bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kolmogorov complexity and the Recursion Theorem
Authors: Kjos-Hanssen Bjørn , Merkle Wolfgang , Stephan Frank
Published: April 2011

Several classes of diagonally nonrecursive (DNR) functions are characterized in terms of Kolmogorov complexity. In particular, a set of natural numbers

A
A

can wtt-compute a DNR function iff there is a nontrivial recursive lower bound on the Kolmogorov complexity of the initial segments of

A
A

. Furthermore,

A
A

can Turing compute a DNR function iff there is a nontrivial

A
A

-recursive lower bound on the Kolmogorov complexity of the initial segments of

A
A

.

A
A

is PA-complete, that is,

A
A

can compute a

{
0
,
1
}

\{0,1\}

-valued DNR function, iff

A
A

can compute a function

F
F

such that

F
(
n
)

F(n)

is a string of length

n
n

and maximal

C
C

-complexity among the strings of length

n
n

.

A

≥
T

K

A \geq _T K

iff

A
A

can compute a function

F
F

such that

F
(
n
)

F(n)

is a string of length

n
n

and maximal

H
H

-complexity among the strings of length

n
n

. Further characterizations for these classes are given. The existence of a DNR function in a Turing degree is equivalent to the failure of the Recursion Theorem for this degree; thus the provided results characterize those Turing degrees in terms of Kolmogorov complexity which no longer permit the usage of the Recursion Theorem.
Do solitary foraging nocturnal mammals plan their routes?
Authors: Joly Marine , Zimmermann Elke
Published: April 2011

Large-brained diurnal mammals with complex social systems are known to plan where and how to reach a resource, as shown by a systematic movement pattern analysis. We examined for the first time large-scale movement patterns of a solitary-ranging and small-brained mammal, the mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus), by using the change-point test and a heuristic random travel model to get insight into foraging strategies and potential route-planning abilities. Mouse lemurs are small nocturnal primates inhabiting the seasonal dry deciduous forest in Madagascar. During the lean season with limited food availability, these lemurs rely on few stationary food resources. We radio-tracked seven lemurs and analysed their foraging patterns. First change-points coincided with out-of-sight keystone food resources. Travel paths were more efficient in detecting these resources than a heuristic random travel model within limits of estimated detection distance. Findings suggest that even nocturnal, solitary-ranging mammals with small brains plan their route to an out-of-sight target. Thus, similar ecological pressures may lead to comparable spatial cognitive skills irrespective of the degree of sociality or relative brain size.
Evidence that gastropod torsion is driven by asymmetric cell proliferation activated by TGF-β signalling
Authors: Kurita Yoshihisa , Wada Hiroshi
Published: April 2011

Gastropods are characterized by their asymmetric bodyplan, which develops through a unique ontogenetic process called ‘torsion’. Despite several intensive studies, the driving force of torsion remains to be determined. Although torsion was traditionally believed to be driven by contraction of the retractor muscle connecting the foot and the shell, some recent reports cast doubt on that idea. Here, we report that torsion is accompanied by left–right asymmetric cell proliferation in the mantle epithelium in the limpet
Nipponacmea fuscoviridis
. Furthermore, we found that pharmacological inhibition of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signalling pathway, including that of Nodal, blocked torsion. We confirmed that the blocking was brought about through failure of the activation of cell proliferation in the right-hand side of the mantle epithelium, while the retractor muscle apparently developed normally. These results suggest that limpet torsion is driven by left–right asymmetric cell proliferation in the mantle epithelium, induced by the TGF-β pathway.
Local perceptions of climate change validated by scientific evidence in the Himalayas
Authors: Chaudhary Pashupati , Bawa Kamaljit S.
Published: April 2011

The Himalayas are assumed to be undergoing rapid climate change, with serious environmental, social and economic consequences for more than two billion people. However, data on the extent of climate change or its impact on the region are meagre. Based on local knowledge, we report perceived changes in climate and consequences of such changes for biodiversity and agriculture. Our analyses are based on 250 household interviews administered in 18 villages, and focused group discussions conducted in 10 additional villages in Darjeeling Hills, West Bengal, India and Ilam district of Nepal. There is a widespread feeling that weather is getting warmer, the water sources are drying up, the onset of summer and monsoon has advanced during last 10 years and there is less snow on mountains than before. Local perceptions of the impact of climate change on biodiversity included early budburst and flowering, new agricultural pests and weeds and appearance of mosquitoes. People at high altitudes appear more sensitive to climate change than those at low altitudes. Most local perceptions conform to scientific data. Local knowledge can be rapidly and efficiently gathered using systematic tools. Such knowledge can allow scientists to test specific hypotheses, and policy makers to design mitigation and adaptation strategies for climate change, especially in an extraordinarily important part of our world that is experiencing considerable change.
Synthesizing and databasing fossil calibrations: divergence dating and beyond
Authors: Ksepka Daniel T. , Benton Michael J. , Carrano Matthew T. , Gandolfo Maria A. , Head Jason J. , Hermsen Elizabeth J. , Joyce Walter G. , Lamm Kristin S. , Patané José S. L. , Phillips Matthew J. , Polly P. David , Van Tuinen Marcel , Ware Jessica L. , Warnock Rachel C. M. , Parham James F.
Published: April 2011

Divergence dating studies, which combine temporal data from the fossil record with branch length data from molecular phylogenetic trees, represent a rapidly expanding approach to understanding the history of life. National Evolutionary Synthesis Center hosted the first Fossil Calibrations Working Group (3–6 March, 2011, Durham, NC, USA), bringing together palaeontologists, molecular evolutionists and bioinformatics experts to present perspectives from disciplines that generate, model and use fossil calibration data. Presentations and discussions focused on channels for interdisciplinary collaboration, best practices for justifying, reporting and using fossil calibrations and roadblocks to synthesis of palaeontological and molecular data. Bioinformatics solutions were proposed, with the primary objective being a new database for vetted fossil calibrations with linkages to existing resources, targeted for a 2012 launch.
Cloud base height and cosmic rays
Authors: Harrison R. Giles , Ambaum Maarten H. P. , Lockwood Michael
Published: April 2011

Cosmic rays modify current flow in the global atmospheric electrical circuit. Charging at horizontal layer cloud edges has been observed to be consistent with global circuit vertical current flow through the cloud, which can modify the properties of small and pure water droplets. Studies have been hampered by the absence of cloud edge observations, hence cloud base height information is investigated here. Cloud base height measured at the Lerwick Observatory, Shetland, UK, is analysed using threshold tests and spectral analysis. The cloud base height distributions for low cloud (cloud base less than 800 m) are found to vary with cosmic ray conditions. Further, 27 day and 1.68 year periodicities characteristic of cosmic ray variations are present, weakly, in the cloud base height data of stratiform clouds, when such periodicities are present in neutron monitor cosmic ray data. These features support the idea of propagation of heliospheric variability into layer clouds, through the global atmospheric electric circuit.
Using network properties to predict disease dynamics on human contact networks
Authors: Ames Gregory M. , George Dylan B. , Hampson Christian P. , Kanarek Andrew R. , McBee Cayla D. , Lockwood Dale R. , Achter Jeffrey D. , Webb Colleen T.
Published: April 2011

Recent studies have increasingly turned to graph theory to model more realistic contact structures that characterize disease spread. Because of the computational demands of these methods, many researchers have sought to use measures of network structure to modify analytically tractable differential equation models. Several of these studies have focused on the degree distribution of the contact network as the basis for their modifications. We show that although degree distribution is sufficient to predict disease behaviour on very sparse or very dense human contact networks, for intermediate density networks we must include information on clustering and path length to accurately predict disease behaviour. Using these three metrics, we were able to explain more than 98 per cent of the variation in endemic disease levels in our stochastic simulations.
Explaining rapid reinfections in multiple-wave influenza outbreaks: Tristan da Cunha 1971 epidemic as a case study
Authors: Camacho Anton , Ballesteros Sébastien , Graham Andrea L. , Carrat Fabrice , Ratmann Oliver , Cazelles Bernard
Published: April 2011

Influenza usually spreads through the human population in multiple-wave outbreaks. Successive reinfection of individuals over a short time interval has been explicitly reported during past pandemics. However, the causes of rapid reinfection and the role of reinfection in driving multiple-wave outbreaks remain poorly understood. To investigate these issues, we focus on a two-wave influenza A/H3N2 epidemic that occurred on the remote island of Tristan da Cunha in 1971. Over 59 days, 273 (96%) of 284 islanders experienced at least one attack and 92 (32%) experienced two attacks. We formulate six mathematical models invoking a variety of antigenic and immunological reinfection mechanisms. Using a maximum-likelihood analysis to confront model predictions with the reported incidence time series, we demonstrate that only two mechanisms can be retained: some hosts with either a delayed or deficient humoral immune response to the primary influenza infection were reinfected by the same strain, thus initiating the second epidemic wave. Both mechanisms are supported by previous empirical studies and may arise from a combination of genetic and ecological causes. We advocate that a better understanding and account of heterogeneity in the human immune response are essential to analysis of multiple-wave influenza outbreaks and pandemic planning.
Vision, touch and object manipulation in Senegal parrots
Poicephalus senegalus
Authors: Demery Zoe P. , Chappell Jackie , Martin Graham R.
Published: April 2011

Parrots are exceptional among birds for their high levels of exploratory behaviour and manipulatory abilities. It has been argued that foraging method is the prime determinant of a bird's visual field configuration. However, here we argue that the topography of visual fields in parrots is related to their playful dexterity, unique anatomy and particularly the tactile information that is gained through their bill tip organ during object manipulation. We measured the visual fields of Senegal parrots
Poicephalus senegalus
using the ophthalmoscopic reflex technique and also report some preliminary observations on the bill tip organ in this species. We found that the visual fields of Senegal parrots are unlike those described hitherto in any other bird species, with both a relatively broad frontal binocular field and a near comprehensive field of view around the head. The behavioural implications are discussed and we consider how extractive foraging and object exploration, mediated in part by tactile cues from the bill, has led to the absence of visual coverage of the region below the bill in favour of more comprehensive visual coverage above the head.
The high fidelity of the cetacean stranding record: insights into measuring diversity by integrating taphonomy and macroecology
Authors: Pyenson Nicholas D.
Published: April 2011

Stranded cetaceans have long intrigued naturalists because their causation has escaped singular explanations. Regardless of cause, strandings also represent a sample of the living community, although their fidelity has rarely been quantified. Using commensurate stranding and sighting records compiled from archived datasets representing nearly every major ocean basin, I demonstrated that the cetacean stranding record faithfully reflects patterns of richness and relative abundance in living communities, especially for coastlines greater than 2000 km and latitudinal gradients greater than 4°. Live–dead fidelity metrics from seven different countries indicated that strandings were almost always richer than live surveys; richness also increased with coastline length. Most death assemblages recorded the same ranked relative abundance as living communities, although this correlation decreased in strength and significance at coastline lengths greater than 15 000 km, highlighting the importance of sampling diversity at regional scales. Rarefaction analyses indicated that sampling greater than 10 years generally enhanced the completeness of death assemblages, although protracted temporal sampling did not substitute for sampling over longer coastlines or broader latitudes. Overall, this global live–dead comparison demonstrated that strandings almost always provided better diversity information about extant cetacean communities than live surveys; such archives are therefore relevant for macroecological and palaeobiological studies of cetacean community change through time.
TNO1 Is Involved in Salt Tolerance and Vacuolar Trafficking in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kim Sang-Jin , Bassham Diane C.
Published: April 2011

The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor SYP41 is involved in vesicle fusion at the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and interacts with AtVPS45, SYP61, and VTI12. These proteins are involved in diverse cellular processes, including vacuole biogenesis and stress tolerance. A previously uncharacterized protein, named TNO1 (for TGN-localized SYP41-interacting protein), was identified by coimmunoprecipitation as a SYP41-interacting protein. TNO1 was found to localize to the TGN by immunofluorescence microscopy. A tno1 mutant showed increased sensitivity to high concentrations of NaCl, KCl, and LiCl and also to mannitol-induced osmotic stress. Localization of SYP61, which is involved in the salt stress response, was disrupted in the tno1 mutant. Vacuolar proteins were partially secreted to the apoplast in the tno1 mutant, suggesting that TNO1 is required for efficient protein trafficking to the vacuole. The tno1 mutant had delayed formation of the brefeldin A (BFA) compartment in cotyledons upon application of BFA, suggesting less efficient membrane fusion processes in the mutant. Unlike most TGN proteins, TNO1 does not relocate to the BFA compartment upon BFA treatment. These data demonstrate that TNO1 is involved in vacuolar trafficking and salt tolerance, potentially via roles in vesicle fusion and in maintaining TGN structure or identity.
Arabidopsis thaliana High-Affinity Phosphate Transporters Exhibit Multiple Levels of Posttranslational Regulation
Authors: Bayle Vincent , Arrighi Jean-François , Creff Audrey , Nespoulous Claude , Vialaret Jérôme , Rossignol Michel , Gonzalez Esperanza , Paz-Ares Javier , Nussaume Laurent
Published: April 2011

In Arabidopsis thaliana, the PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER1 (PHT1) family encodes the high-affinity phosphate transporters. They are transcriptionally induced by phosphate starvation and require PHOSPHATE TRANSPORTER TRAFFIC FACILITATOR (PHF1) to exit the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), indicating intracellular traffic as an additional level of regulation of PHT1 activity. Our study revealed that PHF1 acts on PHT1, upstream of vesicle coat protein COPII formation, and that additional regulatory events occur during PHT1 trafficking and determine its ER exit and plasma membrane stability. Phosphoproteomic and mutagenesis analyses revealed modulation of PHT1;1 ER export by Ser-514 phosphorylation status. Confocal microscopy analysis of root tip cells showed that PHT1;1 is localized to the plasma membrane and is present in intracellular endocytic compartments. More precisely, PHT1;1 was localized to sorting endosomes associated with prevacuolar compartments. Kinetic analysis of PHT1;1 stability and targeting suggested a modulation of PHT1 internalization from the plasma membrane to the endosomes, followed by either subsequent recycling (in low Pi) or vacuolar degradation (in high Pi). For the latter condition, we identified a rapid mechanism that reduces the pool of PHT1 proteins present at the plasma membrane. This mechanism is regulated by the Pi concentration in the medium and appears to be independent of degradation mechanisms potentially regulated by the PHO2 ubiquitin conjugase. We propose a model for differential trafficking of PHT1 to the plasma membrane or vacuole as a function of phosphate concentration.
From ‘public health’ to ‘safeguarding children’: British health visiting in policy, practice and research
Authors: Peckover Sue
Published: April 2011

This study examines the location of British health visiting in contemporary policy discourses concerned with public health and safeguarding children. It argues that professional identity and orientation can be understood through health visiting’s long history of public health work with children and families, which has included an engagement with protecting children. The expansive safeguarding children agenda, which includes the requirement to undertake a progressive universal approach to service provision and which incorporates a broad concept of risk and requires early intervention, has created tensions, particularly given current workforce constraints. The location and visibility of British health visiting in the academic and practice worlds also shape how the profession is understood.
p2 of Rice stripe virus (RSV) interacts with OsSGS3 and is a silencing suppressor
Authors: DU ZHENGUO , XIAO DONGLAI , WU JIANGUO , JIA DONGSHENG , YUAN ZHENGJIE , LIU YING , HU LIUYANG , HAN ZHAO , WEI TAIYUN , LIN QIYING , WU ZUJIAN , XIE LIANHUI
Published: April 2011

A rice cDNA library was screened by a galactosidase 4 (Gal4)‐based yeast two‐hybrid system with Rice stripe virus (RSV) p2 as bait. The results revealed that RSV p2 interacted with a rice protein exhibiting a high degree of identity with Arabidopsis thaliana suppressor of gene silencing 3 (AtSGS3). The interaction was confirmed by bimolecular fluorescence complementation assay. SGS3 has been shown to be involved in sense transgene‐induced RNA silencing and in the biogenesis of trans‐acting small interfering RNAs (ta‐siRNAs), possibly functioning as a cofactor of RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase 6 (RDR6). Given the intimate relationships between virus and RNA silencing, further experiments were conducted to show that p2 was a silencing suppressor. In addition, p2 enhanced the accumulation and pathogenicity of Potato virus X in Nicotiana benthamiana. Five genes that have been demonstrated to be targets of TAS3‐derived ta‐siRNAs were up‐regulated in RSV‐infected rice. The implications of these findings are discussed.
The determination of water‐soluble vitamins and in vitro digestibility of selected Czech cheeses
Authors: Altangerel Bayanmunkh , Sengee Zultsetseg , Kramarova Daniela , Rop Otakar , Hoza Ignac
Published: April 2011

Water‐soluble vitamins, in vitro organic matter digestibility (OMD) and dry matter digestibility (DMD) values were determined in various different Czech cheeses. An HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of niacin, pantothenic acid and pyridoxine in cheese was established. Different hydrolysis conditions and enzymes were used to release these vitamins from their complex form. The cheeses contained on average 2.04 mg of niacin, 3.24 mg of pantothenic acid and 2.16 mg of pyridoxine per 100 g of fresh mass. An enzymatic method was applied for the evaluation of OMD and DMD in cheeses. In vitro digestibility values ranged from 83.29% to 99.99% for organic matter (OMD) and 83.33% to 99.87% for dry matter (DMD) after two different enzymatic digestions (pepsin, pancreatin). In addition, cheeses incubated with pepsin plus pancreatin, OMD and DMD were strongly digested (99.04–99.83%, 97.73–99.74%).
Fluidized bed and tray drying of thinly sliced mango (Mangifera indica) pretreated with ascorbic and citric acid
Authors: Villegas‐Santiago Juliana , Calderon‐Santoyo Monserrat , Ragazzo‐Sánchez Arturo , Salgado‐Cervantes Marco Antonio , Luna‐Solano Guadalupe
Published: April 2011

The purpose of this work was to determine the influence of air temperature, sample diameter and antioxidants on water activity, moisture content and colour difference of thinly sliced mango in a fluidized bed and tray dryer. Mango samples were treated with antioxidants solutions (ascorbic and citric acid) before the drying process. Fluidized bed and tray drying of control and treated samples were carried out at two temperatures: 50 and 60 °C. A fractional factorial design 24−1 was used in both drying methods. The Newton semi‐theoretical model was found to represent thin‐layer drying kinetics of mango. For both drying types, moisture content of thinly sliced mango was well characterised (R2 ≥ 0.975) by the model. The temperature increment increases the drying constant and decreases the equilibrium moisture content and water activity of the dehydrated samples. Colour closest to the original colour of fresh mango was obtained when 2 cm diameter mango pretreated with citric acid (1%) was dehydrated by fluidized bed at 60 °C. In addition, it was observed that the drying time at equilibrium by using fluidized bed was lower (60 min) than the tray dryer (120 min).
Essential oil composition and antibacterial activity of the grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi. L) peel essential oils obtained by solvent‐free microwave extraction: comparison with hydrodistillation
Authors: Uysal Burcu , Sozmen Fazli , Aktas Ozgur , Oksal Birsen S. , Kose Elif Odabas
Published: April 2011

The chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) obtained by solvent‐free microwave extraction (SFME) and hydrodistillation (HD) from the peel of grapefruit (Citrus Paradisi. L) was analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Totally, twenty‐five components were identified in the EO. Limonene was observed as dominant (91.5–88.6%) for two extraction methods, SFME and HD, respectively. β‐Pinene (0.8–1.2%), linalool (1.1–0.7%), α‐terpinene (0.7–1.0%) and the other minor components were also detected. Disc diffusion method was applied to determine the antibacterial properties of the EO. The results showed that the EO of grapefruit peel had a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia marcescens and Proteus vulgaris, with their inhibition zones ranging from 11 to 53 mm.
Comparative in vitro characterization of moxidectin and doramectin percutaneous absorption through bovine skin
Authors: SALLOVITZ J. M. , NEJAMKIN P. , LIFSCHITZ A. L. , VIRKEL G. L. , IMPERIALE F. A. , LANUSSE C. E.
Published: April 2011

Sallovitz, J. M., Nejamkin, P., Lifschitz, A. L., Virkel, G. L., Imperiale, F. A., Lanusse, C. E. Comparative in vitro characterization of moxidectin and doramectin percutaneous absorption through bovine skin. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 184–192.

Topical formulations have achieved worldwide acceptance in veterinary medicine because their administration is an easy, less labor‐intensive and nonstressing form. Any chemical compound that comes in contact with the skin has the potential to be locally and/or systemically absorbed. However, many factors related to the features of animal skin, composition of the topical formulation and to the drug itself can determine marked differences in the percutaneous absorption process. The aim of the current work was to characterize the pattern of in vitro percutaneous absorption for moxidectin (MXD) and doramectin (DRM), two of the most worldwide used topical macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic compounds in cattle. The work included the development of a simple and inexpensive in vitro assay useful to predict in vivo drug percutaneous absorption in cattle. Both drugs were administered as the commercial formulations intended for their topical administration to cattle. The in vitro studies were carried out using modified Franz‐type vertical diffusion cells. Cattle skin slices of 500 μm thickness were prepared using a dermatome to separate the stratum corneum and upper epidermis from dermis and subcutaneous tissue. The receptor medium was sampled up to 72 h postadministration and drug concentrations were measured by HPLC. The parameters used to estimate the comparative in vitro skin permeation showed marked differences between DRM and MXD. A 5.29‐fold longer lag time (Tlag) was observed for DRM. Similarly, the flux (J) (2.93‐fold) and the permeation coefficients (Kp) (2.95‐fold) in cattle skin were significantly higher (P < 0.05) for DRM compared to those obtained for MXD. Additionally, the data obtained from the in vitro permeation studies was correlated with the plasma concentrations of both compounds achieved in vivo in cattle treated with the same topical formulations. Correlation coefficients between percentage of drug permeated in vitro vs. percentage of drug absorbed in vivo (up to 48 h post‐treatment) were 0.856–0.887 (MXD) and 0.976–0.990 (DRM). However, the highest in vitro–in vivo correlations for both molecules were observed up to 24 h post‐treatment A rapid screening method for testing different topical formulations can be achieved with the simple in vitro cattle skin permeation technique described here, which has been successfully adapted to test the comparative percutaneous absorption of MXD and DRM.
Two novel and potentially endemic species of Phytophthora associated with episodic dieback of Kwongan vegetation in the south‐west of Western Australia
Authors: Rea A. J. , Burgess T. I. , Hardy G. E. St J. , Stukely M. J. C. , Jung T.
Published: April 2011

Two novel homothallic species of Phytophthora causing dieback of Kwongan vegetation in south‐west Western Australia are described here as Phytophthora arenaria sp. nov. and Phytophthora constricta sp. nov. DNA sequencing of the ITS rDNA and cox1 gene confirmed that P. arenaria and P. constricta are unique species residing in ITS clades 4 and 9, respectively. Phytophthora arenaria has been isolated from vegetation occurring on the northern sandplains which are warmer and drier than the southern sandplains from which P. constricta has been predominantly isolated, and both species appear morphologically and physiologically well adapted to the ecosystems in which they occur. Both species have been associated mainly with dead and dying Banksia species and the pathogenicity of both P. arenaria and P. constricta to Banksia attenuata was confirmed in this study. The combination of unique DNA sequences, including considerable variation in cox1 sequence data, thick oospore walls and physiological characteristics that appear to be adaptations favouring survival in the harsh Kwongan ecosystem suggest that these species may be endemic to Western Australia.
Assessing the usability of methods of public reporting of adverse drug reactions to the UK Yellow Card Scheme
Authors: Anderson Claire , Gifford Alison , Avery Anthony , Fortnum Heather , Murphy Elizabeth , Krska Janet , Bond Christine ,   on behalf of the Yellow Card Study Collaboration
Published: April 2011

Objectives  The aim of this study, which was part of the first independent evaluation of patient reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to the Yellow Card Scheme, was to observe the three reporting systems (paper, internet and telephone) ‘in use’ in a simulated setting to identify aspects which facilitated or hindered reporting.

Methods  Forty adult participants were recruited from the general public using posters in pharmacies and a press article, and from a pool of volunteer simulated patients maintained by University of Nottingham medical and pharmacy schools. The participants, in seven groups that met at different times, were asked to ‘think aloud,’ as they were individually observed completing the reporting process for the paper and internet system, highlighting their thoughts and any issues encountered. They were asked to talk about their experience of reporting immediately after they had reported by telephone. Data from the field notes were analysed thematically and supplemented with relevant information from digital audio recordings.

Conclusions  Usability testing using the ‘think aloud’ approach worked well and identified areas of the Yellow Card reporting system which could be improved. Whilst the three methods of reporting available to the public are all reasonably ‘fit for purpose’, there were many suggestions identified for improving ease of completion and data quality, especially for the internet system. When systems for reporting of ADRs are designed, they should be tested by potential users before they are launched, so that potential problems are identified in advance.
Celiac disease and HLA typing using real‐time PCR with melting curve analysis
Authors: Profaizer T. , Eckels D. , Delgado J. C.
Published: April 2011

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic diarrhea, inflammatory lesions of small bowel and nutritional malabsorption. CD is strongly associated with the presence of HLA‐DQB*02, DQB*03:02 and DQA*05. The absence of any one of these three human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles rules out the diagnosis of CD in suspected patients. Here, we describe a novel method to detect the presence of these specific HLA alleles using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with melting curve analysis. Compared with current HLA typing assays, the real‐time PCR method is faster, requires fewer handling steps and provides 100% sensitivity and specificity for typing of HLA‐DQB*02, DQB*03:02 and DQA*05 alleles.
The novel HLA‐G*01:03:01:02 allele differs from G*01:03:01:01 by a possible inversion event in intron 3
Authors: Cervera I. , Herraiz M. A. , Penaloza J. , Vidart J. , Martinez‐Laso J.
Published: April 2011

HLA‐G*01:03:01:02 and G*01:03:01:01 differ by a two nucleotide changes in intron 3.
Characterization of a novel HLA allele HLA‐B*15:25:03 in a Chinese individual
Authors: He J.‐J. , Zhu F.‐M. , Zhang W. , Lv H.‐J. , Yan L.‐X.
Published: April 2011

Nucleotide sequence of HLA‐B*15:25:03 allele was different from that of HLA‐B*15:25:01 at position 819 G to A.
Transition of pediatric liver transplant recipients to adult care: Patient and parent perspectives
Authors: Fredericks Emily M. , Dore‐Stites Dawn , Lopez M. James , Well Andrew , Shieck Victoria , Freed Gary L. , Eder Sally J. , Magee John C.
Published: April 2011

Fredericks EM, Dore‐Stites D, Lopez MJ, Well A, Shieck V, Freed GL, Eder SJ, Magee JC. Transition of pediatric liver transplant recipients to adult care: Patient and parent perspectives. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15: 414–424. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  The need to prepare pediatric transplant recipients for the transfer to adult‐centered transplant care has received increased attention. This study aimed to determine adolescent and young adult LTR and parent perceptions and attitudes about the transition process. LTR and their parents completed a survey assessing level of prior thought and interest in learning about transferring care, knowledge of the transition process, perceived importance of self‐management skills, concerns about moving to the adult clinic, and responsibility for health management tasks. Responses were analyzed by age, gender, and time since transplantation. Participants included 46 LTR (mean age = 16.6 yr; range 12–21), and 31 parents. Recipients and parents reported moderate concern about transition, with leaving pediatric providers being a primary worry. LTR ≥16 yr reported greater health care responsibility and increased thought, interest, and knowledge about transition. There were significant differences between parent and LTR perceptions of health care responsibility, indicating that LTR perceive having more independence than what their parents report. Overall, results suggest that adolescent and young adult LTR and their parents perceive the importance of transitional care, but demonstrate poor knowledge of the process. There remains a need for improved transition planning for both adolescents and parents.
Antibiotic prophylaxis for urinary tract infections in renal transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Green H. , Rahamimov R. , Gafter U. , Leibovitci L. , Paul M.
Published: April 2011

H. Green, R. Rahamimov, U. Gafter, L. Leibovitci, M. Paul. Antibiotic prophylaxis for urinary tract infections in renal transplant recipients: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Transpl Infect Dis 2011: 13: 441–447. All rights reserved

Abstract: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infection in renal transplant recipients. To date there are no guidelines on antibiotic prophylaxis for UTI in this population. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing antibiotic prophylaxis vs. placebo, no intervention, or different antibiotics, all beginning postoperatively and continued for at least 1 month during the first 6 months post transplantation. The search included CENTRAL, PubMed, LILACS, and relevant conference abstracts up to August 2009. The primary outcome was graft loss. Six trials were included in this review, including 545 patients. No significant difference was seen in graft loss (risk ratio [RR] 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91–1.81). Prophylaxis lowered the risk for developing sepsis with bacteremia by 87% (RR 0.13, 95% CI 0.02–0.7) and the risk for developing bacteriuria (symptomatic or asymptomatic) by 60% (RR 0.41, 95% CI 0.31–0.56; 3 trials). Symptomatic UTI and pyelonephritis were not reported. No significant reduction was found in all‐cause mortality and adverse events rates; conflicting results were reported for the development of resistant bacteria. Very few trials assessed the efficacy of prophylaxis for UTI following renal transplantation. Prophylaxis reduced bacteriuria and sepsis with bacteremia; effects on graft survival could not be demonstrated.
Time‐based analysis of the apheresis platelet supply chain in England
Authors: Wilding R. , Cotton S. , Dobbin J. , Chapman J. , Yates N.
Published: April 2011

During 2009/2010 loss of platelets within NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) due to time expiry was 9·3%. Hospitals remain reluctant to hold stocks of platelets due to the poor shelf life at issue. The purpose of this study was to identify areas for time compression in the apheresis platelet supply chain to extend the shelf life available for hospitals and reduce wastage in NHSBT. This was done within the context of NHSBT reconfiguring their supply chain and moving towards a consolidated and centralised approach. Time based process mapping was applied to identify value and non‐value adding time in two manufacturing models. A large amount of the non‐value adding time in the apheresis platelet supply chain is due to transportation and waiting for the next process in the manufacturing process to take place. Time based process mapping provides an effective ‘lens’ for supply chain professionals to identify opportunities for improvement in the platelet supply chain.
Inositol hexaphosphate increases mucin loss from the digestive tract of ducks
Authors: Onyango E. M. , Adeola O.
Published: April 2011

The effects of different forms of inositol hexaphosphate (IP6, phytate) on mucin excretion from the digestive tract of ducks were investigated. Forty‐eight ten‐wk‐old male ducks were grouped by weight into eight blocks of six cages with one bird per cage. On the first day of experimentation, birds received by intubation six dextrose‐based diets arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial consisting of phytase (0 or 1000 units) and a form of IP6 (no IP6, free phytic acid or magnesium‐potassium phytate). During the 54 h following feeding, excreta were continuously collected and frozen until analysed. The amount of mucin and amino acids, threonine, valine and tyrosine, in excreta increased in ducks fed with either magnesium‐potassium phytate or free phytic acid. The increase in mucin excretion was more in birds fed with magnesium‐potassium phytate than those fed with free phytic acid. The loss of arginine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine and phenylyalanine in excreta was reduced by the presence of microbial phytase. It is concluded that the form of IP6 fed to ducks affects the extent of mucin excretion and also the extent and nature of endogenous amino acid losses in the excreta. Supplementation with exogenous microbial phytase reduced some of the IP6 feeding‐induced endogenous intestinal amino acid losses.
Cell density sensing and size determination
Authors: Gomer Richard H. , Jang Wonhee , Brazill Derrick
Published: April 2011

The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum is one of the leading model systems used to study how cells count themselves to determine the number and/or density of cells. In this review, we describe work on three different cell‐density sensing systems used by Dictyostelium. The first involves a negative feedback loop in which two secreted signals inhibit cell proliferation during the growth phase. As the cell density increases, the concentrations of the secreted factors concomitantly increase, allowing the cells to sense their density. The two signals act as message authenticators for each other, and the existence of two different signals that require each other for activity may explain why previous efforts to identify autocrine proliferation‐inhibiting signals in higher eukaryotes have generally failed. The second system involves a signal made by growing cells that is secreted only when they starve. This then allows cells to sense the density of just the starving cells, and is an example of a mechanism that allows cells in a tissue to sense the density of one specific cell type. The third cell density counting system involves cells in aggregation streams secreting a signal that limits the size of fruiting bodies. Computer simulations predicted, and experiments then showed, that the factor increases random cell motility and decreases cell–cell adhesion to cause streams to break up if there are too many cells in the stream. Together, studies on Dictyostelium cell density counting systems will help elucidate how higher eukaryotes regulate the size and composition of tissues.
SHRIMP dating of magmatism in the Hitachi metamorphic terrane, Abukuma Belt, Japan: Evidence for a Cambrian volcanic arc
Authors: TAGIRI MICHIO , DUNKLEY DANIEL J. , ADACHI TATSURO , HIROI YOSHIKUNI , FANNING C. MARK
Published: April 2011

Ion microprobe dating of zircon from meta‐igneous samples of the Hitachi metamorphic terrane of eastern Japan yields Cambrian magmatic ages. Tuffaceous schist from the Nishidohira Formation contains ca 510 Ma zircon, overlapping in age with hornblende gneiss from the Tamadare Formation (ca 507 Ma), and meta‐andesite (ca 507 Ma) and metaporphyry (ca 505 Ma) from the Akazawa Formation. The latter is unconformably overlain by the Carboniferous Daioin Formation, in which a granite boulder from metaconglomerate yields a magmatic age of ca 500 Ma. This date overlaps a previous estimate for granite that intrudes the Akazawa Formation. Intrusive, volcanic, and volcaniclastic lithologies are products of a Cambrian volcanic arc associated with a continental shelf, as demonstrated by the presence of arkose and conglomerate in the lowermost Nishidohira Formation. Granitic magmatism of Cambrian age is unknown elsewhere in Japan, except for a single locality in far western Japan with a similar geological context. Such magmatism is also unknown on the adjacent Asian continental margin, with the exception of the Khanka block in far northeastern China. A ‘great hiatus’ in the Paleozoic stratigraphy of the Sino–Korean block also exists in the Hitachi terrane between Cambrian volcanic arc rocks and Early Carboniferous conglomerate, and may indicate a common paleogeographic provenance.
Peritoneal seeding of hepatocellular carcinoma: Clinicopathological characteristics of 17 autopsy cases
Authors: Matsukuma Susumu , Sato Kimiya
Published: April 2011

Peritoneal seeding (PS) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is uncommon, and the clinicopathological features are poorly understood. A total of 181 autopsy cases of HCC, including 171 cases with detailed clinical information, was investigated for PS and evaluated. PS was identified in 17 cases (9.4%), and was locally (70.6%) or entirely (29.4%) distributed in the peritoneal cavity, involving the diaphragm (76.5%), omentum (47.1%), or alimentary tract serosa (47.1%). Compared with primary HCC, PS showed similar or slightly undifferentiated features (88.2%) and exhibited more differentiated features (11.8%). In 15 cases (88.2%) of HCC with PS, primary HCC showed membranous β‐catenin immunoreactivity. However, in five cases (33.3%), respective PS lost this immunoreactivity. PS was significantly associated with rupture of HCC (P= 0.012), direct diaphragmatic invasion (P= 0.001), and lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001), indicating these are high risk factors for PS; there was no significant association with a past history of percutaneous fine‐needle biopsy, percutaneous ethanol injection and/or radiofrequency ablation (P= 0.97), or metastasis to lung (P= 0.13), bone (P= 0.71), or adrenal gland (P= 0.79). PS can infrequently proliferate aggressively with more differentiated features. Loss of membranous β‐catenin expression may be associated with PS of HCC.
Genetic diversity and insular colonization of Liolaemus pictus (Squamata, Liolaeminae) in north‐western Patagonia
Authors: VIDAL MARCELA A. , MORENO PATRICIO I. , POULIN ELIE
Published: April 2011

The Chilotan Archipelago and surrounding areas of north‐western Patagonia (41°–43°S, 72°–74°W) offer a unique opportunity to study the interplay between the recent genetic and paleoenvironmental evolution on temperate rainforest environments. Previous studies in this region have postulated that land biota persisted west of the Patagonian ice sheet, in ice‐free low‐elevation regions of the mainland, and the north‐western portion of Isla Grande de Chiloé during Quaternary ice ages. In this study, we analysed the phylogeographical structure (Cytochrome b) of the iguanid lizard Liolaemus pictus to estimate their genetic structure in response to glacial–interglacial cycles and colonization routes. We found that populations from the mainland and Isla Grande de Chiloé do not share haplotypes and, thus, are divergent haplogroups. This divergence might reflect an ancient isolation, much older than the last glaciation. Moreover, the existence of four divergent haplogroups among L. pictus populations in the mainland suggests the persistence of multiple isolated populations during the last glaciation. Our results also indicate that the colonization of small islands occurred from several source sites, located both in the mainland and in Isla Grande de Chiloé, after the Last Glacial Maximum.
Integrating revegetation with management methods to rehabilitate coastal vegetation invaded by Bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundata) in Australia
Authors: VRANJIC J. A. , MORIN L. , REID A. M. , GROVES R. H.
Published: April 2011

Two multi‐year field experiments investigated the effects of integrating revegetation with invasive plant management methods to rehabilitate coastal dune and woodland vegetation invaded by Bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera (L.) Norl. ssp. rotundata (DC.) Norl.) in New South Wales, Australia. The revegetation technique used was to sow directly seeds of three native species common to coastal habitats. Management treatments involved combinations of prescribed fire, manual removal of Bitou bush and an application of herbicide. Addition of native seeds significantly increased density of native species in both habitats. The benefits of manually removing Bitou bush were observed only where densities of native species were at their lowest. Fire increased densities of some native species in the woodland, but decreased those of others in the dune. Densities of Acacia longifolia ssp. sophorae (Labill.) Court (woodland) and of Banksia integrifolia L.f. (woodland and dune) were significantly reduced within 4 months of herbicide application, alone or in combination with other treatments. The majority of these effects, however, did not persist. Manual removal in both habitats and addition of seed in the woodland were most effective in reducing Bitou bush densities when applied post‐fire. Herbicide treatment on its own or in combination with other treatments did not significantly reduce Bitou bush densities by the end of the experiments. We conclude that restoration of coastal ecosystems invaded by a major invasive plant species requires a whole‐of‐system approach involving revegetation in combination with known management methods to assist recovery of native species in the longer term.
Do dingoes suppress the activity of feral cats in northern Australia?
Authors: KENNEDY MALCOLM , PHILLIPS BEN L. , LEGGE SARAH , MURPHY STEPHEN A. , FAULKNER RICHARD A.
Published: April 2011

Large predators can have profound impacts on community composition. Not only do they directly affect prey abundance, they also indirectly affect prey abundance through their direct effects on smaller predators. In Australia, dingoes fill the role of a large predator and, in southern Australia, have clear impacts on introduced foxes. Their effect on introduced cats, however, is less clear. Here we present data from multiple sites across northern Australia (where foxes are absent), which reveal a negative correlation between cat and dingo activity. This relationship could arise because cats avoid areas where dingoes are active, or because cats are less abundant in areas with high dingo densities, or a combination of both. At a subset of our study sites, we experimentally reduced dingo (but not cat) abundance by poison baiting. This resulted in a 55% drop in dingo activity within 4 weeks of baiting, but without a compensatory increase in cat activity. This suggests the negative correlation between cat and dingo activity is not a simple consequence of cats reactively avoiding areas with higher dingo traffic, but rather, that there are fewer cats in areas where dingoes are more active. This study is a rare demonstration of the potential for dingoes to affect the behaviour and potentially the population size of feral cats, and therefore reduce the impact of feral cats on vulnerable native prey species.