bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis and modelling of structural disorder by the use of the three-dimensional pair distribution function method exemplified by the disordered twofold superstructure of decagonal Al–Cu–Co
Authors: Schaub Philippe , Weber Thomas , Steurer Walter
Published: December 2010

Theoretical concepts and the practical application of the three-dimensional pair distribution function (3D-PDF) method and its variant, the three-dimensional Δ-pair distribution function (3D-ΔPDF) method, are presented. In analogy to traditional Patterson function analysis, advantage is taken of the Fourier transformation either of the full three-dimensional diffraction pattern of a disordered crystal or just of the isolated diffuse scattering, respectively. By the use of three-dimensional information, analysis of disorder becomes straightforward, and it becomes possible to investigate far more complicated structures than is feasible with well established powder diffraction-based PDF analysis. Compared to more traditional modelling techniques, such as Monte Carlo simulation, the 3D-ΔPDF provides direct access to disorder models and allows selective modelling of distinct structural features, which are, in contrast to reciprocal space, well localized in PDF space. The principles of the 3D-ΔPDF approach are exemplified using an analysis of the twofold (∼8 Å) periodic superstructure of a decagonal Al65Cu20Co15quasicrystal. Although analysis of disorder in quasicrystals is far more demanding than in the case of periodic structures, details of the disordered structure could be elucidated. The superstructure is found to be built from columnar units, having a maximum diameter of ∼14.5 Å. The lateral correlation between these columns is weak. Internally, the columns consist of a long-range-ordered alternation of flat and puckered layers. The development of the model and the atomic structure of the columns are described in detail.
A simple technique for consistently obtaining large single crystals of hen egg-white lysozyme in a concentration gradient of NiCl2
Authors: Magay Elena , Yoon Tae-Sung
Published: December 2010

A simple protocol is reported for consistently obtaining large single crystals of hen egg-white lysozyme (HEWL) greater than 2 mm in the longest dimension. Comparative crystallization experiments with different sources of HEWL showed that the simple addition of glass capillaries, `crystal hangers', reduced excessive nucleation and resulted in large single crystals regardless of the commercial source of HEWL.
Structural investigation of thin diblock copolymer films using time-of-flight grazing-incidence small-angle neutron scattering
Authors: Metwalli Ezzeldin , Moulin Jean-Francois , Rauscher Markus , Kaune Gunar , Ruderer Matthias A. , Van Bürck Uwe , Haese-Seiller Martin , Kampmann Reinhard , Müller-Buschbaum Peter
Published: December 2010

The depth-dependent morphology of the microphase separation structure in thin block copolymer films is examined using non-destructive time-of-flight grazing-incidence small-angle neutron scattering. The structure of a cylinder-forming diblock copolymer, polystyrene(deuterated)-block-polyisoprene, in contact with either a low- or a high-energy substrate surface is investigated. A systematic identification of the components of the polymer film at different depths is achieved by utilizing the material characteristic Yoneda peak. For the polymer film attached to the low-surface-energy aminosilane-coated substrate, a morphology transition from lamellar at the substrate–polymer interface,viaperforated lamellar in the film bulk, to an ill-defined structure at the polymer–air interface is observed. This phase transition along the film normal is due to the competition between the surface-induced morphological changes and the stable cylindrical bulk morphology of the diblock copolymer. In contrast, on the high-energy surface no pronounced ordering is found for the applied conditions.
Energy-dispersive diffraction stress analysis under laboratory and synchrotron conditions: a comparative study
Authors: Genzel Ch. , Krahmer S. , Klaus M. , Denks I. A.
Published: December 2010

For a feasibility study of energy-dispersive residual stress analysis under laboratory conditions, an X-ray diffractometer that has been operated so far in the angle dispersive diffraction mode was equipped with a commercial tungsten tube and an energy-dispersive solid-state germanium detector. Starting from systematic investigations to find the optimum configuration regarding geometrical resolution, measuring time and stability of the applied detector system, different materials were characterized with respect to the near-surface residual stress state. The results achieved with the modified laboratory equipment within reasonable measuring times are in good agreement with synchrotron measurements performed on the same samples. With the example of a shot-peened Al2O3ceramic with a highly non-uniform near-surface residual stress distribution it is furthermore shown that the different size and shape of the diffracting gauge volume used for the laboratory and synchrotron measurements might have a significant influence on the experimentally obtained Laplace-space residual stress depth profiles σ||(τ).
J-ICE: a newJmolinterface for handling and visualizing crystallographic and electronic properties
Authors: Canepa Pieremanuele , Hanson Robert M. , Ugliengo Piero , Alfredsson Maria
Published: December 2010

The growth in complexity of quantum mechanical software packages for modelling the physicochemical properties of crystalline materials may hinder their usability by the vast majority of non-specialized users. Consequently, a free operating-system-independent graphical user interface (GUI) has been developed to drive the most common simulation packages for treating both molecules and solids. In order to maintain maximum portability and graphical efficiency, the popular molecular graphics engineJmol, written in the portable Java language, has been combined with a specialized GUI encoded in HTML and JavaScript. This framework, calledJ-ICE, allows users to visualize, build and manipulate complex input or output results (derived from modelling) entirelyviaa web server,i.e.without the burden of installing complex packages. This solution also dramatically speeds up both the development procedure and bug fixing. Among the range of software appropriate for modelling condensed matter, the focus ofJ-ICEis currently only onCRYSTAL09andVASP.
Diversity, structure and function of fish assemblages associated with Posidonia oceanica beds in an area of the eastern Mediterranean Sea and the role of non‐indigenous species
Authors: Kalogirou S. , Corsini‐Foka M. , Sioulas A. , Wennhage H. , Pihl L.
Published: December 2010

Temporal and spatial variation in density, biomass and body size of littoral fish species associated with nearshore Posidonia oceanica meadows was studied over an annual cycle in an area of the eastern Mediterranean Sea. A total of 109 350 littoral fishes were collected, belonging to 34 families and 88 species. Density of fishes peaked during the summer due to high numbers of juveniles. Season was a significant factor determining density, although number of species and biomass did not show any obvious seasonal pattern. Throughout the study, schooling planktivorous fish species such as the picarel Spicara smaris, the bogue Boops boops and the damselfish Chromis chromis were dominant, both in terms of density (80%) and biomass (70%). Temporal variation in density and body size of fishes was used to assess the seasonal and ontogenetic habitat use of each species, with their affinity to seagrass assessed by comparing their respective distribution on sand. Four functional guilds were created (juvenile migrants, seagrass residents, seasonal migrants and occasional visitors) to describe the habitat use of P. oceanica meadows by each species. Several species associated with P. oceanica meadows used this habitat mainly as juveniles during summer, although many others were present concurrently as adults and as juveniles. Among the species encountered, 11 were non‐indigenous of Indo‐Pacific origin, of which three used seagrasses mainly as juveniles and four as residents. The non‐indigenous silverstripe blaasop Lagocephalus sceleratus ranked among the 10 most dominant species in terms of biomass (2%) and was classified as a seagrass resident.
Age and growth of Neotrygon picta, Neotrygon annotata and Neotrygon kuhlii from north‐east Australia, with notes on their reproductive biology
Authors: Jacobsen I. P. , Bennett M. B.
Published: December 2010

Vertebral band formations were used to define age and growth in three Neotrygon species caught regularly as by‐catch in prawn trawl fisheries in north‐east Australia. Centrum edge and marginal increment ratio analyses were used to validate annual band formations. Age estimates ranged from 1 to 18 years, with the von Bertalanffy growth function considered to have the best fit to Neotrygon picta (males, WD∞ = 271 mm, k = 0·12; females, WD∞ = 360·5 mm, k = 0·08) and Neotrygon kuhlii (males, WD∞ = 438·6 mm, k = 0·08; females, WD∞ = 440·6 mm, k = 0·08) disc width (WD)‐at‐age data. The Gompertz growth function had the best fit to Neotrygon annotata WD‐at‐age data (males, WD∞ = 230·4 mm, k = 0·20; females, WD∞ = 265·5 mm, k = 0·31). Age at sexual maturity ranged from 3 to 6 years, with N. picta having the smallest size at birth (100 mm WD), smallest WD at 50% maturity (WD50: male, 172 mm, female, 180·7 mm) and lowest age at sexual maturity (3–4 years). This study helps redefine and improve the accuracy of fisheries‐based risk assessments for these small species with relatively conservative life‐history variables.
Children’s Concerns about their Parents’ Health and Well‐being: Researching with ChildLine Scotland
Authors: Backett‐Milburn Kathryn , Jackson Sharon
Published: December 2010

This paper reports on collaborative research conducted with ChildLine Scotland, a free, confidential, telephone counselling service, using their database. We focussed on children’s calls about parental health and well‐being and how this affected their own lives. Children’s concerns emerged within multi‐layered calls in which they discussed multiple issues and problems in their lives such as alcohol misuse, drug misuse, domestic violence, family relationships, depression, mental health problems and bereavement. We discuss how children were making sense of these experiences; how they were trying to get by in difficult family circumstances; whose help they valued; and conclude with implications for policy and practice.
Antiplatelet therapy: thrombin receptor antagonists
Authors: Tello‐Montoliu Antonio , Tomasello Salvatore D. , Ueno Masafumi , Angiolillo Dominick J.
Published: December 2010

Activated platelets stimulate thrombus formation in response to rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque or endothelial cell erosion, promoting atherothrombotic disease. Multiple pathways contribute to platelet activation. Aspirin, an irreversible inhibitor of thromboxane A2 synthesis, in combination with clopidogrel, an inhibitor of P2Y12 adenosine diphosphate platelet receptors, represent the current standard‐of‐care of antiplatelet therapy for patients with acute coronary syndrome and for those undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Although these agents have demonstrated significant clinical benefit, the increased risk of bleeding and the recurrence of thrombotic events represent substantial limitations. Thrombin is one of the most important platelet activators. The inhibition of protease‐activated receptor 1 showed a good safety profile in preclinical studies. In fact, phase II studies with vorapaxar (SCH530348) and atopaxar (E5555) showed no increase of bleeding events in addition to the current standard‐of‐care of antiplatelet therapy. Although the results of phase III trials for both drugs are awaited, this family is a promising new addition to the current clinical practice for patients with atherothrombotic disease, not only as an alternative, but also as additional therapy.
Large granular lymphocytic leukaemia pathogenesis and management
Authors: Dearden Claire
Published: December 2010

The WHO classification recognises three distinct disorders of large granular lymphocytes: T‐cell large granular lymphocytic leukaemia (T‐LGL), chronic lymphoproliferative disorders of NK‐cells (CLPD‐NK) and agressive NK‐cell leukaemia. Despite the different cell of origin, there is considerable overlap between T‐LGL and CLPD‐NK in terms of clinical presentation and therapy. Many patients are asymptomatic and do not require treatment. Therapy, with immunosuppressant agents such as low dose methotrexate or ciclosporin, is usually indicated to correct cytopenias. In contrast, aggressive NK‐cell leukaemia and the rare CD56+ aggressive T‐LGL leukaemia follow a fulminant clinical course, affect younger individuals and require more intensive combination chemotherapy followed by allogeneic stem cell transplant in eligible patients. The relative rarity of these disorders means that there have been few clinical trials to inform management. However, there is now considerable interest in the pathogenesis of the chronic LGL leukaemias and this has stimulated early trials to evaluate novel agents which target the dysregulated apoptotic pathways characteristic of this disease.
Older age of rheumatoid arthritis onset is associated with higher activation status of peripheral blood CD4+ T cells and disease activity
Authors: Pawłowska J , Smoleńska Ż , Daca A , Witkowski J M , Bryl E
Published: December 2010

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease, with a clinical manifestation both systemic and in joints. It has been suggested that age at disease onset and/or patients' age have influence on disease activity and clinical outcome. The reasons for the different course of RA in older people are not known; however, the activation status of peripheral blood lymphocytes could be responsible. Our aim was to relate expression of activation markers in peripheral blood CD4+ T cells of RA patients with patients' age and/or onset age and disease activity measured by DAS28. Seventy RA patients were included into the immunological study. Two separation criteria were performed: based on age of RA onset and on the biological age of patients. We examined different activation markers, CD69, CD25, CD95 and human leucocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR), on the CD4+ T cell surface. Division of RA patients in 10-year intervals at 40, 50 and 60 years revealed that RA patients with later disease onset were characterized by higher DAS28. This phenomenon was not limited to the division at 60 years of age but, surprisingly, the major differences were found for the 40-year onset division. Analysis of all four components of DAS28 revealed that disease activity in older disease onset was dependent on all components. Older-onset RA patients had a higher percentage of CD4+CD25+ and CD4+CD95+ T cells. Summarizing the major differences in DAS28 and activation status of CD4+ T cells observed for onset of disease at 40 years seems to be the most informative about the immunological status of RA patients.
Infrarenal aortic‐clamping after renal ischaemia aggravates acute renal failure
Authors: Yeung Kak K. , Richir Milan , Hanrath Paul , Teerlink Tom , Kompanowska‐Jezierska Elzbieta , Musters Renė J. P. , van Leeuwen Paul A. M. , Wisselink Willem , Tangelder Geert‐Jan
Published: December 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2011; 41 (6): 605–615

Background  Renal failure is a frequent complication of juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (JAA)‐repair. During this operation, suprarenal aortic‐clamping is followed by infrarenal aortic‐clamping (below renal arteries) to restore renal flow, while performing the distal anastomosis. We hypothesized that infrarenal aortic‐clamping, despite restoring renal perfusion provokes additional renal damage.

Materials and methods  We studied three groups of rats. After 45 min of suprarenal aortic‐clamping, group 1 had renal reperfusion for 90 min without aortic‐clamps (n = 7). In group 2, 45 min of suprarenal aortic‐clamping with a distal clamp on the aortic‐bifurcation was followed by 20 min of infrarenal aortic‐clamping. Renal reperfusion was continued for 70 min without aortic‐clamps (i.e. 90 min of renal reperfusion; n = 8). The sham‐group had no clamps (n = 7). We measured renal haemodynamics, functional parameters and tissue damage.

Results  On suprarenal aortic‐clamp removal, renal artery flow, cortical flow and arterial pressures were higher in group 2 than in group 1. We detected increased tubular brush border damage, luminal lipocalin‐2 and 30–60% higher renal protein nitrosylation in group 2 when compared to group 1 (P < 0·05). Group 2 showed more release of asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) from the kidneys in the renal vein, therefore indicating diminished clearing capacity (P < 0·001). Arginine/ADMA‐ratio, which defines the bio‐availability of nitric oxide, tended to be lower in group 2 and correlated with renal flow. Furthermore, there were no significant differences found in creatinine levels and renal leucocyte accumulation between group 1 and 2.

Conclusions  Additional infrarenal aortic‐clamping leads to increased renal damage and oxidative stress, despite adequate perfusion of kidneys after suprarenal aortic‐clamping. This study indicates that the clamping sequence used in JAA‐repair causes more than simple renal I/R‐injury.
High variability in spawning migration of sea trout,Salmo trutta, in two northern Swedish rivers
Authors: ÖSTERGREN J. , LUNDQVIST H. , NILSSON J.
Published: December 2010

Abstract Telemetry was used to examine spawning migration of sea trout,Salmo truttaL. (n = 126), in two rivers in northern Sweden. The spawning areas defined by radio‐tagged fish differed between the river systems. In the River Vindelälven, sea trout spawned in the main stem and 80% of tagged individuals returned to areas where hatchery‐reared juveniles had been previously stocked. In the River Piteälven, 74% of tagged sea trout ascended tributaries for spawning. Tagged fish were categorised into three groups of migratory pattern.cart(classification and regression tree) analysis indicated that distance from tagging location to spawning site (Sdist) explained the migratory patterns. LargeSdistseparated fish with stepwise upstream migration from those with up‐ and downstream migrations and one‐directional direct migration. Fish tagged early in the season migrated the longest distance to spawning areas. Stocking locations and sex explained the large search behaviour up‐ and downstream in the rivers. The findings are important for the sustainable management of sea trout in the Gulf of Bothnia.
The impact of alternative harvesting strategies in a resource–consumer metapopulation
Authors: Strevens Chloë M. J. , Bonsall Michael B.
Published: December 2010

1. The majority of our knowledge of harvested populations has been drawn from studies on single‐species occupying continuous landscapes. Population dynamics in spatially structured landscapes are markedly different from those in continuous habitats. We investigate the effects of several harvesting strategies on the metapopulation dynamics of the bruchid beetleCallosobruchus maculatusand its parasitoidAnisopteromalus calandrae,when locally extinction prone populations of bruchids were harvested. By harvesting the resource in this closed resource–consumer interaction, we could examine the scenario where humans and natural predators share a common resource.

2. Using population‐level models in single and coupled‐patch systems, simulations were run to estimate sustainable harvesting levels for each harvesting strategy. These harvesting levels were then implemented in experimental metapopulation microcosms. Experiments were run for multiple generations and long‐term time series of population size and harvest yield were collected.

3. Controversially, harvesting resulted in larger regional population sizes in harvested metapopulations than in unharvested metapopulations. Similarly, conservative harvesting strategies such as fixed escapement harvesting and harvesting with refuges resulted in smaller population sizes than fixed quota or fixed proportion harvesting strategies. Fixed proportion harvesting gave rise to the largest population sizes, fewest local extinctions and largest yields. Assuming both species are of ecological importance, fixed proportion is therefore the optimal harvesting strategy for this model system.

4. Synthesis and applications.We demonstrate that, under certain conditions, increasing local mortality can increase population sizes. This ‘hydra effect’ may be caused by the advantage of higher rates of local population turnover for dispersive species in patchy landscapes, or due to the interruption of overcompensatory density‐dependence in the host populations. These results are of particular relevance both in the development of sustainable harvesting policies in multi‐species communities or, conversely, the control of pest species inhabiting spatially structured landscapes. We have shown that predictive models can be a useful tool in the estimation of sustainable harvesting limits where noa prioriknowledge of the system exists. We also demonstrate that spatial structure, the effects of interspecific interactions and knowledge of density‐dependent population dynamics must be included in the generation of sustainable harvesting theory.
Integrating heterogeneity of detection and mark loss to estimate survival and transience in UK grey seal colonies
Authors: Smout Sophie , King Ruth , Pomeroy Patrick
Published: December 2010

1. We present new developments in statistical methodology allowing in‐depth analysis of realistic, complex biological models for longitudinal data sets. Important biological details such as mark‐loss and recapture heterogeneity can be identified.

2. We use a Bayesian hidden process framework for a comparative analysis of long‐term (1978–2006) capture–recapture data with various combinations of marking methods for adult female grey seals Halichoerus grypus at two UK colonies.

3. Seals were identified using three different methods: flipper tags, brands, or natural pelage markings. Animals identified by brands or natural markings were re‐sighted more effectively than those with tags.

4. Flipper tag‐loss rates differed between colonies, and there was evidence for non‐independent tag‐loss in double‐tagged animals. There was also evidence at one colony for the presence of transient animals, which attend the colony for 1 year only. Apparent survival was higher and more consistent at one site, and the differences in survival between the two colonies were able to explain contrasting pup production trends at these sites.

5. Synthesis and applications. Longitudinal studies allow for the estimation of demographic parameters which have important implications for our understanding of population dynamics and for the conservation and management of populations. Using new statistical developments to allow for the analysis of missing/incomplete data and partial observations, we show how survival can be estimated from complex mark–recapture data, allowing for the effects of mark loss. The re‐sightability of different marks is estimated, indicating that photo‐ID based on natural pelage markings is a very effective method for identifying grey seals. There are notable contrasts in survival estimates between breeding colonies which can explain contrasts in population trends at these sites, confirming the importance of adult survival in driving population dynamics in this long‐lived species.
Cryogenic EBSD on ice: preserving a stable surface in a low pressure SEM
Authors: WEIKUSAT I. , DE WINTER D. A. M. , PENNOCK G. M. , HAYLES M. , SCHNEIJDENBERG C. T. W. M. , DRURY M. R.
Published: December 2010

Naturally deformed ice contains subgrains with characteristic geometries that have recently been identified in etched surfaces using high‐resolution light microscopy (LM). The probable slip systems responsible for these subgrain boundary types can be determined using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), providing the etch features imaged with reflected LM can be retained during EBSD data acquisition in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Retention of the etch features requires that the ice surface is stable. Depending on the pressure and temperature, sublimation of ice can occur. The equilibrium temperature for a low pressure SEM operating at 1 × 10−6 hPa is about −112°C and operating at higher temperatures causes sublimation. Although charging of uncoated ice samples is reduced by sublimation, important information contained in the etch features are removed as the surface sublimes. We developed a method for collecting EBSD data on stable ice surfaces in a low pressure SEM. We found that operating at temperatures of <–112°C reduced sublimation so that the original etch surface features were retained. Charging, which occurred at low pressures (<1.5 × 10−6 to 2.8 × 10−5 hPa) was reduced by defocusing the beam. At very low pressures (<1.5 × 10−6 hPa) the spatial resolution with a defocused beam at 10 kV was about 3 μm in the x‐direction at −150°C and 0.5 μm at −120°C, because at higher temperature charging was less and only a small defocus was needed to compensate it. Angular resolution was better than 0.7° after orientation averaging. Excellent agreement was obtained between LM etch features and EBSD mapped microstructures. First results are shown, which indicate subgrain boundary types comprised of basal (tilt and twist) and nonbasal dislocations (tilt boundaries).
Cales (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea): morphology of an enigmatic taxon with a review of species
Authors: MOTTERN JASON L. , HERATY JOHN M. , HARTOP EMILY
Published: December 2010

Calesinae is a small group of Chalcidoidea (Hymenoptera) that are parasitoids of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). One species, Cales noacki Howard, has been introduced from South America into citrus‐growing regions of North America, the Mediterranean and Africa for biological control. The remaining species are found in Australia and New Zealand: a classic Gondwanan disjunction. The subfamily consists of a single genus, Cales, which is currently unplaced within Chalcidoidea. Its taxonomic position has historically been unstable, although most often Cales is associated with Aphelinidae. Here, we present a detailed morphological study of the group with an emphasis on Australian species. Although Cales shares many characteristics with Aphelinidae, especially Coccophaginae and Eretmocerus, more studies of character systems across Chalcidoidea are needed to determine which features may be synapomorphic. Consequently, we leave Cales incertae sedis within Chalcidoidea. We also describe a new species from New Zealand, Cales berryisp.n., reared from the whitefly Asterochiton pittospori on lemonwood, Pittosporum eugenioides, and we present a key and review the four known species of Cales.
Cross‐genome map based dissection of a nitrogen use efficiency ortho‐metaQTL in bread wheat unravels concerted cereal genome evolution
Authors: Quraishi Umar Masood , Abrouk Michael , Murat Florent , Pont Caroline , Foucrier Séverine , Desmaizieres Gregory , Confolent Carole , Rivière Nathalie , Charmet Gilles , Paux Etienne , Murigneux Alain , Guerreiro Laurent , Lafarge Stéphane , Le Gouis Jacques , Feuillet Catherine , Salse Jerome
Published: December 2010

Monitoring nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in plants is becoming essential to maintain yield while reducing fertilizer usage. Optimized NUE application in major crops is essential for long‐term sustainability of agriculture production. Here, we report the precise identification of 11 major chromosomal regions controlling NUE in wheat that co‐localise with key developmental genes such as Ppd (photoperiod sensitivity), Vrn (vernalization requirement), Rht (reduced height) and can be considered as robust markers from a molecular breeding perspective. Physical mapping, sequencing, annotation and candidate gene validation of an NUE metaQTL on wheat chromosome 3B allowed us to propose that a glutamate synthase (GoGAT) gene that is conserved structurally and functionally at orthologous positions in rice, sorghum and maize genomes may contribute to NUE in wheat and other cereals. We propose an evolutionary model for the NUE locus in cereals from a common ancestral region, involving species specific shuffling events such as gene deletion, inversion, transposition and the invasion of repetitive elements.
Evaluation of changes in weed flora in arable fields of Nordic countries – based on Danish long‐term surveys
Authors: ANDREASEN C , STREIBIG J C
Published: December 2010

Andreasen C & Streibig JC (2011). Evaluation of changes in weed flora in arable fields of Nordic countries – based on Danish long‐term surveys. Weed Research51, 214–226.

During the last 50 years, agricultural productivity has increased tremendously, as have changes in the weed flora. In several European countries, weed surveys have been conducted regularly, of which the most frequent and consistent ones are Danish surveys conducted in 1911–1915, 1945, 1960–1970, 1987–1989 and 2001–2004. The surveys were carried out on fields not sprayed with herbicide in the sampling year. On the basis of this frame of reference, we discuss the changes in the weed flora during this period and relate them to findings in other Nordic countries and review the role of different farming practices on the weed flora of the past. Numerous agronomic factors and political initiatives to protect the environment have operated in concert. During the last 30 years, winter‐sown crops have increased by almost 70%, at the expense of spring annual crops and grass leys, and this has favoured winter annual weed species. Maize is now widely grown and new weed species are invading arable land. Also, increased fertilisation levels over time have affected the weed flora. It is, however, obvious that herbicides play a major role in determining the composition, diversity and abundance of weed flora, although other factors such as mechanisation and the Common Agricultural Policy of the EU are also important. For the last 20 years, we have experienced an increase in some of the most frequent weed species without reductions in yield. This is probably due to governmental policies mandating lower herbicide efficacy goals for farmers, but it has been partly counteracted by genetic improvement of crops and better management.
19p13.2 microduplication causes a Sotos syndrome‐like phenotype and alters gene expression
Authors: Lehman AM , du Souich C , Chai D , Eydoux P , Huang JL , Fok AK , Avila L , Swingland J , Delaney AD , McGillivray B , Goldowitz D , Argiropoulos B , Kobor MS , Boerkoel CF
Published: December 2010

Lehman AM, du Souich C, Chai D, Eydoux P, Huang JL, Fok AK, Avila L, Swingland J, Delaney AD, McGillivray B, Goldowitz D, Argiropoulos B, Kobor MS, Boerkoel CF. 19p13.2 microduplication causes a Sotos syndrome‐like phenotype and alters gene expression.

Up to 90% of individuals affected by Sotos syndrome have a pathogenic alteration of NSD1 (encodes nuclear receptor‐binding Su‐var, enhancer of zeste, and trithorax domain protein 1), a histone methyltransferase that functions as both a transcriptional activator and a repressor. Genomic copy number variations may also cause a Sotos‐like phenotype. We evaluated a three‐generation family segregating a Sotos‐like disorder characterized by typical facial features, overgrowth, learning disabilities, and advanced bone age. Affected individuals did not have a detectable NSD1 mutation, but rather were found to have a 1.9 Mb microduplication of 19p13.2 with breakpoints in two highly homologous Alu elements. Because the duplication included the DNA methyltransferase gene (DNMT1), we assessed DNA methylation of peripheral blood and buccal cell DNA and detected no alterations. We also examined peripheral blood gene expression and found evidence for increased expression of genes within the duplicated region. We conclude that microduplication of 19p13.2 is a novel genomic disorder characterized by variable neurocognitive disability, overgrowth, and facial dysmorphism similar to Sotos syndrome. Failed compensation of gene duplication at the transcriptional level, as seen in peripheral blood, supports gene dosage as the cause of this disorder.
Increased OX40 and soluble OX40 ligands in children with Henoch‐Schonlein purpura: association with renal involvement
Authors: Qin Wang , Hongya Wu , Yongjing Chen , Fang Xie , Yue Min , Xuekun Zhang , Xiaozhong Li , Xueguang Zhang
Published: December 2010

To cite this article: Qin W, Hongya W, Yongjing C, Fang X, Yue M, Xuekun Z, Xiaozhong L, Xueguang Z. Increased OX40 and soluble OX40 ligands in children with Henoch‐Schonlein purpura: association with renal involvement. Pediatric Allergy Immunology 2011: 22: 54–59.

Henoch‐Schonlein purpura (HSP) is one of the most common types of vasculitis disorders in childhood and is characterized by a rash, arthritis, abdominal pain, and renal involvement. T‐lymphocyte activation is considered to play a critical role in vasculitis. However, the regulation of the T cells in HSP remains poorly understood. In this study, OX40/OX40L (CD134/CD252) costimulatory pathway, which could promote T‐cell activation and long survival, was investigated. Results from 32 HSP patients and 25 healthy donors revealed that the freshly isolated CD4+ T cells from patients with HSP expressed higher OX40 than that of the cells from healthy individuals. The levels of soluble OX40L (sOX40L) in the sera of patients with HSP were also much higher than the controls. Importantly, significantly elevated levels of OX40 on CD4+ T cells and sOX40L in sera were detected in patients with HSP with nephritis compared to patients without nephritis, indicating both OX40 upregulation and sOX40L increase were closely associated with disease activity of the patients. Thus, circulating sOX40L could provide excessive costimulatory signal for CD4+OX40+ T‐cell activation, and OX40/OX40L signal might contribute to the development of HSP disease.
Interaction between tacrolimus and intravenous nicardipine in the treatment of post‐kidney transplant hypertension at pediatric hospitals
Authors: Hooper David K. , Carle Adam C. , Schuchter Joseph , Goebel Jens
Published: December 2010

Hooper DK, Carle AC, Schuchter J, Goebel J. Interaction between tacrolimus and intravenous nicardipine in the treatment of post‐kidney transplant hypertension at pediatric hospitals. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15:88–95. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  TAC is commonly prescribed in KTX recipients, though overexposure can be nephrotoxic. CIVN, used to treat post‐KTX hypertension, may inhibit TAC metabolism resulting in overexposure and potential toxicity. We present two case reports and analysis of 2068 KTXs from the PHIS to characterize post‐KTX intravenous anti‐hypertensive use and to determine whether CIVN in TAC‐treated patients would predict “immunosuppressive drug causing adverse effects in therapeutic use” (E‐code E9331). CIVN was ordered in 11% of KTXs and prescribing increased from 6.2% in 2003 to 10.3% in 2008 (p = 0.003, Mantel–Haenszel chi‐square test). AEI were reported in 7.1% of TAC‐treated patients with CIVN orders compared to 3% of those without (p = 0.003, chi‐square test). In univariate analysis using GEEs, AEI were twofold more likely in patients with CIVN orders than patients without (AOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.03–4.17) and threefold more likely than patients with orders for other continuous intravenous anti‐hypertensives (AOR 3.2, 95% CI 1.09–9.08). In multivariate analysis, only CIVN significantly predicted AEI (AOR 2.8, 95% CI 1.29–6.04). Thus, until clinical studies to fully characterize this interaction are completed, CIVN should be used with caution in TAC‐treated individuals.
Weissella confusa: an unexpected cause of vancomycin‐resistant gram‐positive bacteremia in immunocompromised hosts
Authors: Salimnia H. , Alangaden G.J. , Bharadwaj R. , Painter T.M. , Chandrasekar P.H. , Fairfax M.R.
Published: December 2010

H. Salimnia, G.J. Alangaden, R. Bharadwaj, T.M. Painter, P.H. Chandrasekar, M.R. Fairfax. Weissella confusa: an unexpected cause of vancomycin‐resistant gram‐positive bacteremia in immunocompromised hosts. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 294–298. All rights reserved

Abstract: We report the first case of Weissella confusa bacteremia in an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant patient. After engraftment and discharge, the patient returned with fever and graft failure and was started on an empiric regimen of aztreonam and vancomycin. A blood culture grew an alpha‐hemolytic, gram‐positive coccus forming pairs and chains, originally thought to be a viridans Streptococcus and a skin contaminant. The isolation of the organism from multiple blood cultures, and the presence of vancomycin resistance prompted identification and additional susceptibility testing. The RapID™ Str panel, which has W. confusa in its database, provided multiple incorrect identifications. The MicroScan WalkAway 96 SI, using PC‐20 or ‐29 panels, also did not identify this bacterium, because it is not in their database. The organism was identified as W. confusa by 16S rDNA sequencing. Antibiotic susceptibility determination by Etest revealed vancomycin resistance and daptomycin susceptibility. Therapy was changed to daptomycin, and the infection resolved. Additionally, W. confusa sepsis, with multiple positive blood cultures, developed in a patient in the burn unit at our medical center. The patient's blood cultures remained positive until vancomycin was discontinued and daptomycin therapy initiated. Infections with vancomycin‐resistant, gram‐positive cocci are emerging among immuno compromised hosts. Under appropriate circumstances, clinicians need to request that the laboratory perform susceptibility testing and accurate identification, by nucleic acid sequencing if necessary. Sequencing of 16S rDNA is an important tool in the accurate identification of unusual pathogens.
Incidence and impact of herpes simplex and cytomegalovirus detection in the respiratory tract after lung transplantation
Authors: Engelmann I. , Hesse N. , Fegbeutel C. , Strüber M. , Wehrhane M. , Gottlieb J. , Welte T. , Schulz T.F. , Simon A.R. , Mattner F.
Published: December 2010

I. Engelmann, N. Hesse, C. Fegbeutel, M. Strüber, M. Wehrhane, J. Gottlieb, T. Welte, T.F. Schulz, A.R. Simon, F. Mattner. Incidence and impact of herpes simplex and cytomegalovirus detection in the respiratory tract after lung transplantation. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 259–265. All rights reserved

Abstract: Herpesvirus infections cause morbidity in lung transplant recipients. The study was conducted to investigate the incidence and impact of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) detection in the respiratory tract (RT) of lung and heart–lung transplant recipients (LTR) during the postoperative phase. In a prospective cohort study, 91 LTR having at least 1 nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) sent for virus diagnostics were monitored for CMV and HSV detection in NPS during their post‐transplant hospital stay on cardiothoracic surgery wards (median 4 weeks) by direct immunofluorescence testing for HSV, virus culture, and CMV and HSV polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs) were analyzed with the same protocol except that HSV PCR was only performed on request. Risk factor analysis for the outcome ‘90‐day mortality’ was performed. Fifteen LTR had virus detection in NPS (16.5%): 9 had CMV, 5 had HSV, and 1 had both CMV and HSV. Four of 84 LTR had CMV detection in BAL (4.8%). Absence of CMV detection in NPS had a negative predictive value of 98.8% for absence of CMV detection in BAL. HSV DNA detection in NPS, especially if detected within 8 days after transplantation, was associated with 90‐day mortality. In conclusion, detection of herpesviruses in the RT was clinically relevant and frequent, despite antiviral prophylaxis.
Dietary lutein and fish oil interact to alter atherosclerotic lesions in a Japanese quail model of atherosclerosis
Authors: Shanmugasundaram R. , Selvaraj R. K.
Published: December 2010

Interactions between concentration of dietary lutein and fish oil in diets on atherosclerosis incidences were studied in a cholesterol‐induced‐atherosclerosis (CIA) model. CIA Japanese quail were fed a basal diet with three amounts of lutein (0, 25 and 50 mg/kg diet) and two amounts of fish oil (3% and 6%) in a 3 × 2 factorial in five replications. Samples were collected at 24 and 27 weeks of age. Atherosclerosis lesions in the dorsal aorta were measured by histochemistry sectioning. At 27 weeks of age, increasing dietary fish oil content to 6% decreased (p < 0.01) the atherosclerotic lesions only in the 0 mg lutein supplemented groups. At 27 weeks of age, increasing dietary fish oil content to 6% increased the atherosclerotic lesion score when lutein was supplemented at either 25 or 50 mg/kg feed. Aorta and liver lutein content increased (p < 0.01) with increasing dietary lutein content at 27 weeks of age. Increasing dietary fish oil content to 6% increased (p < 0.01) the aorta fat content by twofold and decreased (p < 0.01) the liver fat by 26% at 27 weeks of age. Increasing the dietary fish oil content to 6% increased (p = 0.01) the total PUFA and decreased (p = 0.03) the total mono unsaturated fatty acids content of the aorta at 27 weeks of age. At 27 weeks of age, increasing dietary fish oil content to 6% decreased the amount of TBARS (p = 0.01) and IL‐1 mRNA (p < 0.01) only in the 0 mg lutein supplemented groups. Increasing dietary fish oil content to 6% increased the amount of TBARS and IL‐1 mRNA of the aorta when lutein was supplemented at either 25 or 50 mg/kg diet. Dietary lutein supplementation decreased atherosclerosis lesions only at low levels of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids.
From lynx spiders to cotton: Behaviourally mediated predator effects over four trophic levels
Authors: WHITEHOUSE M. E. A. , MANSFIELD S. , BARNETT M. C. , BROUGHTON K.
Published: December 2010

Food web studies often examine density and behaviourally mediated effects of predators on herbivores, but are less likely to assess the plant targeted by the herbivore. We conducted a study that incorporated four trophic levels examining the effect of two generalist predators (damsel bugs, Nabis kinbergii Reuter; and lynx spiders, Oxyopes molarius L. Koch) on damage to cotton bolls caused by green mirids (Creontiades dilutus (Stål)). First we tested whether lynx spiders and damsel bugs could control mirid numbers and cotton boll damage in field cages. We found that in cages containing mirids and only lynx spiders, lynx spiders reduced both mirid numbers and boll damage. However, in cages which contained mirids and both predators (lynx spiders and damsel bugs) only mirid numbers were reduced. To explain the negative effect of damsel bugs on boll damage, we examined the interactions between lynx spiders, damsel bugs and mirids. We found that lynx spiders were better mirid predators than damsel bugs, and that lynx spiders attacked damsel bugs, but not vice versa. Behaviourally, mirids responded to increasing predator pressure regardless of whether the predators were lynx spiders or damsel bugs. However, damsel bugs seemed to alter the behaviour of lynx spiders because in their presence, a higher proportion of lynx spiders moved to the top of the plant, towards the damsel bugs but away from the bolls found lower on the plant. These results suggest that the most likely explanation for the increase in boll damage in the presence of damsel bugs was that lynx spiders moved to the top of the plant in the presence of damsel bugs, which then exposed the bolls lower down on the plant to mirid attack. This work emphasizes the importance of behaviourally mediated effects in food webs extending over four trophic levels.
Unusually intense 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake by a mature ovarian teratoma: A pitfall of FDG positron emission tomography
Authors: Miyasaka Naoyuki , Kubota Toshiro
Published: December 2010

We present a 32‐year‐old woman with an ovarian tumor. A large ovarian tumor with solid components was detected by ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed strong enhancement within the solid component. 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography was performed for further evaluation and intense FDG uptake into the solid component was observed with standardized uptake values of 12.8 in the early phase and 14.8 in the delayed phase. Therefore, we could not rule out the possibility of a malignant ovarian tumor, and the patient underwent unilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy through laparotomy. The tumor was pathologically diagnosed as a mature teratoma with no malignant elements. Histological examination revealed the solid component to be composed mainly of central nervous tissue, which was most likely to be responsible for the intense FDG uptake.
Organized for sex – steroid hormones and the developing hypothalamus
Authors: Lenz Kathryn M. , McCarthy Margaret M.
Published: December 2010

Steroid hormones of gonadal origin act on the neonatal brain, particularly the hypothalamus, to produce sex differences that underlie copulatory behavior. Neuroanatomical sex differences include regional volume, cell number, connectivity, morphology, physiology, neurotransmitter phenotype and molecular signaling, all of which are determined by the action of steroid hormones, particularly by estradiol in males, and are established by diverse downstream effects. Sex differences in distinct hypothalamic regions can be organized by the same steroid hormone, but the direction of a sex difference is often specific to one region or cell type, illustrating the wide range of effects that steroid hormones have on the developing brain. Substantial progress has been made in elucidating the downstream mechanisms through which gonadal hormones sexually differentiate the brain, but gaps remain in establishing the precise relationship between changes in neuronal morphology and behavior. A complete understanding of sexual differentiation will require integrating the diverse mechanisms across multiple brain regions into a functional network that regulates behavioral output.
Osmotic and thermal control of magnocellular neurosecretory neurons – role of an N‐terminal variant of trpv1
Authors: Sudbury Jessica R. , Ciura Sorana , Sharif‐Naeini Reza , Bourque Charles W.
Published: December 2010

The release of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) plays a key role in the osmoregulatory response of mammals to changes in salt or water intake and in the rate of water loss through evaporation during thermoregulatory cooling. Previous work has shown that the hypothalamus encloses the sensory elements that modulate vasopressin release during systemic changes in fluid osmolality or body temperature. These responses depend in part on a synaptic regulation of vasopressin neurons by afferent inputs arising from osmosensory and thermosensory neurons in the preoptic area. However, recent studies in rats and mice have shown that vasopressin neurons in the supraoptic nucleus also display intrinsic osmosensory and thermosensory properties. Isolated vasopressin neurons exposed to increases in perfusate temperature or osmolality generate increases in non‐selective cation channel activity that cause membrane depolarization and increase neuronal excitability. These channels are calcium‐permeable and can be blocked by ruthenium red. Moreover, intrinsic responses to osmotic and thermal stimuli are absent in magnocellular neurosecretory cells isolated from mice lacking the transient receptor potential vanilloid‐1 (trpv1) gene, which encodes the capsaicin receptor. Immunostaining of vasopressin‐releasing neurons with anti‐TRPV1 antibodies reveals the presence of amino acids present in the carboxy terminus of the protein, but not those lying in the amino terminal domain. Thus, magnocellular neurosecretory neurons appear to express an N‐terminal variant of trpv1 which lacks sensitivity to capsaicin, but which enables osmosensing and thermosensing.