direct costs, hospitalizations and surgeries increased with worsening disease severity.

Conclusions  Ulcerative colitis is a costly disease. Hospitalizations contribute significantly to direct medical costs, and indirect costs are considerable, having previously been substantially underestimated.
Blasts in transient leukaemia in neonates with Down syndrome differentiate into basophil/mast‐cell and megakaryocyte lineages in vitro in association with down‐regulation of truncated form of GATA1
Authors: Miyauchi Jun , Ito Yushi , Tsukamoto Keiko , Takahashi Hirotaka , Ishikura Kenji , Sugita Kiyoko , Miyashita Toshiyuki
Published: January 2010

Mutations of GATA1, leading to aberrant expression of a truncated form of GATA1 (called GATA1s), are present in transient leukaemia (TL) in neonates with Down syndrome. Using these molecular markers of TL, we investigated the growth and differentiation potential of TL blasts in the presence of hematopoietic growth factors (HGFs). Interleukin‐3, stem cell factor and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor potently stimulated the growth of TL blast progenitors and induced differentiation towards basophil/mast cell lineages, whereas thrombopoietin induced differentiation towards megakaryocytes. GATA1s was expressed in TL blasts in all five patients examined but was down‐regulated during differentiation induced by these HGFs, while full‐length GATA1 was not expressed throughout the culture. GATA1 mutations were detected in TL blasts in four patients, including one patient with two distinct mutations. The cells of this patient exhibited identical and only mutated sequences both before and after culture with HGFs, confirming the leukemic cell origin of these differentiated cells. Erythroid differentiation of TL blasts was not evident with any HGFs. These data indicate that TL blasts have the potential to grow and differentiate towards particular hematopoietic lineages in the presence of specific HGFs and that the down‐regulation of GATA1s might be involved in blast cell differentiation.
Molecular characterisation of a recurrent, semi‐cryptic RUNX1 translocation t(7;21) in myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Foster Nicola , Paulsson Kajsa , Sales Mark , Cunningham Joan , Groves Michael , O’Connor Nigel , Begum Suriya , Stubbs Tracy , McMullan Dominic J. , Griffiths Michael , Pratt Norman , Tauro Sudhir
Published: January 2010

A proportion of cytogenetic abnormalities in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) may escape detection by high‐resolution genomic technologies, but can be identified by conventional cytogenetic and molecular analysis. Here, we report the detection of a reciprocal translocation t(7;21)(p22;q22) in the marrow of two adults with MDS and AML, using conventional cytogenetic analysis and fluorescence‐in situ‐hybridization (FISH). Reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and sequence analysis identified a fusion between RUNX1 and the gene encoding ubiquitin specific peptidase‐42 (USP42), with splice‐variants and variable break‐points within RUNX1. Combined cytomorphology and FISH studies in MDS marrow revealed abnormal RUNX1 signals within megakaryocytes, suggesting that the acquisition of t(7;21)(p22;q22) does not confer complete differentiation arrest and may represent an early genetic event in leukaemogenesis. Single nucleotide polymorphism‐arrays failed to detect additional sub‐microscopic genomic changes predisposing to or associated with t(7;21). Molecular analysis of 100 MDS and AML marrow specimens by RT‐PCR did not reveal new cases with the RUNX1‐USP42 fusion. Thus, our studies have identified t(7;21)(p22;q22) as a rare but recurrent abnormality in MDS/AML, with the existence of alternative spliced forms of the RUNX1‐USP42 transcript in different patients. Further studies are required to identify the potential contribution of these splice‐variants to disease heterogeneity.
Benefits of transcultural fostering
Authors: Brown Jason D. , Sintzel Jennifer , George Natalie , St. Arnault David
Published: January 2010

Licensed Canadian foster parents residing in a central province where Aboriginal children have been overrepresented in child protection caseloads and Aboriginal adults under‐represented as caregivers were asked about their experiences fostering children from a different culture than their own during telephone interviews. In response to the question ‘What are the benefits of fostering children who have different values, beliefs and traditions than you?’, 48 unique responses were received. These responses were independently grouped together by foster parents and the groupings analysed using multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. Six concepts emerged. They included learning about a different world view, reflecting on one's own beliefs, an opportunity to share and change, confidence to foster across cultures, humility, and seeing children teach and learn from each other. Similarities and differences between the results and existing research were identified and research implications were described.
Impact of dietary regimen on the duration of cow's milk allergy: a random allocation study
Authors: Terracciano L. , Bouygue G. R. , Sarratud T. , Veglia F. , Martelli A. , Fiocchi A.
Published: January 2010

Background
The impact of diet on cow's milk allergy (CMA) duration and whether exposure to residual amounts of cow's milk protein influences the onset of tolerance are unknown.

Objective
To prospectively assess the dietary factors influencing disease duration in a randomized cohort.

Methods
We randomly switched the formula of symptomatic patients from the Milan Cow's Milk Allergy Cohort to one of three treatment groups according to the quarterly rotation of rice hydrolysate formula, extensively hydrolysed cow's milk formula and soy‐based formula. In this intention‐to‐treat, randomized analysis, a hazard ratio (HR) estimation model was used to analyse dietary impact on disease duration.

Results
Seventy‐two children aged a mean of 14.1±8.6 months at diagnosis were followed up for a median of 26 months. Fifty‐one reached tolerance at a mean of 34.1±15.2 months. The mean duration of disease was 40.2±4.8 months with milk hydrolysate, 24.3±3.6 months with rice and 24.3±2.6 months with soy. Dietary choice independently predicted shorter duration of disease [adjusted HRs 3.09 (P=0.007) for rice, 2.54 (P=0.02) for soy, both against milk hydrolysate]. In 50 children not co‐sensitized to soy, diet choice impacted the duration of disease more strongly [adjusted HRs 8.02 (P=0.006) for rice, 6.53 (P=0.015) for soy, both against milk hydrolysate].

Discussion
Patients not exposed to cow's milk protein residue achieve cow's milk tolerance earlier than patients who follow an extensively hydrolysed cow's milk diet. This may be due to residual antigenicity in hydrolysed milks. As the effect of dietary intervention is stronger in patients not sensitized to soy, we infer that when atopic disease has progressed to multiple sensitizations, the elimination of allergenic exposure may not be sufficient to reduce the duration of CMA.

Cite this as: L. Terracciano, G. R. Bouygue, T. Sarratud, F. Veglia, A. Martelli and A. Fiocchi, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 637–642.
T cell responses to major peanut allergens in children with and without peanut allergy
Authors: Flinterman A. E. , Pasmans S. G. M. A. , Den Hartog Jager C. F. , Hoekstra M. O. , Bruijnzeel‐Koomen C. A. F. M. , Knol E. F. , Van Hoffen E.
Published: January 2010

Background
T cell responses involved in peanut allergy are poorly understood.

Objective
To investigate T cell responses towards major peanut allergens in peanut‐allergic (PA) subjects compared with peanut‐sensitized (PS) non‐allergic children and non‐atopic (NA) controls.

Methods
Eighteen PA children, seven non‐allergic PS children and 11 NA adults were included. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with a crude peanut extract (CPE). Short‐term T cell lines were generated and subsequently stimulated with CPE and purified Ara h 1, Ara h 2, Ara h 3 and Ara h 6. The proliferation and production of IL‐13, IFN‐γ, IL‐10 and TNF‐α were analysed.

Results
Proliferation to CPE and major allergens was enhanced in PA subjects. The primary response to CPE was comparable with PS subjects, with increased production of IL‐13 and IFN‐γ compared with NA. Production of IL‐10 was not observed. In short‐term T cell lines, the response to CPE was stronger in PA than in PS and NA subjects. Only PA children had a detectable response to major peanut allergens, characterized by IL‐13 production. The response was the highest after Ara h 3 stimulation, and the lowest after Ara h 2 stimulation. No significant correlation was observed between peanut‐specific IgE levels and T cell responses to CPE.

Conclusion
T cell responses to CPE in PA and PS children were characterized by Th1 and Th2 cytokines. Only PA children showed enhanced Th2 responses to Ara h 1, Ara h 3 and Ara h 6.

Cite this as: A. E. Flinterman, S. G. M. A. Pasmans, C. F. den Hartog Jager, M. O. Hoekstra, C. A. F. M. Bruijnzeel‐Koomen, E. F. Knol and E. van Hoffen, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 590–597.
The role and potential use of oral transforming growth factor‐β in the prevention of infant allergy
Authors: Nakao A.
Published: January 2010

The increasing prevalence of allergic diseases in infants and children as well as adults has become an important issue in public health in industrial countries. However, few preventive measures are available to reduce the risk of allergic diseases in infants; e.g. the avoidance of smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy and lactation. Therefore, there is an enthusiasm to identify certain factors in foods, nutrients, and environment responsible for the primary prevention of allergic diseases during infancy. In the last decade, TGF‐β in maternal milk has been implicated in the prevention of allergic diseases in infants and young children. This review summarizes the relevant epidemiological reports and highlights the recent animal studies to support the preventive role of orally administered TGF‐β, such as TGF‐β in human milk, in the development of allergic diseases in infants. We also provide suggestions for the potential use of dietary (oral) TGF‐β for the primary prevention of allergic diseases. Further studies to address the scientific validity and mechanistic insight to this Mother Nature‐inspired concept are clearly required and will be important to develop new approaches to prevent allergic diseases.

Cite this as: A. Nakao, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 725–730.
Resident and migratory tactics in freshwater European eels are size‐dependent
Authors: IMBERT HÉLÈNE , LABONNE JACQUES , RIGAUD CHRISTIAN , LAMBERT PATRICK
Published: January 2010

1. When entering freshwater, young European eels either become resident or disperse to settle upstream. While this process shapes the whole population structure, little is known about how the ‘decision’ is made. Here, we investigated the possible role of body size.

2. A 1‐year capture–recapture programme was carried out on 1505 European eels (length‐range 62–633 mm) at two freshwater sites on the Saucats River, France. Eels were separated into two groups based on body length and this determined the tagging method; 1350 smaller eels (<240 mm) were tagged with visible implant elastomer tags, and 155 larger eels (>239 mm) were tagged individually with a passive integrated transponder.

3. Migration was detected only in eels <240 mm and decreased with increasing body length within this group. The probability of migration was higher in the summer, suggesting an environmental window for upriver dispersal. During this period, the mean probability of migration was estimated at 0.79 for 62‐mm‐long eels, 0.5 for 121 mm‐long eels and 0.05 for 223 mm‐long eels.

4. This is the first study to demonstrate, using capture–recapture models, the existence of differing eel behavioural tactics (residence and migration) based on body size. Such models are useful tools for analysing site fidelity and dispersal. If we assume that a migration probability >0.05 means that such eels contribute substantially to upriver colonisation, this corresponds to eels <220 mm in the Saucats River, although the threshold body size may be highly dependent on the river system.
Fish spawning in a large temperate floodplain: the role of flooding and temperature
Authors: GÓRSKI K. , WINTER H. V. , DE LEEUW J. J. , MININ A. E. , NAGELKERKE L. A. J.
Published: January 2010

1. Floodplains are a key habitat for foraging, spawning and as a nursery for many riverine fish species. The lower Volga floodplains (Russian Federation) are still relatively undisturbed, while in Europe and North America, about 90% of floodplains have effectively been lost.

2. We examined relationships between the extent and timing of the spring flood, lateral spawning movements of fish species and timing and duration of spawning in the floodplain by sampling during spring 2006 and 2007.

3. Only the spawning of rheophilic species, that released their eggs in the floodplain, coincided with the flood. In contrast, the timing of spawning by eurytopic and limnophilic species was unrelated to flooding.

4. For most fish species, we found no indication that the majority of spawners in the floodplain originated from the main river channel, with the exception of sabrefish Pelecus cultratus.

5. We postulate that in the vast Volga‐Akhtuba floodplain, fish spawning stocks mainly originate from permanent floodplain waterbodies, whereas hydrological conditions are dominated by the river. Both the river and waterbodies on the floodplain may serve as sources for recolonisation after local extinction because of extreme environmental conditions, such as freezing or desiccation.
Soil carbon stock and its changes in northern China's grasslands from 1980s to 2000s
Authors: YANG YUANHE , FANG JINGYUN , MA WENHONG , SMITH PETE , MOHAMMAT ANWAR , WANG SHAOPENG , WANG WEI
Published: January 2010

Climate warming is likely to accelerate the decomposition of soil organic carbon (SOC) which may lead to an increase of carbon release from soils, and thus provide a positive feedback to climate change. However, SOC dynamics in grassland ecosystems over the past two decades remains controversial. In this study, we estimated the magnitude of SOC stock in northern China's grasslands using 981 soil profiles surveyed from 327 sites across the northern part of the country during 2001–2005. We also examined the changes of SOC stock by comparing current measurements with historical records of 275 soil profiles derived from China's National Soil Inventory during the 1980s. Our results showed that, SOC stock in the upper 30 cm in northern China's grasslands was estimated to be 10.5 Pg C (1 Pg=1015 g), with an average density (carbon stock per area) of 5.3 kg C m−2. SOC density (SOCD) did not show significant association with mean annual temperature, but was positively correlated with mean annual precipitation. SOCD increased with soil moisture and reached a plateau when soil moisture was above 30%. Site‐level comparison indicated that grassland SOC stock did not change significantly over the past two decades, with a change of 0.08 kg C m−2, ranging from −0.30 to 0.46 kg C m−2 at 95% confidence interval. Transect‐scale comparison confirmed that grassland SOC stock remained relatively constant from 1980s to 2000s, suggesting that soils in northern China's grasslands have been carbon neutral over the last 20 years.
Ecosystem properties determined by plant functional group identity
Authors: McLaren Jennie R. , Turkington Roy
Published: January 2010

1. Ecosystem properties may be determined by the number of different species or groups of species in a community, the identity of those groups, and their relative abundance. The mass ratio theory predicts that the effect of species or groups of species on ecosystem properties will be dependent on their proportional abundance in a community.

2. Single plant functional groups (graminoids, legumes, non‐leguminous forbs) were removed from a natural grassland in northern Canada to examine the role of group identity in determining both ecosystem properties and biomass compensation by remaining species. Removals were conducted across two different environmental treatments (fertilization and fungicide) to examine the context dependency of functional group identity effects.

3. The degree of biomass compensation in the first 4 years after removal was influenced by the identity of the functional group removed and also of those remaining. When graminoids were removed, none of the remaining functional groups compensated for the loss of biomass. Graminoids partially compensated for the removal of forbs or legumes, with the degree of compensation depending on environmental treatments.

4. Light interception, soil moisture and soil nutrients were all influenced by functional group identity, with graminoids having a greater impact than expected based on their biomass contribution to the community. Legumes, in contrast, had very little effect on any of the ecosystem properties measured.

5. For most ecosystem properties measured, the role of plant functional groups was not context dependent; functional groups had the same effect on ecosystem properties regardless of fertilization or fungicide treatments.

6. Synthesis. We have shown that the effects of losing a functional group do not solely depend on the group’s dominance. In this northern grassland, there are greater effects of losing graminoids than one would predict based on their biomass contributions to the community, and functional group identity plays a critical role in determining the effects of diversity loss.
Facilitation vs. apparent competition: insect herbivory alters tree seedling recruitment under nurse shrubs in a steppe–woodland ecotone
Authors: Chaneton Enrique J. , Noemi Mazía C. , Kitzberger Thomas
Published: January 2010

1. Facilitation of recruitment by ‘nurse’ plants can play a major role in harsh environments. Yet the extent to which consumer‐mediated apparent competition from habitat‐forming plants may counteract facilitative interactions remains largely unexplored.

2. We examined whether seedling predation by tenebrionid beetles seeking refuge under nurse shrubs may prevent tree recruitment facilitation in a Patagonian steppe–woodland ecotone. Newly emerged seedlings of Austrocedrus chilensis were planted in shrub canopy, off‐shrub shelter and bare soil microsites, and monitored for causes of early mortality and for overall survival under ambient and elevated beetle densities.

3. Most seedlings in open microsites died from abiotic stress, whereas shrub cover and artificial shelters decreased desiccation mortality. Herbivory was the main cause of mortality in shrub microsites. Beetle addition increased predation beneath shrubs and in off‐shrub shelters, indicating that apparent competition ‘spilled over’ from shrubs with high insect densities.

4. Litter removal from shrubs prevented seedling predation suggesting that nurse plants altered recruitment by providing food as well as shelter to insects. Herbivory rates did not depend on seedling patch density but decreased with seedling age, with 1‐week old plants being most vulnerable to beetle predation.

5. Synthesis. Apparent competition from nurse plants can strongly reduce recruitment facilitation in stressful environments, although weak herbivore density dependence and seedling growth into ontogenetic refuges may limit the strength of apparent competition. An explicit consideration of negative, as well as positive, herbivore‐mediated indirect effects from habitat‐forming plants would broaden the understanding of community dynamics along stress gradients.
Clustering and nearest neighbour distances in atom probe tomography: the influence of the interfaces
Authors: PHILIPPE T. , COJOCARU‐MIRÉDIN O. , DUGUAY S. , BLAVETTE D.
Published: January 2010

The statistical 1NN method is an elegant way to derive the composition of small B‐enriched clusters in a random AB solid solution from 3D atomic fields. An extension of this method is proposed that includes the contribution of interface region and provides an estimate of the core composition of clusters. This model is applied to boron‐implanted silicon containing boron‐enriched clusters. A comparison with the previous model is performed. This new approach gives relevant information, i.e. the core composition of clusters and the cluster–matrix interface width.
Slope of changes in renal function in the first year post‐transplantation and one‐yr estimated glomerular filtration rate together predict long‐term renal allograft survival
Authors: Wu Jianyong , Li Hui , Huang Hongfeng , Wang Rending , Wang Yimin , He Qiang , Chen Jianghua
Published: January 2010

Wu J, Li H, Huang H, Wang R, Wang Y, He Q, Chen J. Slope of changes in renal function in the first year post‐transplantation and one‐yr estimated glomerular filtration rate together predict long‐term renal allograft survival.  Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 862–868. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract: Background:  Few studies have examined the predictive value of the slope of changes in renal function in the first year post‐transplantation when combined with one‐yr estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Methods:  We reviewed 1062 recipients who underwent renal transplantations from deceased donors between January 1992 and June 2003. Recipients were stratified into four groups: (a) one‐yr eGFR <45 mL/min and slope <−2 mL/min/month, (b) one‐yr eGFR <45 mL/min and slope >−2 mL/min/month, (c) one‐yr eGFR >45 mL/min and slope <−2 mL/min/month, and (d) one‐yr eGFR >45 mL/min and slope >−2 mL/min/month. Survival was assessed by Kaplan‐Meier analysis and the significance of variables with the Cox proportional hazard model.

Results:  Both the slopes of eGFR changes and one‐yr eGFR were significantly associated with survival in univariate analysis. The hazard ratio of graft loss was 2.645 when one‐yr eGFR was <45 mL/min. The risk increased to 7.438 when this was combined with slope <−2 mL/min/month. Patients with one‐yr eGFR <45 mL/min and slope >−2 mL/min/month had five‐ and 10‐yr graft survival rates similar to those with one‐yr eGFR >45 mL/min.

Conclusions:  Long‐term graft survival was related to one‐yr eGFR and the slope of changes in eGFR within the first year. Their combination provides a more discriminatory predictive value.
A decade of minimally invasive donation: experience with more than 1200 laparoscopic donor nephrectomies at a single institution
Authors: Leventhal Joseph R. , Paunescu Smaranda , Baker Talia B. , Caciedo Juan Carlos , Skaro Anton , Kocak Burak , Gallon Lorenzo , Friedewald John , Luo Xunrong , Kaufman Dixon B. , Fryer Jonathan P. , Abecassis Michael M.
Published: January 2010

Leventhal JR, Paunescu S, Baker TB, Caciedo JC, Skaro A, Kocak B, Gallon L, Friedewald J, Luo X, Kaufman DB, Fryer JP, Abecassis MM. A decade of minimally invasive donation: experience with more than 1200 laparoscopic donor nephrectomies at a single institution. Clin Transplant 2010 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01199.x. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract: Background:  The past decade has seen laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) transform into a standard of care procedure. Furthermore, LDN has evolved with the introduction of new technologies aimed at increasing efficiency and safety. There are few large, single center experiences detailing the results of LDN, its associated complications, and their management.

Methods:  We performed a retrospective review of 1200 LDN performed at our center for both pediatric and adult recipients.

Results:  Mean body mass index of donors was 27.1 (range 17–48). Twenty‐six percent of kidneys had multiple renal arteries. Greater than 99% were left LDN. Mean length of stay was 1.37 ± 0.6 d, which decreased to 1.1 ± 0.5 d for the last 475 cases. The overall complication rate was 4.2%. Among those patients, 1.6% of the patients experienced an intraoperative complication, including eight renovascular injuries; 7/8 renovascular injuries led to open conversion. Four conversions were elective; our overall conversion rate was 0.92%; 2.6% had a post‐operative complication; 1.2% required readmission for complication management. Three of 1200 patients have required reoperation for prolonged ileus and internal hernia (2), respectively. There have been no cases of donor renal failure or death. Since 2003, we have routinely used hand‐assisted LDN (HALDN). There have been no cases of primary non‐function. Urologic complications have been uncommon.

Conclusions:  Our series supports the safety and efficacy of LDN/HALDN.
Morphological Analysis of the Lung of Neonatal Yak
Authors: Yang B. , Yu S. , Cui Y. , He J. , Jin X. , Wang R.
Published: January 2010

With 20 figures and 5 tables

Although yaks play an important role as companion or pack and draught animals on Chinese plateaus in alpine and sub‐alpine regions, morphological studies and anatomical data on the lung of yak are sparse. To provide anatomical descriptions and morphometric data, 10 one‐day‐old yaks were examined by means of dissection, light and electron microscopy. The measurements of lung were made on dissected specimens and histological sections. Unequal dichotomous branching was demonstrated in the dissected tracheobronchial tree. The diameters of bronchial airways and height of epithelium were measured, and showed that the variation of diameters in airways was always greater than that of height of epithelium. In addition, the thickness of muscularis, cartilage and adventitia was examined, as well as the number of goblet and Clara cells in airways. Ultrastructural studies showed that the surface epithelium was mainly composed of goblet, ciliated, Clara and basal cells, similar to that in other domestic animals. Under electron microscope, two distinctive types of ciliated cells could be seen in the tracheobronchial epithelium. The first type contained some mitochondria, distended smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER), little rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and numerous vacuoles in electron‐lucent cytoplasm. The second type had dense cytoplasm with abundant mitochondria, RER and no vacuoles. Both types were rich of glycogen granules. The goblet cells in neonatal yak lung had the following characteristic features: dentate nucleus in dense cytoplasm, with stacks of RER and numerous dense membrane‐bounded mucous droplets, which were round or oval, often with an electron‐lucent core. The droplets were not confluent. Glycogen granules were numerous, and Golgi complex was occasionally present. Clara cells were dome‐shaped and usually protruded into the airway lumen. Large amounts of SER and many secretory droplets were found within the cytoplasm. Several typical ‘clefts’ were also found in the cytoplasm.
The Attentive Spider: Search‐Image Use by a Mosquito‐Eating Predator
Authors: Cross Fiona R. , Jackson Robert R.
Published: January 2010

Evarcha culicivora, a jumping spider from East Africa, feeds indirectly on vertebrate blood by choosing blood‐carrying female mosquitoes as prey. It also has an unusually complex mate‐choice system. Here, we show that both sexes ofE.culicivoracan use mate‐finding search images and also use prey‐finding search images. In experiments, individuals were primed by seeing blood‐carrying mosquitoes, primed by seeing potential mates or not primed (control: saw neither). They were then introduced into an arena where the task was to find a blood‐carrying mosquito or a potential mate. In all instances, the prey or potential mates were dead individuals used as lures. The lure in the arena was either cryptic (i.e. hidden behind nylon netting and accompanied by distractors) or conspicuous (i.e. netting and distractors absent). When lures were conspicuous, the identity of the priming stimulus appeared to be irrelevant. However, when lures were cryptic, significantly more spiders found the lure that was congruent with the priming stimulus and significantly fewer spiders found the lure that was incongruent with the priming stimulus. On this basis, we conclude that the spiders were using search images for finding the lures and that search images were relevant only when the lure to be found was cryptic.
Genetic Variability Analysis and Molecular Detection of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. eustomae Isolated from Eustoma grandiflorum in Northern Italy
Authors: Li Yuan , Garibaldi Angelo , Gullino Maria Lodovica
Published: January 2010

A total of 35 isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. eustomae obtained from diseased Eustoma grandiflorum plants in northern Italy, showing typical Fusarium wilt symptoms, were analysed for their genetic variability and molecular identification. Genetic diversity of the isolates was studied by using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). This analysis clustered the isolates into three groups at a genetic similarity of 69%. Sequence analysis of RAPD fragments led to the design of a pair of specific primers that amplify a 505‐bp SCAR (sequence characterized amplified region) marker (SCAR505) which was used to rapidly detect F. oxysporum f.sp. eustomae on Eustoma grandiflorum plants. In a temperature‐controlled chamber, detection of the pathogen by PCR was 100% successful in root and stem samples of infected but still symptomless plants. The diagnostic procedure could be completed in 1 day and allowed rapid and reliable detection of the pathogen in asymptomatic plants in the early stages of disease development.
In Vitro Evaluation of Liquid‐stored Buffalo Semen at 5°C Diluted in Soya Lecithin Based Extender (Bioxcell®), Tris‐Citric Egg Yolk, Skim Milk and Egg Yolk‐Citrate Extenders
Authors: Akhter S , Ansari MS , Rakha BA , Ullah N , Andrabi SMH , Khalid M
Published: January 2010

Contents

This study was designed to compare the quality of liquid‐stored buffalo bull spermatozoa in soya lecithin based extender Bioxcell® (BIOX), milk (MILK), tris‐citric egg yolk (TEY) and egg yolk‐citrate (EYC) extender at 5°C. Semen was collected from five Nili‐Ravi buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bulls of 6–7 years of age with artificial vagina over a period of 3 weeks (two consecutive ejaculates once in a week). Semen ejaculates having more than 60% motility were pooled, split into four aliquots, diluted (37°C; 10 × 106 motile spermatozoa/ml), cooled from 37 to 5°C in 2 h (0.275°C/min) and stored for 5 days. Sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity (PMI) and normal acrosomal ridge were studied at first, third and fifth day of storage. Higher values of progressive sperm motility (%), sperm viability (%), sperm PMI (%) and normal apical ridge (%) were observed in BIOX, MILK and TEY extenders at first, third and fifth day of storage than EYC extender. Progressive sperm motility, sperm viability and sperm PMI in BIOX® extender were not different from MILK and TEY extenders at 1st and third day storage period. However, at fifth day of storage, the values for these parameters remained significantly higher (p < 0.05) in BIOX® compared with MILK, TEY and EYC extenders. At fifth day of storage, the semen quality parameters for Bioxcell® were comparable to those with MILK and TEY extenders at third day of storage. In conclusion, motility, viability and PMI of buffalo bull spermatozoa remained similar in Bioxcell®, milk and TEY extender at first and third days of storage at 5°C. Yet, the values for the aforementioned parameters in Bioxcell® were higher compared with milk, TEY and EYC extender at fifth day of storage at 5°C.