bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships between carbon isotope discrimination and grain yield in winter wheat under well-watered and drought conditions
Authors: KUMAR B. N. ARAVINDA , AZAM-ALI S. N. , SNAPE J. W. , WEIGHTMAN R. M. , FOULKES M. J.
Published: November 2010

The association of carbon isotope discrimination of grain (Δ13C) with yield performance under rain-fed and well-watered conditions was analysed using a doubled-haploid (DH) winter wheat population, derived from the cross between cvars Beaver×Soissons, within field experiments at two site-seasons. The aim of this work was to quantify associations between Δ13C and yield responses to drought and to test effects of major genes (the semi-dwarf genes, Rht-B1b, Rht-D1b, an awn suppressor gene, B1 and the 1BL.1RS wheat–rye chromosome translocation) segregating in the population for associations with Δ13C and drought performance. Carbon isotope discrimination, through its negative relationship with transpiration efficiency, may be used as a surrogate for this trait. Grain Δ13C was positively associated with grain yield under both irrigated and unirrigated conditions in each site-season and, overall, explained 0·34 of the phenotypic variation in grain yield amongst DH lines under drought and 0·14 under well-watered conditions. There was a positive association between specific leaf lamina N content (SLN) at anthesis and Δ13C under drought amongst DH lines in one site-season, suggesting higher SLN may confer increased stomatal conductance via higher photosynthetic capacity, hence increased grain Δ13C. Overall the Rht-D1b (semi-dwarf) lines had slightly higher Δ13C of grain (20·0‰) than the Rht-B1a/Rht-D1a (tall) group of lines (19·8‰). There were no significant differences between the Rht-B1b (semi-dwarf) or the Rht-B1b/Rht-D1b (dwarf) lines and the tall lines. Comparing their performance under irrigated and unirrigated conditions, the Rht groups of lines (Rht-B1b semi-dwarf, Rht-D1b semidwarf and dwarf and tall groups) responded no differently to drought for Δ13C. The Rht-D1b semi-dwarf lines had higher grain yield (9·50 t/ha) than the tall lines (8·76 t/ha), while the yield of the Rht-B1b semi-dwarf and dwarf lines did not differ significantly from the tall lines. In each site-season, the presence of the 1BL.1RS chromosome increased grain Δ13C (P<0·001), with an overall increase from 19·7‰ in the 1B lines to 20·0‰ in the 1BL.1RS lines (P<0·001). However, the 1BL.1RS and 1B lines responded similarly to drought. The effect of the presence/absence of awns on grain Δ13C was not statistically significant in either site-season. Overall, the present results show that Rht-D1b confers higher Δ13C and grain yield, and the 1BL.1RS translocation confers higher Δ13C. This implies that modern UK wheat cultivars may have lower water-use efficiency during the grain filling period than their predecessors, and therefore may require more water to fulfil their yield potential.
Factors determining the abundance, distribution and population size–structure of the penshellPinna carnea
Authors: Aucoin S. , Himmelman J.H.
Published: November 2010

Surveys conducted in the south-western Dominican Republic showed that the penshellPinna carneais a consistent component of seagrass beds and is absent in adjacent sandflats. Population densities were low (0.012–0.076·m−2) and the size–structure skewed towards large individuals. Trials with different types of substrata in caged spat collectors, involving a combination of sand, seagrass blades and roots, and an artificial treatment by itself, indicated no settlement preference for any of the substrata tested. Comparison of additional spat collectors (caged and uncaged) indicated high predation losses (84%) for recently settled penshells. Experiments with penshells measuring 10–30, 50–70 and 90–110 mm (anterior to posterior dorsal tip) transplanted to plots in a seagrass bed and sandflat showed that predation losses decreased with increasing size and were much less in seagrass than in the sandflat. In 10-day trials, survival in the three size-groups was 27-fold greater in the seagrass bed than on the sandflat. During 3-day trials in the sandflat, survival increased from 6% for 50–100 mm penshells to 93% for 150–170 mm penshells. At the end of 100-day trials, during which the study area was subjected to Hurricane Dennis, the only surviving penshells were large individuals (90–110 mm) that had been transplanted to the seagrass bed. All individuals transplanted to the sandflat went missing. Growth measurements showed that small penshells grow rapidly (up to 2.2 mm·d−1), but the growth rate drops markedly at ~150 mm. Rapid juvenile growth may be a strategy for reducing the period of high vulnerability to predators. The high proportion of large individuals in the population likely represents the accumulation of successive recruitments as growth slows in older penshells.Pinna carneais mainly restricted to seagrass beds because they provide more protection from predators than adjacent habitats. Moreover, the consolidation of sediments in seagrass beds by roots and algal rhizoids provides a degree of protection from physical disturbances such as hurricanes. The advantages provided by the seagrass habitat come at a cost because we detected a mortality factor in the seagrass bed (possibly related to the ~3-fold higher silt load) that was absent on the sandflat.
‘If I look old, I will be treated old’: hair and later-life image dilemmas
Authors: WARD RICHARD , HOLLAND CAROLINE
Published: November 2010

This paper considers the social symbolism of hair, how it is managed and styled in later life, and what attitudes to appearance in general and hairstyling in particular reveal about ageism in contemporary culture. The paper draws on findings from a two-year, nationwide, participative study of age discrimination in the United Kingdom, the Research on Age Discrimination (RoAD) project. Using data collected by qualitative methods, including participant diaries and interviews undertaken by older field-workers, the paper explores narratives of image and appearance related to hair and associated social responses. The paper focuses on older people's accounts of the dual processes of the production of an image and consumption of a service with reference to hairdressing – and the dilemmas these pose in later life. The findings are considered in the context of the emerging debate on the ageing body. The discussion underlines how the bodies of older people are central to their experience of discrimination and social marginalisation, and examines the relevance of the body and embodiment to the debate on discrimination. A case is made for further scrutiny of the significance of hairdressing to the lives of older people and for the need to challenge the assumption that everyday aspects of daily life are irrelevant to the policies and interventions that counter age discrimination and promote equality.
Organic food: What we know (and do not know) about consumers
Authors: Pearson David , Henryks Joanna , Jones Hannah
Published: November 2010

This paper reports on the latest contributions to over 20 years of research on organic food consumers. There is a general consensus in the literature on the reasons why people buy organic food. However, there is also a gap between consumers’ generally positive attitude toward organic food and their relatively low level of actual purchases. Product differentiation based on intangible features, such as credence attributes such as organic, in fast-moving consumer goods categories is enjoying rapid growth. However, there are many difficulties with research in this area, including the errors inherent in research that relies on consumer self-reporting methodologies. Further, in relation to organic food, there is a divergence between consumers’ perception of its superior health features and scientific evidence. Fresh fruits and vegetables are of vital importance to the organic sector as they are the entry point for many customers and account for one-third of sales. Further, although there is a small proportion of dedicated organic food buyers, most sales come from the majority of buyers who switch between conventional and organic food purchases. This paper identifies the practical implications for generic organic food marketing campaigns, as well as for increasing sales of specific products. It concludes with suggested priorities for further research.
Global observations of ring current dynamics during corotating interaction region–driven geomagnetic storms in 2008
Authors: Grimes E. W. , Perez J. D. , Goldstein J. , McComas D. J. , Valek P.
Published: November 2010

We examine the evolution of the ring current during the main and early recovery phases of three geomagnetic storms driven by corotating interaction regions. The equatorial energy density profiles of 5–30 keV ions are calculated from deconvolved energetic neutral atom images from the Two Wide‐Angle Imaging Neutral‐Atom Spectrometers mission. The energy density in the ring current is enhanced by almost a factor of 2 and stretches from postmidnight to dusk immediately following injections identified by in situ measurements. The energy density then drops back to preinjection levels within 1–2 h. We also find that there are often two peaks in the energy density following the injection, one at midnight and one close to dusk. We present the spectra for these peaks to show they contain different ion populations. The asymmetry of the ring current observed is found to agree with previous in situ and simulation studies.
Zong Jin
Authors: Boggie Linda
Published: November 2010

The primary function of the Zong Jin or Ancestral Sinews is to maintain the integrity of the anatomic and functional relationships of the head, chest and pelvic cavities and allow the circulation of Qi and Blood (Xue) in these cavities. The Ancestral Sinews include the muscles, ligaments, tendons and fascia associated with five paired muscles: the sternocleidomastoideus (SCM) muscles (connects the head to the chest), the diaphragm (connects the chest to the spine), the iliopsoas muscles (connects the spine to the pelvis), the rectus abdominus muscles (connects the chest to the pelvis) and the paravertebral and gluteal muscles which support the spine. The Ancestral Sinews also provide padded areas to absorb physical and emotional shocks and store latent external and internal pathogens to protect the Zang-fu organs. When these sinews become affected by pathology, stiffness, pain and trigger or other Ah-shi points are found when palpated and reduced range of motion can be observed in the affected region. Involvement of the Ancestral Sinews may be associated with chronic pain, lameness, dermatopathies, digestive disorders, respiratory disease and other chronic disorders that do not completely respond to routine acupuncture treatment. To fully resolve these disorders, one or more of the Ancestral Sinews may need to be released. The muscles, ligaments and tendons of the Ancestral Sinews are first addressed with acupuncture of GB-41 and GB-27. Additional treatment requires the use of specific acupoints for each one of the Ancestral Sinews as follows: for SCM GB-12, TH-17 and ST-12, for the diaphragm BL-17 and GV-4, for iliopsoas muscles ST-25 and CV-2, for rectus abdominus muscles treat tight points along the KID and ST Channels and for paravertebral muscles BL-10, BL-17, BL-23 and BL-40.
„Hufrolle“-Probleme erfolgreich behandeln
Authors: Straßer Hiltrud
Published: November 2010

Anhand von Behandlungsbeispielen werden das Erscheinungsbild, die Symptome und das Wesen des allgemein als Strahlbeinlahmheit oder Podotrochlose bezeichneten Syndroms aus der Erfahrung der Autorin erklärt und mit der internationalen Lehrmeinung sowie den anerkannten anatomischen, histologischen und physiologischen Gegebenheiten im Huf verglichen. Als erfolgreiche Behandlung des Syndroms wird die 100 %ige Wiederherstellung der vollen Leistungsfähigkeit ohne Rückfall bezeichnet.
Efficient Synthesis of Chromones with Alkenyl Functionalities by the Heck Reaction
Authors: Patonay Tamás , Vasas Attila , Kiss-Szikszai Attila , Silva Artur M. S. , Cavaleiro José A. S.
Published: November 2010

The usefulness of the Heck reaction in the field of chromones has been demonstrated. Bromochromones with the halogen atom in their rings A and B were reacted with various terminal alkenes to give hitherto unknown alkenyl‐substituted chromones. Reactivity of the substrates was found to markedly depend on the position of the bromine atom. Under phosphine‐free conditions using a phase‐transfer catalyst additive (tetrabutylammonium bromide), shorter reaction periods and usually higher yields were obtained.
Crystal structures of proline-derived enamines
Authors: Bock Dominique Anna , Lehmann Christian W. , List Benjamin
Published: November 2010

The isolation and structural characterization of both aldehyde- and ketone-derived proline enaminones are reported and discussed. Crystal structures of 10 proline enamines provide information on stereochemical aspects, i.e., double bond configuration and
syn
- vs.
anti
-positioning of the carboxylate relative to the enamine double bond. Furthermore, the obtained crystal structures are compared with the density functional theory-calculated structures of the ground and transition state and the postulated Seebach–Eschenmoser transition state.
Paper and on-line testing of graphical access symbols  in three countries using the ISO 9186 comprehension test
Authors: Foster Jeremy J. , Koyama Keiichi , Adams Austin
Published: November 2010

Graphical symbols intended to indicate priority facilities and priority seating for those with limited mobility were tested in Japan, Australia and the United Kingdom using the ISO 9186-1:2007 comprehension test. Screen presentation was used in some circumstances, paper booklet presentation in others. Results from the three countries demonstrate a high level of agreement and also that the two methods of administration had no detectable influence on results. The need to have clear agreement on response scoring to obtain international scoring consistency was shown. The use of testing as an aid to symbol redesign is discussed.
PriSM: a primer selection and matching tool for amplification and sequencing of viral genomes
Authors: Yu Qing , Ryan Elizabeth M. , Allen Todd M. , Birren Bruce W. , Henn Matthew R. , Lennon Niall J.
Published: November 2010

Summary: PriSM is a set of algorithms designed to select and match degenerate primer pairs for the amplification of viral genomes. The design of panels of hundreds of primer pairs takes just hours using this program, compared with days using a manual approach. PriSM allows for rapid in silico optimization of primers for downstream applications such as sequencing. As a validation, PriSM was used to create an amplification primer panel for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Clade B.

Availability: The program is freely available for use at: www.broadinstitute.org/perl/seq/specialprojects/primerDesign.cgi

Contact:  nlennon@broadinstitute.org

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Interannual variability in size structure, age, and growth of jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) assessed by modal progression analysis
Authors: Keyl Friedemann , Argüelles Juan , Tafur Ricardo
Published: November 2010

Keyl, F., Argüelles, J., and Tafur, R. 2011. Interannual variability in size structure, age, and growth of jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) assessed by modal progression analysis. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: . A range of growth rates, longevity, maximum size, and number of annual cohorts have been documented for jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas). Genetic and phenotypic plasticity have been mentioned as possible sources of the differences in maximum sizes. Here, a large dataset on length frequencies derived from the industrial jig fishery for the species off Peru from 1991 to 2007 was corrected for observation bias introduced by the fishing gear and used to analyse growth-related parameters by modal progression analysis (MPA). Mean growth rates of 33 cohorts varied interannually (11–44 mm month−1), as did longevity (11.1–32.1 months) and mean maximum size (273–1024 mm). Intra-annual difference in growth parameters was not significant. The number of cohorts per year fluctuated between 0 and 6. Fast-growing cohorts with medium longevity and large terminal size were found during moderately cool periods, and long-lived, slow-growing cohorts with small terminal size during extreme ecosystem conditions (El Niño and La Niña). The application of MPA to cephalopod populations has been rejected before, but the results presented suggest that a modified approach is appropriate if it allows for varying growth parameters and includes a correction for observation bias.
A dynamic dose–response model to account for exposure patterns in risk assessment: a case study in inhalation anthrax
Authors: Mayer Bryan T. , Koopman James S. , Ionides Edward L. , Pujol Josep M. , Eisenberg Joseph N. S.
Published: November 2010

The most commonly used dose–response models implicitly assume that accumulation of dose is a time-independent process where each pathogen has a fixed risk of initiating infection. Immune particle neutralization of pathogens, however, may create strong time dependence; i.e. temporally clustered pathogens have a better chance of overwhelming the immune particles than pathogen exposures that occur at lower levels for longer periods of time. In environmental transmission systems, we expect different routes of transmission to elicit different dose–timing patterns and thus potentially different realizations of risk. We present a dose–response model that captures time dependence in a manner that incorporates the dynamics of initial immune response. We then demonstrate the parameter estimation of our model in a dose–response survival analysis using empirical time-series data of inhalational anthrax in monkeys in which we find slight dose–timing effects. Future dose–response experiments should include varying the time pattern of exposure in addition to varying the total doses delivered. Ultimately, the dynamic dose–response paradigm presented here will improve modelling of environmental transmission systems where different systems have different time patterns of exposure.
Female sticklebacks transfer information via eggs: effects of maternal experience with predators on offspring
Authors: Giesing Eric R. , Suski Cory D. , Warner Richard E. , Bell Alison M.
Published: November 2010

There is growing evidence that maternal experience influences offspring via non-genetic mechanisms. When female three-spined sticklebacks (
Gasterosteus aculeatus
) were exposed to the threat of predation, they produced larger eggs with higher cortisol content, which consumed more oxygen shortly after fertilization compared with a control group. As juveniles, the offspring of predator-exposed mothers exhibited tighter shoaling behaviour, an antipredator defence. We did not detect an effect of maternal exposure to predation risk on the somatic growth of fry. Altogether, we found that exposure to an ecologically relevant stressor during egg formation had several long-lasting consequences for offspring, some of which might be mediated by exposure to maternally derived cortisol. These results support the hypothesis that female sticklebacks might influence the development, growth and behaviour of their offspring via eggs to match their future environment.
Using human demographic history to infer natural selection reveals contrasting patterns on different families of immune genes
Authors: Amos William , Bryant Clare
Published: November 2010

Detecting regions of the human genome that are, or have been, influenced by natural selection remains an important goal for geneticists. Many methods are used to infer selection, but there is a general reliance on an accurate understanding of how mutation and recombination events are distributed, and the well-known link between these processes and their evolutionary transience introduces uncertainty into inferences. Here, we present and apply two new, independent approaches; one based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that exploits geographical patterns in how humans lost variability as we colonized the world, the other based on the relationship between microsatellite repeat number and heterozygosity. We show that the two methods give concordant results. Of these, the SNP-based method is both widely applicable and detects selection over a well-defined time interval, the last 50 000 years. Analysis of all human genes by their Gene Ontology codes reveals how accelerated and decelerated loss of variability are both preferentially associated with immune genes. Applied to 168 immune genes used as the focus of a previous study, we show that members of the same gene family tend to yield similar indices of selection, even when located on different chromosomes. We hope our approach will provide a useful tool with which to infer where selection has acted to shape the human genome.
Association of thromboxane A2 receptor (TBXA2R) gene polymorphism in patients with aspirin‐intolerant acute urticaria
Authors: Palikhe N. S. , Kim S.‐H. , Lee H.‐Y. , Kim J.‐H. , Ye Y.‐M. , Park H.‐S.
Published: November 2010

Cite this as: N. S. Palikhe, S.‐H. Kim,H.‐Y. Lee, J.‐H. Kim, Y.‐M. Ye and H.‐S. Park, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 179–185.

Background
The thromboxane A2 receptor (TBXA2R) is a potent broncho‐ and vaso‐constrictor and is associated with leukotriene synthesis. Polymorphisms in the TBXA2R gene have been linked to atopy, asthma, and atopic dermatitis. This study evaluated the association between genetic TBXA2R variants and the development of acetyl salicylic acid (ASA)‐intolerant acute urticaria (AIAU).

Methods
AIAU patients (n=167), ASA‐intolerant chronic urticaria (AICU) patients (n=149), and healthy controls (NC) (n=265) were included. All patients were enrolled at Ajou University Hospital in Suwon, Korea. Two TBXA2R polymorphisms (−4684T>C and 795T>C) were genotyped by primer extension using a SNAPshot ddNTP primer extension kit. Luciferase activity was measured using a dual‐luciferase reporter assay kit. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was performed using a nuclear extract from a human mast cell line (HMC‐1).

Results
Genetic association data demonstrated that compared with NC subjects, AIAU patients had a significantly higher frequency of the homozygous TT genotype of TBXA2R−4684T>C (P=0.005, Pcorr=0.03). No differences were identified between the AICU and the NC groups. Luciferase activity, reflecting promoter activity, was significantly lower with the TBXA2R−4684T‐containing construct than with the −4684C‐containing construct (P<0.001); the activity decreased further upon co‐transfection with ETS‐like gene transcription factor‐1 (ELK‐1) (P=0.012). EMSA revealed that the −4684T allele produced a specific shifted band, with a greater affinity than that produced by the −4684C allele.

Conclusion and clinical relevance
These results suggest that the TBXA2R−4684T allele may be associated with lower TBXA2R expression, which may contribute to the development of the AIAU phenotype.
The butterfly subfamily Pseudopontiinae is not monobasic: marked genetic diversity and morphology reveal three new species of Pseudopontia (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)
Authors: MITTER KIM T. , LARSEN TORBEN B. , DE PRINS WILLY , DE PRINS JURATE , COLLINS STEVE , VANDE WEGHE GAËL , SÁFIÁN SZABOLCS , ZAKHAROV EVGENY V. , HAWTHORNE DAVID J. , KAWAHARA AKITO Y. , REGIER JEROME C.
Published: November 2010

The Afrotropical butterfly subfamily Pseudopontiinae (Pieridae) was traditionally thought to comprise one species, with two subspecies (Pseudopontia paradoxa paradoxa Felder & Felder and Pseudopontia paradoxa australis Dixey) differing in a single detail of a hindwing vein. The two subspecies also differ in their known geographic distributions (mainly north of versus south of the equator). Unlike most butterflies, Pseudopontia is white with no visible wing or body markings. We now report that males of P. paradoxa australis have an area of ultraviolet‐reflecting scales along the anal vein of the forewing, whereas males of P. paradoxa paradoxa and all females do not. A total of 21 individuals of the northern subspecies, which were collected in three localities south of the equator, were found in the collection of the Royal Museum for Central Africa, indicating sympatry of the two traditional subspecies in the Congo River basin. To determine if additional cryptic species might be present, we sequenced three nuclear genes (CAD, DDC and wingless) as well as cytochrome oxidase I (COI), examined amplified fragment‐length polymorphisms, and re‐examined wing and genitalic morphology, using recently collected specimens from several regions of Africa. Phylogenetic analyses of the COI sequences and amplified fragment‐length polymorphism data concur, and indicate the existence of at least five monophyletic, non‐interbreeding populations, with a particularly deep divergence between three populations of P. paradoxa paradoxa and two of P. paradoxa australis. Despite the slow rate of evolution of the nuclear genes studied, individual gene trees and a concatenated three‐gene tree demonstrate, with high bootstrap support, clear divergence among the five populations of Pseudopontia. In addition, consistent variations in details of wing vein stalks were found among four of the genetically distinct populations, which supports the hypothesis of multiple species. Division of Pseudopontia into five phylogenetic species is proposed, including the elevation of ssp. australis to species rank and the description of Pseudopontia mabira, Pseudopontia gola and Pseudopontia zambezi
India calling: harnessing the promise of mobile phones for HIV healthcare
Authors: Shet Anita , de Costa Ayesha
Published: November 2010

The technology that has been able to straddle the digital divide most effectively in resource‐constrained settings has been the mobile phone. The tremendous growth seen in Africa and Asia in mobile phone use over the last half decade has spurred plans to integrate mobile phones with healthcare delivery globally. A major challenge in HIV healthcare is sustaining good adherence to antiretroviral treatment. This report focuses on specific applications of mobile phones in the area of HIV healthcare delivery. It highlights the widespread use of mobile phones in developing areas of the world, those which have a heavy burden of HIV and infectious diseases. There is scope for exploiting existing mobile phone technology and infrastructure for healthcare enhancement in resource‐constrained settings.
Quality of life of children with spina bifida in Kenya is not related to the degree of the spinal defects
Authors: Cornegé‐Blokland Esther , Jansen H. E. , de Jong‐de Vos van Steenwijk C. C. E. , Poenaru Dan
Published: November 2010

Objectives  To assess the relationship between the degree of symptoms and defects caused by spina bifida and the quality of life (QoL) of children with spina bifida in Kenya.

Methods  Children with spina bifida at BethanyKids at Kijabe Hospital, at mobile clinics throughout Kenya and a control group of healthy children were interviewed regarding their QoL. The SEIQoL‐DW was used as an instrument to measure the QoL. This instrument can transfer well across cultures by using open questions clustered in six domains chosen based on the study group responses. Symptoms and impairment caused by spina bifida were obtained from the medical files.

Results  Sixty‐nine per cent of 102 patients with spina bifida had a myelomeningocele, 59% had hydrocephalus, and of 49 incontinent children older than 2.5 years, 67% used clean intermittent catheterization. Quality of life of children was 65.1 on a scale from 0 to 100, compared to 78.0 in the healthy control group. Not one single determinant made a significant difference in the overall QoL. The most important domains were ‘development’ and ‘self‐actualization’. The lowest scores were found in the domain ‘health and disease’.

Conclusion  This study showed no significant influence of the degree of defects of spina bifida on the QoL, but identified domains that can be targeted for improvement in children with spina bifida.
Effects of Experience on Short‐ and Long‐term Foraging Performance in Bumblebees
Authors: Durisko Zachary , Shipp Les , Dukas Reuven
Published: November 2010

Honeybees in natural settings show a gradual increase in foraging performance similar to the general pattern of lifetime performance seen in a wide variety of animals including humans. To quantify the factors contributing to such gradual increase in foraging success, we studied bumblebees foraging on pepper plants inside a greenhouse. This allowed us to combine the global measure of the net rate of food delivery to the hive with a detailed examination of bees’ performance at flowers over time. Although bees exhibited short‐term improvements in foraging ability during their first few foraging trips, we did not observe the predicted long‐term increase in performance over days. Our results suggest that a variety of flower‐handling tasks, flower choice and movements between plants can be learned quickly under the simple greenhouse settings. The long‐term increase in performance under natural settings may be caused by factors including spatial orientation and locating the best plant species, flower patches and individual plants over a large area.
Robotic extended pelvic lymphadenectomy for bladder cancer with increased nodal yield
Authors: Lavery Hugh J. , Martinez‐Suarez Humberto J. , Abaza Ronney
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?

The standard of care for invasive bladder cancer is open radical cystectomy with the extent of pelvic lymph node dissection impacting oncological outcomes. Scepticism remains regarding whether an adequate node dissection can be performed in minimally‐invasive fashion as previously reported nodal yields of laparoscopic or robotic lymphadenectomy are well below those reported with open surgery. This study demonstrates that extended pelvic lymphadenectomy can be performed robotically with equivalent nodal yields to open series from centres of excellence.

OBJECTIVE

• To report our initial experience with robot‐assisted extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND) using a standardized open template.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

• In total, 15 consecutive patients underwent robotic radical cystectomy at a single center by a single surgeon using a standard dissection template.

• Operating time, time to perform ePLND, pathological stage, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, number of nodes obtained and nodal positivity were assessed. Postoperative complications and re‐admissions were reviewed.

RESULTS

• The mean (range) age and body mass index was 66 (46–87) years and 29 (22–43) kg/m2, respectively. The mean (range) operating time and ePLND time was 423 (300–506) min and 107 (66–160) min. Mean (range) estimated blood loss was 160 (50–500) mL.

• The mean (range) and median length of hospital stay were 3.4 (3–7) days and 3 days, respectively. The mean (range) nodal yield was 41.8 (18–67) nodes, with greater than 25 nodes in 13 patients.

• Three patients were found to have nodal positivity. Of the fifteen patients, four received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Two patients were re‐admitted for postoperative complications within 30 days.

• There were no complications directly resulting from the ePLND.

CONCLUSIONS

• Robot‐assisted ePLND at the time of cystectomy can be safely and effectively performed on the robotic platform with comparable nodal yields to open series at centers of excellence for cystectomy.

• Nodal yields are likely to comprise a factor related to the effort of the surgeon, and not the method by which the lymphadenectomy is performed.
Resolving Incompatibilities of Bilateral Investment Treaties of the EU Member States with the EC Treaty: Individual and Collective Options
Authors: Ghouri Ahmad Ali
Published: November 2010

Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) concluded by the EU Member States contain substantially similar clauses, including free movement of capital and investor‐to‐state dispute resolution. Article 307 EC provides for the primacy of pre‐accession treaties over the EC Treaty and simultaneously requires the Member States to eliminate their mutual incompatibilities. The European Court of Justice has declared that free movement of capital clauses of Austrian and Swedish pre‐accession extra‐EU BITs are incompatible with the EC Treaty as they will impede any restrictions on the movement of capital imposed as future Community legislation. A similar ‘free movement of capital’ clause is present in all extra‐EU BITs of the Member States, whether pre‐ or post‐accession. Article 307, however, does not apply to the post‐accession treaties which are equally capable of contriving the same consequences of impeding the application of the EC Treaty. In addition, the application of intra‐EU BITs provides investors from BIT party states access to the investor‐to‐state dispute resolution which is not available to investors from the Member States who do not have BITs with those Member States. This is discrimination and may distort the principle of equal treatment within the EU. Furthermore, the newly acceding EU States are facing extensive arbitral claims for carrying out the BIT‐EU conflicting obligations within their respective territories.
Improving Prisoner‐Staff Relationships: Exporting Grendon's Good Practice
Authors: BENNETT PETER , SHUKER RICHARD
Published: November 2010

Abstract: Early in 2009, the newly appointed Director of Offender Management, South‐East Region, asked the Governor of Grendon to lead a flagship project to improve the quality of prisoner‐staff relationships in the region's prisons. A recent HM Chief Inspector's report on Parkhurst had been highly critical, while Grendon has been repeatedly praised by HM Chief Inspector for its outstanding and excellent prisoner‐staff relationships. The flagship project, now an innovation project, encompasses a wide range of initiatives throughout the South‐East Region, one of which seeks to identify aspects of the Grendon regime which could be distilled and transferred to other prisons in order to assist in improving prisoner engagement and interactions with staff. This article describes how the Head of Psychology at Grendon, along with a group of Grendon prisoners, have set about distilling aspects of the Grendon regime with a view to exporting them to HMP Isle of Wight. This work forms part of a developing link between the two prisons.
Grendon's Contribution to Therapeutic Communities and Personality Disorder1
Authors: HAIGH REX
Published: November 2010

Abstract: This article describes and reflects on some of the author's professional experiences in visiting therapeutic communities (TCs) that had a significant effect on his understanding of professional relationships, the unique nature of therapy in a prison TC, and the qualities of the therapeutic milieu in a now closed residential TC for personality disorder in the National Health Service. The final section urges a more expansive and outward‐looking perspective, and draws together contemporary themes about new developments in the wider field of therapeutic environments. It concludes with an optimistic portrayal of a future where the principles and values behind this work are more widely understood and adopted.
‘We took a bath with the chickens’: memories of childhood visits to the homeland by second‐generation Greek and Greek Cypriot ‘returnees’
Authors: KING RUSSELL , CHRISTOU ANASTASIA , TEERLING JANINE
Published: November 2010

Drawing on a wider study of 90 second‐generation Greeks and Greek Cypriots who have relocated to their ancestral homeland, in this article we focus on the significance of childhood visits to the homeland. Freedom – how children were allowed to roam free and stay up late – is the key trope of such memories, in contrast with the strict spatio‐temporal parenting they received in the host country. Different, sometimes less pleasant memories, however, emerge when the visits took place during later, teenage years. We explore the connections between childhood visits and adult relocation. Adult returnees find that settlement in the homeland produces a new set of challenges and reactions that differ markedly from childhood experiences and memories. They engage a second narrative trope, nostalgia, reflecting on the loss of the ‘authentic’ nature of the homeland and its customs and values. Instead, they highlight the materialism and xenophobia of Greek and Cypriot society nowadays. However, they see the ‘homeland’ as a safer place in which to raise their own children.
Educational implications following idiopathic encephalopathy and prolonged coma: a longitudinal case study
Authors: Jurecska Diomaris E. , Hamilton Elizabeth B. , McConnell Courtney E.
Published: November 2010

This paper explores standard considerations of accommodations for paediatric acquired brain injury (ABI) survivors as illustrated through an intensive case study. Specifically, we explore methods by which school systems can enhance a middle school student's learning environment after losing 30 points in his intellectual functioning (IQ) following a rare coma recovery. For the purpose of this paper, coma is defined as a period following neurological injury or illness during which an individual does not open his/her eyes and does not have sleep–wake cycles. This case emphasises the use of current behavioural evidence‐based treatments in young ABI patients. Multiple comparisons are especially beneficial in delineating the strength of intervention modalities and specific challenges unique to this population. Current data are of particular interest because measures of both pre‐ and post‐morbid functioning are available, because of earlier school testing for a pre‐existing learning disability. Finally, implications for prognosis and treatment of young ABI patients are discussed.
Antioxidative mechanisms protect resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus against ciprofloxacin oxidative damage
Authors: Páez Paulina Laura , Becerra María Cecilia , Albesa Inés
Published: November 2010

The aim of this investigation was to determine whether the antioxidant defences protect resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus against ciprofloxacin oxidative damage. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined by chemiluminescence and nitric oxide (NO) was assayed by Griess reaction. The accumulation of ciprofloxacin was examined by fluorometry and oxidation of protein, catalase, ferrous reduction antioxidant potency (FRAP), carbonyls and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), studied by spectrophotometry. Ciprofloxacin stimulated higher production of ROS and NO in the susceptible strains than in the resistant ones. There was higher accumulation of antibiotic in sensitive strains than in resistant ones, except for the most resistant strain, which accumulated an elevated amount of antibiotic. The FRAP/ciprofloxacin accumulation ratio of the antibiotic was lower in sensitive than in resistant strains. The most resistant strain exhibited the highest FRAP and presented a high catalase activity. There was oxidation of proteins in the presence of ciprofloxacin, with the carbonyl residues increasing in sensitive and resistant S. aureus. The degradation of carbonyls to AOPP in oxidized proteins was higher in the resistant than in sensitive strains. In conclusion, an increase in antioxidant capacity and a rapid oxidation of carbonyls to AOPP contributed to resistance to ciprofloxacin.
An Animal Model for Ectopy‐Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: AKOUM NAZEM W. , DACCARETT MARCOS , WASMUND STEPHEN L. , HAMDAN MOHAMED H.
Published: November 2010

Background:
 Ectopy‐induced cardiomyopathy is an increasingly recognized cause of reversible left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. The underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Our goal was to create an animal model for ectopy‐induced cardiomyopathy.

Methods:
 Eleven mongrel dogs underwent the implantation of a dual‐chamber pacemaker. Four dogs served as the control group and seven as the paced group. In the paced group, the pacemaker was connected to two endocardial right ventricular leads, one inserted into the atrial port and the other one into the ventricular port with an atrioventricular delay adjusted to ensure the presence of coupled pacing simulating ventricular bigeminy. Echocardiographic measurements of LV size (LV end‐diastolic diameter [LV‐EDD], LV end‐systolic diameter [LV‐ESD]), LV ejection fraction (LVEF), and mitral regurgitation (MR) were obtained at baseline and after 4 weeks of monitoring or pacing in all dogs except one who had lead dislodgement.

Results:
 In the control group (n = 4), no significant changes in LV dimensions or function were noted. In the paced group (n = 6), LV‐EDD and LV‐ESD increased from 3.58 ± 0.65 cm and 2.47 ± 0.55 cm to 4.15 ± 0.59 cm and 3.21 ± 0.47 cm, respectively (P < 0.01). In addition, LVEF decreased from 60 ± 7% to 46 ± 9% (P < 0.05). No changes in MR were noted.

Conclusion:
 We have shown that coupled pacing simulating ventricular bigeminy was feasible and resulted in increased LV dimensions and decreased LV function. By controlling the percentage of pacing, the coupling interval and the location of the pacing lead, this new model will allow the assessment of the relative roles of these variables in the development of ectopy‐induced cardiomyopathy. (PACE 2011; 34:291–295)
Long‐Term Outcomes after Pocket or Scar Revision and Reimplantation of Pacemakers with Preerosion
Authors: CASSAGNEAU ROMAIN , PLOUX SYLVAIN , RITTER PHILIPPE , JAN EMILIE , BARANDON LAURENT , DEPLAGNE ANTOINE , CLEMENTY JACQUES , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL , BORDACHAR PIERRE
Published: November 2010

Introduction:
 Cardiac pacemakers with preerosion are often reimplanted. Preerosion may be caused by an evolving local infectious process affecting the entire pacing system or by mechanical migration of the device causing ischemic necrosis of the skin tissues. We examined the long‐term outcome of 33 patients who underwent pocket or scar revision and submuscular reimplantation of cardiac pacemakers in our institution.

Methods:
 Before undergoing pocket or scar revision and reimplantation, all patients (1) had negative serial blood cultures, (2) had no vegetation on transesophageal echocardiography, (3) had a normal blood C‐reactive protein concentrations, (4) were afebrile, (5) had no cutaneous breakthrough, and (6) presented with preerosion of the pulse generator or granulomatous‐like scar abnormality.

Results:
 The mean follow‐up was 37 ± 12 months. Among 16 patients presenting with preerosion associated with signs of local cutaneous inflammation, 62.5% developed an infection of the pacing system requiring later explantation. Of eight patients presenting initially with migration of the pulse generator and mechanical protrusion, none required subsequent explantation of the system. Among nine patients presenting initially with granulomatous‐like scar abnormalities, 55.6% underwent explantation of the pacing system during follow‐up for management of documented local infection.

Conclusions:
 The reimplantation of pulse generators with preerosion in the presence of local inflammatory manifestations or granulomatous‐like changes of the scar is complicated by documented cardiac pacemaker infection in >50% of cases. In these patients, the explantation of the pacing system is recommended before the development of prognostically much more serious spread of infection to the leads and cardiac tissues. (PACE 2011; 34:150–154)
Thermodynamics and Thermal Stability of Phase Transformations in Se80−xTe20Agx (x=0, 3, 5, 7, and 9) Glasses
Authors: Naqvi Sayed Faheem , Saxena Narendra S. , Deepika  , Bhandari Deepika
Published: November 2010

Specific heat measurements have been made on Se80−xTe20Agx (x=0, 3, 5, 7, and 9) glassy alloys using differential scanning calorimetry technique. The thermodynamic behavior of these glassy alloys have been studied by analyzing the temperature dependence of the entropy difference (ΔS), enthalpy difference (ΔH), and Gibbs free energy difference (ΔG) from the glass to crystalline phase of these alloys. An effort has also been made to determine the stability of these glasses using the data obtained from the different thermodynamic quantities. This study reveals that the stability of the samples increases with the increase in silver (Ag) content in the investigated series of the glass alloys.
The Neopuff’s PEEP valve is flow sensitive
Authors: Hawkes Colin Patrick , Dempsey Eugene Michael , Ryan C Anthony
Published: November 2010

Aim:  The current recommendation in setting up the Neopuff is to use a gas flow of 5–15 L/min. We investigated if the sensitivity of the positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) valve varies at different flow rates within this range.

Methods:  Five Neopuffs were set up to provide a PEEP of 5 cm H2O. The number of clockwise revolutions to complete occlusion of the PEEP valve and the mean and range of pressures at each quarter clockwise revolution were recorded at gas flow rates between 5 and 15 L/min.

Results:  At 5, 10 and 15 L/min, 0.5, 1.7 and 3.4 full clockwise rotations were required to completely occlude the PEEP valve, and pressures rose from 5 to 11.4, 18.4 and 21.5 cm H2O, respectively. At a flow rate of 5 L/min, half a rotation of the PEEP dial resulted in a rise in PEEP from 5 to 11.4 cmH2O. At 10 L/min, half a rotation resulted in a rise from 5 to 7.7 cmH2O, and at 15 L/min PEEP rose from 5 to 6.8 cmH2O.

Conclusion:  Users of the Neopuff should be aware that the PEEP valve is more sensitive at lower flow rates and that half a rotation of the dial at 5 L/min gas flow can more than double the PEEP.
Diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphisms for identifying westslope cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarki lewisi), Yellowstone cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: KALINOWSKI S. T. , NOVAK B. J. , DRINAN D. P. , DeM JENNINGS R. , VU N. V.
Published: November 2010

We describe 12 diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assays for use in species identification among rainbow and cutthroat trout: five of these loci have alleles unique to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), three unique to westslope cutthroat trout (O. clarkii lewisi) and four unique to Yellowstone cutthroat trout (O. clarkii bouvieri). These diagnostic assays were identified using a total of 489 individuals from 26 populations and five fish hatchery strains.
Gelatin/glycerol coating to preserve mechanically compliant nanowire electrodes from damage during brain implantation
Authors: Witteveen Jolanda A. , Suyatin Dmitry B. , Gällentoft Lina , Schouenborg Jens , Danielsen Nils , Prinz Christelle N.
Published: November 2010

Chronically implanted neural implants are of clinical importance. However, currently used electrodes have several drawbacks. Some weeks after implantation in the brain, a glial scar forms around the electrode, causing decreased electrode functionality. Nanostructures, and in particular nanowires, are good candidates to overcome these drawbacks and reduce glial scar formation. Using a mechanically compliant substrate with protruding nanowires could further decrease the glial scar formation by reducing the mechanical mismatch between the tissue and the electrode. However, flexible substrates require strengthening upon brain implantation. One solution consists of embedding the implant in a gelatin-based matrix, which is resorbable. In the case where nanostructures are present at the surface of the implant, it is crucial that the embedding matrix also preserves the nanostructures, which can be challenging considering the forces involved during the drying phase of gelatin. Here, the authors show that freestanding gallium phosphide nanowires coated with hafnium oxide (HfO2), titanium (Ti), and gold (Au) were preserved in a gelatin-glycerol embedding matrix with subsequent implantation in 1% agar, which is a model for brain implantation.