bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rpi-vnt1.1, a Tm-22 Homolog from Solanum venturii, Confers Resistance to Potato Late Blight
Authors: Foster Simon J. , Park Tae-Ho , Pel Mathieu , Brigneti Gianinna , Śliwka Jadwiga , Jagger Luke , van der Vossen Edwin , Jones Jonathan D. G.
Published: April 2009

Despite the efforts of breeders and the extensive use of fungicide control measures, late blight still remains a major threat to potato cultivation worldwide. The introduction of genetic resistance into cultivated potato is considered a valuable method to achieve durable resistance to late blight. Here, we report the identification and cloning of Rpi-vnt1.1, a previously uncharacterized late-blight resistance gene from Solanum venturii. The gene was identified by a classical genetic and physical mapping approach and encodes a coiled-coil nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat protein with high similarity to Tm-22 from S. lycopersicum which confers resistance against Tomato mosaic virus. Transgenic potato and tomato plants carrying Rpi-vnt1.1 were shown to be resistant to Phytophthora infestans. Of 11 P. infestans isolates tested, only isolate EC1 from Ecuador was able to overcome Rpi-vnt1.1 and cause disease on the inoculated plants. Alleles of Rpi-vnt1.1 (Rpi-vnt1.2 and Rpi-vnt1.3) that differed by only a few nucleotides were found in other late-blight-resistant accessions of S. venturii. The late blight resistance gene Rpi-phu1 from S. phureja is shown here to be identical to Rpi-vnt1.1, suggesting either that this strong resistance gene has been maintained since a common ancestor, due to selection pressure for blight resistance, or that genetic exchange between S. venturii and S. phureja has occurred at some time.
Ratios of Cells With and Without Virulence Genes in Rhodococcus fascians Populations Correlate with Degrees of Symptom Development
Authors: Nikolaeva Ekaterina V. , Park Sook-Young , Kang Seogchan , Olson Tracey N. , Kim Seong H.
Published: April 2009

Rhodococcus fascians, a gram-positive phytopathogenic bacterium, causes fasciation and leafy galls on a wide range of monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants for which it requires the plasmid-borne fas operon. Strains isolated from symptomatic plants over a 20-year-period exhibited a high degree of variability when their virulence was assessed on garden pea seedlings. Polymerase chain reaction amplification of the fas-1 and fasR virulence genes from randomly chosen single colonies showed that many strains consisted of two subpopulations, of which one had lost these genes. Inoculation of pea seedlings with mixtures of fas-1-positive and -negative cells that originated from the same strain demonstrated a strong correlation (Pearson's r ≥ 0.9205) between the proportion of cells in the inoculum carrying the fas-1 gene and the severity of disease symptoms. The minimal concentration of fas-1-positive cells required for the development of small lateral shoots on pea seedlings was 2.5 × 104 CFU/ml (P ≤ 0.008), while the overall suppression of main stem growth was observed at 2.5 × 105 CFU/ml (P ≤ 0.019). These observations underline that care should be taken when the virulence of clinical R. fascians strains is evaluated.
A New Begomovirus Species Causing Tomato Leaf Curl Disease in Patna, India
Authors: Kumari P. , Chattopadhyay B. , Singh A. K. , Chakraborty S.
Published: April 2009

During December of 2007, a severe leaf curl disease of tomato (ToLCD) occurred in tomato-growing areas in the Patna District of Bihar, India. Viral DNA was isolated from symptomatic tomato plants (2) and begomovirus association was confirmed by PCR using DNA-A degenerate primers (3). Isolated viral DNA was restricted with KpnI and full-length genome was cloned in pUC18. DNA-β was amplified using degenerate primers (1) and cloned in pTZ57RT. Partial tandem repeats of viral genome and DNA-β could infect Nicotiana benthamiana and tomato through Agrobacterium-mediated inoculation. Infected test plants exhibited typical symptoms characteristic of ToLCD. Full-length viral genome (GenBank Accession No. EU862323) consists of 2,752 nt and showed the highest identity (85.8%) with Tomato leaf curl Laos virus-[Laos] (GenBank Accession No. AF195782). The satellite DNA-β component (GenBank Accession No. EU862324) consists of 1,349 nt and showed the highest identity (75.8%) with Tomato leaf curl Joydebpur betasatellite (GenBank Accession No. AJ966244). On the basis of the ICTV species demarcation criteria of 89% of DNA-A sequence identity, the present isolate was considered as a new begomovirus species and named Tomato leaf curl Patna virus (ToLCPaV). Since the isolated DNA-β satellite shares less than 78% identity, it is considered a new species of betasatellite and the name, Tomato leaf curl Patna betasatellite (ToLCPaB) is proposed. These results show that severe ToLCD in Patna is caused by a newly identified species of begomovirus and betasatellite.

References: (1) R. W. Briddon et al. Mol. Biotechnol 20:315, 2002. (2) S. Chakraborty et al. Phytopathology 93:1485, 2003. (3) S. D. Wyatt and J. K. Brown. Phytopathology 86:1288, 1996.
First Report of the A2 Mating Type of Phytophthora capsici Infecting Peppers (Capsicum annuum) in Taiwan
Authors: Sheu Z. M. , Chen J. R. , Wang T. C.
Published: April 2009

Phytophthora capsici Leonion was first identified on pepper (Capsicum annuum L) in Taiwan in 1976. At that time, only the A1 mating type was present (2). In 2007, the A2 mating type of P. capsici was identified on tomato and eggplant in the central part of the country (1). During an excessively rainy period in mid-2008, many chili and sweet pepper fields in Taiwan suffered severe losses due to P. capsici. Symptoms included a foliar blight and stem, root, and fruit rot. Plants eventually wilted and died. Symptomatic plants were collected from chili- and sweet pepper-production areas in central, southern, and eastern Taiwan. Fifty-three isolates from single zoospores were identified by PCR using species-specific primers CAPFW/CAPRV2 (4). Mating type was determined by co-inoculating rape seed agar plates (3) with mycelial plugs of the tester and a known isolate. Pc134, maintained by the mycology unit at The World Vegetable Center, and 27220, provided by P. J. Ann at the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute, were used as reference isolates of A1 and A2 mating types, respectively. Plates were examined microscopically for oospores after 5 to 7 days of incubation at 24°C in the dark. Of the 53 isolates, 15 were identified as the A2 mating type and the remaining 38 isolates were identified as A1. The A2 mating type was found in the central and southern regions while the A1 mating type was widely distributed across all three regions. The sporangia of the A2 mating type were 60.4 to 73.4 × 40.9 to 51.8 μm (average 69.2 × 44.7 μm), whereas sporangia of the A1 mating type were 50.1 to 73.9 × 37.9 to 48.1 μm (average 61.4 × 44.1 μm). In general, the A2 mating type produced longer sporangia and only a few isolates produced chlamydospores in V8 broth and on agar. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the A2 mating type of P. capsici infecting peppers in Taiwan. The presence of both mating types in the same field has been observed.

References: (1) P. J. Ann et al. Plant Pathol. Bull. 17:69, 2008. (2) L. S. Leu and C. W. Kao. Plant Prot. Bull. (Taiwan) 23:59, 1981. (3) M. M. Sautor. Mycologia 59:161, 1967. (4) C. Silvar et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 112:43, 2005.
Salinity effects on behavioural response to hypoxia in the non‐native Mayan cichlid Cichlasoma urophthalmus from Florida Everglades wetlands
Authors: Schofield P. J. , Loftus W. F. , Fontaine J. A.
Published: April 2009

This study quantified the hypoxia tolerance of the Mayan cichlid Cichlasoma urophthalmus over a range of salinities. The species was very tolerant of hypoxia, using aquatic surface respiration (ASR) and buccal bubble holding when oxygen tensions dropped to <20 mmHg (c. 1·0 mg l−1) and 6 mmHg, respectively. Salinity had little effect on the hypoxia tolerance of C. urophthalmus, except that bubble holding was more frequent at the higher salinities tested. Levels of aggression were greatest at the highest salinity. The ASR thresholds of C. urophthalmus were similar to native centrarchid sunfishes from the Everglades, however, aggression levels for C. uropthalmus were markedly higher.
Sibling‐size variation in brown troutSalmo truttain relation to egg size and stream size
Authors: Gregersen F. , Vøllestad L. A. , Olsen E. M. , Haugen T. O.
Published: April 2009

Sibling‐size variation (SSV), estimated as the coefficient of variation of egg size, was investigated for 13 populations of brown troutSalmo trutta. SSV was negatively correlated with mean egg size both at the population and individual levels. After correction for the effect of mean egg size, SSV was also negatively correlated with stream size. These results provide new information about how salmonid SSV can vary at different ecological scales (individual, population and region). The results are discussed in light of competing theories for explaining SSV: (1) the passive effect hypothesis, stating that egg size variation follows passively from selection on egg size and (2) the bet‐hedging hypothesis, stating that high SSV is adaptive in unpredictable environments.
Provenance of siliciclastic and hybrid turbiditic arenites of the Eocene Hecho Group, Spanish Pyrenees: implications for the tectonic evolution of a foreland basin
Authors: Caja M. A. , Marfil R. , Garcia D. , Remacha E. , Morad S. , Mansurbeg H. , Amorosi A. , Martínez‐Calvo C. , Lahoz‐Beltrá R.
Published: April 2009

The Eocene Hecho Group turbidite system of the Aínsa‐Jaca foreland Basin (southcentral Pyrenees) provides an excellent opportunity to constrain compositional variations within the context of spatial and temporal distribution of source rocks during tectonostratigraphic evolution of foreland basins. The complex tectonic setting necessitated the use of petrographic, geochemical and multivariate statistical techniques to achieve this goal. The turbidite deposits comprise four unconformity‐bounded tectonostratigraphic units (TSU), consisting of quartz‐rich and feldspar‐poor sandstones, calclithites rich in extrabasinal carbonates and hybrid arenites dominated by intrabasinal carbonates. The sandstones occur exclusively in TSU‐2, whereas calclithites and hybrid arenites occur in the overlying TSU‐3, TSU‐4 and TSU‐5. The calclithites were deposited at the base of each TSU and hybrid arenites in the uppermost parts. Extrabasinal carbonate sources were derived from the fold‐and‐thrust belt (mainly Cretaceous and Palaeocene limestones). Conversely, intrabasinal carbonate grains were sourced from foramol shelf carbonate factories. This compositional trend is attributed to alternating episodes of uplift and thrust propagation (siliciclastic and extrabasinal carbonates supplies) and subsequent episodes of development of carbonate platforms supplying intrabasinal detrital grains. The quartz‐rich and feldspar‐poor composition of the sandstones suggests derivation from intensely weathered cratonic basement rocks during the initial fill of the foreland basin. Successive sediments (calclithites and hybrid arenites) were derived from older uplifted basement rocks (feldspar‐rich and, to some extent, rock fragments‐rich sandstones), thrust‐and‐fold belt deposits and from coeval carbonate platforms developed at the basin margins. This study demonstrates that the integration of tectono‐stratigraphy, petrology and geochemistry of arenites provides a powerful tool to constrain the spatial and temporal variation in provenance during the tectonic evolution of foreland basins.
Extended diagnostic criteria for plasmacytoid dendritic cell leukaemia
Authors: Garnache‐Ottou Francine , Feuillard Jean , Ferrand Christophe , Biichle Sabeha , Trimoreau Franck , Seilles Estelle , Salaun Véronique , Garand Richard , Lepelley Pascale , Maynadié Marc , Kuhlein Emilienne , Deconinck Eric , Daliphard Sylvie , Chaperot Laurence , Beseggio Lucille , Foisseaud Vincent , Macintyre Elizabeth , Bene Marie‐Christine , Saas Philippe , Jacob Marie‐Christine ,   a GOELAMS and GEIL study
Published: April 2009

The diagnosis of plasmacytoid dendritic cell leukaemia (pDCL) is based on the immunophenotypic profile: CD4+ CD56+ lineageneg CD45RA+/ROneg CD11cneg CD116low CD123+ CD34neg CD36+ HLA‐DR+. Several studies have reported pDCL cases that do not express this exact profile or expressing some lineage antigens that could thus be misdiagnosed. This study aimed to validate pDCL‐specific markers for diagnosis by flow‐cytometry or quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction on bone marrow samples. Expression of markers previously found in normal pDC was analysed in 16 pDCL, four pDCL presenting an atypical phenotype (apDCL) and 113 non‐pDC – lymphoid or myeloid – acute leukaemia. CD123 was expressed at significantly higher levels in pDCL and apDCL. BDCA‐2 was expressed on 12/16 pDCL and on 2/4 apDCL, but was never detected in the 113 non‐pDC acute leukaemia cases. BDCA‐4 expression was found on 13/16 pDCL, but also in 12% of non‐pDC acute leukaemia. High levels of LILRA4 and TCL1A transcripts distinguished pDCL and apDCL from all other acute leukaemia (except B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia for TCL1A). We thus propose a diagnosis strategy, scoring first the CD4+ CD56+/− MPOneg cCD3neg cCD79aneg CD11cneg profile and then the CD123high, BDCA‐2 and BDCA‐4 expression. Atypical pDCL can be also identified this way and non‐pDC acute leukaemia excluded: this scoring strategy is useful for diagnosing pDCL and apDCL.
Abandoned babies in the UK – a review utilizing media reports
Authors: Sherr L. , Mueller J. , Fox Z.
Published: April 2009

Background  In the absence of national policy or comprehensive data, the phenomenon of abandoned babies is poorly understood in the UK. This study aims to use media reports as a resource to collate existing information on abandoned babies and to draw conclusions to inform future response.

Methods  An exhaustive media search using electronic searches and media monitoring was undertaken to glean systematic information on all abandoned babies in the UK from 1998–2005. These were matched onto two databases – the UK Crime Statistics and the UK Abandoned Children Register in an attempt to align information on infant abandonment. Media reports were coded to list gender, survival, age, parental finding and circumstantial data.

Results  Our figures suggest an average of 16 babies abandoned yearly, while official sources give conflicting indications because of incomplete data gathering and child over‐inclusion. Through systematic coding of media reports, 124 babies were identified over a 7‐year period. Of these, 96 (77.4%) were newborns (<1 week old) and 28 (22.6%) were older babies (>1 week old). Adjusted logistic regression analysis found the strongest predictors of survival were age at abandonment and ‘findability’. Newborn babies were less likely to survive than older babies (33.7% newborns died vs. 0% older babies, P < 0.0001). Babies left in a non‐findable location (34%) had a 5.19 (2.06, 13.11) higher odds of death compared with those to be found. Most babies (74%) were abandoned outdoors and only 9.7% were left with a memento. Few mothers, almost exclusively those of older babies, were found (37.1%). Of those found, 92% were located within 3 days of abandoning their baby. Media interest is transient – 44.8% cases have a single report – and are typified by negative headlines (81.5%).

Conclusions  This database currently represents the most accurate and comprehensive picture of the newborn abandonment phenomenon in the UK, a phenomenon that is rare but with high media and social interest. If the future well‐being of mother and baby are to be catered for, clearer evidence‐based policy and provision is vital.
Comparing probable case identification of developmental coordination disorder using the short form of the Bruininks‐Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency and the Movement ABC
Authors: Cairney J. , Hay J. , Veldhuizen S. , Missiuna C. , Faught B. E.
Published: April 2009

Aim  Despite its widespread current use in research and its potential for future application, the validity of the short form of the Bruininks‐Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP‐SF) when administered by trained lay assessors is not known. This paper reports the results of case identification using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (M‐ABC) in a group of children scoring below the sixth percentile on the BOTMP‐SF.

Methods  The BOTMP‐SF was administered by trained research assistants to 2058 children. In total, 24 of 128 children aged 10 (n = 10), 11 (n = 10) or 12 (n = 4) scoring below the sixth percentile were randomly selected for further assessment by a paediatric occupational therapist using the M‐ABC and the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test.

Results  Twenty‐one of 24 children positive for motor co‐ordination problems on the BOTMP‐SF scored below the 15th percentile of the M‐ABC, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.88 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.69 to 0.96]. Fifteen of these children were below the fifth percentile (PPV = 0.63; 95% CI = 0.43 to 0.79).

Conclusions  The BOTMP‐SF seems to be a reasonable alternative to case identification when clinical assessment with the M‐ABC is not feasible. Further research is needed to examine the sensitivity and specificity of the short form when used for this purpose.
Methane and nitrous oxide fluxes from a farmed Swedish Histosol
Authors: Kasimir Klemedtsson Å. , Weslien P. , Klemedtsson L.
Published: April 2009

Fluxes of the greenhouse gases methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) from histosolic soils (which account for approximately 10% of Swedish agricultural soils) supporting grassley and barley production in Sweden were measured over 3 years using static chambers. Emissions varied both over area and time. Methane was both produced and oxidized in the soil: fluxes were small, with an average emission of 0.12 g CH4 m−2 year−1 at the grassley site and net uptake of −0.01 g CH4 m−2 year−1 at the barley field. Methane emission was related to soil water, with more emission when wet. Nitrous oxide emissions varied, with peaks of emission after soil cultivation, ploughing and harrowing. On average, the grassley and barley field had emissions of 0.20 and 1.51 g N2O m−2 year−1, respectively. We found no correlation between N2O and soil factors, but the greatest N2O emission was associated with the driest areas, with < 60% average water‐filled pore space. We suggest that the best management option to mitigate emissions is to keep the soil moderately wet with permanent grass production, which restricts N2O emissions whilst minimizing those of CH4.
Degradative enzymatic activities in fresh‐cut blood‐orange slices during chilled‐storage
Authors: Catalano Anna Eghle , Ingallinera Barbara , Todaro Aldo , Rapisarda Paolo , Spagna Giovanni
Published: April 2009

Blood‐orange fruits are suitable to fresh‐cut fruit production because of their chemical compositions. Nevertheless, the main limitation of using freshly cut oranges is their susceptibility to juiciness loss and ascorbic acid degradation because of enzymatic alterations. The aim of this work is: to identify some of the enzymes causing the qualitative decay in blood‐orange slices during 15 days of chilled storage (at 4 ± 0.5 °C and 85% RH); to investigate the susceptibility to the previous alterations of five blood‐orange clones (Moro nucellare, Sanguinello nucellare, Tarocco arcimusa, Tarocco gallo and Tarocco meli) to select the most suitable one for fresh‐cut production. The enzymes studied were: pectinmethylesterase (PME) as index of juiciness loss, ascorbate oxidase (AAO) as index of ascorbic acid’s degradation and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) as browning index. As far as we know, the changes of AAO activity during chilled storage of blood‐orange fresh‐cut slices has not previously reported and studied. Different clones showed different enzymatic activities and quality changes during chilled‐storage. In particular a low juiciness loss in orange slices was correlated with a lower PME activity, as described in T. meli clone, while a high degradation of ascorbic acid was correlated with an higher AAO activity, as described in T. gallo clone; PPO activity seemed to have no significant action in quality degradation. Tarocco meli was the most suitable clone to the fresh‐cut blood‐orange production because it has the lowest enzymatic activity (PME, PPO and AAO) and the highest sensorial quality.
Death, empathy and self preservation: the emotional labour of caring for families of the critically ill in adult intensive care
Authors: Stayt Louise Caroline
Published: April 2009

Aim and objective.  The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the emotional labour nurses’ face when caring for relatives of the critically ill in intensive care unit.

Background.  The admission of a critically ill patient into adult intensive care is a crisis for both patients and their families. Family members of the critically ill may experience extreme levels of stress and emotional turmoil throughout the course of the relative’s illness. A central tenet of providing holistic nursing care in the intensive care unit is to care for both patients and their families, however, the emotional involvement required places considerable demands on those delivering care. The support health care providers require is frequently overlooked in these challenging environments.

Design.  Heideggerian phenomenological approach was adopted.

Methods.  A purposive sample of 12 registered nurses working in an adult intensive care unit were interviewed. Interview transcripts were analysed using Colaizzi’s framework. Data were collected in autumn 2005.

Results.  Analysis of the participants’ interview transcripts revealed the following themes: significance of death, establishing trust, information giving, empathy, intimacy and self preservation.

Conclusions.  Emotional work forms an important part of the critical care nurses job. The significance of death, breaking bad news and interpersonal relationships are sources of emotional stress for the critical care nurse caring for the family of the critically ill. The impact of this stress on the nurse and the care they deliver requires further investigation.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Registered nurses caring for families who have relatives in adult intensive care units expend considerable emotional labour. Potentially, unless appropriately supported and managed, emotional labour may lead to occupational stress and ultimately burnout.
What is the relationship between nurses’ attitude to evidence based practice and the selection of wound care procedures?
Authors: Dugdall Hayley , Watson Roger
Published: April 2009

Aim.  To investigate qualified nurses’ attitudes to evidence‐based practice and whether this influenced their selection of wound care products.

Background.  The literature shows that previous studies on attitudes to evidence‐based practice tended to be part of a wider study. The general consensus was that there was a positive attitude to evidence‐based practice. However, there appeared to be no published studies specifically addressing nurses’ attitudes to evidence‐based wound care.

Design.  Survey design using a questionnaire completed by 156 qualified nurses working in three UK National Health Trusts.

Results.  A statistically significant difference was seen between those nurses with a tissue viability link nurse role (p = 0·002) and those without a link nurse role; those educated to first degree (p < 0·001) and those without a first degree; and those who had received formal tissue viability training (p < 0·001) and those with informal tissue viability training. There was also a highly statistically significant relationship between the clinical grade of staff and the overall attitude to evidence‐based practice (p < 0·001).

Conclusions.  Nurses who had attained a higher level academic qualification, had a tissue viability link nurse role and those who had received formal tissue viability training scored generally higher in the wound care knowledge tests and in attitude to evidence‐based practice.

Relevance to clinical practice.  The care received by patients in relation to wound care could be dependent upon factors that are related to the individual characteristics of the nurse providing the care and these factors, in turn, are related to education and training with respect to wound care. Better general education and better specific training in wound care could lead to better wound care.
Stress intensity factors for cracked triangular cross‐section thin‐walled tubes
Authors: XIE Y. J. , WANG X. H.
Published: April 2009

For one kind of finite‐boundary crack problems, the cracked equilateral triangular cross‐section tube, an analytical and very simple method to determine the stress intensity factors has been proposed based on a new concept of crack surface widening energy release rate and the principle of virtual work. Different from the classical crack extension energy release rate, the crack surface widening energy release rate can be defined by the G*‐integral theory and expressed by stress intensity factors. This energy release rate can also be defined easily by the elementary strength theory for slender structures and expressed by axial strains and loads. These two forms of crack surface widening energy release rate constitute the basis of a new analysis method for cracked tubes. From present discussions, a series of stress intensity factors are derived for cracked equilateral triangular cross‐section tubes. Actually, the present method can also be applied to cracked polygonal tubes.
Morphological regionalization using fetal magnetic resonance images of normal developing brains
Authors: Hu Hui‐Hsin , Guo Wan‐Yuo , Chen Hui‐Yun , Wang Po‐Shan , Hung Chih‐I , Hsieh Jen‐Chuen , Wu Yu‐Te
Published: April 2009

Regional differences in human brain development during infancy have been studied for many years, but little is known about how regionalization of the brain proceeds during intrauterine life. We investigated the regionalization of cerebral volume and cortical convolutions based on the volumetric magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of 43 fetuses, ranging from 21 to 37 weeks of gestation. Two plausible parcellations of MRI are proposed, and curvature index together with gyrification index are used to quantify the regional cortical convolutions. Our results elucidate that the cortical foldings among different brain regions develop at comparable rates, suggesting a similar uniformity of changes in size of the cortical sheet in these regions over time. On the contrary, the growth of the cerebral volume presents regional difference, with the frontal and parieto‐temporal regions growing significantly faster than other regions due to the contribution from expansion of basal ganglia. This quantitative regional information suggests that cerebral volume is not a relevant parameter to measure in relation to gyrification, and that the size of the cortical sheet is more likely to be directly related to cortical folding. The availability of quantitative regional information on normal fetal brains in utero will allow clinical application of this information when probing neurodevelopmental disorders in the future.
Inter‐hemispheric inhibition is impaired in mirror dystonia
Authors: Beck S. , Shamim E. A. , Pirio Richardson S. , Schubert M. , Hallett M.
Published: April 2009

Surround inhibition, a neural mechanism relevant for skilled motor behavior, has been shown to be deficient in the affected primary motor cortex (M1) in patients with focal hand dystonia (FHD). Even in unilateral FHD, however, electrophysiological and neuroimaging studies have provided evidence for bilateral M1 abnormalities. Clinically, the presence of mirror dystonia, dystonic posturing when the opposite hand is moved, also suggests abnormal interhemispheric interaction. To assess whether a loss of inter‐hemispheric inhibition (IHI) may contribute to the reduced surround inhibition, IHI towards the affected or dominant M1 was examined in 13 patients with FHD (seven patients with and six patients without mirror dystonia, all affected on the right hand) and 12 right‐handed, age‐matched healthy controls (CON group). IHI was tested at rest and during three different phases of a right index finger movement in a synergistic, as well as in a neighboring, relaxed muscle. There was a trend for a selective loss of IHI between the homologous surrounding muscles in the phase 50 ms before electromyogram onset in patients with FHD. Post hoc analysis revealed that this effect was due to a loss of IHI in the patients with FHD with mirror dystonia, while patients without mirror dystonia did not show any difference in IHI modulation compared with healthy controls. We conclude that mirror dystonia may be due to impaired IHI towards neighboring muscles before movement onset. However, IHI does not seem to play a major role in the general pathophysiology of FHD.
Dispersal abilities of adult click beetles in arable land revealed by analysis of carbon stable isotopes
Authors: Schallhart Nikolaus , Wallinger Corinna , Juen Anita , Traugott Michael
Published: April 2009

1 The dispersal abilities of agrioted beetles, serious pests on a variety of crops, are poorly known under natural conditions. This hampers their control. We used, for the first time, a stable isotope approach to assess dispersal of adult Agriotes obscurus in arable land.

2 After a diet switch from a C3‐ to a C4‐plant, carbon isotope ratios of A. obscurus larvae significantly changed towards the isotopic signature of the new diet. Moreover, the larval δ13C signatures were transferred to the wing covers of the adult beetles with little distortion.

3 To assess the dispersal abilities under natural conditions, pheromone traps, lured for Agriotes sp., were installed at two study sites in Western Austria. Each site comprised a maize field (= C4‐plant) and adjacent C3‐grasslands with traps established along a transect of increasing distance to the maize.

4 δ13C signatures of wing covers revealed that adult male A. obscurus were able to migrate at least 80 m, which was the maximum distance that dispersal could be traced in the present study. The dispersal behaviour might have been influenced by site‐specific factors.

5 The results obtained demonstrate a higher potential of adult male Agriotes to disperse than previously assumed. Moreover, the combination of pheromone trapping and stable isotope analysis proved to be an effective approach to study insect movement and dispersal in arable systems harbouring C3‐ and C4‐crops.
PANOPTIC VISIONS OF LONDON: POSSESSING THE METROPOLIS
Authors: ARNOLD DANA
Published: April 2009

The role of sight in the experience of the metropolis as a cultural artefact had a special significance in the opening years of the nineteenth century. The visual register of the city was at once static – the panoptic vision – and fluid – the mobile and subjective gaze of the flâneur/euse. This scrutiny of the city as cultural capital operated on several levels. I want to demonstrate the complexities of the interaction of city, consumer/viewer and the role/agency of the textual/visual interlocutor. Any exploration of London as cultural capital must take into account this broader pan European phenomenon. The aim here is not to produce a comparative history, but rather to benefit from the specific points of contact between London and its near neighbour Paris as regards the consumption of the city and its emergence as cultural capital by a range of publics. My frame is the Benjaminian notion of the city as fragment or miniature as played out in his Arcades Project
Free At Last? Assembling, Producing and Organizing Sexual Spaces in Swedish Sex Education
Authors: Thanem Torkild
Published: April 2009

This article seeks to critically investigate the assembling, production and organization of female and male sexuality in contemporary Swedish sex education. The empirical focus is on booklets and leaflets published by theSwedish Association for Sexuality Education(the RFSU). Employing the concept of assemblages articulated by Deleuze and Guattari and rearticulated in social, organizational and feminist theorizing, the article examines how the RFSU material assembles, produces and organizes the sexual spaces of female and male embodiment (bodily zones, passages, surfaces, interiors, extensions, orifices and cavities) by promoting particular sexual practices. While the RFSU assemblages may seem to express a celebratory attitude towards sexual diversity, freedom and enjoyment, the article argues that the extent to which they undo a dichotomous and stereotypical organization of sexuality and gender is limited. Finally, the article discusses what implications this may have for organization theory.
DESMOGRAPTUS MICRONEMATODES, A SILURIAN DENDROID GRAPTOLITE, AND ITS ULTRASTRUCTURE
Authors: SAUNDERS KATE M. , BATES DENIS E. B. , KLUESSENDORF JOANNE , LOYDELL DAVID K. , MIKULIC DONALD G.
Published: April 2009

Abstract:  Desmograptus  micronematodes from Thornton quarry, Cook County, Illinois, USA, remarkably preserved in relief and encased in pyrite, is described. The internal details of the thecae, and of the stolon system, examined using the SEM, allow the reconstruction of the growth of a stipe. The stolons and stolonal nodes are formed of a dense crassal fabric, and are surrounded by a loose fabric of three‐dimensional fibrils. The nodes have a complex structure of three boxes with proximal and distal nozzles. The base of a bitheca, and the base of each autothecal cup, has a central nozzle surrounded by a unique honeycomb fabric. The ultrastructure of the cortical fibrils, with their clockwise striations, is similar to that in Dendrograptus, and may be universal in the graptolites. The nodes of the stolon system appear identical to those of Acanthograptus and other dendroids, but differ from those of the extant hemichordate Rhabdopleura, which have only a diaphragm, and lack box structures.
The histamine H4receptor is functionally expressed on neurons in the mammalian CNS
Authors: Connelly WM , Shenton FC , Lethbridge N , Leurs R , Waldvogel HJ , Faull RLM , Lees G , Chazot PL
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose: The histamine H4receptor is the most recently identified of the G protein‐coupled histamine receptor family and binds several neuroactive drugs, including amitriptyline and clozapine. So far, H4receptors have been found only on haematopoietic cells, highlighting its importance in inflammatory conditions. Here we investigated the possibility that H4receptors may be expressed in both the human and mouse CNS.

Methods: Immunological and pharmacological studies were performed using a novel anti‐H4receptor antibody in both human and mouse brains, and electrophysiological techniques in the mouse brain respectively. Pharmacological tools, selective for the H4receptor and patch clamp electrophysiology, were utilized to confirm functional properties of the H4receptor in layer IV of the mouse somatosensory cortex.

Results: Histamine H4receptors were prominently expressed in distinct deep laminae, particularly layer VI, in the human cortex, and mouse thalamus, hippocampal CA4 stratum lucidum and layer IV of the cerebral cortex. In layer IV of the mouse somatosensory cortex, the H4receptor agonist 4‐methyl histamine (20 µmol·L−1) directly hyperpolarized neurons, an effect that was blocked by the selective H4receptor antagonist JNJ 10191584, and promoted outwardly rectifying currents in these cells. Monosynaptic thalamocortical CNQX‐sensitive excitatory postsynaptic potentials were not altered by 4‐methyl histamine (20 µmol·L−1) suggesting that H4receptors did not act as hetero‐receptors on thalamocortical glutamatergic terminals.

Conclusions and implications: This is the first demonstration that histamine H4receptors are functionally expressed on neurons, which has major implications for the therapeutic potential of these receptors in neurology and psychiatry.
An infantile‐onset, severe, yet sporadic seizure pattern is common in Sturge‐Weber syndrome
Authors: Kossoff Eric H. , Ferenc Lisa , Comi Anne M.
Published: April 2009

The young age of onset and frequently intractable nature of seizures associated with Sturge‐Weber syndrome (SWS) have been well‐reported in large studies. However, many clinicians also anecdotally describe prolonged but sporadic seizure clusters. Over a 5‐year period, 77 children and adults with SWS and at least one reported seizure were referred to and evaluated at the Hunter Nelson Sturge‐Weber Center at the Kennedy Krieger Institute. The median age of seizure onset was 6 months with 43 (56%) presenting <1 year of age. Age at seizure onset ≤6 months was associated with increased hemiparesis, but not seizures. A characteristic pattern of clustering, intense seizures followed by prolonged seizure‐free periods was reported in 30 (39%), but was not associated with worse prognosis. This seizure pattern appears to be common with SWS and leads to difficult treatment decisions, especially in regard to the timing of potential surgical resection.
EEG spectral changes underlying BOLD responses contralateral to spikes in patients with focal epilepsy
Authors: Yu Juming M. , Tyvaert Louise , LeVan Pierre , Zelmann Rina , Dubeau François , Gotman Jean , Kobayashi Eliane
Published: April 2009

Purpose:  Simultaneous electroencephalogram and functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG–fMRI) in patients with focal epilepsy and unilateral spikes often shows positive blood oxygenation level–dependent (BOLD) responses (activations), not only ipsilateral but also contralateral to the spikes. We aimed to investigate whether minimal EEG changes could underlie these contralateral BOLD responses by using EEG spectral analysis.

Methods:  We studied 19 patients with focal epilepsy and unilateral spikes. According to the pattern of BOLD activation, patients were divided into Group 1 (ipsi‐ and contralateral to the spikes) or Group 2 (only ipsilateral). EEG from outside the scanner was used to mark spikes similar to those recorded in the scanner. Epochs of 640 ms before and after the peak of the spikes were chosen as baseline and spike epochs. Spectral analysis was performed in referential montage (FCz reference), and differences between baselines and spikes were analyzed by paired t‐test.

Results:  Significant EEG changes in electrodes contralateral to the spikes were seen in 9 of 10 patients in Group 1 and in only 2 of 10 patients in Group 2 (one patient had two types of spikes that were analyzed separately). Spectral changes were seen in delta and/or theta bands in all patients except one (in Group 1) who had changes in all bands.

Discussion:  Significant contralateral EEG changes occurred in 90% of contralateral BOLD activations and in only 20% of patients without contralateral BOLD responses. The reason why these changes predominate in lower frequencies rather than in higher frequencies is unclear. These spectral changes in areas corresponding to contralateral activations might reflect poorly synchronized but possibly intense neuronal activity.
Myxobolus albi n. sp. (Myxozoa) from the Gills of the Common Goby Pomatoschistus microps Krøyer (Teleostei: Gobiidae)
Authors: PICON‐CAMACHO SARA M. , HOLZER ASTRID S. , FREEMAN MARK A. , MORRIS DAVID J. , SHINN ANDREW P.
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT. A recent investigation into the myxozoan fauna of common gobies, Pomatoschistus microps, from the Forth Estuary in Scotland, revealed numerous myxosporean cysts within the gill cartilage. They were composed of polysporous plasmodia containing myxobolid spores that were morphologically different from the other known species of Myxobolus and from the myxosporeans previously recorded from this host (i.e. the ceratomyxid Ellipsomyxa gobii, infecting the gall bladder, and the kudoid Kudoa camarguensis, infecting the muscle tissues). Spores were ovoid, 9.4 × 9.1 μm with a thickness of 6.6 μm, with two pyriform polar capsules, the polar filaments of which had four to five turns. Molecular analysis of the parasite's small subunit rDNA region, based upon a contiguous sequence of 1,558 base pairs, discriminated it from other myxosporean species that have been characterized so far. A comparison of the spore morphology and the molecular sequences determined for this new isolate with other myxozoans described to date, confirmed its identity as a previously unknown myxobolid supporting the proposal that this isolate be elevated to the species level as a new species within the genus Myxobolus. A phylogenetic analysis places this new myxobolid, Myxobolus albi n. sp., in a basal position of a clade containing the majority of Henneguya spp. sequenced to date and various Myxobolus spp.
Feeding by Phototrophic Red‐Tide Dinoflagellates on the Ubiquitous Marine Diatom Skeletonema costatum
Authors: DU YOO YEONG , JEONG HAE JIN , KIM MI SEON , KANG NAM SEON , SONG JAE YOON , SHIN WOONGGHI , KIM KWANG YOUNG , LEE KITACK
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACT
We investigated feeding by phototrophic red‐tide dinoflagellates on the ubiquitous diatom Skeletonema costatum to explore whether dinoflagellates are able to feed on S. costatum, inside the protoplasm of target dinoflagellate cells observed under compound microscope, confocal microscope, epifluorescence microscope, and transmission electron microscope (TEM) after adding living and fluorescently labeled S. costatum (FLSc). To explore effects of dinoflagellate predator size on ingestion rates of S. costatum, we measured ingestion rates of seven dinoflagellates at a single prey concentration. In addition, we measured ingestion rates of the common phototrophic dinoflagellates Prorocentrum micans and Gonyaulax polygramma on S. costatum as a function of prey concentration. We calculated grazing coefficients by combining field data on abundances of P. micans and G. polygramma on co‐occurring S. costatum with laboratory data on ingestion rates obtained in the present study. All phototrophic dinoflagellate predators tested (i.e. Akashiwo sanguinea, Amphidinium carterae, Alexandrium catenella, Alexandrium tamarense, Cochlodinium polykrikoides, G. polygramma, Gymnodinium catenatum, Gymnodinium impudicum, Heterocapsa rotundata, Heterocapsa triquetra, Lingulodinium polyedrum, Prorocentrum donghaiense, P. micans, Prorocentrum minimum, Prorocentrum triestinum, and Scrippsiella trochoidea) were able to ingest S. costatum. When mean prey concentrations were 170–260 ng C/ml (i.e. 6,500–10,000 cells/ml), the ingestion rates of G. polygramma, H. rotundata, H. triquetra, L. polyedrum, P. donghaiense, P. micans, and P. triestinum on S. costatum (0.007–0.081 ng C/dinoflagellate/d [0.2–3.0 cells/dinoflagellate/d]) were positively correlated with predator size. With increasing mean prey concentration of ca 1–3,440 ng C/ml (40–132,200 cells/ml), the ingestion rates of P. micans and G. polygramma on S. costatum continuously increased. At the given prey concentrations, the maximum ingestion rates of P. micans and G. polygramma on S. costatum (0.344–0.345 ng C/grazer/d; 13 cells/grazer/d) were almost the same. The maximum clearance rates of P. micans and G. polygramma on S. costatum were 0.165 and 0.020 μl/grazer/h, respectively. The calculated grazing coefficients of P. micans and G. polygramma on co‐occurring S. costatum were up to 0.100 and 0.222 h, respectively (i.e. up to 10% and 20% of S. costatum populations were removed by P. micans and G. polygramma populations in 1 h, respectively). Our results suggest that P. micans and G. polygramma sometimes have a considerable grazing impact on populations of S. costatum.
Pain: Basics and relevance in dermatology
Authors: Nashan Dorothée , Meiss Frank , Gralow Ingrid
Published: April 2009

Scientific progress in pathophysiology and differentiation of pain, functional diagnostic of pain and emerging treatments highlight this subject. Basics of development of pain, as well as differentiation of nociceptive and neuropathic pain are depicted; the latter is illustrated with the example of postherpetic neuralgia. Complex regional pain syndromes are described as a third pain complex. Principles of differentiated pain management are given. Substance groups from the WHO scheme including antipyretic analgesics, non‐steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids are discussed. Recommendations of the Drug Commission of the German Medical Association concerning NSAIDs and of the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) concerning new treatment options for cancer pain are cited. Overviews amongst others from the Cochrane library for local anesthetics, opioids and for the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia are included. Tables are provided to simplify use in daily practice. The goal of this overview is a conceptual development of pain diagnosis and therapy in dermatology.
The pattern of self‐poisoning among Lebanese children and adolescents in two tertiary care centres in Lebanon
Authors: Sinno Durriyah , Majdalani Marianne , Chatila Rajaa , Musharrafieh Umayya , Al‐Tannir Mohamad
Published: April 2009

Aim: Self‐poisoning in childhood and adolescence is a major problem for health authorities all over the world. The objective of this study was to determine the pattern of self‐poisoning in Lebanese children and adolescents.

Materials and methods: This prospective study included all cases of poisoning in individuals aged 0–18 years who presented to the emergency department of two major hospitals in Beirut, Lebanon over a period of 1 year. Participants were divided into two age groups (0–12 years and 12–18 years). These cases were followed to record the applied treatment and whether the patient was admitted or discharged.

Results: There were 110 self‐poisoning incidents, of which 74 (67%) were in female patients. The predominant type of poisoning was with pharmaceutical products (68.2%). Accidental self‐poisoning was significantly more common in the younger age group among both genders compared with the older age group (p < 0.0001). There were significantly more poisoned male children (72%) than male adolescents (28%) (p = 0.003); whereas among females, poisoned adolescents were significantly more common (64%) than poisoned children (36%) (p = 0.009). Moreover, poisoning with pharmaceuticals was significantly higher in the young male group compared to the older age group and older female group compared to the younger age group (p = 0.0007 and p = 0.01, respectively). In total, 78% of patients were discharged home following basic observation, charcoal or gastric lavage.

Conclusion: Female adolescents are more at risk of deliberate self‐intoxication after the age of 12 years compared to males, whereas males younger than 12 years are more likely to suffer from accidental poisoning. Preventative strategies include screening adolescents at high risk of self‐harm in order to offer adequate counselling, while providing anticipatory guidance for parents of children in the younger age group.