bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cashmere production and fleece attributes associated with farm of origin, age and sex of goat in Australia
Authors: McGregor B. A. , Butler K. L.
Published: July 2008

Differences in cashmere production and fleece attributes associated with farm of origin, age and sex were quantified for commercial Australian cashmere goat enterprises. From 11 farms in four states, 1147 does and 97 wethers were monitored, representing 1- to 13-year-old goats. Individual clean cashmere production ranged from 21 to 389 g, with a mean ± standard deviation value of 134 ± 62 g. The mean cashmere production of 2-year-old does from different farms varied from 69 to 225 g and averaged 141 g. Mean ± s.d. greasy fleece weight was 394 ± 123 g, clean washing yield was 90.8 ± 4.1%, clean cashmere yield 33.4 ± 9.4%, cashmere fibre diameter 16.4 ± 1.6 µm, fibre curvature 48 ± 8.7 degrees/mm and staple length 8.7 ± 2.1 cm. There were large, commercially significant differences between farms for clean cashmere weight, mean fibre diameter and other attributes of cashmere. These were much larger than the effects of age and sex. Farm and age accounted for 42 to 67% of the variation in clean cashmere production, mean fibre diameter, fibre curvature, staple length and clean washing yield. Farm of origin affected clean cashmere yield, accounting for 24% of the variation. Sex of the goats had only a minor effect on the staple length of cashmere. The responses to age of clean cashmere weight, mean fibre diameter and the inverse of fibre curvature are very similar. Generally, cashmere production and mean fibre diameter increased with age. For the majority of farms, cashmere fibre curvature declined in a curvilinear manner with increases in age of goat. There were large differences in cashmere staple length from different farms, with means ranging from 7 to 12 cm. Between 1 and 2 years of age, the staple length of cashmere demonstrated a constant proportional increase. At ages older than 2 years, staple length either declined or increased by less than 1 cm with age, depending on the farm of origin. This study demonstrates that there are large gains in productivity that can be achieved from Australian cashmere goats. A better understanding of on-farm factors that influence cashmere production would enable all producers to optimise their production systems.
The occurrence and severity of grass toxicoses in Australian alpaca (Vicugna pacos) herds
Authors: Sampaio Natalia , Gishen Mark , Reed Kevin , Brown Mel , Gregory Daphne , Munyard Kylie
Published: July 2008

A survey of 108 alpaca producers registered with the Australian Alpaca Association examined the occurrence and severity of ‘staggers’ (a colloquial term embracing various diseases of the nervous system in animals, characterised by neck tremors and head nodding in the milder alpaca cases and a lack of coordination in moving, a staggering gait and frequent falling in severe cases) in Australian alpaca and the presence of four pasture grasses, during three production seasons in 2004–2006. There have been few studies on the susceptibility of alpaca to staggers and its effect on productivity and animal welfare. The survey found that 23% of alpaca producers had observed staggering animals, with Victoria and South Australia being the most severely affected states. Clinical signs of staggers were most frequent in January–March, with a mean duration of 3 months. Some animals showed clinical signs lasting up to 12 months. A strong correlation was found between the presence of perennial ryegrass (P < 0.001) and phalaris (P < 0.003) and the occurrence of staggers. Based on grass presence and the timing when staggers was observed, it was concluded that perennial ryegrass toxicosis was the main cause of staggers in alpaca. About 12% and 9% of alpaca grazing pasture containing perennial ryegrass exhibited staggers in the two full seasons for which data were collected. Herds with staggering animals were correlated with those exhibiting possible subclinical effects – heat sensitivity and ill-thrift (P < 0.01) and reduced fertility (P < 0.05) – of perennial ryegrass endophyte toxins. Results indicate that weanlings and cria are more likely to stagger than adults. Thirteen of the 15 mixed farms with staggering alpaca did not observe staggers in other livestock, suggesting that alpaca may be more sensitive to the causal toxins than sheep and cattle.
The impact of clean fleece weight and bodyweight selection in Merinos on meat traits in the progeny
Authors: Refshauge G. , Hatcher S. , Hinch G. N. , Nielsen S. , Hopkins D. L.
Published: July 2008

The carcasses of 136 Merino wether lambs from a single bloodline were studied to determine the impact of phenotypic selection for clean fleece weight (CFW) and bodyweight (BWT) on meat quality characteristics. The lambs were the progeny of sires and dams that were selected for high or low CFW and high or low BWT using hogget phenotypic data, where the dams were managed at 10 or 15 dry sheep equivalent/ha during gestation and from marking to weaning. Maternal stocking rate was found to have no significant effect on any meat traits, except to reduce fatness in high BWT lambs. High CFW selection led to increased glycolytic activity in muscle reflected by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Phenotypic BWT selection increased hot carcass weight and decreased fatness, lowered temperature at pH 6.0, and showed considerable variation in LDH activity and the ratio of LDH to isocitrate dehydrogenase. It is clear from this study that the stocking rate of the dam during gestation and lactation, and her selection on the basis of CFW or BWT phenotype had no large negative impact on the meat traits of her male progeny.
Dietary cation - anion differences in some pasture species, changes during the season and effects of soil acidity and lime amendment
Authors: Pelletier Sophie , Simpson Richard J. , Culvenor Richard A. , Bélanger Gilles , Tremblay Gaëtan F. , Allard Guy , Braschkat Jörg , Randall Peter J.
Published: July 2008

The difference between cation and anion concentrations is an important property when assessing feed for dry dairy cows in order to avoid hypocalcaemia following calving. Dietary cation–anion difference (DCAD) is used to assess suitability of feed and predict the risk of milk fever; a value of –5 cmol(+)/kg dry matter (DM) or less is desirable. This work has examined the DCAD of 16 field-grown species found in pasture in southern Australia. The DCAD [cmol(+)/kg DM] at the flowering stage varied from 7 to 32 for grasses, 21 to 72 for legumes and 72 to 99 for dicot weeds. The average DCAD for legumes was 50 cmol(+)/kg DM, over 2-fold higher than the 20 cmol(+)/kg DM average for grasses. There was a substantial decline in DCAD of herbage as the season progressed. In a glasshouse experiment with five grass species in an acid soil, lime application increased yield and tended to lower the DCAD. Lime decreased uptake per unit root length of potassium and chlorine and increased uptake of calcium by phalaris and timothy. While DCAD is an important attribute of herbage for assessing its suitability for prepartum diets of dairy cows, the present data indicate that it would be prudent to also consider concentrations of calcium and other mineral nutrients in herbage, particularly when examining less familiar plant species or the effects of different cultural practices on the composition of herbage for such diets.
Nitrogen metabolism in durum wheat under salinity: accumulation of proline and glycine betaine
Authors: Carillo Petronia , Mastrolonardo Gabriella , Nacca Francesco , Parisi Danila , Verlotta Angelo , Fuggi Amodio
Published: July 2008

We studied the effect of salinity on amino acid, proline and glycine betaine accumulation in leaves of different stages of development in durum wheat under high and low nitrogen supply. Our results suggest that protective compounds against salt stress are accumulated in all leaves. The major metabolites are glycine betaine, which preferentially accumulates in younger tissues, and proline, which is found predominantly in older tissues. Proline tended to accumulate early, at the onset of the stress, while glycine betaine accumulation was observed during prolonged stress. Nitrate reductase (NR) and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) are positively correlated with these compatible solutes: proline is associated with NR in the oldest leaves of high-nitrate plants and glycine betaine is associated with GOGAT in the youngest leaves of both low- and high-nitrate plants. In high-nitrate conditions proline accounts for more than 39% of the osmotic adjustment in the cytoplasmic compartments of old leaves. Its nitrogen-dependent accumulation may offer an important advantage in that it can be metabolised to allow reallocation of energy, carbon and nitrogen from the older leaves to the younger tissues. The contribution of glycine betaine is higher in young leaves and is independent of nitrogen nutrition.
A protein from the salivary glands of the pea aphid,
Acyrthosiphon pisum
, is essential in feeding on a host plant
Authors: Mutti Navdeep S. , Louis Joe , Pappan Loretta K. , Pappan Kirk , Begum Khurshida , Chen Ming-Shun , Park Yoonseong , Dittmer Neal , Marshall Jeremy , Reese John C. , Reeck Gerald R.
Published: July 2008

In feeding, aphids inject saliva into plant tissues, gaining access to phloem sap and eliciting (and sometimes overcoming) plant responses. We are examining the involvement, in this aphid–plant interaction, of individual aphid proteins and enzymes, as identified in a salivary gland cDNA library. Here, we focus on a salivary protein we have arbitrarily designated Protein C002. We have shown, by using RNAi-based transcript knockdown, that this protein is important in the survival of the pea aphid (
Acyrthosiphon pisum
) on fava bean, a host plant. Here, we further characterize the protein, its transcript, and its gene, and we study the feeding process of knockdown aphids. The encoded protein fails to match any protein outside of the family Aphididae. By using
in situ
hybridization and immunohistochemistry, the transcript and the protein were localized to a subset of secretory cells in principal salivary glands. Protein C002, whose sequence contains an N-terminal secretion signal, is injected into the host plant during aphid feeding. By using the electrical penetration graph method on
c002
-knockdown aphids, we find that the knockdown affects several aspects of foraging and feeding, with the result that the
c002
-knockdown aphids spend very little time in contact with phloem sap in sieve elements. Thus, we infer that Protein C002 is crucial in the feeding of the pea aphid on fava bean.
Structures of synthetic O-antigen fragments from serotype 2aShigella flexneriin complex with a protective monoclonal antibody
Authors: Vulliez-Le Normand B. , Saul F. A. , Phalipon A. , Bélot F. , Guerreiro C. , Mulard L. A. , Bentley G. A.
Published: July 2008

The anti-LPS IgG mAb F22-4, raised againstShigella flexneriserotype 2a bacteria, protects against homologous, but not heterologous, challenge in an experimental animal model. We report the crystal structures of complexes formed between Fab F22-4 and two synthetic oligosaccharides, a decasaccharide and a pentadecasaccharide that were previously shown to be both immunogenic and antigenic mimics of theS. flexneriserotype 2a O-antigen. F22-4 binds to an epitope contained within two consecutive 2a serotype pentasaccharide repeat units (RU). Six sugar residues from a contiguous nine-residue segment make direct contacts with the antibody, including the nonreducing rhamnose and both branching glucosyl residues from the two RUs. The glucosyl residue, whose position of attachment to the tetrasaccharide backbone of the RU defines the serotype 2a O-antigen, is critical for recognition by F22-4. Although the complete decasaccharide is visible in the electron density maps, the last four pentadecasaccharide residues from the reducing end, which do not contact the antibody, could not be traced. Although considerable mobility in the free oligosaccharides can thus be expected, the conformational similarity between the individual RUs, both within and between the two complexes, suggests that short-range transient ordering to a helical conformation might occur in solution. Although the observed epitope includes the terminal nonreducing residue, binding to internal epitopes within the polysaccharide chain is not precluded. Our results have implications for vaccine development because they suggest that a minimum of two RUs of synthetic serotype 2a oligosaccharide is required for optimal mimicry of O-Ag epitopes.
Subnanometer-resolution electron cryomicroscopy-based domain models for the cytoplasmic region of skeletal muscle RyR channel
Authors: Serysheva Irina I. , Ludtke Steven J. , Baker Matthew L. , Cong Yao , Topf Maya , Eramian David , Sali Andrej , Hamilton Susan L. , Chiu Wah
Published: July 2008

The skeletal muscle Ca
2+
release channel (RyR1), a homotetramer, regulates the release of Ca
2+
from the sarcoplasmic reticulum to initiate muscle contraction. In this work, we have delineated the RyR1 monomer boundaries in a subnanometer-resolution electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM) density map. In the cytoplasmic region of each RyR1 monomer, 36 α-helices and 7 β-sheets can be resolved. A β-sheet was also identified close to the membrane-spanning region that resembles the cytoplasmic pore structures of inward rectifier K
+
channels. Three structural folds, generated for amino acids 12–565 using comparative modeling and cryo-EM density fitting, localize close to regions implicated in communication with the voltage sensor in the transverse tubules. Eleven of the 15 disease-related residues for these domains are mapped to the surface of these models. Four disease-related residues are found in a basin at the interfaces of these regions, creating a pocket in which the immunophilin FKBP12 can fit. Taken together, these results provide a structural context for both channel gating and the consequences of certain malignant hyperthermia and central core disease-associated mutations in RyR1.
The role of nanostructure in the wetting behavior of mixed-monolayer-protected metal nanoparticles
Authors: Centrone A. , Penzo E. , Sharma M. , Myerson J. W. , Jackson A. M. , Marzari N. , Stellacci F.
Published: July 2008

Self-assembled monolayer-protected nanoparticles are promising candidates for applications, such as sensing and drug delivery, in which the molecular ligands' interactions with the surrounding environment play a crucial role. We recently showed that, when gold nanoparticles are coated with a binary mixture of immiscible ligands, ordered ribbon-like domains of alternating composition spontaneously form and that their width is comparable with the size of a single solvent molecule. It is usually assumed that nanoparticles' solubility depends solely on the core size and on the molecular composition of the ligand shell. Here, we show that this is not always the case. We find that the ligand shell morphology affects the solubility of these nanoparticles almost as much as the molecular composition. A possible explanation is offered through a molecular dynamics analysis of the surface energy of monolayers differing only in their domain structure. We find that the surface free energy of such model systems can vary significantly as a function of ordering, even at fixed composition. This combined experimental and theoretical study provides a unique insight into wetting phenomena at the nano- and subnanometer scale.
A genome-wide RNAi screen for Wnt/β-catenin pathway components identifies unexpected roles for TCF transcription factors in cancer
Authors: Tang Wei , Dodge Michael , Gundapaneni Deepika , Michnoff Carolyn , Roth Michael , Lum Lawrence
Published: July 2008

The Wnt family of secreted proteins coordinate cell fate decision-making in a broad range of developmental and homeostatic contexts. Corruption of Wnt signal transduction pathways frequently results in degenerative diseases and cancer. We have used an iterative genome-wide screening strategy that employs multiple nonredundant RNAi reagents to identify mammalian genes that participate in Wnt/β-catenin pathway response. Among the genes that were assigned high confidence scores are two members of the TCF/LEF family of DNA-binding proteins that control the transcriptional output of the pathway. Surprisingly, we found that the presumed cancer-promoting gene
TCF7L2
functions instead as a transcriptional repressor that restricts colorectal cancer (CRC) cell growth. Mutations in
TCF7L2
identified from cancer genome sequencing efforts abolish its ability to function as a transcriptional regulator and result in increased CRC cell growth. We describe a growth-promoting transcriptional program that is likely activated in CRC tumors with compromised
TCF7L2
function. Taken together, the results from our screen and studies focused on members of the TCF/LEF gene family refine our understanding of how aberrant Wnt pathway activation sustains CRC growth.
Carbon sequestration in soil.
Authors: Lal R.
Published: July 2008

Carbon (C) sequestration in soil implies transfer and secure storage of atmospheric CO
2
into the soil organic carbon (SOC) pool as recalcitrant humus/biochar and into the soil inorganic carbon (SIC) pool as secondary carbonates. Its importance lies in the urgent need to offset increases in atmospheric enrichment of CO
2
(from 280 ppm in 1750 to 385 ppm in 2008) and its benefits to agronomic yield and soil quality. The soil C sink capacity, created by historic land use and soil degradation, is estimated at 78±12 Pg or 10-60 Mg/ha (Lal, 1999). Principal strategies of SOC sequestration involve: (i) restoration of degraded/desertified soils through conversion to a perennial land use, and (ii) adoption of recommended management practices including no-till farming, manuring, agroforestry and use of biochar as a soil amendment. The mean rate of C sequestration is 300-500 kg/ha/yr for SOC and 2-10 kg/ha/yr for SIC. Accelerated soil erosion is a net source of atmospheric CO
2
and must be effectively controlled. Soil C sequestration is also enhanced by adoption of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and trading of C credits. Avoidance of deforestation, and afforestation of degraded/desertified soils are cost-effective and have a large potential to offset emissions, influence the global C cycle and stabilize the atmospheric CO
2
. Soil C sequestration is a win-win-win strategy because it advances food security, improves the environment and mitigates global warming.
Biodiversity and ecosystem function in constructed ecosystems.
Authors: Ranalli M. , Lundholm J.
Published: July 2008

Constructed ecosystems are engineered to perform functions, such as bioremediation of contaminants, and are increasingly viewed as green alternatives to conventional technologies. Augmenting biodiversity of managed systems such as agroecosystems has been shown to improve yields and other functions such as nutrient uptake, but manipulation of organismal diversity linked to the functioning of constructed ecosystems is an emerging field that has not been reviewed. Here, we summarize current understandings of the relationships between biodiversity and the functions (services) of constructed ecosystems such as green roofs, sewage treatment wetlands and bioreactors, by reviewing theoretical expectations and experimental results. There are several ways in which increased plant species diversity is expected to improve functioning on green roofs. A positive effect of functional composition on water runoff retention has been demonstrated in one system. In wastewater treatment wetland systems, there are a handful of studies showing positive relationships between species diversity and nutrient uptake, but many showing no effect of species diversity. Studies on bioreactors and biofilms suggest that functional redundancy in microbial communities is a consequence of high biodiversity and can promote temporal stability in system performance. The inevitability of variable environmental conditions suggests that the insurance derived from biodiversity is likely important in most constructed ecosystems, but more experimental manipulations of biodiversity are necessary to test whether ecosystem functions can be optimized or stabilized in any system.
Reader accuracy and confidence in diagnosing diffuse lung disease on high-resolution computed tomography of the lungs: impact of sampling frequency
Authors: Sundaram B. , Gross B. H. , Oh E. , Müller N. , Myles J. D. , Kazerooni E. A.
Published: July 2008

Background: The accuracy of the number of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) images necessary to diagnose diffuse lung disease (DLD) is not well established.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of HRCT sampling frequency on reader confidence and accuracy for diagnosing DLD.

Material and Methods: HRCT images of 100 consecutive patients with proven DLD were reviewed. They were: 48 usual interstitial pneumonia, 22 sarcoidosis, six hypersensitivity pneumonitis, five each of desquamative interstitial pneumonitis, eosinophilic granulomatosis, and lymphangioleiomyomatosis, and nine others. Inspiratory images at 1-cm increments throughout the lungs and three specified levels formed complete and limited examinations. In random order, three experts (readers 1, 2, and 3) ranked their top three diagnoses and rated confidence for their top diagnosis, independently and blinded to clinical information.

Results: Using the complete versus limited examinations for correct first-choice diagnosis, accuracy for reader 1 (R1) was 81% versus 80%, respectively, for reader 2 (R2) 70% versus 70%, and for reader 3 (R3) 64% versus 59%. Reader accuracy within their top three choices for complete versus limited examinations was: R1 91% versus 91% of cases, respectively, R2 84% versus 83%, and R3 79% versus 72% of cases. No statistically significant differences were found between the diagnosis methods ( P=0.28 for first diagnosis and P=0.17 for top three choices). The confidence intervals for individual raters showed considerable overlap, and the point estimates are almost identical. The mean interreader agreement for complete versus limited HRCT for both top and top three diagnoses were the same (moderate and fair, respectively). The mean intrareader agreement between complete and limited HRCT for top and top three diagnoses were substantial and moderate, respectively.

Conclusion: Overall reader accuracy and confidence in diagnosis did not significantly differ when fewer or more HRCT images were used.
Diagnostic value of ex-vivo three-dimensional micro-computed tomography imaging of primary nonhematopoietic human bone tumors: osteosarcoma versus chondrosarcoma
Authors: Langheinrich A. C. , Stolle C. , Kampschulte M. , Lommel D. , Rau W. S. , Bassaly B.
Published: July 2008

Background: Osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma are the most common nonhematopoietic primary malignancies of bone. However, unusual radiographic appearances can lead to delay in diagnosis and confusion with benign diseases.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of micro-computed tomography (CT) for the analysis of primary, nonhematopoietic human bone tumors ex vivo.

Material and Methods: Samples from 12 human bone specimens (osteosarcoma, n=6; chondrosarcoma, n=6) obtained for diagnostic purposes were scanned using industrial X-ray film without amplifier foil and scanned with micro-CT (7- and 12-µm-cubic voxels). Trabecular bone CT “density” and tumor matrix CT “density” were determined, and results were compared with those obtained from a detailed conventional histopathologic analysis of corresponding cross-sections. The significance of differences in grayscale measurements was tested with analysis of variance.

Results: Micro-CT provided quantitative information on bone morphology equivalent to histopathological analysis. We established grayscale measurements by which tumor matrices of chondrosarcoma and osteosarcoma could be radiographically categorized following histological classifications ( P<0.001).

Conclusion: Micro-CT is feasible for the analysis and differentiation of human osteosarcoma and chondrosarcoma.
A novel radiofrequency thermocoagulation method for treatment of lower back pain: thermal conduction after instillation of saline solution into the nucleus pulposus—preliminary results
Authors: Azulay N. , Forgerit M. , Alava E. G. , Deplas A. , Vialle R. , Ragot S. , Tasu J.-P.
Published: July 2008

Background: Radiofrequency heating of the intervertebral disc has been proposed for the treatment of chronic low back pain using two methods: a flexible needle inserted into the annulus fibrosus achieving a full 360° penetration, or a rigid needle inserted into the nucleus pulposus. The first technique is effective on pain, but the clinical benefit of the second is uncertain.

Purpose: To evaluate a technique for radiofrequency heating of the lumbar intervertebral disc by a needle placed into the nucleus pulposus.

Material and Methods: The method was tested in 17 patients according to the criteria used in previous intradiscal radiofrequency studies. Before and after treatment, disability was assessed by the Oswestry disability score. A pain reduction of at least 50% was considered a success.

Results: Fifteen patients were responders at 1 month (88%), nine at 3 months (53%), and 12 at 6 months (70.6%). No complications were observed.

Conclusion: A new method of providing discal radiofrequency treatment for lower back pain had a substantial clinical benefit in 71% of the observed patients. A prospective study comparing this new method with placebo should be conducted to confirm these initial results.
Behaviour and Gaze Analyses During a Goal-Directed Locomotor Task
Authors: Cinelli Michael E. , Patla Aftab E. , Allard Fran
Published: July 2008

The objectives of the current study were: (a) to determine whether perception–action coupling controlled behaviours when walking through moving doors and (b) to determine how vision contributed to this behaviour. Participants ( N = 6) walked along a 7-m path toward two motor-driven doors, which moved at rates ranging between 20 and 40 cm/s. Each door was independently driven such that both moved at the same velocity (symmetrical) or at different velocities (asymmetrical). The results showed that in both door movement conditions the participants controlled their approach velocity by slowing down prior to crossing the doors. The decrease in walking velocity produced greater velocity variability in the final stages prior to crossing the doors and high success rates. The results from the gaze behaviours showed that fixation durations were significantly longer when the doors moved asymmetrically, suggesting that the visual information from this unpredictable environment took longer to process. However, the fixation patterns were similar between the two door movement conditions. Regardless of the door movement condition, the participants spent about 60% of each trial fixating environmental objects (i.e., left door, right door, or aperture). The majority of fixations were directed towards one of the doors at the beginning of the trial and then shifted towards the aperture in the final phase. The participants were using perception–action coupling to control their behaviours in the final phase in order to steer locomotion through the aperture.
Short Article: Effect of Click Trains on Duration Estimates by People with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Wearden John H. , Smith-Spark James H. , Cousins Rosanna , Edelstyn Nicola M. J. , Cody Frederick W. J. , O'Boyle Donald J.
Published: July 2008

Patients with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and age- and IQ-matched controls estimated the duration of short 500-Hz tones (325–1,225 ms), on trials where the tone was either preceded by 3 s of 5-Hz clicks, or presented without clicks. The click manipulation had been shown in earlier studies with student participants to make verbal estimates longer. Patients were tested both on and off their dopaminergic medication, and controls were also tested in two sessions. Verbal estimates were markedly and significantly longer on trials with clicks than on those without clicks for both the patients and the controls, but there were no significant performance differences between patients or controls, nor between the on and off medication sessions in the patients. The study shows that a manipulation of subjective time, which has had small but consistent effects in student participants, also affects timing in patients and adds to a growing body of evidence that timing in patients with Parkinson's disease may in many cases have the same characteristics as those of neurologically intact control groups.
Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infection in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Menezes Fernando G. , Wey Sérgio B. , Peres Clóvis A. , Medina-Pestana José O. , Camargo Luis Fernando A.
Published: July 2008

We analyzed the epidemiologic characteristics and risk factors for surgical site infection (SSI) in kidney transplant recipients. From among 1,939 kidney transplant recipients, 120 with corresponding control subjects were evaluated in this study (1:1 ratio). Reoperation, chronic glomerulonephritis, acute graft rejection, delayed graft function, diabetes, and high body mass index were identified in the analysis as risk factors for SSI.
Blow-up phenomena for the Yamabe equation
Authors: Brendle Simon
Published: July 2008

Let

(
M
,
g
)

(M,g)

be a compact Riemannian manifold of dimension

n
≥
3

n \geq 3

. A well-known conjecture states that the set of constant scalar curvature metrics in the conformal class of

g
g

is compact unless

(
M
,
g
)

(M,g)

is conformally equivalent to the round sphere. In this paper, we construct counterexamples to this conjecture in dimensions

n
≥
52

n \geq 52

.
Hardy-Lieb-Thirring inequalities for fractional Schrödinger operators
Authors: Frank Rupert , Lieb Elliott , Seiringer Robert
Published: July 2008

We show that the Lieb-Thirring inequalities on moments of negative eigenvalues of Schrödinger-like operators remain true, with possibly different constants, when the critical Hardy-weight

C

|

x

|

−
2

C |x|^{-2}

is subtracted from the Laplace operator. We do so by first establishing a Sobolev inequality for such operators. Similar results are true for fractional powers of the Laplacian and the Hardy-weight and, in particular, for relativistic Schrödinger operators. We also allow for the inclusion of magnetic vector potentials. As an application, we extend, for the first time, the proof of stability of relativistic matter with magnetic fields all the way up to the critical value of the nuclear charge

Z
α
=
2

/

π

Z\alpha =2/\pi

, for

α
\alpha

less than some critical value.
Eulerian series as modular forms
Authors: Bringmann Kathrin , Ono Ken , Rhoades Robert
Published: July 2008

In 1988, Hickerson proved the celebrated “mock theta conjectures” in a collection of ten identities from Ramanujan’s “lost notebook” which express certain modular forms as linear combinations of mock theta functions. In the context of Maass forms, these identities arise from the peculiar phenomenon that two different harmonic Maass forms may have the same non-holomorphic parts. Using this perspective, we construct several infinite families of modular forms which are differences of mock theta functions.
On the orbits of computably enumerable sets
Authors: Cholak Peter , Downey Rodney , Harrington Leo
Published: July 2008

The goal of this paper is to show there is a single orbit of the c.e. sets with inclusion,

E

\mathcal {E}

, such that the question of membership in this orbit is

Σ
1
1

\Sigma ^1_1

-complete. This result and proof have a number of nice corollaries: the Scott rank of

E

\mathcal {E}

is

ω
1

C
K

+
1

\omega _1^{ {CK}}+1

; not all orbits are elementarily definable; there is no arithmetic description of all orbits of

E

\mathcal {E}

; for all finite

α
≥
9

\alpha \geq 9

, there is a properly

Δ
α
0

\Delta ^0_\alpha

orbit (from the proof).
Bayesian survival analysis in genetic association studies
Authors: Tachmazidou Ioanna , Andrew Toby , Verzilli Claudio J. , Johnson Michael R. , De Iorio Maria
Published: July 2008

Motivation: Large-scale genetic association studies are carried out with the hope of discovering single nucleotide polymorphisms involved in the etiology of complex diseases. There are several existing methods in the literature for performing this kind of analysis for case-control studies, but less work has been done for prospective cohort studies. We present a Bayesian method for linking markers to censored survival outcome by clustering haplotypes using gene trees. Coalescent-based approaches are promising for LD mapping, as the coalescent offers a good approximation to the evolutionary history of mutations.

Results: We compare the performance of the proposed method in simulation studies to the univariate Cox regression and to dimension reduction methods, and we observe that it performs similarly in localizing the causal site, while offering a clear advantage in terms of false positive associations. Moreover, it offers computational advantages. Applying our method to a real prospective study, we observe potential association between candidate ABC transporter genes and epilepsy treatment outcomes.

Availability: R codes are available upon request.

Contact:  ioanna.tachmazidou@imperial.ac.uk

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Assessment of the Mutagenic Activity of Extracts of Brazilian Propolis in Topical Pharmaceutical Formulations on Mammalian Cells In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Senedese Juliana Marques , Rodrigues Aline Rafaela , Furtado Michelle Andrade , Faustino Viviane Dias , Berretta Andresa A. , Marchetti Juliana M. , Tavares Denise Crispim
Published: July 2008

Propolis possesses various biological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti‐inflammatory, anesthetic and antioxidant properties. A topically applied product based on Brazilian green propolis was developed for the treatment of burns. For such substance to be used more safely in future clinical applications, the present study evaluated the mutagenic potential of topical formulations supplemented with green propolis extract (1.2, 2.4 and 3.6%) based on the analysis of chromosomal aberrations and of micronuclei. In the in vitro studies, 3‐h pulse (G1 phase of the cell cycle) and continuous (20 h) treatments were performed. In the in vivo assessment, the animals were injured on the back and then submitted to acute (24 h), subacute (7 days) and subchronic (30 days) treatments consisting of daily dermal applications of gels containing different concentrations of propolis. Similar frequencies of chromosomal aberrations were observed for cultures submitted to 3‐h pulse and continuous treatment with gels containing different propolis concentrations and cultures not submitted to any treatment. However, in the continuous treatment cultures treated with the 3.6% propolis gel presented significantly lower mitotic indices than the negative control. No statistically significant differences in the frequencies of micronuclei were observed between animals treated with gels containing different concentrations of propolis and the negative control for the three treatment times. Under the present conditions, topical formulations containing different concentrations of green propolis used for the treatment of burns showed no mutagenic effect in either test system, but 3.6% propolis gel was found to be cytotoxic in the in vitro test.
Prevention of Cancer
Authors: Watson Max
Published: July 2008

In 2005 in the UK, there were 153 491 deaths from cancer—one in four of all deaths (29% of male and 24% of female deaths). Seventy-six percent of these deaths occur in people aged over 65. Death rates rise with increasing age. However, cancer causes a greater proportion of deaths in younger people, with cancer being responsible for 37% of deaths in those under 65 (47% of deaths of women; 31% of deaths of men). Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer death in both men and women ( Fig. 1 ).
Smoking Cessation
Authors: Bolland Will , Davies Richard , Simon Chantal
Published: July 2008

In the UK, 25% of adults smoke cigarettes, 1% smoke a pipe regularly and 4% of men smoke at least one cigar per month. Of the cigarette smokers, 34% hand-roll their cigarettes, 55% would find it hard to go a whole day without a cigarette and 17% (mostly heavy smokers) have their first cigarette within 5 min of waking up. Overall, a slightly higher percentage of men (26%) than women (23%) smoke. Prevalence is highest in those aged 20–34 and then declines with age ( Fig. 1 ).
Influenza and its Prevention
Authors: Simon Chantal , Lynch Jeannette
Published: July 2008

Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Most cases in the UK occur in a 6- to 8-week period during the winter. The exact timing of this period, number of people affected and severity of the illness varies from year to year.
Emergency Patient Encounters
Authors: O'Reilly Karen
Published: July 2008

It's an emergency doc'. Managing emergency patient encounters in primary care can be both challenging and stressful for GPs. Many problems classified by patients as emergencies in primary care are not, in medical terms, true emergencies. Although this means that you do not always need to summon up your emergency care skills to manage GP emergencies, such cases present their own very special challenge.
Adult Resuscitation in Primary Care
Authors: Buckmaster John
Published: July 2008

As a doctor, at any stage of your training, you may in the course of your work, and sometimes outside it, be called upon to administer resuscitation to either a patient or another person. All general practitioner's (GP) practices should have a defibrillator, and defibrillators are often available in public places such as stations and supermarkets. The Quality and Outcomes Framework rewards practices for regularly updating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills of practice clinical and non-clinical staff (education indicators 1 and 5). In addition, all members of the public should be encouraged to consider taking the basic training as the earlier cardiopulmonary resuscitation is initiated after a collapse, the more likely it is to succeed.
Induced Rice Resistance to Blast Varies as a Function of Magnaporthe grisea Avirulence Genes
Authors: Yasuda N. , Noguchi M. T. , Fujita Y.
Published: July 2008

Incompatibility reactions between rice and the blast fungus Magnaporthe grisea produce various degrees of lesions, from large brown flecks to small, nearly invisible lesions. We previously identified four avirulence genes (AvrPia, AvrPii, AvrPit, and Avr-Hattan3) in M. grisea isolates by genetic analysis of progeny from crosses between isolates with differing pathogenicity. Using progeny known to contain a specific avirulence gene, we demonstrated that the type of resistance lesion produced in rice by an avirulent isolate and the degree of leaf blast suppression by preinoculation with that isolate were determined by the combination of avirulence and resistance genes in the isolate and the cultivar. The degree of leaf blast suppression by preinoculation with an avirulent isolate increased with larger resistance lesions. When two genes were involved in an isolate's avirulence, lesions appeared that resembled those expected for the gene that produced the smaller lesion. The degree of leaf blast suppression by the isolate with two avirulence genes was comparable with that induced by the isolate with the avirulence gene that produced the smaller effect. The ability of specific resistance gene combinations that effectively suppress blast disease is discussed for each avirulence gene.
Foliar Symptom Expression of Wood Decay inActinidia deliciosain Relation to Environmental Factors
Authors: Di Marco Stefano , Osti Fabio
Published: July 2008

Kiwifruit vines (Actinidia deliciosa var. deliciosa) have recently been affected by a new form of decay caused by several fungi that produce different types of wood deterioration in the trunk and cordons. Surveys were conducted over a period of 5 years to investigate epidemiological aspects of the disease in a typical Italian growing area (Emilia-Romagna), where kiwifruit is widely cultivated and where the disease was noted for the first time. The disease was widespread over the kiwifruit growing area surveyed, and its incidence increased over the course of the survey. No relationship was found between vineyard soil characteristics or management methods and the annual incidence of symptomatic vines. Foliar symptoms did not consistently express every season even on obviously infected vines. The time of appearance and the development of the disease were correlated with plant phenology and temperature. In particular, from June to August, temperature seemed to affect the annual incidence of the disease in terms of both symptomatic shoots and symptomatic vines. The aspects in common between the decay of kiwifruit and esca of grapevine could be hypothesized and are discussed.
Effect of the Timing of Fungicide Application on Fusarium Head Blight and Mycotoxin Accumulation in Closed-Flowering Barley
Authors: Yoshida Megumi , Nakajima Takashi , Arai Michiyoshi , Suzuki Fumihiko , Tomimura Kenta
Published: July 2008

Fungicide application is one measure available to reduce the risk of Fusarium head blight (FHB) and mycotoxin contamination in barley. The stage at or near anthesis, or at full head emergence, is generally thought to be optimal for fungicide application, regardless of cultivar. However, we have previously found that the most critical time for Fusarium graminearum infection and mycotoxin accumulation in barley differs among cultivars. Whereas chasmogamous (open-flowering) cultivars were most susceptible at anthesis, cleistogamous (closed-flowering) cultivars were considerably resistant at anthesis but became susceptible after ‘spent’ anther extrusion. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of the timing of fungicide application on FHB and mycotoxin (deoxynivalenol and nivalenol) accumulation in cleistogamous barley. Thiophanate-methyl fungicide was applied at different developmental stages, from before anthesis to 30 days after anthesis (DAA), under artificial inoculation conditions in the field in which inoculum spores were provided throughout the testing period. As expected, the optimal timing for chemical control of FHB and mycotoxin accumulation was the time around the beginning of spent anther extrusion rather than at anthesis. Later application, as late as 30 DAA, was also effective in controlling mycotoxin accumulation, although it was not effective in controlling disease levels.
Survival Analysis to Determine the Length of the Incubation Period of Camellia Twig Blight Caused byColletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Copes W. E. , Thomson J. L.
Published: July 2008

Camellia twig blight, caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, is a disease common to several Camellia species in the southern United States. To determine the potential seasonal differences in incubation periods, stems of Camellia sasanqua ‘Rosea’ plants grown in pine bark under ambient conditions were wounded and inoculated monthly with C. gloeosporioides mycelium. The time until appearance of the first symptom of disease (incubation period length) was recorded for all stems. Stems that did not display a disease symptom by the last day of the observation period were recorded as censored observations. Survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier estimates, Cox proportional hazards, and extended Cox models was used to analyze the data. Incubation period length was regressed against stem diameter, monthly mean hours per day in a specified temperature range (15 to 30°C), and a categorical season variable approximating the four host growth stages (winter dormancy, spring leaf and stem growth, summer stem hardening and bud set, fall cessation of leaf and stem growth and opening of flowers) at the time stems were inoculated. Stems of thicker diameter tended to have greater incubation period length, while higher monthly mean hours per day in the specified temperature range decreased incubation period length. In comparison to winter months, spring, summer, and fall months were all associated with significantly higher risks for disease symptom appearance. The median incubation period lengths for the spring, summer, fall, and winter months were 18, 23, 28, and 57 days, respectively.
Recent Rice stripe virus Epidemics in Zhejiang Province, China, and Experiments on Sowing Date, Disease–Yield Loss Relationships, and Seedling Susceptibility
Authors: Wang H.-D. , Chen J.-P. , Zhang H.-M. , Sun X.-L. , Zhu J.-L. , Wang A.-G. , Sheng W.-X. , Adams M. J.
Published: July 2008

Rice stripe virus, transmitted by the small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus, has recently reemerged as a major disease in Zhejiang province, eastern China. Intensive surveys during 2003 to 2006 demonstrated how the disease has spread rapidly from the northern to central and eastern regions with increasing incidence each year. In bioassays, the highest proportions of viruliferous vectors were from regions where the disease was most severe. The greatest disease incidence was in the earliest sown plants, and substantial control could be achieved by delaying planting from late May to mid-June. In experiments where different proportions of infected plants were established (by inoculation or varying the sowing date), average yield losses were 0.8% for every 1% increase in disease incidence. In inoculation experiments, young seedlings, particularly those at the three- to five-leaf stage, were the most susceptible, whereas ≤1% of plants inoculated at or after the elongation stage developed symptoms. Recent epidemics appear to have resulted from large populations of viruliferous vectors colonizing rice seedlings at the most susceptible stage. This is probably because of changes in cropping practice, recent warmer winters in Zhejiang province, and the development of resistance or tolerance to the insecticides widely used (triazophos, synthetic pyrethroids, and Imidacloprid).
Response of Dry Bean Genotypes to Fusarium Root Rot, Caused byFusarium solanif. sp.phaseoli, Under Field and Controlled Conditions
Authors: Bilgi V. N. , Bradley C. A. , Khot S. D. , Grafton K. F. , Rasmussen J. B.
Published: July 2008

Fusarium root rot of dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), caused by Fusarium solani f. sp. phaseoli, is a major yield-limiting disease in North Dakota and Minnesota. Although a few sources of partial resistance are available, most commercial cultivars grown in this region are susceptible, especially in the red kidney bean market class. This study evaluated three methods of screening for resistance to Fusarium root rot. A sand-cornmeal inoculum layer method, spore suspension method, and paper towel method were used to evaluate 11 dry bean genotypes for resistance to Fusarium root rot under growth-chamber conditions. These same genotypes were also evaluated in field trials at Fargo, ND, and Park Rapids and Perham, MN, in 2005. In all trials, the small red genotype VAX 3 was found to have a consistently high level of resistance to Fusarium root rot and could be used as a source of resistance by dry bean breeders. Correlation analyses between field and growth-chamber root rot ratings indicated that all three growth-chamber methods had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) positive correlations with field results from Perham and Fargo, which suggests that all three methods could be used to screen germplasm efficiently for resistance to Fusarium root rot.