bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TRPV1 antagonist, A‐889425, inhibits mechanotransmission in a subclass of rat primary afferent neurons following peripheral inflammation
Authors: Brederson Jill‐Desiree , Chu Katharine L. , Reilly Regina M. , Brown Brian S. , Kym Philip R. , Jarvis Michael F. , McGaraughty Steve
Published: September 2011

TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid family type 1) is a nonselective cation channel that is activated and/or sensitized by noxious heat, protons, and other endogenous molecules released following tissue injury. In addition, a role for TRPV1 in mechanotransmission is emerging. We have recently reported that a selective TRPV1 receptor antagonist, A‐889425, reduces mechanical allodynia and spinal neuron responses to mechanical stimulation of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)‐inflamed rat hind paws. The population of peripheral nerve fibers through which TRPV1 antagonists mediate their effect on mechanotransmission have not yet been described. The objective of this study was to characterize TRPV1‐mediated modulation of mechanically evoked activity in sensory axons innervating rat hind paws. We used an in vitro skin‐nerve preparation to record neural activity from single axons isolated from rat tibial nerve. Single fibers were classified by conduction velocity, mechanical threshold, and stimulus–response relationships. We used A‐889425 to investigate uninjured and inflamed skin afferent neuron populations to evoked mechanical stimulation. Application of A‐889425 had no effect on the mechanical responsiveness of Aδ and C‐fiber units innervating uninjured skin. In contrast, A‐889425 inhibited responses of slowly conducting Aδ fiber units to noxious mechanical stimulation in a population of axons innervating CFA‐inflamed hind paws. These data support a role for TRPV1 in mechanotransmission following peripheral inflammation, and highlight the importance of a distinct subclass of primary afferent neurons in mediating this effect. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of various dating formulae on sonographic estimation of gestational age in extremely preterm infants
Authors: Simic M. , Amer‐WÅhlin I. , Maršál K. , Källén K.
Published: September 2011

Objectives

Gestational age (GA) is one of the most important obstetric factors and prediction of date of delivery is usually based on ultrasonographic fetal measurements. Our aim was to determine whether applying three different dating formulae to a cohort of extremely preterm infants influenced the estimation of their GA.

Methods

This was a study of 513 infants delivered before 27 gestational weeks, included in a Swedish national population study (EXPRESS), with information available on mid‐trimester ultrasonographically measured biparietal diameter and femur length. We applied using these parameters three dating formulae, the Persson & Weldner formula, commonly used in Sweden, the Hadlock formula and the Mul formula, and compared their GA estimates to the clinically reported GA (recorded at delivery) and the last menstrual period (LMP)‐based GA.

Results

The mean reported GA was 173.2 days, corresponding well to the GA according to the Persson & Weldner dating formula (173.3). The mean GA according to LMP, the Hadlock formula and the Mul formula were 176.8, 175.3 and 175.6 days, respectively. The Hadlock and Mul GA estimates differed significantly from that based on the Persson & Weldner formula (both P‐values < 10−6). Among 68 pregnancies with a reported duration of 22 weeks, 33 (49%) had a duration of 23 weeks or more when GA was calculated according to LMP and 22 (32%) when GA was calculated according to the Hadlock formula.

Conclusion

Estimated GA among infants delivered before 27 gestational weeks varied significantly depending on the dating formula used to calculate the estimated date of delivery; this might influence the clinical management of extremely preterm fetuses and infants. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasonographic fetal head position to predict mode of delivery: a systematic review and bivariate meta‐analysis
Authors: Verhoeven C. J. M. , Rückert M. E. P. F. , Opmeer B. C. , Pajkrt E. , Mol B. W. J.
Published: September 2011

Objective

We performed a systematic review to determine whether sonographic assessment of occipital position of the fetal head can contribute to the prediction of the mode of delivery.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search of electronic databases from inception to May 2011. Two reviewers independently extracted data from the included studies. We used a bivariate model to estimate point estimates for sensitivity and specificity curves for the outcome Cesarean delivery. Eligible studies were cohort studies or cross‐sectional studies that reported on both the position of the fetal head, as assessed by ultrasound, before or at the beginning of active labor as well as the outcome of labor in women at term.

Results

We included 11 primary articles reporting on 5053 women, of whom 898 had a Cesarean section. All studies indicated disappointing values for sensitivity and specificity in the prediction of Cesarean section. Summary point estimates of sensitivity and specificity were 0.39 (95% CI, 0.32–0.48) and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.67–0.74), respectively.

Conclusion

Sonographic assessment of occipital position of the fetal head before delivery should not be used in the prediction of mode of delivery. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Basic Bismuth(III) Dodecahydro‐closo‐Dodecaborate Hydrate: [Bi6O4(OH)4][B12H12]3·10H2O
Authors: Zimmermann Lucas W. , Schleid Thomas
Published: September 2011

The reaction of Bi2O3 with an aqueous solution of(H3O)2[B12H12] leads to a basic bismuth(III) dodecahydro‐closo‐dodecaborate hydrate in the shape of colorless, hexagonally plate‐shaped single crystals. The new compound with the formula [Bi6O4(OH)4][B12H12]3·10H2O crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c(a = 1837.15(9), b = 1810.64(9), c = 1360.28(7) pm, β = 90.867(3)°) with four formula units per unit cell. The crystal structure contains six crystallographically independent Bi3+ cations forming an octahedral (Bi3+)6 cluster with eight oxygen atoms capping all octahedral faces. Four of these particles represent oxide anions, whereas the other four belong to hydroxide groups. These eight oxidic ligands themselves arrange around the (Bi3+)6 cluster in the shape of a trigonal dodecahedron. Furthermore seven water molecules are situated around each cationic [Bi6O4(OH)4]6+ complex to complete the coordination sphere of every Bi3+ cation and three more serve to fill up voids in the crystal structure. In addition, direct hydrogen contacts of the quasi‐icosahedral [B12H12]2– anions to the bismuth(III) cations occur. Despite this fact the icosahedral shape of these charge‐compensating [B12H12]2– cluster anions is only slightly distorted.
A New Co‐Ni‐Heterometallic Butterfly Complex Obtained via a Novel Synthesis Approach
Authors: Carrella Luca M. , Schollmeyer Dieter , Rentschler Eva
Published: September 2011

Abstract. The heterometallic complex [Co2Ni2(OH)2(O2CtBu)6(HOEt)6]·2EtOH (1) with a so called butterfly structural motif was prepared by reaction of the homometallic precursor complexes [Co2(H2O)(O2CtBu)4(HO2CtBu)4] and [Ni2(H2O)(O2CtBu)4(HO2CtBu)4] in an one to one ratio under elevate temperature. Complex 1 was characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, atomic absorption spectroscopy, elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The magnetic data show an overall antiferromagnetic behavior, which can be explained with three different coupling constants, resulting in a paramagnetic ground state.
The Reaction of BeCl2 with Carbodiphosphorane C(PPh3)2; Experimental and Theoretical Studies
Authors: Petz Wolfgang , Dehnicke Kurt , Holzmann Nicole , Frenking Gernot , Neumüller Bernhard
Published: September 2011

The use of 2‐Br‐fluorobenzene as the solvent permitted the isolation of the addition compound [Cl2Be(C{PPh3}2)] (5) from the reaction of the carbodiphosphorane 1 (carbon) with BeCl2 featuring a three coordinate beryllium atom. In other solvents such as THF, DCM, etc. deprotonation occurs with formation of the cations (HC{PPh3}2)+ or (H2C{PPh3}2)2+. Compound 5 was characterized by an X‐ray diffraction analysis. The analysis of the bonding situation in Cl2Be←1 reveals that the orbital donation comes mainly from the σ lone‐pair orbital of 1, whereas the π donation is rather weak. However, the Cl2Be←1 π donation appears strong enough to make the donation of a second donor species 1 unfavorable. The calculation of 1→Cl2Be←1 shows that the latter complex is higher in energy than 1→Cl2Be and free 1. The carbodiphosphorane may bind, albeit weakly, a second BeCl2 species in the complex Cl2Be←1→BeCl2. The bond dissociation energies for the first and second BeCl2 fragments are De = 31.8 kcal·mol–1 and 7.0 kcal·mol–1. The dimerization of Cl2Be←1 is energetically slightly endoenergetic.
Anthocyanin kinetics are dependent on anthocyanin structure
Authors: Novotny Janet A. , Clevidence Beverly A. , Kurilich Anne C.
Published: September 2011

The kinetics of anthocyanin metabolism was investigated in a human feeding trial. Volunteers (n 12) consumed purple carrots containing five anthocyanin forms: cyanidin-3-(xylose-glucose-galactoside), cyanidin-3-(xylose-galactoside), cyanidin-3-(xylose-sinapoyl-glucose-galactoside), cyanidin-3-(xylose-feruloyl-glucose-galactoside) and cyanidin-3-(xylose-coumuroyl-glucose-galactoside). The purple carrots were served as three different treatments in a crossover design with a 3-week washout between treatments. Purple carrot treatments were 250 g raw carrots, 250 g cooked carrots and 500 g cooked carrots. Serial blood and urine samples were collected for 8 and 24 h after the dose, respectively, and analysed for anthocyanins. Of the anthocyanin forms ingested, four were detected in plasma and urine: cyanidin-3-(xylose-glucose-galactoside), cyanidin-3-(xylose-galactoside), cyanidin-3-(xylose-sinapoyl-glucose-galactoside) and cyanidin-3-(xylose-feruloyl-glucose-galactoside). The time courses of plasma and urine anthocyanin contents were evaluated with compartmental modelling. Results showed that absorption, gastrointestinal transit and plasma elimination are dependent on anthocyanin structure. Absorption efficiencies of acylated compounds (cyanidin-3-(xylose-sinapoyl-glucose-galactoside) and cyanidin-3-(xylose-feruloyl-glucose-galactoside)) were less than those for non-acylated anthocyanins (cyanidin-3-(xylose-glucose-galactoside) and cyanidin-3-(xylose-galactoside)). The acylated anthocyanins exhibited a shorter half-life for gastrointestinal absorption than the non-acylated anthocyanins. Fractional elimination of non-acylated compounds was slower than that for acylated anthocyanins. These results provide the first information about the kinetics of individual anthocyanins in human beings.
Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art Foundation v. Christoph Büchel: An Appellate Perspective on the Visual Artists Rights Act
Authors: Telesetsky Anastasia
Published: September 2011

When the U.S. Congress passed the Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA) in 1990, no legislator really anticipated that courts would be applying the act to art installations that were only half-finished. But this was the very challenge that the U.S. Appellate Court for the First Circuit faced in Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art Foundation, Inc. v. Christoph Büchel. Deliberating over a failed football-field-sized art installation wryly entitled “Training Ground for Democracy,” the appellate court was asked to determine whether VARA protected Swiss artist Büchel's moral rights in his half-finished work that if completed would have given viewers “training to be an immigrant, training to vote, protest, and revolt, training to loot, training [in] iconoclasm, training to join a political rally, training to be the objects of propaganda, training to be interrogated and detained and to be tried or to judge, training to reconstruct a disaster, training to be in conditions of suspended law, and training various other social and political behaviors.”
A Parametric Study for Four Node Bilinear EAS Shell Elements
Authors: Polat Cengiz
Published: September 2011

A locking free formulation of 4-node bilinear shell element and its application to shell structures is demonstrated. The Enhanced Assumed Strain (EAS) method based on three-field variational principle of Hu-Washizu is used in the formulation. Transverse shear locking and membrane locking are circumvented by means of enhancing the displacement-dependent strain field with extra assumed strain field. Several benchmark shell problems are analyzed.
Characterizing the sediment provenance of East Antarctica's weak underbelly: The Aurora and Wilkes sub‐glacial basins
Authors: Pierce Elizabeth L. , Williams Trevor , van de Flierdt Tina , Hemming Sidney R. , Goldstein Steven L. , Brachfeld Stefanie A.
Published: September 2011

The Wilkes and Aurora basins are large, low‐lying sub‐glacial basins that may cause areas of weakness in the overlying East Antarctic ice sheet. Previous work based on ice‐rafted debris (IRD) provenance analyses found evidence for massive iceberg discharges from these areas during the late Miocene and Pliocene. Here we characterize the sediments shed from the inferred areas of weakness along this margin (94°E to 165°E) by measuring40Ar/39Ar ages of 292 individual detrital hornblende grains from eight marine sediment core locations off East Antarctica and Nd isotopic compositions of the bulk fine fraction from the same sediments. We further expand the toolbox for Antarctic IRD provenance analyses by exploring the application of 40Ar/39Ar ages of detrital biotites; biotite as an IRD tracer eliminates lithological biases imposed by only analyzing hornblendes and allows for characterization of samples with low IRD concentrations. Our data quadruples the number of detrital 40Ar/39Ar ages from this margin of East Antarctica and leads to the following conclusions: (1) Four main sectors between the Ross Sea and Prydz Bay, separated by ice drainage divides, are distinguishable based upon the combination of 40Ar/39Ar ages of detrital hornblende and biotite grains and the εNd of the bulk fine fraction; (2) 40Ar/39Ar biotite ages can be used as a robust provenance tracer for this part of East Antarctica; and (3) sediments shed from the coastal areas of the Aurora and Wilkes sub‐glacial basins can be clearly distinguished from one another based upon their isotopic fingerprints.
Mxi2 sustains ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the nucleus by preventing ERK1/2 binding to phosphatases
Authors: Casar Berta , Rodríguez Javier , Gibor Gilad , Seger Rony , Crespo Piero
Published: September 2011

ERK1/2 (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2) MAPKs (mitogen-activated protein kinases) are tightly regulated by the cellular microenvironment in which they operate. Mxi2 is a p38α splice isoform capable of binding to ERK1/2 and ensuring their translocation to the nucleus. Therein Mxi2 sustains ERK1/2 phosphorylation levels and, as a consequence, ERK1/2 nuclear signals are enhanced. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this process are still unclear. In the present study, we show that Mxi2 prevents nuclear but not cytoplasmic phosphatases from binding to and dephosphorylating ERK1/2, disclosing an unprecedented mechanism for the spatial regulation of ERK1/2 activation. We also demonstrate that the kinetics of ERK1/2 extranuclear signals can be significantly altered by artificially tethering Mxi2 to the cytoplasm. In this case, Mxi2 abolishes ERK1/2 inactivation by cytoplasmic phosphatases and potentiates ERK1/2 functions at this compartment. These results highlight Mxi2 as a key spatial regulator of ERK1/2 functions, playing a pivotal role in the balance between ERK1/2 nuclear and cytoplasmic signals.
Effects of variations in duodenal glucose load on blood pressure, heart rate, superior mesenteric artery blood flow and plasma noradrenaline in healthy young and older subjects
Authors: Trahair Laurence G. , Vanis Lora , Gentilcore Diana , Lange Kylie , Rayner Christopher K. , Horowitz Michael , Jones Karen L.
Published: September 2011

PPH (postprandial hypotension), leading to increased morbidity and mortality, is an important clinical problem, particularly in the elderly and individuals with autonomic dysfunction. The magnitude of the postprandial fall in BP (blood pressure) appears to be dependent on the rate of nutrient entry into the small intestine and may be related to changes in splanchnic blood flow and sympathetic nerve activity. We aimed at determining the comparative effects of different ID (intraduodenal) glucose loads on BP, HR (heart rate), SMA (superior mesenteric artery) flow and vascular conductance and plasma NA (noradrenaline) in ‘young’ and ‘older’ subjects. A total of 12 ‘young’ (six male and six female; age, 22.2±2.3 years) and 12 ‘older’ (six male and six female; age, 68.7±1.0 years) subjects, the latter who have been studied previously [Vanis, Gentilcore, Rayner, Wishart, Horowitz, Feinle-Bisset and Jones (2011) Am. J. Physiol. Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol., 300, R1524–R1531], had measurements of BP, HR, SMA flow and plasma NA before, and during, ID infusions of glucose at 1, 2 or 3 kcal/min (‘G1’, ‘G2’ and ‘G3’) (where 1 kcal≈4.184 J), or ‘S’ (saline) for 60 min. In ‘young’ subjects, there was no change in BP during any of the four infusions. In contrast, in ‘older’ subjects, SBP (systolic BP) fell during ‘G2’, and ‘G3’ (P<0.005 for both), but not during ‘S’ or ‘G1’. In ‘young’ and ‘older’ subjects HR increased during ‘G2’ (P<0.05) and ‘G3’ (P<0.001), a response that was greater (P<0.05) in the young, but not during ‘S’ or ‘G1’. The rise in SMA flow and vascular conductance in response to ID glucose were load-dependent in both ‘young’ and ‘older’ subjects (P<0.001 for all), with no difference between them. Plasma NA rose in response to ‘G2’ and ‘G3’ (P<0.05) in the young, but in ‘G3’ (P<0.05) only in the ‘older’ subjects, with no difference between them. Hence, in response to small intestinal glucose infusions at 1, 2 and 3 kcal/min, ‘older’, but not ‘young’, subjects exhibit a comparable fall in BP in response to the two higher glucose loads, which may reflect an inadequate, compensatory, rise in HR, in the ‘older’ subjects, but not a greater increase in SMA conductance.
Phenomenological modeling of long range noncontact friction in micro- and nanoresonators
Authors: Gusso André
Published: September 2011

Motivated by the results of an experiment using atomic force microscopy performed by Gotsmann and Fuchs [Phys. Rev. Lett. 86, 2597 (2001)], where a strong energy loss due to the tip-sample interaction was measured, we investigate the potential implications of this energy loss channel to the quality factor of suspended micro- and nanoresonators. Because the observed tip-sample dissipation remains without a satisfactory theoretical explanation, two phenomenological models are proposed to generalize the experimental observations. In the minimal phenomenological model the range of validity of the power law found experimentally for the damping coefficient is assumed to be valid for larger separations. A more elaborate phenomenological model assumes that the noncontact friction is a consequence of the Casimir force acting between the closely spaced surfaces. Both models provide quantitative results for the noncontact friction between any two objects which are then used to estimate the energy loss for suspended bar micro- and nanoresonators. It is concluded that the energy loss due to the unknown mechanism has the potential to seriously restrict the quality factor of both micro- and nanoresonators.
Raman scattering of 4-aminobenzenethiol sandwiched between Ag nanoparticle and macroscopically smooth Au substrate: Effects of size of Ag nanoparticles and the excitation wavelength
Authors: Kim Kwan , Choi Jeong-Yong , Lee Hyang Bong , Shin Kuan Soo
Published: September 2011

A nanogap formed by a metal nanoparticle and a flat metal substrate is one kind of “hot site” for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Accordingly, although no Raman signal is observable when 4-aminobenzenethiol (4-ABT), for instance, is self-assembled on a flat Au substrate, a distinct spectrum is obtained when Ag or Au nanoparticles are adsorbed on the pendent amine groups of 4-ABT. This is definitely due to the electromagnetic coupling between the localized surface plasmon of Ag or Au nanoparticle with the surface plasmon polariton of the planar Au substrate, allowing an intense electric field to be induced in the gap even by visible light. To appreciate the Raman scattering enhancement and also to seek the optimal condition for SERS at the nanogap, we have thoroughly examined the size effect of Ag nanoparticles, along with the excitation wavelength dependence, by assembling 4-ABT between planar Au and a variable-size Ag nanoparticle (from 20- to 80-nm in diameter). Regarding the size dependence, a higher Raman signal was observed when larger Ag nanoparticles were attached onto 4-ABT, irrespective of the excitation wavelength. Regarding the excitation wavelength, the highest Raman signal was measured at 568 nm excitation, slightly larger than that at 632.8 nm excitation. The Raman signal measured at 514.5 and 488 nm excitation was an order of magnitude weaker than that at 568 nm excitation, in agreement with the finite-difference time domain simulation. It is noteworthy that placing an Au nanoparticle on 4-ABT, instead of an Ag nanoparticle, the enhancement at the 568 nm excitation was several tens of times weaker than that at the 632.8 nm excitation, suggesting the importance of the localized surface plasmon resonance of the Ag nanoparticles for an effective coupling with the surface plasmon polariton of the planar Au substrate to induce a very intense electric field at the nanogap.
Ellipsometric demonstration of the existence of a strong correlation between size distribution and optical responses of silicon nanoclusters in a nitride matrix
Authors: Keita A.-S. , En Naciri A. , Delachat F. , Carrada M. , Ferblantier G. , Slaoui A.
Published: September 2011

We report on ellipsometric study of the influence of size distribution (SD) of silicon nanoclusters (Si-ncs) in a nitride matrix on their optical responses. The latter are extracted by using a modified Maxwell-Garnett theory that explicitly takes into account inhomogeneous broadening of the Si-ncs. The effects of the size dispersion (σ) and shape (Gaussian or lognormal) of the SD are investigated. It is evidenced that the value of σ may substantially change the whole line shapes of the Si-ncs dielectric functions. We also show that a Gaussian SD may lead to somewhat different properties as compared to the lognormal one.
Connectivity of Julia sets for Weierstrass elliptic functions on square lattices
Authors: Clemons Joshua
Published: September 2011

We show that the Julia set of a Weierstrass elliptic function on a square lattice is connected. The techniques used to prove this result are used to show a similar result for a related family of rational maps obtained from the Laurent series.
Statistical wall shear stress maps of ruptured and unruptured middle cerebral artery aneurysms
Authors: Goubergrits L. , Schaller J. , Kertzscher U. , van den Bruck N. , Poethkow K. , Petz Ch. , Hege H.-Ch. , Spuler A.
Published: September 2011

Haemodynamics and morphology play an important role in the genesis, growth and rupture of cerebral aneurysms. The goal of this study was to generate and analyse statistical wall shear stress (WSS) distributions and shapes in middle cerebral artery (MCA) saccular aneurysms. Unsteady flow was simulated in seven ruptured and 15 unruptured MCA aneurysms. In order to compare these results, all geometries must be brought in a uniform coordinate system. For this, aneurysms with corresponding WSS data were transformed into a uniform spherical shape; then, all geometries were uniformly aligned in three-dimensional space. Subsequently, we compared statistical WSS maps and surfaces of ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. No significant (
p
> 0.05) differences exist between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms regarding radius and mean WSS. In unruptured aneurysms, statistical WSS map relates regions with high (greater than 3 Pa) WSS to the neck region. In ruptured aneurysms, additional areas with high WSS contiguous to regions of low (less than 1 Pa) WSS are found in the dome region. In ruptured aneurysms, we found significantly lower WSS. The averaged aneurysm surface of unruptured aneurysms is round shaped, whereas the averaged surface of ruptured cases is multi-lobular. Our results confirm the hypothesis of low WSS and irregular shape as the essential rupture risk parameters.
Muscle power attenuation by tendon during energy dissipation
Authors: Konow Nicolai , Azizi Emanuel , Roberts Thomas J.
Published: September 2011

An important function of skeletal muscle is deceleration via active muscle fascicle lengthening, which dissipates movement energy. The mechanical interplay between muscle contraction and tendon elasticity is critical when muscles produce energy. However, the role of tendon elasticity during muscular energy dissipation remains unknown. We tested the hypothesis that tendon elasticity functions as a mechanical buffer, preventing high (and probably damaging) velocities and powers during active muscle fascicle lengthening. We directly measured lateral gastrocnemius muscle force and length in wild turkeys during controlled landings requiring rapid energy dissipation. Muscle-tendon unit (MTU) strain was measured via video kinematics, independent of muscle fascicle strain (measured via sonomicrometry). We found that rapid MTU lengthening immediately following impact involved little or no muscle fascicle lengthening. Therefore, joint flexion had to be accommodated by tendon stretch. After the early contact period, muscle fascicles lengthened and absorbed energy. This late lengthening occurred after most of the joint flexion, and was thus mainly driven by tendon recoil. Temporary tendon energy storage led to a significant reduction in muscle fascicle lengthening velocity and the rate of energy absorption. We conclude that tendons function as power attenuators that probably protect muscles against damage from rapid and forceful lengthening during energy dissipation.
Constraints on the wing morphology of pterosaurs
Authors: Palmer Colin , Dyke Gareth
Published: September 2011

Animals that fly must be able to do so over a huge range of aerodynamic conditions, determined by weather, wind speed and the nature of their environment. No single parameter can be used to determine—let alone measure—optimum flight performance as it relates to wing shape. Reconstructing the wings of the extinct pterosaurs has therefore proved especially problematic: these Mesozoic flying reptiles had a soft-tissue membranous flight surface that is rarely preserved in the fossil record. Here, we review basic mechanical and aerodynamic constraints that influenced the wing shape of pterosaurs, and, building on this, present a series of theoretical modelling results. These results allow us to predict the most likely wing shapes that could have been employed by these ancient reptiles, and further show that a combination of anterior sweep and a reflexed proximal wing section provides an aerodynamically balanced and efficient theoretical pterosaur wing shape, with clear benefits for their flight stability.
Widespread genetic linkage of mating signals and preferences in the Hawaiian cricket
Laupala
Authors: Wiley Chris , Ellison Christopher K. , Shaw Kerry L.
Published: September 2011

The evolution of novel sexual communication systems is integral to the process of speciation, as it discourages gene flow between incipient species. Physical linkage between genes underlying male–female communication (i.e. sexual signals and preferences for them) facilitates both rapid and coordinated divergence of sexual communication systems between populations and reduces recombination in the face of occasional hybridization between diverging populations. Despite these ramifications of the genetic architecture of sexual communication for sexual selection and speciation, few studies have examined this relationship empirically. Previous studies of the closely related Hawaiian crickets
Laupala paranigra
and
Laupala kohalensis
have indirectly suggested that many of the genes underlying the difference in pulse rate of male song are physically linked with genes underlying the difference in female preference for pulse rate. Using marker-assisted introgression, we moved ‘slow pulse rate’ alleles from
L. paranigra
at five known quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying male pulse rate into the ‘fast pulse rate’ genetic background of
L. kohalensis
and assessed the effect of these loci on female preference. An astounding four out of five song QTL predicted the preferences of female fourth-generation backcrosses, providing direct evidence for the extensive genetic linkage of song and preference in one of the fastest diversifying genera currently known.
A New Insight into Application for Barley Chromosome Addition Lines of Common Wheat: Achievement of Stigmasterol Accumulation
Authors: Tang Jianwei , Ohyama Kiyoshi , Kawaura Kanako , Hashinokuchi Hiromi , Kamiya Yoko , Suzuki Masashi , Muranaka Toshiya , Ogihara Yasunari
Published: September 2011

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) has a much higher content of bioactive substances than wheat (Triticum aestivum). In order to investigate additive and/or synergistic effect(s) on the phytosterol content of barley chromosomes, we used a series of barley chromosome addition lines of common wheat that were produced by normal crossing. In determining the plant sterol levels in 2-week-old seedlings and dry seeds, we found that the level of stigmasterol in the barley chromosome 3 addition (3H) line in the seedlings was 1.5-fold higher than that in the original wheat line and in the other barley chromosome addition lines, but not in the seeds. Simultaneously, we determined the overall expression pattern of genes related to plant sterol biosynthesis in the seedlings of wheat and each addition line to assess the relative expression of each gene in the sterol pathway. Since we elucidated the CYP710A8 (cytochrome P450 subfamily)-encoding sterol C-22 desaturase as a key characteristic for the higher level of stigmasterol, full-length cDNAs of wheat and barley CYP710A8 genes were isolated. These CYP710A8 genes were mapped on chromosome 3 in barley (3H) and wheat (3A, 3B, and 3D), and the expression of CYP710A8 genes increased in the 3H addition line, indicating that it is responsible for stigmasterol accumulation. Overexpression of the CYP710A8 genes in Arabidopsis increased the stigmasterol content but did not alter the total sterol level. Our results provide new insight into the accumulation of bioactive compounds in common wheat and a new approach for assessing plant metabolism profiles.
Genetics, Evolution, and Adaptive Significance of the Selfing Syndrome in the GenusCapsella
Authors: Sicard Adrien , Stacey Nicola , Hermann Katrin , Dessoly Jimmy , Neuffer Barbara , Bäurle Isabel , Lenhard Michael
Published: September 2011

The change from outbreeding to selfing is one of the most frequent evolutionary transitions in flowering plants. It is often accompanied by characteristic morphological and functional changes to the flowers (the selfing syndrome), including reduced flower size and opening. Little is known about the developmental and genetic basis of the selfing syndrome, as well as its adaptive significance. Here, we address these issues using the two closely related species Capsella grandiflora (the ancestral outbreeder) and red shepherd's purse (Capsella rubella, the derived selfer). In C. rubella, petal size has been decreased by shortening the period of proliferative growth. Using interspecific recombinant inbred lines, we show that differences in petal size and flower opening between the two species each have a complex genetic basis involving allelic differences at multiple loci. An intraspecific cross within C. rubella suggests that flower size and opening have been decreased in the C. rubella lineage before its extensive geographical spread. Lastly, by generating plants that likely resemble the earliest ancestors of the C. rubella lineage, we provide evidence that evolution of the selfing syndrome was at least partly driven by selection for efficient self-pollination. Thus, our studies pave the way for a molecular dissection of selfing-syndrome evolution.
CFL1, a WW Domain Protein, Regulates Cuticle Development by Modulating the Function of HDG1, a Class IV Homeodomain Transcription Factor, in Rice andArabidopsis
Authors: Wu Renhong , Li Shibai , He Shan , Waßmann Friedrich , Yu Caihong , Qin Genji , Schreiber Lukas , Qu Li-Jia , Gu Hongya
Published: September 2011

Plants have a chemically heterogeneous lipophilic layer, the cuticle, which protects them from biotic and abiotic stresses. The mechanisms that regulate cuticle development are poorly understood. We identified a rice (Oryza sativa) dominant curly leaf mutant, curly flag leaf1 (cfl1), and cloned CFL1, which encodes a WW domain protein. We overexpressed both rice and Arabidopsis CFL1 in Arabidopsis thaliana; these transgenic plants showed severely impaired cuticle development, similar to that in cfl1 rice. Reduced expression of At CFL1 resulted in reinforcement of cuticle structure. At CFL1 was predominantly expressed in specialized epidermal cells and in regions where dehiscence and abscission occur. Biochemical evidence showed that At CFL1 interacts with HDG1, a class IV homeodomain-leucine zipper transcription factor. Suppression of HDG1 function resulted in similar defective cuticle phenotypes in wild-type Arabidopsis but much alleviated phenotypes in At cfl1-1 mutants. The expression of two cuticle development-associated genes, BDG and FDH, was downregulated in At CFL1 overexpressor and HDG1 suppression plants. HDG1 binds to the cis-element L1 box, which exists in the regulatory regions of BDG and FDH. Our results suggest that rice and Arabidopsis CFL1 negatively regulate cuticle development by affecting the function of HDG1, which regulates the downstream genes BDG and FDH.
Glycolic acid chemical peeling improves inflammatory acne eruptions through its inhibitory and bactericidal effects on Propionibacterium acnes
Authors: TAKENAKA Yuko , HAYASHI Nobukazu , TAKEDA Mikiko , ASHIKAGA Sayaka , KAWASHIMA Makoto
Published: September 2011

Glycolic acid chemical peeling is effective for treating comedones, and some clinical data show that it also improves inflammatory eruptions. The purpose of this study was to identify the mechanism of glycolic acid chemical peeling to improve inflammatory acne. To assess growth inhibitory and bactericidal effects of glycolic acid on Propionibacterium acnes in vitro, we used an agar diffusion method and a time‐kill method. To reveal bactericidal effects in vivo, we established an agar‐attached method which correlated well with the ordinary swab‐wash method, and we used the agar‐attached method to compare the numbers of propionibacteria on the cheek treated with glycolic acid chemical peeling. Our results show that 30% glycolic acid (at pH 1.5, 3.5 and 5.5) formed growth inhibitory circles in the agar diffusion method, but the diameters of those circles were smaller than with 1% nadifloxacin lotion or 1% clindamycin gel. In the time‐kill method, 30% glycolic acid (at pH 1.5 and 3.5) or 1% nadifloxacin lotion reduced the number of P. acnes to less than 100 CFU/mL within 5 min. In contrast, in 30% glycolic acid (at pH 5.5) or in 1% clindamycin gel, P. acnes survived for more than 4 h. Chemical peeling with 35% glycolic acid (at pH 1.2) decreased the number of propionibacteria on the cheeks of patients compared with untreated controls (P < 0.01). Our results demonstrate that glycolic acid has moderate growth inhibitory and bactericidal effects on P. acnes, and that chemical peeling with glycolic acid works on inflammatory acne via those effects.
Should testosterone replacement be offered to hypogonadal men treated previously for prostatic carcinoma?
Authors: Landau D. , Tsakok T. , Aylwin S. , Hughes S.
Published: September 2011

Androgen administration can cause prostate cancer progression, and androgen deprivation therapy is a commonly used therapeutic modality in the treatment of prostate cancer. In trying to answer the posed clinical question, this article reviews the risks and benefits of testosterone replacement therapy in this setting and the published data from clinical series. Recommendations are made based on the available evidence.
A family systems nursing intervention model for paediatric health crisis
Authors: Tomlinson Patricia Short , Peden‐McAlpine Cynthia , Sherman Suzan
Published: September 2011

tomlinson p.s., peden‐mcalpine c. & sherman s. (2012) A family systems nursing intervention model for paediatric health crisis. Journal of Advanced Nursing68(3), 705–714.

Aim.  This article discusses the development of a family systems nursing intervention for clinical use in health crisis.

Background.  Although studies in paediatric critical care provide evidence that family stress is an important clinical phenomenon, studies have demonstrated that few nurses have the requisite family intervention skills to provide family members with adequate support during crisis. In addition, few intervention studies that focus on provider–family relationships with the goal of reducing stress have been reported. This article contributes to the literature by redressing this lack.

Data sources.  The literature search supporting this project spanned from 1980 to 2009 and included searches from classic nursing theory, family theory and relevant nursing research specific to the design of the intervention reported.

Discussion.  The goal of the intervention is to provide a theoretical and practical foundation for explicit action that enhances relationships with caregivers thereby supporting the integrity of the family and enhancing their coping abilities. The intervention, based on the Family Systems Model and the family’s understandings of the situation, defines specific goals and desired outcomes to guide strategic actions. Discussion of the conceptual foundation, procedural development and an example of the protocol is provided.

Implications for nursing.  The intervention is designed for nurses with limited knowledge in family theory to aid them to better help families dealing with stress.

Conclusion.  The proposed intervention can be used to increase nurses’ skills in family centred nursing care. Although designed for use in paediatric critical care, it can, with modifications, be used in other nursing specialty areas.
Living with life‐saving technology – coping strategies in implantable cardioverter defibrillators recipients
Authors: Flemme Inger , Johansson Ingela , Strömberg Anna
Published: September 2011

Aims.  To describe coping strategies and coping effectiveness in recipients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator and to explore factors influencing coping.

Background.  Implantable cardioverter defibrillators are documented as saving lives and are used to treat ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Despite the implantable cardioverter defibrillator not evidently interfering with everyday life, there is conflicting evidence regarding the psychosocial impact of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation such as anxiety, depression, perceived control and quality of life and how these concerns may relate to coping.

Design.  Cross‐sectional multicentre design.

Methods.  Individuals (n = 147, mean age 63 years, 121 men) who had lived with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator between 6–24 months completed the Jalowiec Coping Scale‐60, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Control Attitude Scale and Quality of Life Index‐Cardiac version.

Results.  Implantable cardioverter defibrillators recipients seldom used coping strategies, and the coping strategies used were perceived as fairly helpful. Optimism was found to be the most frequently used (1·8 SD 0·68) and most effective (2·1 SD 0·48) coping strategy, and recipients perceived moderate control in life. Anxiety (β = 3·5, p ≤ 0·001) and gender (β = 12·3, p = 0·046) accounted for 26% of the variance in the total use of coping strategies, suggesting that the more symptoms of anxiety and being women the greater use of coping strategies.

Conclusions.  Most recipients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator did not appraise daily concerns as stressors in need of coping and seem to have made a successful transition in getting on with their lives 6–24 months after implantation.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses working with recipients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator should have a supportive communication so that positive outcomes such as decreased anxiety and increased perceived control and quality of life can be obtained. Through screening for anxiety at follow‐up in the outpatient clinic, these recipients perceiving mental strain in their daily life can be identified.
On the reliability of visual communication in vertebrate‐dispersed fruits
Authors: Cazetta Eliana , Galetti Mauro , Rezende Enrico L. , Schaefer Hinrich Martin
Published: September 2011

1. Several fundamental aspects of communication between plants and their mutualists are poorly understood. It remains unclear whether plant signals are accurate and reliable, that is, whether they recruit mutualists by informing them about the nutritional rewards provided by flowers and fleshy fruits.

2. We evaluated fruit characteristics of 105 vertebrate‐dispersed species from an Atlantic rainforest community to examine the relationship between visual fruit stimuli and fruit quality. We combined morphological, biochemical and spectrophotometric methods and employed comparative analyses to assess the evolutionary association among morphological, biochemical and visual characters.

3. We detected a significant phylogenetic signal in most morphological and nutritional traits but not in colour traits, which suggests that fruit colours are evolutionarily labile. We also found that two properties of fruit coloration (brightness and chroma) explain 24–29% of variation in protein and sugar contents, respectively. High sugar content in fruit is associated with dark colour and low chroma (colour saturation). However, fruit brightness is not strongly correlated to protein content and its signalling role remains unknown.

4. We suggest that the negative relationship between chroma and sugar content in fruit can be explained by the fact that sugars up‐regulate the synthesis of anthocyanins, the pigments primarily imparting achromatic coloration in fruits. Biochemical pathways could consequently explain the covariance between visual fruit traits and nutritional fruit traits. In this scenario, information could arise as by‐product rather than as an adaptation to signal to seed dispersers.

5. Synthesis.We show that fruit visual traits are evolutionary labile and that fruit chroma and brightness can reliably indicate sugar and protein content, respectively. We propose that shared biochemistry is a likely mechanism inducing the covariance between colour (the stimulus) and nutritional quality (as the unseen quality). We hypothesize that by‐product information represents a widespread and so far neglected mechanism leading to reliable visual traits in mutualistic and possibly also antagonistic plant–animal interactions.
Changes in the large‐scale distribution of plants: extinction, colonisation and the effects of climate
Authors: Doxford Simon W. , Freckleton Robert P.
Published: September 2011

1. Understanding large‐scale distribution shifts is vital to predict species responses to changes in the environment. Such shifts occur as a consequence of habitat distribution, dispersal processes and the influence of environment factors.

2. Historical distribution records provide a long‐term perspective on change. Here, we use presence/absence data on 1781 British plant species to examine distribution shifts in the 20th century. Our aim was to determine the importance of long‐ and short‐distance colonisation in the spread of plant populations.

3. We consider three contrasting models of distribution change: random colonisation, where colonisation occurs independently of the established distribution, localised phalanx, where favourable local conditions and/or short‐distance dispersal results in colonisation of neighbouring sites only, and phalanx‐spread, which is the diffusion‐like spread of a population through localised colonisations.

4. We fitted a set of four generalised linear models to contrast various forms of the three mechanisms of distribution change. Model selection was used to assess the relative fit of each.

5. Overall rates of extinction and colonisation were low, but highly variable. They were strongly linked with total occupancy, which reduced the probability of extinction and increased that of colonisation.

6. Comparison of the models indicated that the majority of distributions change through a phalanx‐spread process. This indicates that local habitat distribution, as well as localised dispersal, are key driving processes. Long‐distance colonisation is, in particular, very rare.

7. An additional set of three models was fitted using rainfall and temperature data. These models were of improved fit compared to the models of distribution change. A clear climate signal could be identified for c. 45% of species, while for the remainder there was a signal that could not be unequivocally attributed to rainfall or temperature.

8.
Synthesis. Our analysis shows that the spread of most species is spatially restricted at a national scale. This is likely to be a consequence of habitat suitability and dispersal. Habitat changes, such as climate, occur (on a decadal scale) through relatively slow spread of changes. Dispersal is typically restricted, so that new habitat is usually colonised only if it is adjacent to already colonised patches. Our findings highlight the importance of prior knowledge of dispersal mechanisms as well as local habitat structure and availability in species distribution modelling research and species conservation initiatives.
Automated calculation of the distal contractile integral in esophageal pressure topography with a region‐growing algorithm
Authors: Lin Z. , Roman S. , Pandolfino J. E. , Kahrilas P. J.
Published: September 2011

Background  The distal contractile integral (DCI) is an index of contractile vigor in high‐resolution esophageal pressure topography (EPT) calculated as the product of amplitude, duration, and span of the distal esophageal contraction. The aim of this study was to develop an automated algorithm calculating DCI.

Methods  The DCI was calculated conventionally using ManoView™ (Given Imaging, Los Angeles, CA, USA) software in EPT studies from 72 controls and 20 patients and compared to the calculation using a MATLAB™ (Version 7.9.0, R2009b; The MathWorks Inc., Natick, MA, USA) ‘region‐growing’ algorithm. This algorithm first established the spatial limits of the distal contraction (the proximal pressure trough to either the distal pressure trough or to the superior margin of the lower esophageal sphincter at rest). Pixel‐by‐pixel horizontal line segments were then analyzed within this span starting at the pressure maximum and extending outward from that point. The limits of ‘region‐growing’ were defined either by the spatial DCI limits or by encountering a pressure <20 mmHg. The DCI was then calculated as the total units of mmHg s cm greater than 20 mmHg within this domain.

Key Results  Excellent correlation existed between the two methods (r = 0.98, P < 0.001). The DCI values obtained with the conventional calculation were slightly but significantly greater than with the region‐growing algorithm. Differences were attributed to the inclusion of vascular pressures in the conventional calculation or to differences in localization of the distal limit of the DCI.

Conclusions & Inferences  The proposed region‐growing algorithm provides an automated method to calculate DCI that limits inclusion of vascular pressure artifacts and minimizes the need for user input in data analysis.