bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wallacea and its nectarivorous birds: nestedness and modules
Authors: Carstensen Daniel W. , Olesen Jens M.
Published: March 2009

Aim  Wallacea, the vast oceanic boundary between the Oriental and Australian regions, contains 122 true nectarivorous bird species. It is the contact zone of the Oriental sunbirds and the Australian honeyeaters, and at least three more true nectarivorous families are resident in the region. An island–bird matrix for Wallacea was tested for the presence of two patterns, nestedness and modularity. If the matrix is modular, it consists of a number of densely linked subgroups or modules of islands and birds, which are weakly interconnected. These modules are used as a new tool in analysing biogeographical boundaries in Wallacea.

Location  Wallacea, Indonesia.

Methods  We constructed an island–bird matrix for Wallacea and used two algorithms, aninhado and sa, to test it for nestedness and modularity, respectively. aninhado calculates the matrix temperature and provides a null model, and sa is a module‐detecting program based on simulated annealing. The results of the sa were compared with those from a hierarchical cluster analysis.

Results  The matrix had a nested pattern, as is commonly the case for island–species matrices. The SA detected four modules in Wallacea, each consisting of a group of islands sharing a group of nectarivorous birds. The sa algorithm produced a more detailed pattern of the area than did the hierarchical cluster analysis.

Main conclusions  Modularity and nestedness do not preclude each other as biogeographical patterns. The boundaries of the modules detected by sa compared well with major boundaries from the existing literature and showed a clear division of Wallacea into modules of birds and islands closely linked together. Thus modules are biogeographical units of islands sharing a specific nectarivorous fauna. For some research questions, we suggest that modules may be more appropriate biogeographical units than single islands or traditionally perceived archipelagos. The nectarivorous families showed distinctly different distributions, indicating variation in their colonization history and speciation processes. We recommend sa as a tool for detecting fine‐grained biogeographical patterns.
The stratification theory for plant coexistence promoted by one‐sided competition
Authors: Kohyama Takashi , Takada Takenori
Published: March 2009

It is an essential feature of plants that leaves at higher levels have better access to light than those at lower levels. Thus, larger plants generally enjoy greater success in competing for light than smaller ones. We analyse the effect of such size‐asymmetry, or one‐sided competition, on the successful coexistence of plant species, using an analytically tractable model for stratified populations, in which a plant in the same layer exhibits the same crowding effect as any other, irrespective of species.

A two‐layer population that is reproductive in upper layer and juvenile in lower layer has a uniquely stable (plant‐size‐weighted) equilibrium density, as long as its fecundity is sufficient to compensate for its mortality rate. We also calculate a unique threshold lower‐layer density of this layered population when there is no upper‐layer plant. This threshold lower‐layer density is larger than the weighted equilibrium density with upper layer, except for the case of perfect two‐sided competition.

A two‐layer species can stably coexist with a one‐layer, understorey species as a result of one‐sided, but not two‐sided competition. The coexistence condition is that the equilibrium density of the one‐layer species lies between the threshold lower‐layer density and the equilibrium density of the two‐layer species. For an understorey species to coexist successfully with a two‐layer species, any advantage in demographic performance, most prominently in a sufficiently high fecundity per plant must offset the disadvantage of living in dark conditions.

Results from a model of multi‐layer populations suggest that several species differing in terms of maximum layer and fecundity can coexist under conditions of one‐sided competition. We demonstrate an example of the stable coexistence of eight species. The inter‐specific trade‐offs predicted by the model correspond to patterns observed in a rain forest.

Synthesis. We propose a stratification theory that explains the generation and maintenance of the successful coexistence of plant species. Under the condition of one‐sided competition, a canopy population that takes advantage of escaping from understorey competition shows an ability to invade an understorey with a density higher than its own equilibrium density, and which offers opportunities for an understorey population with high fecundity and/or shade tolerance to coexist. The predicted coexistence of species that share maximum canopy height is most pronounced for trees of tropical rain forests.
Hap2 regulates the pheromone response transcription factor prf1 in Ustilago maydis
Authors: Mendoza‐Mendoza Artemio , Eskova Anastasia , Weise Carolin , Czajkowski Robert , Kahmann Regine
Published: March 2009

In Ustilago maydis the pheromone signal is transmitted via a mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) module to the transcription factor Prf1. Prf1 activates transcription of a and b mating type genes by binding to pheromone response elements (PREs) located in regulatory regions of these genes. Here we show that the CCAAT‐box binding protein Hap2 from U. maydis regulates prf1 expression. Hap2 was initially identified as a potential interaction partner of the MAP kinase Kpp6 in yeast two‐hybrid screens and was subsequently also shown to interact with the MAPK Kpp2. Deletion of hap2 in haploid cells abolished mating, resulting from a defect in pheromone‐induced gene expression. Crosses of haploid hap2 deletion strains were completely impaired in pathogenicity. Constitutive expression of prf1 complemented the pheromone response defect in Δhap2 strains. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that Hap2 binds directly to CCAAT motifs in the prf1 promoter. Point mutations in two putative MAPK phosphorylation sites in Hap2 attenuated the pheromone response. In a solopathogenic strain hap2 deletion affected filamentation and the mutants showed reduced pathogenicity symptoms. These data suggest that Hap2 is a novel regulator of prf1 with additional functions after cell fusion.
Malt can cause both occupational asthma and allergic alveolitis
Authors: Miedinger D. , Malo J.‐L. , Cartier A. , Labrecque M.
Published: March 2009

Specific inhalation challenge can help differentiate occupational asthma from allergic alveolitis caused by malt.
Fatigue crack initiation life estimation in a steel welded joint by the use of a two‐scale damage model
Authors: LAUTROU N. , THEVENET D. , COGNARD J.‐Y.
Published: March 2009

This work deals with the fatigue behaviour of S355NL steel welded joints classically used in naval structures. The approach suggested here, in order to estimate the fatigue crack initiation life, can be split into two stages. First, stabilized stress–strain cycles are obtained in all points of the welded joint by a finite element analysis, taking constant or variable amplitude loadings into account. This calculation takes account of: base metal elastic–plastic behaviour, variable yield stress based on hardness measurements in various zones of the weld, local geometry at the weld toe and residual stresses if any. Second, if a fast elastic shakedown occurs, a two‐scale damage model based on Lemaitre et al.'s work is used as a post‐processor in order to estimate the fatigue crack initiation life. Material parameters for this model were identified from two Wöhler curves established for base metal. As a validation, four‐point bending fatigue tests were carried out on welded specimens supplied by ‘DCNS company’. Two load ratios were considered: 0.1 and 0.3. Residual stress measurements by X‐ray diffraction completed this analysis. Comparisons between experimental and calculated fatigue lives are promising for the considered loadings. An exploitation of this method is planned for another welding process.
A very political reconstruction: governance and reconstruction in Lebanon after the 2006 war
Authors: Hamieh Christine Sylva , Mac Ginty Roger
Published: March 2009

This paper assesses the political nature of reconstruction in Lebanon in the wake of the 33‐day war between Hezbollah and Israel in the summer of 2006. It illustrates the extent to which Arab and Gulf States assumed a major role in the reconstruction effort that followed the fighting. A significant competitive dynamic attached itself to the reconstruction of Lebanon, with external actors attempting to protect and defend their favoured constituencies via reconstruction activities. The reconstruction endeavour reflected Lebanon's internal political divisions as well as wider regional competition. Using the metaphors of ‘software’ and ‘hardware’, the study examines how in general many Western states and Western‐backed international institutions favoured governance programming (software) while many Arab and Gulf State donors preferred physical reconstruction projects (hardware), often with an emphasis on large‐scale, high‐visibility infrastructure projects. The paper argues that the latter were able to connect more effectively with the political culture of Lebanon.
Trends in body mass index and waist circumference among New Zealand adolescents, 1997/1998–2005
Authors: Utter J. , Scragg R. , Denny S. , Schaaf D.
Published: March 2009

The objective of the current study is to examine changes in body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference among New Zealand adolescents between 1997/1998 and 2005. Data were drawn from two cross‐sectional studies of high school students in an economically disadvantaged region of Auckland. In total, 608 adolescents from the 1998 survey and 897 adolescents from the 2005 survey participated. The prevalence of obesity increased from 19.4% in 1997/1998 to 30.7% in 2005. The mean BMI among adolescents significantly increased from 25.3 in 1997/1998 to 27.2 in 2005, with the greatest increases at the high end of the distribution. Increases in BMI did not differ by age, gender or ethnicity. The mean waist circumference increased from 76.2 cm in 1997/1998 to 89.4 cm in 2005, with increases in waist circumference measurements at all points in the distribution. The prevalence of obesity is increasing rapidly in this sample of ethnically diverse adolescents. Corresponding increases in waist circumference measurements suggest that this population of New Zealand adolescents are at increased risk for related chronic conditions.
Suppose Freud had chosen Orestes instead
Authors: Clark Margaret
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  The paper argues that the story of Oedipus, however understood, conveys psychic truth of no greater or more central importance to human development than do the stories of many other myths. A distinction is made between sophisticated theories developed out of Freud's original concept of the Oedipus complex, and the adherence by some clinicians to his original sexual theory. The meaning of Sophocles' play Oedipus the King is found to lie in the clash between Oedipus' omnipotent narcissism (hubris) and the power of the unconscious psyche, rather than in cross‐generational sex. Emphasis is placed on the clinical usefulness of understanding all myths symbolically. The Oresteia by Aeschylus is offered as a story about pre‐Oedipal (in the Freudian sense) psychic states. This trilogy shows symbolically the developing of an ego, the establishment of moral judgement and the integration of our shadow (the Furies). It also shows the parallel development of structures of law in society to replace instinctive blood feuds. It is suggested that had Freud chosen Orestes instead of Oedipus, the course of both psychoanalysis and of Western society would have had a different emphasis.
Biological invasions and the neutral theory
Authors: Daleo Pedro , Alberti Juan , Iribarne Oscar
Published: March 2009

Aim  The invasion of natural communities by alien species represents a serious threat, but creates opportunities to learn about community functions. Neutral theory proposes that the niche concept may not be needed to explain the assemblage and diversity of natural communities, challenging the classical view of community ecology and generating a lasting debate. Biological invasions, when considered as natural experiments, can be used to contrast some of the predictions of neutral and classic niche theories.

Location  Global.

Methods  We use data from biological invasions as natural experiments to contrast some of the fundamental predictions of neutral theory.

Results  Some emerging patterns did not differ from neutral model expectations (e.g. the relationship between native and exotic species richness, invasibility of resource‐rich habitats, and the relationship between propagule release and invasion success). Nevertheless, other patterns (e.g. experimental evidence of the relationship between diversity and susceptibility to invasion, the invasion of communities with a low resource availability, invasiveness related to species traits) contrasted with the predictions that can be inferred from neutral theory.

Main conclusions  Neutral theory correctly highlights the need to include randomness in models of community structure. Biological invasion patterns show that neutral forces are important in structuring natural communities, but the patterns differ from those inferred from a complete neutral model. For biodiversity‐conservation purposes, the implications of accepting or not accepting neutral theory as a process‐based theory are very important.
SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL COMPARISON OF ALGAL BIODIVERSITY AND BENTHIC COVER AT GARDNER PINNACLES, NORTHWESTERN HAWAI`IAN ISLANDS1
Authors: Vroom Peter S. , Timmers Molly A. V.
Published: March 2009

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawai`ian Islands is the second largest marine protected area in the world, providing an opportunity for scientists to understand natural ecosystem fluctuations in subtropical marine communities with little anthropogenic impact. Gardner Pinnacles is composed of two emergent basaltic rocks and has the smallest land area of any island in the Northwestern Hawai`ian Island chain but has among the largest submerged reef area. Gardner Pinnacles is also among the least anthropogenically impacted island in the Hawai`ian Archipelago, although a thriving lobster and bottomfish industry existed in the area for many years. This study assesses nearshore algal biodiversity and percent cover at Gardner Pinnacles to examine interannual differences in community dynamics and places them in an ecosystem context by also examining associated invertebrate and fish communities. Biodiversity surveys increased the number of known eukaryotic algal species occurring in marine environments immediately adjacent to the emergent portion of Gardner Pinnacles from 31 to 77. Algal percent cover, specifically populations of the green alga Microdictyon setchellianum M. Howe, varied dramatically between sampling years, possibly in response to seasonal differences. Towed‐diver surveys revealed that macroalgae covered >90% of the substrate during the 2003 sampling period but returned to 2000 levels (1%–35% cover) by 2004 without any detectable damage to other reef organisms. Fish communities remained statistically similar between sampling years, and percent cover of live coral around the island did not exceed 7%.
Exploiting a Rare Communication Shift to Document the Persuasive Power of the News Media
Authors: Ladd Jonathan McDonald , Lenz Gabriel S.
Published: March 2009

Using panel data and matching techniques, we exploit a rare change in communication flows—the endorsement switch to the Labour Party by several prominent British newspapers before the 1997 United Kingdom general election—to study the persuasive power of the news media. These unusual endorsement switches provide an opportunity to test for news media persuasion while avoiding methodological pitfalls that have plagued previous studies. By comparing readers of newspapers that switched endorsements to similar individuals who did not read these newspapers, we estimate that these papers persuaded a considerable share of their readers to vote for Labour. Depending on the statistical approach, the point estimates vary from about 10% to as high as 25% of readers. These findings provide rare evidence that the news media exert a powerful influence on mass political behavior.
Best of the Sámi Film Festival 2008
Authors: COOL ALISON
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACT  In June of 2008, the American‐Scandinavian Foundation and the National Museum of the American Indian presented a screening of selections originally shown at the 12th annual Sámi Film Festival held in Norway. This marked the first time that a version of the festival, which features works by and about the indigenous peoples of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia, was presented in New York. Three of the films shown—Last Yoik in Saami Forests?, Herdswoman, and Calmmis Calbmái (From an Eye to an Eye)—examined how Sámi communities draw on shared traditions as a productive resource for reimagining Sámi identity in a contemporary context. [Keywords: Sámi, Scandinavia, indigenous media, ethnographic film]
Seeing Possible Futures: Khmer Youth and the Discourse of the American Dream
Authors: McGinnis Theresa A.
Published: March 2009

In this article, I add to the critique of the myth of the American Dream by examining ethnographically the ways its dominant discourse is circulated to Khmer American middle school children of migratory agricultural workers. Drawing on social theories of discourse, I juxtapose the ideology embedded in the American Dream Discourse with the complexities of urban immigrant life. By looking at four Khmer students' worldviews and experiences, I provide a nuanced analysis of the complexities involved in the students' responses to the Discourse. The findings challenge the notion of meritocracy and suggest that educators need to investigate their role in supporting and promoting student agency. [Khmer American (Cambodian), Discourse, urban education, immigrant student populations]
Thermal Transport in Off‐Stoichiometric Uranium Dioxide by Atomic Level Simulation
Authors: Watanabe Taku , Srivilliputhur Srinivasan G. , Schelling Patrick K. , Tulenko James S. , Sinnott Susan B. , Phillpot Simon R.
Published: March 2009

The thermal conductivity of hypo‐ and hyperstoichiometric UO2 is calculated as a function of defect concentration and temperature using the direct method in molecular dynamics simulations. Anion defects, the dominant defects in UO2, are shown to significantly influence the thermal conductivity. Lattice dynamics calculations show how this reduction arises from changes in the nature of the lattice vibrations, as characterized by the polarization vectors and participation ratios. In addition, 235U isotopic defects are shown to have a negligible influence on the thermal conductivity.
Control of Crystallinity of Hydrated Products in a Calcium Phosphate Cement
Authors: Yu Tao , Ye Jiandong , Wang Yingjun
Published: March 2009

A novel calcium phosphate cement (CPC) was prepared by dry‐mechanochemical rout in this work. With the different crystallinity, the CPC showed the different degradation ratio after setting. The degradation ratio of CPC was characterized by the calcium ion‐dissolving ratio in deionized water after different soaking time. With the increment of crystallinity, the setting times of CPC were prolonged, and the different mechanical property of CPC were obtained. This novel CPC was supposed to match the new bone ingrowth in vivo and have the potential application in orthopedic surgery for filling non‐load‐bearing bone defects.
Vitamin D3 signalling in the brain enhances the function of phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes – 15 kD (PEA‐15)
Authors: Obradovic Darja , Zanca Ciro , Vogl Annette , Trümbach Dietrich , Deussing Jan , Condorelli Gerolama , Rein Theo
Published: March 2009

In spite of growing evidence linking vitamin D3 levels to mental health disorders, little is known about its direct targets in the brain. This study set out to investigate targets of vitamin D3 in a human brain stem cell line. We employed arrays with antibodies directed against more than 600 structural and signalling proteins, including phospho‐variants. Over 180 proteins responded to vitamin D3, such as cyclin‐dependent protein‐serine kinase 1/2, epidermal growth factor receptor‐tyrosine kinase, protein kinase A, protein‐serine kinase Bγ and protein‐serine kinase Cα. PEA‐15 (phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes‐15 kD, also known as PED), known to be involved in various anti‐proliferative and anti‐apoptotic effects, was strongly up‐regulated. In silico promoter analysis revealed conserved binding sites for vitamin D3 receptor, suggesting a strong vitamin D3 dependency of the PEA‐15 promoter. PEA‐15 up‐regulation by vitamin D3 could be confirmed by Western blot in two different cell lines. Analysis of mRNA and protein phosphorylation status of PEA‐15 suggests that increased PEA‐15 promoter activity and increased protein stabilization contribute to the overall rise of PEA‐15 protein. In a functional test of this novel pathway, we demonstrated that vitamin D3 was able to rescue cells from TRAIL‐induced apoptosis through regulation of the PEA‐15 expression and function. Summarized, our study presents novel targets of vitamin D3 relevant for apoptosis and cell proliferation, and thus strongly supports a function of vitamin D3 in the brain that impacts on processes highly relevant for major neurological disorders.
Differential expression of mucin core proteins and keratins in apocrine carcinoma, extramammary Paget’s disease and apocrine nevus
Authors: Miyamoto Toru , Inoue Sadanori , Adachi Kouji , Takada Rie
Published: March 2009

Background:  Apocrine carcinomas are rare, the immunohistochemical characterizations that are incomplete. The purpose of this study was to determine the immunohistochemical characteristics of mucin core proteins and keratins in apocrine carcinoma, extramammary Paget’s disease (EMPD) and apocrine nevus.

Methods:  We report four cases of apocrine carcinomas along with immunohistochemical analyses: (i) an axillary apocrine carcinoma with an apocrine nevus, (ii) an inguinal apocrine carcinoma, (iii) a vulvar apocrine carcinoma with EMPD and (iv) an axillary apocrine carcinoma with EMPD and an apocrine nevus.

Results:  The tumor cells of apocrine carcinomas, EMPD and apocrine nevi displayed a positive reaction to MUC‐1 and CK7 and a negative reaction to CK20. Apocrine carcinomas had high molecular weight (HMW) cytokeratin(+)/CK5(+)/CK14(−)/MUC5AC(−), EMPD with underlying apocrine carcinoma had HMW cytokeratin(−)/CK5(−)/CK14(−)/MUCA5AC(−) and the apocrine nevi had HMW cytokeratin(+)/CK5(+)/CK14(+)/MUCA5AC(+).

Conclusion:  The immunohistochemical findings suggest that apocrine carcinomas, apocrine nevi and EMPD with underlying apocrine carcinomas are quite different, even though they are all derived from apocrine glands.
Genital Mycoplasmas
Authors: Hartmann Martin
Published: March 2009

The first described pathogenic organisms that caused urethritis were Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. The significance of detecting mycoplasma with genital swabs remained unclear for a long time. Culture can differentiate between Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis. After introduction of nuclear acid amplification, Mycoplasma genitalium was additionally detected, while gene analysis differentiates between Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum. Mycoplasma genitalium has become the third most frequent pathogen causing non‐chlamydial, non‐gonococcal urethritis (NCNGU); Ureaplasma urealyticum is less often isolated. Because urethritis caused by Mycoplasma genitalium does not always respond to tetracycline, it is advisable to begin therapy with a macrolide. Mycoplasma hominis is a cofactor for bacterial vaginosis and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). During therapy with metronidazole, the colonization of this mycoplasma is decreased indirectly.
Vascular Impairment of Erection in Patients with Diabetes and Peyronie’s Disease: Is that Accumulative?
Authors: El-Sakka Ahmed I. , Tayeb Khaled A.
Published: March 2009

Introduction

The vascular impairment of erection has been shown in diabetic patients as well as in patients with Peyronie’s disease (PD). However, the impact of both conditions together on vascular impairment has not been well addressed.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and PD solely, and together, on impairment of vascular status of erection in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

Three hundred four male patients with a clinical diagnosis of ED who visited our Andrology clinic and who had DM and/or PD were enrolled in this study. Of the patients, 214, 28, and 62 had DM, PD, and both DM and PD, respectively. Patients were interviewed for ED using the International Index of Erectile Function. All patients were also interviewed for sociodemographic data and medical comorbidities including DM. The diagnosis of PD was based on a palpable penile plaque or acquired penile curvature. Color Doppler ultrasonography was used to evaluate the hemodynamics of erection in all patients.

Main Outcome Measures

We assessed the impact of type 2 DM and PD on erectile function (EF) domain and on deterioration of Doppler parameters of erection.

Results

Age, obesity, smoking, and medical comorbidities were significantly higher in patients with both DM and PD than in patients with any of the conditions alone. The means of EF domain, Q3, and Q4 were significantly lower in patients with both DM and PD than in patients with any of the conditions alone. Patients with DM only had significantly lower means of EF domain, Q3, and Q4 than patients with PD only. The means of peak systolic velocity and resistive index were significantly lower, and the means of end-diastolic velocity were significantly higher in patients with both DM and PD than in patients with any of the conditions alone.

Conclusions

Type 2 DM and PD solely, and together, negatively affect the vascular status of erection. Type 2 DM demonstrated the principal effect; however, presence of PD has an additive impairment effect on erection and Doppler parameters.
Gender Reassignment Surgery in Male-to-Female Transsexualism: A Retrospective 3-Month Follow-Up Study with Anatomical Remarks
Authors: Jarolím Ladislav , Šedý Jiří , Schmidt Marek , Naňka Ondřej , Foltán René , Kawaciuk Ivan
Published: March 2009

Introduction

Greater acceptance of sexual minorities has enabled people with transsexualism access to adequate treatment and social integration. Gender reassignment surgery is a complex phase in the care of transsexual patients. In response to a greater volume of patients, surgical techniques have evolved and the outcome in patients with male-to-female transsexualism is now a very accurate imitation of female genitalia, enabling sexual intercourse with orgasm.

Aim

To evaluate the results of surgical reassignment of genitalia in male-to-female transsexuals.

Methods

A retrospective 3-month follow-up study of patients’ opinions following gender reassignment surgery in 129 patients having a primary procedure (eight of whom had later sigmoideocolpoplasty) and five patients undergoing reoperation following an initial unsuccessful procedure at other units. All patients were male transsexuals. The surgical techniques are described in detail.

Main Outcome Measures

Sexual functions and complications 3 months after surgery.

Results

All patients were satisfied with the first phase operation. Thirteen patients (9.7%) underwent successful sigmoideocolpoplasty. Main complications were as follows: rectal lesions developing during preparation of the vaginal canal (1.5%); bleeding from the stump of the shortened urethra in the first 48 hours postoperatively requiring secondary suturing (4.5%); temporary urinary retention requiring repeated insertion of urinary catheters for up to 6 days (5.2%); and healing of the suture between the perineum and the posterior aspect of the vaginal introitus healing by secondary intention (5.2%). The neoclitoris had erogenous sensitivity in 93.9% of patients and 65.3% reached orgasm in the first 3 months.

Conclusions

Surgical conversion of the genitalia is a safe and important phase of the treatment of male-to-female transsexuals.
Gemella Morbillorum Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis
Authors: Obadah Al Chekakie M. , Heroux Alain , Montpetit Michelle , Nemeh Hassan
Published: March 2009

The authors describe a case of prosthetic valve infective endocarditis (IE) caused by Gemella morbillorum (GM), a gram‐positive coccus that grows slowly in culture and occasionally causes a subacute to chronic form of IE. To the author's knowledge, this is the third case of GM prosthetic valve IE to be reported. Subacute to chronic IE caused by slow‐growing organisms can be subtle in presentation and should be suspected in patients who have prosthetic valves presenting with worsening heart failure.
Prevalence of habitual refractive errors and anisometropia among Dutch schoolchildren and hospital employees
Authors: Hendricks Theo J.W. , De Brabander John , Vankan‐Hendricks Marlou H.P. , Van Der Horst Frans G. , Hendrikse Fred , Knottnerus J. Andre
Published: March 2009

Purpose:  Refractive error (RE) is suggested to cause not only visual impairment, but also functional problems such as aspecific health complaints and lower levels of school achievement. During the last few decades the prevalence of myopia has increased worldwide, especially in Asia. We investigated the prevalence of habitual RE and anisometropia in a Dutch population of children and employees.

Methods:  In a cross‐sectional study, RE in both eyes of 520 children (aged 11–13 years) and 444 hospital employees (aged 17–60 years) were measured using an autorefractometer. The measurements were performed without using a cycloplegium. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) was used to analyse correlations between the right and left eyes. Chi‐square tests were used to test the differences between subgroups according to gender and age.

Results:  In schoolchildren 28% of right eyes were myopic (> 0.50 D) and 8% hyperopic (> 0.50 D). Pearson’s r between right and left eyes for spherical equivalent power (SEP) was 0.93. The mean cylinder deviation in right eyes was 0.26 D (range 0.00–4.50 D). Anisometropia > 1.00 D was present in 4.6% of children; 22% of children were not optimally (> 0.50 D) corrected. In hospital employees, 30% of right eyes were myopic (> 0.50 D) and 10% hyperopic (> 0.50 D). Pearson’s r between right and left eyes for SEP was 0.53. The mean cylinder deviation in right eyes was 0.35 D (range 0.00–5.75 D). Anisometropia > 1.00 D was present in 25% of employees. Anisometropia was more frequently present in employees aged 40–60 years, than in those aged 17–39 years (30% versus 18%; p = 0.02, Cramer’s V = 0.15).

Conclusions:  Refractive errors are common in children aged 11–13 years and in working adults aged 17–60 years. Distributions of sphere and cylinder deviations are similar for Dutch schoolchildren and hospital employees. Surprisingly, anisometropia proved to be more prevalent with age. In children many eyes are not optimally corrected. Increased attention should be paid to uncorrected and miscorrected REs.
Translocation of a Thioether-Bridged Azurin Peptide Fragment via the Sec Pathway in
Lactococcus lactis
Authors: Kuipers Anneke , Rink Rick , Moll Gert N.
Published: March 2009

This study demonstrates for the first time that a thioether-containing peptide, an azurin fragment, can be translocated via the Sec pathway. This methyl-lanthionine was introduced by the nisin modification enzymes. The Sec pathway can therefore be a successful alternative for those cyclized peptides that are inefficiently transported via NisT.
The ethics surrounding HIV, kidney donation and patient confidentiality
Authors: Bright P D , Nutt J
Published: March 2009

For live-related kidney donation, the current UK guidance specifies that the donor has a right to know the recipient’s HIV status. This guidance may prevent some potential recipients from asking friends or family to donate, as they do not wish them to know they are HIV positive. Currently, it is felt necessary that the donor should know the HIV status of the recipient in order to give fully informed consent to the operation. However, the specific medical details are not required in order to allow for donor informed consent. This consent requires knowledge of the general expectation for survival of a graft and the specific expectation for survival of this graft in the recipient; it does not require specific knowledge of the recipient’s medical condition.
Informed choice requires information about both benefits and harms
Authors: Jørgensen K J , Brodersen J , Hartling O J , Nielsen M , Gøtzsche P C
Published: March 2009

A study found that women participating in mammography screening were content with the programme and the paternalistic invitations that directly encourage participation and include a pre-specified time of appointment. We argue that this merely reflects that the information presented to the invited women is seriously biased in favour of participation. Women are not informed about the major harms of screening, and the decision to attend has already been made for them by a public authority. This short-circuits informed decision-making and the legislation on informed consent, and violates the autonomy of the women. Screening invitations must present both benefits and harms in a balanced fashion, and should offer, not encourage, participation. It should be stated clearly that the choice not to participate is as sensible as the choice to do so. To allow this to happen, the responsibility for the screening programmes must be separated from the responsibility for the information material.
Primary care research and clinical practice: respiratory disease
Authors: Pinnock H , Sheikh A
Published: March 2009

Primary care respiratory research has contributed to the evidence base for both the clinical care of common long-term respiratory conditions and the management of acute respiratory illness. Key areas include investigating the role of remote consultations in ensuring regular professional reviews for people with asthma, understanding and evaluating the use of technology to support patient self-care, exploring aspects of the shift of services for long-term conditions from secondary to primary care, investigating primary care prescribing using computerised databases of anonymised medical records, and tackling inequalities in provision of care for ethnic minorities. Further research will be needed in all these areas as the ongoing and increasing challenge of providing support for people with long-term conditions will demand innovative approaches to organisation of care, many of which will involve or be led by primary care.
SIMULTANEOUSLY SEGMENTING MULTIPLE GENE EXPRESSION TIME COURSES BY ANALYZING CLUSTER DYNAMICS
Authors: TADEPALLI SATISH , RAMAKRISHNAN NAREN , WATSON LAYNE T. , MISHRA BUD , HELM RICHARD F.
Published: March 2009

We present a new approach to segmenting multiple time series by analyzing the dynamics of cluster formation and rearrangement around putative segment boundaries. This approach finds application in distilling large numbers of gene expression profiles into temporal relationships underlying biological processes. By directly minimizing information-theoretic measures of segmentation quality derived from Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergences, our formulation reveals clusters of genes along with a segmentation such that clusters show concerted behavior within segments but exhibit significant regrouping across segmentation boundaries. The results of the segmentation algorithm can be summarized as Gantt charts revealing temporal dependencies in the ordering of key biological processes. Applications to the yeast metabolic cycle and the yeast cell cycle are described.
Distributed modeling of osmotically driven fluid transport in peritoneal dialysis: theoretical and computational investigations
Authors: Waniewski Jacek , Stachowska-Pietka Joanna , Flessner Michael F.
Published: March 2009

Based on a distributed model of peritoneal transport, in the present report, a mathematical theory is presented to explain how the osmotic agent in the peritoneal dialysis solution that penetrates tissue induces osmotically driven flux out of the tissue. The relationships between phenomenological transport parameters (hydraulic permeability and reflection coefficient) and the respective specific transport parameters for the tissue and the capillary wall are separately described. Closed formulas for steady-state flux across the peritoneal surface and for hydrostatic pressure at the opposite surface are obtained using an approximate description of the concentration profile of the osmotic agent within the tissue by exponential function. A case of experimental study with mannitol as the osmotic agent in the rat abdominal wall is shown to be well described by our theory and computer simulations and to validate the applied approximations. Furthermore, clinical dialysis with glucose as the osmotic agent is analyzed, and the effective transport rates and parameters are derived from the description of the tissue and capillary wall.
Ascorbic Acid Determination in Commercial Fruit Juice Samples by Cyclic Voltammetry
Authors: Pisoschi Aurelia Magdalena , Danet Andrei Florin , Kalinowski Slawomir
Published: March 2009

A method was developed for assessing ascorbic acid concentration in commercial fruit juice by cyclic voltammetry. The anodic oxidation peak for ascorbic acid occurs at about 490 mV on a Pt disc working electrode (versus SCE). The influence of the potential sweep speed on the peak height was studied. The obtained calibration graph shows a linear dependence between peak height and ascorbic acid concentration in the domain (0.1–10 mmol⋅L−1). The equation of the calibration graph wasy=6.391x+0.1903(whereyrepresents the value of intensity measured for the anodic peak height, expressed asμA andxthe analyte concentration, as mmol⋅L−1,r2=0.9995,r.s.d.=1.14%,n=10,Cascorbic acid=2 mmol⋅L−1). The developed method was applied to ascorbic acid assessment in fruit juice. The ascorbic acid content determined ranged from 0.83 to 1.67 mmol⋅L−1for orange juice, from 0.58 to 1.93 mmol⋅L−1for lemon juice, and from 0.46 to 1.84 mmol⋅L−1for grapefruit juice. Different ascorbic acid concentrations (from standard solutions) were added to the analysed samples, the degree of recovery being comprised between 94.35% and 104%. Ascorbic acid determination results obtained by cyclic voltammetry were compared with those obtained by the volumetric method with dichlorophenol indophenol. The results obtained by the two methods were in good agreement.
On a Recent "Existential" Translation of hātā'
Authors: Trevaskis Leigh
Published: March 2009

This study examines N. Kiuchi's proposal that hātā' refers to an existential condition in which a person remains aware of his actions (i.e. hû'yāda') but simultaneously unaware that these run contrary to YHWH's will (i.e. ně'lam min). On this basis he argues that hātā' is not a conduct oriented notion (i.e. "sin") but describes what happens within a person's psyche. Nevertheless, the present study identifies certain contradictions in Kiuchi's exegetical arguments which make his proposal implausible.
Individually variable energy management during egg production is repeatable across breeding attempts
Authors: Williams Tony D. , Vézina François , Speakman John R.
Published: March 2009

It is axiomatic that whole-animal metabolism, measured for example as daily energy expenditure (DEE), plays a central role in determining reproductive success and survival (fitness) in all organisms. Nevertheless, strong evidence for consistent systematic relationships between DEE and either individual traits (age, sex, body size), environmental factors (e.g. food availability,temperature) or `fitness' traits (e.g. number of offspring, survival) remains far from compelling in birds and mammals. Recently, we suggested that female birds might utilise complex, individually variable energy management strategies to meet the metabolic demands of reproduction, generating a wide spectrum of effects on reproductive DEE, from overcompensation (net decrease in DEE) to additive effects (net increase in DEE). Here we show that this individually variable adjustment or `plasticity' in energy expenditure associated with egg production is repeatable among individuals between successive breeding attempts in female zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Our study highlights the importance (a) of measuring`plasticity' or change associated with transitions of physiological state(e.g. non-breeding to breeding) based on multiple measurements of the same individual, and (b) of extending consideration of how selection might drive the evolution of phenotypic plasticity per se to include physiological and metabolic traits.
PNA Arrays for miRNA Detection
Authors: Endoh Tamaki , Kitamatsu Mizuki , Sisido Masahiko , Ohtsuki Takashi
Published: March 2009

The profiling of microRNAs (miRNAs) using microarray technology has been used in many recent biological and medical studies. In this study, arrays of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) were prepared and their miRNA capture abilities were evaluated. We found that the sensitivity of 10-mer PNA probes in targeting miRNAs was much higher than that of the corresponding DNA probes and also of longer (20-mer) DNA probes.
A conformational switch in the DiGIR1 ribozyme involved in release and folding of the downstream I-DirI mRNA
Authors: Nielsen Henrik , Einvik Christer , Lentz Thomas E. , Hedegaard Mads Marquardt , Johansen Steinar D.
Published: March 2009

DiGIR1 is a group I-like cleavage ribozyme found as a structural domain within a nuclear twin-ribozyme group I intron. DiGIR1 catalyzes cleavage by branching at an Internal Processing Site (IPS) leading to formation of a lariat cap at the 5′-end of the 3′-cleavage product. The 3′-cleavage product is subsequently processed into an mRNA encoding a homing endonuclease. By analysis of combinations of 5′- and 3′-deletions, we identify a hairpin in the 5′-UTR of the mRNA (HEG P1) that is formed by conformational switching following cleavage. The formation of HEG P1 inhibits the reversal of the branching reaction, thus giving it directionality. Furthermore, the release of the mRNA is a consequence of branching rather than hydrolytic cleavage. A model is put forward that explains the release of the I-DirI mRNA with a lariat cap and a structured 5′-UTR as a direct consequence of the DiGIR1 branching reaction. The role of HEG P1 in GIR1 branching is reminiscent of that of hairpin P-1 in splicing of the Tetrahymena rRNA group I intron and illustrates a general principle in RNA-directed RNA processing.
Decreasing Diagnoses of Birth Asphyxia in Canada: Fact or Artifact
Authors: Dzakpasu Susie , Joseph K. S. , Huang Ling , Allen Alexander , Sauve Reg , Young David ,   for the Fetal and Infant Health Study Group of the Canadian Perinatal Surveillance System
Published: March 2009

OBJECTIVE. We assessed temporal trends in birth asphyxia in Canada, to determine whether changes were real or secondary to changes in coding.

METHODS. We used data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information Discharge Abstract Database to study the national incidence of birth asphyxia, by using International Classification of Diseases codes. We also studied birth asphyxia by using data from the Nova Scotia Atlee Perinatal Database. In the Nova Scotia Atlee Perinatal Database, we defined a case of birth asphyxia as a live birth with an Apgar score at 5 minutes of ≤3, depression at birth requiring resuscitation with a mask for ≥3 minutes and/or intubation, or neonatal postasphyctic seizures.

RESULTS. Nationally, between 1991 and 2005, the incidence of birth asphyxia decreased significantly, from 43.8 to 2.4 cases per 1000 live births. The rate of decrease was highest between 1991 and 1998, corresponding to a period when strict Canadian and international criteria for the diagnosis of birth asphyxia were published. By comparison, neither national rates of related diagnoses nor Nova Scotia birth asphyxia rates, which ranged from 8.8 to 14.3 cases per 1000 live births, showed evidence of a decrease during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS. Comparisons of national trends in birth asphyxia diagnoses and trends in conditions associated with birth asphyxia, both nationally and in Nova Scotia, suggest that the dramatic decrease in the diagnosis of birth asphyxia is an artifact of changes in the use of International Classification of Diseases coding associated with the publication of stricter diagnostic definitions of birth asphyxia. We conclude that International Classification of Diseases codes are not useful for surveillance of birth asphyxia.
Effect of MoO3 as conditioning catalyst on synthesis of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Liu Yunfang , Takeuchi Kenji , Park Ki Chul , Muramatsu Hiroyuki , Fukuyo Tomoyuki , Endo Morinobu
Published: March 2009

The effect of nonsupported MoO3 as a conditioning catalyst on the preparation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using a common main catalyst Fe/MgO was investigated. Without using MoO3, only single-walled CNTs were produced at low yield. In contrast, the use of MoO3 provided single-walled and double-walled CNTs at high yield. The MoO3 conditioning catalyst enhances not only the yield but also the diameter and layer number of CNTs. The higher yield formation of more layered CNTs with larger diameter would be attributed to the preproduction of reactive hydrocarbon species by the conditioning catalyst and their growth to larger molecular-weight reactive species.
The morphology of organic nanocolumn arrays: Amorphous versus crystalline solids
Authors: Zhang Jian , Salzmann Ingo , Schäfer Peter , Oehzelt Martin , Duhm Steffen , Rabe Jürgen P. , Koch Norbert
Published: March 2009

The morphology of nanocolumns grown by glancing angle deposition is studied for molecular materials forming amorphous and crystalline solids. Amorphous tris(8-hydroxyquinoline)aluminum nanocolumn arrays were obtained at sample rotation speeds varying from 0.3 rpm (revolutions per minute) to 30 rpm. For crystalline pentacene, an array of regular nanocolumns formed at a rotation speed of 3 rpm, while higher and lower rotation speeds led to a wide distribution of column heights and shapes. The incoming molecular flux and the molecular diffusion length on column surfaces, both dependent on rotation speed, were found to govern the resulting morphology of crystalline pentacene nanocolumns.
Structural and magnetic properties of La0.72(Ca1−xSrx)0.28MnO3 (x = 0 to 1) manganites
Authors: Gutiérrez M.P. , Olivares J.H. , Betancourt I. , Morales F.
Published: March 2009

Polycrystalline manganites within the compositional variation La0.72(Ca1−xSrx)0.28MnO3 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0) were synthesized by solid-state reaction method. An initial orthorhombic structure was observed at x = 0, with a subsequent change to rhombohedral structure for x ≥ 0.25. The Curie temperature of the compounds exhibited a marked dependence with the Sr content, with general variations between 190 K (x = 0) and 364 K (x = 1.0), while the saturation magnetization at room temperature showed a small variation between the range 0.30 and 0.38 T. The magnetocaloric effect, measured through heat capacity experiments, showed a maximum entropy variation of −2.56 J/kg · K at x = 0.25, besides a maximum adiabatic temperature variation of 1.13 K. Results are interpreted in terms of the structural transition observed and its effect on the radius of the A-site of the perovskite structure.