bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stable canted magnetization in Co thin films on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite induced by template defects
Authors: Lin Wen-Chin , Huang Ya-Yun , Ho Tsung-Ying , Wang Chih-Hsiung
Published: October 2011

Co thin films were grown on planar highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (p-HOPG) and Ar+ sputtered HOPG (s-HOPG) for comparison. Measurement of Auger ratio Co/C suggested the more uniform nucleation for Co on s-HOPG. Co/p-HOPG exhibited only in-plane magnetization, whereas Co/s-HOPG revealed the coexistence of in-plane and perpendicular MOKE hysteresis loops, indicating stable canted magnetization. The canted magnetization of Co/s-HOPG, which persisted at least up to 50 ML, could be attributed to volume-contributed perpendicular anisotropy. These observations will be valuable for future applications in the combination of metallic magnetic materials and carbon-based templates.
The Intrafirm Context of Retail Expansion Planning
Authors: Wood Steve , Reynolds Jonathan
Published: October 2011

The benefits that rigorous analysis can have for retail-store portfolio management in guiding and informing investment decisions (store expansion, closure, extension, refascia, and acquisition) is well established within the economic geography research literature. However, studies of retailers addressing location planning in practice have identified wide variation in the sophistication of techniques and resources employed as well as in terms of the credibility that such research and analysis receives from senior management within the firm. By drawing on a qualitative research project involving some forty location planning analysts, consultants, and managers at UK-based retailers, we differentiate between three approaches to store portfolio decision-making that differ in terms of resource allocation, sophistication, and legitimacy. We seek to explain those differences that are embedded within the context of intrafirm relations and social communities by drawing on theories from strategic management concerning core rigidities, lock-in, and legitimisation, and review the challenges that location planners face in gaining legitimacy within the organisation, along with strategies appropriate for increasing their acceptance and influence across the firm.
Lunar–Solar Rhythmpatterns: Towards the Material Cultures of Tides
Authors: Jones Owain
Published: October 2011

The movements of the oceans, and the liminal margins of sea, land, and fresh water have profound implications for human/nonhuman life. Those movements and margins are rhythmically affected by tides which are thus a key means by which the forceful materiality of water is animated. Where salt water meets land and river mouths, ceaseless, varying, daily, monthly, and seasonal rhythms of sea level rise and fall occur. Complex patterns and rhythms of intertidal areas, currents, mixing of salt and fresh water, erosion, transportation, and deposition, and many impacts on human systems are created. Due to location, orientation, and sea/land topography, coastal areas around the world are subject to microtides, mesotides, or macrotides (4 m and higher). Particularly in the case of the last, the rhythms of the tides extend out into a range of intersecting ecosocial assemblages. This paper discusses tides and their rhythms, sets them in debates about temporality/nature, and introduces the idea of rhythmpattern which is timespace animated. It also considers dissonance and consonance within and between tidal rhythmpatterns and their overwriting by development.
Power or Market? Location Determinants of Multinational Headquarters in China
Authors: Wang Danny T , Zhao Simon X , Gu Flora F , Chen Wendy Y
Published: October 2011

Multinational corporations (MNCs) have increasingly been establishing regional headquarters in China. However, no study has systematically examined how MNCs make strategic decisions about where to locate Chinese headquarters (CHQs) in this transition economy. The paper makes the first attempt to investigate the issue by focusing on two questions. First, what are the location-specific factors that determine where MNCs locate their CHQs? Second, how do these factors influence making the decision between Beijing and Shanghai, the two largest cities in China? We integrate existing literature and assess the differential roles of (1) path dependency, (2) institutional support, and (3) proximity to superior information. Data were collected through a large-scale survey of MNC CHQs in mainland China. The empirical analysis supports the three-dimensional framework and the central role of proximity to superior information in the decision-making process. The results advance existing understanding of MNC location decisions in China by revealing the unique interplay between power and market in this transition economy, and between Beijing and Shanghai, the two promising cities toward world city status, in particular.
Medullated fibres and fleece characteristics in Corriedale hoggets from two flocks in Uruguay
Authors: Sienra I. , Neimaur K. , Kremer R. , Urioste J. I.
Published: October 2011

The incidence of medullation in 549 Corriedale hoggets from two experimental flocks, its association with other characteristics of the fleece, and the sire effect were evaluated. The investigation was carried out during 2005–06 in hoggets from the Faculty of Agriculture and Faculty of Veterinary Science experimental flocks. Fleeces were weighed and samples were taken at shearing by picking 104 staples from fleeces to measure medullation. A mid-side wool sample was taken to determine wool characteristics (fleece weight, wool yield, mean fibre diameter, staple strength and length). A Dark Fibre Detector was used to identify total medullated fibres and fibre type: medullated fibres (med) and kemp, which were confirmed by light microscope. Mean total medullated fibres, med and kemp content per 10 g of clean wool were 4.2 ± 11.2; 2.0 ± 8.9 and 2.3 ± 4.9, and median values were 0.9, 0.0 and 0.7, respectively, in 549 fleeces. A high variability between samples and a higher proportion of hoggets with kemp fibres than those with med were observed. There were significant differences between sire families for total medullated fibre content/10 g, med fibre content/10 g and kemp fibre content/10 g, but there were no significant effects between flocks, years or interaction between them. Phenotypic correlations between medullated fibre content and wool characteristics were generally low (less than 0.19). In conclusion, medullated fibre content was highly variable between samples and was not strongly correlated with other fleece characteristics. Medullation varied between sire groups, suggesting genetic variation, which could be exploited to improve wool quality.
Associations of allergenic soybean proteins with piglet skin allergic reaction and application of polyclonal antibodies
Authors: Chen Chen Chi , Lee Tzu Tai , Hsu Chin Bin , Huang Chien Wei , Yu Bi
Published: October 2011

A skin prick test was conducted to evaluate the skin allergic reaction of piglets caused by allergenic proteins contained in soybean meal. The data accumulated from subcutaneous piglet skin tissue indicated that allergenic proteins contained in soybean meal crude extracts, even in low dosage levels (7 μg), caused immunological redness and inflammation within 5 min. The dosages above 200 μg of β-conglycinin caused inflammation covering a larger area. The glycinin had less of an influence on skin allergenic reaction dosages than β-conglycinin did. The antibodies used for β-conglycinin and glycinin subunits did not exhibit cross-recognition to other subunits or Leguminosae members, such as green beans, lupins and red beans. The polyclonal antibodies further indicated that some allergenic proteins were present after examining soybean meal fermented products individually by Aspergillus or Lactobacillus. None of the allergenic proteins were detected in soybean meal underwent two-stage fermentation. The skin prick test was found to be a convenient method for evaluating the skin allergic reaction of soy allergenic proteins in piglets. The produced polyclonal antibodies are based on subunits of allergenic proteins and can be used to detect the allergenic proteins present in soya products and soybean meal fermented products.
Multi-scale evaluation of the environmental controls on burn probability in a southern Sierra Nevada landscape
Authors: Parks Sean A. , Parisien Marc-André , Miller Carol
Published: October 2011

We examined the scale-dependent relationship between spatial fire likelihood or burn probability (BP) and some key environmental controls in the southern Sierra Nevada, California, USA. Continuous BP estimates were generated using a fire simulation model. The correspondence between BP (dependent variable) and elevation, ignition density, fuels and aspect was evaluated at incrementally increasing spatial scales to assess the importance of these explanatory variables in explaining BP. Results indicate the statistical relationship between BP and explanatory variables fluctuates across spatial scales, as does the influence of explanatory variables. However, because of high covariance among these variables, it was necessary to control for their shared contribution in order to extract their ‘unique’ contribution to BP. At the finest scale, fuels and elevation exerted the most influence on BP, whereas at broader scales, fuels and aspect were most influential. Results also showed that the influence of some variables tended to mask the true effect of seemingly less important variables. For example, the relationship between ignition density and BP was negative until we controlled for elevation, which led to a more meaningful relationship where BP increased with ignition density. This study demonstrates the value of a multi-scale approach for identifying and characterising mechanistic controls on BP that can often be blurred by strong but correlative relationships.
Fuelbed ignition potential and bark morphology explain the notoriety of the eucalypt messmate 'stringybark' for intense spotting
Authors: Ellis P. F. M.
Published: October 2011

In south-eastern Australia, bark of the ‘stringybark’ eucalypt group, and notably that of messmate (Eucalyptus obliqua L’Hér.), is notorious for intense spotting and it is likely that firebrands of this type contribute significantly to loss of life and property during major wildfires. The fuelbed ignition potential by glowing samples was laboratory tested on excised sections of Pinus radiata D. Don litterbed at moisture contents between 2 and 8% and for ‘no-wind’ or for ‘wind’ of 1 m s–1. Prepared samples of outer bark between 0.5 and 1.6 g were combusted until they attained ~20% of initial mass before placement. For ‘no-wind’, flaming ignition did not occur and the probability of glowing ignition appeared to depend on the chance of contact with needles. For ‘wind’, the probability of flaming ignition was a function of sample glowing mass and fuelbed moisture content. Its ignition probability, weight-for-weight, appears to exceed that reported for other forest firebrands, including bark of E. globulus Labill. However, it is likely that the notoriety of messmate bark is also due, in part, to its morphology and in-flight behaviour. It is argued that firebrand laboratory tests to date may poorly reflect the ignition potential of similar samples after flight.
Increase of extreme events in a warming world
Authors: Rahmstorf Stefan , Coumou Dim
Published: October 2011

We develop a theoretical approach to quantify the effect of long-term trends on the expected number of extremes in generic time series, using analytical solutions and Monte Carlo simulations. We apply our method to study the effect of warming trends on heat records. We find that the number of record-breaking events increases approximately in proportion to the ratio of warming trend to short-term standard deviation. Short-term variability thus decreases the number of heat extremes, whereas a climatic warming increases it. For extremes exceeding a predefined threshold, the dependence on the warming trend is highly nonlinear. We further find that the sum of warm plus cold extremes increases with any climate change, whether warming or cooling. We estimate that climatic warming has increased the number of new global-mean temperature records expected in the last decade from 0.1 to 2.8. For July temperature in Moscow, we estimate that the local warming trend has increased the number of records expected in the past decade fivefold, which implies an approximate 80% probability that the 2010 July heat record would not have occurred without climate warming.
Ribosomal frameshifting into an overlapping gene in the 2B-encoding region of the cardiovirus genome
Authors: Loughran Gary , Firth Andrew E. , Atkins John F.
Published: October 2011

The genus
Cardiovirus
(family Picornaviridae) currently comprises the species
Encephalomyocarditis virus
(EMCV) and
Theilovirus
. Cardioviruses have a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA genome that encodes a large polyprotein (L-1ABCD-2ABC-3ABCD) that is cleaved to produce approximately 12 mature proteins. We report on a conserved ORF that overlaps the 2B-encoding sequence of EMCV in the +2 reading frame. The ORF is translated as a 128–129 amino acid transframe fusion (2B*) with the N-terminal 11–12 amino acids of 2B, via ribosomal frameshifting at a conserved GGUUUUY motif. Mutations that knock out expression of 2B* result in a small-plaque phenotype. Curiously, although theilovirus sequences lack a long ORF in the +2 frame at this genomic location, they maintain a conserved GGUUUUU motif just downstream of the 2A-2B junction, and a highly localized peak in conservation at polyprotein-frame synonymous sites suggests that theiloviruses also utilize frameshifting here, albeit into a very short +2-frame ORF. Unlike previous cases of programmed -1 frameshifting, here frameshifting is modulated by virus infection, thus suggesting a novel regulatory role for frameshifting in these viruses.
Noninvasive MRI of β-cell function using a Zn
2+
-responsive contrast agent
Authors: Lubag Angelo J. M. , De Leon-Rodriguez Luis M. , Burgess Shawn C. , Sherry A. Dean
Published: October 2011

Elevation of postprandial glucose stimulates release of insulin from granules stored in pancreatic islet β-cells. We demonstrate here that divalent zinc ions coreleased with insulin from β-cells in response to high glucose are readily detected by MRI using the Zn
2+
-responsive T
1
agent, GdDOTA-diBPEN. Image contrast was significantly enhanced in the mouse pancreas after injection of a bolus of glucose followed by a low dose of the Zn
2+
sensor. Images of the pancreas were not enhanced by the agent in mice without addition of glucose to stimulate insulin release, nor were images enhanced in streptozotocin-treated mice with or without added glucose. These observations are consistent with MRI detection of Zn
2+
released from β-cells only during glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Images of mice fed a high-fat (60%) diet over a 12-wk period and subjected to this same imaging protocol showed a larger volume of contrast-enhanced pancreatic tissue, consistent with the expansion of pancreatic β-cell mass during fat accumulation and progression to type 2 diabetes. This MRI sensor offers the exciting potential for deep-tissue monitoring of β-cell function in vivo during development of type 2 diabetes or after implantation of islets in type I diabetic patients.
Regulatory T cells inhibit acute IFN-γ synthesis without blocking T-helper cell type 1 (Th1) differentiation via a compartmentalized requirement for IL-10
Authors: Sojka Dorothy K. , Fowell Deborah J.
Published: October 2011

CD4+CD25+Forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)+regulatory T cells (Tregs) control immune responses to self and foreign antigens in secondary lymphoid organs and at tissue sites of inflammation. Tregs can modify the function of many immune cells and have been proposed to block early proliferation, differentiation, and effector function. Acute ablation of Tregs has revealed rapid cytokine production immediately after Treg removal, suggesting that Tregs may regulate effector function acutely rather than regulating the programming for immune function. We developed in vitro and in vivo models that enabled the direct test of Treg regulation of T-helper cell type 1 (Th1) differentiation. CD28 signaling is known to abrogate Treg suppression of IL-2 secretion and proliferation, but our studies show that Treg suppression of IFN-γ during Th1 priming proceeds despite enhanced CD28 signaling. Importantly, during Th1 differentiation, Tregs inhibited early IFN-γ transcription without disrupting expression of Th1-specific T-box transcription factor (Tbet) and Th1 programming. Acute shutoff of effector cytokine production by Tregs was selective for IFN-γ but not TNF-α and was independent of TGF-β and Epstein-Barr virus-induced gene 3. In vivo, Tregs potently controlled CD4 IFN-γ and CD4 effector cell expansion in the lymph node (four- to fivefold reduction) but not Th1 programming, independent of IL-10. Tregs additionally reduced CD4 IFN-γ in the inflamed dermis (twofold reduction) dependent on their production of IL-10. We propose a model for Treg inhibition of effector function based on acute cytokine regulation. Interestingly, Tregs used different regulatory mechanisms to regulate IFN-γ (IL-10–dependent or –independent) subject to the target T-cell stage of activation and its tissue location.
Genetically distinct coelacanth population off the northern Tanzanian coast
Authors: Nikaido Masato , Sasaki Takeshi , Emerson J. J. , Aibara Mitsuto , Mzighani Semvua I. , Budeba Yohana L. , Ngatunga Benjamin P. , Iwata Masamitsu , Abe Yoshitaka , Li Wen-Hsiung , Okada Norihiro
Published: October 2011

Since the sensational discovery of a living coelacanth off the east coast of South Africa, the geographic distribution of viable coelacanth populations has been a subject of debate. In the past, the coelacanths off the African mainland were thought to be strays from the Comoros because most coelacanths captured were caught in the waters surrounding the Comoros archipelagos. However, in recent years, a large number of coelacanths were captured off the coast of Tanzania, including nine living specimens observed in a remotely operated vehicles survey. Thus, it is possible that there is a reproducing population inhabiting waters off the Tanzania coast. We have sequenced the complete mitochondrial genomes of 21 Tanzanian and 2 Comoran coelacanths and analyzed these sequences together with two additional full mitochondrial genomes and 47 d-loop sequences from the literature. We found that the coelacanth population off the northern Tanzanian coast is genetically differentiated from those of the southern Tanzania coast and the Comoros, whereas no significant genetic differentiation occurs between the latter two localities. The differentiation between the northern and southern Tanzanian coast populations is consistent with the hypothesis that the existence of northward-flowing ocean current along the Tanzanian coast may reduce or prevent gene flow from the northern to the southern population. Finally, we estimated that the population localized to the southern Tanzanian coast and the Comoros diverged from other coelacanths at least 200,000 y ago. These results indicate that the coelacanths off the northern Tanzania coast are not strays but a genetically distinct group. Our study provides important information for the conservation of this threatened “living fossil.”
Comparing positive and negative patterning in human learning
Authors: Livesey Evan J. , Thorwart Anna , Harris Justin A.
Published: October 2011

In human causal learning, positive patterning (PP) and negative patterning (NP) discriminations are often acquired at roughly the same rate, whereas PP is learned faster than NP in most experiments with nonhuman animals. One likely reason for this discrepancy is that most causal learning scenarios encourage participants to treat the presentation and omission of the relevant outcome as two events of comparable significance and likelihood. To investigate this, the current experiments compared PP and NP using a predictive learning paradigm based on a mock gambling task. In Experiment 1, one outcome (winning) was made more salient by being less frequent than the alternative outcome (losing). Under these circumstances, PP was learned faster than NP. In Experiment 2, subjects learned two PP and two NP discriminations, one involved win versus no change outcomes, the other involved lose versus no change outcomes. The subjects learned PP faster than NP, but only when discriminating win from no change. We argue that a difference in difficulty between PP and NP relies on a difference in the salience of the outcomes, consistent with the predictions of a relatively simple model of associative learning.
Positive constrained minimizers for supercritical problems in the ball
Authors: Grossi Massimo , Noris Benedetta
Published: October 2011

We provide a sufficient condition for the existence of a positive solution to\[−Δu+V(|x|)u=up in B1,-\Delta u+V(|x|) u=u^p \quad \hbox { in } B_1,\]whenppis large enough. HereB1B_1is the unit ball ofRn\mathbb {R}^n,n≥2n\ge 2, and we deal with both Neumann and Dirichlet homogeneous boundary conditions. The solution turns out to be a constrained minimum of the associated energy functional. As an application we show that in caseV(|x|)≥0V(|x|)\geq 0,V≢0V\not \equiv 0is smooth andppis sufficiently large, and the Neumann problem always admits a solution.
Two spinefoot colour morphs: mottled spinefoot Siganus fuscescens and white‐spotted spinefoot Siganus canaliculatus are synonyms
Authors: Hsu T.‐H. , Adiputra Y. T. , Burridge C. P. , Gwo J.‐C.
Published: October 2011

Mottled spinefoot Siganus fuscescens and white‐spotted spinefoot Siganus canaliculatus are two similar species that differ subtly in colouration and morphology. Three major mtDNA clades were identified for these species, but individuals were clustered by amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) according to geography rather than morphology, suggesting that the colour morphs are interbreeding.
Taxonomic review of the genus Trisopterus(Teleostei: Gadidae) with recognition of the capelan Trisopterus capelanus as a valid species
Authors: Delling B. , Noren M. , Kullander S. O. , González J. A.
Published: October 2011

Trisopterus is demonstrated to be monophyletic, including four distinct species: T. capelanus, T. esmarkii, T. luscus and T. minutus. The capelan T. capelanus is resurrected from the synonymy of poor cod T. minutus, and is shown to be morphologically more similar to T. luscus, to which species it is also more closely related, indicated by a phylogenetic analysis presented here. A lectotype is designated for T. luscus. Trisopterus fasciatus, the type species of Trisopterus, is a junior synonym of T. luscus, and the lectotype of T. luscus is designated as the neotype of T. fasciatus. The lectotype of T. luscus is also designated as the neotype of Gadus barbatus. Gadus barbatus has priority over T. luscus but the name is suppressed by prevailing usage of T. luscus. A neotype is designated also for T. minutus. A phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial cytochrome b, and a fragment of the nuclear rhodopsin gene, shows that T. capelanus and T. luscus are sister species, and in turn sister to a clade formed by T. minutus and T. esmarkii.
Chondrichthyan egg cases from the south‐west Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Mabragaña E. , Figueroa D. E. , Scenna L. B. , Díaz de Astarloa J. M. , Colonello J. H. , Delpiani G.
Published: October 2011

Egg cases of 21 oviparous chondrichthyan species from the south‐west Atlantic Ocean are described and compared. The catsharkSchroederichthys biviushas a cigar‐shaped egg case with curled tendrils only at the posterior end. Egg cases of the elephant fishCallorhinchus callorynchusare spindle‐shaped with anterior and posterior tubular extensions and lateral flanges. The skateAmblyraja doellojuradoipresents medium‐sized egg cases (71 mm in length) with a lateral keel extending to the first portion of the horns. The endemic skate species of the genusAtlantorajahave medium to large egg cases (69–104 mm in length) and present relatively large posterior horns. Egg cases of the genusBathyrajahave a medium size, 75–98 mm in length, and are characterized by a very similar morphology, a relatively smooth to rough surface case and posterior horns strongly curved inwards. Egg cases of the generaDipturusandZearajaare very large, 115–230 mm in length, and have a well‐developed posterior apron. Despite the problematical identification of skates at species level, the egg capsules of the endemic genusPsammobatisare easily diagnosed; the capsules are small (25–53 mm in length), those ofPsammobatis rutrumbeing the smallest known to date in the world. Egg cases ofRioraja agassizihave a medium size, 61–68 mm in length, relatively straight sides, a smooth surface and silky attachment fibres placed in the lateral keel next to each horn. Those of the genusSympterygiaare small to medium sized, 51–86 mm in length, and display the thickest lateral keel and the longest posterior horns among the skates of the world. Egg cases can be a useful tool for identifying species and egg‐laying areas; therefore, a provisional key for the south‐west Atlantic Ocean chondrichthyan capsules is presented.
Anterior hypopituitarism is rare and autoimmune disease is common in adults with idiopathic central diabetes insipidus
Authors: Hannon M. J. , Orr C. , Moran C. , Behan L. A. , Agha A. , Ball S. G. , Thompson C. J.
Published: October 2011

Objective  Central diabetes insipidus is a rare clinical condition with a heterogenous aetiology. Up to 40% of cases are classified as idiopathic, although many of these are thought to have an autoimmune basis. Published data have suggested that anterior hypopituitarism is common in childhood‐onset idiopathic diabetes insipidus. We aimed to assess the incidence of anterior hypopituitarism in a cohort of adult patients with idiopathic diabetes insipidus.

Design and patients  We performed a retrospective review of the databases of two pituitary investigation units. This identified 39 patients with idiopathic diabetes insipidus. All had undergone magnetic resonance imaging scanning and dynamic pituitary testing (either insulin tolerance testing or GHRH/arginine and short synacthen testing) to assess anterior pituitary function.

Results  One patient had partial growth hormone deficiency; no other anterior pituitary hormonal deficits were found. Thirty‐three percent had at least one autoimmune disease in addition to central diabetes insipidus.

Conclusions  Our data suggest that anterior hypopituitarism is rare in adult idiopathic diabetes insipidus. Routine screening of these patients for anterior hypopituitarism may not, therefore, be indicated. The significant prevalence of autoimmune disease in this cohort supports the hypothesis that idiopathic diabetes insipidus may have an autoimmune aetiology.
Acute infections and venous thromboembolism
Authors: Schmidt M. , Horvath‐Puho E. , Thomsen R. W. , Smeeth L. , Sørensen H. T.
Published: October 2011

Abstract.  Schmidt M, Horvath‐Puho E, Thomsen RW, Smeeth L, Sørensen HT (Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; and Department of Non‐Communicable Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK). Acute infections and venous thromboembolism. J Intern Med 2012; 271: 608–618.

Background.  Data on the association between acute infections and venous thromboembolism (VTE) are sparse. We examined whether various hospital‐diagnosed infections or infections treated in the community increase the risk of VTE.

Methods.  We conducted this population‐based case–control study in Northern Denmark (population 1.8 million) using medical databases. We identified all patients with a first hospital‐diagnosed VTE during the period 1999–2009 (n = 15 009). For each case, we selected 10 controls from the general population matched for age, gender and county of residence (n = 150 074). We identified all hospital‐diagnosed infections and community prescriptions for antibiotics 1 year predating VTE. We used odds ratios from a conditional logistic regression model to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) of VTE within different time intervals of the first year after infection, controlling for confounding.

Results.  Respiratory tract, urinary tract, skin, intra‐abdominal and bacteraemic infections diagnosed in hospital or treated in the community were associated with a greater than equal to twofold increased VTE risk. The association was strongest within the first 2 weeks after infection onset, gradually declining thereafter. Compared with individuals without infection during the year before VTE, the IRR for VTE within the first 3 months after infection was 12.5 (95% confidence interval (CI): 11.3–13.9) for patients with hospital‐diagnosed infection and 4.0 (95% CI: 3.8–4.1) for patients treated with antibiotics in the community. Adjustment for VTE risk factors reduced these IRRs to 3.3 (95% CI: 2.9–3.8) and 2.6 (95% CI: 2.5–2.8), respectively. Similar associations were found for unprovoked VTE and for deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism individually.

Conclusions.  Infections are a risk factor for VTE.
Caught in the act: the dialogue between bacteriophage R17 and the type IV secretion machine of plasmid R1
Authors: Berry Trista M. , Christie Peter J.
Published: October 2011

Bacteria communicate with each other through contact‐independent and ‐dependent signalling mechanisms. Sensory perception of both types of signals is needed for conjugative transfer of mobile DNA elements via type IV secretion systems (T4SSs) to bacterial or eukaryotic target cells. While the regulatory circuitries coupling extracellular quorum and environmental signals to transcription of T4SS genes are increasingly understood, it remains fundamentally unknown how a potential recipient cell stimulates donor conjugative DNA transfer upon contact. In this issue, Lang et al. (2011) report use of the male‐specific bacteriophage R17, a phage that binds conjugative pili elaborated by IncF plasmid R1, to define requirements for phage‐contact‐mediated T4SS activation and phage penetration. They report that R17 penetrates only through T4SS channels engaged for delivery of their plasmid cargo to recipient cells. Engagement requires docking of catalytically active relaxase TraI bound at oriT with the TraD substrate receptor (also termed the T4CP). The data, together with recent ultrastructural and biochemical findings, support an intriguing new model that the T4CP cumulatively senses an intracellular signal (substrate docking) and an extracellular signal (pilus bound by phage or a recipient cell) to co‐ordinate a late stage morphogenetic or gating reaction that enables bidirectional transmission of nucleoprotein substrates through the T4SS.
AKIN10 and FUSCA3 interact to control lateral organ development and phase transitions in Arabidopsis
Authors: Tsai Allen Yi‐Lun , Gazzarrini Sonia
Published: October 2011

The Snf1 (sucrose non‐fermenting‐1)/AMPK (AMP‐activated protein kinase)/SnRK1 (Snf1‐related protein kinase 1) kinases act as sensors of energy status in eukaryotes. Despite the important role of these kinases in regulation of cellular responses to metabolic stress, only a few SnRK1 substrates have been identified. Using yeast two‐hybrid screens, we isolated AKIN10 as an interactor of the B3‐domain transcription factor FUSCA3 (FUS3), an essential regulator of seed maturation in Arabidopsis. Pull‐down and bi‐molecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays confirm the interaction in vitro and in planta, respectively. In‐gel kinase assays show that AKIN10 phosphorylates FUS3 and that the N‐terminal domain of FUS3 is required for AKIN10 phosphorylation. Mutations of three serines (fus3S55A/S56A/S57A) within a partial SnRK1 consensus sequence in the N‐terminal region of FUS3 reduce greatly FUS3 phosphorylation by AKIN10, which indicates that these serines are the predominant AKIN10 target sites. In a cell‐free system, AKIN10 positively regulates FUS3 stability, as overexpression of AKIN10 delayed the degradation of the recombinant FUS3. Plants over‐expressing AKIN10 show delayed seed germination, vegetative growth and flowering time, indicating that AKIN10 antagonizes the embryonic‐to‐vegetative and vegetative‐to‐reproductive phase transitions. Furthermore, overexpression of AKIN10 alters cotyledon, silique and floral organ development, suggesting that AKIN10 regulates lateral organ development. Genetic interaction studies show that the fus3‐3 mutation partially rescues the phase transition and organ development defects caused by AKIN10 overexpression. Taken together, these findings indicate that FUS3 and AKIN10 interact physically and share overlapping pathways to regulate developmental phase transitions and organogenesis in Arabidopsis.
Roles of Reactive Oxygen Species in Female Reproduction
Authors: Rizzo A , Roscino MT , Binetti F , Sciorsci RL
Published: October 2011

Contents

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive oxidizing agents. Cells, under aerobic conditions, have a defence system against ROS, and in normal circumstances, there is an appropriate balance between pro‐oxidants and antioxidants. When an overproduction of ROS develops or the body fails to eliminate ROS in excess, oxidative stress arises, during which ROS accumulate and damage cells and tissues. Besides their noxious effects, accumulating data have shown that controlled and adequate ROS concentrations exert physiologic functions. Different studies have confirmed the presence of ROS and the transcripts of the various antioxidant enzymes in the female reproductive tract. When ROS production overwhelms antioxidant defences, oxidative stress occurs, which may deeply threaten the anatomical and functional integrity of the genital tract. This review addresses the main physiological and pathological roles exerted by ROS and their scavenging systems in several processes involved in the main physiological functions of the female reproductive tract of both women and domestic animals. Particularly, the involvement of the oxidant system in several reproductive processes is investigated, such as follicular development, ovarian steroidogenesis, ovulation, corpus luteum formation and function, luteolysis, germ cell function, maintenance of pregnancy and beginning of parturition.
The severity and duration of postoperative pain and analgesia requirements in children after tonsillectomy, orchidopexy, or inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Stewart David W. , Ragg Philip G. , Sheppard Suzette , Chalkiadis George A.
Published: October 2011

Objectives:  To provide parents of children with accurate information regarding postoperative pain, its management, and functioning following common surgical procedures.

Background:  The increasing prevalence of pediatric day‐case procedures demands a more thorough understanding of the recovery profiles associated with these operations.

Aim:  To document postdischarge pain profiles, analgesia requirements, and functional limitation in children following tonsillectomy, orchidopexy, or inguinal hernia repair (IHR).

Methods:  Following hospital discharge, parents were asked to record their children’s pain levels, analgesia consumption, and degree of functional limitation each day until complete recovery. Pain and functional limitation were measured using the Parents’ Postoperative Pain Measurement (PPPM) scale and Functional Activity Score, respectively. Significant pain was defined as PPPM ≥ 6.

Results:  One hundred and five patients (50, tonsillectomy; 24, orchidopexy; and 31, IHR) were recruited. Median PPPM was always <6 after IHR, ≥6 only on day 1 after orchidopexy and persisted through to day 8 after tonsillectomy. Mild or severe functional limitation was observed after all surgeries and persisted for 4, 5, and 4 days after median PPPM < 6 after IHR, orchidopexy, and tonsillectomy, respectively. Combination analgesia was commonly administered after orchidopexy and tonsillectomy but less so after IHR. The general practitioner consultation rate following tonsillectomy was 54%.

Conclusions:  After tonsillectomy, children experience significant pain and severe functional limitation for 7 days after surgery. For many children, pain and functional limitation persists throughout the second postoperative week. In children undergoing orchidopexy, paracetamol and ibuprofen provide adequate analgesia. Pain begins to subside after the first postoperative day, and normal activity resumes after 7 days. After IHR, children experience mild pain that can be treated with paracetamol and return to normal functioning after 4 days.
Migratory flyway and geographical distance are barriers to the gene flow of influenza virus among North American birds
Authors: Lam Tommy Tsan‐Yuk , Ip Hon S. , Ghedin Elodie , Wentworth David E. , Halpin Rebecca A. , Stockwell Timothy B. , Spiro David J. , Dusek Robert J. , Bortner James B. , Hoskins Jenny , Bales Bradley D. , Yparraguirre Dan R. , Holmes Edward C.
Published: October 2011

Ecology Letters (2011) 14: 24–33

Despite the importance of migratory birds in the ecology and evolution of avian influenza virus (AIV), there is a lack of information on the patterns of AIV spread at the intra‐continental scale. We applied a variety of statistical phylogeographic techniques to a plethora of viral genome sequence data to determine the strength, pattern and determinants of gene flow in AIV sampled from wild birds in North America. These analyses revealed a clear isolation‐by‐distance of AIV among sampling localities. In addition, we show that phylogeographic models incorporating information on the avian flyway of sampling proved a better fit to the observed sequence data than those specifying homogeneous or random rates of gene flow among localities. In sum, these data strongly suggest that the intra‐continental spread of AIV by migratory birds is subject to major ecological barriers, including spatial distance and avian flyway.
REPRESENTING EUROPE: THE EMERGING ‘CULTURE’ OF EU DIPLOMACY
Authors: BENSON‐REA MAUREEN , SHORE CRIS
Published: October 2011

Debate over ‘loyalty transfer’ in the European Union (EU) centres on the assumption that elite socialisation and ‘spillover’ processes lead inevitably to changes in the behaviour and identities of European officials. This article interrogates that notion by exploring how officials in the EU external delegations represent Europe. The Lisbon Treaty (2009) will transform the delegations in ways that are emblematic of the EU's evolution as a global actor. Drawing on empirical insights we examine the way EU diplomats embody the European idea and understand their role in promoting ‘the European Union interests and values around the world’. At a moment of historic transition, the article highlights some of the cultural dynamics currently transforming European diplomacy and how officials conceptualize their work of ‘delivering EU external relations policy’. We argue that Europeanization and loyalty transfer are complicated by inter‐institutional rivalries that raise problematic questions over who can best claim to ‘speak for Europe’.
Changes in shifting cultivation systems on small Pacific islands
Authors: MERTZ OLE , BIRCH‐THOMSEN TORBEN , ELBERLING BO , ROTHAUSEN SABRINA , BRUUN THILDE BECH , REENBERG ANETTE , FOG BJARNE , EGSMOSE RONJA M R , BREUNING‐MADSEN HENRIK
Published: October 2011

The limited information on change in shifting cultivation systems of small islands of the Pacific stands in contrast to increasing evidence of this farming system's demise in other parts of the tropics. Here, we assess changes in agricultural activities during the past 40 years of Bellona Island, Solomon Islands, where shifting cultivation is still maintained in the traditional way. Fallow length has increased despite population growth due to redistribution of the cultivated area, migration‐induced extensification and changes in crops. Productivity of the farming system remains high although there are indications of soil degradation in the centre of the island. However, there are no signs that the traditional shifting cultivation system in Bellona may become unsustainable in the near future and extreme land use transformations seen in other Pacific islands are not found here.
A novel JKA allele, nt561C>A, associated with silencing of Kidd expression
Authors: Horn Trina , Castilho Lilian , Moulds Joann M. , Billingsley Katrina , Vege Sunitha , Johnson Nanette , Westhoff Connie M.
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: The Jk(a−b−) null phenotype is not common but is more prevalent in Polynesian and Asian persons and appears to be rare in blacks. We determined the molecular basis for Jk(a−b−) in an African American family. DNA testing of samples from random African American, Caucasian, and Brazilian blacks was done to estimate the allele frequency.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Standard methods were used for red blood cell (RBC) typing. DNA was isolated from white blood cells, and polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) and amplification and sequencing of the coding regions of JK were performed by routine molecular methods. A MaeIII PCR‐RFLP assay was designed to target the nucleotide (nt) change.

RESULTS: RBCs from the proband typed as Jk(a−b−) and DNA testing indicated JK*A/JK*A. JK sequencing found that the sample was homozygous for nt561C>A change, predicted to encode a premature stop in the protein (187Stop). The altered allele was present in the heterozygous state in three of six siblings. Testing of 500 African American and 100 Caucasian donors from the same region and 500 African American donors from the southern United States found no additional examples. Screening of 1174 Brazilian blacks revealed seven examples: one homozygote and six heterozygotes.

CONCLUSIONS: JK*A (561C>A) is associated with a Kidd‐null phenotype in this African American family. The allele was present in approximately one in 168 Brazilian blacks, suggesting that detection of this allele is important to avoid false‐positive prediction of Jk(a) status in this population.
Construction and characterization of three knockout mutants of the fbl gene in Staphylococcus lugdunensis
Authors: MARLINGHAUS LENNART , BECKER KORDULA , KORTE MIRIAM , Neumann SANDRA , GATERMANN SÖREN G. , SZABADOS FLORIAN
Published: October 2011

Marlinghaus L, Becker K, Korte M, Neumann S, Gatermann SG, Szabados F. Construction and characterization of three knockout mutants of the fbl gene in Staphylococcus lugdunensis. APMIS 2011

Staphylococcus lugdunensis is an important human pathogen that causes infectious diseases similar to those caused by Staphylococcus aureus. In contrast to S. aureus, only a very few pathogenicity factors of S. lugdunensis have been characterized. Notably, a genetic manipulation of S. lugdunensis has not yet been described. Ours is the first report where transformation of three different plasmids (pBT2, pRB473, and pT181) into S. lugdunensis and a directed genetic manipulation of S. lugdunensis are described. We constructed fbl knockout mutants from three different strains of S. lugdunensis to show that at least in these strains, the fibrinogen binding is exclusively mediated by Fbl.
CYR61 Modulates the Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C Expression of Decidual NK Cells Via PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Zhang Xindong , Ding Lijun , Diao Zhenyu , Yan Guijun , Sun Haixiang , Hu Yali
Published: October 2011

Citation Zhang X, Ding L, Diao Z, Yan G, Sun H, Hu Y. CYR61 modulates the vascular endothelial growth factor C expression of decidual NK cells via PI3K/AKT pathway. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 216–223

Problem  Either vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) or CYR61 plays an important role in placental development and may be involved in pre‐eclampsia. Decidual natural killer (dNK) cells are the main source of VEGFC in the maternal–fetal interface. However, it is unclear about CYR61 on the regulation of VEGFC secretion in dNK cells.

Method of study  Decidual natural killer cells were isolated from decidual tissues of first trimester of pregnancy with anti‐human CD56–conjugated microbeads. Integrin αvβ3 was detected using immunofluorescent staining. dNK cells were cultured in the presence of CYR61, anti‐human αvβ3 integrin antibody (LM609), PI3K inhibitor (LY294002), or MEK inhibitor (U0126). VEGFC mRNA and protein were evaluated by real‐time PCR and ELISA, respectively.

Results  Exogenous CYR61 induced the expression of VEGFC in dNK cells in both mRNA and protein levels. Integrin αvβ3 was strongly expressed on dNK cell surface. Anti‐αvβ3 integrin antibody inhibited the effect of CYR61 on VEGFC expression. LY294002, but not U0126, significantly reduced this promotion effect of CYR61 on dNK cells.

Conclusions  The upregulation of VEGFC secretion mainly depends on CYR61 binding with integrin αvβ3 on the surface of dNK cells. PI3K/AKT, rather than the ERK/MAPK signal, is involved in the regulation.
No Antidotal Effect of Intravenous Lipid Emulsion in Experimental Amitriptyline Intoxication Despite Significant Entrapment of Amitriptyline
Authors: Litonius Erik , Niiya Tomohisa , Neuvonen Pertti J. , Rosenberg Per H.
Published: October 2011

Abstract:  Intravenous lipid emulsion has been used in the resuscitative treatment of intoxications caused by local anaesthetics and tricyclic antidepressants with seemingly beneficial results. We studied the effect of intravenous lipid emulsion on the plasma concentration of amitriptyline and haemodynamic recovery in a pig model of amitriptyline intoxication. Twenty pigs were anaesthetized (1% isoflurane in 21% O2) and given amitriptyline 15 mg/kg intravenously for 15 min. In random fashion immediately thereafter, either 20% lipid emulsion (ClinOleic®, Lipid group) or Ringer’s acetate (Control group) was infused for 30 min.; first 1.5 ml/kg for 1 min., followed by 0.25 ml/kg/min. for 29 min. The amitriptyline concentration in total and lipid‐poor plasma and haemodynamic parameters were measured until 30 min. after the infusions. Lipid infusion prevented the decrease in plasma total amitriptyline concentration, resulting in a 90% higher (p < 0.001) total concentration and significantly (p = 0.014) lower free fraction of plasma amitriptyline in the Lipid group (1.1%) compared with the Control group (3.0%) at 30 min. Haemodynamic recovery from the intoxication as measured by heart rate, arterial pressure or cardiac output was similar in both groups. However, five pigs in the Lipid group and two pigs in the Control group died. In conclusion, a marked entrapment of amitriptyline by intravenous lipid emulsion was observed but this did not improve the pigs’ haemodynamic recovery from severe amitriptyline intoxication. Care should be exercised in the antidotal use of lipid emulsion until controlled human studies indicate its efficacy and safety.
Sustainability of a pharmacist-driven pathway for osteoporosis-related fractures on an orthopaedic unit after a 5-year period
Authors: Lai Beryl , Gibb Catherine , Pink Jennifer , Thomas Lesley
Published: October 2011

Objectives

Diagnosis and management of osteoporosis in hospitals are poor. Effective medications for reducing fracture risk are often underutilised in hospital settings. Studies have shown that improvements in secondary prevention of osteoporosis can occur with the implementation of clinical pathways and are effective in improving the prescription for osteoporosis medications. We aimed to assess the long-term sustainability of the benefit of the osteoporosis pathway implemented at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Adelaide, Australia, in 2003.

Methods

An audit was performed to review the rate of prescription for osteoporosis therapy 5 years after the implementation of a pharmacist-driven osteoporosis pathway in patients presented with a minimal trauma fracture and admitted to the Department of Orthopaedics at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Key findings

Our review of a 5-year period shows that the rate of prescription for osteoporosis therapy in this patient group is 95%.

Conclusions

The pharmacist-driven osteoporosis pathway at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital has sustained the rate of prescription for osteoporosis therapy over a prolonged period of time.