bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
W*–superrigidity for Bernoulli actions of property (T) groups
Authors: Ioana Adrian
Published: June 2011

We consider group measure space II

1

_{1}

factors

M
=

L

∞

(
X
)
⋊
Γ

M=L^{\infty }(X)\rtimes \Gamma

arising from Bernoulli actions of ICC property (T) groups

Γ
\Gamma

(more generally, of groups

Γ
\Gamma

containing an infinite normal subgroup with the relative property (T)) and prove a rigidity result for

∗
*

–homomorphisms

θ
:
M
→
M

⊗
¯

M

\theta :M\rightarrow M\overline {\otimes }M

.

We deduce that the action

Γ
↷
X

\Gamma \curvearrowright X

is W

∗

^{*}

–superrigid, i.e. if

Λ
↷
Y

\Lambda \curvearrowright Y

is any free, ergodic, measure preserving action such that the factors

M
=

L

∞

(
X
)
⋊
Γ

M=L^{\infty }(X)\rtimes \Gamma

and

L

∞

(
Y
)
⋊
Λ

L^{\infty }(Y)\rtimes \Lambda

are isomorphic, then the actions

Γ
↷
X

\Gamma \curvearrowright X

and

Λ
↷
Y

\Lambda \curvearrowright Y

must be conjugate.

Moreover, we show that if

p
∈
M
∖
{
1
}

p\in M\setminus \{1\}

is a projection, then

p
M
p

pMp

does not admit a group measure space decomposition nor a group von Neumann algebra decomposition (the latter under the additional assumption that

Γ
\Gamma

is torsion free).

We also prove a rigidity result for

∗
*

–homomorphisms

θ
:
M
→
M

\theta :M\rightarrow M

, this time for

Γ
\Gamma

in a larger class of groups than above, now including products of non–amenable groups. For certain groups

Γ
\Gamma

, e.g.

Γ
=

F

2

×

F

2

\Gamma =\mathbb {F}_{2}\times \mathbb {F}_{2}

, we deduce that

M
M

does not embed into

p
M
p

pMp

, for any projection

p
∈
M
∖
{
1
}

p\in M\setminus \{1\}

, and obtain a description of the endomorphism semigroup of

M
M

.
FACIL: Fast and Accurate Genetic Code Inference and Logo
Authors: Dutilh Bas E. , Jurgelenaite Rasa , Szklarczyk Radek , van Hijum Sacha A.F.T. , Harhangi Harry R. , Schmid Markus , de Wild Bart , Françoijs Kees−Jan , Stunnenberg Hendrik G. , Strous Marc , Jetten Mike S.M. , Op den Camp Huub J.M. , Huynen Martijn A.
Published: June 2011

Motivation: The intensification of DNA sequencing will increasingly unveil uncharacterized species with potential alternative genetic codes. A total of 0.65% of the DNA sequences currently in Genbank encode their proteins with a variant genetic code, and these exceptions occur in many unrelated taxa.

Results: We introduce FACIL (Fast and Accurate genetic Code Inference and Logo), a fast and reliable tool to evaluate nucleic acid sequences for their genetic code that detects alternative codes even in species distantly related to known organisms. To illustrate this, we apply FACIL to a set of mitochondrial genomic contigs of Globobulimina pseudospinescens. This foraminifer does not have any sequenced close relative in the databases, yet we infer its alternative genetic code with high confidence values. Results are intuitively visualized in a Genetic Code Logo.

Availability and implementation: FACIL is available as a web-based service at http://www.cmbi.ru.nl/FACIL/ and as a stand-alone program.

Contact:  dutilh@cmbi.ru.nl.

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Cdc45: the missing RecJ ortholog in eukaryotes?
Authors: Sanchez-Pulido Luis , Ponting Chris P.
Published: June 2011

Summary: DNA replication is one of the most ancient of cellular processes and functional similarities among its molecular machinery are apparent across all cellular life. Cdc45 is one of the essential components of the eukaryotic replication fork and is required for the initiation and elongation of DNA replication, but its molecular function is currently unknown. In order to trace its evolutionary history and to identify functional domains, we embarked on a computational sequence analysis of the Cdc45 protein family. Our findings reveal eukaryotic Cdc45 and prokaryotic RecJ to possess a common ancestry and Cdc45 to contain a catalytic site within a predicted exonuclease domain. The likely orthology between Cdc45 and RecJ reveals new lines of enquiry into DNA replication mechanisms in eukaryotes.

Contact:  luis.sanchezpulido@dpag.ox.ac.uk

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The Biological Connection Markup Language: a SBGN-compliant format for visualization, filtering and analysis of biological pathways
Authors: Beltrame Luca , Calura Enrica , Popovici Razvan R. , Rizzetto Lisa , Guedez Damariz Rivero , Donato Michele , Romualdi Chiara , Draghici Sorin , Cavalieri Duccio
Published: June 2011

Motivation: Many models and analysis of signaling pathways have been proposed. However, neither of them takes into account that a biological pathway is not a fixed system, but instead it depends on the organism, tissue and cell type as well as on physiological, pathological and experimental conditions.

Results: The Biological Connection Markup Language (BCML) is a format to describe, annotate and visualize pathways. BCML is able to store multiple information, permitting a selective view of the pathway as it exists and/or behave in specific organisms, tissues and cells. Furthermore, BCML can be automatically converted into data formats suitable for analysis and into a fully SBGN-compliant graphical representation, making it an important tool that can be used by both computational biologists and ‘wet lab’ scientists.

Availability and implementation: The XML schema and the BCML software suite are freely available under the LGPL for download at http://bcml.dc-atlas.net. They are implemented in Java and supported on MS Windows, Linux and OS X.

Contact:  duccio.cavalieri@unifi.it; sorin@wayne.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Probability-based surveying using self-sampling to estimate catch and effort in Norway's coastal tourist fishery
Authors: Vølstad J. H. , Korsbrekke K. , Nedreaas K. H. , Nilsen M. , Nilsson G. N. , Pennington M. , Subbey S. , Wienerroither R.
Published: June 2011

Vølstad, J. H., Korsbrekke, K., Nedreaas, K. H., Nilsen, M., Nilsson, G. N., Pennington, M., Subbey, S., and Wienerroither, R. 2011. Probability-based surveying using self-sampling to estimate catch and effort in Norway's coastal tourist fishery. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1785–1791. Recreational fishing as a tourist activity has become an increasingly important part of the Norwegian travel industry and may contribute significantly to the fishing mortality on Norwegian coastal cod (Gadus morhua). Quantifying catches in the tourist fishery is made difficult by Norway's intricate and long coastline, and the lack of a fishing licence system, a registry of businesses catering for fishing tourists, and a registry of charter boats. A probability-based survey was used to estimate annual catch and effort by boat for anglers associated with 445 tourist-fishing businesses during 2009. From a stratified random sample of businesses, fishing tourists were recruited systematically over time to record their daily catch and effort in diaries. Cod dominated the reported landed catch (harvest) north of 62°N, and saithe and mackerel dominated south of 62°N. The estimated total landed catch of all species taken by tourist fishers in the business sector during 2009 was 3335 t (relative standard error, RSE = 17%), of which 1613 t (RSE = 22%) were cod. It is concluded that surveys based on self-sampling can yield accurate estimates of catch and effort accounted for by the business sector of the Norwegian tourist fishery and that the tourist catch of coastal cod is insignificant compared with the commercial and recreational catch by local residents.
Reducing uncertainty in the assessment and management of fish resources following an environmental impact
Authors: Rotherham Douglas , Macbeth William G. , Kennelly Steven J. , Gray Charles A.
Published: June 2011

Rotherham, D., Macbeth, W. G., Kennelly, S. J., and Gray, C. A. 2011. Reducing uncertainty in the assessment and management of fish resources following an environmental impact. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 1726–1733. The limitations of using information from commercial fisheries for assessing and managing resources and ecosystems are well known. Although fishery-independent data may overcome many such limitations, few studies have examined how incorporating data from different sources affects assessments and subsequent management decisions. Here, the value of integrating data from two types of sampling survey to assess the recovery of faunal populations following a severe fish-kill event in the Richmond River (New South Wales, Australia) in 2008 is evaluated. There is occasional large-scale mortality of fish and invertebrates in certain estuaries of eastern Australia following major flood events. In extreme cases, the management response involves closing an entire estuary to all fishing, to facilitate the recolonization and recovery of fish and other fauna. Decisions to resume normal fishing activities have environmental, economic, and social implications. Using lessons learned from a similar fish-kill event in 2001, it is shown how, in 2008, fishery-independent sampling, combined with improved sampling by commercial fishers, reduced uncertainty in decision-making and led to greatly improved socio-economic outcomes for stakeholders. The work highlights the need to examine the value of different sources of information to improve management decisions.
HIV—Diagnosis and Initial Management
Authors: Rigg Carolyn
Published: June 2011

The global human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic continues, with 33.3 million people living with HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) worldwide (World Health Organization. Global summary of the HIV/AIDS epidemic (2009) ). Twenty-two and a half million of those living with HIV/AIDS are in sub-Saharan Africa, where the average adult prevalence is 5%. There is no cure for HIV, but antiretroviral therapy is highly effective and has dramatically improved prognosis in developed countries where treatment is available. Prognosis is significantly improved if HIV is diagnosed early, and therefore, it is important to be aware of HIV as a GP.
Hyperhidrosis
Authors: Qadir Baber , Hafeez Shazia
Published: June 2011

Hcyperhidrosis is a condition in which individuals suffer from excessive and uncontrollable sweating. While its prevalence within the UK is unknown, it is a relatively common dermatological complaint encountered by GPs. It can cause a great deal of embarrassment for many sufferers as well as interference with daily activities. A holistic approach is therefore essential in the assessment and management of this condition. Clinicians should be aware of the treatment options available in both primary and secondary care.
The Safety Profile of Home Infusion of Intravenous Immunoglobulin in Patients With Neuroimmunologic Disorders
Authors: Souayah Nizar , Hasan Ashar , Khan Hafiz M R , Yacoub Hussam A , Jafri Mohsin
Published: June 2011

Objectives:

To assess the overall safety of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IG) products used to treat patients with neuroimmunological disorders in a supervised home-based setting.

Methods:

The incidence of adverse reactions was assessed in a retrospective chart review of 420 patients who consecutively received 4076, home-based, individual, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusions between January 2009 and December 2009.

Results:

A total of 90 patients (21.4%) developed adverse reactions related to IVIG administration (2.6% per individual infusion). A total of 95.5% of adverse reactions were mild, and no serious side effects were observed. The incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower in the subgroup of patients with neuroimmunological disorders who received premedication (18.2% compared with 29.3%, P = 0.02). There was no significant statistical difference in the incidence of side effects among the different brands of IVIG used in this study.

Conclusions:

The combination of premedication and well-defined clinical, IVIG infusion policies may reduce the incidence of high-dose IVIG adverse reactions administered in a home-based setting in patients with neuroimmunological disorders.
High resolution manometry to detect transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations: diagnostic accuracy compared with perfused‐sleeve manometry, and the definition of new detection criteria
Authors: Roman S. , Zerbib F. , Belhocine K. , Bruley des Varannes S. , Mion F.
Published: June 2011

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34: 384–393

Background  Inhibition of transient lower oesophageal sphincter relaxations (tLESRs) has become one of the most relevant therapeutic objectives in patients with reflux symptoms resistant to proton pump inhibitors. tLESRs are currently detected by oesophageal perfused‐sleeve manometry (PSM), but oesophageal high resolution manometry (HRM), which combines closely spaced pressure sensors and oesophageal pressure topography plots, may prove to be a better tool.

Aim  To evaluate the efficacy, reproducibility and interobserver agreement of HRM for the detection of tLESRs, in comparison with PSM.

Methods  Twenty‐four healthy volunteers underwent HRM alone and on a separate occasion with PSM simultaneously. LES pressure was monitored for 1 h during fasting and 2 h postprandial. Criteria for tLESRs were defined by characterising spontaneous LES relaxation associated with common cavity and then applied to all spontaneous LES relaxations. Interobserver agreement and the rates of tLESRs detected by HRM and PSM were compared.

Results  New HRM criteria for the detection of tLESRs have been established. A similar number of tLESRs were identified during the two HRM recordings (median per subject 15 and 13 (P = 0.07) and less with PSM (median per subject 11, P < 0.01). The overall concordance rate between the two procedures was substantial (kappa = 0.61). The interobserver agreement was almost perfect (kappa = 0.83) with HRM and only fair (kappa = 0.38) with PSM.

Conclusions  High resolution manometry is reproducible and more sensitive than PSM to detect tLESRs. HRM provides a better interobserver agreement. These results confirm that HRM is the gold standard for detecting tLESRs (NTC00931593).
Plasma concentrations of etomidate during an intravenous infusion over 48 hours
Authors: HEBRON B. S.
Published: June 2011

Two groups of six patients who had undergone major maxillofacial surgery and who required intermittent positive pressure ventilation, analgesia and sedation for about 48 hours postoperatively were studied. Analgesia in the postoperative period was maintained by an infusion of fentanyl 0.034 μg/kg/minute. Sedation was maintained with an intravenous infusion of etomidate such that the patients slept but opened their eyes when addressed and obeyed commands. An assay method was developed which enabled the measurement of plasma concentration of etomidate for periods of up to 24 hours after stopping the infusion. The steady slate plasma concentration associated with the technique which produced the required degree of sedation was found to be 158 μg/litre (SEM 36). Etomidate exhibited linear pharmacokinetics and the decrease in plasma concentration of etomidate after stopping the infusion was consistent with a three‐compartment pharmacokinetic model. All the patients recovered within 1 hour of slopping the infusion. The use of results obtained from the first group of six patients enabled a dosage regimen to be calculated that used a two stage infusion. This regimen enabled a reduction in the lime taken to establish the appropriate degree of sedation in the second group of six patients. The two‐stage infusion technique provides a means of rapid sedation and of maintaining a suitable clinical response for the prolonged periods that may be necessary when patients are transferred to an intensive therapy unit.
Results of a feasibility trial to achieve total immobilization of patients in a neurosurgical intensive care unit with etomidate
Authors: COHN B. F. , REJGER V. , HAGENOUW‐TAAL J. C. W. , VOORMOLEN J. H. C.
Published: June 2011

In the intensive care unit of Leiden University Neurosurgical Department 52 critically ill patients were given continuous infusions of etomidate to achieve ‘total immobilization’. This can be defined as a state whereby there is complete elimination of all psychic, sensory and motor unrest. Etomidate administration varied from 2 hours to 25 days and dosages began at 20 μg/kg/minute and were increased to 110 μg/kg/minute according to need and indications for varying periods of time. Attempts were made to control unrest, convulsive seizure activity and raised intracranial pressure. Acceptance of artificial ventilation was achieved in most cases without muscle relaxants or morphinomimetic supplementation. Despite the long durations of administration and high doses no toxic or other detrimental side‐effects were noted. Etomidate appears to show the potential of being a very valuable addition to the neurosurgical intensive care armamentarium.
Etomidate infusion
Authors: SCORGIE B.
Published: June 2011

Etimodate has been studied in two groups of patients. In Group 1, 50 patients received etomidate 100 μg/kg/minute with fentanyl and a muscle relaxant, ventilation being with air and oxygen (50%). The technique gave a smooth, pleasant induction with all patients asleep within 2 minutes. The incidence of pain on infusion was 6% and of myoclonus 6%. Cardiovascular changes were minimal, the most common finding being persistent tachycardia. The mean recovery time was 9.1 minutes. There was no incidence of awareness, recall, or thrombophlebitis, but a 20% incidence of nausea and vomiting. In Group 2, 20 patients received the same dosage of etomidate to supplement spinal anaesthesia for lower abdominal surgery. The technique worked most satisfactorily, with patients falling quietly to sleep within 2–3 minutes with no hiccoughs, coughing or laryngospasm. Six patients exhibited myoclonus, one being severe. In no case did myoclonus interfere with the operation. The cardiovascular system remained stable in all patients. Mean recovery time was 16.1 minutes (range 3–38 minutes). Twitching and restlessness were the main complications during recovery.
A community‐based study of sleep and behaviour problems in 12‐ to 36‐month‐old children
Authors: Hall W. A. , Scher A. , Zaidman‐Zait A. , Espezel H. , Warnock F.
Published: June 2011

Background  While evidence suggests sleep problems are common in young children and linked to behavioural problems, studies of toddlers are rare. This community‐based cross‐sectional study examined associations between sleep problems and daytime behaviour among 58 children aged 1 to 3 years who attended daycare centres.

Methods  Mothers and daycare providers completed four and three questionnaires, respectively, about children's sleep patterns and behaviour. Two hypotheses were tested: (1) children with higher sleep problem scores would have more behavioural problems by parental and daycare provider report; (2) problematic napping behaviours would be associated with night sleep problems.

Results  Mothers' reports of sleep problems were positively associated with children's behavioural problems at home and daycare providers' reports of nap problems were positively correlated with children's behavioural problems at daycare. Daycare providers' reports of children's behavioural problems at daycare were associated with maternal reports of behavioural problems. Older children in the sleep problem group had maternal reports of more behavioural problems. Daycare providers reported that children with sleep problems were less happy at daycare. Children who were happier following naps had less reported night settling difficulties. Children with difficulty settling for naps at daycare had maternal reports of more behavioural problems.

Conclusions  Napping in daycare settings is an important component of toddlers' sleep. Crossover effects between children's sleep and behaviour at daycare and home indicate similarities in mothers' and daycare providers' perceptions. Findings suggest parent and daycare provider interactions include discussions about sleep problems and settling at home and in daycares. Parents and daycare providers would benefit from education about relationships between sleep and behavioural problems.
Cutting frequency vs. N application: effect of a 20‐year management in Lolio‐Cynosuretum grassland
Authors: Pavlů V. , Schellberg J. , Hejcman M.
Published: June 2011

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different long‐term management options on re‐establishment of traditional species‐rich grassland in a Lolio‐Cynosuretum grassland. The experiment was set up in 1987 in a low‐fertilized mown pasture in the Eifel Mountains (Germany). Two and four cuts per year each with three levels of nitrogen fertilizer application were compared to no application of P and K fertilizer. Biomass production increased as a result of N application, whereas crude protein content and digestibility of organic matter improved in the four‐cut treatments. During a 20‐year period, we found a significant shift in dominant grass species without any significant effect on species richness. Lolium perenne and Elytrigia repens were replaced by Holcus lanatus and Alopecurus pratensis, especially in the two‐cut treatments with N application. In the unfertilized plots, several individuals of Platanthera bifolia appeared when swards were cut only twice per year, probably as a result of nutrient depletion together with low cutting frequency. An increase in number of cuts mainly supported plant species well adapted to intensive management, even under low N application and relatively low plant‐available P content in the soil. Therefore, we conclude that cutting frequency was a key driver on plant species composition in this experiment. The re‐establishment of traditional species‐rich grassland from intensively managed Lolio‐Cynosuretum was not achieved within 20 years of cutting management combined with absence of P and K application.
HCV‐related liver cancer in people with haemophilia
Authors: MEIJER K. , HAAGSMA E. B.
Published: June 2011

Summary.  The topic of this monograph is liver cancer associated with chronic HCV infection. We start with some background information on chronic HCV infection and its long‐term sequelae, one of which is liver cancer. The rest of the article is concerned with liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Epidemiology, risk factors, treatment and outcomes are discussed. We focus on those aspects that are of specific interest in people with haemophilia: studies performed in haemophilia populations, the use of invasive diagnostic and therapeutic tools and the outcome of liver transplantation. Throughout the paper, recommendations are given on surveillance for and diagnosis of HCC and on the practical aspects of invasive procedures. These recommendations are based on professional guidelines, other published evidence and the authors’ experience. In general, diagnostic and therapeutic options are the same in persons with and without haemophilia.
Androgen receptor signalling in peritubular myoid cells is essential for normal differentiation and function of adult Leydig cells
Authors: Welsh M. , Moffat L. , Belling K. , de França L. R. , Segatelli T. M. , Saunders P. T. K. , Sharpe R. M. , Smith L. B.
Published: June 2011

Testosterone synthesis depends on normal Leydig cell (LC) development, but the mechanisms controlling this development remain unclear. We recently demonstrated that androgen receptor (AR) ablation from a proportion of testicular peritubular myoid cells (PTM‐ARKO) did not affect LC number, but resulted in compensated LC failure. The current study extends these investigations, demonstrating that PTM AR signalling is important for normal development, ultrastructure and function of adult LCs. Notably, mRNAs for LC markers [e.g. steroidogenic factor 1 (Nr5a1), insulin‐like growth factor (Igf‐1) and insulin‐like factor 3 (Insl3)] were significantly reduced in adult PTM‐ARKOs, but not all LCs were similarly affected. Two LC sub‐populations were identified, one apparently ‘normal’ sub‐population that expressed adult LC markers and steroidogenic enzymes as in controls, and another ‘abnormal’ sub‐population that had arrested development and only weakly expressed INSL3, luteinizing hormone receptor, and several steroidogenic enzymes. Furthermore, unlike ‘normal’ LCs in PTM‐ARKOs, the ‘abnormal’ LCs did not involute as expected in response to exogenous testosterone. Differential function of these LC sub‐populations is likely to mean that the ‘normal’ LCs work harder to compensate for the ‘abnormal’ LCs to maintain normal serum testosterone. These findings reveal new paracrine mechanisms underlying adult LC development, which can be further investigated using PTM‐ARKOs.
The testicular germ cell tumour transcriptome
Authors: Alagaratnam S. , Lind G. E. , Kraggerud S. M. , Lothe R. A. , Skotheim R. I.
Published: June 2011

Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) are characterized by young age of onset and a complex pattern of histological subtypes. Transcriptomic studies have tried to uncover the gene expression patterns underlying this. Here, we present a systematic review of transcriptome studies of TGCTs of adolescents and young adults and identify genes common across the various studies, both for TGCTs in general as well as the histological subtypes, hence elucidating both transcriptional changes associated with malignant transformation and differentiation patterns. A meta‐analysis of this type adds power and significance to the genes thus found, where most studies have included only a limited number of samples. Both known (KRAS, MYCN and TPD52) and novel (CCT6A, IGFBP3 and SALL2) cancer genes are implicated in TGC tumorigenesis. Gene expression patterns characteristic to embryonic stem cells are also found deregulated in TGC tumorigenesis. This is reflected in how pluripotent embryonal carcinoma cells commonly differentiate into a variety of embryonic and extra‐embryonic histological types, each with unique transcriptomes. The embryonal carcinomas in particular are found to overexpress pluripotency genes, while gene signatures for seminomas, teratomas and yolk sac tumours were also identified. This underlines the distinctive transcriptomic programme across histological subtypes, especially striking given that the TGCT genome is largely similar across the same subtypes.
Characterization of the kisspeptin system in human spermatozoa
Authors: Pinto F. M. , Cejudo‐Román A. , Ravina C. G. , Fernández‐Sánchez M. , Martín‐Lozano D. , Illanes M. , Tena‐Sempere M. , Candenas M. L.
Published: June 2011

Kisspeptin, the product of the KISS1 gene, plays an essential role in the regulation of spermatogenesis acting primarily at the hypothalamic level of the gonadotropic axis. However, the presence of kisspeptin and its canonical receptor, KISS1R, in spermatozoa has not been explored nor the direct effects of kisspeptin on sperm function have been studied so far. In the present study, we analysed the expression of kisspeptin and its receptor in sperm cells by western blot and immunocytochemistry assays and evaluated the effects of exposure to kisspeptin on sperm intracellular Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]i, sperm motility, sperm hyperactivation and the acrosome reaction. Changes in [Ca2+]i were monitored using Fura‐2, sperm kinematic parameters were measured using computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA), and the acrosome reaction was measured using fluorescein isothiocyanate‐coupled Pisum sativum agglutinin lectin (FITC–PSA method). We found that kisspeptin and its receptor are present in sperm cells, where both are mainly localized in the sperm head, around the neck and in the flagellum midpiece. Exposure to kisspeptin caused a slow, progressive increase in [Ca2+]i, which reached a plateau about 3–6 min after kisspeptin exposure. In addition, kisspeptin modulated sperm progressive motility causing a biphasic (stimulatory and inhibitory) response and also induced transient sperm hyperactivation. The effects of kisspeptin on sperm motility and hyperactivation were inhibited by the antagonist of KISS1R, peptide 234. Kisspeptin did not induce the acrosome reaction in human spermatozoa. These data show for the first time that kisspeptin and its receptor are present in human spermatozoa and modulate key parameters of sperm function. This may represent an additional mechanism for their crucial function in the control of male fertility.
Effects of initial albumen quality and mineral oil–chitosan emulsion coating on internal quality and shelf‐life of eggs during room temperature storage
Authors: Torrico Damir Dennis , No Hong Kyoon , Sriwattana Sujinda , Ingram Dennis , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon
Published: June 2011

Effects of mineral oil (MO) and mineral oil–chitosan emulsion (MO:CH = 25:75) as coatings on internal quality and shelf‐life of eggs were evaluated during 5‐week storage at 25 °C. Eggs with three different initial albumen qualities [Haugh unit (HU): H = 87.8, M = 75.6 and L = 70.9] were evaluated. As storage time increased, HU and yolk index values decreased whereas weight loss increased. Coating with MO and/or 25:75 MO:CH emulsion could preserve the internal quality for at least 4 more weeks for H‐eggs and at least 3 more weeks for M and/or L‐eggs, all with weight losses <0.92%. All coated eggs had >70% positive purchase intent, and their colour differences at week 0 could not be detected by naked human eye (ΔE* < 3.0, noncoated eggs as reference). Consumers significantly differentiated freshly MO‐coated from noncoated eggs on overall surface appearance. This study demonstrated that MO and 25:75 MO:CH emulsion coatings could preserve internal quality and prolong shelf‐life of eggs.
Total and soluble oxalate content in legume vegetables used in the preparation of frozen products for consumption
Authors: Słupski Jacek , Lisiewska Zofia , Gębczyński Piotr , Skoczeń‐Słupska Radosława
Published: June 2011

The aim of the investigation was to compare oxalate retention in two types of frozen product prepared for consumption after frozen storage: one obtained using the traditional method (blanching‐freezing‐frozen storage‐cooking) and a convenience food involving cooking‐freezing‐frozen storage‐defrosting and heating in microwave oven. The investigation included three species of legume vegetables: immature (wax‐stage maturity) seeds of broad bean and green pea, and French bean. Fresh broad bean seeds contained 53 mg total oxalates in 100 g fresh matter; pea 38 mg; and French bean 88 mg. Soluble oxalates comprised 53, 58 and 72% of total oxalates. The treatments applied resulted in reduction of the level of total and soluble oxalates, and oxalate to calcium ratio (broad bean and French bean); there was no influence on the level of calcium bound as calcium oxalate; true retention of oxalates was lower than apparent retention (green pea and French bean).
Genetic diversity, sensitivity to phenylamide fungicides and aggressiveness of Phytophthora ramorum on Camellia, Rhododendron and Viburnum plants in Spain
Authors: Pérez‐Sierra A. , Álvarez L. A. , Vercauteren A. , Heungens K. , Abad‐Campos P.
Published: June 2011

Phytophthora ramorum has been detected in official plant health surveys on Rhododendron, Viburnum and Camellia in ornamental nurseries in northern Spain since 2003. A collection of 94 isolates of P. ramorum was obtained from 2003 to 2008 from plants with symptoms at different geographical locations. Isolates were identified based on morphology and sequence of the rDNA ITS region. Mating type, genetic variation, sensitivity to phenylamide fungicides and aggressiveness of these isolates were determined. All isolates belonged to the A1 mating type, ruling out the possibility of genetic recombination. Seven microsatellite markers were used to study genetic diversity; three out of the seven microsatellite markers were polymorphic within the Spanish population of P. ramorum. This study confirms that all Spanish isolates of P. ramorum belonged to the EU1 lineage. Twelve intralineage genotypes were detected, five that are unique to Spain (EU1MG38, EU1MG41, EU1MG37, EU1MG39 and EU1MG40) and seven that are also present in at least one other European country (EU1MG1, EU1MG29, EU1MG22, EU1MG13, EU1MG2, EU1MG18 and EU1MG26). Genotypes EU1MG37, EU1MG39 and EU1MG40 were isolated from Rhododendron from one region; EU1MG38 and EU1MG41 were isolated from Camellia from two different regions. Isolates of genotype EU1MG38 were resistant to metalaxyl and mefenoxam. The level of genetic diversity within the Spanish population of P. ramorum is limited and indicates a relatively recent clonal expansion.
Effect of repeated administration of low‐dose silver nitrate for pleurodesis in a rabbit model
Authors: TREMBLAY ALAIN , STATHER DAVID R. , KELLY MARGARET M.
Published: June 2011

Background and objective:  Both the efficacy and toxicity of sclerosing agents are likely to be dose‐dependent. Clinical pleurodesis strategies typically involve single bolus dose administration of drugs. This study was designed to test whether repeated administration of low doses of silver nitrate (SN) could lead to effective pleurodesis.

Methods:  Intrapleural administration, to rabbits, of decreasing doses of SN or normal saline was undertaken daily over 1, 5 or 14 days. Assessment of the degree of pleurodesis was by visual inspection (score 1–8) and histological examination and scoring of inflammation and fibrosis (score 0–4). The untreated contralateral side was used as a control. A visual pleurodesis score of ≥5 was considered to be positive.

Results:  The lowest concentrations of SN leading to a visual pleurodesis score ≥5 were 0.425%, 0.085% and 0.05% for 1, 5 and 14 day administration protocols respectively (P < 0.05 vs control side). Visual pleurodesis scores decreased as the dose of SN decreased within each administration regimen groups (P < 0.05 for single and 14 day groups, P = 0.058 in 5 day group). A significant correlation was noted between visual pleurodesis scores and histology fibrosis scores.

Conclusions:  Effective pleurodesis can be achieved in an animal model with repeated daily administration of SN at doses significantly lower than the lowest effective single day dose. This finding could lead to better tolerated pleurodesis regimens.
Losing Control: Policy Space to Prevent and Mitigate Financial Crises in Trade and Investment Agreements
Authors: Gallagher Kevin P.
Published: June 2011

This article examines the extent to which measures to mitigate the current financial crisis and prevent future crises are permissible under a variety of bilateral, regional and multilateral trade and investment agreements. US trade and investment agreements, and, to a lesser extent, the World Trade Organization, leave little room to manoeuvre with capital controls, despite increasing evidence that certain controls can prevent or mitigate crises. Investment rules under the treaties of most capital‐exporting nations allow for at least the use of temporary controls as a safeguard measure. The article offers a range of policies that could be deployed to improve US investment rules.
Accommodation steps, target spatial frequency and refractive error
Authors: Strang Niall C , Day Mhairi , Gray Lyle S , Seidel Dirk
Published: June 2011

Citation information: Strang NC, Day M, Gray LS & Seidel D. Accommodation steps, target spatial frequency and refractive error. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2011, 31, 444–455. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00855.x

Purpose:  Errors in the accommodation response of myopes have been reported in many studies although questions remain about the exact differences in accommodation steps when compared with emmetropic individuals.

Methods:  The characteristics of the accommodation step response to large (4/1D) and small (3/2D) steps in targets with low (0.5 cpd), mid (4 cpd) and high (16 cpd) spatial frequency (SF) information was measured in myopes (MYOs) and emmetropes (EMMs).

Results:  In terms of step size, the larger steps showed a greater response in the 4 cpd condition than the 0.5 and 16 cpd conditions and an improved percentage correct response in the 4 cpd compared to the 16 cpd steps. In small step conditions target SF had less effect upon the magnitude of the response. In terms of refractive group differences, MYOs had a lower proportion of correct accommodation responses compared to EMMs during the small steps only, however, when correct steps were performed there were no differences in the characteristics of both large and small step responses between MYOs and EMMs.

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that MYOs have some difficulty interpreting small changes in defocus to initiate or possibly fine tune a small accommodation response, however, when a correct accommodation step response is made, the MYOs accommodation plant responds in a similar manner to EMMs.
Economic Theory and Tax and Pension Policies*
Authors: DIAMOND PETER
Published: June 2011

Studying and advising about mandatory pension systems while also researching optimal tax theory, with particular attention to the taxation of capital income, brought attention to differences in both analyses and policies, while these two subjects intersect in the common practice of the tax‐favouring of retirement savings. I have long been concerned about the implicit methodology used by the profession in going from theoretical analyses to policy advice. In this essay, I touch on all four of these topics – pensions, capital income taxes, tax‐favoured retirement savings and methodology. I give particular attention to the pension systems in Australia and New Zealand.
Do voters reward rebellion? The electoral accountability of MPs in Britain
Authors: VIVYAN NICK , WAGNER MARKUS
Published: June 2011

To hold their Members of Parliament individually accountable for their legislative behaviour, British voters would need to base their decision to vote for an MP at least partially on the extent to which the MP's legislative voting behaviour deviated from that of the MP's party leadership. Voters should evaluate this deviation contingent on their views of the party leadership. MP rebellion can signal that voter–MP congruence is greater than that of the voter and the MP's party leadership. In this article it is found that only constituents with negative attitudes toward the Labour government reward rebellious Labour MPs, albeit to a limited extent. A similar conditional association is not observed on a single issue: Iraq. The policy accountability of MPs is relatively weak and general rather than issue‐specific.
The First Slow Step: Differential Effects of Object and Word‐Form Familiarization on Retention of Fast‐Mapped Words
Authors: Kucker Sarah C. , Samuelson Larissa K.
Published: June 2011

Recent research demonstrated that although 24‐month‐old infants do well on the initial pairing of a novel word and novel object in fast‐mapping tasks, they are unable to retain the mapping after a 5 min delay. The current study examines the role of familiarity with the objects and words on infants’ ability to bridge between the initial fast mapping of a name and object, and later retention in the service of slow mapping. Twenty‐four‐month‐old infants were familiarized with either novel objects or novel names prior to the referent selection portion of a fast‐mapping task. When familiarized with the novel objects, infants retained the novel mapping after a delay, but not when familiarized with the novel words. This suggests familiarity with the object versus the word form leads to differential encoding of the name–object link. We discuss the implications of this finding for subsequent slow mapping.
Eye‐Tracking as a Measure of Responsiveness to Joint Attention in Infants at Risk for Autism
Authors: Navab Anahita , Gillespie‐Lynch Kristen , Johnson Scott P. , Sigman Marian , Hutman Ted
Published: June 2011

Reduced responsiveness to joint attention (RJA), as assessed by the Early Social Communication Scales (ESCS), is predictive of both subsequent language difficulties and autism diagnosis. Eye‐tracking measurement of RJA is a promising prognostic tool because it is highly precise and standardized. However, the construct validity of eye‐tracking assessments of RJA has not been established. By comparing RJA an eye‐tracking paradigm to responsiveness to joint attention during the ESCS, the current study evaluated the construct validity of an eye‐tracking assessment of RJA for 18‐month‐old infant siblings of children with autism. Relations between measures of RJA and concurrent language skills and autistic symptomatology were assessed. Correlations between measures of ESCS RJA and eye‐tracking RJA were statistically significant, but few relations between either ESCS or eye‐tracking assessments of RJA and language or symptoms were observed. This study establishes the construct validity of eye‐tracking assessments of RJA.
The effects of a phone call prompt on subsequent blood donation among first‐time donors
Authors: Godin Gaston , Amireault Steve , Vézina‐Im Lydi‐Anne , Germain Marc , Delage Gilles
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND: A strategy used by blood centers to retain donors is to place phone call reminders. However, among first‐time donors, no studies have tested the effect of this strategy. This was the aim of this study among individuals who had recently given their first lifetime blood donation.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A quasi‐experimental study using a nonequivalent control group was adopted; participants in the control group were donors with blood types B+ and AB+, since these individuals are not phoned by the blood agency. A total of 1604 first‐time donors aged 18 to 70 years from the province of Quebec, Canada, were assigned to the experimental (n = 870) or the control (n = 734) group. Participants in the experimental group were phoned a few days before they had a new opportunity to give blood while those in the control condition were not phoned.

RESULTS: In the experimental condition, 48.3% of the donors attempted to give blood during the 12‐month follow‐up period compared to 38.0% in the control condition. The hazards of the first blood donation attempt among donors who were phoned were 32% higher compared to the hazards of those who were not phoned (p = 0.0004).

CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that a first phone call reminder about the upcoming opportunity to give blood again has a significant positive effect on return rates among first‐time donors.
Psilanthus mannii, the type species of Psilanthus, transferred to Coffea
Authors: Davis Aaron P.
Published: June 2011

Evidence from several sources shows that Psilanthus is a synonym of Coffea. In order to finalize the taxonomic placement of Psilanthus within Coffea a new combination is necessary for the type species of Psilanthus, P. mannii. The combination Coffea mannii is made here. The implications of the transfer of Psilanthus to Coffea are discussed.
Quantitative analysis of pseudopolymorphic transformation of imidafenacin by application of a novel combination of near-infrared spectroscopy and a humidity-controlled 96-well plate
Authors: Uchida Hiroshi , Otsuka Makoto
Published: June 2011

Objectives

This study was conducted to test whether our novel combination (i.e. microanalysis) of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and humidity-controlled 96-well plate, reported in a previous issue of this journal, can be successfully applied to quantitative evaluation of the pseudopolymorphic transformation of imidafenacin.

Methods

Sample powders of a drug compound were placed in a humidity-controlled 96-well plate containing various saturated salt solutions, and stored at 35°C. NIR spectra were collected using a Fourier transform-NIR spectrometer in combination with a fiber-optic probe. The actual hydrate contents of samples were determined by using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). A series of sets of NIR spectra and TGA data were used to establish a calibration model with which to predict the contents of monohydrate by partial least-squares regression (PLS).

Key findings

The PLS calibration model analysis showed that the plots of NIR predicted values to the actual values gave a straight line with correlation coefficients of 0.9868 and 0.9936, respectively, for the 96-well plate and glass-bottle uses. The model using the 96-well plate was therefore able to predict the transformation of imidafenacin in one form to another form as quantitatively as the conventional model using glass bottles.

Conclusion

The present study confirmed that our microanalysis quantitatively predicts the pseudopolymorphic transformation of our tested drug in small amounts and suggests that this particular method is a simple and convenient one that may be efficiently applied to polymorphic and pseudopolymorphic studies of a hygroscopic drug candidate, at even earlier development stages than the conventional method using glass bottles.
Sulfation of selected mono-hydroxyflavones by sulfotransferases in vitro: a species and gender comparison
Authors: Yang Cai Hua , Tang Lan , Lv Chang , Ye Ling , Xia Bi Jun , Hu Ming , Liu Zhong Qiu
Published: June 2011

Objectives

Sulfation via sulfotransferases is an important metabolic pathway contributing to the low bioavailability of flavonoids. This study aims to characterize the sulfation of mono-hydroxyflavones (MHFs) to obtain useful information on structure-metabolizing relationships in animal species and gender differences.

Methods

Three representative MHFs, namely, 7-, 6- and 4′-MHF, were studied by incubating each MHF at different concentrations with various liver S9 fractions (mouse, rat, dog and human).

Key findings

One mono-sulfate was identified for each MHF. 7-MHF and 4′-MHF usually have greater sulfations than 6-MHF. Regardless of whether the S9 fraction came from a male or female, there was a difference in sulfation in the species observed for all MHFs; the highest activity of sulfotransferases was in dog S9. Furthermore, gender differences affect sulfation of MHFs significantly. In rats, all sulfations for the three MHFs were higher in males than that in females while the opposite was observed in mice.

Conclusions

Regiospecific, species and gender dependence exist in the sulfonation of all selected MHFs.
Effect of indium concentration on InGaAs channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors with atomic layer deposited gate dielectric
Authors: Xue Fei , Zhao Han , Chen Yen-Ting , Wang Yanzhen , Zhou Fei , Lee Jack C.
Published: June 2011

In 0.53 Ga 0.47 As and In0.7Ga0.3As surface channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) with atomic layer deposition of Al2O3 and ZrO2 have been fabricated and investigated. The device performance of InGaAs channel MOSFETs with various indium compositions (53% and 70%) has been studied, including drain current, transconductance, subthreshold swing, and interface trap density (Dit). It has been found that In0.53Ga0.47As MOSFETs exhibit higher transconductance and lower subthreshold swing than In0.7Ga0.3As MOSFETs for both Al2O3 and ZrO2 gate dielectric (e.g., 125 mV/decade versus 160 mV/decade for Al2O3). The interface trap density measured using conductance method (1.1×1012 eV−1 cm−2 versus 3.2×1012 eV−1 cm−2 for Al2O3) suggests a better interface at high-k dielectric/In0.53Ga0.47As channel. Capacitance-voltage measurement at 77 K also correlates with the above results, showing smaller frequency dispersion for In0.53Ga0.47As devices.