bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms linking plant species richness to foraging of a large herbivore
Authors: Wang Ling , Wang Deli , He Zhengbiao , Liu Guofang , Hodgkinson Kenneth C.
Published: June 2010

1. There is general concern that local loss of plant diversity will adversely impact net primary productivity and other ecosystem properties. However, mechanisms linking plant diversity with other trophic levels, especially for large herbivores, are poorly understood.

2. We examine the responses of foraging sheep to changes in plant species richness in an indoor cafeteria experiment involving six plant species richness levels (1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 11 species) and three plant functional group compositions within each level, and in a field experiment involving three plant species richness levels (1, 4–6 or >8 species).

3. Sheep preferred a diverse diet over a single diet even when palatable species were in the diet. Voluntary daily intake steadily rose with increases in plant species richness in both cafeteria and field experiments. The overall nutrient intake (i.e. daily energy and protein intakes) of sheep in the cafeteria also rose significantly with increased plant species richness until it reached a plateau at eight species. The quality of the diet selected by sheep was also significantly affected by plant species richness, but the variation of dietary quality was small and variable.

4. High nutrient acquisition by the sheep depended on selecting those palatable species with high nutrient content from the plant forage on offer together with the complementary effects of plant species richness, especially for plant functional group richness.

5. Synthesis and applications. Our experiments demonstrate an asymptotic relationship between plant species richness and voluntary intake by sheep. Increases in plant species richness from a low level led to increased daily nutrient intake, and presumably performance of the sheep. Natural grasslands are generally low in nutritional quality and so plant species richness will critically influence herbivore food intake and nutrition. The asymptotic relationship indicates that the maintenance of plant species richness in rangelands will benefit both domestic herbivore production and the conservation of biodiversity.
The RNA degradosome in Bacillus subtilis: identification of CshA as the major RNA helicase in the multiprotein complex
Authors: Lehnik‐Habrink Martin , Pförtner Henrike , Rempeters Leonie , Pietack Nico , Herzberg Christina , Stülke Jörg
Published: June 2010

In most organisms, dedicated multiprotein complexes, called exosome or RNA degradosome, carry out RNA degradation and processing. In addition to varying exoribonucleases or endoribonucleases, most of these complexes contain a RNA helicase. In the Gram‐positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis, a RNA degradosome has recently been described; however, no RNA helicase was identified. In this work, we tested the interaction of the four DEAD box RNA helicases encoded in the B. subtilis genome with the RNA degradosome components. One of these helicases, CshA, is able to interact with several of the degradosome proteins, i.e. RNase Y, the polynucleotide phosphorylase, and the glycolytic enzymes enolase and phosphofructokinase. The determination of in vivo protein–protein interactions revealed that CshA is indeed present in a complex with polynucleotide phosphorylase. CshA is composed of two RecA‐like domains that are found in all DEAD box RNA helicases and a C‐terminal domain that is present in some members of this protein family. An analysis of the contribution of the individual domains of CshA revealed that the C‐terminal domain is crucial both for dimerization of CshA and for all interactions with components of the RNA degradosome, including RNase Y. A transfer of this domain to CshB allowed the resulting chimeric protein to interact with RNase Y suggesting that this domain confers interaction specificity. As a degradosome component, CshA is present in the cell in similar amounts under all conditions. Taken together, our results suggest that CshA is the functional equivalent of the RhlB helicase of the Escherichia coli RNA degradosome.
Soil [N] modulates soil C cycling in CO2‐fumigated tree stands: a meta‐analysis
Authors: DIELEMAN W. I. J. , LUYSSAERT S. , REY A. , DE ANGELIS P. , BARTON C. V. M. , BROADMEADOW M. S. J. , BROADMEADOW S. B. , CHIGWEREWE K. S. , CROOKSHANKS M. , DUFRÊNE E. , JARVIS P. G. , KASURINEN A. , KELLOMÄKI S. , LE DANTEC V. , LIBERLOO M. , MAREK M. , MEDLYN B. , POKORNÝ R. , SCARASCIA‐MUGNOZZA G. , TEMPERTON V. M. , TINGEY D. , URBAN O. , CEULEMANS R. , JANSSENS I. A.
Published: June 2010

Under elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations, soil carbon (C) inputs are typically enhanced, suggesting larger soil C sequestration potential. However, soil C losses also increase and progressive nitrogen (N) limitation to plant growth may reduce the CO2 effect on soil C inputs with time. We compiled a data set from 131 manipulation experiments, and used meta‐analysis to test the hypotheses that: (1) elevated atmospheric CO2 stimulates soil C inputs more than C losses, resulting in increasing soil C stocks; and (2) that these responses are modulated by N. Our results confirm that elevated CO2 induces a C allocation shift towards below‐ground biomass compartments. However, the increased soil C inputs were offset by increased heterotrophic respiration (Rh), such that soil C content was not affected by elevated CO2. Soil N concentration strongly interacted with CO2 fumigation: the effect of elevated CO2 on fine root biomass and –production and on microbial activity increased with increasing soil N concentration, while the effect on soil C content decreased with increasing soil N concentration. These results suggest that both plant growth and microbial activity responses to elevated CO2 are modulated by N availability, and that it is essential to account for soil N concentration in C cycling analyses.
Cl‐ homeostasis in includer and excluder citrus rootstocks: transport mechanisms and identification of candidate genes
Authors: BRUMÓS JAVIER , TALÓN MANUEL , BOUHLAL RYM , COLMENERO‐FLORES JOSÉ M.
Published: June 2010

To reveal specific Cl‐ transport activities in the symplastic pathway, uptake, long‐distance transport and distribution of Cl‐ have been investigated in the citrus rootstocks Carrizo citrange (CC, Cl‐ includer) and Cleopatra mandarin (CM, Cl‐ excluder). Using an external concentration of 4.5 mm Cl‐, both species actively transported Cl‐ to levels that exceeded the critical requirement concentration by one and two orders of magnitude in the excluder and the includer rootstocks, respectively. Both CC and CM modulated Cl‐ influx according to the availability of the nutrient as uptake capacity was induced by Cl‐ starvation, but inhibited after Cl‐ resupply. Net Cl‐ uptake was higher in the includer CC, an observation that correlated with a lower root‐to‐shoot transport capacity in the excluder CM. The patterns of tissue Cl‐ accumulation indicated that chloride exclusion in the salt‐tolerant rootstock CM was caused by a reduced net Cl‐ loading into the root xylem. Genes CcCCC1, CcSLAH1 and CcICln1 putatively involved in the regulation of chloride transport were isolated and their expression analysed in response to both changes in the nutritional status of Cl‐ and salt stress. The previously uncharacterized ICln gene exhibited a strong repression to Cl‐ application in the excluder rootstock, suggesting a role in regulating Cl‐ homeostasis in plants.
Partial resistance to Wheat dwarf virus in winter wheat cultivars
Authors: Benkovics A. H. , Vida G. , Nelson D. , Veisz O. , Bedford I. , Silhavy D. , Boulton M. I.
Published: June 2010

Four Hungarian winter wheat cultivars were investigated for their susceptibility to the geminivirus Wheat dwarf virus (WDV). Previously, two cultivars (Mv Regiment and Mv Emese) were assessed by breeders to exhibit virus symptoms in the field, whereas Mv Dalma and Mv Vekni showed few symptoms. Two inoculation techniques for WDV, vector transmission with the leafhopper Psammotettix alienus and agroinoculation, were used. Leafhopper transmission was more efficient than agroinoculation. However, irrespective of the technique used, no Mv Dalma or Mv Vekni plants showed clear WDV symptoms. In contrast, 3/30 Mv Emese and 4/36 Mv Regiment plants showed dwarfing and chlorosis after agroinoculation and 13/17 and 14/15 plants, respectively, had clear WDV symptoms after vector transmission. WDV‐specific PCR showed that Mv Vekni and Mv Dalma plants could be infected, especially following vector transmission (approximately 50% infection), but at significantly lower frequency than Mv Emese or Mv Regiment plants (100% infection). Furthermore, real‐time PCR showed that WDV DNA accumulated to much lower levels in infected Mv Vekni and Mv Dalma plants than in infected Mv Regiment and Mv Emese plants. The data strongly suggest that Mv Vekni and Mv Dalma are partially resistant to WDV infection. As WDV resistance has not previously been identified in wheat, and because WDV can cause significant yield losses, the resistance of Mv Vekni or Mv Dalma will provide a valuable breeding resource.
Allergen‐specific IgE as a biomarker of exposure plus sensitization in inner‐city adolescents with asthma
Authors: Matsui E. C. , Sampson H. A. , Bahnson H. T. , Gruchalla R. S. , Pongracic J. A. , Teach S. J. , Gergen P. J. , Bloomberg G. R. , Chmiel J. F. , Liu A. H. , Kattan M. , Sorkness C. A. , Steinbach S. F. , Story R. E. , Visness C. M. ,   on behalf of the Inner‐city Asthma Consortium
Published: June 2010

To cite this article: Matsui EC, Sampson HA, Bahnson HT, Gruchalla RS, Pongracic JA, Teach SJ, Gergen PJ, Bloomberg GR, Chmiel JF, Liu AH, Kattan M, Sorkness CA, Steinbach SF, Story RE, Visness CM, on behalf of the Inner‐city Asthma Consortium. Allergen‐specific IgE as a biomarker of exposure plus sensitization in inner‐city adolescents with asthma. Allergy 2010; 65: 1414–1422.

Background:  Relationships among allergen‐specific IgE levels, allergen exposure and asthma severity are poorly understood since sensitization has previously been evaluated as a dichotomous, rather than continuous characteristic.

Methods:  Five hundred and forty‐six inner‐city adolescents enrolled in the Asthma Control Evaluation study underwent exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) measurement, lung function testing, and completion of a questionnaire. Allergen‐specific IgE levels and blood eosinophils were quantified. Dust samples were collected from the participants’ bedrooms for quantification of allergen concentrations. Participants were followed for 12 months and clinical outcomes were tracked.

Results:  Among sensitized participants, allergen‐specific IgE levels were correlated with the corresponding settled dust allergen levels for cockroach, dust mite, and mouse (r = 0.38, 0.34, 0.19, respectively; P < 0.0001 for cockroach and dust mite and P = 0.03 for mouse), but not cat (r = −0.02, P = 0.71). Higher cockroach‐, mite‐, mouse‐, and cat‐specific IgE levels were associated with higher FENO concentrations, poorer lung function, and higher blood eosinophils. Higher cat, dust mite, and mouse allergen‐specific IgE levels were also associated with an increasing risk of exacerbations or hospitalization.

Conclusions:  Allergen‐specific IgE levels were correlated with allergen exposure among sensitized participants, except for cat. Allergen‐specific IgE levels were also associated with more severe asthma across a range of clinical and biologic markers. Adjusting for exposure did not provide additional predictive value, suggesting that higher allergen‐specific IgE levels may be indicative of both higher exposure and a greater degree of sensitization, which in turn may result in greater asthma severity.
Peanut allergy and allergic airways inflammation
Authors: Hughes Jennifer L. , Brown Trevor , Edgar J. David , Shields Michael D.
Published: June 2010

Hughes JL, Brown T, Edgar JD, Shields MD. Peanut allergy and allergic airways inflammation. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: 1107–1113. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Asthma is a major risk cofactor for anaphylactic deaths in children with peanut allergy. Peanut allergy is generally thought to be a lifelong condition, but some children outgrow their coexistent asthma. It has recently been shown that children who have ‘outgrown’ their asthma symptoms may have ongoing eosinophilic airways inflammation. The need for regular inhaled corticosteroid treatment in peanut allergic children and adolescents who have outgrown their asthma is however unclear. The aims of our study were to look at fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels (FeNO), as a non‐invasive marker of eosinophilic airways inflammation, in peanut allergic children and assess whether children with outgrown asthma had elevated levels. Children with peanut allergy were recruited at two pediatric allergy clinics in Belfast, UK. Exhaled nitric oxide levels (FeNO) were measured using the Niox Mino in all children. Of the 101 peanut allergic children who consented for enrolment in the study, 94 were successfully able to use the NIOX Mino. Age range was 4–15 yr (median 10 yr); 61% were boys. Thirty (32%) had never wheezed, 37 (39%) had current treated asthma, 20 (21%) had at least 1 wheezing episode within the last year but were not taking any regular asthma medication (wheeze no treatment), and 7 (7%) had outgrown asthma. All children with outgrown asthma had elevated levels of FeNO (>35 ppb), and 75% of children defined as ‘wheeze no treatment’ had elevated FeNO levels (>35 ppb). Outgrown asthma and children defined as ‘wheeze no treatment’ had higher levels of FeNO than those with no history of wheeze or current treated asthma (p = 0.003). In children with peanut allergy, we found that those who had outgrown asthma had elevated FeNO levels in keeping with ongoing eosinophilic airways inflammation.
Evidence for cis‐acting regulation of ANK3 and CACNA1C gene expression
Authors: Quinn Emma M , Hill Matthew , Anney Richard , Gill Michael , Corvin Aiden P , Morris Derek W
Published: June 2010

Quinn EM, Hill M, Anney R, Gill M, Corvin AP, Morris DW. Evidence for cis‐acting regulation of ANK3 and CACNA1C gene expression. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 440–445. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified Ankyrin‐G (ANK3) and the α‐1C subunit of the L‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel (CACNA1C) as susceptibility genes for bipolar disorder. Available biological information on these genes suggests a potential molecular mechanism involving ion channel dysfunction. The associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at ANK3 (rs10994336) and CACNA1C (rs1006737) are both intronic with no obvious impact on gene function. We investigated whether, instead of affecting protein function, these risk variants might impact on gene regulation affecting expression.

Methods:  We have done this by testing for allelic expression imbalance (AEI) to identify cis‐acting regulatory polymorphisms.

Results:  We identified evidence of cis‐acting variation at both loci in HapMap Caucasian Europeans from Utah (CEU) lymphoblastoid cell lines. There was considerable evidence of AEI at ANK3 with more than half of all heterozygous samples (21 out of 34) for marker SNP rs3750800 showing AEI and a small number of samples showing near monoallelic expression. The AEI at either gene could not be attributed to the GWAS‐associated SNPs.

Conclusions:  These data indicate that there is genetic variation local to both genes affecting their expression, but that this variation is not responsible for increasing risk of bipolar disorder.
Medical comorbidity in bipolar disorder: relationship between illnesses of the endocrine/metabolic system and treatment outcome
Authors: Kemp David E , Gao Keming , Chan Philip K , Ganocy Stephen J , Findling Robert L , Calabrese Joseph R
Published: June 2010

Kemp DE, Gao K, Chan PK, Ganocy SJ, Findling RL, Calabrese JR. Medical comorbidity in bipolar disorder: relationship between illnesses of the endocrine/metabolic system and treatment outcome. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 404–413. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objective:  The present study examined the relationship between medical burden in bipolar disorder and several indicators of illness severity and outcome. It was hypothesized that illnesses of the endocrine/metabolic system would be associated with greater psychiatric symptom burden and would impact the response to treatment with lithium and valproate.

Methods:  Data were analyzed from two studies evaluating lithium and valproate for rapid‐cycling presentations of bipolar I and II disorder. General medical comorbidity was assessed by the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS). Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationships between medical burden, body mass index (BMI), substance use disorder status, and depressive symptom severity.

Results:  Of 225 patients enrolled, 41.8% had a recent substance use disorder, 50.7% were male, and 69.8% had bipolar I disorder. The mean age of the sample was 36.8 (SD = 10.8) years old. The mean number of comorbid medical disorders per patient was 2.5 (SD = 2.5), and the mean CIRS total score was 4.3 (SD = 3.1). A significant positive correlation was observed between baseline depression severity and the number of organ systems affected by medical illness (p = 0.04). Illnesses of the endocrine/metabolic system were inversely correlated with remission from depressive symptoms (p = 0.02), and obesity was specifically associated with poorer treatment outcome. For every 1‐unit increase in BMI, the likelihood of response decreased by 7.5% [odds ratio (OR) = 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.87– 0.99; p = 0.02] and the likelihood of remission decreased by 7.3% (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.87–0.99; p = 0.03). The effect of comorbid substance use on the likelihood of response differed significantly according to baseline BMI. The presence of a comorbid substance use disorder resulted in lower odds of response, but only among patients with a BMI ≥ 23 (p = 0.02).

Conclusion:  Among patients with rapid‐cycling bipolar disorder receiving lithium and valproate, endocrine/metabolic illnesses, including overweight and obesity, appear to be associated with greater depressive symptom severity and poorer treatment outcomes.
Anxiety as a symptom of mixed mania: implications for DSM‐5
Authors: Cassidy Frederick
Published: June 2010

Cassidy F. Anxiety as a symptom of mixed mania: implications for DSM‐5. Bipolar Disord 2010: 12: 437–439. © 2010 The Author. Journal compilation © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  The recently released preliminary proposal for the DSM‐5 diagnostic system includes modification of the mixed mania diagnosis symptom set. That definition includes the long‐overdue exclusion of nonspecific signs and symptoms, as well as the inclusion of psychomotor retardation. Anxiety is specifically excluded from the definition. The current report reviews studies to establish that psychomotor retardation would have limited utility in the definition, in contrast to anxiety, which is a core symptom of the mixed manic subtype.
Ecological opportunity and the origin of adaptive radiations
Authors: YODER J. B. , CLANCEY E. , DES ROCHES S. , EASTMAN J. M. , GENTRY L. , GODSOE W. , HAGEY T. J. , JOCHIMSEN D. , OSWALD B. P. , ROBERTSON J. , SARVER B. A. J. , SCHENK J. J. , SPEAR S. F. , HARMON L. J.
Published: June 2010

Ecological opportunity – through entry into a new environment, the origin of a key innovation or extinction of antagonists – is widely thought to link ecological population dynamics to evolutionary diversification. The population‐level processes arising from ecological opportunity are well documented under the concept of ecological release. However, there is little consensus as to how these processes promote phenotypic diversification, rapid speciation and adaptive radiation. We propose that ecological opportunity could promote adaptive radiation by generating specific changes to the selective regimes acting on natural populations, both by relaxing effective stabilizing selection and by creating conditions that ultimately generate diversifying selection. We assess theoretical and empirical evidence for these effects of ecological opportunity and review emerging phylogenetic approaches that attempt to detect the signature of ecological opportunity across geological time. Finally, we evaluate the evidence for the evolutionary effects of ecological opportunity in the diversification of Caribbean Anolis lizards. Some of the processes that could link ecological opportunity to adaptive radiation are well documented, but others remain unsupported. We suggest that more study is required to characterize the form of natural selection acting on natural populations and to better describe the relationship between ecological opportunity and speciation rates.
Genetic diversity and geographic differentiation in the alternative legume Tripodion tetraphyllum (L.) Fourr. in North African populations
Authors: Bellucci E. , Nanni L. , Bitocchi E. , Rossi M. , Papa R.
Published: June 2010

Wild legumes constitute an important component of widespread pastures in the Mediterranean basin. This region is experiencing remarkable effects from climate change, and continuous monitoring of species and population dynamics is important in order to plan and enact valuable conservation programmes. Tripodion tetraphyllum (L.) Fourr. [=Anthyllis tetraphylla L.] (2n = 16), belongs to the tribe Loteae (Fabaceae), and could be very important for soil protection and sward improvement in abandoned or degraded Mediterranean areas. This alternative pasture legume is very closely related to Lotus japonicus and has some important characteristics for survival of the species in difficult and overgrazed Mediterranean areas. In this study, we have investigated the molecular diversity and population structure of T. tetraphyllum from North Africa using ISSR markers and plastidial microsatellites. To date, this is the first study concerning the genetic diversity and geographic differentiation of T. tetraphyllum. Ninety genotypes from three North African countries were analysed according to ISSRs, cpSSRs and one phenotypic trait. T. tetraphyllum shows a clear geographical structure, with differentiation associated with longitudinal differences; moreover, there is a general reduction in genetic diversity from Morocco to Tunisia. With all the markers used, strong differentiation was seen among collection sites. Our data highlight a genetic diversity gradient and cline of distribution, indicating that T. tetraphyllum has extended its area of distribution from Morocco to Tunisia.
Susceptibility of European and North American populations of the European corn borer to the Cry1F insecticidal protein
Authors: Gaspers C. , Siegfried B. D. , Spencer T. , Alves A. P. , Storer N. P. , Schuphan I. , Eber S.
Published: June 2010

Baseline susceptibility to the Cry1F toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis was determined for 11 European Union (EU) and 24 United States (US) populations of European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner). The response to Cry1F exposure was measured as mortality and growth inhibition for each population. The aim of this study was to characterize inter‐population variation in the susceptibility of EU and US European corn borer (O. nubilalis) neonates to Cry1F protein and additionally, intra‐population variation for the EU European corn borer to help develop effective and sensitive resistance monitoring methods. In this study, neonate European corn borer were exposed to a range of concentration of microbially‐produced Cry1F protein applied to the surface of artificial diet. Measures of mortality and growth inhibition of larvae on surface‐treated diet relative to untreated control diet were taken after 7 days. A comparison between European and American corn borer populations showed that the range of variation in Cry1F toxin susceptibility assessed by mortality and growth inhibition was similar. Differences in Cry1F susceptibility between European corn borer populations across continents and among the various populations within each geography were apparent although similar variation among replicates for the same population were also observed in two EU populations. It is likely that these small differences reflect natural variation in sensitivity among populations of European corn borer as well as methodological differences and are not influenced by geographic location. The importance of establishing baseline susceptibilities to resistance detection is discussed.
A qualitative study of service user experiences of occupation in forensic mental health
Authors: Craik Christine , Bryant Wendy , Ryan Amanda , Barclay Samantha , Brooke Nicole , Mason Adele , Russell Peter
Published: June 2010

Background/aim:  This qualitative study explored occupational engagement of those detained in forensic units. Legal and institutional restrictions on occupation have implications for their health and wellbeing.

Method:  Twenty‐six current forensic mental health service users participated in five focus groups, which were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim and subjected to constant comparative analysis.

Findings:  The participants highlighted previous occupations, current occupations and hopes. Key aspects were control over decision‐making, motivation and support, generating suggestions alongside positive experiences of occupational therapy.

Conclusions:  Institutional barriers could be overcome with a dynamic balance between risk management and mental health promotion through occupation. This demands a sustained focus on occupation for everyone involved in providing care and treatment in these settings.
Translating knowledge to practice: An occupational therapy perspective
Authors: Metzler Megan J. , Metz Gerlinde A.
Published: June 2010

Background/Aim:  Translating knowledge to practice, also called ‘knowledge translation’, is increasingly recognised as a driving force to strengthen and improve the healthcare system. How knowledge translation fits with occupational therapy practice deserves examination.

Methods:  This paper will explore how an action process model, the Knowledge‐To‐Action Process, may advance knowledge translation in occupational therapy. Occupational therapists typically view knowledge in a broad sense, encompassing research, tacit knowledge, expert opinion and client evidence. The Knowledge‐To‐Action Process facilitates application of client, therapist and research knowledge to occupational therapy practice.

Results:  Examination of knowledge translation through the lens of the Knowledge‐To‐Action Process creates awareness of the value of client, therapist and research knowledge. It also highlights opportunities as practitioners to implement knowledge translation.

Conclusions:  Models able to flexibly reflect an occupational therapy perspective of knowledge have a potentially vital role in successful knowledge translation. Furthermore, these models allow therapists and other stakeholders to analyse complex situations and identify targeted knowledge translation strategies.
Category verbal fluency predicted changes in behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Tsai Chia‐Fen , Wang Shuu‐Jiun , Zheng Ling , Fuh Jong‐Ling
Published: June 2010

Aim:  Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive symptoms and behavioral symptoms, and their association is inconsistent. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between cognitive function and the changes in behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in patients with AD.

Methods:  A total of 101 patients with probable AD were enrolled (57 women and 44 men, mean age 77.6 ± 7.7 years). The Category Verbal Fluency Test (CVFT), the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Constructional Praxis Test, the Delayed Word Recall Test, the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale, and the Neuropsychiatry Inventory (NPI) were administered at baseline. The NPI was reassessed with a median follow‐up duration of 10 months (range 6–18 months). The change in the NPI scores was defined as the end‐point score of the NPI minus the initial one. The associations between the changes in NPI total score, its four subdomains (hyperactivity, psychosis, affection, and apathy), and cognitive function were examined using multivariate linear models. The results were adjusted for confounders including demographics, baseline NPI, and duration of follow up.

Results:  The mean MMSE was 18.6 ± 5.6, the CVFT score was 7.1 ± 3.9, and the NPI score was 10.9 ± 13.8. Regression analyses found that the CVFT score (β = −0.32, P = 0.004) was significantly associated with the change in NPI score, but not the MMSE, the Delayed Word Recall score, or the Constructional Praxis score. The CVFT score was significantly associated with changes in the psychosis subdomain (β = −0.34, P = 0.001), but not the other subdomains.

Conclusions:  Our study showed that CVFT was predictive of the changes in behavior disturbance in patients with AD, particularly in the psychosis domain.
Case for and against specificity of depression in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Even Christian , Weintraub Daniel
Published: June 2010

Aims:  The aims of this study were to assess the epidemiological, phenomenological, and pathophysiological evidence that suggests the specificity of depression associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods:  We reviewed the English‐language literature.

Results:  Depression occurs significantly more often in patients with AD than in the general elderly population. While development of depression in response to the disability and emotional stress of AD may be a contributory factor in some patients, several studies showed that depression was not, or was only seldom, related to self‐awareness of AD and these studies could not explain the high prevalence figures. To overcome the overlapping phenomenology of the two diseases, specific diagnostic criteria have been developed for depression in this context. Mixed findings have come from neuropathological and neuroimaging studies, with some evidence linking the underlying neural substrate of AD and depression, suggesting an overlapping cause of primary depression and depression comorbid with AD. Few randomized controlled trials for depression associated with AD have been conducted, with rather poor results for the use of antidepressants.

Conclusions:  Currently, depression associated with AD is not considered a separate disorder by regulatory authorities and is unlikely to be considered as such in the near future. Several obstacles remain to support such a specific position, including the heterogenous nature of depression in general and within AD itself, the lack of a distinct set of symptoms, and limited treatment.
Clinical profile of adult cystic fibrosis patients with frequent epidemic clones of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: TINGPEJ Pholawat , ELKINS Mark , ROSE Barbara , HU Honghua , MORIARTY Carmel , MANOS Jim , BARRAS Belinda , BYE Peter , HARBOUR Colin
Published: June 2010

Background and objective:  Earlier reports suggested that Pseudomonas aeruginosa frequent epidemic clones circulating in cystic fibrosis (CF) centres had increased virulence. However, recent data show no consistent associations with virulence, and suggest attenuation of virulence in chronic infection. Changes to infection control programmes in relation to frequent epidemic clones should be based on their frequency, virulence across all age groups and mode of acquisition. The Australian epidemic strain‐1 (AES‐1) (or the Melbourne epidemic strain) and AES‐2 are common in CF clinics in mainland eastern Australia, but not in the environment. Both have shown increased virulence, but there are no data specifically in adults. This study examines the frequency and virulence of P. aeruginosa frequent epidemic clones in the adult CF clinic at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.

Methods:  Two hundred and fifty‐eight P. aeruginosa isolates from 112 participants were genotyped by pulsed field gel electrophoresis. Ninety‐eight patients were followed up for 1 year and associations sought between infection with a frequent epidemic clone, clinical outcome and antibiotic resistance.

Results:  Four frequent P. aeruginosa epidemic clones (AES‐1, AES‐2, S‐1, S‐2) affected almost 50% of participants. AES‐1 predominated (38%). AES‐1, AES‐2 and S‐1 were associated with increased exacerbations and hospital‐admission days. AES‐1 showed increased resistance to aminoglycosides and ticarcillin‐clavulanate.

Conclusions:  This study supports the potential threat of frequent P. aeruginosa epidemic clones in adult CF populations.
Pearls and myths in pleural fluid analysis
Authors: PORCEL José M.
Published: June 2010

Virtually all patients with a newly discovered pleural effusion should undergo thoracentesis to aid in diagnosis and management. The routine pleural fluid (PF) evaluation usually includes the following: cell count and differential; tests for protein, LDH, glucose, adenosine deaminase, cytology and, if infection is a concern, pH and bacterial and mycobacterial cultures. Distinguishing transudates from exudates with Light's criteria is a pragmatic first step. If the effusion is an exudate, various PF tests have proven diagnostic utility: adenosine deaminase levels >35 IU/L usually indicate tuberculosis in lymphocyte‐predominant PF; pH < 7.2 or glucose less than 60 mg/dL allow the clinician to identify complicated parapneumonic effusions; and conventional cytology may reveal malignant cells in 60% of the patients with malignant effusions. A number of optional PF tests may complement the diagnostic approach to an undiagnosed pleural effusion. For example, natriuretic peptide assays significantly improve the accuracy of a diagnosis of cardiac pleural effusion, whereas PF mesothelin levels greater than 20 nmol/L are highly suggestive of mesothelioma.
Video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery using single‐lumen endotracheal tube anaesthesia in primary spontaneous pneumothorax
Authors: CHENG Yeung‐Leung , HUANG Tsai‐Wang , LEE Shih‐Chun , WU Ching‐Tang , CHEN Jen‐Chih , CHANG Hung , TZAO Ching
Published: June 2010

Background and objective:  Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a common condition that typically affects young adults. With recent advances in techniques, VATS is now a safe and accepted procedure for treating PSP. Lung isolation techniques have been commonly used to facilitate surgical procedures in the past. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using a single‐lumen endotracheal tube for thoracoscopic surgery in patients with PSP.

Methods:  A series of 121 consecutive patients with PSP, who underwent VATS using a double‐lumen or single‐lumen endotracheal tube between January 2000 and December 2002, were assessed retrospectively. The clinical features, operation times, complications, hospital stays and recurrences of PSP in these patients were recorded and analysed.

Results:  There were no significant differences in gender, BMI, smoking habits, blebs/bullae on CT, duration of surgery or recurrence of PSP between the two groups. Patients in the single‐lumen endotracheal tube group had a shorter duration of anaesthesia (15.4 ± 2.6 vs 25.6 ± 3.2 min, P < 0.001), lower early complication rates, lower costs and shorter hospital stays (3.6 ± 3.0 vs 4.5 ± 2.8 days, P = 0.02) compared with those in the double‐lumen endotracheal tube group. The follow‐up period was 40–68 months (mean 54 months). There were two recurrences in each group (3.1% vs 3.4%).

Conclusions:  VATS for the treatment of PSP was easily performed using a single‐lumen endotracheal tube, and resulted in lower intubation‐related costs, fewer complications and equivalent outcomes, compared with procedures performed using double‐lumen endotracheal tube anaesthesia.
ENDOSCOPIC BALLOON DILATATION USING DOUBLE‐BALLOON ENDOSCOPY IS A USEFUL AND SAFE TREATMENT FOR SMALL INTESTINAL STRICTURES IN CROHN'S DISEASE
Authors: Hirai Fumihito , Beppu Takahiro , Sou Suketo , Seki Takehiko , Yao Kenshi , Matsui Toshiyuki
Published: June 2010

Background:  Endoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) is a therapeutic option for intestinal strictures of Crohn's disease (CD). Double‐balloon endoscopy (DBE) enables EBD to be performed even for deep‐situated strictures of the small intestine. The aim of this study was to clarify the efficacy and safety of EBD using DBE for small bowel strictures in patients with CD.

Patients and Methods:  The subjects comprised 25 patients with CD who underwent EBD using DBE for small intestinal strictures for which a colonoscope or gastrointestinal scope could not be inserted. All subjects had obstructive symptoms due to strictures that were confirmed using small intestinal enteroclysis. They were observed for at least 6 months after the initial EBD. The short‐term success rate of EBD using DBE, the complication rate and the long‐term outcome were investigated.

Results:  This procedure was successful with regard to short‐term dilatation in 18 of the 25 CD patients (72%). Long strictures measuring more than 3 cm were seen in six out of seven (85.7%) of the unsuccessful EBD cases, compared with two out of 18 (11.1%) of the successful EBD cases (P = 0.001). Complications were encountered in two of the 25 patients (8%). The cumulative surgery‐free rate for all the subjects was 83% and 72% at 6 and 12 months, respectively.

Conclusion:  EBD using DBE is a useful and safe procedure for small intestinal short strictures in CD patients. We conclude that this procedure is a therapeutic option that should be attempted before resorting to surgical therapy.
ENDOSCOPIC FINDINGS OF ENTEROPATHY‐TYPE T‐CELL LYMPHOMA BY DOUBLE‐BALLOON ENTEROSCOPY AND CAPSULE ENDOSCOPY
Authors: Sato Yasushi , Ono Michihiro , Sagawa Tamotsu , Takimoto Rishu , Hirakawa Masahiro , Ohnuma Hiroyuki , Sato Tsutomu , Iyama Satoshi , Murase Kazuyuki , Miyanishi Koji , Kobune Masayoshi , Kato Junji
Published: June 2010

Enteropathy‐type T‐cell lymphoma (ETL) is a rare primary intestinal disorder, particularly in Japan, and there have been few reports on the endoscopic findings of the disease. Here we report detailed endoscopic findings of ETL based on double‐balloon enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy. Double‐balloon enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy may be useful tools for diagnosing and monitoring the effects of therapy in patients with ETL.
ADVANTAGES OF USING THIN ENDOSCOPE‐ASSISTED ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION TECHNIQUE FOR LARGE COLORECTAL TUMORS
Authors: Uraoka Toshio , Ishikawa Shin , Kato Jun , Higashi Reiji , Suzuki Hideyuki , Kaji Eisuke , Kuriyama Motoaki , Saito Shunsuke , Akita Mitsuhiro , Hori Keisuke , Harada Keita , Ishiyama Shuhei , Shiode Junji , Kawahara Yoshiro , Yamamoto Kazuhide
Published: June 2010

Background:  Our purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of a newly developed non‐invasive traction technique known as thin endoscope‐assisted endoscopic submucosal dissection (TEA‐ESD) procedure for the removal of colorectal laterally spreading tumors (LST).

Patients and Methods:  A total of 37 LST located in the rectum and distal sigmoid colons of 37 patients were eligible for outcome analysis. Twenty‐one LST were treated with TEA‐ESD and were then retrospectively compared to 16 LST that had previously been treated with standard ESD. Tumor size, en bloc resection rate, procedure time, combined number of different electrical surgical knives used during each procedure and associated complications were evaluated in this case–control study.

Results:  There was no statistically significant difference in tumor size between the TEA‐ESD group and the ESD control group (43.6 ± 16 mm and 42.4 ± 14 mm, respectively). All LST were successfully resected en bloc in both groups. Procedure duration was shorter for the TEA‐ESD group than the ESD control group, although the difference was not statistically significant (96 ± 53 minutes vs 116 ± 74 minutes; P = 0.18). The percentage of cases in which only one electrical surgical knife was used during the entire procedure was significantly higher in the TEA‐ESD group compared to the ESD control group (85.7% vs 31.3%; P = 0.0005). There were no perforations in the TEA‐ESD group while the ESD control group experienced one perforation. At the present time, TEA‐ESD is limited to the rectum and distal sigmoid colon.

Conclusion:  It was technically easier, safer and more cost‐effective to perform ESD for LST in the rectum and the distal sigmoid colon using the newly developed TEA‐ESD traction technique.
Clinical utility of molecular and flow cytometric markers in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Authors: Sulda M. L. , Kuss B. J. , Hall R. K. , Bailey S. , Macardle P. J.
Published: June 2010

Background: Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is a clinically heterogeneous disease. While immunoglobulin variable region heavy chain (IgVH) mutational status remains the ‘gold standard’ in molecular prognostication, a range of additional markers is increasingly being used in clinical trials. As awareness of trial data increases, requests to determine these prognostic markers for new CLL patients are becoming more prevalent in Australia.

Aim: To explore the clinical utility of currently available prognostic markers for CLL in an Australian cohort.

Methods: IgVH mutational status and gene usage was determined and compared with other reported immunophenotypic markers, cytogenetics and clinical outcome as defined by treatment‐free survival (TFS), lymphocyte doubling time and clinical stage in a cohort of 65 CLL patients.

Results: An unmutated IgVH gene, high expression of CD38, ZAP‐70, CD25, CD49d, CD54 or low expression of CD49c was associated with shorter TFS indicating an adverse clinical prognosis in our cohort. High expression of each of CD38, ZAP‐70, CD49d and CD54 was significantly associated with an unmutated IgVH gene; however, associations were not absolute. IgVH and CD25 expression retained their significance in multivariate analysis. Concordant CD25high/IgVH unmutated CLL patients had the shortest median TFS interval (40 months) in our cohort.

Conclusions: Molecular and immunophenotypic markers remain useful as adjuncts to clinical prognostication; however, as single parameters they are unable to dictate the timing of therapeutic intervention. The combined use of CD25 and IgVH mutational status may be clinically relevant to CLL prognostication while also providing insight into the biological pathways involved in disease progression.
Reduction of measured toughness due to out‐of‐plane constraint in ductile fracture of aluminium alloy specimens
Authors: MOSTAFAVI M. , SMITH D. J. , PAVIER M. J.
Published: June 2010

It is generally believed that a lower bound on the fracture toughness of a material is obtained from a standard test, particularly in metals where yielding occurs prior to fracture. The understanding is that in such a test the material around the crack tip is highly constrained hence reducing the extent of yielding. In this paper, we report the results of fracture tests where a tensile load is applied to a biaxial aluminium alloy specimen in the direction parallel to the crack front in addition to the fracturing load normal to the crack surface. We show that in this case a lower fracture toughness is measured than that obtained from a standard test. Indeed, for the highest value of tensile load used in our tests the J‐integral at fracture was half the value measured in a standard test. It is also shown that the volume of the plastic region can be used to measure the effect of constraint, irrespective of the manner in which the constraint arises. This approach suggests an even lower fracture toughness may be obtained than that measured here in certain loading conditions.
WHO MAKES A GOOD LEADER? COOPERATIVENESS, OPTIMISM, AND LEADING‐BY‐EXAMPLE
Authors: GÄCHTER SIMON , NOSENZO DANIELE , RENNER ELKE , SEFTON MARTIN
Published: June 2010

We examine the characteristics of effective leaders in a simple leader‐follower voluntary contributions game. We focus on two factors: the individual's cooperativeness and the individual's beliefs about the cooperativeness of others. We find that groups perform best when led by those who are cooperatively inclined. Partly, this reflects a false consensus effect: cooperative leaders are more optimistic than noncooperators about the cooperativeness of followers. However, cooperative leaders contribute more than noncooperative leaders even after controlling for optimism. We conclude that differing leader contributions by differing types of leader in large part reflects social motivations.(JELA13, C92, D03)
SERVICES OUTSOURCING AND INNOVATION: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION
Authors: GÖRG HOLGER , HANLEY AOIFE
Published: June 2010

We provide a comprehensive empirical analysis of the links between international services outsourcing, domestic outsourcing, profits, and innovation using plant‐level data. We find a positive effect of international outsourcing of services on innovative activity at the plant level. Such a positive effect can also be observed for domestic outsourcing, but the magnitude is smaller. We also find that international services outsourcing has a positive effect on profitability, as predicted by theory, whereas this is not true for domestic sourcing. The results are robust to various specifications and an instrumental variables analysis. (JEL F19, O31)
Discovering a new identity after brain injury
Authors: Lorenz Laura S.
Published: June 2010

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is one example of the chronic conditions that people of varying socioeconomic status must bear. Concerns with identity and self are endemic to surviving brain injury. For this study, a brain tumour survivor injured 17 years earlier, took photographs of her life with brain injury and discussed them with other brain injury survivors and the author. Narrative analysis methods were used to analyse her photographs and interview, and generate a visual illness narrative with four photographs and their accompanying interview text. Her visual illness narrative reveals discovery of a post‐brain injury identity whose multiplicity of self‐definitions includes chef, brain injury survivor, gardener, and self‐advocate. Study findings reveal that identity issues of importance to brain injury survivors can include (1) learning the new, post‐brain injury self, and (2) building a new identity whose multiple, partial identities include (a) the new brain injured self, (b) an old self (with its residual strengths), and (c) a self who does meaningful activities (e.g.parenting, partnering, art, gardening, volunteering, helping others, or paid work). Study results suggest that using visual research methods can help to put biographical disruption such as brain injury into perspective as a life lived.
Predicting Snow Velocity in Large Chute Flows Under Different Environmental Conditions
Authors: Rougier Jonathan , Kern Martin
Published: June 2010

Observations, model evaluations and expert judgements are combined to make predictions of snow velocity in large chute experiments. Different experimental variables, namely the environmental conditions snow density and snow surface temperature, affect all aspects of this inference. We show how the effect of these two variables can be incorporated in our judgements regarding the uncertain parameters of the physical model, the discrepancy between the physical model and reality and the observation error. We adopt a Bayes linear approach to avoid the necessity of fully probabilistic belief specifications and demonstrate visual tools for statistical validation. Our results represent an important first step in improving the specification of uncertainty in model-based avalanche hazard mapping.