bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eco-Efficiency and Organizational Practices: An Exploratory Study of Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Henri Jean-François , Journeault Marc
Published: September 2009

As the pressure increases on organizations to improve their eco-efficiency, the identification of organizational practices that can support this improvement has become a major concern for managers and researchers. The aim of this exploratory study is to identify the association between organizational practices (ie managerial and operational) and eco-efficiency in manufacturing organizations. Combining survey and public data from a sample of Canadian manufacturing industries, the results suggest for managerial practices that environmental strategic planning, environmental administrative mechanisms, and incentives are associated with two eco-efficiency ratios—namely, the material intensity ratio and the environmental productivity ratio—while environmental performance indicators are associated with the material intensity ratio. Furthermore, the results suggest that three environmental operational practices—namely, product redesign, reduction, and alliances—are positively associated with the material intensity ratio. This study contributes to the sustainability and eco-efficiency literatures by exploring the role and contributions of organizational practices that support environmental and economic performance.
Cross-Border Organisations as an Adaptive Water Management Response to Climate Change: The Case of the Guadiana River Basin
Authors: Cots Francesc , Tàbara J David , McEvoy Darryn , Werners Saskia , Roca Elisabet
Published: September 2009

In this paper we analyse the role played by cross-border organisations in the Guadiana river basin in Iberia, and the extent to which new emerging institutional arrangements carry on adaptive management practice as a response to mounting climate change risks in the river basin. Particular attention is paid to the new transboundary agencies, as promoted by the EU INTERREG programmes, and their potential for mainstreaming climate change considerations into Guadiana river basin development strategies. Results indicate that the penetration of climate change concerns into regional development policies requires a better integration of different policies and improved connectivity and coordination between multiple actors operating across sectors, and at different spatial scales. We argue that the emergence of new transboundary agencies capable of performing these bridging functions is a vital ingredient for building climate adaptive capacity in these cross-border regions.
Retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor RORβ is an early-acting factor in rod photoreceptor development
Authors: Jia Li , Oh Edwin C. T. , Ng Lily , Srinivas Maya , Brooks Matthew , Swaroop Anand , Forrest Douglas
Published: September 2009

Rods and cones are morphologically and developmentally distinct photoreceptor types with different functions in vision. Cones mediate daylight and color vision and in most mammals express M and S opsin photopigments for sensitivity to medium-long and short light wavelengths, respectively. Rods mediate dim light vision and express rhodopsin photopigment. The transcription factor networks that direct differentiation of each photoreceptor type are incompletely defined. Here, we report that
Rorb
−/−
mice lacking retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor β lose rods but overproduce primitive S cones that lack outer segments. The phenotype reflects pronounced plasticity between rod and cone lineages and resembles that described for
Nrl
−/−
mice lacking neural retina leucine zipper factor.
Rorb
−/−
mice lack
Nrl
expression and reexpression of
Nrl
in
Rorb
−/−
mice converts cones to rod-like cells. Thus,
Rorb
directs rod development and does so at least in part by inducing the
Nrl
-mediated pathway of rod differentiation.
Repeated climate-linked host shifts have promoted diversification in a temperate clade of leaf-mining flies
Authors: Winkler Isaac S. , Mitter Charles , Scheffer Sonja J.
Published: September 2009

A central but little-tested prediction of “escape and radiation” coevolution is that colonization of novel, chemically defended host plant clades accelerates insect herbivore diversification. That theory, in turn, exemplifies one side of a broader debate about the relative influence on clade dynamics of intrinsic (biotic) vs. extrinsic (physical-environmental) forces. Here, we use a fossil-calibrated molecular chronogram to compare the effects of a major biotic factor (repeated shift to a chemically divergent host plant clade) and a major abiotic factor (global climate change) on the macroevolutionary dynamics of a large Cenozoic radiation of phytophagous insects, the leaf-mining fly genus
Phytomyza
(Diptera: Agromyzidae). We find one of the first statistically supported examples of consistently elevated net diversification accompanying shift to new plant clades. In contrast, we detect no significant direct effect on diversification of major global climate events in the early and late Oligocene. The broader paleoclimatic context strongly suggests, however, that climate change has at times had a strong indirect influence through its effect on the biotic environment. Repeated rapid Miocene radiation of these flies on temperate herbaceous asterids closely corresponds to the dramatic, climate-driven expansion of seasonal, open habitats.
An unexpected role for TASK-3 potassium channels in network oscillations with implications for sleep mechanisms and anesthetic action
Authors: Pang Daniel S. J. , Robledo Christian J. , Carr David R. , Gent Thomas C. , Vyssotski Alexei L. , Caley Alex , Zecharia Anna Y. , Wisden William , Brickley Stephen G. , Franks Nicholas P.
Published: September 2009

TASK channels are acid-sensitive and anesthetic-activated members of the family of two-pore-domain potassium channels. We have made the surprising discovery that the genetic ablation of TASK-3 channels eliminates a specific type of theta oscillation in the cortical electroencephalogram (EEG) resembling type II theta (4–9 Hz), which is thought to be important in processing sensory stimuli before initiating motor activity. In contrast, ablation of TASK-1 channels has no effect on theta oscillations. Despite the absence of type II theta oscillations in the TASK-3 knockout (KO) mice, the related type I theta, which has certain neuronal pathways in common and is involved in exploratory behavior, is unaffected. In addition to the absence of type II theta oscillations, the TASK-3 KO animals show marked alterations in both anesthetic sensitivity and natural sleep behavior. Their sensitivity to halothane, a potent activator of TASK channels, is greatly reduced, whereas their sensitivity to cyclopropane, which does not activate TASK-3 channels, is unchanged. The TASK-3 KO animals exhibit a slower progression from their waking to sleeping states and, during their sleeping period, their sleep episodes as well as their REM theta oscillations are more fragmented. These results imply a previously unexpected role for TASK-3 channels in the cellular mechanisms underlying these behaviors and suggest that endogenous modulators of these channels may regulate theta oscillations.
E3 ubiquitin ligase COP1 regulates the stability and functions of MTA1
Authors: Li Da-Qiang , Ohshiro Kazufumi , Reddy Sirigiri Divijendra Natha , Pakala Suresh B. , Lee Mong-Hong , Zhang Yanping , Rayala Suresh K. , Kumar Rakesh
Published: September 2009

Metastasis-associated protein 1 (MTA1), a component of the nucleosome remodeling and histone deacetylation (NuRD) complex, is widely upregulated in human cancers. However, the mechanism for regulating its protein stability remains unknown. Here we report that MTA1 is an ubiquitinated protein and targeted by the RING-finger E3 ubiquitin–protein ligase constitutive photomorphogenesis protein 1 (COP1) for degradation via the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway. Induced expression of wild-type COP1 but not its RING motif mutants promotes the ubiquitination and degradation of MTA1, indicating that the ligase activity is required for the COP1-mediated proteolysis of MTA1. Conversely, depletion of endogenous COP1 resulted in a marked decrease in MTA1 ubiquitination, accompanied by a pronounced accumulation of MTA1 protein. MTA1, in turn, destabilizes COP1 by promoting its autoubiquitination, thus creating a tight feedback loop that regulates both MTA1 and COP1 protein stability. Accordingly, disruption of the COP1-mediated proteolysis by ionizing radiation leads to MTA1 stabilization, accompanied by an increased coregulatory function of MTA1 on its target. Furthermore, we discovered that MTA1 is required for optimum DNA double-strand break repair after ionizing radiation. These findings provide novel insights into the regulation of MTA1 protein and reveal a novel function of MTA1 in DNA damage response.
Implicit sampling for particle filters
Authors: Chorin Alexandre J. , Tu Xuemin
Published: September 2009

We present a particle-based nonlinear filtering scheme, related to recent work on chainless Monte Carlo, designed to focus particle paths sharply so that fewer particles are required. The main features of the scheme are a representation of each new probability density function by means of a set of functions of Gaussian variables (a distinct function for each particle and step) and a resampling based on normalization factors and Jacobians. The construction is demonstrated on a standard, ill-conditioned test problem.
AnkyrinG is required to maintain axo-dendritic polarity in vivo
Authors: Sobotzik Jürgen-Markus , Sie Jana Maria , Politi Chrisoula , Del Turco Domenico , Bennett Vann , Deller Thomas , Schultz Christian
Published: September 2009

Neurons are highly polarized cells that extend a single axon and several dendrites. Studies with cultured neurons indicate that the proximal portion of the axon, denoted as the axon initial segment (AIS), maintains neuronal polarity in vitro. The membrane-adaptor protein ankyrinG (ankG) is an essential component of the AIS. To determine the relevance of ankG for neuronal polarity in vivo, we studied mice with a cerebellum-specific ankG deficiency. Strikingly, ankG-depleted axons develop protrusions closely resembling dendritic spines. Such axonal spines are enriched with postsynaptic proteins, including ProSAP1/Shank2 and ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptors. In addition, immunofluorescence indicated that axonal spines are contacted by presynaptic glutamatergic boutons. For further analysis, double mutants were obtained by crossbreeding ankG
−/−
mice with L7/Purkinje cell-specific promoter 2 (PCP2) mice expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) in Purkinje cells (PCs). This approach allowed precise confocal microscopic mapping of EGFP-positive spiny axons and their subsequent identification at the electron microscopic level. Ultrastructurally, axonal spines contained a typical postsynaptic density and established asymmetric excitatory synapses with presynaptic boutons containing synaptic vesicles. In the shaft of spiny axons, typical ultrastructural features of the AIS, including the membrane-associated dense undercoating and cytoplasmic bundles of microtubules, were absent. Finally, using time-lapse imaging of organotypic cerebellar slice cultures, we demonstrate that nonspiny PC axons of EGFP-positive/ankG
−/−
mice acquire a spiny phenotype within a time range of only 3 days. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that axons of ankG-deficient mice acquire hallmark features of dendrites. AnkG thus is important for maintaining appropriate axo-dendritic polarity in vivo.
Chasing improved pupil performance: The impact of policy change on school educators’ perceptions of their professional identity, the case of further change in English schools
Authors: Hammersley‐Fletcher Linda , Qualter Anne
Published: September 2009

Changes in education systems across Europe are a response to perceived needs to improve academic performance. The recent workforce remodelling agenda in England (2003–2005) reflected a growing concern that centralisation and the associated deskilling of teachers had gone too far. The resultant restructuring of the work of teachers, giving roles previously performed by teachers to staff without teaching qualifications, needs to be considered from the perspective of those involved. What is clear from comparative studies is that experiences of the implementation of such policies are influenced by local factors. The study reported here focuses on the effect of a significant policy change on teachers in two English local authorities through a mixture of 557 questionnaires and 86 semi‐structured interviews collected from five secondary and nine primary schools. The data focus on the changing roles of teachers and teaching assistants and the lessons to be learned for system changes beyond remodelling.
Faces Attract Infants' Attention in Complex Displays
Authors: Gliga Teodora , Elsabbagh Mayada , Andravizou Athina , Johnson Mark
Published: September 2009

Infant's face preferences have previously been assessed in displays containing 1 or 2 faces. Here we present 6‐month‐old infants with a complex visual array containing faces among multiple visual objects. Despite the competing objects, infants direct their first saccade toward faces more frequently than expected by chance (Experiment 1). The attention‐grabbing effect of faces is not selective to upright faces (Experiment 2) but does require the presence of internal facial elements, as faces whose interior has been phase‐scrambled did not attract infants' attention (Experiment 3). On the contrary, when the number of fixations is considered, upright faces are scanned more extensively than both inverted and phase‐scrambled faces. The difference in selectivity between the first look measure and the fixation count measure is discussed in light of a distinction between attention‐grabbing and attention‐holding mechanisms.
Eight‐Month‐Old Infants Infer Unfulfilled Goals, Despite Ambiguous Physical Evidence
Authors: Hamlin J. Kiley , Newman George E. , Wynn Karen
Published: September 2009

In this study, we tested whether 8‐month‐old infants could infer an actor's unfulfilled goal, despite some physical information present in the displays being inconsistent with the attempted goal. Infants saw a human hand holding a ring repeatedly approach the top of a plastic cone in an apparent failed attempt to place the ring on the cone. The hand and ring then bounced away from the top of the cone toward the floor. Thus, some information presented was relevant to the goal (the motion toward the goal, the afforded relationship between the ring and the cone, and the repeated attempt), but some of it was irrelevant to the goal (the movement away from the goal). Infants were presented with 2 test events: 1 that was consistent with all the trajectory information but inconsistent with the goal, and 1 that was consistent with the goal. Eight‐month‐olds looked longer to the trajectory‐consistent event, suggesting they were able to infer the goal despite the physical ambiguity. Infants who had not been habituated to the failed attempt or who saw a matched inanimate control did not show this pattern, suggesting that infants in the first year of life actively and selectively analyze the unfulfilled goal‐directed behavior of others.
Surgical Site Infection as a Surrogate Marker of Physician Impairment
Authors: Sherertz Robert J. , Karchmer Tobi B.
Published: September 2009

Our report details an implant-associated outbreak of surgical site infections related to the adverse effects of treatment for hepatitis C virus infection administered to surgeon X. During the 12-month period of this outbreak, 14 (9.5%) of 148 of surgeon X's patients developed a surgical site infection, a rate of SSI that was 8-fold higher than the rate during the 14-month baseline period or the 14-month follow-up period (P = .001), and higher than the rate among peer surgeons (P = .02).
Impact of climate change on plant phenology in Mediterranean ecosystems
Authors: GORDO OSCAR , SANZ JUAN JOSÉ
Published: September 2009

Plant phenology is strongly controlled by climate and has consequently become one of the most reliable bioindicators of ongoing climate change. We used a dataset of more than 200 000 records for six phenological events of 29 perennial plant species monitored from 1943 to 2003 for a comprehensive assessment of plant phenological responses to climate change in the Mediterranean region. Temperature, precipitation and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) were studied together during a complete annual cycle before phenological events to determine their relative importance and potential seasonal carry‐over effects. Warm and dry springs under a positive phase of NAO advance flowering, leaf unfolding and fruiting dates and lengthen the growing season. Spatial variability of dates (range among sites) was also reduced during warm and dry years, especially for spring events. Climate during previous weeks to phenophases occurrence had the greatest impact on plants, although all events were also affected by climate conditions several months before. Immediate along with delayed climate effects suggest dual triggers in plant phenology. Climatic models accounted for more than 80% of variability in flowering and leaf unfolding dates, and in length of the growing season, but for lower proportions in fruiting and leaf falling. Most part of year‐to‐year changes in dates was accounted for temperature, while precipitation and NAO accounted for <10% of dates' variability. In the case of flowering, insect‐pollinated species were better modelled by climate than wind‐pollinated species. Differences in temporal responses of plant phenology to recent climate change are due to differences in the sensitivity to climate among events and species. Spring events are changing more than autumn events as they are more sensitive to climate and are also undergoing the greatest alterations of climate relative to other seasons. In conclusion, climate change has shifted plant phenology in the Mediterranean region.
Sexual dysfunction in subjects with Klinefelter’s syndrome
Authors: Corona G. , Petrone L. , Paggi F. , Lotti F. , Boddi V. , Fisher A. , Vignozzi L. , Balercia G. , Sforza A. , Forti G. , Mannucci E. , Maggi M.
Published: September 2009

While the association of Klinefelter’s Syndrome (KS) with infertility is well‐known, very few investigations have evaluated the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in KS. The aim of the present study was to systematically analyse the prevalence of KS in a consecutive series of adult male patients consulting for sexual problems and to investigate its specific correlates. Among a consecutive series of 1386 men (mean age 48.9 ± 12.7 years old), 23 (1.7%) subjects with KS were found. Patients with KS were younger and more often hypogonadal when compared with the rest of the sample. Among patients with KS, five (22.7%) subjects reported severe erectile dysfunction, 14 (60.9%) hypoactive sexual desire (HSD), two (9.5%) premature and two (9.5%) delayed ejaculation. Only the association between KS and HSD was confirmed after adjustment for age [HR = 3.2 (1.37–7.5)], however, when patients with KS were compared with age, smoking habit, and testosterone matched controls, even the association between KS with HSD disappeared. In comparison to matched hypogonadal controls, subjects with KS had lower levels of education, a higher frequency of cryptorchidism and poorer pubertal progression. In conclusion, our results indicate that sexual dysfunction present in KS is not specifically associated with the syndrome but is caused by the underlying hypogonadal state. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of testosterone substitution in ameliorating the hypoactive sexual desire often reported in subjects with KS.
Geographic variation in dynamics of an annual plant with a seed bank
Authors: Alexander Helen M. , Pilson Diana , Moody‐Weis Jennifer , Slade Norman A.
Published: September 2009

1. Most population dynamics studies are geographically restricted, yet species ranges are large. We performed multiyear roadside surveys of the sunflower,Helianthus annuus, at two locations that differ in precipitation (eastern Kansas, KS; western Nebraska, NE). Our goals were to (i) document if there was geographic variation in dynamics and evaluate the role of habitat variables and the landscape matrix; (ii) determine the likely amount of occupiable habitat and (iii) explore the role of seed banks in dynamics.

2. Geographical variation: Occupancy and mean numbers of plants per occupied roadside unit were generally higher in NE than KS. Sunflower abundance was linearly related to spring precipitation in NE but not in KS. Soil disturbance was associated with increased occupancy and apparent colonization, and reduced apparent extinction. Variation in the landscape adjacent to roads had a larger effect on occupancy in KS than in NE. In KS, smaller populations were more prone to apparent extinction; NE results were more variable. Note that we refer to ‘apparent’ colonization or extinction because seed banks may persist even when above‐ground plants are absent.

3. Occupiable habitat: 25% of the roadside was never occupied by sunflowers in KS, despite surveying for 6 years. An asymptotic limit to occupancy in NE was not apparent, but fewer years were surveyed.

4. Seed banks: Seed banks appear prevalent. The strongest evidence comes from a year following a spring drought in NE, when 100s to 1000s of plants were found in units that lacked plants the year before.

5. Synthesis. We found both geographical similarities (role of soil disturbance, seed banks) and differences (response to rainfall variation, importance of landscape matrix) in sunflower dynamics. Our work suggests that for appropriate species (including many weedy and invasive plants), replicate roadside surveys are an efficient way to evaluate geographic variation in dynamics, the landscape matrix and habitat characteristics across a broad geographic area. Such data help bridge the gap between broad‐scale distributional studies and small experimental plot studies, and provide insights on the population dynamics that underlie species ranges.
Communication skills for behaviour change in dietetic consultations
Authors: Whitehead K. , Langley‐Evans S. C. , Tischler V. , Swift J. A.
Published: September 2009

Background:  Both the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) and the National Institute of health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) have recommended increased training for health professionals in communication skills. There is evidence to suggest that communication skills are important in helping people to change health‐related behaviour, which is a key role for dietitians. This study investigated the views of UK dietitians about their training needs and experience in relation to communication skills in dietetic practice.

Methods:  In October 2007, a cross‐sectional survey was mailed to all British Dietetic Association members (n = 6013). The survey gathered quantitative data and free‐text comments to ascertain the level, type and effect of communication skills training received by dietitians at both the pre‐ and post‐registration level.

Results:  There were 1158 respondents; a response rate of 19.3%. Ninety‐eight percent (n = 1117) rated communication skills as either very or extremely important in client consultations. Post‐registration training had been undertaken by 73% (n = 904). Of these, over 90% of respondents perceived that post‐registration training had led to improvements in their relationships with patients, their confidence in client interviews and their ability to cope with challenging clients. However, 248 (21.4%) felt time keeping in interviews had worsened. Lack of time for client interviews was also the most commonly identified barrier (19%, n = 216) to implementing the skills.

Conclusions:  This study has explored an important and under‐researched area. Respondents strongly endorsed the importance of good communication skills and the benefits of post‐registration training in this area. Some felt that good communication was time consuming but others felt that time management had improved. Further research and training is required to support the implementation of these skills into dietetic practice.
Adoption and maintenance of a Mediterranean diet in patients with coronary heart disease from a Northern European population: a pilot randomised trial of different methods of delivering Mediterranean diet advice
Authors: Logan K. J. , Woodside J. V. , Young I. S. , McKinley M. C. , Perkins‐Porras L. , McKeown P. P.
Published: September 2009

Background:  A Mediterranean diet has been shown to protect against coronary heart disease (CHD). Adherence to a Mediterranean diet can be assessed using a Mediterranean diet score. The primary aim of this pilot study was to examine whether CHD patients in a Northern European population would adopt and maintain a Mediterranean diet, with a secondary aim of comparing the effectiveness of different methodologies aimed at improving compliance.

Methods:  Sixty‐one patients with a diagnosis of CHD were randomised to one of three groups: either to receive conventional dietetic advice for CHD or advice to implement a Mediterranean‐style diet using either behavioural counselling or nutritional counselling. Patients received a follow‐up assessment at 6 months (adoption) and a subset of patients was followed up at 12 months (maintenance). The primary outcome measure was the between‐group difference in the mean change in Mediterranean diet score (MDS).

Results:  The change in MDS was not significantly different between groups. However, all three groups reported a significant within‐group increase in MDS (P < 0.01) at 6 and 12 months follow‐up.

Conclusions:  All three groups made dietary changes towards a Mediterranean diet, but behavioural counselling did not have significant additional benefit over nutritional counselling in initiating and maintaining dietary change, and neither method offering specific Mediterranean diet advice had any significant benefit in terms of improvement in MDS over conventional dietetic practice.
Nutritional status of Irish older people in receipt of meals‐on‐wheels and the nutritional content of meals provided
Authors: O’Dwyer C. , Corish C. A. , Timonen V.
Published: September 2009

Background:  Research has suggested that meals‐on‐wheels recipients can be at risk for poor nutritional status. Despite this, few countries have statutory minimum requirements for the nutrient content of meals‐on‐wheels. This study examined both the nutritional status of a sample of Irish recipients and the nutrient content of a sample of meals provided to determine whether Irish recipients would benefit from statutory minimum nutritional standards.

Methods:  The study had two phases. First, a nutritional assessment was carried out to analyse the nutritional status of a sample of Irish meals‐on‐wheels recipients (Mini Nutritional Assessment and 24‐h dietary recall with 63 self‐selected respondents). Second, an assessment of the nutrient content of a sample of 46 meals from eight meals‐on‐wheels services was undertaken to characterise the nutritional content of the meals.

Results:  Over one‐third of recipients (38.5%) were malnourished or at‐risk of malnutrition and over half (52.3%) were overweight or obese. The mean (SD) energy [kJ (kcal)] content of the meals assessed was 3008 (498) kJ [719 (119.1) kcal], contributing 35–40% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for males aged 65 years and over and 42–45% of the RDA for females aged 65 years and over. In the meals assessed, the levels of vitamin C (25.3%), vitamin D (11.6%), folate (24.8%) and calcium (20.9%) were below one‐third of the Irish RDA for these nutrients.

Conclusions:  Irish recipients may not be receiving adequate micronutrients from meals‐on‐wheels. Legislation that sets out minimum standards for the nutrient content of meals‐on‐wheels and greater variation in the portion sizes offered may benefit recipients.
Multi‐modal Aedes aegypti mosquito reduction interventions and dengue fever prevention
Authors: Ballenger‐Browning Kara K. , Elder John P.
Published: September 2009

Objective  To systematically review the effectiveness of biological, chemical and educational dengue fever prevention programs on the reduction of entomologic indicators.

Methods  Searches of PubMed, GoogleScholar, CabDirect databases and reference lists yielded over 1000 articles containing mosquito abatement interventions. Inclusion criteria were: Vector control programs targeting Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes; Studies providing pre‐ and post‐test data. Intervention effectiveness was assessed using Mulla’s formula to determine percent reductions for all studies with control groups. Twenty‐one studies were reviewed.

Results  Twelve dependent variables were presented, however, the Breteau, House and Container indices were the primary measurement tools for monitoring larval populations. Behavioural methods consisting of educational campaigns and maintaining water containers to reduce the mosquito population were applied in eight studies. Eight studies involved the use of biological methods such as predatory organisms or bacteria. Finally, eight studies used chemical control techniques including insecticide sprays, larvicides, insecticide‐treated materials, and cleaning water of containers with household chemicals with three studies using a combination of intervention techniques. Post‐intervention reduction in entomologic indices ranged from 100% to an increase of 13.9% from baseline.

Conclsuion  Little evidence exists to support the efficacy of mosquito abatement programs owing to poor study designs and lack of congruent entomologic indices. Creation of a standard entomological index, use of clustered and randomized‐controlled trials, and testing the generalizability of proven methods are recommended for future research.
Dandy‐Walker malformation in patients with KID syndrome associated with a heterozygote mutation (p.Asp50Asn) in the GJB2 gene encoding connexin 26
Authors: Todt Ingo , Mazereeuw‐Hautier Juliette , Binder Barbara , Willems Patrick J.
Published: September 2009

The Keratitis‐Ichthyosis‐Deafness syndrome (KIDS) is an autosomal dominant ectodermal dysplasia characterized by ocular, skin, and ear anomalies, including keratitis, palmoplantar keratoderma, and congenital hearing loss. Most cases are due to mutations in the GJB2 gene encoding connexin 26. The Dandy‐Walker malformation (DWM) is a developmental anomaly of the midline of the cerebellum with complete or partial agenesis of the vermis and cystic dilatation of the fourth ventricle. The association of KID syndrome with DWM has been reported a few times, but thought to be coincidental.

We report 4 additional patients with KIDS and DWM, supporting the possibility that this is an association and not a coincidental finding. This also suggests that the GJB2 gene may have a role in other cases with DWM of, as yet, unknown etiology.
An integrated strategy for the diagnosis of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis types 1 (CLN1) and 2 (CLN2) in eleven Latin American patients
Authors: Kohan R , Cismondi IA , Dodelson Kremer R , Muller VJ , Guelbert N , Tapia Anzolini V , Fietz MJ , Oller Ramírez AM , Noher Halac I
Published: September 2009

The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a family of progressive neurodegenerative diseases that are characterized by the cellular accumulation of ceroid lipofuscin‐like bodies. NCL type 1 (CLN1) and type 2 (CLN2) are caused by deficiencies of the lysosomal enzymes palmitoyl‐protein thioesterase 1 (PPT‐1) and tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP‐1), respectively. In this study, 118 Latin American patients were examined for NCL using an integrated multidisciplinary program. This revealed two patients affected by CLN1 and nine by CLN2. Both CLN1 patients had a juvenile‐onset phenotype with mutation studies of one patient demonstrating the known mutation p.Arg151X and a novel mutation in intron 3, c.363‐3T>G. Six of the CLN2 patients presented with the ‘classical’ late‐infantile phenotype. The remaining three patients, who were siblings, presented with a ‘protracted’ phenotype and had a higher level of residual TPP‐1 activity than the ‘classical’ CLN2 patients. Genotype analysis of theTPP1gene in the ‘classical’ CLN2 patients showed the presence of the known mutation p.Arg208X and the novel mutations p.Leu104X, p.Asp276Val, and p.Ala453Val. The siblings with the ‘protracted’ phenotype were heterozygous for two knownTPP1mutations, p.Gln66X and c.887‐10A>G. This multidisciplinary program is also being used to diagnose other NCL types.
Cornelia de Lange syndrome, cohesin, and beyond
Authors: Liu J , Krantz ID
Published: September 2009

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) (OMIM #122470, #300590 and #610759) is a dominant genetic disorder with multiple organ system abnormalities which is classically characterized by typical facial features, growth and mental retardation, upper limb defects, hirsutism, gastrointestinal and other visceral system involvement. Mutations in three cohesin proteins, a key regulator of cohesin, NIPBL, and two structural components of the cohesin ring SMC1A and SMC3, etiologically account for about 65% of individuals with CdLS. Cohesin controls faithful chromosome segregation during the mitotic and meiotic cell cycles. Multiple proteins in the cohesin pathway are also involved in additional fundamental biological events such as double‐strand DNA break repair and long‐range regulation of transcription. Moreover, chromosome instability was recently associated with defective sister chromatid cohesion in several cancer studies, and an increasing number of human developmental disorders is being reported to result from disruption of this pathway. Here, we will discuss the human disorders caused by alterations of cohesin function (termed ‘cohesinopathies’), with an emphasis on the clinical manifestations of CdLS and mechanistic studies of the CdLS‐related proteins.
Intraoperative blood salvage and leukocyte depletion during liver transplantation with bacterial contamination
Authors: Liang Ting‐Bo , Li Jun‐Jian , Li Dong‐Lin , Liang Liang , Bai Xue‐Li , Zheng Shu‐Sen
Published: September 2009

Liang T‐B, Li J‐J, Li D‐L, Liang L, Bai X‐L, Zheng S‐S. Intraoperative blood salvage and leukocyte depletion during liver transplantation with bacterial contamination. Clin Transplant 2009 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2009.01091.x © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  Bacterial contamination is considered to be a contraindication for intraoperative blood salvage (IBS) during OLT. The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficiency of the autotransfusion device with an additional leukocyte depletion filter (LDF) for eliminating bacterial contaminations, and its clinical outcomes in terms of post‐operative infections during OLT.

Methods:  Forty‐five patients with end‐stage liver disease and cirrhotic ascites were enrolled in this study. The blood from the surgical field was collected and processed by an autotransfusion device (Cell Saver 5) and a LDF for bacteriological analysis. Among them, 12 patients with chronic severe hepatitis B received autologous transfusion for analysis of the effect on post‐operative infections.

Results:  Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) (p < 0.05, OR = 20.1) and a long duration of operation (p < 0.01, OR = 8.3) were found to be critical risk factors for contamination. Autotransfusion devices with an additional LDF significantly eliminated bacterial contaminants from shed blood (p < 0.05). About 33% (4/12) of the patients who received autologous transfusion with salvaged and filtered erythrocytes got post‐operative bacterial infection.

Conclusions:  Autotransfusion devices with an additional LDF could significantly eliminate bacterial contaminants of shed blood during OLT. The new mode of IBS might be a good option in reducing post‐operative infections, and deserves a large‐scale clinical trial.
Comparison of nutritional status in hemodialysis patients with and without failed renal allografts
Authors: Yelken B.M. , Gorgulu N. , Caliskan Y. , Yazici H. , Turkmen A. , Yildiz A. , Sever M.S.
Published: September 2009

Yelken MB, Gorgulu N, Caliskan Y, Yazici H, Turkmen A, Yildiz A, Sever MS. Comparison of nutritional status in hemodialysis patients with and without failed renal allografts Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 481–487. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  The survival of patients returning to hemodialysis (HD) following kidney transplant failure is unfavorable. However, the factors responsible for this poor outcome are largely unknown; chronic inflammation due to failed allograft and malnutrition may contribute to morbidity and mortality. We aimed to compare the nutritional status and its relation with inflammation in patients on HD with and without previous kidney transplantation.

Methods:  Forty‐three patients with failed renal allografts (27 males; mean age 36 ± 9 yr) and 40 never transplanted HD patients (24 males; mean age 39 ± 9 yr) were included in the study. Body weight, triceps (TSF), biceps (BSF), subscapular (SSSF), and suprailiac skinfold thicknesses (SISF); mid‐arm, mid‐arm muscle, hip and waist circumferences; as well as body mass indices (BMIs) were determined as anthropometric parameters. Moreover, biochemical markers of nutritional status, including serum cholesterol and albumin as well as high‐sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), as a marker of inflammation, were measured. Associations among these variables were analyzed.

Results:  There were no significant differences considering age, gender or duration of renal replacement therapy between the two groups. The TSF (p < 0.0001), BSF (p = 0.005), SSSF (p = 0.001), SISF (p < 0.0001) skinfold thicknesses; mid‐arm (p = 0.003) and mid‐arm muscle circumferences (p = 0.037) and BMIs (p = 0.001) of the patients with failed renal allografts were significantly lower than those of the never transplanted HD patients. Waist circumference was significantly lower as well (p = 0.028). Patients with failed transplants were characterized by lower serum albumin (p < 0.0001) and higher hs‐CRP levels (p = 0.001) as compared with never transplanted HD patients.

Conclusions:  This study confirms the concept that retained failed allografts may induce chronic inflammation in chronic HD patients which may result in a worse nutritional status.
Comparison of benthic and pelagic suspension feeding in shallow water habitats of the Northeastern Baltic Sea
Authors: Lauringson Velda , Kotta Jonne , Orav‐Kotta Helen , Kotta Ilmar , Herkül Kristjan , Põllumäe Arno
Published: September 2009

Combining field experiments with the biomass distribution data of dominant suspension feeders we compared the benthic and pelagic suspension feeding rates in shallow non‐tidal brackish water coastal habitats. We found that pelagic grazing exceeded benthic grazing in almost all cases, on average from 14 to 4819 times depending on the site. Benthic grazing rates were related to site‐specific environmental parameters and showed no relationship with water chlorophyl a (Chl a) content, whereas pelagic grazing rates varied both spatially and temporally and were related to water Chl a content. Our results indicate that in several shallow coastal habitats, pelagic suspension feeding substantially exceeds benthic suspension feeding. This suggests that pelagic recycling is higher than the amounts of energy redirected from pelagic to benthic food webs by benthic suspension feeders. These results increase our knowledge of the energy flows in coastal ecosystems.
Macroalgal turfs in the Azores
Authors: Wallenstein Francisco M. , Terra Marlene R. , Pombo Joana , Neto Ana I.
Published: September 2009

Studies on macroalgal communities of the Azores report algal turfs as one of the most conspicuous ecological entities occurring on the rocky shores of these islands. The present study investigates the influence of shore height and substratum on turf composition. Data were analysed using the software PRIMER and results confirmed the previous distinction between calcareous, dominated by articulated coralline algae, and non‐calcareous turfs, characterized mainly by small red algae. However, no differences in species composition were found in either type of turf occurring on different substrata or at different shore levels.
Effect of exposure time on the bioaccumulation of Cd, Mg, Mn and Zn in Cystoseira abies‐marina samples subject to shallow water hydrothermal activity in São Miguel (Azores)
Authors: Wallenstein Francisco M. , Torrão Daniel F. , Neto Ana I. , Wilkinson Martin , Rodrigues Armindo S.
Published: September 2009

Shallow water hydrothermal vents can be compared to polluted places due to high concentrations of heavy metals, and are thus good models for bioaccumulation studies. The present study intended to estimate the time of exposure required for the accumulation of certain elements to stabilize in specimens of Cystoseira abies‐marina, to be used as a reference in future work. Cystoseira abies‐marina intertidal specimens were transplanted from Mosteiros (a non‐hydrothermal and pristine site) to Ferraria (with hydrothermal activity) and left there. Transplanted samples were collected after 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks and the concentrations of Cd, Mg, Mn and Zn were measured through flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Although further studies with increased periods of exposure are needed because the concentration of these elements never stabilized in the collected samples, there is strong evidence that increased time of exposure led to increased concentrations of Cd, Mg, Mn, but not Zn. These results are consistent with the assumption that C. abies‐marina is bioaccumulating some of the heavy metals and can thus be a good indicator for polluted waters.
Effect of observation method on the perception of community structure and water quality in a brackish water ecosystem
Authors: Möller Tiia , Kotta Jonne , Martin Georg
Published: September 2009

The EU Water Framework Directive is a Community legislative instrument in the field of environmental protection that establishes a common framework for keeping water quality at a favourable level. To implement the directive, classification systems need to be established that allow detection of human impacts at early stages and, thus, more effective management of coastal communities. Due to the spatial variability of communities, however, the results of any assessment are highly dependent on the selection of data. In this study we identified local spatial scales in which variability of macrophyte communities was maximised, quantified links between observed patterns of sediment types and communities and estimated how selection criteria impacted the outcome of the assessment of indicator class value in four different communities of the Northern Baltic Sea. The main findings of the study were that: (i) there were no clear local spatial scales in which the variability of benthic communities was maximised; (ii) hard‐bottom communities were better predicted by the spatial arrangement of sediment characteristics than soft‐bottom communities; (iii) the selection of method had no effect on the estimates of macrophyte cover and indicator class; but (iv) method impacted independently of habitat type on error estimates of macrophyte cover and indicator class. To conclude, in such homogeneous and low diversity macrophyte communities it is preferable to use methods that result in lower error estimates of algal coverage and, thus, result in lower uncertainties of estimates in the water quality class.
Distribution and population structure of the fish Helicolenus dactylopterus dactylopterus (Delaroche, 1809) in the Central Mediterranean (Southern Tyrrhenian Sea)
Authors: Pirrera Laura , Bottari Teresa , Busalacchi Barbara , Giordano Daniela , Modica Larissa , Perdichizzi Anna , Perdichizzi Francesco , Profeta Adriana , Rinelli Paola
Published: September 2009

The blue‐mouth, Helicolenus dactylopterus dactylopterus (Delaroche, 1809) (Pisces: Scorpaenidae), is a scorpionfish widespread in the whole Mediterranean basin, where it plays an important ecological role in deep‐sea fish communities. The depauperation of this large‐size sedentary and slow‐growing fish can be an index of overexploitation. This species is found throughout all Italian seas; the juveniles are mainly located around 150–300 m depth, whereas the adult specimens are spread over a wider depth range from 200 m to as deep as 1000 m. The abundance in number and weight, the spatial distribution, the population structure, the growth and the recruitment pattern of H. dactylopterus were analysed in this study. The present paper integrates data from 11 bottom trawl surveys carried out in the Southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Central Mediterranean) along Calabrian and Sicilian coasts, within the framework of the MEDITS Project. A total of 1412 specimens of H. dactylopterus weighting 20.051 kg were caught. The species appeared in 40% of the 296 hauls analysed, throughout the whole depth range surveyed. The highest values of frequency of occurrence (>67%) were obtained in the slope, whereas in the shelf they fell to around 16%. On the continental shelf the species was found between 106 and 196 m depth, and in the slope between 400 and 645 m. The highest mean density index (N·km−2) value was obtained in the 100–200 m depth stratum, whereas the highest mean biomass index (kg·km−2) value was recorded in the deeper 200–500 m stratum. The length distribution of the specimens ranged between 2.5 and 24.5 cm. From the Von Bertalanffy growth model the following parameters for the whole population were obtained: L∞: 30 cm; K: 0.16 year−1; t0: −0.02. The sampled population is composed mainly of the young‐of‐the‐year fraction, which can reach up to 98% of the whole catch. Recruits (age 0+) and juveniles (age up 4 years) are limited to waters shallower than 500 m, whereas adults are present below this depth.
Reproduction of the eelgrass Zostera marina at the species southern distributional limit in the Eastern Atlantic
Authors: Cabaço Susana , Santos Rui
Published: September 2009

The plant reproductive effort, the seed germination rate and the seedling survival and development of Zostera marina (eelgrass) were assessed in four populations (Fuzeta, Culatra, Barrinha and Armona) at the species’ southern distribution limit in the Eastern Atlantic, the Ria Formosa lagoon. Germinated seeds were individually placed in Petri dishes with natural sandy sediments and kept in a culture chamber at the same temperature and salinity conditions as the natural environment. In addition, seeds from three different depths of Fuzeta population were cultivated in outdoor mesocosms. The populations of Fuzeta and Barrinha showed higher seed production and the seeds produced were heavier than the other populations. The germination of the seeds both in the laboratory and in the outdoor tanks began c. 8–12 weeks after the collection of the flowering shoots at a water temperature of 22 °C. The spontaneous germination in the laboratory (2.4–5.3%) and in the mesocosm experiment (5.6–8.9%) was low and from all the germinated seeds (n = 20) only three reached the seedling stage. The spontaneously germinated seeds from Fuzeta survived for a longer period than those from Barrinha, but only the germinated seeds of Barrinha reached the seedling stage (one‐leaf seedling stage). In outdoor tanks, higher seed germination and earlier seedling emergence (2 weeks after seeding) and survival (for 208 days) occurred for the seeds obtained from the shallow meadow. The reproductive effort of Z. marina populations of Ria Formosa showed that flowering shoots and seed traits are site‐specific. The low reproductive success indicated by the low germination and seedling survival suggests a bottleneck in the species’ reproductive cycle that may account for the scarce presence of the species in Ria Formosa lagoon. The high water temperatures of Ria Formosa in winter may partly explain this bottleneck. Increased temperatures due to climate change may reduce even further the sexual reproduction of Z. marina in its southern distributional limit in the Eastern Atlantic.